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RA International Group PLC

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FY2018 Annual Report · RA International Group PLC
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We deliver. Regardless.

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

HIGHLIGHTS  

LETTER FROM THE FOUNDER  

STRATEGIC REPORT

RA INTERNATIONAL AT A GLANCE  

INTRODUCTION FROM THE CHAIR  

OUR BUSINESS 

OUR BUSINESS MODEL 

OUR STRATEGY  

OUR MARKET 

EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT TEAM 

OPERATING REVIEW 

FINANCIAL REVIEW 

MANAGING RISK 

1

2

4

6

7

8

10

12

14

16

18

21

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

CHAIR’S CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT 

QCA CODE PRINCIPLES  

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK 

BOARD COMMITTEES & STRUCTURE 

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT 

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT 

DIRECTORS’ REPORT 

DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT 

FINANCIAL REPORT

AUDITOR’S REPORT  

30

32

36

39

40

43

44

48

50

52

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME   59 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION  

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 

24

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY  

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS  

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  

COMPANY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 

COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 

NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION 

4

60

61

62 

63

88

89

90

92

HIGHLIGHTS

+7%

+6%

+6%

USD 54.8m 

USD 13.3m 

USD 119m 

REVENUE

UNDERLYING PROFIT

REVENUE BACKLOG

54.8

51.2

13.3

12.5

119

112

108

100

37.0

21.2

5.0

1.0

2018

2017

2016

2015

2018

2017

2016

2015

DEC 18

DEC 17

DEC 16

DEC 15

+10%

+3%

4.4 years 

69%

USD 24.7m 

AVERAGE CONTRACT 
LENGTH

LOCAL LABOUR 
PARTICIPATION 

RAISED ON ADMISSION 
TO AIM

4.4

4.0

69

67

63

3.0

2.6

USD 27.8m

57

NET CASH 

DEC 18

DEC 17

DEC 16

DEC 15

2018

2017

2016

2015

1.0p

DIVIDEND PER SHARE

1

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LETTER FROM THE FOUNDER

SORAYA NARFELDT
Chief Executive Offi  cer

I am delighted to introduce our 

are local staff  members who we have 

In addition, we continued to work 

fi rst annual report following our 

recruited and trained over the years.

towards diversifying our geographic 

Admission to AIM last year. 2018 was 

transformative for the RA International 

Group as we secured the additional 

funding required to take our business 

to the next stage of growth. 

One of RA International’s key 

strengths is the importance we have 

always placed on sustainability. We 

are acutely aware that, by maximising 

the positive impact we have on 

When Lars and I founded RA 

communities, we foster strong local 

International in 2004, we recognised 

relationships that enable us to work 

that large organisations were unable 

more effi  ciently and eff ectively to 

presence and customer base, as well 

as broadening the mix of services we 

off er to each client. I am pleased to 

report that we are already starting to 

see the results of these eff orts; both 

with regards to contracts won and 

those for which we have been invited 

to tender since the Admission.

to manage or implement projects 

the benefi t of our clients. We are an 

I look forward to reporting on our 

eff ectively when operating in remote 

active participant and contributor 

progress in the years to come and 

locations. This often resulted in 

to the United Nations Global 

showcasing some of the very valuable 

ineffi  ciencies that hindered the 

Compact and align our corporate 

work we do for our clients and the 

progress of important peacekeeping, 
humanitarian and commercial projects. 

social responsibility strategy to 
the UN’s Sustainable Development 

communities we work with. 

From early projects in Afghanistan we 

Goals (SDGs). 

SORAYA NARFELDT,

expanded into Africa supporting the 

Before our Admission to AIM we 

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

United Nations across the continent 

were regularly approached to work 

and growing substantially in the 

on projects that we had to decline 

process. Over the years we have 

due to capital constraints. The 

built a reputation for honesty and 

fundraising we undertook at the time 

the effi  cient and reliable delivery of 

of our Admission, combined with 

projects, evidenced by our high client 

our own resources, addressed this 

retention. We now have over 2,000 

and we immediately began to bid 

10 April 2019  

staff , from 34 countries, most of whom 

on larger and longer-term contracts. 

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STRATEGIC REPORT

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RA INTERNATIONAL AT A GLANCE

RA International is a leading provider of 
services to remote locations in Africa and 
the Middle East 

We provide comprehensive, 
fl exible, mission critical 
support to our clients enabling 
them to focus on the delivery 
of their respective businesses 
and services. 

Our focus on integrity 
alongside on-going investment 
in people, locations and 
operations has, over time, 
created a reliable and trusted 
brand within our sector. 

KEY FACTS: 

FOUNDED 
IN 2004

DELIVERED MORE 
THAN USD 450M OF 
CONTRACTS SINCE INCEPTION

CURRENT OR PAST 
PRESENCE IN 20+ 
COUNTRIES ACROSS 
AFRICA AND THE 
MIDDLE EAST

MORE THAN 2,000 
EMPLOYEES

69% OF EMPLOYEES 
ARE LOCAL STAFF

 PARTICIPANT AND 
CONTRIBUTOR 
TO THE UNITED 
NATIONS GLOBAL 
COMPACT

CSR STRATEGY 
ALIGNED TO THE 
UN’S SUSTAINABLE 
DEVELOPMENT 
GOALS

SERVICE CHANNELS

KEY DIFFERENTIATORS

• 

 Robust back offi  ce support 

Our services are delivered through 

The growth of RA International has 

to enable and deliver multiple 

three channels: construction, 

been achieved through securing 

projects simultaneously

integrated facilities management and 

contracts with new customers and 

• 

 Focus on developing local 

supply chain logistics.

by generating repeat business from 

content through capacity building 

CUSTOMERS

We have a strong customer base, 

largely comprising UN agencies and 

clients across our three service 

programmes

channels. We believe that this is 

• 

 Proactive in seeking government 

due to the following features which 

approvals and permissions

diff erentiate us from our competitors:

humanitarian organisations, western 

• 

 Compliance with international and 

INVESTOR WEBSITE 

governments and global corporations.

local regulations

•  Risk management focus

The investors section of our website 

at www.raints.com contains a wide 

range of information of interest to 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Intelligence-led approach

 Innovative solutions to remote site 

institutional and private investors, 

service delivery

including: latest news, press releases 

 Global supply chain capability

and our Annual Reports and 

 Strong track record of project 

Sustainability Reports.

delivery

• 

 On-ground personnel and 

Executive Management Team 

(EMT) actively involved in project 

level matters

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Locations past and current

PAST & CURRENT

Afghanistan, Cameroon, Central African 

Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic 

of Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, 

Mozambique, Niger, Oman, Senegal, Sierra 

Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, 

Tanzania, UAE, Uganda

RA OFFICES

Group HQ in London

HQ in Dubai

PMO in Nairobi

Country support offi  ces

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INTRODUCTION FROM THE CHAIR 

OVERVIEW
In my fi rst statement since the Company’s Admission 
to AIM, in mid-2018, I am pleased to report that RA 
International has made strong progress and has delivered 
a solid performance in its fi rst year on the market. 

RESULTS

GOVERNANCE

For the year ended 31 December 2018, 
underlying profi t increased by 6.3% to 
USD 13.3m on revenues of USD 54.8m 
(2017: USD 51.2m).

The contracted revenue backlog as 
at 31 December 2018 was USD 119m 
compared to USD 112m the previous 
year.

PLACING AND BALANCE SHEET

In June 2018, the Company completed 
a placing to raise USD 21.4m (after 
expenses) alongside the Company’s 
Admission to trading on AIM. With 
a strengthened balance sheet the 
Company is well placed to commence 
bidding on larger and longer-term 
contracts in line with our strategy. 
Since Admission to AIM the Board 
has been encouraged by the positive 
feedback, from existing and potential 
customers, on the Company’s PLC-
status and the opportunities this has 
provided.

As a result of the above activity, net 
cash at 31 December 2018 was USD 
27.8m and net assets were USD 59.2m.

Given the nature of RA’s business, 
the Board is committed to the 
maintenance and continuous review 
of the highest of compliance and 
governance standards. As a service 
provider to the UN and western 
governments, RA International is 
required to have a strict level of 
policies and procedures in place 
in order to secure contracts. Since 
Admission, RA International has 
adhered to the QCA Corporate 
Governance Code which the Directors 
feel is appropriate to the Company’s 
size and structure and published 
its fi rst Sustainability Report. More 
information can be found in the 
Corporate Governance section on our 
website.

PEOPLE

RA International employs over 2,000 
people across Africa and the Middle 
East. Whenever possible, our goal is 
to recruit and develop the skills of the 
local communities. Over the years we 
have seen local employee participation 
increase to 69% across our operations, 
contributing signifi cantly to successful 
service delivery. This is a trend we 
want to continue, as it is both good 
for our business and the wider 

6

SANGITA SHAH
Non-Executive Chair

communities in which we work. 
Our international staff  are often 
deployed as a means to recruit and 
develop local people towards an 
eventual handover. Undoubtedly the 
key asset of RA lies in its people: I 
would like to thank all our people 
for their unstinting dedication and 
support in helping us to build strong 
communities.

DIVIDEND

As stated in the Admission Document, 
the Directors intend to adopt a 
progressive dividend policy whilst 
retaining suffi  cient capital to meet 
both the working capital needs of 
the business and to fund continued 
growth. The Directors remain 
confi dent in the Company’s ability 
to deliver its strategy and, as such, 
propose a maiden full year dividend 
of 1.0p per share to be paid on July 
3, 2019 to the Shareholders on the 
register as of May 24, 2019. The ex-
dividend date is May 23, 2019.

SANGITA SHAH

Non-Executive Chair

10 April 2019

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OUR BUSINESS

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INTRODUCTION

stakeholders. In 2018, this led us to look 

creating opportunities for people to 

RA International is a leading provider 

carefully at RA International’s purpose 

develop their skills.

of services to remote locations in 

Africa and the Middle East. The 

Company off ers its services through 

three channels: construction, 

integrated facilities management 

(IFM) and supply chain. We service 

three main client groups: humanitarian 

and aid agencies, governments and 

commercial customers, predominantly 

in the oil and gas and mining sectors. 

and ensure that, as we grow, we remain 
focused on our mission — to deliver 
immediate results and lasting change. 

In 2018, we formalised our approach 

to sustainability in order to increase 

the positive impacts and diminish the 

negative impacts of our operations, 

COMPLIANCE AND REGULATION

and to ensure we continue to align our 

International and local compliance 

aims with the United Nations SDGs. 

and regulation plays a vital role in our 

Our CSR strategy focuses on three 

ability to bid for and execute contracts 

areas where we feel we can make 

in the territories where we operate. 
The UN is a signifi cant customer for 

the most positive impact: Labour 
Rights, People & Skills Development 

The Company provides 

us and we are a signatory, participant 

and Resource Management. We are 

comprehensive, fl exible, mission 

and contributor to the United Nations 

currently setting measurable targets 

critical support to its clients enabling 

Global Compact. We operate to 

and will from next year be monitoring 

them to focus on the delivery of their 

international best practices and ensure 

progress and tracking improvements. 

respective businesses and services. 

we are compliant with local practices.

A more detailed introduction to our 

Our focus on integrity and values 

alongside on-going investment in 

people, locations and operations 

has over time created a reliable and 

trusted brand within our sector.

During our transition to a public 

CORPORATE SOCIAL 

RESPONSIBILITY

Since our inception in 2004, a key 

part of our business model has 

been to act responsibly and make a 

company, and as we start to take on 

meaningful contribution, whether that 

larger contracts and mature as an 

organisation, we recognise that we 

face new expectations from all our 

means providing stable employment, 

improving workplace conditions, 

promoting equality and diversity or 

CSR approach and activities can be 

found within this report and within 

our fi rst comprehensive Sustainability 

Report which is available on our 

website. 

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OUR BUSINESS MODEL

OUR BUSINESS IS TO ENABLE CLIENT DELIVERY

OUR CLIENTS
We have successfully delivered over USD 450m of projects to a broad range of clients, often in remote locations and 

diffi  cult conditions. Our clients are largely UN agencies, western governments and global corporations who are executing 

complex projects in demanding environments. 

HUMANITARIAN AGENCIES

GOVERNMENTS

COMMERCIAL

We work closely with humanitarian 

We count a number of 

agencies, including many UN 
agencies and NGOs. 

governments as clients including 
the USA, UK, Canada, France, 

Our diverse commercial client 

base operates across a number 
of sectors including oil and gas, 

and Italy as well as the EU and 

mining, telecoms, automotive, 

African Union.

logistics and facilities management. 

OUR SERVICES
We have a strong position within our market and consistently deliver across three, often integrated, service channels in 

countries across Africa and the Middle East to international standards. 

CONSTRUCTION

IFM

SUPPLY CHAIN

Build, design and build, or design, 
build and operate projects

Facilities management and 
maintenance

Civil construction, such as 
horizontal and vertical construction, 
roads, runways, helipads and aprons

Permanent, semi-permanent and 
temporary facilities including 
accommodation camps, workshops, 
warehouses and offi  ces

Permanent, semi-permanent 
and temporary infrastructure 
including: power generation, water 
treatment plant, solid/liquid waste 
management plant and landfi lls and 
workshops

Plant and equipment operation and 
maintenance 

Catering, hospitality, and 
accommodation 

Cleaning and laundry

Waste management

Vehicle fl eet operation and 
maintenance

Pest and vector control 

 Local, regional and global 
procurement of mission critical 
equipment, material and 
consumables

Consolidation and repacking services

 Land, sea and air logistics 
management

Last mile logistics

Warehousing and yard management

Inventory control

 Freight forwarding and clearance 
of goods

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DELIVERING VALUE

HOW WE DO IT
We are frequently asked how we are able to do what we do given the complexity of our work and the demanding 

environments we operate in.  Since RA International’s foundation in 2004 we have built a reputation for integrity and the 

effi  cient and reliable delivery of projects.

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE

SPECIALISED EXPERIENCE

BEST PRACTICE

Subject matter experts who take an 
intelligence-led approach

Strong track record of project 
delivery and long-term partnerships 

Risk management focused and 
clear reporting structures

Local on the ground knowledge 
that enables us to work quickly and 
effi  ciently

Reputation for last mile delivery to 
remote and challenging locations

Compliance with international and 
local regulations

OUR STAKEHOLDERS
We recognise that investing in communities through local employment and community projects has a profound eff ect on 

our ability to win and execute client projects and deliver value to all our stakeholders. 

CLIENTS

COMMUNITIES

EMPLOYEES

SHAREHOLDERS

We have a long track 
record for providing 
comprehensive, fl exible 
and mission critical 
support which enables 
our clients to focus on 
the delivery of their 
business and services. 
Over the years we 
have formed close 
partnerships with our 
clients and have built 
a reliable and trusted 
brand within our market. 

RA International works 
on many fronts to 
ensure that our business 
benefi ts people living 
in the areas where we 
operate and does not 
harm their environment. 
We have integrated our 
sustainability strategy 
with the Company’s core 
business activities and 
aligned ourselves with 
the UN’s Sustainable 
Development Goals.

The success of our 
Company is dependent 
on our employees. Our 
goal is to recruit and 
develop local people 
whenever practical and 
economically viable. In 
this way, we are able to 
meet most of our labour 
needs and build the 
foundation for a long-
term relationship with 

the local community. 

Through eff ective 
management, a 
clear strategy and 
a strong focus on 
risk management 
and compliance with 
international and local 
regulations, we aim 
to deliver shareholder 
value through capital 
growth and a progressive 
dividend policy.

USD 119m 

3

69% 

1.0p

PER 
SHARE 

REVENUE BACKLOG 
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 
2018 (2017: USD 112M)

CORE 
SUSTAINABILITY 
GOALS

LOCAL LABOUR 
PARTICIPATION 
(2017: 67%)

MAIDEN FULL YEAR 
DIVIDEND

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OUR STRATEGY

Our strategy is closely aligned to 

environments, so that they can 

Through expansion into new 

the Company’s purpose. We have 

focus on the delivery of their core 

territories and increasing our footprint 

never lost sight of why the Company 

objectives. Our aim is to do this 

in existing territories we can increase 

was founded: to off er a transparent 

wherever there is a need for our 

the value we deliver to all our 

and responsible project delivery 

services, but we primarily target 

stakeholders. Following our Admission 

service from start to fi nish. Taking 

the humanitarian, government, and 

to AIM we are in a strong position to 

on full ownership of a project allows 

oil and gas and mining sectors due 

execute our growth strategy through 

us to deliver more effi  ciently and 

to these being the organisations 

four, interdependent objectives: 

provide better value to organisations 

predominantly executing complex 

working in remote and challenging 

projects in demanding environments. 

OBJECTIVE

DESCRIPTION 

VALUE TO 

STAKEHOLDERS 

BROADEN 

Clients in the humanitarian sector such as multiple United Nations agencies 

OUR 

and the World Bank represent over half of our revenue. We have been working 

CUSTOMER 

with many of these clients for over 10 years and maintain strong relationships 

BASE

throughout the humanitarian sector.

While we continue to target business growth from our long-term clients, we 

recognise the inherent risks associated with over-reliance on the humanitarian 

sector and aim to continue to expand the number of customers we service in the 

western government and commercial sectors. 

By working with a variety of organisations we have the opportunity to make 

more effi  cient use of our resources and hasten our geographic diversifi cation. 

When simultaneously executing several projects in one geographic location we 

can pass effi  ciencies on to our clients and better infl uence project delivery to the 

benefi t of local communities.

DIVERSIFY 

We maintain and constantly update a list of geographies to target for expansion. 

OUR 

This said, our growth is often ‘customer-led’ in that we fi nd that delivering a 

GEOGRAPHIC 

project for a new customer in one country, often leads to requests to perform in 

REACH

another. In entering new geographies, we often become enablers to new clients 

delivering their own projects in these locations and are then asked to follow 

these new clients to new geographies. 

Our newly created Project Management Offi  ce (PMO) in Nairobi can deliver 

projects worldwide, be it rapidly mobilising for a new contract or value 

engineering an existing project.

Reducing geographical concentration decreases the wider fi nancial and 

operational impact that temporary project stoppages can have on the Company, 

and which can arise in challenging locations. Most often these situations are 

beyond our control, such as in instances of political instability or confl ict.

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OBJECTIVE

DESCRIPTION 

VALUE TO 

STAKEHOLDERS 

TARGET 

Tendering and delivering larger and longer-term contracts is a key driver for 

LONGER-TERM 

fi nancial growth. It also provides the Company with greater forward earnings 

CONTRACTS

visibility which allows us to plan for the future.

These contracts, lasting up to fi ve years or greater, better enable us to off er our 

project staff  sustained long-term employment and support greater investment 

from RA International in the local community and countries where we operate.

CROSS-

Providing a greater mix of services to each client allows us to make more 

SELL OUR 

effi  cient use of our resources, drives revenue growth and strengthens our 

SERVICES TO 

relationships with clients. 

NEW AND 

EXISTING 

CUSTOMERS

Construction projects are often drivers of IFM and supply chain revenue. We aim 

to maintain the mix of service off erings equally between Construction and our 

other service channels. 

In most cases we believe we can provide services more eff ectively and at a lower 

cost than our competitors or our clients. From a fi nancial and administrative 

standpoint, clients can benefi t from working with one supplier, allowing them to 

focus on the delivery of their own projects without having to manage multiple 

service providers. 

Financial strength

Business growth

Risk mitigation

Effi  ciency

Social impact

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OUR MARKET

The size of our market is diffi  cult 

In the majority of cases, RA 

Looking ahead, we anticipate the 

to defi ne given our broad service 

International projects involve 

planned cuts to the USAID budget 

off ering and the signifi cant number 

supporting countries that are coping 

will widen this gap. In an eff ort to 

of potential customers who utilise 

with or emerging from long-term 

compensate, the EU presented its 

the services we provide. We primarily 

confl ict. Of the 21 humanitarian 

highest ever humanitarian aid budget 

work for humanitarian agencies and 

response plans presented in 2018, all 

of EUR 1.6b in 2018, and is now looking 

western governments but we are more 

but two were confl ict-related, and 

to increase contributions for 2019 and 

frequently bidding on projects with 

many involved long-term instabilities. 

2020. It has also proposed to increase 

commercial customers working in the 

16 countries have been in crisis for 

foreign spending by some 30% from 

mining and oil and gas industries. 

fi ve years or more; three have been 

2021-2027. 

Limiting the market to these industries 

and geography to Sub-Saharan Africa, 

making annual aid appeals for a 

period of approximately 18 years.1

US defence spending looks set 

to increase in the coming years, 

we estimate a market size of at least 

In 2017, UN agencies and USAID spent 

which will undoubtedly have a 

USD 30b in annual expenditure. 

approximately USD 4.6b1 and USD 4b2 

knock-on eff ect on NATO countries, 

Historically, we have estimated that 

respectively in Chad, Niger, Central 

Russia and China. This will boost 

1%-2% of this budget directly relates 

African Republic, the Democratic 

RA International’s business in the 

to services we provide, however 

Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, 

government sector since we are 

since our Admission to AIM we have 

Libya, Mali, Somalia, South Sudan and 

well-equipped to compete for military 

been invited to bid for additional 

Sudan. These are all countries in which 

contracts, including the building and 

contracts not previously included in 

RA International is presently working 

servicing of training camps and bases 

our estimate. We now estimate the 

or can provide services at short notice. 

across Africa. 

addressable portion of this budget to 

be 2-4%.

The US remains the largest single 

foreign aid donor. While in many cases 

COMMERCIAL SPEND IN SUB-

we are excluded from competing 

SAHARAN AFRICA

HUMANITARIAN & GOVERNMENT 

directly for US Government contracts, 

The mining and oil & gas sectors, 

SPEND

we can partner with US contractors 

which represent the mainstay of RA 

A key part of our business is to help 

to carry out or support their projects 

International’s commercial business 

deliver Overseas Development Aid 

on the ground. Our service off ering, 

and new commercial sector business 

(ODA) on behalf of governments and 

geographical reach, and experience 

targets, are experiencing renewed 

international aid agencies. Their goals 

in successfully completing US 

confi dence in the future. They 

are to provide stability in confl icted 

Government projects puts us in an 

anticipate growth in 2019, partly 

regions, promote democracy, 

ideal position to do this.

contribute to counter terrorism and 

law enforcement eff orts, and to help 

alleviate short-term humanitarian 

crises. Our experience operating in 

remote locations across Africa is 

seen as being especially valuable in 

this context.

Spending on international aid to Africa 

remained stable in 2018. However, 

needs rose faster than contributions 

leading to a shortfall of around 48%. 

The UN alone reported a USD 2b 

shortfall in its peacekeeping budget. 

driven by healthy growth rates in the 

economies in which we operate. 3.6% 

growth is forecast across sub Saharan 

Africa in 2019.3

1United Nations Offi  ce for the Coordination of Humanitarian Aff airs, www.unocha.org/

2USAID, explorer.usaid.gov/

3IMF, www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/Issues/2019/01/11/weo-update-january-2019

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EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT TEAM

RA International’s Executive Management Team is actively involved in operations, often down to the 
level of fi eld implementation. Each member has experience working in remote locations and has a 
deep understanding of the profound impact seemingly small problems can have on project delivery. 

SORAYA NARFELDT
Chief Executive Offi  cer

LARS NARFELDT
Chief Operating Offi  cer

ANDREW BOLTER
Chief Financial Offi  cer

Soraya Narfeldt founded RA 
International in 2004 and has led 
the Company to becoming a leading 
remote site service provider. Since 
founding RA International, Soraya 
has turned the Company into a 
multifaceted organisation with 
operations in the Middle East and 
across Africa, employing over 2,000 
staff . In 2018, Soraya identifi ed the 
need for the Company to take the leap 
to become a public company and led 
RA International through the process 
of listing on AIM. 

Soraya is a strong advocate and 
supporter of responsible business 
practices and community-based 
enterprises. She is a regular 
contributor and speaker on the 
subject to high profi le journals and 
international forums.  

Lars Narfeldt has served for over 
two decades in pivotal leadership 
and development roles in some 
of the world’s most challenging 
environments. As COO at RA 
International, he is responsible for 
day-to-day operations across the 
Company. His role also encompasses 
setting CSR strategy, HR, 
communications and marketing and 
compliance. He has been instrumental 
in developing RA International’s strong 
brand equity amongst the Company’s 
clients, geographies and markets. 

Lars spent the fi rst 15 years of his 
post university career working with 
the Swedish government and the UN. 
He worked with SIDA in Palestine 
and with the UN in the Democratic 
Republic of Congo, Uzbekistan, Sierra 
Leone and Afghanistan. While in Sierra 
Leone Lars managed a team of over 
2,000 individuals and ran the UN 

Volunteer Programme. 

As CFO of RA International Andrew 
is responsible for overseeing 
fi nancing activities, M&A, business 
planning and forecasting, fi nancial 
reporting, taxation, audit and process 
improvement. Upon joining, he 
managed the implementation of RA 
International’s enterprise resource 
planning system, and together with 
the CEO, developed a long-term 
strategic plan which has contributed 
to a more diverse customer base and 
signifi cant business growth. 

Andrew joined RA in 2011 from Ernst & 
Young’s Transaction Advisory Services 
Group where he was primarily 
responsible for assisting multi-national 
corporations establish operations 
in the Middle East and Africa. He is 
a Canadian Chartered Accountant, 
Chartered Professional Accountant 
and a Chartered Business Valuator.

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TREVOR STRATFORD
Business Development 
Director

JOHN MITCHELL
Director of Project 
Management

WILLIAM WARNOCK
Director of US Business 
Development

Trevor Stratford joined RA 
International in 2011. He has over 
20 years’ expertise in business 
development and brings a deep 
understanding of remote site service 
delivery, project management, 
contract management, technical 
knowledge and a mindset for client 
satisfaction. His mandate is to extend 
the Company’s geographical reach 
and most importantly, develop new 
and existing customer relationships. 

Trevor has worked across geographies 
that encompass South Africa, 
Zimbabwe, Malawi, Senegal, Dubai, 
Iraq and Brazil. He has commissioned 
projects in a variety of industries 
including electrical contracting, security, 
water treatment, packaging, and 
mining. Trevor has drawn on his diverse 
experience and knowledge to enhance 
the implementation and service delivery 

of the Company’s projects.

John Mitchell heads up our in-house 
PMO which manages implementation 
of construction and IFM projects with 
a team of subject experts. His team 
works closely with Deputy Country 
Managers in the execution of projects 
in our operational areas.

John originally joined RA International 
in 2010. During his time with the 
Company he has worked across all 
departments and specialisations, 
developed a meritocratic workplace 
through a target-centric culture. He 
has focused on developing ambitious 
yet achievable goals to motivate staff  
and ensure professional development. 
John’s background in the Royal 
Navy working in post-confl ict areas 
makes him especially well placed to 
work alongside people from diverse 

cultures, religions and world views.

William joined RA International’s 
EMT in January 2019 having 
worked previously as a consultant. 
He is responsible for growing RA 
International’s US Government 
project portfolio and has played a 
vital role in the Company’s transition 
to embracing many USG business 
practices. William reports to the CEO 
on project development and provides 
recommendations for strategic 
investments. 

Before RA International, William 
served for 30 years with the US 
Navy including acting as Defence 
Attaché assigned to the US Mission 
in Somalia. He has held a variety of 
diplomatic and military roles, and has 
served as Commander of all Naval 
forces deployed to Kuwait and Qatar 
where he was responsible for the 
employment of over 1,200 US Navy 
personnel. He has also served as the 
Naval Liaison to the White House 
under Presidents Bush and Clinton.

In addition to the EMT we have a committed team of management and senior staff  spread across the Group, at Head 
Offi  ce, Regional, Country and Project level. Country Managers are particularly important in ensuring that the right 
resources are in place and available to bring in projects on time, on budget and to the right quality standards. This team of 
talented individuals all contribute to the growth of the business and are all committed to bringing about positive change 
to the local communities where we work.

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OPERATING REVIEW 

We made strong progress across our strategic objectives 
during the year. These are to:

•  Broaden our customer base

•  Diversify our geographic reach

•  Target longer-term contracts

•  Cross-sell our services to new and existing customers

SORAYA NARFELDT
Chief Executive Offi  cer

CONTRACTS

Our strengthened balance sheet, 
following our Admission to AIM in 
June 2018, enabled us to bid for 
larger and longer-term contracts. The 
average contract value at 31 December 
2018 was USD 7.2m with an average 
duration of 4.4 years when weighted 
by contract value. 

We have increased our geographical 
presence; the Company executed 
projects in 9 countries in 2018 
compared to 6 in 2017; entering Mali, 
Oman, and Sudan. In addition, we 
increased revenue from government 
and commercial customers. Together, 
revenue from these clients made up 
almost 40% of our total revenue in 
2018 compared to less than 30% a 
year ago. 

Having advocated the benefi ts of a 
‘one-supplier’ model for years, we have 
now started to see signifi cant demand 
for ‘hybrid’ projects where we may 
perform services from two or more of 
our service channels. Examples include 
recent projects executed for UNICEF 
and the UK MOD. There are signifi cant 
effi  ciencies which can be passed on to 
the client when remote site operators 
are able to seamlessly transition 
from construction to providing IFM 

services. We continue to advocate this 
delivery model and have structured 
our organisation in a way which best 
allows us to build infrastructure and 
take care of the occupying tenants. 

continent. Our strategy has started 
to produce results, with two large 
and strategically important contracts 
awarded with new clients in the 
second half of 2018. 

Despite seeing an increase in the size 
and complexity of our contracts, our 
delivery record remains excellent, 
refl ecting our commitment to 
delivering our projects on time and to 
a high standard. Our growth model 
continues to be ‘customer led’ and, in 
addition to targeting new customers, 
our focus remains on ensuring we 
meet the needs of existing clients. We 
secured signifi cant new contracts and 
contract renewals from the UN. Most 
notable amongst these was a 5-year 
contract with UNICEF which has 
recently been uplifted to USD 22.8m, 
and a USD 30m power infrastructure 
project with the United Nations 
Support Offi  ce in Somalia.

As at 31 December 2018 the Company 
reported a revenue backlog of USD 
119m compared to USD 112m the 
previous year. 

At our half year we outlined our 
strategy for US Government 
contracts, whereby we partner with 
US companies in order to support 
them winning work across the African 

The fi rst was a USD 9.1m contract 
awarded by URS Group, Inc., a 
subsidiary of AECOM, to provide 
construction services in Somalia 
repairing an asphalt runway for the US 
Naval Facilities Engineering Command. 
In December, we announced a second 
contract with a large US company, to 
provide support services in connection 
to strengthening the capacity of local 
security sector institutions in a Central 
African country, on behalf of the US 
Government.

NEW BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

The credibility gained and 
strengthened balance sheet resulting 
from the Admission to AIM has led 
to invitations to bid for opportunities 
which were previously unavailable 
to us, both from existing and new 
customers. 

The biggest uplift is in the commercial 
sector, particularly from mining 
and oil & gas companies where we 
are bidding for a number of large 
construction and service projects. 

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Becoming a UK quoted company has 
also strengthened RA International’s 
position when bidding for UK 
Government contracts, as evidenced 
by our increasing work from the MOD 
and FCO. 

While our revenue backlog and bid 
pipeline is larger than ever before, 
many of the tenders now have 
longer preparation and adjudication 
periods, and many involve several 
counterparties (such as where we are 
a subcontractor to a US company). 
Contract awards are, therefore, taking 
longer than originally anticipated 
but we remain confi dent that our 
strategy will deliver great value to our 
stakeholders. 

OPERATIONS

During the year we initiated 
operations in Sudan, Mali and Oman 
and increased our presence in the 
Central African Republic. 

Additionally, we recently announced 
that we have signifi cantly expanded 
operations in Mozambique, having 
acquired a 49% stake in a well-
established local integrated facilities 
management company and a large 
parcel of land in the North of the 
country. Our plan is to construct a 
large, fully integrated and serviced 
camp in order to support upcoming 
gas projects in the region, and 
we are in the process of securing 
potential anchor tenants. The project 
is an example of one approach we 
are taking to further target new 
opportunities. 

Our goal is to recruit and develop 
local people whenever it is practical 
to do so. Local labour participation is 
one of our key performance indicators 
and has grown consistently over the 
years. In 2018 local hires accounted 
for 69% of total employees compared 
to 67% in 2017, and 63% in 2016. As 
we enter new territories, we often 
need to bring in staff  from outside if 
the necessary skills are not available 
on the ground. This may cause 
variations in the percentage of local 

labour we employ until the required 
training and handover is complete. 

In late 2017 we identifi ed that we 
needed to scale-up and build a robust 
back-offi  ce function. This was driven 
by our ambition to deliver more large 
projects simultaneously, coupled with 
the signifi cant reporting requirements 
of our customers and internal 
compliance requirements. As a result, 
in 2018 the Company’s processes 
were structured so as to have an 
enabling function and a delivery 
function. To establish the delivery 
function, a project management offi  ce 
(PMO) was established in Nairobi 
that is responsible for implementing 
contracts. Deputy Country Managers 
report into the PMO and are 
responsible for project delivery in our 
operational areas. The enabling offi  ce 
is managed from Dubai and includes 
fi nance, HR, procurement, business 
development, communications, 
strategy, compliance and other senior 
level roles. To support these functions 
and strengthen the management 
team we made a number of key senior 
level appointments in 2018. 

On 1 January 2019 William Warnock 
joined the Executive Management 
Team as Director of US Business 
Development, having worked 
previously with RA International 
as a consultant. CAPT Warnock 
has been instrumental in enabling 
the Company’s transition to USG 
business practices and is responsible 
for expanding RA International’s 
client base to USG organisations and 
contractors operating in Africa. He 
communicates directly with the CEO 
on project development and provides 
recommendations for strategic 
investments. In addition, he continues 
to leverage his expertise as the former 
defence attaché assigned to the US 
Mission Somalia. 

OUTLOOK

We remain focused on our strategic 
objectives as we work to deliver 
on our rising backlog of contracts 

(presently USD 130m). During the 
year, we streamlined our operations to 
three service channels, construction, 
integrated facilities management and 
supply chain. 

We aim to execute our strategy 
through four independent pillars:

•  Broaden our customer base

•  Diversify our geographic reach

•  Target longer-term contracts

• 

 Cross-sell our services to new and 
existing customers

We continue to see strong business 
opportunities in the government 
sector and expect US and UK 
Government work to continue to 
increase as a portion of our overall 
revenue. We also anticipate strong 
growth from our Supply Chain service 
channel as we continue to bid on 
larger projects.

We continue to target work from 
commercial clients and have a number 
of large bids outstanding relating 
to the mining sector. Additionally, 
we have recently expanded into 
Mozambique to further target work 
from the oil & gas industry. Given 
the longer sales cycle involved 
when compared with humanitarian 
or government projects, we are 
not anticipating signifi cant revenue 
generation from these projects in 
2019 but are still expecting growth in 
revenue from commercial customers. 

The Company is in a stronger 
position now than it was a year ago, 
and there are currently many large 
bids outstanding on which we are 
awaiting notifi cation and where we 
are very well positioned to capitalise 
on our reputation for reliability and 

can-do approach. Many of the bids 

outstanding are transformational in 

nature and signifi cance and while we 

await notice of awards we continue to 

bid on similar opportunities.

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FINANCIAL REVIEW 

OVERVIEW

Financial performance for the year ended 2018 was broadly in 
line with our expectations. The Group reported revenue and 
underlying profi t of USD 54.8m and USD 13.3m, representing an 
increase of 7.0% and 6.3% respectively when compared with the 
prior year. The Group repaid all debt balances during the year 
and had a cash balance of USD 27.8m at 31 December 2018. 

Revenue

Underlying operating profi t2

Underlying profi t2

Profi t (after exceptional items)

Normalised EPS (cents)2

Basic EPS (cents)

Net Cash (end of period)2

2018
USD’000

54,805

14,212

13,252

9,954

8.4

6.3

27,804

2017
USD’000 
Restated1

51,215

13,585

12,471

12,471

8.9

8.9

5,602

REVENUE

7.0m in 2017. As the Group continues 

Despite the Company experiencing 

to secure higher value, longer-term 

delays in the commencement of 

contracts, it is expected that the eff ect 

several projects in late 2018, the USD 

of STCs will diminish. 

28.7m revenue reported in the second 

half of 2018 represents the highest 

half-year revenue total reported by the 

Group since its formation in 2004. 

PROFIT

Gross profi t margin in 2018 decreased 

slightly to 37.7% (2017: 38.9%) 

As indicated in the interim fi nancial 

resulting from a decrease in cost 

review, the Group does not experience 

reimbursements received relating 

seasonality, but it does frequently 

to prior periods. In connection with 

execute short-term contracts (STCs) 

implementing IFRS 15 in 2018, the 

which often have a signifi cant eff ect 

Group has reclassifi ed non-contracted 

on revenue and profi tability in a given 

cost reimbursements to direct costs 

quarter or half-year period. The Group 

whereas in the past these payments 

reported revenue from STCs of USD 

were recorded as other income. It 

8.3m in 2018 compared with USD 

is not expected that the value of 

18

ANDREW BOLTER
Chief Financial Offi  cer

non-contracted cost reimbursements 

will be signifi cant in future periods. 

Excluding cost reimbursements, gross 

margin was consistent at 37.0% for 

both periods.

Underlying profi t increased by 6.3% 

to USD 13.3m in 2018 (2017: USD 

12.5m) and underlying margin was 

broadly consistent across the current 

and prior period at 24.2% and 24.4% 

respectively despite the impact of 

non-contracted cost reimbursements.

Underlying operating profi t, which is 

used by the Group’s management to 

assess operating performance, grew by 

4.6% to USD 14.2m (2017: USD 13.6m).

EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS

Exceptional items of USD 2.9m were 

recorded as costs for the year. These 

items represent expenses incurred in 

relation to the Company’s Admission 

to AIM, which in accordance with 

international accounting standards, are 

presented as expenses in the income 

statement. Within the accounts, 

exceptional items are split into two 

categories: advisory fees and other 

costs associated with the Admission 

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KEY 
PERFORMANCE 
INDICATORS

THE DIRECTORS USE THE 

FOLLOWING KPIS AS A MEASURE 

OF THE GROUP’S PERFORMANCE:

54.8

51.2

14.2

13.6

37.0

21.2

5.8

2018

2017

2016

2015

DEC 18
2018

DEC 17
2017

DEC 16
2016

DEC 15
2015

1.  REVENUE (USDm)

2.   UNDERLYING OPERATING 

1.5

13.3

12.5

119

112

108

100

PROFIT (USDm)

69

67

63

57

5.0

DEC 18
2018

DEC 17
2017

DEC 16
2016

1.0
DEC 15
2015

DEC 18
DEC 18

DEC 17
DEC 17

DEC 16
DEC 16

DEC 15
DEC 15

2018
2018

2017
2017

2016
2016

2015
2015

3.  UNDERLYING PROFIT (USDm)

4.   REVENUE BACKLOG AT YEAR 

5.   LOCAL LABOUR PARTICIPATION 

END (USDm)

(% OF LABOUR WHO ARE LOCAL 

WORKERS)

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FINANCIAL REVIEW CONTINUED

totalled USD 1.3m and stock-based 

2)   Increased inventory due to 

Other investment initiatives include:

compensation totalled USD 1.6m. The 

project mobilisation: inventory 

stock-based compensation charge 

balances increased USD 1.6m 

relates to the transfer of shares by the 

from 31 December 2017 resulting 

majority shareholder of the Company 

from higher levels of inventory 

to certain employees at the AIM 

on site and in-transit relating 

Admission date. While the Company 

to construction works being 

• 

 The purchase and mobilisation of a 

fl eet of heavy-duty trucks in CAR 

to greater improve our operating 

capability and effi  ciency in the 

country. 

was not a party to this transfer, IFRS 

undertaken in the Central 

• 

 Water purifi cation equipment 

mandates that the transaction be 

African Republic (CAR) for 

which once installed will distribute 

accounted for as a cost on the date of 

MINUSCA and the execution of 

the share grant. The transfer of shares 

projects in Somalia; specifi cally, 

was conditional on the Company’s 

the construction of power 

drinking water throughout our 

facilities in Mogadishu, removing 

the need for single-use water 

successful Admission to AIM.

infrastructure for UNSOS and 

bottles. 

EARNINGS PER SHARE

On June 29, 2018 the Company listed 

on AIM and issued 33,575,741 new 

a conference centre being built 

for the use of UNICEF and other 

customers. 

• 

 Upgrading certain construction 

equipment to be used in 

connection with the URS 

construction contract and other 

shares representing a 24.0% increase 

BALANCE SHEET

upcoming projects.

in total shares outstanding.

Net of share issuance and AIM 

Normalised earnings per share for 

2018, both basic and diluted, was 

8.4 cents per share (2017: 8.9 cents 

per share). Basic earnings per share, 

both basic and diluted, was 6.3 cents 

per share (2017: 8.9 cents per share).

CASHFLOW

The Company targets a 100% cash 

conversion ratio but signifi cant 

increases in operational activity, such 

as mobilising for material contracts, 

may lead to short-term divergences.

Admission costs, the Group raised 

USD 21.4m in proceeds. Net 

cash increased to USD 27.8m at 

31 December 2018 (2017: USD 5.6m) 

and the Group repaid all debt balances 

in 2018. 

Liquidity and net cash are often 

assessed by potential customers 

during the contract adjudication 

process. The completion of the 

Admission to AIM and related 

fundraising was a milestone for the 

Group in that it now qualifi es to bid for 

larger projects and has the fi nancial 

Net cash fl ow from operations in the 

capacity to mobilise for multiple large 

year was USD 10.9m (2017: USD 12.5m) 

projects simultaneously. Net assets at 

which represents 80.1% cash conversion 
(2017: 92.0%)3. The primary factors 
contributing to the diff erential were: 

31 December 2018 were USD 59.2m 

with the majority of the total balance 

sheet comprising cash and other 

1) 

 A build-up of trade receivables, 

current assets. 

primarily from UN agencies: trade 

The Group continues to invest in 

receivables were USD 10.0m at 

31 December 2018, USD 3.8m 

revenue generating fi xed assets, 

investing over USD 4m to upgrade 

higher than at December 31, 2017. 

and expand its camp facilities to 

The Group received payments 

accommodate UNICEF and other 

totalling USD 3.5m within the fi rst 

customers contracting with the Group 

half of January 2019 including 

payment of 55.3% of receivables 

overdue at 31 December 2018.

for accommodation services. 

20

• 

 Purchasing a 400-man tented 

camp which was leased to a client 

in 2018 and is being repurposed in 

connection with another project 

commencing in 2019. 

DIVIDEND

The Directors have proposed a maiden 

full year dividend of 1.0p per share to 

be paid on 3 July 2019 to Shareholders 

on the register as of May 24, 2019. The 

ex-dividend date is May 23, 2019.

1Comparative fi nancial information has been 
restated following adoption of IFRS 15. 
Further details can be found within Note 5 
of the consolidated fi nancial statements and 
accompanying notes (p. 68-70). 

2Full defi nitions and explanations of the purpose 
and usefulness of each non-IFRS Alternative 
Performance Measure used by the Group can be 
found within Note 18 of the consolidated fi nancial 
statements and accompanying notes (p. 79-80). 

3Cash conversion is calculated as cash 
fl ow generated from operations divided by 
operating profi t.

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MANAGING RISK

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The Board has ultimate responsibility 

Day-to-day risk management is the 

The principal risks that the Board 

for ensuring the Group’s risks are 

responsibility of the EMT and the 

believe are most likely to aff ect the 

properly understood, quantifi ed and 

Country Managers and any potential 

business operations, impact strategy 

appropriately managed. The Board 

changes to risk are reviewed regularly 

and fi nancial performance, and 

continually assesses the Group’s 

during Executive and Management 

infl uence reputation are set out below. 

exposure to risk and seeks to ensure 

meetings. Working in remote and 

that risks are mitigated wherever 

challenging locations requires the 

possible.

Group to have robust controls and 

company policies that are integrated 

into all levels of the business. 

STRATEGIC RISKS

PROFITABLE GROWTH

Failure to retain and win profi table business will impact our fi nancial performance and growth. The business is infl uenced 

by ODA budgets, political stability, attitudes towards outsourcing services, and our reputation in the market. 

Key risk drivers: 

•  Mispricing bids

Controls and mitigation:

• 

 An intelligence-led approach to bidding for contracts. Local 

•  Not meeting customer requirements 

intelligence with respect to labour and material prices and 

• 

 Being unable to resource suffi  cient labour, 

regional variances feeds into tender processes, protecting 

equipment, and materials 

operating margins. 

• 

 Not understanding or meeting our customers or 

• 

 Self-performance of project works so as to retain control of 

stakeholder expectations

project timelines and quality.

• 

• 

Investment in people, and infrastructure. 

 Investment in local labour and capacity building where 

possible and practical to enhance local intelligence.

• 

 Source new suppliers and uplift current material providers. 

REPUTATION MANAGEMENT

Failure to manage our reputation will mean that we will be less likely to win or renew business from existing customers or 

attract new clients. It will also aff ect our ability to operate in our geographies and attract the necessary skills and talent. 

Key risk drivers: 

Controls and mitigation:

• 

 Bribery and corruption issues either by our 

• 

 Customer and stakeholder relationship management 

employees or counterparties

programmes in place.

•  Failure to respond and manage incidents

• 

 A zero-tolerance stance on bribery and corruption along with 

• 

 Not delivering projects on time or to required 

ongoing training programs on anti-bribery and corruption 

standards

(ABC) risk management and an independent whistle blower 

channel.

•  Gifts and hospitality policies in place.

• 

 Ensure availability of company policies to all employees and 

stakeholders through country offi  ces and online resources.

• 

 Increasing regular training sessions across the whole 

company on ethical and compliance related subjects.

• 

 Introducing clear incident management and crisis 

management strategies and procedures.

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MANAGING RISK CONTINUED

FINANCIAL, LEGAL AND COMPLIANCE RISKS

FINANCIAL CONTROLS

Failure to impose strong fi nancial controls may result in: inaccurate and delayed reporting of fi nancial results, the inability 

to meet fi nancial contractual reporting obligations, a heightened risk of error and fraud, poor quality data leading to 

poor business decisions, inaccurate forecasting, the failure to create a suitable capital structure, and an inability to make 

critical fi nancial transactions. In turn this could lead to fi nancial instability, potential business loss and a negative impact 

on our reputation.

Key risk drivers: 

Controls and mitigation:

• 

 Inadequate internal fi nancial controls 

• 

 Group fi nancial policies and procedures in place which are reviewed 

surrounding receipts, payments, and cash 

and updated regularly.

management

• 

 Regular meetings to discuss status of all debts and identify any 

•  Failure to adequately manage cash fl ow 

concerns regarding receipt of payments.

•  Misappropriation of assets, theft or fraud

• 

• 

 Weekly review of cash fl ow forecasts at an operational and Group level. 

 Authorised signatories in place for all payments with the CFO 

authorising all signifi cant payments.

• 

 Limit cash payments to the greatest extent possible and limit those 

staff  who have access to cash. Operations funded on a weekly basis. 

• 

 Increasing training sessions across whole company on ethical and 

compliance related subjects, and whistleblowing procedures.

COMPLIANCE AND REGULATION

Failure to deliver contractual requirements or failure to meet and report against agreed service performance levels may 

lead to signifi cant fi nancial penalties, legal notices, onerous contract provisions, or early termination of contracts. Lack of 

oversight and procedures to control and monitor bribery and corruption may lead to litigation, inquiries or investigations 

that could divert management time and resources, and result in jail terms, heavy corporate fi nes, sanctions against 

bidding for contracts and damage to reputation. 

Key risk drivers: 

Controls and mitigation:

• 

 Failure to deliver projects against agreed 

•  Standard Operating Procedures consistent across the Group. 

service performance 

• 

 Misunderstanding local regulations or legal 

requirements

• 

• 

• 

 Engage local professional advisors in all operating jurisdictions.

 ABC training is regularly provided.

 Risk assessments on all third parties acting on behalf of RA 

• 

 Bribery and corruption by employees and 

International.

third parties in dealings with foreign public 

• 

 Introducing training for third parties and have third parties agree 

offi  cials, resulting in possible heavy punitive 

to abide by RA International’s code of conduct as part of their 

measures via international legislations

contractual obligations. 

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FINANCIAL, LEGAL AND COMPLIANCE RISKS CONTINUED

RESPONSIBLE AND ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR

Irresponsible or unethical behaviour could lead to a breach of human rights, labour rights or inadequate health and 

safety measures. This behaviour can arise from the actions of individual employees or as a result of poor company 

culture. The result might be the loss of clients, inability to win new business and loss of reputation. 

Key risk drivers: 
• 

 Failure to communicate the Company’s 
purpose and values

Controls and mitigation:

• 

 All staff  handling equipment and materials receive health and safety 

training.

• 

 Health and safety practices not adhered to 

• 

 Constant challenging of behavioural norms and training to improve 

or ignored

attitudes towards health and safety. 

•  Direct or indirect contribution to abuses

• 

 Consistently support the Labour Rights initiatives of governments in 

countries of operation.

• 

 Encourage more employees to become advocates for responsible 

behaviour through engagement in the Company’s sustainability 

strategy. See our CSR overview on p. 24-28.

OPERATIONAL RISKS

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Failure to attract, acquire or develop adequate resources could impact fi nancial and operational performance, and reputation. 

Key risk drivers: 

Controls and mitigation:

• 

 Delivery delays caused by poor quality 

equipment and materials procured

• 

• 

  Standard procurement procedures.

 Supplier penalty clauses included in purchase orders for delays and 

• 

 Manpower shortfall resulting from incorrect 

delivery of poor quality goods. 

estimation of required labour

• 

 HR works with the talent acquisition team to choose the right talent 

• 

 Inability to recruit the right skills and labour

and manpower for each project.

• 

 Retention schemes and succession planning programmes are 

constantly being improved.

•  Expanding performance-linked award programmes.

CATASTROPHIC EVENTS

Failure to eff ectively respond to events that result from our own actions or events that are beyond our control such as 

weather, political upheaval, violence or war. Such events can result in multiple fatalities, severe property and asset damage or 

loss or very serious long-term environmental damage.

Key risk drivers: 

Controls and mitigation:

• 

 Lack of adequate policies and procedures 

• 

  Clear understanding of long-term weather security, and other 

to manage incidents

restrictions that might be encountered during projects. 

• 

 Inadequate or delayed response to 

• 

 Insurances covering business interruption, political violence and 

catastrophic events 

political risk.

• 

 Poor health and safety procedures and 

• 

 Medical and evacuation procedures updated regularly and accessible 

policies

to all employees. 

• 

• 

 Provide training programmes on health and safety.

 Crisis management, disaster recovery and business continuity plans 

being expanded and tested.

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CORPORATE SOCIAL 
RESPONSIBILITY

From responsive to responsible to sustainable

2018 was a landmark 
year for sustainability at 
RA International. We re-
assessed our whole approach 
with a view to integrating 
sustainability with the 
Company’s core business 
activities, defi ned our 
priorities and aligned them 
with the UN’s Sustainable 
Development Goals. To create 
a fi rm foundation for the 
future, we conducted our fi rst 
ever materiality assessment, 
and hired a consultant to 
calculate our carbon footprint. 
Our eff orts culminated in the 
publication of our fi rst ever 
Sustainability Report which 
is available for download at 
www.raints.com. 

RA’S FOCUS AREAS

THREE FOCUS AREAS, ALIGNED 

APPROACH AND TARGET SETTING 

WITH THE SDGs

2019 will be our baseline, target-

With the support of sustainability 

setting year. Three working groups 

advisory group One Stone, we 

(1 for each priority SDG) consisting 

narrowed down RA International’s 

of 4-6 global RA employees have 

sustainability priorities to three areas: 

been tasked with evaluating the 

People & Skills Development, Labour 

environmental impacts and effi  ciency 

Rights and Resource Management. 

of all our ongoing operations. Based 

These are the areas in which we 

on their fi ndings, they will set targets 

have an opportunity to become 

to reduce negative and amplify 

sustainability leaders and they 

positive impacts from 2020 and 

correlate closely with three SDGs 
— SDG 4 Quality Education, SDG 7 
Aff ordable & Clean Energy, and SDG 

8 Decent Work & Economic Growth 

(see diagram). 

In addition, there are fi ve further 

goals and corresponding targets 

where we can create a positive direct 

or indirect impact, and two others 

where we have a responsibility to 

mitigate our negative impacts. (For a 

full breakdown see our Sustainability 

Report.)

beyond. 

OUR PURPOSE

“ To deliver 

immediate results 
and lasting change.”

Part of the strategy review carried out 

in 2018 was to defi ne our Company’s 

purpose. Following a process of 

internal consultation, we decided 

on: “To deliver immediate results 

and lasting change.” This statement 

resonates with our idea that the 

work we do should not only deliver 

business results for our clients, but 
also have an enduring positive eff ect 

on local communities. 

RESOURCE
MANAGEMENT

PEOPLE & SKILLS 
DEVELOPMENT

LABOUR 
RIGHTS

SDG’S

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PERSEVERANCE PAYS OFF IN 

MPOKO
In 2015, the UN initiated a youth 

employment project in Mpoko, a 

suburb of Bangui, Central African 

Republic. Its goal was to help the 

young, including former combatants, 

back into employment. However, 

in December 2017 after a series 

of setbacks, the programme was 

stopped. We decided to help 
alleviate the situation by taking 

on some of the young people 

from the programme to work on 

RA International’s own projects in 

Mpoko. We focused on teaching 

transferable skills in the building 

trades as well as raising awareness 

of health & safety, personal 

responsibility, accountability and 

teamwork. 

Despite numerous disruptions, the 

initiative was ultimately successful. 

In March 2018 all our projects were 

completed, and 250 local youths had 

gained valuable work experience.

People & Skills Development

Our policy has always been to recruit 

STAFF TRAINING

SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT 

and develop local people whenever 

During 2018, we continued our eff orts 

Local sourcing has a positive impact 

this is practical and economically 

to instil safe working practices across 

on both our business and that of our 

viable, only bringing in staff  from 

our operations. Over 1,500 health 

suppliers. It means we are able to 

outside the country when the 

and safety briefi ngs (Toolbox talks) 

secure the supply of quality goods 

necessary skills are not available on 

were held during the year. We also 

at an advantageous price while our 

the ground. This approach is not 

identifi ed opportunities to improve 

supplier is able to grow his or her 

just good for our business but also 

key operational processes and set 

business based on the security of 

reduces costs for our clients and has 

about devising training programmes 

a long-term relationship with us. In 

a positive impact on the communities 

to raise the skills and knowledge of 

2018 we continued to buy from local 

we work in (see case story above).

our laundry and kitchen staff . 

suppliers, as well as supporting their 

development through micro-loans, 

business advice and basic training 

as needed.

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CORPORATE SOCIAL 
RESPONSIBILITY CONTINUED

Labour Rights

We fi rmly believe that all RA 

INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS

by law. And in an eff ort to contribute 

employees have the right to 

We off er employment within a 

to the long-term wellbeing of our 

decent work in a safe and secure 

framework of legal, health and 

host communities, we consistently 

environment. This includes the chance 

safety provisions that aligns with 

support the Labour Rights initiatives 

to benefi t economically irrespective of 

international best practice, even in 

of regional and national governments. 

gender, sexual orientation, religion or 

countries where this is not required 

(See case story below.)

nationality. Our beliefs are enshrined 

in the RA Code of Conduct, RA 

Employee Handbook and Company 

Policies, 16 of which relate specifi cally 

to employee conduct. The content 

of these documents is explained to 

new recruits during induction training 

SUCCESS IN SOMALIA FOUNDED ON RESPECT
When RA fi rst started working in Somalia in 2009, the country faced 
severe challenges. There was a transitional government, virtually no 

infrastructure and the local population had lived much of their lives in a 

confl ict-ridden state. 

and explored in detail at monthly HR 

Over the last decade, we have invested in training Somali workers, who 

training sessions held across our sites. 

now account for 50% of our in-country workforce. Our eff orts were 

offi  cially recognised in 2017, when the Somali Ministry of Labour and Social 

Aff airs awarded us a Certifi cate of Appreciation for upholding the labour 

rights of employees.

Responsible Business

TACKLING BRIBERY AND 

COMBATTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING 

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

CORRUPTION

AND SEXUAL EXPLOITATION 

Our founder, Soraya Narfeldt, has 

Our zero-tolerance position on bribery 

In 2018, we decided to draw special 

always believed that business has a 

and corruption is clearly stated in 

attention to our Anti-Slavery Human 

leading role to play in the development 

the RA Code of Conduct and two 

Traffi  cking Policy and our Sexual 

of emerging economies and driving 

specifi c policies: our RA Anti-Bribery 

Exploitation Policy. The Nairobi-based 

positive change on the ground. Over 

& Corruption Policy and our Gifts 

counter-traffi  cking organization 

the years, we have been involved in 

& Hospitality Policy. Employees are 

made aware of our position both 

through policy training and through 

Awareness Against Human Traffi  cking 
— HAART Kenya (see www.haartkenya.
org) helped us devise and later run 

more than 30 community engagement 

projects and we continue to keep 

an eye open for opportunities. To 

hard-hitting anti-corruption posters 

awareness-raising workshops with RA 

cite a few examples from 2018, we 

displayed at our sites. Anyone who 

employees in Nairobi and Bangui. 

answered a call for emergency food 

witnesses or suspects a violation 

is encouraged to report it to their 

manager or to submit a report via our 

independent whistleblower channel.

The successful workshops highlighted 

the benefi ts of communicating our HR 

policies proactively, which has now 

become standard practice across the 

Company with regular company-wide 

policy training sessions. 

aid to starving people in the Lower 

Shabelle region of Somalia, continued 

to support the sporting career of 

RA employee and Olympic athlete 

Elisabeth Mandaba, and, following on 

from the workshops conducted with 

HAART Kenya, we became an offi  cial 

partner of Free As A Human. (see www.

anyangompinga.com/free-as-a-human).

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OPTIMISING WATER USE AND REDUCING PLASTIC WASTE
In Mogadishu, we installed two large reverse osmosis (RO) units to provide drinking water for our 
entire camp. Water is pumped from a 50-metre deep borehole and led to the RO units (pictured), 
which treat it to drinkable quality. The upgrades eliminate the need for an estimated 15,000 plastic 
bottles per month.

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Resource Management

Resource Management is the focus 

area where we feel a concerted, 

company-wide eff ort can have most 

positive impact. We see numerous 

opportunities to improve, building 

on the initiatives launched in 2018. 

For example, the introduction of 

environmentally-friendly technologies 

in three of our smaller laundries, 

the installation of reverse osmosis 

(RO) units to provide drinking water 

in Mogadishu, and the decision to 

produce wraps (rolled, fl at bread) 

locally rather than importing them. 

(See case story below.)

UTILITY SAVINGS FROM NEW LAUNDRY DESIGN 

In 2018, we piloted a new laundry design at two camps in CAR and one in 

Somalia. The equipment fi lters and recycles water at various stages of the 

wash process so it can be reused for the washing cycle of the next load. 

It also recovers heat for re-use, further reducing electricity consumption. 
Projected savings are 25-30% less energy and 50% less water. The total 
utilities savings over a twenty-year period (the equipment’s lifetime) in 

these three laundries alone will be 24 million litres of water and over a third 

of a million kWh of electricity. Following the success of these pilot projects, 

we have decided to implement the new design as standard.

Water (l) 

Power (kWh)

Daily consumption conventional design 

Daily consumption advanced design

Annual saving/camp 

Lifetime saving/camp 

Lifetime savings across three camps

5,320

2,660

799,000

15,960,000

47,880,000

102 

71

9,180

183,000

550,800

MORE SUSTAINABLE SNACKS

After analysing the impacts 

of importing and storing 

large volumes of wraps at our 

Mogadishu site, we decided 

to upgrade our own kitchen 

equipment and make the wraps 

in-house instead. In this way, 

we were able to lower transport 

impacts and reduce the energy 

required for cold storage. On-site 

production also has the added 

advantage of employing local 

manpower and ingredients.

28

LOOKING AHEAD

Within energy generation and use, we 

are now assessing the possibility of 

installing solar panels on the roof of 

a new building in Somalia, which will 

reduce the need for diesel generators. 

And we are investigating how 

modern, effi  cient AC systems can 

help reduce our energy consumption. 

To make our food supplies more 

sustainable, we are looking at a 

variety of options from increasing 

local sourcing to further reducing 

food waste in our kitchens. Within 

construction, we are in the process 

of developing a new, holistic design 

philosophy that will ensure RA 

International’s future camps align with 

our sustainability goals. 

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

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CHAIR’S CORPORATE 
GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

SANGITA SHAH
Non-Executive Chair

I am pleased to introduce the 

Since our admission to trading on 

analysts following the announcement 

corporate governance section of our 

AIM on 29 June 2018, the Board has 

of interim and fi nal results. I also 

report. As Chair, I am responsible 

recognised the revisions to the AIM 

intend to make myself available to 

for instilling high standards of 

Rules for Companies eff ective 28 

Shareholders to discuss strategy and 

corporate governance processes 

September 2018 pursuant to which 

governance. I look forward to meeting 

within the Company. Such processes 

all AIM companies are required to 

Shareholders in the year to come. 

Finally, I would like to thank our 

Executive Management Team for 

their hard work and dedication to 

the Company. 

SANGITA SHAH

Non-Executive Chair

10 April 2019  

unquestionably underpin the 

comply with a recognised corporate 

Company’s success and they are 

governance code. The Board complies 

refl ective of the long-established 

with the Quoted Companies Alliance 

culture that exists towards adherence 

Corporate Governance Code (QCA 

to international and local compliance 

Code) which is believed to be 

and regulatory standards. The Board 

the most appropriate recognised 

is fully supportive of embracing 
the highest levels of corporate 

governance possible. 

The culture of the Company is based 

on strong ethical values and behaviours 

that are instilled throughout the 

organisation and embedded within 

governance code for the size and 
structure of the Company. The 

QCA Code makes clear that it is the 

prime responsibility of the Chair to 

ensure the Company applies the 

principles to the best advantage of all 

stakeholders. 

the fundamentals of the business and 

One of my main objectives is to 

its objectives. The Board is ultimately 

maintain strong relationships with 

responsible for the risks of the Group 

Shareholders and to have a proactive 

and principle risks of the business are 

investor relations programme to 

considered and understood by each 

maintain good communication with all 

director. Details of the Company’s key 

stakeholders. This includes making the 

risks can be found on pages 21-23 of 

Executive Directors available to meet 

the 2018 Annual Report.

with institutional Shareholders and 

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QCA CODE PRINCIPLES 

The QCA has ten principles which the Company is required to adhere to and to make certain disclosures both within its 

report and accounts and on its website. The Company’s website disclosures can be found at 

www.raints.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/RA-QCA-Disclosures-updated.pdf.

QCA 

REQUIRED DISCLOSURE

REFERENCE

CODE

Explain the Company’s 
business model and strategy, 
including key challenges in their 
execution (and how those will 
be addressed).

Seek to understand and meet 
Shareholders’ needs and 
expectations.

Explain the ways in which the 
Company seeks to engage with 
Shareholders.

Take into account wider 
stakeholder and social 
responsibilities and their 
implications for long-term 
success.

Explain how the business 
model identifi es the key 
resources and relationships 
on which the business relies. 
Explain how the Company 
obtains feedback from 
stakeholders.

2018 Annual Report: p. 7-12.

Being newly admitted to trading on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange, 
we are committed to listening and communicating openly with our Shareholders 
to seek to ensure that our strategy, business model and performance are clearly 
understood. Understanding the expectations of our investors and wider stakeholders 
and in turn helping these audiences understand our business is and will be a key part 
of driving our business forward. 

The Company’s website contains all announcements, press releases, major corporate 
presentations and interim and year end results. 

Whilst being mindful of the requirements of the AIM Rules and Market Abuse 
Regulations, the Board may engage with Shareholders directly from time to time in 
relation to questions that they may have and other matters. 

The Company’s fi rst annual general meeting (‘AGM’) will be held on 24 June 2019, this 
will provide an opportunity for Shareholders to meet with the Company. There shall 
also be an opportunity for Shareholders to ask questions during the formal business 
of the meeting and informally following the meeting. 

The growth of our business has been achieved through securing contracts with new 
customers and by generating repeat business from existing clients both in regard to 
new contracts and contract extensions and uplifts. 

Our investment in local communities enables us to identify and manage risks inherent 
in operating in remote locations. Local intelligence in respect of labour, material and 
regional variances and regulatory requirements gathered by the Group feeds into 
its business model. The Group’s intelligence-led approach also enables it to identify 
where new opportunities may arise which means we can mobilise quickly in new 
locations and capitalise on opportunities to deliver additional services to meet our 
client’s needs. 

We have many key relationships with stakeholders, both externally with our suppliers, 
customers, regulators and others, and internally with our employees. We strongly 
believe that engaging with our stakeholders strengthens our relationships and helps 
us make better business decisions to deliver on our commitments. 

We engage with our key stakeholders through various channels depending upon 
who they are, and we value the feedback we receive from them. We take every 
opportunity to ensure that where possible the views of stakeholders are considered 
and acted on. 

Employees across the business work closely together, and the Board seeks to 
encourage an environment of openness and inclusion.

1

2

3

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REQUIRED DISCLOSURE

REFERENCE

CODE

4

5

Describe how the Board 
has embedded eff ective 
risk management in order 
to execute and deliver 
strategy. This should include 
a description of what the 
Board does to identify, assess 
and manage risk and how it 
gets assurance that the risk 
management and related 
control systems in place are 
eff ective.

Identify those Directors 
who are considered to be 
independent; where there 
are grounds to question the 
independence of a Director, 
through length of service 
or otherwise, this must be 
explained.

2018 Annual Report: p. 21-23.

Sangita Shah, Non-Executive Chair, was appointed to the Board in May 2018. 

Alec Carstairs, Non-Executive Director, was appointed to the Board in May 2018.

Philip Haydn-Slater, Non-Executive Director, was appointed to the Board in May 2018.

Ian Henderson, Non-Executive Director, was appointed to the Board in May 2018. 

There are no grounds to question the Non-Executive Directors’ independence. 

Please refer to 2018 Annual Report: p. 36-38 for further details of the Non-Executive 
Directors.

Describe the time commitment 
required from Directors 
(including Non-Executive 
Directors as well as part-time 
Executive Directors).

The Executive Directors are expected to devote substantially the whole of their 
time to their duties with the Company. The Non-Executives have a lesser time 
commitment but are expected to devote as much time as is necessary to conduct 
their duties and responsibilities on behalf of the Company. Time commitment 
increases if any Non-Executive Director is provided with additional responsibility, 
such as being appointed to or as chair of further committees. 

Include the number of 
meetings of the Board (and any 
committees) during the year, 
together with the attendance 
record of each Director.

2018 Annual Report: p. 41.

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QCA CODE PRINCIPLES CONTINUED

QCA 

REQUIRED DISCLOSURE

REFERENCE

CODE

6

Identify each Director.

2018 Annual Report: p. 36-38.

Describe the relevant experience, skills and 
personal qualities and capabilities that each 
Director brings to the Board (a simple list 
of current and past roles is insuffi  cient); 
the statement should demonstrate how 
the Board as a whole contains (or will 
contain) the necessary mix of experience, 
skills, personal qualities (including gender 
balance) and capabilities to deliver the 
strategy of the Company for the benefi t of 
the Shareholders over the medium to long-
term.

Explain how each Director keeps his/her 
skillset up-to-date.

Where the Board or any committee has 
sought external advice on a signifi cant 
matter, this must be described and 
explained.

2018 Annual Report: p. 36-38.

The Board as a whole is kept abreast with developments of governance 
and AIM regulations. The Company’s NOMAD provides initial training of 
AIM regulations as part of a Directors’ onboarding and this is refreshed 
annually, and on an ad hoc basis where necessary to the Board as 
a whole. 

The Board is mindful of ensuring an understanding by the Directors of 
their fi duciary duties and responsibilities of good governance. The skill 
set of the Board is monitored and considered by the Directors. A Board 
evaluation process will be undertaken during 2019.

No such advice has been sought to date. 

Where external advisers to the Board or 
any of its committees have been engaged, 
explain their role.

The Directors have access to the Company’s NOMAD, Company 
Secretary, lawyers and auditors and are able to obtain advice from other 
external bodies as and when required.

Describe any internal advisory 
responsibilities, such as the roles performed 
by the Company Secretary and the senior 
independent Director, in advising and 
supporting the Board.

The Company Secretary helps keep the Board up to date on areas of 
new governance and liaises with the Company’s lawyers and NOMAD 
on areas of AIM requirements. The Company Secretary has frequent 
communication with the Chair and is available to other members of the 
Board as and when required. 

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QCA 

REQUIRED DISCLOSURE

REFERENCE

CODE

7

8

9

Include a high-level explanation of the Board 
performance eff ectiveness process.

2018 Annual Report: p. 42.

Where a Board performance evaluation has 
taken place in the year, provide a brief overview 
of it, how it was conducted and its results and 
recommendations. Progress against previous 
recommendations should also be addressed.

Include in the Chair’s corporate governance 
statement how the culture is consistent with the 
Company’s objectives, strategy and business model 
in the strategic report and with the description of 
principal risks and uncertainties. The statement 
should explain what the Board does to monitor and 
promote a healthy corporate culture and how the 
Board assesses the state of the culture at present.

Maintain governance structures and processes that 
are fi t for purpose and support good decision-
making by the Board.

Roles and responsibilities of the Chair, CEO and 
other Directors with commitments. Describe the 
roles of the Committees. 

2018 Annual Report: p. 42.

2018 Annual Report: p. 30 and 39.

2018 Annual Report: p. 39-40.

10

Describe the work of any Board committees 
undertaken during the year.

2018 Annual Report: p. 40. 

Include an audit committee report (or equivalent 
report if such committee is not in place).

2018 Annual Report: p. 43.

Include a remuneration committee report (or 
equivalent report if such committee is not in place).

2018 Annual Report: p. 40 and 44-46.

If the Company has not published one or more of 
the disclosures set out under Principles 1-9, the 
omitted disclosures must be identifi ed and the 
reason for their omission explained.

N/A

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

The Board retains full and eff ective 

control over the Company. The 

Sangita Shah, Non-Executive Chair, 
was appointed to the Board in May 

Company holds regular scheduled 

2018. Sangita is a qualifi ed accountant 

Soraya Narfeldt, Chief Executive 
Offi  cer, was appointed to the 
Board in March 2018. The Company 

Board meetings, as well as ad hoc 

and has extensive experience in 

was founded by Soraya and Lars 

ones as and when the demands of the 

corporate fi nance, journalism and 

Narfeldt after they witnessed large 

business requires.

senior consultancy. 

Individual Directors may engage 

Sangita brings with her a wealth 

outside advisors at the expense 

of AIM listed and public market 

of the Company in appropriate 

experience and is also the Non-

circumstances.

The Non-Executive Directors are 

independent in character and 

judgement and have the range of 

experience and calibre to bring 

independence on issues of strategy, 

performance, resources and standards 

of conduct which is vital to the 

success of the Group. 

Executive Chair of AIM traded Bilby 

plc, a Board Director of NASDAQ 

listed Forward Industries Inc. and a 

Director to Global Reach Technology 

EMEA Limited. She has held a 

number of senior roles within blue 

chip organisations, including Unilever, 

Mars, Ernst & Young and KPMG and 

is a past President of the Chartered 

Institute of Journalists. Sangita is also 

a regular consultant to a number of 

companies and to HM Cabinet Offi  ce. 

Sangita is a frequent key note speaker 

in forums for the Windsor Leadership 

Trust, European Parliament and 

European School of Management.

organisations unable to provide a 

comprehensive range of services 

or manage or complete projects 

eff ectively when operating in 

remote locations, resulting in 

ineffi  ciencies hindering the progress 

of peacekeeping, humanitarian and 

commercial projects. After initially 

undertaking successful projects in 

Afghanistan, the Group expanded into 

Africa, supporting the United Nations 

across the continent and growing its 

client base substantially. Soraya is a 

strong advocate and supporter of 
responsible business practice and has 

contributed articles on the subject to 

a number of recognised journals such 

as Forced Migration Review.  

36

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E
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Lars Narfeldt, Chief Operating 
Offi  cer, was appointed to the Board in 
March 2018. Lars is a Swedish citizen 

Andrew Bolter, Chief Financial 
Offi  cer, joined RA International in 
2011 and was appointed to the Board 

Alec Carstairs, Non-Executive 
Director, was appointed to the 
Board in May 2018. Alec is a qualifi ed 

who spent the fi rst fi fteen years of his 

in May 2018.  Andrew is a Canadian 

chartered accountant with over 

post university career working with 

Chartered Accountant, Chartered 

35 years experience of advising 

the Swedish government and the UN. 

Professional Accountant, and a 

companies ranging from new start-

Lars worked with SIDA in Palestine 

Chartered Business Valuator.

ups to multi-national corporations, 

and with the UN in the Democratic 

Republic of Congo, Uzbekistan, Sierra 

Leone and Afghanistan. While in 

Sierra Leone Lars managed a team 

of over 2,000 individuals and ran 

the UN Volunteer Programme. RA 

International was founded by Soraya 

and Lars Narfeldt in 2004.

principally in the oil & gas sector. 

During his time at EY he acted as 

Head of UK Oil and Gas Mergers and 

Acquisitions and became Managing 

Partner of its Aberdeen offi  ce and 

was an elected member of the 

UK Governance Council. Alec has 

previously served as an independent 

Non-Executive Director of Ithaca 

Energy Inc., and is currently a Director 

of Cela Consulting Limited. Alec 

also has a number of charitable 
interests and is currently a Director 

of Vine Trust and Techfest and was 

formerly President of the Aberdeen & 

Grampian Chamber of Commerce.

Having lived and worked across 

four continents, Andrew has gained 

a breadth of experience working 

in a variety of industries including 

fi nancial services, support services, 

and telecommunications. He has 

advised on and executed equity and 

debt fi nancing transactions, diligence, 

valuations, business planning services, 

merger mediations, hedge structuring 

and testing and other general 

corporate fi nance transactions. He has 

also performed and managed projects 

relating to assurance services, 

tax structuring, risk management, 

internal control audits and system 

implementations. Prior to joining RA 

International, Andrew held a number 

of roles with Ernst & Young and 

growth stage businesses in Canada 

and the UK.

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37

 
BOARD OF DIRECTORS CONTINUED

Philip Haydn-Slater, Non-Executive 
Director, was appointed to the Board 
in May 2018. Philip has over 35 years 

Ian Henderson, Non-Executive 
Director, was appointed to the 
Board in May 2018. Ian is a qualifi ed 

of City experience, principally within 

chartered accountant (ACA and FCA) 

institutional sales with a number of 

and holds an LLB in Scots Law and 

well-known fi rms. 

Philip was co-founder of HD 

Capital Partners Ltd, where he 

was a Director for over fi ve years. 

Prior to this he spent eight years 

as Head of Corporate Broking at 

WH Ireland Ltd in London, where 

he was responsible for originating 

and managing the sales process for 

a range of transactions, including 

fl otations and secondary placings for 

corporate clients on AIM and other 

international exchanges, largely in the 

resources sector. Philip has worked in 

both London and Sydney for fi nancial 

organisations that include ABN Amro, 

Bankers Trust, James Capel & Co 

and Bain Securities (Deutsche Bank) 

Sydney.

an MA in Philosophy and Politics from 

Edinburgh University. Ian has had a 

distinguished career as an investment 

manager in London for over 35 years 

during which time he managed, inter 

alia, JP Morgan’s Natural Resources 

funds for over 20 years, which 

reached assets of over USD10b, 

and JP Morgan’s Global Financials 

fund. Following his retirement as 

manager, Ian became an investment 

adviser for the JP Morgan Natural 

Resources funds before serving as a 

Non-Executive Director of Endeavour 
Mining Corporation, the TSX-V listed 

gold mining company operating in 

West Africa. He is currently a Non-

Executive Director of BMO Capital 

Markets Limited, a London-based 

subsidiary of Bank of Montreal and 

Bluejay Mining Plc an AIM listed 

mining, exploration and development 

company. 

38

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
FRAMEWORK 

The Company is committed to a 

Company takes all reasonable steps to 

preventing bribery and corruption. 

corporate culture that is based on 

ensure compliance by the Directors, 

Each employee is required to sign an 

sound ethical values and behaviours 

employees and agents with the 

agreement to confi rm that they will 

and it seeks to instil these values 

provisions of the AIM rules relating to 

comply with the policies.

across the organisation as a whole. 

dealings in securities.

The Board is fully committed to taking 

this responsibility very seriously. 

The Directors take the issue of 

refresher courses to ensure that the 

bribery and corruption seriously. 

issues of bribery and corruption 

Annually staff  are provided with 

The Board retains ultimate 

The Directors acknowledge the 

remain front of mind. The Company 

accountability for good governance 

importance of ensuring that the 

has a Compliance Manager working 

and is responsible for monitoring 

Group, its employees and those 

on these matters and a training 

the activities of the executive team. 

third parties to which the business 

program has been designed and 

The Company has appointed a Chief 

engages with are operating within 

is being rolled out throughout 

Executive Offi  cer who is responsible 

the requirements of the Bribery 

the Company.

for the overall strategy of the Group, 

Act. The Company has adopted and 

a Chief Operating Offi  cer, responsible 

implemented comprehensive anti-

for the Group’s daily operations and 

bribery and corruption policies and 

a Chief Financial Offi  cer, responsible 

procedures (the ‘ABC Policies’) and 

for the Group’s fi nancial controls 

the Directors impose a zero-tolerance 

and reporting to the Board. It has 

approach to non-compliance. It is the 

also appointed four independent, 

Executive Directors’ responsibility 

Non-Executive Directors (including 

to ensure that all of the Group’s 

All Company policies are also 

available to the staff  through the 

employee self-service portal on the 

Company’s HR Management System 

and in hard copy across HR and 

Country Manager offi  ces.

the Chair) to bring an independent 

employees, in the various locations, 

BOARD DIVERSITY 

view to the Board, and has the 

are complying with the ABC policies 

responsibility of ensuring that the 

and that the Group has in place 

Board discharges its responsibilities 

adequate procedures to ensure 

and is also responsible for facilitating 

that its partners, contractors and 

full and constructive contributions 

suppliers do not engage in bribery or 

from each member of the Board in 

corrupt activity. 

determination of the Group’s strategy 

and overall commercial objectives.

The ABC Policies, along with all 

other main compliance policies, are 

The Company has adopted a code on 

provided to staff  upon joining the 

dealings in securities which the Board 

business and training is provided at 

regards as appropriate for an AIM 

the induction course to ensure that 

listed company and is compliant with 

all employees within the business 

the Market Abuse Regulations. The 

are aware of the importance of 

The Board recognises the benefi ts 

of diverse skill sets, capabilities, 

backgrounds and experience to the 

eff ective functioning of the Board 

and delivery of strategy. Both the 

CEO and the Chair are females 

representing 28.6% of the Board. 

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39

 
BOARD COMMITTEES & STRUCTURE

The Board has a Remuneration 

The fi rst Remuneration Committee 

REMUNERATION PLANS: 

Committee and Audit Committee.

meeting was held on 13 December 

• 

 Review and agree a remuneration 

All Board Committees report back 

to the Board following a Committee 

meeting.

2018 and all members were present. 

structure

The Remuneration Committee shall 

meet at least twice a year and may 

meet at other times during the year 

as required, or as agreed between 

• 

 Review and launch a share or 

share option scheme off ering to 

employees below Board level

2018 ACTIVITIES:

the members of the Committee or as 

•  Scorecard 2019

• 

 Reviewed and approved the 

requested by the Committee Chair.

Company’s 2018 Interim Report

•  Executive Director remuneration 

• 

 Reviewed and approved the 

2018 ACTIVITIES: 

2018 audit plan presented by the 

• 

 Reviewed current remuneration 

Company’s auditors 

structure

THE AUDIT COMMITTEE 

The Audit Committee has the 

primary responsibility of monitoring 

• 

 Reviewed the independence and 

• 

 Agreed to review share and share 

the quality of internal controls 

competence of the Company’s 

option schemes for below Board 

and ensuring that the fi nancial 

auditors, Ernst & Young

level employees

THE REMUNERATION COMMITTEE

The Remuneration Committee 

is responsible for reviewing 

the performance of the 

Executive Directors and to make 

recommendations to the Board 

on matters relating to their 

remuneration and terms of service. 

The Remuneration Committee also 

makes recommendations to the Board 

on proposals for the granting of share 

• 

 Discussed a remuneration 

structure for executive bonuses 

relating to 2019

performance of the Company is 

properly measured and reported on. 

It will receive and review reports from 

the EMT and external auditors relating 

to the interim and annual accounts 

• 

 Agreed to engage external 

and the accounting and internal 

consultants to assist with salaries 

control systems in use throughout the 

against comparator peer groups 

Group. 

• 

 Reviewed salaries and whether 

The Audit Committee comprises of: 

increases would be made

Alec Carstairs as Chair, Sangita Shah 

• 

 Considered CEO bonus/share 

and Philip Haydn-Slater.

awards and 2019 salary 

The fi rst Audit Committee meeting 

options and other equity incentives 

• 

 Agreed to review the 

pursuant to any employee share 

remuneration policy

option scheme or equity incentive 

plans in operation from time to time. 

The Remuneration Committee 

comprises of Philip Haydn-Slater 

as Chair, Sangita Shah and Ian 

Henderson. 

was held on 13 September 2018. All 

members were present. 

The Audit Committee has committed 

to meet no less than twice in each 
fi nancial year and has unrestricted 

access to the Company’s external 

auditors.

40

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BOARD/COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGS DURING 2018

Sangita Shah 

Soraya Narfeldt 

Lars Narfeldt 

Andrew Bolter 

Alec Carstairs

Ian Henderson 

Philip Haydn-Slater 

Board meetings 
(2 scheduled)

Audit 
Committee 
meetings (1)

Remuneration
 Committee
meetings (1)

2

2 

2 

2

2

2

2

1

N/A

N/A

N/A

1

N/A

1

1

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

1

1

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BOARD OBJECTIVES/ACTIVITIES

MATTERS RESERVED FOR THE 

The Board is responsible for 

BOARD

• 

 Financial Reporting and Controls 
Approval of: fi nance reports interim 

formulating, reviewing and approving 

The directors adopted a schedule of 

management statements and any 

the Company’s strategy, budgets 

those matters that should be reserved 

other preliminary announcement 

and corporate actions. The Directors 

for the Board. 

intend to hold meetings of the 

Board not less than four times a year 

following admission with additional 

The following matters require the 

approval of the Board.

meetings as and when business 

demands require. The eff ectiveness 

• 

 Strategy and Management 
Approval of: long-term objectives; 

of the Board, Director and senior 

commercial strategic aims; annual 

management appointments and the 

operating and capital expenditure 

Company’s succession planning, will 

budgets; extending the Group’s 

be evaluated on a regular basis.

activities into new business; any 

of the fi nal results; annual reports 

and accounts; dividend policy and 

declaration of any dividend and 

signifi cant changes in accounting 

policies/practice; 

• 

 Internal Controls 
Ensuring maintenance of a sound 

system of internal control and risk 

management; 

decision to cease to operate all or 

• 

any material part of the Group’s 

 Finance 
Raising new capital and 

The Board believes that running a 

sustainable business should benefi t 

everyone, including its customers, 

business; 

employees and the host communities 

in locations in which the Group 

• 

 Structure and Capital 
Major changes to the Group’s 

operates. Having a multi-cultural and 

corporate or capital structure; 

multi-lingual workforce of people who 

changes to the management and 

are experienced in the way in which 

control structure; change to the 

confi rmation of major fi nancing 

facilities; recommendation of 

dividends; operating and capital 
expenditure budgets; granting 

of security over any material 

Group asset;

operations work in Africa and beyond 

Company’s listing; alteration of the 

• 

is key to delivering this. Accordingly, 

Company’s articles of association; 

the Group cooperates respectfully 

change in the Company’s 

 Contracts 
All contracts above USD 7m; 

major capital contracts over 

with local communities, building trust 

accounting reference date, 

USD 2.5m; contracts which are 

and goodwill. The Group provides 

registered name or business name; 

material or strategic; contracts 

stable employment and training 

to local unskilled or semi-skilled 

labourers. In this end, the Group has a 

direct impact on the wellbeing of its 

employees’ families, and on the local 

economy in general. 

outside of the approved budget 

and not in the ordinary course of 

business; major investments or 

any acquisitions/disposals and 

transactions with Directors or 

other related parties which are not 

in the ordinary course of business; 

41

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BOARD COMMITTEES & STRUCTURE 
CONTINUED

• 

 Communications 
Approval or resolutions and 

The Board has formed two sub-

The Company’s NOMAD provides 

committees: namely the Audit 

annual board room training and 

documentation put forward 

Committee and Remuneration 

provided initial training as part of a 

to Shareholders; approval of 

Committee, with delegated 

Director’s onboarding. The Company 

circulars, prospectuses and listing 

responsibility to monitor their 

Secretary helps keep the Board 

particulars and approval of press 

respective areas and to report back 

up to date with developments in 

releases concerning matters 

to the full Board. Board committees 

corporate governance and liaises 

decided by the Board; 

operate under clearly defi ned terms of 

with the NOMAD on areas of AIM 

• 

• 

 Board Membership and Other 
Appointments

 Delegation of Authority 
Division of responsibilities 

between the Chair, the Chief 

Executive and Executive Directors; 

delegated levels of authority, 

including the Chief Executive’s 

authority limits; establishment of 

Board committees and approval 

of terms of reference of Board 

committees; 

• 

 Corporate Governance Matters 
Review of the Group’s overall 

corporate governance 

arrangements; 

• 

 Other 
Policies including the share 

reference which are kept under review 

requirements. The Company Secretary 

to ensure proper functioning of the 

has frequent communication with 

Committees and eff ective application 

both the Chair and CEO and is 

of best practice. 

BOARD EVALUATION/REVIEW OF 

BOARD’S EFFECTIVENESS 

The Directors consider seriously 

the eff ectiveness of the Board, 

its Committees and individual 

performance. 

The Board meets formally four times 

a year with ad hoc Board meetings 

as the business demands. There is 

a strong fl ow of communication 

between the Directors, and in 

particular between the CEO and Chair. 

Board meeting agendas are set in 

consultation with both the CEO and 

available to other members of the 

Board as required. The Directors 

also have access to the Company’s 

auditors and lawyers as and when 

required and the Directors are able, 

at the Company’s expense to obtain 

advice from other external advisors if 

required.

As a recently formed Board it is 

considered to be too soon to carry 

out a formal process of Board 

evaluation. The eff ectiveness of the 

Board, individual Directors and senior 

management will be considered on an 

on-going informal basis as the Board 

forms a united forum for building the 

business.

dealing code; appointment or 

Chair, with consideration being given 

change of the Group’s principal 

to both standing agenda items and 

On behalf of the Board 

professional advisers and auditors; 

the strategic and operational needs of 

overall levels of insurance for 

the business. Comprehensive Board 

the Company; material litigation; 

papers are circulated well in advance 

any decision likely to have a 

of meetings, giving Directors ample 

material impact on the Company 

time to review the documentation 

or Group from any perspective 

and enabling an eff ective meeting. 

including, but not limited to, 

Resulting actions are tracked for 

fi nancial, operational, strategic 

appropriate delivery and follow up. 

SANGITA SHAH

Non-Executive Chair

10 April 2019  

or reputational; matters reserved 

for Board decisions and which 

the Board considers suitable 

for delegation are contained 

in the terms of reference of its 

committees; and the grant of 

options, warrants or any other 

form of security convertible 

into shares.

The Directors have a broad 

knowledge of the business and 

understand their responsibilities as 

Directors of a UK company quoted 

on AIM. The Directors are developing 

appropriate corporate governance 

procedures and looking forward to 

building further on the governance 

structure already in place. 

42

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AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

The Audit Committee is responsible 

the members attendance record at 

• 

 compliance with accounting 

for reviewing and monitoring the 

Audit Committee meetings during 

standards and legal and regulatory 

eff ectiveness of the Group’s fi nancial 

the fi nancial year is set out in the 

requirements

reporting, internal control policies, 

Directors’ Report on page 41. In a full 

and procedures for the identifi cation, 

year the Audit Committee plans to 

assessment and reporting of risk. 

meet at least twice.

The latter two areas are integral 

to the Group’s core management 

processes and the Committee devotes 

signifi cant time to their review. The 

Audit Committee is also responsible 

for overseeing the relationship with 

the external auditor.

The Audit Committee has considered 

the Group’s internal control and 

risk management policies and 

systems, their eff ectiveness and the 

• 

 disclosures in the interim and 

annual report and fi nancial 

statements

• 

 reviewing the eff ectiveness of 

the Group’s fi nancial and internal 

controls

requirements for an internal audit 

• 

 any signifi cant concerns of 

function in the context of the Group’s 

the external auditor about 

overall risk management system. The 

the conduct, results or overall 

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An essential part of the integrity of 

Audit Committee is satisfi ed that the 

outcome of the annual audit of the 

the fi nancial statements lies around 

Group does not currently require an 

Group

the key assumptions and estimates 

internal audit function; however, it will 

or judgments to be made. The Audit 

continue to periodically review the 

Committee reviews key judgments 

situation.

prior to publication of the fi nancial 

statements at both the end of the 

fi nancial year and at the end of the 

six-month interim period, as well 

as considering signifi cant issues 

throughout the year. In particular, this 

includes reviewing any subjective 

material assumptions within the 

Group’s activities to enable an 

appropriate determination of asset 

valuation, provisioning and the 

The Audit Committee has 

responsibility for reviewing the 

adequacy and security of the 

Company’s arrangements for its 

employees and contractors to raise 

concerns about possible wrongdoing 

in fi nancial reporting, fraud, and 

bribery and ensure that appropriate 

10 April 2019

follow up action is taken. No issues 

have been highlighted.

• 

 any matters that may signifi cantly 

aff ect the independence of the 

external auditor

ALEC CARSTAIRS

Chairman of the Audit Committee

accounting treatment thereof. The 

The external auditors, EY, were 

Audit Committee reviewed and was 

appointed during the fi nancial year. 

satisfi ed that the judgments exercised 

The Audit Committee shall undertake 

by management on material items 

a comprehensive review of the quality, 

contained within the Report and 

eff ectiveness, value and independence 

Financial Statements are reasonable.

of the audit provided by EY each year, 

Although not a member of the Audit 

Committee, the Chief Financial 

Offi  cer is invited to attend meetings. 

The Audit Committee has engaged 

seeking the views of the wider Board, 

together with relevant members of 

the Committee.

Ernst & Young LLP (EY) to act as 

RESPONSIBILITIES

external auditors and they are also 

invited to attend Audit Committee 

meetings, unless they have a confl ict 

of interest. The Audit Committee 

also meets with the auditors without 

management in attendance. Since 

the Audit Committee was formed 

in June 2018, it has met twice and 

The Committee reviews and makes 

recommendations to the Board on:

•  any change in accounting policies

• 

 decisions requiring a major 

element of judgement and risk

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43

 
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION 
REPORT

THE REMUNERATION COMMITTEE 

Group’s remuneration policy attracts 

long-term and all employees and 

The Remuneration Committee is a 

and retains employees with the 

Executive Directors are appropriately 

standing committee of the Board of 

right skills and expertise needed 

remunerated.

the Company and is comprised of at 

to enable the Group to achieve its 

least three Non-Executive Directors.

goals and strategies and that fair 

The purpose of the Remuneration 

Committee is to assist the Board 

in discharging its oversight 

and competitive compensation, with 

appropriate performance incentives, 

are awarded.

The Remuneration Committee 

comprises three Non-Executive 

Directors whose names and profi les 

are set out on pages 40 and 36-38 

in this Annual Report respectively. 

responsibilities relating to the 

The Remuneration Committee 

The Remuneration Committee held 

attraction, compensation, evaluation 

aims to ensure that the Company’s 

one meeting during 2018. Members’ 

and retention of Executive Directors 

remuneration policy is aligned with 

attendance records are on page 41 in 

and key senior management 

and promotes the implementation 

this Annual Report. 

employees. The Remuneration 

of the Company’s strategy and 

Committee aims to ensure that the 

eff ective risk management for the 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ SERVICE CONTRACTS

Details of Directors’ service contracts are indicated below:

Director

Soraya Narfeldt 

Lars Narfeldt 

Andrew Bolter 

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR APPOINTMENT 

Director

Sangita Shah

Alec Carstairs

Ian Henderson

Philip Haydn-Slater

Eff ective term

29 June 2018

29 June 2018

29 June 2018

Eff ective term

29 June 2018

29 June 2018

29 June 2018

29 June 2018

Notice period

6 months 

6 months 

6 months 

Appointment Term

3 years

3 years

3 years

3 years 

44

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DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

Fees/basic salary1
GBP’000

Benefi ts in kind 
GBP’000

Other 
remuneration2
GBP’000

Total 2018
GBP’000

Total 2017
GBP’000

Executive

Soraya Narfeldt

Lars Narfeldt

Andrew Bolter

Non-Executive 

Sangita Shah 

Alec Carstairs

Philip Haydn-

Slater

Ian Henderson 

273

149

174

40

25

25

25

16

11

9

12

9

415

301

169

598

40

25

25

25

297

82

374

-

-

-

-

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DIRECTORS’ SHARE OPTIONS

time, acting through the Board and 

Scheme is a UK non-tax advantaged, 

The Directors recognise the need 

subject to the rules of the Scheme.

discretionary share option plan which 

to attract, incentivise and retain 

employees and the importance of 

ensuring that all employees are well 

motivated and able to identify closely 

with the profi tability of the Group. To 

The Scheme was adopted by the 

Board on Admission. The principal 

terms of the Scheme are summarised 

below. 

that end, the Company introduced the 

Option awards under the Scheme 

Share Option Scheme 2018 (‘Scheme’) 

provide the right to acquire a certain 

under which options may be granted 

number of ordinary shares in the 

to eligible employees from time to 

Company in the future, subject to 

the satisfaction of any specifi ed 

performance conditions. The 

provides for the grant of options 

to employees of the Group. The 

Board believes that the Scheme is an 

eff ective mechanism to incentivise 

key employees of the Group. 

Performance options under the 

Scheme were granted to Andrew 

Bolter (Executive Director) as set 

out on the following page and have 

performance vesting conditions. 

Option Holder

Date of Grant 

Share Options Option Exercise Period (with performance conditions)

Exercise Price GBP

Andrew Bolter 

29 June 2018

1,304,347 From the third anniversary of Admission to the 

0.10

sixth anniversary of admission 

The performance options granted under the Scheme are conditional on the performance of the Company and requires 

that the compound annual TSR in respect of a share must match or exceed specifi c targets which are measured over a 

period of time and against objective criteria set by the Board. 

If at the end of the performance period, the performance condition is not satisfi ed, the option will immediately lapse and 

cease to be exercisable.  

The Company’s stock price was 0.44 pence as at the close of 31 December 2018.

1The Executive Directors each have two employment contracts with the Group. One with the Company in connection with their role as a Director, and another 

with a subsidiary refl ecting their role as a member of the EMT. The above fi gure denotes the total base salary for both employment contracts. EMT contracts are 

denominated in United Arab Emirate dirhams and have been converted to UK Pounds at a rate of 1 UAE Dirham : GBP 0.2026,  being the average exchange rate 

during 2018.

2Other remuneration includes end of service benefi ts which are defi ned in note 4 of the annual fi nancial statements and share based payments which are detailed 
in note 16.

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DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION 
REPORT CONTINUED

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

The below represents the annual fees to be paid to the Non-Executive Directors

Non-Executive Directors

Sangita Shah 

Alec Carstairs

Philip Haydn-Slater

Ian Henderson 

Fees GBP

80,000

50,000

50,000

50,000

CONSIDERATION BY THE 

• 

 Ensuring Executive remuneration 

The Company is committed to 

DIRECTORS OF MATTERS RELATING 
TO DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION 

The Committee is responsible for 

making recommendations to the 

Board regarding the framework for 

the remuneration of the Executive 

Directors and other members 

of Executive Management. The 

packages are competitive.

maintaining an open and transparent 

• 

 Determining whether annual 

bonus payments should be made 

and approving levels for individual 

Executive Directors

• 

 Determining each year whether 

any awards/grants should be 

dialogue with Shareholders on all 

aspects of Remuneration within the 

Group. 

PHILIP HAYDN–SLATER

Remuneration Committee Chairman

Committee works within its terms of 

made under the incentive schemes 

reference, and its role includes:

and the value of such awards

• 

 Determining and agreeing with the 

• 

 Considering any new long-term 

Board, the Remuneration Policy 

incentive scheme awards and 

10 April 2019

for all Executive Directors and 

performance criteria

under guidance of the Executive 

Directors, other members of the 

Executive Management Team.

• 

 Agreeing Directors’ service 

contracts and notice periods

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E
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47

 
DIRECTORS’ REPORT

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES
The Company is a leading provider 

of services to remote locations 

in Africa and the Middle East. It 

off ers its services through three 

channels: construction, integrated 

facilities management and support 

services. The Company has three 

main client groups: humanitarian 

and aid agencies, governments 

and commercial customers, 

predominantly in the oil and gas and 

has over time created a reliable and 

mining sectors. 

trusted brand within its sector.

The Company provides 

comprehensive, fl exible, mission 

critical support to its clients enabling 

them to focus on the delivery of their 

RESULTS AND DIVIDENDS
The profi t for the year was 

USD 9,954,000.

respective businesses and services. 

Subject to shareholder approval at 

The Company’s focus on integrity and 

the 2019 AGM, the fi nal dividend for 

values alongside on-going investment 

2018 will become due and payable on 

in people, locations and operations 

3 July 2019.

DIRECTORS
The Directors who served during the period and at the date of this Report are as follows:

Name

Role

Appointment Date

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Sangita Shah 

Soraya Narfeldt 

Lars Narfeldt 

Andrew Bolter 

Alec Carstairs

Ian Henderson 

Non-Executive Chair

3 May 2018 to present 

Executive Director

Executive Director

Executive Director

13 March 2018 to present 

13 March to present 

3 May 2018 to present 

Non-Executive Director

3 May 2018 to present 

Non-Executive Director

3 May 2018 to present 

Philip Haydn-Slater

Non-Executive Director 

3 May 2018 to present

SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDERS

AUDITOR

As at 31 December 2018, the Company 

Each person who is a Director at the 

was aware of the following major 

date of approval of this annual report 

shareholdings, representing 3% or 

confi rms that: 

more of the voting rights attached to 

the issued Ordinary Share capital of 

the Company:

Blackrock Investment 

Management (UK) Limited

4.9%

Jupiter Asset 

Management Limited

• 

 So far as the Director is aware, 
there is no relevant audit 

information of which the auditor is 

unaware; and 

• 

 The Director has taken all steps 

that he ought to have taken as a 

3%

Director to make himself aware 

The Directors are not aware of any 

notifi cations of changes to any major 

shareholdings between 31 December 

2018 and 9 April 2019.

of any relevant audit information 

and to establish that the auditor is 

aware of that information. 

This information is given and should 

be interpreted in accordance with the 

provisions of s418 of the Companies 

Act 2006. 

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DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS

The Directors who held offi  ce at 31 December 2018 had the following interests in the Ordinary Shares in the capital of 

the Company:

Sangita Shah 

Soraya Narfeldt 

Lars Narfeldt 

Andrew Bolter 

Alec Carstairs 

Ian Henderson 

Philip Haydn-Slater 

Total Shares Held at 31 December 2018

42,983

95,857,145

42,000,000

714,285 

108,743

-

100,000

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GOING CONCERN

Based on an assessment made using 

STRATEGIC REPORT 

The fi nancial information for the 

the Group’s anticipated activities 

The Company is required by the 

year to 31 December 2018 has been 

for the next 12 months from the 

Companies Act 2006 to include 

prepared assuming that the Group will 

date of authorisation of the fi nancial 

a Strategic Report in its Annual 

continue as a going concern. 

statements, the Directors have formed 

Report. The information that fulfi ls 

Under the going concern assumption, 

an entity is ordinarily viewed as 

continuing in business for the 

foreseeable future with neither 

the intention nor the necessity of 

liquidation, ceasing trading or seeking 

protection from creditors pursuant to 

laws or regulations. 

a judgement that the going concern 

this requirement can be found from 

basis should be adopted in preparing 

page 4-28. 

the fi nancial statements. 

Signed by order of the Directors

On behalf of the Board

Amanda Bateman

For and on behalf of AMBA 

Secretaries Limited

Company Secretary

10 April 2019

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49

 
DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITY 
STATEMENT

The Directors are responsible for 

the Company and of the profi t or loss 

Group and the Company and hence 

preparing the Annual Report and the 

of the Group for that period.

for taking reasonable steps for the 

fi nancial statements in accordance 

with applicable law and regulations.

In preparing each of the Group and 

Company fi nancial statements, the 

prevention and detection of fraud and 

other irregularities.

Company law requires the Directors to 

Directors are required to:

The Directors are responsible for the 

prepare Group and Company fi nancial 

statements for each fi nancial year. 

The Directors are required by the AIM 

• 

 select suitable accounting policies 

and apply them consistently;

Rules of the London Stock Exchange 

• 

 make judgements and accounting 

to prepare Group fi nancial statements 

estimates that are reasonable;

maintenance and integrity of the 

corporate and fi nancial information 

included on the Company’s website.

Legislation in the UK governing the 

preparation and dissemination of 

in accordance with International 

Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) 

as adopted by the European Union 

(EU) and have elected under company 

law to prepare the Company fi nancial 

statements in accordance with 

United Kingdom Generally Accepted 

Accounting Practice (United Kingdom 

Accounting Standards and applicable 

law), including Financial Reporting 

Standard 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure 

Framework’ (FRS 101).

The Group fi nancial statements are 

required by law and IFRS adopted by 

the EU to present fairly the fi nancial 

position and performance of the 

Group; the Companies Act 2006 

• 

 for the Group fi nancial statements, 

fi nancial statements may diff er from 

state whether they have been 

legislation in other jurisdictions.

prepared in accordance with IFRS 

as adopted by the EU and, for the 

On behalf of Board 

Company fi nancial statements, 

ANDREW BOLTER

state whether applicable UK 

Chief Financial Offi  cer

accounting standards have 

been followed, subject to any 

material departures disclosed and 

explained in the Company fi nancial 

statements; and

• 

 prepare the fi nancial statements 

on a going concern basis unless it 

is inappropriate to presume that 

the Group and the Company will 

continue in business.

10 April 2019

provides in relation to such fi nancial 

The Directors are responsible for 

statements that references in the 

keeping adequate accounting records 

relevant part of that Act to fi nancial 

that are suffi  cient to show and explain 

statements giving a true and fair view 

the Group’s and the Company’s 

are references to their achieving a fair 

transactions and disclose with 

presentation.

Under company law the Directors 

must not approve the fi nancial 

statements unless they are satisfi ed 

that they give a true and fair view of 

the state of aff airs of the Group and 

reasonable accuracy at any time the 

fi nancial position of the Group and 

the Company and enable them to 

ensure that the fi nancial statements 

and the Directors’ Remuneration 

Report comply with the Companies 

Act 2006. They are also responsible 

for safeguarding the assets of the 

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FINANCIAL REPORT

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AUDITOR’S REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018

OPINION

In our opinion:

• 

 RA International Group PLC’s Group fi nancial statements and parent company fi nancial statements (the “fi nancial 

statements”) give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the parent company’s aff airs as at 31 

December 2018 and of the Group’s profi t for the year then ended;

• 

 the Group fi nancial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting 

Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union;

• 

 the parent company fi nancial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally 

Accepted Accounting Practice; and

• 

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

We have audited the fi nancial statements of RA International Group PLC which comprise:

Group

Parent company

Consolidated statement of fi nancial position as at 31 

Company statement of fi nancial position as at 

December 2018

31 December 2018

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the 

Statement of changes in equity for the year then ended

year then ended

Consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year 

Related notes 1 to 9 to the fi nancial statements including a 

then ended

summary of signifi cant accounting policies

Consolidated statement of cash fl ows for the year then 

ended

Related notes 1 to 32 to the fi nancial statements, including 

a summary of signifi cant accounting policies

The fi nancial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the Group fi nancial statements is applicable 

law and IFRS International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union. The fi nancial 

reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the parent company fi nancial statements is applicable 

law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 101 “Reduced Disclosure Framework” (United Kingdom 

Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

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 fi nancial 

statements section of our report below. We are independent of the Group and parent company in accordance with 

the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the fi nancial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical 

Standard as applied to listed entities, and we have fulfi lled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these 

requirements.

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

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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 fi nancial statements is not 

appropriate; or

• 

 the Directors have not disclosed in the fi nancial statements any identifi ed material uncertainties that may cast 

signifi cant 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 fi nancial statements are authorised for issue.

OVERVIEW OF OUR AUDIT APPROACH

Key audit matters

• 

 Risk of misstatement due to management override, fraud and error, specifi cally around revenue 

recognition

• 

 Risk of misstatement due to Group re-organisation and subsequent initial public off ering 

(“IPO”)

• 

 Risk of non-compliance with laws and regulations

Audit scope

• 

 We performed an audit of the complete fi nancial information of all components

Materiality

• 

 Overall Group materiality of USD 600,000 which represents 5% of profi t before tax (excluding 

exceptional items)

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KEY AUDIT MATTERS

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most signifi cance in our audit of the 

fi nancial statements of the current period and include the most signifi cant assessed risks of material misstatement 

(whether or not due to fraud) that we identifi ed. These matters included those which had the greatest eff ect on: the 

overall audit strategy, the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the eff orts of the engagement team. These 

matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the fi nancial statements as a whole, and in our opinion thereon, and 

we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.

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53

 
AUDITOR’S REPORT CONTINUED

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018

Risk

Our response to the risk

Key observations 

communicated to the 

Audit Committee

Risk of misstatement due to 

Our principal audit procedures included:

We have concluded that 

management override, fraud 

and error, specifi cally around 

revenue recognition.

Refer to Basis of preparation 

and consolidation (page 63) 

and Note 8 of the Consolidated 

• 

 Performed walkthroughs of the revenue cycle to 

gain an understanding of when the revenue should 

be recognised, to map out the relevant controls 

end to end and the processes in place. We have 

assessed the design and implementation of these 

revenue recognition 

accounting policies 

adopted are appropriate 

and have been applied 

consistently.

controls to be eff ective.

Financial Statements (page 72).

• 

 Obtaining an understanding and evaluating the 

Auditing standards require that 

we consider the risk of fraud or 

management override of internal 

controls in revenue recognition.

We recognise that sales 

arrangements vary depending 

on the service being provided 

with accommodation and supply 

requiring minimal judgement. 

Accordingly, we focussed on 

construction and longer-term 

services contracts.

The complexity and judgments 

are mainly related to estimation 

of the cost to complete of the 

projects, expected revenues 

and the related percentage of 

key internal controls which support the project 

management and accounting. These include on the 

percentage of completion, estimates to complete 

for both revenue and costs and provisions for loss 

making projects or unbilled receivables.

• 

 Detailed substantive procedures on individually 

signifi cant projects as well as high risk projects, 

such as loss making or particular locations. 

This included challenging the assumptions 

and estimates applied by management and 

substantiating transactions with underlying 

documents like contracts and change orders.

• 

 Utilising computer assisted data analytics 

techniques to examine the correlation of revenue 

streams through debtors to cash; highlighting 

unexpected data fl ows (business activities) which 

sat outside of the expected pathways.

completion which the Group 

• 

 Making enquiries of non-fi nance staff  such as to 

applies for recognising revenues. 

discuss the status of particular projects with the 

The determination of the cost 

respective project managers. Specifi c attention 

to complete impacts the value 

given to the collection and valuation risks related to 

and timing of revenue and profi t 

the increased ageing of the unbilled receivables.

recognised over the life of the 

project, and it is an estimate that 

requires expertise and judgment. 

(USD 1.7m of risk, PY comparative 

USD 1.5m)

• 

 Detailed manual journal entry testing, applying 

particular focus to individually unusual and/or 

material revenue manual journals, particularly those 

posted around the year end.

• 

 Reviewing management’s assessment of IFRS 15 

and challenging key assumptions applied in their 

assessment to determine whether they meet the 

requirements of the standard.

We performed full scope audit procedures over this risk 

area, which covered 100% of the risk amount.

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that IPO costs were 

appropriately recognised 

and accounted for.

Share gifts were 

appropriately accounted 

for and disclosed.

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Risk

Our response to the risk

Key observations 

communicated to the 

Audit Committee

Risk of misstatement due to 

Our principal audit procedures on the Group 

We have concluded that 

Group re-organisation and 

reorganisation included:

subsequent initial public 

off ering (IPO)

Refer to Accounting policies 

(page 64) and Notes 5 and 6 

• 

 Inspecting documentation to support the share split 

of RA International FZCO (RA), share exchange 

agreement between RA International Group PLC 

We have concluded 

(RAI) and the Shareholders of RA.

the Group re-organisation 

has been accounted for 

appropriately.

of the Consolidated Financial 

• 

Statements (pages 68-71).

 Agreeing the issuance and placement of new RAI 
shares on 29 June 2018 to support accounting 

We consider the main risks of 

adopted.

the Group re-organisation and 

• 

 Reviewing and considering the technical accounting 

IPO to be as follows:

for the above transactions to ensure this is in line 

The technical accounting for the 

with IAS 27.

Group re-organisation is complex 

• 

 Assessing the adequacy of related disclosures in 

in nature and is not a routine 

the Group’s fi nancial statements.

transaction, the risk is therefore 

that the accounting entries 

made do not comply with the 

requirements of IAS 27.

IPO costs associated with 

the issue of new equity are 

overstated and as a result, an 

incorrect cost is set off  against 

equity rather than recognised 

through the income statement.

Accounting for the gift of shares 

is another complex area — as 

a result there is a risk that the 
entries made to record this 

transaction do not meet the 

requirements of IFRS 2.

Our principal audit procedures on the accounting for 

IPO costs and the share gifts included:

• 

 Verifying a sample of the IPO costs to third party 

supporting documentation.  

• 

 Reviewing and challenging the nature of the 

IPO costs determined by management to be 

incremental and directly attributable to the share 

issue.

• 

 Determining whether the IPO costs recorded by 

management as a cost of issuing new equity meet 

the requirements of IAS 32.

• 

 Obtaining an understanding of the warrants issued. 

In addition, we reviewed and challenged the 

assumptions applied by management to determine 

the fair value.

• 

 Ensuring that the accounting for the share gift 

complies with the requirements of IFRS 2 assessing 

the adequacy of related disclosures in the Group’s 

fi nancial statements.

We performed full scope audit procedures over this risk 
area, which covered 100% of the risk amount.

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55

 
AUDITOR’S REPORT CONTINUED

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018

Key observations 

communicated to the 

Audit Committee

Based on the audit 

procedures performed 

no instances of non-

compliance with laws and 

regulations were noted.

Risk

Our response to the risk

Risk of non-compliance with 

Our principal audit procedures included:

laws and regulations 

Refer to Accounting policies 

(page 67) and Notes 11 and 12 

of the Consolidated Financial 

• 

 Enquiries of management, and, when appropriate, 

those charged with governance as to whether 

the entity is in compliance with such laws and 

regulations.

Statements (pages 75-76).

• 

 Inspect correspondence, if any, with the relevant 

Auditing standards require 

licensing or regulatory authorities.

that we consider the risk of 

• 

 Furthermore, performance of targeted procedures 

non-compliance with laws 

on the procurement process:

and regulation on the fi nancial 

statements. 

o 

 Performed walkthrough of the expenditure 

cycle to gain an understanding of diff erent 

RA International operates in 

procurement process and to map out the 

countries that rank amongst the 

relevant controls end to end. We have assessed 

highest on the Transparency 

the design and implementation of these 

International Corruption 

controls to be eff ective. 

o 

 Unusual journal posting originating from cash 

(such as manual cash payments and receipts)

o 

 Detailed testing of cash payments and 

higher risk expenditure (including travel and 

entertainment, advances and bonuses).

Perceptions Index and have 

limited legal structures.  Both 

factors increase the risk of 

corruption and bribery.

There is a risk that if that if the 

controls and policies in place 

are not suffi  cient to prevent or 

detect bribery there would be a 

material impact on the fi nancial 

statements.

We performed full scope audit procedures over this risk 
area.

AN OVERVIEW OF THE SCOPE OF OUR AUDIT

Tailoring the scope

Our assessment of audit risk, our evaluation of materiality and our allocation of performance materiality determine our 

audit scope for each entity within the Group. Taken together, this enables us to form an opinion on the consolidated 

fi nancial statements. The majority of the trading activity is recorded through 1 subsidiary entity. We have classifi ed this 

entity as full scope and this together with our other procedures provides 100% coverage of the Group. All audit work was 

performed by the primary audit engagement team.

Our application of materiality

We apply the concept of materiality in planning and performing the audit, in evaluating the eff ect of identifi ed 

misstatements on the audit and in forming our audit opinion.

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Materiality
The magnitude of an omission or misstatement that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to 
infl uence the economic decisions of the users of the fi nancial statements. Materiality provides a basis for determining the 
nature and extent of our audit procedures.

We determined materiality for the Group to be USD 641,000 which is 5% of profi t before tax (excluding exceptional items). 
We believe that profi t before tax (excluding exceptional items) provides us with an appropriate basis for determining 
misstatements of importance to the users of the fi nancial statements.

We determined materiality for the parent company to be USD 511,000, which is 1% of total equity. The parent company is 
not a trading entity, therefore we consider it appropriate to prepare materiality on a diff erent basis.

During the course of our audit, we reassessed materiality based on the fi nal position and this resulted in fi nal materiality 
being USD 600,000 which is a decrease of USD 41,000.

Performance materiality
The application of materiality at the individual account or balance level. It is set at an amount to reduce to an appropriately 
low level the probability that the aggregate of uncorrected and undetected misstatements exceeds materiality.

On the basis of our risk assessments, together with our assessment of the Group’s overall control environment, our 
judgement was that performance materiality was 50% of our planning materiality, namely USD 320,000. We have set 
performance materiality at this percentage due to this being a fi rst year audit of the entity within its current listed Group 
structure.

Reporting threshold
An amount below which identifi ed misstatements are considered as being clearly trivial.

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them all uncorrected audit diff erences in excess of 
USD 32,000, which is set at 5% of planning materiality, as well as diff erences below that threshold that, in our view, 
warranted reporting on qualitative grounds.

We evaluate any uncorrected misstatements against both the quantitative measures of materiality discussed above and in 
light of other relevant qualitative considerations in forming our opinion.

Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the fi nancial statements and our 
auditor’s report thereon. The Directors are responsible for the other information.

Our opinion on the fi nancial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly 
stated in this report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the fi nancial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, 
consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the fi nancial 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 fi nancial 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 the other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
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 fi nancial year for which the fi nancial 
statements are prepared is consistent with the fi nancial statements; and

• 

 the strategic report and Directors’ report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

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AUDITOR’S REPORT CONTINUED

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018

Matters on which we are required to report by exception
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 identifi ed material misstatements in the strategic report or the Directors’ report.

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 fi nancial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
 certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specifi ed by law are not made; or
 we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit

Responsibilities of Directors
As explained more fully in the Directors’ responsibilities statement set out on page 50, the Directors are responsible for 
the preparation of the fi nancial statements and for being satisfi ed that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal 
control as the Directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of fi nancial statements that are free from 
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the fi nancial statements, the Directors are responsible for assessing the Group and parent company’s 
ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going 
concern basis of accounting unless 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 fi nancial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the fi nancial 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 infl uence the economic 
decisions of users taken on the basis of these fi nancial statements.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the fi nancial 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.

Use of our report
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.

Paul Copland (Senior statutory auditor)
for and on behalf of Ernst & Young LLP, Statutory Auditor
Edinburgh

Date: 10 April 2019

Notes:

1. 

 The maintenance and integrity of the RA International Group PLC web site is the responsibility of the Directors; the work carried out by the auditors does 

not involve consideration of these matters and, accordingly, the auditors accept no responsibility for any changes that may have occurred to the fi nancial 

statements since they were initially presented on the web site.

2. 

 Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of fi nancial statements may diff er from legislation in other jurisdictions.

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT 
OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018

Revenue

Direct costs

Gross profi t

Administrative expenses

Underlying operating profi t

Acquisition costs

Holding company expenses

Operating profi t

Investment revenue

Finance costs

Underlying profi t

Unrealised diff erences on translation of foreign balances 

Exceptional items

Profi t and total comprehensive income for the period

Basic and diluted earnings per share (cents)

Normalised basic and diluted earnings per share (cents)

Notes

7

11

11

13

15

15

2018
USD’000

54,805

(34,168)

20,637

(6,425)

14,212

(82)

(505)

13,625

34

(407)

13,252

(364)

(2,934)

9,954

6.3

8.4

2017
USD’000 
Restated

51,215

(31,268)

19,947

(6,362)

13,585

–

–

13,585

–

(1,114)

12,471

(46)

–

12,425

8.9

8.9

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The attached notes 1 to 32 form part of the Financial Statements.

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT 
OF FINANCIAL POSITION

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2018

Assets

Non-current assets

Property, plant, and equipment

Current assets

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Equity and liabilities

Equity

Share capital

Additional contributed capital

Share premium

Merger reserve

Share based payment reserve

Retained earnings

Total equity

Non-current liabilities

Term loans and notes

Employees’ end of service benefi ts

Current liabilities

Term loans and notes

Trade and other payables

Total liabilities

Total equity and liabilities

Notes

2018
USD’000

2017
USD’000 
Restated

19

20

21

22

23

23

24

25

24

26

16,395

9,170

4,263

15,962

27,804

48,029

64,424

24,300

–

18,254

(17,803)

16

34,427

59,194

–

350

350

–

4,880

4,880

5,230

64,424

2,660

12,669

7,469

22,798

31,968

272

1,809

–

–

–

23,020

25,101

6

251

257

1,861

4,749

6,610

6,867

31,968

The fi nancial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 10 April 2019 and signed on its behalf by:

_________________________________ 

_________________________________

Soraya Narfeldt 

CEO 

Andrew Bolter

CFO

The attached notes 1 to 32 form part of the Financial Statements.

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT 
OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018

Share
Capital 
USD’000

Additional
Contributed
Capital 
USD’000

Share
Premium 
USD’000

Merger
Reserve* 
USD’000

Share Based
Payment
Reserve 
USD’000

As at 1 January 2017

272

1,809

Total comprehensive income for 
the period**

Dividends declared and paid 
(note 17)

As at 31 December 2017

Total comprehensive income for 
the period

Share exchange (note 8)

Issue of share capital (note 8)

Non-cash employee compensation 
(note 16)

Share based payments (note 16)

Dividends declared and paid 
(note 17)

–

–

272

–

19,612

4,416

–

–

–

As at 31 December 2018

24,300

–

–

1,809

–

(1,809)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

18,254

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(17,803)

–

–

–

–

18,254

(17,803)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

16

–

16

Retained
Earnings 
USD’000

11,370

12,425

Total
USD’000

13,451

12,425

(775)

(775)

23,020

9,954

–

–

1,578

–

(125)

25,101

9,954

–

22,670

1,578

16

(125)

34,427

59,194

* Merger reserve represents the diff erence between the share capital of RA International FZCO and the nominal value of 

the shares issued by the Company to acquire RA International FZCO (note 8).

** Total comprehensive income recognised in 2017 has been restated due to the adoption of IFRS 15 (note 5).

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The attached notes 1 to 32 form part of the Financial Statements.

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT 
OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018

Operating activities

Profi t for the period

Adjustments for non-cash and other items:

Depreciation on property, plant, and equipment

Loss on disposal of property, plant, and equipment

Amortisation of intangible assets

Investment revenue

Finance costs

Unrealised diff erences on translation of foreign balances 

Provision for employees’ end of service benefi ts

Share based payments

Exceptional items

Working capital adjustments:

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Trade and other payables

Cash fl ows generated from operations

Employees’ end of service benefi ts paid

Stock-based compensation and related costs

Net cash fl ows from operating activities

Investing activities

Release / (deposit) of cash margin against guarantees issued

Deposits under lien released during the year

Purchase of property, plant, and equipment

Proceeds from disposal of property, plant, and equipment

Acquisition of subsidiary (net of cash acquired)

Net cash fl ows used in investing activities

Financing activities

Repayment of term loans and notes

Proceeds from term loans and notes

Investment revenue received

Finance costs paid

Dividends paid

Share listing costs

Issue of share capital (net of issue costs paid)

Net cash fl ows from / (used in) fi nancing activities

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents as at start of the period

Eff ect of foreign exchange on cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents as at end of the period

The attached notes 1 to 32 form part of the Financial Statements.

62

Notes

2018 
USD’000

2017 
USD’000 
Restated

9,954

12,425

19

19

25

16

13

25

16

22

22

19

19

10

24

24

17

13

8

22

22

1,310

120

–

(34)

407

364

116

16

2,934

15,187

(1,587)

(2,627)

(58)

10,915

(17)

(24)

10,874

2,000

–

(8,683)

97

(565)

(7,151)

(1,867)

–

34

(406)

(125)

(1,332)

22,672

18,976

22,699

5,469

(364)

27,804

935

163

17

–

1,114

46

283

–

–

14,983

685

(2,589)

(580)

12,499

(221)

–

12,278

(2,000)

201

(3,405)

23

–

(5,181)

(3,160)

2,432

–

(1,114)

(775)

–

–

(2,617)

4,480

1,035

(46)

5,469

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018

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1  CORPORATE INFORMATION
The principal activity of RA International Group PLC (“RAI” or the “Company”) and its subsidiaries (together the 

“Group”) is providing services in demanding and remote areas. These services include construction, integrated facilities 

management, and supply chain services. 

RAI was incorporated on 13 March 2018 as a public company in England and Wales under registration number 11252957. 

The address of its registered offi  ce is One Fleet Place, London, EC4M 7WS. The Company acquired, by way of a share 

for share exchange (the “Exchange”) the entire issued share capital of RA International FZCO and its subsidiaries (“RA”) 

on 12 April 2018. The Group reorganisation is treated as a common control transaction, for which there is no specifi c 

accounting guidance under IFRS. Consequently, the integration of the Company has been accounted for using merger 

accounting principles. The policy, which does not confl ict with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), refl ects 

the economic substance of the transaction.

The adoption of merger accounting presents the Company as if it had always been the parent of the Group. As the 

Company was not incorporated until 13 March 2018, the fi nancial statements of the Group represent a continuation of the 

fi nancial statements of RA International FZCO, the former parent of the Group. Comparative information presented in 

these fi nancial statements, relate to that of RA, not the Group. 

2  BASIS OF PREPARATION
The fi nancial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards 

Board (IASB) as adopted by the European Union and the Companies Act 2006. They have been prepared under the 

historical cost basis and have been presented in United States Dollars (USD), being the functional currency of the 

Company. 

The fi nancial information set out in this preliminary announcement does not constitute the Group’s statutory accounts 

for the years ended 31 December 2018 or 2017 but is derived from those accounts. Statutory accounts for the year ended 

31 December 2018 will be delivered to the Registrar of companies in due course. The auditor has reported on the accounts; 

its report was unqualifi ed, did not contain an emphasis of matter reference and did not contain statements under section 

498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

3  BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION
The fi nancial statements comprise the fi nancial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries as at 31 December 2018. 

Control is achieved when the Group is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee 

and has the ability to aff ect those returns through its power over the investee. Specifi cally, the Group controls an investee 

if, and only if, the Group has:

• 

 Power over the investee (i.e., existing rights that give it the current ability to direct the relevant activities of the investee);

•  Exposure, or rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee; and

•  The ability to use its power over the investee to aff ect its returns.

Generally, there is a presumption that a majority of voting rights results in control. To support this presumption and when 

the Group has less than a majority of the voting or similar rights of an investee, the Group considers all relevant facts and 

circumstances in assessing whether it has power over an investee, including:

•  The contractual arrangement with the other vote holders of the investee;

•  Rights arising from other contractual arrangements; and

•  The Group’s voting rights and potential voting rights.

The Group reassesses whether or not it controls an investee if facts and circumstances indicate that there are changes to 

one or more of the three elements of control. Consolidation of a subsidiary begins when the Group obtains control over 

the subsidiary and ceases when the Company loses control over the subsidiary. Assets, liabilities, income, and expenses 

of a subsidiary acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the fi nancial statements from the date the Group 

gains control until the date the Group ceases to control the subsidiary.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018

When necessary adjustments are made to the fi nancial statements of a subsidiary to bring their accounting policies into 

line with the Group’s accounting policies. All intra-group assets and liabilities, equity, income, expenses and cash fl ows 

relating to transactions between members of the Group are eliminated in full on consolidation.

A change in the ownership interest of a subsidiary, without a change of control, is accounted for as an equity transaction. 

If the Company loses control over a subsidiary, it derecognises the related assets (including goodwill), liabilities, non-

controlling interest, and other components of equity while any resultant gain or loss is recognised in the profi t or loss. Any 

investment retained is recognised at fair value.

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. The cost of an acquisition is measured as the 

aggregate of the consideration transferred, which is measured at the fair value on the acquisition date. The net identifi able 

assets acquired, and liabilities assumed are recorded at their respective fair values on the acquisition date. Acquisition-

related costs are expensed as incurred and included in administrative expenses.

When the Group acquires a business, it assesses the fi nancial assets and liabilities assumed for appropriate classifi cation 

and designation in accordance with the contractual terms, economic circumstances and pertinent conditions as at the 

acquisition date. 

4  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
REVENUE RECOGNITION

Revenue from contracts with customers is recognised when control of the goods or services are transferred to the 

customer at an amount that refl ects the consideration to which the Group expects to be entitled in exchange for those 

goods or services. The Group has concluded that it is acting as a principal in all its revenue arrangements. 

Sale of goods

Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when the signifi cant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods have 

passed to the buyer, usually on delivery of the goods.

Construction

Revenue from construction contracts is recognised at a point in time when performance obligations have been met. 

Services

Revenue from rendering of services is recognised over time, using the output method to measure progress towards 

complete satisfaction of the service.

Interest income

Interest income is accrued on a time basis, by reference to the principal outstanding and at the eff ective interest rate 

applicable, which is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the fi nancial 

asset to that asset’s net carrying amount.

CONTRACT BALANCES

Trade receivables

A receivable represents the Group’s right to an amount of consideration that is unconditional, meaning only the passage 

of time is required before payment of the consideration is due.

Accrued revenue

Accrued revenue represents the right to consideration in exchange for goods or services transferred to a customer in 

connection with fulfi lling contractual performance obligations. If the Group performs by transferring goods or services 

to a customer before invoicing, accrued revenue is recognised in an amount equal to the earned consideration that is 

conditional on invoicing. Once an invoice has been accepted by the customer accrued revenue is reclassifi ed as a trade 

receivable. 

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Customer advances

If a customer pays consideration before the Group transfers goods or services to the customer, a customer advance is 

recognised when the payment is received by the Group. Customer advances are recognised as revenue when the Group 

meets its obligations to the customer. 

TAXATION

Current tax expense is based on taxable profi t for the year and is recognised in profi t or loss. Taxable profi t may diff er 

from net profi t reported in the statement of comprehensive income because it excludes items of income and expense that 

are taxable or deductible in other years, and it excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The Group’s liability 

for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the statement of fi nancial 

position date. 

PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any impairment in value. Capital 

work-in-progress is not depreciated until the asset is ready for use. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over 

the estimated useful lives as follows:

Buildings 

Lesser of 20 years and term of land lease

Leasehold improvements 

10 years or term of lease

Furniture and fi xtures 

Shipping containers 

IT equipment 

Tools and equipment 

Motor vehicles 

5 years

20 years

5 years

5 to 10 years

10 years

The carrying values of property, plant, and equipment are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in 

circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. If any such indication exists and where the carrying 

values exceed the estimated recoverable amount, the assets are written down, with the write down recorded in profi t or 

loss to their recoverable amount, being the greater of their fair value less costs to sell and their value in use.

Expenditure incurred to replace a component of an item of property, plant, and equipment that is accounted for 

separately is capitalised and the carrying amount of the component that is replaced is written off . Other subsequent 

expenditure is capitalised only when it increases future economic benefi ts of the related item of property, plant, and 

equipment. All other expenditure is recognised in profi t or loss as the expense is incurred.

An item of property, plant, and equipment is derecognised upon disposal or when no future economic benefi ts are 

expected from its use. Any gain or loss arising on de-recognition of the asset (calculated as the diff erence between the net 

disposal proceeds and carrying amount of the asset) is included in the profi t or loss in the year the asset is derecognised.

Assets’ residual values, useful lives, and methods of depreciation are reviewed at each fi nancial year end, and adjusted 

prospectively, if appropriate.

INVENTORIES

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Costs include those expenses incurred in bringing each 

product to its present location and condition. Cost is calculated using the weighted average method. Net realisable value 

is based on estimated selling price less any further costs expected to be incurred in disposal.

IMPAIRMENT OF NON-FINANCIAL ASSETS

The Group assesses at each reporting date whether there is an indication that an asset may be impaired. If any indication 

exists, or when annual impairment testing for an asset is required, the Group estimates the asset’s recoverable amount. 

An asset’s recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s or cash-generating unit’s (CGU) fair value less costs to sell and 

its value in use. An asset’s recoverable amount is determined for an individual asset, unless the asset does not generate 

cash infl ows that are largely independent of those from other assets or groups of assets. Where the carrying amount of 

an asset or CGU exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset is considered impaired and is written down to its recoverable 

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018

amount. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash fl ows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax 

discount rate that refl ects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specifi c to the asset. In 

determining fair value less costs to sell, an appropriate valuation model is used maximising the use of observable inputs. 

These calculations are corroborated by valuation multiples, quoted share prices for publicly traded entities or other 

available fair value indicators.

The Group bases its impairment calculation on detailed budgets and forecasts which are prepared separately for each 

of the Group’s cash-generating units to which the individual assets are allocated. These budgets and forecasts generally 

cover a period of fi ve years. For longer periods, a long-term growth rate is calculated and applied to project future cash 

fl ows after the fi fth year.

Impairment losses relating to continuing operations are recognised in those expense categories consistent with the 

function of the impaired asset.

An assessment is made at each reporting date as to whether there is any indication that previously recognised 

impairment losses may no longer exist or may have decreased. If such indication exists, the Group estimates the asset’s 

or CGU’s recoverable amount. A previously recognised impairment loss is reversed only if there has been a change in the 

assumptions used to determine the asset’s recoverable amount since the last impairment loss was recognised. The reversal 

is limited so that the carrying amount of the asset does not exceed its recoverable amount, nor exceed the carrying 

amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation, had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset in 

prior years. Such reversal is recognised in the profi t or loss.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

i)  Financial assets
Initial recognition and measurement

The classifi cation of fi nancial assets at initial recognition depends on the fi nancial asset’s contractual cash fl ow 

characteristics and the Group’s business model for managing them. With the exception of trade receivables that do not 

contain a signifi cant fi nancing component or for which the Group has applied the practical expedient, the Group initially 

measures a fi nancial asset at its fair value plus, in the case of a fi nancial asset not at fair value through profi t or loss, 

transaction costs. Trade receivables that do not contain a signifi cant fi nancing component or for which the Group has 

applied the practical expedient are measured at the transaction price determined under IFRS 15.

Derecognition of fi nancial assets

A fi nancial asset (or, where applicable a part of a fi nancial asset or part of a group of similar fi nancial assets) is 

derecognised when the rights to receive cash fl ows from the asset has expired.

Impairment of fi nancial assets

The Group recognises an allowance for expected credit losses (ECLs) for all debt instruments not held at fair value 

through profi t or loss. ECLs are based on the diff erence between the contractual cash fl ows due in accordance with the 

contract and all the cash fl ows that the Group expects to receive, discounted at an approximation of the original eff ective 

interest rate. The expected cash fl ows will include cash fl ows from the sale of collateral held or other credit enhancements 

that are integral to the contractual terms.

ECLs are recognised in two stages. For credit exposures for which there has not been a signifi cant increase in credit risk 

since initial recognition, ECLs are provided for credit losses that result from default events that are possible within the 

next 12-months (a 12-month ECL). For those credit exposures for which there has been a signifi cant increase in credit risk 

since initial recognition, a loss allowance is required for credit losses expected over the remaining life of the exposure, 

irrespective of the timing of the default (a lifetime ECL).

For trade receivables and contract assets, the Group applies a simplifi ed approach in calculating ECLs. Therefore, the 

Group does not track changes in credit risk, but instead recognises a loss allowance based on lifetime ECLs at each 

reporting date.

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A fi nancial asset is deemed to be impaired when internal or external information indicates that the Group is unlikely to 

receive the outstanding contractual amounts in full before taking into account any credit enhancements held by the 

Group. A fi nancial asset is written off  when there is no reasonable expectation of recovering the contractual cash fl ows.

ii)  Financial liabilities
Initial recognition and measurement

Financial liabilities are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently classifi ed at fair value through profi t or loss, loans 

and borrowings, or payables. Loans and borrowings and payables are recognised net of directly attributable transaction 

costs.

The Group’s fi nancial liabilities include trade and other payables.

Subsequent measurement

The measurement of fi nancial liabilities depends on their classifi cation as described below:

Financial liabilities at fair value through profi t or loss

Financial liabilities at fair value through profi t or loss include fi nancial liabilities held for trading and fi nancial liabilities 

designated upon initial recognition as held at fair value through profi t or loss.

Financial liabilities designated upon initial recognition at fair value through profi t or loss are designated at the initial date 

of recognition, and only if the criteria in IFRS 9 are satisfi ed. The Group has not designated any fi nancial liability as at fair 

value through profi t or loss. 

Financial liabilities are classifi ed as held for trading if they are incurred for the purpose of repurchasing in the near term. 

This category also includes derivative fi nancial instruments entered into by the Group that are not designated as hedging 

instruments in hedge relationships as defi ned by IFRS 9. Separated embedded derivatives are also classifi ed as held for 

trading unless they are designated as eff ective hedging instruments.

Loans and borrowings

This is the category most relevant to the Group. After initial recognition, interest-bearing loans and borrowings are 

subsequently measured at amortised cost using the EIR method. Gains and losses are recognised in profi t or loss when 

the liabilities are derecognised as well as through the EIR amortisation process.

Amortised cost is calculated by taking into account any discount or premium on acquisition and fees or costs that are an 

integral part of the EIR. The EIR amortisation is included as fi nance costs in the statement of profi t or loss.

Derecognition of fi nancial liabilities

A fi nancial liability is derecognised when the obligation under the liability is discharged, cancelled or expires. 

Where an existing fi nancial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially diff erent terms, or the 

terms of an existing liability are substantially modifi ed, such an exchange or modifi cation is treated as a derecognition 

of the original liability and the recognition of a new liability, and the diff erence in the respective carrying amounts is 

recognised in the profi t or loss.

EMPLOYEES’ END OF SERVICE BENEFITS

The Group provides end of service benefi ts to its employees in accordance with local labour laws. The entitlement to these 

benefi ts is based upon the employees’ fi nal salary and length of service, subject to the completion of a minimum service 

period. The expected costs of these benefi ts are accrued over the period of employment. 

SHARE BASED PAYMENTS

Employees (including senior executives) of the Group receive remuneration in the form of share based payments, whereby 

employees render services as consideration for equity instruments (equity-settled transactions).

The cost of equity-settled transactions is determined by the fair value at the date when the grant is made using an 

appropriate valuation model, further details of which are given in note 16.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018

That cost is recognised in employee benefi ts expense, together with a corresponding increase in equity (share based 

payment reserve), over the period in which the service and, where applicable, the performance conditions are fulfi lled (the 

vesting period). The cumulative expense recognised for equity-settled transactions at each reporting date until the vesting 

date refl ects the extent to which the vesting period has expired and the Group’s best estimate of the number of equity 

instruments that will ultimately vest. The expense or credit in the statement of profi t or loss for a period represents the 

movement in cumulative expense recognised as at the beginning and end of that period.

Service and non-market performance conditions are not taken into account when determining the grant date fair value of 

awards, but the likelihood of the conditions being met is assessed as part of the Group’s best estimate of the number of equity 

instruments that will ultimately vest. Market performance conditions are refl ected within the grant date fair value. Any other 

conditions attached to an award, but without an associated service requirement, are considered to be non-vesting conditions. 

Non-vesting conditions are refl ected in the fair value of an award and lead to an immediate expensing of an award unless there 

are also service and/or performance conditions.

No expense is recognised for awards that do not ultimately vest because non-market performance and/or service conditions 

have not been met. Where awards include a market or non-vesting condition, the transactions are treated as vested irrespective 

of whether the market or non-vesting condition is satisfi ed, provided that all other performance and/or service conditions are 

satisfi ed.

The dilutive eff ect of outstanding options is refl ected as additional share dilution in the computation of diluted earnings per 

share.

LEASES

Leases where the lessor retains substantially all the risks and benefi ts of ownership of the asset are classifi ed as operating 

leases. Operating lease payments are recognised as an expense in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

CONTINGENCIES

Contingent liabilities are not recognised in the fi nancial statements, they are disclosed unless the possibility of an outfl ow 

of resources embodying economic benefi ts is remote. A contingent asset is not recognised in the fi nancial statements but 

disclosed when an infl ow of economic benefi ts is probable.

FOREIGN CURRENCIES

The Group’s fi nancial statements are presented in USD, which is the functional currency of all Group companies. Items 

included in the fi nancial statements of each entity are measured using that functional currency. 

Transactions in foreign currencies are initially recorded at the functional currency rate prevailing at the date of the 
transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the functional currency 

spot rate of exchange prevailing at the reporting date. All diff erences are taken to profi t or loss. 

Non-monetary items that are measured at historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates 

as at the dates of the initial transactions. Non-monetary items measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated 

using the exchange rates at the date when the fair value was determined.

Foreign currency share capital (including any related share premium or additional paid-in capital) is translated using the 

exchange rates as at the dates of the initial transaction. The value is not remeasured.

5  CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND DISCLOSURES
NEW AND AMENDED STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS

The Group applied IFRS 15 for the fi rst time, using a fully retrospective approach. The nature and eff ect of the changes as 

a result of the adoption of this new accounting standard are described below. 

Several other amendments and interpretations apply for the fi rst time in 2018, such as IFRS 9 Financial Instruments. 

Following assessment, there were no reclassifi cations or estimated credit losses and therefore the adoption of IFRS 9 did 

not have a signifi cant impact on the fi nancial statements of the Group. The Group has not early adopted any standards, 

interpretations or amendments that have been issued but are not yet eff ective.

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IFRS 15 REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS

IFRS 15 supersedes IAS 11 Construction Contracts, IAS 18 Revenue, and related interpretations. It applies, with limited 

exceptions, to all revenue arising from contracts with customers. IFRS 15 establishes a fi ve-step model to account for 

revenue arising from contracts with customers and requires that revenue be recognised at an amount that refl ects the 

consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring goods or services to a customer. 

IFRS 15 requires entities to exercise judgement, taking into consideration all relevant facts and circumstances when 

applying each step of the model to contracts with their customers. Where deemed appropriate, the Group will utilise 

the practical expedient within IFRS15, allowing revenue to be recognised at the amount which the Group has the right to 

invoice, where that amount corresponds directly with the value to the customer of the Group’s performance completed 

to date.

The standard also specifi es the accounting for the incremental costs of obtaining a contract and the costs directly related 

to fulfi lling a contract. In addition, the standard requires extensive disclosures. 

The Group is principally engaged in construction, integrated facilities management, and supply chain services in 

demanding and remote areas. 

For contracts with customers in which the sale of goods is generally the only performance obligation, adoption of IFRS 15 

does not have any signifi cant impact on the Group’s revenue and profi t or loss. The Group’s revenue recognition occurs at 

a point in time when control of the asset is transferred to the customer, generally on delivery of the goods.

With respect to services income, services are satisfi ed over time given that the customer simultaneously receives and 

consumes the benefi ts provided by the Group. Consequently, under IFRS 15 the Group continues to recognise revenue for 

these service contracts and the service components of hybrid contracts over time rather than at a point of time.

(a) Construction revenue

Before the adoption of IFRS 15, all construction revenue was recognised using the percentage of completion method. 

When performing a review of contracts in connection with the implementation of IFRS 15, the Group assessed that 

certain contracts contained specifi c performance obligations that were required to be met before revenue could be 

recognised in accordance with the requirements of the new standard. As a result, revenue reported in 2017 decreased by 

USD 2,188,000. There was a corresponding increase in customer advances of USD 780,000, a decrease in accrued revenue 

of USD 1,367,000 and a decrease in retention receivables of USD 41,000. A decrease in direct costs of USD 939,000 was 

also recognised, together with the corresponding increase in prepayments.

There was no impact to balances reported in relation to any accounting periods beginning prior to 1 January 2017.

(b) Reclassifi cation of other income 

Other income has been reclassifi ed to be included in revenue and direct costs. The Group assessed the nature of other 

income balances and concluded it partly refl ects: (i) the continuing trade of the business to be classifi ed as revenue under 

IFRS 15; and (ii) reimbursement of non-contracted costs recognised as expenses in prior periods to be recognised in the 

same expense category as where the cost was originally recorded.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018

Impact on statement of profi t or loss (increase/(decrease) in profi t)

Revenue

Direct costs

Gross profi t

Other income

Administrative expenses

Underlying profi t from operations

Acquisition costs

Holding company expenses

Operating profi t

Basic and diluted earnings per share (cents)

Normalised basic and diluted earnings per share (cents)

Impact on the consolidated statement of fi nancial position (increase/(decrease))

Current assets

Trade and other receivables

Total assets

Equity and liabilities

Equity

Retained earnings

Total equity

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Total liabilities

Total equity and liabilities

Adjustments

(a),(b)

(a),(b)

(b)

Adjustments

(a)

(a)

(a)

2017
USD’000

(2,045)

1,948

(97)

(1,152)

–

(1,249)

–

–

(1,249)

(0.9)

(0.9)

2017
USD’000

(469)

(469)

(1,249)

(1,249)

780

780

(469)

The impact on the statement of cash fl ows for the year ended 31 December 2017 only relates to the changes in profi t 

before tax from continuing operations, certain adjustments to reconcile profi t before tax to net cash fl ows from operating 

activities and working capital adjustments. There was no impact on the net cash fl ows from operating, investing or 

fi nancing activities. 

6  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS, ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS
The preparation of the fi nancial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that 

may aff ect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, revenues, expenses, disclosure of contingent liabilities, and the 

resultant provisions and fair values. Such estimates are necessarily based on assumptions about several factors and actual 

results may diff er from reported amounts.

Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are 

recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised and in any future periods aff ected.

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A) JUDGMENTS 

Use of Alternative Performance Measures

IAS1 requires material items to be disclosed separately in a way that enables users to assess the quality of a company’s 

profi tability. In practice, these are commonly referred to as ‘exceptional’ items, but this is not a concept defi ned by IFRS 

and therefore there is a level of judgement involved in arriving at an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which 

excludes such exceptional items. The Group considers items which are material and outside its normal operating practice 

to be suitable for separate presentation. Further details are in note 18.

B) ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS

Percentage of completion

The Group uses the output percentage-of-completion method when accounting for contract revenue on its long-term 

construction contracts. Use of the percentage-of-completion method requires the Group to estimate the progress 

of contracts based on surveys of work performed. The Group has determined this basis of revenue recognition is the 

best available measure on such contracts and where possible seeks customer verifi cation of percentage-of-completion 

calculations as at fi nancial reporting dates. 

The accuracy of percentage-of-completion estimates has a material impact on the amount of revenue and related profi t 

recognised. As at 31 December 2018, USD 1,676,000 of accrued revenue had been calculated using the percentage-of-

completion method (2017: USD 1,486,000).

Revisions to profi t or loss arising from changes in estimates are accounted for in the period when the changes occur. 

7  SEGMENTAL INFORMATION
For management purposes, the Group is organised into one segment based on its products and services, which is the 

provision of services in demanding and remote areas. Accordingly, the Group only has one reportable segment. The 

Group’s Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM) monitors the operating results of the business as a single unit for 

the purpose of making decisions about resource allocation and assessing performance. The CODM is considered to be the 

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Board of Directors.

OPERATING SEGMENTS 

Revenue, operating results, assets and liabilities presented in the fi nancial statements relate to the provision of services in 

demanding and remote areas.

Revenue by service channel:

Construction

Integrated facilities management

Supply chain services

2018
USD’000

29,479

23,145

2,181

54,805

2017
USD’000

22,821

25,414

2,980

51,215

The Group allocates a contract to a specifi c service channel based on the nature of the primary deliverable to the 

customer. The Group does not allocate revenue to multiple service channels from a contract. If the Group were to allocate 

revenue to multiple service channels from its contracts, a signifi cant value of construction revenue would be reclassifi ed 

to the other service channels; additionally, a signifi cant value of integrated facilities management revenue would be 

reclassifi ed to supply chain services. 

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018

GEOGRAPHIC SEGMENTS 

The Group solely operates in Africa and the Middle East and the CODM considers this to be the only geographic segments 

of the Group. The below geography split is based on the location of project implementation.

Revenue by geographic area of project implementation:

Africa

Other

Non-current assets by geographic area:

Africa

Other

8  GROUP REORGANISATION
SHARE FOR SHARE EXCHANGE 

2018
USD’000

48,003

6,802

54,805

2018
USD’000

14,378

2,017

16,395

2017
USD’000

51,045

170

51,215

2017
USD’000

8,935

235

9,170

On 12 April 2018, RAI acquired 100% ownership of RA through a share for share exchange transaction (the “Exchange”).  

The cost of RA was established and accounted for with reference to IAS 27 which states that when a parent reorganises 

the structure of its group by establishing a new entity as its parent, and meets specifi c criteria, the new parent measures 

cost at the carrying amount of its share of the equity items shown in the separate fi nancial statements of the original 

parent at the date of the reorganisation. In the case of the Exchange, RA was the former parent of the Group and all 

relevant criteria were met, as a result the cost of RA was determined to be USD 29,278,000, being the carrying amount of 

the equity of RA at the date of the Exchange.

Equity balances of RA at date of Exchange

Share capital

Additional contributed capital

Retained earnings

Total equity balances of RA at date of Exchange

USD’000

272

1,809

27,700

29,781

The consideration paid to the Shareholders of RA was 139,999,998 ordinary shares of GBP 0.10 each.

The diff erence between the total equity balances of RA and the nominal value of shares issued by RAI at the date of the 

Exchange is recorded as a merger reserve. Upon consolidation, all intra-group transactions, balances, income and expense 

are eliminated, and the merger reserve is equal to the diff erence between the nominal value of the shares issued by RAI 

and the total share capital and additional contributed capital of RA at the date of the Exchange.

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INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING 

On 29 June 2018, RAI undertook an initial public off ering (IPO) and was admitted to trade on the Alternative Investment 

Market (AIM), a sub-market of the London Stock Exchange. New Ordinary Shares of 33,575,741 were issued on the date 

of the IPO bringing the total number of shares outstanding to 173,575,741. These shares have a par value of GBP 0.10 and 

were sold by RAI at GBP 0.56 per share. 

During the IPO process, the Group incurred USD 2,059,000 of expenses which were incremental and directly attributed to 

the equity raise. As per IAS 32, these costs are to be accounted for as a deduction from equity raised and as a result the 

net proceeds of the IPO were USD 22,672,000.

Reconciliation of IPO proceeds

Proceeds from issue of share capital 

Costs incurred and attributable to issue of share capital 

Net proceeds from issue of share capital

USD’000

24,731

(2,059)

22,672

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018

9  GROUP INFORMATION
The Company operates through its subsidiaries, listed below, which are legally or benefi cially, directly or indirectly owned 

and controlled by the Company.

The extent of the Company’s benefi cial ownership and the principal activities of the subsidiaries are as follows:

Name of the entity

RA Africa Holdings Limited

Country of 
incorporation

British Virgin 
Islands

Benefi cial ownership

Principal activities

2018

100%

2017

100% Holding of residual shareholdings in 

Company subsidiaries.

RA International Limited

Cameroon

100%

100% Construction, integrated facilities 

management, and supply chain services.

RA International RCA

Central African 
Republic 

100%

100% Construction, integrated facilities 

management, and supply chain services.

RA International Chad

Chad

100%

– Construction, integrated facilities 

management, and supply chain services.

RA International DRC SARL

Democratic 
Republic of Congo

100%

100% Construction, integrated facilities 

management, and supply chain services.

Raints Ghana Limited

Ghana

100%

100% Construction, integrated facilities 

management, and supply chain services.

Windward Insurance PCC 
Limited – Berkshire Cell

Guernsey

100%

100% Providing intra-group insurance services.

Raints Kenya Limited

Kenya

100%

100% Construction, integrated facilities 

management, and supply chain services.

RA International Limited

Malawi

100%

100% Construction, integrated facilities 

management, and supply chain services.

Raints Mali

Mali

100%

– Construction, integrated facilities 

management, and supply chain services.

RA International Limitada

Mozambique

100%

100% Construction, integrated facilities 

management, and supply chain services.

RA International Niger

Niger

100%

– Construction, integrated facilities 

management, and supply chain services.

RA International* 

Somalia

100%

100% Construction, integrated facilities 

management, and supply chain services.

RA International FZCO

South Sudan 

100%

100% Construction, integrated facilities 

management, and supply chain services.

Reconstruction and Assistance 
Company Ltd

Sudan

100%

– Construction, integrated facilities 

management, and supply chain services.

RA International Limited

Tanzania

100%

100% Construction, integrated facilities 

RA International FZCO 

RA International General Trading 
LLC

RA SB Ltd.

UAE

UAE

UAE

management, and supply chain services.

100%

100%

100% Providing intra-group administrative services.

100% Providing intra-group administrative services.

100%

– Holding of residual shareholdings in 

Company subsidiaries.

RA International Limited

Uganda

100%

100% Construction, integrated facilities 

management, and supply chain services.

REMSCO Uganda (SMC) Limited

Uganda

100%

– Construction, integrated facilities 

management, and supply chain services.

* RA International in Somalia is not an incorporated legal entity.

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10 ACQUISITION OF SUBSIDIARY 
RA SB LTD.

On 1 January 2018, the Group acquired 100% ownership of RA SB Ltd. and its subsidiary (together “RASB”), from one of its 

Shareholders, who is also a member of key management. The purchase consideration of USD 594,000 represents the net 

book value of RASB as at 1 January 2018. RA SB Ltd. is registered in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE and operates in the Republic of 

Sudan through its subsidiary which provides remote site services to the mining industry. The acquisition is consistent with 

the Group’s strategy of operating across Africa.

The fair values of the identifi able assets and liabilities of RASB as at the date of acquisition were:

Assets

Property, plant, and equipment

Inventories

Accounts receivable, deposits, and other receivables

Bank balances and cash

Liabilities

Accounts payable and accruals

Net assets

Net cash outfl ow on acquisition

Consideration paid

Less:

Bank balances and cash acquired

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USD’000

69

16

688

29

(208)

594

USD’000

594

(29)

565

Acquisition costs of USD 6,000 relating to the acquisition of RASB are included in acquisition costs within the current 

accounting period.

For the year ended 31 December 2018, RASB contributed USD 1,754,000 revenue and USD 350,000 profi t before fi nance 

costs to the Group results.

11  PROFIT FOR THE PERIOD
Profi t for the period is stated after charging:

Staff  costs

Materials

Depreciation

2018
USD’000

20,518

10,688

1,310

2017
USD’000

18,732

9,966

935

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018

Amounts paid or payable by the Group in respect of audit and non-audit services to the Auditor are shown below.

Fees for the audit of the interim accounts

Fees for the audit of the Company annual accounts

Fees for the audit of the subsidiary annual accounts

Total audit fees

Audit related assurance services

Non-audit related services

Fees in relation to the IPO

Total non-audit fees

2018
USD’000

2017
USD’000

25

116

60

201

–

75

457

532

–

–

60

60

–

–

–

–

The non-audit fees incurred in the current year represent services undertaken by a separate EY team as part of the 

Group’s IPO process and as part of a corporate acquisition that was completed in 2019 (see note 32). No members of the 

audit team were involved in undertaking these non-audit procedures and strict independence processes were in place. All 

non-audit services, post IPO, have been assessed and approved by the Audit Committee.

12 EMPLOYEE EXPENSES
The average number of employees (including Directors) employed during the period was:

Directors

Executive management

Staff 

The aggregate remuneration of the above employees was:

Wages and salaries

Social security costs

2018

4

5

2,016

2,025

2018
USD’000

15,836

34

15,870

2017

–

5

1,856

1,861

2017
USD’000

13,765

2

13,767

The remuneration of the Directors and other key management personnel of the Group are detailed in note 30.

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13 EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS

Share listing costs*

Stock-based compensation and related costs (note 16)

2018
USD’000

2017
USD’000

1,332

1,602

2,934

–

–

–

*Share listing costs represent advisory, legal, and other costs incurred in connection with the IPO which have not been 

accounted for as a deduction from equity raised.

14 TAXATION
The tax charge on the profi t for the year is as follows:

Current tax:

UK corporation tax on profi t for the year

Non-UK corporation tax

Tax charge for the year

Factors aff ecting the tax charge

2018
USD’000

2017
USD’000

–

–

–

–

–

–

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The tax assessed for the year varies from the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK. The diff erence is explained below:

Profi t before tax

Expected tax charge based on the standard average rate of corporation tax in 
the UK of 19% (2017: 19%)

Eff ects of:

Expenses not deductible*

Deferred tax asset not recognised

Exemptions and foreign tax rate diff erence

Tax charge for the year

2018
USD’000

9,954

2017
USD’000

12,425

1,891

2,361

257

39

(2,187)

–

–

–

(2,361)

–

*Expenses not deductible represent the costs incurred relating to the share for share exchange and IPO.

Based on an evaluation performed by management on its operations, management has assessed that the Group is not 

exposed to any corporate tax liabilities. This is primarily a result of the Group benefi tting from tax exemptions granted to 

its customers who are predominantly governments and large supranational organisations, as well as zero corporate tax 

rates in certain countries of operation.

15 EARNINGS PER SHARE
The Group presents basic earnings per share (EPS) data for its ordinary shares. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing the 

profi t attributable to ordinary Shareholders of the Group by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding 

during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profi t attributable to ordinary Shareholders of 

the Group by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period plus the weighted average 

number of ordinary shares that would be issued on conversion of all the dilutive potential ordinary shares into ordinary 

shares.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018

Normalised earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profi t before exceptional items and unrealised diff erences on 

translation of foreign balances attributable to ordinary Shareholders of the Group by the weighted average number of 

ordinary shares outstanding during the period.

Since a new parent entity was established by means of a share for share exchange and the Group’s fi nancial statements 

have been presented as a continuation of the existing Group, the number of shares taken as being in issue for both 

the current and preceding periods are the number of shares issued by the new parent entity. As a result, the historical 

weighted average number of shares presented in the comparative EPS calculation is 139,999,998, being the number of 

ordinary shares exchanged for the entire share capital of RA. 

Profi t for the period (USD’000)

Basic weighted average number of ordinary shares 

Eff ect of warrants

Eff ect of employee share options

2018

9,954

2017

12,425

157,109,829

139,999,998

–

–

–

–

Diluted weighted average number of shares

157,109,829

139,999,998

Basic earnings per share (cents)

Diluted earnings per share (cents)

Profi t for the period before exceptional items and unrealised diff erences in 

foreign balances (USD’000)

Normalised basic earnings per share (cents)

Normalised diluted earnings per share (cents)

16 SHARE BASED PAYMENT EXPENSE
The Group recognised the following expenses related to equity-settled payment transactions:

Performance Share Plan

Other share based payments

PERFORMANCE SHARE PLAN 

6.3

6.3

13,252

8.4

8.4

8.9

8.9

12,471

8.9

8.9

2018
USD’000

2017
USD’000

16

1,602

1,618

–

–

–

During the year, the Company introduced a Performance Share Plan (PSP) whereby options may be granted to eligible 

employees. Awards vest after a performance period of 3 years subject to continuous employment and the achievement of 

a hurdle total shareholder return (TSR) as at the end of the performance period.

Outstanding at 1 January

Granted during the year

Outstanding at 31 December

Number of 
options
2018

–

2,826,085

2,826,085

Weighted
average
exercise 
price
2018
GBP’000

–

0.10

0.10

Number of 
options
2017

–

–

–

Weighted
average
exercise 
price
2017
GBP’000

–

–

–

Options issued under the PSP plan were valued using the Monte Carlo Simulation model which is considered to be the 

most appropriate for valuing options granted under schemes where there are changes in performance conditions by 

which the options are measured, such as for TSR based awards.

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The fair value of the options at the grant date was USD 96,000 and a charge of USD 16,000 (2017: nil) was recognised in 

administrative expenses for the fi scal year ended 2018.

OTHER SHARE BASED PAYMENTS

On Admission, in exchange for brokerage services provided to the Company during its IPO, the Company issued a warrant 

instrument granting its primary broker the right to subscribe for 671,514 Ordinary Shares of the Company. The warrants 

are exercisable for fi ve years from the date of Admission at a subscription price of GBP 0.728 (USD 0.923) per ordinary 

share. They are non-transferrable and are subject to typical anti-dilution rights to adjust on a proportional basis for share 

consolidations, share splits and stock dividends. The Company used the Black-Scholes model to value the warrants at the 

grant date. The fair value of the warrants is nil.

On Admission, the majority shareholder of RAI gifted 2,142,855 personally owned shares of the Company to certain 

employees of RA International FZCO as a reward for past employment service. The fair value of the shares on the grant 

date was GBP 0.56 (USD 0.74) per share. A charge of USD 1,602,000 (2017: nil) was recognised in exceptional items.

The Monte Carlo and Black-Scholes models used the following inputs:

Weighted average share price

Expected volatility

Risk free rate

2018

56p (USD 0.74)

10.10%

1.24%

17 DIVIDENDS
Before the Group reorganisation, dividends of USD 12,500 per share (10 shares) totalling USD 125,000 were declared and 

paid in 2018 (2017: USD 77,466 per share (10 shares) totalling USD 774,660). Proposed dividends on ordinary shares are 

subject to approval at the annual general meeting and are not recognised as a liability as at 31 December.

18 ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES
APMs used by the Group are defi ned below along with a reconciliation from each APM to its IFRS equivalent, and an 

explanation of the purpose and usefulness of each APM. APMs are non-IFRS measures. 

In general, APMs are presented externally to meet investors’ requirements for further clarity and transparency of the 

Group’s fi nancial performance. APMs are also used internally by management to evaluate business performance and for 

budgeting and forecasting purposes.

UNDERLYING OPERATING PROFIT (UOP)

The Group uses UOP as an alternative measure to Operating Profi t to better compare the profi tability of its operations 

across fi nancial periods. UOP is calculated as Operating Profi t less holding company expenses and acquisition costs. 

On 29 June 2018, RAI listed on AIM and began to incur costs associated with being a listed company. No holding company 

expenses were incurred in 2017 and a full year of these expenses are anticipated to be incurred in 2019. Both holding 

company expenses and acquisition costs do not relate to the day-to-day operating business of the Group.

Previously, the Group had used earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) to assess the 

underlying performance of the business however so as to better align internal budgeting and forecasting with fi nancial 

reporting the Group has reclassifi ed depreciation so as to be included in the calculation of UOP and Operating Profi t.

Underlying Operating Margin is calculated as UOP divided by revenue. 

UNDERLYING PROFIT (UP)

The Group uses UP as an alternative measure to Profi t so as to better compare the profi tability of the Group across 

fi nancial periods. To calculate UP exceptional items and unrealised diff erences on translation of foreign balances are 

deducted from Profi t.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018

Exceptional items are excluded as they are by defi nition incurred outside of the normal operating practice of the Group. 

Unrealised diff erences on translation of foreign balances are temporary gains or losses in the value of foreign denominated 

cash balances held by the Group at the reporting date. These foreign cash balances are held to settle expenses arising in 

future periods in the same currencies.

Underlying Profi t Margin is calculated as UP divided by revenue.

NORMALISED EARNINGS PER SHARE (NORMALISED EPS)

Normalised EPS represents earnings per share calculated as dividing UP by the weighted average number of ordinary 

shares outstanding during the period. Normalised EPS provides a more comparable fi gure when analysing profi tability on 

a per share basis across fi nancial periods.

NET CASH

Net cash represents cash less overdraft balances, term loans and notes outstanding.

19 PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT

Machinery,
motor
vehicles,
furniture and
equipment
USD’000

Leasehold
improvements
USD’000

Total
USD’000

6,010

4,668

52

(215)

10,515

2,391

951

(109)

3,233

126

325

–

–

451

26

29

–

55

12,147

8,683

69

(328)

20,571

2,977

1,310

(111)

4,176

Buildings
USD’000

6,011

3,690

17

(113)

9,605

560

330

(2)

888

8,717

7,282

396

16,395

Cost:

At 1 January 2018

Additions

Acquired on business combination

Disposals

At 31 December 2018

Depreciation:

At 1 January 2018

Charge for the year

Relating to disposals

At 31 December 2018

Net carrying amount:

At 31 December 2018

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Machinery,
motor
vehicles,
furniture and
equipment
USD’000

5,057

1,285

(332)

6,010

1,846

691

(146)

2,391

Buildings
USD’000

3,952

2,059

–

6,011

326

234

–

560

Leasehold
improvements
USD’000

Total
USD’000

65

61

–

126

16

10

–

26

9,074

3,405

(332)

12,147

2,188

935

(146)

2,977

5,451

3,619

100

9,170

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Cost:

At 1 January 2017

Additions

Disposals

At 31 December 2017

Depreciation:

At 1 January 2017

Charge for the year

Relating to disposals

At 31 December 2017

Net carrying amount:

At 31 December 2017

20  INVENTORIES

Materials and consumables

Goods-in-transit

There was no provision recognised in relation to inventory as at 31 December 2018 (2017: nil).

21 ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, DEPOSITS, AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Trade receivables

Accrued revenue

Deposits

Prepayments

Other receivables

2018
USD’000

2017
USD’000

3,241

1,022

4,263

1,786

874

2,660

2018
USD’000

9,992

3,393

213

584

1,780

15,962

2017
USD’000
Restated

6,214

4,176

180

1,404

695

12,669

Trade receivables are non-interest bearing and are generally on terms of 30 days. As at 31 December 2018 no trade 

receivables were impaired (2017: nil). 

During the year 100% of accrued revenue was subsequently billed and transferred to trade receivables from the opening 

unbilled balance in the period (2017: 100%).

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81

 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018

As at 31 December the ageing of unimpaired trade receivables was as follows:

Neither impaired nor past due

Not impaired but overdue by less than 30 days

Not impaired but overdue by between 30 and 60 days

Not impaired but overdue by more than 60 days

2018
USD’000

2017
USD’000

5,912

3,249

285

546

9,992

1,270

1,200

792

2,952

6,214

Unimpaired receivables are expected, on the basis of past experience, to be fully recoverable. 

22 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 
Cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated statement of fi nancial position comprised of cash at bank of 

USD 27,804,000 (2017: USD 7,469,000). Of the total balance of cash and cash equivalents, USD 1,719,000 

(2017: USD 2,000,000) represents restricted cash.

The balance of restricted cash held by the Group at 31 December 2018 relates to cash held in Group bank accounts which 

cannot be withdrawn on demand. The balance of restricted cash held by the Group at 31 December 2017 relates to cash 

margin provided to a commercial bank against the issuance of a guarantee to a subsidiary. Due to the respective terms, 

restricted cash is considered to be liquid. 

23 SHARE CAPITAL

Authorised, issued and fully paid 

173,575,741 shares (2017: 10 shares) of GBP 0.10 (2017: AED 100,000) each

Additional contributed capital

2018
USD’000

2017
USD’000

24,300

–

272

1,809

Additional contributed capital did not carry interest and was payable to the Shareholders only upon the liquidation of the 

Group.

 24 TERM LOANS AND NOTES

Current:

Term loans and notes

Non-current:

Term loans and notes

1 January
2018
USD’000

Cash fl ows
USD’000

Other
USD’000

31 December
2018
USD’000

1,861

(1,867)

6

–

6

(6)

–

–

82

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Current:

Term loans and notes

Non-current:

Term loans and notes

1 January
2017
USD’000

2,011

584

Cash fl ows
USD’000

Other
USD’000

31 December
2017
USD’000

(728)

578

1,861

–

(578)

6

In 2017 the term loans carried interest rates ranging from LIBOR plus 5.50% per annum to LIBOR plus 8.76% per annum. 

The term loans were fully settled during the prior year. 

Notes carried a fi xed interest rate ranging from 5.50% (guaranteed notes) to 8.00% (unguaranteed notes) per annum. The 

terms of the notes were 10 or 18 months and principal was repaid as a bullet payment upon maturity. Interest was paid on 

a quarterly basis, semi-annual basis, or at maturity, at the option of the investor. The guaranteed notes were 80% principal 

guaranteed through insurance. 

25 EMPLOYEES’ END OF SERVICE BENEFITS
Movements in the provision recognised in the consolidated statement of fi nancial position are as follows:

As at 1 January

Provided during the year

End of service benefi ts paid

As at 31 December

26 ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUALS 

Accounts payable

Accrued expenses

Customer advances

2018
USD’000

2017
USD’000

251

116

(17)

350

2018
USD’000

3,440

1,412

28

4,880

189

283

(221)

251

2017
USD’000
Restated

1,635

1,942

1,172

4,749

All customer advances recorded at 31 December 2017 were subsequently recognised as revenue in 2018 and all customer 

advances held at 31 December 2018 are expected to be recognised as revenue in the next 12 months.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018

27 FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES 
INTEREST RATE RISK

Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash fl ows of a fi nancial instrument will fl uctuate because of 

changes in market interest rates. The Group was not exposed to any signifi cant interest rate risk on its interest-bearing 

liabilities (vehicle loans and notes). 

FOREIGN CURRENCY RISK

Foreign currency risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash fl ows of a fi nancial instrument will fl uctuate because of 

changes in foreign exchange rates. The Group’s exposure to the risk of changes in foreign exchange rates relates primarily 

to the Group’s operating activities when revenue or expenses are denominated in a diff erent currency from the Group’s 

functional currency, as well as cash and cash equivalents held in foreign currency accounts.

At 31 December 2018, the Group held foreign cash and cash equivalents of GBP 4,432,000 (USD 5,624,000). UK pound 

sterling is primarily held by the Group to settle payment obligations denominated in GBP. As at 31 December 2017, the 

Group held GBP 319,000 (USD 430,000).

The Group’s exposure to foreign currency variances for all other currencies is not material. 

CREDIT RISK

Credit risk is the risk that one party to a fi nancial instrument will fail to discharge an obligation and cause the other party 

to incur a fi nancial loss. The Group is exposed to credit risk on its bank balances and receivables. 

The Group seeks to limit its credit risk with respect to banks by only dealing with reputable banks and with respect 

to customers by only dealing with credit worthy customers and continuously monitoring outstanding receivables. Its 

5 largest customers account for 78% of outstanding accounts receivable at 31 December 2018 (2017: 95%).

Revenue split by customer

Customer A

Customer B

Customer C

Other

2018
%

30

26

13

31

100

2017
%

59

12

11

18

100

No material credit risk is deemed to exist due to the nature of the Group’s customers.

LIQUIDITY RISK

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its fi nancial obligations as they fall due. The Group limits its 

liquidity risk by ensuring bank facilities are available. 

The Group’s terms of sale generally require amounts to be paid within 30 days of the date of sale. Trade payables are 

settled depending on the supplier credit terms. 

Liabilities falling due within 12 months are recognised as current on the consolidated statement of fi nancial position. 

Liabilities falling due after 12 months are recognised as non-current. 

The unutilised bank overdraft facilities at 31 December 2018 amounted to USD 2,000,000 (2017: USD 2,000,000) and 

carry interest of 1.50% per annum (2017: 1.50%). The facilities require a cash margin guarantee to be paid upfront; 100% 

margin for USD drawdowns and 120% margin for GBP drawdowns.

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CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

The primary objective of the Group’s capital management is to ensure that it maintains a healthy capital ratio in order to 

support its business and maximise shareholder value. The Group manages its capital structure and makes adjustments to 

it in light of changes in business conditions. 

No changes were made in the objectives, policies or processes during the year ended 31 December 2018. 

Capital comprises share capital, share premium, merger reserve, share based payment reserve and retained earnings and is 

measured at USD 59,541,000 as at 31 December 2018 (2017: USD 25,101,000).

28 OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS
Commitments under non-cancellable operating leases at the current rates approximate to the following:

Future minimum lease payments:

Within one year

After one year but not more than fi ve years

More than fi ve years

2018
USD’000

2017
USD’000

336

1,298

1,522

3,156

245

979

1,714

2,938

29 RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
Related parties represent Shareholders, Directors and key management personnel of the Group, and entities controlled, 

jointly controlled, or signifi cantly infl uenced by such parties. Pricing policies and terms of these transactions are approved 

by the Group’s management.

On 1 January 2018, the Group acquired 100% ownership of RA SB Ltd. from one of its Shareholders, who is also a member 

of key management. See note 10 for further details.

There were no outstanding balances with related parties included in the consolidated statement of fi nancial position at 

31 December 2018 (2017: nil).

30 COMPENSATION
COMPENSATION OF KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL

The remuneration of key management during the year was as follows:

Short-term benefi ts

Stock based compensation

2018
USD’000

2017
USD’000

1,367

1,672

3,039

662

–

662

The key management personnel comprise of 5 (2017: 2) individuals. Included in key management personnel are 3 (2017: 2) 

Directors.

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85

 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018

COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS

The remuneration of Directors during the year was as follows:

Short-term benefi ts

Stock based compensation

HIGHEST PAID DIRECTOR

The remuneration of the highest paid Director during the year was as follows:

Short-term benefi ts

Stock based compensation

2018
USD’000

2017
USD’000

1,071

569

1,640

662

–

662

2018
USD’000

2017
USD’000

276

569

845

560

–

560

The amount disclosed in the tables is the amount recognised as an expense during the reporting year related to key 

management personnel and Directors of the Group.

31 STANDARDS ISSUED BUT NOT YET EFFECTIVE
The new and amended standards and interpretations that are issued, but not yet eff ective, up to the date of issuance of 

the Group’s fi nancial statements are disclosed below. The Group intends to adopt these new and amended standards and 

interpretations, if applicable, when they become eff ective. 

IFRS 16 LEASES

IFRS 16 was issued in January 2016 and it replaces IAS 17 Leases, IFRIC 4 Determining Whether an Arrangement Contains 

a Lease, SIC-15 Operating Leases-Incentives and SIC-27 Evaluating the Substance of Transactions Involving the Legal 

Form of a Lease. IFRS 16 sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of leases 

and requires lessees to account for all leases under a single on-balance sheet model similar to the accounting for fi nance 

leases under IAS 17. The standard includes two recognition exemptions for lessees — leases of ’low-value’ assets (e.g., 

personal computers) and short-term leases (i.e., leases with a lease term of 12 months or less). At the commencement date 

of a lease, a lessee will recognise a liability to make lease payments (i.e., the lease liability) and an asset representing the 

right to use the underlying asset during the lease term (i.e., the right-of-use asset). Lessees will be required to separately 

recognise the interest expense on the lease liability and the depreciation expense on the right-of-use asset.

Lessees will be also required to remeasure the lease liability upon the occurrence of certain events (e.g., a change in 

the lease term, a change in future lease payments resulting from a change in an index or rate used to determine those 

payments). The lessee will generally recognise the amount of the remeasurement of the lease liability as an adjustment to 

the right-of-use asset.

IFRS 16, which is eff ective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019, requires lessees and lessors to make 

more extensive disclosures than under IAS 17. 

The Group will continue to assess the potential eff ect of IFRS 16 on its fi nancial statements and is yet to quantify the 

anticipated impact of the adoption of IFRS 16. Please refer to note 28 for an indication of the Group’s current operating 

leases. 

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Transition to IFRS 16

The Group plans to adopt IFRS 16 retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented.

No other standards and interpretations that are issued, but not yet eff ective, up to the date of issuance of the Group’s 

fi nancial statements are expected to have a material impact on the Group.

32 SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Subsequent to year end, the Group expanded its operations in Mozambique. through acquiring a parcel of land in 

Northern Mozambique. Additionally, the Group purchased a 49% shareholding in Royal Food Solutions S.A, a family-owned 

Mozambique based provider of integrated facilities management services. 

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COMPANY STATEMENT OF 
FINANCIAL POSITION

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2018

Assets

Non-current assets

Investments

Current assets

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Equity and liabilities

Equity

Share capital

Share premium

Merger reserve

Share based payment reserve

Retained earnings

Total equity

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Total equity and liabilities

Notes

2018
USD’000

4

5

8

6

50,047

361

669

1,030

51,077

24,300

18,254

9,897

16

(1,561)

50,906

171

51,077

The Company has taken the exemption conferred by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 not to publish the profi t and 

loss of the parent company within these accounts. The result for the Company for the year was a loss of USD 1,561,000.

The fi nancial statements of the Company (registration number 11252957) were approved by the Board of Directors on 

10 April 2019 and signed on its behalf by:

_________________________________

_________________________________

Soraya Narfeldt

CEO

Andrew Bolter

CFO

The attached notes 1 to 9 form part of the Financial Statements.

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COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES 
IN EQUITY

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018

Share
Capital
USD’000

Share
Premium
USD’000

Merger
Reserve
USD’000

Share 
Based
Payment
Reserve
USD’000

Retained
Earnings
USD’000

As at 1 January 2018

Preference shares issued 
on incorporation

Issue of share capital on 
reorganisation

Share exchange

Issue of share capital on 
Admission

Share based payments

Redemption of preference 
shares

Total comprehensive 
income for the period

–

70

19,884

–

4,416

–

(70)

–

–

–

–

–

18,254

–

–

–

–

–

–

9,897

–

–

–

–

As at 31 December 2018

24,300

18,254

9,897

–

–

–

–

–

16

–

–

16

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(1,561)

(1,561)

Total
USD’000

–

70

19,884

9,897

22,670

16

(70)

(1,561)

50,906

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The attached notes 1 to 9 form part of the Financial Statements.

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NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018

1  BASIS OF PREPARATION
The fi nancial statements have been prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting 

Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law), including Financial Reporting Standard 101 ‘Reduced 

Disclosure Framework’ (FRS101) under the historical cost basis and have been presented in USD, being the functional 

currency of the Company. 

The Company has applied a number of exemptions available under FRS 101. Specifi cally, the requirement(s) of:

(a) paragraphs 91-99 of IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement;

(b)  paragraph 38 of IAS 1 ‘Presentation of Financial Statements’ to present comparative information in respect of 

paragraph 79(a)(iv) of IAS 1;

(c)  paragraphs 10(d), 10(f), 38(c), 38(d) and 134-136 of IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements; 

(d)  IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows;

(e)  30 and 31 of IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors; 

(f)   17 of IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures;

(g)  IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures to disclose related party transactions entered into between two or more members of 

a group, provided that any subsidiary which is a party to the transaction is wholly owned by such a member; and

(h) paragraphs 134(d)-134(f) and 135(c)-135(e) of IAS 36 Impairment of Assets.

2  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Except noted below, all accounting policies applied to the Company are consistent with that of the Group.

INVESTMENTS

Investments held by the Company are stated at cost less provision for diminution in value.

3  EMPLOYEE EXPENSES
The average number of employees employed during the period was:

Directors

The aggregate remuneration of the above employees was:

Wages and salaries

Social security costs

4  INVESTMENTS

Cost and net book value

On incorporation

Acquisition of RA International FZCO

Additional capital in RA International FZCO

90

2018

4

2018 
USD’000

203

23

226

2018 
USD’000

–

29,781

20,266

50,047

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The Company owns 100% of the issued share capital of RA International FZCO, registered and incorporated in the UAE.

The Company’s principal activity is that of a holding company.

5  TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Prepayments

Due from subsidiary

VAT recoverable

6  TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

Trade payables

Accruals

2018 
USD’000

16

297

48

361

2018 
USD’000

87

84

171

7  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Directors have taken advantage of the exemption under paragraph 8(j) and 8(k) of FRS101 and have not disclosed 

transactions with other wholly owned group undertakings. There are no other related party transactions.

8  SHARE CAPITAL

Authorised, issued and fully paid:

Ordinary shares of GBP 0.10 each

9  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
There were no subsequent events relating to the Company post 31 December 2018.

2018
Number

2018
USD’000

173,575,741

24,300

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91

 
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

CORPORATE INFORMATION:

ADVISERS:

REGISTERED OFFICE

One Fleet Place

London

EC4M 7WS

WEBSITE

www.raints.com

REGISTERED NUMBER

11252957

LEGAL ENTITY 

IDENTIFIER CODE

213800N6RTATELJU6797

LISTING INFORMATION

AIM, London

Symbol: RAI

DATE OF ANNUAL GENERAL 

MEETING

24 June 2019

NOMINATED ADVISER AND BROKER

Cenkos Securities plc

66 Hanover Street

Edinburgh 

EH2 1EL

SHAREHOLDER QUERIES:
The investors section of our website 

contains a wide range of information 

of interest to institutional and private 

investors, including: latest news and 

press releases, annual reports, investor 

presentations and sustainability 

6.7.8 Tokenhouse Yard

reports.

London

EC2R 7AS

For specifi c Investor queries please 

email:

SOLICITORS TO THE COMPANY

rainternational@hudsonsandler.com

Dentons UK and Middle East LLP

One Fleet Place

London

EC4M 7WS

Level 18

Boulevard Plaza 2

Burj Khalifa District

PO Box 1756

Dubai

United Arab Emirates

AUDITORS

Ernst & Young LLP

144 Morrison St

Edinburgh

EH3 8EX

FINANCIAL PR

Hudson Sandler 

25 Charterhouse Square

London 

EC1M 6AE

REGISTRARS

Computershare Investor Services PLC

The Pavillions

Bridgwater Road

Bristol 

BS13 8AE

COMPANY SECRETARY

AMBA Secretaries Limited

400 Thames Valley Park Drive

Reading 

RG6 1PT

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09/05/2019   18:48

09/05/2019   18:48