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Learning Technologies Group plc

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FY2013 Annual Report · Learning Technologies Group plc
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learning
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Learning Technologies Group plc  
formerly known as In-Deed Online plc

Annual Report  

for the year ended 31/12/2013 

2013  > contents

> Chairman’s Statement 

> Strategic Report  

> Directors’ Report 

> Corporate Governance Report 

> Report of the Remuneration Committee 

> Independent auditors’ report to the members of Learning Technologies Group plc  

> Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

> Consolidated statement of financial position  

> Consolidated statement of changes in equity  

> Consolidated statement of cash flows  

> Notes to the consolidated financial statements  

> Company statement of financial position  

> Company reconciliation of shareholders’ funds  

> Notes to the Company financial statements  

> Company information  

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4    

 plc annual report 2013

> Chairman’s Statement

I am delighted to report Learning Technologies Group’s (“LTG”) maiden results  
for the financial year ended 31 December 2013.

LTG was formed by the reverse takeover  
of In-Deed Online by Epic Group Limited  
in November 2013. LTG’s aim is to create a group  
of high quality companies, principally by acquisition, 
focused on the provision of learning technology 
services to global organisations. The foundation  
of the group is Epic, a European market leader  
in the creation of customised learning solutions with 
a particular expertise in multi-device learning.

The learning technologies sector is growing fast 
globally and is at an exciting stage of development. 
This is as a result of the exponential proliferation  
of mobile devices and a much greater acceptance 
of digital learning as a high quality and convenient 
way to learn and support performance.

Epic, the principal operating company within  
LTG, made good progress throughout 2013 and 
delivered another strong year of growth with revenue 
up 9% to £7.56m (excluding our joint venture  
in Brazil) and adjusted EBITDA up 42% to £1.45m. 
We won many substantial new contracts in 2013 
including the hosting, support and ongoing 
development of Civil Service Learning’s platform 
which delivers learning to 500,000 civil servants.

We opened our New York office in November  
2012 and I am pleased that just 12 months later  
we began returning a modest monthly operating 
profit. New contract wins were good in the final  
few months of 2013 and are especially strong  
so far in 2014, so I have positive expectations  
for our US operation this year.

The learning technologies sector is growing fast globally and is at an exciting stage of development. plc annual report 2013   5

I am delighted to announce the first significant step 
in the execution of the acquisition strategy outlined  
in LTG’s AIM Admission Document. We have acquired 
LINE, the highly respected e-learning company 
founded by Piers Lea, an acknowledged industry 
thought leader. Both LINE and Epic are regarded  
as major European players and their combination  
will immediately create the UK market leader  
within the learning technologies sector.

The Boards of LINE and Epic have known  
each other for many years and a lot of careful 
consideration and planning has enabled  
us to reach this point. The businesses are very 
complementary and we are confident that both 
groups of highly talented and capable people will 
benefit from working together. We are also hopeful  
of being able to realise substantial synergy benefits 
as the integration process progresses.

Our combined size and capabilities will allow  
us to bid for higher value strategic contracts with 
global organisations. Furthermore, LTG will benefit 
from the considerable experience and expertise  
of Piers Lea who will become Chief Strategy Officer 
on the Board of LTG shortly.

This all-important first acquisition has shown  
us how beneficial becoming a public company has 
been. The learning technologies sector is attracting  
major interest from financial investors who are 
competing to acquire high quality companies. 
Given our sector understanding, LTG is viewed 
differently – our situation not only gives us access  

to capital, it also gives sellers the opportunity  
to participate in the upside of joining us to grow  
their business and of course LTG.

The Directors have decided not to pay  
a dividend in respect of the year ended 31 
December 2013; however, we expect to initiate  
the progressive dividend policy outlined in our AIM 
Admission Document. We expect to pay a maiden 
dividend at the time of our interim results for the six 
months to 30 June 2014.

As an expert services business, we are reliant  
on our highly talented and dedicated staff  
who deliver exceptional service and solutions  
to our customers. I’d like to thank them all for  
their efforts and look forward to another exciting  
year of growth in 2014.

Andrew Brode

Chairman

6    

 plc annual report 2013

 plc annual report 2013    7

> Strategic Report
for the year ended 31 December 2013

Financial results

LTG’s only operating sub group during the year 
ended 31 December 2013 was Epic Group Limited 
which LTG acquired by way of a reverse takeover  
on 8 November 2013.

Epic made good progress during 2013 with revenue 
increasing by 9% to £7.56m (2012:£6.95m) with 
adjusted EBITDA increasing by 42% to £1.452m 
(2012:£1.019m). The loss before tax of £0.926m has 
been caused by the non-trading items deemed 
cost of listing of £1.108m and acquisition costs 
of £0.950m. Adjusted earnings per share before 
deemed cost of listing and acquisition costs has 
risen to 0.368p (2012: 0.209p).

The reorganisation into Business Units in March 
2011 has delivered more benefits than originally 
envisaged. Most importantly, our consistent 
approach in striving to ‘create a first-class customer 
experience every time’ has been very well received 
and has caused repeat business to increase to 56%. 
Furthermore, great customer service is synonymous 
with high margins as demonstrated by our average 
gross margin of 60.6% (2012:58.7%). 

Through our investment in our tools, increasingly 
efficient processes and focus on getting  
our deliverables ‘right first time’, we believe our 
margins are substantially higher than our peers 
and they have now stabilised at an optimum level. 
We are, however, confident that we can apply 
our structure and processes to achieve similar 
improvements in the customer service and margins 
of businesses that we acquire.

leader, and platforms, which grew by 42%  
to £960k revenue. We predict both areas  
of specialism will continue to drive growth  
for the foreseeable future.

Epicentre, our software testing division, had  
a challenging year with revenues down by 17%  
to £517k. We reduced costs during the summer  
and appointed a new Business Unit Director in 
December who is focusing on growing its multi-
device testing revenue. We remain confident that 
it can deliver growth through increasing external 
revenue from customers as well as acting as the 
source of consistent, quality assurance for the  
output of all LTG companies.

Key performance indicators

The Board monitors key performance indicators  
on a monthly basis. The most important ones  
for the success of the business are:

   The value of new contracts won. Across the Group 

this rose by 12% in 2013.

   The level of the order book which is defined as the 
proportion of contracts won but not yet delivered. 
The order book at the end of the year grew in all 
three territories in which the Group operates.

   Gross profit margins based on direct costs 

attributable to projects. As stated above these 
improved to 60.6% in 2013. The Board believes  
this is the optimal level and is not looking to grow 
gross margins beyond this.

The two main drivers of growth were multi-device 
learning (present in almost all our content solutions), 
where Epic is viewed as an innovator and market 

   Utilisation, measured as the proportion of 

production staff cost charged directly to projects. 
The utilisation rate increased by 2% in 2013. 

8    

 plc annual report 2013

> Strategic Report
for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

gomo learning

The growth of smartphone and tablet use over  
the last few years is an accepted phenomenon.  
Epic has been at the vanguard of this fast moving 
segment since it developed mobile learning apps  
for iOS in 2010. The experience we derived from 
creating that early mobile learning content was 
invaluable and we soon recognised that there  
was a demand for a mobile learning authoring  
tool to enable customers to create their own  
learning content that would work across multiple 
mobile devices.

To meet this demand Epic developed gomo,  
the learning content authoring tool based  
on our in-house multi-device content creation 
software. When it was first launched in June 2011,  
it was unique in the way it published content from  
a single source to many devices including native  
iOS and Android Apps. 

Mobile technology has continued to advance 
at a stunning pace and devices are now virtually 
ubiquitous across adult workers in the advanced 
economies (with some developing economies  
not far behind).

We are, therefore, very excited by the launch of 
gomo 2.0 in April 2014. Judging by the positive 
feedback and reviews we’ve received from 
prospective corporate customers and industry 
experts, we are confident that the team has 
designed an excellent Software as a Service (SaaS) 
tool which delivers on the multi-device authoring 
functionality users are seeking. 

Mike Alcock, an authoring tool pioneer who founded 
and led Atlantic Link before it was sold to Kaplan IT in 
2010, has joined the Group as Managing Director of 

gomo Learning Limited. The Board is confident that 
with the right leadership now in place, gomo  
will generate significant recurring revenue  
in the medium term.

We look forward to updating shareholders on  
its progress in due course.

The business

The foundation business of Learning Technologies 
Group is Epic, a European market leader  
in e-learning and multi-device learning solutions. 

Founded in 1986, Epic was one of the first  
companies in Europe to develop training 
programmes on some of the earliest available  
PCs. Leading the way in interactive learning,  
we produced Europe’s first ever laser-disc training 
programme, and have remained at the forefront  
of e-learning long after the advent of the CD ROM. 

While our focus is still on enhancing learning with 
technology, we have come a long way from being 
just another e-learning company. We have a great 
commitment to both the immediate and longer-term 
strategic needs of our clients, and everything we do 
is geared towards improving the performance of 
organisations, their people and their business aims.

Epic’s clients

We pride ourselves on our customer service.  
Our clients come from a wide range of sectors,  
and include many Fortune 500 and FTSE 100 
companies. Epic has forged successful relationships 
with organisations ranging from county councils,  
UN organisations and healthcare providers to airlines, 
banks and high street retailers – and they come  
back to us time and again. 

 plc annual report 2013    9

> Strategic Report
for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

It is this repeat business that underlines our 
commitment to ensuring we provide the best 
possible service that we can, irrespective  
of sectors or budgets. 

Epic’s awards

Our commitment to quality and our ability  
to measure the quantifiable effect of our solutions  
on organisations and their people, have won us 
over 70 industry awards including gold for ‘Mobile 
learning’ at the 2012 International E-learning Awards. 
To top off a fantastic year for Epic, we also picked up 
an unprecedented five awards at the 2012 E-learning 
Age awards, including ‘E-learning Development 
Company of the Year’ followed by a further three 
awards at the 2013 E-learning Age awards. In July 
2013 Elearnity, Europe’s leading independent talent 
and learning analysts, rated Epic as a ‘Strategic 
Leader’ of our industry – the highest accolade 
achievable.

Global reach

From our humble beginnings delivering learning 
solutions from our Brighton office, Epic has since 
gone on to serve clients not only from the UK,  
but from 70 countries around the globe. In 2011  
we opened our first international office in Rio de 
Janeiro, Brazil, and in 2012 we opened our first  
US office in New York.

Our working culture is flavoured by our clients  
all around the globe. They have head offices  
in places such as: Brussels (Bridgestone Europe),  
New York (the UN), San Francisco (Cisco), Tokyo  
(Sony) and Switzerland (UEFA). As such, our designers 
don’t create solutions for just one audience. For 
global clients we use non-colloquial language and 

scenarios that work whether the learner  
is at a PC in Paris or on the move in Miami.  
In addition, we are experienced with localisation  
and can provide translation through partnership  
with the global translation expert, RWS Group.

We started small, and although we’ve grown  
in the last 27 years, we pride ourselves on the same 
attention to detail that got us where we are today.

Epic’s services

We consult carefully with our clients to get to the  
core of their requirement. If they need support 
compiling a business case, we can help them 
conduct a training needs analysis. Following  
this, we will help them build the perfect solution  
for their requirements. This could comprise  
a standalone piece of e-learning or mobile  
learning app to a full blend including e-learning, 
mobile, interactive videos, authoring tools, learning 
portals, hosting, service desk support, classroom 
workshops and offline materials.

In addition to our broad range of services  
and products, we can work quickly without 
compromising on quality. Clients such as Business 
Link, Civil Service Learning, BBC, British Airways, 
Diageo, SHL and Deloitte have all benefitted from 
our expertise. With the right consultancy, stakeholder 
research and requirements gathering, we ensure  
that their solution will blend all content  
in an approach that is best suited to them,  
their organisation and their learners whilst also 
providing a great return on investment.

Our work has been recognised by over 70  
industry awards and our clients are always driving  
us to innovate in new and exciting ways. 

10    

 plc annual report 2013

> Strategic Report
for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

Principal risks

The Directors conducted a thorough review  
of LTG’s risk profile leading up to the AIM admission  
in November 2013 and have updated it recently.  
We are satisfied that the principal risks to the business 
are errors in the provision of the Group’s services, 
attracting and retaining talented staff  
and successfully integrating acquisitions.

These risks are mitigated by:

Failings in service provision are almost certainly going 
to be caused by human error. Epic has refined it’s 
ISO 9001 production processes over the last two 
decades and constantly reviews and updates them 
based on ‘lessons learnt’. Furthermore, all projects 
are reviewed weekly for performance against 
customer expectation, delivery milestones and 
forecast margins. In addition, the company carries 
substantial professional indemnity insurance.

LTG is a market leader and we will ensure that 
all our operating companies are regarded as 
excellent employers within the e-learning industry. 
We benchmark ourselves against our peers regularly 
and are satisfied we offer competitive salaries and 
outstanding personal development opportunities 
that are further enhanced by LTG’s ambitious growth 
plans. We have been successful in recruiting and 
retaining high calibre staff; however, we recognise 
we must continue our focus as competition for 
talented people intensifies within the learning 
technologies sector.

LTG has made it clear that we aim to grow our 
businesses organically but also consolidate the 
sector by selective acquisitions of high quality 
companies. The challenge is to integrate them into 
the Group, which may require merging them with 

existing operations, without losing key staff  
or customers. We will structure the purchase  
terms to incentivise and retain key staff and  
ensure that customers receive the ‘first class 
customer experience’ that is already  
a fundamental aspect of LTG’s success. 

Furthermore, as the industry sees the success  
of the Group’s expansion, organisations will  
actively seek to be acquired and partake  
in our ambitious growth path.

Current trading

2014 has started well and is in line with the Board’s 
expectations. The order book has continued to rise, 
particularly in the US operation and the Board is 
confident of another strong year.

Jonathan Satchell

Chief Executive Officer

7 April 2014

 plc annual report 2013    11

12    

 plc annual report 2013

> Directors’ Report 
for the period ended 31 December 2013

The Directors present their report on the Group, together with the audited  
financial statements for the period ended 31 December 2013.

Principal activities

Business review and future developments 

The principal activity of the Group is the provision  
of e-learning services. The principal activity  
of the Company is that of a parent holding  
company which manages the Group’s strategic 
direction and underlying subsidiaries.

Details of the business activities and acquisitions 
made during the year can be found in the Strategic 
Report on pages 7-10, the Chairman’s Statement 
on pages 4-5 and in Note 11 to the consolidated 
financial statements respectively.

Political and charitable contributions

The Group continued its Corporate Social 
Responsibility agenda during the year and  
supported charitable activities by staff which  
raised a total of £5,000 (2012: £5,000) and made 
charitable contributions totalling £14,000 during  
the year (2012: £12,000).

The Company has, with other leading companies 
in the industry, set up an industry wide charity 
foundation, Learn Appeal, www.learnappeal.com.

Financial risk management

Details of the Group’s exposure to a variety  
of financial risks and management programme  
that seeks to limit the adverse effects on the financial 
performance of the Group are set out in Note 27  
to the consolidated financial statements.

Results and dividends

As In-Deed Online plc, the principal activity  
of the company was to provide home buyers/sellers 
in England and Wales with access to a high  
quality conveyancing service. During the year,  
the company disposed of its investment in its 
subsidiary Xanther Limited, including its wholly  
owned subsidiary Runnett & Co Limited. The 
transaction involved a consideration of £1 and 
effectively the transfer of intellectual property  
rights over the intangible assets.

The results for the Group for the year and the  
Group and Company’s financial position at the 
end of the year are shown in the attached financial 
statements. Following the Company’s acquisition 
of Epic Group Limited by way of reverse acquisition 
on 7 November 2013, the consolidated financial 
statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
present the results of the Epic Group business  
up to and including 7 November 2013 and the 
enlarged group thereafter. The comparative results 
for the year ended 31 December 2012 represent 
those of the consolidated Epic Group.  

The Directors do not recommend the payment of  
a final dividend (period ended 31 March 2013: £nil).

 plc annual report 2013    13

> Directors’ Report 
for the period ended 31 December 2013 continued

Directors

The Directors who served the Company during the period or have been appointed thereafter, are shown below:

   Peter Gordon  
Managing Director  
(resigned 8 November 2013)

   Boris Zhilin  
Non-Executive  
(resigned 8 November 2013)

   Philip Williamson  
Non-Executive  
(resigned 8 November 2013)

   Andrew Brode  
Non-Executive Chairman  
(appointed 8 November 2013)

   Peter Mountford  
Executive Deputy Chairman  
(appointed 8 November 2013)

   Jonathan Satchell  
Chief Executive Officer  
(appointed 8 November 2013)

   Harry Hill 
Non-Executive 

At the forthcoming Annual General Meeting in accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association, Harry Hill 
will retire by rotation and being eligible, will offer himself for re-election. Andrew Brode, Jonathan Satchell and 
Peter Mountford, being Directors appointed since the last Annual General Meeting, offer themselves for election.

Directors’ remuneration

The remuneration paid to the Directors during the 9 months ended 31 December 2013 was as follows:

Peter Gordon

Boris Zhilin

Philip Williamson

Andrew Brode

Peter Mountford

Jonathan Satchell

Harry Hill

Fees and 
salaries 
£’000

Share based 
payments 
£’000

Post 
retirement 
benefits 
£’000

Total 
£’000

Year to 31 
March 2013  
Total £’000

31

-

-

-

13

18

25

87

-

-

-

-

24

-

-

24

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

31

-

-

-

37

18

25

111

71

20

20

-

-

-

73

184

14    

 plc annual report 2013

> Directors’ Report 
for the period ended 31 December 2013 continued

Research and development 

The main area of research and development has 
been the continued work on the gomo authoring tool 
as covered in the Strategic Report on pages 7-10.

Post balance sheet events

As detailed in Note 30 (a) to the consolidated 
financial statements, on 7 April 2014, the Company 
completed the acquisition of 100% of the issued 
share capital of LINE Communications Holdings 
Limited (LINE), a company incorporated in England 
and Wales, and its subsidiary undertakings. 
LINE devises, designs and delivers fully blended 
learning solutions that incorporate elements such 
as e-learning, collaborative learning, just-in-time 
performance support, classroom or e-tutoring. LINE 
has clients from both the public and private sectors.

The Company has raised £8m through a placing  
of 50,000,000 new ordinary shares with institutional 
and other investors at a price of 16p each. 

As detailed in Note 30 (b) to the consolidated 
financial statements, the Company granted 
share options over the Company’s Ordinary Shares  
of £0.00375 each to certain Executive Directors. 
These new share options supersede the proposals  
for Management Incentive Shares which were set  
out in the Company’s AIM Admission Document. 

Employees

The Group places considerable value on the 
involvement of its employees and has continued 
its practice of keeping them informed of matters 
affecting them as employees and the various  
factors affecting the performance of the Group.

The Directors recognise that continued and  
sustained improvement in the performance  
of the Group depends on its ability to attract, 
motivate and retain employees of the highest 
calibre. Furthermore, the Directors believe that  
the Group’s ability to sustain a competitive 
advantage over the long term depends in a large 
part on ensuring that all employees contribute to the 

maximum of their potential. The Group is committed 
to improving the performance of all employees 
through development and training.

The Group is an equal opportunity employer.  
The Group’s policies seek to promote  
an environment free from discrimination,  
harassment and victimisation and to ensure  
that no employee or applicant is treated less 
favourably on the grounds of gender, marital  
status, age, race, colour, nationality or national 
origin, disability or sexual orientation or is 
disadvantaged by conditions or requirements,  
which cannot objectively be justified. Entry into,  
and progression within the Group, is solely 
determined on the basis of work criteria and 
individual merit.

The Group continues to give full and fair 
consideration to applications for employment  
made by disabled persons, having regard  
to their respective aptitudes and abilities.  
The policy includes, where practicable,  
the continued employment of those who may 
become disabled during their employment and  
the provision of training and career development 
and promotion, where appropriate.

Directors’ responsibilities statement  
in respect of the annual report and  
the financial statements

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

Company law requires the Directors to prepare 
financial statements for each financial year.  
Under company law the Directors must not  
approve the financial statements unless they  
are satisfied that they give a true and fair view  
of the state of affairs of the Group and Company  
and of the profit or loss of the group for that period. 
In preparing these financial statements, the Directors 
are required to:

 plc annual report 2013    15

> Directors’ Report 
for the period ended 31 December 2013 continued

   select suitable accounting policies and then  

Substantial interests

apply them consistently;

   make judgements and accounting estimates  

that are reasonable and prudent;

   prepare the financial statements on the going 

concern basis unless it is inappropriate to assume 
that company will continue in business.

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

Under applicable law and regulations, the Directors 
are also responsible for preparing a Directors’ report 
that complies with that law and those regulations.

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance 
and integrity of the website. Legislation in the 
United Kingdom concerning the preparation and 
dissemination of financial statements may differ  
from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Provision of information to auditors

Each of the persons who are Directors at the 
time when this Directors’ Report is approved has 
confirmed that:

   so far as that Director is aware, there is no relevant 
audit information of which the Company’s auditors 
are unaware, and

   that Director has taken all the steps that ought to 

have been taken as a Director in order to be aware 
of any information needed by the Company’s 
auditors in connection with preparing their report 
and to establish that the Company’s auditors are 
aware of that information.

The Directors have been notified of the following 
substantial shareholdings in excess of 3% of the 
ordinary share capital of the Company as at 31 
December 2013.

No. of  
ordinary   
shares  

Percentage %

Andrew Brode

113,215,005

41.05%

Jonathan 
Satchell

Liontrust Asset 
Management

Hargreave 
Hale

113,214,995

41.05%

10,715,000

3.88%

9,334,677

3.38%

Except as referred to above, the Directors are not 
aware of any person who was interested in 3.0%  
or more of the issued share capital of the Company 
or could directly or indirectly, jointly or severally, 
exercise control.

Independent auditors

In accordance with Section 489 of the Companies 
Act 2006, a resolution proposing that Crowe Clark 
Whitehill LLP be re-appointed will be proposed  
at the Annual General Meeting.

Signed by order of the Board

Richard Jones

Company Secretary

16    

 plc annual report 2013

> Corporate Governance Report

The Board recognises the value of good governance and complies with  
the provisions of the QCA Guidelines insofar as possible for a company  
of the size and nature of the Company.

Remuneration Committee

The Company has established a Remuneration 
Committee, comprising Andrew Brode, Harry Hill 
and Peter Mountford. The Remuneration Committee 
is chaired by Andrew Brode and meets at least 
twice each year. The Remuneration Committee’s 
responsibilities include reviewing the performance 
of the Executive Directors, setting their remuneration 
levels, determining the payment of bonuses and 
considering the grant of options under the share 
option schemes.

The Company has adopted a share dealing code 
for the Board and employees of the Company 
which is in conformity with the requirements of Rule 
21 of the AIM Rules for Companies. The Company 
takes steps to ensure compliance by the Board and 
applicable employees with the terms of such code.

The Board is responsible for formulating, reviewing 
and approving the Group’s strategy, budgets and 
corporate actions. The Board holds Board meetings 
at least ten times a year and at other times as and 
when required. 

The Company has established an Audit Committee 
and a Remuneration Committee with effect from 
admission. Details of the committees are set  
out below.

Audit Committee

The Company has established an Audit Committee, 
comprising Andrew Brode, Harry Hill and Peter 
Mountford. The Audit Committee is chaired by Peter 
Mountford and meets at least twice each year.  
The Audit Committee’s responsibilities include 
ensuring that appropriate financial reporting 
procedures are properly maintained and reported 
on, and for meeting with the Company’s auditors 
and reviewing their reports and accounts and the 
Company’s internal controls.

 plc annual report 2013    17

> Independent auditor’s report   
to the members of Learning Technologies Group plc

We have audited the financial statements  
of Learning Technologies Group plc for the period 
ended 31 December 2013 which include: the 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, 
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity, 
Consolidated statement of Cash Flows and related 
Notes numbered 1 to 30, the Parent Company 
Balance Sheet, the Parent Company Reconciliation 
of Shareholders’ Funds and the related Notes 
numbered 1 to 13.

The financial reporting framework that has been 
applied in the preparation of the group financial 
statements is applicable law and International 
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted 
by the European Union. The financial reporting 
framework that has been applied in the preparation 
of the Parent Company financial statements  
is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting 
Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted 
Accounting Practice).

This report is made solely to the Company’s 
members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter  
3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit 
work has been undertaken so that we might state 
to the Company’s members those matters we are 
required to state to them in an auditor’s report and 
for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted 
by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility  
to anyone other than the Company and the 
Company’s members as a body, for our audit work, 
for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Respective responsibilities  
of Directors and auditors

As explained more fully in the Statement  
of Directors’ Responsibilities, the Directors are 
responsible for the preparation of the financial 
statements and for being satisfied that they give  
a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to audit  
and express an opinion on the financial statements 
in accordance with applicable law and International 
Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those 
standards require us to comply with the Auditing 
Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.

Scope of the audit  
of the financial statements

An audit involves obtaining evidence about  
the amounts and disclosures in the financial 
statements sufficient to give reasonable assurance 
that the financial statements are free from material 
misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error.  
This includes an assessment of whether the 
accounting policies are appropriate to the 
company’s circumstances and have been 
consistently applied and adequately disclosed;  
the reasonableness of significant accounting 
estimates made by the Directors; and the overall 
presentation of the financial statements.

In addition, we read all the financial and non-
financial information in the Strategic Report  
and the Directors’ Report and any other surround 
information to identify material inconsistencies  
with the audited financial statements and  
to identify any information that is apparently 
materially incorrect based on, or materially 
inconsistent with, the knowledge acquired  
by us in the course of performing the audit.  
If we become aware of any apparent material 
misstatements or inconsistencies, we consider the 
implications for our report.

18    

 plc annual report 2013

> Independent auditor’s report   
to the members of Learning Technologies Group plc continued

Opinion on financial statements

In our opinion:

   the financial statements give a true and fair view 

of the state of the Group’s and of the Parent 
Company’s affairs as at 31 December 2013 and  
of the Group’s loss for the period then ended;

   the Group financial statements have been properly 
prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted  
by the European Union;

   the Parent Company financial statements have 
been properly prepared in accordance with 
United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting 
Practice; and 

   the financial statements have been prepared 
in accordance with the requirements of the 
Companies Act 2006. 

Matters on which we are required  
to report by exception

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

   adequate accounting records have not been kept 
by the Parent Company, or returns adequate for 
our audit have not been received from branches 
not visited by us; or

   the Parent Company financial statements are  
not in agreement with the accounting records  
and returns; or

   certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration 

specified by law are not made; or

   we have not received all the information  
and explanations we require for our audit.

Opinion on other matter prescribed  
by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, the information given in the  
Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report for  
the financial period for which the financial 
statements are prepared is consistent with  
the financial statements. 

Leo Malkin

Senior Statutory Auditor

For and on behalf of Crowe Clark Whitehill LLP 
Statutory Auditor,  
St Bride’s House,  
10 Salisbury Square 
London 
EC4Y 8EH

7 April 2014

 plc annual report 2013    19

>   Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

for the year ended 31 December 2013

Proforma 
Year ended  
31 December 2013

Proforma 
Year ended  
31 December 2012

Note

£’000

£’000

Continuing operations

Revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Administrative expenses

Share of losses of joint venture

Operating profit*

Adjusted EBITDA 

Amortisation of intangibles

Depreciation

Share based payment costs

Operating profit

Deemed cost of listing

Costs of acquisition

Interest receivable

(Loss)/profit before taxation

Income tax expense

(Loss)/profit for the year

Other comprehensive income:

4

13

28

11

5

7

Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the year

(Loss)/earnings per share attributable to owners of the Parent:

Basic, (pence)

Diluted, (pence)

8

8

Adjusted earnings per share before deemed cost of listing and acquisition costs:

Basic, (pence)

Diluted, (pence)

8

8

7,557

(2,978)

4,579

(3,422)

(32)

1,125

1,452

(75)

(79)

(173)

1,125

(1,108)

(950)

7

(926)

(182)

(1,108)

-

(1,108)

(0.429) 

(0.429)

0.368 

0.335

6,945

(2,869)

4,076

(3,287)

(17)

772

1,019

(49)

(54)

(144)

772

-

-

10

782

(250)

532

-

532

0.209

0.198

0.209

0.198

*Operating profit before costs of acquisition and deemed cost of listing.

All amounts stated above are attributable to the equity owners of Learning Technologies Group plc.

The Notes on pages 24 to 67 form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

20    

 plc annual report 2013

>   Consolidated statement of financial position

Assets

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Investments

Current assets

Trade receivables

Other receivables, deposits and pre-payments

Amounts recoverable on contracts

Deferred tax assets

Fixed deposits with licensed banks

Cash and bank balances

Total assets

Equity and liabilities

Share capital

Share premium account

Capital redemption reserve

Merger relief reserve

Reverse acquisition reserve

Share-based payment reserve

(Accumulated losses)/retained profits

Total equity attributable to the owners of the Parent

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Corporation tax

Amount owing to related parties

Deferred tax liabilities

Provisions 

Total liabilities

Total equity and liabilities

31 December 
2013

Proforma  
31 December  
2012 

Note

£’000

£’000

9

10

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

20

20

20

20

21

22

17

23

250

150

-

400

1,237

86

947

1

-

1,170

3,441

3,841

1,034

1,159

-

22,269

(22,933)

547

(588)

1,488

2,206

87

30

-

30

2,353

2,353

3,841

266

148

32

446

809

31

702

-

1,000

692

3,234

3,680

77

1,218

28

275

(524)

144

695

1,913

1,555

74

30

22

86

1,767

1,767

3,680

The Notes on pages 24 to 67 form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. The financial statements on pages  
19 to 67 were authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 7 April 2014 and were signed on its behalf by Jonathan Satchell,  
Chief Executive Officer.

 plc annual report 2013    21

>      Consolidated statement of changes in equity 

for the year ended 31 December 2013

Share 
capital 
£’000

Share  
premium 
£’000

Note

Capital  
redemption 
reserve 
£’000

Merger  
relief  
reserve 
£’000

Reverse 
acquisition 
reserve 
£’000

Share 
based 
payments 
reserve 
£’000

Retained 
profits/ 
(accumulated 
losses) 
£’000

Profoma 
total 
equity 
£’000

77

1,218

28

275

(524)

Balance at 
01/01/2012

Profit for  
the year

Total  
comprehensive 
income for the 
year

Share based 
payment charge 
credited to 
equity

Dividend paid 
prior to group 
reconstruction

Balance at 
31/12/2012

Group  
reconstruction

Costs of issuing 
shares

Loss for  
the year

Total  
comprehensive 
(loss) for the year

Dividend paid 
prior to group 
reconstruction

Share based 
payment charge 
credited to 
equity

Transfer on  
exercise and 
lapse of options

Balance at 
31/12/2013

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

77

1,218

957

-

-

-

-

24

28

23

(82)

-

-

-

-

1,034

1,159

-

-

-

-

28

(28)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

563

532

1,637

532

532

532

   144

-

144

-

(400)

(400)

275

(524)

144

695

1,913

21,994

(22,409)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

537

(82)

(1,108)

(1,108)

(1,108)

(1,108)

(300)

(300)

528

-

528

(125)

125

-

22,269

(22,933)

547

(588)

1,488

For the purpose of preparing the consolidated financial statements of the Group, the share capital represents the nominal value of the 
issued share capital of 0.0375p per share. Share premium represents the excess over nominal value of the fair value consideration received 
for equity shares net of expenses of the share issue. 

The reverse acquisition reserve relates to the reverse acquisition between Learning Technologies Group plc and Epic Group Limited  
on 7 November 2013.

The Notes on pages 24 to 67 form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
22    

 plc annual report 2013

>   Consolidated statement of cash flows

Proforma Year ended  
31 December 2013 
£’000

Proforma Year ended  
31 December 2012 
£’000

Note

Cash flow from operating activities

(Loss)/profit before taxation

Adjustments for:

Share option charge

Deemed cost of listing

Non-cash costs of acquisition

Amortisation of intangible assets

Depreciation of plant and equipment

Share of loss of joint venture

Interest income

Operating cash flow before working capital changes

Increase in trade and other receivables

Increase in amount recoverable on contracts

Increase in payables

Interest received

Income tax paid

Net cash flow from operating activities 

Cash flow used in investing activities

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Development of intangible assets

Cash acquired on reverse acquisition

Cash costs of acquisition

Cash consideration on reverse acquisition

Investment in joint venture

Net cash flow used in investing activities

Dividends paid prior to group reconstruction

Net cash flow used in financing activities

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year

25

(926)

173

1,108

950

75

79

32

(7)

1,484

(444)

(245)

578

1,373

7

(192)

1,188

(63)

(77)

705

(652)

(1,323)

-

(1,410)

(300)

(300)

(522)

1,692

1,170

The Notes on pages 24 to 67 form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

782

144

-

-

49

54

17

(10)

1,036

(226)

(156)

362

1,016

10

(127)

899

(254)

(109)

-

-

(30)

(393)

(400)

(400)

106

1,586

1,692

 plc annual report 2013    23

24    

 plc annual report 2013

>        Notes to the consolidated financial statements  

for the year ended 31 December 2013

1. General information

Learning Technologies Group plc (“the Company’’) 
and its subsidiaries (together, “the Group’’) provide 
a range of e-learning services and technologies 
to corporate clients. The principal activity of the 
Company is that of a holding company for the 
Group as well as performing all administrative, 
corporate finance, strategic and governance 
functions of the Group. 

The Company is a public limited company, 
which is listed on the AIM Market of the London 
Stock Exchange and domiciled in England and 
incorporated and registered in England and Wales. 
The address of its registered office is 52 Old Steine, 
Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1NH. The registered number 
of the Company is 07176993.  

2.  Summary of significant  
accounting policies 

The principal accounting policies applied in 
the preparation of these consolidated financial 
statements are set out below. These policies have 
been consistently applied unless otherwise stated. 

a) Basis of preparation 

 The consolidated financial statements  
of Learning Technologies Group plc have been 
prepared in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by 
the European Union (IFRSs as adopted by the 
EU), issued by the International Accounting 
Standards Board (IASB), including interpretations 
issued by the International Financial Reporting 
Interpretations Committee (IFRIC), and the 
Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies 
reporting under IFRS. The consolidated financial 
statements have been prepared under the 
historical cost convention, as modified for any 
financial assets which are stated at fair value 
through profit or loss. The consolidated financial 

statements of Learning Technologies Group  
plc are presented in pounds sterling, which  
is the presentation currency for the consolidated 
financial statements. The functional currency  
of each of the group entities is the local currency 
of each individual entity as disclosed in Note  
12 and figures have been rounded to the  
nearest thousand.

 The preparation of financial statements  
in conformity with IFRS requires the use of certain 
critical accounting estimates. It also requires 
management to exercise its judgment in the 
process of applying the Group’s accounting 
policies. The areas involving a higher degree 
of judgement and complexity, or areas where 
assumptions and estimates are significant to the 
consolidated financial statements are disclosed 
in Note 3.

 On 8 November 2013 the Company, then 
named In-Deed Online plc, became the legal 
parent of Epic Group Limited. The consolidated 
financial statements are presented as proforma 
to present the substance of the transaction. 
The comparative results to 31 December 2012 
represent the consolidated position of Epic Group 
Limited prior to the reverse acquisition. 

 This transaction is deemed outside the scope  
of IFRS 3 (Revised 2008) and not considered  
a business combination because the Directors 
have made a judgement that prior to the 
transaction, In-Deed Online plc was not  
a business under the definition of IFRS 3 Appendix 
A and the application guidance in IFRS 3.B7- 
B12 due to In-Deed Online plc being a shell 
company that had no processes or capability  
for outputs (IFRS 3.B7).

 On this basis, the Directors have developed  
an accounting policy for this transaction, 
applying the principles set out in IAS 8.10-12,  
in that the policy adopted is: 

 
 
 
 
 
 plc annual report 2013    25

>        Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

     relevant to the users of the financial 

information; 

    more representative of the financial position, 
performance and cash flows of the Group;

     reflects the economic substance of the 

transaction, not merely the legal form; and

    free from bias, prudent and complete  

in all material aspects. 

 The accounting policy adopted by the Directors 
applies the principles of IFRS 3 in identifying the 
accounting acquirer and the presentation  
of the consolidated financial statements of the 
legal parent (Learning Technologies Group plc) 
as a continuation of the accounting acquirer’s 
financial statements (Epic Group Limited).  
This policy reflects the commercial substance  
of this transaction as follows: 

    the original shareholders of the subsidiary 

undertakings are the most significant 
shareholders post initial public offering,  
owning 92.45 per cent of the issued share 
capital; and

     the cash consideration paid as part of the 
initial public offering returned equity to the 
original shareholders of the legal subsidiary 
undertaking and as a consequence diluted 
their shareholding.

 Accordingly, the following accounting treatment 
and terminology has been applied in respect  
of the reverse acquisition:

     the assets and liabilities of the legal subsidiary 

Epic Group Limited are recognised and 
measured in the Group financial statements 
at the pre-combination carrying amounts, 
without reinstatement to fair value;

    the retained earnings and other equity 

balances recognised in the Group financial 

statements reflect the retained earnings 
and other equity balances of Epic Group 
Limited immediately before the business 
combination, and the results of the year from 
1 January 2013 to the date of the business 
combination are those of Epic Group Limited. 
However, the equity structure appearing in 
the Group financial statements reflects the 
equity structure of the legal parent, including 
the equity instruments issued under the share 
for share exchange to effect the business 
combination; the cost of the combination has 
been determined from the perspective of Epic 
Group Limited. 

 The fair value of the shares in Epic Group Limited 
has been determined from the admission price 
of Learning Technologies Group plc shares  
on re-admission to trading on AIM for 9 pence 
per share. The value of the consideration shares 
was £22,950,000. The fair value of the notional 
number of equity instruments that the legal 
subsidiary would have had to have issued 
to the legal parent to give the owners of the 
legal parent the same percentage ownership 
in the combined entity is 7.41 per cent of the 
market value of the shares after issues, being 
£1,836,000. The difference between the notional 
consideration paid by Learning Technologies 
Group plc for Epic Group Limited and the 
Learning Technologies Group plc net assets 
acquired of £728,000 has been charged to the 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive 
Income as a deemed cost of listing amounting 
to £1,108,000 with a corresponding entry to the 
reverse acquisition reserve. 

 Transaction costs of equity transactions relating 
to the issue and re-admission of the Company’s 
shares are accounted for as a deduction from 
equity where they relate to the issue of new 
shares and listing costs are charged to the Group 
Income Statement.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
26    

 plc annual report 2013

>        Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

 The consolidated financial statements  
are presented as proforma to present the 
substance of the transaction. The comparative 
results to 31 December 2012 represent the 
consolidated position of Epic Group Limited  
prior to the reverse acquisition. 

 The individual financial information of each 
group entity is measured and presented  
in the currency of the primary economic 
environment in which the entity operates  
(its functional currency). The consolidated 
financial information of the Group is presented 
in Pounds Sterling, which is the presentation 
currency for the Group. The functional currency  
of each of the group entities is the local currency 
of each individual entity.

Adoption of new and revised International  
Financial Reporting Standards

 The following new and revised Standards and 
Interpretations have been adopted in the current 
year and have affected the presentation and 
disclosures reported in these financial statements. 
Details of other Standards and Interpretations 
adopted in these financial statements but that  
have had no effect on presentation or disclosures 
reported are set out in (ii) below.

(i)  Standards and interpretations affecting the 
presentation and disclosure in the financial 
statements

 IFRS 11 ‘Joint arrangements’ focuses on the  
rights and obligations of the parties to the 
arrangement rather than its legal form. There  
are two types of joint arrangements: joint 
operations and joint ventures. Joint operations 
arise where the investors have rights to the  
assets and obligations for the liabilities  
of an arrangement. A joint operator accounts 
for its share of the assets, liabilities, revenue and 
expenses. Joint ventures arise where the investors 
have rights to the net assets of the arrangement; 

joint ventures are accounted for under the equity 
method. Proportional consolidation of joint 
arrangements is no longer permitted.

 IFRS 12 ‘Disclosures of interests in other entities’ 
includes the disclosure requirements for all 
forms of interests in other entities, including joint 
arrangement.

(ii)  Standards and interpretations adopted  
with no effect on the financial statements

 Amendment to IAS 1, ‘Financial statement 
presentation’ regarding other comprehensive 
income – The main change resulting from 
these amendments is a requirement for 
entities to group items presented in ‘other 
comprehensive income’ on the basis of whether 
they are potentially reclassifiable to profit or loss 
subsequently (reclassification adjustments).

 IFRS 10 ‘Consolidated financial statements’  
builds on existing principles by identifying the 
concept of control as the determining factor  
in whether an entity should be included within  
the consolidated financial statements of the  
Parent Company. The standard provides 
additional guidance to assist in the determination 
of control where this is difficult to assess.

 IFRS 13, ‘Fair value measurement’, aims  
to improve consistency and reduce complexity 
by providing a precise definition of fair value  
and a single source of fair value measurement 
and disclosure requirements for use across IFRSs. 
The requirements do not extend the use of fair 
value accounting but provide guidance  
on how it should be applied where its use  
is already required or permitted by other 
standards within IFRSs.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 plc annual report 2013    27

>        Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

 Financial instruments: Recognition and 
Measurement Amendment to IAS 39 ‘Novation  
of derivatives’ (effective from 1 January 2014) –   
This amendment provides relief from 
discontinuing hedge accounting when novation 
of a hedging instrument to a central counter 
party meets specified criteria.

 IFRIC 21, ‘Levies’ (effective from 1 January  
2014) – 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). This interpretation  
clarifies that the obligating event that gives  
to a liability to pay a levy is the activity  
described in the relevant legislation that  
triggers the payment of the levy.

 IFRS 9, ‘Financial instruments’ (effective  
date left open pending the finalisation  
of the impairment and classification and 
measurement requirements) – IFRS 9 is the  
first standard issued as part of a wider project  
to replace IAS 39. IAS 9 retains but simplifies  
the mixed measurement model and  
establishes two primary measurement  
categories for financial assets: amortised 
cost and fair value. The basis of classification 
depends on the entity’s business model and the 
contractual cash characteristics of the financial 
asset. The guidance in IAS 39 on impairment 
of financial assets and hedge accounting 
continues to apply.

(iii)  Standards, amendments and interpretations 
to published standards not yet effective

 At the date of approval of the consolidated 
financial statements, the following standards  
and interpretations which have not been applied 
in the consolidated financial statements were  
in issue but not yet effective (and in some cases 
had not yet been adopted by the EU). The 
transfer to these new or revised standards and 
interpretations is not expected to have a material 
impact on the consolidated financial statements 
of the Group in future periods.

 Amendment to IAS 32, ‘Financial instruments: 
Presentation’, on asset and liability offsetting 
(effective from 1 January 2014) – These 
amendments are to the application guidance  
in IAS 32 and clarify some of the requirements  
for offsetting financial assets and financial 
liabilities on the balance sheet.

 Amendments to IFRS 10, 12 and IAS27  
on consolidation for investment entities  
(effective from 1 January 2014 although 
early adoption could be applied) – 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 to IFRS 12 to introduce disclosures that  
an investment entity needs to make.

 Amendment to IAS 36, ‘Impairment of assets’  
on recoverable amount disclosures (effective 
from 1 January 2014) – This amendment  
addresses the disclosure of information about  
the recoverable amount of impaired assets  
if that amount is based on fair value less costs  
of disposal.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
28    

 plc annual report 2013

>        Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

(b) Basis of consolidation

 A subsidiary is defined as an entity 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 basis of consolidation of the acquisition  
of Epic Group Limited by the Company  
is described in the basis of preparation above  
in Note 2(a). The substance of the share for share 
acquisition of Epic Performance Improvement 
Limited and its subsidiary companies by Epic 
Group Limited on 10 May 1996 was that of  
a re-organisation of entities which were under 
common control. As such, that combination 
also falls outside the scope of IFRS 3 ‘Business 
Combinations’ (Revised 2008). The Directors 
have, therefore, decided that it is appropriate  
to reflect the combination using the merger basis 
of accounting in order to give a true and fair 
view. No fair value adjustments were made  
as a result of that combination.

 Business combinations other than noted above 
are accounted for under the acquisition method. 

 Under the acquisition method, the results  
of the subsidiaries acquired or disposed of are 
included from the date of acquisition or up  
to the date of disposal. At the date of acquisition, 
the fair values of the subsidiaries’ net assets are 
determined and these values are reflected in the 
consolidated financial statements. The cost of 
acquisition is measured at the aggregate of the 
fair values, at the date of exchange, of assets 
given, liabilities incurred or assumed, and equity 
instruments issued by the Group in exchange for 

control of the acquiree, plus any costs directly 
attributable to the business combination.  
Any excess of the purchase consideration  
of the business combination over the fair value 
of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired 
is recognised as goodwill. Goodwill, if any, is not 
amortised but reviewed for impairment at least 
annually. If the consideration is less than the 
fair value of assets and liabilities acquired, the 
difference is recognised directly in the statement 
of comprehensive income.

 Acquisition-related costs are expensed  
as incurred.

 Intra-group transactions, balances and 
unrealised gains on transactions are eliminated; 
unrealised losses are also eliminated unless 
cost cannot be recovered. Where necessary, 
adjustments are made to the financial 
statements of subsidiaries to ensure consistency 
of accounting policies with those of the Group.

(c) Joint arrangements

 The Group has applied IFRS 11 to all joint 
arrangements as of 1 January 2012. 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 which 
are accounted for using the equity method. 

 Under the equity method of accounting, interests 
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 other comprehensive income. 
When the Group’s share of losses in a joint 
venture equals or exceeds its interests in the joint 
ventures, the Group does not recognise further 
losses, unless it has incurred obligations or made 
payments on behalf of joint ventures.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 plc annual report 2013    29

>        Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

 Unrealised gains on transactions between  
the Group and its joint ventures are eliminated 
to the extent of the Group’s interest in the joint 
ventures. Unrealised losses are also eliminated 
unless the transaction provides evidence of an 
impairment of the asset transferred. Accounting 
policies of the joint ventures have been changed 
where necessary to ensure consistency with the 
policies adopted by the Group.

(d) Intangible assets

Research and development expenditure

 Research expenditure is recognised  
as an expense when it is incurred.

 Development expenditure is recognised  
as an expense except that costs incurred  
on development projects are capitalised  
as long-term assets to the extent that such 
expenditure is expected to generate future 
economic benefits. Development expenditure 
is capitalised if, and only if, an entity can 
demonstrate all of the following:

(i)  its ability to measure reliably the expenditure 
attributable to the asset under development;

(ii)  the product or process is technically  

and commercially feasible;

(iii) its future economic benefits are probable;

(iv)  its ability to use or sell the developed  

asset; and

 Capitalised development expenditure  
is amortised on a straight-line method over  
a period of 3 years when the products  
or services are ready for sale or use. In the event 
that it is no longer probable that the expected 
future economic benefits will be recovered, the 
development expenditure is written down  
to its recoverable amount.

(e) Functional and foreign currencies

(i) Functional and presentation currency

 The individual financial statements of each entity 
in the Group are presented in the currency of 
the primary economic environment in which the 
entity operates, which is the functional currency. 

 The consolidated financial statements are 
presented in Pounds Sterling, which is the Group’s 
presentation currency. 

(ii) Transactions and balances

 Transactions in foreign currencies are converted 
into the respective functional currencies on 
initial recognition, using the exchange rates 
approximating those ruling at the transaction 
dates. Monetary assets and liabilities at the end 
of the reporting period are translated at the rates 
ruling as of that date. Non-monetary assets and 
liabilities are translated using exchange rates  
that existed when the values were determined.  
All exchange differences are recognised in profit 
or loss.

(v)  the availability of adequate technical, 

(iii) Foreign operations

financial and other resources to complete 
the asset under development.

 Capitalised development expenditure  
is measured at cost less accumulated 
amortisation and impairment losses,  
if any. Development expenditure initially 
recognised as an expense is not recognised  
as assets in subsequent periods.

 Assets and liabilities of foreign operations  
are translated to Pounds Sterling at the rates 
of exchange ruling at the end of the reporting 
period. Revenues and expenses of foreign 
operations are translated at exchange rates 
ruling at the dates of the transactions.  
All exchange differences arising from translation 
are taken directly to other comprehensive 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
30    

 plc annual report 2013

>        Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

income and accumulated in equity under the 
foreign exchange translation reserve. On the 
disposal of a foreign operation, the cumulative 
amount recognised in other comprehensive 
income relating to that particular foreign 
operation is reclassified from equity to profit  
or loss.

 Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising from 
the acquisition of foreign operations are treated 
as assets and liabilities of the foreign operations 
and are recorded in the functional currency 
of the foreign operations and translated at the 
closing rate at the end of the reporting period. 
Exchange differences are recognised in other 
comprehensive income.

(f) Financial instruments

 Financial instruments are recognised in the 
statements of financial position when the Group 
has become a party to the contractual provisions 
of the instruments.

 Financial instruments are classified as liabilities  
or equity in accordance with the substance  
of the contractual arrangement. Interest, 
dividends, gains and losses relating to a financial 
instrument classified as a liability are reported  
as an expense or income. Distributions to holders 
of financial instruments classified as equity are 
charged directly to equity.

 Financial instruments are offset when the Group 
has a legally enforceable right to offset and 
intends to settle either on a net basis or to realise 
the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

 A financial instrument is recognised initially 
at its fair value plus, in the case of a financial 
instrument not at fair value through profit or loss, 
transaction costs that are directly attributable  
to the acquisition or issue of the financial 
instrument.

 Financial instruments recognised in the 
statements of financial position are disclosed  
in the individual policy statement associated  
with each item.

 Financial assets are de-recognised when the 
contractual rights to receive cash flows from 
the financial assets have expired or have been 
transferred and the Group has transferred 
substantially all the risks and rewards of 
ownership. On de-recognition of a financial asset 
in its entirety, the difference between the carrying 
amount and the sum of the consideration 
received and any cumulative gain or loss that 
had been recognised in other comprehensive 
income is recognised in profit or loss.

i) Financial assets 

 On initial recognition, financial assets are 
classified as either financial assets at fair 
value through profit or loss, held-to-maturity 
investments, loans and receivables financial 
assets, or available-for-sale financial assets,  
as appropriate. 

 The Group classifies its financial assets as loans 
and receivables. The classification depends  
on the purpose for which the financial assets 
were acquired. Management determines  
the classification of its financial assets  
at initial recognition. 

    Loans and receivables financial assets

 Trade receivables and other receivables that 
have fixed or determinable payments that are 
not quoted in an active market are classified  
as loans and receivables financial assets. Loans 
and receivables financial assets are measured 
at amortised cost using the effective interest 
method, less any impairment loss. Interest 
income is recognised by applying the effective 
interest rate, except for short-term receivables 
when the recognition of interest would be 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 plc annual report 2013    31

>        Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

immaterial. The Group’s loans and receivables 
financial assets comprise ‘trade and other 
receivables’ and cash and cash equivalents 
included in the consolidated statement  
of financial position.

    Financial assets at fair value through  

profit or loss

 There were no financial assets classified  

under this category.

 A financial liability is derecognised when the 
obligation under the liability is discharged, 
cancelled or expires. When an existing financial 
liability is replaced by another from the same 
party on substantially different terms, or the terms 
of an existing liability are substantially modified, 
such an exchange or modification is treated  
as a derecognition of the original liability and the 
recognition of a new liability, and the difference 
in the respective carrying amounts is recognised 
in the profit or loss. 

    Held-to-maturity investments

(iii) Equity instruments

 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 proceeds.

 Dividends on ordinary shares are recognised  
as liabilities when approved for appropriation.

 There were no financial assets classified  
under this category.

    Available-for-sale financial assets

 There were no financial assets classified  
under this category.

ii) Financial liabilities

 Financial liabilities are recognised when,  
and only when, the Group becomes a party 
to the contractual provisions of the financial 
instrument.

 All financial liabilities are recognised initially  
at fair value plus directly attributable transaction 
costs and subsequently measured at amortised 
cost using the effective interest method other 
than those categorised as fair value through 
profit or loss.

 Fair value through profit or loss category 
comprises financial liabilities that are either  
held for trading or are designated to eliminate  
or significantly reduce a measurement  
or recognition inconsistency that would otherwise 
arise. Derivatives are also classified as held for 
trading unless they are designated as hedges. 
There were no financial liabilities classified under 
this category.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
32    

 plc annual report 2013

 plc annual report 2013    33

>        Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

(g) Property, plant and equipment 

 Property, plant and equipment are stated  
at cost less accumulated depreciation and 
impairment losses, if any. The cost of an item 
of property, plant and equipment initially 
recognised includes its purchase price and any 
cost that is directly attributable to bringing the 
asset to the location and condition necessary 
for it to be capable of operating in the manner 
intended by management. 

 Depreciation is calculated under the straight-
line method to write off the depreciable amount 
of the assets over their estimated useful lives. 
Depreciation of an asset does not cease when 
the asset becomes idle or is retired from active 
use unless the asset is fully depreciated. The 
principal annual rates used for this purpose are:

Computer equipment

33.33%

Furniture and fittings

Office equipment

Leasehold  
improvements

20%

20%

over the remaining  
life of the lease

 The depreciation method, useful lives and 
residual values are reviewed, and adjusted  
if appropriate, at the end of each reporting 
period to ensure that the amounts, method  
and periods of depreciation are consistent  
with previous estimates and the expected pattern  
of consumption of the future economic benefits 
embodied in the items of the property, plant  
and equipment.

 Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s 
carrying amount or recognised as a separate 
asset, as appropriate, only when the cost 
is incurred and it is probable that the future 
economic benefits associated with the asset will 
flow to the Group and the cost of the asset can 
be measured reliably. The carrying amount of 

parts that are replaced is derecognised.  
The costs of the day-to-day servicing of property, 
plant and equipment are recognised in profit  
or loss as incurred. Cost also comprises the initial 
estimate of dismantling and removing the asset 
and restoring the site on which it is located for 
which the Group is obligated to incur when the 
asset is acquired, if applicable.

 An item of property, plant and equipment  
is derecognised upon disposal or when  
no future economic benefits are expected  
from its use or disposal. The gain or loss  
on retirement or disposal is determined  
as the difference between any sales proceeds 
and the carrying amounts of the asset and  
is recognised in the income statement within 
“other income/(expenses)’’. Any revaluation 
reserve included in equity is transferred directly  
to retained profits on retirement or disposal  
of the asset.

(h) Long term contracts

 The amount of profit attributable to the  
stage of completion of a long-term contract  
is recognised when the outcome of the  
contract can be foreseen with reasonable 
certainty. Revenue for such contracts is stated 
at cost appropriate to their stage of completion 
plus attributable profits, less amounts recognised 
in previous years. Provision is made for any  
losses as soon as they are foreseen.

 Contract work in progress is stated  
at costs incurred, less those amounts  
transferred to profit or loss, after deducting 
foreseeable losses and payments on account 
not matched with revenue.

 Amounts recoverable on contracts are included 
in current assets and represent revenue 
recognised in excess of payments on account. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
34    

 plc annual report 2013

>        Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

(i) Impairment 

(i) Impairment of financial assets

 All financial assets (other than those categorised 
at fair value through profit or loss), are  
assessed at the end of each reporting period 
as to whether there is any objective evidence 
of impairment as a result of one or more events 
having an impact on the estimated future cash 
flows of the asset. 

 An impairment loss in respect of loans and 
receivables financial assets is recognised  
in profit or loss and is measured as the difference 
between the asset’s carrying amount and the 
present value of estimated future cash flows, 
discounted at the financial asset’s original 
effective interest rate.

 In a subsequent period, if the amount of the 
impairment loss decreases and the decrease 
can be related objectively to an event occurring 
after the impairment was recognised,  
the previously recognised impairment loss  
is reversed through profit or loss to the extent that 
the carrying amount of the asset at the date the 
impairment is reversed does not exceed what 
the amortised cost would have been had the 
impairment not been recognised. 

(ii) Impairment of non-financial assets

 The carrying values of assets, other than those  
to which IAS 36 – ‘Impairment of Assets’ does not 
apply, are reviewed at the end of each reporting 
period for impairment when there is an indication 
that the assets might be impaired. Impairment  
is measured by comparing the carrying values  
of the assets with their recoverable amounts.  
The recoverable amount of the assets is the 
higher of the assets’ fair value less costs to sell 
and their value in use, which is measured by 
reference to discounted future cash flow.

 An impairment loss is recognised in profit  
or loss immediately.

 In respect of assets other than goodwill,  
and when there is a change in the estimates 
used to determine the recoverable amount,  
a subsequent increase in the recoverable 
amount of an asset is treated as a reversal  
of the previous impairment loss and is recognised 
to the extent of the carrying amount of the 
asset that would have been determined (net 
of amortisation and depreciation) had no 
impairment loss been recognised. The reversal  
is recognised in profit or loss immediately.

(j) Income taxes

 Income tax for each reporting period comprises 
current and deferred tax.

 Current tax is the expected amount of income 
taxes payable in respect of the taxable profit  
for the year and is measured using the tax 
rates that have been enacted or substantively 
enacted at the end of the reporting period.

 Deferred tax is provided in full, using the liability 
method, on temporary differences arising 
between the tax bases of assets and liabilities 
and their carrying amounts in the financial 
statements. 

 Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for  
all taxable temporary differences other than 
those that arise from goodwill or excess  
of the acquirer’s interest in the net fair value 
of the acquiree’s identifiable assets, liabilities 
and contingent liabilities over the business 
combination costs or from the initial recognition 
of an asset or liability in a transaction which  
is not a business combination and, at the time  
of the transaction, affects neither accounting 
profit nor taxable profit.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 plc annual report 2013    35

>        Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

 Deferred tax assets are recognised for  
all deductible temporary differences,  
unused tax losses and unused tax credits  
to the extent that it is probable that future 
taxable profits will be available against which 
the deductible temporary differences, unused 
tax losses and unused tax credits can be utilised. 
The carrying amounts of deferred tax assets are 
reviewed at the end of each reporting period 
and reduced to the extent that it is no longer 
probable that sufficient future taxable profits will 
be available to allow all or part of the deferred 
tax assets to be utilised.

 Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured 
at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the 
period when the asset is realised or the liability  
is settled, based on the tax rates that have been 
enacted or substantively enacted at the end  
of the reporting period.

 Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when 
there is a legally enforceable right to set off 
current tax assets against current tax liabilities 
and when the deferred income taxes relate  
to the same taxation authority.

 Unrecognised deferred tax assets are reassessed 
at each reporting date and are recognised  
to the extent that it has become probable that 
future taxable profit will allow deferred tax assets 
to be recovered.

 Deferred tax relating to items recognised outside 
profit or loss is recognised outside profit or loss. 
Deferred tax items are recognised in correlation 
to the underlying transactions either in other 
comprehensive income or directly in equity. 

 Deferred tax arising from a business combination 
is included in the resulting goodwill or excess 
of the acquirer’s interest in the net fair value 
of the acquiree’s identifiable assets, liabilities 
and contingent liabilities over the business 
combination costs. 

(k) Cash and cash equivalents

 Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash  
in hand, bank balances, deposits with financial 
institutions and short-term, highly liquid 
investments that are readily convertible  
to known amounts of cash and which are subject 
to an insignificant risk of changes in value.

(l) Employee benefits

(i) Short-term benefits

 Wages, salaries, paid annual leave and sick 
leave, bonuses and non-monetary benefits  
are accrued in the period in which the 
associated services are rendered  
by employees of the Group.

(ii) Defined contribution plans

 A defined contribution plan is a pension plan 
under which the Group pays fixed contributions 
into a separate entity. The Group has no legal  
or constructive obligations to pay further amounts 
if the fund does not hold sufficient assets to pay 
all employees the benefits relating to employee 
service in the current and prior periods. The 
Group’s contributions to defined contribution 
plans are recognised in profit or loss in the period 
to which they relate. 

(m)  Provisions, contingent liabilities and  

contingent assets

 Provisions are recognised when the Group has  
a present or constructive obligation as a result  
of past events, when it is probable that an outflow 
of resources embodying economic benefits will 
be required to settle the obligation, and when  
a reliable estimate of the amount can be made. 
Provisions are reviewed at the end of each 
financial reporting period and adjusted to reflect 
the current best estimate. Where the effect of the 
time value of money is material, the provision  
is the present value of the estimated expenditure 
required to settle the obligation.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
36    

 plc annual report 2013

>        Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

 A contingent liability is a possible obligation  
that arises from past events and whose existence 
will only be confirmed by the occurrence  
of one or more uncertain future events not  
wholly within the control of the Group. It can  
also be a present obligation arising from past 
events that is not recognised because it is not 
probable that outflow of economic resources will 
be required or the amount of obligation cannot 
be measured reliably.

 A contingent liability is not recognised but  
is disclosed in the Notes to the financial 
statements. When a change in the probability  
of an outflow occurs so that the outflow is 
probable, it will then be recognised  
as a provision.

 A contingent asset is a probable asset that  
arises from past events and whose existence  
will be confirmed only by the occurrence  
or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain 
events not wholly within the control of the  
Group. The Group does not recognise contingent 
assets but discloses its existence where inflows  
of economic benefits are probable, but not 
virtually certain.

(n) Related parties

A party is related to an entity if:

(i)  directly, or indirectly through one or more 

intermediaries, the party: 

    controls, is controlled by, or is under common 
control with, the entity (this includes parents, 
subsidiaries and fellow subsidiaries);

    has an interest in the entity that gives  

it significant influence over the entity; or

    has joint control over the entity;

(ii) the party is an associate of the entity;

(iii)  the party is a joint venture in which the  

entity is a venturer;

(iv)  the party is a member of the key 

management personnel of the entity  
or its parent;

(v)  the party is a close member of the family  
of any individual referred to in (i) or (iv);

(vi)  the party is an entity that is controlled, jointly 
controlled or significantly influenced by,  
or for which significant voting power in such 
entity resides with, directly or indirectly, any 
individual referred to in (iv) or (v); or

(vii)  the party is a post-employment benefit plan 
for the benefit of employees of the entity,  
or of any entity that is a related party  
of the entity.

 Close members of the family of an individual  
are those family members who may be 
expected to influence, or be influenced by,  
that individual in their dealings with the entity.

(o) Revenue and other income

(i) Services

 Revenue is recognised on the percentage  
of completion method unless the outcome  
of the contract cannot be reliably determined,  
in which case contract revenue is only 
recognised to the extent of contract costs 
incurred that are recoverable. Foreseeable 
losses, if any, are provided for in full as and when 
it can be reasonably ascertained that  
the contract will result in a loss.

The stage of completion is determined based  
on the proportion of contract costs incurred 
compared to total estimated contract costs.

(ii) Interest income

 Interest income is recognised as other income  
on an accruals basis based on the effective yield 
on the investment.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 plc annual report 2013    37

>        Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

(p) Operating segments

(r) Leases

 Leases are classified as finance leases whenever 
the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the 
risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee.  
All other leases are classified as operating leases.

 Operating lease payments are recognised  
as an expense on a straight-line basis over the 
lease term, except where another systematic 
basis is more representative of the time pattern  
in which economic benefits from the leased 
asset are consumed.

 There were no leases classified under the 
category of finance leases.

 An operating segment is a component  
of the Group that engages in business activities 
from which it may earn revenues and incur 
expenses, including revenues and expenses 
that relate to transactions with any of the Group’s 
other components. An operating segment’s 
operating results are reviewed regularly  
by the chief operating decision maker  
to make decisions about resources  
to be allocated to the segment and assess  
its performance, and for which discrete  
financial information is available. 

(q) Share-based payment arrangements   

 Equity-settled share-based payments  
to employees and others providing similar 
services are measured at the fair value of the 
equity instruments at the grant date. Details 
regarding the determination of the fair value  
of equity-settled share-based transactions  
are set out in Note 28 to the consolidated 
financial statements.

 The fair value determined at the grant date 
of the equity-settled share-based payments 
is expensed on a straight-line basis over the 
vesting period, based on the Group’s estimate 
of equity instruments that will eventually vest, 
with a corresponding increase in equity. At the 
end of each reporting period, the Group revises 
its estimate of the number of equity instruments 
expected to vest. The impact of the revision  
of the original estimates, if any, is recognised  
in profit or loss such that the cumulative 
expense reflects the revised estimate, with a 
corresponding adjustment to other reserves. 

 
 
 
 
  
 
38    

 plc annual report 2013

 plc annual report 2013    39

>        Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

3.  Summary of critical accounting  

Revenue recognition

estimates and judgements 

The preparation of financial information  
in conformity with IFRS requires the use of certain 
critical accounting estimates. It also requires the  
Directors to exercise their judgement in the  
process of applying the accounting policies 
which are detailed above. These judgements 
are continually evaluated by the Directors and 
management and are based on historical 
experience and other factors, including expectations 
of future events that are believed to be reasonable 
under the circumstances. 

The key estimates and underlying assumptions 
concerning the future and other key sources of 
estimation uncertainty at the statement of financial 
position date, that have a significant risk of causing 
a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of 
assets and liabilities within the next financial period, 
are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to 
accounting estimates are recognised in the period 
in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects 
only that period, or in the period of the revision and 
future periods if the revision affects both current and 
future periods.

Basis of consolidation

The Directors consider that the share for share 
exchange between Indeed-Online plc and Epic 
Group Limited to be a reverse acquisition as Epic 
Group is considered to be the acquirer. Further 
details of the basis of consolidation and how 
the Directors developed the most appropriate 
accounting policy are outlined in the basis of 
consolidation within accounting policy Note 2(b). 
The difference between the consideration shares 
transferred in the combination (“Consideration 
Shares’’) and the fair value of the net assets acquired 
has been charged to the consolidated statement  
of income as a deemed cost of listing.

The Group recognises revenue from service  
contracts to customers.

Revenue is recognised on the percentage  
of completion method unless the outcome  
of the contract cannot be reliably determined,  
in which case contract revenue is only recognised 
to the extent of contract costs incurred that are 
considered to be recoverable. Foreseeable losses, 
if any, are provided for in full as and when it can be 
reasonably ascertained that the contract will result  
in a loss.

The stage of completion is determined based  
on the proportion of contract costs incurred 
compared to total estimated contract costs. 

In making its judgement, management considered 
the detailed criteria for the recognition of revenue set 
out in IAS 18 ‘Revenue’. The Directors are satisfied that 
the significant risks and rewards are transferred and 
that the recognition of revenue over the duration  
of a contract is appropriate.

Amounts recoverable on contracts

Amounts recoverable on contracts are stated  
at costs incurred, less those transferred to profit 
or loss, after deducting foreseeable losses and 
payments on account not matched with revenue. 
The amount of profit attributable to the stage of 
completion of a long-term contract is recognised 
when the outcome of the contract can be foreseen 
with reasonable certainty. Revenue for such 
contracts is stated at cost appropriate to their stage 
of completion plus attributable profits, less amounts 
recognised in previous years. Provision is made  
for any losses as soon as they are foreseen.

In making its judgement, management considers 
estimates of anticipated revenues and costs  
from each contract and monitors the need  
for any provisions for losses arising from adjustments 
to underlying assumptions if this indicates  
it is appropriate.

40    

 plc annual report 2013

>        Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

Recovery of development expenditure

Development expenditure is recognised  
as an expense except that costs incurred  
on development projects are capitalised as long-
term assets to the extent that such expenditure is 
expected to generate future economic benefits.

In making its judgement, management considered 
the detailed criteria set out in IAS 38 ‘Intangible 
Assets’.  Management considers estimates of 
anticipated revenues from the asset and monitors 
the need for any impairment adjustments arising 
from changes to underlying assumptions if future 
market activity indicates this is appropriate.

4. Segment analysis

IFRS 8 requires operating segments to be identified 
on the basis of internal reports about components 
of the Group that are regularly reviewed by the chief 
operating decision maker (which takes the form  
of the Board of Directors of the Company)  
as defined in IFRS 8, in order to allocate resources  
to the segment and to assess its performance.

The Directors of the Company consider the 
principal activity of the Group to be the production 
of interactive multimedia programmes, and to 
consummate one reportable segment, that of the 

production of interactive multimedia programmes.  
A majority of sales were generated by the operations 
in the United Kingdom in each of the two years 
ended 31 December 2013.

All other segments primarily comprise income  
and expenses relating to the Group’s administrative 
functions. Interest income and interest expense 
are not allocated to segments, as this type of 
activity is driven by the central treasury function, 
which manages the cash position of the Group. 
Accordingly, this information is not separately 
reported to the Board of Directors.

Geographical information

All revenues of the Group are derived from  
its principal activity, the production of interactive 
multimedia programmes. The Group’s revenue from 
external customers and net assets by geographical 
location are detailed below.

Information about major customers

In the year ended 31 December 2013, one  
customer generated revenues of £760,000 and  
in the year ended 31 December 2012, one customer 
generated revenues of £973,000. No other customers 
accounted for more than 10 per cent of reported 
revenues.

31 December 2013
Revenue 

Net assets

31 December 2012
Revenue 

Net assets

UK
£’000

6,534

1,365

6,665

1,857

   Europe
£’000

America
£’000

Other
£’000

808

-

248

-

215

123

26

24

-

-

6

32

Proforma
Total
£’000

7,557

1,488

6,945

1,913

 plc annual report 2013    41

>        Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

5. Loss/(profit) before taxation

Loss/(profit) before taxation is arrived at after charging/(crediting):

Reverse acquisition transaction costs

Deemed cost of listing

Amortisation of intangible assets

Auditors’ remuneration

Other fees payable to auditors:

- Reverse acquisition costs

- Taxation

Bad debts written off

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

Directors’ fees

Directors’ pension contributions

Staff costs (including Directors):

- salaries, allowances and bonuses

- social security costs

- defined contribution pension plan costs

Rental of office 

Rental of equipment

Interest income

Proforma
31 December 2013
£’000

Proforma
31 December 2012
£’000

950

1,108

55

20

47

8

(9)

99

228

2

4,099

423

65

126

-

(7)

-

-

49

11

2

-

2

54

262

2

3,224

385

74

138

-

(10)

42    

 plc annual report 2013

>        Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

6. Staff costs

The average monthly number of employees was:

107

100

Proforma Year 
ended 31 December 2013

Proforma Year 
ended 31 December 2012

Aggregate remuneration (including Directors):

Short-term employee benefits

Share-based payments

Social security costs

7. Income tax

Current tax expense:

- for the financial year

- under/(over)provision in the previous financial year

Deferred tax assets: (Note 17):

- for the financial year

Deferred tax liabilities: (Note 17):

- for the financial year

Deferred tax (release)/expense

Income tax expense

31 December 2013
£’000

31 December 2012
£’000

4,164

528

423

5,115

3,298

144

385

3,827

Proforma
31 December 2013
£’000

Proforma
31 December 2012
£’000

205

-

205

(28)

5

(23)

182

200

-

200

28

22

50

250

 plc annual report 2013    43

>        Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

7. Income tax continued

A reconciliation of income tax expense applicable to the (loss)/profit before taxation at the statutory tax rate  
to the income tax expense at the effective tax rate of the Group is as follows: 

Proforma
31 December 2013
   £’000

Proforma
31 December 2012
£’000

(Loss)/profit before taxation

Tax at the applicable statutory tax rates of 23% and 24% 
(2012: 24%)

Tax effects of:

Non-deductible expenses

Capital allowances and other short term differences not 
recognised for tax purposes

Share-based payments not recognised for tax purposes

Other permanent differences

Overseas losses not subject to UK tax relief

Results of joint venture

Income tax expense for the financial year

(926)

(215)

489

(18)

40

(120)

22

7

205 

782

188

(16)

(10)

35

(21)

20

4

200

44    

 plc annual report 2013

>        Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

8. Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the 
loss/profit after tax attributable to the equity holders 
of the Group by the weighted average number 
of shares in issue during the year. Diluted earnings 
per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted 
average number of shares outstanding to assume 
conversion of all potential dilutive shares, namely 
share options. The calculation of earnings per share 
is based on the following earnings and number  
of shares.

In calculating the weighted average number  
of ordinary shares outstanding (the denominator  
of the earnings per share calculation) during the 
period in which the reverse occurs:

(a)  The number of ordinary shares outstanding 
from the beginning of that period to the 
acquisition date shall be computed,  
on the basis of the weighted average number 
of ordinary shares of the legal acquiree 
(accounting acquirer) outstanding during 

the period multiplied by the exchange ratio 
established in the merger agreement; and

(b)  The number of ordinary shares outstanding 
from the acquisition date to the end of that 
period shall be the actual number of ordinary 
shares of the legal acquirer (the accounting 
acquiree) outstanding during that period.

The basic earnings per share for each comparative 
period before the acquisition date presented in the 
consolidated financial statements following a reverse 
acquisition shall be calculated by dividing:

(a)  The profit or loss of the legal acquiree 
attributable to ordinary shareholders  
in each of those periods by

(b)  The legal acquiree’s historical weighted 
average number of ordinary shares 
outstanding multiplied by the exchange ratio 
established in the acquisition agreement.

A  reconciliation is set out on page 45.

 
 
 
 
 plc annual report 2013    45

>        Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

(Loss)/profit after tax attributable to owners of the Group:

(1,108)

532

Proforma
31 December 2013
£’000

Proforma
31 December 2012
£’000

Weighted average number of shares:

- Basic 

- Diluted

Basic earnings per share (pence)

Diluted earnings per share (pence)

258,138,014

258,138,014

(0.429)

(0.429)

255,000,000

268,766,765

0.209

0.198

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. The Company has share options  
that are dilutive potential ordinary shares. The share options in issue during the year to 31 December 2013  
are anti-dilutive and, therefore, are not included in the above calculation.

Adjusted earnings per share before deemed cost of listing and costs of acquisition (pence):

(Loss)/profit after tax attributable to owners of the Group:

(1,108)

Adjustments for:  
Deemed cost of listing
Costs of acquisition

Adjusted earnings 

Weighted average number of shares:

- Basic 

- Diluted

Adjusted basic earnings per share (pence)

Adjusted diluted earnings per share (pence)

1,108
950

950

258,138,014

283,746,935

0.368

0.335

532

-
-

532

255,000,000

268,766,765

0.209

0.198

46    

 plc annual report 2013

>        Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

9. Property, plant and equipment

Computer 
equipment 
£’000

Fixtures  
and fittings 
£’000

Leasehold 
improvements 
£’000

Cost

At 1 January 2012 (proforma)

Additions (proforma)

At 31 December 2012 (proforma)

Additions

At 31 December 2013

Accumulated depreciation

At 1 January  2012 (proforma)

Charge for the year (proforma)

At 31 December 2012 (proforma)

Charge for the year (proforma)

At 31 December 2013

Net book value

At 31 December 2012 (proforma)

At 31 December 2013

726

109

835

32

867

669

39

708

10

718

127

149

39

145

184

17

201

37

8

45

66

111

139

90

76

-

76

14

90

69

7

76

3

79

-

11

Total
£’000

841

254

1,095

63

1,158

775

54

829

79

908

266

250

 plc annual report 2013    47

>        Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

10. Intangible assets – development expenditure

Cost

At 1 January – brought forward

Additions

At 31 December

Accumulated amortisation:

At 1 January – brought forward

Charge for the year

At 31 December 

Net book value

At 31 December  

Development costs

31 December 2013
£’000

Proforma
31 December 2012
£’000

290

77

367

142

75

217

150

181

109

290

93

49

142

148

Development costs principally comprise expenditure incurred on major software development projects  
where it is reasonably anticipated that the costs will be recovered through future commercial activity.

Amortisation

Capitalised development costs are amortised over the estimated useful life of 3 years. The amortisation  
charge is recognised in administrative expenses.

48    

 plc annual report 2013

>        Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

11. Business combinations

On 7 November 2013 In-Deed Online plc became 
the legal parent of Epic Group Limited by way  
of reverse acquisition. The cost of the acquisition 
is deemed to have been incurred by Epic Group 
Limited, the legal subsidiary in the form of cash and 
equity instruments issued to the owners of the legal 
parent. This acquisition has been accounted for  
as a reverse acquisition as described in Note 2(a), 
Basis of Preparation. 

The fair value of the shares in Epic Group Limited  
has been determined from the admission price  
of the Learning Technologies Group plc shares  
on re-admission to trading on AIM for 9 pence per 
share. The value of the consideration shares was 
£22,950,000. The fair value of the notional number  
of equity instruments that the legal subsidiary  

would have had to have issued to the legal parent 
to give the owners of the legal parent the same 
percentage ownership in the combined entity  
is 7.41 per cent of the market value of the shares 
after issues, being £1,836,000. The difference 
between the notional consideration paid by Learning 
Technologies Group plc for Epic Group Limited  
and the Learning Technologies Group plc net  
assets acquired of £728,000 has been charged 
to the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive 
Income as a deemed cost of listing amounting  
to £1,108,000 with a corresponding entry to the 
reverse acquisition reserve.

Details of net assets acquired and the deemed cost 
of listing are as follows:

Consideration effectively transferred

Less net assets acquired:

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other payables

Total net assets acquired

Deemed cost of listing

£’000

1,836

35

705

(12)

728

1,108

 plc annual report 2013    49

>        Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

12. Subsidiaries of the Group

The principal subsidiaries of the Group, all of which are private companies limited by shares, as at 31 December 
2013 are as follows:

Country of Registration  
or Incorporation

Principal  
activity

Percentage of ordinary 
shares held by Company

Epic Group Limited

England and Wales

Holding company

Epic Mobile  
Learning Limited

Epic Performance  
Improvement Limited

Epic Learning Inc

England and Wales

Mobile e-learning

England and Wales

Bespoke e-learning

USA

Bespoke e-learning

100%

100%

100%

100%

The accounting reference date of each of the subsidiaries is co-terminus with that of the Company.

50    

 plc annual report 2013

>        Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

13. Investments accounted for using the equity method

Investment in joint venture:

Cost of investment

Share of accumulated losses

31 December 2013
£000

Proforma
31 December 2012
£000

49

(49)

-

49

(17)

32

Joint venture

Epic Group Limited acquired a 50% interest in Epic 
Brasil Tecnologia Educacional Ltda in November 
2011, for a total consideration of 150,000 Brazilian 
Real (BRL) payable in two instalments of 50,000 
BRL (approximately £19,000) and 100,000 BRL 
(approximately £30,000) respectively. The joint 

venture is a private company and there is no  
quoted market price available for its shares.

The joint venture has share capital consisting solely  
of ordinary shares, which are held directly by the 
Group. The nature of the investment at 31 December 
2012 and 31 December 2013 is listed below.

Name of entity

Epic Brasil Tecnologia 
Educacional Ltda 

Country of Registration  
or Incorporation

Principal  
activity

Percentage of ordinary 
shares held by Group

Brazil

Bespoke e-learning

50%

The accounting reference date of the joint venture  
is co-terminous with that of the Company.

Summarised financial information  
for the joint venture

There are no contingent liabilities or commitments 
relating to the Group’s interest in the joint venture.

Set out below is summarised financial information 
for Epic Brasil Tecnologia Educacional Ltda which 
is accounted for using the equity method. The 
information reflects the amounts presented in the 
financial statements of the joint venture [adjusted 
for differences in accounting policies between the 
Group and the joint venture where appropriate] and 
not the Group’s share of those amounts.

 plc annual report 2013    51

>        Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

Summarised statement of financial position:

31 December 2013
£’000

31 December 2012
£’000

Non-current assets

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Other current assets

Total current assets

Current liabilities

Financial liabilities (excluding trade payables)

Other current liabilities (including trade payables)

Net (liabilities)/assets

Summarised statement of comprehensive income:

36

117

189

306

-

(404)

(404)

(62)

-

18

74

92

-

(28)

64

64

Revenue

Depreciation and amortisation

Interest expense

Loss from continuing operations

Income tax release

(Loss) for the year

Other comprehensive (expense)/income 

Total comprehensive (loss) for the year

Dividends received from joint venture

Year ended  
31 December 2013 
 £’000

Year ended  
31 December 2012  
£’000

404

-

(2)

(134)

-

(134)

-

(134)

-

114

-

-

(34)

-

(34)

-

(34)

-

52    

 plc annual report 2013

>        Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

Where the Group’s share of losses in a joint venture exceeds its interests in the joint venture, the Group  
does not recognise further losses as it has no further obligation to make payments on behalf of the joint  
venture. Such losses not recognised in the year ended 31 December 2013 totalled £35,000 (year ended  
31 December 2012: £nil).

Reconciliation of summarised financial information:

Opening net assets at 1 January

(Loss) for the year

Foreign exchange differences

Closing net assets/(liabilities)

Interest in joint venture at 50%

Carrying value

14. Trade receivables

Trade receivables

Allowance for impairment losses

Impairment losses:

At 1 January

Additions

Amounts written-back 

At year end

31 December 2013
£’000

31 December 2012
£’000

64

(134)

8

(62)

(31)

-

98

(34)

-

64

32

32

31 December 2013
£’000

Proforma
31 December 2012
£’000

1,247

(10)

1,237

10

-

-

10

819

(10)

809

10

-

-

10

The Group’s normal trade credit term is 30 days. Other credit terms are assessed and approved  
on a case by case basis.

The fair value of trade receivables approximates their carrying amount as the impact of discounting  
is not significant. No interest is charged on overdue receivables.

 plc annual report 2013    53

>        Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

15. Other receivables, deposits and prepayments

Sundry receivables

Prepayments 

16. Amount recoverable on contracts

Cost incurred to date

Attributable profits

Progress billings

Represented by:
Amount owing by contract customers

Amount of contract revenue recognised as revenue  
(Note 3)

Amount of contract costs recognised as expenses  

17. Deferred tax assets (liabilities)

At 1 January – brought forward

Recognised in profit or loss (Note 7) 

At 31 December

31 December 2013
£’000

Proforma
31 December 2012
£’000

-

86

86

7

24

31

31 December 2013
£’000

Proforma
31 December 2012
       £’000

1,478

2,038

(2,569)

947

947

7,557

2,978

1,425

1,730

(2,453)

702

702

6,945

2,869

31 December 2013
£’000

Proforma
31 December 2012
£’000

(22)

23

1

28

(50)

(22)

The deferred tax balances relate to temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities 
and their carrying amounts in the financial statements. Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that  
it is probable that the future taxable profits will allow the deferred tax assets to be recovered.

54    

 plc annual report 2013

>        Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

18. Fixed deposits with licensed banks

The weighted average effective interest rates and the maturity periods of the fixed deposits at the end  
of reporting periods are as follows:

Weighted average effective interest rates

Maturity periods

31 December 2013

Proforma
31 December 2012

-

-

0.62%

100 days

19. Share capital

The called-up and fully paid share capital of the Company is as follows:

Allotted, called-up and fully paid:
275,825,000 (2012: 20,400,000)  
Ordinary shares of  £0.00375 each 

On 22 October 2013, the Company announced that 
it had agreed to acquire the entire issued and to 
be issued share capital of Epic Group Limited. The 
consideration for the Acquisition was £24,273,254 
comprising the issue on 7 November 2013, credited 
as fully paid, of 255,000,000 Consideration Shares 
to the Epic Shareholders at a price of 9 pence per 
ordinary share (amounting to £22,950,000 in total) 
and a payment to the Epic Shareholders and to 
holders of Epic Shares who acquired those shares 
following the exercise of options issued to them 
pursuant to the Epic Share Option Scheme of an 
aggregate cash consideration of £1,323,254. 

31 December 2013
£’000

31 December 2012
£’000

1,034

77

The Acquisition, resulted in In-Deed Online  
becoming an operating company instead  
of an investing company, and constituted  
a reverse takeover under the AIM Rules for 
Companies. On the same date, the Company 
issued a further 425,000 ordinary shares at 5.882353 
per share to satisfy the payment of certain fees 
amounting to £25,000 in connection with the 
acquisition. A summary of the shares issued  
is as follows:

Description

Issues of shares to acquire Epic Group Limited 

Shares issued to satisfy payment of fees

Total shares issued

Number of 
shares 

255,000,000

425,000

255,425,000

Share 
capital           
£’000

Share 
Premium  
£’000

956

1

957

21,994

24

Total  
£’000

22,950

25

22,018

22,975

 plc annual report 2013    55

>        Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

A reconciliation of share capital is set out below:

At 1 January 2012

At 31 December 2012 and 1 January 2013

Shares issued during the year

At 31 December 2013

20. Reserves

The foreign exchange reserve represents  
cumulative foreign exchange differences arising 
from the translation of the financial statements  
of foreign subsidiaries and is not distributable  
by way of dividends.

The merger relief reserve arose on the acquisition 
of Epic Performance Improvement Limited by Epic 
Group Limited in 1996, and the Company’s reverse 
acquisition of Epic Group Limited.

The share-based payment reserve arises from the 
requirement to value share options in existence  
at the year end at fair value. Further details  
of share options are included at Note 29.

The capital redemption reserve represented the 
aggregate nominal value of all the ordinary shares 

21. Trade and other payables

Trade payables

Payments received on account

Tax and social security

Accruals and others

Number  
of shares

20,400,000

20,400,000

255,425,000

275,825,000

Allotted, called  
up and fully paid
£’000

77

77

957

1,034

repurchased and cancelled by Epic Group  
Limited and was eliminated on reverse acquisition.

The share premium account represents the  
amount received on the issue of ordinary shares  
by the Company in excess of their nominal value 
and is non-distributable.

The reverse acquisition reserve was created  
in accordance with IFRS3 ‘Business Combinations’. 
The reserve arises due to the elimination of the 
Company’s investment in Epic Group Limited. Since 
the shareholders of Epic Group Limited became 
the majority shareholders of the enlarged group, 
the acquisition is accounted for as though there 
is a continuation of the legal subsidiary’s financial 
statements. In reverse acquisition accounting, the 
business combination’s costs are deemed to have 
been incurred by the legal subsidiary.

31 December 2013
£’000

Proforma
31 December 2012
     £’000

281

1,217

429

279

2,206

183

689

436

247

1,555

56    

 plc annual report 2013

>        Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

22. Amounts owing to related parties

Amount owing to joint venture:

Current

Non-trade balances

31 December 2013 
£’000

Proforma
31 December 2012 
£’000

30

          30

The amounts owing to related parties are unsecured, interest-free and repayable on demand. The amounts 
owing are to be settled in cash.

23. Provisions

Property costs

At 1 January – brought forward

Paid in the year

Recognised in profit or loss  

At 31 December 

31 December 2013
£’000

Proforma
31 December 2012
£’000

86

(62)

6

30

94

(37)

29

86

The provision relates to the Group’s share of dilapidation costs in respect of costs to be incurred at the end  
of property leases.

24. Dividends paid prior to group reconstruction

Interim dividend paid prior to group reconstruction

300

400

Proforma 
31 December 2013
£’000

Proforma
31 December 2012
£’000

 plc annual report 2013    57

>        Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

25. Cash and cash equivalents

For the purpose of the statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents comprise the following:

Fixed deposits with licensed banks (Note 18)

Cash and bank balances

Proforma  
31 December 2013  
£’000

Proforma  
31 December 2012  
£’000

-

1,170

1,170

1,000

692

1,692

26. Related party disclosures

Balances and transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries are eliminated on consolidation  
and are not disclosed in this Note. Balances and transactions between the Group and other related parties  
are disclosed below.

Remuneration of Directors and key management personnel

The remuneration of the senior Executive Management Committee members, who are the key management 
personnel of the Group, is set out below in aggregate for each of the categories specified in IAS 24 ‘Related 
Party Disclosures’.

Short-term employee benefits

Share-based payments

Post-retirement benefits

Proforma
31 December 2013
£’000

Proforma
31 December 2012
£’000

467

470

2

939

504

72

2

578

Share-based payments include an amount of £355,000 (year ended 31 December 2012: £nil) which has been 
charged as a cost of the reverse acquisition described in Note 11. Further details relating to the remuneration  
of each member of key management can be found at page 13 of the Directors’ Report. 

Other transactions

During the normal course of business, the Group purchased translation and accommodation services from  
RWS Group Limited totalling £169,000 in the year ended 31 December 2013 (2012: £84,000). Andrew Brode  
is the Chairman of RWS Group Limited. The amount due to RWS Group Limited at 31 December 2013 was 
£82,000 (31 December 2012: £12,238).

                   
58    

 plc annual report 2013

>        Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

In November 2011, Epic acquired a 50% interest in 
Epic Brasil Tecnologia Educacional Ltda for a total 
consideration of 150,000 Brazilian Real (BRL) payable 
in two instalments of 50,000 BRL (approximately 
£19,000) and 100,000 BRL (approximately £30,000) 
respectively. The first tranche was payable to the 
joint venture within three months of acquisition and 
the second tranche was due within two years of 
acquisition. This latter amount is included in amounts 
owing to related parties as at 31 December 2012 
and 31 December 2013 (Note 22).

27.Financial instruments

The Group’s activities are exposed to a variety  
of market risk (including foreign currency risk, interest 
rate risk and equity price risk), credit risk and liquidity 
risk. The Group’s overall financial risk management 
policy focuses on the unpredictability of financial 
markets and seeks to minimise potential adverse 
effects on its financial performance. 

(a) Financial risk management policies

 The Group’s policies in respect of the major  
areas of treasury activity are as follows:

(i) Market risk 

(i) Foreign currency risk

 The Group is exposed to foreign currency 
risk on transactions and balances that are 
denominated in currencies other than  
Pounds Sterling. The currencies giving rise  
to this risk are primarily the United States  
Dollar and the Brazilian Real. Foreign currency 
risk is monitored closely on an ongoing  
basis to ensure that the net exposure  
is at an acceptable level. 

 The Group maintains a natural hedge 
whenever possible, by matching the cash 
inflows (revenue stream) and cash outflows 
used for purposes such as capital and 
operational expenditure in the respective 
currencies.

The carrying amounts of the Group’s foreign currency 
denominated monetary assets and liabilities at the 
end of year were as follows:

United States
Dollar
£’000

Brazilian
Real
£’000

31 December 2013

Financial assets

Financial liabilities

31 December 2012 Proforma:

Financial assets

Financial liabilities

122

11

34

5

-

30

-

30

Total
£’000

122

41

34

35

 
 
 
 
 
 plc annual report 2013    59

>        Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

Foreign currency risk sensitivity analysis

The following table details the sensitivity analysis to possible changes in the relative values of foreign currencies  
to which the Group is exposed as at the end of each year, with all other variables held constant:

United States Dollar

 - strengthened by 10%

 - weakened by 10%

Brazilian Real:

 - strengthened by 10%

 - weakened by 10%

(ii) Interest rate risk

 Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value 
or future cash flows of a financial instrument 
will fluctuate because of changes in market 
interest rates. The Group’s exposure to interest 
rate risk arises mainly from interest-bearing 
financial assets. The Group’s policy is to 
obtain the most favourable interest rates 
available. Any surplus funds will be placed 
with licensed financial institutions to generate 
interest income.

Interest rate risk sensitivity analysis 

 A 100 basis points strengthening/weakening 
of the interest rate as at the end of each year 
would have immaterial impact on profit after 
taxation and/or equity. This assumes that all 
other variables remain constant.

(ii) Credit risk

 The Group’s exposure to credit risk, or the risk 
of counterparties defaulting, arises mainly 

Proforma
31 December 2013
increase/(decrease) 
£’000

Proforma
31 December 2012 
increase/(decrease) 
£’000

(10)

10

7

(7)

(8)

8

(2)

2

from trade and other receivables. The Group 
manages its exposure to credit risk by the 
application of credit approvals, credit limits  
and monitoring procedures on an ongoing  
basis. For other financial assets (including  
cash and bank balances), the Group  
minimises credit risk by dealing exclusively  
with high credit rating counterparties.

 The Group establishes an allowance for 
impairment that represents its estimate  
of incurred losses in respect of the trade  
and other receivables as appropriate.  
The main components of this allowance  
are a specific loss component that relates  
to individually significant exposures, and  
a collective loss component established  
for groups of similar assets in respect of losses 
that have been incurred but not yet identified. 
Impairment is estimated by management  
based on prior experience and the current 
economic environment.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
60    

 plc annual report 2013

>        Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

  Credit risk concentration profile

Exposure to credit risk

 Apart from one customer at 31 December  
2013, which constituted approximately 20%  
of the Group’s trade receivables at that date, 
the Group did not have significant credit risk 
exposure to any single counterparty or any group 
of counterparties having similar characteristics. 
The Group defines major credit risk as exposure  
to a concentration exceeding 10% of a total 
class of such asset.

 As the Group does not hold any collateral,  
the maximum exposure to credit risk  
is represented by the carrying amount  
of the financial assets as at the end of each 
reporting period.

 The exposure of credit risk for trade receivables  
by geographical region is as follows:

United Kingdom

United States

Europe

Allowance for impairment losses

31 December 2013
£’000

Proforma
31 December 2012
£’000

1,136

55

56

(10)

1,237

793

9

17

(10)

809

Ageing analysis

 The ageing analysis of the Group’s trade receivables is as follows:

Not past due

Past due:

- less than 3 months

- 3 to 6 months

Gross amount

31 December 2013
£’000

Proforma
31 December 2012
£’000

797

427

23

1,247

538

281

-

819

 
 
 
 
 
 
 plc annual report 2013    61

>        Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

(b) Capital risk management

 The Group defines capital as the total  
equity of the Group. The Group’s objectives  
when managing capital are to safeguard  
its ability to continue as a going concern  
in order to provide returns for shareholders  
and benefits for other stakeholders and  
to maintain an optimal capital structure  
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, return capital to 
shareholders, issue new shares or sell  
assets to reduce debt. It also ensures that 
distributions to shareholders do not exceed 
working capital requirements.

 The Group has no external debt finance  
and is not subject to any external capital 
requirements.

 Trade receivables that are individually impaired 
were those in significant financial difficulties  
and have defaulted on payments. These 
receivables are not secured by any collateral  
or credit enhancement.

 Collective impairment allowances, are 
determined based on estimated irrecoverable 
amounts from the sale of goods, determined  
by reference to past default experience.

 Trade receivables that are past due  
but not impaired:

 The Group believes that no impairment 
allowance is necessary in respect of these  
trade receivables. They are substantially 
companies with good collection track record 
and no recent history of default.

(iii)  Liquidity risk

 Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will  
not be able to meet its financial obligations  
as they fall due. The Group’s exposure to liquidity 
risk arises primarily from mismatches of the 
maturities of financial assets and liabilities.

 The Group maintains a level of cash and 
cash equivalents and bank facilities deemed 
adequate by the management to ensure,  
as far as possible, that it will have sufficient 
liquidity to meet its liabilities when they fall due.

 The maturity profile of the financial liabilities  
of the Group is short term, all amounts falling  
due within 12 months.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
62    

 plc annual report 2013

>        Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

(c) Classification of financial instruments

31 December 2013
£’000

Proforma
31 December 2012
£’000

1,237

947

86

1

-

1,170

3,441

2,206

87

30

-

30

2,353

809

702

 31

-

1,000

692

3,234

1,555

74

30

22

86

1,767

Financial assets

Loans and receivables financial assets 

Trade receivables

Amounts recoverable on contracts

Other receivables, deposits and prepayments

Deferred tax assets

Fixed deposits with licensed banks

Cash and bank balances

Financial liabilities

At amortised cost

Trade and other payables

Corporation tax

Amount owing to related parties

Deferred tax liabilities

Provisions

(d) Fair values of financial instruments

 The financial assets and financial liabilities 
maturing within the next 12 months approximated 
their fair values due to the relatively short-term 
maturity of the financial instruments.

 The Group had no financial assets or liabilities 
carried at fair values at the end of each  
reporting date.

 
 
 plc annual report 2013    63

>        Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

28. Share-based payment transactions

The Group’s share-based payment arrangements are summarised below.

(a) EMI Share option plan

Year ended 
31 December 2013
Weighted average 
exercise price 
(pence)

Number  
of options

Year ended 
31 December 2012
Weighted average 
exercise price 
(pence)

Epic Share Option Scheme:

Balance at beginning of year

Granted 

Lapsed during the year

Number  
of options

2,312,341

272,020

(124,685)

Exercised

(1,117,555)

17.8227    

Options modified to new scheme  
(see Note below)

(1,342,121)

19.4257

17.8227

25.7315

17.8227

-

-

2,312,341

17.8227

-

-

-

-

-

-

Balance at end of year

-

-

2,312,341

17.8227

Year ended  
31 December 2013 
Weighted average 
exercise price 
(pence)

Number  
of options

Year ended  
31 December 2012 
Weighted average 
exercise price 
(pence)

Number  
of options

New share option scheme:

Balance at beginning of year

-

Options modified from Epic scheme

13,207,724

Options granted by Company

Balance at end of year

11,032,999

24,240,723

-

2.05

5.88

5.88

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

64    

 plc annual report 2013

>        Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

(b) Unapproved share option plan

Year ended  
31 December 2013 
Weighted average 
exercise price 
(pence)

Number  
of options

Year ended  
31 December 2012 
Weighted average 
exercise price 
(pence)

Number  
of options

Epic Share Option Scheme:

Balance at beginning of year

136,020

17.8227

-

-

Granted

-

-

136,020

17.8227

Options modified to new scheme  
(see Note below)

(136,020)

17.8227

-

-

Balance at end of year

-

-

136,020

17.8227

New share option scheme:

Balance at beginning of year

Options modified from Epic scheme 
(see Note below)

Granted by Company

Balance at end of year

Number  
of options

-

787,952

3,282,317

4,070,269

Year ended  
31 December 2013
Weighted average 
exercise price 
(pence)

Number  
of options

Year ended  
31 December 2012 
Weighted average 
exercise price 
(pence)

-

1.88

5.88

5.88

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

As part of its strategy for executive and key  
employee remuneration, the Company established 
on admission to AIM the new share option scheme 
under which share options may be granted  
to officers and employees or members of the  
Group. Under the rules of the new share option 
scheme, the Company may grant EMI Options  
and/or unapproved options. 

There is no limit on the number of shares, or the 
percentage of issued share capital, that can  
be used by the Company for share options. The rules 
of the new share option scheme do not comply  
with the ABI’s guidelines on policies and practices  
in respect of executive remuneration.

The Company previously had in place the In-Deed 
Online Share Option Scheme which was adopted  
on 9 June 2011. However, all options granted under 
that scheme have either been waived or lapsed.

Epic Group Limited previously had in place the  
Epic Share Option Scheme which was adopted  
on 22 May 2012 under which options to subscribe 
for 2,595,716 Epic Shares had been granted. Option 
holders in the Epic Share Option Scheme agreed 
either to exercise a proportion of their options under 
that scheme or to roll over their options. Epic Option 
holders holding options over a total of 1,117,555 Epic 
shares elected to exercise their options and the 
Epic shares issued pursuant to the exercise of those 

 plc annual report 2013    65

>        Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

options were sold to the Company pursuant to the 
terms of the Acquisition Agreement for a cash sum  
of £423,254 in aggregate.

The remaining options granted under the Epic  
Share Option Scheme over 1,478,161 Epic Shares 
were modified so that, to exercise, the holders  
of such options now have the right to subscribe 
instead for an aggregate of 13,995,676 shares  
in the Company. The number of such options and 
the exercise price of such options were determined 
by reference to the closing mid-market price  
of the Ordinary Shares on the day of Admission  
of 9.0 pence. The modification of these options  
as described had a neutral affect on the option 
holders immediately before and after the 
amendment of the options.

In addition, on Admission, 4,247,705 share options 
equating to 1.54 per cent of the Enlarged Share 
Capital of the Company were granted to Peter 
Mountford (Executive Deputy Chairman), 3,392,647 
Share Options equating to 1.23 per cent. of the 
Enlarged Share Capital were granted to Dale 
Solomon (Commercial Director, Epic Group Limited) 
and 3,392,647 Share Options equating to 1.23 per 
cent of the Enlarged Share Capital were granted 
to Richard Jones (Company Secretary) under the 
New Share Option Scheme, subject to certain 
performance criteria in the case of Peter Mountford 
and Dale Solomon. 

In addition, options over 3,282,317 Ordinary  
Shares equating to 1.19 per cent of the Enlarged 
Share Capital were granted to Richard Jones  
on Admission. Such options are subject to the  
New Share Option Scheme but are unapproved 
options for tax purposes.

Recognised within:

Reverse acquisition transaction costs

Other expenses

The 3,392,647 share options issued to Richard Jones 
were exercisable immediately on grant at a price 
of 5.88 pence per Ordinary Share. All other options 
granted under the New Share Option Scheme are 
exercisable at a price of 5.88p per Ordinary Share  
and are exercisable following the third anniversary  
of Admission which was on 7 November 2013.

An option-holder has no voting or dividend  
rights in the Company before the exercise 
of a Share Option.

The estimated fair value of each share option 
granted in the New Share Option Scheme  
was £0.1046.

This estimated fair value was calculated  
by applying a Black-Scholes option pricing model.  
In the absence of a liquid market for the share 
capital of the group the expected volatility of 
its share price is difficult to calculate. Therefore, 
the Directors have considered the expected 
volatility used by listed entities in similar operating 
environments to calculate the expected volatility.

The model inputs were:

    share prices at grant date of £0.14;
    exercise prices of £0.0588;
    expected volatility of 45%;
    contractual life of 10 years; and
    a risk-free interest rate of 1.78%.

The expense and equity reserve arising from  
share based payment transactions recognised  
in the year ended 31 December 2013 was £528,000 
(year ended 31 December 2012: £144,000), 
summarised as follows:

Proforma
31 December 2013
£’000

Proforma
31 December 2012
£’000

355

173

528

-

144

144

66    

 plc annual report 2013

>        Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

29. Commitments                        

The amounts of minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

Operating leases which expire:

Within one year

In the second to fifth years inclusive

Over five years

Aggregate amounts payable

At 31 December 2013  
Land and buildings
£000

At 31 December 2012  
Land and buildings
£000

145

363

-

508

508

133

508

-

641

641

Payments recognised as an expense under these operating leases were as follows:

Minimum lease payments

126

138

Year ended  
31 December 2013 
£000

Year ended 31  
December 2012 
£000

 plc annual report 2013    67

>        Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2013 continued

30. Subsequent events

(a)  Acquisition of LINE Communications  

Holdings Limited

On 7 April 2014, the Company completed  
the acquisition of 100% of the issued share 
capital of LINE Communications Holdings  
Limited (LINE),  a company incorporated 
in England and Wales, and its subsidiary 
undertakings. LINE devises, designs and  
delivers fully blended learning solutions that 
incorporate elements such as e-learning, 
collaborative learning, just-in-time performance 
support, classroom or e-tutoring. LINE has 
clients from both the public and private sectors. 
Consideration for the acquisition was as follows:

    £5,130,000 payable in cash at completion;

    £3,870,000 by way of an issue and allotment 

of ordinary shares in the Company on 
completion; and

    additional cash consideration equal  

to any excess working capital (including  
cash) in the LINE Group as determined  
by completion accounts.  

The acquisition of LINE is the first step in the 
Company’s stated aim to consolidate the 
e-learning sector, will add considerable critical 
mass to the Company’s activities, enable the 
combined entities to leverage their activities and 
commercial contacts across a broad range of 
sectors and achieve revenue and cost synergies. 

An estimate of the financial effect of the 
acquisition has not been included as the  
initial accounting for the business combination 
was incomplete at the time the financial 
statements were authorised for issue. 

The Company has raised £8m through  
a placing of 50,000,000 new ordinary shares  
with institutional and other investors at a price 
of 16p each. Following this placement, the 
Company’s issued share capital is increased  
to 325,825,000 ordinary shares of 0.375p.

(b) Grant of share options

On 17 February 2014, the Company granted 
the following share options over the Company’s 
Ordinary Shares of £0.00375 each to certain 
Executive Directors. These new share options 
supersede the proposals for Management 
Incentive Shares which were set out in the 
Company’s AIM Admission Document. 

Dale Solomon, Commercial Director of Epic 
Group Limited, was granted 16,002,451 new 
share options at an exercise price of 5.88p 
per share. Peter Mountford, Executive Deputy 
Chairman of the Company was granted 
6,785,295 new share options at an exercise  
price of 5.88p per share.

The new share options are subject to the 
achievement of demanding performance 
criteria based upon significant share price 
increases.

68    

 plc annual report 2013

 plc annual report 2013    69

>         Company statement of financial position as at 31 December 2013 

Registered number: 07176993

Note

31 December 2013
£’000

31 March 2013
£’000

Assets

Fixed assets

Tangible assets

Intangible assets

Investment in subsidiaries

Current assets

Debtors

Cash and bank balances

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Trade and other creditors

Amount owing to subsidiary undertaking

Net current (liabilities)/assets

Net assets

Capital and reserves

Share capital

Share premium account

Share based payments reserve

(Accumulated losses)/retained profits 

Shareholders’ funds

5

4

3

6

9

10

7

-

-

3,901

3,901

6

59

65

94

1,573

1,667

 (1,602)             

2,299                     

1,034

1,159

547

(441)

2,299

7

-

-

7

37

1,362

1,399

76

-

76

1,323

1,330

77

1,218

-

35

1,330

The Notes on pages 71 to 80 form an integral part of these financial statements. 

The financial statements on pages 69 to 80 were authorised for issue by the board of directors on 7 April 2014 and were signed on its behalf

by Jonathan Satchell, Chief Executive Officer.

70    

 plc annual report 2013

>         Company reconciliation of shareholders’ funds 

For the period ended 31 December 2013

Balance at 1 April 2012

Loss for the year 

Impairment of reserve

Balance at 31 March 2013

Loss for the period

Issue of shares

Costs of issuing shares

Share based payment charge  
credited to equity

Transfer on exercise and lapse  
of warrants

Share 
capital 
£’000

Note

77

-

-

77

-

957

-

-

-

7

11

Share 
premium 
£’000

1,218

-

-

1,218

-

23

(82)

-

-

Balance at 31 December 2013

1,034

1,159

Share 
based 
payments 
reserve 
£’000

Retained 
profits 
£’000

Total 
shareholders’ 
funds  
£’000

94

-

(94)

-

-

-

-

672

(125)

547

2,054

(2,113)

94

35

(601)

-

-

-

125

(441)

3,443

(2,113)

-

1,330

(601)

980

(82)

672

-

2,299

Statement of total recognised  
gains and losses

A statement of total recognised gains and  
losses is not included in these financial  
statements as there are no recognised gains  
or losses in either the current financial year  
or previous financial period other than the  
results reported above.

There is no difference between the profit  
as disclosed in the profit and loss account  
and the profit on a historical cost basis.

The Notes on pages 71 to 80 form an integral  
part of these financial statements.

 plc annual report 2013    71

>        Notes to the Company financial statements  

for the period ended 31 December 2013

1.  Summary of significant  
accounting policies 

(a) Basis of preparation

The Company’s financial statements have  
been prepared in accordance with  
applicable law and accounting standards  
in the United Kingdom and under the historical 
cost accounting rules (Generally Accepted 
Accounting Practice in the United Kingdom). 

The Company’s financial statements were 
previously prepared in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards  
as adopted by the European Union (IFRSs  
as adopted by the EU), IFRIC interpretations  
and the Companies Act 2006 applicable  
to companies reporting under IFRS. Following the 
Company’s acquisition of Epic Group Limited, 
the directors have continued to apply IFRS in 
the preparation of the consolidated financial 
statements of the Group but adopted Generally 
Accepted Accounting Practice in the United 
Kingdom for the preparation of the Company’s 
financial statements. This change has had 
an impact on share premium whereby the 
reverse acquisition of Epic Group Limited has 
been accounted for at par value with no share 
premium. Under IFRS the acquisition is accounted 
for at the fair value of the consideration paid  
as described in Note 11 to the consolidated 
financial statements.

The directors have assessed the Company’s 
ability to continue in operational existence  
for the foreseeable future in accordance with  
the FRC Going Concern and Liquidity Risk 
guidance (October 2009). It is considered 
appropriate to continue to prepare the financial 
statements on a going concern basis.  

The Company has taken advantage  
of Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006  
and has not included a Profit and Loss account 
in these separate financial statements. The loss 

attributable to members of the Company for the 
period ended 31 December 2013 is £601,000 
(year ended 31 March 2013: loss of £2,113,000).

(b) Revenue recognition

Revenue is stated net of Value Added Tax  
and net of any applicable discounts  
or rebates. Revenue is recognised for the 
rendering of services when all the following 
conditions are satisfies:

    the amount of revenue can  

be measured reliably;

    it is probable that the economic benefits 
associated with the transaction will flow  
to the Company.

(c) Interest revenue

Interest revenue is accrued on a time basis,  
by reference to the principal outstanding  
and the effective interest rate.

(d) Intangible fixed assets

Research expenditure is recognised  
as an expense when it is incurred.

An internally generated intangible asset arising 
from development (or from the development 
phase of an internal project) is recognised  
if, and only if, the Company can demonstrate  
all of the following:

(i)  its ability to measure reliably the expenditure 
attributable to the asset under development;

(ii)  the product or process is technically  

and commercially feasible;

(iii)  its future economic benefits are probable;

(iv)  its ability to use or sell the developed  

asset; and

(v)  the availability of adequate technical, 

financial and other resources to complete 
the asset under development.

72    

 plc annual report 2013

>        Notes to the Company financial statements 

for the period ended 31 December 2013 continued

The amount initially recognised for internally 
generated intangible assets is the sum of the 
expenditure incurred from the date when the 
asset first meets the recognition criteria listed 
above. When no internally generated asset can 
be recognised, development expenditure  
is recognised in profit or loss in the year in which  
it is incurred.

Subsequent to initial recognition, internally 
generated intangible assets are measured 
at cost less accumulated amortisation and 
impairment losses, if any. Expenditure initially 
recognised as an expense is not recognised  
as assets in the subsequent period.

Capitalised expenditure is amortised  
on a straight-line when the products or services 
are ready for sale or use. In the event that  
it is no longer probable that the expected  
future economic benefits will be recovered,  
the capitalised development expenditure  
is written down to its recoverable amount.

The amortisation rates applicable are:

Website development costs – 25% straight line

The amortisation charge is included within 
administrative expenses within the statement  
of comprehensive income.

(e) Fixed asset investments

Fixed asset investments in group undertakings 
are carried at cost less any provision for         
impairment. 

(f) Tangible fixed assets 

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less 
accumulated depreciation and impairment 
losses, if any. The cost of an item of property, 
plant and equipment initially recognised includes 
its purchase price and any cost that is directly 
attributable to bringing the asset to the location 

and condition necessary for it to be capable  
of operating in the manner intended by 
management. 

Depreciation is calculated under the straight-
line method to write off the depreciable amount 
of the assets over their estimated useful lives. 
Depreciation of an asset does not cease when 
the asset becomes idle or is retired from active 
use unless the asset is fully depreciated. The 
principal annual rates used for this purpose are:

Computer equipment 

Fixtures and fittings   

25%

25%

The depreciation method, useful lives and 
residual values are reviewed, and adjusted  
if appropriate, at the end of each reporting 
period to ensure that the amounts, method  
and periods of depreciation are consistent  
with previous estimates and the expected  
pattern of consumption of the future economic 
benefits embodied in the items of the property, 
plant and equipment.

(g) Foreign currencies

Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded 
using the rate of exchange ruling at the date  
of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities 
denominated in foreign currencies are translated 
using the contracted rate or the rate of exchange 
ruling at the balance sheet date and the gains or 
losses on translation are included in the profit and 
loss account.

(h) Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in 
hand, bank balances, deposits with financial 
institutions and short-term, highly liquid 
investments that are readily convertible to known 
amounts of cash and which are subject to an 
insignificant risk of changes in value.

 plc annual report 2013    73

>        Notes to the Company financial statements  

for the period ended 31 December 2013 continued

(i) Income taxes

The charge for taxation is based on the profit/
loss for the year and takes into account taxation 
deferred because of timing differences between 
the treatment of certain items for taxation and 
accounting purposes.

Deferred tax is recognised, with discounting,  
in respect of all timing differences between  
the treatment of certain items for taxation  
and accounting purposes which have arisen  
but not reversed by the balance sheet date, 
except as otherwise required by FRS 19.

(j) Pensions

Defined contribution plans

A defined contribution plan is a pension  
plan under which the Company pays  
fixed contributions into a separate entity.  
The Company has no legal or constructive 
obligations to pay further amounts if the  
fund does not hold sufficient assets to pay  
all employees the benefits relating to employee 
service in the current and prior periods.  
The Company’s contributions to defined 
contribution plans are recognised in profit  
or loss in the period to which they relate. 

    has an interest in the Company that gives  

it significant influence over the Company; or

    has joint control over the Company;

(ii) the party is an associate of the Company;

(iii)  the party is a joint venture in which the 

Company is a venturer;

(iv)  the party is a member of the key 

management personnel of the Company  
or its parent;

(v)  the party is a close member of the family  
of any individual referred to in (i) or (iv);

(vi)  the party is an entity that is controlled, jointly 
controlled or significantly influenced by,  
or for which significant voting power in such 
entity resides with, directly or indirectly, any 
individual referred to in (iv) or (v); or

(vii)  the party is a post-employment benefit  
plan for the benefit of employees of the 
entity, or of any entity that is a related party 
of the entity.

Close members of the family of an individual  
are those family members who may be 
expected to influence, or be influenced by, that 
individual in their dealings with the Company.

(k) Leases

(m) Share-based payment arrangements   

Operating lease rentals are charged to the profit 
and loss account on a straight-line basis over the 
period of the lease. 

(l) Related parties

A party is related to the Company if:

(i)  directly, or indirectly through one or more 

intermediaries, the party: 

    controls, is controlled by, or is under common 

control with, the Company (this includes 
parents, subsidiaries and fellow subsidiaries);

Equity-settled share-based payments  
to employees and others providing similar 
services are measured at the fair value  
of the equity instruments at the grant date. 
Details regarding the determination of the  
fair value of equity-settled share-based 
transactions are set out in Note 28 to the 
consolidated financial statements.

The fair value determined at the grant date 
of the equity-settled share-based payments 
is expensed on a straight-line basis over the 
vesting period, based on the entity’s estimate 

  
 
74    

 plc annual report 2013

>        Notes to the Company financial statements  

for the period ended 31 December 2013 continued

of equity instruments that will eventually vest, 
with a corresponding increase in equity. At the 
end of each reporting period, the entity revises 
its estimate of the number of equity instruments 
expected to vest. The impact of the revision  
of the original estimates, if any, is recognised  
in profit or loss such that the cumulative  
expense reflects the revised estimate, with  
a corresponding adjustment to other reserves. 

2. Segment reporting

The principal activity of the Company is that  
of a holding company for the Group, as well  
as performing all administrative, corporate finance, 
strategic and governance functions of the Group. 
The Directors consider this to consummate one 
reportable segment.

3. Investment in subsidiaries

On 14 May 2012, the Company acquired  
100% of the issued share capital of Xanther Limited 
in exchange for an initial consideration of £225,000. 
Xanther Limited owned 100% of the issued share 
capital of Runnett & Co Limited, a company 

Cost

Brought forward

Additions

Disposals

Carried forward

Amortisation/impairment:

Brought forward

Provision for impairment

Disposals

Carried forward 

Net Book Value

engaged in the provision of conveyancing  
services. Both companies were incorporated  
in England and Wales.

The investment was made to enable the  
Company to carry out conveyancing in-house  
as well as expanding its distribution to the  
estate agency network.

A contingent consideration of £1,300,000  
required the Company to pay 5 times post  
tax profit to the vendors of Xanther Limited.  
The total value of payments was capped  
at £4,000,000.

Both subsidiaries were disposed of during the  
period for a consideration of £1 and effectively 
the transfer of intellectual property rights over the 
intangible assets. The contingent consideration  
was not payable and full provision for impairment 
was made at 31 March 2013.

Details of the Company’s subsidiaries  
as at 31 December 2013 are set out in Note  
12 to the consolidated financial statements.

31 December 2013
£’000

31 March 2013
£’000

1,525

3,901

(1,525)

3,901

1,525

-

(1,525)

-

3,901

-

1,525

-

1,525

-

1,525

-

1,525

-

 plc annual report 2013    75

31  December 2013
£’000

372

(372)

-

372

-

-

(372)

-

-

>        Notes to the Company financial statements  

for the period ended 31 December 2013 continued

4. Intangible assets

Cost

Brought forward

Disposals

Carried forward

Amortisation/impairment:

Brought forward

Charge for the period/year

Provision for impairment

Disposals

Carried forward 

Net Book Value

Intangible assets relate to costs incurred in the 
development and implementation of the Company’s 
web portal. Amortisation was charged on a straight-
line basis over the estimated useful life of 4 years.

As described Note 3, all rights over the intangible 
assets were disposed of during the period.

76    

 plc annual report 2013

>        Notes to the Company financial statements  

for the period ended 31 December 2013 continued

5. Tangible fixed assets

Cost

At 1 April 2012

Additions

At 31 March 2013 

Disposals

At 31 December 2013

Accumulated depreciation

At 1 April 2012 

Charge for year 

At 31 March 2013

Charge for the period 

 Disposals

At 31 December 2013

Net book value

At 31 March 2013

At 31 December 2013

6. Trade and other debtors

Trade debtors

Other debtors

Prepayments and accrued income

Amounts owed by related parties

Fixtures and 
fittings  
£’000

Equipment  
£’000

Total  
£’000

3

-

3

(3)

-

1

1

2

-

(2)

-

1

-

5

4

9

(9)

-

2

1

3

-

(3)

-

6

-

8

4

12

(12)

-

3

2

5

(5)

-

7

-

31 December 2013
£’000

31 March 2013
     £’000

-

6

-

-

6

4

18

13

2

37

The amounts owing by related parties are unsecured, interest-free and repayable on demand. 

 plc annual report 2013    77

>        Notes to the Company financial statements  

for the period ended 31 December 2013 continued

7. Share capital

Details of The Company’s authorised, called-up  
and fully paid share capital are set out in Note  
19 to the consolidated financial statements.

The Ordinary shares of the Company carry  
one vote per share and an equal right  
to any dividends declared.

8. Reserves

The share-based payment reserve arises from  
the requirement to value share options in existence 
at the year end at fair value. 

The share premium account represents the  
amount received on the issue of ordinary shares  
by the Company in excess of their nominal value 
and is non-distributable. In relation to the Company’s 
reverse acquisition of Epic Group Limited, as the 
Company secured more than a 90% equity holding 
in Epic Group Limited on terms that the consideration 
for the shares allotted was provided by the transfer 
to the Company of equity shares in the Epic Group 
Limited, section 610 of the Companies Act 2006 
does not apply to the premium on those shares. 
Accordingly, the share issue has been accounted  
for at par value with no share premium.

9. Trade and other creditors

31 December 2013
£’000

31 March 2013
     £’000

Trade creditors

Other creditors and accruals

Other taxes and social security

8

86

-

94

13

37

26

76

78    

 plc annual report 2013

>        Notes to the Company financial statements 

for the period ended 31 December 2013 continued

10. Related party transactions

The only key management personnel of the 
Company are the Directors. Details of their 
remuneration are contained in the Note 26  
to the consolidated financial statements.

The following transactions with subsidiaries  
occurred in the period:

Opening amount due from related parties

Amounts advanced by/(repaid) from related parties

Closing amount due (to)/from related parties

2

(1,575)

(1,573)

-

2

2

31 December 2013
£’000

31 March 2013
     £’000

The amounts owing to/from related parties are unsecured, interest-free and repayable on demand. 

11. Share based payments

The Company previously had in place the In-Deed 
Online Share Option Scheme which was adopted  
on 9 June 2011. However, all options granted under 
the scheme have either been waived or lapsed,  
as set out below. The Company established,  
on Admission to AIM, the New Share Option  
Scheme, details of which are disclosed in Note 28  
to the consolidated financial statements. 

The In-Deed Online Share Option Scheme,  
which has now lapsed, is summarised below:

Number of 
options

Expiry date

Weighted 
average exercise 
price £

Fair value at 
grant date £

(a) Granted 6 October 2010

1,500,000

6 Oct 2020

(b) Granted 21 January 2011

200,000

21 Jan 2021

(c)  Granted 15 June 2011

2,538,000

15 June 2018

Lapsed during the year

Balance at end of year

(4,238,000)

-

0.125

0.125

0.420

0.302

0.036

0.036

0.036

0.0036

 plc annual report 2013    79

>        Notes to the Company financial statements  

for the period ended 31 December 2013 continued

The estimated fair value in respect of the In-Deed 
Online Share Option Scheme was calculated by 
applying a Black-Scholes option pricing model.  
The Directors considered the expected volatility  
used by listed entities in similar operating 
environments to calculate the expected volatility.

The model inputs were:

    share prices at grant date of £0.125  

(a) and (b)) and £0.420 in respect of (c);

    exercise prices of £0.125 ((a) and (b))  

and £0.420 in respect of (c);

    expected volatility of 20 % ((a) and (b))  

and 30% in respect of (c);

    contractual life of 10 years ((a) and (b))  

and 7 years in respect of (c); 
    a risk-free interest rate of 1.0%
    dividend yield of 0%.

The expense and equity reserve arising from the  
In-Deed Online Share Option Scheme recognised  
in the period ended 31 December 2013 was £nil 
(year ended 31 March 2013: £nil).

80    

 plc annual report 2013

>        Notes to the Company financial statements  

for the period ended 31 December 2013 continued

12. Commitments

The amounts of minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

Operating leases which expire:

Within one year

In the second to fifth years inclusive

Over five years

Aggregate amounts payable

At 31 December 2013  
Land and buildings
£000

At 31 March 2013  
Land and buildings
£000

-

-

-

-

-

6

-

-

6

6

Payments recognised as an expense under these operating leases were as follows:

Minimum lease payments

6

18

Year ended  
31 December 2013  
£000

Year ended  
31 December 2012  
£000

13. Subsequent events

Disclosures in relation to events subsequent to 31 December 2013 are shown in Note 30 to the consolidated 
financial statements.

 plc annual report 2013    81

82    

 plc annual report 2013

>        Company information

Directors

Andrew Brode

Non-Executive Chairman

Peter Mountford

Executive Deputy Chairman

Jonathan Satchell

Chief Executive Officer

Harry Hill 

Non-Executive

Company secretary

Richard Jones

Company number

07176993

Registered address

52 Old Steine 
Brighton 
East Sussex 
BN1 1NH

Independent auditors

Crowe Clark Whitehill LLP

Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors 
St Bride’s House 
10 Salisbury Square 
London 
EC4Y 8EH

Communications consultancy

Instinctif Partners Ltd

The Registry 
Royal Mint Court 
London  
EC3N 4Q

Nominated adviser and broker

Numis Securities Limited

10 Paternoster Square 
London  
EC4M 7LT

Legal advisers

Edwin Coe LLP

2 Stone Buildings 
Lincoln’s Inn 
London WC2A 3TH

DWF LLP

Bridgewater Place 
Water Lane 
Leeds LS11 5DY

Registrars

Computershare Investor Services plc

The Pavilions 
Bridgewater Road 
Bristol  
BS13 8AE

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USA

SWITZERLAND

Rio de Janeiro

New York

Zürich

UK

Brighton

London

Sheffield

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technologies
group

ltgplc.com