Northamber Plc
Annual Report 2018

Plain-text annual report

northamber REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30th JUNE 2018 CONTENTS Summary Information ........................................................................................................................................4 Chairman’s Statement .................................................................................................................................... 5-6 Strategic Report .............................................................................................................................................. 7-11 Report of the Directors ...............................................................................................................................12-14 Report to Shareholders by the Board on Directors’ Remuneration ...........................................15-16 Corporate Governance ...............................................................................................................................17-22 Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities ................................................................................................... 23 Directors and Advisers..................................................................................................................................... 24 Report of the Independent Auditor ......................................................................................................25-29 Statement of Comprehensive Income ....................................................................................................... 30 Statements of Changes in Equity ........................................................................................................... 31-32 Statements of Financial Position ............................................................................................................33-34 Statements of Cash Flows ........................................................................................................................35-36 Notes to the Financial Statements ........................................................................................................ 37-53 Notice of Meeting ........................................................................................................................................54-55 3 REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 | NORTHAMBERSUMMARY INFORMATION CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT Northamber plc and its subsidiaries are primarily distributors of computers, peripheral equipment and related services to resellers who then sell on to the general public and corporations – the end users. Results The company’s shares were admitted to trading on AIM a market operated and regulated by the London Stock Exchange under stock symbol “NAR.” Summary of last five years’ trading Revenue (Loss)/Profit before tax (Loss)/earnings per share Net Assets per share Dividends per share (net) Years ending 30 June 2018 £’000 58,136 (489) (1.74)p 62.2p 0.2p 2017 £’000 57,288 (999) (3.55)p 64.1p 0.2p 2016 £’000 61,844 (1,233) (4.38)p 67.9p 0.4p 2015 £’000 65,452 (886) (3.15)p 72.7p 0.6p 2014 £’000 62,865 (1,155) (4.10)p 76.4p 0.6p After an overly prolonged disappointing period of change, it is some comfort to report that the loss before tax for the year has been reduced by 51% to £489,000 by comparison with last year’s loss of £999,000. The changes of focus and direction I have reported over recent years have resulted in improved margins, albeit blunted by the high costs of staff recruitment into those areas of skills needed to develop the better quality opportunities, but we expect to see the benefit of this investment in future years. At the half year, I reported on the increase in turnover for that period compared with the previous and comparable period, however, our strategy only allowed some of the improvements in achieved gross turnover to be continued into the second half. We have continued our long standing policy of exiting empty revenue offered by lower margin, long standing, commoditised product groups. Margin erosion in this area is illustrated by a global and leading U.S owned competitor, which has just reported that their own global quarterly net margins have declined by 0.67% and with Europe being their most competitive region. Those areas where we did achieve increases in turnover in the second half by comparison with the first half, were within the newer higher yielding product groups, and these will continue to be our principal focus. As a consequence, turnover for the year at £58.1 million was only 1.5% higher than the £57.3 million reported a year ago. More importantly, the Gross Profit margin increased from 7.7% for the year 2016/7 to 7.8% for the year 2017/8. There were further savings in the overheads, both in Distribution and in Administration in the second half compared with the first half, so that for the year the total overheads were reduced by £317,000 (5.8%). For the year the resulting loss from operations was reduced from £1.05 million to £0.58 million. Investment income increased from £52,000 to £90,000 so that the pre tax loss for the year was £510,000 less at £489,000 compared with £999,000 last year. Financial Position Despite the margin pressures resulting from long standing vendors transferring costs to their distribution business partners, we have always been proud of the strength of our financial position as reflected in the Balance Sheet. Despite the all too frequent vagaries and vicissitudes of the U.K.’s general economic conditions, and those particularly affecting our section of the industry, we have through constant vigilance and careful monitoring managed to retain our debt free cash resources at around the £5 million level similar to the end of the previous year. In doing so we have reduced the working capital used within the business by around £400,000 compared with last year. This was achieved mainly by reducing each of the levels of inventory and debtors and retaining a healthy Net Current Assets ratio of 2.4 compared with 2.2 for the previous year. At end June 2018 the Net Assets per share were 62.2p (2017: 64.1p), based on the Balance Sheet values including our two unencumbered freehold properties. We therefore maintained a combined healthy tangible asset position and liquidity position which gives us confidence for the future. Dividend Based on the continuing strength of the group’s debt free tangible asset base, the board is proposing to pay an unchanged final dividend of 0.1p per share, at a total cost of £28,159 which will be paid on 18 January 2019. 4 5 NORTHAMBER | REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 | NORTHAMBER Staff STRATEGIC REPORT Due to the changes in the profile of our offered product range, we have regrettably lost a few of our staff during the year. This is never a pleasant situation either for those affected or for those who remain, I am therefore very grateful for the efforts and dedication of all members of staff throughout the year. Outlook At the half way point in the year, and before the overly protracted Brexit confusion, with a single EU negotiator able to enjoy the mob confusion offered by our own side, I was able to be more optimistic about the near term than currently possible. In those areas where we have strength and which in the last couple of years have shown growth and margin improvement, we should continue to do well. However there are areas where it is extremely difficult to make any assessment on the future direction, without wishing to become political, the economic and social uncertainties which abound all around us do not in my opinion augur well for us. On that basis I am unable to make any realistic assessment of the next year or so. We shall, as we always have, work as hard as possible to maximise our opportunities and deliver the best results that we can for our shareholders. D.M.Phillips Chairman 19 September 2018 This report provides an overview of the company’s strategy, its business model and a review of how the company has performed for the year. It also sets out the principal risks involved in its business and the financial position of the company at the year end. There are also some comments and observations on the future prospects for the company. 1. The Company’s Strategy As explained below in the notes on the business model, the company is not directly involved with the ultimate users of the products it sells. Acting as a hub through which manufacturers provide products to resellers for sale to the ultimate end user. This being the case requires us to develop strategies with both suppliers and resellers to satisfy the needs of those ultimate users of the products. Our strategy always has been to assess the requirements of the end users and then source quality products and services from reliable brand named manufacturers and make them available to resellers at the best prices in the most efficient time frame. With an ever changing product range it has also been part of our strategy to support fresh new products which will be attractive to end users. In addition to the supply of hardware and software products we also ensure that our customers are provided with the technical support either directly or through the suppliers which they may require to effectively use the high tech products we sell. Thus ensuring quality of supply and satisfaction to users. 2. The Business Model The Group has, since its inception, been involved in the distribution of electronics and computer related products. Initially this was predominantly printers but has been extended over the years to include not only computers themselves but also a wide range of peripheral and ancillary related products. The Group has a two pronged approach in driving the business, being both demand driven and supply driven. The demand drivers are the requirements of our customers where we strive to provide a wide range of products and get them to the customer in the quickest possible time and at acceptable prices. The supply drivers are the requirements of our suppliers – the vendors. Vendors in the main are one of two types, there is the major brand type of supplier who is looking for us to increase its turnover, to physically get them to the customer and bear the risk of the customer defaulting. The second type of supplier differs only in that they tend to be the smaller producers, who often develop new or innovative products and are looking for a method of reaching an established wide ranging customer base which is beyond their own resources. Our business model is to satisfy all those wants by providing a marketing and selling operation to optimise the penetration of the products to the customers and a distribution facility which includes warehousing and bulk breaking using sophisticated systems and procedures to achieve a first class delivery service. 3. Key Performance Indicators The group has an extensive management reporting system and uses a wide variety of information in its everyday management of the business, including both those of a financial and non-financial nature. This information is tailored to the various aspects of the business with individual managers being responsible for variances in movements within their particular sphere of operations to the executive management of the company. 6 7 NORTHAMBER | REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 | NORTHAMBERSTRATEGIC REPORT (continued) Some of the broader KPIs which are used and which have been reported elsewhere in our Annual Reports are the following:- Ratio Revenue Gross Profit Stock Turn Debtor Days Creditor Days Net Assets per share Working Capital Ratio *1 Format £m % Times Days Days Pence Times 2017-18 58.1 7.82 15.9 42 34 62.2 1.9 2016-17 57.3 7.67 12.7 48 41 64.1 1.8 *1 Working Capital Ratio is calculated by adding Inventory and Net Trade Receivables, divided by Trade Payables Debtor days have decreased due to change of mix in customers with varying credit terms. Net Assets per share have fallen due to dividend payments and the loss reported for the period. 4. Performance Review For some time the group has been following a strategy of change away from the basic hardware type products which are in the main physically larger type products with relatively low margin and subject to great price pressure, towards more application intensive type products where there is greater scope for adding value and gaining margin. Although this process of change was already initiated in previous periods it was intensified in the current year and particularly during the second half of the period. However such changes need very careful planning and implementation to minimise the inevitable consequences which usually includes not only significant costs upfront before the benefits of the changes are manifest but also some tail off of some parts of the existing business. There was a continuation of the move towards consolidation in some parts of the industry, particularly in relation to those parts of the industry towards the ultimate consumer end of the industry. This also impacted adversely on the company in the second half of the year, although steps are being taken to also benefit from this consolidation effect elsewhere. The underlying changes which have been and are continuing to be made to the structure of the business will, it is anticipated, make significant improvements in both turnover and margins in due course, although it will take a little time before they are seen to be fully effective and reflected in results. STRATEGIC REPORT (continued) 5. Financial Review and Position Turnover increased by £0.85 million compared with the previous year. The average debtor days decreased from 48 to 42 and the average creditor days decreased from 41 to 34. As a result of the above, our cash balance at the end of financial year was the £0.95 million more than last year at £5.07m whilst remaining debt free. Some 45.0% of the Net Assets comprise the depreciated holding value of freehold properties, 28.9% cash and the balance working capital. The Net Assets were 62.2p per share which represented more than the highest share price of 32.5p in the year. 6. Principal Risks and Uncertainties Financial Risks The group uses various financial instruments, including cash, equity, trade receivables and trade payables in the course of its operations. The use of these instruments gives rise to risks associated with exchange rate risk, liquidity risk, interest rate risk and credit risk. The directors review and agree policies to deal with each of these risks as summarised below. Exchange Rate Risk The group purchases some of its products in foreign currency. Foreign currency purchases are subject to close management supervision. The directors are informed regularly of the potential impact of exchange rate movements on the business and act to mitigate any adverse movement wherever possible. It is the group’s policy not to speculate in derivative financial instruments in either sterling or foreign currencies, nor to hedge translation or currency exposures. Liquidity Risk The group seeks to manage financial risk of liquidity by ensuring it has sufficient cash resources available to meet foreseeable needs at all times through cash flow forecasting. Interest Rate Risk The group’s exposure to interest rate risk is principally with its cash asset. It is the policy of the Group not to have long term loans or other financial instruments except in particular circumstances and when specifically approved by the board. There have been no changes in the role of financial instruments during the year. 8 9 NORTHAMBER | REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 | NORTHAMBERSTRATEGIC REPORT (continued) The Company recognises the importance of providing additional services to its customers in relation to next day deliveries, credit limits, handling queries efficiently and maintaining a strong relationship with the customer and in this way aims to resist the competitive pressures in the sector. 7. Future Prospects Your board’s long term approach to investment decisions is well documented and often referenced in these statements. This approach was continued in the last year as we invested in a significant number of new staff who joined us with the necessary skills to develop our new focus categories and help drive the business forward. This coupled with other investments in new vendors, customer acquisition and our renewed strategy leave us excited about the revenue and margin opportunities for the coming year as we continue on an accelerated path to recovery and profitability. We see significant potential in both our existing vendors and categories and the new categories we are developing and exploring. We will continue our customer-centric focus and ensuring that our offering and service levels allow our customers to profitably grow their business and consequently grow ours. By order of the Board J.P. Henry Operations Director 19 September 2018 STRATEGIC REPORT (continued) Credit Risk The group’s principal financial assets are cash and trade receivables. The credit risk associated with cash is reduced through deposits being split across a number of banks. The credit risk arising from the group and company’s trade receivables is reduced through prescribing credit limits for customers based on a combination of payment history and third party credit references. Credit limits are reviewed on a regular basis in conjunction with debt ageing and collection history. Given the current economic climate the company felt it prudent to take out Credit Insurance during the year. Other Principal Risks and Uncertainties Other than the risks stated above and the marketing risk, which is addressed below, in the opinion of the directors, the principal operating risks are as stated in the section on Internal Control on page 21. The risks and uncertainties associated with the business model are set out below. The model depends in part on working closely with the brand names in the industry as it is often the products from these vendors which form the core of the business, and in part on the development of new vendors particularly for the innovative products which are integral to the IT industry. Co-operation with vendors is therefore key and this risk of attrition is addressed by a combination of mutual co-operation with vendors on the range of products being offered, the pricing of those products and the marketing of those products. The company’s continual search for new and improved products, particularly in peripherals, from new vendors also improves the range of products we can offer and thereby attract more customers to ourselves which enhances our attraction to the vendors and reduces the risk of loss of vendors. The existence of the group’s facilities such as the warehouse, the sales staff, the control systems and not least the financial soundness of the company means that we can offer a distribution facility which is quick and efficient, an attraction to both vendors and customers. The principal risks involved in these requirements are that the warehouse could be destroyed or made inoperable – the cost of such eventuality is of course covered by insurance, including loss of profits cover, but the operation is such that alternative accommodation could quickly be brought into action, or alternatively – a warehousing function could be subcontracted at very short notice. Although such an event would have costs attached and would cause some disruption in the business, it would be far from catastrophic. All systems within the group, including the control systems, are backed up securely on a daily basis, thus limiting the risk to one day’s operations. The financial soundness of the company is a matter which is constantly in the minds of the senior staff and directors of the company. Systems are in place to ensure that any deviation from the norm is immediately brought to the attention of staff and directors. These systems have a proven history as shown in the strength of the Statement of Financial Position. Not only has the company sufficient working capital to enable it to meet its requirements, but it believes that it has an untapped resource in borrowing on its substantial assets should it require to do so. Market Risk The group is subject to both general market conditions and particularly to those affecting its own particular industry. The group is a distributor of other businesses’ products and is therefore dependent on the suppliers of such products to continue to provide products which are required by the customers of the company, at prices which are acceptable to those customers. This is managed within the group by being alert to all the movements in the market place relating to both products and suppliers and to negotiating with existing and prospective suppliers for the supply of goods on the best possible terms to enable the company to trade effectively. 10 Where products are bought in foreign currency, the group manages the risk inherent in such cur- rencies by continuously updating its rates of conversion in calculating its costs to ensure prices remain competitive and in order to minimise the currency conversion risk. 11 NORTHAMBER | REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 | NORTHAMBERREPORT OF THE DIRECTORS REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS (continued) The directors have pleasure in presenting their report and the accounts for the year ended 30 June 2018. Substantial Shareholdings The financial statements include the individual entity Northamber plc and its wholly owned subsidiary Anitass Limited. Anitass Limited owns the freehold of the premises at Weybridge which is the group’s distribution centre. The other subsidiaries of Northamber plc are dormant and not material to the financial statements for the year to 30 June 2018. Principal Activities The group’s and company’s principal activities are those of specialist supply of computer hardware, computer printers and peripheral products, computer telephony products and other electronic transmission equipment. Financial Risks The group uses various financial instruments including cash, equity and various items such as trade receivables and trade payables that arise directly from its operations. The existence of these instruments exposed the group to a number of financial risks, the main ones being exchange rate risk, liquidity risk, interest rate risk and credit risk. The directors review and agree policies for managing each of these risks and these are summarised in the Strategic Report. Corporate Governance The Corporate Governance Report on pages 17 to 22 forms part of the Directors’ Report and is incorporated into this report by reference. Dividends The following dividends were paid in the year ended 30 June 2018 Ordinary dividends Previous year’s final dividend paid Interim paid 2018 £’000 2017 £’000 28 28 56 28 28 56 The final proposed dividend of 0.1p (2017: 0.1p) will be paid on 18 January 2019 to all members on the register at the close of business on 7 December 2018. Directors The current directors of the company are listed on page 24. Share Capital At 30 June 2018, the company had 28,158,735 (2017: 28,158,735) Ordinary shares of 1p each issued. The shares have no special rights and there is no restriction on their voting rights. The company repurchased no ordinary shares of 1p each in the year. The company has been notified that the following shareholders held beneficial interest of 3 per cent or more of the company’s issued share capital at 30 June 2018. Mr D.M. Phillips BNY(OCS) Nominees Limited Mr H.W. Matthews Mr & Mrs J.Rockliff Mr M. Chadwick Purchase of Own Shares Ordinary Shares of 1p each 61.23% 11.24% 3.57% 3.55% 3.00% At the end of the year, the directors had authority, under the shareholders’ resolutions of 12 December 2017 to purchase through the market 2,815,874 (2017: 2,815,874) of the company’s ordinary shares at prices ranging between 1p and 105% (2017: 1p and 105%) of the average middle market quotations for those shares as derived from the Daily Official List of the London Stock Exchange on the ten dealing days immediately preceding the day on which the shares are contracted to be purchased. This authority expires on 14 December 2018, the date of the next Annual General Meeting. Auditors A resolution to appoint Grant Thornton UK LLP as the group’s auditors will be proposed at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. Social and Community Policy The group has a policy of being socially responsible. To this end it treats all its stakeholders and its neighbours in a fair and reasonable manner in that all its actions are designed to optimise the benefits and minimise any aggravation to its employees, suppliers and customers as well as those in the community generally. Operations are conducted in a business-like manner and any nuisance which could possibly arise from such operations are pre-considered and minimised. Such matters as bulk deliveries are scheduled to reduce to a minimum any local congestion and car parking is provided to staff to avoid any on street parking causing any offence. Environmental Policy The main environmental matters arising from the company’s operations on the environment, apart from the matters stated above relating to traffic, are packaging and waste. Due to the type of operation carried out by the company, i.e. the distribution of computer related products to other than end users, the need for packaging is crucial to the state and quality of the products eventually received by the end user (the consumer). Although excess packaging is discouraged, the company is largely in the hands of its suppliers regarding the packaging actually involved in selling products. Any surplus packaging which remains with the company is disposed of in an environmentally considered manner. The company attempts wherever possible to enforce, as one of its terms of trade with its suppliers, the undertaking to dispose of waste and returned products in accordance with the regulations. Any waste produced by the company is similarly disposed of. Amendment of Articles of Association Unless expressly specified to the contrary in the Articles, the Articles may be amended by a special resolution of the company’s shareholders. 12 Appointment and Replacement of Directors Unless otherwise determined by the company in general meeting, the directors shall not be fewer than two or more than ten. A director does not require any shareholding in the company as qualification shares and there is no restriction on the age of a director. 13 NORTHAMBER | REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 | NORTHAMBER REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS (continued) Appointment and Replacement of Directors (continued) A director may be appointed by the company by ordinary resolution, or by the board. A director appointed by the board holds office only up to the date of the next following annual general meeting and is then eligible for reappointment. The board or any committee authorised by the board may from time to time appoint one or more directors to hold any employment or executive office for such period and on such terms as they may determine and may also revoke or terminate such appointment. At every annual general meeting of the company, whoever has been appointed by the board since the last annual general meeting retires from office but is eligible for reappointment. One third of the directors retire by rotation at each annual general meeting but they are eligible for reappointment. Any non-executive director who has been a director of the company for nine years or more, retires each year but is eligible for reappointment. Power of the Directors Subject to the company’s Memorandum of Association, the Articles and any directions given by the company by special resolution, the business of the company will be managed by the board who may exercise all the powers of the company, whether relating to the management of the business or not. In particular the board may exercise all the powers of the company to borrow money, to mortgage or charge any of its undertaking, property or assets (present and future) and uncalled capital and to issue debentures and other securities and to give security for any debt, liability or obligation of the company or of a third party. Employees Every effort is made to keep staff as fully informed as possible about the operations and progress of the company. This is achieved through regular communication from the Operations Director to all staff and from the CEO to the Operational Management team meetings. The group encourages its staff to pursue career development and to that end has made available resources for training courses including video and computer training aids. REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS BY THE BOARD ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION Remuneration Committee The Remuneration Committee comprised the non-executive directors Mr R.F. Heath (to December 2017) and Mr G.P. Walters. This committee meets at least once a year and decides the remuneration policy that applies to executive directors. In setting the policy it considers a number of factors including: (a) the basic salaries and benefits available to executive directors of comparable companies; (b) the need to attract and retain directors of an appropriate calibre and experience; and (c) the need to ensure executive directors’ commitment to the continued success of the company by means of incentive schemes. The group’s remuneration policy for executive directors is to: (a) have regard to the directors’ experience and the nature and complexity of their work in order to pay a competitive salary that attracts and retains management of the highest quality; (b) link individual remuneration packages to the company’s performance through target-related bonuses which are not considered to be excessive in terms of salary; (c) provide employment-related benefits including the provision of a company car, life assurance, insurance relating to the directors’ duties and medical insurance. The final determination of an individual director’s remuneration is taken by the board as a whole but with no director participating in the discussions, nor voting on his own remuneration package. The non-executive directors each receive a fee for their services which is agreed by the Board following recommendation by the chairman. The non-executive directors do not receive any pension or other benefits from the company, nor do they participate in any of the bonus or incentive schemes. Applications received from disabled persons are given full and equal consideration but are small in number. The company fulfils its obligations towards employees who are disabled or who become so whilst in the employment of the company. When reviewing or amending remuneration arrangements the committee considers any impact on the cost to the company, employee behaviour, stakeholders (including shareholders, governance bodies and employees) best practice, corporate governance and market competitiveness. By order of the Board Salaries and Benefits S. Yoganathan ACMA Company Secretary 19 September 2018 The Remuneration Committee meets at least once a year in order to consider and set the remuneration packages for executive directors. The remuneration packages are benchmarked to ensure comparability with companies of a similar size and complexity. The bonuses have regard to personal performance measured against pre-stated objectives and profitability of the company. Share Options There are no share option schemes in force in the group or company. Contracts of Service The two executive directors, Mr D.M. Phillips and Mr J.P. Henry, have service contracts. Both contracts are one year rolling contracts and contain no specific provisions in relation to any termination payments over and above the notice periods as stated below. Mr D.M. Phillips - Notice period – six months Mr J.P. Henry - Notice period – six months 14 The non-executive directors do not have service contracts with the company. The terms of their appointment are reviewed by the board every two years. 15 NORTHAMBER | REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 | NORTHAMBER REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS BY THE BOARD ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION Directors’ Detailed Emoluments Details of directors’ emoluments are as follows: Executive Mr D.M. Phillips Mr J.P. Henry Non-Executive Mr G.P. Walters Mr R.F. Heath (Resigned on 12 December 2017) Salaries and Fees 2017 2018 £’000 £’000 Benefits 2017 2018 £’000 £’000 Pension 2017 2018 £’000 £’000 Total 2017 2018 £’000 £’000 - 72 20 10 - 79 20 20 12 5 - - 12 6 - - - 10 - - - 10 - - 12 87 20 10 12 95 20 20 102 119 17 18 10 10 129 147 For the year ended 30 June 2018, Mr D.M. Phillips has waived £180,000 of his salary (2017: £180,000 was waived). DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS Interests in Shares Directors in office at 30 June 2018 had the following beneficial interests in the shares of the company: Ordinary Shares of 1p each Mr D.M. Phillips Mr R.F. Heath Mr J.P. Henry Mr G.P. Walters 30 June 2018 17,243,055 5,000 - - 30 June 2017 17,243,055 5,000 - - Between 30 June 2018 and 18 September 2018 there have been no changes in the interests of the above named directors in the shares of the company. The market price of the company’s shares at 18 September 2018 was 29.0p. The range of market prices during the year was 26.5p to 32.5p CORPORATE GOVERNANCE The Corporate Governance Report forms part of the Directors’ Report included here on pages 12 to 14. The Group is committed to high ethical values and professionalism in all its activities. As an essential part of this commitment the Group recognises the importance of good governance. The Board is accountable to the company’s shareholders for good governance and this statement and the Directors’ remuneration report describe how the principles of good governance set out in the UK Corporate Governance Code, published by the Financial Reporting Council in 2016 are applied within the company. We do not comply with the UK Corporate Governance Code. However, we have reported on our Corporate Governance arrangements by drawing upon best practice available, including those aspects of the UK Corporate Governance Code we consider to be relevant to the company and best practice. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE POLICY The group’s policy on Corporate Governance is published on the group’s web site which is www.northamber.com. DIRECTORS Board of Directors The group is led and controlled through the Board of Directors, which during the year comprised two executive and two non-executive directors. Biographical details of each director in office during the year appear on page 24. All directors have access to the advice and services of the company secretary and the board has established a procedure whereby any director may seek independent professional advice in the furtherance of his duties at the company’s expense. All directors are able to allocate sufficient time to the company to discharge their responsibilities. As required by the company’s articles of association, directors offer themselves for re-election at least once every three years. Non-Executive Directors The board considers that the non-executive directors were independent throughout the year. The non- executive directors actively contribute to the functioning of the board and bring a range of views and experience from different fields. As part of their role, the non executive directors constructively challenge and develop proposals on strategy. The non executive directors scrutinise the performance of management in meeting agreed goals and objectives and monitor the reporting of performance. They satisfy themselves on the integrity of financial information and that financial controls and systems of risk management are robust and defensible. They determine appropriate levels of remuneration of executive directors and have a prime role in appointing and, where necessary, removing executive directors, and in succession planning. The senior independent non executive director, as included in the biographical details on page 24, is available to shareholders if they have concerns which contact through the normal channels of chairman or other executive directors has failed to resolve or for which such contact is inappropriate. S. Yoganathan ACMA By order of the Board 19 September 2018 16 17 NORTHAMBER | REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 | NORTHAMBER CORPORATE GOVERNANCE (continued) Main Board Responsibilities The board meets formally at regular intervals during the year. Meetings are chaired by the executive chairman. The board is responsible for the overall direction and strategy of the group to secure optimum performance. The board has specified those areas of operations in the group which are specifically in its domain and may not be delegated; these matters include:- • • • • • • • determination of the group’s objectives and strategy all financial information which is published, including the interim results and management statements and the annual report and all other corporate communications decisions and recommendations on dividends changes in the group’s business, its capital and corporate structure or its risk profile changes in the scope or operation of the group’s internal control structure all board changes or changes in the company secretary the remuneration policy of the senior executives All board members receive weekly summary financial information and monthly management accounts. All financial information which is to be published is also circulated for discussion and approval prior to publication. Information on other matters, as required, is also circulated by the company secretary. Any board member may request the company secretary to report on any specific matter and prepare information for discussion at the board meetings. The board of the company comprises only four members and whilst formal board meetings are held at regular intervals, many of the matters are also discussed informally throughout the year. The operations director normally chairs the operations committee of the company which holds weekly meetings. It is at these meetings that the decisions of the board are communicated to the senior management who also sit on the operations committee. It is also this forum which reports back, through the operations director to the board, on the implementation of the decisions of the board. The operations committee also raises matters which they consider should be communicated to the board on any aspect of the business which comes within the matters reserved for the board. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE (continued) Audit Committee The Audit Committee, currently chaired by Mr G.P. Walters, comprised the two non-executive directors R.F Heath (to December 2017), both of whom are considered by the board to be independent and to have sufficient recent and relevant financial experience to discharge the committee’s duties. The board considers that the members of the audit committee have the required understanding of:- • • the principles of, content of and developments in financial reporting, including the applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice, key aspects of the company’s operations, including corporate policies, financing and systems of internal control • matters that could influence or distort the presentation of accounts and key information • the role of external auditors. The primary function of the audit committee is to enable the board to monitor the integrity of the company’s financial reports and manage the board’s relationship with the external auditors. Its other functions include the review and monitoring of:- • • • • the financial reporting process the annual audit the effectiveness of the company’s internal controls and risk management the independence of the external auditors. The audit committee reports to the board its findings identifying any matters which it considers requires that action or improvement is required and makes recommendations on the steps to be taken. The committee’s terms of reference include all relevant matters required by the Disclosure and Transparency Rules and the relevant code provisions. The terms of reference of the audit committee have been reviewed and are available on request by writing to the company secretary at the registered address. Directors’ Attendance Overview of the Actions Taken by the Audit Committee to Discharge its Duties The following table shows the attendance of directors at the board meetings held in the last year. During the year the audit committee:- Number of Board Meetings Entitled to Attend Attended Mr David Michael Phillips Mr John Phelim Henry Mr Reginald Frank Heath Mr Geoffrey Paul Walters 4 4 2 4 4 4 1 4 • • • • • • • reviewed the June 2018 annual report and financial statements and the December half yearly and financial report. As part of the review the committee received a report from the external auditors on their audit of the annual report and financial statements reviewed the effectiveness of the company’s internal controls reviewed and agreed the scope of the audit work to be undertaken by the external auditors agreed the fees to be paid to the external auditors for their audit of the 2018 report and financial statements reviewed the whistle blowing procedures in place to enable staff to raise concerns in confidence about possible wrongdoing considered the requirement for an internal audit function in the company and decided to recommend to the board that such a function was not necessary at this stage recommended that the board reappoint the external auditors 18 19 NORTHAMBER | REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 | NORTHAMBERCORPORATE GOVERNANCE (continued) External Audit The engagement and independence of external auditors is considered annually by the Audit Committee before it recommends its selection to the board. The Audit Committee concluded that it was in the best interests of the Group for the external auditors to provide a number of non-audit services during the year due to their experience, expertise and knowledge of the Group’s operations. Auditor objectivity and independence was achieved by ensuring that personnel involved in the non-audit work were not involved in the audit, and by ensuring that management took responsibility for all decisions made. The fees paid to the Auditors in the year are disclosed in Note 4 to the Group financial statements. Grant Thornton UK LLP also follows its own ethical guidelines and continually reviews its audit team to ensure its independence is not compromised. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE (continued) GOING CONCERN BASIS The group’s activities together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position are set out in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report on pages 7 to 14. The financial position of the group, its cash flow and its liquidity position are described in the Chairman’s Statement on pages 5 to 6. In addition, the Strategic Report also includes the group’s objectives, policies and processes for managing its capital; its financial risk management objectives; and its exposure to credit risk and liquidity risk. The group has considerable financial resources and established market profile and relationships with a number of suppliers and customers. As a consequence, the directors believe that the company is well placed to manage its business risks appropriately despite the current economic outlook. After making enquiries, the directors have formed a judgement, at the time of approving the financial statements, that there is a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason the directors continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Remuneration Committee RELATIONS WITH SHAREHOLDERS At the year end the Remuneration Committee comprised both non-executive director. The committee meets at least once a year and is responsible for setting the remuneration policy and annual salaries that apply to executive directors. Operations Committee The Directors are available to meet with the group’s institutional shareholders throughout the year at request. Notice of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) is circulated to all shareholders at least 21 days prior to the meeting. Directors attend the AGM and will be available to answer shareholders’ questions. The Operations Committee comprises the executive directors and certain senior business managers. It meets weekly, and deals with the operational matters of the company other than those dealt with by the Remuneration and Audit Committees or by the full board. ACCOUNTABILITY AND AUDIT Financial Reporting Board Effectiveness The role of the board is to ensure that the company is managed to optimise the benefits to its stakeholders including shareholders, staff, customers, suppliers and the community at large. To achieve this objective the board reserves to itself certain matters such as the formulation of strategy, the assessment of risk, and the setting of internal control systems. Certain areas of responsibility of the board are dealt with by committees of the board such as the audit committee and the remuneration committee reporting back to the main board. The implementation of the decisions of the main board is delegated to the senior management of the company through the Operations Committee chaired by the operations director. During the year the board reviewed each aspect of its role to ensure that it was fulfilling its role effectively and that each director was individually making a full and effective contribution to the process. This was carried out by the chairman reviewing the individual and collective contribution of the board members against objectives and by the audit committee reviewing the performance of the chairman. The result of that review was that, having reviewed each director’s contribution and the requirements of the company as a whole, each director was effective and that the composition of the board was appropriate and more than adequate for the time being. The board believes that its Annual Reports and financial statements represent a balanced and understandable assessment of the company’s position and prospects whilst also complying with the legal and regulatory requirements for financial reporting relevant to the company. Internal Control The board of directors has overall responsibility for the group’s systems of internal control and for monitoring their effectiveness. The board maintains full control and direction over appropriate strategic, financial, organisational and compliance issues and has put in place an organisational structure with formally defined lines of responsibilities and delegation of authority. There are established procedures for planning, capital expenditure, information and reporting systems and for monitoring the company’s business and its performance. The board has delegated to executive management the implementation of the systems of internal control within an established framework that applies within the company. The group’s control systems address key business and financial risks. The board considers the greatest risks to be related to the realisable value of current assets, principally inventories and trade receivables. Particular attention is paid to all matters relating to purchasing, inventories, revenues, trade receivables, cash, capital expenditure and foreign exchange. Comprehensive documented procedures are used and are available to all staff via the extensive computer system. A system of control is designed to manage rather than eliminate the risk of failure to achieve business objectives, and can only provide reasonable and not absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss. As and when areas of improvement are brought to the attention of the board and management steps are taken to further embed internal control and risk management into the operations of the business. 20 21 NORTHAMBER | REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 | NORTHAMBERCORPORATE GOVERNANCE (continued) The board has considered the need for internal audit but has decided that because of the size of the group it cannot be justified at present. A review of internal control was undertaken by the board in April 2018. The conclusion of this review was that the systems and operations of the internal controls including financial, operational and compliance controls remained effective and appropriate to the operations of the company. Other Matters The Directors have published the company’s Corporate Governance policies which the directors consider are relevant to the company on the company’s website. Induction programmes for new directors are specifically designed for each director as appointed as the content varies depending on the background and experience of the appointee. There is therefore no standard induction programme for new directors. By order of the Board • STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES The directors are responsible for preparing the Strategic Report, the Directors’ Report, Remuneration Report, Corporate Governance Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have to prepare the group financial statements and have elected to prepare the parent company financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards(IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union (IFRSs). 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 and profit or loss of the group and the company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; • • make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; • state whether applicable IFRSs have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business. S. Yoganathan ACMA Company Secretary 19 September 2018 The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements and the remuneration report comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The directors confirm that: • • in so far as each director is aware there is no relevant audit information of which the company’s auditors are unaware; and the directors have taken all steps that they ought to have taken as directors to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information. The directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the company’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. D.M. Phillips Chairman 19 September 2018 22 23 NORTHAMBER | REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 | NORTHAMBERDIRECTORS AND ADVISERS Non-Executive Directors Geoffrey Paul Walters *† (Age 66) ACA Non executive director. Geoffrey Walters has a vast experience in a wide range of industries and he is a Non executive director of South Kensington Consultants Limited. Reginald Frank Heath *† (Age 77) FCIS, FIMI Non executive director. Reginald Heath(resigned on 12 December 2017) has over 30 years’ experience in the motor trade, formerly being Director of Motor Operations at Inchcape plc. * Member of Remuneration Committee † Member of Audit Committee EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS David Michael Phillips (Age 73) Executive chairman David Phillips is the founder of Northamber plc and has been actively involved with the company since its inception in the 1970s. John Phelim Henry (Age 56) Operations director John Henry joined Northamber plc in 1992 in the Sales Department. He was promoted to Operations Director in 2012. Registered Office Namber House 23 Davis Road Chessington Surrey KT9 1HS Registrars Computershare Services plc PO Box 82 The Pavilions Bridgwater Road Bristol BS99 7NH Registered Auditors Grant Thornton UK LLP Chartered Accountants 3140 Rowan Place John Smith Drive Oxford OX4 2WB 24 Bankers Allied Irish Bank (GB) Mayfair Branch 10 Berkeley Square London W1J 6AA Barclays Bank plc 6 Clarence Street Kingston upon Thames Surrey KT1 1NY Atlantic Bank 405 Park Avenue New York NY 100022 USA Nominated Advisor & Broker Cantor Fitzgerald Europe One Churchill Place Canary Wharf London E14 5RB INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF NORTHAMBER PLC OPINION Our opinion on the financial statements is unmodified We have audited the financial statements of Northamber plc (the ‘parent company’) and its subsidiary (together, the ‘group’) for the year ended 30 June 2018, which comprise the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated and Company Statements of Changes in Equity, the Consolidated and Company Statements of Financial Position, the Consolidated and Company Statements of Cash Flows, and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the group financial statements is applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union and, as regards the parent company financial statements, as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006. 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 30 June 2018 and of the group’s loss for the year 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 IFRSs as adopted by the European Union and as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006; and the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. • • • Basis for opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the ‘Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements’ section of our report. We are independent of the group and the parent company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard as applied to listed entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. Who we are reporting to 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. Conclusions relating to going concern We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the ISAs (UK) require us to report to you where: • • the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is not appropriate; or the directors have not disclosed in the financial statements any identified material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt about the group’s or the parent company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting for a period of at least twelve months from the date when the financial statements are authorised for issue. 25 NORTHAMBER | REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 | NORTHAMBER INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF NORTHAMBER PLC (continued) Overview of our audit approach • We performed a full scope audit of the financial statements of Northamber plc (the parent company), and targeted procedures on the financial information of Anitass Limited (its subsidiary), focussing on its freehold property. • Overall materiality: £581,000, which represents 1% of the group’s revenue. • The key audit matter identified was revenue recognition. Key audit matters The graph below depicts the audit risks identified and their relative significance, based on the extent of their financial statement impact and the extent of management judgement. HIGH Potential financial statement impact LOW Quantity of inventory Cost of inventory Carrying value of inventory Revenue recognition Creditor completeness Management override of controls Valuation of PPE Trade debtor existence Trade debtor recoverability Key Audit Matter How the matter was addressed in the audit Revenue recognition Revenue is recognised in accordance with the Group’s accounting policy and International Accounting Standard (IAS) 18: Revenue. The revenue recorded by the Group is one of the key determinants of the Group’s underlying profitability and is one of the Group’s Key Performance Indicators. In addition, under ISA (UK) 240 ‘The Auditor’s Responsibilities Relating to Fraud in an Audit of Financial Statements’ there is a presumed risk that revenue may be misstated due to the improper recognition of revenue. We therefore identified revenue recognition as a significant risk, which was one of the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement. Our audit work included, but was not restricted to: • Understanding the processes through which the business initiates, records, processes, and reports revenue transactions; Understanding the application of revenue recognition accounting policies and assessing whether revenue was recognised in accordance with such policies; Obtaining a breakdown of revenue, and reconciliation to the trial balance; Testing a sample of revenue entries to supporting documentation, such as invoices, sales orders, and delivery notes; and Obtaining shipping documents close to the year-end, and checking whether revenues were recognised in the appropriate period. • • • The group’s accounting policy on revenue recognition is shown in note 2 to the financial statements, and related disclosures are included in note 3. Key observations Our testing identified that revenue was often not recognised in accordance with the accounting policies. In response to this we quantified the potential cut-off error near period- end. Overall, our assessment did not identify a material error. Our application of materiality We define materiality as the magnitude of misstatement in the financial statements that makes it probable that the economic decisions of a reasonably knowledgeable person would be changed or influenced. We use materiality in determining the nature, timing and extent of our audit work and in evaluating the results of that work. LOW Extent of management judgement HIGH Materiality was determined as follows: Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the financial statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) that we identified. These matters included those that had the greatest effect on the overall audit strategy; the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. 26 Materiality Measure Financial statements as a whole Performance materiality used to drive the extent of our testing Communication of misstatements to the audit committee Group £581,000, which represents 1% of the group’s revenue. This benchmark is considered the most appropriate because it is a stable and prominent key performance indicator. Materiality for the current year is higher than the level we determined for the year ended 30 June 2017, to reflect increased revenue during the year. Parent £552,000, which represents 1% of the compa- ny’s revenue, capped at 95% of group material- ity. This benchmark is considered the most ap- propriate because it is a stable and prominent key performance indicator. It also ensures that we would obtain sufficient and appropriate evidence to support our company opinion. Materiality for the current year is higher than the level we determined for the year ended 30 June 2017, to reflect increased revenue during the year and the capping referred to above. 75% of financial statement ma- teriality, being £436,000. 75% of financial statement materiality, being £414,000. £29,050 and misstatements below that threshold that, in our view, warrant reporting on qualitative grounds. £27,600 and misstatements below that thresh- old that, in our view, warrant reporting on qualitative grounds. 27 NORTHAMBER | REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 | NORTHAMBEROverview of the scope of our audit Responsibilities of directors for the financial statements Our audit approach was a risk-based approach founded on a thorough understanding of the group’s business, its environment and risk profile and in particular included the following procedures: • • • • • Evaluating the Group’s internal control environment; Performing process walkthroughs and documenting the controls covering the Key Audit Matter and Other Risks shown in the graph above; A full scope audit of the financial statements of the parent company, Northamber plc, which includes 100% of the group’s external revenues; Targeted procedures covering Anitass Limited, its subsidiary, focussing on its freehold property. This included agreeing cost to prior years, recalculating depreciation and reviewing local property values for potential indications of impairment. The freehold property is the only amount in the Anitass Limited financial statements which is material to the group and does not eliminate on consolidation; and Re-performing the consolidation of Anitass Limited and Northamber plc, to check management’s formulae and ensure the group financial statements are arithmetically correct. Other information The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. Our opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 is unmodified In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit: • • the information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. Matters on which we are required to report under the Companies Act 2006 In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and the parent company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors’ report. Matters on which we are required to report by exception We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion: • adequate accounting records have not been kept 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 & 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. 28 As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement set out on page 23, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the group’s and the parent company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the group or the parent company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report. Mark Bishop FCA Senior Statutory Auditor for and on behalf of Grant Thornton UK LLP Statutory Auditor, Chartered Accountant Oxford 19 September 2018 29 NORTHAMBER | REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 | NORTHAMBERNORTHAMBER PLC CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME NORTHAMBER PLC CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY For the year ended 30 June 2018 At 30 June 2018 Revenue Cost of sales Gross Profit Distribution costs Administrative costs Loss from operations Investment revenue Loss before tax Tax (charge) Loss for the year and total comprehensive loss Basic and diluted loss per ordinary share 2018 Total £’000 58,136 (53,589) 4,547 (2,850) (2,276) (579) 90 (489) - (489) (1.74)p Notes 3 4 6 7 9 2017 Total £’000 57,288 (52,896) 4,392 (3,042) (2,401) (1,051) 52 (999) - (999) (3.55)p Share Capital £’000 Share Retained Capital Premium Redemption Earnings Reserve Capital Account £’000 £’000 £’000 Total Equity £’000 Balance at 1 July 2016 281 5,734 1,505 11,600 19,120 Dividends Transactions with owners Loss and total comprehensive loss for the year - - - - - - - - - (56) (56) (56) (56) (999) (999) Balance at 30 June 2017 281 5,734 1,505 10,545 18,065 Dividends Transactions with owners Loss and total comprehensive loss for the year - - - - - - - - - (56) (56) (56) (56) (489) (489) Balance at 30 June 2018 281 5,734 1,505 10,000 17,520 30 31 NORTHAMBER | REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 | NORTHAMBER NORTHAMBER PLC COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY NORTHAMBER PLC CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION At 30 June 2018 At 30 June 2018 Share Capital £’000 Share Retained Capital Premium Redemption Earnings Reserve Account £’000 £’000 £’000 Total Equity £’000 Balance at 1 July 2016 281 5,734 1,505 9,620 17,140 Dividends Transactions with owners Loss and total comprehensive loss for the year - - - - - - - - - (56) (56) (56) (56) (1,514) (1,514) Non current assets Property, plant and equipment Current assets Inventories Trade and other receivables Cash and cash equivalents Notes 10 12 13 14 Balance at 30 June 2017 281 5,734 1,505 8,050 15,570 Dividends Transactions with owners Loss and total comprehensive loss for the year - - - - - - - - - (56) (56) (56) (56) Total assets Current liabilities Trade and other payables (1,014) (1,014) Total liabilities Balance at 30 June 2018 281 5,734 1,505 6,980 14,500 Net assets Equity Share capital Share premium account Capital redemption reserve Retained earnings Equity shareholders’ funds 2018 Total £’000 2017 Total £’000 7,894 8,025 3,378 8,145 5,067 16,590 24,484 15 (6,964) 16 (6,964) 17,520 281 5,734 1,505 10,000 17,520 4,176 9,052 4,972 18,200 26,225 (8,160) (8,160) 18,065 281 5,734 1,505 10,545 18,065 The financial statements on pages 30 to 53 were approved by the board of directors on 19 September 2018 and were signed on its behalf by: D.M. Phillips J.P. Henry Chairman Operations Director 32 33 NORTHAMBER | REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 | NORTHAMBER NORTHAMBER PLC COMPANY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION At 30 June 2018 NORTHAMBER PLC CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASHFLOWS For the year ended 30 June 2018 Non current assets Property, plant and equipment Investments Current assets Inventories Trade and other receivables Cash and cash equivalents Total assets Current liabilities Trade and other payables Total liabilities Net assets Equity Share capital Share premium account Capital redemption reserve Retained earnings Equity shareholders’ funds Notes 10 11 12 13 14 2018 £’000 1,841 6,588 8,429 3,378 8,145 5,034 16,557 24,986 2017 £’000 1,900 6,588 8,488 4,176 9,052 4,934 18,162 26,650 Cash from operating activities Operating (loss) from continuing operations Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (Profit) on disposal of property, plant and equipment Operating (loss)/ profit before changes in working capital Decrease in inventories Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables (Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables Cash generated from operations Income taxes paid 15 (10,486) (11,080) Net cash from operating activities 16 (10,486) (11,080) 14,500 15,570 281 5,734 1,505 6,980 281 5,734 1,505 8,050 14,500 15,570 Cash flows from investing activities Interest received Purchase of property, plant and equipment Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment Net cash from investing activities Cash flows from financing activities Dividends paid to equity shareholders Net cash used in financing activities Net(decrease)/ increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 2018 Total £’000 (579) 188 - (391) 798 907 (1,196) 118 - 118 90 (57) - 33 (56) (56) 95 4,972 5,067 2017 Total £’000 (1,051) 166 (4) (889) 830 (593) 355 (297) - (297) 52 (197) 4 (141) (56) (56) (494) 5,466 4,972 The Loss after Tax for the individual parent company was £1,014 million (2017:£1,514 million) The financial statements on pages 30 to 53 were approved by the board of directors on 19 September 2018 and were signed on its behalf by: D.M. Phillips J.P. Henry Chairman Operations Director Company Registration number: 01499584 34 35 NORTHAMBER | REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 | NORTHAMBER NORTHAMBER PLC COMPANY STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS For the year ended 30 June 2018 Cash from operating activities Operating (loss) from continuing operations Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (Profit) on disposal of property, plant and equipment Operating (loss) before changes in working capital Decrease in inventories Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables (Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables Cash generated from operations Income taxes paid Net cash from operating activities Cash flows from investing activities Interest received Purchase of property, plant and equipment Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment Net cash from investing activities Cash flows from financing activities Dividends paid to equity shareholders Net cash used in financing activities Net(decrease)/ increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 2018 £’000 (1,103) 115 - (988) 798 907 (594) 123 - 123 90 (57) - 33 (56) (56) 100 4,934 5,034 2017 £’000 (1,567) 94 (4) (1,477) 830 (593) 931 (309) - (309) 52 (183) 4 (127) (56) (56) (492) 5,426 4,934 NORTHAMBER PLC NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 1. General information Northamber plc is a company incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom under the Companies Act 2006. The address of the registered office is given in the shareholder information on page 54. The nature of the company’s operations and its principal activities are set out in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report on pages 7 to 14. 2. Significant accounting policies Basis of accounting The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the EU. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost basis. The financial statements cover the individual entity Northamber plc and one subsidiary Anitass Limited, all other subsidiaries are dormant and not material to the financial statements for the year to 30 June 2018 or 30 June 2017. The directors of Anitass Limited, the subsidiary of Northamber Plc, have claimed audit exemption, for the year ended 30 June 2018 under Section 479A (Subsidiary Companies) of Companies Act 2006. The Board of Northamber PLC have provided a guarantee on behalf of the Parent Company undertaking stating that it guarantees Anitass Limited under the section 479C of the Companies Act 2006. Northamber Plc guarantees all outstanding liabilities to which Anitass Limited is subject at 30 June 2018 until they are satisfied in full and the guarantee is enforceable against Northamber Plc by any person to whom the subsidiary company is liable in respect of those liabilities. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below. Adoption of new and revised standards The Group will apply relevant new standards from their effective date. Information on those expected to be relevant to the Group’s financial statements is provided below. IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ (2014) The IASB recently released IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ (2014), representing the completion of its project to replace IAS 39 ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’. The new standard introduces extensive changes to IAS 39’s guidance on the classification and measurement of financial assets and introduces a new ‘expected credit loss’ model for the impairment of financial assets. IFRS 9 also provides new guidance on the application of hedge accounting. The Group’s management have yet to assess the impact of IFRS 9 on these consolidated financial statements. The new standard is required to be applied for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018. IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’ IFRS 15 presents new requirements for the recognition of revenue, replacing IAS 18 ‘Revenue’, IAS 11 ‘Construction Contracts’, and several revenue-related Interpretations. The new standard establishes a control-based revenue recognition model and provides additional guidance in many areas not covered in detail under existing IFRSs, including how to account for arrangements with multiple performance obligations, variable pricing, customer refund rights, supplier repurchase options, and other common complexities. 36 37 NORTHAMBER | REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 | NORTHAMBER NORTHAMBER PLC NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 IFRS15 is effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018. The Group’s management have not yet assessed the impact of IFRS 15 on these consolidated financial statements. IFRS 14 Regulatory Deferral Accounts has been issued published by the IASB but not yet adopted by the EU. It is only applicable to first time adopters of IFRS, and therefore is not applicable Northamber plc. IFRS 16 Leases replaces IAS 17 and related Interpretations. It completes the IASB’s project to overhaul lease accounting. Leases will be recorded on the statement of financial position in the form of a right-of-use asset and a lease liability. IFRS 16 is effective from periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019. Management is yet to fully assess the impact of the Standard and therefore is unable to provide quantified information. Key sources of estimation uncertainty and critical accounting judgements Estimation uncertainty Inventories Initial measurement of inventories is at cost. Subsequent to initial recognition the group measures inventories at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Impairment losses are recognised as and when they occur. The write down is determined on an item by item basis or based on a group of items where such an assessment is not practical. Receivables Provision against trade receivables is made when there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to collect all amounts due to it in accordance with the original terms of those receivables. The amount of the write-down is determined as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows. Critical accounting judgements The directors consider the Non-recognition of deferred tax assets in relation to tax losses is a significant critical accounting judgements. No other critical accounting judgement made by management. Revenue recognition Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable and represents amounts receivable for goods provided in the normal course of business, net of discounts, VAT and other sales related taxes. Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when goods are despatched. NORTHAMBER PLC NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 Foreign currencies Transactions in currencies other than pounds sterling, the functional currency of all group entities, are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing on the date of the transactions. At each reporting date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the reporting date. Exchange differences arising on the settlement of monetary items, and on the retranslation of monetary items, are included in profit or loss for the period. Loss from operations Loss from operations is stated before investment income and finance costs. Retirement benefit costs Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense in the period in which they are incurred. The Group has no defined benefit retirement schemes. Taxation The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax. The tax currently payable is based on the taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the profit or loss because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The company’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted, or substantially enacted, by the reporting date. Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit, and is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary differences arise from the initial recognition of goodwill or from the initial recognition (other than in a business combination) of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the tax profit nor the accounting profit. The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are substantially enacted in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised. Deferred tax is charged or credited to the profit or loss, except when it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity. Supplier vendor rebates are deducted from cost of sales when probable they will be achieved. Deferred tax balances have not been discounted. Investment revenue is accrued on a time basis in accordance with the effective interest rate method. Property, plant and equipment Leasing 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. Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to profit or loss on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease. 38 Land and buildings are held for use in the production or supply of goods and services, or for administrative purposes and are stated in the balance sheet at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Fixtures and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any recognised impairment loss. 39 NORTHAMBER | REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 | NORTHAMBERNORTHAMBER PLC NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 Depreciation is charged so as to write off the cost of assets less any residual value, other than land, over their estimated useful lives, using the straight line method, on the following bases: Land and Buildings: Freehold premises 4% on freehold buildings, freehold improvements 25% straight line Plant and equipment 25% straight line The gain or loss arising on the disposal or retirement of an asset is determined as the difference between the sales proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and is recognised in profit or loss. Material residual value estimates are updated as required, but at least annually. Impairment of tangible assets At each balance sheet date, the group reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where the asset does not generate cash flows that are independent from other assets, the Company estimates the recoverable amount of the cash generating unit to which the asset belongs. Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted. If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised as an expense immediately, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease. Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (cash generating unit) is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset (cash generating unit) in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised as income immediately, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the reversal of the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation increase. Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is on the FIFO basis and comprises direct materials. Net realisable value represents the estimated selling price less costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution. Cost of inventories is based on original cost as amended by credits subsequently received or agreed with suppliers in respect of specific products. The provision for obsolete and slow moving stock is determined by frequent and regular reviews of stock, its ageing and rate of sale, provisions are made which enable such obsolete stock as not returned to suppliers and slow moving stock to be sold at no loss. NORTHAMBER PLC NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 Investments Investment in subsidiaries is held at cost less any provision for impairment. Financial instruments Financial assets are classified as loans and receivables. Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. Loans and receivables include trade receivables, cash and cash equivalents and are initially recognised at fair value plus transaction costs. Loans and receivables are measured subsequent to initial recognition at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment. Any change in their value through impairment or reversal of impairment is recognised in profit or loss. Provision against trade receivables is made when there is objective evidence that the company will not be able to collect all amounts due to it in accordance with the original terms of those receivables. The amount of the write-down is determined as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the original effective interest rate. An assessment for impairment is undertaken at least at each reporting date. A financial asset is derecognised only where the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or the financial asset is transferred and that transfer qualifies for derecognition. A financial asset is transferred if the contractual rights to receive the cash flows of the asset have been transferred or the company retains the contractual rights to receive the cash flows of the asset but assumes a contractual obligation to pay the cash flows to one or more recipients. A financial asset that is transferred qualifies for derecognition if the company transfers substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset, or if the company neither retains nor transfers substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership but does transfer control of that asset. Financial liabilities Financial liabilities are obligations to pay cash or other financial assets and are recognised when the company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial liabilities are initially recognised at fair value less transaction costs. Financial liabilities subsequent to initial recognition are recorded at amortised cost using the effective interest method, with interest related charges recognised as an expense in finance charges in the statement of comprehensive income. Finance charges, including premiums payable on settlement or redemption and direct issue costs, are charged to the statement of comprehensive income on an accruals basis using effective interest method and are added to the carrying amount of the instrument to the extent that they are not settled in the period in which they arise. A financial liability is derecognised only when the obligation is extinguished, that is, when the obligation is discharged or cancelled or expires. Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand, demand deposits and highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value. Equity Equity comprises the following: Consignment stock 40 Consignment stock is not recorded where the risks and benefits associated with the consignment stock do not pass to the Company. Company held consignment stock on behalf of vendors and the legal title does not generally pass to the Company until the sale to the end customer by the Company. This is as per the specified terms in the contracts with the vendors. Share Capital – represents the nominal value of equity shares. Share Premium consideration received for equity shares, net of expenses of the share issue. – represents the excess over nominal value of the fair value of 41 NORTHAMBER | REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 | NORTHAMBER NORTHAMBER PLC NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 Capital Redemption Reserve – represents the nominal value of shares which have been redeemed and cancelled. Retained Earnings – represents all current and prior period retained profits and losses. The transaction costs of an equity transaction are accounted for as a deduction from equity (net of any related income tax benefit) to the extent that they are incremental costs directly attributable to the equity transaction that otherwise would have been avoided. The costs of an equity transaction that is abandoned are recognised as an expense. Capital management The Group manages its equity as capital. The company’s policy is to not have external debt finance and pay dividends as appropriate whilst maximising the long term return to stakeholders. In line with Group policy, the group has no external debt finance hence gearing is not measured. The company have paid final and interim dividends in the year. Equity comprises the items detailed within the principal accounting policy for equity and financial details can be found in the statement of financial position. The company adheres to the capital maintenance requirements set out in the Companies Act. Going Concern basis The going concern basis of preparing the financial statements has been adopted as in the view of the directors, as set out in the notes on Corporate Governance; the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. 3. Segmental reporting Management has determined that there is only one operating segment of the group as the total business of the company is the sourcing and distribution of computer related products and this is how information is reported to the Chief Operating Decision Maker. The board in carrying out its strategic planning and decision making has, necessarily, to take consideration of the inter relatedness of the product range and the customer base and thus treat the operations of the group as a whole. All decisions on the allocation of resources impacts on all aspects of the group. Information presented to the Chief Operating Decision Maker is the same as is reported in these financial statements. Although the sales of the group are predominantly to the UK there are sales to other countries and the following schedule sets out the split of the sales for the year. Revenue is attributable to individual countries based on the location of the customer. There are no non current assets outside the UK. Year to 30 June 2017 Total Segment revenue Year to 30 June 2018 Total Segment revenue UK £’000 56,996 57,661 Other £’000 292 475 Total £’000 57,288 58,136 NORTHAMBER PLC NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 4. Loss from operations Operating loss is stated after (crediting)/charging: Foreign exchange (Gain)/Loss Depreciation of property, plant and equipment Amounts written off inventory (Profit) on disposal of property, plant and equipment Operating lease charges – land and buildings Fees paid to the company’s auditor for the audit of the company annual financial statements for non-audit tax compliance services 2018 £’000 (56) 188 17 - 6 48 4 2017 £’000 (62) 166 43 (4) 6 48 4 No profit and loss account for Northamber plc has been presented as permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006. The retained loss for the financial year dealt within the financial statements of the parent company, Northamber plc, was £1,014,000 (2017: loss of £1,514,000) and is stated after taxation. 5. Staff costs The average monthly number of persons (including executive directors) employed by the company during the year was: Sales Administration Warehouse Engineering Their aggregate remuneration comprised: Staff costs: Wages and salaries Social security costs Other pension costs 2018 Number 39 31 14 1 85 2018 £’000 2,953 313 82 3,348 2017 Number 36 35 17 2 90 2017 £’000 3,010 315 84 3,409 One customer accounted for more than 10% (2017: 10%) of the group’s revenue for the year, being £7.6m (2017:£7.4m). 42 43 NORTHAMBER | REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 | NORTHAMBER NORTHAMBER PLC NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 Included in the above is key management personnel compensation of £129,000 (2017: £147,000). Full details of director’s remuneration are set out in the Report to Shareholders by the Board on Directors’ Remuneration on page 16. The company has identified the key management personnel as the executive and non-executive directors and all their remuneration received amounts to short-term employment benefits. 6. Investment revenue Bank interest receivable Rental income 7. Tax on loss/profit on ordinary activities Current taxation Charge for the year 2018 £’000 6 84 90 2018 £’000 Group Group 2017 £’000 14 38 52 2017 £’000 - - The charge for the year can be reconciled to the profit per the Statement of comprehensive income as follows: Loss on ordinary activities before tax 2018 £’000 (489) Tax at the UK corporation tax rate of 19.00% average (2017:19.75%) (93) Other differences Deferred tax asset not recognised Total actual amount of charge for the year 26 67 - The Group has tax losses of £4,237,150 (2017: £3,946,190) to carry forward. Group 2017 £’000 (999) (197) 29 168 - NORTHAMBER PLC NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 8. Dividends Amounts recognised as distribution to equity holders in the period: Dividends paid in year Final – for year ended 30 June 2017 Interim – for year ended 30 June 2018 2018 2017 Pence Per Share 0.10 0.10 0.20 £’000 28 28 56 Pence Per Share 0.10 0.10 0.20 Proposed final for the year ended 30 June 2018 0.10 28 0.10 £’000 28 28 56 28 The proposed final dividend is subject to approval at the Annual General Meeting and has not been included as a liability in these financial statements. 9. Loss per ordinary share The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share is based on the following data: Loss for the year attributable to equity holders of the parent company (489) (999) 2018 £’000 2017 £’000 Number of shares Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purpose of basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share 2018 Number 2017 Number 28,158,735 28,158,735 Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year. Both basic and diluted earnings per share have been calculated using the loss attributable to shareholders of the parent company as the numerator; therefore no adjustments to loss were necessary in 2017 and 2018. Net Assets per share, as disclosed within the summary of the last five years of trading, is calculated by dividing the net assets as disclosed in the consolidated statement of financial position by the number of ordinary shares in issue at the year end. 44 45 NORTHAMBER | REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 | NORTHAMBER NORTHAMBER PLC NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 10. Property, plant and equipment Land and Buildings £’000 Plant and Equipment £’000 Group Cost At 1 July 2016 Additions Disposals At 30 June 2017 Depreciation At 1 July 2016 Depreciation charge for the year Disposals At 30 June 2017 Net book value at 30 June 2017 Group Cost At 1 July 2017 Additions Disposals At 30 June 2017 Depreciation At 1 July 2017 Depreciation charge for the year Disposals At 30 June 2018 Net book value at 30 June 2018 9,252 13 - 9,265 1,329 128 - 1,457 7,808 9,265 - - 9,265 1,457 128 - 1,585 7,680 1,469 183 (85) 1,567 1,397 38 (85) 1,350 217 1,567 57 (258) 1,366 1,350 60 (258) 1,152 214 Total £’000 10,721 196 (85) 10,832 2,726 166 (85) 2,807 8,025 10,832 57 (258) 10,631 2,807 188 (258) 2,737 7,894 The directors obtained independent valuations on the land and buildings made on a going concern basis for existing use terms. The valuer has assessed the fair value of the land and buildings held by the group to be £9,900,000 (2017: £9,800,000), which exceeds the carrying amount by £2,220,000 (2017: £1,992,000). NORTHAMBER PLC NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 Company Cost At 1 July 2016 Additions Disposals At 30 June 2017 Depreciation At 1 July 2016 Depreciation charge for the year Disposals At 30 June 2017 Net book value at 30 June 2017 Company Cost At 1 July 2017 Additions Disposals At 30 June 2018 Depreciation At 1 July 2017 Depreciation charge for the year Disposals At 30 June 2018 Net book value at 30 June 2018 Land and Buildings £’000 Plant and Equipment £’000 2,574 - - 2,574 835 56 - 891 1,683 2,574 - - 2,574 891 56 - 947 1,627 1,469 183 (85) 1,567 1,397 38 (85) 1,350 217 1,566 57 (258) 1,365 1,350 59 (258) 1,151 214 Total £’000 4,043 183 (85) 4,141 2,232 94 (85) 2,241 1,900 4,140 57 (258) 3,939 2,241 115 (258) 2,098 1,841 46 47 NORTHAMBER | REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 | NORTHAMBER NORTHAMBER PLC NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 11. Investment in group companies Company Cost At 1 July 2017 and 30 June 2018 Total £’000 6,588 In the opinion of the directors, the value of the company’s investment is not less than the amount included in the company statement of financial position. The investment relates to Anitass Limited. Name Anitass Limited Solution Point Limited Solution Technology Limited Thripple-Thrift Limited 12. Inventories Goods for resale Country of Incorporation England England England England % owned 100 99 100 100 Status Operational Dormant Dormant Dormant Group and Company 2017 2018 £’000 £’000 3,378 4,176 Cost of sales include £53,588,000 (2017:£52,744,000) inventory expensed in the year’s statement of comprehensive income. 13. Trade and other receivables Trade receivables Less provision for impairment of receivables Group Company 2018 £’000 8,097 (85) 2017 £’000 9,027 (82) 2018 £’000 8,097 (85) 2017 £’000 9,027 (82) NORTHAMBER PLC NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 The average days credit is 42 days (2017: 48 days). The company uses a rigorous and detailed assessment of each prospective customer before supplying goods up to a pre-determined credit level, and customers are regularly re-assessed to determine current levels of credit limits. In the opinion of the directors the provision made for bad debts, as shown below, is appropriate and that no further provision is required. In the opinion of the directors the fair value of the trade receivables is not materially different from the amounts disclosed. All financial assets that are neither past due nor impaired are considered to be fully recoverable. Trade receivables older than credit terms Ageing of past due but not impaired receivables is as follows 30 - 60 days past due 60 - 90 days past due 90+ days past due Total Group and Company 2018 £’000 20 89 118 227 2017 £’000 8 20 56 84 As at 30 June 2018 trade receivables of £85,000 (2017: £82,000) were impaired: the ageing of these trade receivables was 30 - 60 days past due 60 - 90 days past due 90+ days past due Total Group and Company 2017 £’000 - 7 75 2018 £’000 - 3 82 85 82 Net trade receivables 8,012 8,945 8,012 8,945 Trade and other receivables allowance for doubtful debts Other receivables Prepayments - 133 22 85 - 133 22 85 8,145 9,052 8,145 9,052 An allowance has been made for estimated at risk amounts from the sale of goods of £85,000 (2017: £82,000). The allowance has been determined by assessing each individual debtor as well as making assessments based on past experience and knowledge of the customers and the prevailing economic conditions. The group is exposed to credit risk on its trade and other receivables due to the credit terms offered to its customers. In the opinion of the directors there is no particular credit risk in any one customer. It is confirmed that the fair value of trade receivables is not materially different from the carrying value. Trade receivables are not interest bearing. Balance at beginning of period Amounts written off as uncollectable Potential impairment increase Total Group and Company 2017 £’000 2018 £’000 82 (42) 45 85 80 (17) 19 82 The other classes within trade and other receivables do not contain impaired assets. The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date is the carrying value of each class of receivable mentioned above. The group does not hold any collateral as security. 48 49 NORTHAMBER | REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 | NORTHAMBER NORTHAMBER PLC NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 14. Cash and cash equivalents Group Bank balances and cash in hand 2018 £’000 5,067 Cash & cash equivalents in statement of cash flows 5,067 2017 £’000 4,972 4,972 Company 2018 £’000 2017 £’000 5,034 5,034 4,934 4,934 15. Trade and other payables Trade payables Inter group payables Other payables VAT Other tax and social security Accruals and deferred income Group Company 2018 £’000 6,054 - 37 541 84 248 2017 £’000 7,155 - 41 642 81 241 2018 £’000 6,054 3,568 37 521 84 222 2017 £’000 7,155 2,967 41 619 81 217 6,964 8,160 10,486 11,080 The financial liabilities shown above are those which were outstanding at 30 June 2018. The average credit period taken for trade payables is 34 days (2017: 41 days). The directors consider that the fair values of trade and other payables are not materially different from those disclosed above. Trade payables are not interest bearing. The liquidity in trade and other payables is managed by the company through the management of its cash resources as referred to in the Strategic Report, to ensure that for all practical purposes creditors are paid in accordance with the credit terms agreed with the suppliers. NORTHAMBER PLC NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 16. Share capital Group and Company Number £’000 At 30 June 2018 and 2017 80,000,000 2,000 Issued and fully paid shares of 1p each At 30 June 2018 and 2017 28,158,735 281 The company has one class of ordinary shares which carry no right to fixed income. 17. Capital commitments There were no capital commitments at 30 June 2018 (2017: £Nil). 18. Operating lease arrangements Minimum lease payments under operating leases recognised in profit or loss for the year Group 2018 £’000 2017 £’000 Company 2018 £’000 2017 £’000 6 6 607 607 At 30 June 2018, the group had commitments for future minimum lease payments under non- cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows: One year Between one and five years Group 2018 £’000 2017 £’000 6 6 12 6 6 12 Company 2018 £’000 2017 £’000 607 757 607 757 1,364 1,364 The freehold of the warehouse was purchased on 23 April 2012 by Anitass Limited, a 100% subsidiary of Northamber plc. 50 51 NORTHAMBER | REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 | NORTHAMBER NORTHAMBER PLC NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 19. Related party transactions During the year, the company paid £601,000 (2017: £601,000) rent to Anitass Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary. At the year end Northamber plc owed Anitass Limited £3,568,000 (2017: £2,967,000). At the year end, £178,000 (2017: £680,000) was held by the company on Mr D.M. Philips’ behalf. This amount has not been included in the cash and cash equivalents balance reported in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position at the year end. Interest of £749 (2017: £2,714) earned during the year, is included within the balance of £178,000 (2017: £680,000). During the year company paid £13,400 for Administrational and support work to Bernadette Henry, the wife of the Operational Director Mr. John Henry. In the directors’ opinion the payments are at an arm length basis. 20. Post balance sheet events The Company has purchased 802,149 of own shares for the total value of £224,601.72 on 17 August 2018 for cancellation. 21. Contingent liabilities There are no Contingent liabilities to report. 22. Financial instruments exposure The interest rate exposure of the financial assets and liabilities of the group and company as at 30 June 2018 is shown in the table below. The table includes trade receivables and payables as these do not attract interest and are therefore subject to fair value interest rate risk. Based on exposure at the reporting date, currency movements are not considered likely to have a material effect on profits or equity. Note 13 above refers to further matters relating to credit risk as does the Strategic Report under the heading of Financial Risk. Group Financial assets – loans and receivables Cash and cash equivalents: Sterling US Dollars (Sterling equivalent) Euros (Sterling equivalent) Trade and other receivables Total Floating £’000 Zero £’000 4,575 462 30 - 5,067 - - - 8,145 8,145 Total £’000 4,575 462 30 8,145 13,212 NORTHAMBER PLC NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 Financial liabilities at amortised cost Trade payables: Sterling US Dollars (Sterling equivalent) Euros (Sterling equivalent) Other payables Total Company Financial assets – loans and receivables Cash and cash equivalents: Sterling US Dollars (Sterling equivalent) Euros (Sterling equivalent) Trade and other receivables Total Financial liabilities at amortised cost Trade payables: Sterling US Dollars (Sterling equivalent) Euros (Sterling equivalent) Inter Group payables Other payables Total Floating £’000 Zero £’000 - - - - - 5,078 934 42 37 6,091 Floating £’000 Zero £’000 4,542 462 30 - 5,034 Floating £’000 - - - - - - - - 8,145 8,145 Zero £’000 5,078 934 42 3,568 37 9,659 Total £’000 5,078 934 42 37 6,091 Total £’000 4,542 462 30 8,145 13,179 Total £’000 5,078 934 42 3,568 37 9,659 The directors estimate that an increase or decrease in annual average interest rates of 0.5% would increase/decrease profit before tax by approximately £25,000 (2017: £26,000). Type of Financial Instrument All financial assets are classified as loans and receivables and all financial liabilities are held at amortised cost. Maturity of Financial Instruments All financial liabilities are classified as current and are due within 60 days. 52 53 NORTHAMBER | REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 | NORTHAMBER NOTICE OF MEETING NOTICE OF MEETING (continued) Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of Northamber plc will be held at Namber House, 23 Davis Road, Chessington, Surrey KT9 1HS on 14 December 2018 at 12 noon for the following purposes:- 1. To receive and adopt the company’s accounts for the year ended 30 June 2018 and the directors’ and auditors’ reports thereon. 2. To propose the following ordinary resolution: That the directors’ remuneration report for the year ended 30 June 2018 be received and approved. 3. To declare a dividend on the ordinary shares of the company. 4. Re-elect Mr J.P.Henry as a director. 5. Re-elect Mr D.M. Phillips as a director. 6. Re-elect Mr G.P. Walters as a director (c) the maximum price which may be paid for such shares is, in respect of a share contracted to be purchased on any day, an amount (exclusive of expenses) equal to 105 per cent of the average middle market quotations of the ordinary shares of the company as derived from the Daily Official List of The London Stock Exchange on the 10 dealing days immediately preceding the day on which the shares are contracted to be purchased; (d) the authority hereby conferred shall (subject to sub-clause (e) below) expire on the date of the next Annual General Meeting of the company after the passing of this resolution; and (e) The company may make a contract to purchase its own shares under the authority hereby conferred prior to the expiry of such authority which will, or may be, executed wholly or partly after the expiry of such authority, and may make a purchase of its own shares in pursuance of any such contracts. 7. To re-appoint Grant Thornton UK LLP as auditors and to authorise the directors to fix their remuneration. By Order of the Board ORDINARY RESOLUTION 8 THAT, the directors be generally and unconditionally authorised to allot equity securities (as defined by Section 560 of the Companies Act 2006 (“the Act”), up to an aggregate nominal amount of £182,378 (such amount to be reduced by the nominal amount of any Relevant Securities allotted under paragraph 10 below) in connection with an offer by way of a rights issue: (a) to holders of ordinary shares in proportion (as nearly as may be practicable) to their respective holdings; and (b) to holders of other equity securities as required by the rights of those securities or as the directors otherwise consider necessary, but subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the board may deem necessary or expedient in relation to treasury shares, fractional entitlements, record dates, legal or practical problems in or under the laws of any territory or the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange; SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS 9 THAT, the directors be authorised to allot equity securities pursuant to Resolution 8 above up to an aggregate nominal amount of £91,188 as if Section 561 of the Companies Act 2006 (existing shareholders’ rights of pre-emption) (a) did not apply to the allotment, or (b) applied to the allotment with such modifications as the directors may determine (c) provided that this authority shall, unless renewed, varied or revoked by the company, expire on the 12 March 2020 or, if earlier, the date of the next Annual General Meeting of the company save that the company may, before such expiry, make offers or agreements which would or might require equity securities to be allotted and the directors may allot equity securities in pursuance of such offer or agreement notwithstanding that the authority conferred by this resolution has expired. 10 THAT the company be and is hereby unconditionally and generally authorised to make market purchases (within the meaning of Section 693(4) of the Companies Act 2006 of ordinary shares of 1p in the capital of the company, provided that: (a) the maximum number of shares hereby authorised to be acquired is 2,735,659 representing 10 per cent of the present issued share capital; (b) the minimum price which may be paid for such shares is 1p per share (exclusive of all expenses); 54 S. Yoganathan Company Secretary Registered Office: Namber House 23 Davis Road, Chessington, Surrey, KT9 1HS Notes: (1) A member entitled to attend and vote at the meeting is entitled to appoint a proxy to attend and, on a poll, vote instead of him or her. A proxy need not be a member of the company. Completion and return of a form of proxy will not prevent a member from attending and voting at the meeting. (2) The instrument appointing a proxy and the power of attorney (if any) under which it is signed must be deposited at the offices of the registrars of the company, not less than forty-eight hours before the time of the meeting. (3) There will be available for inspection at the registered office of the company during normal business hours from the date of this Notice until the date of the Annual General Meeting and, at the place of the Annual General Meeting, from at least fifteen minutes prior to and until the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting: (a) copies of the executive directors’ service agreements with the company; and (b) The Register of Directors’ Interests. 55 NORTHAMBER | REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 | NORTHAMBERTHIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 56 57 NORTHAMBER | REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 | NORTHAMBERTHIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 58 NORTHAMBER | REPORT & ACCOUNTS FULL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018northamber Northamber plc • Namber House • 23 Davis Road • Chessington • Surrey • KT9 1HS UK Telephone: (+44) 020 8296 7000 • Fax: (+44) 020 8296 7060 • www.northamber.com 

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