17 January 2024

 

 

Gateley (Holdings) Plc

("Gateley", the "Group" or the "Company")

(AIM:GTLY)

 

Half Year Results for the six months ended 31 October 2023

 

Resilient H1 performance; cautious on H2

 

Gateley, the professional services group, is pleased to announce its unaudited results for the six months ended 31 October 2023 (the "Period" or "H1 24"). 

 

Financial Highlights

 

·	Resilient financial performance with revenue and underlying profit before tax up 7.6% (H1 23: 22.2%) and 4.6% (H1 23: 9.6%) respectively, against a challenging macro-economic backdrop
·	Group organic revenue growth of 5.1% (H1 23: 9.8%)
·	Legal services revenue grew entirely organically by 2.4% (H1 23: 8.2%)
·	Revenue from consultancy services represents 27.6% of total revenue at £22.6m (H1 23: £18.2m or 23.9%), of which organic growth was 13.5% (H1 23: 20.0%)
·	Underlying profit margin decreased to 12.2% (H1 23: 12.6%) as a result of investment in future growth including a 3.5% increase in fee earners, improved technology and continued M&A
·	Activity levels across the Group decreased with utilisation at 83% (H1 23: 86%)
·	Strong balance sheet with net debt of £2.2m at the Period end (H1 23: net cash £1.1m)
·	Proposed interim dividend maintained at 3.3p (H1 23: 3.3p) per share

 

	H1 24	H1 23 restated	Change
Group revenue	£82.0m	£76.1m	7.6%
Group underlying operating profit	£8.6m	£10.1m	(14.9)%
Group underlying profit before tax1	£10.0m	£9.6m	4.6%
Group profit before tax	£7.4m	£6.3m	16.8%
Group profit after tax	£6.1m	£4.7m	32.0%
Basic earnings per share ("EPS")	4.83p	3.73p	29.5%
Underlying adjusted fully diluted EPS2	6.40p	6.15p	4.1%
Net assets	£83.3m	£74.6m	11.7%
Net (debt)/cash3	£(2.2)m	£1.1m
Dividend	3.3p	3.3p

 

1	Underlying operating profit and underlying profit before tax excludes remuneration for post-combination services, gain on bargain purchase, share-based payment charges, acquisition related amortisation and exceptional items
2	Underlying diluted EPS excludes remuneration for post-combination services, gain on bargain purchase, share-based payment charges, acquisition related amortisation and exceptional items. It also adjusts for the future weighted average number of expected unissued shares from granted but unexercised share options in issue based on a share price at the end of the financial year
3	Net (debt)/cash excludes IFRS 16 lease liabilities

 

Strategic and post-Period highlights

 

·	Prior year acquisitions integrated and performing well
·	Ongoing investment in capacity with average fee earner headcount increased to 1,035 in H1 24 (H1 23: 1,000)
·	Strategic hiring onto Business Services Platform to seed legal services class action and international arbitration teams and to create intellectual property commercialisation and valuation in patent and trade mark attorney services
·	Continued execution of M&A strategy with the July 2023 acquisition of Richard Julian and Associates Limited ("RJA"), a chartered surveying practice providing quantity surveying and project management services across a variety of construction sectors and performing in-line with expectations
·	Achieved all 15 responsible business objectives set in our 2022/23 Responsible Business Report and launched 15 new objectives in our third annual Responsible Business Report
·	Continued focus on alignment of stakeholders including through 70% of staff either owning shares or currently participating in option schemes
·	Succession planning progressed with the appointment of David Wilton as Chair Designate and Non-Executive Director, with effect from 1 February 2024

 

Current trading and outlook

 

·	H1 24 outturn demonstrates the resilience derived from our ongoing investment in a diverse range of professional services businesses
·	After activity levels increased in Q2 24, Q3 to date has been more subdued, particularly for some of our legal services transactional teams. However, counter cyclical work activity continues to strengthen and consultancy services are performing strongly
·	The combination of ongoing macro-uncertainty, varying activity levels across the Group and the natural weighting towards the final months of the financial year makes the Group's full year outturn more difficult than usual to forecast.  However, with the solid results delivered at the half year point, tempered by a cautious short-term outlook, the board expects results for the full year to be broadly in line with market consensus

 

Rod Waldie, Chief Executive Officer of Gateley, said:

 

"Given macro-economic conditions during the Period, I am pleased with the Group's resilient H1 24 performance. 

 

"This is testament to, firstly, our strong client relationships, sustained by the excellent service delivered by our people and, secondly, our strategy working in practice as we continue to differentiate Gateley and enhance resilience via the aggregation of, and continued investment in, complementary legal and consultancy services on each of our Platforms. 

 

"Our H2 24 outlook reflects our cautious view on the market conditions we are currently experiencing.  That said, I am confident in the ability of our excellent teams to continue to rise to the challenge for the remainder of this year, and beyond. We continue to invest in the business and remain confident and well-positioned to deliver our long-term ambitions."

 

Enquiries:

 

Gateley (Holdings) Plc
Neil Smith, Chief Financial Officer	Tel: +44 (0) 121 234 0196
Nick Smith, Acquisitions Director and Head of Investor Relations	Tel +44 (0) 20 7653 1665
Cara Zachariou, Communications Director	Tel +44 (0) 121 234 0074 Mob: +44 (0) 7703 684 946
Liberum - Nominated adviser and Broker
Richard Lindley / Ben Cryer / Anake Singh	Tel: +44 (0) 20 3100 2000
Belvedere Communications Limited - Financial PR
Cat Valentine	Mob: +44 (0) 7715 769 078
Keeley Clarke	Mob: +44 (0) 7967 816 525
Llew Angus	Mob: +44 (0) 7407 023 147
	gateleypr@belvederepr.com

 

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S REVIEW

 

Summary

 

The Group's performance during H1 24 is pleasing in the context of macro-economic headwinds which continue to generate challenging market conditions. 

 

As always, I am grateful to all of our people for their hard work and commitment to delivering the best outcomes for our clients, the result of which is reflected in our 7.6% headline H1 24 revenue growth and our 4.6% growth in underlying profit before tax.

 

Aided by our strong balance sheet, we maintain a long-term commitment to growth via our disciplined diversification strategy in both legal and consultancy services.  This remains our key differentiator and continues to enhance our resilience.  In Period, on our Property Platform, we completed the acquisition of RJA, a chartered surveying practice providing project management and quantity surveying services, adding to related expertise in both Gateley Vinden and Gateley Smithers Purslow.  We also made strategic lateral hires on our Business Services Platform, firstly, to seed specialist legal services class actions and international arbitration teams handling complex, long-term litigation and, secondly, in our patent and trade mark attorney businesses to add intellectual property commercialisation and valuation services.  Whilst our investments inevitably impact short-term margin as acquisition and integration costs are absorbed, selective strategic investment remains one of our priorities for future growth.

 

In Period, we published our third annual Responsible Business Report.  Having achieved all 15 responsible business targets set in our prior report, our 2023/24 report sets 15 new objectives in-line with our purpose-led agenda.  We have a clear recognition that business is a key engine for change and our responsible business journey progresses with conviction. 

 

Our operational focus for the remainder of the financial year remains firmly on the basics of business; consistent delivery of excellent service, maximising cross-selling opportunities, winning new work on each of our Platforms and cost management.

 

The board proposes an interim dividend of 3.3p per share (H1 23: 3.3p).

 

Results overview

 

H1 24 Group revenues grew by 7.6% to £82m (H1 23: £76.1m).  This yielded an increase of 16.8% in reported profit before tax to £7.4m (restated H1 23: £6.3m) and a 4.6% increase in underlying profit before tax to £10.0m (H1 23: £9.6m).

 

Trading conditions were generally difficult throughout the Period.  Our outturn reflects the quality and breadth of the complementary legal and consultancy services delivered through our Platforms.  The volume of traditional transactional activity in legal services was weaker during the Period than in H1 23.  This accounts for the slight in-Period decline in utilisation to 83%, but still close to our typical 85% run-rate.  We continued to see a pivot towards greater activity in our more counter-cyclical service lines.  This is an ongoing characteristic.  Activity in our more economically agnostic businesses was, and remains, strong, as demonstrated by 39.0% growth in revenue in Gateley Smithers Purslow, delivering specialist advice from our Property Platform to UK property insurers. 

 

The strength of both existing operations and our balance sheet provide the foundation for further investment in growth across our Platforms.  Our pipeline of acquisition opportunities remains good across the Group.

Business Services Platform

 

This Platform supports clients in dealing with their commercial agreements, managing risks, protecting assets and resolving disputes.

 

On this Platform revenue grew by 24.7%. 

 

Our commercial dispute resolution team and our regulatory and business defence team, counter-cyclical in nature, are both busy and ahead of prior year revenue. 

 

Taken together, our patent and trade mark attorney businesses, Adamson Jones and Symbiosis IP, are in-line with budgeted revenue and are working well together, with a positive outlook.  We continue to invest in broadening our intellectual property offering with the in-Period lateral hire additions of experts in IP commercialisation and valuation.  We are encouraged by further opportunities to further strengthen our position in intellectual property advisory services. 

 

Revenue from our legal services complex international recoveries litigation team remains constrained whilst the team establishes credentials in new markets.  However, activity is improving via opportunities from those markets.  In-Period, the team has been significantly enhanced by lateral hire investment to seed our international arbitration team.  Alongside this, we have also made lateral hire investment to establish our class actions team, a new service line in our complex litigation offering.  We are excited by the opportunities for both teams in handling valuable long-term mandates, from which we expect to see returns feeding-in from FY 25 onwards.

 

Corporate Platform

 

This Platform is focused on the corporate, financial services and restructuring markets in both transaction and business support services. 

 

In a market where transactional activity has fallen and lead times have extended, I was encouraged to see relatively small revenue contraction of 5.9% on this Platform .  Our traditional transaction pipeline is reasonable but timelines for on-boarding and completing new work are uncertain.

 

The Platform also houses our Restructuring Advisory team, which is counter-cyclical in nature.  Its revenue increased by 41.5% and the team remains busy on a number of mandates, with a positive outlook.  Work here includes cross-over with specialist teams on our Property Platform delivering market-leading services to insurers who have bonded now distressed construction projects. 

 

People Platform

 

This Platform supports clients dealing with and developing people and in administering individuals' personal affairs. 

 

Revenue on this Platform declined by 1.2%.  In legal services, our employment team experienced a drop-off in support work to the transactional teams on our Corporate Platform.  However, utilising expertise established over many years in acting for The British Medical Association, the team is now building its credentials in assisting NHS Trusts with internal investigations.  Our private client team has undertaken some restructuring, with our core focus remaining on high net worth clients and related opportunities. 

 

Our legal services pensions team and our pension trustee business, Entrust, are both relatively economically agnostic and combined to deliver revenue growth of 52.4%.  Entrust continues to see opportunities from the increase in the number of pension schemes looking to complete full liability buy-outs, with Entrust's technical support. 

 

The combined revenue of our talent assessment, development and cultural change businesses, t-three and Kiddy & Partners is down versus H1 23 but improvement is anticipated in H2 24. These businesses are also working closely with our legal services employment team to maximise opportunities arising from evolving legislation in relation to diversity and inclusion.

 

Property Platform

 

This Platform is focused on clients' activities in real estate development and investment and in the built environment in the widest sense.

 

This remains our largest, most diverse, and most mature Platform.  Against the backdrop of challenging market conditions in UK commercial and residential real estate, we are pleased to report revenue growth of 12.4% on this Platform. 

 

In legal services, our contentious construction team and real estate dispute resolutions team are both counter-cyclical in nature and generated revenue growth of 33.0% and 21.1% respectively from both stand-alone mandates and in working with specialist teams on this and other Platforms.  The pipeline for both teams remain strong. 

 

Our residential development team is likely out-performing the market in delivering revenue growth of 8.2%.  This is testament to the team's market-leading position. 

 

The commercial real estate market remains subdued, and this team's revenue contracted by 23.7% versus a more active market in H1 23.  The short-term outlook here remains uncertain. Anticipated cuts in interest rates may stimulate the market but a number of related billing points could be beyond full year.

 

Taken as a whole, consultancy business revenue on this Platform has grown organically by 25.1% with particularly encouraging H1 performances by Gateley Capitus (GC), Gateley Vinden (GV) and Gateley Smithers Purslow (GSP), now supplemented by the in-Period acquisition of RJA, the seventh consulting business to be acquired onto this Platform.  RJA specialises in the provision of quantity surveying and project management services to organisations in the affordable housing sector.  It also has expertise to support those teams in GV and GSP, who provide specialist advice to UK property insurers in relation to major loss claims, a busy and economically agnostic market.  RJA has integrated well during H1 24 and is delivering in-line with pre-acquisition expectations. 

 

Operational review

 

Our operational focus has been aimed at current and future efficiency. 

 

AI is towards the top of the agenda in most businesses.  We are very aware that ultimately, properly procured and adopted, AI will positively transform the delivery of professional services.  We started investing in technology to enhance efficiencies some time ago.  We now have an internal steering group assessing new products, our own product development and anticipated evolution in AI against opportunities across the Group to enhance service delivery and/or realise operational efficiencies.  We believe that we are making good progress and we are forming views on requisite resource and investment to plan into FY 25 and beyond. 

 

In Period, we acquired new systems to support the on-boarding of a legal services team to run class action claims.  This is specialist, long-term, high value work which requires a bespoke technology platform, in which we have invested.

 

We have previously reported planned rationalisation of some of our office space.  This is an on-going exercise, including the post-Period surrender of our lease for office space in Leicester as part of consolidation of some of our teams in the East Midlands to our Nottingham office. 

 

On-going integration of recently acquired businesses is proceeding as planned, including positive enhancements to our Group integration processes.  In parallel, phase two of adoption of our new, market-leading business management, productivity, and financial management system (3E) is proceeding throughout FY 24 and into FY 25.

 

The Board

 

Further to the announcement in September 2023 that Nigel Payne will step down as Chairman at the 2024 AGM in September, we have announced separately today that David Wilton will join the board as Chair Designate and Non-Executive Director on 1 February 2024. I am very much looking forward to working with David and, on behalf of everyone at Gateley, extend a warm welcome to him.

 

Responsible Business

 

Being a Responsible Business remains an integral part of our Purpose Statement;

 

"Our purpose is to deliver results that delight our clients, inspire our people and support our communities." 

 

We were delighted to achieve all 15 of our internally set responsible business targets in 2022/2023 and, in-Period, we published our third annual Responsible Business Report outlining actions taken and setting targets for 2023/2024.

 

Highlights from the report include:

 

·	A carbon reduction plan including a commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2040, with interim targets set by 2030;
·	A new strategic partnership with Alzheimer's Research UK; and
·	The launch of an internal volunteering policy which provides opportunities for our people to volunteer with the charity, sustainability and education partners we work with.

 

We are proud of the progress that we have made since publishing our Responsible Business Strategy in October 2021.  We will continue to evaluate where we are effecting change and how we can improve and progress over time.  Our journey continues with conviction.

 

Current trading and outlook

 

Our H1 performance was solid despite an ongoing difficult macro-economic environment.

 

As we said in our FY 23 announcement last September, our expectation was that in transactional legal services trading conditions would improve in H2 24. However, despite a stronger Q2, market conditions remain challenging and look likely to continue for longer than anticipated.  Whilst non-transactional activity continues to strengthen to mitigate the impact and consultancy services activity remains robust, overall uncertain and shifting patterns of demand lead us to adopt a cautious approach in our outlook, which means that results for the full year are expected to be broadly in-line with market consensus.  However, the underlying strength of our unique, diversified business model and balance sheet, when put alongside traditional long-term drivers that underpin demand for quality professional services, ensure that we remain well-placed to continue our track record of growth and realise our long-term ambitions.

 

In the meantime, our focus for the remainder of the year remains firmly on the basics of business and the maximisation of revenue and profit opportunities.

 

 

Rod Waldie

CEO

17 January 2024

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER'S REVIEW

 

Financial overview

 

I'm pleased to report a resilient financial performance during the first half of this year in which both revenue and profit growth was good considering the ongoing economic stagnation in trading conditions for many sectors across the UK economy.

 

We have made further selective medium to long term strategic investments across our Platforms that continue our existing journey to wider diversification in both legal and consultancy service delivery. 

 

Activity levels at the beginning of the Period were in line with where FY 23 finished, however despite increases in activity during Q2, Q3 is so far lower than expected. Whilst transactional services remain subdued due to economic conditions, delivery of contentious services continues to increase.  This is a by-product of our diversification in service lines and long-term underlying strategy.  Financing this transition towards increased contentious services, requires cost investment in the near term, but will ultimately enhance profitability in the medium to longer term.  Contentious services continue to grow as a mix of overall services and now represent 36.7% (H1 23: 30.6%) of Group revenue.  They are counter cyclical and less volatile than transactional services during a period of changing market conditions.  However, they inherently also take longer to convert into fees and cash.

 

During the Period inflation has started to reduce and interest rates appear to have peaked which are assisting forecasting of costs going forward, however these economic conditions are not yet providing the stimulus for a change in non-contentious services activity levels with any confidence. 

 

Revenue

 

Group revenue grew by 7.6% to £82.0m for the first half of the year, from £76.1m in H1 23.  Revenue growth in the Group's core legal services was entirely organic at 2.4%, growing to £59.3m (H1 23 £57.9m), whilst revenue from consultancy services grew by 24.1% overall to £22.6m (H1 23 £18.2m).  Acquired consultancy revenue totalled £2.3m following the acquisitions of Symbiosis IP and RJA, (H1 23: £0.2m) during the Period, with organic consultancy revenue growth of 13.5% to £20.5m (H1 23: £18.0m).

 

The Group has grown two of its four Platforms, and was broadly flat in the People Platform, during the Period with significant contributions made by the Property and Business Services Platforms and expanding and diversified service offerings.  Restructuring and Banking activity on the Corporate Platform have helped to counter a subdued corporate transactional performance leading to a revenue decrease of 5.9% (H1 23: increase 26.0%).

 

Revenue	Corporate Platform	Business Services Platform	People Platform	Property Platform	Total
H1 24 (£m)	17.9	12.1	9.7	42.3	82.0
Revenue growth H1 24	(5.9)%	24.7%	(1.2)%	12.4%	7.6%
H1 23 (£m)	19.0	9.7	9.7	37.6	76.1

 

Total expenses

 

Personnel costs (excluding the IFRS 2 charge) have increased as a percentage of revenue to 63.4% (H1 23: 61.7%), despite experiencing lower wage inflation, as headcount increased from investments made in key senior lateral hires and the recruitment of additional people.  Average numbers of legal and professional staff rose by 3.5% to 1,035 (H1 23: 1,000) as recruitment was directed towards consultancy services demonstrating significant demand during the Period such as that experienced by GSP. Support staff numbers also increased by 5.5% to 463 (H1 23: 431) as a result of acquisitions and the expansion of our business support teams. 

 

Other operating expenses, excluding non-underlying items, increased to £18.2m (H1 23: £16.0m) as the effect of investment and additional costs of acquired entities made in the Period were absorbed.  Overall, operating costs as a percentage of revenue have increased from 21.0% to 22.2%.  Our use of agile working, the new business management system and extensive review of premises usage will generate further medium-term cost savings, where appropriate, without damaging the resources available to clients and staff.  In particular, our new business management system will enhance centralised control, support operational efficiencies and drive a level of consistency across the processing of all client and Group data.

 

Profit before tax and earnings per share

 

Underlying adjusted profit before tax of £10.0m has increased by 4.6% from £9.6m in H1 23.  The board is pleased with profit and trading margin performance despite the decreased margin from continued on-going investment decisions made.  We enter the second half of the financial year having maintained fee earner headcount in counter cyclical work types in order to match the changing client activity patterns and in the knowledge that we have a resilient and diverse spectrum of service lines from which to increase market share.

 

Reported profit before tax increased by 16.8% to £7.4m (H1 23: £6.3m) as underlying operating profit before tax decreased by 14.9% to £8.6m (H1 23: £10.1m) but was offset by increases in net interest of £1.4m. Profit after tax of £6.1m increased by 32.0% from a restated £4.7m and basic earnings per share increased similarly by 29.5% to 4.83p (H1 23: restated 3.73p).  Underlying diluted earnings per share increased by 4.1% to 6.40p (H1 23: 6.15p) after a full Period impact from new shares issued for acquisitions and after awards made under the Group's share option reward schemes.

 

As explained in our FY 23 annual accounts, certain figures highlighted in this RNS, have been restated to reflect a change of IFRS 3 accounting treatment for consideration paid on all relevant historical acquisitions.

 

Dividend

 

The board proposes an interim dividend of 3.3p (H1 23: 3.3p) per share. This dividend will be paid on 28 March 2024 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 23 February 2024.  The shares will go ex-dividend on 22 February 2024.  This dividend has not been recognised as a liability in the interim accounts.

 

Net assets

 

The Group's net asset position has increased by £8.7m to £83.3m (H1 23: restated £74.6m) as total asset growth of £11.3m was funded through the £4.0m increase in non-current liabilities (primarily increased usage of our revolving credit facility) less the decrease in current liabilities of £1.5m.

 

Net cash and working capital

 

Period end net cash increased by £0.5m compared to a decrease of (£8.1m) in H1 23. Cash generation from operating activities reduced slightly to £0.3m (H1 23: £0.0m). Cash generation from financing activities increased to £3.3m (H1 23: £(0.2)m) due to bank interest rates driving net interest income and cash acquired through the acquisition of RJA, and net cash outflow from financing activities improved to £(2.5)m (H1 23: £(8.1)m) as the Group drew down an additional £7m from its RCF for the post Period end funding of contingent consideration in respect of GSP and the acquisition of RJA.

 

Free cash flows increased to £1.5m (H1 23: £(1.5)m) due to lower net working capital following a reduction in lock up since the end of FY 23 and the increase in interest income.

 

Management continues to focus on lock-up.  Total lock-up increased from 159 to 163 days as a result of strong organic and acquired growth and the pivot to increased, longer in duration, contentious assignments. WIP days increased from 59 to 65 days as the Business Services Platform recognised higher contract asset values and debtor days decreased slightly from 100 to 98 days as the slowing of collections on the Corporate Platform was offset by improvements in collections from our three other Platforms. 

 

Conclusion

 

Despite prolonged and ongoing market uncertainty the Group has produced further organic growth  and sensibly controlled costs after a period of significant inflation,  whilst at the same time continuing to invest in strategic opportunities. We retain significant facility headroom to support further growth and expansion.

 

 

Neil Smith

Chief Financial Officer

17 January 2024

 

Gateley (Holdings) Plc

Consolidated income statement and other comprehensive income

For the 6 months ended 31 October 2023

	Note	Unaudited 6 months to 31 October 2023	Restated Unaudited 6 months to 31 October 2022	Audited 12 months to 30 April 2023
		£'000	£'000	£'000
Revenue	2	81,957	76,143	162,683
Other operating income		20	-	49
Personnel costs, excluding IFRS 2 charge	3	(51,956)	(46,981)	(96,765)
Depreciation - Property, plant and equipment	4	(566)	(503)	(936)
Depreciation - Right-to-use asset	4	(1,955)	(1,979)	(3,976)
Impairment of trade receivables and contract assets		(718)	(633)	(1,334)
Other operating expenses		(18,199)	(15,966)	(34,741)
Operating profit before non-underlying operating and exceptional items		8,583	10,081	24,980
Non-underlying operating items	4	(2,628)	(3,249)	(8,858)
Exceptional items	4	-	-	-
		(2,628)	(3,249)	(8,858)
Operating profit		5,955	6,832	16,122
Financing income		2,379	302	1,735
Financing expense		(958)	(819)	(1,645)
Profit before tax		7,376	6,315	16,212
Taxation		(1,236)	(1,662)	(3,972)
Profit for the period after tax attributable to equity holders of the parent		6,140	4,653	12,240
Other comprehensive income
Items that are or may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss
Foreign exchange translation differences
- Revaluation of other investments		-	-	(26)
- Exchange differences on foreign branch		97	95	(49)
Profit for the financial period and total comprehensive income all attributable to equity holders of the parent		6,237	4,748	12,165

 

Statutory earnings per share (pence)

Basic earnings per share	5	4.83p	3.73p	12.00p
Diluted earnings per share	5	4.68p	3.66p	11.71p

 

The results for the periods presented above are derived from continuing operations. There were no other items of comprehensive income to report.

Gateley (Holdings) Plc

Consolidated statement of financial position

at 31 October 2023

	Note	Unaudited at 31 October 2023 £'000	Restated Unaudited at 31 October 2022 £'000	Audited at 30 April 2023 £'000
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment		1,429	1,450	1,628
Right-of-use asset		25,143	28,486	27,098
Investment property		164	164	164
Intangible assets & goodwill	7	14,650	13,954	12,929
Other intangible assets		803	716	1,090
Other investments		147	173	147
Deferred tax asset		1,230	638	830
Total non-current assets		43,566	45,581	43,886
Current assets
Contract assets	8	26,148	22,255	20,388
Trade and other receivables	9	73,630	67,996	73,272
Cash and cash equivalents		11,646	7,887	11,105
Total current assets		111,424	98,138	104,765
Total assets		154,990	143,719	148,651
Non-current liabilities
Other interest-bearing loans and borrowings	10	(13,859)	(6,765)	(6,813)
Lease liability		(26,843)	(30,015)	(28,716)
Other payables	11	-	(702)	-
Deferred tax liability		(3,432)	(3,103)	(2,941)
Provisions		(1,290)	(863)	(1,290)
Total non-current liabilities		(45,424)	(41,448)	(39,760)
Current liabilities
Lease liability		(3,714)	(3,234)	(3,257)
Trade and other payables	11	(21,731)	(23,519)	(25,933)
Provisions		(107)	(101)	(107)
Current tax liabilities		(685)	(843)	(1,482)
Total current liabilities		(26,237)	(27,697)	(30,779)
Total liabilities		(71,661)	(69,145)	(70,539)
NET ASSETS		83,329	74,574	78,112
EQUITY
Share capital		13,165	12,514	12,664
Share premium		12,479	12,378	11,846
Merger reserve		(9,950)	(9,950)	(9,950)
Other reserves		19,383	14,465	15,413
Treasury reserve		(628)	(240)	(677)
Translation reserve		46	93	(51)
Retained earnings		48,834	45,314	48,867
TOTAL EQUITY		83,329	74,574	78,112

Gateley (Holdings) Plc

Consolidated cash flow Statement

for the 6 months ended 31 October 2023

	Note	Unaudited 6 months to 31 October 2023	Restated Unaudited 6 months to 31 October 2022	Audited 12 months to 30 April 2023
		£'000	£'000	£'000
Cash flows from operating activities
Profit for the period after tax		6,140	4,653	12,240
Adjustments for:
Depreciation and amortisation		4,087	3,594	7,246
Financial income		(2,379)	(302)	(1,735)
Financial expense		380	283	495
Interest charge on capitalised leases		578	536	1,150
Equity settled share-based payments		1,500	423	1,100
Gain on bargain purchase		(3,509)	(1,389)	(1,389)
Acquisition related earn-out remuneration charge		3,358	3,103	6,190
Earn-out consideration paid - acquisitions of subsidiary		-	(50)	(50)
Initial consideration paid on acquisitions		(2,035)	(1,468)	(1,468)
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment		-	122	82
Tax expense		1,236	1,662	3,972
		9,356	11,167	27,833
Increase in trade and other receivables		(4,956)	(8,577)	(6,942)
Decrease in trade and other payables		(2,204)	(632)	(7,259)
Increase in provisions		-	-	433
Cash generated from operations		2,196	1,958	14,065
Tax paid		(2,521)	(1,937)	(4,320)
Net cash flows from operating activities		(325)	21	9,745
Investing activities
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment		(286)	(739)	(1,312)
Acquisition of other intangible assets		-	(216)	(787)
Cash acquired on business combinations		1,239	483	483
Interest received		2,379	302	1,735
Net cash flows from investing activities		3,332	(170)	119
Financing activities
Interest and other financial income paid		(297)	(283)	(371)
Lease payments		(1,994)	(2,051)	(4,550)
Receipt of new revolving credit facility, net of refinancing costs		7,000	1,000	1,000
Acquisition of own shares		(350)	(18)	(416)
Proceeds of sale of own shares		399	39	-
Cash received for shares issued on exercise of share options		773	79	477
Dividends paid	6	(7,997)	(6,835)	(11,004)
Net cash outflow from financing activities		(2,466)	(8,069)	(14,864)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		541	(8,218)	(5,000)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		11,105	16,105	16,105
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		11,646	7,887	11,105

 

Gateley (Holdings) Plc

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

for the 6 months ended 31 October 2023

 

	Share capital	Share premium	Merger reserve	Other reserve	Treasury reserve	Retained earnings	Foreign currency translation reserve	Total equity
	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000
At 1 May 2022 (restated)	12,456	11,342	(9,950)	14,465	(261)	47,088	(2)	75,138
Comprehensive income:
Profit for the year	-	-	-	-	-	12,240	-	12,240
Revaluation of other investments	-	-	-	-	-	(26)		(26)
Exchange rate differences	-	-	-	-	-	-	(49)	(49)
Total comprehensive income	-	-	-	-	-	12,214	(49)	12,165
Transaction with owners recognised directly in equity
Issue of share capital	208	504	-	948	-	-	-	1,660
Purchase of own shares at nominal value	-	-	-	-	-	(133)	-	(133)
Sale of treasury shares	-	-	-	-	20	-	-	20
Purchase of treasury shares	-	-	-	-	(436)	-	-	(436)
Recognition of tax benefit on gain from equity settled share options	-	-	-	-	-	(398)	-	(398)
Dividend paid	-	-	-	-	-	(11,004)	-	(11,004)
Share based payment transactions	-	-	-	-	-	1,100	-	1,100
Total equity at 30 April 2023	12,664	11,846	(9,950)	15,413	(677)	48,867	(51)	78,112
At 1 May 2022 (unaudited)	12,456	11,342	(9,950)	14,465	(261)	44,863	(2)	72,913
Impact of restatement	-	-	-	-	-	2,225	-	2,225
At 1 May 2022 (restated)	12,456	11,342	(9,950)	14,465	(261)	47,088	(2)	75,138
Comprehensive income:
Profit for the period	-	-	-	-	-	4,653	-	4,653
Exchange rate differences	-	-	-	-	-	-	95	95
Total comprehensive income	-	-	-	-	-	4,653	95	4,748
Transaction with owners recognised directly in equity
Share issue	58	1,036	-	-	-	-	-	1,094
Sale of treasury shares	-	-	-	-	39	-	-	39
Purchase of own shares at nominal value	-	-	-	-	-	(15)	-	(15)
Purchase of treasury shares	-	-	-	-	(18)	-	-	(18)
Dividend paid	-	-	-	-	-	(6,835)	-	(6,835)
Share based payment transactions	-	-	-	-	-	423	-	423
Total equity at 31 October 2022 (restated)	12,514	12,378	(9,950)	14,465	(240)	45,314	93	74,574

Gateley (Holdings) Plc

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

for the 6 months ended 31 October 2023

 

	Share capital	Share premium	Merger reserve	Other reserve	Treasury reserve	Retained earnings	Foreign currency translation reserve	Total equity
	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000
At 1 May 2023 (unaudited)	12,664	11,846	(9,950)	15,413	(677)	48,867	(51)	78,112
Comprehensive income:
Profit for the year	-	-	-	-	-	6,140	-	6,140
Exchange rate differences	-	-	-	-	-	-	97	97
Total comprehensive income	-	-	-	-	-	6,140	97	6,237
Transaction with owners recognised directly in equity
Share issue	501	633	-	3,970	-	-	-	5,104
Sale of treasury shares	-	-	-	-	399	-	-	399
Purchase of own shares at nominal value	-	-	-	-	-	(76)	-	(76)
Purchase of treasury shares	-	-	-	-	(350)	-	-	(350)
Dividend paid	-	-	-	-	-	(7,997)	-	(7,997)
Recognition of tax benefit on gain from equity settled share options	-	-	-	-	-	400	-	400
Share based payment transactions	-	-	-	-	-	1,500	-	1,500
Total equity at 31 October 2023	13,165	12,479	(9,950)	19,383	(628)	48,334	46	83,329

 

The following describes the nature and purpose of each reserve within equity:

 

Share premium - Amount subscribed for share capital in excess of nominal value together with gains and losses on sale of own shares.

 

Merger reserve - Represents the difference between the nominal value of shares acquired by the Company in the share for share exchange with the former Gateley Heritage LLP members and the nominal value of shares issued to acquire them.

 

Other reserve - Represents the difference between the actual and nominal value of shares issued by the Company in the acquisition of subsidiaries.

 

Treasury reserve - Represents the repurchase of shares for future distribution by the Group's Employee Benefit Trust.

 

Retained earnings - All other net gains and losses and transactions with owners not recognised anywhere else.

 

Foreign currency translation reserve - Represents the movement in exchange rates back to the Group's functional currency of profits and losses generated in foreign currencies.

Gateley (Holdings) Plc

Notes

for the period ended 31 October 2023

 

1. Basis of preparation

 

These interim unaudited financial statements for the six months ended 31 October 2023 have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the Annual Report and Financial statements of the Group for the year ended 30 April 2023 using the recognition and measurement principles of IFRS as applied under the Companies Act 2006 and the AIM rules.

 

The comparative figures for the financial year ended 30 April 2023 are not the company's statutory accounts for that financial year. Those accounts have been reported on by the company's auditor and delivered to the registrar of companies. The report of the auditor was unqualified, did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditor drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report, and did not contain a statement under section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

 

1.1 Accounting policies

 

Accounting policies remain unchanged from those accompanying the 30 April 2023 financial statements. 

 

Non-underlying items

 

Non-underlying items are non-trading and or non-cash items disclosed separately in the Consolidated Income Statement where the quantum, nature or volatility of such items would otherwise distort the underlying trading performance of the Group. The following are included by the Group in its assessment of non-underlying items:

 

·	Consideration treated as remuneration: such charges are treated as non-underlying in order to reflect the commercial substance of the transaction. All former vendors who remain employed by the Group are paid at market rates and the earnout remuneration is a function of the interpretation of IFRS, and related emerging guidance only.
·	Share based payment charges: such charges are treated as non-underlying as the gain realised on the options granted is settled in shares not cash and therefore does not impact the income statement. The IFRS 2 charge is taken to the income statement, these expenses are treated as non-underlying items as they are either non-cash or non-recurring in nature.
·	Amortisation in respect of intangible fixed assets: these costs are treated as non-underlying as they are non-cash items.

 

The tax effect of the above is also included if considered significant.

 

Exceptional items

 

Exceptional items are one off transactions, unrelated to the underlying trading performance of the Group disclosed separately in the Consolidated Income Statement where the quantum, nature or volatility of such items would otherwise distort the underlying trading performance of the Group.

 

The following are included by the Group in its assessment of exceptional items:

 

·	Gains or losses arising on disposal, closure, restructuring or reorganisation of businesses that do not meet the definition of discontinued operations.
·	Impairment charges in respect of intangible fixed assets: these costs are treated as exceptional due to their one-off nature.
·	Non-typical expenses associated with acquisitions.
·	Costs incurred as part of significant refinancing activities.

 

The tax effect of the above is also included if considered significant.

Intangible assets and goodwill

 

Goodwill

 

Goodwill is stated at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units and is not amortised but is tested annually for impairment. In respect of equity accounted investees, the carrying amount of goodwill is included in the carrying amount of the investment in the investee.

 

Other intangible assets

 

Other intangible assets, including software licences, expenditure on internally generated goodwill, brands and software, customer contracts and relationships are capitalised at cost and amortised on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful economic lives through operating expenses.

 

Other intangible assets that are acquired by the Group are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses.

 

Customer lists

 

Customer lists that are acquired by the Group as part of a business combination are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses (see accounting policy 'Impairment of assets'). Cost reflects management's judgement of the fair value of the individual intangible asset calculated by reference to the net present value of future benefits accruing to the Group from the utilisation of the asset, discounted at an appropriate discount rate.

 

Brand value

 

Certain acquisitions have retained their trading name due to the value of the brand in their specific marketplace.

Brand value is amortised over a period of three or five years based on the Directors' assessment of the future life of the brand, supported by trading history.

 

Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements under IFRS requires management to make estimates and assumptions which affect the reported amount of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent liabilities.  If in the future such estimates and assumptions, which are based on Management's best judgement at the date of preparation of the financial statements, deviate from actual circumstances, the original estimates and assumptions will be modified as appropriate in the period in which the circumstances change.  The key areas where a higher degree of judgement or complexity arises, or where estimates and assumptions are significant to the consolidated financial statements are discussed below. 

 

Management does not consider there to have been and critical accounting judgements made in the financial period.

 

Unbilled revenue on client assignments

 

The valuation of unbilled revenue (on non-contingent matters) involves detailed understanding of contractual terms with clients.  The valuation is based on an estimate of the amount expected to be recoverable from clients on unbilled items based on such factors as time spent, the expertise and skills provided and the stage of completion of the assignment. The principal uncertainty over this estimation is a result of the amounts not yet being billed to, or recognised by the client.   Provision is made for such factors as historical recoverability rates, agreements with clients, external expert's opinion and the potential credit risks, following interactions between legal staff, finance and clients.  Where entitlement to revenue is certain it is recognised as recoverable selling price.  Where a matter is contingent at the statement of financial position date, no revenue is recognised.

 

Valuation of intangibles

 

Measurement of intangible assets relating to acquisitions:  In attributing value to intangible assets arising on acquisition, management has made certain assumptions in terms of cash flows attributable to intellectual property and customer relationships. The key assumptions made relate to the valuation of the brand, where the acquired brand is retained by the entity, and the customer list. The value of such intangibles has been estimated based on the amount of revenue expected to be generated by them. The revenue estimations rely on annual growth rates. Management have selected the appropriate rates based on a combination of observed historical growth, industry norms and forecasted influencing factors. Management have also performed sensitivity analysis to assess the impact of any variation to the growth rate used. The rates applied reflect previous growth rates, with sensitivities indicating that variations in the actual rate achieved are unlikely to materially impact the valuation of the intangible assets.

 

1.2 Alternative performance measures

 

Underlying profit before tax

 

The Directors seek to present a measure of underlying profit performance which is not impacted by exceptional items or items considered non-operational in nature. These include non-trading, non-cash and one-off items disclosed separately in the consolidated income statement where the quantum, nature or volatility of such items are considered by management to otherwise distort the underlying performance of the Group.  This measure is described as 'underlying' and is used by management to assess and monitor profit performance only at the before and after tax level.  In line with the board's wish to simplify reporting of profits, the board have moved away from reporting adjusted Earnings Before Interest Tax Depreciation and Amortisation ("EBITDA"), following the introduction of IFRS 16 'Leases'.

 

	6 months to 31 October 2023	Restated 6 months to 31 October 2022	12 Months 30 April 2023
	£'000	£'000	£'000
Reported profit before tax	7,376	6,315	16,212
Adjustments for non-underlying and exceptional items:
- Amortisation of intangible assets	1,279	1,112	2,073
- Share-based payment adjustment	1,500	423	1,984
- Gain on bargain purchase	(3,509)	(1,389)	(1,389)
- Consideration treated as remuneration	3,358	3,103	6,190
Underlying profit before tax	10,004	9,564	25,070

 

Amortisation of acquired intangible assets is identified as a non-cash item released to the income statement therefore such cost is removed when considering the underlying trading performance of the Group by adding to profit the annual amortisation charge.

 

Consideration treated as remuneration: such charges are treated as non-underlying in order to reflect the commercial substance of the transaction. All former vendors who remain employed by the Group are paid at market rates and the earnout remuneration is a function of the interpretation of IFRS, and related emerging guidance only.

 

The adjustment for share-based payments relates to the impact of the accounting standard for share-based compensation. The cost of all share-based schemes are settled entirely by the issue of shares where the proportions can vary from one year to another based on events outside of the businesses control e.g., share price. Under IFRS the anticipated future share cost is expensed to the income statement over the vesting period. The adjustment above addresses this by adding to profit the IFRS 2 charge in relation to outstanding share awards.  This adjustment is made so that non-cash expenses are removed from profit.

Cash generated from operations

 

a)  Free cash flows

 

	6 months to 31 October 2023	6 months to 31 October 2022	12 Months 30 April 2023
	£'000	£'000	£'000
Operating cash flows before movements in working capital	9,356	11,167	27,833
Net working capital movement	(7,160)	(9,209)	(13,768)
Cash generated from operations	2,196	1,958	14,065
Repayment of lease liabilities	(1,994)	(2,051)	(4,579)
Net interest paid	2,082	19	1,393
Tax paid	(2,521)	(1,937)	(4,320)
Cash outflow paid on acquisitions	2,035	1,518	1,518
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(276)	(739)	(1,312)
Purchase of other intangible assets	-	(216)	(787)
Free cash flows	1,522	(1,448)	5,978

 

b)  Working capital measures

 

	6 months to 31 October 2023	6 months to 31 October 2022	12 Months 30 April 2023
	£'000	£'000	£'000
WIP days
Amounts recoverable from clients in respect of contract assets (unbilled revenue)	26,148	22,255	20,388
Unbilled disbursements	5,816	4,255	3,368
Total WIP	31,964	26,510	23,756
Annualised revenue	177,732	164,100	163,583
WIP days	65	59	53

 

	6 months to 31 October 2023	6 months to 31 October 2022	12 Months 30 April 2023
	£'000	£'000	£'000
Debtor days
Trade receivables	53,369	49,102	54,167
Less unbilled disbursements	(5,816)	(4,255)	(3,368)
Total debtors	47,553	44,847	50,799
Annualised revenue	177,732	164,100	163,583
Debtor days	98	100	113

 

	6 months to 31 October 2023	6 months to 31 October 2022	12 Months 30 April 2023
	£'000	£'000	£'000
Gross lock-up days
Total WIP	31,964	26,510	23,756
Total debtors	47,553	44,847	50,799
Total gross lock-up	79,517	71,357	74,555
Annualised revenue	177,732	164,100	163,583
Gross lock-up days	163	159	166

 

Annualised revenue reflects the total revenue for the previous 12-month period inclusive of pro-forma adjustments for acquisitions.

 

1.3 Going concern

 

These interim accounts are prepared on a going concern basis as the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.  The Group remains cash generative, with a strong on-going trading performance.

 

1.4 Statement of Directors' responsibilities

 

The Directors confirm that, to the best of their knowledge, this condensed set of consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the AIM Rules.

 

1.5 Cautionary statement

 

This document contains certain forward-looking statements in respect of the financial condition, results, operations and business of the Group.  Whilst these statements are made in good faith based on information available at the time of approval, these statements and forecasts inherently involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future.  There are a number of factors that could cause the actual results of developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements and forecasts.  Nothing in this document should be construed as a profit forecast.

 

2. Operating segments

 

The Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM") is the Strategic Board. The Group has the following strategic Platforms, which are its reportable segments.  These divisions offer a mixture of legal and consultancy services to clients.  With effect from 1 May 2022 all service lines are managed through four Platforms.

 

The Group has restated the segmental reporting for the comparative periods to reflect the current operating segments in place

The following summary describes the operations of each reportable segment as reported up to 31 October 2023:

Reportable segment	Legal service lines	Consultancy service lines
Corporate	Banking Corporate Restructuring Advisory Taxation	Gateley Global GEG Services
Business Services	Austen Hays Complex International Litigation Commercial Dispute Resolution Intellectual Property Regulatory and Business Defence Reputation, media and privacy law	Adamson Jones Gateley Omega Symbiosis IP
People	Employment Pensions Private Client	Entrust Pension Kiddy & Partners t-three
Property	Construction Planning Real Estate Real Estate Dispute Resolution Residential Development	Gateley Capitus Gateley Hamer (inc. Persona Associates) Gateley RJA Gateley Smithers Purslow Gateley Vinden (inc. Tozer Gallagher)

.

6 months to 31 October 2023

	Corporate	Business Services	People	Property	Total
	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000
Segment revenue	17,913	12,127	9,633	42,284	81,957
Segment contribution  (as reported internally)	5,604	2,959	2,811	14,985	26,359
Costs not allocated to segments:
Other operating income					20
Personnel costs					(6,232)
Share based payment costs					(1,500)
Depreciation and amortisation					(4,087)
Other operating expenses					(8,756)
Gain on bargain purchase					3,509
Contingent consideration treated as remuneration					(3,358)
Net financial income					1,421
Profit before tax					7,376

6 months to 31 October 2022 (restated)

	Corporate	Business Services	People	Property	Total
	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000
Segment revenue	19,046	9,728	9,745	37,624	76,143
Segment contribution  (as reported internally)	8,347	2,437	3,196	13,565	27,545
Costs not allocated to segments:
Other operating income					-
Personnel costs					(6,770)
Share based payment charge					(423)
Depreciation and amortisation					(3,594)
Other operating expenses					(8,212)
Gain on bargain purchase					1,389
Contingent consideration treated as  remuneration					(3,103)
Net financial expense					(517)
Profit before tax					6,315

12 months to 30 April 2023

	Corporate	Business Services	People	Property	Total
	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000
Segment revenue	38,778	21,824	20,436	81,644	162,683
Segment contribution  (as reported internally)	13,948	5,330	5,983	56,298	56,299
Costs not allocated to segments:
Other operating income					49
Personnel costs					(11,091)
Share based payment charge					(1,984)
Depreciation and amortisation					(7,246)
Other operating expenses					(15,104)
Gain on bargain purchase					1,389
Contingent consideration treated as remuneration					(6,190)
Net financial expense					90
Profit before tax					16,212

 

No other financial information has been disclosed as it is not provided to the CODM on a regular basis.

3. Employees

The average number of persons employed by the Group during the period, analysed by category, was as follows:

	Number of employees
	6 months to 31 October 2023	6 months to 31 October 2022	12 months to 30 April 2023
Legal and professional staff	1,035	1,000	1,000
Administrative staff	463	431	439
	1,498	1,431	1,439
The aggregate payroll costs of these persons were as follows:
	6 months to 31 October 2023	6 months to 31 October 2022	12 months to 30 April 2023
	£'000	£'000	£'000
Wages and salaries	45,203	40,520	83,942
Social security costs	5,136	5,071	9,984
Pension costs	1,617	1,390	2,839
	51,956	46,981	96,765

 

4. Expenses

 

Included in operating profit are the following:

 

	6 months to 31 October 2023	6 months to 31 October 2022	12 months to 30 April 2023
	£'000	£'000	£'000
Depreciation on tangible assets	566	503	936
Depreciation on right-of-use assets	1,955	1,979	3,976
Other operating income - rent income	20	-	49
Short term and low value leases	38	37	82
Operating lease costs on property	89	-	166
Loss on disposal of fixed assets	-	122	82

 

Non-underlying items

	6 months to 31 October 2023	6 months to 31 October 2022	12 months to 30 April 2023
Amortisation of acquisition related intangible assets	1,279	1,112	2,073
Share based payment charges	1,500	423	1,984
Gain on bargain purchase	(3,509)	(1,389)	(1,389)
Consideration treated as remuneration	3,358	3,103	6,190
Total non-underlying items	2,628	3,249	8,858
Exceptional items
Redundancy costs	-	-	-
Total non-underlying and exceptional items	2,628	3,249	8,858

 

5. Earnings per share

	6 months to 31 October 2023	6 months to 31 October 2022	12 months to 30 April 2023
	Number	Number	Number
Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue, being weighted average number of shares for calculating basic earnings per share	127,230,567	124,613,926	125,244,334
Shares deemed to be issued for no consideration in respect of share based payments	3,985,103	2,515,736	3,283,007
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for calculating diluted earnings per share	131,215,670	127,129,662	128,527,341

 

 

	£'000		£'000	£'000
Profit for the period after taxation and basic earnings attributable to ordinary equity shareholders	6,140		4,653	12,240
Non-underlying and exceptional items (see note 4)	2,628		3,249	8,858
Tax on non-underlying items	(375)		(80)	(168)
Underlying earnings before non-underlying items	8,393		7,822	20,930
Earnings per share is calculated as follows:		Pence	Pence	Pence
Basic earnings per ordinary share		4.83	3.73	9.77
Diluted earnings per ordinary share		4,68	3.66	9.52
Underlying basic earnings per ordinary share		6.60	6.28	16.71
Underlying diluted earnings per ordinary share		6.40	6.15	16.28

 

Underlying earnings per share have been shown because the Directors consider that this provides valuable additional information about the underlying performance of the Group.

 

6. Dividends

	6 months to 31 October 2023	6 months to 31 October 2022	12 Months 30 April 2023
	£'000	£'000	£'000
Equity shares
Final dividend in respect of 2023 (6.2p per share) - paid 21 October 2023	7,997	-	-
Interim dividend in respect of 2023 (3.3p per share) - paid 24 March 2023	-	-	4,169
Final dividend in respect of 2022 (5.5p per share) - paid 22 October 2022	-	6,835	6,835
Dividends paid	7,997	6,835	11,004

 

The board intends to approve an interim dividend of 3.3p (H1 23: 3.3p) per share. This dividend will be paid on 28 March 2024 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 23 February 2024.  The shares will go ex-dividend on 22 February 2024.  This dividend has not been recognised as a liability in these final statements.

7 Intangible assets

	Goodwill	Customer list	Brand names	Total
	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000
Deemed cost
At 1 May 2022 (restated)	1,550	16,261	3,518	21,329
Acquired through business combination	-	1,000	-	1,000
At 31 October 2022	1,550	17,261	3,518	22,329
At 1 May 2022	1,550	16,261	3,518	21,329
Acquired through business combination	-	1,000	-	1,000
At 30 April 2023	1,550	17,261	3,518	22,329
At 1 May 2023	1,550	17,261	3,518	22,329
Acquired through business combination	-	3,000	-	3,000
At 31 October 2023	1,550	20,261	3,518	25,329
Accumulated amortisation
At 1 May 2022	-	7,317	10	7,327
Charge for the period	-	933	115	1,048
At 31 October 2022	-	8,250	125	8,375
At 1 May 2022	-	7,317	10	7,327
Charge for the year	-	1,838	235	2,073
At 30 April 2023	-	9,155	245	9,400
At 1 May 2023	-	9,155	245	9,400
Charge for the period	-	1,044	235	1,279
At 31 October 2023	-	10,199	480	10,679
Net Book Value
At 31 October 2022	1,550	9,011	3,393	13,954
At 30 April 2023	1,550	8,106	3,273	12,929
At 31 October 2023	1,550	10,062	3,038	14,650

 

Goodwill

 

Goodwill is allocated to the following cash generating units

	31 October 2023	Restated 31 October 2022	30 April 2023
	£'000	£'000	£'000
Property Platform
Gateley Capitus Limited	-	-	-
Gateley Hamer Limited	-	-	-
GCL Solicitors LLP (acquisition of trade and assets)	-	-	-
Persona Associates Limited	40	40	40
Gateley Vinden Limited	934	934	934
Tozer Gallagher LLP (acquisition of trade and assets)	-	-	-
Gateley Smithers Purslow Limited	-	-	-
Gateley RJA Limited	-	-	-
	974	974	974
People Platform
Kiddy & Partners Limited	-	-	-
Gateley Global Limited (formerly International Investment Services Limited)	-	-	-
t-three Consulting Limited	-	-	-
	-	-	-
Business Services Platform
Gateley Tweed (acquisition of goodwill)	576	576	576
Adamson Jones IP Limited	-	-	-
Symbiosis IP Limited	-	-	-
	576	576	576
	1,550	1,550	1,550

 

Acquisition of Richard Julian and Associates Limited (RJA)

 

On 19 July 2023 Gateley (Holdings) Plc acquired the entire issued share capital of Richard Julian and Associates Limited. RJA specialises in the provision of quantity surveying and project management services to organisations in the affordable housing sector.

 

The amounts recognised in respect of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed are as set out in the table below:

 

	Pre-acquisition carrying amount £'000	Policy alignment and fair value adjustments £'000	Total £'000
Property, plant and equipment	82	-	82
Intangible asset relating to customer list	-	3,000	3,000
Cash	1,239	-	1,239
Trade debtors	583	-	583
Prepayments and accrued income	89	-	89
Total assets	1,993	3,000	3,993
Trade payables	(7)	-	(7)
Accruals and other payables	(243)	-	(241)
Corporation tax	(227)	-	(227)
Other taxes and social security	(242)	-	(242)
Lease liability	-	-	-
Deferred tax	(15)	(750)	(765)
Total liabilities	(734)	(750)	(1,484)
Total identifiable net assets at fair value	1,259	2,250	3,509
Negative goodwill arising on acquisition			(3,509)
Total consideration			-
Satisfied by:
Initial cash consideration paid			2,035
Issue of 1,192,163 new 10p ordinary shares in Gateley (Holdings) Plc			1,896
Contingent cash consideration payable			1,034
Contingent share consideration payable			1,035
Less: amounts subject to continuing employment conditions			(6,000)
Total consideration			-
Net cash outflow arising on acquisition
Cash paid			(2,035)
Net cash acquired			1,239
Net cash outflow arising on acquisition			796

 

A contingent consideration arrangement was entered into as part of the acquisition.  A further £2.1 million could be payable with any payment subject to RJA achieving at least £4 million of revenue over the first 12 months post-acquisition, and not less than £5 million of revenue for the following 12 months. Such payment is to be split in shares and cash as agreed between the Sellers and the Company, providing no Seller is entitled to receive more than 50% of their total consideration in cash.

 

8 Contract Assets and liabilities

	Contract assets	Contract liabilities
	£'000	£'000
As at 31 October 2023	26,148	(341)
As at 31 October 2022	22,255	(668)
As at 30 April 2023	20,388	(569)

 

Contract assets

Contract assets consist of unbilled revenue in respect of professional services performed to date.

 

Contract assets in relation to non-contingent work are billed at appropriate intervals, normally on a monthly basis in arrears, in line with the performance of the services and engagement obligations. Where such matters remain unbilled at the period end the asset is valued on a contract-by-contract basis at its expected recoverable amount.

 

Contract assets in relation to contingent work are billed at a point in time once the uncertainty over the contingent event has been satisfied and all performance obligations satisfied, such that it is no longer contingent, these matters are valued based on the expected recoverable amount. Due to the complex nature of these matters, they can take a considerable time to be finalised therefore performance obligations may be settled in one period but the matter not billed until a later financial period.   Until the performance obligations have been performed the Group does not recognise any contract asset value at the year end.

 

Contract liabilities

 

When matters are billed in advance or on a basis of a monthly retainer, this is recognised in contract liabilities and released over time when the services are performed.

 

9 Trade and other receivables

	31 October 2023	Restated 31 October 2022	30 April 2023
	£'000	£'000	£'000
Trade receivables	53,369	49,102	54,167
Prepaid consideration subject to earn-out service conditions	7,149	6,136	6,015
Prepayments	4,622	3,500	5,777
Other receivables	233	220	233
	65,373	58,958	66,192
	31 October 2023	31 October 2022	30 April 2023
	£'000	£'000	£'000
Amounts falling due after more than one year:
Prepaid consideration subject to earn-out service conditions	8,257	9,038	7,080

 

10 Other interest-bearing loans and borrowings

 

The contractual terms of the Group's interest-bearing loans and borrowings, which are measured at amortised cost, are described below.

 

	31 October 2023		31 October 2022		30 April 2023
	Fair value	Carrying amount	Fair value	Carrying amount	Fair value	Carrying amount
	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000
Non-Current liabilities
Bank borrowings	13,859	13,859	6,765	6,765	6,813	6,813

 

On 18 April 2022, the Company entered into a revolving credit facility which provides total committed funding of £30m until April 2025. Interest is payable at a margin of 1.95% above the SONIA reference rate.

 

11 Trade and other payables

	31 October 2023	31 October 2022	30 April 2023
	£'000	£'000	£'000
Current
Trade payables	9,956	8,806	9,370
Other taxation and social security payable	9,347	9,802	9,913
Other payables	-	-	295
Contingent consideration treated as remuneration	118	-	1,364
Accruals and deferred income	2,310	4,911	4,991
	21,731	23,519	25,933
	£'000	£'000	£'000
Non-current
Contingent consideration treated as remuneration	-	702	-
	-	702	-

 

12 Share based payments

 

Group

 

At the period end the Group has four share-based payment schemes in operation.

 

Long Term Incentive Plan ('LTIP')

The Group operates an LTIP for the benefit of Executive Directors and Senior Management. Awards under the LTIP may be in the form of an option granted to the participant to receive ordinary shares on exercise dependent upon the achievement of profit related performance conditions.

 

Performance conditions

Options granted under the LTIP are only exercisable subject to the satisfaction of the following performance conditions which will determine the proportion of the option that will vest at the end of the three-year performance period.  The awards will be subject to an adjusted fully diluted earnings per share performance measure as described in the table below:

Adjusted, fully diluted earnings per Share Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over the three-year period ending 30 April 2023/25/26	Amount Vesting %
Below 5%	0%
5%	25%
Between 5% and 10%	Straight line vesting
Above 10%	100%

 

The options will generally be exercisable after approval of the financial statements during the year of exercise. The performance period for any future awards under the LTIP will be a three-year period from the date of grant.  Vested and unvested LTIP awards are subject to a formal malus and clawback mechanism.

 

Restricted Share Award Plan ('RSA')

 

The Group operates an RSA for the benefit of Senior Management. Awards under the RSA entitle the option holder to participate in dividends however, the shares are restricted for a period of 5 years from issue, such that they cannot be traded.

 

Save As You Earn Scheme (SAYE)

 

The Group operates a HMRC approved SAYE scheme for all staff.  Options under this scheme will vest if the participant remains employed for the agreed vesting period of three years.  Upon vesting, each option allows the holder to purchase the allocated ordinary shares at a discount of 20% of the market price determined at the grant date.

 

Company Share Option Plan (CSOP)

 

The Group operates a HMRC approved CSOP scheme for senior associates, legal directors, equivalent positions in Gateley Group subsidiary companies and senior management positions in our support teams. Options under this scheme will vest if the participant remains employed for the agreed vesting period of three years. Upon vesting, each option allows the holder to purchase the allocated ordinary share at the price on the date of the grant.

 

The annual awards granted under the schemes are summarised below:

 

	Weighted average remaining contractual life	Weighted average exercise price	Originally granted	Lapsed at 30 April 2023	Exercised at 30 April 2023	At 1 May 2023	Granted during the period	Lapsed during period	Exercised during period	At 31 October 2023
	Years	£	Number	Number	Number	Number	Number	Number	Number	Number
RSA
RSA 21/22 - 27 April 2022	3.5	£0.00	1,322,560	-	-	1,322,560	-	-		1,322,560
RSA 22/23 - 19 July 2022	3.7	£0.00	100,000	-	-	100,000	-	-	--	100,000
RSA 22/23 - 23 Feb 2023	4.3	£0.00	1,175,000	(50,000)	-	1,125,000	-	(50,000)	--	1,075,000
RSA 23/24 - 21 Sept 2023	4.8	£0.00	-	-	-	-	790,131	-	--	790,131
			2,597,560	(50,000)	-	2,547,560	790,131	(50,000)	-	3,287,691
LTIPS
LTIPS 20/21 - 22 July 2020	0.0	£0.00	1,405,766	(303,519)	-	1,102,247	-	(374,457)	(727,790)	-
LTIPS 21/22 - 27 April 2022	1.5	£0.00	1,115,000	(90,000)	-	1,025,000	-	(32,500)	-	992,500
LTIPS 22/23 - 23 February 2023	2.3	£0.00	1,320,000	-	-	1,320,000	-	-	-	1,320,000
			3,840,766	(393,519)		3,447,247	-	(406,957)	(727,790)	2,312,500
SAYE
SAYE 19/20 - 1 October 2019	0	£1.28	822,625	(462,260)	(311,806)	48,559	-	-	(48,559)	-
SAYE 20/21 - 6 November 2020	0	£1.02	2,337,197	(463,339)	-	1,873,858	-	(193,928)	-	1,679,930
SAYE 21/22 - 25 August 2021	0.8	£1.70	673,077	(172,062)	-	501,015	-	(68,491)	-	432,524
SAYE 22/23 - 22 September 2022	1.9	£1.55	1,070,154	(36,850)	-	1,033,304	-	(107,289)	-	926,015
			4,903,053	(1,134,511)	(311,806)	3,456,736	-	(369,708)	(48,559)	3,038,469
CSOPS
CSOPS 20/21 - 7 July 2020	0.0	£1.35	976,797	(245,014)	-	731,783	-	(33,150)	(438,263)	260,370
CSOPS 22/23 - 14 December 2022	2.1	£1.74	300,000	(10,000)	-	290,000	-	(20,000)	-	270,000
			1,276,797	(255,014)	-	1,021,783	-	(53,150)	(438,263)	530,370

 

During the period 703,522 CSOP options became eligible to exercise, with 438,263 being exercised by 31 October 2023.

 

During the period 48,559 SAYE 19/20 options were exercised.

 

On 21 September 727,790 LTIP options were exercised.

 

On 21 September 2023 790,131 Restricted Share Awards were granted.

 

Fair value calculations

 

The award is accounted for as equity-settled under IFRS 2. The fair value of awards which are subject to non-market based performance conditions is calculated using the Black Scholes option pricing model. The inputs to this model for awards granted during the financial year are detailed below:

 

	RSA
Grant date	21/9/23
Share price at date of grant	153.5p
Exercise price	£nil
Volatility	19%
Expected life (years)	5
Risk free rate	4.429%
Dividend yield	-
Fair value per share
Market based performance condition	-
Non-market-based performance condition/no performance condition	153.5p

 

Expected volatility was determined by using historical share price data of the Company since it listed on 8 June 2015. The expected life used in the model has been based on Management's expectation of the minimum and maximum exercise period of each of the options granted.