Wonderful Times Group
Annual Report 2022

Plain-text annual report

A n n u a l R e p o r t a n d F i n a n c i a l S t a t e m e n t s 2 0 2 2 Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022 In this year’s Report Business Review Key Summary Chairman and CEO’s Report Strategic Report Governance Board of Directors Directors’ Remuneration Report Corporate Governance Report Directors’ Report Audit Committee Report Independent Auditor’s Report Financial Statements Financial Statements Consolidated Income Statement Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income Consolidated Statement of Financial Position Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity Consolidated Cash Flow Statement Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements Company Statement of Financial Position Company Cash Flow Statement Company Statement of Changes in Equity Notes to the Company Financial Statements Investor Information Officers and Professional Advisers 1 2 3 7 8 10 12 15 17 22 22 23 24 25 27 28 44 45 46 47 56 Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 20221 Key Summary ■ Total profit after tax £nil (2021: Loss of £3.6m). ■ Group operating loss of £0.2m (2021: Loss of £3.7m). ■ Group net assets of £13.5m representing approximately 29 pence per share (2021: 29 pence per share). ■ Group cash and term deposits at 31 December 2022 of £13.8m (31 December 2021: £13.0m). Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 20222 3 Chairman and CEO’s Report 2023 outlook We will look to prosecute our remaining litigation assets for the optimal return for shareholders. Central costs will continue to be carefully managed at reduced levels consistent with the needs of the organisation. Once again, we would like to thank our shareholders for their continuing patience whilst we work to realise maximum value from our remaining assets. Richard Rose Non-executive Chairman Stefan Borson Chief Executive Officer During the year the Group significantly progressed the realisation of its litigation assets including the settlement of its claim against its former auditors, KPMG LLP (“KPMG”). This is in addition to the preparations for trial which took place in early 2023 against PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”) and other claims against Aviva Canada Inc. (“Aviva Canada”) and HMRC. Now all trading businesses have been disposed of, our plan remains to achieve the optimum resolution of legacy matters and then to return cash to shareholders. As part of the ongoing rationalisation of costs, Lord Howard (Senior Non- executive Director) and David Young (Non-executive Director) will step down from the Board following the 2023 Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) and will not be replaced. The Board thanks Lord Howard and Mr Young for their commitment and assistance in dealing with an extraordinarily complex array of operational, legal, regulatory and accounting matters over many years. Update on outstanding legacy matters Our claim against PwC was heard in the High Court in January and February 2023 with the judgement being awaited. Our appeal in respect of the recovery of historic VAT paid in the ingenie business was heard by the First Tier VAT Tribunal in December 2021 and the appeal to the Upper Tribunal will take place in November 2023. Finally, our Canadian subsidiary’s claim against Aviva Canada is ongoing and is expected to go to trial in January 2024. Strategic Report 1. Business Review 1.1 About Watchstone The Company is now exclusively focused on managing the Group’s litigation assets in order to achieve maximum shareholder value. During the year, the Group continued to progress its claims against PwC and Aviva Canada in addition to settling a claim against its former auditors, KPMG for £5.0m. We continue to pursue a historic VAT appeal against HMRC. 1.2 Board decision making (section 172 statement) The Board has a duty to promote the success of the Company for the benefit of its members as a whole whilst also having regard to other stakeholders. The Company operates within the framework provided by the Quoted Companies Alliance Corporate Governance Code (the “QCA Code”) to provide robust governance over its wider decision- making processes and the Board. Further details are provided in the Corporate Governance Report. The Company meets with shareholders as appropriate and uses its website to encourage communication with existing and prospective shareholders. The Company also maintains regular contact with private investors via meetings, email correspondence and investor forums. The Board constantly monitors the performance of the business as detailed in section 2.4 below, Internal Financial Discipline. The major board decisions of 2022 were in respect of its litigation strategy including the settlement with KPMG. Where applicable, the financial impact of these items is discussed elsewhere in this report whilst the main factors in the Board decision making process is summarised as follows: 1.2.1 Litigation The Board is appraised of all outstanding litigation, whether as a defendant or claimant, at each board meeting and discusses the relative merits of each course of action, whilst considering the views and objectives of the stakeholders in the business versus the relative risks and rewards. Material updates are provided in between Board meetings. 1.2.2 Settlement with KPMG The settlement with KPMG was achieved through a mediation process between the parties after significant work to better understand and convey the merits of the case, particularly in respect of the historic distributable reserves of the Company. Whilst the settlement was less than the total value of the claim, the major considerations of the Board in the process were: ■ Litigation risk in proceeding to trial; ■ The significant additional legal costs associated with the disclosure, legal and trial process; and ■ The timescales associated with a trial and the desire to return cash to shareholders. On balance of the above factors the Board considered the settlement sum of £5.0m to represent good value for shareholders and to be the most appropriate course of actions considering all stakeholders. 1.2.3 Other stakeholders The Group has no corporate head office and makes extensive use of technology to save money and to limit its impact upon the environment through reduced travel. 1.3 Overview of 2022 1.3.1 Continuing business activities Continuing business activities represent the small executive team of two full time individuals supported by the non- executive board members and our external legal and other professional advisers. During 2022, the Group reached a settlement of £5.0m with KPMG, its former auditor in relation to a claim filed in 2021. The Group incurred total legal expenses of £2.1m during 2022 in pursuit of all litigation, where it is considered that we have a strong case and where the Board having taken advice, expects a successful outcome in favour of the Group. These included cases against PwC, KPMG, Aviva Canada, and in relation to the recovery of a historic overpayment of VAT within one of its subsidiaries from HMRC. Following the business disposals in 2020, the Group now has just one significant component being Watchstone Group plc as parent company. 1.3.2 Discontinued business activities There were no disposals of businesses during 2022. The profit in the period from discontinued operations of £0.1m relates to the resolution and settlement of the outstanding assets and liabilities of the shell entities retained post disposal. 1.3.3 Resolving legacy matters Certain potential assets and liabilities are not recognised in the Financial Statements due to their uncertainty: ■ Contingent assets include recoveries relating to taxation and litigation in progress; and Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022 4 5 Strategic Report (continued) ■ Contingent liabilities could include damages from adverse outcomes. These are disclosed but no liability is recognised. Amounts will be recognised in line with applicable accounting standards if, and when, the appropriate level of probability of payment or receipt and appropriate reliability of measurement has been achieved. Further details are provided in note 25 to the Financial Statements. 1.4 Overview of Financial Statements The Financial Statements are presented on pages 22 to 55. An overview of the main factors which have influenced the Financial Statements are the: ■ Settlement with KPMG. During 2021 the Group filed a claim in the High Court against KPMG in relation to KPMG’s audit of Watchstone’s (then Quindell’s) Financial Statements for the year ending 31 December 2013. On 14 November 2022 the Group agreed terms for settlement with KPMG, where KPMG paid Watchstone a sum of £5.0m, in full and final settlement of the claim. This amount is presented as Other Income within the Consolidated Income Statement. The costs incurred in relation to the claim are included within Administrative Expenses. ■ Pursuit of litigation in relation to the historic activities of the Group is the major contributor to legal expenses of £2.1m. The Group has also provided security of costs to a party to the action and held £1.6m in escrow at 31 December 2022 (2021: £1.8m). This is included within other debtors in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. 1.5 Acquisitions and Investments The Group made no acquisitions during the year, nor made any significant investments other than in the ordinary course of business. 2. Financial Review 2.1 KPIs and Alternative Performance Measures Throughout 2022, the Board used a number of measures some of which are not statutory accounting measures to determine the performance of the Group. Total cash, including term deposits has increased as a result of the settlement with KPMG, offset by legal costs incurred in relation to the KPMG claim and the PwC litigation in progress, along with the ongoing running costs of the business. Consequently, net assets are comparable year on year. No asset is recognised within these Financial Statements for litigation in progress. Cash returned to shareholders EBITDA Group net assets Cash and term deposits Basic loss (pence per share) Year ended 31 December 2022 Year ended 31 December 2021 £000 – (151) 13,547 13,768 (0.1) £000 – (3,722) 13,525 12,996 (8.1) 2.2 Business performance and results 2.2.1 Revenue and gross profit margin The Group retains no trading businesses and therefore there is no continuing revenue or cost of sales in the Consolidated Income Statement. 2.2.2 Operating loss The operating loss decreased from £3.7m during 2021 to £0.1m during 2022 as a result of the £5.0m KPMG settlement, offset by higher legal costs of £2.1m during 2022 compared to £1.1m during 2021. The higher legal costs represent costs incurred in pursuing the KPMG settlement and trial preparations for the PwC litigation which took place in the High Court during February 2023. The Group awaits the Court’s judgement. 2.2.3 Loss before tax The Group has incurred a continuing loss before tax of £nil for the year (2021: loss of £3.7m). Finance income was higher due to the investment of funds held to support the litigation assets and the investment of the KPMG settlement funds received in November 2022. 2.2.4 Cashflow The Group had net cash inflows of £0.8m, this is better than the operating loss during the year of £0.2m as a result of finance income of £0.1m and a £0.8m improvement in working capital. Working capital improved since as proportion of legal fees have reduced the escrow receivable and a significant element of legal fees were incurred towards the year end, in preparation of the PwC trial in February 2023, and had therefore not been settled at 31 December 2022. Strategic Report (continued) Year ended 31 December Total cashflows from operating activities (including discontinued operations) Interest income Total investing activities Returned to shareholders Overall net inflow/(outflow) Opening cash Closing cash including term deposit investments Analysed as: Cash Term deposits 2022 £m 0.7 0.1 0.1 – 0.8 13.0 13.8 1.8 12.0 2021 £m (3.7) – – – (3.7) 16.7 13.0 13.0 – The overall cashflows reconcile to the Consolidated Cashflow statement as follows: At 31 December Overall net inflow/(outflow) Investment in term deposits Maturity of term deposits Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents 2022 £m 0.8 (26.0) 14.0 (11.2) 2021 £m (3.7) – – (3.7) 2.2.5 Balance Sheet The net assets shown in the Statement of Financial Position at 31 December 2022 were £13.5m (2021: £13.5m). The closing net assets can be analysed by their proximity to cash as follows. As the Group has disposed of its trading businesses and rationalised the Group, the relative liquidity of its net assets has increased: At 31 December Cash and term deposits Other net current liabilities/assets Non-current assets Net Assets 2022 £m 13.8 (0.3) – 13.5 2021 £m 13.0 0.5 – 13.5 At 31 December 2022, other net current assets include £1.28m held in escrow as security of costs in respect of legal claims (31 December 2021: £1.8m) and certain assets and liabilities relating to the day to day operations of the Group. 2.2.6 Earnings per share The basic and diluted EPS from continuing operations, as defined in note 12 of the Financial Statements, was a loss of 0.1 pence per share (2021: loss of 8.1 pence per share). 2.3 Going concern The Group holds appropriate cash reserves and no debt. The Group has concluded that its cash reserves will be sufficient to fund the Group’s ongoing running costs together with any future investment in litigation required. On this basis, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The Directors have not identified any material uncertainties that would cast significant doubt on the ability of the Group to continue as a going concern. As such, the Directors continue to adopt the Going Concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the Financial Statements. 2.4 Internal financial discipline We have defined the financial disciplines under which we will operate at the Group and operating company level. We have summarised below the key areas upon which we focus: ■ Ethics. Relationships and transactions are conducted to high ethical standards. Staff and suppliers are treated fairly, and transactions concluded on an arms-length basis. Regulators are communicated with in an open and cooperative way; ■ Safeguarding of assets. We ensure that the assets of the Group are appropriately protected and managed, and that maximisation of shareholder value is at the heart of all transactions involving corporate assets; ■ Establishment of investment disciplines. Appropriate investment is made by the Group in order to maximise shareholder value from its assets; ■ Authorisation and accountability. Matters are reserved both for Group Board approval and the control environment is proportionate to the size of the Group. Operating expenditure is typically authorised via the business planning process culminating in an approved budget in advance of the year commencing. Outside of the cycle additional expenditure is approved subject to the appropriate justification and business case being established. Individuals have authority to approve expenditure to certain limits, determined by type of expenditure. Accountability for expenditure is ensured via the regular process of business performance reporting, forecasting and review; and Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 20226 7 Strategic Report (continued) ■ Financial planning, reporting and monitoring. The Group 4.2 Other legal, regulatory and reputational risks runs a business cycle as summarised below: Q4 Monthly Detailed business planning and budget setting with Board review and approval. Reporting of financial results and KPIs including re-forecast of the full year expected cash flows and review. In addition, to internal financial discipline, the Group makes trading statements (as appropriate) and reports full and half yearly financial results externally. 2.5 Interim Financial Statements for the period ended 30 June 2023 We intend to prepare a set of interim Financial Statements for the 6 months ending 30 June 2023. 3. Capital management The Group’s objective is to maintain a balance sheet structure that is efficient in terms of providing long term returns to shareholders and which safeguards the Group’s financial position through economic cycles. At 31 December 2022, there was no external debt finance in the business and the Group maintains sufficient liquid funds to be able to fund the future operations of the Group. Where possible, the Group deposits funds in short term fixed duration interest bearing accounts with leading High Street banks in the UK. 4. Principal risks and uncertainties The Group is exposed to a number of risks and uncertainties which could have a material impact on its long-term performance. The Directors have identified those which they regard as being the principal risks and these are set out below. 4.1 Key personnel and resources The success of the Group depends to an unusually large extent upon its management team and its ability to retain them. The Group will continue to seek to mitigate this resource risk by providing appropriate training, competitive reward and compensation packages, incentive schemes and succession planning. The Group has outsourced a number of key functions where it is most cost efficient to do so or where a third party can bring greater resources or expertise than the Group. The Group monitors the performance and financial security of its outsourced partners. Failure to protect the Group’s reputation and brand in the face of regulatory, legal or operational challenges could lead to a loss of trust and confidence with our suppliers including litigation partners. In addition, any investigations by external agencies could also affect our ability to recruit and retain talented employees. Reputational issues may also affect the attractiveness of the Company’s shares to new and existing investors. Much of the future returns of the Group will arise out of the proceeds (if any) from its litigation assets. Whilst the Group is confident in the merits of its claims (and, where relevant, defences), as with any litigation there can be no guarantee that the actions will succeed and the dismissal of claims could give rise to adverse costs consequences. 4.3 Market conditions Market conditions, including general economic conditions and their effect on exchange rates, interest rates and inflation rates and investment returns, may impact the ultimate value of the Group regardless of its operating performance. 4.4 Climate change The Group no longer operates trading businesses and the remaining Directors and employee use remote working where possible to reduce the impact of the Group upon the environment. 4.5 Foreign exchange The Group’s Canadian subsidiary is currently engaged in a legal case in Canada and therefore the Group is exposed to volatility in exchange rates. This is in respect of foreign currency denominated transactions and the translation of income statements and net assets of foreign subsidiaries. The most significant foreign currency exposure was in relation to Canadian Dollars. The Company has not sought to mitigate its exposure to the translation of net assets. By order of the Board Stefan Borson Chief Executive Officer and Company Secretary Board of Directors Richard Rose (age 67) Non-executive Chairman Richard Rose is Non-Executive Chairman of XP Factory plc and Innovative Bites Limited. Previously, he has held a number of positions in organisations such as AO World plc where he was Non-Executive Chairman from 2008 to 2016 and Booker Group plc where he was Non-Executive Chairman. Stefan Borson (age 48) Chief Executive Officer Stefan Borson has over twenty years’ experience working in and leading and advising both listed and high growth private companies. He has held Board positions in a broad range of roles from Chief Executive Officer to Corporate Development & Investment Director. Following qualification as a Solicitor in 2000 with Addleshaw Goddard, Stefan spent seven years in Investment Banking at Investec plc specialising in advising consumer facing and technology businesses. In 2007, Stefan joined the board of Clerkenwell Ventures plc, a listed investment fund and joined Redbus Media Group Limited as Chief Executive Officer in 2009. In August 2014, Stefan joined Watchstone Group plc as Chief Legal and Communications Officer becoming Group General Counsel & Company Secretary in May 2015 following the sale of the PSD. He continues to act as Group General Counsel & Company Secretary in conjunction with his Chief Executive Officer role and is the sole executive director of the Company. The Rt. Hon. Lord Howard of Lympne, CH, QC (age 81) Senior Non-executive Director Lord Howard is the former leader of the Conservative Party, a distinguished lawyer and served as a Member of Parliament for 27 years. He filled many government posts, including Home Secretary, Secretary of State for Employment and Secretary of State for the Environment, as well as Shadow Foreign Secretary and Shadow Chancellor. After his retirement from the House of Commons at the 2010 General Election, Lord Howard was created a Life Peer. He was created a Companion of Honour in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, 2011. He is currently Non-Executive Chairman of South West Strategic Developments Limited. Lord Howard will step down from the Board following the AGM on 30 May 2023. David Young (age 61) Non-executive Director David qualified as an accountant with Arthur Andersen before joining Morgan Grenfell as an Investment Banker specialising in Mergers & Acquisitions. In 1994, he joined listed insurance broker Bradstock Group plc, initially as Finance Director before becoming Chief Operating Officer and, ultimately, Chief Executive. On leaving, David joined Barchester Group Limited, a strategic and advisory business aimed at technology businesses. David has held numerous Non-executive positions and audit committee chairs with insurance and financial services businesses. He is currently a Non-executive Director of Premium Credit Limited, Key Retirement Group Limited, Clara Pensions Group and Seven Investment Management LLP. David will step down from the Board following the AGM on 30 May 2023. Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 20228 9 Directors’ Remuneration Report Directors’ Remuneration Report (continued) The Board recognises the importance of shareholder transparency and compliance with corporate governance principles. The Company has prepared this report in order to enable a better understanding of Directors’ remuneration. The information included in this report is unaudited. The information in this report relates to the remuneration arrangements that applied during the year ended 31 December 2022 and the remuneration policy that applies in 2023. Remuneration Committee The Committee is actively involved in consultation with major shareholders on key matters of remuneration. In 2022, Lord Howard was chairman of the Committee alongside additional members David Young and Richard Rose each of whom were independent. Following the forthcoming changes to the Board, Richard Rose will carry out the role of the Committee personally. The Committee meets at least once each year and has delegated responsibility for making recommendations to the Board regarding the remuneration and other benefits of the executive Directors. The remuneration of the Non-executive Directors is determined by the Board. No Director or other executive is involved in any decisions about his/her own specific remuneration. Remuneration policy The Board’s policy is designed to promote the long-term success of the Company by rewarding senior executives with competitive but responsible salary and benefit packages combined with a significant proportion of executive remuneration dependent on performance, both short-term and long-term. The Board’s intention is to combine appropriate levels of fixed pay with incentive schemes that provide executives with the ability to earn above median levels for true out- performance. In determining the remuneration policy, the Committee is conscious of both the unusual and challenging circumstances of the Company and the Board’s strategy to simplify and focus the Company on delivering shareholder value as well the importance of the retention of key executives. The remuneration package for the executive Director comprises the following main elements: ■ basic annual salary; ■ discretionary annual bonus payments in respect of the performance of the individual, achievement of performance criteria and the individual’s contribution to that performance and the Group calculated as a percentage of salary; and ■ the Distribution Incentive Scheme focused on the ultimate distribution of capital to shareholders. Stefan Borson (Chief Executive Officer) Stefan Borson has a base salary of £450,000 per annum (2021: £450,000 per annum) and an entitlement to an annual bonus of up to 150% of salary. Mr Borson is entitled to typical executive benefits including a pension contribution of 10% of base salary, life assurance and health and medical insurance. His notice period on his rolling service contract is 6 months. Annual bonuses of the executive management team Mr Borson is the only member of the executive management team whose remuneration entitles him to an annual bonus. In deciding on the annual cash bonus awarded to him for 2022, the Remuneration Committee took into account his work in respect of, inter alia, the: ■ strategy and handling of the legal matters the Group is pursuing in its favour including the settlement of the KPMG claim; ■ resolution, careful management and mitigation of remaining legacy matters, concluded during the year; and ■ further rationalisation of the legal structure of the group. For details of the annual bonuses paid to the Directors, please see the table below and the associated notes. For 2023, the annual discretionary bonus for Mr Borson will again be closely aligned to the interests of the Company and its shareholders. Executive management will be rewarded based on the achievement of outcomes consistent with the optimisation of shareholder value. The discretionary bonus plan will reward, inter alia, a combination of: ■ optimisation of returns from contingent assets; and ■ careful cash and efficient cost management. Award of the maximum discretionary bonus will only be given on optimal achievement of these targets. Salary and fees Bonus £000 £000 Contributions to personal pension schemes Distribution incentive scheme £000 £000 Total £000 490 675 185 75 75 – – – 825 675 – – – – – – 1,165 – – – – 185 75 75 1,500 Salary and fees Bonus £000 £000 Contributions to personal pension schemes Distribution incentive scheme £000 £000 489 675 185 75 75 – – – 824 675 – – – – – – – – – – Total £000 1,164 185 75 75 1,499 2022 Executive S Borson Non-executive R Rose M Howard D Young Total 2021 Executive S Borson Non-executive R Rose M Howard D Young Total This report was approved by the Board on 12 April 2023 and signed on its behalf by: Lord Howard of Lympne Chairman of the Remuneration Committee Long term incentive plan – the Distribution Incentive Scheme The Committee believes that the Distribution Incentive Scheme focuses the executive Director on enhancing value and returning that value to shareholders and ensures alignment of the Board’s and shareholders’ interests. The Distribution Incentive Scheme was put in place upon Mr Borson’s appointment as Group Chief Executive Officer to reflect the changing focus of the Group. The Distribution Incentive Scheme is a cash-based incentive and retention scheme that will only be triggered upon distributions or the sale of the Group after 1 January 2018 in excess of a cumulative £57,205,403 (calculated as to £46,038,333 (being £1 per ordinary share) plus the increase of the hurdle due to the now historical and ceased payment of Guaranteed Elements of past annual bonuses)(“Distribution Hurdle”). The Distribution Hurdle was permanently passed during 2020 as a result of the returns of cash to shareholders. Accordingly, Mr Borson will be entitled to cash bonuses of 5.43% of any future distributions to shareholders. Mr Borson is the sole participant in the Distribution Incentive Scheme. Non-executive Directors The Non-executive Directors do not have service contracts, nor do they participate in any share option plan, Distribution Incentive Scheme, long term incentive plan or pension scheme. The services of each Non-executive Director are provided under a letter of engagement which can be terminated by either party giving notice (one months’ notice for each Non-executive Director). Fees payable under the terms of their appointments for those Directors who served during the year are shown in the table below. Directors’ emoluments The remuneration of the Directors, including the highest paid Director who was Mr Borson, was as follows (see note 9 to the Financial Statements): Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 202210 11 Corporate Governance Report Corporate Governance Report (continued) Disclosure Committee Internal control and risk management The Disclosure Committee is chaired by Stefan Borson who sits alongside Richard Rose. The role of the Disclosure Committee is to assist and inform the Board in making decisions concerning the identification of information that requires announcement pursuant to the AQSE Access Rule Book and other relevant rules. The Disclosure Committee meets as necessary to consider all relevant matters following and incorporating advice from the Company’s corporate adviser and, where appropriate the Company’s external legal advisers. It will, in particular, meet in advance of the release of all trading statements and other announcements of price sensitive information to ensure that they are true, accurate and complete and to consider if they are fair, balanced and understandable. Shareholder relations The Company welcomes feedback from investors about its published reports and website. Please address your feedback to our investor relations team by e-mail to investor.relations@watchstonegroup.com or in writing to Highfield Court, Tollgate, Chandler’s Ford, Eastleigh, Hampshire, England, SO53 3TY. The Group operates a system of internal control and will develop and review that system in accordance with guidance published by the FRC. The internal control system is designed to manage rather than eliminate the risk of failure to achieve business objectives. The Board is responsible for the system of internal control and for reviewing its effectiveness. It can only provide reasonable, but not absolute, assurance against material misstatement or loss. Internal financial control monitoring procedures undertaken by the Board and executive team include the preparation and review of annual forecasts, review of monthly financial reports and KPIs, monitoring of performance, and the prior approval of all significant transactions as set out on page 5. The Company has established a policy and share dealing code relating to dealing in the Company’s shares by Directors, employees and connected persons. Richard Rose Non-executive Chairman The Directors recognise the importance of good corporate governance and have chosen to apply the QCA Code. party indemnity provision for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006. The correct application of the QCA Code requires the Company to apply its ten principles and also to publish certain related disclosures either on our website or in this Annual Report or a combination of both. Our website, www.watchstonegroup.com/investors/corporate- governance, includes disclosure considering each principle in turn and references where the appropriate disclosure is given. The Company is currently not fully compliant with Principle 7 – specifically in connection with Board evaluation processes and succession planning, further details are provided on our website at the address above. The Board The Group has appointed Non-executive Directors to bring an independent view to the Board and to provide a balance to the executive management. During the year, the Board of Directors comprised a single executive Director and three independent Non-executive Directors. The Board meets monthly throughout the year (save in August and December when Board packs are still distributed) and meets at various times between these dates to discuss matters and agree actions on an ongoing basis. In preparation of each regular meeting, the Board receives a Board pack with the information necessary for it to discharge its duties. The Board has responsibility for formulating, reviewing and approving the Group’s strategy, its financial plans, regulatory announcements, major items of expenditure, investments, acquisitions and disposals and the Directors’ report and Annual and Interim Financial statements. During 2022, the Board held ten monthly Board meetings and a number of Board calls in between meetings. Each of the Directors attended all such meetings. Each Director has access to the advice and services of external counsel and is able to take professional advice at the Group’s expense. The Group maintains appropriate insurance cover in respect of legal actions against Directors as well as against material loss or claims against the Group and reviews the adequacy of cover regularly. The Group has also entered an agreement with each of its Directors whereby the Director is indemnified against certain liabilities to third parties which might be incurred in the course of carrying out his duties as a Director. These arrangements constitute a qualifying third Board committees The Board has established four committees: Audit, Remuneration, Nomination and Disclosure. The Group Company Secretary is secretary to each committee but does not act where discussion relates to him or where there is another conflict. Audit Committee In the year, the Audit Committee was chaired by David Young and consisted of David Young and Lord Howard. It meets at least twice a year with attendance from the external Auditors and internal personnel as required. The committee is responsible for: ■ ensuring that the appropriate financial reporting procedures are properly maintained and reported on; ■ meeting the Auditors and reviewing their reports relating to the Group’s accounts and internal control systems; ■ reviewing and monitoring the independence of the external Auditor and the objectives and effectiveness of the audit process; and ■ reviewing arrangements by which staff may in confidence raise concerns about possible improprieties in matters of financial reporting or otherwise and receiving and dealing with matters reported under these arrangements. Remuneration Committee In the year, the Remuneration Committee was chaired by Lord Howard and also consisted of David Young and Richard Rose. It meets at least once a year and is responsible for reviewing the performance of the executive Director. The Committee’s report is set out on pages 8 and 9. Nomination Committee In the year, the Nomination Committee was chaired by Richard Rose and also consisted of Lord Howard and David Young. It meets as required and reviews the size, structure and composition of the Board and makes recommendations on changes, as appropriate. It also gives consideration to succession planning in the light of developments in the business. Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 202212 13 Directors’ Report The Directors present their report and the audited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022. Dividends The Directors do not recommend the payment of a final dividend (2021: nil). Directors The Directors who held office at 31 December 2022 were Richard Rose, Stefan Borson, Lord Howard and David Young. The remuneration of the Directors including their respective shareholdings in the Company is set out in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 8 and 9. As at 31 December 2022, the following Directors held shares in the Company: Stefan Borson (330,000), Richard Rose (100,000); and Lord Howard (12,608). Directors’ and Officers’ liability insurance and indemnification of Directors The Company maintains Directors’ and Officers’ liability insurance which gives appropriate cover for any legal action brought against its Directors. The Company has also granted indemnities to each of its Directors to the extent permitted by law. Qualifying third party indemnity have been adopted by the Board. These indemnities remain in force in relation to certain losses and liabilities which the Directors may incur to third parties in the course of acting as Directors of the Company. Share capital The Company has only ordinary shares of 10 pence nominal value in issue. Note 19 to the Financial Statements summarises the rights of the ordinary shares. Substantial shareholdings As at 11 April 2023, the Company had been advised under the Disclosure and Transparency Regime, or had ascertained from its own analysis, that the following held interests of 3% or more of the voting rights of its issued share capital: Polygon Global Partners LLP Beach Point Capital Management LP Sand Grove Capital Management LLP M&G Plc M Harley J Harvey Subtotal Number of shares 13,811,500 6,884,995 5,395,790 2,872,000 2,126,774 1,655,265 32,746,324 % holding 30.0 15.0 11.7 6.2 4.6 3.6 71.1 Committees of the Board The Board has established Audit, Nominations, Remuneration and Disclosure Committees. Details of these Committees, including membership and their activities during 2022 are contained in the Corporate Governance section of this Annual Report and in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 8 and 9. Corporate governance The Group’s report on Corporate Governance is on pages 10 and 11 and forms part of this Directors’ Report. Companies Act 2006 disclosures In accordance with Section 992 of the Companies Act 2006, the Directors disclose the following information: ■ The Company’s capital structure and voting rights are summarised on page 38, and there are no restrictions on voting rights nor any agreement between holders of securities that result in restrictions on the transfer of securities or on voting rights; ■ There exist no securities carrying special rights with regard to the control of the Company; ■ Details of the substantial shareholders and their shareholdings in the Company are listed above; ■ The rules concerning the appointment and replacement of Directors, amendment to the Articles of Association and powers to issue or buy back the Company’s shares are contained in the Articles of Association of the Company and the Companies Act 2006; ■ There exist no agreements to which the Company is party that may affect its control following a takeover bid; and ■ There exist no agreements between the Company and its Directors providing for compensation for loss of office that may occur because of a takeover bid. Articles of Association The Company’s Articles of Association set out the rights of shareholders including voting rights, distribution rights, attendance at general meetings, powers of Directors, proceedings of Directors as well as borrowing limits and other governance controls. A copy of the Directors’ Report (continued) Articles of Association can be requested from the Group Company Secretary. Conflicts of interest Transactions in which one or more of the Directors had a material interest in and to which the Company, or its subsidiaries, was a party during the financial year are described in note 27 to the Financial Statements, Related Parties. Other than as described in that note, there were no contractual relationships between the Directors and companies with which they are connected and the Watchstone Group plc Group of companies during the year. The Company has procedures set out in the Articles of Association for managing conflicts of interest. Should a Director become aware that they, or their connected parties, have an interest in an existing or proposed transaction with the Group, they are required to notify the Board as soon as reasonably practicable. Going concern The Directors have made appropriate enquiries and consider that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the Directors continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the Financial Statements. Financial instruments The Group does not generally have complex financial instruments. The financial instruments comprise cash and liquid resources and various items such as trade debtors and trade creditors that arise from its operations. Further information in relation to the financial risk management objectives of the Group, the financial risk factors noted and a detailed analysis of the Group’s exposure to interest risk, liquidity risk, capital risk and credit risk is included in note 23 to the Financial Statements. Political donations The Group has not made any political donations during the year ended 31 December 2022 (2021: £nil). Employees The Group has a policy of offering equal opportunities to employees at all levels in respect of the conditions of work. It is the Board’s intention to provide possible employment opportunities and training for disabled people and to care for employees who become disabled having regard to aptitude and abilities. Statement of Directors responsibilities The Directors are responsible for preparing the annual 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 Group and Company Financial Statements in accordance with international accounting standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. Under company law the directors must not approve the Financial Statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and Company and of the profit or loss of the Group for that period. The Directors are also required to prepare Financial Statements in accordance with the rules of the Aquis Stock Exchange Primary Rules for the AQSE Growth Market which set out the continuing obligations of issuers. 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 they have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the Financial Statements; and ■ 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 requirements of 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. Website publication The Directors are responsible for ensuring the annual report and the Financial Statements are made available on a website. Financial Statements are published on the Company’s website in accordance with legislation Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 202214 15 Directors’ Report (continued) in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of Financial Statements, which may vary from legislation in other jurisdictions. The maintenance and integrity of the Company’s website is the responsibility of the Directors. The Directors’ responsibility also extends to the ongoing integrity of the Financial Statements contained therein. Disclosure of information to the Auditor In the case of each of the persons who are Directors of the Company at the date when this report is approved: (a) so far as each Director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company’s Auditor is unaware; and (b) each of the Directors has taken all steps that they ought to have taken as a Director to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information (as defined) and to establish that the Company’s Auditor is aware of that information. This information is given and should be interpreted in accordance with the provisions of Section 418 of the Companies Act 2006. In accordance with Section 489 of the Companies Act 2006, a resolution for the re-appointment of BDO LLP as auditor of the company is to be proposed at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. Annual General Meeting The AGM will be held on 30 May 2023 in London. The Chairman of the Board and of each of its Committees will be in attendance in person or on video conference at the AGM to answer questions from shareholders. The Notice of Meeting and an explanation of the resolutions to be put to the meeting will be made available on the Company’s website at www.watchstonegroup.com and will be posted to those shareholders registered to receive paper copies in due course. By order of the Board Stefan Borson Chief Executive Officer and Company Secretary Audit Committee Report The Committee meets at least twice a year with attendance from the external Auditors and the Group’s Chief Executive Officer and Finance Director as required. The Committee is responsible for: ■ ensuring that the appropriate financial reporting procedures are properly maintained and reported on; ■ meeting the Auditors and reviewing their reports relating to the Group’s accounts and internal control systems; 2022 Audit and Financial Reporting The Committee reviewed with both management and BDO in respect of the full year, the appropriateness of the annual Financial Statements concentrating on, amongst other matters: ■ the quality and acceptability of accounting policies and practices; ■ the appropriateness and clarity of the disclosures and ■ reviewing and monitoring the independence of the compliance with financial reporting standards; external Auditor and the objectives and effectiveness of the audit process; and ■ reviewing arrangements by which staff may in confidence raise concerns about possible improprieties in matters of financial reporting or otherwise and receiving and dealing with matters reported under these arrangements. Summary of meetings during the year The focus of the Committee has again been on the integrity of the Group’s financial accounting and ensuring that shareholders can have confidence in the Group’s accounting policies and systems and, as a result, in its reported results. Particular attention has been paid to accounting for litigation to which the Group is a party. There were two formal meetings of the Committee. The Committee was chaired by David Young who sat alongside Lord Howard. Following the forthcoming changes to the Board the Committee will by chaired by Richard Rose who will sit alongside Stefan Borson. Relationship with the Auditor Shareholders approved the re-appointment of BDO at the 2022 AGM. The Committee believes that the independence of the Auditor is one of the primary safeguards for shareholders. The Committee reviewed audit independence and the scope of non-audit services and independence safeguards with BDO. As part of this review, the Committee has received and reviewed written confirmation that, in BDO’s professional judgement, BDO is independent within the meaning of all UK regulatory and professional requirements and the objectivity of the audit engagement partner and audit staff is not impaired. The Committee Chair has also reviewed the results of the FRC’s Audit Quality Review into BDO which were published in July 2021, compared to other Big 7 firms, confirmed that the Company’s audit was not one of those criticised by the FRC and noted BDO’s responses to the FRC’s criticisms. ■ areas in which significant judgements have been applied or estimates made or where there has been challenge from the Auditors; ■ the audit report which BDO has issued and their application of materiality and audit scope to the reduced level of ongoing business given the legacy assets and potential liabilities; and ■ whether the annual report and accounts, taken as a whole, present the results for the year in a fair and balanced way and provide the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Company’s financial position, performance, business model and strategy. The Committee supports the Auditors in displaying the necessary professional scepticism their role requires and, when necessary, meets with the Auditors without the executive management being present. The Committee paid particular consideration to the scope of the audit and the risks with the greatest impact to financial reporting and on the audit. A number of the issues below are also referenced in the Independent Auditor’s Report and in those instances shareholders may wish to refer to that report for the Auditor’s assessment of the audit risk and how their audit procedures responded to that risk. The Committee reviewed and considered the significant issues in relation to the Financial Statements and how these have been addressed. These issues included: ■ Cash and term deposits Given the high percentage of the Group’s net assets represented by cash and the expected return of a majority of those balances in the return of capital, the Committee considered the procedures to verify those balances. Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 202216 17 Audit Committee Report (continued) ■ Accounting for litigation and estimates of provisions required at the year end The Group still has some material legal disputes as shown in note 16 to the Financial Statements. Whilst the overall level of net provisions is £0.1m at 31 December 2022 and 31 December 2021 provisions can involve significant judgement and therefore the Committee have reviewed the assumptions made by management of the accuracy and valuation of potential provisions. The Committee reviewed whether contingent liabilities and assets have been correctly treated. ■ Going Concern The Committee considered whether adverse outcomes from litigation claims might impact the Going Concern basis of accounting and reviewed the assumptions made. Risk management and internal control The Committee reviewed the risks inherent in the now small financial management team and the availability of compensating controls. Independent Auditor’s Report to the members of Watchstone Group plc Opinion on the 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 2022 and of the Group’s profit for the year then ended; ■ the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with UK adopted international accounting standards; ■ the Parent Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with UK adopted international accounting standards 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. We have audited the financial statements of Watchstone Group plc (the ‘Parent Company’) and its subsidiaries (the ‘Group’) for the year ended 31 December 2022 which comprise the Consolidated Income Statement, the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, the Company Statement of Financial Position, the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity, the Company Statement of Changes in Equity, the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement, the Company Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and UK adopted international accounting standards and, as regards the Parent Company financial statements, as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006. Basis for opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. Independence We remain independent of the Group and the Parent Company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard as applied to listed entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. Conclusions relating to going concern In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. Our evaluation of the Directors’ assessment of the Group and the Parent Company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting included: ■ Inspection of board minutes and enquiries of the Directors and those charged with governance in relation to future plans; and comparison of the forecast operating costs and cash flows to historic results and known commitments; ■ Assessing the Directors’ stress-testing of the forecasts to the extent of reasonable worst-case scenarios in relation to their estimates of planned operational costs; ■ Establishing the extent to which future expenditure, particularly legal costs in relation to the pursuit of ongoing litigation, are committed and non-discretionary through procedures such as direct enquiries with the relevant law firms; and Considering the adequacy and appropriateness of disclosures in the financial statements regarding the going concern assessment with reference to the circumstances of the entity. We carried out the above procedures through using our understanding of the business model, objectives, strategies and related business risk, the measurement and review of the Group’s financial performance, forecasting and budgeting processes and the entity’s risk assessment process. Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Group and the Parent Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022 18 19 Independent Auditor’s Report to the members of Watchstone Group plc (continued) Overview Coverage (subject to full scope audit by the group engagement team) Key audit matters Materiality 100% (2021: 100%) of Group profit/(loss) before tax 100% (2021: 100%) of Group total assets Legal cases 2022 ✓ 2021 ✓ Group Financial Statements as a whole £232,000 (2021: £200,000) based on 1.5% (2021: 1.5%) of total assets An overview of the scope of our audit Our Group audit was scoped by obtaining an understanding of the Group and its environment, including the Group’s system of internal control, and assessing the risks of material misstatement in the financial statements. We also addressed the risk of management override of internal controls, including assessing whether there was evidence of bias by the Directors that may have represented a risk of material misstatement. We identified one significant component being the parent company audited by the Group engagement team. Following the disposal of businesses in prior years all other subsidiaries are non-trading or dormant for the year. Key audit matters Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our audit of the financial statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) that we identified, including those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy, the allocation of resources in the audit, and directing the efforts of the engagement team. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. Key audit matter Legal cases The accounting policy in respect of provisions is set out on page 29 – with the critical accounting judgement described on page 31. Further information in relation to significant balance sheet items is included in the Provisions note 17 on page 37. The Group has a number of ongoing legal cases. Depending on the status of the respective matters at the balance sheet date, there can be significant judgement as to whether or not there are contingent liabilities or assets to be recognised or disclosed. As at 31 December 2022, management was of the view that, due to the stage at which each of the legal cases were, there are no contingent liabilities while, in situations where the Group is litigating, there is not sufficient certainty to recognise a contingent asset. Due to the judgements involved we considered this to be a key audit matter. How the scope of our audit addressed the key audit matter Having assessed their competence and independence, we wrote to each of the law firms acting on the Group’s behalf and followed up with a telephone call – having assessed them as Management’s experts – and received direct confirmation as to: ■ The matters that they had been engaged in during the year; ■ The status of those matters and views on the likelihood of possible outcomes; ■ Fees rendered during the year; and ■ Any unbilled fees at the balance sheet date. We also gave further consideration to the completeness of the information presented through inspecting board minutes, correspondence and regulatory announcements. We used this information to assess Management’s judgement as to the status of the respective cases at the balance sheet date and the financial reporting implications. We evaluated the appropriateness of the disclosures against the requirements of relevant accounting standards. Key observations: We consider the judgements made by management in accounting for the ongoing legal cases and the related disclosures are appropriate. Independent Auditor’s Report to the members of Watchstone Group plc (continued) Our application of materiality Component materiality We apply the concept of materiality both in planning and performing our audit, and in evaluating the effect of misstatements. We consider materiality to be the magnitude by which misstatements, including omissions, could influence the economic decisions of reasonable users that are taken on the basis of the financial statements. In order to reduce to an appropriately low level the probability that any misstatements exceed materiality, we use a lower materiality level, performance materiality, to determine the extent of testing needed. Importantly, misstatements below these levels will not necessarily be evaluated as immaterial as we also take account of the nature of identified misstatements, and the particular circumstances of their occurrence, when evaluating their effect on the financial statements as a whole. Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole and performance materiality as follows: Group Financial Statements 2022 £000 2021 £000 232 1.5% of net assets 200 Parent Company Financial Statements 2022 £000 2021 £000 209 90% of group materiality 180 Calculated as a percentage of Group materiality for Group reporting purposes Having disposed of its trading businesses, we consider net assets to be of most interest to the users of the Financial Statements in light of the Group’s strategy to return capital to the shareholders. 162 140 146 126 70% of materiality based on a low expected total value of known and likely misstatements. Materiality Basis for determining materiality Rationale for the benchmark applied Performance materiality Basis for determining performance materiality The only significant component is the Parent Company and the materiality is as stated above. Reporting threshold We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them all individual audit differences in excess of £6,000 (2021: £6,000). We also agreed to report differences below this threshold that, in our view, warranted reporting on qualitative grounds. Other information The Directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 202220 21 Independent Auditor’s Report to the members of Watchstone Group plc (continued) Independent Auditor’s Report to the members of Watchstone Group plc (continued) Other Companies Act 2006 reporting Responsibilities of Directors Based on the responsibilities described below and our work performed during the course of the audit, we are required by the Companies Act 2006 and ISAs (UK) to report on certain opinions and matters as described below. Strategic report and Directors’ report Matters on which we are required to report by exception In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit: ■ the information given in the Strategic report and the Directors’ report for the financial year for which the Financial Statements are prepared is consistent with the Financial Statements; and ■ the Strategic report and the Directors’ report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and Parent Company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the Directors’ report. We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion: ■ Adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Parent Company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or ■ the Parent Company Financial Statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or ■ certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or ■ we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit. As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors’ responsibilities, the Directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the Directors are responsible for assessing the Group’s and the Parent Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Directors either intend to liquidate the Group or the Parent Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the Financial Statements Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. Extent to which the audit was capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non- compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below: Non-compliance with laws and regulations Based on our understanding of the Group and Parent Company, we identified that the principal risks of non- compliance with laws and regulations relate to Corporate and VAT legislation and Employment Taxes, and the extent to which non-compliance might have a material effect on the financial statements. We also considered those laws and regulations which have a direct impact on the preparation Our audit procedures were designed to respond to risks of material misstatement in the financial statements, recognising that the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery, misrepresentations or through collusion. There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures performed and the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we are to become aware of it. A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org. uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report. Use of our report This report is made solely to the Parent 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 Parent 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 Parent Company and the Parent Company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. Malcolm Thixton (Senior Statutory Auditor) For and on behalf of BDO LLP, Statutory Auditor Southampton United Kingdom 12 April 2023 BDO LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales (with registered number OC305127). of the financial statements such as the Companies Act 2006 and the applicable accounting frameworks. We focused on laws and regulations that could give rise to a material misstatement in the Group financial statements and the susceptibility of the entity’s financial statements to material misstatement including fraud. Our procedures included: ■ Discussions with Management and the Audit Committee regarding known or suspected fraud or known or suspected instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations; ■ Obtaining an understanding of controls designed to prevent and detect irregularities. ■ Review of board meeting minutes for any evidence of known or suspected fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations including the Companies Act 2006 and taxation regulations; and Fraud We identified the principal risk where the accounts could be susceptible to misstatement due to fraud or irregularity related to bias in management override in accounting for legal cases that are currently ongoing (see key audit matters section). Our procedures included: ■ Evaluation of management incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the Financial Statements including management override. This included gaining an understanding of management remuneration schemes and the extent to which remuneration is influenced by reported results; ■ This evaluation involved a particular focus on the judgements and estimates inherent in the key audit matters and exercising professional scepticism in considering the impact of those estimates and judgements on the reported results and key performance measures; ■ Identifying and testing journal entries to accounts that are considered to carry a greater risk of fraud. We also communicated relevant identified laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all engagement team members who were deemed to collectively have the appropriate competence and capabilities, and remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations throughout the audit. Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 202222 Financial Statements Consolidated Income Statement for the year ended 31 December 2022 Other income Administrative expenses Group operating loss Finance income Finance expense Loss before taxation Taxation Loss after taxation for the year from continuing operations Net gain on disposal of discontinued operations Profit for the year from discontinued operations, net of taxation Profit/(loss) after taxation for the year Attributable to: Equity holders of the parent Non-controlling interests Earnings/(loss) per share (pence): Basic Diluted Loss per share from continuing operations (pence): Basic Diluted The accompanying notes form part of the Financial Statements. 2022 Total £000 4,950 (5,101) (151) 111 – (40) – (40) – 77 37 37 – 37 0.1 0.1 (0.1) (0.1) 2021 Total £000 – (3,722) (3,722) – (8) (3,730) – (3,730) – 135 (3,595) (3,592) (3) (3,595) (7.8) (7.8) (8.1) (8.1) Note 6 8 7 10 10 11 26 26 12 12 12 12 Financial Statements (continued) Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the year ended 31 December 2022 Profit/(loss) after taxation Items that may be reclassified in the Consolidated Income Statement – Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year Attributable to: Equity holders of the parent Non-controlling interest The accompanying notes form part of the Financial Statements. 23 2022 £000 37 (15) 22 22 – 22 2021 £000 (3,595) (18) (3,613) (3,610) (3) (3,613) Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022 24 25 Financial Statements (continued) Financial Statements (continued) Consolidated Statement of Financial Position Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the year ended 31 December 2022 At 1 January 2022 Profit for the year Other comprehensive loss Total comprehensive (loss)/ profit Total transactions with owners, recognised directly in equity At 31 December 2022 Reverse acquisition and merger reserve Share premium account Other equity reserves Foreign currency translation reserve Total other reserves Retained earnings Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent Non- controlling interests £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 Share capital £000 4,604 58,335 (10,024) 22,988 (1,565) 69,734 (60,814) 13,524 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – (15) (15) – (15) (15) – – 37 – 37 – 37 (15) 22 – 1 – – – – Total equity £000 13,525 37 (15) 22 – 4,604 58,335 (10,024) 22,988 (1,580) 69,719 (60,777) 13,546 1 13,547 The accompanying notes form part of the Financial Statements. as at 31 December 2022 Current assets Trade and other receivables Term deposits Cash Total current assets Total assets Current liabilities Trade and other payables Provisions Total current liabilities Non-current liabilities Deferred tax liabilities Total liabilities Net assets Equity Share capital Other reserves Retained earnings Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent Non-controlling interests Total equity Note 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 20 2022 £000 1,711 12,000 1,768 15,479 15,479 (1,803) (129) (1,932) – – (1,923) 13,547 4,604 69,719 (60,777) 13,546 1 13,547 2021 £000 1,910 – 12,996 14,906 14,906 (1,251) (129) (1,380) (1) (1) (1,381) 13,525 4,604 69,734 (60,814) 13,524 1 13,525 The Financial Statements of Watchstone Group plc, registered number 05542221, on pages 22 to 55 were approved and authorised for issue by the Directors on 12 April 2023 and signed on its behalf by: Stefan Borson Director David Young Director The accompanying notes form part of the Financial Statements. Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022 26 Financial Statements (continued) Financial Statements (continued) Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (continued) Reverse acquisition and merger reserve Share premium account Other equity reserves Foreign currency translation reserve Total other reserves Retained earnings Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent Non- controlling interests £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 Share capital £000 4,604 58,335 (10,024) 22,988 (1,547) 69,752 (57,222) 17,134 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – (18) (18) – – (3,592) (3,592) (18) (18) – – (18) (3,592) (3,610) – – 4 (3) – (3) – Total equity £000 17,138 (3,595) (18) (3,613) – for the year ended 31 December 2021 At 1 January 2021 Loss for the year Other comprehensive loss Total comprehensive loss Total transactions with owners, recognised directly in equity At 31 December 2021 4,604 58,335 (10,024) 22,988 (1,565) 69,734 (60,814) 13,524 1 13,525 The accompanying notes form part of the Financial Statements. Consolidated Cash Flow Statement for the year ended 31 December 2022 Cash flows from operating activities Cash generated from/(used by) operations, net finance expense and tax Tax received Net cash generated from/(used by) operating activities Cash flows from investing activities Investment in term deposits Maturity of term deposits Interest income Net cash used by investing activities Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year Exchange gains on cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 27 2021 £000 (3,751) 81 (3,670) – – – – (3,670) 16,656 10 12,996 Note 21 15 2022 £000 683 – 683 (26,000) 14,000 86 (11,914) (11,231) 12,996 3 1,768 The above Consolidated Cash Flow Statement includes cash flows from both continuing and discontinued operations. Further details of the cash flows relating to discontinued operations are shown in note 26. The accompanying notes form part of the Financial Statements. Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 202228 29 Notes to the Financial Statements 1. General information Watchstone Group plc is a public company limited by shares and is registered and domiciled in the United Kingdom. The Financial Statements are presented in pounds sterling, to the nearest thousand, as this is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the Company operates. The address of the registered office is Highfield Court Tollgate, Chandler’s Ford, Eastleigh, Hampshire, England, SO53 3TY. The nature of the Group’s operations and its principal activities are set out on page 3. 2. Significant accounting policies The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these Financial Statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented. Basis of preparation These Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with UK adopted international accounting standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. A summary of the significant Group accounting policies, which have been applied consistently across the Group, is set out below. The Group has reviewed its accounting policies in accordance with IAS 8 and determined that they are appropriate for the Group and have been consistently applied. In preparing these Financial Statements the Board has taken into account all available information in the application of its accounting policies and in forming judgements. Going concern The Group holds significant cash reserves and no material debt. The Group has concluded that its cash reserves together will be sufficient to fund the ongoing litigation and operations of the Group’s business together with any future investment needs of the business. On this basis, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The Directors have not identified any material uncertainties that would cast significant doubt on the ability of the Group to continue as a going concern. As such, the Directors continue to adopt the Going Concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the Financial Statements. Basis of Consolidation The Financial Statements represent a consolidation of the Company and its subsidiary undertakings as at the Statement of Financial Position date and for the year then ended. Subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the Consolidated Financial Statements from, or up to, the date upon which the investor has control over the investee. The definition of control is such that an investor has control over an investee when a) it has power over the investee; b) it is exposed, or has the rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee; and c) has the ability to use its power to affect its returns. All three of these criteria must be met for an investor to have control over an investee. All subsidiary undertakings in which the Group has control have been consolidated in the Group’s results. Non-controlling interests represent the portion of profit or loss in subsidiaries that is not held by the Group and is presented within equity in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, separately from the Company shareholders’ equity. All intra-group transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated on consolidation. Discontinued operations Discontinued operations follow the same accounting policies as the rest of the Group, as set out as follows. Retirement benefit costs The Group provides pension arrangements to certain of its full time UK employees through a money purchase (defined contribution) scheme. Contributions and pension costs are based on pensionable salary and are charged as an expense as they fall due. The Group has no further payment obligations once the contributions have been paid. Payments made to state-managed retirement benefit schemes are dealt with as payments to defined contribution schemes where the Group’s obligations under the schemes are equivalent to those arising in a defined contribution retirement benefit scheme. Foreign currency translation The functional and presentational currency of the Parent Company is UK pounds sterling. Transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing on the dates of the transactions. At each Statement of Financial Position date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the Statement of Financial Position date, with any gains or losses being included in net profit or loss for the year. On consolidation the assets and liabilities of the Group’s overseas operations are translated at exchange rates prevailing on the Statement of Financial Position date. Income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates for the year. Exchange differences arising, if any, are dealt with through the Group’s reserves, until such time as the subsidiary is sold whereupon the cumulative exchange differences relating to the net investment in that foreign subsidiary are recognised as part of the profit or loss on disposal in the Consolidated Income Statement. Investments Fixed asset investments comprise the Group’s strategic investments in entities that do not qualify as subsidiaries, associates or jointly controlled entities. They are valued at fair value on initial recognition. Any impairments are dealt with through the Consolidated Income Statement, as are differences between carrying values and disposal receipts. Where investment stakes are subsequently increased a stepped acquisition approach is taken, i.e. when each additional tranche of shares is acquired, the indicators of control and influence for that investment are reviewed to determine how that transaction should be reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements and also whether the shareholding should be accounted for as a fixed asset investment, associate (under the equity method) or a subsidiary undertaking (and consolidated). Where investments are subsequently re-measured, profits or losses are recognised through the Consolidated Income Statement. Trade receivables Trade receivables are held at amortised cost less any impairment provisions and this equates to their recoverable value. Movements in the impairment provision relating to credit risk are recognised within administrative expenses as bad debt expenses. Expected credit losses Financial assets are classified into a measurement category at inception. The cash flows relating to the financial assets of the group relate solely to principal and interest and are held to collect contractual cash flows. Consequently, they are held at amortised costs and expected credit losses, along with gains and losses relating to foreign exchange are recognised directly in profit and loss. The Group uses a provision matrix for its short-term receivables after segmenting the assets by geography and type of customer. The provision matrices applied are based upon historical observable default rates, adjusted by forward looking estimates of the economic environment within the next twelve months. Trade payables Trade payables do not carry any interest and are recognised initially at their fair value. Subsequent to initial recognition they are measured at amortised cost. Cash and cash equivalents Cash in the Statement of Financial Position comprises cash at banks and in hand. Term deposits Term deposits represent short term (six months or less) investments in fixed interest deposits with a major UK bank. The related gross cash flows are included within investing activities in the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement. The interest receipts relating to term deposits are also shown within investing activities as interest received. Term deposits do not qualify as cash since they are not held with a view to meeting the short term cash requirements of the Group. Provisions Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation in respect of a past event and it is probable that settlement will be required of an amount that can be reliably estimated. Taxation including deferred tax The tax expense represents the sum of current tax and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement except to the extent that it relates to items recognised in equity in which case it is recognised in equity. The current tax is based on taxable profit for the year calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the Statement of Financial Position date. Deferred tax is provided using the balance sheet liability method on temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the Financial Statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit. In principle, deferred tax liabilities are recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 202230 31 that future taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition (other than in a business combination) of other assets or liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the tax profit nor the accounting profit. The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each Statement of Financial Position date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled, or the asset is realised. Tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when the deferred income taxes relate to the same fiscal authority. Share capital Equity instruments issued by the Group are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs. Other income Other income is recognised when it is probable that future economic benefits associated will be received and may be measured reliably. 3. Adoption of new and revised Standards There are no new standards impacting the Group for the year ended 31 December 2022. The amendment to IAS 1 effective 1 January 2022 has not impacted the classification of the liabilities of the Group. Standards, amendments and interpretations not yet adopted There are a number of standards, amendments to standards, and interpretations which have been issued by the IASB that are effective in future accounting periods that the Group has decided not to adopt early. The following are not expected to have a material impact upon the Financial Statements of the Group: Effective for the period beginning 1 January 2023 ■ Narrow scope amendments to IAS 1, Practice statement 2 and IAS 8. ■ Amendment to IAS 12 – deferred tax related to assets and liabilities arising from a single transaction. ■ IFRS 17, ‘Insurance contracts’. Effective for the period beginning 1 January 2024 ■ Amendment to IFRS 16 – Leases on sale and leaseback. ■ Amendment to IAS 1 – Non-current liabilities with covenants. 4. Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty As set out in the basis of preparation note, in the preparation of these Financial Statements the Board has taken into account all available information in the application of its accounting policies and in forming judgements. In the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies, management has made a number of judgements, and the preparation of Financial Statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting year. Although these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of the amount, event or actions, actual results ultimately may differ from those estimates. The key management judgements together with assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the Statement of Financial Position date that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below. Estimate and judgement: Legal cases The Group is involved with a number of actual or potential legal cases which, if successful, could result in material cash inflows to the Group. The relative merits of these cases and the assessment of their likely outcome is highly judgemental by nature. Similarly, management recognise the hurdle set by accounting standards to recognise an asset or disclose a contingent asset is very high and therefore neither is recognised or disclosed within these Financial Statements. Judgement: Recognition of liabilities arising under the Distribution Incentive Scheme As discussed in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 8 and 9, the Chief Executive Officer is entitled to 5.43% of any distribution over and above a prescribed distribution hurdle (“DIS Hurdle”) which was exceeded during 2020. No amounts have been recognised in these Consolidated Financial Statements in respect of any future payments as it is the judgement of management that the liability does not crystallise, and is materially uncertain, until Court approval has been obtained for the related capital reduction and cash return and furthermore, any distribution (and therefore incentive payment) is made at the discretion of the Group. The impact of this judgement is 5.43% of future amounts distributed. 5. Key performance indicators Year ended 31 December Cash returned to shareholders EBITDA Group net assets Cash and term deposits Basic loss (pence per share) Reconciliation of Alternative Performance Measures to nearest GAAP equivalents EBITDA Depreciation and amortisation Group operating loss 6. Other Income 2022 £000 – (151) 13,547 13,768 (0.1) 2022 £000 (151) – (151) 2021 £000 – (3,722) 13,525 12,996 (8.1) 2021 £000 (3,722) – (3,722) During 2021, the Group filed a claim in the High Court against KPMG LLP (“KPMG”) in relation to KPMG’s audit of Watchstone’s (then Quindell’s) Financial Statements for the year ending 31 December 2013. On 14 November 2022, the Group agreed terms for settlement with KPMG. Under the settlement, which is made without admission of liability by KPMG, KPMG paid Watchstone a sum of £4,950,000, in full and final settlement of the claim. This amount is presented as Other Income within the Consolidated Income Statement. The costs incurred in relation to the claim are included within Administrative Expenses. Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 202232 7. Operating loss The operating loss for the year is stated after charging/(crediting): Net foreign exchange (gain)/loss Auditor’s remuneration Unused provisions released Additional provisions for legal fees Staff costs, continuing business (note 9) The analysis of Auditor’s remuneration for continuing and discontinued operations is as follows: Fees payable to the Company’s Auditor and its associates for the audit of the Parent Company and Consolidated Financial Statements Fees payable to the Company’s Auditor and its associates for other services: – (credits)/additional amounts in relation to the prior year audit – The audit of the Company’s subsidiaries 8. Administrative expenses Year ended 31 December Administrative expenses include: – Legal expenses – Net releases of provisions for legal expenses and tax related matters 2022 £000 – 39 – – 2021 £000 (13) 48 (234) 129 1,985 1,938 2022 £000 25 (1) 15 39 2022 £000 2,139 – 2,139 2021 £000 40 (17) 25 48 2021 £000 1,059 (105) 954 Legal fees incurred during 2022 primarily relate to the litigation undertaken by the Company against PwC and KPMG. Further details are provided in notes 6 and 25. Since the Group is the Claimant, no provisions are made in respect of the costs of such actions since the Group is not obliged to continue to pursue them. The net release of provisions for legal fees in 2021 relates to the discontinued SFO investigation into former management of the Company. This is partially offset by additional provisions in respect of the First Tier VAT Tribunal hearing, further details are included in note 17. 9. Employee numbers and staff costs The average number of employees during the year including Directors for both continuing and discontinued operations was as follows: Management and administration (including Directors) 2022 Number 5 5 2021 Number 5 5 The remuneration of the executive and Non-executive Directors was as follows: Emoluments 33 2022 £000 1,500 2021 £000 1,499 The emoluments of the highest paid Director were £1,165,000 (2021: £1,164,000). No Director received contributions (2021: No Director) to pension schemes. Further details are provided in the Directors’ Remuneration Report and in particular the tables on page 9 form part of this note to the Financial Statements. Total employee costs were as follows: Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension costs 10. Net finance income/(loss) Continuing operations: Year ended 31 December Foreign exchange gain on intercompany loans Bank interest receivable including interest on term deposits Total interest receivable Foreign exchange loss on intercompany loans Total interest payable Net finance income/(loss) 11. Taxation Continuing operations: Year ended 31 December The taxation credit comprises: Current tax: – Current year Total current tax credit Deferred tax expense: – Origination and reversal of temporary differences Deferred tax credit Total tax credit 2022 £000 1,735 240 10 1,985 2022 £000 25 86 111 – – 111 2021 £000 1,699 229 10 1,938 2021 £000 – – – (8) (8) (8) 2022 £000 2021 £000 – – – – – – – – – – Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 202234 Income tax for the UK is calculated at the standard rate of UK corporation tax of 19.0% (2021: 19.0%) on the estimated assessable profit for the year. The total charge for the year can be reconciled to the accounting profit as follows: There are no potentially exercisable options at 31 December 2022 or 31 December 2021. Profit/(loss) before tax from continuing operations Tax at 19.0% (2021: 19.0%) thereon Effect of: Expenses not deductible for tax purposes Utilisation of tax losses Movement on provisions and movement on impairments Movement on unrecognised deferred tax Disposal of subsidiaries Total tax credit for the year 2022 £000 37 7 506 (619) – 106 – – 2021 £000 (3,595) (683) 136 – (101) 511 137 – The tax impact of the items included in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income is £nil (2021: £nil). At the Statement of Financial Position date, there are unrecognised deferred tax assets of £12,300,000 (2021: £13,005,000). Factors affecting future tax charges In the budget on 3 March 2021, the UK Government announced an increase in the main UK corporation tax rate from 19% to 25% with effect from 1 April 2023. The change in rate was substantively enacted on 24 May 2021. Deferred tax assets and liabilities at 31 December 2022 have been measured using these newly enacted rates. 12. Earnings per share Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year. For diluted earnings per share the weighted average number of ordinary shares is adjusted to assume conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares where, on warrants or options, exercise price is less than the average market price of the Company’s ordinary shares during the year. The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share is based on the following data. Profit/(loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders(a) Less: Net gain from discontinued operations attributable to ordinary shareholders(c) Loss attributable to ordinary shareholders from continuing activities(b): Basic weighted average number of shares Dilutive potential ordinary shares Diluted weighted average number of shares 2022 £000 37 (77) (40) 2021 £000 (3,592) (135) (3,727) 46,038,333 46,038,333 – – 46,038,333 46,038,333 35 2022 Pence 2021 Pence 0.1 0.1 (0.1) (0.1) 0.2 0.2 (7.8) (7.8) (8.1) (8.1) 0.3 0.3 Fair value degree observable Level 3 2022 £000 – 2021 £000 – (a) Profit/(loss) per share (pence): – Basic – Diluted (b) Loss per share from continuing operations (pence): – Basic – Diluted (c) Earnings per share from discontinued operations (pence): – Basic – Diluted 13. Investments Investments carried at fair value In note 23, a definition is given to record the degree to which fair values are observable. These are grouped into three levels: Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. Where fair value calculations have been performed for investments, the level is disclosed above under “fair value degree observable”. The fair value degree represents unobservable inputs as they are based on unquoted entities – as listed in note 23. Cost At 1 January 2021 At 31 December 2021 and 31 December 2022 Impairment At 1 January 2021 At 31 December 2021 and 31 December 2022 Net book value 31 December 2022 31 December 2021 Shares in investments £000 4,323 4,323 4,323 4,323 – – Details of the fixed asset investment of the Group and of subsidiary undertakings are provided in note 32. The fair value of investments was assessed on net present value of cash flows or sales value less cost of sale and fall within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. These investments were impaired due to uncertainty over obtaining any future value in the investment. Uncertainty remains over the future value of these investments and hence both will continue to be held at £nil net book value unless greater certainty is evident. Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022 36 14. Trade and other receivables Trade receivables (net of impairment provision) Other receivables Prepayments Accrued interest 2022 £000 – 1,652 19 40 1,711 2021 £000 – 1,880 30 – 1,910 At both 31 December 2022 and 2021, the Directors consider that the net carrying amount of trade receivables approximates to their fair value. Further disclosures concerning trade receivables are given in note 23. 15. Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents comprise the following for the purposes of the cash flow statement: Cash 2022 £000 1,768 1,768 2021 £000 12,996 12,996 Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash held by the Group. The carrying amount of these assets approximates to their fair value. 16. Trade and other payables Current liabilities Trade payables Payroll and other taxes including social security Accruals 2022 £000 264 54 1,485 1,803 2021 £000 46 47 1,158 1,251 Trade payables principally comprise amounts outstanding for trade purchases and ongoing costs. The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade payables approximates to their fair value. 37 Total £000 258 (234) (24) 129 129 129 – 129 Legal disputes Onerous contracts £000 200 (187) (13) 129 129 129 – 129 £000 58 (47) (11) – – – – – Other £000 – – – – – – – – 17. Provisions At 1 January 2021 Unused amounts released Used during the year Additional provisions At 1 January 2022 At 31 December 2022 Split: Non-current Current Legal disputes and regulatory matters It is the policy of the Group to provide for legal costs in cases where the Group is (or would be) the defendant, defence costs are provided as the Group is committed to defending the actions. There are no such actions outstanding against the Group at 31 December 2022. In legal cases where the Group is the claimant (or counter claimant), costs are not provided as there is no obligation to proceed and the Group is not contractually committed to incur costs. Similarly, in such legal cases where the Group is the claimant and has indemnified a third party, potential future costs associated with the indemnification are not provided for. Following a hearing held in December 2021, on 12 April 2022, Watchstone was informed of the decision of the First Tier Tribunal which found in favour of HMRC and that the Group had not made any supplies of telematics devices or related services in the VAT periods 07/2014 to 07/2018. Accordingly, the appeal was dismissed and the Group has provided for the costs incurred by HMRC. This represents the entirety of the provisions held by the Group at 31 December 2021 and 31 December 2022. The Group has appealed to the Upper Tax Tribunal and a hearing is scheduled for the second half of 2023. 18. Deferred tax The following are the major deferred tax liabilities and assets recognised by the Group and movements thereon during the current and prior year. At 1 January 2021 At 31 December 2021 and 31 December 2022 Deferred tax liabilities Accelerated capital allowances £000 – – Provisions and other temporary timing differences £000 – – 2022 £000 – – Total £000 – – 2021 £000 – – At the Statement of Financial Position date, there are unrecognised deferred tax assets of £12,300,000 (2021: £13,035,000). Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 202238 19. Share capital 21. Cash flow from operating activities At 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022 Nominal value fully paid £000 4,593 Nominal value unpaid Nominal value total £000 11 £000 4,604 Number ‘000 46,038 The Company has one class of ordinary shares of 10 pence each which carry no right to fixed income. 20. Reserves Share premium account Reverse acquisition and merger reserve Other equity reserves Foreign currency translation reserve Total other reserves Retained earnings Non-controlling interests 2022 £000 58,335 (10,024) 22,988 (1,580) 69,719 (60,777) 1 2021 £000 58,335 (10,024) 22,988 (1,565) 69,734 (60,814) 1 The fair value of the share consideration over and above the share’s nominal value of 10 pence per share for all other shares issued by the Company is included in the share premium reserve. In addition, directly attributable costs incurred in the issuing of shares are also recognised in the share premium reserve. The reverse acquisition and merger reserve represents the fair value of the share consideration over and above the share’s nominal value of 10 pence per share for those shares issued as consideration for acquisitions that take the Group’s ownership of the acquired entity above 90%. The consolidated Group accounts show the reverse acquisition and merger reserve net of the reverse acquisition reserve of £10,842,000 created on the reverse acquisition of Quindell Limited by Mission Capital plc (now Watchstone Group plc), which occurred in 2011. In the transaction, the Company remains the legal parent and therefore the Company accounts show the gross position of the reverse acquisition reserve. Other equity reserves comprise: At 1 January 2021 At 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022 Share consideration reserve Equity reserve Share consideration reserve Total other equity reserves £000 54 54 £000 22,934 22,934 £000 22,988 22,988 The share consideration reserve represents the difference between the fair value of share consideration versus the value of the non-controlling interest acquired. 39 2022 £000 37 – (111) (74) (74) 206 551 683 2021 £000 (3,595) – (13) (3,608) (3,608) 540 (683) (3,751) Profit/(loss) after tax Tax Net finance expense Operating loss Operating cash flows before movements in working capital and provisions – Decrease in trade and other receivables – Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables Cash generated from/(used in) operations 22. Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net funds 2022 Cash Overdrafts and bank loans Cash and cash equivalents Net funds 2021 Cash Overdrafts and bank loans Cash and cash equivalents Net funds 1 January 2022 Acquisitions & Disposals Cash flow movements Non-cash movements 31 December 2022 12,996 – 12,996 12,996 – – – – (11,231) – (11,231) (11,231) 3 – 3 3 1,768 – 1,768 1,768 1 January 2021 Acquisitions & Disposals Cash flow movements Non-cash movements 31 December 2021 16,656 – 16,656 16,656 – – – – (3,670) – (3,670) (3,670) 10 – 10 10 12,996 – 12,996 12,996 Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 202240 41 23. Financial instruments (a) Carrying value and fair value The accounting classification of each class of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities, together with their fair values is as follows: At 31 December 2022 Trade and other receivables Trade and other payables Term deposits Cash and cash equivalents At 31 December 2021 Trade and other receivables Trade and other payables Cash and cash equivalents Financial assets £000 Other liabilities Total carrying value £000 £000 Total fair value £000 1,692 – 12,000 1,768 Financial assets £000 1,880 – 12,996 – (1,803) – – 1,692 (1,803) 12,000 1,768 Other liabilities Total carrying value £000 £000 1,692 (1,803) 12,000 1,768 Total fair value £000 – (1,251) 1,880 (1,251) 1,880 (1,251) – 12,996 12,996 The fair values of financial assets and liabilities are determined as follows: (a) The fair value of cash and cash equivalents and term deposits is equivalent to the carrying value due to the short-term nature of those instruments; and (b) The fair value of other financial assets and liabilities with standard terms and conditions is determined in relation to estimated discounted cash flows to net present values. Cash and cash equivalents classified as financial assets mainly comprise investments in major UK bank deposits which can be withdrawn without notice. Term deposits represent investments with fixed returns over periods not exceeding six months. (b) Fair value hierarchy The Group’s financial instruments which are carried at fair value comprise available for sale investments in unlisted companies. Fair values are measured using inputs that are not based on observable market data and are categorised as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. (c) Financial risk management The Group’s financial instruments comprise cash and liquid resources and various items such as trade debtors and trade creditors that arise from its operations. The main purpose of these financial instruments is to manage the Company’s operations. Term deposits are used to generate a return for the Company where the invested cash is not required for the operations of the Company. Fair value estimation Certain assets and liabilities, as separately disclosed in these Financial Statements, are carried at fair value. Fair value is determined by a valuation method which is categorised as follows: ■ Level 1 – quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; ■ Level 2 – inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (that is, prices) or indirectly (that is, derived from prices); and ■ Level 3 – inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (that is, unobservable inputs) Interest risk and sensitivity Interest bearing assets consist of cash balances which earn interest at variable rates. An increase of 100 basis points in interest rates at the reporting date would have increased equity and profit and loss by the amounts shown below. This analysis assumes that all other variables remain constant. Variable rate instruments Liquidity risk 2022 £000 – 2021 £000 – The Group holds significant cash reserves and no material debt. The Group has concluded that its cash reserves are adequate to ensure a sufficient level of liquidity to fund the ongoing litigation and operations of the Group’s business together with any future investment needs. Liquidity risks are managed through regular forecasting, surplus funds are maintained in accessible deposits. The following are the contractual maturities of financial liabilities: Non-derivative financial liabilities 2022 Trade and other payables Non-derivative financial liabilities 2021 Trade and other payables Capital risk Carrying amount Contractual cash flows Less than 1 year Between 1-5 years Over 5 years £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 1,803 1,803 (1,803) (1,803) (1,803) (1,803) – – – – Carrying amount Contractual cash flows Less than 1 year Between 1-5 years Over 5 years £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 1,251 1,251 (1,251) (1,251) (1,251) (1,251) – – – – The Group defines its capital as the Group’s total equity, including non-controlling interests. Its objectives when managing capital is to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern in order to provide returns for shareholders and to have available the necessary financial resources to allow the Group to finance the development of its litigation assets and to maintain sufficient financial resources to mitigate risks and unforeseen events, without need to raise further equity from shareholders. The Group will manage its capital base to source any future investment requirement from working capital realisation or other cash inflows and the proceeds from realisation of assets. It will use its planning cycle to manage capital risk, including conducting sensitivity and scenario testing on forecast capital and in assessing any new investment expenditure. Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 202242 Credit risk Having disposed of its trading businesses the Group is not subject to any credit risk in respect of end customers and has no trade receivables. The remaining material receivable balances at 31 December 2022 relates to amounts held in escrow in support of ongoing litigation. The Group holds significant deposits which are held in a UK regulated bank with a higher credit rating. The carrying amount of financial assets represents the maximum credit exposure. At the reporting date, the principal financial assets were: Non-derivative financial assets Other receivables Trade receivables Term deposits Cash and cash equivalents Note 14 14 15 2022 £000 1,692 – 12,000 1,768 15,460 2021 £000 1,880 – – 12,996 14,876 43 27. Related party transactions Transactions between Group undertakings, which are related parties, have been eliminated on consolidation and are not disclosed in this note. Compensation of key management personnel The key management personnel are the Directors. Short-term employee benefits Post-employment benefits Termination benefits 2022 £000 1,500 – – 2021 £000 1,499 – – 1,500 1,499 Transactions with Directors and Key Management There have been no transactions with Directors and Key Management during 2022 (2021: none). 24. Ultimate parent company 28. Post balance sheet events The ultimate parent company of the Group is Watchstone Group plc. There were no shareholders with overall control of the ultimate parent as at 31 December 2022. The claim against PwC was heard in the High Court in January and February 2023 with the judgement being awaited. 25. Contingent assets and liabilities Litigation in relation to the historic activities of the Group is being pursued including claims against PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and Aviva Canada Inc. These give rise to contingent assets, which are not recognised within the Financial Statements due to lack of certainty as to the outcome, despite an inflow of economic benefit being considered probable. The Group routinely enters into a range of contractual arrangements in the ordinary course of business which can give rise to claims or potential litigation against Group companies. It is the Group’s policy to make specific provisions at the Statement of Financial Position date for all liabilities which, in the opinion of the Directors, are expected to result in a loss. The parent of the Group, Watchstone Group plc, has at the year end in relation to Section 479 of the Companies Act 2006, guaranteed all liabilities of its subsidiary Watchstone Limited (registered number 04097808). 26. Discontinued operations and disposals Profit for the year from discontinued operations: Healthcare Services Other Hubio ingenie Profit for the year from discontinued operations net of tax 2022 £000 – 87 (10) 77 2021 £000 – 29 106 135 Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 202244 Company Financial Statements Company Financial Statements (continued) Company Statement of Financial Position as at 31 December 2022 Non-current assets Investments in subsidiaries Investments Current assets Receivables Term deposits Cash and cash equivalents Total current assets Total assets Current liabilities Trade and other payables Provisions Total current liabilities Total liabilities Net assets Equity Share capital Other reserves Retained earnings Total equity Note 32 32 33 34 35 35 37 38 38 2022 £000 – – – 1,707 12,000 1,701 15,408 15,408 (3,008) (129) (3,137) (3,137) 2021 £000 – – – 1,826 – 12,762 14,588 14,588 (2,452) (129) (2,581) (2,581) 12,271 12,007 4,604 59,207 (51,540) 12,271 4,604 59,207 (51,804) 12,007 The retained profit for the year ended 31 December 2022 was £264,000 (2021: loss of £3,656,000). The Financial Statements of the Company, registered number 05542221, on pages 44 to 55 were approved by the Directors on 12 April 2023 and signed on its behalf by: Stefan Borson Director David Young Director The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Financial Statements. Company Cash Flow Statement for the year ended 31 December 2022 Cash flows from operating activities Cash generated from/(used by) operations before, net finance expense and tax Net cash generated from/(used by) operating activities Cash flows from investing activities Purchase of term deposit Proceeds from maturing term deposits Interest income Net loans repaid from group undertakings Net cash (used by)/generated from investing activities Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year Exchange gains on cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Financial Statements. 45 2021 £000 (3,722) (3,722) – – – 84 84 (3,638) 16,400 – 12,762 Note 40 34 2022 £000 880 880 (26,000) 14,000 86 30 (11,944) (11,064) 12,762 3 1,701 Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022 46 47 Company Financial Statements (continued) Notes to the Financial Statements Company Statement of Changes in Equity for the year ended 31 December 2022 At 1 January 2022 Profit for the year Total transactions with owners, recognised directly in equity Share premium account £000 Share capital £000 4,604 58,335 – – – – Merger reserve £000 818 – – At 31 December 2022 4,604 58,335 818 for the year ended 31 December 2021 At 1 January 2021 Loss for the year Total transactions with owners, recognised directly in equity Share premium account £000 Share capital £000 4,604 58,335 – – – – Merger reserve £000 818 – – At 31 December 2021 4,604 58,335 818 Other equity reserve £000 54 – – 54 Other equity reserve £000 54 – – 54 Share- based payments reserve Total other reserves Retained earnings £000 £000 £000 Total equity £000 – – – 59,207 (51,804) 12,007 – – 264 – 264 – – 59,207 (51,540) 12,271 Share- based payments reserve Total other reserves Retained earnings £000 £000 £000 Total equity £000 – – – 59,207 (48,148) 15,663 – – (3,656) (3,656) – – – 59,207 (51,804) 12,007 Income Statement and Statement of Comprehensive Income The Company has not presented its own Income Statement and Statement of Comprehensive Income as permitted by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006. Investments in subsidiary undertakings Investments in subsidiary undertakings are held at cost less any provisions for impairment. The recoverable value of these investments are assessed at least annually. Trade receivables and intercompany debt Trade receivables are held at amortised cost less any impairment provisions and this equates to their recoverable value. Impairment provisions for intercompany receivables are recognised based on a forward-looking expected credit loss model. The methodology used to determine the amount of the provision is based on whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition of the financial asset. For those where the credit risk has not increased significantly since initial recognition of the financial asset, twelve-month expected credit losses are recognised. For those for which credit risk has increased significantly, lifetime expected credit losses are recognised. For those that are determined to be credit impaired, lifetime expected credit losses are recognised. Movements in the impairment provision relating to credit risk are recognised within administrative expenses as bad debt expenses. Trade payables Trade payables do not carry any interest and are initially stated at their fair value. Subsequent to initial recognition they are measured at amortised cost. Cash and cash equivalents Cash in the Statement of Financial Position comprises cash at banks and in hand. For the purpose of the Cash Flow Statement, cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and cash equivalents as defined above. 29. General information Watchstone Group plc (the Company) is a public limited company registered and domiciled in the United Kingdom. The Financial Statements are presented in pounds sterling, to the nearest thousand, as this is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the Company operates. The address of the registered office is Highfield Court, Tollgate, Chandler’s Ford, Hampshire, SO53 3TY. 30. Significant accounting policies The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these Financial Statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented. Other than the estimate and judgement in respect of the recognition and valuation of contingent consideration due on disposals the critical accounting estimates of the Company are the same as the Group, as disclosed in note 4. Basis of preparation These Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with UK adopted international accounting standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. A summary of the significant Company accounting policies is set out below. The Company has reviewed its accounting policies in accordance with IAS 8 and determined that they are appropriate for the Company and have been consistently applied. In preparing these Financial Statements the Board has taken into account all available information in the application of its accounting policies and in forming judgements. Going concern The Company holds significant cash reserves and no material debt. The Company has concluded that its cash reserves together will be sufficient to fund the ongoing litigation and operations of the Company together with any future investment needs of the business. On this basis, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The Directors have not identified any material uncertainties that would cast significant doubt on the ability of the Group to continue as a going concern. As such, the Directors continue to adopt the Going Concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the Financial Statements. Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 202249 Total £000 102,157 102,157 102,157 102,157 102,157 102,157 Shares in investments Shares in group undertakings £000 £000 100,657 100,657 100,657 100,657 100,657 100,657 1,500 1,500 1,500 1,500 1,500 1,500 – – – – – – 32. Investments Cost At 1 January 2021 At 1 January 2022 At 31 December 2022 Impairment At 1 January 2021 At 1 January 2022 At 31 December 2022 Net book value 31 December 2022 31 December 2021 The following information relates to the related undertakings of the Company. Unless otherwise stated, all holdings are 100% and the principal activity of the undertaking is the provision of healthcare services, insurance brokerage and other services. 48 Term deposits Term deposits represent short term (six months or less) investments in fixed interest deposits with a major UK bank. The related gross cash flows are included within investing activities in the Cash Flow Statement. The interest receipts relating to term deposits are also shown within investing activities as interest received. Term deposits do not qualify as cash since they are not held with a view to meeting the short term cash requirements of the Company. Provisions Provisions are recognised when the Company has a present legal or constructive obligation in respect of a past event and it is probable that settlement will be required of an amount that can be reliably estimated. Taxation including deferred tax The tax expense represents the sum of current tax and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the Income Statement except to the extent that it relates to items recognised in equity in which case it is recognised in equity. The current tax is based on taxable profit for the year calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the Statement of Financial Position date. Deferred tax is provided using the balance sheet liability method on temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the Financial Statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit. In principle deferred tax liabilities are recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition (other than in a business combination) of other assets or liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the tax profit nor the accounting profit. The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each Statement of Financial Position date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled, or the asset is realised. Tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when the deferred income taxes relate to the same fiscal authority. Share capital Equity instruments issued by the Company are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs. 31. Adoption of new and revised Standards There are no new standards impacting the Company for the year ended 31 December 2022. The amendment to IAS 1 effective 1 January 2022 has not impacted the classification of the liabilities of the Company. Standards, amendments and interpretations not yet adopted There are a number of standards, amendments to standards, and interpretations which have been issued by the IASB that are effective in future accounting periods that the Company has decided not to adopt early. The following are not expected to have a material impact upon the Financial Statements of the Company: Effective for the period beginning 1 January 2023 ■ Narrow scope amendments to IAS 1, Practice statement 2 and IAS 8. ■ Amendment to IAS 12 – deferred tax related to assets and liabilities arising from a single transaction. ■ IFRS 17, ‘Insurance contracts’. Effective for the period beginning 1 January 2024 ■ Amendment to IFRS 16 – Leases on sale and leaseback. ■ Amendment to IAS 1 – Non-current liabilities with covenants. Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 202250 The following information relates to the related undertakings of the Company. Unless otherwise stated, all holdings are 100% and the principal activity of the undertaking is the provision of healthcare services, insurance brokerage and other services. 33. Receivables Name of investment Investments incorporated in Canada Registered Address: 100 King Street West, Suite 3400, One First Canadian Place, Toronto, Ontario, M5X 1A4 Hubio Solutions Inc ingenie (Canada) Inc Quindell Services Inc Watchstone (Canada) Inc Investments incorporated in United Kingdom Registered Address: Highfield Court, Tollgate, Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh, Hampshire SO53 3TY Quindell Business Process Services Limited Watchstone Limited WTGIL Limited WTGISL Limited Registered Address: Quob Yard, Titchfield Lane, Wickham, Fareham, Hampshire OS3 Digital Platform Limited OS3 Distribution Limited Registered Address: 85 Great Portland Street, London, W1W 7LT UPP Technologies Group Limited Investments incorporated in United States of America Registered Address: 280 Madison Avenue, Room 912 – 9th Floor, New York 10016 SMI Telecoms LLC Registered Address: 925 N La Brea Avenue, 4th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90038 WRDL3D Inc Registered Address: Corporation Service Company, 2711 Centerville Road, Ste 400, Wilmington, DE 19808 Iter8 (USA) Inc Class and percentage of shares held (100% ordinary shares unless otherwise stated) Nature of holding Indirect Indirect Indirect Direct Direct Direct Direct Indirect Indirect Direct Direct Indirect Indirect Indirect 98.40% 5.29% 5.29% 0.70% 8.90% The financial year ends of the Group’s subsidiaries are 31 December. The above investments are treated as consolidated subsidiaries of the Group, with the exception of those set out below. The following information relates to investments of the Company also treated as investments within the Group accounts (see note 16): Name of investment WRDL3D Inc (8.9%) OS3 Distribution Limited (5.3%) UPP Technologies Limited (0.7%) Country of incorporation USA UK UK Nature of holding Indirect Direct Direct The fair value of investments was assessed on sales value less cost to sell and falls within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. There are no contractual arrangements to provide resources to any investments or subsidiaries, however the Company gives adequate resources to subsidiaries to meet working capital requirements. 51 2022 £000 – 1,652 15 40 – 2021 £000 11 1,787 28 – – 1,707 1,826 Payroll and other taxes including social security Other receivables Prepayments Accrued interest Amounts due from subsidiary undertakings All receivables fall due within one year of the balance sheet date. The Directors consider that the net carrying amount of trade receivables approximates to their fair value. 34. Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents comprise the following for the purpose of the cash flow statement: Cash and cash equivalents 35. Liabilities Current liabilities Payroll and other taxes including social security Trade payables Amounts owed to Group undertakings Accruals The Directors consider that the net carrying amount of liabilities approximates to their fair value. The analysis of provisions is as follows: At 1 January 2021 Unused amounts reversed Used during the year Additional provisions At 1 January 2022 At 31 December 2022 Split: Current Details relating to legal provisions are included within note 17 under legal disputes and regulatory matters. 2022 £000 1,701 2022 £000 69 262 1,228 1,449 3,008 2021 £000 12,762 2021 £000 47 46 1,258 1,101 2,452 Legal disputes £000 200 (187) (100) 129 129 129 129 Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 202252 53 36. Financial instruments and financial risk management (a) Financial instruments The Company’s financial instruments comprise: 1. Loans and receivables comprising: trade and other receivables including amounts due from subsidiary undertakings £nil (2021: £nil); 2. Other receivables of £1,652,000 (2021: £1,787,000), primarily representing amounts held in escrow; 3. Cash and cash equivalents of £1,7001 (2021: £12,762,000); 4. Term deposits of £12,000,000 (2021: nil); and 5. Other liabilities comprising: trade and other payables including amounts owed to Group undertakings of £2,513,000 (2021: £2,452,000). The carrying value and fair values are approximately the same. The fair values of assets and liabilities and fair value hierarchy is as described in note 23. (b) Financial risk management The Company manages its exposure to capital, liquidity and credit risk as set out in note 29. The following are the contractual maturities of financial liabilities: 2022 Trade and other payables Amounts owed to Group undertakings 2021 Trade and other payables Amounts owed to Group undertakings All financial instruments are denominated in pounds sterling. Carrying amount Contractual cash flows Less than 1 year Between 1-5 years Over 5 years £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 262 1,228 1,490 46 1,258 1,304 (262) (1,228) (1,490) (46) (1,258) (1,304) (262) (1,228) (1,490) (46) (1,258) (1,304) – – – – – – – – – – – – 37. Called up share capital 2022 At start and end of year 2021 At start and end of year Nominal value fully paid £000 4,593 Nominal value fully paid £000 4,593 Number ‘000 46,038 Number ‘000 46,038 Nominal value unpaid Nominal value total £000 11 £000 4,604 Nominal value unpaid Nominal value total £000 11 £000 4,604 The Company has one class of ordinary shares of 10 pence each which carry no right to fixed income. 38. Reserves Share premium account Merger reserve Other equity reserve Share-based payments reserve Other reserves Retained earnings 2022 £000 2021 £000 58,335 58,335 818 54 – 818 54 – 59,207 (51,540) 59,207 (51,804) The fair value of the share consideration over and above the share’s nominal value of 10 pence per share for all other shares issued by the Company is included in the share premium reserve. In addition, directly attributable costs incurred in the issuing of shares are also recognised in the share premium reserve. The merger reserve represents the fair value of the share consideration over and above the share’s nominal value of 10 pence per share for those shares issued as consideration for acquisitions that take the Company’s ownership of the acquired entity above 90%. The equity reserve represents the equity component of share-based payments prior to 1 October 2010. The share-based payment reserve is increased to reflect the fair value to the Company of share-based payment transactions, with the reserve being reduced when shares are issued. Further details relating to reserves are included in the Company Statement of Changes in Equity on page 46. 39. Income statement of the Company The Company has taken advantage of the exemption under section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 to not disclose the Income Statement of the Company. The profit after taxation of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2022 was £264,000 (2021: Loss of £3,656,000). Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 202254 55 40. Cash flow from operating activities 43. Related party transactions In the year, the key management personnel were the Directors. The Directors had no material transactions with the Company during the year, other than disclosed in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 8 and 9 or as described in note 27. During the year, the Company entered into transactions, in the ordinary course of business, with other related parties as follows: Subsidiary undertakings: Purchases Sales At 31 December, the outstanding balances with subsidiaries are as follows: Amounts due from subsidiary undertakings Provisions for doubtful debts relating to amounts due from subsidiary undertakings Net amounts due from subsidiary undertakings Amounts due to subsidiary undertakings 2022 £000 (43) 567 2021 £000 (62) 626 2022 £000 110,395 (110,395) – (1,228) 2021 £000 110,183 (110,183) – (1,258) 44. Post balance sheet events The claim against PwC was heard in the High Court in January and February 2023 with the judgement being awaited. 45. Dividends The Company did not pay any dividends during the year, nor in the prior year. Profit/(loss) after tax Finance income Operating profit/(loss) Adjustments for: – Reversal of impairment of intercompany Operating cash flows before movements in working capital and provisions – Decrease in trade and other receivables – Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables Cash generated from/(used by) operations Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net funds: 2022 Cash Cash and cash equivalents Net funds 2021 Cash Cash and cash equivalents Net funds 2022 £000 264 (92) 172 – 172 122 586 880 2021 £000 (3,656) (253) (3,909) (720) (4,629) 1,806 (899) (3,722) Cash flow 1 January movements 31 December £000 £000 £000 12,672 12,672 12,672 (10,971) (10,971) (10,971) Cash flow 1,701 1,701 1,701 1 January movements 31 December £000 £000 £000 16,400 16,400 16,400 (3,638) (3,638) (3,638) 12,762 12,762 12,762 41. Ultimate controlling party There are no shareholders with overall control of the Company as at 31 December 2022. 42. Contingent assets and liabilities Litigation in relation to the historic activities of the Company is being pursued including a claim against PwC. These give rise to contingent assets, which are not recognised within the Financial Statements, due to lack of certainty as to the outcome, despite an inflow of economic benefit being considered probable. The Company routinely enters into a range of contractual arrangements in the ordinary course of events which can give rise to claims or potential litigation against Group companies. It is the Company’s policy to make specific provisions at the Statement of Financial Position date for all liabilities which, in the opinion of the Directors, are expected to result in a significant loss. Please refer to note 35 where further details are provided. The Company has provided a guarantee to its subsidiary Watchstone Limited, further details are provided in note 25. Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 202256 Officers and Professional Advisers Directors Mr R Rose (Chairman) Rt. Hon. Lord M Howard (to resign following the 2023 Annual General Meeting on 30 May 2023) Mr D Young (to resign following the 2023 Annual General Meeting on 30 May 2023) Mr S Borson Company Secretary Mr S Borson Registered Office Highfield Court Tollgate, Chandler’s Ford Eastleigh Hampshire SO53 3TY Company Registration No. 05542221 Bankers Royal Bank of Scotland Plc Abbey Gardens 4 Abbey Street Reading RG1 3BA Broker and Adviser WH Ireland Limited 24 Martin Lane London EC4R 0DR Auditor BDO LLP Arcadia House Maritime Walk Southampton SO14 3TL Solicitors Dorsey & Whitney LLP 199 Bishopsgate London EC2M 3UT Registrars Link Group 10th Floor Central Square 29 Wellington Street Leeds LS1 4DL Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022Notes Watchstone Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022Highfield Court Tollgate, Chandler’s Ford Eastleigh Hampshire SO53 3TY watchstonegroup.com A n n u a l R e p o r t i a n d F n a n c a i l S t a t e m e n t s 2 0 2 2 A n n u a l R e p o r t i a n d F n a n c a i l S t a t e m e n t s 2 0 2 2 

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