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RA International Group PLC

rai · LSE Consumer Defensive
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FY2019 Annual Report · RA International Group PLC
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ANNUAL REPORT 2019

We deliver. Regardless.

 
 
 
 
Contents

Highlights	
Chair’s	Statement	

STRATEGIC REPORT

RA	International	at	a	Glance	
Business	Model	and	Strategy	
Key	Performance	Indicators	
Operating	Review	
Financial	Review	
Risk	Management	
Directors’	Statement	under	Section	172	(1)		
of	the	Companies	Act	2006	

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE  

Board	of	Directors		
Executive	Management	Team	
Chair’s	Corporate	Governance	Statement	
Review	of	the	Board’s	Effectiveness	
Directors’	Report	
Directors’	Responsibility	Statement	
Remuneration	Committee	Report	
Audit	Committee	Report	

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent	Auditor’s	Report	
Consolidated	Statement	of	Comprehensive	Income		
Consolidated	Statement	of	Financial	Position		
Consolidated	Statement	of	Changes	in	Equity		
Consolidated	Statement	of	Cash	Flows		
Notes	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements		
Company	Statement	of	Financial	Position	
Company	Statement	of	Changes	in	Equity		
Notes	to	the	Company	Financial	Statements	

Shareholder	Information	

1
2

6
8
10
12
17
21

25

28
30
31
34
35
37
38
40

43
50
51
52
53
54
76
77
78

80

	
	
	
	
HIGHLIGHTS	

RA International Group PLC is a leading 
provider of services in remote and 
challenging locations around the world.

Sustainable Growth
REVENUE
REVENUE

USD 69.1m 

2018 54.8
2018 54.8

2019
2019

REVENUE
REVENUE
REVENUE
REVENUE
REVENUE
REVENUE
REVENUE
69.1
69.1
REVENUE

+26%

2018 119
2018 119

ORDER BOOK AT YEAR END 
ORDER BOOK AT YEAR END 

USD 141m 

2019
2019

ORDER BOOK AT YEAR END 
ORDER BOOK AT YEAR END 
ORDER BOOK AT YEAR END 
ORDER BOOK AT YEAR END 
ORDER BOOK AT YEAR END 
ORDER BOOK AT YEAR END 
ORDER BOOK AT YEAR END 
141
141
ORDER BOOK AT YEAR END 

+18%

2018 54.8
2018 54.8
2018 54.8
2018 54.8
2018 54.8
2018 54.8
2018 54.8
2019
2019
69.1
69.1
2019
69.1
2019
69.1
2019
2019
69.1
69.1
2019
69.1

2018 119
2018 119
2018 119
2018 119
2018 119
2018 119
2018 119
2019
2019
141
141
2019
141
2019
141
2019
2019
141
141
2019
141

AVERAGE CONTRACT LENGTH 
AVERAGE CONTRACT LENGTH 

4.3 years

2018 4.4
2018 4.4

2019
2019

AVERAGE CONTRACT LENGTH 
AVERAGE CONTRACT LENGTH 
AVERAGE CONTRACT LENGTH 
4.3
4.3
AVERAGE CONTRACT LENGTH 
AVERAGE CONTRACT LENGTH 
AVERAGE CONTRACT LENGTH 
AVERAGE CONTRACT LENGTH 
AVERAGE CONTRACT LENGTH 

2018 4.4
2018 4.4
2018 4.4
2018 4.4
2018 4.4
2018 4.4
2018 4.4
2019
2019
4.3
4.3
2019
4.3
2019
4.3
2019
2019
4.3
4.3
2019
4.3

-2%

NUMBER OF OPERATING COUNTRIES
NUMBER OF OPERATING COUNTRIES

11 countries 

2018 9
2018 9

2019
2019

NUMBER OF OPERATING COUNTRIES
NUMBER OF OPERATING COUNTRIES
NUMBER OF OPERATING COUNTRIES
11
11
NUMBER OF OPERATING COUNTRIES
NUMBER OF OPERATING COUNTRIES
NUMBER OF OPERATING COUNTRIES
NUMBER OF OPERATING COUNTRIES
NUMBER OF OPERATING COUNTRIES

2018 9
2018 9
2018 9
2018 9
2018 9
2018 9
2018 9
2019
2019
11
11
2019
11
2019
11
2019
2019
11
11
2019
11

+2

Shareholder Returns
UNDERLYING PROFIT 
UNDERLYING PROFIT 

EARNINGS PER SHARE 
EARNINGS PER SHARE 

USD 13.3m 

2018 12.8 (Restated*)
2018 12.8 (Restated*)

2019
2019

UNDERLYING PROFIT 
UNDERLYING PROFIT 
UNDERLYING PROFIT 
UNDERLYING PROFIT 
UNDERLYING PROFIT 
UNDERLYING PROFIT 
UNDERLYING PROFIT 
13.3
13.3
UNDERLYING PROFIT 

2018 12.8 (Restated*)
2018 12.8 (Restated*)
2018 12.8 (Restated*)
2018 12.8 (Restated*)
2018 12.8 (Restated*)
2018 12.8 (Restated*)
2018 12.8 (Restated*)
2019
2019
13.3
13.3
2019
13.3
2019
13.3
2019
2019
13.3
13.3
2019
13.3

DIVIDEND 
DIVIDEND 

2018 1.0p 
2018 1.0p 

GBP 1.25p

2019
2019

DIVIDEND 
DIVIDEND 
DIVIDEND 
1.25p
1.25p
DIVIDEND 
DIVIDEND 
DIVIDEND 
DIVIDEND 
DIVIDEND 

2018 1.0p 
2018 1.0p 
2018 1.0p 
2018 1.0p 
2018 1.0p 
2018 1.0p 
2018 1.0p 
2019
2019
1.25p
1.25p
2019
1.25p
2019
1.25p
2019
2019
1.25p
1.25p
2019
1.25p

+4%

USD cents 7.4

2018 6.3 
2018 6.3 

2019
2019

EARNINGS PER SHARE 
EARNINGS PER SHARE 
EARNINGS PER SHARE 
EARNINGS PER SHARE 
EARNINGS PER SHARE 
EARNINGS PER SHARE 
EARNINGS PER SHARE 
7.4
7.4
EARNINGS PER SHARE 

+17%

2018 6.3 
2018 6.3 
2018 6.3 
2018 6.3 
2018 6.3 
2018 6.3 
2018 6.3 
2019
2019
7.4
7.4
2019
7.4
2019
7.4
2019
2019
7.4
7.4
2019
7.4

+25%

Social Responsibility

61% 

LOCAL LABOUR PARTICIPATION 
LOCAL LABOUR PARTICIPATION 
LOCAL LABOUR PARTICIPATION 

-12%

117

LOST TIME INCIDENT RATE 
LOST TIME INCIDENT RATE 
LOST TIME INCIDENT RATE 

-22%

2018 69
2018 69

2018 150
2018 150

2019
2019

LOCAL LABOUR PARTICIPATION 
LOCAL LABOUR PARTICIPATION 
LOCAL LABOUR PARTICIPATION 
LOCAL LABOUR PARTICIPATION 
LOCAL LABOUR PARTICIPATION 
LOCAL LABOUR PARTICIPATION 
61
61
LOCAL LABOUR PARTICIPATION 

2019
2019

LOST TIME INCIDENT RATE 
LOST TIME INCIDENT RATE 
LOST TIME INCIDENT RATE 
LOST TIME INCIDENT RATE 
LOST TIME INCIDENT RATE 
LOST TIME INCIDENT RATE 
117
117
LOST TIME INCIDENT RATE 

2018 150
2018 150
2018 69
2018 69
2018 150
2018 69
2018 150
2018 69
2018 150
2018 69
2018 150
2018 69
2018 150
2018 69
2019
2019
2019
2019
117
61
117
61
2019
2019
117
61
2019
2019
117
61
2019
2019
2019
2019
61
117
117
61
2019
2019
117
61
*The Company applied IFRS 16 Leases for the first time in 2019, using a fully retrospective approach. The nature and effect of the changes as a result of the adoption 
of this new accounting standard are described in note 5 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and have resulted in the restatement of the statutory 
accounts for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2018. 

RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019   1

CHAIR’S	
STATEMENT

I am pleased to report a year of significant 
progress in the delivery of our strategic 
objectives. The Company continued to 
broaden its customer base as well as its 
geographic presence, whilst delivering 
larger and longer-term contracts. 

Sangita Shah
Non-Executive Chair

In terms of the impact of the unprecedented challenges of 
COVID-19 on the Company, further commentary is provided 
at the end of this statement but suffice to say, as a company 
that is accustomed to operating and planning in crisis, I 
believe we have both the resilience and reserves to withstand 
the significant global adverse consequences.

Until recently, we have focused solely on the needs of 
clients undertaking projects in African and Middle Eastern 
countries, but our extensive experience working in remote 
and challenging environments has equipped us to manage 
complex projects almost anywhere. 

Although RA International had a slower start to the year than 
anticipated due to a delay in the commencement of one 
contract in the first half of the year, the heightened level of 
activity in the second half resulted in the Company reporting 
higher than expected revenue for the full year of USD 69.1m.  
As a result, underlying profit increased marginally to USD 13.3m. 

During the year, we won contracts with new clients and 
expanded the range of services offered to existing clients. Our 
entry point into new customers is often to provide lower value 
supply chain and construction services, which can lead to a 
short-term impact on underlying profitability. In time we look 
to cross-sell our other services, moving towards a one-supplier 
model being, we believe, the most efficient and cost-effective 
way for customers to deliver on their own objectives. 

We are encouraged by a significant order book of USD 141m 
as at 31 December 2019, compared to USD 119m at the end of 
2018, and by our success in converting short-term business 
won in 2019 into more valuable recurring revenue and as a 
means of attracting new customers. 

GOVERNANCE AND CORPORATE CULTURE

As a service provider to UN agencies, western governments, 
and global companies, we have in place a range of policies 
and procedures to ensure the necessary high standards are 
maintained. We are a signatory, participant and contributor 
to the United Nations Global Compact. International and local 
compliance and regulations play a vital role in our ability to 
bid for and execute contracts.

Since RA International’s formation in 2004, our founders 
Soraya and Lars Narfeldt have instilled and ingrained a 
Company-wide belief that running a sustainable business 
should benefit everyone, including our customers, employees 
and the host communities in locations where we operate. 
Accordingly, we cooperate respectfully with people on the 
ground, building trust and goodwill not only with our staff 
but also communities in and around our operations. We 
continue to align our corporate social responsibility strategy 
to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

I am pleased to report that we have published our second 
Sustainability Report, which can be found on our website at 
https://rainternationalservices.com/sustainability-report-2019. 
Our sustainability strategy focuses on three areas: People 
& Skills Development, Labour Rights, and Resource 
Management. These correlate strongly with three of the 
UN’s SDGs: SDG 4 Quality Education, SDG 7 Affordable & 
Clean Energy, and SDG 8 Decent Work & Economic Growth. I 
would encourage our stakeholders to read our Sustainability 
Report alongside this Annual Report in order to understand 
the scope and range of work we carry out as part of our 
contractual obligations. The Sustainability Report also helps 
to explain how in supporting communities we are able 
to foster strong relationships that are integral to working 
effectively and efficiently to the benefit of our clients. 

2   RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

PEOPLE

As a result of the increased level of activity in the business, 
during the year the Company added to the number of people 
it employs. Together both local and international staff total 
over 2,000. We are ultimately a people business and ensuring 
that our staff have the right skills is a key priority, so that 
we can provide services efficiently and effectively for our 
clients and help build strong sustainable communities. In 
particular, during the current ongoing COVID-19 crisis, our 
first priority is the health, safety, and well-being of our people 
and to that end, we have established robust procedures 
and processes particularly to address the challenges of this 
crisis. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank the highly 
capable Executive Management Team and all our staff for 
their commitment, tremendous hard work, and unstinting 
dedication to the Company.

DIVIDEND

The Board is recommending a final dividend of GBP 1.25p 
per share to be paid on 9 July 2020 to shareholders on the 
register as of 29 May 2020. The ex-dividend date is 28 May 
2020. The Board’s intention continues to be, where possible, 
to maintain or increase the dividend in future years while 
retaining sufficient working capital to meet the needs of the 
business and to fund continued growth. The Board believes 
the continued growth in our customer base and the pursuit 
of a one-supplier model will provide a basis for continued 
earnings growth in the future. 

OUTLOOK AND COVID-19 UPDATE

As an organisation that operates in challenging environments, 
including areas with ongoing conflict and social unrest, the 
Company has a wealth of experience in both planning and 
operating during crises. The Board continues to monitor the 
COVID-19 situation closely and has taken several actions 
to mitigate the potential risk to the Company’s employees 
and customers by implementing a comprehensive business 
continuity plan. 

Our priority is the health and safety of our employees, 
customers, suppliers, and other partners. In connection with 
safeguarding their well-being during this unprecedented 
situation, the Company has, among other initiatives:

1) 

 Similar to those in past crisis situations, created 
a COVID-19 Response Team and established a 
comprehensive COVID-19 Database capturing all 
information pertaining to the Company’s handling and 
preparedness of the pandemic;

2)   Adopted WHO recommended guidelines to reduce 

exposure and transmission of COVID-19, including social 
distancing, disinfection, and temperature testing;

3)   Administered WHO recommended training with respect 

to sanitisation and disinfection, quarantine procedures, 
and medical testing; 

4)   Distributed and delivered medical PPE and COVID-19  

test kits;

5)   Established quarantine centres where deemed required, 

along with risk mitigation procedures for handling and 
administering support services to these centres;

6)   Increased food stock to over 90 days’ supply at operating 

locations reliant on imported goods; and

7)   Undertaken a full risk assessment and action plan within 
the framework of the Group business continuity plan.

The Board recognises that COVID-19 will have a material 
effect on the Company’s 2020 financial results. Some 
contracts have been suspended to ensure social distancing 
is maintained, and some contracts have been modified 
whereby the Group will undertake a reduced service offering. 
Additionally, some contracts forecast to commence in H2 
2020 are now likely to start in 2021. 

RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019   3

The documents are updated regularly and reviewed weekly, 
and the Board has access to the internal COVID-19 Database 
used to capture the information and drive the decision-making 
process. 

As more information becomes available the Board will 
provide updates to its shareholders. 

Sangita Shah 
Non-Executive Chair

17 April 2020

CHAIR’S	STATEMENT	
CONTINUED

Despite the impact COVID-19 is expected to have on the 
Company’s 2020 trading, the Board is confident in the 
Company’s ability to trade as a going concern. With significant 
cash on hand, high-quality receivables, no debt, and no capital 
commitments, the Company is well placed to manage a period 
of reduced activity. Further details are shown in note 2 of the 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

It is at present difficult to predict when the various 
lockdowns and social distancing directives will cease, 
however in forming its opinion on the future financial viability 
of the Company, the Board has assumed that most contracts 
affected by the current pandemic will return to normal 
operating circumstances within a three to six-month period. 
These expectations are primarily based on feedback from our 
clients, many of whom have reiterated that RA International 
is critical to their ability to execute their objectives, which are 
often linked to globally significant initiatives. In some cases, 
movement restrictions have a limited impact on our contracts 
given the essential nature of our work for our customers. 

Additionally, the Board has reviewed, opined on, and 
challenged information prepared by the executive team. This 
information includes the following: 

1)  The Group business continuity plan; 

2)   An analysis of the issues affecting each country of 

operations and the plans in place or being implemented 
to enhance the well-being of employees, safeguard 
assets, and ensure full operational capacity is maintained; 

3)   An analysis of each ongoing project which identifies 
operational challenges and client communications 
relating to COVID-19;

4)   A financial impact analysis for each project being 

undertaken; and

5)    Multiple financial scenarios detailing both the potential 
effect of COVID-19 on 2020 financial performance and 
the Company’s ability to trade as a going concern.

4   RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

STRATEGIC 
REPORT

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RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019   5

 
RA	INTERNATIONAL	
AT	A	GLANCE
RA International is a leading global provider of services in 
remote and challenging locations on behalf of humanitarian 
agencies, governments and commercial customers. 

The Group was founded in 
2004 in response to the needs 
of large organisations, to 
better manage and implement 
projects effectively when 
operating in remote locations. 
The Group listed on AIM in 
2018 in order to gain access to 
capital markets so that it could 
take on larger projects and 
expand its customer base. 

RA International is now responsible for delivering over  
40 contracts with a value of over USD 250m and employs 
over 2,000 people across 13 countries. 

The Group has grown out of a strong focus on integrity, 
risk management, and working to international standards, 
creating a reputation for reliability and building a trusted and 
recognised brand. 

Our services are generally delivered through local staff and 
supported by a skilled international management team with a 
deep understanding of the geographies in which we work. 

Our mission is to improve efficiencies and enable the 
progress of important peacekeeping, humanitarian, and 
commercial projects. In this way we can make a positive 
difference to the lives of people living and working in some 
of the most challenging circumstances, and help to keep 
them safe. 

Services

Integrated Facilities Management
USD 28.6m  

(2018: USD 23.1m)

Construction
USD 27.6m  

(2018: USD 29.5m)

Supply Chain
USD 12.8m  

(2018: USD 2.2m)

•   Facilities management and maintenance

•   Design, build, and project management

•   Local, regional, and global 

•   Plant and equipment operation and 

•   Civil construction

maintenance

•   Catering, hospitality, and 

accommodation

•   Cleaning and laundry

•   Waste management

•   Vehicle fleet operation and 

maintenance

•   Pest and vector control

REVENUE BY SERVICE

•   Permanent, semi-permanent, 

and temporary facilities such as 
accommodation camps, workshops, 
warehouses, embassies, and offices 

•   Permanent, semi-permanent, and 
temporary infrastructure including 
power generation, water and waste 
management plants, and landfills

procurement of mission-critical 
equipment, material, and consumables

•   Consolidation and repacking services

•   Land, sea, and air logistics

•   Last mile logistics

•   Warehousing and yard management

•   Inventory control

•   Freight forwarding and clearance of 

goods

Integrated Facilities Management

Construction

Supply chain 

2019

2018

41%

42%

40%

19%

54% 4%

6   RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Our purpose
To deliver immediate results 
and lasting change.

Our clients
In 2019 our business, which 
focuses on delivering services 
to humanitarian agencies, 
western governments, and 
natural resource companies, 
delivered revenue of USD 69.1m 
(2018: USD 54.8m). 

REVENUE BY SECTOR 

Humanitarian	Agencies

Government	and	Commercial

2019

2018

56%

62%

38%

44%

We have a client led growth strategy. We provide the 
services our clients require so as they can focus on their core 
objectives and improve efficiency. Find out more on page 9. 

Upon successful completion of one project, recognising 
our unique value proposition, these clients request our 
involvement in additional projects. 

SUPPORTING THE EFFICIENT DELIVERY OF ODA SPEND

The size of our market is best defined by humanitarian 
agency and western government spend on development 
and diplomatic initiatives and peacekeeping missions, as well 
as natural resource investment in sub-Saharan Africa. We 
estimate that 2-4% of this budget directly relates to services 
we provide. Whilst our focus historically has been in Africa 
and the Middle East, our long-built experience has equipped 
us to manage projects almost anywhere there is a need for 
our services.

USD 153.0b 

Official development assistance (ODA) from the 30 members of 
the OECD’s Development Assistance Committee (DAC) in 2018.

c.USD 100b 

Together, the EU and the US are the biggest donors for 
international aid in the world to help overcome poverty and 
advance global development. 

USD 8.6b 

UN and USAID spend in 2018 in countries where RA 
International is currently working.

USD 43b 

Planned capex in 2020 relating to oil and gas projects in 
Africa, expected to grow at 5% CAGR rising to USD 70b by 
2030, according to a report by PwC.

In 2018, foreign direct investment in the African mining 
industry reached USD 46b, an increase of 12% year-on-year 
according to a UNCTAD report. USD 32b of this was located 
in sub-Saharan countries.

RA	International’s	on-the-ground	operations	are	
focused	on	Africa	and	the	Middle	East,	but	we	
are	increasingly	being	asked	to	bid	for	projects	
outside	of	our	historical	geographies.	Our	
customers	are	predominantly	based	in	North	
America	and	Europe.	

RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019   7

STRATEGIC REPORTBUSINESS	MODEL	
AND	STRATEGY	

Our aim is to provide better value and improved 
efficiency to large organisations working in 
remote and challenging locations. 

We have never lost sight of why RA International was founded: to enable the delivery of complex projects 
in demanding environments. We offer our services wherever there is a need, but we primarily work with 
humanitarian agencies, western governments, and natural resource companies.

Organisations seeking to execute complex projects in demanding environments

Peacekeeping and  
stabilisation activities

Capacity building and  
advancing the rule of law

Private  
investment

UN, NGOs, and Governments providing 
aid or peacekeeping activities require 
experienced service providers who are 
able to operate in dynamic environments 
and can improve local economies 
by involving host communities and 
offering employment and commercial 
opportunities. 

Governments, UN, NGOs, consultants, 
and contractors tasked with rebuilding or 
enhancing local institutions and establishing 
diplomatic ties, require service providers 
who understand the local operating 
environment and can work to international 
standards, regulations, and best practice, as 
well as specific client country requirements. 

Once the criteria for significant foreign 
investment is established, corporations 
enter emerging economies and invest in 
infrastructure development and the natural 
resources sector. These private investors 
seek out reliable service providers who can 
meet their stringent HSE and compliance 
requirements while ensuring that their 
projects’ timelines are met. 

S P E C I A L ISED EXPERIENCE

We deliver.  
Regardless.

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MPLIA

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With over 2,000 
international and local staff 
we subcontract only when 
absolutely necessary. 

Our Dubai head office and 
central PMO enable global 
delivery. 

Owning our facilities and 
equipment gives us control 
over quality and delivery 
schedule.

A strong balance sheet 
enables rapid mobilisation 
of people, materials, and 
equipment.

8   RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

 
 
Our strategy

Broaden our customer 
base

Diversify our geographic 
reach

Cross-sell our services 
to new and existing 
customers

Target hybrid or  
one-supplier contracts

Supporting customer delivery through a one-supplier model

LONGER-TERM SERVICE,  
HYBRID OR ONE-SUPPLIER CONTRACTS

DELIVERING VALUE 

IFM
Supporting 
and servicing 
communities

Construction
Construction of 
temporary and 
permanent facilities 
and infrastructure

Supply Chain
Supplying 
equipment, goods 
and machinery

SHORTER-TERM PROJECTS 
ARE OFTEN THE ENTRY POINT  
WITH MANY CUSTOMERS

USD 141m  order book

Customers
Enabling and delivering complex projects, allowing 
organisations to focus on their core objectives and 
improve efficiency.

61%  local labour participation

Employees
Providing job opportunities, training and financial security 
to local people who may have been affected by conflict or 
natural disaster.

3  sustainability goals

Communities
Increasing the positive and diminishing the negative 
impacts of our operations through three sustainability 
focus areas: resource management, people and skills 
development, and labour rights. 

GBP 1.25p  dividend

Shareholders
Delivering long-term shareholder value through a clear 
growth strategy.

RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019   9

STRATEGIC REPORTKEY	PERFORMANCE	INDICATORS

The Directors use the following financial and  
non-financial KPIs as a measure of the Company’s 
performance against its defined strategy:

Financial KPIs 

REVENUE (USDm)
Revenue (USDm)

Revenue (USDm)
21.2

2015

2015

21.2

+26%

DIVIDEND (PENCE PER SHARE)
Dividend 

Dividend 

+25%

 37.0

 37.0

2016

2017

2016

2017

2018
2019

2018
2019

52.2

 54.8

52.2

 54.8

69.1

69.1

2018
2019

2018
2019

1.00

1.00

1.25

1.25

Order book 

Definition: The dividend is the share of profits that the Company 
pays out to its shareholders. It is the Board’s intention to maintain 
Order book 
or increase the annual dividend whilst retaining sufficient working 
2015
capital to meet the needs of the business and to fund continued 
2015
growth. 
2016
Dividend 
2017
Performance: In light of the Company’s performance in 2019, 
119
coupled with a strong start to 2020 and having sufficient working 
2018
2019
capital to fulfil contractual commitments, the Board has taken the 
decision to increase the dividend for the year ended 31 December 
2019 to 1.25 pence per share. 
2018
2019

2016
Dividend 
2017
2018
2019

2018
2019

141

1.00

1.00

100

100

108

108

119

112

112

1.25

1.25

141

ORDER BOOK (USDm)
Order book 

Order book 

2015

2016

2017

2018
2019

2015

2016
Dividend 
2017
2018
2019

+18%

108

108

100

100

112

112

119

119

141

141

1.00

2018
2019

Definition: The order book is the estimated value of future 
revenue expected to be recognised from the remaining 
performance obligations on existing contractual arrangements. 
1.25
It excludes framework agreements and contracts where the 
Company cannot estimate with sufficient certainty the expected 
value of specific task orders. The Company has replaced the term 
Backlog with Order book so as to ensure greater comparability 
with other UK listed companies. There has been no change in 
the calculation of the KPI, only the terminology. See note 21 of 
the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further 
information related to the remaining performance obligations on 
existing contractual arrangements.

Order book 

2016

2015

2017

100

108

119

112

2018
2019

Performance: The increase in order book is reflective of the 
Company continuing to expand and diversify its client base as 
well as the number of larger long-term contracts won in 2019. In 
total, USD 91m of new contracts, contract uplifts or extensions 
were awarded in 2019. See page 13 for more information on 
contracts won in 2019. 

141

Underlying operating profit 

1.7*

Definition: Revenue is defined as the amounts received or 
receivable for services delivered during the course of the year. 
Underlying operating profit 
In line with our strategy we aim to grow our revenue by winning 
new clients and cross-selling services to new and existing clients. 
2015
1.7*
2016
Performance: The outcome in 2019 showed significant growth 
Revenue (USDm)
13.9*
2017
and the revenues generated were ahead of our expectations 
14.2*
at the start of the year. The increase on 2018 was driven by 
2018
2015
2019
a number of large contract wins with both new and existing 
 37.0
2016
customers. 
2017

14.7

14.7

   6.0*

   6.0*

 37.0

14.2*

13.9*

21.2

21.2

52.2

52.2

2015

2015
2018
2019
2016
2017

2016
Revenue (USDm)
2017

2018
2019
Underlying profit (USDm)

2018
2019
Underlying profit (USDm)

 54.8

 54.8

69.1

69.1

+4%

1.7*

21.2

4.9*

4.9*

12.8*

12.8*

14.2*

12.4*

12.4*

   6.0*

   6.0*

13.3
13.9*

13.3
13.9*
14.2*

2017
2015

2018
2016
2019
2017
2018
2019

2015 0.9*
Underlying operating profit 
2016

2015 0.9*
UNDERLYING OPERATING PROFIT (USDm) 
Underlying operating profit 
2016
2017
1.7*
2015
2018
2016
2019
Revenue (USDm)
2017
2018
2015
2019
 37.0
2016
Definition: The Company uses underlying operating profit 
2017
(“UOP”) as an alternative measure to operating profit to better 
2018
compare the profitability of its operations across financial 
2019
69.1
Underlying profit (USDm)
periods. UOP is calculated as operating profit less holding 
company expenses and acquisition costs. 
2015 0.9*
4.9*
2016
Underlying operating profit 
Performance: Underlying operating profit increased by 4%. 
2017
The reduction in UOP margin from 26% to 21% resulted from a 
Local labour participation (%)
2015
number of factors, including the delay of a significant contract 
2018
2016
2015
2019
award and the supply chain business increasing significantly as a 
2017
2016
proportion of revenue in 2019. 
2018
2017
2019
2018
2019

2017
Local labour participation (%)
2018
2019
2015
2016

Underlying profit (USDm)

13.3
63

12.8*
57

13.3
13.9*

2015 0.9*

14.7

14.7

14.7

   6.0*

 54.8

12.4*

14.2*

12.4*

12.8*

52.2

4.9*

2016

2017

1.7*

69

63

67

67

57

69
61

2018
2019

61

Lost time incident rate 

UNDERLYING PROFIT (USDm)
Underlying profit (USDm)
Lost time incident rate 
2015 0.9*

2015

2015

2016
Local labour participation (%)
2017

4.9*
2016
2016
Local labour participation (%)
2017
2017
2018
2018
150
2015
2019
2019
117
2016
2017

2015
2018
2019
2016
2017

117

150

561

561

617

617

57

+4%

841

841

12.4*

12.8*

57

63

63

13.3

Definition: The Company uses underlying profit (“UP”) as an 
alternative measure to profit before tax to better compare the 
profitability of the Company across financial periods. To calculate 
UP, exceptional items are deducted from profit before tax. 

2018
2019

69
61

61

69

67

67

2018
2019

Lost time incident rate 

2015

Performance: Underlying profit increased by 4%. The reduction 
Lost time incident rate 
in UP margin from 23% to 19% again reflected the delay of 
a significant contract award, and the supply chain business 
841
increasing significantly as a proportion of revenue in 2019. A USD 
561
2016
0.4m decrease in net finance costs was offset by the Company 
Local labour participation (%)
2017
incurring a full year of holding company expenses. 
150
2018
2015
2019
117
2016
*restated
2017

117

150

841

561

617

617

63

57

67

2015

2016

2017

2018
2019

10   RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

2018
2019

Lost time incident rate 

2015

2016

2017

2018

150

2019

117

561

617

69

61

841

Underlying operating profit 

Order book 

Dividend 

2018

2019

2015

2016

2017

2018
2019
Dividend 

2018
2019

Order book 

2015

2016

2017

2018
2019

Revenue (USDm)

21.2

 37.0

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

52.2

 54.8

69.1

1.7*

2015

2016

2017

   6.0*

2018
2019
Revenue (USDm)

2015

21.2

2016
Underlying profit (USDm)
2017

 37.0

2018
2015 0.9*
2019
2016

2017

4.9*

2018
Underlying operating profit 
2019
2015

1.7*

52.2

 54.8

   6.0*

2016

2017

2018
2019

13.9*

14.2*

14.7

69.1

12.4*

12.8*

13.3

13.9*

14.2*

14.7

Non-financial KPIs 
Underlying profit (USDm)
LOCAL LABOUR PARTICIPATION (%)
Local labour participation (%)
2015 0.9*

-12%

2016

2015

2017

2016

2018
2017
2019
2018
2019

4.9*

57

12.4*
63

12.8*
67
13.3
69

61

1.00

1.25

108

100

112

119

1.00

1.25

108

100

112

119

141

141

I

S
T
R
A
T
E
G
C
R
E
P
O
R
T

561

841

150

Definition: Local labour participation measures the average 
percentage of full-time workers employed in their country of origin 
Lost time incident rate 
over the course of a calendar year. The Company aims to recruit and 
develop local people wherever it is practical to do so. We will often 
2015
deploy a team of highly skilled international staff to mobilise new 
2016
projects if the necessary skills are not available on the ground. This 
2017
can cause variations in local labour participation while local hiring 
2018
initiatives and training are ongoing and a handover to local staff is 
2019
117
Local labour participation (%)
not yet complete. 
Performance: The reduction in average local labour participation 
2015
primarily resulted from a contract commencement delay in the first 
2016
half of the year. We anticipate local labour participation to increase in 
2017
the future. See page 14 for more information on total staff numbers.
2018
2019

617

69

63

67

57

61

LOST TIME INCIDENT RATE 
Lost time incident rate 

2015

2016

2017

2018
2019

150

117

561

617

-22%

841

Definition: The lost time incident rate is the number of RIDDOR 
(Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences 
Regulations 2013) reportable accidents multiplied by 100,000 and 
divided by the average number of employees. Included within the 
types of accidents reportable under RIDDOR are injuries to workers 
which result in their absence from work for more than seven days. 
Prior to 2018, our HSE statistics included injuries to workers which 
resulted in their incapacitation for more than three days. The change 
in methodology, made so as to ensure the Group was fully compliant 
with RIDDOR reporting requirements, partially contributed to the 
decrease in Lost Time Incident Rate from 2017 to 2018.

Performance: The Company had only two reportable incidents in 
2019, neither of which was classified as a major incident. During 2019 
we appointed a Head of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) to 
oversee the HSE managers and supervisors who work within our 
operational areas.

RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019   11
RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019   11

 
OPERATING 
REVIEW 

We continued to make good progress 
against our strategic objectives to 
broaden our client base, deliver contracts 
across all three service channels, and 
diversify our operations geographically. 

Soraya Narfeldt
Chief Executive Officer

HIGHLIGHTS
USD 91m 
new contracts, contract uplifts and extensions 
awarded during 2019

USD 69.1m 
revenue for the full year, with a record  
USD 46.0m delivered in H2

Expanded operations 
in South Sudan and Mozambique and entered 
Libya and Denmark

Additional bids 
and pipeline growth with new and existing clients 
outside of our current geographies

OVERVIEW

As expected, the second half of the year was far busier than 
the first half with a number of large projects commencing 
during the six-month period. We delivered revenue of 
USD 69.1m for the full year (2018: USD 54.8m), which was 
ahead of expectations. Group revenue in H2 2019 was USD 
46.0m, which is 60% higher than our previous most active six-
month period (H2 2018: USD 28.7m); the significant activity 
uplift affirmed the robustness of the back-office function 
which received considerable investment around the time of 
the Company’s Admission to AIM in 2018.

We have continued to capture new contracts whilst 
executing existing contracts and as a result, have grown 
our order book. In total, we were awarded USD 91m of new 
contracts, contract uplifts and extensions during 2019, with 
the average contract duration remaining over four years 
when weighted by value. As at 31 December 2019 the Group 
reported an order book of USD 141m (2018: USD 119m) which 
is scheduled to be delivered over five years. The increase in 
the order book was driven by new customers and existing 
customers requesting we participate in complex projects 
being undertaken in and outside of our current geographies.

The Group expanded its operations in South Sudan and 
Mozambique as well as entered Libya and Denmark. As 
a result, we executed projects in eleven countries in 2019 
compared to nine in 2018. 

We have continued to diversify our client base, and while 
supporting humanitarian projects remains the largest 
contributor to revenue, we have grown the government and 
commercial contract base so that together they represented 
44% of total revenue in 2019 (2018: 38%). 

12   RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

I

S
T
R
A
T
E
G
C
R
E
P
O
R
T

Our entry point into many clients is to offer supply chain or 
construction services, which are typically short-term contracts 
and can result in profit margin fluctuations over reporting 
periods. Over time we aim to convert these contracts into 
higher value or recurring revenue business, moving up the 
value chain into IFM, and eventually towards acting as a single 
supplier where we can seamlessly build and service clients’ 
infrastructure. During 2019 we were awarded several large 
supply chain or basic construction contracts, leading to a 
short-term impact on gross profit margins, but which have 
already led to new, more profitable contracts in 2020. 

CONTRACTS

We continue to advocate the benefits of a “one-supplier” 
model as a way for clients to improve efficiencies. In 2019 
we were able to provide hybrid services, where we executed 
across two or more service channels, to approximately 
half our clients, an increase on the previous year. Notable 
contract wins in 2019 are included in the table below.

Our delivery record remains excellent, reflecting our 
commitment to delivering projects on time and to a high 
standard, helping to attract new clients and strengthen the 
relationships with existing ones. 

Contract order book (USDm) 

91

(69)

62

(55)

112

119

141

2018 
Opening  
order book

Contract 
awards, 
uplifts, and 
extensions

Contracted 
revenue 
delivered

2019 
Opening  
order book

Contract 
awards, 
uplifts, and 
extensions

Contracted 
revenue 
delivered

2020 
Opening  
order book

The Danish project is an example of where we were able 
to demonstrate our capabilities and build trust with a new 
customer. This contributed to the Company being awarded 
new work in East Africa less than two months later and this 
new contract was then uplifted by USD 9.1m in December. 
The great job our team is doing on the project is leading to 
additional opportunities in other geographies. 

Significant contracts won in 2019

Contract term:

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

USD 10.7m construction contract with a large humanitarian client 
to provide accommodation facilities for peacekeeping troops in a 
Central African country. 

Construction

USD 7.8m contract with a large humanitarian organisation to supply 
and install modified shipping containers as accommodation and 
offices in an East African country.

Construction

Supply	Chain

USD 10.9m contract with Cherokee Nation Mechanical, LLC, working 
on behalf of the U.S. Department of State, to provide construction 
services at a U.S. Embassy in East Africa. 

Construction

Significant contract with Facilities Development Corporation to provide construction services in 
connection with the refurbishment and upgrade of the U.S. Embassy in Denmark.

USD 9.0m contract with a Western Government to provide construction and facilities management 
services in East Africa.

Construction

Construction

IFM

Master service agreement with IAP to supply global supply chain services. The first task order issued was for up  
to USD 8.5m.

Supply	Chain

USD 9.8m contract to provide vehicle and equipment fleet operation and first line maintenance services in up to 10 locations for a large 
humanitarian organisation in East Africa.

IFM

RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019   13

 
OPERATING	REVIEW	
CONTINUED

IFM

CENTRAL OPERATIONS

We were very pleased with the growth in IFM services 
which grew year-on-year from USD 23.1m to USD 28.6m. 
IFM service agreements typically last from three to five 
years, giving the Company greater future earnings visibility 
and allowing us to establish a solid platform on which to 
grow the business. We have also increased the breadth 
of customers and improved the quality of contracts. 
Significantly we grew revenue from Hospitality Services, 
whereby we lease our own facilities and offer life support 
services to customers (similar to managing hotels), to 
USD 10.4m in 2019 (2018: USD 6.0m).

Our investment in Mozambique continues this drive into 
Hospitality Services. We acquired a 15-hectare parcel of land 
and the first development phase, which will accommodate 
approximately 100 guests, is due to complete by June 2020. 
We will continue to develop the area as demand requires, 
however, as presently planned, once completed the camp 
will have the capacity to accommodate over 500 guests and 
will offer recreation areas, office centres, warehouses, and 
workshops. 

CONSTRUCTION

Construction revenue reduced year-on-year from USD 29.5m 
to USD 27.6m due to the delay in the start of a contract as 
previously announced, and which commenced in the second 
half of 2019.

The announcement towards the end of 2019 of the Cherokee 
Nation Mechanical contract, now valued at USD 11.2m, gave 
rise to a strong order book for construction contracts at the 
start of 2020. Since the year end we have seen an increase 
in demand and a corresponding increase in the number 
of bids submitted for hybrid construction and long-term 
service contracts, with the majority of construction services 
initially scheduled to be delivered in 2020. As a result of 
COVID-19, we expect many of these new projects will now 
commence in 2021. 

SUPPLY CHAIN

Revenue from supply chain activities increased significantly, 
from USD 2.2m in 2018 to USD 12.8m in 2019. The increase 
was predominantly the result of the Company supplying and 
installing approximately 500 modified shipping containers 
for a large humanitarian organisation, and the work being 
undertaken for IAP. 

As stated previously, offering supply chain services is often an 
entry point into many customers and can lead to larger and 
longer-term contracts. This proved the case in 2019 where we 
were awarded construction contracts by a government client 
for whom we had previously supplied goods. 

14   RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

The increased level of activity in the second half tested 
the robustness of the investment made in our back-office 
function for the first time, and I am pleased to report that 
we were more than able to handle the workload. The Project 
Management Office (“PMO”) was focused on implementing 
contracts, while our enabling departments ensured the 
resources needed to meet contractual obligations were 
available while providing compliance oversight. 

The Company has undergone a significant recruitment and 
training drive, as well as adding and redistributing resources 
to the PMO. By the end of 2019, in total 122 new positions 
were added, and a significant number of employees were 
promoted into more senior roles. As at 31 December 2019, 
the number of staff we employed totalled 2,011 (2018: 1,889). 

Local labour participation as a percentage of total 
employees reduced to 61% (2018: 69%). The reduction 
in local labour participation resulted from the contract 
commencement delay in the first half of the year. We expect 
local labour participation to revert to former levels in the 
near future.

Total number of employees as at 31 December 

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

COVID-19

919

1,840

1,890

1,889

2,011

Our operational approach to managing the ongoing 
COVID-19 pandemic has been firstly to ensure the health 
and safety of our staff, not just in terms of their physical 
wellbeing but also with respect to morale, and secondly to 
ensure we are fully operational so as to support our clients in 
these unprecedented times. We are the contractor of choice 
for many of our customers because we can be relied upon to 
deliver under the most challenging of circumstances. 

Overall, discussions with our clients have been extremely 
positive since the start of the pandemic. We have been 
commended for our ability to continue to operate at a full 
level of service in these difficult times and some customers, 
having recognised our significant efforts to mitigate the risk 
of COVID-19 transmission, are facilitating worksite access 
where possible. Additionally, some clients will reimburse all or a 
portion of additional costs incurred as a result of the pandemic 
and accelerate the payment of invoices during this period. 

OUTLOOK 

The momentum of the second half of 2019 continued into 
the start of 2020 with a heightened level of activity as we 
continued to deliver on a greater number of larger, long-term 
contracts. Whilst COVID-19 will have a material effect on our 
2020 financial results, we believe the impact will be limited 
to project delays rather than cancellations. We see this 
as a temporary issue and when COVID-19 is contained, or 
possibly sooner, we will return to work as normal, executing 
against our USD 139m order book and continuing to bid for 
new and exciting projects. 

Soraya Narfeldt 
Chief Executive Officer

17 April 2020

Although some business development activity has slowed 
as a result of site visits being cancelled, we are retraining 
staff to offer sanitisation services and other in-demand 
activities, and pursuing new opportunities such as medical 
infrastructure construction, the management of isolation 
facilities and the disinfection of larger spaces including 
offices and public facilities. We are also supplying much 
needed PPE to a government customer and have had 
inquiries for the same service from other potential clients. 
Additionally, while the adjudication process of bids 
outstanding has slowed, we are still receiving contract 
awards; in April we announced a new USD 15.6m task order 
from IAP, and we hope to announce further awards in the 
coming months. 

We believe we have a responsibility to all stakeholders 
during this time of crisis and have confidence in the 
sustainability of our business model. We work across 
three customer segments, operate in over ten countries 
at any given time, and provide a broad range of services, 
many of which are essential during times of crisis. We 
have relentlessly and unforgivingly focused on investing 
in diversification over the past few years, in terms of 
geography, customer concentration, and service channel, 
and we believe this strategy will continue to set us apart and 
allow us to mitigate the impacts of adverse events taking 
place on a local or global scale. 

We are recognised as part of the essential supply chain for 
our customers in the health, welfare and protection of their 
employees. Understanding the vulnerability of many of the 
communities in which the Company operates, we continue 
to advocate with these customers to allow us to execute 
our projects in planned timelines, taking all necessary and 
recommended precautions. We believe that continuing 
economic activity is integral to ensuring that vulnerable 
communities do not collapse in these unprecedented times.

RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019   15

STRATEGIC REPORTCASE	STUDY
Creating	a	Forward	Operating	Base	for	a	
combined	UK	and	Omani	military	exercise	

In	2018	the	UK	Ministry	of	Defence	(“MoD”)	contracted	RA	International	to	
design,	build,	operate	and	maintain	a	short-term	450-man	military	camp	and	
operations	facility	for	the	SAIF	SAREEA	3	combined	military	exercise	in	Oman.	
SAIF	SAREEA	is	a	periodic	combined	UK	and	Omani	armed	forces	military	
exercise,	and	in	2018	involved	some	5,500	UK	regular	and	reserve	military	
personnel	participating	alongside	over	60,000	Omanis	from	the	Sultan’s	
Armed	Forces.

Our	mandate	was	to	design,	supply,	construct,	and	service	fit	for	purpose	
facilities	and	infrastructure	that	would	meet	all	MoD	operational	requirements	
and	be	in	accordance	with	British	building	regulations	and	standards.	Effectively	
we	created	a	temporary	village	in	the	desert	from	scratch.	The	camp	included	
accommodation,	kitchen	and	dining,	technical	and	storage	facilities,	ablutions,	
medical	centre,	gymnasium,	helipads,	and	heavy	military	vehicle	storage	yards.	
We	also	created	the	camp	infrastructure	which	included	fuel	storage,	power	
generation	and	distribution,	water	storage	and	reticulation,	fixed	and	portable	
site	lighting,	grey	and	blackwater	drainage,	septic	tanks,	and	fencing.

The	design	and	build	project	was	not	without	its	challenges:	a	short	timescale,	
a	remote	location,	adverse	weather	conditions,	and	a	limited	availability	of	
qualified	suppliers	that	could	satisfy	the	demanding	requirements	for	material	
and	equipment	within	the	specified	timeframe.	All	of	which	we	overcame,	
delivering	on	time	and	on	budget.	

Once	the	combined	exercise	was	underway,	RA	International	provided	a	
complete	facilities	management	and	maintenance	services	package,	as	well	
as	24-hour	catering,	specialist	cleaning	including	dust	suppression,	end-to-
end	waste	management	services,	delivery	and	storage	of	bulk	water,	vehicle	
washdown,	reprographic	services,	and	a	manned	helpdesk.	

At	the	completion	of	operations,	a	period	of	around	four	months,	we	dismantled	
all	the	facilities	and	restored	the	site	to	the	original	pre-exercise	state.	

But	that	was	not	the	end	of	the	story.	In	our	drive	for	innovation	and	
sustainability	we	ensured	that	the	camp	was	designed	so	that	all	structures,	
material	and	equipment	could	be	re-purposed.	We	are	proud	that	every	
aspect	of	the	SAIF	SAREEA	camp	has	been	re-used	for	subsequent	projects	in	
Somalia	–	providing	a	significant	cost	saving	to	our	client	and	reducing	waste.

“Throughout	the	construction	period	and	subsequent	
operation,	RA	International	provided	solutions	to	assist	
in	cost-saving	measures,	used	quality	suppliers	and	
developed	appropriate	maintenance	schedules	that	
delivered	whole	life	value	for	money…it	is	clear	that	
RA	International	are	committed	to	delivering	the	client’s	
goals	and	have	the	capacity	and	capability	to	deliver	a	
holistic	facilities	solution	within	the	most	challenging	of	
environments.”

Major M. Smith BEng MSc MBA(Cran) CEng MICE CMgr MCMI CIWFM, UK MOD 
12 December 2018

16   RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

FINANCIAL	REVIEW	

The Company’s financial performance 
for the fiscal year ended 2019 was 
ahead of our expectations from a 
revenue perspective and broadly in 
line in terms of profitability. 

Andrew Bolter
Chief Financial Officer

OVERVIEW

PROFIT

Reported revenue was USD 69.1m (2018: USD 54.8m) 
representing an increase of 26% when compared to the 
previous year. This translated into an underlying profit of 
USD 13.3m (2018 restated1: USD 12.8m) reflecting the mix 
of business executed in 2019 and a delay experienced in 
commencing a construction project in H1 2019. Statutory 
profit was USD 12.9m (2018 restated1: USD 9.8m).

2019
USD’000

2018
USD’000  
Restated1

69,064

54,805

14,734

13,640

13,259

13,259

7.4

21,393

14,168

13,581

12,761

9,827

6.3

27,804

Revenue

Underlying operating profit2 

Operating profit

Underlying profit3 

Profit before tax

Basic EPS (cents)

Net Cash (end of period)4

REVENUE

2019 revenue was weighted towards the second half as a 
result of a delay in the commencement of one large contract 
in H1 2019, with the Company generating the highest half-year 
revenue total in its history in H2 2019. The USD 46.0m of 
turnover in H2 2019 was 60% higher than in H2 2018. 

The Company does not typically experience seasonality, 
rather the weighting in the second half was the result of 
winning contracts with an aggregate value of USD 66m in H1 
2019, with the majority of these contracts commencing in the 
third quarter of the year. Additionally, the timing of revenue 
from short-term contracts (“STCs”) executed during the year 
was significantly weighted to the second half: USD 0.8m 
in H1 2019 and USD 10.8m in H2 2019. Overall, STC revenue 
increased to USD 11.6m in 2019 compared with USD 8.3m in 
2018. This was USD 1.6m below expectations stated in our 
interim report and resulted from client requested schedule 
changes to two projects. As a result, USD 2.7m of revenue 
originally expected to be recognised in H2 2019 will now be 
recognised in H1 2020. 

Gross profit margin in 2019 decreased to 31.7% (2018 restated1: 
37.6%) due to a number of factors:

1. 

2. 

3. 

 The H1 2019 delay in a significant contract award led to a 
reported H1 2019 gross margin of 31.0%, down from 38.1% 
when the operating location affected is excluded. H2 2019 
gross margin from this operating location was 36.0%;

 H2 2019 gross margin was 32.1% as a result of an increase 
in the proportion of revenue being generated from supply 
chain business and short-term construction projects. 
24% of second half revenue was from supply chain 
activities whereas historically this figure has averaged 
approximately 5%. While we anticipate supply chain 
activities will continue to contribute significantly to Group 
revenue, we do not anticipate it will continue to grow as 
a percentage of total revenue. We also anticipate margin 
from supply chain activities to increase as we undertake 
more complex supply chain projects; and 

 We commenced a number of hybrid contracts in 2019, 
where we were supplying and installing infrastructure and 
supplying, constructing and servicing infrastructure. In all 
cases, the lower-margin work was substantially complete 
at the end of 2019 and as a result the margins from these 
projects are forecast to increase in 2020. While we will 
continue to bid for and hopefully be awarded hybrid 
contracts, as we grow the effect individual contracts have 
on gross margin should diminish. 

Underlying operating profit, which is used by the Company’s 
management to assess operating performance, increased 
by 4% to USD 14.7m (2018 restated1: USD 14.2m). Underlying 
profit also increased by 4% to USD 13.3m (2018 restated1: USD 
12.8m) and underlying margin was 19.2% (2018 restated1: 23.3%) 
again reflecting the mix of business executed in 2019, timing of 
profits earned from hybrid contracts, and the contract delay 
experienced in the first half of the year. While net finance costs 
decreased by USD 0.4m in 2019, these savings were offset 
by the Company incurring a full year of holding company 
expenses resulting from its Admission to AIM in mid-2018. 

RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019   17

STRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL	REVIEW	
CONTINUED

COMPARABILITY OF PERFORMANCE MEASURES 

Many companies who provide IFM services use EBITDA as 
a primary performance measure. We do not as we employ 
significantly more capital than traditional IFM providers. 
Hospitality Services, which is capital intensive, makes up 
a large percentage of our IFM revenue and we perform 
construction services (where the primary IFRS performance 
measure is often profit before tax). 

We presently use underlying profit and underlying operating 
profit as our primary performance measures, operating profit 
and profit before tax being the related IFRS metrics. As the 
Group matures and evolves, we will intermittently reassess 
these performance measures to ensure they are the most 
relevant for evaluating Group and management performance 
respectively. Please refer to note 18 of the Notes to the 
Consolidated Financial Statements for further information 
relating to Alternative Performance Measures (“APMs”).

Profit

Tax expense

Profit before tax

Exceptional items

Underlying profit

Finance costs

Investment revenue

Operating profit

Depreciation

EBITDA

2019 
USD’000 

2018 
USD’000 
Restated1

12.9

0.4

13.3

—

13.3

0.7

(0.3)

13.6

2.6

16.2

9.8

—

9.8

2.9

12.8

0.8

—

13.6

1.5

15.1

The Company incurred a tax charge of USD 0.4m in 2019 
(2018: nil) relating to income tax paid and accrued in 
connection with contracts undertaken for commercial 
customers. 

EARNINGS PER SHARE

Earnings per share for 2019, both basic and diluted, was 
7.4 cents per share (2018 restated: 6.3 cents per share). 

CASH FLOW

The Company targets a 100% cash conversion ratio but 
significant increases in operational activity in the second half 
of 2019, as they did in 2018, led to short-term divergences.

Cash flow generated from operations during the year was 
USD 8.9m (2018 restated1: USD 11.4m) which represents 66% 
cash conversion5 (2018 restated1: 84%). The primary factor 
contributing to the short-term differential was a USD 7.4m 
increase in year-end net working capital resulting primarily 
from an increase in accrued revenue of USD 7.5m. 

18   RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Approximately half of the USD 10.9m year-end accrued 
revenue balance relates to a contract to supply and install 
modified shipping containers. Due to the fact that the 
Company generally requires in-country client sign off of 
its invoices before invoices are sent to a second country 
for submittal, the balance of accrued revenue normally 
approximates one month of revenue. Total trade receivables 
and accrued revenue at 2019 year end represented 101% of 
the Company’s revenue generated in the last two months 
of the year (2018: 119%). The decrease is both a function of 
the Company improving its trade receivable collection and a 
result of further diversification of its customer base. 

Cash flows generated from operations 
before change in working capital 

Change in working capital

Cash flows generated from operations

Tax paid

End of service benefits and stock-
based compensation costs

Net cash flows from operating activities

2019 
USD’000 

2018 
USD’000 
Restated1

16.3

(7.4)

8.9

(0.1)

(0.1)

8.7

15.7

(4.3)

11.4

—

—

11.4

During 2019 the Company continued to invest in revenue 
generating property plant and equipment. Total capital 
expenditure in 2019 was USD 12.4m (2018: USD 8.7m) of 
which USD 6.4m relates to assets which are or will be utilised 
to provide Hospitality Services. These assets are primarily 
Company constructed hotel or commercial facilities and, in 
the majority of cases, the spend is linked to recently awarded 
long-term contracts. 

Additionally we invested in infrastructure, vehicles and 
machinery to support our growing operations in South 
Sudan, where the Company was awarded a USD 10.9m 
construction contract, and to execute additional capital 
intensive contracts in East Africa where there is a 
significant demand for contractors who can execute using 
internationally accepted best practices and to specific 
western country specifications. 

The Company paid a post-Admission dividend in 2019 of 
GBP 1.0p per share (USD 1.3 cents), returning a total of  
USD 2.2m to shareholders.

BALANCE SHEET

IFRS 16

Net assets at 31 December 2019 were USD 69.5m (2018 
restated1: USD 58.8m) with the majority of the total balance 
sheet comprising cash and other current assets. Net working 
capital, inclusive of cash, was USD 43.6m (2018 restated1: 
USD 43.0m) and the Company had no debt (2018: nil) or 
committed capital expenditure for 2020 (2019: nil). 

As at the end of 2019 the Company had USD 21.4m in cash 
(2018: USD 27.8m) and access to a short-term credit facility 
of USD 2.0m (2018: USD 2.0m). Liquidity and net cash are 
often assessed by potential customers during the contract 
adjudication process. We are satisfied that both metrics are 
sufficient so that we can continue to bid for larger projects 
and have the financial capacity to mobilise multiple large 
projects simultaneously. 

COVID-19

The spread of COVID-19 continues to heighten and is having 
a significant impact on global economic activity. Until there 
is clarity on the duration and severity of these events, it is 
not possible to quantify the financial impact COVID-19 may 
have on the Group; however, we have forecast our liquidity 
position and ability to continue to trade as a going concern 
under multiple financial scenarios and are confident that the 
going concern basis should be adopted.

The Company implemented IFRS 16 Leases for the first time 
in 2019, using a fully retrospective approach. The nature and 
effect of the changes as a result of the adoption of this new 
accounting standard are described in note 5 of the Notes to 
the Consolidated Financial Statements and have resulted in 
the restatement of the statutory accounts for the fiscal year 
ended 31 December 2018. 

DIVIDEND

The Directors have proposed a full year dividend of GBP 1.25p 
per share to be paid on 9 July 2020 to shareholders on the 
register as at 29 May 2020.

Andrew Bolter
Chief Financial Officer

17 April 2020

1   The Company applied IFRS 16 Leases for the first time in 2019, using a fully retrospective approach. The nature and effect of the changes as a result of the 

adoption of this new accounting standard are described in note 5 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and have resulted in the restatement of 
the statutory accounts for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2018. 

2  Underlying operating profit represents operating profit less holding company expenses and acquisition costs. 

3 Underlying profit represents profit before tax and non-reoccurring exceptional items.

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

5 Cash conversion is calculated as cashflow generated from operations divided by operating profit.

RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019   19

STRATEGIC REPORTCASE	STUDY
Rising	to	the	challenge	for		
UN	Organisations	in	Somalia	

RA	International	first	started	working	for	the	United	Nations	Support	Office	for	AMISOM	in	
Somalia	(UNSOA)	in	2009.	At	the	time	we	were	contracted	to	construct	urgently	needed	
facilities	and	infrastructure	which	would	enable	UNSOA	to	uphold	its	in-country	support	
objectives.	

Logistics	were	particularly	challenging	during	this	period,	as	commercial	shipping	lines	
had	ceased	to	call	on	Mogadishu.	Undeterred,	for	the	first	three	years	of	operations,	we	
contracted	UAE	based	dhow	operators	to	transport	internationally	procured	plant	and	
equipment,	material,	and	supplies	into	Mogadishu	from	the	UAE.	To	this	day	we	continue	
to	provide	maintenance	services	to	the	facilities,	infrastructure,	plant	and	equipment,	and	a	
vehicle	fleet	in	Somalia.	

The	prolonged	civil	war	had	taken	its	toll	on	the	local	workforce.	Skilled	workers	were	in	
short	supply,	in	fact	most	new	recruits	had	never	before	experienced	formal	employment.	
To	overcome	this,	RA	International	implemented	multi-disciplinary	training	programs,	over	
the	years	successfully	upskilling	thousands	of	Somalian	workers.	This	program	has	been	
highly	successful,	proving	to	be	a	key	differentiator	between	our	competitors	and	us.	

Initially,	local	suppliers	and	service	providers	were	unable	to	meet	acceptable	levels	with	
regard	to	price,	quality,	and	consistency.	To	ensure	commitments	were	met,	we	routinely	
invested	into	local	suppliers	and	service	providers,	a	win-win	scenario.	The	service	provider	
achieved	a	reliable	partner	along	with	regular	sales,	while	we	gained	a	secure	supply	of	
critical	material	and	equipment,	at	locked-in	prices.

Due	to	changing	operational	requirements,	RA	International	foresaw	a	growing	requirement	
for	secure	accommodation	and	business	facilities	as	well	as	recreation	facilities	within	the	
Aden	Adde	International	Airport	area	(previously	Mogadishu	International	Airport).	To	
provide	for	the	growing	number	of	international	and	UN	personnel	on	a	long-term	basis,	
we	have	built	fit	for	purpose	accommodation,	office,	recreation,	dining,	and	conference	
facilities	-	available	on	a	rental	basis	rather	than	each	agency	having	to	develop	and	service	
their	own	camps.

Within	these	facilities,	RA	provides	a	complete	package	of	life	support	services	comprising	
ground	transportation,	catering	service,	medical	services,	security	(through	a	third-party),	
cleaning,	housekeeping	and	laundry	services,	user-pay	retail	outlets,	customs	clearance	
service,	visa	service,	package	pick-up	and	drop-off	service,	and	procurement	of	office	and	
other	supplies.	

The	well-being	of	camp	residents	is	paramount,	and	we	go	to	extraordinary	lengths	to	
achieve	the	right	balance,	organising	special	events	around	holidays	such	as	Thanksgiving,	
Eid	al	Fitr,	and	Christmas,	as	well	as	sports	events,	and	providing	much	needed	variety	in	
themed	events.	We	also	cater	for	special	dietary	requirements	and	can	arrange	and	cater	
for	client	functions.	

“On	behalf	of	the	Special	Representative	of	the	Secretary-
General	for	Somalia,	Mr.	Nicholas	Kay	and	the	team	in	UNSOM,	
I	would	like	to	extend	to	you	and	your	team	in	RA	our	sincere	
appreciation	for	the	exceptional	services	we	received	during	the	
event	that	took	place	recently.	We	were	so	pleased	to	have	such	a	
pleasant	experience	and	witness	the	birth	of	a	new	bright	spot	in	
Mogadishu	that	will	provide	an	excellent	recreation	venue	to	the	
members	of	the	international	community.”

Joel Cohen, Chief of Staff, United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), 2014 

20   RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

RISK	MANAGEMENT

Here, we outline the principle risks to RA International’s 
business, together with how they are managed. 

The Board has ultimate responsibility for ensuring the 
Group’s risks are properly understood, quantified, and 
appropriately managed. The Board continually assesses the 
Group’s exposure to risk and seeks to ensure that risks are 
mitigated wherever possible.

Day-to-day risk management is the responsibility of the 
Executive Management Team (“EMT”) and the Country 
Managers. Any potential changes to risk are reviewed 
regularly during Executive and Management meetings. 

STRATEGIC RISKS

Working in remote and challenging locations requires the 
Group to have robust risk controls and policies that are 
integrated into all levels of the business. 

The principle risks that the Board believe are most likely to 
affect the business operations, impact strategy and financial 
performance, and influence reputation are set out below. 
There may be other risks which are currently unknown to the 
Group or which may become material in the future. 

PROFITABLE GROWTH
Failure to retain and win profitable business will impact our financial performance and growth. The business is influenced by 
ODA budgets, political stability, attitudes towards outsourcing services, and our reputation in the marketplace. 

Key risk drivers: 

Controls:

Mispricing bids, not meeting customer 
requirements, being unable to resource 
sufficient labour, equipment, and materials, and 
not understanding or meeting our customers or 
stakeholder expectations. 

•   An intelligence-led approach to bidding for contracts, using local 

intelligence in respect of labour, materials, and regional variances feeds 
into tender processes, protecting operating margins. 

•  Comprehensive bid review process. 

•   Project timeline and quality of delivery controlled by minimising sub-

contracting of works.

•   Investment in local labour and capacity building where possible and 

practical to enhance local intelligence.

•  Supplier onboarding and review procedures.

•  Long-term contracts with suppliers to optimise pricing. 

Mitigation Priorities:

•   Continue to improve and refine the bidding process and ensure our value 

proposition remains competitive. 

•   Continue to hire qualified personnel with relevant technical expertise so 

as to limit subcontracting of works. 

•   Continuous focus on supplier quality, undertaking periodic reviews of 

suppliers’ facilities, policies, and procedures. 

•   Identify new suppliers and increase capacity building efforts so as to 

ensure they can meet our expanding requirements. 

RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019   21

STRATEGIC REPORTRISK	MANAGEMENT
CONTINUED

STRATEGIC RISKS CONTINUED

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 affect our ability to operate in other geographies and attract individuals with the necessary skills and 
talent. 

Key risk drivers: 

Controls:

Bribery and corruption issues either by our 
employees or counterparties, failure to respond 
and manage incidents, and not delivering 
projects on time or to required standards.

•   Customer and stakeholder relationship management programmes in 

place.

•   A zero-tolerance stance on bribery and corruption along with ongoing 

training programs on ABC risk management. 

•  An independent whistleblowing channel.

•  Gifts and hospitality policies in place.

•  Crisis management training undertaken, and crisis team formed. 

Mitigation Priorities:

•   Continue to provide regular training and encourage all employees to use 

the whistleblowing tool.

•   Continue to provide regular training sessions across the whole company 

on ethical and compliance-related subjects. 

•   Continuous review and updating of company policies in relation to 

compliance-related subjects.

•  Continue to refine crisis management procedures.

FINANCIAL RISKS

FINANCIAL CONTROL FAILURE
Failure to impose strong financial controls may result in: inaccurate and delayed reporting of financial results, the inability to 
meet financial 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 financial 
transactions. In turn this could lead to financial instability, potential business losses and a negative impact on our reputation.

Key risk drivers: 

Controls:

Inadequate internal financial controls 
surrounding receipts, payments, and cash 
management, failure to adequately manage 
cash flow, and misappropriation of assets, theft 
or fraud. 

•  Group finance processes and procedures. 

•   Limit cash payments to the greatest extent possible and limit those staff 

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

•  Detailed monitoring of weekly cash flow forecasts. 

•  Centralisation of payments with CFO approving significant transactions. 

Mitigation Priorities:

•  Continuous review of Group financial policies and procedures.

•  Continuously improve forecasting and reporting processes.

•  Continued refinement of group budgeting process. 

•   Increased focus on training and development of staff so as to ensure their 

skill sets meet the expanding requirements of the Group. 

22   RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

LEGAL AND COMPLIANCE RISKS

CONTRACT NON-COMPLIANCE RISKS
Failure to deliver on contractual requirements or failure to meet and report against agreed service performance levels may lead 
to significant financial penalties, legal notices, onerous contract provisions, or early termination of contracts. Lack of oversight 
and procedures to control and monitor potential bribery and corruption may lead to litigation, inquiries or investigations that 
could divert management time and resources, and result in jail terms, heavy corporate fines, sanctions against bidding for 
contracts, and damage to reputation. 

Key risk drivers: 

Controls:

Failure to adhere to contractual commitments, 
bribery and corruption by employees and third 
parties in dealings with foreign public officials, 
resulting in possible heavy punitive measures via 
international legislations.

•  Standard Operating Procedures consistent across the Group. 

•  Local professional advisors in all operating jurisdictions. 

•  Group Code of Conduct and ABC policies. 

•   Use of independent whistleblowing tool to detect non-compliance 

matters, specially bribery and corruption. 

•   Flat organisation structure whereby project managers can access the 
EMT or relevant technical experts to interpret and discuss contractual 
requirements.

Mitigation Priorities:

•  Continued refinement of standard operating procedures.

•  Ensure ABC trainings are regularly provided.

•   Contract management process refinement taking place in connection with 

the implementation of RAMS.

RESPONSIBLE AND ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR
Irresponsible or unethical behaviour can lead to breach of human rights, labour rights, inadequate health and safety 
measures leading to sickness, injury or death, gender rights, and child labour. 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: 

Controls:

 Failure to communicate the Company’s purpose 
and values, health and safety practices not 
adhered to or ignored, and direct or indirect 
contribution to abuses. 

•   All new employees undergo induction training to explain the Company’s 
values, Code of Conduct, company policies and expected behaviour.

•   Reporting of unethical behaviour or malpractice through the 

whistleblowing tool.

•   All staff handling equipment and materials received health and safety 

training where behavioural norms and attitudes towards health and safety 
are challenged. 

•   Labour rights initiatives of governments in countries of operation are 

supported consistently.

Mitigation Priorities:

•   Continue to provide regular training and encourage all employees to use 

the whistleblowing tool.

•   Encourage more employees to become advocates for responsible 
behaviour through engagement of the Company’s ESG strategy. 

•  Daily training on sites in relation to health and safety.

RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019   23

STRATEGIC REPORTRISK	MANAGEMENT
CONTINUED

OPERATIONAL RISKS

FAILURE IN MANAGING THE RESOURCES
Failure to attract, acquire or develop adequate resources could impact financial and operational performance, and 
reputation. 

Key risk drivers: 

Controls:

 Delivery delays and/or poor-quality equipment 
and materials procured, manpower shortfall 
resulting from incorrect estimation of required 
labour, and inability to recruit the right skills  
and labour.

•    Standard procurement processes and quality control procedures. 

•   Alternative material and logistics providers in place so as to manage any 

potential delays.

•   Manpower requirements and skill sets are reviewed by a number of 

departments to ensure accuracy in forecasting. 

•  Group talent acquisition team focused on recruitment.

Mitigation Priorities: 

•   Continuous improvement of quality control and full life-cycle maintenance 

activities. 

•   Improvements continuously being made to retention schemes and 

succession planning.

•  Expansion of reward programmes linked to performance.

CATASTROPHIC EVENTS
Failure to effectively respond to events that result from our own actions or events that are beyond our control such as adverse 
weather, political upheaval, violence, pandemic (COVID-19) or war. Such events can result in multiple fatalities, severe property 
and asset damage, travel restrictions, work stoppages, and/or very serious long-term environmental damage.

Key risk drivers: 

Controls:

 Lack of appropriate procedures to tackle 
incidents, inadequate or delayed response to 
catastrophic events, and poor health and safety 
procedures and policies.

•   Strong commitment to HSE; Head of Department hired and enhanced 

comprehensive strategy deployed in 2019.

•  Regular safety communications and safety awareness.

•   Crisis training undertaken and incident emergency response plans in place. 

•   Response team established as required for specific events (such as 

COVID-19) with Board oversight.

•   Establishment of Group-run medical facilities where third-party providers 

are non-existent or inadequate. 

•  Adequate risk transfer via insurance.

•   Strong balance sheet and adequate liquidity to trade through periods of 

reduced turnover.

Mitigation Priorities: 

•   Continuous research of environmental risk factors which may have an 

effect on contract performance. 

•  Continuous investment in security risk management tools and reports.

•  Continued enhancement of the breadth of insurance coverage. 

•   Continuous review of crisis management, disaster recovery, and business 

continuity plans.

24   RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

DIRECTORS’	STATEMENT

FOR	THE	YEAR	ENDED	31	DECEMBER	2019

Under Section 172 (1) of the Companies Act 2006

The Section 172 (1) of the Companies Act obliges the 
Directors to promote the success of the Company for the 
benefit of the Company’s members as a whole. 

The section specifies that the Directors must act in good 
faith when promoting the success of the Company and in 
doing so have regard (amongst other things) for: 

a.  the likely consequences of any decision in the long-term; 

b.  the interests of the Company’s employees;

c. 

 the need to foster the Company’s business relationship 
with suppliers, customers and others;

d. 

 the impact of the Company’s operations on the 
community and environment;

e. 

 the desirability of the Company maintaining a reputation 
for high standards of business conduct; and

f. 

 the need to act fairly as between members of the 
Company.

The Board of Directors is collectively responsible for the 
decisions made towards the long-term success of the 
Company and how the strategic, operational and risk 
management decisions have been implemented throughout 
the business. 

EMPLOYEES

Our employees are one of the primary assets of our business 
and the Board recognises that our employees are the key 
resource which enables delivering Company’s vision and 
goals. Annual pay and benefit reviews are carried out to 
determine whether all levels of employees are benefitted 
equally and to retain and encourage skills vital for the 
business. The Remuneration Committee oversees and makes 
recommendations of executive remuneration and any long-
term share awards. The Board encourages management to 
improve employee engagement and to provide necessary 
training in order to use their skills in the relevant areas in 
the business. The Board periodically reviews the health and 
safety measures implemented in the business premises and 
improvements are recommended for better practices. 

The employees are informed of the results and important 
business decisions and are encouraged to feel engaged and 
to improve career potential. 

SUPPLIERS, CUSTOMERS AND REGULATORY 
AUTHORITIES

The Board acknowledges that a strong business relationship 
with suppliers and customers is a vital part of the growth. 
Whilst day to day business operations are delegated to 
the executive management, the Board sets directions with 
regard to new business ventures. The Board uphold ethical 
business behaviour across and encourages management to 
seek comparable business practices from all suppliers and 
customers doing business with the Company. We value the 
feedback we receive from our stakeholders and we take 
every opportunity to ensure that where possible their wishes 
are duly considered. 

COMMUNITY AND ENVIRONMENT 

The Board periodically reviews the Health and Safety 
measures implemented in the business premises and 
improvements are recommended for better practices. The 
Company have recently published its second Sustainability 
Report which provides information on our commitment to 
the environment and fighting climate change. The Company 
is actively working to reduce its carbon footprint and aims 
to include a non-financial KPI related to these efforts in its 
2020 Annual Report.

MAINTAINING HIGH STANDARDS OF BUSINESS 
CONDUCT 

The Company is incorporated in the UK and governed 
by the Companies Act 2006. The Company has adopted 
the Quoted Companies Alliance Corporate Governance 
Code 2018 (the “QCA Code”) and the Board recognises 
the importance of maintaining a good level of corporate 
governance, which together with the requirements to 
comply with the AIM Rules ensures that the interests of the 
Company’s stakeholders are safeguarded. The Board has 
prompted that ethical behaviour and business practices 
should be implemented across the business. Anti-corruption 
and anti-bribery training are compulsory for all staff and 
the anti-bribery statement and policy is contained in the 
Company’s Employee Manual. The Company’s expectation 
of honest, fair, and professional behaviour is reflected by 
this and there is zero tolerance for bribery and unethical 
behaviour by anyone relating to the Company. 

The importance of making all employees feel safe in their 
environment is maintained and a whistleblowing policy is 
in place to enable staff to confidentially raise any concerns 
freely and to discuss any issues that arise. Strong financial 
controls are in place and are well documented.

RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019   25

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’	STATEMENT	
CONTINUED

SHAREHOLDERS

The Board places equal importance on all shareholders 
and recognises the significance of transparent and 
effective communications with shareholders. As an 
AIM listed company there is a need to provide fair and 
balanced information in a way that is understandable to all 
stakeholders and particularly our shareholders. 

The primary communication tool with our shareholders 
is through the Regulatory News Service (“RNS”), on 
regulatory matters and matters of material substance. 
The Company’s website provides details of the business, 
investor presentations and details of the Board and Board 
Committees, changes to major shareholder information, 
QCA Code disclosure updates under AIM Rule 26. Changes 
are promptly published on the website to enable the 
shareholders to be kept abreast of the Company’s affairs. 
The Company’s Annual Report and Notice of Annual General 
Meetings (AGM) are available to all shareholders. The Interim 
Report and other investor presentations are also available on 
our website. 

On behalf of the Board 

Sangita Shah 
Non-Executive Chair

17 April 2020

26   RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

CORPORATE 
GOVERNANCE

C
O
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P
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A
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V
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N
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E

RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019   27

 
BOARD	OF	DIRECTORS

The Board is responsible for formulating, 
reviewing, and approving the Company’s 
strategy, budget, and corporate actions. 

SANGITA SHAH 
Non-Executive Chair

SORAYA NARFELDT 
Chief Executive Officer

LARS NARFELDT 
Chief Operating Officer

ANDREW BOLTER
Chief Financial Officer

Date of appointment:  
3 May 2018

Date of appointment:  
13 March 2018

Date of appointment:  
13 March 2018

Date of appointment:  
3 May 2018

Sangita is a qualified accountant 
and has extensive experience in 
corporate finance, journalism, 
and senior consultancy. Sangita 
brings with her a wealth of 
AIM listed and public market 
experience. 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 
Office. Sangita is a frequent 
keynote speaker in forums for 
the Windsor Leadership Trust, 
European Parliament, and 
European School of Management.

External appointments: 

Non-Executive Chair of AIM 
traded Bilby plc, a board director 
of NASDAQ listed Forward 
Industries Inc. and director to 
Global Reach Technology EMEA 
Limited.

Committee membership:

R

A

Soraya founded RA International 
in 2004 with Lars Narfeldt after 
witnessing large organisations 
unable to provide a comprehensive 
range of services or manage or 
implement projects effectively 
when operating in remote locations. 
This resulted in inefficiencies 
that hindered the progress of 
peacekeeping, humanitarian, and 
commercial projects.

Soraya has been selected as one of 
the most influential women leaders 
by Arabian Business three times 
and was also a finalist for the Ernst 
& Young Entrepreneur of the Year 
award in 2012.

As a strong advocate and 
supporter of responsible business 
practices and community based 
businesses, Soraya has contributed 
to several high-profile journals 
including Forbes, Forced Migration 
Review and the World Economic 
Forum and has spoken at various 
international industry forums, 
most recently the WHO Global 
Vaccination Summit and the 
UN Global Compact Leaders 
Week, both in 2019. She has also 
consulted widely with officials 
in RA International’s countries 
of operations on issues such as 
Corporate Social Responsibility and 
on Aid Funded Projects.

Lars has served for over two 
decades in pivotal leadership 
and development roles in some 
of the world’s most challenging 
environments. The first 15 years 
of his post university career 
were spent 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 COO, Lars is responsible for 
day to day operations across the 
company. His role encompasses 
setting the ESG strategy, HR, 
communications, and marketing 
and compliance. He has been 
instrumental in developing the 
Company’s strong brand equity 
with clients and in geographies 
and markets. 

Andrew joined RA International 
in 2011 from Ernst and 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. He has advised on 
and executed equity and debt 
financing transactions, diligence, 
valuations, business planning 
services, merger mediations, 
hedge structuring and testing, 
and other general corporate 
finance transactions. He has also 
performed and managed projects 
relating to assurance services, 
tax structuring, risk management, 
internal control audits, and 
system implementations. 

Upon joining, Andrew introduced 
the Group’s enterprise resource 
planning system and worked 
with the CEO to develop a long-
term strategic plan which has 
contributed to a more diverse 
customer base and significant 
business growth. 

Committee Key:  

R

	Remuneration							 A

	Audit							C

 Chair

28   RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

 
	
ALEC CARSTAIRS 
Non-Executive Director

PHILIP HAYDN-SLATER 
Non-Executive Director

IAN HENDERSON
Non-Executive Director

Date of appointment:  
3 May 2018

Date of appointment:  
3 May 2018

Date of appointment:  
3 May 2018

Alec is a qualified chartered 
accountant with over 35 
years’ experience of advising 
companies ranging from new 
start-ups to multi-national 
corporations, principally in the oil 
and gas sector. During his time 
at Ernst & Young he acted as 
Head of UK Oil and Gas Mergers 
and Acquisitions and becoming 
Managing Partner of its Aberdeen 
office and an elected member 
of the UK Governance Council. 
Alec has previously served as 
an independent Non-Executive 
Director of Ithaca Energy Inc. and 
was formerly President of the 
Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber 
of Commerce.

External appointments: 

Director of Cela Consulting 
Limited, Director of Vine Trust, 
and Director of Techfest. 

Committee membership:

AC

Philip has over 35 years of City 
experience, principally within 
institutional sales with a number 
of well-known firms. Philip 
was co-founder of HD Capital 
Partners Ltd, where he was a 
Director for over five 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 flotations 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 financial organisations 
that include ABN Amro, Bankers 
Trust, James Capel & Co, and 
Bain Securities (Deutsche Bank) 
Sydney.

External appointments: 

Non-Executive Chairman of 
RiverFort Global Opportunities 
plc, Director of ADX Energy 
Ltd., and Partner of Eclipse Film 
Partners No.35 LLP. 

Committee membership:

RC

A

Ian is a qualified chartered 
accountant (ACA and FCA) and 
holds an LLB in Scots Law and 
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 USD 10 billion, 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. 

External appointments: 

Non-Executive Director of BMO 
Capital Markets Limited and 
Bluejay Mining Plc.

Committee membership:

R

RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019   29

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
	
 
EXECUTIVE	MANAGEMENT	TEAM	

In addition to the CEO, COO, and CFO,  
the EMT consists of senior members of  
RA International’s management team. 

Each member is involved 
in operations, often 
down to the level of field 
implementation and has 
experience working in 
remote locations and a 
deep understanding of the 
profound impact seemingly 
small problems can have on 
project delivery.

The EMT is supported 
by a committed team of 
management and senior 
staff spread across the 
Company, at Head Office, 
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.

SORAYA NARFELDT 
Chief Executive Officer

LARS NARFELDT 
Chief Operating Officer

ANDREW BOLTER
Chief Financial Officer

For details see page 28

For details see page 28

For details see page 28

TREVOR STRATFORD 
Business Development 
Director

JOHN MITCHELL
Director of Project 
Management 

WILLIAM WARNOCK
Director of US Business 
Development 

Date of appointment:  
April 2011

Date of appointment:  
February 2010

Date of appointment:  
January 2019 

Trevor 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 mind-set 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 heads up our project 
management office which 
manages the implementation 
of all projects with a team 
of subject experts. His team 
works closely with our Country 
Support Offices in the execution 
of projects in our operational 
areas. Since joining the Company 
in 2010, he has worked across all 
departments and specialisations, 
and 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-conflict areas makes him 
especially well placed to work 
alongside people from diverse 
cultures, religions, and world 
views.

William 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.

30   RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

CHAIR’S	CORPORATE	
GOVERNANCE	STATEMENT

FOR	THE	YEAR	ENDED	31	DECEMBER	2019

DEAR SHAREHOLDER, 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK

I am pleased to introduce the corporate governance section 
of our report. As Non-Executive Chair of the Company, it is 
my responsibility to work with my fellow Board members to 
ensure that the Company embraces corporate governance 
and delivers the highest standards we can. It is within my 
role to manage the Board in the best interests of our many 
stakeholders. As we said last year, as a Board we believe 
that practising good corporate governance is essential 
for building a successful and sustainable business. Our 
commitment to good corporate governance has allowed 
us to build a healthy corporate culture throughout the 
organisation. The Board is fully supportive of embracing the 
highest levels of corporate governance possible. 

The Company has adopted the Quoted Companies Alliance 
Corporate Governance Code (2018) (the “QCA Code”) 
which it believes to be the most appropriate recognised 
governance code for RA International. The QCA has ten 
principles which the Company is required to adhere to and 
to make certain disclosures both within this report and on its 
website. The Company’s website disclosures can be found 
at https://ragrpplc.co.uk/investors/corporate-governance/. 
Additional information relating to how we take into account 
wider stakeholder and social responsibilities can be found 
in the Company’s 2019 Sustainability Report which can be 
found at https://rainternationalservices.com/sustainability-
report-2019.

The importance of maintaining strong relationships with 
Shareholders continues and we have an active investor 
relations and communications programme in place. 
The Board strives to ensure that there are numerous 
opportunities for Shareholders to engage with the Board, 
such that they can express their views and expectations for 
the Company. We are committed to maintaining an open 
dialogue with all of our stakeholders and seek to ensure 
that our strategy, business model, and performance are 
clearly understood. In addition to publishing the half-
year and full-year results statements, the Company issues 
trading updates, which typically include details of the order 
book, and major contract announcements in line with the 
Company’s regulatory obligations in order to help our 
stakeholders understand our progress and expectations. In 
addition to the Company’s AGM, where Shareholders are 
encouraged to ask questions, the Executive Directors are 
available to meet with institutional and retail shareholders 
and investment analysts, following the announcement of the 
Company’s interim and final results. 

The Board
The Board retains full and effective control over the 
Company. The Company holds regular scheduled Board 
meetings throughout the year, as well as ad hoc ones as 
and when the demands of the business requires. Individual 
Directors may engage outside advisors at the expense of the 
Company in appropriate circumstances.

At the date of this report, the Board has seven members 
comprising three Executive Directors and four Non-
Executive Directors, whose biographies and roles are set out 
on pages 28 and 29. 

The Board retains ultimate accountability for good 
governance and is responsible for monitoring the activities 
of the Executive Management Team whose biographies are 
set out on page 30. The Directors believe that the Board as 
a whole has a broad range of commercial and professional 
skills which enable it to carry out its duties responsibly and 
effectively. 

The Company has appointed a Chief Executive Officer who 
is responsible for the overall strategy, a Chief Operating 
Officer, responsible for the Company’s daily operations and 
a Chief Financial Officer, responsible for the Company’s 
financial controls and reporting to the Board (of which all 
three positions hold Board seats). It has also appointed four 
Non-Executive Directors (including the Chair), who have 
the responsibility of ensuring that the Board discharges its 
responsibilities and is also responsible for facilitating full and 
constructive contributions from each member of the Board 
in determination of the Company’s strategy and overall 
commercial objectives.

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 Company. 

Governance structure 
The Company is committed to a corporate culture that is based 
on sound ethical values and behaviours and it seeks to instil 
these values across the organisation as a whole. The Board is 
fully committed to taking this responsibility very seriously. 

The Company has adopted a code on dealings in securities 
which the Board regards as appropriate for an AIM 
listed company and is compliant with the Market Abuse 
Regulations. The Company takes all reasonable steps to 
ensure compliance by the Directors, employees, and agents 
with the provisions of the AIM rules relating to dealings in 
the Company’s securities.

RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019   31

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
CHAIR’S	CORPORATE	GOVERNANCE	STATEMENT	
CONTINUED

The Directors take the issue of bribery and corruption 
seriously. The Directors acknowledge the importance of 
ensuring that the Company, its employees and those third 
parties to which the business engages with are operating 
within the requirements of the Bribery Act. The Company 
has adopted and implemented comprehensive anti-bribery 
and corruption policies and procedures (the “ABC Policies”) 
and the Directors impose a zero-tolerance approach to 
non-compliance. It is the Executive Directors’ responsibility 
to ensure that all of the Company’s employees, in the various 
locations, are complying with the ABC policies and that the 
Company has in place adequate procedures to ensure that 
its partners, contractors, and suppliers do not engage in 
bribery or corrupt activity. 

Culture and social responsibility
The Board believes that running a sustainable business 
should benefit everyone, including its customers, employees 
and the host communities in locations in which the Company 
operates. Having a multi-cultural and multi-lingual workforce 
of people who are experienced with the way in which 
operations work in Africa and beyond is key to delivering 
this. Accordingly, the Company cooperates respectfully 
with people on the ground, building trust and goodwill. The 
Company provides stable employment and training to local 
unskilled or semi-skilled labourers. To this end, the Company 
has a direct impact on the wellbeing of its employees’ 
families, and on the local economy in general. 

More information can be found in the Company’s 2019 
Sustainability Report which is available on the Company’s 
website.

Board diversity 
The Board recognises the benefits of diverse skill sets, 
capabilities, backgrounds, and experience to the effective 
functioning of the Board and delivery of strategy. Both the CEO 
and the Chair are females representing 28.6% of the Board. 

Male

Female

71.4%

28.6%

32   RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Matters reserved for the Board
The Board retains full and effective control over the 
Company and is responsible for the Company’s strategy 
and key financial and compliance issues. There are certain 
matters that are reserved for the Board, and they include but 
are not limited to:

Strategy and Management 
Approval of: long-term objectives, commercial strategic 
aims, annual operating and capital expenditure budgets, 
extending the Company’s activities into new business, any 
decision to cease to operate all or any material part of the 
Company’s business.

Structure and Capital 
Capital structure, major changes to the Company’s corporate 
structure, changes to the management and control structure, 
change to the Company’s listing, alteration of the Company’s 
articles of association, change in the Company’s accounting 
reference date, registered name or business name. 

Financial Reporting and Controls 
Approval of: interim and year end accounts, management 
statements and any other preliminary announcements of 
financial results, annual reports, dividend policy, declaration 
of any dividend and significant changes in accounting 
policies/practice. 

Internal Controls 
Ensuring maintenance of a sound system of internal control 
and risk management.

Finance
Raising new capital and confirmation of major financing 
facilities, recommendation of dividends, operating and 
capital expenditure budgets, granting of security over any 
material Company asset. 

Contracts 
All contracts above USD 7.0m, major capital expenditure 
over USD 2.5m, contracts which are material or strategic, 
contracts 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. 

Communications 
Approval or resolutions and documentation put forward 
to shareholders, approval of circulars, prospectuses and 
listing particulars and approval of press releases concerning 
matters decided by the Board. 

Board membership and other appointments
Director and senior management appointments and the 
Company’s succession planning are evaluated on a regular 
basis.

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 Company’s overall corporate governance 
arrangements.

Other 
Policies including the share dealing code, appointment or 
change of the Company’s principal professional advisers 
and auditors, overall levels of insurance for the Company, 
material litigation, any decision likely to have a material 
impact on the Company or Company from any perspective 
including, but not limited to, financial, operational, strategic 
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.

Board Committees 
The Board has formed two sub-committees: namely the 
Audit Committee and Remuneration Committee, with 
delegated responsibility to monitor their respective areas 
and to report back to the full Board. Board committees 
operate under clearly defined terms of reference to ensure 
proper functioning of the committees and effective 
application of best practice. Board committees are required 
to report back to the Board following a committee meeting. 

The Remuneration Committee report can be found on 
page 38 and the Audit Committee report can be found on 
page 40.

On behalf of the Board 

Sangita Shah 
Non-Executive Chair

17 April 2020

RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019   33

CORPORATE GOVERNANCEREVIEW	OF	THE	BOARD’S	
EFFECTIVENESS

FOR	THE	YEAR	ENDED	31	DECEMBER	2019

The Directors consider seriously the effectiveness of the 
Board, its committees and individual performance. The Board 
is responsible for formulating, reviewing and approving the 
Company’s strategy, budgets and corporate actions. 

The Board meets formally four times a year with ad hoc 
Board meetings as the business demands. There is a 
strong flow 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 
Chair, with consideration being given to both standing 
agenda items and the strategic and operational needs of 
the business. Comprehensive Board papers are circulated 
well in advance of meetings, giving Directors ample time 
to review the documentation and enabling an effective 
meeting. Minutes are drawn up to reflect a true record of 
the discussions and decisions made. Resulting actions are 
tracked for appropriate delivery and follow up. 

The Directors have a broad knowledge of the business 
and understand their responsibilities as directors of a UK 
company quoted on AIM and are developing appropriate 
corporate governance procedures and looking forward to 
building further on the governance structure already in place. 

The Company’s NOMAD provides annual board room 
training. The Company Secretary helps keep the Board up 
to date with developments in corporate governance and 
liaises with the NOMAD on areas of AIM requirements. The 
Company Secretary has frequent communication with both 
the Chair and CEO and is 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.

The Board considers that its effectiveness and the 
individual performance of each Director is vital to the 
success of the Company. The Board believes that it 
functions effectively and given it has been less than 
two years since the Company’s Admission to AIM, it is 
considered to be too soon to carry out a formal process 
of Board evaluation. It is recognised that in order to meet 
the requirements of the QCA Code, a process needs to be 
considered in the short to medium term. In the meantime, 
the effectiveness of the Board, individual Directors and 
senior management will be reviewed on an on-going 
informal basis as the Board forms a united forum for 
building the business.

BOARD/COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE  
AT MEETINGS DURING 2019

Board meetings 
(4 scheduled)

Audit 
Committee 
meetings (3)

Remuneration
 Committee
meetings (1)

4

4 

4 

4

4

4

4

3

N/A

N/A

N/A

3

N/A

3

1

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

1

1

Sangita Shah 

Soraya Narfeldt 

Lars Narfeldt 

Andrew Bolter 

Alec Carstairs

Ian Henderson 

Philip Haydn-Slater 

On behalf of the Board 

Sangita Shah 
Non-Executive Chair

17 April 2020

34   RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES

SIGNIFICANT SHAREHOLDERS

The Company is a global provider of services in remote 
and challenging locations. It specialises in three service 
channels: integrated facilities management, construction, 
and supply chain. The Company has a strong and loyal 
customer base, largely comprising UN agencies, western 
governments, and global corporations.

The Company provides comprehensive, flexible, mission 
critical support to its clients enabling them to focus on the 
delivery of their respective businesses and services. The 
Company’s focus on integrity and values alongside on-going 
investment in people, locations and operations has over time 
created a reliable and trusted brand within its sector.

A detailed explanation of the Company’s principle activities 
and business model can be found on pages 6 through 9 
respectively. 

RESULTS AND DIVIDENDS

During 2019, a final dividend payment of GBP 1.0p per share 
was declared to shareholders of the Company on 3 July 2019. 

The profit for the year ended 31 December 2019 was USD 12.9m.

As at 31 December 2019 the Company was aware of the 
following major shareholders representing 3% or more of 
voting rights attached to the issued Ordinary Share capital 
of the Company.

Soraya Narfeldt

Lars Narfeldt

Jupiter Asset Management Limited

55.2%

24.2%

5.8%

As at 31 March 2020, the Company was aware that River 
and Mercantile Asset Management held 3.2% of voting 
rights attached to the issued Ordinary Share capital of the 
Company.

The Directors are not aware of any other notifications 
of changes to any major shareholdings between 
31 December 2019 and 17 April 2020.

AUDITOR

Each person who is a Director at the date of approval of this 
annual report confirms that: 

The Board is recommending a final dividend of GBP 1.25p 
per share. Subject to shareholder approval at the 2020 AGM, 
the final dividend for 2019 will become due and payable on 
9 July 2020 to shareholders on the register as of 29 May 
2020. 

• 

• 

 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 they ought to have 
taken as a Director to make themselves aware of any 
relevant audit information and to establish that the 
auditor is aware of that information. 

DIRECTORS

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

This information is given and should be interpreted in 
accordance with the provisions of s418 of the Companies 
Act 2006. 

Sangita Shah 

Soraya Narfeldt 

Lars Narfeldt 

Andrew Bolter 

Alec Carstairs

Ian Henderson 

Philip Haydn-Slater 

Non-Executive Chair

Executive Director

Executive Director

Executive Director

Non-Executive Director

Non-Executive Director

Non-Executive Director 

Appointment Date

3 May 2018 to present 

13 March 2018 to present 

13 March 2018 to present 

3 May 2018 to present 

3 May 2018 to present 

3 May 2018 to present 

3 May 2018 to present

RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019   35

CORPORATE GOVERNANCEDIRECTORS’	REPORT	
CONTINUED

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS

The Directors who held office at 31 December 2019 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 

GOING CONCERN

No. of Consolidated 
Ordinary Shares 2019 

42,983

95,857,145

42,000,000

900,000

108,743

—

100,000

The financial information for the year to 31 December 2019 
has been prepared assuming that the Company will continue 
as a going concern. 

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. 

Based on an assessment made based on the Company’s 
anticipated activities for the next 12 months from the date of 
authorisation of the financial statements, the Directors have 
formed a judgement that the going concern basis should be 
adopted in preparing the financial statements. 

The Board has approved financial forecasts that take into 
account the potential impact of COVID-19 on the Group’s 
operations, as well as potential downside sensitivities which 
include the cessation of all operations for a three month or six 
month period. Under all of these scenarios the Group continues 
to be cash positive and further mitigations have been identified 
to preserve cash if required to provide additional headroom 
and remain cash positive if there was a worsening of conditions 
beyond the downside scenarios considered.

Based on this analysis, along with a comprehensive review of 
the Company’s business continuity plan, crisis management 
processes, and procedures being actioned, the Board has 
concluded that given the Company’s cash reserves available 
and access to additional liquidity the Company will continue 
to trade as a going concern.

STRATEGIC REPORT 

The Company is required by the Companies Act 2006 
to include a Strategic Report in its Annual Report. The 
information that fulfils this requirement can be found on 
pages 5 to 26. 

Signed by order of the Directors
On behalf of the Board

Amanda Bateman
For and on behalf of AMBA Secretaries Limited
Company Secretary

17 April 2020

36   RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

DIRECTORS’	RESPONSIBILITY	STATEMENT

FOR	THE	YEAR	ENDED	31	DECEMBER	2019

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

Company law requires the Directors to prepare Group and 
Company financial statements for each financial year. The 
Directors are required by the AIM Rules of the London 
Stock Exchange to prepare Group financial statements 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 
financial 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 Company financial statements are required by law 
and IFRS adopted by the EU to present fairly the financial 
position and performance of the Company, the Companies 
Act 2006 provides in relation to such financial statements 
that references in the relevant part of that Act to financial 
statements giving a true and fair view are references to their 
achieving a fair presentation. 

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate 
accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain 
the Group’s and the Company’s transactions and disclose 
with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of 
the Group and the Company and enable them to ensure that 
the financial statements and the Directors’ Remuneration 
Report comply with the Companies Act 2006. 

They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of 
the Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the 
prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and 
integrity of the corporate and financial information included 
on the Company’s website. 

Legislation in the UK governing the preparation and 
dissemination of financial statements may differ from 
legislation in other jurisdictions.

On behalf of the Board 

Under company law, the Directors must not approve the 
financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give 
a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and 
the Company, and of the profit or loss of the Company for 
that period. 

Andrew Bolter
Chief Financial Officer

17 April 2020

In preparing each of the Group and Company financial 
statements, the Directors are required to:

• 

• 

• 

 select suitable accounting policies and then apply them 
consistently;

 make judgements and accounting estimates that are 
reasonable;

 for the Group financial statements, state whether they 
have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted 
by the EU and, for the Company financial statements, 
state whether applicable UK accounting standards 
have been followed, subject to any material departures 
disclosed and explained in the Company financial 
statements; and 

• 

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

RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019   37

CORPORATE GOVERNANCEREMUNERATION	COMMITTEE	REPORT

FOR	THE	YEAR	ENDED	31	DECEMBER	2019

2019 ACTIVITIES

• 

• 

• 

 The Remuneration Committee agreed that a third-party 
advisor should be engaged during 2019 to provide 
guidance on the optimal structure of an Executive 
Directors’ remuneration package, including benchmarking 
on levels of annual bonuses and how this could be linked 
to performance. 

 The Remuneration Committee agreed to explore share 
incentive schemes that could potentially be rolled out 
during 2019/2020 across the business.

 A Company-wide salary increase was agreed by the 
Remuneration Committee. 

THE REMUNERATION COMMITTEE 

The Remuneration Committee is a standing committee of 
the Board of the Company and is comprised of three Non-
Executive Directors, whose names and profiles are set out 
on pages 28 and 29. It is the Remuneration Committee’s 
responsibility to review 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 assists the Board in 
discharging its oversight responsibilities relating to the 
attraction, compensation, evaluation, and retention 
of Executive Directors and key senior management 
employees. It aims to ensure that the Company’s 
remuneration policy attracts and retains employees 
with the right skills and expertise needed to enable the 
Company to achieve its goals and strategies and that 
fair and competitive compensation, with appropriate 
performance incentives, are awarded.

The Remuneration Committee aims to ensure that the 
Company’s remuneration policy is aligned with and promotes 
the implementation of the Company’s strategy and effective 
risk management for the long-term and all employees and 
Executive Directors are appropriately remunerated. 

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

The Remuneration Committee also makes recommendations 
to the Board on proposals for the granting of share options 
and other equity incentives pursuant to any employee share 
option scheme or equity incentive plans in operation from 
time to time. 

The Remuneration Committee held one meeting during 
2019, its second meeting was deferred to early 2020 due 
to a delay in receiving a report from a third-party advisor. 
Members’ attendance records are disclosed in the Corporate 
Governance Report on page 34 contained in this Annual 
Report. 

PLANS FOR 2020

• 

• 

 Review and consider launching a share or share option 
scheme offering to employees below Board level.

 Review benchmarking report from third party advisor to 
determine Director Remuneration package. 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ SERVICE CONTRACTS

The Company’s policy on Directors’ service contracts are 
indicated below:

Director

Effective term

Notice period

Soraya Narfeldt 

Lars Narfeldt 

Andrew Bolter 

29 June 2018

29 June 2018

29 June 2018

6 months 

6 months 

6 months 

Non-Executive letters of appointment 

Director

Sangita Shah

Alec Carstairs

Ian Henderson

Effective term

29 June 2018

29 June 2018

29 June 2018

Philip Haydn-Slater

29 June 2018

Appointment 
Term

3 years

3 years

3 years

3 years 

Fees/basic salary1 
GBP’000

Benefits in kind 
GBP’000

Other 
remuneration2 
GBP’000

Total  
2019 
GBP’000

Total  
2018 
GBP’000

Executive

Soraya Narfeldt

Lars Narfeldt

Andrew Bolter

Non-Executive 

Sangita Shah 

Alec Carstairs

Philip Haydn-Slater

Ian Henderson 

Total

291

186

186

81

51

51

51

897

21

15

10

—

—

—

—

46

17

6

15

—

—

—

—

38

329

207

211

81

51

51

51

981

301

169

598

40

25

25

25

1,183

38   RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

 
DIRECTORS’ SHARE OPTIONS 

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

The Directors recognise the need to attract, incentivise, 
and retain employees and the importance of ensuring that 
all employees are well motivated and are able to identify 
closely with the performance of the Company. To that end, 
the Company introduced the Share Option Scheme 2018 
(“Scheme”) under which options may be granted to eligible 
employees from time to time, acting through the Board and 
subject to the rules of the Scheme. 

The principle terms of the Scheme are summarised below. 

Option awards under the Scheme provide the right 
to acquire a certain number of ordinary shares in the 
Company in the future, subject to the satisfaction of any 
specified performance conditions set at the discretion of 
the Remuneration Committee. The Scheme is a UK non-tax 
advantaged, discretionary share option plan which provides 
for the grant of options to employees of the Company. The 
Board believes that the Scheme is an effective mechanism to 
incentivise key employees of the Company. 

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

Andrew Bolter 

29 June 2018

1,304,347

Option Exercise Period  
(with performance 
conditions)

From the third anniversary 
of Admission to the sixth 
anniversary of Admission 

Exercise Price GBP

0.10

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

Non-Executive Directors

Fees (GBP)

Sangita Shah 

Alec Carstairs

Philip Haydn-Slater

Ian Henderson 

80,800

50,500

50,500

50,500

CONSIDERATION BY THE 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 the 
Executive Management Team. The Committee works within 
its terms of reference, and its role includes:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Determining and agreeing with the Board, the 
Remuneration Policy for all Executive Directors and under 
guidance of the Executive Directors, other members of 
the Executive Management Team.

 Ensuring Executive Director Remuneration packages are 
competitive.

 Determining whether annual bonus payments should be 
made and approving levels for individual Executive Directors.

 Determining each year whether any awards/grants should 
be made under the incentive schemes and the value of 
such awards.

 Considering any new long-term incentive scheme awards 
and performance criteria.

• 

 Agreeing Directors’ service contracts and notice periods.

The vesting of options granted under the Scheme are 
conditional on continuous employment and the achievement 
of a hurdle total shareholder return as at the end of the three-
year performance period.

The Company is committed to maintaining an open and 
transparent dialogue with shareholders on all aspects of 
Remuneration within the Company. 

If at the end of the performance period, the performance 
condition is not satisfied, the option will immediately lapse 
and cease to be exercisable. 

The Company’s stock price was 46 pence as at the close of  
31 December 2019.

Philip Haydn–Slater 
Remuneration Committee Chairman

17 April 2020

1   The 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 
reflecting their role as a member of Executive Management. The figure presented in the table denotes the total base salary for both employment contracts.  Executive 
Management contracts are denominated in United Arab Emirate dirhams and have been converted to UK Pounds at a rate of 1 UAE Dirham: GBP 0.2143, being the average 
exchange rate during 2019.

2 Other remuneration includes end of service benefits which are defined in note 25 of the annual financial statements and share based payments which are detailed in note 16.

RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019   39

CORPORATE GOVERNANCEAUDIT	COMMITTEE	REPORT

FOR	THE	YEAR	ENDED	31	DECEMBER	2019

2019 ACTIVITIES:

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Reviewed and approved the Company’s 2019 Interim 
Report.

 Reviewed and approved the 2019 audit plan presented by 
the Company’s auditors.

 Reviewed the independence and competence of the 
Company’s auditors, Ernst & Young.

 Considered the QCA audit guidance guide for small and 
mid-sized quoted companies. 

The Committee has engaged Ernst & Young LLP (EY) to 
act as external auditors and they are also invited to attend 
Committee meetings, unless they have a conflict of interest. 
The Audit Committee also meets with the auditors without 
management in attendance. The Audit Committee has 
committed to meet no less than twice in each financial 
year and has unrestricted access to the Company’s external 
auditors. In 2019, the Audit Committee met three times and 
the members attendance record at Committee meetings 
during the financial year is set out in the Corporate 
Governance report at page 34. 

The Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing and 
monitoring the effectiveness of the Company’s financial 
reporting, internal control policies, and procedures for the 
identification, assessment, and reporting of risk. The latter 
two areas are integral to the Company’s core management 
processes and the Committee devotes significant time 
to receiving and reviewing reports from the Executive 
Management Team and external auditors relating to the 
interim and annual accounts and the accounting and internal 
control systems in use throughout the Company. The Audit 
Committee is also responsible for overseeing the relationship 
with the external auditor.

An essential part of the integrity of the financial statements 
lies around the key assumptions and estimates or 
judgements to be made. The Committee reviews key 
judgements prior to publication of the financial statements 
at both the end of the financial year and at the end of the 
six-month interim period, as well as considering significant 
issues throughout the year. In particular, this includes 
reviewing any subjective material assumptions within the 
Company’s activities to enable an appropriate determination 
of asset valuation, provisioning and the accounting treatment 
thereof. The Audit Committee reviewed and was satisfied 
that the judgements exercised by management on material 
items contained within the Report and Financial Statements 
are reasonable.

The Audit Committee comprises of three Non-Executive 
Directors whose names and profiles are set out on pages 28 
and 29. Although not a member of the Audit Committee, the 
Chief Financial Officer, whose name and profile is set out on 
page 28 is invited to attend meetings. 

The Audit Committee has considered the Company’s 
internal control and risk management policies and systems, 
their effectiveness, and the requirements for an internal 
audit function in the context of the Company’s overall risk 
management system. The Audit Committee is satisfied that 
the Company does not currently require an internal audit 
function, however, it will continue to periodically review the 
situation.

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 financial reporting, fraud, and bribery 
and ensure that appropriate follow up action is taken. No 
issues have been highlighted. 

The impact of COVID-19 on the Company was assessed 
by the Audit Committee as part of the full Board. Detailed 
scrutiny of the country assessments of readiness and the 
weekly project trackers for each contract occurred with 
respect to the viability of the business and its cash resources. 
The appropriate disclosures in the financial accounts were 
reviewed. 

The external auditors, EY, were re-appointed during the 
financial year by shareholders at the Company’s AGM. The 
Audit Committee shall undertake a comprehensive review 
of the quality, effectiveness, value and independence of 
the audit provided by EY each year, seeking the views of 
the wider Board, together with relevant members of the 
Committee.

40   RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Committee reviews and makes recommendations to the 
Board on:

•  any change in accounting policies;

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 decisions requiring a major element of judgement and risk;

 compliance with accounting standards and legal and 
regulatory requirements;

 disclosures in the interim and annual report and financial 
statements;

 reviewing the effectiveness of the Company’s financial 
and internal controls;

 any significant concerns of the external auditor about the 
conduct, results or overall outcome of the annual audit of 
the Company; and

 any matters that may significantly affect the 
independence of the external auditor.

Alec Carstairs 
Chairman of the Audit Committee

17 April 2020

RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019   41

CORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS

42   RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019

OPINION

In our opinion:

• 

• 

• 

• 

 RA International Group plc’s group financial statements and parent company financial statements (the “financial 
statements”) give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the parent company’s affairs as at 31 December 
2019 and of the Group’s profit for the year then ended;

 the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union; 

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

 the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. We have 
audited the financial statements of RA International Group plc, which comprise:

Group

Parent company

Consolidated statement of financial position as at 
31 December 2019

Company statement of financial position as at 
31 December 2019

Consolidated income statement for the year then ended 

Statement of changes in equity for the year then ended

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the 
year then ended

Related notes 1 to 9 to the Parent Company financial 
statements including a summary of significant 
accounting policies

Consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year 
then ended

Consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then 
ended

Related notes 1 to 32 to the Group financial statements, 
including a summary of significant accounting policies

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the group financial statements is applicable 
law and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as adopted by the European Union. The financial reporting 
framework that has been applied in the preparation of the parent company financial statements is applicable law and United 
Kingdom Accounting Standards, 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 financial 
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 financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard as 
applied to listed entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.

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

CONCLUSIONS RELATING TO GOING CONCERN

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the ISAs (UK) require us to report to you 
where:

• 

• 

 the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is not 
appropriate; or

 the directors have not disclosed in the financial statements any identified material uncertainties that may cast significant 
doubt about the Group’s or the parent company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting for a 
period of at least twelve months from the date when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019   43

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSINDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT 
CONTINUED

OVERVIEW OF OUR AUDIT APPROACH

Key audit matters

Audit scope

Materiality

KEY AUDIT MATTERS

• 

 Risk of misstatement due to management override, fraud 
and error, specifically around revenue recognition

•  Risk of non-compliance with laws and regulations

• 

• 

 We performed an audit of the complete financial 
information of all components

 Overall group materiality of $644k which represents 
5% of profit before tax

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the financial 
statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not 
due to fraud) that we identified. These matters included those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy, 
the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team. These matters were addressed in 
the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate 
opinion on these matters.

Risk

Our response to the risk

Key observations communicated to the 

Risk of misstatement due to 
management override, fraud and error, 
specifically around revenue recognition

Refer to Accounting policies Note 4 
and Notes 5 and 6 of the Consolidated 
Financial Statements.

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 judgment. 
Accordingly, we focussed on 
construction and longer-term services 
contracts.

The complexity and judgments are 
mainly related to estimation of the cost 
to complete the projects, expected 
revenues and the related percentage of 
completion which the group applies for 
recognising revenues. The determination 
of the cost to complete impacts the 
value and timing of revenue and profit 
recognised over the life of the project, 
and it is an estimate that requires 
expertise and judgment. 

Our principal audit procedures 
included:

We communicated to the Audit 
Committee that:

Audit Committee 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Through our walkthrough 
procedures performed, and 
assessment of key internal controls, 
we assessed the design and 
implementation of the controls in 
place to be appropriate.

 After examination of the 
correlations between revenue 
streams through debtors to cash, 
no material issues were identified.

 Through our journal entry testing, 
specifically those manual journal 
postings near year-end, we had 
identified no material issues.

 Revenue had been recorded 
appropriately.

 We concluded that revenue 
recognition accounting policies 
adopted are appropriate and have 
been applied consistently.

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Performing 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.

 Obtaining an understanding 
and evaluating the key internal 
controls which support the project 
management and accounting. 
These included 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 significant 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 flows 
(business activities) which sat 
outside of the expected pathways.

44   RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Risk

Our response to the risk

Key observations communicated to the 

Audit Committee 

Our principal audit procedures 
included (continued):

• 

• 

• 

 Making enquiries of non-finance 
staff, such as to discuss the status 
of particular projects with the 
respective project managers. 

 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.

Risk of non-compliance with laws and 
regulations 

Our principal audit procedures 
included:

We communicated to the Audit 
Committee that:

• 

• 

• 

Refer to Accounting policies (Note 4 of 
the Consolidated Financial Statements).

Auditing standards require that we 
consider the risk of non-compliance 
with laws and regulation on the financial 
statements. 

RA International operate in countries 
that rank amongst the highest on the 
Transparency International Corruption 
Perceptions Index and have limited legal 
structures. Both factors increase the risk 
of corruption and bribery.

There is a risk that if the controls and 
policies in place are not sufficient to 
prevent or detect bribery there would 
be a material impact on the financial 
statements. 

 Enquiries of management, and, 
when appropriate, those charged 
with governance as to whether the 
entity is in compliance with such 
laws and regulations.

 Inspection of correspondence, if 
any, with the relevant licensing or 
regulatory authorities.

• 

• 

 Through our walkthrough of the 
expenditure cycle, we assessed the 
design and implementation of the 
relevant controls to be effective.

 Through our journal entry testing, 
specifically those manual journal 
postings affecting cash balances, 
we had identified no material issues.

 Through our testing of large 
and unusual cash receipts and 
payments, no material issues were 
identified.

• 

 Based on the audit procedures 
performed, no instances of 
non-compliance with laws and 
regulations were noted.

 Performance of targeted procedures 
on the procurement process:

• 

o 

o 

o 

 Performed walkthrough of 
the expenditure cycle to gain 
an understanding of different 
procurement processes and to 
map out the relevant controls 
end to end.

 Unusual journal posting 
originating from cash (such 
as manual cash payments and 
receipts).

 Detailed testing of cash 
payments and higher risk 
expenditure (including travel 
and entertainment, advances 
and bonuses).

We performed full scope audit 
procedures over this risk area.

RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019   45

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT 
CONTINUED

Risk

Our response to the risk

Key observations communicated to the 

Management’s consideration of the 
potential impact on going concern

Our principal audit procedures 
included:

We communicated to the Audit 
Committee that:

Audit Committee 

 We consider the disclosures made 
by management and the Board in 
respect to the potential impact of 
COVID-19 to be appropriate.

 Based on our procedures, we have 
not identified any matters to report 
with respect to both management’s 
and the Board’s considerations 
of the impact of COVID-19 on the 
current and future operations of the 
Group.

Refer to Notes 2 and 32 of the 
Consolidated Financial Statements.

Management and the Board have 
considered the potential impact of the 
non-adjusting post balance sheet event 
that have been caused by the pandemic, 
COVID-19, on the current and future 
operations of the Group. In doing so, 
management have made estimates 
and judgments that are critical to the 
outcomes of these considerations. 

As a result of the impact of COVID-19 
on the wider financial markets and 
the Company’s share price, we have 
determined management’s consideration 
of the potential impact of COVID-19 to 
be a key audit matter.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 We obtained from management 
their latest financial models that 
support the Board’s assessment 
and conclusions with respect to the 
statement of going concern.

• 

• 

 We performed procedures to 
ensure the mechanical accuracy of 
the models and resulting forecasts.

 We discussed with management 
the critical estimates and judgments 
applied in their latest financial 
models so we could understand 
and challenge the rationale for 
the factors incorporated into 
these financial models and the 
sensitivities applied as a result of 
COVID-19.

 We inspected the financial models 
provided to assess their consistency 
with our understanding of the 
operations of the Group. We also 
agreed any key amendments, 
estimates and judgments to 
underlying supporting information 
and fact patterns where and as 
appropriate.

 We have considered and challenged 
the ability to implement mitigating 
actions identified by management, 
as part of their sensitivity analysis.

 We subjected the financial models 
to additional stress testing to 
confirm that both management 
and the Board have considered a 
balanced range of outcomes in their 
assessment of the potential impact 
of COVID-19 on the Group.

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

46   RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

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 financial 
statements. All trading activity is recorded through one subsidiary entity, and we have classified this entity as full scope 
providing 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 effect of identified misstatements 
on the audit and in forming our audit opinion. 

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

We determined materiality for the Group to be $683,000 (2018: $600,000) which is 5% of profit before tax. We believe 
that profit before tax (excluding exceptional items) provides us with an appropriate basis for determining misstatements of 
importance to the users of the financial statements. 

We determined materiality for the Parent Company to be $695,000 (2018: $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 different basis. 

During the course of our audit, we reassessed Group materiality based on the final position. This resulted in final materiality 
being assessed at $663,000, which is a decrease of $20,000. No change was noted for Parent Company materiality.

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 judgment 
was that performance materiality was 75% (2018: 50%) of our planning materiality, namely $497,000 (2018: $320,000). We 
have set performance materiality at this percentage due to various considerations including the past history of misstatements, 
our ability to assess the likelihood of misstatements, the effectiveness of the internal control environment and other factors 
affecting the entity and its financial reporting. The year over year change is due to the prior year being first year in the listed 
Group structure and therefore necessitated setting at the lower end of our normal range.

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

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them all uncorrected audit differences in excess of $34,000 
(2018: $32,000), which is set at 5% of planning materiality, as well as differences 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.

RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019   47

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSINDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT 
CONTINUED

OTHER INFORMATION 

The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report other than the financial statements and our 
auditor’s report thereon. The Directors are responsible for the other information. 

Our opinion on the financial 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 financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, 
consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in 
the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material 
misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a 
material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material 
misstatement of 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 financial year for which the financial 
statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and 

• 

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

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

•  certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or

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

RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIRECTORS

As explained more fully in the Directors’ responsibilities statement (set out on page 37), the Directors are responsible for 
the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal 
control as the Directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the financial statements, the Directors are responsible for assessing the Group 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.

48   RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

AUDITOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance 
is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a 
material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or 
in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these 
financial statements. 

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting 
Council’s website at https://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 
17 April 2020

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 financial statements 
since they were initially presented on the web site.

2.   Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019   49

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONSOLIDATED STATEMENT  
OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019

Revenue

Direct costs

Gross profit

Administrative expenses

Underlying operating profit

Acquisition costs

Holding company expenses

Operating profit

Investment revenue

Finance costs

Underlying profit

Exceptional items

Profit before tax

Tax expense

Profit and total comprehensive income for the period

Basic and diluted earnings per share (cents)

Notes 

2019 
USD’000 

7

11

11

13

14

15

69,064

(47,174)

21,890

(7,156)

14,734

(46)

(1,048)

13,640

294

(675)

13,259

—

13,259

(384)

12,875

7.4

2018 
USD’000  
Restated

54,805

(34,221)

20,584

(6,416)

14,168

(82)

(505)

13,581

34

(854)

12,761

(2,934)

9,827

—

9,827

6.3

50   RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF 
FINANCIAL POSITION

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2019

Assets

Non-current assets

Property, plant, and equipment

Goodwill

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

Lease liabilities

Employees’ end of service benefits

Current liabilities

Term loans and notes

Lease liabilities

Trade and other payables

Total liabilities

Total equity and liabilities

Notes 

2019 
USD’000 

2018 
USD’000  
Restated

2017 
USD’000  
Restated

19

10

20

21

22

23

24

25

24

26

28,516

138

28,654

6,178

24,520

21,393

52,091

80,745

24,300

—

18,254

(17,803)

47

44,685

69,483

—

2,397

391

2,788

—

437

8,037

8,474

11,262

80,745

18,624

—

18,624

4,263

15,962

27,804

48,029

66,653

24,300

—

18,254

(17,803)

16

34,013

58,780

—

2,532

350

2,882

—

111

4,880

4,991

7,873

66,653

11,262

—

11,262

2,660

12,669

7,469

22,798

34,060

272

1,809

—

—

—

22,733

24,814

6

2,319

251

2,576

1,861

60

4,749

6,670

9,246

34,060

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 17 April 2020 and signed on its behalf by:

Soraya Narfeldt 
CEO 

Andrew Bolter
CFO

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

RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019   51

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT  
OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019

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 2018 previously 
reported

Impact of adoption of IFRS 16

As at 1 January 2018 restated

Total comprehensive income for 
the period**

272

1,809

—

272

—

—

1,809

—

Share exchange (note 8)

19,612

(1,809)

Issue of share capital (note 8)

4,416

Non-cash employee compensation 
(note 16)

Share based payments (note 16)

Dividends declared and paid 
(note 17)

—

—

—

As at 31 December 2018

24,300

Total comprehensive income for 
the period

Share based payments (note 16)

Dividends declared and paid 
(note 17)

—

—

—

As at 31 December 2019

24,300

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

18,254

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(17,803)

—

—

—

—

18,254

(17,803)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

16

—

16

—

31

—

Retained
Earnings  
USD’000

Total 
USD’000

23,020

25,101

(287)

(287)

22,733

24,814

9,827

9,827

—

—

—

22,670

1,578

1,578

—

(125)

16

(125)

34,013

58,780

12,875

12,875

—

31

(2,203)

(2,203)

18,254

(17,803)

47

44,685

69,483

* Merger reserve represents the difference 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 2018 has been restated due to the adoption of IFRS 16 (note 5).

52   RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT  
OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019

Operating activities

Operating profit

Adjustments for non-cash and other items:

Depreciation on property, plant, and equipment

Loss on disposal of property, plant, and equipment

Unrealised differences on translation of foreign balances 

Provision for employees’ end of service benefits

Share based payments

Working capital adjustments:

Inventories

Accounts receivable, deposits, and other receivables

Accounts payable and accruals

Cash flows generated from operations

Tax paid

Employees’ end of service benefits paid

Stock-based compensation and related costs

Net cash flows from operating activities

Investing activities

Investment revenue received

Release of cash margin against guarantees issued

Purchase of property, plant, and equipment

Proceeds from disposal of property, plant, and equipment

Acquisition of subsidiary (net of cash acquired)

Net cash flows used in investing activities

Financing activities

Repayment of term loans and notes

Payment of lease liabilities

Finance costs paid

Dividends paid

Share listing costs

Issue of share capital (net of issue costs paid)

Net cash flows (used in)/from financing activities

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents as at start of the period

Effect of foreign exchange on cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents as at end of the period

Notes 

2019  
USD’000 

2018  
USD’000  
Restated

13,640

13,581

2,577

46

(165)

174

31

1,510

120

364

116

16

16,303

15,707

(1,607)

(8,306)

2,559

8,949

(144)

(133)

—

8,672

294

—

(12,358)

170

(106)

(12,000)

—

(370)

(675)

(2,203)

—

—

(3,248)

(6,576)

27,804

165

21,393

(1,587)

(2,627)

(58)

11,435

—

(17)

(24)

11,394

34

2,000

(8,683)

97

(565)

(7,117)

(1,867)

(73)

(853)

(125)

(1,332)

22,672

18,422

22,699

5,469

(364)

27,804

19

19

25

16

14

25

16

19

19

30

24

17

8

8

22

22

RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019   53

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019

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 integrated facilities management, construction, 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 office 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 specific accounting guidance 
under IFRS. Consequently, the integration of the Company has been accounted for using merger accounting principles. The 
policy, which does not conflict with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), reflects 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 financial statements of the Group represent a continuation of the financial 
statements of RA International FZCO, the former parent of the Group. 

2  BASIS OF PREPARATION

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS 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 Group.

Going concern
The Group has a sufficient level of cash and access to liquidity to be able to operate for the foreseeable future and accordingly 
it is appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis.

In assessing the basis of preparation of the financial statements the Board has undertaken a rigorous assessment of going 
concern, considering financial forecasts and utilising scenario analysis to test the adequacy of the Group’s liquidity. These 
include multiple scenarios which specifically forecast the potential impact of COVID-19 on the Group’s trading.

The Group has performed a comprehensive analysis with respect to the potential operational and financial risks associated 
with COVID-19. The primary impact of COVID-19 on the Group is that, as customers implement social distancing measures 
and repatriate their staff from remote locations, some construction contracts have been suspended and scope modifications 
have been made to a number of service contracts. Based on discussions with customers, the Board expects that most of these 
contracts will return to normal operating circumstances within a three to six-month period. 

The Board has approved financial forecasts that take into account the potential impact of COVID-19 on the Group’s operations, 
as well as potential downside sensitivities which include the cessation of all operations for a three month or six month period. 
Under all of these scenarios the Group continues to be cash positive and further mitigations have been identified to preserve 
cash if required to provide additional headroom and remain cash positive if there was a worsening of conditions beyond the 
downside scenarios considered.

The Board has also assessed the Group’s ability to overcome the operating challenges associated with continuing to service 
clients throughout the term of the pandemic and has concluded that the Group will be able to continue to meet its contractual 
commitments. The Group’s primary activity is undertaking projects in locations where a crisis situation is either ongoing or 
there is a reasonable expectation that a crisis will occur during the term of the project. As a result, the Group has existing 
plans in place to address the operating challenges associated with restrictions on both the movement of people and goods. 
It also has existing infrastructure, procedures, and insurance in place to address the safety and security of its staff and assets. 

3  BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION

The financial statements comprise the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries as at 31 December 2019. 
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 affect those returns through its power over the investee. Specifically, 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 affect its returns.

54   RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

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 financial statements from the date the Group gains control until the date the Group ceases to 
control the subsidiary.

When necessary, adjustments are made to the financial 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 flows 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 profit 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 identifiable 
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 acquisition costs. 

When the Group acquires a business, it assesses the financial assets and liabilities assumed for appropriate classification 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 reflects 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 control of ownership of the goods have passed to the buyer, usually on 
delivery of the goods.

Construction
Typically, revenue from construction contracts is recognised at a point in time when performance obligations have been met. 
Generally, this is the same time at which client acceptance has been received. Dependant on the nature of the contracts, in 
some cases revenue is recognised over time using the percentage of completion method.

Services
Revenue from providing services is recognised over time, applying the time elapsed method for accommodation and similar 
services to measure progress towards complete satisfaction of the service, as the customers simultaneously receive and 
consume the benefits provided by the Group.

Interest income
Interest income is accrued on a time basis, by reference to the principal outstanding and at the effective interest rate 
applicable, which is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial 
asset to that asset’s net carrying amount.

RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019   55

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirect costs
Direct costs represent costs directly incurred or related to the core business of the Group.

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 fulfilling 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 reclassified as a trade receivable. 

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. 

Tax
Current tax expense is based on taxable profit for the year and is recognised in profit or loss. Taxable profit may differ from 
net profit 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 financial 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

Leasehold improvements

Furniture and fixtures

Shipping containers

IT equipment

Tools and equipment

Motor vehicles

Lesser of 20 years and term of land lease

10 years or term of lease

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 profit 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 benefits of the related item of property, plant, and equipment. All other 
expenditure is recognised in profit or loss as the expense is incurred.

An item of property, plant, and equipment is derecognised upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected 
from its use. Any gain or loss arising on de-recognition of the asset (calculated as the difference between the net disposal 
proceeds and carrying amount of the asset) is included in the profit or loss in the year the asset is derecognised.

Assets’ residual values, useful lives, and methods of depreciation are reviewed at each financial year end, and adjusted 
prospectively, if appropriate.

Goodwill
Goodwill is stated as cost less accumulated impairment losses. Cost is calculated as the total consideration transferred less net 
assets acquired. 

56   RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED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.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in hand and balances with banks, which are readily convertible to known amounts of 
cash and have a maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition. This definition is also used for the consolidated 
cash flow statement.

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 inflows 
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 amount. In assessing 
value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects 
current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. 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 five years. For longer periods, a long-term growth rate is calculated and applied to project future cash flows after the fifth 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 profit or loss.

Financial instruments
i)  Financial assets

Initial recognition and measurement
The classification of financial assets at initial recognition depends on the financial asset’s contractual cash flow characteristics 
and the Group’s business model for managing them. With the exception of trade receivables that do not contain a significant 
financing component or for which the Group has applied the practical expedient, the Group initially measures a financial asset 
at its fair value plus, in the case of a financial asset not at fair value through profit or loss, transaction costs. Trade receivables 
that do not contain a significant financing component or for which the Group has applied the practical expedient are 
measured at the transaction price determined under IFRS 15.

Derecognition of financial assets
A financial asset (or, where applicable a part of a financial asset or part of a group of similar financial assets) is derecognised 
when the rights to receive cash flows from the asset has expired.

Impairment of financial assets
The Group recognises an allowance for expected credit losses (ECLs) for all debt instruments not held at fair value through 
profit or loss. ECLs are based on the difference between the contractual cash flows due in accordance with the contract and 
all the cash flows that the Group expects to receive, discounted at an approximation of the original effective interest rate. The 
expected cash flows will include cash flows from the sale of collateral held or other credit enhancements that are integral to 
the contractual terms.

RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019   57

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSECLs are recognised in two stages. For credit exposures for which there has not been a significant 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 significant 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 simplified 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.

A financial asset is deemed to be in default 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 financial 
asset is written off when there is no reasonable expectation of recovering the contractual cash flows.

ii)  Financial liabilities

Initial recognition and measurement
Financial liabilities are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently classified at fair value through profit or loss, loans and 
borrowings, or payables. Loans and borrowings and payables are recognised net of directly attributable transaction costs.

The Group’s financial liabilities include trade and other payables.

Subsequent measurement
The measurement of financial liabilities depends on their classification as described below:

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss include financial liabilities held for trading and financial liabilities 
designated upon initial recognition as held at fair value through profit or loss.

Financial liabilities designated upon initial recognition at fair value through profit or loss are designated at the initial date of 
recognition, and only if the criteria in IFRS 9 are satisfied. The Group has not designated any financial liability as at fair value 
through profit or loss. 

Financial liabilities are classified as held for trading if they are incurred for the purpose of repurchasing in the near term. 
This category also includes derivative financial instruments entered into by the Group that are not designated as hedging 
instruments in hedge relationships as defined by IFRS 9. Separated embedded derivatives are also classified as held for 
trading unless they are designated as effective hedging instruments.

Loans and payables
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 profit 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 finance costs in the statement of profit or loss.

Derecognition of financial liabilities
A financial liability is derecognised when the obligation under the liability is discharged, cancelled or expires. 

Where an existing financial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of an 
existing liability are substantially modified, such an exchange or modification is treated as a derecognition of the original liability and 
the recognition of a new liability, and the difference in the respective carrying amounts is recognised in the profit or loss.

Employees’ end of service benefits
The Group provides end of service benefits to its employees in accordance with local labour laws. The entitlement to these 
benefits is based upon the employees’ final salary and length of service, subject to the completion of a minimum service 
period. The expected costs of these benefits 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 provided in note 16.

58   RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUEDThat cost is recognised in employee benefits 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 fulfilled (the vesting 
period). The cumulative expense recognised for equity-settled transactions at each reporting date until the vesting date 
reflects 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 profit 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 reflected 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 reflected 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 satisfied, provided that all other performance and/or service 
conditions are satisfied.

The dilutive effect of outstanding options is reflected as additional share dilution in the computation of diluted earnings 
per share.

Contingencies
Contingent liabilities are not recognised in the financial statements, they are disclosed unless the possibility of an outflow 
of resources embodying economic benefits is remote. A contingent asset is not recognised in the financial statements but 
disclosed when an inflow of economic benefits is probable.

Foreign currencies
The Group’s financial statements are presented in USD, which is the functional currency of all Group companies. Items 
included in the financial 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 differences are taken to profit 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 16 Leases for the first time in 2019, using a fully retrospective approach. The nature and effect of the 
changes as a result of the adoption of this new accounting standard are described below. 

The Group has not early adopted any standards, interpretations or amendments that have been issued but are not yet effective. 

IFRS 16 Leases
IFRS 16 was issued in January 2016 and 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 accounting for finance leases under IAS 17. The standard 
includes two recognition exemptions for lessees – leases of “low-value” assets and short-term leases. At the commencement 
date of a lease, lessees recognise a liability relating to future lease payments (i.e. the lease liability) and an asset representing 
the right to use the underlying leased asset during the lease term (i.e. the right-of-use asset). Lessees are required to separately 
recognise the interest expense on the lease liability and the depreciation expense on the right-of-use asset.

RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019   59

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSLessees are also required to remeasure the lease liability upon the occurrence of certain events such as a change in lease 
term or in future lease payments resulting from a change in an index or reference 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.

Transition to IFRS 16
Before the adoption of IFRS 16, lease costs were recognised as expenses in the period of asset use. The Group has chosen to 
adopt the fully retrospective approach and as such has restated prior period results as if IFRS 16 had always been in place. 

As a result, 2018 opening retained earnings decreased by USD 287,000 to reflect the impact of IFRS 16 in periods previous to 
1 January 2018. A right-of-use asset of USD 2,092,000 was also recognised together with associated aggregate lease liabilities 
of USD 2,379,000 as at 1 January 2018.

2018 reported direct costs have decreased by USD 311,000, administrative expenses increased by USD 9,000 and finance 
costs increasing by USD 447,000. Earnings per share and diluted earnings per share decreased by 0.1 cents.

Property, plant, and equipment has increased by USD 2,229,000 as at 31 December 2018, with lease liabilities increasing by 
USD 2,643,000. Retained earnings have decreased by USD 432,000.

On the Statement of Cash Flows, net cash flows from operating activities increased by USD 520,000 for the year ended 
31 December 2018, with net cash flows from financing activities decreasing by USD 520,000.

The Group has chosen to take advantage of the exemptions for leases of “low-value” assets and short-term leases. Rental 
expense relating to these leases will continue to be fully recognised in direct costs and administrative expenses.

Presentation of Statement of Cash Flows
The Company has modified the presentation of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows to start with operating profit 
rather than profit before tax, so as to increase the similarity of presentation to sector comparators. The Company believes this 
provides a more meaningful basis for users of the financial statements. Prior period results have been restated accordingly. 

6 

 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS, ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS

The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that may 
affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, revenue, 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 
differ 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 affected.

a)  Judgements 
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 
profitability. In practice, these are commonly referred to as “exceptional” items, but this is not a concept defined 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 can be found 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 verification of percentage-of-completion calculations as at 
financial reporting dates. 

The accuracy of percentage-of-completion estimates has a material impact on the amount of revenue and related profit 
recognised. As at 31 December 2019, USD 2,806,000 of accrued revenue had been calculated using the percentage-of-
completion method (2018: USD 1,676,000), of which USD 884,000 is supported by customer verifications (2018: USD 1,035,000).

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

60   RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED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 Board of Directors.

Operating segments 
Revenue, operating results, assets and liabilities presented in the financial statements relate to the provision of services in 
demanding and remote areas. 

Revenue by service channel:

Integrated facilities management

Construction

Supply chain services

2019 
USD’000

2018 
USD’000 

28,600

27,634

12,830

23,145

29,479

2,181

69,064

54,805

The Group allocates a contract to a specific service channel based on the nature of the primary deliverable to the customer. 

Revenue by recognition timing:

Revenue recognised over time

Revenue recognised at a point in time

2019 
USD’000

2018 
USD’000 

38,450

30,614

69,064

23,145

31,660

54,805

Geographic segment 
The Group primarily operates in Africa and as such the CODM considers Africa and Other locations 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

Revenue split by customer

Customer A

Customer B

Customer C

Customer D

Other

2019 
USD’000

2018 
USD’000 

68,735

48,003

329

6,802

69,064

54,805

2019 
USD’000 

27,527

1,127

28,654

2018 
USD’000 
Restated 

16,607

2,017

18,624

2019 
%

2018 
% 

30

13

11

6

40

100

30

26

2

13

29

100

RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019   61

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS8  GROUP REORGANISATION

Share for Share Exchange 
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 specific criteria, the new parent measures cost at 
the carrying amount of its share of the equity items shown in the separate financial 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 29,781,000, 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 difference 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 difference 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.

Initial Public Offering
On 29 June 2018, RAI undertook an initial public offering (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

62   RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED9  GROUP INFORMATION

The Company operates through its subsidiaries, listed below, which are legally or beneficially, directly or indirectly owned and 
controlled by the Company. 

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

Name of entity

Country of incorporation

Beneficial  
ownership

Registered address

RA Africa Holdings Limited

British Virgin Islands

100%

RA Asia Holdings Limited

British Virgin Islands

RASB Holdings Limited

British Virgin Islands

RA International Limited

Cameroon

RA International RCA

Central African Republic 

RA International Chad

Chad

RA International DRC SARL

Democratic Republic of 
Congo

RA Property ApS

Raints Ghana Limited

Windward Insurance PCC  
Limited – Berkshire Cell

Denmark

Ghana

Guernsey

RA International Guyana Inc.

Guyana

Raints Kenya Limited

Kenya

RA International Limited

Malawi

Raints Mali

Mali

RA International Limitada

Mozambique

Royal Food Solutions S.A.

Mozambique

RA International Niger

RA Contracting and  
Facility Management LLC

Niger

Qatar

RA International* 

Somalia

RA International FZCO

South Sudan 

Reconstruction and  
Assistance Company Ltd

Sudan

RA International Limited

Tanzania

RA International FZCO 

RA International General  
Trading LLC

RA SB Ltd.

UAE

UAE

UAE

RA International Limited

Uganda

REMSCO Uganda (SMC)  
Limited

Uganda

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

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

3rd floor, J&C Building, PO Box 362, Road Town, Torola 
Virgin Islands (British) VG110

3rd floor, J&C Building, PO Box 362, Road Town, Torola 
Virgin Islands (British) VG110

3rd floor, J&C Building, PO Box 362, Road Town, Torola 
Virgin Islands (British) VG110

537 Rue Njo-Njo, Bonaprisi, PO Box 1245, Douala, 
Cameroon 

Avenue des Martyrs, Bangui, Central African Republic

N’djamena, Chad

Kinshasa, Sis No106, Boulvevard Du 30 Juin, Dans La 
Commune De La Gombe EN RD, Congo

Tuborg Boulevard 12, 4 DK-2900 Helerup, Denmark 

PO Box 2843 Accra, Ghana

Level 5, Mill Court, la Charroterie, St Peter Port, 
Guernsey, GY1 1EJ

210 New Market Street, Georgetown, Guyana

770 Faith Ave, Runda Estate, Nairobi City (North), 
Nairobi, Kenya

Hanover House, Hanover Avenue, Independence Drive, 
Blantyre, Malawi 

Bamako-Niarela Immeuble Sodies Appartement C/7, Mali

Distrito Urbano 1, Bairro Sommarchield, Av, Kenneth 
Kaunda no 783 R/C, Maputo, Mozambique 

Distrito Urbano 1, Bairro Central, Rua do Sol, 23 Maputo, 
Mozambique

Niamey, Quartier Cite Piudriere, Avenue du Damergou, 
CI-48, Niger

100%

63 Aniza, Doustor St. 905, Salam International, Qatar

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Mogadishu, Somalia

Plot no. 705, Block 3-K South, Airport Road, Hai Matar, 
South Sudan

115 First Quarter Graif west-Khartoum, Khartoum, 
Republic of Sudan 

369 Toure Drive, Oysterbay, PO Box 62, Dar Es Salaam, 
Tanzania

Office Number S101221O39, Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai, 
United Arab Emirates

Bay Square Building 12, Office 704, Al Abraj Street, 
Business Bay, PO Box 115774, Dubai, United Arab 
Emirates

RAK International Corporate Centre, Ras Al Khaimah, 
United Arab Emirates

4th Floor, Acacia Mall, Plot 14-18, Cooper Road, Kololo, 
Kampala, Uganda

4th Floor, Acacia Mall, Plot 14-18, Cooper Road, Kololo, 
Kampala, Uganda

RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019   63

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS10  GOODWILL 

As at 1 January

Acquisitions

Impairment

As at 31 December

11  PROFIT FOR THE PERIOD

Profit for the period is stated after charging:

Staff costs

Materials

Depreciation

2019 
USD’000

2018 
USD’000 

—

138

—

138

—

—

—

—

2019 
USD’000 

2018 
USD’000
Restated 

21,775

20,518

20,671

10,688

2,577

1,510

Staff costs relate to wages and salaries plus directly attributable expenses.

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

2019 
USD’000

2018 
USD’000 

25

115

60

200

—

54

—

54

25

116

60

201

—

75

457

532

The non-audit fees incurred in the prior 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 2018. 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.

64   RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED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

2019

2018

7

6

1,763

1,776

4

5

2,016

2,025

2019 
USD’000

2018 
USD’000 

17,466

15,836

77

34

17,543

15,870

The remuneration of the Directors and other key management personnel of the Group are detailed in note 29.

13  EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS

Share listing costs

Stock-based compensation and related costs (note 16)

2019 
USD’000

2018 
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  TAX

The tax charge on the profit for the year is as follows:

Current tax:

UK corporation tax on profit for the year

Non-UK corporation tax

Adjustment for prior years

Tax charge for the year

2019 
USD’000

2018 
USD’000 

—

240

144

384

—

—

—

—

RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019   65

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFactors affecting the tax charge
The tax assessed for the year varies from the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK. The difference is explained below:

Profit before tax

2019 
USD’000 

2018 
USD’000 
Restated 

13,259

9,827

Expected tax charge based on the standard average rate of corporation tax in the UK of 19% 
(2018: 19%)

2,519

1,867

Effects of:

Expenses not deductible*

Deferred tax asset not recognised

Exemptions and foreign tax rate difference

Adjustment for prior years

Tax charge for the year

—

86

257

39

(2,365)

(2,163)

144

384

—

—

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

The Group benefits 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. The CODM is not aware 
of any factors that indicate the tax rates in these countries will materially change in future periods or that tax exemptions 
granted will no longer be available to the Group.

15  EARNINGS PER SHARE

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

Since a new parent entity was established in 2018 by means of a share for share exchange and the Group’s financial 
statements have been presented as a continuation of the existing group, the number of shares taken as being in issue for the 
preceding period is the number of shares issued by the new parent entity. As a result, the opening balance of shares used in 
calculating 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.

Profit for the period (USD’000)

Basic weighted average number of ordinary shares 

Effect of warrants

Effect of employee share options

Diluted weighted average number of shares

Basic earnings per share (cents)

Diluted earnings per share (cents)

66   RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

2019 

2018 
Restated 

12,875

9,827

173,575,741

157,109,829

—

—

—

—

173,575,741

157,109,829

7.4

7.4

6.3

6.3

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED16  SHARE-BASED PAYMENT EXPENSE

The Group recognised the following expenses related to equity-settled payment transactions:

Performance Share Plan

Other share-based payments

2019 
USD’000

2018 
USD’000 

31

—

31

16

1,602

1,618

Performance Share Plan 
During the prior 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
2019 

2,826,085

—

2,826,085

Weighted
average
exercise price
2019
GBP

0.10

—

0.10

Number of 
options
2018 

—

2,826,085

2,826,085

Weighted
average  
exercise price
2018
GBP

—

0.10

0.10

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.

The fair value of the options at the grant date was USD 96,000 and a charge of USD 31,000 (2018: USD 16,000) was 
recognised in administrative expenses for the fiscal year ended 2019.

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

Weighted average share price

Expected volatility

Risk free rate

56p (USD 0.74)

10.10%

1.24%

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 five 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 was recognised in exceptional items in the prior year.

17  DIVIDENDS

During the period, a dividend of GBP 1.0 pence (USD 0.01) per share (173,575,741 shares) totalling GBP 1,736,000 
(USD 2,203,000) was declared and paid (2018: USD 12,500 per share (10 shares) totalling USD 125,000). 

RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019   67

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS18  ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES

APMs used by the Group are defined 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 
financial 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 Profit to better compare the profitability of its operations across 
financial periods. UOP is calculated as Operating Profit 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 were incurred in 2019. Both holding company expenses and 
acquisition costs do not relate to the day-to-day operating business of the Group.

Underlying Operating Margin is calculated as UOP divided by revenue. 

Underlying Profit (UP)
The Group uses UP as an alternative measure to Profit Before Tax so as to better compare the profitability of the Group across 
financial periods. To calculate UP, exceptional items are excluded from Profit Before Tax.

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

Underlying Profit Margin is calculated as UP divided by revenue.

Net Cash
Net cash represents cash less overdraft balances, term loans, and notes outstanding. This is a commonly used metric, helpful 
to stakeholders when analysing the business.

19  PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT

Right-of-use
Assets –
Land and
Buildings
USD’000

Machinery,
motor vehicles,
furniture, and
equipment
USD’000

Land and
Buildings
USD’000

Leasehold
improvements
USD’000

Total
USD’000

Cost:

At 1 January 2019 restated*

Additions

Disposals

At 31 December 2019

Depreciation:

At 1 January 2019 restated*

Charge for the year

Relating to disposals

At 31 December 2019

Net carrying amount:

2,814

561

—

3,375

585

355

—

940

9,605

7,288

(288)

16,605

888

606

(19)

1,475

10,515

5,090

(713)

14,892

3,233

1,549

(492)

4,290

451

20

—

471

55

67

—

122

23,385

12,959

(1,001)

35,343

4,761

2,577

(511)

6,827

At 31 December 2019

2,435

15,130

10,602

349

28,516

68   RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUEDRight-of-use
Assets –
Land and
Buildings
USD’000

Machinery,
motor vehicles,
furniture, and
equipment
USD’000

Land and
Buildings
USD’000

Leasehold
improvements
USD’000

Total
USD’000

2,477

337

—

—

2,814

385

200

—

585

6,011

3,690

17

(113)

9,605

560

330

(2)

888

6,010

4,668

52

(215)

10,515

2,391

951

(109)

3,233

126

325

—

—

451

26

29

—

55

14,624

9,020

69

(328)

23,385

3,362

1,510

(111)

4,761

Cost:

At 1 January 2018 restated*

Additions restated*

Acquired on business combination

Disposals

At 31 December 2018 restated*

Depreciation:

At 1 January 2018 restated*

Charge for the year restated*

Relating to disposals

At 31 December 2018 restated*

Net carrying amount:

At 31 December 2018 restated*

2,229

8,717

7,282

396

18,624

* Balances have been restated to reflect impact of IFRS 16. See note 5 for further details.

Information related to lease liabilities is available in note 24.

The table below indicates the rents resulting from lease contracts which are not capitalised.

Short-term leases

2019 
USD’000

2018 
USD’000 

1,599

650

Short-term leases include amounts paid for vehicles and heavy equipment rental, as well as short-term property leases.

20 INVENTORIES

Materials and consumables

Goods-in-transit

2019 
USD’000

2018 
USD’000 

4,839

1,339

6,178

3,241

1,022

4,263

There was no write down to NRV made in relation to inventory as at 31 December 2019 (2018: nil) 

RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019   69

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS21  TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Trade receivables

Accrued revenue

Deposits

Prepayments

Other receivables

2019 
USD’000

2018 
USD’000 

10,820

10,916

221

1,381

1,182

9,992

3,393

213

584

1,780

24,520

15,962

Invoices are generally raised on a monthly basis, upon completion, or part completion of performance obligations as agreed 
with the customer on a contract by contract basis. 

During the year 100% of accrued revenue was subsequently billed and transferred to trade receivables from the opening 
unbilled balance in the period (2018: 100%).

As at 31 December the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations was USD 141,000,000 (2018: 
USD 119,200,000). This represents revenue expected to be recognised in subsequent periods arising on existing contractual 
arrangements. The Group has not taken the practical expedient in IFRS 15.121 not to disclose information about performance 
obligations that have original expected durations of one year or less and therefore no consideration from contracts with 
customers is excluded from these amounts. All revenue is expected to be recognised within the next 5 years. 

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

Not past due

Overdue by less than 30 days

Overdue by between 30 and 60 days

Overdue by more than 60 days

2019 
USD’000

2018 
USD’000 

7,396

1,058

1,383

983

5,912

3,249

285

546

10,820

9,992

Trade receivables are non-interest bearing and generally have payment terms of 30 days. No ECL was recorded as at 
31 December 2019 (2018: nil) and all 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 financial position comprised of cash at bank of USD 21,393,000 
(2018: USD 27,804,000). 

23 SHARE CAPITAL

Authorised, issued and fully paid

2019 
USD’000

2018 
USD’000 

173,575,741 shares (2018: 173,575,741 shares) of GBP 0.10 (2018: GBP 0.10) each

24,300

24,300

70   RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED24 LEASE LIABILITIES

Movements in the provision recognised in the consolidated statement of financial position are as follows:

As at 1 January

Additions

Interest

Payments

As at 31 December

Current

Non-current

2019 
USD’000

2018 
USD’000 

2,643

2,379

561

493

(863)

2,834

437

2,397

337

447

(520)

2,643

111

2,532

Interest of USD 493,000 (2018: USD 447,000) relating to the above lease liabilities has been included in Finance Costs for the year. 

As at 31 December the maturity profile of lease liabilities was as follows:

3 months or less

3 to 12 months

1 to 5 years

Over 5 years

2019 
USD’000

2018 
USD’000 

332

105

795

1,602

2,834

26

85

700

1,832

2,643

The Group had total cash outflows relating to leases of USD 2,462,000 in 2019 (2018: USD 1,170,000). This is the total of short-
term lease payments from note 19 and payments from note 24.

25 EMPLOYEES’ END OF SERVICE BENEFITS

Movements in the provision recognised in the consolidated statement of financial position are as follows:

As at 1 January

Provided during the year

End of service benefits paid

As at 31 December

26 TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

Accounts payable

Accrued expenses

Customer advances

2019 
USD’000

2018 
USD’000 

350

174

(133)

391

251

116

(17)

350

2019 
USD’000

2018 
USD’000 

5,342

1,855

840

8,037

3,440

1,412

28

4,880

All customer advances recorded at 31 December 2018 were subsequently recognised as revenue in 2019 and all customer 
advances held at 31 December 2019 are expected to be recognised as revenue in the next 12 months.

RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019   71

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS27  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES 

Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in 
market interest rates. The Group was not exposed to any significant interest rate risk on its interest-bearing liabilities. 

Foreign currency risk
Foreign currency risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate 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 different currency from the Group’s 
functional currency, as well as cash and cash equivalents held in foreign currency accounts.

At 31 December 2019, the Group held foreign cash and cash equivalents of GBP 2,040,000 (USD 2,689,000). UK pound 
sterling is primarily held by the Group to settle payment obligations denominated in GBP. As at 31 December 2018, the Group 
held GBP 4,432,000 (USD 5,624,000).

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 financial instrument will fail to discharge an obligation and cause the other party to 
incur a financial 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 as determined by the 
CODM and with respect to customers by only dealing with creditworthy customers and continuously monitoring outstanding 
receivables. The Company’s five largest customers account for 73% of outstanding accounts receivable at 31 December 2019 
(2018: 78%).

Receivables split by customer

Customer A

Customer B

Customer C

Other

2019 
%

2018 
% 

31

29

12

28

100

31

5

—

64

100

No material credit risk is deemed to exist due to the nature of the Group’s customers, who are predominantly governments 
and large supranational organisations.

Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Group 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, which are generally 30 days from the date of delivery of goods or services. 

As at 31 December the maturity profile of trade payables was as follows:

3 months or less

3 to 6 months

2019 
USD’000

2018 
USD’000 

5,333

3,428

9

12

5,342

3,440

Liabilities falling due within 12 months are recognised as current on the consolidated statement of financial position. Liabilities 
falling due after 12 months are recognised as non-current. 

72   RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUEDThe unutilised bank overdraft facilities at 31 December 2019 amounted to USD 2,000,000 (2018: USD 2,000,000) and carry 
interest of 1M LIBOR +3.50% per annum (2018: 1.50%). In the prior period the facilities required a cash margin guarantee to be 
paid upfront; 100% margin for USD drawdowns and 120% margin for GBP drawdowns.

The Group manages its liquidity risk by maintaining significant cash reserves. 

The Group’s cash and cash equivalents balance is substantially all held in institutions holding a Moody’s long-term deposit 
rating of A1 or above.

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 2019. 

Capital comprises share capital, share premium, merger reserve, share based payment reserve and retained earnings and is 
measured at USD 69,483,000 as at 31 December 2019 (2018: USD 58,780,000).

28 RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

Related parties represent shareholders, Directors, and key management personnel of the Group, and entities controlled, jointly 
controlled, or significantly influenced 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.

There were no outstanding balances with related parties included in the consolidated statement of financial position at 
31 December 2019 (2018: nil).

29 COMPENSATION

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

Short-term benefits

Stock based compensation

2019 
USD’000

2018 
USD’000 

1,628

31

1,367

1,672

1,659

3,039

The key management personnel comprise of 6 (2018: 5) individuals. Included in key management personnel are 3 (2018: 3) 
directors.

Compensation of directors
The remuneration of directors during the year was as follows:

Short-term benefits

Stock based compensation

2019 
USD’000

2018 
USD’000 

1,291

14

1,305

1,071

569

1,640

RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019   73

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONTINUED

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

Short-term benefits

Stock based compensation

2019 
USD’000

2018 
USD’000 

423

—

423

276

569

845

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. 

30 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 identifiable 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 outflow on acquisition

Consideration paid

Less:

Bank balances and cash acquired

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 prior 
accounting period.

For the year ended 31 December 2018, RASB contributed USD 1,754,000 revenue and USD 350,000 profit before finance costs 
to the Group results.

74   RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

31  STANDARDS ISSUED BUT NOT YET EFFECTIVE

No standards and interpretations that are issued, but not yet effective, up to the date of issuance of the Group’s financial 
statements are expected to have a material impact on the Group.

32 SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

While the magnitude of the financial impact COVID-19 will have on the business cannot currently be accurately quantified, the 
Group will benefit from its strong balance sheet and the essential nature of many of its contracts with customers. As a result, 
no impairment to the assets and liabilities on the balance sheet are expected. See note 2 for further details relating to the 
going concern analysis undertaken by the Board. 

RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019   75

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCOMPANY STATEMENT OF 
FINANCIAL POSITION

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2019

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

2019 
USD’000

2018 
USD’000

4

5

8

6

50,047

50,047

12,675

645

13,320

63,367

24,300

18,254

9,897

47

10,788

63,286

81

63,367

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 profit and 
loss of the parent company within these accounts. The result for the Company for the year was a profit of USD 14,552,000 
(2018: loss of USD 1,561,000).

The financial statements of the Company (registration number 11252957) were approved by the Board of Directors on 17 April 
2020 and signed on its behalf by:

Soraya Narfeldt 
CEO 

Andrew Bolter
CFO

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

76   RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

 
 
COMPANY STATEMENT 
OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019

Share 
Capital  
USD’000

Share
Premium  
USD’000

Merger
Reserve  
USD’000

Share-Based
Payment
Reserve  
USD’000

Retained
Earnings  
USD’000

Total 
USD’000

As at 1 January 2018

Preference shares issued on incorporation

Issue of share capital on reorganisation

Share exchange

—

70

19,884

—

—

—

—

—

Issue of share capital on Admission

4,416

18,254

Share-based payments

Redemption of preference shares

Total comprehensive income for the period

—

(70)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

9,897

—

—

—

—

As at 31 December 2018

24,300

18,254

9,897

Total comprehensive income for the period

Share-based payments

Dividends declared and paid

As at 31 December 2019

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

16

—

—

16

—

31

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

70

19,884

9,897

22,670

16

(70)

(1,561)

(1,561)

(1,561)

50,906

14,552

14,552

—

31

(2,203)

(2,203)

24,300

18,254

9,897

47

10,788

63,286

RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019   77

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO THE COMPANY 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019

1  BASIS OF PREPARATION

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice 
(United Kingdom Accounting Standards and the Companies Act 2006), 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. Specifically, 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), 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 and 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

(g)  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

2019

2018

7

4

2019 
USD’000

2018 
USD’000 

400

45

445

203

23

226

78   RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

4  INVESTMENTS

Cost and net book value

As at 1 January

Acquisition of RA International FZCO

Additional capital in RA International FZCO

As at 31 December

2019 
USD’000

2018 
USD’000 

50,047

—

—

—

29,781

20,266

50,047

50,047

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

2019 
USD’000

2018 
USD’000 

27

12,636

12

12,675

16

297

48

361

Amounts due from subsidiary represent amounts due from RA International FZCO, an immediate subsidiary, and are non-
interest bearing and payable on demand.

6  TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

Trade payables

Accruals

2019 
USD’000

2018 
USD’000 

19

62

81

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:

2019 
Number

2019 
USD’000

2018 
Number

2018 
USD’000

Ordinary shares of GBP 0.10 each

173,575,741

24,300

173,575,741

24,300

9  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

While the magnitude of the financial impact COVID-19 will have on the business cannot currently be accurately quantified, the 
Company will benefit from its strong balance sheet and the continued trading of its subsidiary, RA International FZCO. As a 
result, no impairment to the assets and liabilities on the balance sheet, including both its investment in and receivable balance 
from RA International FZCO, is expected to arise as a result of the ongoing pandemic. 

RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019   79

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019

Financial PR 
Hudson Sandler 
5 Charterhouse Square 
London 
EC1M 6AE

Registrars 
Computershare Investor Services PLC 
The Pavilions 
Bridgwater Road 
Bristol 
BS99 6ZZ

Company Secretary 
AMBA Secretaries Limited 
400 Thames Valley Park Drive 
Reading 
RG6 1PT

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 reports.

For specific investor queries please email: 
rainternational@hudsonsandler.com

CORPORATE INFORMATION

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 
30 June 2020

ADVISERS:

Nominated adviser and broker 
Cenkos Securities plc 
66 Hanover Street 
Edinburgh 
EH2 1EL

6.7.8 
Tokenhouse Yard 
London 
EC2R 7AS

Solicitors to the Company 
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

80   RA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

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