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The Descartes Systems Group

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FY2012 Annual Report · The Descartes Systems Group
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Empowering Recruitment 
Globally Through 
Technology

Dillistone Group Plc  Annual Report 2012

 
 
 
 
 
Dillistone Group Plc is a global leader 
in the supply of technology solutions 
and services to the recruitment 
industry worldwide.

We provide software and 
services to recruitment firms 
and recruiting teams within 
major corporations. 

Across our subsidiaries, 
we work with around 2,000  
firms in approximately  
60 countries.

Our two divisions are Dillistone 
Systems and Voyager Software. 
Dillistone Systems specialises 
in the supply of software and 
services into executive level 
recruitment teams. Voyager 
Software’s clientele are 
primarily involved in contingent 
recruitment, including 
permanent placement, contract 
placement and the provision of 
temporary staff.

1

Highlights

Highlights for the year: 
 > Revenues up 29% to £7.1m
 > Record level of recurring revenues of £4.5m 

up 39% from 2011

 > Operating profits before exceptional items up 
21% to £1.7m and after exceptional items up 
25% to £1.5m

 > EPS pre exceptional items up 15% to 7.20p and 

up 27% to 6.79p post exceptional items

 > Final dividend of 2.5p per share recommended, 
making total dividend for year of 3.7p (a yield of 
4.8% on a share price of 77p)

 > Cash funds of £1.6m (2011: £1.6m) after acquisition 

payment. The Group remains debt free 

 > Voyager Infinity launched in September 2012

Commenting on the results, Mike Love,  
Non-Executive Chairman, said: 
“ 2012 has been an excellent year for Dillistone. The Group 
has delivered a strong set of results whilst additionally 
continuing to develop its product offerings and to seek 
further acquisition opportunities.”

Contents
Business Review
1  Highlights
2  Dillistone Group at a Glance
4  Chairman’s Statement
6  Business Review
Financial Review
8 

Governance
10  Board of Directors
12  Directors’ Report
16  Corporate Governance Report
18  Report to the Shareholders  
on Directors’ Remuneration

Financial Statements
20 

Independent Auditor’s Report  
to the Members

21  Consolidated Statement  
of Comprehensive Income

22  Consolidated Statement of Changes  

in Equity 

23  Company Statement of Changes  

in Equity

24  Consolidated and Company Statement  

of Financial Position

25  Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
26  Company Cash Flow Statement
27  Notes to the Financial Statements
49  Directors and Advisers
50  Contact Details

Business ReviewGovernanceFinancial StatementsDillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 20122

Dillistone Group at a Glance

Dillistone Systems division
Dillistone Systems is the leading global supplier of 
software to executive search firms and to in-house 
search teams at major corporations and not-for-profit 
organisations. The Company’s main product is 
FileFinder 10, which is the latest iteration of the 
FileFinder software system, launched in March 2011  
and built using Microsoft .Net Framework technology. 
The Division is headquartered in the UK, but has offices 
in Germany, the United States and Australia and serves 
clients in more than 60 countries, generating more 
revenue from outside the UK than from its home market. 

Dillistone Systems is widely acknowledged to be the 
market leader in the executive search software sector, 
and is also considered to be a thought leader in this 
space. As a result, the Company has also moved beyond 
the supply of software, and provides additional services 
including training in executive search techniques, 
marketing and advertising services, and also runs 
regular conferences which are open to both client and 
non-client firms.

Voyager Software division 
Voyager Software became a part of the Dillistone Group 
in September 2011. At the time of its acquisition by 
Dillistone, it provided end-to-end recruitment solutions 
principally to the third party recruiting sector. Voyager’s 
products included Voyager Professional, Voyager 
Commercial, Voyager VDQ! and Voyager Mid-Office,  
a product range largely used by temp and contract 
recruiters. In September 2012, Voyager launched its  
next generation software platform, Voyager Infinity. 
Voyager Infinity is designed to improve the performance 
of recruitment companies specialising in both contract 
and permanent placements. Infinity meets the demands 
of flexibility and functionality required by these firms, 
putting it at the forefront of software available to the 
recruitment industry. As with FileFinder 10, Infinity  
has been built using the state of the art Microsoft.  
Net Framework technology and replaces the Voyager 
Professional product. The Voyager products are used  
in over 20 different countries by many thousands of users 
in different-sized recruitment businesses. The Division 
has offices in the UK and Australia and employs around 
35 people.

www.dillistone.com

www.voyage.co.uk

Timeline

1983
The original FileFinder 
software was developed 
by David Dillistone, 
himself a retained search 
consultant. While it was 
initially created for 
in-house use, David soon 
realised that there was a 
market for it beyond his 
own firm, and so he 
created David Dillistone 
Systems.

1990
By the late 1990s, David 
had retired and the 
business – now renamed 
as Dillistone Systems – 
was owned by Custom 
Business Systems. CBS 
invested heavily in the firm 
and, by the end of the 
decade, offices have been 
established on three 
continents. 

2003
In 2003, the current 
management team took 
part in a management 
buyout of the business. 
The dawn of the Internet 
meant that it became far 
easier to sell the 
FileFinder system 
internationally, and, 
as a result, Dillistone 
Systems grew rapidly. 

Dillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 20123

“ FileFinder cuts the time it takes not only to find the 
people, but to get them into the system. We have so 
many searches and now I can be more effective.” 
Mike Costello, Executive Sourcing Manager of McIntyre Global 
Executive Search.

Global reach 
Dillistone Group has offices in the UK, US, Germany and Australia, serving around 2,000 firms in over 60 countries

Clients in

60+

countries 

2006
In 2006, the Group floated 
on the AIM market of the 
London Stock Exchange 
(DSG.L).

2008
In 2008, a decision was 
taken to significantly 
increase R&D expenditure, 
and the development of the 
next generation of 
FileFinder began.

 Main Group offices

2011
In March 2011 FileFinder 10 
was released after over 
two years of development.
In September 2011 the 
Group made its first 
acquisition of Voyager 
Software.

2012
In September 2012 
Voyager Infinity was 
launched after three years 
of development.

2013
Today, the Dillistone Group 
is profitable, debt free and 
cash generative. It is 
proud to work with over 
2,000 firms in over 60 
countries. It has offices 
in four countries and 
employs around 
90 people.

Business ReviewGovernanceFinancial StatementsDillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 20124

Chairman’s Statement

The Group has again enjoyed a 
successful year in 2012, achieving  
a number of its shorter and longer  
term objectives, despite the continued 
economic difficulties. A strong set of 
results was delivered showing a profit 
before exceptional items of £1.311m  
(2011: £1.084m) and after exceptional 
items was £1.235m (2011: £0.926m). 

The Group has two trading divisions, Dillistone Systems 
and Voyager Software. Both Divisions made a valuable 
contribution to our financial results whilst also delivering 
on important operational milestones.

Strategy
The Group’s strategy is to grow the business both 
organically and through acquisition. This strategy is made 
possible by our commitment to product development, 
which ensures that the business continues to command 
a leading role in all of the markets in which it operates. 

Our acquisition strategy entails consideration of 
firms offering:
 > products that would further increase market share  

in the Group’s core markets; 

 > legacy applications where clients could be transferred 

to our modern suite of products; or

 > complementary applications which may be cross sold 

to clients of the Group.

2012 represents our first full year of ownership of 
Voyager Software, and the integration of Voyager 
Software into the Group has progressed well. 

Whilst recognising the importance of delivering high 
quality products with distinct and recognised brands, 
we are additionally looking to realise the benefits of 
synergies where this can be achieved in a manner 
which will protect and enhance the customer experience.

It is the view of the Board that product development is 
fundamental to the long term success of the business 
and as a result 2013 will see us continue to invest in the 
development of software within both of our Divisions.

Dividends
The Board was pleased to increase the interim dividend 
payment in September 2012 to 1.2p (2011: 1.1667p). The 
Board has recommended a final dividend of 2.5p per 
share, subject to shareholder approval, payable on 
26 June 2013 to holders on the register on 31 May 2013. 
Shares will trade ex-dividend from 29 May 2013. This 
takes the total dividend based on the 2012 results to 3.7p, 
and gives a yield of 4.8% on a share price of 77p. With 
dividend cover approaching two times, the Group is now 
better placed to implement its progressive dividend policy, 
subject to the prevailing cash needs of the business.

Staff
Our staff are fundamentally important to the success 
of the business. It is through their efforts, commitment 
and determination that we continue to be a leading 
technology provider in the sectors we serve. On behalf of 
the Board I would like to take this opportunity to thank all 
of them.

Dillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 20125

A strong set 
of results

Outlook
Dillistone Systems has seen improving orders, with Q1 of 
2013 being the best quarter since Q2 of 2011 in terms of 
new business wins. Voyager Software sells a number of 
products and whilst the strength of the order intake has 
varied across the range, the Board is pleased to note that 
incoming orders for the next generation Infinity product 
are well up on the levels achieved by the predecessor 
product, Professional, in the equivalent period in 2012. 
This has allowed the Division to also show year-on-year 
growth in new business sales.

Despite these positive trends, in what remains an 
unpredictable economic climate, we remain cautious.

Dr Mike Love
Non-Executive Chairman

“ The Group’s strategy is  

to grow the business both 
organically and through 
acquisition. This strategy 
is made possible by our 
commitment to product 
development, which ensures 
that the business continues 
to command a leading role 
in all of the markets in which 

it operates.”

Business ReviewGovernanceFinancial StatementsDillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 20126

Business Review

2012 saw recurring revenue grow 39% to £4.529m (2011: £3.248m) reflecting 
a full twelve months of Voyager Software recurring revenues being included 
in Group results for the first time. Recurring revenues represent 64% of 
revenues (2011: 60%).

Pre-tax profits before exceptional items increased 20% 
to £1.684m (2011: £1.405m). Despite the difficult economic 
backdrop experienced in 2012, both of our Divisions 
delivered what we consider to be laudable results whilst 
also continuing to invest in our future.

Dillistone Systems
In my 2011 report, I wrote that Dillistone Systems’  
next generation product had been well received. I am 
delighted to say that, despite an economic environment 
which saw the retained search market shrink by over 
6%, our install base has continued to grow, with a new 
client signing up for FileFinder every other working day.

Beyond the numbers, however, what is particularly 
pleasing is the diversity of uptake. Whilst the bulk of 
our clientele remains the executive search industry, 
2012 also saw us implement the system on behalf of 
organisations as varied as a university in Australia, a 
financial services firm in Asia, a retailer in the UK and 
an engineering firm in the US. Clients using FileFinder 
range from sole traders up to both FTSE 100 and 
Fortune 100 firms, and we have won clients from 
our direct competitors in both the UK and the US.

“ Both of our Divisions 

delivered what we 
consider to be laudable 
results whilst also 
continuing to invest in 

our future.”

It is the view of the Board that, as the economic 
environment improves, the strength of our products 
and services will create a strong opportunity for further 
organic revenue growth.

Dillistone Systems also launched “The World Executive 
Search Congress” in Las Vegas in March 2012. This 
event provided the Group with a unique opportunity  
to market its products and services whilst also making 
a financial contribution to the business in its own right. 
Following a successful inaugural event in 2012, our 
2013 event took place in March 2013 and was again very 
well received. Indeed, in just two years, the event has 
grown to become – we believe – the largest and most 
international event of its type. The Company has also 
announced plans to host a “European Executive Search 
Congress” in London later this year.

The development teams within the two Divisions have 
started to work more closely together and one of the 
synergy benefits during 2012 for the Dillistone Systems 
division was the development of the existing Voyager 
Mid Office product to allow it to integrate with the 
FileFinder product. The first live implementation of  
the integrated products occurred at global life sciences 
executive search and interim management firm, RSA in 
January 2013. 2012 has also seen the launch of our web 
application for mobile devices “FFMobile”, an in-house 
developed webapp, and additional improvements to the 
core product. 

Dillistone Systems’ head office is based in London  
and it has offices in the US, Germany and Australia.  
The Division accounts for 66% of the Group’s revenue 
and saw recurring revenue grow 9% to £3.144m  
(2011: £2.874m). Its revenues reflected the economic 
environments of the territories we serve with sales 
into the Americas showing good growth, whilst other 
regions were slightly disappointing. As a whole, the 
Division saw segmental operating profit before 
amortisation and depreciation increase by 1% to 
£1.912m (2011: £1.889m). 

Dillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 20127

Investing  
in our future

Revenue

Recurring income
Non-recurring income

2012
£’000

3,144
1,522

4,666

2011
£’000

2,874
1,885

4,759

Voyager Software
The Group acquired Voyager Software in September 2011, 
and so the year in review is the first full year under our 
ownership. As a result, it has been a year of transition for 
this Division. The business has made a good contribution 
to our results in its first year and enters 2013 in a position 
where we believe significant organic growth is possible.

Voyager spent much of 2012 preparing to launch  
the new “Voyager Infinity” platform. This is the next 
generation successor to the “Voyager Professional” 
platform which had historically been the most successful 
of the Voyager products.

Launched in September 2012, the Voyager Infinity product 
has been well received and contracts have been received 
from both new clients along with existing clients wishing 
to upgrade. The product has been implemented both in 
the UK and in Australia where the Voyager business now 
shares offices with Dillistone Systems in Sydney.

In 2012, the Voyager Software division accounted for 
34% of Group revenues. The Division’s revenues were 
£2.386m and it had a segmental operating profit before 
amortisation and depreciation of £0.484m. Revenues 
of £0.689m and a segmental operating profit before 
amortisation and depreciation of £0.168m were included 
in the accounts in 2011 which covered the period of 
ownership by the Group from 21 September 2011 to  
the year end. 

Revenue

Recurring income
Non-recurring income
Third party revenues

2012
£’000

1,385
618
383

2,386

2011
£’000

374
237
78

689

Although both Divisions are run separately, increasing 
synergies are being delivered. These are both operational 
– for example, the standardisation of certain systems and 
infrastructure – and technical – with the configuration  
of the Voyager Mid Office application to work alongside 
the Dillistone Systems’ FileFinder product. Both Divisions 
are committed to continuing to invest in their products  
to ensure they retain their market leading positions. 

Jason Starr
Chief Executive

Business ReviewGovernanceFinancial StatementsDillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 20128

Financial Review

Total revenues increased by 29% to 
£7.052m (2011: £5.448m), with profit 
before tax and exceptional items up 
20% to £1.684m (2011: £1.405m). 

Total revenues increased by 29% to £7.052m (2011: 
£5.448m), with profit before tax and exceptional items  
up 20% to £1.684m (2011: £1.405m). Recurring revenues 
increased by 39% to £4.529m (2011: £3.248m). Non-
recurring revenues saw an increase of 1% to £2.140m 
from £2.122m in 2011. Third party software product  
sales amounted to £0.383m in the period (2011: £0.078m). 
These results reflect a full 12 months of Voyager 
Software revenues.

Cost of sales increased by 96% to £0.864m (2011: £0.441m), 
reflecting the full year impact of Voyager, World Congress 
costs and also an exceptional item of £0.056m relating to 
the buyout of an onerous supplier contract in Voyager. 

Administrative costs, excluding exceptional items, rose 
26% to £4.573m (2011: £3.627m), again largely down to 
the full year impact of Voyager. Exceptional administrative 
costs totalled £0.102m (2011: £0.172m) and relate to tax 
and NI on options exercised by Voyager employees pre 
acquisition, amortisation of intangibles arising on the 
Voyager acquisition offset by a reduction in the estimated 
contingent consideration payable. Interest income has 
also been offset by the unwinding of the discount in 
respect of the deferred consideration.

Recurring revenues covered 99% of administrative 
expenses before exceptional costs (2011: 90%). Excluding 
depreciation and amortisation of our own internal 
development, the administrative costs are more than 
covered at 107% (2011: 96%).

Tax has been provided at an effective rate of 22% (2011: 
23%) excluding exceptional items and at 18% (2011: 25%) 
post exceptional costs. These rates reflect the R&D tax 
credits available to both Dillistone Systems and Voyager 
Software that have been claimed, partially offset by the 
higher rates of corporation tax that are payable overseas. 
The post exceptional rate also reflects the reduction in 
deferred consideration which does not have a tax impact.

Profits for the year before exceptional items rose 21% to 
£1.311m (2011: £1.084m) and profits for the year after 
exceptional items increased by 33% to £1.235m. Basic 
EPS rose 15% to 7.20p (2011: 6.26p) before exceptional 
items and 27% to 6.79p (2011: 5.34p) after exceptional 
items. Fully diluted EPS rose 15% to 7.18p (2011: 6.23p) 
and 27% to 6.76p (2011: 5.32p) after exceptional items.

Key performance indicators

Total revenue
£millions

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Recurring revenues
£millions

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

0

1

2

3

4

5

Revenue
by region

UKMEA 
Europe
Americas
Asia-Pacific

“ Profits for the year 

before exceptional items 
rose 21% to £1.311m 
(2011: £1.084m) and 
profits for the year after 
exceptional items 
increased by 33% 

to £1.235m.”

Dillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 20129

Strong 
performance

Capital expenditure
The Group invested £0.872m in fixed assets and  
product development during the year (2011: £0.661m). 
This expenditure included £0.803m (2011: £0.580m)  
spent on development costs, of which £0.403m relates  
to development in Voyager Software (2011: £0.101m), that 
has been capitalised under IFRS in the Group accounts. 
The 2011 expenditure for Voyager Software covers the 
period of ownership by the Group from 21 September 
2011 to the year end.

Trade and other payables
As with previous years, the liability includes income 
which has been billed in advance but is not recognised  
as income at that time. This principally relates to support 
renewals which are billed in December 2012 but that are 
in respect of services to be delivered in 2013. Support 
income is recognised monthly over the period to which 
it relates. It also includes deposits taken for work which 
has not yet been completed as such income is only 
recognised when the work is complete or the client 
software goes “live”. Also included in trade and  
other payables is £0.360m (2011: £0.499m) relating  
to consideration and contingent consideration due to 
Voyager shareholders. The contingent consideration 
is dependent on the level of revenue achieved by the 
Voyager Software division in the periods up to 
31 December 2013.

Key performance indicators

EBITDA
£millions

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

Cash
Dillistone finished the year with cash funds of £1.643m 
(2011: £1.617m) and remains debt free. This is after  
capital expenditure of £0.872, payment to the vendors of 
Voyager of £0.098m and dividend payments of £0.643m 
(2011: £0.609m).

Julie Pomeroy
Finance Director

“ Profits for the year 

before exceptional items 

rose 21% to £1.311m 

(2011: £1.084m) and 

profits for the year after 

exceptional items 

increased by 33% 

to £1.235m.”

Business ReviewGovernanceFinancial StatementsDillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 201210

Board of Directors

1.

3.

5.

7.

2.

4.

6.

Dillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 201211

1.  Mike Love, aged 64, Non-Executive Chairman. 
Mike Love has a PhD in theoretical physics and over 
30 years’ experience in the software industry. He is 
currently non-executive chairman of SciSys plc, also 
an AIM quoted company, and director and chairman at 
Redcliffe Precision Ltd. He was group managing director 
of SciSys from 1986 to 2003 during which time he led a 
management buy-out of the business and floated it on 
AIM in 1997. He is a previous member of the AIM Advisory 
Group of the London Stock Exchange.

2.  Jason Starr, aged 41, Chief Executive.
Jason Starr joined Dillistone Systems in 1994. He became 
Marketing Manager in 1996 before becoming Managing 
Director of the UK business in 1998. Following the MBO, 
Jason became Managing Director of Dillistone Systems 
Limited and subsequently became Group Chief Executive 
Officer. Jason is well known in the industry and has  
spoken at events in Asia, the US and Europe. 

Jason has a BA (Honours) business studies degree from 
the London Guildhall University.

Jason Starr is the Group Chief Executive of Dillistone Group 
Plc and Managing Director of Dillistone Systems. As well as 
being Managing Director he also has responsibility for the 
sales and marketing departments of the Division.

3.  Rory Howard, aged 45, Operations Director. 
Rory Howard has a BA (Honours) in business 
administration and is a PRINCE2 practitioner. Rory 
started his career with the Dixons Stores Group and  
from 1991 to 1994 he worked in the systems and control 
department as a technical support analyst working  
on their EPOS systems, data reporting and security.  
He then joined JATO Dynamics Ltd, a software company 
specialising in the automotive research market, as  
a database analyst, developing databases for pricing 
models for the large automotive manufacturers.  
In 1998 he joined Dillistone Systems Limited as a  
Project Manager, and the following year became the 
Global Projects Manager, tasked with restructuring all 
implementations and data migrations procedures and 
operations. In 2003 Rory became Operations Director of 
Dillistone Systems Limited and a member of the Board.

4.  Alex James, aged 40, Director of Product Development.
Alex graduated from Swansea University in 1995 with  
a degree in psychology. In 1995 Alex joined Mallinckrodt 
Veterinary working in quality control. In 1997 he moved  
to Responseability, a company that manages aspects  
of the recruitment process for clients, starting in 
administration before progressing into an account 
management role. Alex started at Dillistone in 1999  
in a training/consultancy position prior to becoming the 
UK and then Global Projects Manager, being ultimately 
responsible for the implementation of all products and 
services to both new and existing clients. Alex joined the 
Board of Dillistone Systems Limited in January 2005 and 
the Group Board in February 2006.

Alex James is the Director of Product Development for 
Dillistone Systems; departments under his responsibility 
are software development and technical integration.

5.  Alistair Milne, aged 37, Director of Support Services. 
Alistair started his career at Richmond Theatre in 1994, 
working in both the marketing department and box  
office. In 1997 he joined The Football Association, initially 
in a ticketing administration role, before progressing  
to a management role. Alistair then began working at the 
Shaw Theatre as box office manager. He joined Dillistone 
Systems in 2003, initially in a training and support role. 
He was initially appointed to the UK and then Global 
Support Manager role with responsibility for all aspects 
of support services. He was promoted to the Dillistone 
Systems Ltd Board in 2006 and joined the Group Board 
in January 2011.

Alistair Milne is the Director of Support Services; he 
oversees all Dillistone IT infrastructure and support 
services globally.

6.  Julie Pomeroy, aged 57, Finance Director.
Julie is an experienced finance director of quoted and 
private companies. She graduated with an honours 
degree in Physics from Birmingham University and  
is a chartered accountant and chartered director.  
She also holds tax and treasury qualifications. Julie  
was group finance director of Carter & Carter Group plc 
until October 2005 having joined in 2002 to help grow and 
float the business. She had previously been chief financial 
officer of Weston Medical Group plc and prior to this  
Julie worked at East Midlands Electricity plc as director 
of corporate finance. She was finance director of AIM 
quoted Biofutures International plc until July 2010. Julie 
is also a non-executive director of Nottingham University 
Hospitals NHS Trust.

7.  Giles Fearnley, aged 58, Non-Executive Director.
A career in the passenger transport industry saw 
Giles lead an MBO in 1991 forming Blazefield Holdings 
Limited, a business operating bus networks principally 
across Yorkshire and Lancashire. This company was sold 
to Transdev in 2006.

In 1997 he was appointed chief executive of Prism Rail 
PLC, having been one of that company’s founders, and 
held that position until its sale to National Express in 
2000. Prism Rail operated four of the UK’s passenger  
rail franchises with a turnover of £500 million per annum.

Giles is currently managing director – Bus, UK and 
Ireland for First Group Plc. Giles served as chairman 
of the association of Train Operating Companies in 
1999/2000 and as chairman of The Confederation 
of Passenger Transport UK.

Business ReviewGovernanceFinancial StatementsDillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 201212

Directors’ Report

The Directors present their report and financial statements for the year ended 
31 December 2012.

Principal activities and review of the business
The principal activity of the Company continued to be that of a parent company. The principal activity of the Group is the 
development and sale of specialist computer software and the provision of related support services. A review of the 
business is contained on pages 6 and 7.

Results and dividends
The consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year is set out on page 21.

An interim dividend of 1.2p per share was paid in June 2012. A final dividend of 2.5p per share will be paid, subject 
to shareholder approval, on 26 June 2013.

Key performance indicators
The Board and management use absolute figures to monitor the performance of the business in the following 
financial KPIs:

Revenues
Recurring revenues
Non-recurring revenues
Other revenue
Profit before tax and exceptionals
Cash

2008
£’000

4,608
2,246
2,362
–
1,426
2,353

2009
£’000

3,655
2,344
1,311
–
1,081
1,820

2010
£’000

4,251
2,536
1,715
–
1,182
2,147

2011
£’000

5,448
3,248
2,122
78
1,405
1,617

2012
£’000

7,052
4,529
2,140
383
1,684
1,643

In addition the Board monitors order levels and employee numbers as well as performance against budget.

Financial risk management
The Group’s operations expose it to a number of risks that include the effect of changes in interest rates, credit, foreign 
currency exchange rates and liquidity. The Group does not trade in financial instruments. Further details in relation to 
these risks are shown in note 22. 

Interest rate risk
The Group currently finances its activities through retained cash and equity finance. The Group monitors its exposure 
to interest rate risk when investing its cash resources. 

Credit risk
The Group has a large customer base of approximately 2,000 customers (2011: approximately 1,800) and is not 
dependent on a small number of customers. Accordingly the Group does not believe it is exposed to significant credit 
risk. In addition it only places money with banks with strong credit ratings. 

Exchange risk
The Company is exposed to translation and transaction foreign exchange risk. The Group’s foreign operations primarily 
trade in their own currencies reducing the transaction risk. As a result the main foreign exchange transactional 
exposure arises when repatriating profits. The Group only seeks to remit cash when required in the UK and it usually 
has some flexibility on timing of such appropriations to minimise any exchange losses. To a degree, the Group relies on 
a partial natural hedge of Euro, Australian Dollar and US Dollar to cover the translation exposures.

Liquidity risk
The Group maintains positive cash resources and has sufficient available funds for its operations and planned 
expansion of its existing activities. 

Dillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 201213

Principal risks and uncertainties
There are a number of risks and uncertainties which could have an impact on the Group’s long-term performance and 
cause actual results to differ materially from expected and historical results. The Directors seek to identify material 
risks and put in place policies and procedures to mitigate any exposure. The table of risks that follows gives details of 
the principal risks and the approach being taken to manage them.

Risk

Potential adverse impact

How we mitigate the risk

Economic risk

The recruitment industry has a reputation for being 
vulnerable to the cyclical nature of the economy.

The Company operates globally and so is not reliant on one 
economy. It enjoys a high percentage of recurring revenues.

Business continuity 
risks associated 
with operational 
failure of hosting 
facilities and data 
security

A failure of systems or failure of operational facilities 
leading to loss of customer confidence in the Group 
being able to deliver their requirements. Loss or 
corruption of data held on behalf of customers which 
could have a detrimental effect on their confidence in 
data security processes and could cause financial loss.

In a downturn there may be a reduction in new permanent 
hires which may be replaced by temporary hires. The Group’s 
suite of products now supports more aspects of the third 
party recruitment market through its acquisition of Voyager. 

Data backups occur daily and the necessary tests carried 
out on a regular basis to ensure data can be restored. 
Virtualisation introduced in the year using storage area 
networks (SANs). 

Attrition of 
customer base

Failure to attract new customers or the loss of 
existing customers could have a detrimental effect on 
the Group’s ability to generate revenues.

The Group continues to invest in product development to 
ensure that it remains competitive in the market. It actively 
manages its existing customer relationships.

Competitor activity

The market for recruitment software is extremely 
fragmented with a large number of small suppliers 
operating in all of the Group’s geographical markets. 
Very few of these suppliers have the necessary 
financial, technical and marketing resources to be 
able to develop their competitive position. However, 
the competition may intensify through consolidation  
or new entrants to the market.

Some competitors offer a broader product range 
enabling them to compete across the whole of 
the sector.

Employee retention Our capability to meet the demands of the markets in 
which the Group operates and compete effectively with 
other software suppliers is dependent on the skills, 
experience and performance of our people. Failure to 
attract or retain high calibre employees could seriously 
impede future growth and present performance.

New product risk

Acquisition risk

The introduction of new products may contain 
significant bugs that make them unusable. This could 
damage the Group’s reputation and result in loss of 
new orders and therefore reduce revenue growth. 
It could also result in claims against the Company.

The Group made its first acquisition in 2011 and is 
likely to make further acquisitions in the future. This 
creates the potential risk that acquisitions may not 
perform or contain hidden risks or liabilities.

Management works to build strong customer relationships 
and uses account management to keep in touch with clients.

The Group continues to invest in its product development and 
2011 saw the launch of Voyager’s Infinity product which is 
based on Microsoft .Net technology. It continues to innovate 
and provide solutions to client needs.

To retain staff the Group operates competitive remuneration 
packages and an appropriate culture in which staff work.

Products are tested pre launch and launch strategies 
developed to minimise risks. 

For all acquisitions and in advance of completion, 
management undertakes due diligence and prepares 
detailed integration plans including risk identification. These 
papers are reviewed and approved by the Board prior to any 
commitment being entered into.

Business ReviewGovernanceFinancial StatementsDillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 201214

Directors’ Report continued

Directors
The following Directors have held office since 1 January 
2012 other than where stated:
M D Love – Non-Executive Chairman 
J S Starr 
R Howard 
A D James 
J P Pomeroy
G R Fearnley – Non-Executive Director
A Milne 

The interests of the Directors (including family interests) 
in the share capital of the Company are listed on page 19.

Giles Fearnley and Julie Pomeroy are proposed for 
re-election at the forthcoming AGM. Julie Pomeroy has 
a service contract with a one year notice period. 

Principal shareholders
As at 19 April 2013 the Directors have been notified of the 
following shareholdings in excess of 3% of the Company’s 
issued share capital:

Ordinary 
shares of 
5 pence 

each Percentage

J S Starr 
3,554,433
R Howard
3,300,000
J McLaughlin
2,572,122
Herald Investment Management 1,767,444
G Fearnley
993,435
Unicorn Asset Management
900,043
CFS Independent
870,889
R Howells
650,000

19.52%
18.13%
14.13%
9.71%
5.46%
4.94%
4.78%
3.57%

Creditor payment policy
The Group agrees payment terms with individual 
suppliers which vary according to the commercial 
relationship and the terms of the agreement reached. 
Payments are made to suppliers in accordance with the 
terms agreed. The number of supplier days represented 
by trade payables at 31 December 2012 was 24 days  
(31 December 2011: 16 days).

Directors’ and Officers’ insurance
The Group maintains insurance cover for all Directors 
and Officers of Group companies against liabilities  
which may be incurred by them while acting as Directors 
and Officers.

Annual General Meeting
The Company’s Annual General Meeting will be held at its 
offices located at 50–52 Paul Street London, EC2A 4LB 
on 5 June 2013 at 10:30 am. The Notice convening the 
Annual General Meeting and an explanation of the 
business to be put to the meeting is contained in the 
separate document to shareholders which accompanies 
this report.

Auditors
Grant Thornton UK LLP was appointed as auditor for the 
year ended 31 December 2012 and a resolution proposing 
their re-appointment as auditors to the Company will be 
put to the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

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

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial 
statements for each financial year. Under that law  
the Directors have elected to prepare the financial 
statements in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union 
(IFRSs). Under company law the Directors must not 
approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied 
that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs 
and profit or loss of the Company and Group for that 
period. In preparing these financial statements, the 
Directors are required to:
 > select suitable accounting policies and then apply them 

consistently;

 > make judgements and accounting estimates that are 

reasonable and prudent;

 > state whether applicable IFRSs have been followed, 
subject to any material departures disclosed and 
explained in the financial statements;

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

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.

Dillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 201215

The Directors confirm that:
 > 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.

On behalf of the Board

J P Pomeroy
Company Secretary
23 April 2013

Business ReviewGovernanceFinancial StatementsDillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 201216

Corporate Governance Report
For the year ended 31 December 2012

Corporate governance
The Board supports the principles of good governance.  
In fulfilling their responsibilities, the Directors believe 
that they govern the Group in the best interests of the 
shareholders, whilst having due regard to the interests  
of other stakeholders in the Group including, in particular, 
customers, employees and suppliers.

The workings of the Board and its committees
The Board
The Board comprises a Non-Executive Chairman, one 
Independent Non-Executive Director and five Executive 
Directors. All Directors are obliged to submit themselves 
for re-election at least every three years. The Chairman 
and Non-Executive Director are considered to be 
independent of management and free from any business 
or other relationship which could materially interfere  
with the exercise of their independent judgement. Giles 
Fearnley is the current Senior Independent Director and 
his shareholding of approximately 6% is not considered  
by the Board to change his independence. To enable  
the Board to discharge its duties, all Directors have  
full and timely access to all relevant information.  
They are also able to take independent professional 
advice as appropriate. 

The Board meets at least four times each year and  
has adopted a formal schedule of matters specifically 
reserved for decision by it, thus ensuring that it exercises 
control over appropriate strategic, financial, operational 
and compliance issues. At these meetings the Board 
reviews trading performance, ensures adequate 
financing, sets and monitors strategy, examines 
investment and acquisition opportunities and discusses 
reports to shareholders. The following Committees have 
been established to deal with specific aspects of the 
Group’s affairs.

Audit committee
In 2012 the Audit committee comprised the Chairman and 
Non-Executive Director and met twice during the year. 

The Finance Director, Group Chief Executive Officer  
and external Auditors attend by invitation. The Audit 
committee makes recommendations to the Board on 
issues surrounding the appointment, resignation or 
removal of Auditors and their remuneration. It discusses 
and agrees the scope of the audit with the external 
Auditors before the audit. 

The Audit committee reviews external audit activities, 
monitors compliance with statutory requirements for 
financial reporting and reviews the half-year and annual 
accounts before they are presented to the Board for 
approval. It is also required to review the effectiveness  
of the Group’s internal control systems, to review the 
Group’s statement on internal control systems prior to 
endorsement by the Board and to consider, from time to 
time, the need for a risk assessment of the Group’s 
internal control systems.

Remuneration committee
In 2012 the Remuneration committee comprised the 
Chairman, the Non-Executive Director and, by invitation, 
the Group Managing Director and Company Secretary. 
It is responsible for recommending to the Board the 
contract terms, remuneration and other benefits for 
Executive Directors, including performance-related 
bonus scheme and participation in the Group’s long-term 
share option schemes.

Internal controls
The Board has overall responsibility for the Group’s 
system of internal controls. However, such a system is 
designed to manage rather than eliminate the risk of 
failure to achieve business objectives, and can only 
provide reasonable and not absolute assurance against 
material misstatement. In order to discharge that 
responsibility in a manner which ensures compliance 
with laws and regulations and promotes effective and 
efficient operations, the Directors have established an 
organisation structure with clear operating procedures, 
lines of responsibility and delegated authority. There is  
an established framework of internal controls set out  
and approved by the Executive Management. The more 
important elements of this framework are as follows:

Management structure
The Board has overall responsibility for the Group and 
each Executive Director has been given responsibility for 
specific aspects of the Group’s affairs.

Corporate accounting and procedures 
Responsibility levels are communicated throughout  
the Group as part of the corporate communication 
procedure. Accounting, delegation of authority and 
authorisation levels, segregation of duties and other 
control procedures, together with the general ethos of 
the Group are included in these communications, and 
standardised accounting policies are in place reflecting 
this policy.

Quality and integrity of personnel
The integrity and competence of personnel is ensured 
through high recruitment standards and subsequent 
training courses. Quality personnel are seen as an 
essential part of the control environment and the ethical 
standards expected are communicated through senior 
members of staff.

Budgetary process 
Each year the Board approves the annual budget, which 
includes an assessment of key assumptions underlying  
it. Performance is monitored and relevant action taken 
throughout the year by monthly reporting to the Board of 
updated forecasts together with information on key risk 
areas.

Dillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 2012 
 
17

Internal monitoring
The Audit committee considers and determines relevant 
action in respect of any control issues raised by the 
Auditors. Given the size of the Group and the close day  
to day control exercised by the Executive Directors and 
senior management, no formal financial internal audit 
department is considered necessary. The Operations 
Director is responsible for maintaining registrations and 
quality related certifications and defining and agreeing 
the procedures, standards and practices to be followed  
in all non financial aspects of the Group’s business.

The Directors have reviewed the effectiveness of the 
system of internal controls in operation during the year 
through the compliance monitoring process set out  
above and by reports from senior managers concerning 
the operations for which they are responsible. It must  
be recognised that such a system can provide only 
reasonable and not absolute assurance and, in that 
context, the review revealed nothing, which in the opinion 
of the Directors, indicates that the system was 
inappropriate or unsatisfactory.

Relations with shareholders 
The Company seeks to maintain good communications 
with shareholders. The Executive Directors make 
presentations to institutional shareholders covering  
the interim and full year results. The Group despatches 
the notice of Annual General Meetings (‘AGM’), with  
an explanatory circular describing items of special 
business, at least 21 working days before the meeting.  
All shareholders have the opportunity formally or 
informally to put questions to the Company’s AGM and the  
Chairman typically makes a statement on current trading  
conditions at that meeting. The Chairman of the Audit  
and Remuneration committees attends the AGM and will 
answer questions that may be relevant to the remit of 
those committees. At each AGM the Chairman advises 
shareholders of the proxy voting details on each of the 
resolutions, which are dealt with on a show of hands.

Auditors
A resolution authorising the Directors to set the 
remuneration of the auditor will be put to shareholders 
at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

Business ReviewGovernanceFinancial StatementsDillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 201218

Report to the Shareholders on  
Directors’ Remuneration
For the year ended 31 December 2012

Remuneration policy
The objective of the Group’s remuneration policy is to attract, motivate, and retain high quality individuals who will 
contribute significantly to shareholder value. The Remuneration committee decides on the remuneration of the 
Directors and other senior management, which comprises a basic salary, benefits, bonus scheme, share options  
and longer term incentive plan.

Service contracts
The Board’s policy is that service contracts of Executive Directors should provide for termination by the Group on one 
year’s notice. The service contracts of each of the current Executive Directors provide for such a period of notice.

The Independent Non-Executive Directors have letters of appointment providing fixed three-year service periods, 
which may be terminated by giving six months notice.

Non-Executive Directors’ remuneration
The fees for the Chairman and Independent Non-Executive Directors are determined by the Board. The Chairman and 
Non-Executive Directors are not involved in any discussions or decisions about their own remuneration.

The Chairman and Independent Non-Executive Directors do not receive bonuses or pension contributions and are not 
entitled to participate in any of the Group’s share schemes. They are entitled to be reimbursed the reasonable 
expenses incurred by them in carrying out their duties as Directors of the Company.

Executive Directors’ remuneration
The remuneration package of the Executive Directors includes the following elements:

Basic salary 
Salaries are normally reviewed annually taking into account inflation and salaries paid to directors of comparable 
companies. Pay reviews also take into account Group and personal performance. The Board as a whole decides the 
remuneration of the Non-Executives.

Performance related pay scheme
There are two performance related pay schemes for Executive Directors. The first is an annual bonus scheme which is 
based upon the achievement of certain profit and commercial targets for the Group as appropriate. A bonus of £81,000 
was payable to the Executive Directors in respect of 2012 (2011: £90,000). 

The second scheme was introduced in 2011 and is a long-term incentive plan linked to growth in earnings per share 
over a three year period. Executive Directors may be granted “phantom share options” at the ruling mid market price  
at the time of the grant. The awards are subject to meeting challenging growth targets and will be cash settled.  
The Remuneration committee can also choose, when making the award, to grant share options in place of phantom 
options with the same growth targets. It is expected that annual awards will be made under the scheme. The value  
of the award is calculated at each reporting period using a Black-Scholes model (see note 20 for further details).  
The awards made in the period are included below:

Directors’ remuneration (audited)
Details of the remuneration of the Directors for the financial year are set out below:

Executive Directors
J S Starr 
R Howard 
A D James 
J P Pomeroy 
A Milne 
Non-Executive Directors
M D Love 
G Fearnley 

* Includes cash payments in lieu of employer contributions.
** 5% of salary set aside for future benefits.

Salary  
& Fees 
£’000

Bonus 
£’000

Pension
Payments*
£’000

Benefits**
£’000

2012  
Total  
£’000

2011  
Total  
£’000

112
81
80
81
67

33
12

466

20
15
15
16
15

–
–

81

1
1
1
–
1

–
–

4

6
4
4
4
4

–
–

22

139
101
100
101
87

33
12

573

142
129
112
91
83

33
12

602

Dillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 201219

LTIP award (not audited) – phantom options

J S Starr
R Howard
A D James
J P Pomeroy
A Milne

LTIP award (not audited) – share options

A D James
J P Pomeroy

Total value of 
all phantom 
option LTIP 
awards at 
31 December 
2012 
£’000

Total value of 
all phantom 
option LTIP 
awards at
31 December 
2011 
£’000

34
31
18
16
20

119

9
8
7
6
6

36

Number of 
phantom 
options 
granted 
in year 

153,425
139,041
–
–
92,466

384,932

Number 
of options 
granted under
LTIP scheme 
in year

Total number 
of options
granted under
LTIP scheme at 
31 December
2012

Total number 
of options
granted under
LTIP scheme at
31 December 
2011 

109,589
111,233

220,822

109,589
111,233

220,822

–
–

–

These options were granted at 73p and carry the same performance conditions as the LTIP phantom option awards.

Directors’ interests
The interests of the Directors (including family interests) in the share capital of the Company at the year end are set 
out below.

J S Starr
R Howard
A D James
M D Love
G R Fearnley
A Milne
J P Pomeroy

Ordinary shares  
of 5 pence each

At 31 December 
2012

At 31 December 
2011

3,554,443
3,524,433
121,494
272,137
993,435
59,109
13,888

3,554,443
3,524,433
121,494
127,137
993,435
72,189
13,888

In addition the following Directors had total share options including the options granted under the LTIP scheme above. 

A D James
J P Pomeroy

Options over ordinary shares  
of 5 pence each

At 31 December 
2012

At 31 December 
2011

109,589
137,027

246,616

–
25,794

25,794

Business ReviewGovernanceFinancial StatementsDillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 201220

Independent Auditor’s Report  
to the Members
For the year ended 31 December 2012

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 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.

Paul Etherington BSc FCA CF
Senior Statutory Auditor
for and on behalf of Grant Thornton UK LLP
Statutory Auditor, Chartered Accountants
London

23 April 2013

Independent auditor’s report to the members 
of Dillistone Group Plc
We have audited the financial statements of Dillistone 
Group Plc for the year ended 31 December 2012 which 
comprise the Group statement of comprehensive income, 
the Group and parent company statements of changes  
in equity, the Group and parent company statement  
of financial position, the Group and parent company 
statements of cash flow 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 and, as regards the parent company 
financial statements, as applied in accordance with the 
provisions of the Companies Act 2006.

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 auditor
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities 
Statement, set out on page 14, the Directors are 
responsible for the preparation of the financial 
statements and for being satisfied that they give a true 
and fair view. Our responsibility is to audit and express 
an opinion on the financial statements in accordance  
with applicable law and International Standards on 
Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require  
us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s (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 financial statements
In our opinion:
 > the financial statements give a true and fair view of the 
state of the Group’s and of the parent company’s affairs 
as at 31 December 2012 and of the Group’s profit for the 
year then ended; 

 > the Group financial statements have been properly 

prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the 
European Union; 

 > the parent company financial statements have been 

properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted 
by the European Union and as applied in accordance 
with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006; and

 > the financial statements have been prepared in 

accordance with the requirements of the Companies 
Act 2006.

Dillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 201221

Consolidated Statement 
of Comprehensive Income
For the year ended 31 December 2012

Before
exceptional
items 
2012
£’000

Exceptional
items
 2012*
£’000

Note

Revenue
Cost of sales

Gross profit
Administrative expenses

Results from operating activities
Financial income

Profit before tax
Tax expense

Profit for the year 

Other comprehensive income:
Currency translation differences

Total comprehensive income for the year

Earnings per share – from 

continuing activities

Basic**

Diluted**

2

5
7

8

9

9

7,052
(808)

6,244
(4,573)

1,671
13

1,684
(373)

1,311

(11)

1,300

7.20p

7.18p

–
(56)

(56)
(102)

(158)
(13)

(171)
95

2012
 £’000 

7,052
(864)

6,188
(4,675)

1,513
–

1,513
(278)

Before
exceptional
items
2011
£’000

Exceptional
items
 2011*
£’000

5,448
(441)

5,007
(3,627)

1,380
25

1,405
(321)

1,084

–
–

–
(172)

(172)
–

(172)
14

(158)

(76)

1,235

–

(11)

(2)

–

(76)

1,224

1,082

(158)

6.79p

6.76p

6.26p

6.23p

2011
 £’000

5,448
(441)

5,007
(3,799)

1,208
25 

1,233 
(307)

926 

(2)

924

5.34p

5.32p

*See accounts note 4.
**The comparative earnings per share have been adjusted to reflect the effect of the 2 for 1 bonus issue.

The notes on pages 27 to 48 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Dillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 2012Business ReviewGovernanceFinancial Statements22

Consolidated Statement of Changes 
in Equity
For the year ended 31 December 2012

Retained 
earnings 
£’000

2,184

Share 
option 
£’000

12

Foreign 
exchange 
£’000

Total 
£’000

165

2,674

Balance at 31 December 2010
Comprehensive income
Profit for the year ended 31 December 2011
Other comprehensive income
Exchange differences on translation  

of overseas operations

Total comprehensive income

Transactions with owners
Issue of share capital
Share option charge
Dividends paid
Capitalisation of reserves
Total transactions with owners

Balance at 31 December 2011
Comprehensive income
Profit for the year ended 31 December 2012
Other comprehensive income
Exchange differences on translation  

of overseas operations

Total comprehensive income

Transactions with owners
Share option charges
Dividends paid
Total transactions with owners

Share 
capital 
£’000

283

Share 
premium 
£’000

30

–

–

–

60
–
–
567
627

910

–

–

–

–
–
–

–

–

–

421
–
–
–
421

451

–

–

–

–
–
–

Merger 
reserve 
£’000

–

–

–

–

365
–
–
–
365

365

–

–

–

–
–
–

926

–

926

–
–
(609)
(567)
(1,176)

1,934

1,235

–

1,235

2
(643)
(641)

Balance at 31 December 2012

910

451

365

2,528

The notes on pages 27 to 48 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

–

–

–

–
12
–
–
12

24

–

–

–

44
–
44

68

–

926

(2)

(2)

–
–
–
–
–

(2)

924

846
12
(609)
–
249

163

3,847

–

1,235

(11)

(11)

(11)

1,224

–
–
–

46
(643)
(597)

152

4,474

Dillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 201223

Company Statement  
of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 31 December 2012

Balance at 31 December 2010
Comprehensive income
Profit and total comprehensive income  
for the year ended 31 December 2011

Transactions with owners
Issue of share capital
Share option charge
Dividends paid
Capitalisation of reserves
Total transactions with owners

Balance at 31 December 2011
Comprehensive income
Profit and total comprehensive income  
for the year ended 31 December 2012

Transactions with owners
Issue of share capital
Share option charge
Dividends paid
Total transactions with owners

Balance at 31 December 2012

Share 
capital 
£’000

283

Share 
premium 
£’000

Merger 
reserve 
£’000

Retained 
earnings 
£’000

Share 
option 
£’000

Total 
£’000

30

–

745

12

1,070 

– 

– 

– 

1,406 

60
–
–
567
627

910

–

–
–
–
–

421
–
–
–
421

451

–

–
–
–
–

365
–
–
–
365

365

–

–
–
–
–

–
–
(609)
(567)
1,176

975

808

–
2
(643)
(641)

910

451

365

1,142

–

–
12
–
–
12

24

–

–
44
–
44

68

1,406 

846
12
(609) 
–
249

2,725

808

–
46
(643)
(597)

2,936

The notes on pages 27 to 48 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Dillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 2012Business ReviewGovernanceFinancial Statements24

Consolidated and Company Statement 
of Financial Position
As at 31 December 2012

Assets
Non-current assets
Goodwill
Intangible assets
Property plant and equipment
Investments
Trade and other receivables 

Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Equity and liabilities
Equity attributable to owners of the parent
Share capital
Share premium
Merger reserve
Retained earnings
Share option reserve
Translation reserve

Total equity
Liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Deferred tax liability
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Current tax payable

Total liabilities

Total liabilities and equity

Group

Company

Notes

2012 
£’000

2011 
£’000

2012 
£’000

2011 
£’000

11
12
13
14
16

15
16

18

20

17
8

17

2,490
3,048
124
–
–

5,662

62
1,715
1,643

3,420

9,082

910
451
365
2,528
68
152

4,474

256
592

3,609
151

4,608

9,082

2,490
2,710
143
–
23

5,366

11
1,728
1,617

3,356

8,722

910
451
365
1,934
24
163

3,847

364
565

3,795
151

4,875

8,722

–
–
–
4,111
–

4,111

–
28
11

39

–
–
–
4,111
–

4,111

–
39
13

52

4,150

4,163

910
451
365
1,142
68
–

2,936

256
–

958
–

1,214

4,150

910
451
365
975
24
–

2,725

344
–

1,094
–

1,438

4,163

The notes on pages 27 to 48 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 23 April 2013. They were 
signed on its behalf by

J S Starr
Director

Company Registration No. 4578125 

Dillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 201225

Consolidated Cash Flow  
Statement
For the year ended 31 December 2012

Operating activities
Profit from operating activities
Less taxation paid
Adjustment for:
  Depreciation and amortisation
  Share option expense
Foreign exchange adjustments arising from operations

Operating cash flows before movement in working capital
Increase in receivables
(Increase)/decrease in inventories
(Decrease)/increase in payables

Net cash generated from operating activities

Investing activities
Interest received
Purchases of property plant and equipment
Investment in development costs
Acquisition of subsidiaries

Net cash used in investing activities

Financing activities
Proceeds from issue of share capital
Dividends paid

Net cash used by financing activities

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

2012 
£’000

2012 
£’000

2011 
£’000

2011 
£’000

1,513
(250)

553
47
9

1,872
(4)
(51)
(149)

13
(69)
(803)
(98)

–
(643)

1,208
(171)

309
12
17

1,375
(214)
44
366

1,668

1,571

25
(81)
(580)
(1,292)

(957)

(1,928)

457
(609)

(643)

68
1,617
(42)

1,643

(152)

(509)
2,147
(21)

1,617

The notes on pages 27 to 48 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Dillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 2012Business ReviewGovernanceFinancial Statements26

Company Cash Flow Statement
As at 31 December 2012

Operating activities
Profit from operating activities
Less taxation paid
Adjustment for share option expense

Operating cash flows before movements in working capital
Decrease/(increase) in receivables
(Decrease)/increase in payables

Net cash generated from operating activities
Investing activities
Investment in acquisitions

Net cash used in investing activities
Financing activities
  Dividends paid
  Placing monies raised

Net cash used in financing activities
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

2012 
£’000

2012 
£’000

2011 
£’000

2011 
£’000

808
–
46

854
11
(126)

(98)

(643)
–

1,400
–
12

1,412
(1)
243

(1,500)

(609)
457

739

(98)

(643)
(2)
13

11

1,654

(1,500)

(152)
2
11

13

The notes on pages 27 to 48 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Dillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 2012 
27

Notes to the Financial  
Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2012

Dillistone Group Plc (the “Company”) is a company incorporated in England and Wales. The financial statements are 
presented in thousand Pounds Sterling.

The Group financial statements consolidate those of the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the 
“Group”). The parent company financial statements present information about the Company as a separate entity and 
not about its Group.

Both the Group financial statements and the Company financial statements have been prepared and approved by the 
Directors in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as adopted by the European Union 
(“EU”), IFRIC Interpretations and the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. In publishing 
the Company financial statements here together with the Group financial statements, the Company has taken 
advantage of the exemption in s408 of the Companies Act 2006 not to present its individual income statement  
and related notes in these financial statements.

1.  Accounting policies
1.1  Basis of accounting
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared using the significant accounting policies and measurement 
bases summarised below.

Use of accounting estimates and judgements
Many of the amounts included in the financial statements involve the use of judgement and/or estimation. These 
judgements and estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of the relevant facts and circumstances, 
having regard to prior experience, but actual results may differ from the amounts included in the financial statements. 
Information about such judgements and estimation is contained in the accounting policies and/or the notes to the 
financial statements and the key areas are summarised below.

Customers’ practical acceptance of licence software
As detailed in note 1.4, perpetual licence fee revenues are recognised on practical acceptance of the software. The 
Group uses the “live” date as the basis of determining the timing of customer practical acceptance, thereby reducing 
the judgement required to ascertain the timing of licence revenue recognition.

Capitalisation of internal development expenditure
Management exercises judgement in establishing both the technical feasibility of completing an intangible asset 
which can be used internally or sold and the degree of certainty that a market exists for the asset, or its output, for the 
generation of future economic benefits. In addition amortisation rates are based on estimates of the useful economic 
lives and residual values of the assets involved. The assessment of these useful economic lives is made by projecting 
the economic lifecycle of the asset which is subject to alteration as a result of product development and innovation. 
Amortisation rates are changed where economic lives are re-assessed and technically obsolete items written off 
where necessary. 

Valuation of assets and liabilities
Management has made a number of assumptions with regards to the models used to value assets and liabilities at 
the statement of financial position date. Valuation techniques commonly used by market practitioners are applied. In 
respect of the provision for bad and doubtful receivables and credit note provisions, management have made relevant 
judgements based on discussions with the account managers as regards the recoverability of trade receivables. 

Valuation of share-based payments
The estimation of share-based payment costs requires the selection of an appropriate valuation model and 
consideration as to the inputs necessary for the valuation model chosen. The Group has made estimates as to the 
volatility of its own shares, the probable life of options granted, leaver rates and the time of exercise of those options. 
The model used by the Group is a Black-Scholes valuation model. Further details are shown in note 20.

Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets
There are a number of assumptions management have considered in performing impairment reviews of goodwill and 
intangible assets which include an estimate of the future cash flows expected to arise from the cash generating unit 
and a suitable discount rate in order to calculate present value. See note 11.

Business combinations:
On initial recognition, the assets and liabilities of the acquired business are included in the consolidated statement 
of financial position at their fair values. In measuring fair value, management uses estimates about future cash flows 
and discount rates. However, actual results may vary. Details of acquired assets and liabilities are given in note 21.

Dillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 2012Business ReviewGovernanceFinancial Statements28

Notes to the Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2012

1.  Accounting policies continued
Valuation of separately identifiable intangible assets
As detailed in note 1.6 separately identifiable intangible assets are identified and amortised over a defined period. 
The Directors use an acknowledged approach but this is reliant upon certain judgements which they determine are 
reasonable by reference to companies in similar industries.

Contingent consideration:
Where contingent consideration is payable in cash and discounting would have a material effect, management uses an 
appropriate discount rate. As the contingent consideration is dependent upon future trading performance, an estimate 
of the present value of the likely consideration payable is made.

The accounting policies set out below have, unless otherwise stated, been applied consistently by the Group to all 
periods presented in these financial statements.

1.2  Going concern
The Group’s business activities and financial position, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, 
performance and position are set out in the Business Review and Financial Review on pages 6 to 9. In addition, note 22 to 
the financial statements includes the Company’s objectives, policies and processes for managing its capital; its financial 
risk management objectives; details of its financial instruments; and its exposures to credit risk and liquidity risk.

The Group has considerable financial resources together with well established relationships with a number of 
customers and suppliers across different geographic areas.

As a consequence, the Directors believe that the Company is well placed to manage its business risks successfully 
despite the current uncertain economic outlook.

The Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational 
existence for the foreseeable future. Thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing  
the annual financial statements. 

1.3  Basis of consolidation
The Group financial statements consolidate those of Dillistone Group Plc and of its subsidiary undertakings at the 
statement of financial position date. Subsidiary undertakings are entities over which the Group has the power to  
govern the financial and operating policies so as to obtain benefits from the activities, which is considered to  
represent control. The Group obtains and exercises control through voting rights. There are no associates or  
joint ventures to be considered.

Intra-group balances, and any unrealised gains and losses or income and expenses arising from intra-group 
transactions, are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements. Acquisitions of subsidiaries are dealt 
with by the acquisition method. 

1.4  Revenue
General
Revenue is the fair value of the total amount receivable by the Group for supplies of products and services which are 
provided in the normal course of business. VAT or similar local taxes and trade discounts are excluded.

Licensing excluding software as a service (SaaS)
The Group licenses software under licence agreements. Perpetual licence fee revenues are recognised on practical 
acceptance of the software, when all obligations have been substantially completed. This is when the customer has 
accepted the product, the risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred, it is probable that the economic 
benefits of the transaction will flow to the Group, all costs and revenue in relation to the transaction can reliably be 
measured and the Group has no further managerial involvement over the goods to the degree usually associated with 
ownership. To the extent that payments have been received in advance for licences, where practical acceptance has 
not yet been reached, these amounts are recognised as deferred income.

Professional services
The Group provides professional services which include installation, consulting, data translation and training. Such 
revenues are recognised as the services are completed or where they are part of the sale and installation of software, 
they are typically recognised when the obligations under the contract are complete. To the extent that payments have 
been received in advance for such services these amounts are recognised as deferred income. 

Dillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 201229

1.  Accounting policies continued
Product support, hosting and SaaS
Revenues from support, hosting or SaaS agreements are recognised over the period to which they relate but only after 
practical acceptance of the software, as defined above, have been received. As revenue is invoiced in advance for such 
services, the amount in advance is included in deferred revenue and released over the period to which the service relates. 

1.5  Share-based payments
The Company operates two share-based payment schemes. 

The first is an equity settled share-based compensation plan (share options) for remuneration of its employees. It can 
also be used in conjunction with a long-term incentive plan for executives.

All employee services received in exchange for the grant of any share-based compensation are measured at their fair 
values. These are indirectly determined by reference to the share option awarded. Their value is appraised at the grant 
date and excludes the impact of any non-market vesting conditions (e.g. profitability or sales growth targets). 

All equity-settled share-based compensation is ultimately recognised as an expense in the profit or loss with a 
corresponding credit to 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 shares 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 to 
expenses recognised in prior periods is made 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 reallocated to share capital with any excess being recorded as additional share 
premium.

The second scheme is a cash settled share-based compensation plan for Directors. Under this scheme, Directors  
are granted “phantom” options which have performance conditions related to the growth in earnings per share of  
the Group. The options will automatically be exercised following the publication of the annual report of the Company, 
three years after the grant. These phantom options are re-valued at each half year end using a Black-Scholes model 
and the necessary movement in the liability is recognised through profit and loss. The liability is included in non-
current liabilities.

1.6  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 values of assets 
transferred, liabilities incurred and the equity interests issued by the Group, which includes the fair value of any asset 
or liability arising from a contingent consideration arrangement. Acquisition costs are expensed as incurred.

The Group recognises identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination regardless of 
whether they have been previously recognised in the acquiree’s financial statements prior to the acquisition. Assets 
acquired and liabilities assumed are generally measured at their acquisition-date fair values. Goodwill is stated  
after separate recognition of identifiable intangible assets. It is calculated as the excess of 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. 

Where contingent consideration relates to the results spread over different accounting periods, the fair value of such 
consideration is recalculated at each year end and any adjustment is recognised in profit or loss immediately.

1.7  Exceptional charges
Charges which are both material and considered by the Directors to be unusual in either nature or size are separately 
disclosed on the face of the Statement of Comprehensive Income. These include acquisition costs and related 
intangible amortisation.

Dillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 2012Business ReviewGovernanceFinancial Statements30

Notes to the Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2012

1.  Accounting policies continued
1.8  Impairment testing of goodwill, other intangible assets and property, plant and equipment
For impairment assessment purposes, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are largely independent 
cash inflows (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 goodwill. Cash-generating units to which goodwill has been allocated (determined by the 
Group’s management as equivalent to its operating segments) 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, which is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value-in-use. To determine the 
value-in-use, management estimates expected future cash flows from each cash-generating unit and determines a 
suitable interest rate in order to calculate the present value of those cash flows. The data used for impairment testing 
procedures are directly linked to the Group’s latest approved budget, adjusted as necessary to exclude the effects  
of future reorganisations and asset enhancements. Discount factors are determined individually for each cash-
generating unit and reflect management’s assessment of respective risk profiles, such as market and asset-specific 
risks factors. Impairment losses for cash-generating units reduce first the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated 
to that cash-generating unit. 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. An impairment charge is reversed if the cash-generating 
unit’s recoverable amount exceeds its carrying amount.

1.9  Segment reporting
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating 
decision-maker. The chief operating decision-maker, who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing 
performance of the operating segments, has been identified as the Board of Directors.

1.10  Intangible assets
Internal development costs
Costs incurred on product development relating to the design and development of new or enhanced products are 
capitalised as intangible assets when it is reasonably certain that the development will provide economic benefits, 
considering its commercial and technological feasibility and the resources available for the completion and marketing 
of the development, and where the costs can be measured reliably. The expenditures capitalised are the direct labour 
and subcontracted costs, which are managed and controlled centrally. Product development costs previously 
recognised as an expense are not recognised as an asset in a subsequent period.

Capitalised product development expenditure for versions of the Group’s FileFinder product (up to version 9) and for 
expenditure on subsequent enhancements and releases to FileFinder 10 is amortised over its useful life of three years, 
commencing a year following the costs being incurred.

Capitalised product development expenditure for the Company’s FileFinder version 10 and Voyager Infinity platform is 
amortised over its useful life of 10 years or to 30 June 2021, whichever is the shorter period, commencing in the year in 
which the product is first brought into use.

Capitalised product development expenditure is subject to regular impairment reviews and is stated at cost less any 
accumulated impairment losses and amortisation. Any impairment taken during the year is shown under 
administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

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. 
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.

Dillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 201231

1.  Accounting policies continued
Subsequent to initial recognition, intangible assets are reported at cost less accumulated amortisation and 
accumulated impairment losses. Amortisation is provided to write off the cost of each intangible asset over its useful 
economic life as follows:

Intangible assets:
Brand
Developed technology
Contractual customer relationships 
Non contractual customer relationships

Estimated life

15 years
11.25 years
1.25 years
10.25 years

1.11  Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation on these assets is 
provided at rates estimated to write off the cost, less estimated residual value, of each asset over its expected useful 
life as follows:

Leasehold land and buildings
Office and computer equipment
Fixtures, fittings & equipment

the lower of 5 years or the remaining lease period
33%–50% straight line
25% straight line

1.12  Financial assets
The Group classifies its financial assets under the definitions provided in International Accounting Standard 39 (IAS 39) 
Financial Instruments: Recognition and measurement, depending on the purpose for which the financial assets were 
acquired. Management determines the classification of its financial assets at initial recognition. Management consider 
that the Group’s financial assets fall under the ‘loans and receivables’ category.

Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determined payments that are not quoted in an 
active market. They are included in current assets, except for maturities greater than 12 months after the statement of 
financial position date, which are classified as non-current assets. The Group’s loans and receivables comprise trade 
receivables intercompany trading balances (in relation to Company accounts), and cash and cash equivalents.

Trade receivables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective 
interest rate method, less any provision for impairment. Receivables are considered for impairment when they are 
past due or when other objective evidence is received that a specific counterparty may default. Receivables that are not 
considered to be individually impaired are reviewed for impairment in groups. The impairment loss estimate is then 
based on recent historical counterparty default rates and current economic conditions. 

De-recognition of financial assets occurs when the rights to receive cash flows from the investments expire or are 
transferred and substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred. An assessment for 
impairment is undertaken at least at each statement of financial position date whether or not there is objective 
evidence that a financial asset or a group of financial assets is impaired.

1.13  Financial liabilities
The Group classifies its financial liabilities under the definitions provided in IAS 39, either as financial liabilities at fair 
value through profit or loss, or financial liabilities measured at amortised cost. Management consider that the Group’s 
financial liabilities fall under the ‘financial liabilities measured at amortised cost’ category. The Group’s ‘financial 
liabilities measured at amortised cost’ comprise trade payables, intercompany trading balances (in relation to 
Company accounts), and accruals.

Trade and other payables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the 
effective interest method.

1.14  Investments
Investments in subsidiary companies are included at cost in the accounts of the Company less any amount written off 
in respect of any impairment in value.

Dillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 2012Business ReviewGovernanceFinancial Statements32

Notes to the Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2012

1.  Accounting policies continued
1.15  Leases
Finance leases are recognised as being those that transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership. 
Assets held under finance leases are capitalised and the outstanding future lease obligations are shown in payables at 
the present value of the lease payments. They are depreciated over the term of the lease or their useful economic lives, 
whichever is the shorter. The interest element (finance charge) of lease payments is charged to profit or loss over the 
period of the lease.

All other leases are regarded as operating leases and the payments made under them are charged to profit or loss in 
the period in which they are incurred. The Group does not act as a lessor.

1.16  Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost includes all directly attributable expenses. 
Costs of ordinarily interchangeable items are assigned using the first in, first out cost formula. Net realisable value  
is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less any applicable selling expenses.

1.17  Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents includes cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks and other short-term highly liquid 
investments with original maturities of three months or less and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes  
in value.

1.18  Equity
Equity comprises the following:

 > “Share capital” represents the nominal value of equity shares.
 > “Share premium” represents the excess over nominal value of the fair value of consideration received for equity 

shares, net of expenses of the share issue.

 > “Merger reserve” is used where more than 90% of the shares in a subsidiary are acquired and the consideration 

includes the issue of new shares by the Company, thereby attracting merger relief under the Companies Act 2006.
 > “Share option reserve” represents equity-settled share-based employee and non-employee remuneration until such 

share options are exercised.

 > “Retained earnings” represents retained profits and losses.
 > “Translation reserve” represents translation differences arising on the consolidation of investments in overseas 

subsidiaries.

1.19  Foreign currency translation
The consolidated financial statements are presented in Sterling, which is also the functional currency of the parent company.

Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into Sterling at the rates of exchange 
ruling at the statement of financial position date. Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate ruling at 
the date of the transaction. All differences are taken to profit and loss.

On consolidation, the assets and liabilities of the Group’s overseas subsidiaries are translated from their functional 
currency to Sterling at exchange rates prevailing on the statement of financial position date. Income and expenses  
have been translated from their functional currency into Sterling at the average rate for each month over the reporting 
period. Exchange differences are charged/credited to other comprehensive income and recognised in the currency 
translation reserve in equity.

1.20  Income taxes
Current income tax assets and liabilities comprise those obligations to fiscal authorities in the countries in which the 
Group carries out its operations. They are calculated according to the tax rates and tax laws applicable to the fiscal 
period and the country to which they relate. Tax expense recognised in profit or loss comprises the sum of deferred tax 
and current tax not recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. 

Deferred income taxes are calculated using the liability method on temporary differences. This involves the 
comparison of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements with their 
respective tax bases. However, deferred tax is not provided on the initial recognition of goodwill, or on the initial 
recognition of an asset or liability unless the related transaction is a business combination or affects tax or accounting 
profit. Deferred tax on temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries is not provided 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.

Dillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 201233

1.  Accounting policies continued
Deferred tax liabilities are always provided for in full. Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is 
probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilised. Deferred 
tax assets and liabilities are calculated at tax rates that are expected to apply to their respective period of realisation, 
provided they are enacted or substantively enacted at the statement of financial position date. Tax expense recognised 
in profit or loss comprises the sum of deferred tax and current tax not recognised in other comprehensive income or 
directly in equity.

1.21  Defined contribution pension scheme
The pension costs charged in the financial statements represent the contributions payable by the Group during 
the year.

1.22  New accounting standards
(i)  New and amended standards adopted by the Group: 
The following new standards and amendments to standards are mandatory for the first time for the Group for financial 
year beginning 1 January 2012. Except as noted, the implementation of these standards is not expected to have a 
material effect on the Group. 

Standard 

IFRS 7 – Amendment – Transfer of Financial Asset 

Effective date 

Impact on initial 
application 

1 July 2011 

No impact 

IFRS 1 – Amendment – Severe Hyperinflation and Removal of Fixed Dates 

1 July 2011 

No impact 

No other IFRS issued and adopted but not yet effective are expected to have an impact on the Group’s financial statements. 

(ii) Standards, amendments and interpretations, which are effective for reporting periods beginning after the date of 
these financial statements which have not been adopted early: 

Standard 

Description 

IAS 1 
IFRS 10 
IFRS 11 
IFRS 12 
IFRS 13 
IAS 27 
IAS 28 
IAS 19 
IFRS 7 
Improvements to IFRS 
IFRS 10, 11 and 12 
IAS 32 
IFRS 

Presentation of Items of Other Comprehensive Income 
Consolidated Financial Statements 
Joint Arrangements 
Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities 
Fair Value Measurement 
Separate Financial Statements 
Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures 
Employee Benefits 
Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities 
(2009–2011 Cycle) 
Transition Guidance 
Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities 
Financial Instruments 

Effective date 

1 July 2012 
1 January 2014 
1 January 2014 
1 January 2014 
1 January 2013 
1 January 2014 
1 January 2014 
1 January 2013 
1 January 2013 
1 January 2013 
1 January 2013 
1 January 2014 
1 January 2015 

2.  Segment reporting
The Board principally monitors the Group’s operations in terms of results of the two Divisions, Dillistone Systems  
and Voyager Software. In respect of 2011, Voyager Software numbers are included from 21 September 2011. Segment 
results reflect management charges made or received. Intercompany balances are excluded from segment assets  
and liabilities.

Dillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 2012Business ReviewGovernanceFinancial Statements34

Notes to the Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2012

2.  Segment reporting continued
Divisional segments
For the year ended 31 December 2012

Recurring income
Non-recurring income
Third party revenues

Segment revenue

Segment EBITDA
Depreciation and amortisation expense

Segment result
Exceptional amortisation
Exceptional charges

Operating profit
Financial income
Income tax expense

Profit after tax
Additions of non-current assets

Segment assets
Intangibles and goodwill

Total

Segment liabilities

For the year ended 31 December 2011

Recurring income
Non-recurring income
Third party revenues

Segment revenue

Segment EBITDA (before exceptional items)
Depreciation and amortisation expense

Segment result (before exceptional items)

Exceptional amortisation

Other exceptional charges

Operating profit
Financial income
Income tax expense

Profit after tax
Additions of non-current assets
Additions on acquisition

Segment assets
Intangibles and goodwill
Central assets

Total

Segment liabilities
Central liabilities

Dillistone 
£’000

Voyager 
£’000

Central 
£’000

3,144
1,522
–

4,666

1,912
(281)

1,631
–
–

1,631
12

465

3,181
1,667

4,848

2,961

1,385
618
383

2,386

484
(46)

438
–
(84)

354
1

407

349
488

837

749

–
–
–

–

(398)
–

(398)
(227)
153

(472)
(13)

14
3,383

3,397

898

Dillistone 
£’000

Voyager 
£’000

Central 
£’000

–

(424)
–

(424)

(57)

(115)

(596)

2,874
1,885
–

4,759

1,889
(250)

1,639

1,639
25

560
–

3,124

374
237
78

689

168
(3)

165

165
–

101
57

375

3,078

986

Total 
£’000

4,529
2,140
383

7,052

1,998
(327)

1,671
(227)
69

1,513
–
(278)

1,235
872

3,544
5,538

9,082

4,608

Total 
£’000

3,248
2,122
78

5,448

1,633
(253)

1,380

(57)

(115)

1,208
25
(307)

926
661
57

3,499
5,200
23

8,722

4,064
811

4,875

Dillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 201235

2.  Segment reporting continued
Products and services
The following table provides an analysis of the Group’s revenue by products and services:

Revenue

Recurring income
Non-recurring income
Third party revenues

2012 
£’000

4,529
2,140
383

7,052

2011 
£’000

3,248
2,122
78

5,448

Recurring income includes all support services, software as a service income (SaaS) and hosting income. Non-
recurring income includes sales of new licences, and income derived from installing those licences including training, 
installation and data translation. Third party revenues arise from the sale of third party software.

It is not possible to allocate assets and additions between recurring, non-recurring income and third party revenue. 

No customer represented more than 10% of revenue of the Group.

3.  Geographical analysis
The following table provide an analysis of the Group’s revenue by geographic market.

The Board does not review the business from a geographical performance viewpoint and this analysis is provided for 
information only.

Revenue

UKMEA 
Europe 
Americas
Asia-Pacific 

Non-current assets by geographical location:

UKMEA
Europe
Americas
Asia-Pacific

4.  Exceptional items

Estimated change in fair value of contingent consideration note 21
Unwinding of discount on contingent consideration
Payment in respect of onerous contract
Tax costs relating to options exercised pre acquisition of Woodcote
Amortisation of acquisition intangibles
Fees relating to the acquisition of Woodcote and its restructuring note 21

2012 
£’000

4,069
926
1,239
818

7,052

2012 
£’000

5,654
–
4
4

5,662

2012 
£’000

(153)
13
56
28
227
–

171

2011 
£’000

2,669
1,076
991
712

5,448

2011 
£’000

5,332
–
26
8

5,366

2011 
£’000

–
–
–
–
57
115

172

Dillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 2012Business ReviewGovernanceFinancial Statements36

Notes to the Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2012

5.  Results from operating activities

Result from operating activities is stated after charging:
  Depreciation
  Amortisation
  Loss on foreign exchange transactions
  Operating lease rentals – land and buildings
  Money purchase pension contributions
Fees receivable by the Group auditors:
  Audit of financial statements
  Other services:
  Audit of accounts of subsidiary of the Company
  Other services relating to taxation
  All other services*

*In 2011 fees of £30,000 were paid to Grant Thornton UK LLP prior to their appointment as auditors.

6.  Employees
The average number of employees was:

Operations
Management

Employee numbers

Their aggregate remuneration comprised:

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs
Share-based payments charged 

2012 
£’000

2011 
£’000

88
465
3
184
50

21

32
20
–

66
243
9
137
31

20

25
17
–

2012

2011

79
6

85

54
6

60

2012 
£’000

3,340
381
50
130

3,901

2011 
£’000

2,562
292
31
48

2,933

The aggregate remuneration includes salary cost and Directors’ remuneration totalling £366,000 (2011: £410,000) that 
have been capitalised in intangible assets. 

Key management of the Group are the Directors and, from acquisition, the Directors of Voyager Software. 
Remuneration of key management was as follows:

Wages and salaries and benefits
Social security costs
Pension costs
Share-based payments charge including LTIP charge

2012 
£’000

735
83
8
107

933

2011 
£’000

661
72
7
40

780

Details of Directors’ emoluments, share options and pension entitlements are given in the Remuneration Report on 
pages 18 and 19.

Dillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 201237

7.  Financial income

Interest receivable
Unwinding of discount on contingent consideration

8.  Tax expense

Current tax
Deferred tax
Deferred tax re acquisition intangibles

Income tax expense for the year

Factors affecting the tax charge for the year
Profit before tax

UK rate of taxation
Profit before tax multiplied by the UK rate of taxation
Effects of:
Overseas tax rates
Deferred tax asset not provided
Enhanced R&D relief
Disallowed expenses
Rate change impact on deferred tax
Prior year adjustments
Exchange rate

Tax expense

Deferred tax provided in the financial statements is as follows:

Accelerated intangible amortisation
Provisions
Acquisition intangibles

2012 
£’000

13
(13)

–

2012 
£’000

251
101
(74)

278

2011 
£’000

25
–

25

2011 
£’000

234
62
11

307

1,513

24.5%
371

1,233

26.5%
327

67
16
(142)
31
(50)
(15)
–

278

29
–
(70)
63
(13)
(32)
3

307

Group

2012 
£’000

Movement 
£’000

394
(8)
206

592

95
6
74

27

2011 
£’000

299
(14)
280

565

Company

2012 
£’000

2011 
£’000

–
–
–

–

–
–
–

–

The UK corporation tax rate in the year fell from 26% to 24% giving an effective rate for the year of 24.5%. The tax rate 
is expected to fall again to 23% in April 2013. Accordingly where deferred tax is provided in relation to the UK it is 
provided at this lower rate. The tax charge is impacted by the higher rates of corporation tax payable in the US and 
Australia partially offset by the R&D tax credits available to both Dillistone Systems and Voyager Software. The Group 
has gross tax losses and temporary timing differences of £221,000 (2011: £155,000) for which not deferred tax asset 
has been recognised.

Dillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 2012Business ReviewGovernanceFinancial Statements38

Notes to the Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2012

9.  Earnings per share

Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders
Weighted average number of shares
Basic earnings per share

Weighted average number of shares after dilution
Fully diluted earnings per share

Reconciliation of basic to diluted average number of shares

2012 
Pre 
exceptional 
£’000

2012 
Post 
exceptional 
£’000

2011 
Pre 
exceptional 
£’000

2011 
Post 
exceptional 
£’000

1,311,000
18,201,294
7.20 pence

1,235,000
18,201,294
6.79 pence

1,084,000
17,328,365
6.26 pence

18,261,915
7.18 pence

18,261,915
17,392,866
6.76 pence  6.23 pence

926,000
17,328,365
5.34 pence

17,392,866
5.32 pence

Weighted average number of shares (basic)
Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares – employee share plans

Weighted average number of shares after dilution

2012

2011

18,201,294
60,621

17,328,365
64,501

18,261,915

17,392,866

10.  Profit for the financial year
As permitted by s408 of the Companies Act 2006, the holding company’s profit and loss account has not been included 
in these financial statements. The profit for the financial year for the holding company was £808,000 (2011: £1,406,000).

11.  Goodwill

Group

Cost
At 1 January 2011
Additions

At 31 December 2011 and 2012
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2012

At 31 December 2011

Goodwill 
£’000

494
1,996

2,490

2,490

2,490

At the year end date an impairment test has been undertaken by comparing the carrying values of goodwill with the 
recoverable amount of the cash generating unit to which the goodwill has been allocated. The recoverable amount of 
the cash generating unit (CGU) is based on value-in-use calculations. These calculations use cash flow projections 
covering a three year period based on financial budgets and a calculation of the terminal value, for the period following 
these formal projections.

The key assumptions used for value-in-use calculations are those regarding growth rates, increases in costs and 
discount rates. The discount rate is reviewed annually to take into account the current market assessment of the time 
value of money and the risks specific to the cash-generating units and rates used by comparable companies. The pre 
tax discount rate used to calculate value-in-use is 12% (2011: 12%). Growth rates for forecasts take into account 
historic experience and current market trends. Costs are reviewed and increased for inflation and other costs 
pressures. The long-term growth rate used for the terminal value calculation is 2%. (2011: 2%) for all CGUs. The 
allocation of goodwill across the CGUs is as follows:

Dillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 201239

11.  Goodwill continued

Dillistone UKMEA
Dillistone Europe
Dillistone Australia
Dillistone US
Voyager consolidated

Opening
£’000

Addition
£’000

Impairment
£’000

290
110
40
54
1,996

2,490

–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–

Closing
£’000

290
110
40
54
1996

2,490

Sensitivities
To reduce the headroom in the impairment calculation to £nil for the Voyager consolidation goodwill would require a 
reduction of terminal growth rate to 0% and an increase in the discount rate to 15%. No meaningful sensitivity for the 
Dillistone goodwill reduces the headroom to £nil.

12.  Intangible assets

Group

Cost
At 1 January 2011
Additions

At 31 December 2011
Additions

At 31 December 2012

Amortisation
At 1 January 2011
Charge for the year

At 31 December 2011
Charge for the year

At 31 December 2012

Carrying amount
At 31 December 2012

At 31 December 2011

Development
costs 
£’000

Acquisition 
intangibles 
£’000

Total 
£’000

1,670
580

2,250
803

3,053

475
186

661
238

899

–
1,178

1,178
–

1,178

–
57

57
227

284

2,154

1,589

894

1,121

1,670
1,758

3,428
803

4,231

475
243

718
465

1,183

3,048

2,710

Total 
£’000

1,121
(227)

894

Acquisition intangibles can be summarised as follows:

Cost
At 1 January 2012
Amortisation

At 31 December 2012

Brand
£’000

191
(13)

178

Developed 
technology 
£’000

Contractual 
relationship 
£’000

Non contractual 
relationship 
£’000

298
(27)

271

137
(137)

–

495
(50)

445

Dillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 2012Business ReviewGovernanceFinancial Statements40

Notes to the Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2012

13.  Property, plant and equipment

Group

Cost
At 1 January 2011
Additions
Additions by acquisition

At 31 December 2011
Currency impact
Additions
Disposals

At 31 December 2012 

Depreciation
At 1 January 2011
Charge for the year
Depreciation on acquisition

At 31 December 2011
Currency impact
Charge for year
Eliminated on disposal

At 31 December 2012

Carrying Amount
At 31 December 2012

At 31 December 2011

14.  Non-current asset investments

Company

Cost
At 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2012

The Company has the following subsidiary undertakings:

Land and 
buildings
£’000

Office & 
computer 
equipment
£’000

Fixtures 
and fittings
£’000

163
–
–

163
–
3
–

166

143
20
–

163
–
1
–

164

2

–

329
81
112

522
(3)
66
(40)

545

279
40
100

419
(3)
64
(40)

440

105

103

28
–
102

130
–
–
–

130

27
6
57

90
–
23
–

113

17

40

Total
£’000

520
81
214

815
(3)
69
(40)

841

449
66
157

672
(3)
88
(40)

717

124

143

Unlisted 
investments 
£’000

4,111

Name

Dillistone Systems Limited

Dillistone Systems (Australia) Pty Limited

Dillistone Systems (US) Inc

Woodcote Software Limited

Voyager Software Limited *

Voyager Software (Australia) Pty Limited

Principal activity

Holding of 
ordinary shares

Registered

Sale of computer software and 
related support services

100% England & Wales

Sale of computer software and 
related support services

100% 
(indirect)

Australia

Sale of computer software and 
related support services

100%

USA

Dormant company

100% England & Wales

Sale of computer software and 
related support services

100% England & Wales

Sale of computer software and 
related support services

100% 
(indirect)

Australia

* The ownership of Voyager Software was transferred from Woodcote Software Limited to Dillistone Group Plc on 30 December 2011.

Dillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 201241

15.  Inventories

Licences for resale

16.  Trade and other receivables

Trade and other receivables*
Group receivables
Other current assets
Prepayments and accrued income

Group

Company

2012
£’000

62

2011
£’000

11 

2012
£’000

– 

2011
£’000

 – 

Group

Company

2012 
£’000

1,483
–
36
196

1,715

2011 
£’000

1,514
–
44
193

1,751

2012 
£’000

2011 
£’000

–
21
4
3

28

–
30
8
1

39

*Trade and other receivables includes £nil (2011: £23,000) receivable in more than one year which have been included in non-current assets. 

The carrying value of trade receivables is considered a reasonable approximation of fair value. All of the receivables 
have been reviewed for indicators of impairment. The movement in the provision is shown below:

At start of year
Movement in the year

At the year end

The ageing profile of trade receivables as at the year end is as follows: 

Current
Past due date:
31 – 60 days overdue
More than 60 days overdue

Total

17.  Trade and other payables

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Group payables
Deferred income
Accruals 

Non-current liabilities
Contingent consideration
Cash settled share-based provision
Other provisions

2012 
£’000

2011 
£’000

78
5

83

52
26

78

2012 
£’000

2011 
£’000

1,226
51
206

1,483

1,346
71
97

1,514

Group

Company

2012
£’000

2011
£’000

2012
£’000

2011
£’000

430
–
2,483
696

3,609

137
119
–

256

476
–
2,473
846

3,795

308
36
20

364

27
518
–
413

958

137
119
–

256

10
626
–
458

1,094 

308
36
–

344

Dillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 2012Business ReviewGovernanceFinancial Statements42

Notes to the Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2012

18.  Share capital

Allotted, called up and fully paid
Ordinary shares of 5 pence each

2012 
£’000

 2011 
£’000

910

910

In June 2012 an employee exercised an option over 8,913 shares.

In June 2011 the Company carried out a 2 for 1 bonus issue of 11,330,882 bonus shares. In September 2011 the 
Company placed 694,445 shares at 72p to partially finance the acquisition of Woodcote Software Limited. It also issued 
505,509 shares to the vendors of Woodcote as part of the consideration paid.

Shares issued and fully paid
Beginning of the year
Shares issued on exercise of options
Bonus issue
Shares issued on placing
Issued on acquisition of Woodcote

Shares issued and fully paid

2012

2011

18,196,277
8,913
–
–
–

5,665,441
–
11,330,882
694,445
505,509

18,205,190

18,196,277

19.  Operating lease arrangements
The Group leases offices under non-cancellable operating lease agreements.

At 31 December 2012 the Group had future total commitments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows:

Commitments payable:
Within one year
Between two and five years

2012
£’000

335
167
168

2011 
£’000

479
154
325

20.  Share options
Share-based payments
There are two share option schemes in operation: an Enterprise Management Incentive Scheme (“the EMI Scheme”) 
which complies with the requirements of HMRC and a scheme which has not been approved by HMRC (“the Unapproved 
Scheme”). If the options remain unexercised after a period of 10 years from the date of grant, the options expire. Options 
are normally forfeited if the employee leaves the Company before the options become available to exercise. 
Performance conditions are associated with the options granted on 29 May 2012.

During 2012 the Group made one grant of options. The fair values of the services received in exchange for share-based 
payments were calculated using a Black-Scholes pricing model.

The inputs into the model were as follows:

Date of grant

29 May 2012

Number
granted

Share price 
on issue
date

Exercise 
price 

Expected 
volatility

Vesting 
period

Leaver 
rate over 
vesting 
period

Risk 
free rate

Expected 
dividend 
yield

220,822

73.00p

73.00p

55% 3.0 years

0%

0.44%

4.5%

Dillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 201243

20.  Share options continued
There were two grants of options in 2011. The fair values of the services received in exchange for share-based 
payments were calculated using a Black-Scholes pricing model. The inputs into the model were as follows:

Date of grant

14 January 2011*

21 September 2011

Number
granted

Share price 
on issue
date

Exercise
price

Expected 
volatility

Vesting 
period

30,000

58.33p

58.33p

65% 3 years

420,794

77.00p

77.00p

65% 3.33 years

Leaver 
rate over 
vesting 
period

0%

15%

Risk 
free rate

1.75%

0.79%

Expected 
dividend 
yield

4.5%

4.5%

*Adjusted for the 2 for 1 bonus issue where appropriate.

Details of the number of share options and the weighted average exercise price (WAEP) outstanding during the year 
are as follows:

Outstanding at beginning of year
Granted during year
Exercised during year
Forfeited during year
Outstanding at the end of the year
Exercisable at the year end

*Adjusted for the 2 for 1 bonus issue were appropriate.

2012

2011

Number of 
options*

552,446
220,822
(8,913)
(21,000)
743,355
80,739

WAEP*

Number of
options*

74.01
73.00
5.39
89.67
74.09
68.11

101,652
450,794
–
–
552,446
101,652

WAEP*

55.27
75.76
–
–
74.01
66.27

No Directors exercised share options during the year. The Company’s mid-market share price on 31 December 2012 
was 74p.

The fair value of all options granted is shown as an employee expense with a corresponding increase in equity. The 
employee expense is recognised equally over the time from grant until vesting of the option. The employee expense for 
the year was £47,000 (2011: £12,000). 

Share options remaining in the schemes are as follows:

Scheme type

EMI
Unapproved
EMI
Unapproved
Unapproved
EMI
Unapproved
EMI

Date 
of grant

Exercise 
from

Lapse 
date

03/05/2006
03/05/2006
14/09/2007
14/09/2007
14/01/2011
21/09/2011
21/09/2011
29/05/2012

03/05/2009
03/05/2009
14/09/2010
14/09/2010
14/01/2014
21/09/2014
21/09/2014
29/05/2015

02/05/2016
02/05/2016
13/09/2017
13/09/2017
13/01/2021
20/09/2021
20/09/2021
28/05/2022

Options 
remaining

–
26,739 
 54,000 
– 
 30,000 
390,794 
21,000 
220,822 

743,355

Ex price 
(p)

5.38 
5.38 
99.17 
99.17 
58.33 
77.00 
77.00 
73.00 

The weighted average share price of the 8,913 shares exercised during 2012 (2011: nil) was 68.5p (2011: nil).  
The weighted average remaining contractual life of options at 31 December 2012 was 8.4 years (2011: 8.9 years). 

Cash settled options
During 2011 the Board introduced a long-term incentive scheme for Directors. The scheme grants phantom options  
to the participants and these options are cash settled on the vesting date, which will be the date of the publication of  
the appropriate annual report. The amount payable will be the increase in share price between the date of grant and 
vesting multiplied by the number of phantom options granted multiplied by the performance factor. The performance 
factor is based on the percentage rise in the earnings per share over the period. 

The fair values of the services received in exchange for cash-based option payments were calculated using a  
Black-Scholes pricing model at 31 December 2012. 

Dillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 2012Business ReviewGovernanceFinancial Statements44

Notes to the Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2012

20.  Share options continued
The inputs into the model were as follows:

Date of grant

28 April 2011
29 May 2012

*Adjusted for the 2 for 1 bonus issue.

Number
granted*

Share price 
on issue
date*

Exercise
price *

Expected 
volatility

Remaining 
period to 
vesting 

Leaver rate 
over vesting 
period

645,750
384,932

66.67p
73p

66.67p
73p

60% 1.33 years
60% 2.33 years

0%
0%

Risk 
free rate

0.3%
0.4%

Expected 
dividend 
yield

4.00%
4.00%

The expense charged for the year was £83,000 (2011: £36,000). The total liability carried forward was £119,000 (2011: £36,000) 
and is included in non-current liabilities.

Expected volatility takes into account historic volatility of the share price and its current trend.

21.  Acquisitions
On 21 September 2011, the Group acquired the entire share capital of Woodcote Software Limited for an estimated 
consideration before fees of £2,487,000, which was satisfied as detailed below. This was part of the Group’s strategy 
to broaden our offering to the recruitment sector. 

Woodcote was a non-trading holding company. Voyager Software Limited (www.voyage.co.uk), which was a wholly 
owned subsidiary of Woodcote, sells a number of software products to its target market of recruitment agencies. The 
products are designed to facilitate the filling of temporary or permanent vacancies. Voyager Software (Australia) Pty 
Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Voyager, markets a similar product range. Between them, Voyager and Voyager 
(Australia) have over 700 active unique clients and nearly 5,000 active licensed users. At 30 December 2011, Woodcote 
transferred the ownership of Voyager Software Limited to Dillistone Group Plc.

Equity consideration was agreed at £390,000 and satisfied by the issue of 505,509 ordinary shares in Dillistone Group. 
The total consideration of £2,487,000 net of cash acquired of £208,000 was £2,279,000 before fees. 

As part of the acquisition, the Group agreed to pay additional consideration against surplus working capital up to a 
certain level that was retained in the business at completion. Following a completion accounts verification process, 
an amount of £98,000 was agreed to be paid to the vendors and this was paid in the year. In addition the vendors are 
entitled to contingent consideration as follows: 

 > £200,000 – provided that the revenue of the acquired companies exceeds £2,200,000 in the year ending 30 June 2012;
 > 30% of the revenue of the acquired companies over £2,300,000 in the year ending 31 December 2012; and
 > 30% of the revenue of the acquired companies over £2,300,000 in the year ending 31 December 2013.

In the 2012 accounts the amounts payable under the contingent consideration have been reduced by £153,000 based 
on the revenue for 2012 and on the budgeted revenue for 2013. These amounts have been discounted at 4.5%.

22.  Financial instruments
The Group uses various financial instruments; these include cash and bank deposits and various items such as trade 
receivables and trade payables that arise directly from its operations. The main purpose of these financial instruments 
is to provide finance for the Group’s operations.

The Group finance department maintains liquidity, manages relations with the Group’s bankers, identifies and 
manages foreign exchange risk and controls Group treasury operations. Treasury dealings such as investments and 
foreign exchange are conducted only to support underlying business transactions. Consequently, the Group does not 
undertake speculative foreign exchange dealings for which there is no underlying exposure.

The Group’s policies for management of the financial risks to which it is exposed are outlined below.

(i)  Interest rate risk
The Group has a limited exposure to interest rate volatility. The Group has no debt and the only interest rate exposure 
is therefore on the Group’s bank deposits. The Group’s policy is to maintain capital preservation and flexibility rather 
than to optimise interest rates on bank deposits held. Cash deposits in Sterling and foreign currencies are made at 
prevailing interest rates. Where rates are fixed, the fixed interest period is generally no more than one month.

At the year end, the Group had positive cash balances totalling £1,643,000 (2011: £1,617,000). Had interest rates been 
1% higher during the financial year, the impact on profit would have been an increase in profit for the year of £20,000 
(2011: increase of £21,000).

Dillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 201245

22.  Financial instruments continued
(ii)  Credit risk
The Group’s principal financial assets are cash and cash equivalents and trade and other receivables.

Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet 
its contractual obligations and arises principally from the Group’s receivables from customers and monies on deposit 
with financial institutions.

Historically, the cash collection profile has been very good. Debt aging and collections are monitored on a regular 
basis and for new customers deposits are usually required. Some of the unimpaired trade receivables are past due 
as at the reporting date. Information on financial assets past due but not impaired are included in note 16.

The credit risk on liquid funds is limited because the counterparties are banks with high credit ratings assigned by 
international credit rating agencies. 

The Group has no significant concentration of credit risk.

The Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date is represented by the carrying value of financial 
assets, as follows:

Trade and other receivables (current assets)
Trade and other receivables (non-current assets)
Cash and cash equivalents

Total

Group

Company

2012 
£’000

1,483
–
1,643

3,126

2011 
£’000

1,491
23
1,617

3,131

2012 
£’000

2011 
£’000

21

11

32

30

13

43

(iii)  Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Group’s 
approach to managing liquidity is to ensure it will have sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities when due.

As at 31 December 2012, the Group and Company’s financial liabilities (being trade and other payables and deferred 
income and payroll taxes and VAT or similar taxes) have contractual maturities as summarised below:

Group

31 December 2012

Trade and other payables (current liabilities)
Trade and other payables (non-current liabilities)

31 December 2011

Trade and other payables (current liabilities)
Trade and other payables (non-current liabilities)

Company

31 December 2012

Trade and other payables (current liabilities)
Trade and other payables (non-current liabilities)

Carrying 
amount
£’000

3,609
256

3,865

Carrying 
amount
£’000

3,795 
364 

4,159 

Carrying 
amount 
£’000

958 
256

1,214

< 1 year
£’000 

3,609
–

3,609

1–2 
years
£’000

–
233

233

2–5 
years
£’000

–
23

23

< 1 year 
£’000

1–2 years
£’000

2–5 years 
£’000

3,795 
– 

3,795 

< 1 year 
£’000 

958
–

958

–
128

128

1–2 
years 
£’000

–
233

233

–
236

236

2–5 
years 
£’000

–
23

23

Dillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 2012Business ReviewGovernanceFinancial Statements46

Notes to the Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2012

22.  Financial instruments continued

31 December 2011

Trade and other payables (current liabilities)
Trade and other payables (non-current liabilities)

Carrying 
amount 
£’000

1,094 
344 

1,438 

< 1 year 
£’000

1,094 
–

1,094 

1–2 
years 
£’000

–
108

108

2–5 
years 
£’000

–
236

236

The Directors consider there to be no significant liquidity risks due to the significant cash balances of the Group. 

(iv)  Foreign currency risk
The Group is exposed to foreign currency risk on sales and purchases which are denominated in a currency other  
than Sterling. Exposures to currency exchange rates are primarily denominated in US Dollars, Australian Dollars and 
Euros. The Group does not use derivatives to hedge translation exposures arising on the consolidation of its overseas 
operations.

At the year end, the Group had assets totalling £1,261,000 and liabilities totalling £508,000 denominated in Euros  
(2011: assets totalling £852,000 and liabilities totalling £563,000), assets totalling £993,000 and liabilities totalling 
£705,000 denominated in US Dollars (2011: assets totalling £759,000 and liabilities totalling £559,000) and assets 
totalling £490,000 and liabilities totalling £250,000 denominated in Australian Dollars (2011: assets totalling £323,000 
and liabilities totalling £212,000). If each of the exchange rates weakened by 5%, the impact on the income statement 
would be as follows:

Euros
US Dollars
Australian Dollars

Group

2012
£’000

2011
£’000

4
17
7

28

11
6
10

27

At the year end, the Company had liabilities totalling £267,000 denominated in Euros (2011: liabilities totalling £349,000), 
liabilities totalling £47,000 denominated in US Dollars (2011: liabilities totalling £110,000) and liabilities totalling £28,000 
denominated in Australian Dollars (2011: liabilities totalling £69,000). 

Capital risk management
The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, 
so that it can continue to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders.

The Group sets the amount of capital in proportion to risk. The Group manages the capital structure and makes 
adjustments to it in the light of changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics of the underlying assets. 
In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may adjust the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, 
return capital to shareholders, issue new shares, or sell assets. The Group follows a progressive dividend policy.

The Company has no debt, and therefore the total capital managed by the Group as at the year end was its total equity 
balance of £4,474,000 (2011: £3,847,000). Further details in respect of movements in capital are provided in the 
statement of changes in equity.

Dillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 201247

22.  Financial instruments continued
Summary of financial assets and liabilities by category
The carrying amounts of the financial assets and liabilities as recognised at the statement of financial position date of 
the years under review may also be categorised as follows:

Financial assets
Loans and receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables

Financial liabilities
Trade and other payables
Contingent consideration

Group

Company

2012 
£’000

2011 
£’000

2012 
£’000

2011 
£’000

– 
 1,643
1,715 

3,358 

3,505 
360

3,865 

– 
1,617 
1,751 

3,368 

3,660 
499

4,159 

– 
11
28 

39 

– 
13 
39 

52 

854
360

 939 
499

1,214 

1,438 

Contingent consideration is a level 3 liability in the fair value hierarchy and is valued based on an estimate of the 
present value of the likely consideration payable. A level liability is valued using valuation techniques where one or 
more significant inputs are based on unobservable market data.

23.  Control
No individual shareholder, or shareholders acting in concert, hold more than 50% of voting shares, and accordingly 
there is not considered to be an “ultimate controlling party”.

24.  Related party transactions
Company
The Company has a related party relationship with its subsidiaries, its Directors, and other employees of the Company 
with management responsibility.

During the year the Company received a management charge of £63,000 (2011: £92,000) and a dividend of £65,000 from 
its subsidiary company Dillistone Systems (US) Inc (2011: £189,000). At the year end Dillistone Systems (US) Inc was 
owed £47,000 (2011: £110,000) by the Company.

During the current year Dillistone Systems Limited paid a dividend of £1,000,000 (2011: £1,750,000) to Dillistone Group 
Plc and a management charge of £128,000 (2011: £302,000). At the year end Dillistone Systems Limited was owed 
£435,000 (2011: £446,000).

The Company received a management charge during the year from Dillistone Systems (Australia) Pty Limited of 
£60,000 (2011: £60,000) and at the year end owed it £28,000 (2011: £69,000).

Voyager Software paid a management charge of £130,000 (2011: £32,000) and owed the Company £13,000 at the year 
end (2011: £22,000).

Management charges payable by Group members to Dillistone Group Plc relate to management support provided 
directly to them.

The Directors received dividends paid by the Company of £299,000 (2011: £292,000).

Dillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 2012Business ReviewGovernanceFinancial Statements48

Notes to the Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2012

25.  Dividends
The dividends paid in 2012 and 2011 were £643,000 (3.533p per share) and £609,000 (3.5p per share) respectively after 
adjusting for the bonus issue. A final dividend in respect of the year ended 31 December 2012 of 2.5p per share will be 
paid on 26 June 2013. These financial statements do not reflect this dividend. 

Under company law, any distribution made by a company to its shareholders must not exceed the amount of 
distributable reserves reported in the last annual accounts of the Company circulated to shareholders. In the event 
that the last annual accounts do not show sufficient distributable reserves to pay all or any part of the dividends 
concerned, then it is a company law requirement that a company prepares unaudited interim accounts demonstrating 
sufficient distributable reserves prior to payment of such dividend (“Interim Accounts”). In the case of a public 
company, Interim Accounts need to have been properly prepared and filed with the Registrar of Companies before 
a dividend is declared or (in the case of an interim dividend) paid.

In the years 2006 to 2010, the Company paid dividends to shareholders in part out of distributable profits generated 
in the year in which the dividends were paid, rather than in respect to the distributable reserves available by reference 
to the last filed annual accounts or relevant Interim Accounts. 

Whilst the Group did have sufficient distributable reserves at the relevant times to cover the whole amounts of the 
dividends paid in the years 2006 to 2010, at the time that those dividends were paid, sufficient distributable reserves 
had not been distributed from the other companies within the Group and paid to the Company by way of intra-group 
dividends. Accordingly the payment of the dividends in this period has given rise to certain technical breaches of the 
Companies Act 1985 or the Companies Act 2006.

Interim Accounts for the six months to 30 June 2011 were prepared by the Company and filed with the Registrar of 
Companies, showing distributable reserves sufficient to allow the appropriation of reserves necessary to rectify the 
past dividend issue.

At a general meeting in November 2011, shareholders voted on and passed four resolutions to rectify and ratify the 
payment of the dividends paid in the years 2006 to 2010, which were made in breach of the Companies Act 1985 or 
the Companies Act 2006 and to release any claims that the Company may have against its shareholders or Directors 
(whether past present or future) in respect of the dividends paid incorrectly. This matter is now resolved.

Dillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 201249

Directors and Advisers

Directors 

M D Love – Non-Executive Chairman
G R Fearnley – Non-Executive Director
J S Starr – Chief Executive
R Howard – Operations Director 
A D James – Product Development Director 
J P Pomeroy – Group Finance Director 
A F Milne – Director of Support Services

Secretary 

J P Pomeroy

Company number 

4578125

Registered office 

Independent auditors 

Principal bankers 

Solicitors 

Nominated adviser 

Broker 

Registrars 

3rd Floor 
50–52 Paul Street 
London EC2A 4LB

Grant Thornton UK LLP 
Grant Thornton House 
Melton Street 
Euston Square 
London NW1 2EP

Barclays Bank PLC 
240 Whitechapel Road 
PO Box 14623 
London E1 1SH

Ashfords LLP 
Tower Wharf 
Cheese Lane  
Bristol BS2 0JJ

WH Ireland Limited 
24 Martin Lane 
London EC4R 0DR

WH Ireland Limited 
24 Martin Lane 
London EC4R 0DR

Capita Registrars  
The Registry 
34 Beckenham Road 
Beckenham 
Kent BR3 4TU

Dillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 2012Business ReviewGovernanceFinancial Statements 
50

Contact Details

Dillistone Systems Ltd 
50–52 Paul Street
London EC2A 4LB
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7749 6100

Dillistone Systems Inc
50 Harrison Street, Suite 201A
Hoboken, NJ 07030
USA
Telephone: +1 (201) 653-0013

Dillistone Systems (Australia) Pty Ltd
Level 12, 56 Berry Street
North Sydney
NSW 2060
Australia
Telephone: +61 (0)2 9455 0400

Dillistone Systems Germany
MainzerLandstraße 50
D-60325 Frankfurt/Main
Germany
Telephone: +49 (0)69 27 40 15 - 807/ - 808

Voyager Software

12 Cedarwood
Crockford Lane
Chineham Park
Basingstoke RG24 8WD
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 (0)1256 845 000

Level 12
56 Berry Street
North Sydney
NSW 2060
Australia
Telephone: +61 (0)2 9279 4415

Dillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 201251

Notes

Dillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 2012Business ReviewGovernanceFinancial Statements52

Notes

Dillistone Group PlcAnnual Report 2012Dillistone Group Plc
Third Floor
50–52 Paul Street
London EC2A 4LB 

Tel: +44 (0)20 7749 6100

www.dillistonegroup.com