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Staffing 360 Solutions

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FY2012 Annual Report · Staffing 360 Solutions
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Annual Report 2012
For the year ended 31 December 2012

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Annual Report 2012
For the year ended 31 December 2012

Company details

Company registration number:

05268636

Registered office:

19–20 The Triangle

NG2 Business Park

Nottingham

NG2 1AE

Directors:

Shaun Brittain (Executive Director)

John Crabtree (Non-Executive Chairman)

Bankers:

Bank of Scotland

33 Old Broad Street

London

BX2 1LB

Solicitors:

Browne Jacobson LLP

Mowbray House

Castle Meadow Road

Nottingham

NG2 1BJ

Marshall Evans (Operations Director)

Brabners Chaffe Street LLP

Andy Hogarth (Chief Executive)

Tim Jackson (Finance Director)

Nicholas Keegan (Non-Executive Director)

Diane Martyn (Managing Director)

Secretary:

Tim Jackson

Nominated adviser and broker:

Liberum Capital

Ropemaker Place

25 Ropemaker Street

London

EC2Y 9LY

Registrars:

Computershare Investor Services plc

PO Box 859

The Pavilions

Bridgewater Road

Bristol

BS99 1XZ

55 King Street

Manchester

M2 4LQ

Auditors:

Grant Thornton UK LLP

Statutory Auditor

Chartered Accountants

Colmore Plaza

20 Colmore Circus

Birmingham

B4 6AT

Financial and trade PR:

Buchanan Communications

107 Cheapside 

London 

EC2V 6DN

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Contents 

Chairman’s statement 

Chief Executive’s statement 

Finance Director’s statement 

Report of the Directors 

Corporate governance statement 

Report on remuneration 

Independent auditor’s report to the members of Staffline Group plc 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity 

Consolidated statement of financial position 

Consolidated statement of cash flows 

Notes to the financial statements 

Company statutory financial statements (prepared under UK GAAP) 

Director’s responsibility statement 

Independent auditor’s report to the members of Staffline Group plc 

Principal accounting policies 

Company balance sheet 

Notes to the UK GAAP financial statements 

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Chairman’s statement
For the year ended 31 December 2012

We are delighted to report that the Group grew revenue and profits during 2012, driven by a combination of organic growth 

and acquisitions.  This good performance was achieved against a backdrop of a challenging macroeconomic outlook and 

an  extremely  competitive  recruitment  market.  Whilst  this  creates  many  challenges  at  an  operational  level,  we  have 
continued to grow our OnSite platform, increasing sites by a further 16 this year to 179.  Our move in to the Welfare to Work 
arena  during  2011,  with  the  acquisition  of  EOS,  is  showing  early  signs  of  success  and  we  expect  profitability  from  this 

division to grow significantly during 2013.

We also completed the acquisition of Select Appointments Limited, a long established specialist staffing services business 

providing office and administration staff across the UK. This transaction will see Staffline expand its services into the ‘White 

Collar’  arena  for  the  first  time,  in  a  move  which  will  see  the  Group  seek  to  replicate  the  success  of  our  ‘Blue  Collar’ 

business.

Therefore,  I  remain  confident  of  the  Group’s  ability  to  continue  to  grow.  We  are  seeing  further  opportunities  for  both 

acquisitions  and  organic  growth  due  to  on-going  changes  in  the  industry  and  the  ever  greater  need  of  our  clients  to 

increase their productivity whilst being provided reliable and efficient staffing solutions.

John Crabtree OBE

Chairman 

25 February 2013

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Chief Executive’s statement
For the year ended 31 December 2012

I’m pleased to report the Group has enjoyed another successful year with sales up by 27% and profit after tax up by 15%.  

We are particularly pleased with this performance given that we suffered the expected reduction in profitability (due to the 

level of investment committed to supporting our Department for Works and Pensions (“DWP”) contracts) within EOS.  As 

a result of this upfront investment, we had expected at the start of the year that net profit for the Group would remain flat, 

so it is particularly pleasing to be able to report an increase in operating profit for 2012. We are confident that profitable 

growth for the Group will continue during 2013, enabling the Board to propose an increased final dividend of 5.0p, (2011: 

4.2p) making the full year dividend 8.1p, (2011: 7.1p). This represents an increase of 14% to the full year dividend and we 

intend to continue to grow the dividend broadly in line with earnings. 

Operational Review 

2012 continued in much the same vein as 2011 with the trading environment remaining difficult. Despite this, sales in our 

recruitment business grew by 27% and profitability grew by 18%. Sales also grew in our Welfare to Work division, by 33% 

but, as expected, operating profit before amortisation declined during the year by 48%.  This anticipated reduction is due 

to the structure of the Work Programme contract we operate with the DWP and the upfront investment incurred in 2012. 

We are confident that profitability will be significantly improved in 2013. In addition we suffered losses on our two European 

Social Fund contracts due to a shortfall in expected referrals from Local Authorities. The effect on the overall Group results 

is that our profitability has risen by 4% at the adjusted operating profit level, from £10.3m to £10.7m but more significantly 
after  tax  and  a  reduced  charge  for  amortisation  of  intangibles  from  £5.6m  to  £6.4m.  Demand  for  our  OnSite  offering 
continues to generate significant market interest with a good pipeline of new business, the overall trend to outsourcing 

remaining prevalent for many clients.  

The number of OnSites we operate from has continued to increase, from 163 in December 2011 to 179 at December 2012; 
this includes openings from a mixture of new and existing clients and some from acquisitions.  Our OnSite model continues 
to be a driving factor in our success and we anticipate further growth across the UK.  

Our branch network operation, Staffline Express, grew by 4 locations during the year and now operates from 22 branches.

Acquisitions during the period included the well-known British recruitment brand, Select Appointments Ltd (‘Select’), from 

the Netherlands company Randstad.  Select has been established in the UK for 30 years and specialises in both temporary 

and permanent placements in the white collar market.  Select has for the past four years been an exclusively franchise 

operated business and it is our intention to continue with this model of operation which is capital light and limits the Group’s 

business risk.  We are looking to expand the number of operating branches from 30 at the time of acquisition to over 100 

in the next three years, concentrating growth in the major cities and conurbations of the UK.  We welcome an approach 

from individuals looking to operate their own recruitment business with the backing of a national organisation.

The acquisition of Select represents an exciting strategic step for the Group as we seek to further broaden our operational 

reach.  Not only is the Select brand instantly recognisable but its established franchise network will provide a stable footing 

for the Group as we seek to expand our services into the white collar staffing market.

We acquired EOS Works Ltd (EOS), the Welfare to Work service provider, in April 2011 and commenced activities with the 

Coalition  Governments  new  Work  Programme  Contract  in  Solihull,  Birmingham  and  the  Black  Country  in  June  2011.    In 

October that year, EOS was awarded two further contracts by the DWP, due to be worth £53m over three years.  Both 

contracts are financed by the European Social Fund (ESF), with one operating in our existing Work Programme area in the 

Midlands and the other based in Yorkshire and Humberside.  The nature of all of these contracts means that there is a 

significant tie up of working capital during the first 18 months which then gradually unwinds as profitability is achieved. At 

the 31st December 2012 the total additional working capital committed to Eos was £3.2m. Despite the significant amounts 

of  negative  publicity  surrounding  the  Work  Programme  we  are  extremely  pleased  with  our  progress  so  far,  with  EOS 

appearing in the top 3 (out of 40) for all the major performance measures recorded by the DWP.  To date we have helped 

over  8,000  long  term  unemployed  back  in  to  work.    Regarding  the  ESF  contracts,  whilst  we  are  again  performing  well 

against  our  competition  they  have  been  significantly  less  busy  than  initially  expected,  incurred  losses  in  2012,  and  are 

expected to do little more than break even during 2013 despite a number of financial changes by the DWP.  This is a matter 

we continue to discuss with them.

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Chief Executive’s statement (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2012

Market Overview 

Gangmaster Licensing Authority (GLA) 

We are convinced that the GLA has done much to improve standards and drive many sub-standard operators out of the 

regulated sector.  Unfortunately there is considerable evidence that many of these Gangmasters have moved into both the 

Construction and Hospitality sectors, both of which are unregulated.  In addition we have recently experienced an increase 

in  the  number  of  illegal  and  unlicensed  people  operating  as  labour  suppliers,  sometimes  using  indentured  labour  from 

Eastern Europe.  

Marshall Evans, Operations Director, continues to be a member of the Board of Directors of the GLA as well as being a 

member of the REC council and the Chairman of the Policy Committee.  I also sit on the board of the Association of Labour 

Providers.  These roles allow us to understand and influence future industry trends and Government policy.

PAYE and Travel and Subsistence Schemes 

We have been encouraged in our long term opposition to the abusive use of travel and subsistence schemes by a more 

robust response from Government agencies. Whilst during the year we continued to lose a number of clients to competitors 

operating these schemes we also won business from customers who are realising the potential liabilities they face if they 

allow their supplier to use these schemes unscrupulously.

Health & Safety 

Our health and safety management system continues to develop using the HSE HSG65 – “Successful Health and Safety 

Management” guidance as the framework.  2012 saw yet another reduction in the Accident Frequency Rate reporting 0.16 

which is a further reduction of 16% on the previous year.  Staffline continues to develop its positive culture through its Safety 

Committee and Safety Champions.   

ISO 9001 and Investors in People (IIP)

In  November  2012  Staffline  have  successfully  passed  an  official  ISO  external  audit  confirming  continued  accreditation, 

reaffirming  our  systems  and  processes  are  fully  compliant  with  the  ISO  9001  standards.    As  part  of  our  continuous 

development culture Staffline remain the proud achievers of Investors in People status.  

People 

With the continued expansion of the Group, we have seen an increase to 428 employees in our recruitment business and 

Shared Services this year, giving average sales per employee of £827,000 compared to £763,000 in 2011.  In addition a 

further 224 people are employed by EOS, bringing the Group’s total workforce to 652.

In 2012, continuing on the great success of development  in operations we enjoyed in 2011, 16 employees passed their REC 

Certificate in Recruitment Practice, 24 passed the Real Account Management course, 12 achieved Delight the Customer, 

10 passed the external business writing course and 4 achieved the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health  Level 4 

exam in Food Hygiene.

In addition, within our Shared Services staff, 3 attended Advanced Certificate in Payroll Techniques, 3 First Aid at Work,  

1  Professional  CIMA  Qualification  Dip.MA,  with  many  others  attending  courses  in  tax,  credit  control  and  other  relevant 

subjects.  We congratulate them all on their achievements.  

2012 saw the introduction of our residential Leadership Development Course, attended by 20 potential senior managers of 

the future, which was a great success and continues with a further 20 delegates in 2013.

Compliance

We take compliance with legislation and industry standards extremely seriously, offering a total commitment to all of our 

clients  to  ensure  that  all  of  our  workers,  whether  or  not  covered  by  the  legislation,  are  recruited  and  supplied  to  the 

standards required by the Gangmaster Licencing Act.  This total commitment gives our clients the assurance that all UK 

ethical and legal standards are fully met.  We operate a confidential helpline for our workers to report any concerns and 

conduct regular surveys to ensure we are achieving our own high standards.  

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Investing for Growth

To  help  us  achieve  the  highest  compliance  standards  we  are  continuing  to  develop  our  new  bespoke  management 

information system, Infinity+, which will further improve our operating efficiency.  All of the Group’s locations are now live 

with Infinity+ and we are already deriving a wide range of benefits from it. The new system will provide the platform for 

further development that will deliver greater efficiencies in the business processes.  

Agency Workers Regulations

These  regulations,  introduced  in  October  2011,  require  recruitment  businesses  to  ensure  that  temporary  contractors 

working alongside comparable client employed staff are, amongst other things, paid the same amount and enjoy the same 

holidays.  The initial concern amongst some industry commentators that these regulations might cause disruption has not 

materialised.

Board Changes

As indicated in the announcement made on 21 February 2013, Marshall Evans has decided to retire from the Board and 

assume a part-time role with the Group going forward.  I would like to personally thank Marshall for providing excellent help 

and support over the past 10 years and for playing a central role in the growth and success of Staffline.  His continued 

availability, albeit on a part-time basis, and his decision to remain a member of the Board of the REC and the GLA, will be 

greatly appreciated.

I am also pleased to acknowledge the promotion of Shaun Brittain to Joint Managing Director of Staffline Recruitment Ltd.  

Shaun  will  be  resigning  from  the  Group  Board  following  this  promotion  to  focus  on  his  broader  day  to  day  operational 

duties.  Andrew Coop, currently Operations Director at Staffline, will also hold the title of Joint Managing Director of Staffline 

Recruitment Ltd, and will be responsible for Logistics and Distribution services.

Diane Martyn has agreed to become Group Managing Director having joined Staffline as Non-Executive Director last year.  

Diane will become a full time Executive Director and remain on the Group Board.

Finally  I  would  once  again  thank  all  our  employees  for  their  dedication  in  ensuring  we  always  offer  the  best  and  most 

innovative service to our clients.

Current Trading 

The  first  7  weeks  of  trading  have  started  strongly  and  we  have  developed  an  excellent  pipeline  from  new  and  existing 

customers for the first half of 2013.  We have opened a specialised Driving division in Great Britain and in addition have 

committed to our existing business in Ireland with the appointment of a Divisional Director and team with responsibility for 

the Group’s growth in that country. We have also recruited the new senior team to manage Select Appointments.  

Despite the on-going threat arising from the abusive use by some competitors of Travel and Subsistence schemes , the 

majority of our clients appreciate the reassurance that we offer as a financially stable, ethical and fully compliant public 

company.  Our new business pipeline continues to grow as clients increasingly search for best in class staffing solutions 

both from a regulatory and business perspective. 

I am therefore confident that the Group will enjoy another year of substantial growth in 2013.

Andy Hogarth

Chief Executive

25 February 2013 

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Finance Director’s statement
For the year ended 31 December 2012

Financial Highlights

The total revenues for the year increased by 27% to £367.0m (2011: £288.3m) reflecting the impact of strong demand for 

our services from existing customers, new business wins in 2011 and 2012 and also the impact of the acquisitions made 
during last year and this year.  The successful growth of our OnSite business has continued albeit with increased competitive 
pressure on operating margins. This has resulted in a reduction in overall gross margin to 9.5% (2011: 10.8%).  However, 

adjusted profit from operations has increased by 4% to £10.7m (2011: £10.3m). The charge for amortisation has reduced 

by £0.8m to £1.8m as historic acquisitions become fully amortised. The charge for employee share options has increased 

by £0.2m to £0.4m largely due to the share price increasing significantly during the closing months of 2012.

The investment in acquisitions, the Welfare to Work business and the growth in working capital offset by continued strong 

cash flow generation, has led to finance charges increasing to £0.4m (2011: £0.1m) and this has reduced interest cover to 

a still comfortable 24 times (2011: 60 times).  The interest rates on our overdraft facility remain unchanged during the year, 

at 2.25% (2011: 2.0%) over bank base rate, while the rate for term borrowings remained at 1.0% (2011: 1.0%) over bank 

base rate and the Revolving Credit Facility at 2.25% to 2.5% over LIBOR.

Profit before tax for the year increased to £8.5m (2011: £7.5m) and profit after tax increased to £6.4m (2011: £5.6m). 

Earnings per Share 

The basic earnings per share increased by 15% to 29.7p (2011: 25.9p) and the diluted earnings per share increased by 14% 

to 28.7p (2011: 25.0p).  

Dividends 

The Directors propose a final dividend of 5.0p per share against 4.2p per share last year. This gives a total dividend for the 

year of 8.1p per share which is 14% ahead of the 7.1p per share paid in respect of 2011.

Subject to shareholder approval at the AGM, the final dividend will be paid on 3 July 2013 to shareholders on the register 

on 31 May 2013.

Acquisitions 

During the year we completed four acquisitions for a total consideration of £5.0m. This amount is comprised of £2.8m cash 

paid  at  completion,  and  further  potential  consideration  of  £2.2m,  £1.0m  of  which  is  dependent  on  future  profitability.  The 

acquisitions will add around £18.9m to turnover in a full year, and have resulted in the recognition in the Group balance sheet 

of additions to goodwill of £0.9m and additions to intangible assets of £0.9m. The intangible assets will be amortised over a 

period ranging from 1 to 2 years. The acquisitions have been funded from existing bank facilities together with an additional 

Revolving Credit Facility of £2.5m. 

Balance Sheet 

The Group balance sheet has strengthened during the year, with net current assets rising by £6.7m to £11.8m (2011: £5.1m) and a 

strengthened ratio of current assets to current liabilities of 1.23 (2011: 1.11).  It is also pleasing to report that despite the significant 

growth in the business and investment in acquisitions the gearing has reduced to 12% (2011: 15%). The Group continues to be 

focused on cash generation and ensuring a robust balance sheet to support the growth of the business.   

Financing 

The  Group’s  current  bank  facilities  include  a  term  loan  of  £0.6m,  repayable  in  quarterly  instalments  up  to  June  2013,  a 

revolving credit facility of up to £7.5m and an overdraft of up to £15.0m.  At 31 December 2012 the Group was in a net cash 

position  (excluding  the  revolving  credit  facility  and  term  loans).    The  overdraft  facility  is  renewable  annually  and  was 

renewed in February 2013 on similar terms to last year.  The Board believes that these facilities will ensure that the Group 

has sufficient headroom to manage the current operations as well as supporting the continued growth of the business.  

Post tax cash generation during the year has been strong and the relentless focus on debtor management has succeeded 

in  limiting  our  working  capital  increase  to  £2.6m  despite  the  27%  increase  in  sales.  The  growth  and  investment  in  the 

business offset by strong operational cash generation have resulted in net debt falling slightly to £4.6m (2011: £4.9m). The 

investment  included  £4.1m  in  acquisitions  during  the  year  covering  Select  Appointments  Limited,  Go  New  Recruitment 

Limited and 2 other businesses, and a further £0.4m investment in our systems development. 

 Tim Jackson
Finance Director

25 February 2013

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Report of the Directors
For the year ended 31 December 2012

The Directors present their annual report together with the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 

2012.  

Principal activity and business review

The principal activity of the Group is the provision of recruitment and outsourced human resource services to industry.

A detailed review of the activities of the Group, including financial and non-financial key performance indicators, can be 

found in the Chairman, Chief Executive and Finance Director’s statements. 

An interim dividend of £670,120 (3.1p per share) was paid during the year (2011: £623,853, 2.9p per share).  The Directors 

have  proposed  a  final  dividend  of  £1,081,566  (5.0p  per  share)  (2011:  £908,027,  4.2p  per  share)  to  be  paid  on 

3 July 2013, to shareholders registered on 31 May 2013. This has not been included within creditors as it was not formally 

approved before the year end.

Directors

The Directors who held office during the year were as follows:

A Hogarth 

M Evans 

N Keegan 

J Crabtree OBE 

T Jackson  

S Brittain 

D Martyn (appointed non-executive 13 February 2012) 

Substantial shareholdings

The  interests  in  excess  of  3%  of  the  issued  ordinary  share  capital  of  the  Company  which  have  been  notified  as  at 

24 January 2013 were as follows:

Octopus Investments
Legal and General Investment
A J Hogarth
ISIS Equity Partners
Cazenove Capital Management
Investec Asset Management
Generali Portfolio Management
Hargreave Hale - Stockbrokers
Ennismore Fund Management

Ordinary 

shares of 

Percentage 

10p each 

of ordinary 

Number
3,241,269
2,465,009
2,068,629
1,917,584
1,600,000
1,555,000
1,091,350
982,716
885,994

shares %
14.16
10.77
9.04
8.38
6.99
6.79
4.77
4.29
3.87

The shareholding for A J Hogarth excludes shares held under the Company’s Joint Share Ownership Plan (JSOP) in which 

the he is a beneficial co-owner of shares. Details of such shareholdings are given in the Report on Directors’ remuneration.

Payment to suppliers

It is the Group’s policy to agree appropriate terms and conditions for its transactions with suppliers by means ranging from 

standard terms and conditions to individually negotiated contracts and to pay suppliers according to agreed terms and 

conditions, provided that the supplier meets those terms and conditions.  The Group does not have a standard or code 

which deals specifically with the payment of suppliers.

Group trade creditors at the year-end amounted to 25 days (2011: 12 days) of average supplies for the year.

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Report of the Directors (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2012

Financial risk management objectives and policies
The Group is exposed to a variety of financial risks which result from both its operating and investing activities.  The Group’s 
risk management is coordinated at its headquarters, in close co-operation with the Board of Directors, and focuses on 
actively securing the Group’s short to medium term cash flows. 

The  Group  does  not  actively  engage  in  the  trading  of  financial  assets  for  speculative  purposes.    The  most  significant 
financial risks to which, in the opinion of the Directors, the Group is exposed are described below.

Credit risk
Generally, the maximum credit risk exposure of financial assets is the carrying amount of the financial assets as shown on 
the face of the balance sheet (or in the detailed analysis provided in the notes to the financial statements).  Credit risk, 
therefore,  is  only  disclosed  in  circumstances  where  the  maximum  potential  loss  differs  significantly  from  the  financial 
asset’s carrying amount.

The Group’s trade and other receivables are actively monitored to avoid significant concentrations of credit risk.

The  Group  has  adopted  a  policy  of  carefully  monitoring  all  customers,  in  particular  those  who  lack  an  appropriate 
credit history.

Liquidity risk
The Group seeks to manage financial risks to ensure sufficient liquidity is available to meet foreseeable needs and to invest 
cash assets safely and profitably.  The Group had net cash of £3,618,000 at 31 December 2012 (2011: £1,841,000) but there 
are substantial fluctuations within the year. Short term flexibility is achieved by means of a bank overdraft facility of up to 
£15,000,000 and a revolving credit facility (RCF) of up to £7,500,000. These facilities have been renewed on similar terms 
in February 2013.

Interest rate risk
All financial liabilities of the Group owed to the Group’s bankers are subject to floating interest rates.  Competitive rates 
have been negotiated with the Group’s bankers and the rate paid on term bank loans has been set at 1% above base rate 
(2011: 1% above base rate). The rates paid on the RCFs taken out in 2011 and 2012 is between 2.2% and 2.5% above LIBOR 
plus a non-utilisation fee of between 0.88% and 1.0%.  

Details of the key risks impacting on the Group are included in the Corporate Governance statement.

Employee Involvement
Employees are kept aware of developments within the Group by regular briefings. These include presentations by subsidiary 
management covering their future budgets. Employee involvement with the financial performance of the Group is further 
encouraged by the share option scheme. However, as the number of employees now exceeds 250 the qualification criteria 
for an EMI scheme are no longer met so no further options can be issued under this scheme. 

Disabled persons
It is the Group’s policy to give full and fair consideration to suitable applications for employment from disabled persons. 
Once employed, disabled persons receive equal opportunities for training, career development and promotion. Opportunities 
exist for employees of the Group who become disabled to continue their employment or to be trained for other positions 
within the Group.

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Directors’ Responsibilities Statement
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Directors’ Report and the consolidated financial statements in accordance 
with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Directors 
have to prepare the financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted 
by  the  European  Union.  Under  company  law  the  Directors  must  not  approve  the  financial  statements  unless  they  are 
satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs and profit or loss of the Group for that period. In preparing 
these financial statements, the Directors are required to:
●● select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
●● make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
●● state whether applicable IFRSs have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the 

financial statements;

●● prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group will 

continue in business.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Group’s 

transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Group and enable them to 

ensure that the financial statements 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 confirm that:
●● so far as each Director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company’s auditors are unaware; 

and

●● the Directors have taken all steps that they ought to have taken as Directors in order to make themselves aware of any 

relevant audit information and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information.

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the 

Company’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements 

may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.  

Auditors

Grant Thornton UK LLP offer themselves for reappointment as auditors in accordance with section 489 of the Companies 

Act 2006.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD

Tim Jackson

Company Secretary

25 February 2013

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Corporate governance statement
For the year ended 31 December 2012

Statement by the Directors on compliance with the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code (the Code)

As  a  company  listed  on  the  Alternative  Investment  Market  of  the  London  Stock  Exchange,  Staffline  Group  plc  is  not 

required to comply with the Code. However, the Board of Directors has considered the effects of the Code and taken steps 

to comply with the Code insofar as it can be applied practically, given the size of Staffline and the nature of its operations. 

Due to the size of the Group the number of non executive directors is currently less than the number of executive directors. 

The Group supports the concept of an effective Board leading and controlling the Group and a brief outline of the role of 

the Board and its committees, together with the Group’s systems of internal financial control which the Board will continue 

to keep under review, is given below.

The Board

The  Board  currently  comprises  the  Non-Executive  Chairman,  the  Chief  Executive,  the  Group  Managing  Director,  the 

Finance  Director,  one  Executive  Director  and  one  Non-Executive  Director.    Biographies  of  the  Directors  appear  below 

including who sits on which committee (A = Audit Committee, R = Remuneration Committee, N = Nominations Committee). 

The Non-Executive Directors, although having small shareholdings in the Company, are considered by the Board to be 

independent.

Shaun Brittain — Executive Director

Shaun Brittain joined the Group in August 2000 and the Board in February 2009.  He was one of the Group’s divisional 

Directors, with responsibility for the largest region. He has made a significant contribution to the growth of Staffline’s Onsite 

model and helped to shape the outsourcing development by introducing additional outsourcing services. Prior to that he 

spent 11 years at Blue Arrow, where he held senior roles, both operational and strategic. 

John Crabtree OBE — Non-Executive Chairman (A, R, N)

John  Crabtree  joined  the  Board  on  1  March  2005  as  a  Non-Executive  Director  and  Chairman  of  the  Remuneration 

Committee.  He was appointed Chairman in 2011.  John was the senior partner of Wragge & Co, the Birmingham based 

corporate law firm and whilst in this role John was responsible for the firm’s evolution into a practice with 100 partners and 

a turnover of £75m.  John has a number of business interests, including being Non-Executive Chairman of Real Estate 

Investors plc, SLR Holdings Limited, Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre Trust, TruckEast Ltd and the charity Sense.  

Marshall Evans — Executive Director 

Having gained broad experience with P&O, NFC and Freightliners, Marshall spent six years as Operations Director of TIP 

Trailer Rental (“TIP”), joining GE Capital when that company acquired TIP in 1993.  He then spent four years as part of the 

acquisition team which purchased and integrated ten further companies, including TLS Vehicle Rental, into GE Capital and 

became an Executive Director of TLS.  He joined Staffline and the Board in July 2002. Marshall is a board member of both 

the Gangmaster Licensing Authority (GLA) and the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) (the main UK trade 

body for recruitment agencies). 

Andy Hogarth — Chief Executive (N)

Andy  has  held  senior  roles  in  a  wide  range  of  businesses  including  retail,  support  services,  healthcare,  hospitality  and 

construction.  As Finance Director he led the MBO and subsequent trade sale in 2002 of Pipeline Constructors Group, a 

£100m utility services business. He is currently CEO of Staffline Group plc, sits on the board of an elderly care charity and 

is  a  Director  of  Hogarths  Hotel,  a  boutique  hotel  in  Solihull.    He  is  a  Fellow  of  the  Association  of  Chartered  Certified 

Accountants (FCCA) as well as a Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and a Certified NLP coach.  

He joined Staffline in 2002 as Finance Director, becoming Managing Director in 2005 and was Chief Executive in 2009.

Tim Jackson — Finance Director

Having qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Grant Thornton, Tim spent nine years in various financial and commercial 

roles at Salvesen Logistics Plc.  He then spent 7 years at Redbridge Holdings Limited culminating in the position of Finance 

Director of its food service division, Redbridge Fresh Services. As Finance Director of SG Maintenance Services Limited he 

was  instrumental  in  the  operational  and  finance  side  of  the  business  and  its  eventual  disposal,  before  joining  Applied 

Language Solutions Limited, a fast growing translation business, as Finance Director. He joined Staffline as Finance Director 

in December 2008. He remained a non-executive Director of Applied Language Solutions Limited until its acquisition by 

Capita plc in December 2011.

Nicholas Keegan — Non-Executive Director (A, R, N)

Nicholas is a qualified Chartered Accountant, who after spending 10 years in investment banking was Finance Director of 

a number of quoted and unquoted West Midlands companies, including Newman Tonks Group plc and Frederick Cooper 

plc.  He was from 2005 until 2009 Chief Financial Officer of CompAir Holdings Limited, a venture capital backed international 
manufacturing business. He was a Non-Executive Director of Interserve plc from 2003 until 2009.  He joined Staffline in 

November 2004 and is Chairman of the Audit Committee. 

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11

Corporate governance statement (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2012

Diane Martyn – Group Managing Director

Diane  Martyn  was  until  2011  CEO  of  Randstad  Staffing  in  the  UK,  part  of  one  of  the  leading  human  resources  services 

providers in the world, where she was responsible for the merger of Select Appointments plc and Randstad in 2008. She 

has  over  20  years  of  experience  in  the  staffing  industry  where  she  has  held  senior  management  roles,  including  Chief 

Executive Officer of Select Appointments plc and Managing Director of Blue Arrow.  Diane joined the Board of Staffline on 

13 February 2012 as a Non-Executive Director and was appointed Group Managing Director on 25 February 2013.

Relations with shareholders

The Company values the views of its shareholders and recognises their interest in the Group’s strategy and performance.  

The  Annual  General  Meeting  is  used  to  communicate  with  all  investors  and  they  are  encouraged  to  participate.    The 

Directors are available to answer questions.  Separate resolutions are proposed on each issue so that they can be given 

proper consideration and there is a formal resolution to approve the Annual Report and Accounts.

Internal control

The Board is responsible for maintaining a strong system of internal control to safeguard shareholders’ interests and the 

Group’s assets and for reviewing its effectiveness.  The system of internal financial control is designed to provide reasonable, 

but not absolute, assurance against material misstatement or loss.

The  Remuneration  Committee,  chaired  by  John  Crabtree  has  met  three  times  during  the  year.    It  is  responsible  for 

determining the level of remuneration to be paid to the Executive Directors.  A separate report on remuneration follows.

The Nominations Committee, chaired by John Crabtree has met twice during the year. It is responsible for ensuring that 

the balance of the board is appropriate to control and direct the business.

The Audit Committee, chaired by Nicholas Keegan, has met three times during the year and is responsible for ensuring that 

the financial performance of the Group is properly monitored and reported on, as well as meeting the auditors and reviewing 

any  reports  from  the  auditors  regarding  accounts  and  internal  control  systems.    Auditor  independence  is  maintained 

through regular meetings with the Audit Committee with management excluded.  The Audit Committee is responsible for 

identifying and commissioning specific internal control reviews as required. 

The  Group  has  several  mechanisms  for  ensuring  internal  controls  are  operating  effectively.  There  is  an  independent 

compliance audit team responsible for checking legality to work and compliance with relevant standards (e.g. GLA and 

REC). Within the payroll team a compliance officer role has been created during the year to ensure payroll team compliance 

with relevant legislation and procedures. From a financial point of view authority levels are in place and there is regular 

review of financial information at all management levels right up to the Board.  

The Group tailors its approach to ensuring internal controls are operating effectively over new acquisitions – in the majority 

of cases the acquired business is integrated into Staffline systems from the outset. Operational responsibility is assigned 

from day one and the results form part of the usual regular management reporting. In special circumstances acquisitions 

continue to be run on separate systems. 

The Board has considered the need for an internal audit function but has decided that, given the size and complexity of the 

Group  does  not  justify  it  at  present,  although  it  does  have  the  independent  compliance  audit  team  referred  to  above.  

However, it will keep this decision under annual review.

The Directors keep a register of risks faced by the business, rating these risks on a scale of 1 to 5 for both probability and 

impact.  These risks have been mitigated to the extent considered practical and are reviewed annually.  The Directors have 

identified the following principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group: 

Principal risks
●● Because of the industries in which the Group specialises, principally food processing, the Directors consider the Group 
to be relatively less affected than others in the sector during a general economic downturn.  However, this sector is 

subject  to  great  change  and  consolidation  as  the  buying  power  of  major  retailers  continues  to  drive  the  need  for 
rationalisation and greater economies of scale.  We are at risk if our clients lose business in this process.  We continue 

to counter this risk by expanding our client base and can expect to gain as much business as we lose if we have a wide 

enough spread of clients. 

12

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●● Because we allow credit to our clients we are at risk if one of them runs into financial difficulties and is unable to pay 
their outstanding debt.  To minimise the risks we monitor client payment patterns, subscribe to a monitoring service and 

employ pro-active credit control systems.  To date these actions have been successful and the total bad debt charge 

to the Group in the last three years, excluding VAT, has been £85,000 on sales of £861,000,000, equating to 0.01% of 

sales. 

●● In terms of our welfare to work segment (Eos) our key risk is that we will be unable to find jobs for jobseekers and /or 
having  found  jobs  we  are  unable  to  keep  those  workers  in  place.  Given  our  other  business  segment,  recruitment 

services we are ideally placed to find suitable jobs. This, coupled with Eos’s unique tailored approach to help unemployed 

people  back  into  sustainable  employment,  through  a  combination  of  intensive  job  search  support,  comprehensive 

vacancy matching services, real work experience, skills development and in-work support should mitigate the risk of 

failing to keep jobseekers in work. The fact that Eos has only one customer, the Government, is also a risk. However, 

this  is  somewhat  mitigated  by  the  fact  that  Eos  now  have  a  number  of  different  Government  contracts.  In  addition, 

experience shows that a change in Government policy (and therefore contract terms) would not necessarily have an 

adverse impact and there are only a limited number of providers who meet the criteria to secure these contracts.
●● We face the risk that one of our members of staff may deliberately by-pass the procedures set up which ensure we 
fully comply with all legislative requirements.  Although we have put robust checks and audit procedures in place that 

should detect such acts there is a reputational and financial risk to the business should someone deliberately choose 

to do this. 

●● Major failure of IT systems.  The Group has a robust Disaster Recovery plan in place in the event of a major internal 
failure of our IT systems.  However as our business grows we become ever more reliant on third party telecommunication 

and other providers, including BT, BACS and Weston Telecom. We have put back up and alternative solutions in place 

but there is still a risk a major failure by any of these suppliers would prove very disruptive.

●● Competition. The group operates in the recruitment services sector where there are a significant number of competitors 
and barriers to entry are relatively low. To counter the threat of competitors seeking to win business from us the Group 

aims to build strong long term relationships with its customers through excellent service levels and through its rigorous 

selection and checking procedures which ensure that all contractors provided by the Group are fully compliant with the 

legal requirements.

●● Acquisitions.  The Group has made a number of acquisitions over the past four years. Significant legal, commercial and 
financial due diligence is undertaken on each acquisition before completion in line with its size and complexity. Post 

acquisition the integration into the Staffline procedures and systems is managed by the acquisition team. There is a risk 

post acquisition that an issue with a customers, contract or staff member may impact the value of the acquisition.

Uncertainties
●● The recovery of the UK from recession may impact the Group in both positive and negative ways. The core business 
model, with its emphasis on the food-production sector is considered relatively defensive as food consumption in the 

home  should  not  be  significantly  impacted.  The  recovery  may  provide  some  opportunities  if  clients  seek  to  use 

temporary  staff  in  lieu  of  replacing  permanent  employees.  The  exposure  to  permanent  recruitment  is  minimal  as 

permanent appointments represent less than 1% of Group sales.

●● Onerous  changes  in  the  regulatory  framework,  driven  by  potential  European  or  UK  legislation,  could  lead  to  greatly 

increased employment costs which might lead to a reduction in demand for our temporary workers.

Going concern

In considering the on-going funding requirements of the Group, the Directors have prepared detailed cash flow forecasts 

extending to December 2014 and these indicate that the Group expects to be able to continue to operate within its existing 

bank facilities for the foreseeable future. The Group enjoys a strong working relationship with its bank and had undrawn 

overdraft  facilities  of  £12.3m  at  31  December  2012.  Coupled  with  a  strong  financial  performance  for  the  year  ended  31 

December  2012  and  a  strong  start  to  2013  the  Directors  are  of  the  view  that  it  remains  appropriate  for  the  financial 

statements to be prepared on a going concern basis.

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13

Report on remuneration
For the year ended 31 December 2012

Remuneration Committee

The  Company  has  a  Remuneration  Committee  comprised  of  John  Crabtree,  who  is  the  Chairman,  Diane  Martyn  and 

Nicholas Keegan.  Except as shareholders and Directors none of the members has any personal financial interest in the 

Group.  The Group’s current remuneration policies are set out below.

Policy on Executive Directors’ remuneration

The Executive Directors’ remuneration packages are designed to attract, motivate and retain Directors of the high calibre 

needed to help the Group successfully compete in its market place.  The Group’s policies are to pay Executive Directors a 

salary at market levels for comparable jobs in the sector whilst recognising the relative size of the Group.

The performance management of the Executive Directors and key members of senior management and the determination 

of  their  annual  remuneration  package  is  undertaken  by  the  Remuneration  Committee.    No  Director  plays  a  part  in  any 

decision about his or her own remuneration.  Executive Directors are permitted to accept appointments outside the Group 

subject to prior Board approval. The remuneration packages for Shaun Brittain, Marshall Evans, Andy Hogarth, Tim Jackson 

and  Diane  Martyn  are  comprised  of  a  basic  salary  and  a  performance  related  bonus  as  well  as  share-based  payment 

schemes as described below.

The remuneration of the Directors, which was all paid by the Group, is detailed in note seven of the notes to the financial 

statements.

Basic salary

An individual’s basic salary is reviewed by the Remuneration Committee each year and when an individual changes position 

or  responsibility.    In  deciding  appropriate  levels  the  Committee  takes  into  account  objective  research  on  comparable 

companies and general market conditions.

Annual bonus

Annual bonuses are awarded at the discretion of the Remuneration Committee as an incentive and to reward performance 

during the financial year pursuant to specific performance criteria.  In exercising its discretion the Committee takes into 

account  (amongst  other  things)  performance  against  budget  and  performance  against  market  expectations.    The 

Committee believes that incentive compensation should recognise the growth and profitability of the business, which are 

tied to the interests of shareholders.  

A total bonus of £103,000 has been accrued in respect of the Executive Directors in recognition of performance exceeding 

budget, in line with the Executive Bonus Scheme approved by the Remuneration Committee.

Directors’ share options

In October 2009, share options were issued to Shaun Brittain, Marshall Evans, Andy Hogarth, Tim Jackson and two other 

senior executives. 

These share options have a performance condition based on the increase in reported diluted Earnings per Share of the 

Group from the base of 10.7p in December 2008 to the achieved diluted EPS in the year to December 2012.  The award is 

scaled up to a maximum of 150,000 shares for a doubling of diluted EPS.

These share options can be exercised between three and seven years of being granted and are detailed in note seven to 

the notes to the financial statements.

14

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Joint Share Ownership Plan

In 2010 the Company established a Joint Share Ownership Plan (JSOP) to provide additional incentives to senior executives. 

The JSOP interest runs from the date of the award until 30 June 2015. During this period the right to sell the JSOP award 

shares is not at the discretion of the Directors but instead at the discretion of the Employee Benefit Trust. On the eventual 

disposal  of  the  shares,  the  amount  received  by  the  Directors  is  calculated  based  on  certain  business  performance 

conditions. The eventual payment to the Directors takes into account diluted EPS adjusted for amortisation of intangibles 

in any financial year up to 2014 (from a minimum of 24p to a maximum of 42p) and the share price at the date of disposal.

The  interests  that  the  directors  acquired  in  the  shares  jointly  with  the  Staffline  Group  plc  Employee  Benefit  Trust  are 

contained within note seven of the notes to the financial statements.

Policy on Non-Executive Directors’ Remuneration

The remuneration of the Non-Executive Directors is determined by the Board and based upon independent surveys of fees 

paid to Non-Executive Directors of similar companies.  The Non-Executive Directors do not receive any benefits apart from 

their basic salaries or fees. 

Service contracts

Shaun Brittain, Marshall Evans, Andy Hogarth, Tim Jackson and Diane Martyn have rolling service contracts requiring notice 

from either party of one year.  Nick Keegan and John Crabtree each have contracts terminable on six months’ notice given 

by either party. 

There are no contractual termination payments other than as a result of the contractual notice period.

Pension arrangements

The  Group  has  a  defined  contribution  pension  scheme  with  Scottish  Widows  for  all  permanent  employees.    Executive 

Directors are entitled to receive a contribution from the Group equivalent to 10% of their basic salary into this or another 

scheme of their choice.

Benefits in kind

The Group provides private medical insurance for Shaun Brittain, Marshall Evans, Andy Hogarth, Tim Jackson and Diane 

Martyn.  No other benefits in kind are provided to Directors.

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15

Independent auditor’s report to the members of Staffline Group plc
For the year ended 31 December 2012

We have audited the group financial statements of Staffline Group plc for the year ended 31 December 2012 which comprise 

the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated statement of changes in equity, the consolidated 

statement of financial position, the consolidated statement of cash flows and the related notes.  The financial reporting 

framework  that  has  been  applied  in  their  preparation  is  applicable  law  and  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards 

(IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union.

This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies 

Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members those matters we are 

required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not 

accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company’s members as a body, for our audit 

work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Respective responsibilities of Directors and auditors

As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement set out on page 9, the Directors are responsible for the 

preparation of the group financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is 

to  audit  and  express  an  opinion  on  the  group  financial  statements  in  accordance  with  applicable  law  and  International 

Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s (APB’s) 

Ethical Standards for Auditors.

Scope of the audit of the financial statements

A description of the scope of an audit of financial statements is provided on the APB’s website at www.frc.org.uk/apb/

scope/private.cfm.

Opinion on the financial statements

In our opinion the group financial statements:
●● give a true and fair view of the state of the group’s affairs as at 31 December 2012 and of its profit for the year then 

ended; 

●● have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union; and
●● have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Opinion on other matter prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion the information given in the Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the group financial statements 

are prepared is consistent with the group financial statements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following:

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:
●● 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.

Other matter

We  have  reported  separately  on  the  parent  company  financial  statements  of  Staffline  Group  plc  for  the  year  ended 

31 December 2012. 

David Munton

Senior Statutory Auditor

for and on behalf of Grant Thornton UK LLP

Statutory Auditor, Chartered Accountants

BIRMINGHAM

Date: 25 February 2013

16

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22405.04 

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17

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
For the year ended 31 December 2012

2012

 Before 

2012

amortisation 

Amortisation 

Note

£’000

£’000

Continuing operations

Sales revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Administrative expenses
Operating profit before amortisation of intangibles 

and share based charge 
Administrative expenses - 

Share based payment charge 

Administrative expenses - Amortisation of intangibles

Profit from operations

Finance costs

Profit for the period before taxation

Tax expense
Net profit and total comprehensive income 

for the period

Total comprehensive income attributable to:

Non-controlling interest
Owners of the parent

Earnings per ordinary share

Basic

Diluted

4

5

6

8

9

2012

Total

£’000

2011

Total

£’000

366,980

288,303

(332,268)
34,712

(23,600)

(257,161)
31,142

(20,667)

11,112

10,475

(426)

(1,802)

8,884

(363)
8,521

(2,111)

(209)

(2,606)

7,660

(126)
7,534

(1,976)

366,980

(332,268)
34,712

(23,600)

11,112

(426)

-

10,686

(363)
10,323

(2,559)

-

-
-

-

-

-

(1,802)

(1,802)

-
(1,802)

448

7,764

(1,354)

6,410

5,558

(11)
6,421

(69)
5,627

29.7p

28.7p

25.9p

25.0p

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

18

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Consolidated statement of changes in equity
For the year ended 31 December 2012

Own

Share- 

based 

Total 

Profit

attributable 

Non-

Share 

 shares 

Share

payment 

 and loss

to owners 

controlling

At 1 January 2012 

(audited)
Dividends
Share options issued 

in equity settled share 

based payments

Share options exercised
Acquisition of non-

controlling interest 

(note 20)
Transactions with 

owners

Profit for the period
Total comprehensive 

income for the period

capital

£’000

2,284
 -

-

5

 -

5

-

-

JSOP

 premium

reserve

 account

of parent

 interest

£’000

£’000

£’000

£’000

£’000

£’000

Total

 equity

£’000

(1,157)
 -

15,928
 -

229
 -

17,702
(1,578)

34,986
 (1,578)

(87)
 -

34,899
 (1,578)

-

-

-

 -

-

 -

-

41

-

41

-

-

32

(186)

-

186

32

46

-

(58)

(58)

(154)

(1,450)

(1,558)

6,421

6,421

-

- 

 -

 -

58

58

(11)

32

46

-

(1,500)

6,410

At 31 December 2012

2,289

(1,157)

15,969

75

22,673

39,849

(40) 39,809

6,421

6,421

(11)

6,410

Own 

Share- 

based 

Total 

Profit

attributable 

Non-

Share 

shares 

Share 

payment 

 and loss

to owners 

controlling 

premium

reserve

 account

of parent

interest

At 1 January 2011

Dividends
Share options issued 

in equity settled share 

based payments

Share options exercised
Transactions with 

owners

Profit for the period
Total comprehensive 

income for the period
Balance at 

capital

£’000

2,264

–

–

20

20

–

–

JSOP

£’000

(1,157)

–

–

–

–

–

–

£’000

15,735

–

–

193

193

–

–

£’000

198

–

£’000

13,512

£’000

30,552

(1,437)

(1,437)

31

–

–

–

31

213

31

(1,437)

(1,193)

Total

 equity

£’000

£’000

(18)

30,534

–

–

–

–

(1,437)

31

213

(1,193)

–

–

5,627

5,627

(69)

5,558

5,627

5,627

(69)

5,558

31 December 2011

2,284

(1,157)

15,928

229

17,702

34,986

(87) 34,899

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

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19

Consolidated statement of financial position
As at 31 December 2012

Assets

Non-current assets

Goodwill

Other intangible assets

Property, plant & equipment

Deferred tax asset 

Current

Trade & other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets
Liabilities

Current

Trade and other payables

Borrowings

Other current liabilities

Current tax liabilities

Non-current

Borrowings

Other non-current liabilities

Deferred tax liabilities

Total liabilities
Equity

Share capital

Own shares

Share premium  

Share based payment reserve

Profit & loss account

Non-controlling interest
Total equity

Total equity & liabilities

31 

31 

December 

December 

2012

£’000

2011

£’000

Note

10

11

12

18

13

14

15

16

17

16

17

18

19

30,971

3,031

2,343

140
36,485

59,598

3,650
63,248

99,733

46,678

678

2,928

1,325
51,609

7,556

70

689
59,924

2,289

(1,157)

15,969

75

22,673
39,849

(40)
39,809

99,733

30,032

3,898

2,811

-
36,741

46,744

3,687
50,431

87,172

38,463

2,984

2,345

1,519
45,311

5,624

392

946
52,273

2,284

(1,157)

15,928

229

17,702
34,986

(87)
34,899

87,172

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 25 February 2013. 

Andy Hogarth 

Director  

Tim Jackson

Director

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

20

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Consolidated statement of cash flows
For the year ended 31 December 2012

Net cash inflow from operating activities 

Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
Sale of property, plant and equipment
Acquisition of businesses - deferred consideration for prior acquisitions
Acquisition of businesses - deferred consideration for current acquisitions
Acquisition of businesses - cash acquired
Acquisition of businesses - cash paid
Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities:
New loans
Loan repayments
Interest paid
Dividends paid
Proceeds from the issue of share capital
Net cash flows from financing activities

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

Year 

Year 

ended 31 

ended 31 

December 

December 

2012

£’000
6,843

2011     

£’000
402

Note
26

(543)
24
(1,454)
(168)
315
(2,810)
(4,636)

2,500
(1,060)
(338)
(1,578)
46
(430)

(1,115)
 -
(1,528)
(351)
8,896
(7,701)
(1,799)

5,000
(809)
(126)
(1,437)
213
2,841

1,777

1,444

1,841

397

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

14

3,618

1,841

Net debt at beginning of year
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
Decrease in loans
Increase in RCF
Net debt at end of period

(4,921)
1,777
1,060
(2,500)
(4,584)

(2,264)
1,444
899
(5,000)
(4,921)

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

22405.04 

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21

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 December 2012

1 Nature of operations

The  principal  activities  of  Staffline  Group  plc  and  its  subsidiaries  (the  Group)  include  the  provision  of  recruitment  and 

outsourced human resource services to industry and services in the welfare to work arena.

2 General information and statement of compliance 

Staffline Group plc, a Public Limited Company is incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom.  The Company acts as 

the holding company of the Group.  The registered office and principal place of business of the Group and its subsidiary 

companies is disclosed on the company details page to these financial statements.  

The financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 (including the comparatives for the year ended 31 December 

2011) were approved and authorised for issue by the board of Directors on 25 February 2013.   

The Group does not have an ultimate controlling related party.

3 Accounting policies

Basis of preparation

The  consolidated  financial  statements  of  the  Group  have  been  prepared  using  the  significant  accounting  policies  and 

measurement  bases  summarised  below,  and  in  accordance  with  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards  (IFRS)  as 

adopted by the EU.

Separate financial statements of Staffline Group plc (‘the Company’) have been prepared, on pages 47 to 52, under the 

historical cost convention and in accordance with UK GAAP.

Functional and presentation currency

The consolidated financial statements are presented in sterling, which is also the functional currency of the parent company.

The principal accounting policies of the Group are set out below.

Consolidation of subsidiaries

The Group financial statements consolidate those of the parent company and all of its subsidiaries as at 31 December 2012. 

Subsidiaries are all entities over which the Group has the power to control the financial and operating policies. The Group 

obtains and exercises control through voting rights and presence on the respective boards of its subsidiaries. All subsidiaries 

have a reporting date of 31 December.

Acquired subsidiaries and businesses are subject to the application of the acquisition accounting method. This involves the 

recognition  at  fair  value  of  all  identifiable  assets  and  liabilities,  including  contingent  liabilities  of  the  subsidiary,  at  the 

acquisition date, regardless of whether or not they were recorded in the financial statements of the subsidiary or business 

prior to acquisition. On initial recognition, the assets and liabilities of the subsidiary are included in the consolidated balance 

sheet at these fair values, which are also used as the bases for subsequent measurement in accordance with the Group 

accounting policies.

Group Learner has been consolidated in the financial statements as a subsidiary despite the group holding a non-controlling 

interest  only,  of  40%,  in  the  company.  The  results  of  Group  Learner  are  highly  immaterial  to  the  financial  statements 

however.

Material intra-group balances and transactions, and any unrealised gains or losses arising from intra-group transactions, 

are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

Non-controlling interests, presented as part of equity, represent the portion of a subsidiary’s profit or loss and net assets 

that is not held by the Group. The Group attributes total comprehensive income or loss of subsidiaries between the owners 

of the parent and the non-controlling interests based on their respective ownership interests.

22

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Business combinations

The Group applies the acquisition method in accounting for business combinations. The consideration transferred by the 

Group to obtain control of a subsidiary is calculated as the sum of the acquisition-date fair value of assets transferred, 

liabilities incurred and the equity interests of the Group, which includes the fair value of any asset or liability arising from a 

contingent consideration arrangement. Acquisition costs are expensed as incurred.

Goodwill is stated after separate recognition of identifiable intangible assets. It is calculated as the sum of a) fair value of 

consideration transferred, b) the recognised amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and c) acquisition-date 

fair value of any existing equity interest in the acquiree, over the acquisition-date fair values of identifiable net assets. If the 

fair values of identifiable net assets exceed the sum calculated above, the excess amount (i.e. gain on a bargain purchase) 

is recognised in profit or loss immediately.

Segment reporting

The  Group  has  two  material  operating  segments:  the  provision  of  temporary  staff  to  customers  and  the  provision  of 

welfare to work services.  Each of these operating segments is managed separately as each requires different technologies, 

marketing approaches and other resources. For management purposes, the Group uses the same measurement policies 

as those used in its financial statements.  

The placement of permanent staff with customers, training and the provision of outsourced logistics services all contribute 

less than 10% of the Group’s total revenue, profit and assets. Under the definitions contained in IFRS 8, the only material 

geographic area that the Group operates in is the United Kingdom. 

Revenue recognition

Income from the provision of temporary contractors is recognised at the end of the completed working week based on 

hours worked multiplied by the contracted rate, net of rebates.  Income from permanent placements is recognised when 

the candidates start work. Income from training provision is recognised evenly across the period of the training. In each 

case, revenue is only recognised when the labour or service has been provided and the Group is entitled to the revenue.

Provisions for rebates are accounted for in the same period the related sales are recorded, and are calculated in accordance 

with the contractual arrangements in place.

Income from the provision of welfare to work services is recognised at the point the company earns the right to consideration 

for services performed in agreement with contracts and contractual obligations. Under the terms of the contract with the 

DWP,  the  welfare  to  work  segment  receives  income  when  certain  contractual  milestones  are  met  as  each  customer 

passes through the programme. The segment recognises revenue in the financial statements in line with when services 

are  provided  and  when  the  milestone  outcome  can  be  assessed  with  reasonable  certainty.  The  majority  of  income  is 

received  based  upon  performance  against  set  criteria.   Where  income  is  received  in  advance  this  is  initially  held  in  the 

statement of financial position as deferred income and released to the statement of comprehensive income as services 

are  provided.  Accrued  income  is  recognised  where  services  have  been  provided  in  advance  of  receipt  of  income  and 

based on all available evidence, the company expects to receive payment in accordance with the contract. In spreading 

revenue over the period services are provided, the basis of revenue recognition considers historical experience and future 

expectations in terms of success rates, and takes into account the anticipated length of period over which the services are 

ultimately provided. 

Operating expenses 

Operating expenses are recognised in profit or loss upon utilisation of the service or at the date of their origin.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the fair value of the cost of a business acquisition over the Group’s share of the fair value 

of assets and liabilities acquired as at the date of acquisition.  Goodwill is tested annually for impairment and carried at cost 

less accumulated impairment losses.

Intangible assets
Assets acquired as part of a business combination

In accordance with IFRS 3 Business Combinations, an intangible asset acquired in a business combination is deemed to 

have  a  cost  to  the  Group  of  its  fair  value  at  the  acquisition  date.    The  fair  value  of  the  intangible  asset  reflects  market 

expectations  about  the  probability  that  the  future  economic  benefits  embodied  in  the  asset  will  flow  to  the  Group.  An 

independent valuation is undertaken in order to assess the fair value of intangible assets acquired in a business combination.  

22405.04 

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23

Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2012

The fair value is then amortised over the economic life of the asset as detailed below.  Where an intangible asset might be 

separable, but only together with a related tangible or intangible asset, the group of assets is recognised as a single asset 

separately from goodwill where the individual fair values of the assets in the group are not reliably measurable.  Where the 

individual fair values of the complementary assets are reliably measurable, the Group recognises them as a single asset 

provided the individual assets have similar useful lives.

Customer contracts and Customer Lists

The  fair  value  of  acquired  customer  contracts  and  customer  lists  is  capitalised  and,  subject  to  impairment  reviews, 

amortised over the estimated life of the customer contracts and customer lists acquired (estimated to be 2-5 years).  The 

amortisation is calculated so as to write off the fair value of the customer contracts and customer lists less their estimated 

residual values over their estimated lives.  An impairment review of customer contracts and customer lists is undertaken 

when events or circumstances indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable.

Property, plant and equipment

Freehold land and property, computer equipment and fixtures and fittings are carried at acquisition cost less subsequent 

depreciation and impairment losses. Depreciation is charged on the cost less estimated residual value, which is assessed 

annually, of these assets on a straight line basis over the estimated useful economic life of each asset.

The useful lives of property, plant and equipment can be summarised as follows:

Freehold buildings 

  Computer equipment 

Fixtures and fittings 

  Motor vehicles 

Impairment

50 years straight-line

3 years straight-line

3 years straight-line

25% reducing balance

Goodwill, other intangible assets and property, plant and equipment are subject to impairment testing.

For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable 

cash flows (cash-generating units). As a result, some assets are tested individually for impairment and some are tested at 

cash-generating unit level.  Goodwill is allocated to those cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from synergies 

of the related business combination and represent the lowest level within the Group at which management monitors the 

related cash flows.

Individual  intangible  assets  or  cash-generating  units  that  include  goodwill  with  an  indefinite  useful  life  are  tested  for 

impairment at least annually. All other individual assets or cash-generating units are tested for impairment whenever events 

or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.

An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset’s or cash-generating unit’s carrying amount exceeds 

its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of fair value, reflecting market conditions less costs to sell, 

and value in use based on an internal discounted cash flow evaluation. Impairment losses recognised for cash-generating 

units,  to  which  goodwill  has  been  allocated,  are  credited  initially  to  the  carrying  amount  of  goodwill.  Any  remaining 

impairment  loss  is  charged  pro  rata  to  the  other  assets  in  the  cash  generating  unit.  With  the  exception  of  goodwill,  all 

assets are subsequently reassessed for indications that an impairment loss previously recognised may no longer exist.

Leases

In  accordance  with  IAS  17,  the  economic  ownership  of  a  leased  asset  is  transferred  to  the  lessee  if  the  lessee  bears 

substantially all the risks and rewards related to the ownership of the leased asset. The related asset is recognised at the 

time of inception of the lease at the fair value of the leased asset or, if lower, the present value of the lease payments plus 

incidental payments, if any, to be borne by the lessee. 

All other leases are treated as operating leases. Payments on operating lease agreements are recognised as an expense 

on a straight-line basis. Associated costs, such as maintenance and insurance, are expensed as incurred. The Group does 
not act as a lessor.

24

22405.04 

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In December 2007, the Group completed the purchase, sale and leaseback of a new Headquarters building for a purchase 

price of £1,455,000 and a sale price of £1,727,000, less costs of £101,000, which is considered by management to be above 

fair value. In accordance with IAS 17 the excess of proceeds over fair value was deferred and is being amortised over the 

remaining lease term (10 years).  The subsequent leasing agreement, which has been considered separately for the land 

and buildings element, is treated in accordance with the Group’s existing operating lease accounting policy as detailed 

above.

Taxation

Current income tax assets and/or liabilities comprise those obligations to, or claims from, fiscal authorities relating to the 

current or prior reporting period, that are unpaid at the balance sheet date. They are calculated according to the tax rates 

and tax laws applicable to the fiscal periods to which they relate, based on the taxable profit for the year.

Deferred income taxes are calculated using the liability method on temporary differences. This involves the comparison of 

the  carrying  amounts  of  assets  and  liabilities  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements  with  their  respective  tax  bases. 

However,  in  accordance  with  the  rules  set  out  in  IAS  12,  no  deferred  taxes  are  recognised  on  the  initial  recognition  of 

goodwill. This applies also to temporary differences associated with shares in subsidiaries if reversal of these temporary 

differences  can  be  controlled  by  the  Group  and  it  is  probable  that  reversal  will  not  occur  in  the  foreseeable  future.  In 

addition,  tax  losses  available  to  be  carried  forward  as  well  as  other  income  tax  credits  to  the  Group  are  assessed  for 

recognition as deferred tax assets.

Deferred tax liabilities are provided for in full if material. Deferred tax assets are recognised if it is probable that they will be 

able to be offset against future taxable income. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated, without discounting, at 

tax rates that are expected to apply to their respective period of realisation, provided they are enacted or substantively 

enacted at the balance sheet date.

Most changes in deferred tax assets or liabilities are recognised as a component of tax expense in the profit or loss. Only 

changes in deferred tax assets or liabilities that relate to a change in value of assets or liabilities that are charged directly 

in other comprehensive income or equity are charged or credited directly to other comprehensive income or equity.

Pensions

Pensions  to  employees  are  provided  through  defined  contributions  to  individual  personal  pension  plans.  A  defined 

contribution plan is a pension plan under which the Group pays fixed contributions to an independent entity. The Group has 

no legal or constructive obligations to pay further contributions after payment of the fixed contribution.

Contributions recognised in respect of personal pension plans are expensed as they fall due. Liabilities and assets may be 

recognised if underpayment or prepayment has occurred and are included in current liabilities or current assets as they 

are normally of a short term nature.

Financial assets

The Group’s financial assets include cash, trade receivables and other receivables. 

All financial assets are initially recognised at fair value, plus transaction costs. They are subsequently included at amortised 

cost using the effective interest rate method.

Interest and other cash flows resulting from holding financial assets are recognised in the profit or loss when receivable, 

regardless of how the related carrying amount of financial assets is measured.

Trade receivables are provided against when objective evidence is received that the Group will not be able to collect all 

amounts due to it in accordance with the original terms of the receivables. 

Cash and cash equivalents

For the purposes of the cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents include cash at bank and in hand, overdrafts and 

short term highly liquid investments such as bank deposits less advances from banks repayable within three months from 
the date of advance.

22405.04 

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25

Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2012

Financial liabilities

The  Group’s  financial  liabilities  include  bank  loans,  an  overdraft  facility,  trade  and  other  payables,  including  liabilities  for 

share-based  payments,  and  other  liabilities,  which  include  deferred  and  contingent  consideration  payable  in  respect  of 

business acquisitions.

Financial liabilities are recognised when the Group becomes a party to the contractual agreements of the instrument. All 

interest related charges are recognised as an expense in “Finance Cost” in the statement of comprehensive income.

Bank  loans  are  raised  for  support  of  long  term  funding  of  the  Group’s  operations.  They  are  recognised  at  proceeds 

received, net of direct issue costs. Finance charges, including premiums payable on settlement or redemption and direct 

issue costs, are charged to the profit or loss on an accruals basis using the effective interest method and are added to the 

carrying amount of the instrument to the extent that they are not settled in the period in which they arise.

Trade payables are recognised initially at their fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost less settlement 

payments.

Dividend distributions to shareholders are included in ‘other short term financial liabilities’ when the dividends are approved 

by the shareholders’ meeting.

Contingent consideration is measured at fair value through profit or loss.

Other provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets

Other provisions are recognised when present obligations will probably lead to an outflow of economic resources from the 

Group and they can be estimated reliably. The timing or amount of the outflow may still be uncertain. A present obligation 

arises from the presence of a legal or constructive commitment that has resulted from past events, for example, legal 

disputes or onerous contracts.  

Provisions are measured as the estimated expenditure required to settle the present obligation, based on the most reliable 

evidence available at the balance sheet date, including the risks and uncertainties associated with the present obligation. 

Where there are a number of similar obligations, the likelihood that an outflow will be required in settlement is determined 

by considering the class of obligations as a whole. In addition, long term provisions are discounted to their present values, 

where time value of money is material.

All provisions are reviewed at each balance sheet date and adjusted to reflect the current best estimate.

In those cases where the possible outflow of economic resource as a result of present obligations is considered improbable 

or  remote,  or  the  amount  to  be  provided  for  cannot  be  measured  reliably,  no  liability  is  recognised  in  the  consolidated 

statement of financial position.

Probable inflows of economic benefits to the Group that do not yet meet the recognition criteria of an asset are considered 

contingent assets and therefore not recognised.

Equity

An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of an entity after deducting all of its 

liabilities.

Share capital is determined using the nominal value of shares that have been issued.

Own shares is determined using the nominal value of shares that were issued to the Employee Benefit Trust  in relation to 

the Joint Share Ownership Plan (JSOP). This Trust is controlled by the Group and therefore consolidated, resulting in the 

‘Own shares’ deducted from equity.

The share premium account represents premiums received on the initial issuing of the share capital. Any transaction costs 
associated with the issuing of shares are deducted from share premium, net of any related income tax benefits.

The share based payment reserve represents the value of shares provided under share based payment arrangements.

The profit and loss account includes all current and prior period results as disclosed in the statement of comprehensive 
income.

26

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Proof 5

Share-based employee remuneration

All  share  based  payment  arrangements  are  recognised  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements.  The  Group  operates 

equity settled and cash settled share based remuneration plans for remuneration of its employees.

Equity Settled share based remuneration

All  employee  services  received  in  exchange  for  the  grant  of  any  share  based  remuneration  are  measured  at  their  fair 

values. These are indirectly determined by reference to the fair value of the share options awarded. Their value is appraised 

at the grant date and excludes the impact of any non-market vesting conditions (for example, profitability and sales growth 

targets).

All share based remuneration is ultimately recognised as an expense in profit or loss in the statement of comprehensive 

income with a corresponding credit to the share based payment reserve, net of deferred tax where applicable. If vesting 

periods or other vesting conditions apply, the expense is allocated over the vesting period, based on the best available 

estimate of the number of share options expected to vest. Non-market vesting conditions are included in assumptions 

about the number of options that are expected to become exercisable. Estimates are subsequently revised, if there is any 

indication that the number of share options expected to vest differs from previous estimates. No adjustment is made to 

the expense recognised in prior periods if fewer share options ultimately are exercised than originally estimated.

Upon exercise of share options, the proceeds received net of any directly attributable transaction costs up to the nominal 

value of the shares issued are allocated to share capital with any excess being recorded as share premium.

Cash Settled share based remuneration

The Group has issued cash settled share based payments in respect of services provided by key employees. The share 

based payment is measured at the fair value of the liability at the grant date and remeasured at fair value of the liability at 

each subsequent balance sheet date. Where the fair value of the services provided cannot reliably be measured, the fair 

value of the liability is used and the expense allocated over the vesting period. A financial liability is recognised for the fair 

value  of  the  share-based  payments,  and  remeasured  at  the  end  of  each  reporting  period  and  at  settlement,  with  any 

changes to the fair value recognised through the statement of comprehensive income.

Key sources of estimation uncertainty

The Group makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, 

seldom equal actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment 

to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next accounting year are as follows:

Impairment of goodwill

The annual impairment assessment in respect of goodwill requires estimates of the value-in-use of cash generating units 

to which goodwill has been allocated to be calculated. As a result, estimates of future cash flows are required, together 

with an appropriate discount factor for the purpose of determining the present value of those cash flows. The basis of 

review of the carrying value of goodwill is as detailed in note 10.

Contingent consideration

As part of the acquisition process, a forecast is prepared which projects the financial performance of the business over the 

expected earn-out period. These forecasts are reviewed and updated based on actual performance. Part of the cost of 

the acquisition is dependent on the trading performance of the acquired business following the transaction. The contingent 

consideration is based on these estimates of the future performance of the acquired business. The contingent consideration 

is classified as a financial liability, measured at fair value with any changes in estimated value recognised in profit and loss 

in the statement of comprehensive income.

Business combinations

On initial recognition, the assets and liabilities of the acquired business and the consideration paid for them are included in 

the consolidated financial statements at their fair values. In measuring fair value, management uses estimates of future 

cash  flows  and  discount  rates.  Any  subsequent  change  in  these  estimates  would  affect  the  amount  of  goodwill  if  the 

change  qualifies  as  a  measurement  period  adjustment.  Any  other  change  would  be  recognised  in  profit  or  loss  in  the 
statement of comprehensive income in the subsequent period. Details of acquired assets and liabilities assumed are given 

in note 20.

22405.04 

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27

Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2012

Critical judgments in applying the Group’s accounting policies

The Directors consider that the only critical judgement in applying the accounting policies which are described above is:

Provisions 

Provisions  for  future  claims  or  onerous  contracts  are  recognised  when  the  Group  has  a  present  legal  or  constructive 

obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of economic resources will be required from the Group 

and amounts can be estimated reliably. Timing or the amount of the outflow may still be uncertain.

Adoption of new or amended IFRS

The Group has not early adopted the following new standards, amendments or interpretations that have been issued but 

are not yet effective. The Directors anticipate that the adoption of these standards will not result in significant changes to 

the Group’s accounting policies. The Group has commenced its assessment of the impact of these standards but it is not 

yet in a position to state whether these standards would have a material impact on its results of operations and financial 

position.

●● IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (effective 1 January 2015)
●● IFRS 13 Fair value measurement (effective 1 January 2013)
●● IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements (effective 1 January 2013) 
●● IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements (effective 1 January 2013) 
●● IFRS 12 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities (effective 1 January 2013) 
●● IAS 27 (Revised), Separate Financial Statements (effective 1 January 2013) 
●● IAS 28 (Revised), Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures (effective 1 January 2013)

4 Segmental reporting

Management currently identifies two operating segments: the provision of recruitment and outsourced human resource 

services to industry and the provision of welfare to work services. These operating segments are monitored by the Group’s 

Board and strategic decisions made on the basis of segment operating results.

Segment information for the reporting period is as follows:

Recruitment 

services            

2012

£'000

Welfare

to work

2012

£'000

Total

Recruitment 

Welfare 

Group      

services       

to work 

2012

£'000

2011

£'000

2011

£'000

Total

Group        

2011

£'000

Segment continuing operations:

Sales revenue from external customers

354,121

12,859

366,980

(322,201)
31,920

(21,256)

(360)

(10,067)
2,792

(1,422)

(562)

(332,268)
34,712

(22,678)

(922)

278,631

(251,698)
26,933

(17,751)

(251)

9,672

288,303

(5,463)
4,209

(2,219)

(446)

(257,161)
31,142

(19,970)

(697)

Cost of sales

Segment gross profit

Administrative expenses

Depreciation
Segment operating profit before 

amortisation of intangibles and share 
based payment charge
Administrative expenses - share based 

payment charge

Amortisation of intangibles

Segment profit from operations

10,304

808

11,112

8,931

1,544

10,475

(426)

(1,349)
8,529

-

(453)
355

(426)

(1,802)
8,884

(209)

(1,568)
7,154

-

(1,038)
506

(209)

(2,606)
7,660

Segment assets

91,779

7,954

99,733

77,633

9,539

87,172

The  Group  purchased  Eos  Works  Group  Limited  (Eos),  a  welfare  to  work  provider,  on  21  April  2011  thus  creating  two 

segments during the year ended 31 December 2011.  

During 2012, two customers in the recruitment services segment contributed greater than 10% of that segment’s revenues 

being 17.4% and 10.8% of that segment’s revenues (2011: one customer greater than 10%). The welfare to work segment 

revenues relate solely to one customer. 

The Group’s revenues from external customers and its non-current assets all arise in the United Kingdom.

28

22405.04 

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Proof 5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5 Administrative expenses

Employee benefits expenses (note 7)

Depreciation 

Other expenses

2012

£’000

16,691

1,015

2011

£’000

13,679

697

6,320
24,026

6,500
20,876

Auditors’ remuneration in their capacity as auditors of the parent company is £7,000 (2011: £7,000) and in their capacity as 

auditor of subsidiary companies is £60,500 (2011: £60,000). Non-audit remuneration in respect of tax compliance services 

totalled £14,550 (2011: £12,000) and in respect of other advice totalled £7,150 (2011: £15,500). 

6 Finance costs 

Interest payable on bank and other loans and overdraft

7 Directors and employees remuneration

Employee benefits expense

Expense recognised for employee benefits is analysed below:

Wages and salaries

Social security costs

Other pension costs - defined contribution plans

Share option charge - cash settled

Share option charge - equity settled

The average number of persons (including Directors) employed by the Group during the year was:

-  administrative staff

-  sales staff

2012

£’000

363

2011

£’000

126

2012

£’000

17,896

1,787

305

394

2011

£’000

14,086

1,461

287

178

32
20,414

31
16,043

Number

Number

632

61
693

457

41
498

Of the £20,414,000 total employee benefits cost above, £3,722,774 relating to Eos is included in cost of sales and therefore 

not reflected in administrative expenses in note 5 above.

Included in cost of sales are temporary workers’ remuneration paid through the temporary payroll of subsidiary companies 

as follows:

Wages and salaries

Social security costs

The average number of temporary workers contracted by the Group during the year was:

2012

£’000

2011

£’000

300,312

224,493

17,993
318,305

14,313
238,806

Number

22,223

Number

15,811

22405.04 

9 April 2013 4:46 PM 

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29

 
 
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2012

Directors’ remuneration

The  remuneration  of  the  Directors,  which  was  all  paid  by  Staffline  Recruitment  Limited,  the  Company’s  wholly  owned 

subsidiary undertaking, was as follows:

2012

Salary and fees

Bonus

Benefits in kind
Subtotal

Pension contributions
Share- based 

employee 

remuneration
Total

2011

Salary and fees

Bonus

Benefits in kind
Subtotal

Pension contributions
Share- based 

employee 

remuneration
Total

A Hogarth M Evans T Jackson

S Brittain

D Martyn N Keegan J Crabtree

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

192

45

2
239

18

101
358

146

20

2
168

13

51
232

138

19

2
159

12

70
241

138

19

2
159

13

68
240

92

-

-
92

5

-
97

35

-

-
35

-

-
35

62

-

-
62

-

-
62

A Hogarth M Evans T Jackson

S Brittain

D Martyn N Keegan J Crabtree

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

186

98

2
286

18

47
351

127

69

2
198

12

24
234

115

62

2
179

11

120

65

2
187

11

33
223

32
230

-

-

-
-

-

-
-

34

-

-
34

-

-
34

53

-

-
53

-

-
53

Total

£'000

803

103

8
914

61

290
1,265

Total

£'000

635

294

8
937

52

136
1,125

Share-based employee remuneration
Approved Employee Share Option Plan

At 31 December 2012 the Group operated a share based payment scheme (EMI scheme) for certain employees. However 

as the number of employees now exceeds 250 the qualification criteria for an EMI scheme are no longer met so no further 

share options can be issued under the scheme.

The share option scheme was available to all full time members of staff, with the exception of the Directors, subject to the 

rules of the scheme, the key points of which are as follows;
●● only staff with in excess of six months service are eligible;
●● the number of options granted is a factor of length of service and current salary;
●● options are exercisable between two and seven years of being granted;
●● except in certain limited circumstances all options lapse if an employee leaves the Group; and
●● exercise of options is not subject to any specific performance criteria. 

Performance Related Share Option Plan

The share options issued to Shaun Brittain, Marshall Evans, Andy Hogarth and Tim Jackson and two other senior executives 

have different conditions which are detailed below. 

These share options have a performance condition based on the increase in reported Diluted Earnings per Share of the 

Group from the base of 10.7p in December 2008 to the achieved Diluted EPS in the year to December 2012. The award is 

scaled up to a maximum of 150,000 shares for a doubling of diluted EPS.

The  share  options  can  be  exercised  between  three  and  seven  years  of  being  granted.    Details  of  the  Directors’  share 

options are as follows:

At 1 Jan

Exercised/

At 31 Dec

Exercise

Date of grant

 19 Oct 2009

19 Oct 2009

19 Oct 2009
19 Oct 2009

2012

Granted

Lapsed

150,000

150,000

150,000
150,000

-

-

-
-

-

-

-
-

2012

150,000

150,000

150,000
150,000

price

47.5p

47.5p

47.5p
47.5p

A Hogarth

M Evans 

S Brittain
T Jackson

30

22405.04 

9 April 2013 4:46 PM 

Proof 5

Except as noted under the Joint Share Option Plan below, all share based employee remuneration will be settled in equity. 

The Group has no other legal or constructive obligation to repurchase or settle the options in cash.

Share options and the weighted average exercise price are as follows for the reporting periods presented:

Outstanding at start of period

Granted

Lapsed

Exercised

Outstanding at end of period

Weighted

 average

 exercise 

price 

(pence) 

Number

1,180,095

-

(207,263)

(43,663)
929,169

2012 

Number

73

-

1,187,799

200,000

(176)

(4,577)

(105)

(203,127)
50 1,180,095

Weighted

 average

 exercise

 price 

(pence) 

2011

62

179

(93)

(105)
73

The Group has the following outstanding share options and exercise prices:

Weighted 

Weighted 

average 

average 

exercise 

Contractual

price

 life 

 (pence) 

(months)

2012 

£’000

20112

£’000

-

126

167

92

54

48

-

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

-

Number

-

3,466

9,976

7,991

7,736

900,000

-

Weighted 

Weighted 

average

average 

 exercise

Contractual 

 price 

life 

(pence)

(months)

 2011

 £’000

 2011

 £’000

94

124

158

94

54

48

179

-

-

-

-

-

12

54

Number

1,400

10,186

23,101

25,929

19,479

900,000

200,000

Date exercisable and (option life):

2007 (up to 2012)

2008 (up to 2013)

2009 (up to 2014)

2010 (up to 2015)

2011 (up to 2016)

2013 (up to 2016)

2016 (up to 2021)

Share options have exercise prices between 47.5p and 174.0p. The weighted average share price during the year was 

232p (2011: 213p). 

During the year, options over 43,663 ordinary shares (2011: 203,127) were exercised and the market price on the date of 

exercise ranged from 238.0p – 240.0p (2011: 209.5p – 223.5p).

The number of share options exercisable at the end of the year was 29,169 (2011: 80,095). The weighted average price of 

the options exercisable at the end of the year was 50p (2011: 73p).

The  fair  value  of  options  granted  was  determined  using  the  Black-Scholes  valuation  model.    Significant  inputs  into  the 

calculations were:
●● share price at date of grant
●● exercise prices as detailed above
●● 30% (2011: 30%) volatility based on expected and historical share price
●● a risk free interest rate of 4% (2011: 4%)
●● all options are assumed to be exercised after two years from the date of grant of the options (with the exception of the 

Directors and senior managers options which are expected to vest after three years)

●● dividends in line with current levels. 

22405.04 

9 April 2013 4:46 PM 

Proof 5

31

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2012

Joint Share Ownership Plan

In 2010 the Company established a Joint Share Ownership Plan (JSOP) to provide additional incentives to senior executives.

The directors and senior executives participating in the JSOP acquired an interest in the shares jointly with the Staffline 

Group plc Employee Benefit Trust. The directors’ interests are detailed below:

A Hogarth

M Evans 

S Brittain

T Jackson

Award date

6 Sep 2010

6 Sep 2010

6 Sep 2010

6 Sep 2010

Participation 

Interest over 

Date on which 

price

(number of shares)

92p

92p

92p

92p

306,863

145,400

200,000

205,000

exercisable

30/06/2015

30/06/2015

30/06/2015

30/06/2015

The JSOP interest runs from the date of the award until 30 June 2015. During this period the right to sell the JSOP award 

shares is not at the discretion of the Directors but instead at the discretion of the Employee Benefit Trust. On the eventual 

disposal  of  the  shares,  the  amount  received  by  the  Directors  is  calculated  based  on  certain  business  performance 

conditions. The eventual payment to the Directors takes into account diluted EPS adjusted for amortisation of intangibles 

in any full year up to 2014 (from a minimum of 24p to a maximum of 42p) and the share price at the date of disposal. Diluted 

EPS adjusted for amortisation of intangibles is disclosed in note 9.

The JSOP is settled in cash and therefore accounted for as a cash settled scheme.

The fair value of the liability was determined using the Binomial valuation model as at 31 December 2012. Significant inputs 

into the calculations were:
●● share price at date of grant;
●● exercise prices as detailed above;
●● 30% (2011: 30%) volatility based on expected and historical share price;
●● a risk free interest rate of 4% (2011: 4%);
●● the disposal of shares and settlement of scheme on 30 June 2015;
●● 75% (2011: 62.5%) pay-out ratio based on management expectations; and
●● 33.3% forfeiture rate to account for employees that leave before the vesting date. 

Share-based employee remuneration 

In total £426,000 of employee remuneration expense has been included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive 

income  for  the  year  ended  31  December  2012  (2011:  £209,000)  which  increased  the  share  based  payment  reserve  by 

£32,000 (2011: £31,000) in respect of equity settled schemes and created a liability of £394,000 (2011: £178,000) in respect 

of cash settled schemes.  

Key management personnel

The key management are considered to be the Board of Directors of Staffline Group plc, whose remuneration can be seen 

within note 7. Disclosures in accordance with IAS 24 are included in note 21.

8 Tax expense

The  relationship  between  the  expected  tax  expense  and  the  tax  expense  actually  recognised  in  the  statement  of 

comprehensive income can be reconciled as follows:

Result for the year before tax

Tax rate

Expected tax expense
Adjustment for non-deductible expenses relating to short term 

temporary differences

Other non-deductible expenses

Adjustment in respect of prior year

Deferred tax credit
Actual tax expense

Tax expense comprises:

Current tax expense

Deferred tax expense

- origination and reversal of temporary differences
Tax expense

32

2012 

%

24.5%

24.8%

2012 

£’000

8,521

2,088

13

587
-

(577)
2,111

2,688

(577)
2,111

2011 

%

26.5%

26.2%

2011

 £’000

7,534

1,997

20

390
124

(555)
1,976

2,531

(555)
1,976

22405.04 

9 April 2013 4:46 PM 

Proof 5

 
 
 
 
9 Earnings per share

The calculation of basic earnings per share is based on the earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders divided by the 

weighted average number of shares in issue during the year, after deducting any own shares (JSOP). The calculation of 

the diluted earnings per share is based on the basic earnings per share adjusted to allow for all dilutive potential ordinary 

shares.

Details of the earnings and weighted average number of shares used in the calculations are set out below:

Earnings (£'000)

Weighted average number of shares

Earnings per share (pence)

Earnings per share (pence) before amortisation

Basic

2012

6,410

21,614,114
29.7p

35.9p

Basic

2011 

5,558

Diluted

Diluted

2012

6,410

2011 

5,558

21,446,973 22,343,159 22,223,142

25.9p

35.1p

28.7p

34.8p

25.0p

33.9p

The  weighted  average  number  of  shares  has  been  increased  by  729,045  (2011:  776,169)  shares  to  take  account  of  all 

dilutive potential ordinary shares that could be issued under the share option scheme and all shares issued during the year 

excluding own shares.

Dividends

During  the  year,  Staffline  Group  plc  paid  interim  dividends  of  £670,210  (2011:  £623,853)  to  its  equity  shareholders.  This 

represents a payment of 3.1p (2011: 2.9p) per share. A final dividend of £1,081,566 has been proposed (2011: £908,027) but 

has not been accrued within these financial statements. This represents a payment of 5.0p (2011: 4.2p) per share. The final 

dividend for 2011 was declared and paid in 2012.

10 Goodwill

Gross carrying amount
At 1 January 2011
Additions
At 31 December 2011
Additions
At 31 December 2012

Goodwill above relates to the following acquisitions: 

Staffline Recruitment Limited
Onsite Partnership Limited
Peter Rowley Limited
A La Carte Recruitment Limited
Qubic Recruitment Solutions Limited
Ethos Recruitment Limited
Eos Works Group Limited
Taskforce Recruitment Limited
Go New Recruitment Limited

Total

£’000
26,162
3,870
30,032
939
30,971

Original cost 

£’000
22,326
1,855
764
744
745
76
1,585
1,937
939

Date of acquisition
8 December 2004
16 March 2007
1 December 2009
17 May 2010
5 November 2010
14 March 2011
21 April 2011
12 September 2011
14 September 2012

Following acquisition, with the exception of Eos, each of the businesses have been, or are in the process of being, fully 

integrated  into  the  core  recruitment  business  of  the  group.  Therefore,  management  consider  there  to  be  two  cash 

generating units (in line with the business segments defined in note 4), and have tested these two cash generating units 

for impairment. The total net book value of other intangible assets allocated to the two cash generating units is as follows: 

Recruitment services: £1,446,000 (2011: £1,860,000) and Welfare to Work £1,585,000 (2011: £2,038,000).

For both segments the recoverable amount of goodwill was determined based on a value-in-use calculation, covering a 

detailed one year forecast, followed by an extrapolation of expected cash flows over the next ten years at a growth rate 

of 5% (Recruitment Services) and 2% (Welfare to Work), and a pre-tax discount rate of 10% based on weighted average 

cost of capital. The recruitment services growth rate is based on the continuation of historic organic growth achieved by 

the  business  over  the  past  10  years.  This  has  been  achieved  by  sales  growth  with  existing  and  new  customers  offset 

partially by a reduction in gross margins.

22405.04 

9 April 2013 4:46 PM 

Proof 5

33

Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2012

The growth rate exceeds the long term average growth rate for the markets in which the two segments operate, but this 

is deemed reasonable based on the reasons noted above. Management have used a forecast period of ten years as they 

feel this represents the minimum period over which the business model they have developed is sustainable. Management’s 

key assumptions for both segments are that there will be no significant changes in the business and that turnover and profit 

growth  will  be  below  historic  levels.  In  respect  of  the  Welfare  to  Work  segment  management  have  assumed  that  the 

existing government contract will be replaced with like contracts over time. Management have considered internal and 

external market data in setting their assumptions.

Apart from the considerations described in determining the value-in-use of the cash generating units above, the Group’s 

management are not currently aware of any other probable changes that would necessitate changes in its key estimates.

Impairment testing

For the purpose of annual impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to the cash generating units expected to benefit from 

the synergies of the business combinations in which the goodwill arises as follows:

Recruitment services

Welfare to work services

Goodwill as at 31 December

2012

£’000

29,386

1,585
30,971

2011

£’000

28,447

1,585
30,032

The Directors do not believe that any reasonably possible changes in the assumptions used in calculating the value-in-use 

would result in the recoverable amount of goodwill falling below the carrying value and impairment becoming necessary.   

11 Other intangible assets

The  Group’s  other  intangible  assets  include  the  customer  contracts  and  lists  obtained  through  the  acquisition  of  the 

companies in note 10 above. The expected remaining useful life of these assets is 1 - 5 years. The carrying amounts for the 

financial year under review can be analysed as follows:

Gross carrying amount
At 1 January 2011
Additions through business combinations
At 31 December 2011
Additions through business combinations
At 31 December 2012

Amortisation
At 1 January 2011
Provided in year
At 31 December 2011
Provided in year
At 31 December 2012

Net book amount at 31 December 2012
Net book amount at 31 December 2011

Customer

Customer

 contracts 

£’000
-
3,076 
3,076 
-
3,076 

£’000
-
1,038
1,038
453
1,491

1,585
2,038

 lists

 £’000
2,350 
2,132 
4,482 
935 
5,417 

 £’000
1,054
1,568
2,622
1,349
3,971

1,446
1,860

Total 

£’000
2,350 
5,208 
7,558 
935 
8,493 

£’000
1,054
2,606
3,660
1,802
5,462

3,031
3,898

The  carrying  amount  of  the  material  intangible  asset  –  Eos  Work  Programme  contract  is  £1,585,000.  The  remaining 

amortisation period is 3.5 years. There are no intangible assets with restricted title. 

34

22405.04 

9 April 2013 4:46 PM 

Proof 5

 
 
 
 
 
12 Property, plant and equipment

Gross carrying amount
At 1 January 2011
Additions
Additions - business combinations
Disposals
At 31 December 2011
Additions
Additions - business combinations
Disposals
At 31 December 2012

Depreciation
At 1 January 2011
Provided in year
Disposals
At 31 December 2011
Provided in year
Disposals
At 31 December 2012

Net book value at 31 December 2012
Net book value at 31 December 2011

Land and 

Computer 

Fixtures 

Motor

buildings 

equipment 

and fittings 

 vehicles 

£’000
600
570
808
-
1,978
63
-
-
2,041

36
264
-
300
348
-
648

1,393
1,678

£’000
590
464
184
(95)
1,143
385
26
(29)
1,525

116
300
(94)
322
479
(14)
787

738
821

£’000
157
255
107
(158)
361
95
38
(65)
429

124
117
(158)
83
182
(40)
225

204
278

£’000
45
-
14
(13)
46
-
-
(20)
26

-
16
(4)
12
6
-
18

8
34

Total 

£’000
1,392
1,289
1,113
(266)
3,528
543
64
(114)
4,021

276
697
(256)
717
1,015
(54)
1,678

2,343
2,811

All assets stated above are secured against bank loans outstanding at the year end. 

13 Trade and other receivables

Trade and other receivables

Accrued income

2012

£’000

58,472

1,126
59,598

2011

£’000

46,744

-
46,744

Trade  and  other  receivables  are  usually  due  within  14  -  30  days  and  do  not  bear  any  effective  interest  rate.    All  trade 

receivables are subject to credit risk exposure. Other than those disclosed in note 4, the Group does not identify specific 

concentrations  of  credit  risk  with  regards  to  trade  and  other  receivables  as  the  amounts  recognised  represent  a  large 

number of receivables from various customers.

The fair value of these short term financial assets is not individually determined as the carrying amount is a reasonable 

approximation of fair value.

Some of the unimpaired trade receivables are past due as at the reporting date. The age of financial assets past due but 

not impaired, is as follows:

Not more than three months

More than three months but no more than six months

14 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents
Bank overdraft (see note 16)

Cash and cash equivalents per cash flow statement

2012

£’000

13,586

293
13,879

2012

£’000

3,650
(32)
3,618

2011

£’000

8,585

139
8,724

2011

£’000

3,687
(1,846)
1,841

Cash  and  cash  equivalents  consist  of  cash  on  hand  and  balances  with  banks  only.  At  the  year-end  £3,650,000  (2011: 

£3,687,000)  of  cash  on  hand  and  balances  with  banks  were  held  by  subsidiary  undertakings  however  this  balance  is 

available for use by the Company. 

22405.04 

9 April 2013 4:46 PM 

Proof 5

35

 
 
 
 
 
              
              
              
              
              
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2012

15  Trade and other payables

Trade and other payables
Accruals
Deferred income 

2012

£’000
27,926
18,212
540
46,678

2011

£’000
21,752
13,624
3,087
38,463

The fair value of trade and other payables has not been separately disclosed as, due to their short duration, the Directors 

consider the carrying amounts recognised in the balance sheet to be a reasonable approximation of their fair value. Trade 

and other payables include a share based payment liability of £588,000.

16 Borrowings

Bank loans and overdrafts are repayable as follows:

In one year or less or on demand

In more than one year but not more than two years

In more than two years but not more than three years

In more than three years but not more than four years

Debt issue costs

Split:
Current liabilities:

Bank loans

Overdraft

Non-current liabilities:

Bank loans and revolving credit facility

2012

£’000

678

7,556

-

-
8,234

-
8,234

646

32
678

7,556
8,234

2011

£’000

2,984

603

5,034

25
8,646

(38)
8,608

1,138

1,846
2,984

5,624
8,608

The bank loans and revolving credit facility (RCF) and overdrafts are secured by a debenture over all the assets of the 

Group. The balance of the first bank loan is repayable in one instalment of £268,000 plus one final payment of £322,000 

on 30 June 2013. Interest accrues on the loan at 1.0% (2011: 1.0%) above base rate.

The second bank loan is secured by a first legal charge over a freehold property and is repayable in 120 monthly capital 

and interest payments of £5,830 until 20 June 2015. Interest accrues on the loan at 1.5% (2011: 1.5%) above base rate. 

The RCF of £7.5 million was drawn down in full on 1 July 2012. The facility is repayable at the latest on 21 July 2014. Interest 

accrues on the loan at between 2.2% and 2.5% above LIBOR plus a non-utilisation fee of between 0.88% and 1%.  

During the period repayments totalling £1,060,000 (2011: £809,000) were made against the bank loans. The bank loans 

contain  various  covenants  which,  if  breached,  could  lead  to  the  loans  becoming  payable  on  demand.  The  relevant 

covenants have all been comfortably satisfied in 2011 and 2012.

On the basis of discounting the future loan repayments at a rate of 5% the theoretical fair value of the bank and other loans 

is £627,432 at 31 December 2012 (2011: £1,680,777). Fair values of the bank and other loans have been determined by 

calculating the present values at the balance sheet date of the future cash flows, using fixed effective market interest rates 

available to the Group.  

36

22405.04 

9 April 2013 4:46 PM 

Proof 5

 
17 Other liabilities

Due within one year

Deferred income 

Deferred consideration
Contingent consideration

Due after more than one year

Deferred income 

Contingent consideration

2012

£’000

17

1,158
1,753
2,928

70

-
70

2011

£’000

17

-
2,328
2,345

85

307
392

The deferred income relates to the current head office building for the Group which was subject to a sale and lease back 

transaction  in  December  2007,  with  a  sales  price  above  fair  value.  The  excess  of  proceeds  over  fair  value  has  been 

deferred  and  is  being  amortised  over  the  remaining  lease  term.  The  subsequent  leasing  agreement  is  treated  as  an 

operating lease. See note 22 for further information relating to details on the Group’s operating lease agreements.

See  note  20  for  further  details  on  the  deferred  consideration  and  contingent  consideration  balances  which  relate  to 

acquisitions made in the current and prior year.

18 Deferred tax 

Deferred tax liabilities (assets)

Non current assets
-Other intangible assets
Current liabilities
-share based payment liability

Recognised as:
Deferred tax asset
Deferred tax liability

Deferred tax liabilities (assets)

Non current assets
-Other intangible assets
Recognised as:
Deferred tax liability

Recognised

Recognised 

1 January

 in business 

2012

£’000

combination

£’000

180

-
180

946

-
946

-
946

in profit

and loss

£’000

(437)

(140)
(577)

Recognised

Recognised 

1 January

 in business 

2011

£’000

combination

£’000

in profit

and loss

£’000

1,500

(554)

-

-

31 

December 

2012

£’000

689

(140)
549

(140)
689

31 

December 

2011

£’000

946

946

There are unprovided deferred tax assets amounting to £200,000 (2011:£Nil) in relation to capital allowances. The gross 

amount is £834,000. This amount has not been recognised as it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse 

in the foreseeable future. 

22405.04 

9 April 2013 4:46 PM 

Proof 5

37

Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2012

19 Share capital 

Authorised

30,000,000 ordinary 10p shares

Allotted and issued

22,888,578 ordinary 10p shares

Shares issued and fully paid at the beginning of the period

Shares issued during the year

Shares previously issued paid during the year

Shares issued and fully paid

Shares issued but not fully paid

Shares issued

Shares authorised but unissued
Total equity shares issued at end of period

2012

£’000

2011

£’000

3,000

3,000

2,289

2,264

Ordinary 10p shares

Year ended 

Year ended 

31 December 2012

31 December 2011

22,831,629

22,628,502

43,663

13,286

203,127

-

22,888,578

22,831,629

-
22,888,578

7,111,422
30,000,000

13,286
22,844,915

7,155,085
30,000,000

All  ordinary  shares  have  the  same  rights  and  there  are  no  restrictions  on  the  distribution  of  dividends  or  repayment  of 

capital with the exception of the 1,257,263 shares held by the EBT where the right to dividends has been waived.

At 31 December 2012 all issued shares were fully paid, at 31 December 2011 13,286 shares were not fully paid.

20 Business combinations

The Company made a total of 4 acquisitions during the year. An adjustment was required to the book values of the assets 

and  liabilities  of  the  businesses  acquired  in  order  to  present  the  net  assets  at  fair  values  in  accordance  with  group 

accounting policies. The purchases were accounted for as acquisitions. Goodwill is primarily related to growth expectations, 

expected future profitability, the skill and expertise of the acquired workforce, and expected cost synergies. The goodwill 

that arose from these business combinations is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

The following acquisitions were made during the year to enhance the Group’s recruitment services segment:
●● On  10  August  2012  a  Group  undertaking    acquired  the  trade  and  assets  of  DKM  Driving  Limited  and  DKM  Energy 

Limited, based in Nottingham;

●● On 14 September 2012 a Group undertaking acquired Go New Recruitment Limited, based in Swindon and Go New 
Recruitment (Gloucester) Limited based in Gloucester and assumed control by acquiring 100% of the voting rights;
●● On  23  October  2012  a  Group  undertaking  acquired  Select  Appointments  Limited  and  assumed  control  by  acquiring 

100% of the voting rights; and 

●● On  11  December  2012  a  Group  undertaking  acquired  the  trade  and  assets  of  GB  Resourcing  Limited,  based  in 

Birmingham.

38

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These  acquisitions  were  individually  immaterial  to  the  Group  and  have,  therefore,  been  disclosed  in  aggregate.  The 

aggregate amounts in respect of the above are detailed below:

Intangible Assets - customer lists
Fixtures and fittings
Trade and other receivables
Cash at bank
Deferred tax asset
Deferred tax liability
Trade and other payables
Net assets at acquisition
Goodwill

Satisfied by:
Cash
Contingent consideration
Deferred consideration

Total Book 

Provisional

Value at

Fair Value

 Fair Value

 Acquisition 

 Adjustment

 to group 

£’000
-
16
6,372
315
246
-
(3,426)
3,523

 £’000
935
-
-
-
(211)
(185)
-
539

£’000
935
16
6,372
315
35
(185)
(3,426)
4,062
939
5,001

2,810
1,033
1,158
5,001

Acquisition  costs  recognised  as  expenses  (included  within  administrative  expenses)  in  the  year  amounted  to  £82,597 

(2011: £57,000). 

Consideration transferred

The  acquisitions  were  settled  in  cash  amounting  to  £2,810,000  with  future  consideration  payable  of  £1,158,000.  The 

purchase  agreements  included  an  additional  contingent  consideration  of  £1,033,000  payable  only  if  the  profits  met  the 

target level agreed by both parties. The additional consideration will be paid in accordance with the specific agreements 

for each acquisition. The fair value of the contingent consideration liability initially recognised also reflects management’s 

estimate as at 31 December 2012 based on current results and forecasts. 

Identifiable net assets

The fair value of trade and other receivables acquired as part of the business combination amounted to £6,372,000 which 

equated to the gross contractual amount.

Contribution to the Group results

The above acquisitions contributed post acquisition revenues of £3,597,000 and profits totalling £129,000. If the acquisitions 

had been made on 1 January 2012 revenues of £18,390,000 and an operating profit before amortisation of intangible assets 

of £502,000 would have been included.

Goodwill

The  goodwill  recognised  relates  to  expected  synergies  to  be  achieved  as  a  result  of  combining  the  operations  of  the 

businesses.

Acquisition of non controlling interest

On 26 July 2012 the company acquired the balance of shares that it did not already own in House of Logistics Limited for 

nil  consideration.  Following  the  transaction  the  company  owns  100%  of  the  share  capital  and  the  subsidiary  became  a 

dormant company. 

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39

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2012

21 Related party transactions

The only related parties are the Group’s Directors and Group undertakings. Transactions with wholly owned Group entities 

are exempt from disclosure. 

Transactions with Group undertakings not wholly owned

On 29 July 2012 the business and assets of House of Logistics Limited were transferred to a Group undertaking. Prior to 

that point, during the year the Group undertaking  has paid for certain expenses on behalf of House of Logistics Limited 

during the year amounting to £424,230 (2011: £1,700,538). At 31 December 2012 there is no intercompany balance between 

the Group and House of Logistics Limited as this was eliminated on consolidation (2011: £382,160).

Transactions with Group directors

The Group Directors’ personal remuneration includes the following expenses:

Short-term employee benefits:

Salaries and fees

Bonus – unpaid

Social security costs

Benefits in kind

Post employment benefits:

Pension contributions

Share based payments:

Share based employee remuneration

2012

£’000

2011

£’000

803

103

140

8

61

290

635

294

190

8

52

136

1,405

1,315

22 Operating leases

The Group’s aggregate minimum operating lease payments for the full remaining lives of the leases are as follows:

In one year or less

Between one and five years

In five years or more

2012

2011

Land and

Land and

buildings

buildings

£’000

101

1,865

996
2,962

£’000

113

1,864

1,722
3,699

Lease  payments  recognised  as  an  expense  during  the  year  ended  31  December  2012  amounted  to  £1,163,000 

(2011: £477,000).

Operating lease agreements do not contain any contingent rent clauses. None of the operating lease agreements contain 

renewal or purchase options or escalation clauses or any restrictions regarding dividends, future leasing or additional debt. 

No  sub-lease 

income 

is  due  as  all  assets  held  under 

lease  agreements  are  used  exclusively  by 

the Group.

23 Contingencies

The Group had no contingent assets or liabilities at 31 December 2012 or 31 December 2011.

24 Capital commitments

The Group had no capital commitments at 31 December 2012 or 31 December 2011.

40

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25 Risk management objectives and policies

The  Group  is  exposed  to  a  variety  of  financial  risks  through  its  use  of  financial  instruments  which  result  from  both  its 

operating and investing activities. The Group’s risk management is coordinated at its headquarters, in close co-operation 

with the Board of Directors. 

The  Group  does  not  actively  engage  in  the  trading  of  financial  assets  for  speculative  purposes.  The  most  significant 

financial risks to which the Group is exposed are described below.

Credit risk

Generally, the Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk is limited to the carrying amount of the financial assets recognised 

at the balance sheet date, as summarised below: 

Trade and other receivables (note 13)

Cash and cash equivalents

Accrued income

2012

2011

Loans and 

Loans and 

receivables 

receivables 

and 

and 

balance 

balance 

sheet totals

sheet totals

£’000

58,472

3,650

1,126
63,248

£’000

46,744

3,687

-
50,431

Credit  risk  is  only  disclosed  in  circumstances  where  the  maximum  potential  loss  differs  significantly  from  the  financial 

asset’s carrying amount.

The Group’s trade and other receivables are actively monitored to avoid significant concentrations of credit risk. Details in 

respect of trade receivables at 31 December 2012 are provided in note 13.

The  Group  has  adopted  a  policy  of  carefully  monitoring  all  customers,  especially  those  who  lack  an  appropriate  credit 

history.

Liquidity risk

The Group seeks to manage financial risks to ensure sufficient liquidity is available to meet foreseeable needs and to invest 

cash assets safely and profitably. Short term flexibility is achieved by the use of a bank overdraft facility up to £15,000,000. 

Interest rate risk

All financial liabilities of the Group are subject to floating interest rates.  Competitive rates have been renegotiated with the 

Group’s bankers and the rate paid on bank loans has been set at 1% or 1.5% above base rate, and interest accrues on the 

RCF at between 2.2% and 2.5% above LIBOR. The following table illustrates the sensitivity of the net result for the year and 

equity to a reasonably possible change in interest rates of +/- one percentage point with effect from the beginning of the 

year.

(Decrease)/increase in net result and equity £’000

Foreign currency sensitivity

2012 

£’000

+1%

(85)

2012 

%

–1%

85

2011

 £’000

+1%

(86)

20101

%

–1%

86

Most of the Group’s transactions are carried out in sterling. Exposure to currency exchange rates arises from the Group’s 

overseas  sales  and  purchases  which  are  predominantly  denominated  in  Polish  zloty.  These  sales  and  purchases  are 

immaterial  to  the  Group’s  total  sales  and  purchases.    Due  to  the  highly  immaterial  nature  of  these  foreign  currency 

transactions the Group has not entered into any foreign currency risk mitigation strategies to date. This will be kept under 

review as overseas business continues to grow.

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41

 
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2012

Financial liabilities

The Group’s liabilities are classified as follows:

2012 

2012 

2012 

2012  

Financial liabilities 

Other financial 

at fair value through 

liabilities at amortised 

Liabilities not within 

cost  

the scope of IAS 39 

Balance sheet total  

Bank loan

RCF

Overdraft

Trade and other payables

Accruals

Deferred income

Other liabilities

Deferred tax

Corporation tax

Total

Bank loan

RCF

Overdraft

Trade and other payables

Accruals

Deferred income

Other liabilities

Deferred tax

Corporation tax

Total

profit or loss  

£’000

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,753

-

-

£’000

702

7,500

32

27,338

11,989

-

1,158

-

-

£’000

-

-

-

588

6,223

540

87

689

1,325

9,452

£’000

702

7,500

32

27,926

18,212

540

2,998

689

1,325

59,924

1,753

48,719

2011 

2011 

2011 

2011  

Financial liabilities 

Other financial 

at fair value through 

liabilities at amortised 

Liabilities not within 

profit or loss  

£’000

-

-

-

-

2,635

-

-

-

-

cost  

the scope of IAS 39 

Balance sheet total  

£’000

1,762

5,000

1,846

21,558

-

9,384

-

-

-

£’000

-

-

-

194

102

4,240

3,087

946

1,519

£’000

1,762

5,000

1,846

21,752

2,737

13,624

3,087

946

1,519

2,635

39,550

10,088

52,273

Fair value represents amounts at which an asset could be exchanged or a liability settled on an arm’s length basis.

Financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value are grouped into three levels of fair value hierarchy.  This 

grouping is determined based on the lowest level of significant inputs used in the fair value measurement, as follows:
●● level 1 - quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities
●● level 2 - inputs other than quoted prices included in level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or 

indirectly

●● level 3 - inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs)

The Group has financial liabilities in the level 3 classification which are as follows:

Other liabilities include £1,753,000 of contingent consideration which has been measured using management’s estimate of 

the  likely  amounts  payable  in  respect  of  acquisitions  made  in  both  the  current  and  prior  year  and  the  application  of  a 

discount rate.

42

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Maturity of financial liabilities

The analysis of the maturity of financial liabilities at 31 December 2012 is as follows:

2012

Less 

than

Two 

More 

to five

than five 

2011

Less 

than 

Two 

More 

to five 

than five

Bank loan

RCF

Overdraft

Trade and other payables
Other liabilities

Total

 one year

 £’000

646

-

32

39,327
2,911
42,916

 years 

£’000

56

7,500

-

-
-
7,556

26 Cash flows from operating activities

Profit before taxation

Adjustments for:

Finance costs

Depreciation, loss on disposal and amortisation

Operating profit before changes in working capital and 

provisions

Change in trade and other receivables

Change in trade and other payables

Cash generated from operations*

Employee cash settled share options

Employee equity settled share options

Taxes paid 

Net cash inflow from operating activities 

Total 

one year 

years 

£’000

-

-

-

£’000

702

7,500

32

39,327
-
-
2,911
- 50,472

£’000

1,138

-

1,846

30,942
2,345
36,271

years

 £’000

624

5,000

-

-
290
5,914

 years 

£’000

-

-

-

-
-
-

Total 

£’000

1,762

5,000

1,846

30,942
2,635
42,185

Year ended 

Year ended 

31 December 2012          

31 December 2011     

8,521

363

2,853

11,737

(6,482)

4,044

9,299

394

32

(2,882)

6,843

7,534

126

3,137

10,797

(10,324)

1,506

1,979

178

31

(1,786)

402

*  The  cash  generated  from  operations  in  2011  was  lowered  by  £7,141,000  as  a  result  of  creditors  acquired  through 

acquisitions but paid after acquisition.

27 Capital management policies and procedures

The Board’s current priorities for the Group’s free cash flow are to fund Group development, maintain the strength of the 

balance sheet and to support a sustainable dividend policy. The Group’s overall strategy remains unchanged from last year 

in that it manages its capital to ensure that the Group will be able to continue as a going concern through the economic 

cycle.

The capital structure of the Group consists of net debt, which is represented by cash and cash equivalents (note 14), bank 

loans, overdrafts and revolving credit facilities (note 16) and equity attributable to equity holders of the parent, comprising 

issued share capital, reserves and retained earnings as disclosed in note 19.

The Group is not restricted to any externally imposed capital requirements.

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43

 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2012

28 Presentation of summarised consolidated statement of comprehensive income

The effect of the amortisation of the Group’s intangible assets has been separately disclosed on the face of the consolidated 

statement of comprehensive income. This is reported below, together with the comparatives for 2011.

2012

 Before 

2011

Before 

amortisation 

Amortisation 

Total

amortisation 

Amortisation 

£’000

£’000

£’000

£’000

£’000

Continuing operations

Sales revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Administrative expenses
Operating profit before amortisation of 

intangibles
Administrative expenses – share based 

payment charge

Amortisation of intangibles
Profit from operations
Finance costs

Profit for the period before taxation

Tax expense
Net profit and total comprehensive 

366,980

(332,268)
34,712

(23,600)

11,112

(426)

-
10,686

(363)
10,323

(2,559)

-

-
-

-

-

-

(1,802)
(1,802)

-
(1,802)

448

366,980

(332,268)
34,712

(23,600)

288,303

(257,161)
31,142

(20,667)

11,112

10,475

(426)

(1,802)
8,884

(363)
8,521

(2,111)

(209)

-
10,266

(126)
10,140

(2,611)

-

-
-

-

-

-

(2,606)
(2,606)

-
(2,606)

635

Total

£’000

288,303

(257,161)
31,142

(20,667)

10,475

(209)

(2,606)
7,660

(126)
7,534

(1,976)

income for the period

7,764

(1,354)

6,410

7,529

(1,971)

5,558

The above splits out 2011 so that it is directly comparable to 2012.

44

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Staffline Group plc

Company statutory financial statements  
(prepared under UK GAAP)

For the year ended 31 December 2012

Company number 05268636

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45

Contents 

Directors’ responsibilities statement 

Report of the independent auditor 

Principal accounting policies 

Balance sheet 

Notes to the financial statements 

47

48

49

50

51 – 52

46

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Director’s responsibility statement
For the year ended 31 December 2012

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Directors’ Report and the company financial statements in accordance with 

applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Directors 

have  elected  to  prepare  the  financial  statements  in  accordance  with  United  Kingdom  Generally  Accepted  Accounting 

Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable laws). Under company law the Directors must not approve 

the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs and profit or loss 

of the company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to:
●● select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
●● make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
●● state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed 

and explained in the financial statements;

●● prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will 

continue in business. 

The  Directors  are  responsible  for  keeping  adequate  accounting  records  that  are  sufficient  to  show  and  explain  the 

company’s  transactions  and  disclose  with  reasonable  accuracy  at  any  time  the  financial  position  of  the  company  and 

enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for 

safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud 

and other irregularities.

The Directors confirm that:
●● so far as each Director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the company’s auditors are unaware; 

and

●● the Directors have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit 

information and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information. 

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the 

company’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements 

may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.  

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47

Independent auditor’s report to the members of Staffline Group plc
For the year ended 31 December 2012

We have audited the parent company financial statements of Staffline Group plc for the year ended 31 December 2012 

which comprise the parent company balance sheet and the related notes. The financial reporting framework that has been 

applied  in  their  preparation  is  applicable  law  and  United  Kingdom  Accounting  Standards  (United  Kingdom  Generally 

Accepted Accounting Practice).

This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies 

Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members those matters we are 

required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not 

accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company’s members as a body, for our audit 

work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Respective responsibilities of Directors and auditors

As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibility Statement set out on page 47, the Directors are responsible for the 

preparation  of  the  parent  company  financial  statements  and  for  being  satisfied  that  they  give  a  true  and  fair  view.  Our 

responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the parent company financial statements in accordance with applicable 

law  and  International  Standards  on  Auditing  (UK  and  Ireland).  Those  standards  require  us  to  comply  with  the  Auditing 

Practices Board’s (APB’s) Ethical Standards for Auditors.

Scope of the audit and financial statements

A description of the scope of an audit of financial statements is provided on the APB’s website at www.frc.org.uk/apb/

scope/private.cfm.

Opinion on financial statements

In our opinion the parent company financial statements:
●● give a true and fair view of the state of the company’s affairs as at 31 December 2012; 
●● have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
●● have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Opinion on other matter prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion the information given in the Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the financial statements are 

prepared is consistent with the parent company financial statements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you 

if, in our opinion:
●● adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not 

been received from branches not visited by us; or

●● the parent company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
●● certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or
●● we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

Other matters

We  have  reported  separately  on  the  group  financial  statements  of  Staffline  Group  plc  for  the  year  ended 

31 December 2012. 

David Munton

Senior Statutory Auditor

for and on behalf of Grant Thornton UK LLP

Statutory Auditor, Chartered Accountants

BIRMINGHAM

Date: 25 February 2013

48

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Principal accounting policies
For the year ended 31 December 2012

Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with UK accounting 

standards and applicable law. 

The  principal  accounting  policies  of  the  Company  are  set  out  below  which  have  remained  unchanged  from  the 

previous year.

During  the  current  and  previous  years  a  technical  breach  of  the  Companies  Act  2006  has  been  identified  in  relation  to 

dividends paid in 2011 and 2012. This arose due to the previous accounts filed at Companies House not showing sufficient 

distributable reserves to cover the level of dividends paid. However, at the time the dividend was actually paid, sufficient 

additional distributable reserves had been paid up to Staffline Group plc from its subsidiaries to ensure that Staffline Group 

plc was able to pay the dividend. The directors will seek legal advice and will seek to remedy this breach at the earliest 

opportunity. 

Investments

Investments in the Company are included at cost less amounts written off.  Where the consideration for the acquisition of 

a subsidiary undertaking includes shares in the Company to which the provisions of Section 612 of the Companies Act 2006 

apply, cost represents the nominal value of shares issued together with the fair value of any additional consideration given 

and costs.

Deferred taxation

Deferred tax is recognised on all timing differences where the transactions or events that give the Company an obligation 

to pay more tax in the future, or a right to pay less tax in the future, have occurred by the balance sheet date.  Deferred 

tax assets are recognised when it is more likely than not that they will be recovered.  Deferred tax is measured using rates 

of tax that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date. Deferred tax is not discounted.

Financial instruments

Financial  liabilities  and  equity  instruments  are  classified  according  to  the  substance  of  the  contractual  arrangements 

entered  into.  An  equity  instrument  is  any  contract  that  evidences  a  residual  interest  in  the  assets  of  the  entity  after 

deducting all of its financial liabilities.

Where  the  contractual  obligations  of  financial  instruments  (including  share  capital)  are  equivalent  to  a  similar  debt 

instrument, those financial instruments are classed as financial liabilities. Financial liabilities are presented as such in the 

balance sheet. Finance costs and gains or losses relating to financial liabilities are included in the profit and loss account. 

Finance costs are calculated on a straight line basis.

Where the contractual terms of share capital do not have any terms meeting the definition of a financial liability then this is 

classed as an equity instrument. Dividends and distributions relating to equity instruments are debited direct to equity.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the fair value of the cost of a business acquisition over the Group’s share of the fair value 

of assets and liabilities acquired as at the date of acquisition.  Goodwill is amortised over 20 years which represents its 

expected useful life.

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49

Company balance sheet
At 31 December 2012

Fixed assets

Investments

Intangible assets: Goodwill

Total fixed assets

Current assets – amounts due from group companies

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Net current assets/(liabilities)
Total assets less current liabilities and net assets

Capital and reserves

Called up share capital

Share premium account

Profit and loss account

Equity shareholder’s funds

Note

2012

£’000

2011

£’000

30

31

32

33

34

34

18,528

1,900
20,428

1,000

770

230
20,658

2,289

15,969

2,400
20,658

18,528

2,000
20,528

1,316

(1,316)
19,212

2,284

15,928

1,000

19,212

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 25 February 2013. 

Andy Hogarth 

Director  

Tim Jackson

Director

50

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Notes to the UK GAAP financial statements
For the year ended 31 December 2012

28 Profit for the financial year

The Company has taken advantage of section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and has not included its own profit and loss 

account  in  these  financial  statements.  The  Company’s  profit  for  the  year  before  dividends  paid  was  £1,500,000  (2011: 

£1,436,935).

Auditors remuneration incurred by the Company during the year for audit services totalled £7,000 (2011: £7,000).

29 Directors and employees remuneration

As in previous years all Group Directors are remunerated by Staffline Recruitment Limited. Details of Directors’ remuneration 

is disclosed within the Report on Remuneration on page 14.  

The average number of persons (including Directors) employed by the Company during the year was 7 (2011: 6).

30 Fixed asset investments 

Cost and net book amount at 31 December 2011 and 31 December 2012

The Company holds interests in the following companies:

Investment 

in group 

undertakings 

£’000

18,528

Subsidiaries

share capital held

Country of incorporation

Nature of business 

Proportion of ordinary 

Staffline Recruitment Limited

Peter Rowley Limited*

A La Carte Recruitment Limited*

Staffline Polska Sp. zoo*

Staffline Gliwice Sp. zoo*

House of Logistics Limited*

Eos Works Limited* 

Ethos Recruitment Limited*

Taskforce Recruitment Limited*

Go New Recruitment Limited*

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Go New Recruitment (Glos.) Limited*

100%

Select Appointments Limited*

100%

England and Wales

England and Wales

England and Wales

Poland

Poland

England and Wales

England and Wales

England and Wales

England and Wales

England and Wales

England and Wales

England and Wales

Recruitment

Training

Recruitment

Recruitment

Recruitment

Business Consultancy 

Welfare to work

Recruitment

Recruitment

Recruitment

Recruitment

Recruitment

*These companies are owned indirectly through other group companies. 

Joint ventures

share capital held

Country of incorporation

Nature of business 

Group Learner Limited

40%

England and Wales

Training

Proportion of ordinary 

The financial position and performance of Group Learner Limited for the year ended 31 December 2012 is highly immaterial 

to Staffline Group plc.

31 Goodwill

Cost at 31 December 2011

Amortisation provided in year

Gross carrying amount at 31 December 2012

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£’000

2,000

100

1,900

51

Notes to the UK GAAP financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2012

32 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Amounts due to Group undertakings

33 Share capital

Authorised

2012

£’000

770

2012

£’000

2011

£’000

1,316

2011

£’000

30,000,000 (2011: 30,000,000) ordinary 10p shares

3,000

3,000

Allotted and issued

22,888,578 (2011: 22,844,915) ordinary 10p shares

2,289

2,284

Share options

At 31 December 2012 the following ordinary share options granted were outstanding

Date of grant

8 June 2006

9 December 2006

8 June 2007

1 October 2007

1 April 2008

1 October 2008

1 October 2009

20 October 2009

Number

Exercise price

Exercise period

1,908 

1,558 

7,613 

       2,363 

       3,822 

4,169 

7,736 

900,000

130p

120p

174p

143p

121p

66p

54p

09/06/08 - 08/06/13

10/12/08 - 09/12/13

09/06/09 - 08/06/14

02/10/09 - 01/10/14

02/04/10 - 01/04/15

02/10/10 - 01/10/15

02/10/11 - 01/10/16

47.5p

21/10/12 - 20/10/16

For full details of share options and the share based payment charge calculation see note 7.

34 Reserves

At 1 January 2012

Retained profit for the year

Share options exercised

Dividends paid

At  31 December 2012

35 Contingent liabilities

Profit 

Share 

and loss 

premium 

account 

£’000

15,928

-

41

-
15,969

£’000

1,000

2,978

-

(1,578)
2,400

A cross guarantee exists between all companies in the Group for all amounts payable to Bank of Scotland and NatWest. 

The maximum potential liability to the Company at year end is £8,466,000.

36 Capital commitments

There were no capital commitments at 31 December 2012 or at 31 December 2011.

52

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Staffline Group plc

19 – 20 The Triangle

NG2 Business Park

Nottingham

NG2 1AE

Tel: 0115 950 0885

Fax: 0115 950 0627

www.staffline.co.uk

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