RNS Number : 5060M
eEnergy Group PLC
30 April 2024
 

30 April 2024

 

eEnergy Group plc

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

 

Final Results for the 18 months ended 31 December 2023

 

eEnergy (AIM: EAAS), the net zero energy services provider, is pleased to announce its audited financial statements for the 18 months from 1 July 2022 to 31 December 2023. The comparative figures are for the 12 month period to 30 June 2022. As a result of the Energy Management Division sale post year end, the Energy Management Division is classified as 'discontinued' from a statutory reporting perspective.

 

On 22 June 2023 the Company announced that it had changed its accounting reference date from 30 June to 31 December. The Group's business activities and revenues are weighted towards the middle of the calendar year and therefore the Board believes that a 31 December year end is in the best interest of the Group.

 

Financial highlights

Reported revenue of £26.3 million (FY22: £45.6 million)

Energy Services (continuing business) annualised revenue of £17.5 million for FY23, up 68% on a like-for-like basis (FY22 £10.5 million)

Reported Adjusted EBITDA1 of £(0.2) million (2022: £3.0 million)

Energy Services annualised Adjusted EBITDA1 of £1.5 million, up 55% on a like-for-like basis (FY22 £1.0 million)

Energy Services Sales (TCV) of £34.2 million (2022: £14.0 million), equivalent to £22.8 million annualised, up 63% on a like-for-like basis

Nebt Debt of £7.3 million (2022: £3.6 million) with balance sheet transformed post-period end through sale of Energy Management Division and all third party borrowings repaid

Energy Services contracted future revenues of £7.8 million as at 31 December 2023, up 96% year-on-year (31 December 2022: £4.0 million)

 

Operational achievements

Completion of new €5 million two-year project funding facility with Solas Capital AG to finance LED lighting projects in Ireland

Strategic investment agreement with long standing partner, Luceco plc

Increased ownership stake in measurement platform MY ZeERO, to 100%

Strategic planning for the post-period sale of the Energy Management Division

 

Post Period End

Sale of the Energy Management Division

£25 million initial cash consideration received with the remaining £4.3 million of initial consideration used to repay amounts due from the Group to the Energy Management Division

Potential additional consideration of £8-10 million over the next two years based on the Energy Management Division delivering on its business plan at the time of its sale

Secured new £40 million project funding facility with NatWest to finance energy efficiency and onsite generation technologies for the Group's public sector customers

£5.2 million solar contract with Spire Healthcare plc, the largest to date, following installation of trial site

Subsequent to the sale of the Energy Management Division, Andrew Lawley appointed Non-Executive Chair of the Board, following John Foley stepping down

 

FY24 Trading and Outlook

Continued impact of constrained balance sheet into Q1 24 until completion of the Energy Management Division sale in February

Compounded by slower conversion of advanced sales pipeline with lengthened customer decision-making cycles

Signs of market recovery into Q2 24 with current forward order book of £7.6 million and growing pipeline, giving confidence in strong revenue and earnings growth for H2 24, supported by material reductions in the Group PLC cost-base to reflect the reduced size of the business

Profit generation for FY24 is expected to be concentrated in the second half of the year

Looking to expand position within the public sector to include local authorities, higher and further education, whilst expanding into new commercial sectors such as healthcare

The Board now expects full year revenue for FY24 of £25-26 million

Actions being taken to reduce the Group PLC cost-base following the disposal of the Energy Management division are expected to deliver a reduction in annualised Group PLC costs from £2.3 million in Q1 24 to £1.6 million by end of Q4 24

 

Commenting on the results, Harvey Sinclair, CEO, said: "Following the sale of the Energy Management Division in February 2024 we are left with a business with a proven track record of delivering growth.

 

"We are now supported by strong cash resources, and are able to focus on converting the growing pipeline over the next 12 months, and accordingly expect profit generation for FY24 to be concentrated in H2. This will be underpinned by the delivery of solar contracts secured in prior periods and the reductions in cost-base of the Group function post-disposal.

 

"Following a period of record energy prices in 2022, the market paused for breath in the second half of 2023 as energy prices settled and cost of funding increased. We are now pleased to see some recovery in the market with strong pipeline growth in recent weeks, and are encouraged by the economy's acceleration towards Net Zero.

 

"Thank you to all the amazing eEnergy staff for their hard work and dedication during the period, helping to continue to grow our business and for the smooth separation and sale of the Energy Management Division."

 

The Company is today publishing its Annual Report and Accounts for the 18 months 31 December 2023, which will shortly be available on the Company's website at https://eenergyplc.com/investors.

 

An investor webinar and analyst presentation will take place following the trading update in July.

 

1Adjusted EBITDA is Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation, excluding exceptional items. Exceptional Items are those items which, in the opinion of the Directors, should be excluded in order to provide a consistent and comparable view of the underlying performance of the Group's ongoing business and include transaction-related items, restructuring and integration costs and share based payment expenses.

 

For further information, please visit www.eenergy.com or contact:

 

eEnergy Group plc

Tel: +44 20 7078 9564

Harvey Sinclair, Chief Executive Officer

Crispin Goldsmith, Chief Financial Officer

 

info@eenergy.com

Strand Hanson Limited (Nominated Adviser)

Tel: +44 20 7409 3494

Richard Johnson, James Harris

 


Canaccord Genuity Limited (Joint Broker)

Tel: +44 20 7523 8000

Max Hartley, Harry Pardoe (Corporate Broking)

 


Turner Pope Investments (Joint Broker)

Tel: +44 20 3657 0050

Andy Thacker, James Pope

 

info@turnerpope.com

Tavistock

Tel: +44 207 920 3150

Jos Simson, Simon Hudson, Katie Hopkins

eEnergy@tavistock.co.uk

 

About eEnergy Group plc

eEnergy (AIM: EAAS) is revolutionising the path to net zero as a leading digital energy services provider for B2B and public sector organisations. We eliminate the barriers to clean energy generation and energy waste reduction, offering solutions that don't require upfront capital investment. Our vison is clear: make net zero possible and profitable for every organisation. eEnergy is market leader within the education sector and has been awarded the Green Economy Mark by London Stock Exchange.

 



 

Chairman's Statement

 

Dear Shareholder,

The period under review comprises 18 months as a result of the Company changing its year end to better align with the seasonality of the markets we serve. This report covers the period from 1 July 2022 to 31 December 2023.

 

These 18 months saw eEnergy grow both divisions of our business - Energy Management and Energy Services. In early 2023, following a number of unsolicited approaches, we put in place a strategy to dispose of the Energy Management Division to unlock value and spur further expansion of the Energy Services Division. This disposal was brought to a successful conclusion after a longer than anticipated process after the period end, in February 2024. The transaction effectively re-capitalised the Group, paid down our borrowings and allowed us to focus our strategy and concentrate our resources on taking advantage of the growth opportunities available to our Energy Services business. The results of the Energy Management Division are included in these Financial Statements for the full period but are classified for accounting purposes as 'discontinued operations' and 'held for sale'.

 

The initial consideration for the sale of the Energy Management Division was £29.1 million with a further additional contingent consideration payable depending on the performance of the Division. The Directors expect this additional consideration to be £8-10 million based on the Energy Management Division delivering on its business plan at the time of its sale.

 

Following the disposal, the Group's sole division is Energy Services which comprises the provision of end-to-end solutions in Energy Reduction, Energy Generation and EV Charging. The outlook for these services is exciting, particularly when combined with the NatWest financing capability we have put in place post year end, resulting from our strengthened balance sheet.

 

Results for the period

Including the Energy Management Division, Group revenues for the 18-month period were £45.6 million, compared to £22.1 million in the 12 months to June 2022. Adjusted EBITDA (before Group Central costs) was £7.6 million, compared to £4.6 million for 12 months to June 2022. More relevant are the results for Energy Services which recorded revenues of £26.3 million, equivalent to £17.5 million on an annualised basis, 68% higher than FY22 on a like-for-like basis. A more detailed discussion of the results for the period is contained in the CFO's Review.

 

ESG

As a business focused on helping the public and private sectors transition to Net Zero, we set great store on adopting best practice in our environmental, social and governance procedures and reporting. We have embarked on a journey to develop and implement a comprehensive management-led ESG strategy across the business. This was initiated in October 2023 and, while still underway at the time of writing, this project is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2024. A full report on our progress to date is contained in the ESG section in this report.

 

Board

Following the disposal of the Energy Management Division and with the repayment of borrowings to a company of which John Foley is a shareholder and director, he stepped down as Non-Executive Chair from the Board, and I was appointed in his place. In addition, David Nicholl, Non-Executive Director, stepped down from the Board but will remain as an adviser to the Board, given his experience and technology sector knowledge.

 

At the same time, we were pleased to welcome John Hornby to the Board as a Non-Executive Director. John is Chief Executive Officer of Luceco plc which, following its strategic investment into the Company in November 2023, holds an interest in almost 10% of eEnergy's issued shares. John joined Luceco in 1997 and led two management buyouts of the company in 2000 and 2005. John began his career with Knox D'Arcy Management Consultants following graduation from the University of Oxford where he obtained a degree in Economics.

 

Outlook

Over the last four years we have built a strong brand with a proven track record, resulting in a market leading position in education, in what we believe is going to be a sizeable market. We will look to leverage our leading position in schools into other sectors of education, such as colleges and universities, increase our work with local authorities, whilst also expanding into new commercial sectors such as healthcare.

 

With the disposal of the Energy Management Division now completed, and supported by strong cash resources, management and the Board are now focused on converting the growing sales pipeline over the next 12 months. Whilst H1 FY24 has been impacted by market and business factors discussed in the CEO review, we are confident H2 will return to strong revenue and earnings growth.

 

Finally, on behalf of the Board and management team, I thank our amazing staff for their hard work in growing our business and for helping to make the separation and sale of the Energy Management Division such a seamless transaction. I also wish our departing colleagues and team mates well for the future under the Division's new ownership.

 

Andrew Lawley

Non-executive Chair

29 April 2024

 



 

Chief Executive Officer's report

 

Following the sale of the Energy Management Division in February 2024, we are left with Energy Services, a business with a proven track record of delivering growth. We are now focused on accelerating this growth as our customers race to meet Net Zero commitments by 2030, having built a platform with a sector leading brand.

 

Financial strength unlocks opportunities

The receipt of the initial £25 million cash portion of the consideration has transformed our balance sheet. A strong balance sheet will unlock a number of the constraints that we have experienced historically - we now have the working capital to tender for much larger multi-million-pound contracts and we can secure better terms from our supply chain. It is also what has allowed us to agree the recent facility with NatWest which provides us with the firepower to enhance our growth and enable us to build additional recurring income streams as we move forward.

 

Our markets for Energy Services are large and growing

Over the last three years since listing on AIM, we have delivered a 58% compound annual growth rate in revenues which is evidence of the power of the brand we have built in the market. It also demonstrates the scalability of our operating model in what we see as a very large addressable market. From the work we have been doing over the last 10 years we estimate that some 70% of the market in education alone still remains to be addressed. Within this, we estimate that the lighting opportunity alone, is worth an estimated £2 billion. We also recognise the barriers to entry for new competitors in the public sector space are considerable.

 

Pipeline

Over the last three years we have built a very strong, investment grade pipeline that's potentially worth over £120 million. Typically, our customers have sales cycles of somewhere between six and 24 months and with our proven track record of closing around half our investment grade proposals, this gives us increasing visibility on future revenues.

 

Following a period of record energy prices in 2022, the market paused for breath in the second half of 2023 as energy prices settled and cost of funding increased. We are now seeing some recovery in the market with strong pipeline growth in recent weeks.

 

The business has over 600 "Light as a Service" contracts with education customers and so is well positioned to transition these customers to solar solutions, utilising the recent NatWest funding solution.

 

We are aiming to drive scalable profitable growth and our objective is to target the high teens EBITDA margins as we look into the mid-and long-term.

 

Energy Management Division

The Energy Management Division was created after we acquired three businesses between 2020 and 2021 as part of a strategy to diversify beyond what was a lighting as a service business that had been growing organically for seven years.

 

Building a saleable business of size

We integrated the three acquired businesses into a single platform and into a single brand that enabled us to deliver the efficiencies we created from new products. These provided significant value-add to our customer base which was demonstrated by stronger customer retention over the period of our ownership. We can be proud of what we achieved against a backdrop of very challenging market conditions - starting with the pandemic and continuing with disruptive and volatile energy markets. These conditions were difficult for all businesses but even worse for the energy consultancy sector.

 

The disposal

Following a number of unsolicited approaches in early 2023, we conducted a strategic review of the options for the Group and concluded that it was in shareholders' best interests to divest the division and secure a significant return on investment on day one with the potential for further returns from an expected £8-10 million additional contingent consideration over the next two years, based on delivery of the business plan, in a structure that works for both us and the acquirer.

 

In short, we have cleared our balance sheet constraints, and have provided the Energy Services business with a springboard into what is a very exciting market opportunity where we have a leading position.

 

Energy Services strategy

 

Strategy for growth

We've finessed our strategy into one based on three pillars. Reduction, Generation and Charging. Our focus this year will be on Energy Reduction and Energy Generation services. These will be followed by Energy Charging, by which we mean electric vehicle (EV) charging.

 

EV charging remains an exciting opportunity but it's still nascent. In the next few years, the adoption levels for EVs will start increasing and this will create a significant opportunity to facilitate revenue and profitability within the customer base that we've so successfully acquired.

 

With a leading brand position in the market, we now have a unique and differentiated "Energy as a Service" customer proposition; this has been reinforced through our off balance sheet financing solution, enabled by the NatWest facility described in detail in the CFO's Review below. This solution is becoming ever more attractive to customers in what is a capital constrained environment. The second point of our competitive advantage comes from our continued exclusive licence of MY ZeERO (formerly part of the Energy Management Division) which allows us to provide both visibility and verification of energy savings delivered.

 

Customer acquisition

During the last 18 months we have refined and sharpened our offer to customers. This has been reflected in new customer wins and additional work from existing users of our services.

 

Looking at the competitive landscape that we operate in, from the research we have done both internally and through due diligence providers we see a thinly served market with very few genuine competitors given the size of the market. This in itself provides us with an incredible opportunity to leverage our brand and strengthen that presence in the public sector. Historically we have had a successful direct sales model that remains in place. Now, as we start thinking about scaling the business, we're running in parallel an indirect channel partner strategy to help expand out of the public sector together with leveraging our ability to win increasingly large multi-million pound contracts and tenders.

 

Energy Services Market

The energy crisis in 2022 was a big wakeup call to the world; cost savings became the main driver for energy transition projects. However, over the last 12 months, energy prices have reduced (still remaining almost double pre-Covid rates) and this has created a temporary slowing down of organisations transitioning to Net Zero, which has been frustrating for the business as project decision making cycles have been extended. My personal view is that we are about to enter a period of accelerated and sustained focus on decarbonising buildings in the period up to 2030. This provides an incredible market opportunity, for which eEnergy is well positioned.

 

Whilst cost remains a key driver for our Energy Reduction Services, we are starting to see stronger drivers in compliance and regulation. Furthermore, given the changes to the cost of capital in the last 12 months, the market has become increasingly constrained for capital intensive projects; this has made the "energy as a service" proposition both relevant and commercially attractive to organisations.

 

The ban on fluorescent lamps last year was a further inflection point for lighting in the public sector, accentuating the need for organisations to transition to LED, where their lighting infrastructure is increasingly reaching 'end of life' and where LED is now the only option. Another driver is the tightening of EPC ratings for commercial landlords which means that property owners are starting to see the inherent increase in property value that on-site generation could deliver for them.

 

Strategy in action

The potential introduction of a carbon tax, supply chain pressures and Government policy for Net Zero commitments are all intensifying providing a backdrop of non-financial drivers on top of the need to reduce wastage and cost. 2030 is now only five years away.


Outlook

Over the last four years we have built a market leading position in education, with a strong track record of delivering solutions to our customers across all market sectors. We are looking to expand our position within the public sector to include local authorities, higher and further education, whilst expanding into new commercial sectors such as healthcare where we have already made a strong start with the award of an estimated £5.2 million contract by Spire Healthcare Group Plc in April 2024.

 

Through the second half of 2023 and into Q1 2024, the business was constrained by its balance sheet until the completion of the disposal of the Energy Management Division in February 2024. This coincided with a degree of market fatigue created by falling energy prices and increased cost of funding leading to a delay in project decision-making cycles, delaying the conversion of our sales pipeline into contracted orders. The Energy Management Division disposal process also took longer than anticipated and required considerable management time. All of which is expected to result in H1 FY24 trading being weaker than anticipated.

 

However on a more positive note, with the Energy Management Division disposal completed and supported by strong cash resources, management are focused on converting the growing pipeline over the next 12 months, and accordingly are confident that H2 FY24 will return to strong revenue and earnings growth. Profit generation for FY24 is therefore expected to be concentrated in the second half of the year, supported by the delivery of solar contracts secured in prior periods and actions being taken to materially reduce the Group PLC cost-base to reflect the reduced size of the business.

 

Harvey Sinclair

Chief Executive

29 April 2024

 



 

Chief Financial Officer's report

 

Group key performance indicators




18 months to 31 December 2023


Continuing operations £'000

Discontinued operations £'000

Combined (non-statutory) £'000

Revenue

26,316

19,318

45,634

Adj. EBITDA (before central costs)

2,268

5,310

7,578

Adj. EBITDA (before central costs) %

8.6%

27.5%

16.6%

Adj. EBITDA (after central costs)

(233)

5,310

5,077





Cash & cash equivalents (excl. restricted balances)



597

Net cash/(debt) (excl. of IFRS16)



(7,433)

 

Results presentation

During the period, the Board decided to move the accounting reference date from 30 June to 31 December in order to align reporting periods better with the seasonal activity levels of the business. We are therefore reporting on an 18-month period to 31 December 2023 ("FY23").

 

Furthermore, having received a number of unsolicited approaches expressing interest in acquiring the Energy Management Division during the first half of 2023, the Board engaged professional advisers to conduct a strategic review of the Energy Management Division and to evaluate the approaches. This culminated in the sale of the Energy Management Division in February 2024, after the period end.

 

As a result, the Energy Management Division is classified as 'held for sale' from a statutory reporting perspective. Statutory revenues of £26.3 million and Adjusted EBITDA of £(0.2) million for the period reflect only the continuing operations of the Group. Incorporating the Energy Management results gives non-statutory revenues of £45.6 million and Adjusted EBITDA of £5.1 million for the period.

 

The Energy Management Division, prior to its disposal, consisted of the business and operations of Beond (acquired December 2020), UtilityTeam (acquired September 2021) and MY ZeERO (acquired in stages from April 2021).

 

Following the divestment, the Energy Services Division represents the continuing customer-facing activities of the Group encompassing Energy Reduction Services, Energy Generation Services and EV Charging Services.

 

Summary performance

This was another period of significant revenue growth for the Group. Revenues for the Group as a whole were £45.6 million, equating to annualised revenues of £30.4 million and representing 38% growth on FY22 on a like-for-like basis.

 

It is not unusual for high growth businesses to experience balance sheet constraints. This was reflected in an increase in net debt of £3.8 million during the period, which was largely a consequence of an increase in working capital. This was driven by an increase in net accrued revenues, representing future contracted cash due to the business, repayment of legacy (non-trade) liabilities and a reduction in the provision for earnout consideration relating to the acquisition of UtilityTeam. Investment was also made to develop the Group's proprietary technology platforms, including MY ZeERO.

 

These balance sheet constraints restricted revenue growth, in particular in the Energy Services Division, and also held back margins with decision-making prioritising short-term cash benefits over long-term strategic initiatives.

 

Energy Services Performance

Strong momentum in new contract wins has continued to drive accelerated revenue growth. Revenues of £26.3 million for the full period equate to annualised revenues of £17.5 million, representing growth of 68% compared to FY22 on a like-for-like basis (FY22 £10.5 million).

 

Strong execution and focus on cost management helped the business deliver a 160bps improvement on gross margins to 35.8% (FY22 34.2%), despite inflationary pressures across the economy and a changing product mix with growing eSolar and eCharge revenues generating lower product gross margins.

 

High revenue growth, together with improving gross margins, drove Adjusted EBITDA to £2.3 million (equivalent to £1.5 million annualised, representing 55% growth from £1.0 million for FY22). Nevertheless, growth in Adjusted EBITDA was mitigated by operating cost investments made to drive growth in future periods, reflected in a reduction in Adjusted EBITDA margin from 9.3% to 8.6%. These investments are estimated by management to have amounted to c. £0.3 million on an annualised basis, equivalent to c. 160bps impact on the annualised Adjusted EBITDA margin.

 

£34.2 million of new contract signings were delivered during the period. This is equivalent to £22.8 million on an annualised basis, representing an increase of 63% on FY22 (£14.0 million). As at 31 December 2023 the business benefitted from a revenue forward order book (contracted future revenues) of £7.8 million which are expected to convert to revenue during FY24. This represented a 96% increase on the Energy Services forward order book of £4.0 million at 31 December 2022.

 

The Group has built a strong pipeline of Solar opportunities over the last 18 months which accounted for 64% of the revenue forward order book at 31 December 2023. Signed Heads of Terms had been secured for a further 13 MW as at that date. Lead times on eSolar projects are long given the number of stakeholders involved and consents required. After a long development cycle these projects are now converting into revenue, accelerating growth into FY24.

 

Cash Flow and Working Capital

Net cash outflow from operating activities for the period was £2.4 million (FY22 net cash outflow of £6.2 million).

 

The operating cash outflow was a result of a £4.1 million increase in net working capital together with cash exceptional charges of £3.1 million, which in large part related to the preparation for sale and disposal of the Energy Management Division.

 

The single biggest contributor to the working capital increase was an increase in net accrued revenue of £6.8 million. This increase partly reflects longer project lead times in eSolar, with strong contract signings in the final quarter of FY23, together with the organic growth of the business in both Energy Management and Energy Services. Accrued revenue is recognised where revenue generating activity within a given period is rewarded by cashflow in future periods. Accrued revenue therefore represents contracted future cash receipts for the business.

 

The increase in accrued revenue was mitigated by increases in accruals and trade payables, which have scaled as revenues have increased, resulting in a net increase in trade working capital of £1.9 million.

 

Payments of £2.1 million were made against legacy (non-trade and non-recurring) liabilities during the period. £1.6 million related to historical Time-to-Pay arrangements with HMRC, clearing all historical overdue amounts, and £0.5 million related to legacy liabilities in Ireland.

 

Cash flow also reflected a £1.3 million investment in the period in continuing to develop the Group's proprietary technology platforms, including a new self-service client portal in Energy Management and MY ZeERO's cloud analytics which were central to the preparation for sale of the division.

 

The sale of the Energy Management Division following the period end has had a transformative impact on the Group's balance sheet. Going forward, management intend to maintain a robust cash position to manage a lumpy working capital cycle effectively, give enhanced credibility in tenders for larger multi-site projects and secure better terms across the supply chain, driving further margin improvement for the business.

 

The Group's balance sheet strength now gives us a key competitive advantage and barrier to entry. It also opens up the opportunity to invest working capital to drive growth, in particular through improving margins. A good example of this is the new project funding facility with NatWest, announced in February 2024. By being able to retain a modest share of completed projects on our balance sheet, we are able to obtain a lower cost of finance. That improves the conversion of contract value (what the customer actually pays) to revenue and flows straight through to an increased margin. It also builds a growing portfolio of predictable and recurring quarterly cash income over the duration of the underlying customer contracts (typically 7-10 years), delivering a return of over 2x the initial cash invested.

 

Management have identified further opportunities across the supply chain where modest short-term working capital investment could unlock material cost benefits. In order to maintain a robust cash position, a measured and prudent approach will be taken to any such capital deployments with a target to be net operating cash generative in any 12-month period going forward.

 

Borrowings and Funding

As at 31 December 2023 the Group had c. £8.1 million of borrowings outstanding. £5 million of this related to a secured revolving credit facility from HSBC Innovation Finance (previously known as Silicon Valley Bank) with the balance related to secured discounted capital bonds issued in November 2022.

 

Following completion of the disposal of the Energy Management Division after the period end, both facilities have been repaid in full.

 

In November 2023 we were pleased to enter into a strategic investment agreement with Luceco Plc, pursuant to which Luceco invested £1.8 million into the Group via a subscription for new ordinary shares. Luceco is a leading supplier of wiring accessories, EV chargers, LED lighting and portable power products, listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange, with which eEnergy has a longstanding relationship as a significant supply partner to the eLight business (part of the Energy Services Division).

 

Disposal of Energy Management

In February 2024 the sale of the Energy Management Division to Flogas Britain Ltd (a subsidiary of DCC Plc) was completed for initial consideration of £29.1 million (prior to repayment of amounts due from the Group to the Energy Management Division).

 

Completion of the disposal unlocks significant value for shareholders and delivers an immediate return on the £23.4 million invested since December 2020 in acquiring the businesses which made up the Energy Management Division prior its disposal; Beond (acquired December 2020), UtilityTeam (acquired September 2021) and MY ZeERO (acquired in stages from April 2021).

 

The terms of the transaction allow for additional contingent consideration payments to eEnergy, linked to the net cash generated by the division from completion through to end September 2025. The value of the potential future contingent consideration, which is capped at £20 million, is estimated to be worth in the range of £8-10 million, subject to the division achieving strong growth in line with its business plan.

 

FY24 Outlook

Following disposal of the Energy Management Division, the Group retains a standalone operating platform in Energy Services which benefits from strong market drivers and improving margins.

 

A separate central Group Plc function is focused on enhancing the capital value of the Group and on strategic expansion opportunities, as well as housing the costs associated with meeting Plc obligations. Right-sizing the cost-base of the central Group function following the Energy Management disposal is a key management focus which will see the cost run-rate fall materially through the year.

 

Following completion of the Energy Management sale and subsequent repayment of the Group's borrowings in February 2024, Finance and Exceptional charges are expected to be substantially reduced for FY24.

 

These actions will drive an improving conversion of revenue to profit as expected revenue growth is achieved through H2 FY24.

 

Crispin Goldsmith

Chief Financial Officer

29 April 2024



 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

For the period to 31 December 2023

 

 

 


 

 

Note

18 months to 31 December 2023
£'000

Restated Year to 30 June 2022

£'000

Continuing operations


 

 

Revenue from contracts with customers

5

26,316

10,462

Cost of sales

6

(16,892)

(6,880)

Gross profit


9,424

3,582

Operating expenses

7

(13,064)

(5,727)

Included within operating expenses are:




-     Exceptional items

7

3,407

1,492

Adjusted operating expenses


(9,657)

(4,235)

Adjusted earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation


(233)

(653)

Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation


(3,640)

(2,145)

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment ii


(683)

(282)

Finance costs - net

10

(1,947)

(242)

Loss before tax


(6,270)

(2,669)

Tax

11

333

-

Loss for the period / year from continuing operations


(5,937)

(2,669)

Discontinued operations




Profit after tax for the year from discontinued operations

4

3,416

1,178

Loss for the year


(2,521)

(1,491)

 




Attributable to:




Members of the parent entity


(2,521)

(1,431)

Non-controlling interests iii


-

(60)

Loss for the year


(2,521)

(1,491)

Other comprehensive income - items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit and loss




Translation of foreign operations


(61)

(125)

Total other comprehensive loss


(61)

(125)

Total comprehensive loss for the year


(2,582)

(1,616)

Total comprehensive loss for the year attributable to:




Members of the parent entity - continuing


(5,998)

(2,734)

Members of the parent entity - discontinued


3,416

1,178

Non-controlling interests iii


-

(60)

 


(2,582)

(1,616)

Basic and diluted loss per share from continuing operations

12

(1.67p)

(0.82p)

i.    Consistent with IFRS5, the prior period Income Statement and associated notes have been restated for the disposal of the Energy Management cash generating unit (eEnergy Management Limited, eEnergy Consultancy Limited and eEnergy Insights Limited) which completed on 9 February 2024. The Energy Management cash generating unit is disclosed as a discontinued operation and classified as held for sale on the group balance sheet. The prior period balance sheet disclosures are not restated.

ii.   Depreciation and amortisation for the period includes £683k from Continuing and £1,300k from Discontinuing Operations. See notes 13 PP&E, 14 Intangibles & 20 Leases and associated foot notes for the allocation and disclosure of depreciation and amortisation charges.

iii.  During the period, the Group acquired the remaining outstanding share capital of eEnergy Insights Limited for a combination of cash and shares of eEnergy Group PLC.


 

Consolidated statement of financial position

As at 31 December 2023

 

 

Note

As at 31 December 2023
£'000

As at 30 June

 2022

£'000

NON-CURRENT ASSETS



 

Property, plant and equipment

13

292

458

Intangible assets

14

3,465

28,733

Right of use assets

20

502

777

Trade and other receivables

17

818

-

Deferred tax asset

23

1,138

1,071

 


6,215

31,039

CURRENT ASSETS




Inventories

16

177

809

Trade and other receivables

17

14,418

16,022

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

25

-

21

Cash and cash equivalents

18

597

1,802



15,192

18,654

Disposal group classified as held for sale

4

34,997

-

 


50,189

18,654

TOTAL ASSETS


56,404

49,693

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES




Lease liability

20

384

349

Borrowings

21

-

5,011

Other non-current liabilities

22

-

2,252

Deferred tax liability

23

944

1,318

Provision

24

-

860

 


1,328

9,790

CURRENT LIABILITIES




Trade and other payables

19

15,203

16,802

Lease liability

20

189

542

Borrowings

21

8,030

11



23,422

17,355

Disposal group classified as held for sale

4

7,852

-

 


31,274

17,355

TOTAL LIABILITIES


32,602

27,145

NET ASSETS

 

23,802

22,548

Equity attributable to owners of the parent




Issued share capital

26

16,494

16,373

Share premium

26

49,319

47,360

Other reserves

27

2,017

261

Reverse acquisition reserve

27

(35,246)

(35,246)

Foreign currency translation reserve


(199)

(138)

Accumulated losses


(8,583)

(5,985)

Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent


23,802

22,625

Non-controlling interest

28

-

(77)

Total equity


23,802

22,548




Company statement of financial position

As at 31 December 2023

 

 

 

Note

As at 31 December 2023
£'000

As at

30 June 2022

£'000

NON-CURRENT ASSETS



 

Property, plant and equipment

13

26

28

Intangible assets

14

75

34

Right of use assets

20

128

279

Investment in subsidiary

15

6,574

6,574

 


6,803

6,915

CURRENT ASSETS




Intercompany receivables


24,574

24,380

Trade and other receivables

17

617

863

Cash and cash equivalents

18

56

91

 


25,247

25,334

TOTAL ASSETS


32,050

32,249

CURRENT LIABILITIES




Trade and other payables

19

1,854

2,114

Lease liability

20

132

265

Borrowings

21

2,960

-

 


4,946

2,379

TOTAL LIABILITIES


4,946

2,379





NET ASSETS

 

27,104

29,870





Equity attributable to owners of the parent




 Issued share capital

26

16,494

16,373

 Share premium

26

49,319

47,360

 Other reserves

27

1,983

1,087

 Accumulated losses


(40,692)

(34,950)

Total equity


27,104

29,870



 

Statement of cashflows

For the period ended 31 December 2023

 

 

Group

 

Company


Note

Period to 31 Dec 2023
£'000

Year to 30 June 2022
£'000

 

Period to 31 Dec 2023
£'000

Year to 30 June 2022
£'000

 







Operating Profit (Profit Before Interest & Tax)


(4,323)

(2,427)


(4,295)

(2,882)

Depreciation & Amortisation


683

282


487

159

EBITDA Continuing Operations

 

(3,640)

(2,145)

 

(3,808)

(2,723)

EBITDA Discontinued Operations ii

4

4,844

2,877


-

-

EBITDA i

3

1,204

732

 

(3,808)

(2,723)

Adjustments for:







Other non-cash working capital movements


-

677


(2)

(24)

Shares and warrants issue to settle expenses


136

-


136

-

Share based payments


760

520


760

520

Gain on derecognition of contingent consideration


(448)

(1,032)


(448)

(1,032)

Operating cashflow before working capital movements


1,652

897


(3,362)

(3,259)

(Increase) / decrease in trade and other receivables


493

(9,857)


(874)

(706)

(Decrease) increase in trade and other payables


2,052

165


589

(15)

Decrease (increase) in inventories


228

(95)


-

-

(Decrease) increase in net accrued / deferred income


(6,808)

2,650


-

-

Net cash (outflow) from operating activities


(2,383)

(6,240)


(3,647)

(3,980)

Cash flow from investing activities







Amounts received from (paid to) group undertakings


-

-


-

(8,448)

Acquisition of subsidiaries


-

(11,081)


-

-

Cash acquired on acquisition of subsidiaries


-

4,007


-

-

Cash from exercise of options in acquired business


(100)

-


(100)

-

Expenditure on intangible assets


(1,338)

(401)


(75)

(16)

Purchase of property, plant and equipment


(293)

(294)


(20)

(34)

Net cash (outflow) from investing activities


(1,731)

(7,769)


(195)

(8,498)

Cash flows from financing activities







Interest (paid)


(602)

(188)


-

-

Repayment of lease liabilities

20

(738)

(347)


(476)

-

Proceeds from the issue of share capital, net of issue costs iii.


1,759

11,382


1,758

11,382

Proceeds from loans and borrowings


2,525

4,891


2,525

-

Repayment of borrowings


-

(3,287)


-

-

Net cash inflow from financing activities


2,944

12,451


3,807

11,382

Net (decrease) / increase in cash & cash equivalents


(1,170)

(1,558)


(35)

(1,096)

Effect of exchange rates on cash


-

28


-

-

Cash & cash equivalents at the start of the period


1,802

3,332


91

1,187

Cash & cash equivalents at the end of the period iv.

18

632

1,802


56

91

 

i.    The Cash Flow has been restated to enhance comparability, following classification of Energy Management as a discontinued operation. Prior period Loss After Tax, disclosed as Operating loss in the opening line of the cash flow was £(1,491)k. Adjusting for tax £(736)k, finance costs £323k, depreciation and amortisation £2,636k arrives at EBITDA of £732k.

ii.    Cash Flow attributable to discontinued operations include £1,076k Operating cash inflow, £(1,397)k investing cash flows, £(149)k financing cash flows, net movement in cash & cash equivalents £(470)k. Cash at the beginning of the period was £505k and £35k at the end of the period. See Note 4.

iii.   Issue of share capital excludes £324k associated with the settlement of deferred consideration for non-cash consideration. Excluded from issue of Share Capital and Share Premium (see Statement of Changes in Equity), is £16k Share Capital and £309k Share Premium for settlement of working capital (deferred consideration).

iv.   Cash and Cash Equivalents includes £35k from discontinued operations (Note 4) and £597k of continuing.

v.    The non cash consideration issued to acquire subsidiaries during the period was £0million (2022: £3.0 million) and is disclosed for each acquisition in Note 29.

Refer Note 32 for net debt reconciliation.



Consolidated Statement of changes in equity

For the period ended 31 December 2023

 


Share capital iii

Share premium

Reverse acqn. reserve

Other Reserves

Foreign currency reserve

Accum. losses

Non-controlling interest

Total equity


£'000 

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Balance at 30 June 2021

16,071

33,014

(35,246)

601

(13)

(4,554)

-

9,873

Other comprehensive loss

-

-

-

-

(125)

-

-

(125)

Loss for the year

-

-

-

-

-

(1,431)

(60)

(1,491)

Total comprehensive profit for the year attributable to equity holders of the parent

-

-

-

-

(125)

(1,431)

(60)

(1,616)

Issue of shares for cash

240

11,760

-

-

-

-

-

12,000

Issue of shares for acquisition of subsidiary

55

2,903

-

-

-

-

-

2,958

Issue of shares in exchange for loan notes

7

301

-

-

-

-

-

308

Acquisition of non-controlling interest

-

-

-

-

-

-

(17)

(17)

Acquisition of put option relating to non-controlling interests

-

-

-

(3,921)

-

-

-

(3,921)

Utilisation on acquisition of non-controlling interests

-

-

-

3,061

-

-

-

3,061

Share based payment

-

-

-

520

-

-

-

520

Cost of share issue

-

(618)

-

-

-

-

-

(618)

Total transactions with owners

302

14,346

-

(340)

-

-

(17)

14,291

Balance at 30 June 2022

16,373

47,360

(35,246)

261

(138)

(5,985)

(77)

22,548

Other comprehensive loss

-

-

-

-

(61)

-

-

(61)

Loss for the period

-

-

-

-

-

(2,521)

-

(2,521)

Total comprehensive profit for the period attributable to equity holders of the parent

-

-

-

-

(61)

(2,521)

-

(2,582)

Issue of shares for cash

105

1,650

-

-

-

-

-

1,755

Issue of shares for acquisition of subsidiaries i

16

309

-

-

-

-

-

325

Acquisition of balance of non-controlling interest ii

-

-

-

860

-

(77)

77

860

Warrants

-

-

-

136

-

-

-

136

Share based payment

-

-

-

760

-

-

-

760

Total transactions with owners

121

1,959

-

1,756

-

(77)

77

3,836

Balance at 31 December 2023

16,494

49,319

(35,246)

2,017

(199)

(8,583)

-

23,802

i. Issue of share capital (non-cash) for settlement of contingent consideration, relating to the acquisition of UtilityTeam and acquisition of minority interests in eEnergy Insights.

ii Relates to reversal of the put option provision, regarding the step acquisition of eEnergy Insights Limited, following acquisition of outstanding share capital.

iii. Share Capital is inclusive of £15,333 deferred share capital - refer to note 26.



 

Consolidated Statement of changes in equity

For the period ended 31 December 2023

 


Share Capital i

Share Premium

Other Reserves

Accum. Losses

Total Equity


£'000 

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Balance at 30 June 2021

16,071

33,014

567

(32,068)

17,584

Loss for the year

-

-

-

(2,882)

(2,882)

Total comprehensive loss for the year attributable to equity holders of the parent

-

-

-

(2,882)

(2,882)

Issue of shares for cash

240

11,760

-

-

12,000

Issue of shares for acquisition of subsidiary

55

2,903

-

-

2,958

Issue of shares in exchange for loan notes

7

301

-

-

308

Share based payment

-

-

520

-

520

Cost of share issue

-

(618)

-

-

(618)

Total transaction with owners

302

14,346

520

-

15,168

Balance at 30 June 2022

16,373

47,360

1,087

(34,950)

29,870

Loss for the period

-

-

-

(5,742)

(5,742)

Total comprehensive loss for the period attributable to equity holders of the parent

-

-

-

(5,742)

(5,742)

Issue of shares for cash

105

1,650

-

-

1,755

Issue of shares for acquisition of subsidiary

16

309

-

-

325

Warrants

-

-

136

-

136

Share based payment

-

-

760

-

760

Total transaction with owners

121

1,959

896

-

2,976

Balance at 31 December 2023

16,494

49,319

1,983

(40,692)

27,104

i Authorised and Issued share capital comprises 553,251,050,551 Deferred shares of £0.00001 - £15,332,511 and 387,224,625 ordinary shares of £0.003 - £1,161,674.

Notes to the financial statements

For the period ended 31 December 2023

 

1          GENERAL INFORMATION

eEnergy Group plc ("the Company") is a public limited company with its shares traded on the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange. eEnergy Group plc is a holding company of a group of companies (the "Group").

 

eEnergy (AIM: EAAS) is revolutionising the path to net zero as a leading digital energy services provider for B2B and public sector organisations. We eliminate the barriers to clean energy generation and energy waste reduction, offering solutions that don't require upfront capital investment. Our vison is clear: make net zero possible and profitable for every organisation. eEnergy is market leader within the education sector and has been awarded the Green Economy Mark by London Stock Exchange.

 

The Company is incorporated and domiciled in England and Wales with its registered office at 20 St Thomas Street, London, England, SE1 9RS. The Company's registered number is 05357433.

 

2          ACCOUNTING POLICIES

IAS 8 requires that management shall use its judgement in developing and applying accounting policies that result in information which is relevant to the economic decision-making needs of users, that are reliable, free from bias, prudent, complete and represent faithfully the financial position, financial performance and cash flows of the entity.

 

2.1       Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with UK adopted international financial reporting standards ("UK IFRS") and with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

 

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention as modified by financial assets at fair value through profit or loss and other comprehensive income, and the recognition of net assets acquired under the reverse acquisition at fair value.

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with UK IFRS requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts in the financial statements. The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions or estimates are significant to the financial statements, are disclosed in note 2.22.

 

The financial statements present the results for the Group and Company for the 18 month period ended 31 December 2023. The comparative period is for the year ended 30 June 2022.

 

The principal accounting policies are set out below and have, unless otherwise stated, been applied consistently in the financial statements. The consolidated financial statements are prepared in Pounds Sterling, which is the Group's functional and presentation currency, and presented to the nearest £'000.

 

During the period, the Group extended its period of account from June to December. The Group's business activities and revenues are weighted towards the middle of the calendar year and therefore the Board believes that a 31 December year end will be in the best interest of the Group.

 

The Directors have amended the period end of all subsidiaries to align with that of the group company, except for eLight Ireland Limited, eLight EAAS Projects Limited, eEnergy Management, eEnergy Consulatancy and eEnergy Insights Limited. Under local legislation, eLight Ireland Limited and eLight EAAS Projects Limited are ineligible for financial year end amendment, and the             Directors will revisit when eligible. eEnergy Management Limited, eEnergy Consultancy Limited and eEnergy Insights Limited, collectively the Energy Management Division were disposed of in February 2024. These companies year ends were not revised due to commercial negotiations associated with the anticipated disposal.

 

The Energy Management division, in accordance with IFRS 5, is disclosed separately as a discontinued operation and classified as held for sale on the balance sheet. The prior year income statement is restated to show continuing operations, whilst the comparative balance sheet and cash flow remains unaltered.

 

2.2       New standards, amendments and interpretations

The Group and Company have adopted all of the new and amended standards and interpretations issued by the International Accounting Standards Board that are relevant to its operations and effective for accounting periods commencing on or after 1 July 2022.

 

No standards or Interpretations that came into effect for the first time for the financial period beginning 1 July 2022 have had an impact on the Group or Company.

 

2.3       New standards and interpretations not yet adopted

At the date of approval of these financial statements, the following standards and interpretations which have not been applied in these financial statements were in issue but not yet effective (and in some cases have not yet been adopted by the UK):

 

Standard

Impact on initial application

Effective date

Annual Improvements

2018-2020 Cycle

1 January 2023

IFRS 17

Insurance Contracts

1 January 2023

IAS 1 (amendments)

Classification of liabilities as Current or Non-current

1 January 2023

IAS 8 (amendments)

Accounting estimates

1 January 2023

IAS 12 (amendments)

Deferred tax arising from a single transaction

1 January 2023

IAS 1 (amendments)

Presentation of Financial Statements: Disclosure of Accounting Policies

1 January 2023

IFRS 16 (amendments)

Lease Liability in a Sale and Leaseback

1 January 2024

IAS 1 (amendments)

Non-Current Liabilities with Covenants

1 January 2024

 

The effect of these new and amended Standards and Interpretations which are in issue but not yet mandatorily effective is not expected to be material.

 

2.4       Going concern

The financial information has been prepared on a going concern basis, which assumes that the Group and Company will continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. In assessing whether the going concern assumption is appropriate, the Directors have taken into account all relevant information about the current and future position of the Group and Company, including the current level of resources and the trading outlook over the going concern period, being at least 12 months from the date of approval of the financial statements. The Group meets its working capital requirements from its cash and cash equivalents and its project financing arrangements, which in some instances are secured by debentures over special purpose financing subsidiaries and their assets, which are principally long-term customer contracts.

 

Following the period end, the sale of the Energy Management division was completed allowing the Group to repay its corporate debt facilities in full and substantially strengthen its balance sheet, which now benefits from significant cash headroom.

 

The Directors note that there is continued macroeconomic and geo-political uncertainty. Energy prices have moderated, however there remains a clear financial benefit from the energy efficiency solutions provided by the Group as well as a continued focus from our customers on reducing their carbon footprint. The Directors therefore believe the business is well placed to continue to deliver strong growth despite this backdrop. However the Directors note the environment does create heightened risk and uncertainties, including from inflationary pressures.

 

The Group has prepared budgets and cash flow forecasts covering the going concern period which have been stress tested for the negative impact of possible scenarios.

 

Taking these matters into consideration, the Directors consider that the continued adoption of the going concern basis is appropriate. The financial statements do not reflect any adjustments that would be required if they were to be prepared other than on a going concern basis.

 

2.5       Basis of consolidation

Subsidiaries are all entities (including structured entities) over which the Group has control. The Group controls an entity when the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group. They are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases.

 

The Group applies the acquisition method to account for business combinations. The consideration transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary is the fair value of the assets transferred, the liabilities incurred to the former owners of the acquiree and the equity interests issued by the group. The consideration transferred includes the fair value of any asset or liability resulting from a contingent consideration arrangement. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. The group recognises any non-controlling interest in the acquiree on an acquisition-by-acquisition basis, either at fair value or at the non-controlling interest's proportionate share of the recognised amounts of acquiree's identifiable net assets.

 

Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the Group is recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. Subsequent changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration that is deemed to be an asset or liability is recognised either in profit or loss or as a change to other comprehensive income. Contingent consideration that is classified as equity is not re-measured, and its subsequent settlement is accounted for within equity.

 

Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. Inter-company transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between group companies are eliminated. Unrealised losses are also eliminated.

 

2.6       Foreign currency translation

(i)       Functional and presentation currency

Items included in the individual financial statements of each of the Group's entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates ('the functional currency'). The consolidated financial statements are presented in Pounds Sterling, which is the Company's presentation and functional currency. The individual financial statements of each of the Company's wholly owned subsidiaries are prepared in the currency of the primary economic environment in which it operates (its functional currency). IAS 21 The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates requires that assets and liabilities be translated using the exchange rate at period end, and income, expenses and cash flow items are translated using the rate that approximates the exchange rates at the dates of the transactions (i.e. the average rate for the period).

 

(ii)      Transactions and balances

Transactions denominated in a foreign currency are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rate at the date of the transaction. Assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated to the functional currency at rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Gains or losses arising from settlement of transactions and from translation at period-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the income statement for the period.

 

(iii)     Group companies

The results and financial position of all the Group entities that have a functional currency different from the presentation currency are translated into the presentation currency as follows:

-     assets and liabilities for each balance sheet presented are translated at the closing rate at the date of the balance sheet;

-     income and expenses for each income statement are translated at the average exchange rate; and

-     all resulting exchange differences are recognised as a separate component of equity.

 

On consolidation, exchange differences arising from the translation of the net investment in foreign operations are taken to shareholders' equity. When a foreign operation is partially disposed or sold, exchange differences that were recorded in equity are recognised in the income statement as part of the gain or loss on sale.

 

2.7       Segmental reporting

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

 

The Directors have identified three segments; Energy Management, Energy Services and Group. The identified segments have independent revenue streams, established senior managers and are consistent with how the group consolidates and manages the business.

 

2.8       Impairment of non-financial assets

Non-financial assets and intangible assets not subject to amortisation are tested annually for impairment at each reporting date and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.

 

An impairment review is based on discounted future cash flows. If the expected discounted future cash flow from the use of the assets and their eventual disposal is less than the carrying amount of the assets, an impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss and not subsequently reversed.

 

For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are largely independent cash flows (cash generating units or 'CGUs').

 

2.9       Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and in hand, and demand deposits with banks and other financial institutions and bank overdrafts.

 

2.10     Financial instruments

IFRS 9 requires an entity to address the classification, measurement and recognition of financial assets and liabilities.

 

a)  Classification

The Group classifies its financial assets in the following measurement categories:

·      those to be measured at amortised cost; and

·      those to be measured subsequently at fair value through profit or loss.

The classification depends on the Group's business model for managing the financial assets and the contractual terms of the cash flows.

 

The Group classifies financial assets as at amortised cost only if both of the following criteria are met:

·      the asset is held within a business model whose objective is to collect contractual cash flows; and

·      the contractual terms give rise to cash flows that are solely payment of principal and interest.

 

b)  Recognition

Purchases and sales of financial assets are recognised on trade date (that is, the date on which the Group commits to purchase or sell the asset). Financial assets are derecognised when the rights to receive cash flows from the financial assets have expired or have been transferred and the Group has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership.

 

c)  Measurement

At initial recognition, the Group measures a financial asset at its fair value plus, in the case of a financial asset not at fair value through profit or loss (FVPL), transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the financial asset.

 

Transaction costs of financial assets carried at FVPL are expensed in profit or loss.

 

The Group classifies energy credits as FVPL assets. Information about the method used in determining fair value is provided in note 25. 

 

d)  Debt Instruments

Debt instruments are recorded at amortised cost. Assets that are held for collection of contractual cash flows, where those cash flows represent solely payments of principal and interest, are measured at amortised cost. Interest income from these financial assets is included in finance income using the effective interest rate method. Any gain or loss arising on derecognition is recognised directly in profit or loss and presented in other gains/(losses) together with foreign exchange gains and losses.

 

e)  Impairment

The Group assesses, on a forward looking basis, the expected credit losses associated with any debt instruments carried at amortised cost. The impairment methodology applied depends on whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk. For trade receivables, the Group applies the simplified approach permitted by IFRS 9, which requires expected lifetime losses to be recognised from initial recognition of the receivables. Impairment losses are presented as a separate line item in the statement of profit or loss.

 

2.11     Revenue recognition

Under IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, five key points to recognise revenue have been assessed:

Step 1: Identity the contract(s) with a customer;

Step 2: Identity the performance obligations in the contract;

Step 3: Determine the transaction price;

Step 4: Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and

Step 5: Recognise revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation.

 

The Group recognises revenue when the amount of revenue can be reliably measured, it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the entity, and specific criteria have been met for each of the Group's activities, as described below.

 

Where estimates are made, these are based on historical results, taking into consideration the type of customer, the type of transaction and the specifics of each arrangement. Where the Group makes sales relating to a future financial period, these are deferred and recognised under 'accrued expenses and deferred income' on the Statement of Financial Position.

 

The Group derives revenue from the transfer of goods and services over time and at a point in time in the major product and service lines detailed below.

 

Energy Services division (part of continuing operations)

Revenues from external customers come from the provision of energy efficiency solutions, solar PV generation and EV charging capability which will typically include the provision of technology at the outset of the contract and then an additional ongoing service and maintenance over the term of the contract.

 

The Group undertakes to install technology which either delivers energy savings, generates energy or provides a service proposition to customers. The Group designs the solution to deliver the desired outcomes, sources and then installs that technology. Revenue is recognised during the project period following contract signature.

 

There is typically a service and maintenance undertaking included within the agreement and this may require the repair or replacement of faulty products. Where this performance obligation is not a material element of the client agreement, as is usually the case, revenue is not separately recognised and an accrual for the expected future costs is recognised as part of the cost of sale pro rata to the aggregate revenue that is recognised. Where this performance obligation is material the revenue is recognised rateably over the term of the contract as the performance obligation is satisfied.

 

Customers either contract to make payments linked to the installation of the project or to pay over several years (typically 7-10 years) to match their usage of the technology. In the latter case, the Group may assign the majority or all of its rights and obligations under a client agreement to a finance partner. Neither that assignment, nor the timing of the customer payments, changes the recognition of revenue under the contract.

 

Energy credits

Historically, the Group has, on occasion, received consideration for both LaaS and supply & install contracts in Ireland in the form of energy credits. Energy credits are financial assets that are valued at fair value through profit or loss and their initial estimated value is included as part of the transaction price recognised as revenue. Energy credits are validated by the SEAI (the Irish regulator) and once validated are transferred to an undertaking that needs those energy credits, typically a power generation company. Any changes in the fair value of the energy credits between initial recognition and their realisation for cash are recorded as other gains or losses. As at the period end the value of energy credits on the Group's balance sheet was nil.

 

Energy Management division (part of discontinued operations)

Revenue is comprised of fees received from customers or commissions received from energy suppliers, net of value-added tax, for the review, analysis and negotiation of gas and electricity contracts on behalf of clients in the UK.

 

To the extent that invoices are raised in a different pattern from the revenue recognition policy described below, entries are made to record deferred or accrued revenue to account for the revenue when the performance obligations have been satisfied.

 

All of the Group's energy management clients receive procurement services and many also receive risk management, consulting and advisory services (together "Management Services"). These services will often be combined into a single contract but the Group separately identifies the relevant procurement obligations and recognises revenue when the relevant performance obligations have been satisfied. Revenue is recognised for each of these as follows:

 

a)  Procurement services

Procurement revenue arises when the Group provides services that lead to the client entering into a contract with an energy supplier. The Group typically receives a commission from the energy supplier based upon the amount of energy consumed by the client over the life of the contract. As the services provided by the company are completed up to the point that the contract is signed between the client and the energy supplier the performance obligation is considered to be satisfied at that point and the revenue is recognised then. Contract signature may be considerably in advance of the date at which the supply contract will commence. The total amount of revenue recognised is based upon applying the historical energy consumption of the client to estimate the expected energy consumption over the term of the contract with the energy supplier. This revenue is then limited by an allowance for actual consumption to be lower than originally estimated and an allowance for the contract term not being completed. The balance of revenue not recognised at the point the energy supply contract is signed is recognised over the life of the contract in line with the client's actual consumption.

b)  Energy management services

As well as Procurement services the Group provides clients with a range of risk management, consulting and advisory services which include Bill Validation, Cost recovery, compliance services, ongoing market intelligence, ongoing account management and the development of hedging strategies. These services are typically provided evenly over the term of the contract and are therefore recognised rateably over the contract life.

 

Client segmentation

The Group's energy management clients are segmented into four categories based upon the balance of services they contract to receive from the Group. These categories are:

SME:

Small & Medium enterprise clients who typically only take procurement services

Mid-market:

Clients who typically take fixed procurement contracts with a limited range of management services

Strategic:

Clients who take a wider range of management services, including Bill Validation and / or Budget Management reporting

Flex:

Retained for contracts allocated to this segment in previous periods, where a client procured using a flex model with regular re-trading of the procurement contract and more advanced risk management services.

 

The overall proportion of revenue attributed by management to Procurement Services and recognised at the point the energy supply contract is signed ranges from 70% of the total expected contract value for SME to 17% for Strategic and the average recognised across the portfolio for the period was 24% (2022: 23%).

 

Cost of sales

Cost of sales represents internal or external commissions paid in respect of sales made. The Cost of sale is matched to the revenue recognised so for Procurement Services is recognised at the time the contract is signed and for Management Services rateably over the contract term. To the extent the pattern of payment for these commissions is different from the costs being recognised accruals or prepayments are recorded in the balance sheet.

 

Other

a)         Management services

The Group provides management services to customers and certain other parties under fixed fee arrangements. Efforts to satisfy the performance obligation are expended evenly throughout the performance period and so the performance obligation is considered to be satisfied evenly over time and accordingly the revenue is recognised evenly over time.

 

2.12     Share based payments

The cost of equity-settled transactions with employees is measured by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments granted at the date at which they are granted and is recognised as an expense over the vesting period, which ends on the date on which the relevant employees become fully entitled to the award. In valuing equity-settled transactions, no account is taken of any vesting conditions, other than conditions linked to the price of the shares of a group company (market conditions) and non-vesting conditions. No expense is recognised for awards that do not ultimately vest, except for awards where vesting is conditional upon a market or non-vesting condition, which are treated as vesting irrespective of whether or not the market or non-vesting condition is satisfied, provided that all other vesting conditions are satisfied. At each balance sheet date before vesting, the cumulative expense is calculated, representing the extent to which the vesting period has expired and management's best estimate of the achievement or otherwise of non-market conditions and of the number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest or in the case of an instrument subject to a market condition, be treated as vesting as described above. The movement in cumulative expense since the previous balance sheet date is recognised in the income statement, with a corresponding entry in equity.

 

Where the terms of an equity-settled award are modified, or a new award is designated as replacing a cancelled or settled award, the cost based on the original award terms continues to be recognised over the original vesting period. In addition, an expense is recognised over the remainder of the new vesting period for the incremental fair value of any modification, based on the difference between the fair value of the original award and the fair value of the modified award, both as measured on the date of the modification. No reduction is recognised if this difference is negative. Where an equity-settled award is cancelled, it is treated as if it had vested on the date of cancellation, and any cost not yet recognised in the profit and loss account for the award is expensed immediately. Any compensation paid up to the fair value of the award at the cancellation or settlement date is deducted from equity, with any excess over fair value expensed in the profit and loss account.

 

2.13     Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses.

 

When the Group acquires any plant and equipment it is stated in the financial statements at its cost of acquisition.

 

Depreciation is charged to write off the cost less estimated residual value of Property, plant and equipment on a straight line basis over their estimated useful lives which are:

-     Plant and equipment                      4 years

-     Computer equipment                     4 years

 

Estimated useful lives and residual values are reviewed each year and amended as required.

 

2.14     Intangible assets

Intangible assets acquired as part of a business combination or asset acquisition, other than goodwill, are initially measured at their fair value at the date of acquisition. Intangible assets acquired separately are initially recognised at cost.

 

Amortisation is charged to write off the cost less estimated residual value of intangible assets on a straight line basis over their estimated useful lives which are:

-     Brand and trade names                  10 years

-     Customer relationships                  11 years

-     Software                                       3-10 years

 

Estimated useful lives and residual values are reviewed each year and amended as required.

 

Indefinite life intangible assets comprising goodwill are not amortised and are subsequently measured at cost less any impairment. The gains and losses recognised in profit or loss arising from the derecognition of intangible assets are measured as the difference between net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the intangible asset.

 

Other intangible assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount might not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset's carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset's fair value less costs of disposal and value in use. For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash inflows which are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or group of assets (cash-generating units).

Goodwill impairment reviews are undertaken annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate a potential impairment. The method and useful lives of finite life intangible assets are reviewed annually. Changes in the expected pattern of consumption or useful life are accounted for prospectively by changing the amortisation method or period.

 

2.15     Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. The cost of finished goods and work in progress comprises design costs, raw materials, direct labour and other direct costs. It excludes borrowing costs. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less applicable variable selling expenses.

 

2.16     Leases

The Group leases properties and motor vehicles. Leases are recognised as a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability at the date at which the leased asset is available for use by the Group.

Assets and liabilities arising from a lease are initially measured on a present value basis. Lease liabilities include the net present value of the following lease payments:

-     Fixed payments (including in-substance fixed payments), less any lease incentives receivable;

-     Variable lease payment that are based on an index or a rate, initially measured using the index or rate as at the commencement date;

-     Amounts expected to be payable by the Group under residual value guarantees;

-     The exercise price of a purchase option if the Group is reasonably certain to exercise that option; and

-     Payments of penalties for terminating the lease, if the lease term reflects the Group exercising that option.

 

Lease payments to be made under reasonably certain extension options are also included in the measurement of the liability.

 

The lease payments are discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease. If that rate cannot be readily determined, which is generally the case for leases in the Group, the lessee's incremental borrowing rate is used, being the rate that the individual lessee would have to pay to borrow the funds necessary to obtain an asset of similar value to the right-of-use asset in a similar economic environment with similar terms, security and conditions.

 

Lease payments are allocated between principal and finance cost. The finance cost is charged to profit or loss over the lease period. Right-of-use assets are measured at cost which comprises the following:

-     The amount of the initial measurement of the lease liability;

-     Any lease payments made at or before the commencement date less any lease incentives received;

-     Any initial direct costs; and

-     Restoration costs.

 

Right-of-use assets are depreciated over the shorter of the asset's useful life and the lease term on a straight line basis. If the Group is reasonably certain to exercise a purchase option, the right-of-use asset is depreciated over the underlying asset's useful life.

 

Payments associated with short-term leases (term less than 12 months) and all leases of low-value assets (generally less than £5k) are recognised on a straight-line basis as an expense in profit or loss.

Under the terms of the contracted leases, no break clauses exist.

 

2.17     Equity

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

 

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

 

The Reverse Acquisition reserve includes the accumulated losses incurred prior to the reverse acquisition, the share capital of eLight Group Holdings Limited at acquisition, the reverse acquisition share based payment expense as well as the costs incurred in completing the reverse acquisition.

 

Put options in relation to acquisitions where it is determined that the non-controlling interest has present access to the returns associated with the underlying ownership interest the Group has elected to use the present-access method. This results in the fair value of the option being recognised as a liability, with a corresponding entry in other equity reserves.

 

Accumulated losses includes all current and prior period results as disclosed in the income statement other than those transferred to the Reverse Acquisition reserve.

 

2.18     Taxation

Taxation comprises current and deferred tax.

 

Current tax is based on taxable profit or loss for the period. Taxable profit or loss differs from profit or loss as reported in the income statement because it excludes items of income and expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The asset or liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.

 

Deferred tax is recognised on differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial information and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit, and is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that 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 initial recognition of goodwill or from the initial recognition (other than in a business combination) of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the taxable profit nor the accounting profit.

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries and associates, and interests in joint ventures, except where the Group is able to control the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

 

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet 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 realised. Deferred tax is charged or credited to profit or loss, except when it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the Group intends to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.

 

2.19     Borrowings and borrowing costs

Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, net of transaction costs. Borrowings are subsequently carried at amortised cost. Any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value is recognised in the income statement over the period of the borrowings using the effective interest method. Fees paid on the establishment of loan facilities are capitalised as a prepayment for liquidity services and amortised over the period of the loan to which it relates.

 

Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the Group has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after the end of the reporting period.

 

2.20     Exceptional items and non-GAAP performance measures

Exceptional items are those items which, in the opinion of the Directors, should be excluded in order to provide a consistent and comparable view of the underlying performance of the Group's ongoing business. Generally, exceptional items include those items that do not occur often and are material.

Exceptional items include i) the costs incurred in delivering the "Buy & Build" strategy associated with acquisitions and strategic investments; (ii) incremental costs of restructuring and transforming the Group to integrate acquired businesses (iii) costs incurred with regards the disposal of the Energy Management business during the period and (iv) share based payments.

 

We believe the non-GAAP performance measures presented, along with comparable GAAP measurements, are useful to provide information with which to measure the Group's performance, and its ability to invest in new opportunities. Management uses these measures with the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures in evaluating operating performance and value creation. The primary measure is Earnings before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation ("EBITDA") and Adjusted EBITDA, which is the measure of profitability before Exceptional items. These measures are also consistent with how underlying business performance is measured internally. We also report our Profit or Loss before Exceptional items which is our net income, after tax and before exceptional items as this is a measure of our underlying financial performance.

 

The Group separately reports exceptional items within their relevant income statement line as it believes this helps provide a better indication of the underlying performance of the Group. Judgement is required in determining whether an item should be classified as an exceptional item or included within underlying results. Reversals of previous exceptional items are assessed based on the same criteria.

 

Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information presented in compliance with GAAP.


2.21     Assets and Liabilities classified as held for sale and discontinued operations

Assets and liabilities are classified as held for sale if their carrying amount will be recovered or settled principally through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use and a sale is considered highly probable. Assets are measured at the lower of their carrying value and fair value less costs to sell. An impairment loss is recognised for any subsequent write-down of the asset to fair value less costs to sell.

 

A discontinued operation is a component of the Group that has disposed of or is classified as held for sale and represents a separate major line of business or geographical area of operations. The results of discontinued operations are presented separately in the statement of profit or loss, including comparatives.

 

2.22     Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

In the process of applying the entity's accounting policies, management makes estimates and assumptions that have an effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements. Although these estimates are based on management's best knowledge of current events and actions, actual results may ultimately differ from those estimates. The following are the critical judgements the Directors have made in the process of applying the Group's accounting policies:

 

Impairment assessment

In accordance with its accounting policies, each CGU is evaluated annually to determine whether there are any indications of impairment and a formal estimate of the recoverable amount is performed. The recoverable amount is based on value in use which require the Group to make estimates regarding key assumptions regarding forecast revenues, costs and pre-tax discount rate. Further details are disclosed within note 14. Uncertainty about these assumptions could result in outcomes that require a material adjustment to the carrying amount of goodwill in future periods.

 

Energy credits

Energy credits are valued based on management's assessment of market price fair value underlying the energy credit. Such assessment is derived from valuation techniques that include inputs for the energy credit asset that are not based on observable market data. Further details are disclosed within note 25. Uncertainty about the market price fair value used in valuing the energy credit assets could result in outcomes that require a material adjustment to the value of these energy credits assets in future periods.

 

Intangible assets

On acquisition, specific intangible assets are identified and recognised separately from goodwill and then amortised over their estimated useful lives. An external expert is engaged to assist with the identification of material intangible assets and their estimated useful lives. These include items such as brand names and customer lists, to which value is first attributed at the time of acquisition. The capitalisation of these assets and the related amortisation charges are based on judgements about the value and economic life of such items.

 

The economic lives for customer relationships, trade names and computer software are estimated at between five and eleven years. The value of intangible assets, excluding goodwill, at 31 December 2023 is £426k (2022: £4,917k).

 

Contingent consideration

An element of consideration relating to certain business acquisitions made was contingent on the future EBITDA targets being achieved by the acquired businesses. On acquisition, estimates were made of the expected future EBITDA based on forecasts prepared by management. These estimates were reassessed at each reporting date and adjustments are made where necessary. Amounts of deferred and contingent consideration payable after one year are discounted. The carrying value of contingent consideration at 30 June 2023 is NIL (2022: £868k).

 

Any gain or loss on revaluation of contingent consideration does not adjust the carrying value of goodwill and is treated as an exceptional item in the income statement.

 

Procurement Services revenue

When assessing the recognition of Procurement Services revenue within the Energy Management division, the Group estimates the degree to which expected energy consumption is constrained by reductions in energy consumption over the term of the contract, when compared to the historical energy consumption of the client and by the risk of supply contracts being terminated by clients before the end of the contract term. These constraints reduce the extent to which Procurement Service revenue is recognised on signing whether the client contract is purely for Procurement Services or a combination of Procurement and Energy Management Services.

 

3.         SEGMENTAL REPORTING

The following information is given about the Group's reportable segments:

 

The Chief Operating Decision Maker is the Board of Directors. The Board reviews the Group's internal reporting in order to assess performance of the Group and has determined that in the period ended 31 December 2023 the Group had three operating segments, being Energy Services, Energy Management and Group Central costs.

 

Subsequent to year end, the Group sold its Energy Management business segment, hence the results and net asset position for Energy Management has been presented in Note 4.

 

Energy Services and Group Central in aggregate form the Continuing Operations of the Group.

 

 

 

Energy Mgmt i

Energy Services

Group

Central

 

 

2023

 

 

£'000

£'000

£'000

 

2023 £'000

Revenue - UK


19,318

24,258

-


43,576

Revenue - Ireland


-

2,058

-


2,058

Revenue - Total


19,318

26,316

-


45,634

Cost of sales


(4,324)

(16,892)

-


(21,216)

Gross profit


14,994

9,424

-


24,418

Operating expenses


(9,684)

(7,156)

(2,501)


(19,340)

Adjusted EBITDA ii


5,310

2,268

(2,501)

 

5,078

Depreciation and amortisation


(1,315)

(196)

(487)


(1,998)

Finance and similar charges


(44)

(119)

(1,828)


(1,991)

Profit (loss) before exceptional items and tax

 

3,951

1,953

(4,816)

 

1,088

Exceptional items ii


(466)

(442)

(2,965)


(3,873)

Loss before tax


3,485

1,511

(7,781)


(2,785)

Income tax


(69)

333

-


264

Profit (loss) after exceptional items and tax

 

3,416

1,844

(7,781)

 

(2,521)








Net Assets







Assets


34,997

15,980

4,483


55,460

Liabilities


(7,852)

(11,867)

(11,939)


(31,658)

Net assets (liabilities)


27,145

4,113

(7,456)


23,802








 

i Discontinued operations - refer note 4.

ii. EBITDA (Adjusted EBITDA and exceptional items) £1,204k (£(3,640) Continuing & £4,844k Discontinued)

 

 

Energy Mgmt i

Energy Services

Group

Central

 

 

2022

 

 

£'000

£'000

£'000

 

2022 £'000

Revenue - UK


11,634

8,518

-


20,152

Revenue - Ireland


-

1,944

-


1,944

Revenue - Total


11,634

10,462

-


22,096

Cost of sales


(2,251)

(6,880)

-


(9,131)

Gross profit


9,383

3,582

-


12,965

Operating expenses


(5,709)

(2,607)

(1,628)


(9,944)

Adjusted EBITDA ii


3,674

975

(1,628)


3,021

Depreciation and amortisation


(789)

(124)

(159)


(1,072)

Finance and similar charges


(82)

(244)

3


(323)

Profit (loss) before exceptional items and tax

 

2,803

607

(1,784)

 

1,626

Impairment of brands

 

(1,564)

-

-


(1,564)

Exceptional items ii


(797)

(346)

(1,146)


(2,289)

Loss before tax


442

261

(2,930)


(2,227)

Income tax


736

-

-


736

Profit (loss) after exceptional items and tax

 

1,178

261

(2,930)

 

(1,491)

Net Assets







Assets


33,930

12,930

2,833


49,693

Liabilities


(10,483)

(8,702)

(7,960)


(27,145)

Net assets (liabilities)


23,447

4,228

(5,127)


22,548

 

 







i Discontinued operations - refer note 4.

ii. EBITDA (Adjusted EBITDA and exceptional items) £732k (£(2,145) Continuing & £2,877k Discontinued)

 

4.         DISPOSAL GROUP HELD FOR SALE AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

Subsequent to the period end, the Group announced the disposal of its wholly owned Energy Management division to Flogas Britain Limited for an initial consideration of £29.1 million and additional contingent consideration which is expected to be in the range of £8-£10m, subject to the trading performance of the Energy Management division for the period to 30 September 2025.

 

The energy management division within the Group comprise the following subsidiaries:

-     eEnergy Consultancy Limited;

-     eEnergy Insights Limited; and

-     eEnergy Management Limited.

 

In accordance with IFRS 5, the Energy Management division has been classified as a disposal group held for sale and as a discontinued operation, with results below:

 

Statement of Financial Performance:


 

 

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

Sales revenue i


19,318

11,634

Cost of sales


(4,324)

(2,251)

Gross profit


14,994

9,383

Operating expenses


(10,150)

(6,506)

Exceptional items - added back


466

797


5,310

3,674

Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation


4,844

2,877

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment


(1,315)

(2,353)

Finance costs - net


(44)

(82)

Profit before tax


3,485

442

Tax


(69)

736

Profit after tax


3,416

1,178

 

i.    Revenue comprises: £4,412k (2022: £3,976k) Point in time £5,767k (2022: nil) commission recognised on contract signature and £9,139k (2022: £7,658k) Commissions recognised over time.

 

Statement of Cash Flows:


 

 

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

Adjusted Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation


5,310

3,674

Exceptional Items


(466)

(797)

Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation


4,844

2,877

Movements in Working Capital


(3,768)

(1,786)

Net Cash Flows From Operating Activities


1,076

1,091

Net Cash Flows from Investing Activities


(1,397)

1,854

Net Cash Flows from Financing Activities


(149)

(2,222)

Net Decrease in Cash & Cash Equivalents


(470)

723

Cash & Cash Equivalents at the start of the period


505

(218)

Cash & Cash Equivalents at the end of the period


35

505

 

Assets and liabilities of the Energy Management division classified as held for sale:

 


 

 

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

Non-current assets classified as held for sale




Property, plant and equipment


170

125

Intangible assets


25,064

25,801

Right of use assets


37

99

Deferred tax asset


(194)

178



25,077

26,203

Current assets classified as held for sale




Inventories


239

406

Trade and other receivables


9,603

6,772

Other current assets


44

44

Cash and cash equivalents


34

505



9,920

7,727

TOTAL ASSETS


34,997

33,930

Non-current liabilities classified as held for sale




Deferred tax liability


-

525



-

525

Current liabilities classified as held for sale




Trade and other payables


7,809

9,833

Lease liability


41

125

Borrowings


2

-



7,852

9,958

TOTAL LIABILITIES


7,852

10,483

NET ASSETS OF THE DISPOSAL GROUP


27,145

23,447

 

5.         REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS


 

 

 


 

 

18 Months to 31 Dec 2023
£'000

12 Months to 30 Jun 2022
£'000

Sales revenue


26,337

10,544

Energy credits


(21)

(82)



26,316

10,462






 

In the current year there were nil customers (2022: nil) accounting for greater than 10% of the Group's revenue totalling £45.6m (2022: £22.1m).


 

 

 


 

 

18 Months to 31 Dec 2023
£'000

12 Months to 30 Jun 2022
£'000

Point in time - installation at customer premises


26,316

10,462



26,316

10,462






 

6.         COST OF SALES


 

 

18 Months to 31 Dec 2023
£'000

12 Months to 30 Jun 2022
£'000

Cost of sales - labour


2,692

1,706

Cost of sales - commissions


1,242

426

Cost of sales - technology


12,077

4,370

Cost of sales - other


881

378



16,892

6,880

 

7.         OPERATING EXPENSES

The breakdown of operating expenses by nature is as follows:

 

 

18 Months to 31 Dec 2023
£'000

12 Months to 30 Jun 2022
£'000

Wages and salaries

 

        7,248

3,281

Rent, utilities and office costs

 

75

329

Professional fees

 

713

250

Travel and motor vehicle expenses

 

484

250

Adjustment of assets recorded at fair value through profit or loss

 

-

(41)

Exceptional items - refer below

 

3,407

1,492

Other expenditure

 

1,137

167


 

13,064

5,728

 

The Directors consider the following expenses (credits) within operating expenses to be exceptional:

 

Note

18 Months to 31 Dec 2023
£'000

12 Months to 30 Jun 2022
£'000

Changes to the initial recognition of contingent consideration

29

(448)

(1,032)

Integration & restructuring costs


574

912

Acquisition & disposal related costs


2,521

1,092

Share based payment expense

33

760

520


 

3,407

1,492

 

8.         AUDITOR'S REMUNERATION

 

 

18 Months to 31 Dec 2023
£'000

12 Months to 30 Jun 2022
£'000

Fees payable to the Company's auditor for the audit of parent company and consolidated financial statements

 

100

130


 

100

130

 

9.         STAFF COSTS AND DIRECTORS' REMUNERATION

The aggregate staff costs for the year were as follows:


 

Group

 

Company


 

 

18 Months to 31 Dec 2023
£'000

12 Months to 30 Jun 2022
£'000

 

18 Months to 31 Dec 2023
£'000

12 Months to 30 Jun 2022
£'000

Directors' remuneration


1,310

752


1,310

932

Other staff wages and salaries


4,999

2,105


1,557

-

Social security costs


939

424


278

169

Share based payment expense


760

520


760

-



8,008

3,801


3,905

1,101

 

On average, excluding non-executive directors, the Group and Company employed 20 technical staff members (2022: 23) 34 sales staff members (2022: 43) and 68 administration and management staff members (2022: 62). Please see Directors report, for disclosure of highest paid Director and emolument breakdown.

 

10.       FINANCE COSTS - NET

 

 

18 Months to 31 Dec 2023
£'000

12 Months to 30 Jun 2022
£'000

Interest expense - borrowings

 

1,007

195

Finance charge on leased assets

 

114

47

Foreign exchange

 

83

-

Warrants issued

 

136

-

Other finance costs

 

607

-

Finance costs - net

 

1,947

242

 

11.       TAXATION


 

18 Months to 31 Dec 2023
£'000

Continuing

18 Months to 31 Dec 2023
£'000

Discontinued

 

12 Months to 30 Jun 2022
£'000

 

The charge / (credit) for year is made up as follows:






Current tax charge / (credit)






Current year


-

17


159

Deferred tax credit (note 24)






Origination and reversal of temporary differences


79

(79)


(895)

Deferred tax adjustment in respect of prior year


254

(7)


-

Total tax credit for the year


333

(69)


(736)







Reconciliation of effective tax rate






Profit (Loss) before income tax


(6,270)

3,485


(2,227)

Income tax applying the UK corporation tax rate of 22% (2022: 19%)


1,379

 

(767)


(423)

Effect of tax rate in foreign jurisdiction


(48)



85

Non-deductible expenses


(647)

(67)


11

Impact of tax rate change


-

(11)


(102)

Movement in unrecognised deferred tax asset


12

149


(322)

Group relief surrendered


(617)

617


-

Prior year adjustment


254

10


-

Other tax differences


-

-


15

Income credit (charge) for the year

 

333

(69)

 

(736)

 

The movements in Deferred Tax are described in Note 23.

 

Factors affecting the future tax charge

The standard rates of corporation tax in Ireland is 12.5% and from 1 April 2023, the main rate of corporation tax in the UK increased from 19% to 25% and a new 19% small profits rate of corporation tax was introduced for companies whose profits to not exceed £50,000.

 

This main rate applies to companies with profits in excess of £250,000. For UK resident companies with augmented profits below £50,000 a lower rate of 19% is generally applicable. For companies with augmented profits between £50,000 and £250,000, there is a sliding scale of tax rates. For corporate companies, both profit limits are divided by the number of active companies worldwide.

 

12.       EARNINGS PER SHARE

The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated by dividing the profit or loss for the year by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year.

 

EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

18 Months to 31 Dec 2023

12 Months to 30 Jun 2022

(Loss) for the year - £'000


(2,521)

(1,431)

Weighted number of ordinary shares in issue


353,952,474

323,783,394

Basic earnings per share - pence


(0.71)

(0.44)

Weighted number of dilutive instruments in issue


-

-

Weighted number of ordinary shares and dilutive instruments in issue


353,952,474

323,783,394

Diluted earnings per share - pence


(0.71)

(0.44)

 

EARNINGS PER SHARE CONTINUING

 

18 Months to 31 Dec 2023

12 Months to 30 Jun 2022

(Loss) for the year from continuing operations - £'000


(5,937)

(2,669)

Weighted number of ordinary shares in issue


353,952,474

323,783,394

Basic earnings per share from continuing operations - pence


(1.67)

(0.82)

Weighted number of dilutive instruments in issue


-

-

Weighted number of ordinary shares and dilutive instruments in issue


353,952,474

323,783,394

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations - pence


(1.67)

(0.82)

 

EARNINGS PER SHARE DISCONTINUING

 

18 Months to 31 Dec 2023

12 Months to 30 Jun 2022

Profit for the year from discontinuing operations - £'000


3,485

1,178

Weighted number of ordinary shares in issue


353,952,474

323,783,394

Basic earnings per share from discontinuing operations - pence


0.98

0.36

Weighted number of dilutive instruments in issue


-

-

Weighted number of ordinary shares and dilutive instruments in issue


353,952,474

323,783,394

Diluted earnings per share from discontinuing operations - pence


0.98

0.36

 

Share options and warrants could potentially dilute basic earnings per share in the future but were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share as they are anti-dilutive. See note 33 for further details.

 

13.       PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

GROUP

 

 

Property, plant & equipment £'000

Computer equipment £'000

 

Total £'000

Cost






Opening balance 1 July 2021


260

29


289

Additions on acquisition


306

-


306

Additions in the year


240

47


287

At 30 June 2022


806

76


882

Additions in the period


293

-


293

Transferred to assets held for sale


(475)

(37)


(512)

At 31 December 2023


624

39


663

Depreciation






Opening balance 1 July 2021


(191)

(18)


(209)

Additions on acquisition


(108)

-


(108)

Charge for the year


(95)

(12)


(107)

At 30 June 2022


(394)

(30)


(424)

Charge for the period 1


(365)

(21)


(386)

Transferred to assets held for sale


411

28


439

At 31 December 2023


(348)

(23)


(371)







Net book value 30 June 2022


412

46


458

Net book value 31 December 2023


276

16


292

1. Depreciation charge for the period includes £217,000 PPE & £14,000 Computer Equipment relating to discontinued operations.

 

COMPANY

 

 

Property, plant & equipment £'000

 

Total £'000

Cost





Opening balance 1 July 2021


72


72

Additions in the year


34


34

At 30 June 2022


106


106

Additions in the period


20


20

At 31 December 2023


126


126

Depreciation





Opening balance 1 July 2021


(72)


(72)

Charge for the year


(6)


(6)

At 30 June 2022


(78)


(78)

Charge for the period


(22)


(22)

At 31 December 2023


(100)


(100)






Net book value 30 June 2022


28


28

Net book value 31 December 2023


26


26

 

14.       INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The intangible assets primarily relate to the Goodwill and separately identifiable intangible assets arising on the Group's acquisitions. See note 29 for further details of the movement in the current period. The Group tests the intangible asset for indications of impairment at each reporting period, in line with accounting policies.


 

 

Goodwill £'000

Software £'000

Customer Relation-ships £'000

Brand £'000

 

Total £'000

Cost








Opening balance 1 July 2021


8,613

642

824

555


10,634

Additions on acquisition


15,203

215

3,487

1,039


19,944

Additions in the year


-

401

-

-


401

At 30 June 2022


23,816

1,258

4,311

1,594


30,979

IFRS 3 amendment


(332)

-

-

-


(332)

Additions in the period


-

1,338

-

-


1,338

Transfer to assets held for sale


(20,474)

(2,100)

(4,311)

(1,594)


(28,479)

At 31 December 2023


3,010

496

-

-


3,506









Amortisation








Opening balance 1 July 2021


-

(60)

(41)

(30)


(131)

Additions on acquisition


-

-

-

-


-

Impairment


-

-

-

(1,564)


(1,564)

Charge for the year


-

(159)

(392)

-


(551)

At 30 June 2022


-

(219)

(433)

(1,594)


(2,246)

Impairment


-

-

-

-


-

Charge for the period i


-

(359)

(724)

-


(1,083)

Transfer to assets held for sale


-

537

1,157

1,594


3,288

At 31 December 2023


-

(41)

-

-


(41)









Net book value 30 June 2022


23,816

1,039

3,878

-


28,733

Net book value 31 December 2023


3,010

455

-

-


3,465









 

i. Depreciation charge for the period includes £253k Software & £724k Customer Relationships relating to discontinued operations

The Group completed a strategic review of its brands and trading names and on 1 July 2022 aligned all of the trading businesses under the master "eEnergy" brand. Accordingly, the carrying value of the Beond and the UtilityTeam brand names were fully impaired as at 30 June 2022. 

 

The recoverable amount of each cash generating unit was determined based on value-in-use calculations which require the use of assumptions. The calculations use cash flow projections based on financial budgets approved by management which are built "bottom up" for the next three years. The annual discount rate applied to the cash flows is 13% (2022: 13%) which is the same rate used by our valuation adviser in the previous year, to value the separably identifiable intangible assets in the prior year.

 

The Directors have considered and assessed reasonably possible changes in key assumptions and have not identified any instances that could cause the carrying amount to exceed recoverable amount.

 

COMPANY

 

 

Software

£'000

 

Total £'000

Cost





Opening balance 1 July 2021


34


34

Additions in the year


-


-

At 30 June 2022


34


34

Additions in the period


75


75

At 31 December 2023


109


109

Amortisation





Opening balance 1 July 2021





Charge for the year


-


-

At 30 June 2022


-


-

Charge for the period


34


34

At 31 December 2023


34


34






Net book value 30 June 2022


34


34

Net book value 31 December 2023


75


75

 

15.       INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES

COMPANY ONLY

 

2023     £'000

2022        £'000

Opening balance

 

6,574

17,947

Transfer to intermediate holding company

 

-

(11,373)

Closing balance

 

6,574

6,574

 

The full list of subsidiary undertakings of the Company are listed in note 39.

 

16.       INVENTORY


 

Group

 

Company


 

 

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

 

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

Work in progress


71

403


-

-

Finished goods


106

406


-

-



177

809


-

-

 

The value of inventory expensed as part of Cost of Sales in the year and prior year is disclosed in Note 6. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value.

 

17.       TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

 

 

 

Group

 

Company

TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES (LESS THAN 12 MONTHS)

 

 

 

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

 

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

Trade receivables


5,694

3,827


-

-

Prepayments


766

726


533

574

Accrued revenue


7,624

9,892


-

-

Other receivables


334

1,577


84

289



14,418

16,022


617

863

 

All trade receivables are short term and are due from counterparties with acceptable credit ratings so there is no expectation of a credit loss. Accordingly, the Directors consider that the carrying value amount of trade and other receivables approximates to their fair value. Please refer to Note 31.

 


 

Group

 

Company

TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES (MORE THAN 12 MONTHS)

 

 

 

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

 

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

Trade receivables


818

-


-

-



818

-


-

-

 

18.       CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and short term deposits. The carrying value of these approximates to their fair value. Cash and cash equivalents included in the cash flow statement comprise the following balance sheet amounts:


Group

 

Company


2023
£'000

2022
£'000

 

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

Cash at bank and in hand (excluding restricted cash)

109

1,380


56

91

Restricted cash 1

488

422


-

-

Cash and cash equivalents

597

1,802


56

91

 

1 Restricted cash relates to financing arrangements and customer collections.

 

19.       TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES


 

Group

 

Company


 

 

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

 

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

 







Trade payables


5,033

4,196


1,023

609

Accrued expenses


2,358

2,610


674

313

Deferred income


2,236

2,809


-

-

Social security and other taxes


1,216

2,790


36

324

Contingent consideration


-

868


-

868

Other payables


4,360

3,529


121

-



15,203

16,802


1,854

2,114

 

Trade payables and accruals principally comprise amounts outstanding for trade purchases and continuing costs. The Directors consider that the carrying value amount of trade and other payables approximates to their fair value. Please refer Note 31.

Deferred income represents revenues collected but not yet earned as at the period / year end.

 

20.       LEASES

The Group had the following lease assets and liabilities at period / year end:


 

Group

 

Company

LEASES

 

 

 

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

 

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

Right of use assets







Properties


497

774


128

279

Motor vehicles


5

3


-

-



502

777


128

279

Lease liabilities







Current


189

542


132

265

Non-current


384

349


-

-



573

891


132

265

 

 


 

Group

 

Company

MATURITY

 

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

 

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

Maturity on the lease liabilities are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current


189

542


132

265

Due between 1-5 years


243

209


-

-

Due beyond 5 years


141

140


-

-



573

891


132

265

 


 

Group

 

Company

LEASE PAYMENTS

 

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

 

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

Continuing


590

212


476

144

Discontinuing


148

135


-

-



738

347


476

144

 

Right of use assets

A reconciliation of the carrying amount of each class of right-of-use asset is as follows:


 

Group

 

Company


 

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

 

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

Properties







Opening balance 1 July 2022


774

579


279

-

Additions


277

487


277

431

Additions on acquisition


-

135


-

-

Depreciation


(467)

(427)


(428)

(152)

Transfer to assets held for sale


(87)

-


-

-

Closing balance 31 December 2023


497

774


128

279

Motor vehicles







Opening balance 1 July 2022


3

31


-

-

Additions


20

-


-

-

Depreciation 1


(18)

(28)


-

-

Closing balance 31 December 2023


5

3


-

-

1 Depreciation charge for the period includes £114,000 relating to discontinued operations

 

Amounts Recognised in the Income Statement - continuing


 

Group

 

Company


 

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

 

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

Interest on Lease Liabilities


114

48


34

-

Expenses relating to short-term leases


4

4


-

-

Income from sub-leasing right of use assets presented in 'other revenue'


-

-


 

-

 

-

 

Amounts Recognised in the Income Statement - discontinued


 

Group

 

Company


 

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

 

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

Interest on Lease Liabilities


16

10


-

-

Expenses relating to short-term leases


-

-


-

-

Income from sub-leasing right of use assets presented in 'other revenue'


-

-


 

-

 

-

 

21.       BORROWINGS


 

Group

 

Company


 

 

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

 

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

Current







Borrowings


8,030

11


2,960

-



8,030

11


2,960

-

Non-current







Borrowings


-

5,011


-

-



-

5,011


-

-

 

In February 2022 the Group refinanced substantially all of its existing bank indebtedness and consolidated its borrowings into a single £5 million, four year, revolving credit facility provided to eEnergy Holdings Limited, an intermediate holding company in the Group. The facility was secured by way of debentures granted to the lender by all of the Group's trading subsidiaries. The facility included covenants relating to debt service cover and gearing. The facility was repaid on 9 February 2024 following disposal of Energy Management division to Flogas Britan Limited, see note 37 events subsequent to the year end. 

 

During the current period the Group secured a further £2,525,000 in subordinated debt which was structured as secured discounted capital bonds. The bonds were issued at a 21.29% discount to their face value (equivalent to a discount rate of 1.25% per month plus a 2% repayment fee) and were due to be redeemed by the Company (through the payment of in aggregate £3,207,754) on or before 24 May 2024 (in respect of £2,000,000) and on or before 21 June 2024 (in respect of £525,000). The loan was settled in full subsequent to year end - refer note 37 events subsequent to the year end .

 

 

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

Maturity on the borrowings are as follows:



Current

8,030

11

Due between 1-2 years

-

11

Due between 2-5 years

-

5,000

Due beyond 5 years

-

-


8,030

5,022

 

22.       OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

 

 

Group

 

Company


 

 

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

 

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

 







Other non-current liabilities


-

2,252


-




-

2,252


-

-

 

Other non-current liabilities relates to amounts owed to external funding providers in relation to customer receivables not yet received by the Group and paid on in respect of multi-year contracts.

 

23.       DEFERRED TAX

Recognised deferred tax assets and liabilities

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following:

 

Assets

Liabilities

Total

 

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

Intangible assets

-

-

788

1,060

788

1,060

Tangible assets

-

-

156

258

156

258

Losses

(1,076)

(925)

-

-

(1,076)

(925)

Other

(62)

(146)

-

-

(62)

(146)

Total (assets) liabilities

(1,138)

(1,071)

944

1,318

(194)

247

 

Movement in temporary difference during the period

The following are the major deferred tax liabilities and assets recognised by the Group and movements thereon during the current and prior reporting period:

 

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

Balance at 1 July

247

-

Acquired on acquisition - liability

-

1,142

Credit for the year

-

(895)

Prior year adjustment

(247)

-

Balance at 31 December 2023 / 30 June 2022

-

247

 

Unrecognised deferred tax assets

At 31 December 2023, the Group had tax losses in the UK and Ireland totalling £7.0 million and £1.8 million respectively (2022: £11.7 million and £3.2 million) for which deferred tax assets have been recognised to the extent that it is expected to be future taxable profits against which the Group can use the benefit therefrom.

 

24.       PROVISIONS


 

Group

 

Company


 

 

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

 

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

Put option


-

860


-

-



-

860


-

-

 

During the prior year, the Group entered into a put option agreement in respect of the step acquisition of eEnergy Insights Limited to acquire further shares in the company, see note 15. The fair value of this option at acquisition was £3,921,000, of which £3,061,000 was utilised following exercise of options to acquire shares and discount rate unwind.

 

During the current period, the Group acquired the outstanding minority interests, as a consequence the put option was reversed.

 

25.       FINANCIAL ASSETS AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS

The Group classifies the following financial assets at fair value through profit or loss:


 

Group

 

Company


 

 

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

 

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

Energy credits


-

21


-

-



-

21


-

-

 

The energy credits are measured under level 2 of the fair value hierarchy as described in note 30.

 

26.       SHARE CAPITAL AND SHARE PREMIUM

GROUP AND COMPANY

Ordinary Shares         #

Share Capital £'000

Deferred Share Capital £'000

Share Capital

£'000

 

Share Premium £'000

As at 30 June 2021

246,258,090

738

15,333

16,071

33,014

Issue of shares at placing price of £0.15

80,000,000

240

-

240

11,760

Issue of shares for the acquisition of UtilityTeam

18,031,249

55

-

55

2,903

Issue of shares in exchange for loan notes from eEnergy Insights Ltd

2,490,620

7

-

7

301

Cost of share issue


-

-

-

(618)

As at 30 June 2022 (ordinary shares of £0.003 each)

346,779,959

1,040

 

15,333

 

16,373

47,360

Issue of shares at placing price of £0.05

35,078,000

105

-

105

1,650

Issue of shares for deferred consideration for the acquisition of UtilityTeam

4,000,000

12

 

-

 

12

309

Issue of shares to acquire 100% of eEnergy Insights Ltd

1,366,666

4

 

-

 

4

-

As at 31 December 2023 (ordinary shares of £0.003 each)

387,224,625

1,161

 

15,333

 

16,494

49,319

 

The deferred shares have no voting, dividend, or capital distribution (except on winding up) rights. They are redeemable at the option of the Company alone.

 

Details of share options and warrants issued during the year and outstanding at 31 December 2023 are set out in note 33.

 

The share premium represents the difference between the nominal value of the shares issued and the actual amount subscribed less; the cost of issue of the shares, the value of the bonus share issue, or any bonus warrant issue.

 

27.       OTHER RESERVES

GROUP

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

Share based payment reserve

1,983

1,087

Revaluation reserve - other current assets

34

34

Other equity reserve

-

(860)


2,017

261

 

COMPANY

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

Share based payment reserve

1,983

1,087


1,983

1,087

 

Share based payment reserve

Cumulative charge recognised under IFRS 2 in respect of share‐based payment awards.

Reverse acquisition reserve 

Substantially represents the preacquisition value of the equity of the Parent Company and the investment in eLight, net of expenses that was made when eLight reversed into the company then known as Alexander Mining plc in January 2020 to create eEnergy Group plc. 

Revaluation reserve

The increase in the assessed carrying value of other current assets.

Other equity reserve

This relates to the fair value of the put option liability in relation to the EIL acquisition in October 2021, which under the present access method is recognised against another equity reserve - refer note 25.

 

28.       NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS

Non-controlling interests relates to the Group's investment in eEnergy Insights Limited ("EIL"). In the prior year, the Group acquired 37.5% of the shares in EIL and this was accounted for as an equity accounted associate. The Group acquired additional shares in the year which took the Group's investment to 85.5% of the company and is now a consolidated subsidiary.

 

During the current period the Group acquired the remaining 14.5% interest in eEnergy Insights Limited and subsequently included it within assets held for sale given the sale of the Energy Management division subsequent to period end. As such, the non-controlling interest in losses from prior year of £77,000 was recognised in the Group for the current period and reflected within the profit after tax from discontinued operations.

 

29.       BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

UtilityTeam TopCo Limited

On 17 September 2021 the Company completed the acquisition of all of the share capital of UtilityTeam TopCo Limited ("UTT"). At the same time the Company completed the Placing of 80 million shares which were issued at 15 pence per share, raising £12.0 million for the Company. The Placing proceeds have been primarily used to settle the initial cash consideration for the acquisition of UTT.

 

UTT is a UK-based, top 20 energy consulting and procurement business, whose services aim to reduce costs and support clients' transition to Net Zero.

 

The initial consideration of £14.0 million was satisfied as follows:

·      cash consideration of £9.5 million, payable on completion with further cash consideration of £1.5 million, payable on or before 31 December 2021; and

·      the issue of 18.0 million Ordinary Shares, which had a fair value of £3.0 million based on the closing share price on the day prior to completion.

·      An adjustment of £780,000 was agreed with the vendors to reflect the difference between the actual level of net working capital and debt in UTT when compared to that estimated in the Sale & Purchase Agreement. This amount was repaid by the vendors in cash during 2022. This adjustment is reflected in the table below.

 

It was initially agreed that further earn-out consideration of up to a maximum of £5.1 million may be payable, based on a multiple of 7.0x UTT's EBITDA, for the year ending 31 December 2021. eEnergy agreed to pay £7 for every £1 of EBITDA generated in excess of £2.3 million, up to a maximum EBITDA of £3.0 million ("Earn-Out Consideration").

 

The Earn-Out Consideration would be satisfied as follows:

·      the first £1.5m of Earn-Out Consideration to be paid in cash; and

·      any balance, up to £3.6 million, to be satisfied by the issue of new Ordinary Shares at a price that is the higher of 24p and the 30 day volume weighted average price prior to 31 December 2021.

 

The Earn Out Consideration was agreed in July 2022 and it was further agreed that it would be satisfied by the issue of 4,000,000 Ordinary Shares to the vendors. Subsequently, the deferred consideration of £1,900k referred below was reduced by £1,032,000 to a value of £868,000 in the year ended 30 June 2022 and by a further £547k in the period ended 31 December 2023, with the final amount of £312,000 settled through the issue of the 4,000,000 Ordinary Shares referred above - refer to Note 33.

 

The fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed of UTT at the date of acquisition based upon the UTT consolidated balance sheet at 17 September 2021 were as follows:

 

£'000

Property, plant and equipment

191

Right of use assets

135

Cash at bank

3,994

Inventory

27

Trade and other receivables

3,574

Trade and other payables

(6,564)

Lease liabilities

(141)

Other liabilities

(2,190)

Loans and other borrowings

(1,450)

Intangible assets

4,526

Deferred tax liability

(1,132)

Total identifiable net assets acquired

970

 

Total identifiable net assets acquired

970

Goodwill

14,970

 

15,940

Consideration:


Initial consideration (shares issued recorded at the market value)

2,959

Cash

11,081

Contingent consideration

1,900

Total consideration

15,940

 

Goodwill relates to the accumulated "know how" and expertise of the business and its staff. None of the goodwill is expected to be deducted for income tax purposes. A purchase price allocation was performed during the prior year which recognised specific identifiable intangible assets which are deductible for income tax purposes. These separately identified intangible assets were:

-     Brand names - £1,039k and

-     Customer relationships - £3,487k

 

Balances related to UtilityTeam acquisition were classified as assets held for sale at the balance sheet date, and subsequently disposed of in February 2024.

 

30.       FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT

Capital Risk Management

The Company manages its capital to ensure that entities in the Group will be able to continue as a going concern while maximising the return to stakeholders. The overall strategy of the Company and the Group is to minimise costs and liquidity risk.

 

The capital structure of the Group consists of equity attributable to equity holders of the Parent, comprising issued share capital, foreign exchange reserves and retained earnings as disclosed in the Consolidated Statement of Changes of Equity.

 

The Group is exposed to a number of risks through its normal operations, the most significant of which are interest, credit, foreign exchange and liquidity risks. The management of these risks is vested to the Board of Directors.

 

The sensitivity has been prepared assuming the liability outstanding was outstanding for the whole period. In all cases presented, a negative number in profit and loss represents an increase in finance expense / decrease in interest income.

 

Fair Value Measurements Recognised in the Statement of Financial Position

The following provides an analysis of the Group's financial instruments that are measured subsequent to initial recognition at fair value, grouped into Levels 1 & 2 based on the degree to which the fair value is observable.

•      Level 1 fair value measurements are those derived from inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices).

•      Level 2 fair value measurements are those derived from valuation techniques that include inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

•      Level 3 assets are assets whose fair value cannot be determined by using observable inputs or measures, such as market prices or models. Level 3 assets are typically very illiquid, and fair values can only be calculated using estimates or risk-adjusted value ranges.

 

Equity Price Risk

The Group is exposed to equity price risks arising from equity investments. Equity investments are held for strategic purposes.

 

Interest Rate Risk

The Group is exposed to interest rate risk whereby the risk can be a reduction of interest received on cash surpluses held and an increase in interest on borrowings the Group may have. The maximum exposure to interest rate risk at the reporting date by class of financial asset was:


 

 

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

Bank balances


597

1,802

 

Given the low interest rate environment on bank balances, any probable movement in interest rates would have an immaterial effect.

The maximum exposure to interest rate risk at the reporting date by class of financial liability was:


 

 

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

Borrowings


5,022

 

The borrowings attract interest rates between 9% and 15% (2022: between 2.5% and 4.9%). Assuming the amount at period end was held for a year, a 10% movement in this rate would have a £1,000k: (2022: £502k) effect on the amount owing. The borrowings were settled subsequent to period end - refer note 37.

 

Credit Risk

Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations and arises principally from the Group's receivables from customers. Indicators that there is no reasonable expectation of recovery include, amongst others, failure to make contractual payments for a period of greater than 120 days past due.

 

The carrying amount of financial assets represents the maximum credit exposure.

 

The principal financial assets of the Company and Group are bank balances, trade receivables and energy credits. The Group deposits surplus liquid funds with counterparty banks that have high credit ratings and the Directors consider the credit risk to be minimal.

 

The Group's maximum exposure to credit by class of individual financial instrument is shown in the table below:

 

2023

Carrying Value

2023

Maximum Exposure

2022

Carrying Value

2022

Maximum Exposure

Group

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Cash and cash equivalents

597

597

1,802

1,802

Trade receivables

5,694

5,694

3,827

3,827

Energy credits

-

-

21

21


6,291

6,291

5,650

5,650

 

 

2023

Carrying Value

2023

Maximum Exposure

2022

Carrying Value

2022

Maximum Exposure

Company

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Cash and cash equivalents

56

56

91

91

Trade receivables

-

-

-

-


56

56

91

91

 

No aged analysis of financial assets is presented as no financial assets are past due at the reporting date.

Trade receivables

 

The Group has applied IFRS 9 Financial Instruments and the related consequential amendments to other IFRSs. IFRS 9 introduces requirements for the classification and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities as well as the impairment of financial assets.

 

In relation to the impairment of financial assets, IFRS 9 requires an expected credit loss model as opposed to an incurred credit loss model under IAS 39. The expected credit loss model requires the Group to account for expected credit losses and changes in those expected credit losses at each reporting date to reflect changes in credit risk since initial recognition of the financial assets. In other words, it is no longer necessary for a loss event to have occurred before credit losses are recognised.

 

The Group applies the IFRS 9 simplified approach to measuring expected credit losses which uses a lifetime expected loss allowance for all trade receivables. During the period, there were no credit losses experienced and no loss allowance being recorded.

 

Currency Risk

The Group operates in a global market with income and costs arising in a number of currencies and is exposed to foreign currency risk arising from commercial transactions, translation of assets and liabilities and net investment in foreign subsidiaries. Exposure to commercial transactions arise from sales or purchases by operating companies in currencies other than the Company's functional currency. Currency exposures are reviewed regularly.

 

The Group has a limited level of exposure to foreign exchange risk through its foreign currency denominated cash balances, trade receivables and payables:


 

 

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

EURO




Cash and cash equivalents


77

317

Trade receivables


3,488

3,091

Trade payables


(229)

(255)



3,153

 

The table below summarises the impact of a 10% increase / decrease in the relevant foreign exchange rates versus the €EUR rate for the Group's pre-tax earnings for the period and on equity:


 

 

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

Impact of 10% rate change




Euro


370

350



350

 

Liquidity Risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will encounter difficulty in meeting the obligations associated with its financial liabilities that are settled by delivering cash or another financial asset. The Group's approach to managing liquidity is to ensure, as far as possible, that it will have sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities when they are due, under both normal and stressed conditions, without incurring unacceptable losses or risking damage to the Group's reputation.

 

The Group seeks to manage liquidity risk by regularly reviewing cash flow budgets and forecasts to ensure that sufficient liquidity is available to meet foreseeable needs and to invest cash assets safely and profitably. The Group deems there is sufficient liquidity for the foreseeable future.

 

The Group had cash and cash equivalents at period end as below:


 

 

2023
£'000

2022
£'000

Unrestricted Cash


109

1,380

Restricted Cash i


488

422

Cash and cash equivalents


597

1,802

 

i.     Restricted Cash refers to deposits held by the Group, not available until the satisfaction of sales contracts.

 

31.       FINANCIAL ASSETS AND FINANCIAL LIABILITIES

2023 - GROUP


 

Financial assets at amortised cost

Financial liabilities at amortised cost

Total

Financial assets (liabilities)


 

£'000

£'000

£'000

Trade and other receivables (current and non-current)



7,612

-

7,612

Cash and cash equivalents



597

-

597

Trade and other payables



-

(12,845)

(12,845)

Lease liabilities (current and non-current)



-

(573)

(573)

Borrowings (current and non-current)



-

(8,030)

(8,030)




 

2023 - COMPANY


 

Financial assets at amortised cost

Financial liabilities at amortised cost

Total

Financial assets / liabilities


 

£'000

£'000

£'000

Trade and other receivables



617

-

617

Cash and cash equivalents



56

-

56

Trade and other payables



-

(1,180)

(1,180)

Lease liabilities (current and non-current)



-

(132)

(132)

Borrowings (current and non-current)



-

(2,960)

(2,960)




 

2022 - GROUP


Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

Financial assets at amortised cost

Financial liabilities at amortised cost

Total

Financial assets (liabilities)


£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Fair value assets through profit or loss


21

-

-

21

Trade and other receivables


-

6,130

-

6,130

Cash and cash equivalents


-

1,802

-

1,802

Trade and other payables


-

-

(14,192)

(14,192)

Lease liabilities (current and non-current)


-

-

(892)

(892)

Borrowings (current and non-current)


-

-

(5,022)

(5,022)



 

2022 - COMPANY


 

Financial assets at amortised cost

Financial liabilities at amortised cost

Total

Financial assets / liabilities


 

£'000

£'000

£'000

Trade and other receivables



863

-

863

Cash and cash equivalents



91

-

91

Trade and other payables



-

(1,801)

(1,801)




 

32.       RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENT IN NET DEBT


At 1 July 2022

New borrowing

Interest added to debt

Debt repaid

Other cashflows

Acquisition Adjustment

At 31 Dec 2023


£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Cash at bank

1,380

2,525

-

(600)

(2,840)

132

597

Borrowings

(5,022)

(2,525)


(1,083)

600

-

-

(8,030)

Net cash (debt)excluding lease liabilities

(3,642)

-

(1,083)

-

(2,840)

132

(7,433)

Lease liabilities

(892)

(257)

(114)

690

-

-

(573)

Net Cash (debt)

(4,534)

(257)

(1,197)

690

(2,840)

132

(8,006)

 


At 1 July 2021

New borrowing

Interest added to debt

Debt repaid

Other cashflows

On acquisition

At 30 June 2022


£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Cash at bank

3,332

4,890

-

(3,634)

(7,215)

4,007

1,380

Borrowings

(1,846)

(4,890)

(123)

3,287

-

(1,450)

(5,022)

Net cash (debt)excluding lease liabilities

1,486

-

(123)

(347)

(7,215)

2,557

(3,642)

Lease liabilities

(698)

(484)

(57)

347

-

-

(892)

Net Cash (debt)

788

(484)

(180)

-

(7,215)

2,557

(4,534)

 

33.       SHARE BASED PAYMENTS AND SHARE OPTIONS

(i)    Executive Share Option Plan

The Group operates an Executive Share Option Plan, under which directors, senior executives and consultants have been granted options to subscribe for ordinary shares. All options are share settled.

The fair value of services received in return for share options granted is measured by reference to the fair value of the share options granted. This estimate is based on the Black-Scholes model which is considered most appropriate considering the effects of vesting conditions, expected exercise period and the payment of dividends by the Company.

 

(ii)   Management Incentive Plan ("MIP")

On 7 July 2020, the Company created the eEnergy Group Management Incentive Plan. The MIP is linked to the growth in the value of the Company. The forms of incentive award to be implemented as part of the MIP comprise:

(a)  "Growth Share Awards": awards granted in the form of an immediate beneficial interest to be held by participants in a discrete and bespoke class of ordinary shares ("Growth Shares") in eEnergy Holdings Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. After a minimum period of three years, the Growth Shares may be exchanged for new ordinary shares of 0.3 pence each in the Company ("Ordinary Shares"), subject to meeting performance conditions.

(b)  "Share Options": awards granted in the form of a share option with an exercise price equal to the market value of an Ordinary Share at the date of Grant. These are structured to qualify for the tax advantaged Enterprise Management Incentive ("EMI Share Options").

 

Under the MIP, the aggregate value of EMI Share Options and the Growth Shares is capped at 12.5% of the Company's market capitalisation on conversion of the Growth Shares.

 

Malus, clawback and leaver provisions apply to the MIP as outlined in the Admission Document.

 

Growth Shares

As at 31 December 2023 the following Directors ("Participants") had subscribed for Growth Shares in eEnergy Holdings Limited for their tax market value as set out in the table below. This value was determined by the Company's independent advisers, Deloitte LLP. Payment of the subscription monies by the Participants is a firm commitment, with payment normally deferred until the MIP matures.

 

Director

Number of Growth shares

Aggregate Subscription Price

Harvey Sinclair

5,500

£298,650

Andrew Lawley

1,000

£54,300

David Nicholl

1,000

£54,300

Total

7,500

£407,250

 

The Participants earn a percentage share of the "Value Created", being the difference between the Group's market capitalisation (one-month average) at the start and end of the measurement period (which is at least three years) adding any returns to shareholders such as dividends and deducting the value of new shares issued for cash or otherwise. The percentage share of the Value Created is subject to a minimum Total Shareholder Return ("TSR") hurdle of 5% and up to 15% TSR is equal to the annual TSR realised by shareholders over the measurement period, and thereafter increased on a straight line basis so that at 25% TSR the share of the Value Created is 20%, which is the maximum percentage of the Value Created allocated to the MIP.

 

Growth Shares can be exchanged for Ordinary Shares after three or four years at the Company's or Participant's option, based on the Value Created at that time. The value of any EMI Share Options held by a Participant are deducted from the value of their Growth Shares before conversion to Ordinary Shares. The Remuneration Committee must be satisfied that the gains on the Growth Shares are justified by the underlying financial performance of the Group.

 

Participants will be required to hold 50% of any Ordinary Shares acquired on conversion of the Growth Shares until the end of the fourth year (30 June 2024).

 

On a change of control, the TSR growth rate up to that date is measured and if the 5% minimum is achieved, Participants will share in the value created.

 

The fair value of the Growth Shares over the vesting period being three years grant date was deemed to be £833,000, with £196,000 (2022: £214,000) fair value expensed during the year.

 

EMI options

The Company granted the following EMI Share Options over Ordinary shares at an exercise price of 6.12 pence, based on the closing price on Monday 6 July 2020:

Director

Number of Options

Harvey Sinclair

4,084,960

Ric Williams

4,084,960

Total

8,169,920

 

The EMI options are exercisable when the MIP matures, being after a minimum period of three years. The Remuneration Committee must be satisfied that the returns are justified by the underlying financial performance of the Group.

 

Ric Williams resigned as a director during the period his EMI Share Options lapsed at the end of his notice period. As a result, the vesting period for his award has been deemed to reduce from three years to two years and three months and the value that has been expensed has been accelerated accordingly.

The fair value of the EMI Options over the vesting period being three years grant date was deemed to be £200,000, with £18,000 (2022: £91,000) fair value expensed during the year.

 

(iii)  EMI Share Option Awards and non advantaged Share Option Awards 

On 7 December 2021 the Company granted share options over 13,800,000 Ordinary Shares at an exercise price of 0.3 pence per share. The majority of the awards were structured so that the following vesting criteria applied: 

·      1/3rd with an exercise condition of the share price being above 24p at vesting; 

·      1/3rd with an exercise condition of the share price being above 20p at vesting; and 

·      1/3rd with no exercise price condition 

2.5 million of the Options were awarded to Crispin Goldsmith, with 2/3rds of his award having an exercise price condition at 15p at the vesting date and the remainder having no exercise price condition. 

 

Crispin Goldsmith was appointed as a Director of the Company on 20 July 2022.

 

(iv)  Other share options or warrants

On 9 January 2020 the Company issued 1,575,929 warrants to a number of advisors as part of the reverse acquisition transaction completed on that date which are exercisable for the 4 years following the anniversary of the date of issue at 7.5p per share. These advisor warrants had an estimated value of £45,544 which is based on the Black-Scholes model which is considered most appropriate considering the effects of vesting conditions, expected exercise period and the payment of dividends by the Company.

 

The estimated fair values of warrants which fall under IFRS 2, and the inputs used in the Black Scholes Option model to calculate those fair values are as follows:

Date of grant

Number of warrants

Share Price

Exercise Price

Expected volatility

Expected life

Risk free rate

Expected dividends

9 Jan 2020

1,575,929

£0.075

£0.075

45.00%

5

0.00%

0.00%

 

On 25 November 2022, the Group secured £2,525,000 in secured debt financing being structured as secured discounted capital bonds. In connection to this debt financing, the subscribers of the bonds were granted 42,083,328 warrants in the Company which are exercisable for 5 years following the issue of the bonds. These bond warrants had an estimate value of £631,788 which is based on the Black-Scholes model which is considered the most appropriate considering the effects of vesting conditions, expected exercise period and the payment of dividends by the Company.

 

32,791,216 of the bond warrants were granted on or around 25 November 2022, with the remaining 9,292,112 granted on or around 20 December 2022, following the receipt of shareholder approval at the Company's 2022 AGM.

 

The estimated fair value of warrants which fall under IFRS 2, and the inputs used in the Black Scholes Option model to calculate those fair values are as follows:

Date of grant

Number of warrants

Share Price

Exercise Price

Expected volatility

Expected life

Risk free rate

Expected dividends

25 Nov 2022

32,791,216

£0.0475

£0.060

45.00%

5

3.00%

0.00%

20 Dec 2022

9,292,112

£0.0320

£0.060

45.00%

5

3.50%

0.00%

 

Total contingently issuable shares


 

2022

2021

Executive Share Option Plan


471,000

471,000

Other share options and warrants


67,654,177

25,570,849



68,125,177

26,041,849

 

The number and weighted average exercise price of share options and warrants are as follows:


 

2023

 

2022


 

 

Weighted average exercise price

Number of options

 

Weighted average exercise price

Number of options

Outstanding at the beginning of the year


4.969p

26,041,849


17.887p

1,923,596

Granted during the year (acquisitions)


-

-


16.2p

2,000,000

Granted during the year


-

-


2.5p

22,118,253

Granted during the period - bond warrants


6.000p

42,083,328


-

-

Outstanding at the end of the year


5.606p

68,125,177


4.969p

26,041,849

Exercisable at the end of the year


6.694p


20.961p

2,046,929









 

Share options and warrants outstanding at 31 December 2023, had a weighted average exercise price of 5.606 pence (2022: 4.969 pence) and a weighted average contractual life of 4.85 years (2022: 3.01 years). To date no share options have been exercised.

 

34.       CAPITAL COMMITMENTS

There were no capital commitments at 31 December 2023 or 30 June 2022.

 

35.       CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

There were no contingent liabilities at 31 December 2023 or 30 June 2022.

 

36.       RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The remuneration of the Directors and their interest in the share capital is disclosed in the Remuneration Committee report.

 

On 20 and 21 December 2022, the company borrowed £525k from its directors at an annual interest rate of 15%. At the period end, the group owed in principal £200k to Derek Myers & Nigel Burton and £25k to Crispin Goldsmith, Harvey Sinclair, Gary Worby, David Nicholl and Andrew Lawley. On 12 February 2024, the company repaid in full the principal and accumulated interest amounting to £632k. 

 

On 25 November 2022, eEnergy Group PLC borrowed £1m from FFIH Limited at an annual interest rate of 15%. John Foley, was a director of both eEnergy Group PLC and FFIH Limited. On the 9 February 2024 the loan was repaid and John Foley resigned as a director. At 31 December 2023, £1.2m was outstanding.

 

On 13 November 2023, Luceco PLC acquired a 9.0% interest in eEnergy Group PLC. On 9 February 2024, John Hornby, Director of Luceco PLC was appointed to the Board of Directors of eEnergy Group PLC. During the period, eEnergy acquired £860k of goods and services from Luceco PLC (and it's wider group of subsidiaries). At the period end the trade creditor balance with Luceco was £712k.

 

During the period, the Group acquired £457k (2022: £74k) goods and services from Utility Data Intelligence (UDI) Limited, for whom Gary Worby is a mutual director. At the end of the period, the trade creditor balance with UDI was £67k (2022: £23k).

 

During the period, eEnergy Group Plc received an advance of £500k from Derek Myers in relation to a potential transaction which ultimately did not proceed. On termination of the transaction the advance became repayable. At the end of the period, £70k was outstanding, which has been repaid post period end.

 

Balances and transactions between companies within the Group that are consolidated and eliminated are not disclosed in these financial statements.

 

37.       EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO PERIOD END

Subsequent to period end, the Group completed the sale of its Energy Management Division to Flogas Britain Limited ("Flogas") for an initial consideration of £29.1 million (comprising cash of £25 million and £4.1 million to settle amounts due from the Group to the Energy Management Division) and additional contingent consideration, capped at £20m (estimated by the Directors to be in the range of £8-10 million) to be based on the trading performance of the Energy Management Division for the period to 30 September 2025. The net proceeds that were received were used to pay down the Group's £8.1 million debt facilities in full - please refer to note 32.

 

Additionally the Group implemented a new share incentive awards scheme ("New Awards") under the Group's 2024 Share Option Plan which will work alongside the existing Management Incentive Plan implemented in 2020 (note 33). The New Awards are subject to achieving a minimum vesting threshold share price of 9.32p with the share price performance target being tested three years from award in January 2027.

 

In February 2024 the Group entered into an agreement with National Westminster Bank Plc to provide up to £40 million of project funding to finance energy efficiency and onsite generation technologies for the Group's public sector customers.

 

38.       CONTROL

In the opinion of the Directors as at the period end and the date of these financial statements there is no single ultimate controlling party. 

39.       LIST OF SUBSIDIARY UNDERTAKINGS

As at 31 December 2023, the Group owned interests in the following subsidiary undertakings, which are included in the consolidated financial statements:

Name

Holding 2023

Holding 2022

Business Activity

Country of Incorporation

Registered Address

Direct subsidiary undertaking

 

eEnergy Holdings Limited

100%

100%

Holding Company

England & Wales

20 St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9RS

Indirect subsidiary undertakings

 

eLight Group Holdings Limited

100%

100%

Holding Company

Ireland

1-3 The Green, Malahide, Co. Dublin K36 N153

eEnergy Services N.I. Limited

100%

100%

Trading Company

Northern Ireland

19 Arthur Street, Belfast, BT1 4GA

e-Light Ireland Limited

100%

100%

Trading Company

Ireland

1-3 the Green, Malahide, Co. Dublin K36 N153

e-Light EAAS Projects 2 Limited

100%

-

Trading Company

Ireland

1-3 the Green, Malahide, Co. Dublin K36 N153

eLight EAAS Projects Limited

100%

100%

Trading Company

Ireland

1-3 the Green, Malahide, Co. Dublin K36 N153

eEnergy UK Projects Limited

100%

-

Trading Company

England & Wales

20 St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9RS

eEnergy UK Projects SPV 1 Limited

100%

-

Trading Company

England & Wales

20 St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9RS

eEnergy Services UK Limited

100%

100%

Trading Company

England & Wales

20 St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9RS

eEnergy EAAS Projects UK Limited

100%

100%

Trading Company

England & Wales

20 St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9RS

eEnergy Services RSL Limited

100%

100%

Non-Trading Company

England & Wales

20 St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9RS

Smartech Energy Projects Limited

100%

100%

Non-Trading Company

England & Wales

20 St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9RS

eEnergy Aquilla Projects Ltd

100%

-

Trading Company

England & Wales

20 St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9RS

eEnergy Consultancy Limited *

100%

100%

Trading Company

England & Wales

20 St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9RS

Energy Centric Limited

100%

100%

Non-Trading Company

England & Wales

20 St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9RS

Zero Carbon Projects Limited

100%

100%

Non-Trading Company

England & Wales

20 St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9RS

Zero Carbon Projects Pty Limited

100%

100%

Non-Trading Company

Australia

Suite 4, 142 Spit Rd, Mosman, NSW, 2088

eEnergy Insights Limited *

100%

85.5%

Trading Company

England & Wales

20 St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9RS

eEnergy Management Limited *

100%

100%

Trading Company

England & Wales

20 St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9RS

eEnergy Management Topco Limited

100%

100%

Holding Company

England & Wales

20 St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9RS

eEnergy Management Holdings Limited

100%

100%

Holding Company

England & Wales

20 St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9RS

eEnergy Management USA Limited

100%

100%

Non-trading Company

England & Wales

20 St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9RS

UtilityTeam US Inc

100%

100%

Non-trading Company

United States

20 St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9RS

* Entities that comprise the Energy Management Division that have been sold subsequent to period end - Note 4.

 

Except for those subsidiary entities comprising the Energy Management Division, as noted above, all other subsidiary entities incorporated in England and Wales are exempt from the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 related to the audit of individual accounts by virtue of Section 479A CA2006.

 

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