TIDMCODE
RNS Number : 2742J
Northcoders Group PLC
26 April 2022
For immediate release 26 April 2022
Northcoders Group PLC
('Northcoders', the 'Group' or the 'Company')
Final Results
Northcoders (AIM: CODE), an independent provider of training
programmes for software coding, is pleased to announce its maiden
Final Results for the year ended 31 December 2021 ('FY21' or 'the
period').
Financial Highlights
-- Revenue increased 124% to GBP3.0m (FY20: GBP1.3m) driven by
successful delivery of IPO growth strategy
o Consumer revenue, which includes core bootcamps and
apprenticeship revenues, of GBP2.8m (FY20: GBP1.2m)
o Corporate Solutions revenue was GBP0.3m (2020: GBP0.1m)
-- Gross margin growth to 72% (FY20: 67%), moving towards 79%
target in 2019 driven by cost benefits of new hybrid model
-- Gross profit increased significantly to GBP2.2m (FY20: GBP0.9m)
-- Adjusted EBITDA increased to GBP0.4m from a loss in 2020 (FY20: loss of GBP0.3m)
-- GBP3.5m raised at IPO (before expenses) to accelerate further growth
-- Net assets as at 31 December 2021 were GBP2.2m (FY20:
GBP0.5m) of which cash was GBP1.6m (FY20: GBP0.5m).
Operational Highlights
-- Continued to expand geographic footprint with new lease
signed for core hub in Leeds alongside existing Manchester
campus
o New training hub opened in Newcastle and activity started in
Birmingham
-- Implemented new highly scalable hybrid course-delivery model
blending online and in person teaching to extend reach of
Northcoders' training
o Driving record number of 3,662 students applying with 424
enrolling and 213 graduating so far
-- Demand at record levels
o Continued to increase hiring partners to over 315, including
new businesses such as NHS Digital, PrettyLittleThing, Informa, AND
Digital Limited, Wren Kitchens Limited and Sky Betting &
Gaming.
o Engaged with a new funding partner, StepEx Limited, allowing
applications from a more diverse range of backgrounds
o Awarded GBP1.65m government-funded scholarship in July 2021
and continue to engage regarding future public funding
arrangements
-- Launched Apprenticeships course in January 2021 following
government's Education Skills Funding Agency accreditation
o 96 apprentices enrolled in the Period
o Contracts already begun across UK including companies such as
PrettyLittleThing and logistics company, Hermes
-- Corporate Solutions division signed multiple new agreements
including with Ove Arup, Digital Applications International Limited
(the independent IT solution delivery company), and NHS Digital
-- Grew staff count to 63 members (FY20: 37) to meet increased demand
Current Trading and Outlook
-- In January 2022, successfully extended Department for
Education contract with additional GBP1.65m funding for courses to
deliver between February and September 2022
-- In Q1 FY22, graduated 1,000(th) person through bootcamp
-- Announced May 2022 opening of Birmingham training hub
-- Received a special request from Jason Stockwood, the Chairman
of Grimsby Town Football Club, to establish a facility at the
club's stadium; this is planned for Q3 2022
-- Company trading in line with expectations
-- At the end of Q1 2022 revenue visibility stood at GBP3.6m,
around 55% of the target revenue for the year.
Chris Hill, CEO, commenting on the results said :
"We are delighted to report such a strong set of maiden
financial results, demonstrating that Northcoders is successfully
delivering its IPO growth strategy. Consumer and corporate demand
for our services continues to increase, and we are now extending
our reach across the UK as planned through our hybrid product
offering.
"As the need for software and technology skills continues to
increase, and digital transformation takes priority for
organisations in almost every sector, Northcoders' market leading
reputation is driving demand for our training. This, coupled with
our extended Government contract, gives us confidence in our
ability to fulfil our significant growth ambitions."
Analyst meeting
A virtual meeting for sell-side analysts will be held at 10.00
a.m. today, 26 April 2022. Please contact Buchanan via
northcoders@buchanan.uk.com if you wish to join the meeting. A copy
of the Full Year Results presentation will be available on the
Group's website later today: www.northcodersgroup.com .
This announcement contains inside information for the purposes
of Article 7 of the UK version of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 which
is part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act
2018, as amended ("MAR"). Upon the publication of this announcement
via a Regulatory Information Service, this inside information is
now considered to be in the public domain.
- Ends -
For further enquiries:
Northcoders Group PLC Via Buchanan
Chris Hill, CEO Tel: +44 (0) 20 7466 5000
Charlotte Prior, CFO www.northcodersgroup.com
WH Ireland Limited (Nominated Adviser Tel: +44 (0)20 7220 1666
& Joint Broker)
Mike Coe
Sarah Mather
Peterhouse Capital Limited (Joint Tel+44 (0) 20 7496 0930
Broker)
Martin Lampshire www.peterhousecap.com
Lucy Williams
Buchanan Communications
Henry Harrison-Topham northcoders@buchanan.uk.com
Stephanie Whitmore
Tilly Abraham
Notes to Editors
Northcoders is a market leading provider of B2B and B2C coding
and software development training. Founded in 2015, its business
model operates a hybrid structure with flagship sites in Manchester
and Leeds supported by a best in class digital offering to
businesses and individuals across the UK.
Powered by IP rich technology, Northcoders' coding school offers
boot camp courses to consumers from a range of backgrounds,
delivered through virtual and physical learning. The Group also
works with blue chip corporates across multiple sectors to supply
innovative EdTech solutions for the upskilling and reskilling of
employees, and is a registered provider of government-backed
apprenticeships in the field.
With a keen focus of inclusivity, diversity and quality at its
core, Northcoders aims to address the digital skills gap in the UK
to meet the increasing demand for digital specialists from
corporates and government. It operates in a significant and growing
market with structural growth trends further accelerated by
Covid-19.
Northcoders was admitted to trading on AIM in July 2021 with the
ticker CODE.L. For additional information please visit
www.northcodersgroup.com .
Chairman's Introduction
The successful IPO in July 2021 has placed the business in a
strong position with the financial support to achieve its immediate
commercial targets, and in the twelve months under review
significant progress has already been made.
I joined the Group as Chair in January 2022, after the period we
are reporting on, so will reflect first on what excited me about
Northcoders. What I could see was a company with enormous potential
for the future and one with a great market opportunity in front of
it. Northcoders offers an excellent product, has high quality
people, and by facilitating growth in digital capability is
simultaneously significantly enhancing both corporate efficiency
and the prospects for our graduates throughout the UK. We do not
have enough digital capability across the UK, or the global market.
The vision of Northcoders to be able to train and expand the
current and future talent pool, increasing and improving digital
skills and capacity across a broader spectrum of people, is
compelling.
Financial review
Despite the impact of Covid-19 and the distraction of the IPO,
we had a year of significant growth and met our market
expectations. Our 2021 revenue grew to GBP3.0m from GBP1.3m in
2020. This also represents growth from our previous (pre Covid-19)
highest revenue year of GBP2.0m in 2019. We also reported 72% gross
profit margin, which is moving towards our target of 79% (2019).
Our adjusted EBITDA has increased to GBP0.4m from a loss of GBP0.3m
in 2020.
Now we want to build on those results. Northcoders has grown to
date based on the ideas and committed, hard work of a group of
inspirational entrepreneurs. I see my role, alongside the rest of
the Board, as overseeing how we now capture and maximise the
essence of the culture, values and behaviour that has made
Northcoders successful to date whilst managing the necessary change
that will enable us to continue to be successful and able to grow
in the future. We will also need to continue to develop our
strategic plan as the organisation evolves and grows over time.
With cultural clarity and strategic direction, we will be able to
continue to attract great people with the right talents and
motivation, to provide a great product and service, that will be
able to make a genuine difference for all the graduates and
corporate customers that we serve and train all over the UK.
Strategy
Growth is our ambition, of course. Growth financially, growth in
customer numbers, growth for the people who work for Northcoders,
and growth for the people we train. It will mean expanding the
number of locations and broadening our product set and the markets
we serve. We would like to do that while maintaining the
entrepreneurial sense of a small organisation and creating
significant shareholder return. How we achieve this balance is
going to be our key challenge and we are up for the challenge.
Employees
It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge and thank our
employees for all their efforts in this year of significant change
and evolution in our company. That this has been achieved against
the continuing backdrop of Covid-19 is to their great credit.
I would like to acknowledge the contribution of my predecessor
Sandra Lindsay and thank her on behalf of the Company for all she
did in supporting the business up to and through its IPO.
Outlook
Trading in the current year to date has started well and we
expect further significant growth in the year ahead with the
balance weighted to the second half of the year. I am very much
looking forward to working with the Board and the Northcoders team
to continue the excellent momentum of the past twelve months, as we
continue to implement the growth strategy set out at IPO.
There are, we believe, exciting times ahead!
Angela Williams
Non-Executive Chair
CEO's Statement
Introduction
The financial year ended 31 December 2021 ('FY21' or the
'Period') was a momentous year for Northcoders with its successful
IPO in July 2021 raising new capital for the Company and providing
it with the resources to implement its growth strategy of expanding
its geographical presence and product offering.
IPO/flotation
In July 2021, the Company was admitted to trading on the AIM of
the London Stock Exchange and completed a fundraising, via a
placing and subscription of 1,944,444 new ordinary shares at 180p
per share, which raised GBP2.9m, net of expenses.
The admission to AIM has enabled us to increase our marketing
activities, focus on geographical expansion, grow our team, and
develop our internal tech roadmap further. We have also started to
look at our product--extension roadmap in more detail.
We also intended to use proceeds of the IPO as a cash flow
buffer to be able to offer more favourable payment terms to
students through external student finance providers. However, the
receipt of GBP1.65m of funding from the Department for Education
(DfE) in 2021, with a further GBP1.65m to follow in 2022, has meant
we can repurpose these funds.
Financial review
The Group delivered a strong performance in 2021 despite the
continued impact of Covid-19 generally and the resources required
for the IPO more specially. Underlying performance was in line with
expectations and cash flow benefited from the additional course
funding available from the Group's contract under the DfE's
'Lifetime Skills Guarantees' and 'Plan for Jobs' initiatives,
secured in July 2021. Non--underlying costs were also lower than
expectations at the time of the IPO.
2021 revenue, which comprises consumer revenue and corporate
revenue, increased 124% to GBP3.0m (2020: GBP1.3m) and was also
higher than our previous highest revenue year of GBP2.0m in
2019.
Consumer revenue, which includes core bootcamps and
apprenticeship revenues, was GBP2.7m (2020: GBP1.2m) and corporate
revenue was GBP0.3m (2020: GBP0.1m).
Gross profit for the year was GBP2.2m (2020: GBP0.9m) with a
reported gross profit margin ('GPM') of 72% (2020: 67%). The cost
benefits of the new hybrid model are driving a move back towards
the GPM achieved in 2019 of 79%.
EBITDA, adjusted for share-based payments and exceptional items,
was GBP0.4m (2020: loss GBP0.3m).
The loss for the year before tax was GBP0.5m (2020: GBP1.2m),
after recognising GBP0.4m of exceptional costs. There was a tax
credit of GBP0.2m (FY20: GBP0.3m) giving a loss for the year of
GBP0.4m (2020: GBP0.9m).
Basic earnings per share was a loss of 6.13p per share (2020:
18.84p). Basic adjusted earnings per share was 3.04p per share
(2020: a loss of 7.03p).
Net assets as at 31 December 2021 were GBP2.2m (2020: GBP0.5m)
of which cash was GBP1.6m (2020: GBP0.5m). The increase in cash and
net assets has been caused by company growth and the July 2021 IPO.
This net position now puts the company in a good place going
forwards as we continue to realise our future growth strategy and
expansion.
Operational review
At the turn of 2021, Northcoders was operating online--only due
to the coronavirus restrictions in place. Both physical hubs were
closed, with Manchester reopening on 4 May and Leeds on 21
June.
In 2021, we were able to fully implement a new hybrid
course-delivery model blending online and in-person teaching, which
we had developed during the course of 2020 in response to the
pandemic. With a record number of students applying (3,662),
enrolling (424) and graduating (213) through our courses, we
enjoyed the benefits of this highly scalable new model. In this new
operating model, we stream all lectures to our various Northcoders
hubs, but also to students studying from home and remotely. We then
have tutors on-hand via our custom, internally built, help-desk
system answering requests either in person on campus, or
remotely.
Operationally, we have been able to scale the business well,
with all sectors sharing service areas and the student-to-tutor
ratio increasing only gradually, ensuring we maintain quality. The
new operating model has enabled us to teach our bootcamp and
apprenticeship courses with little or no disruption from
coronavirus lockdowns or other restrictions. But it has also proven
our model to be resilient and scalable whilst maintaining our
quality standards and reputation.
Northcoders Group ended 2021 with a permanent headcount of 63
members of staff compared to the 37 we started the year with. Staff
numbers are expected to grow by a further 30 employees in FY22 with
the headcount at 31 March 2022 standing at 79.
During 2021, we were also able to set up a team focused on
creating internal software. This team works with an aim of creating
efficiencies across the business, improving the quality of service
for our learners and end users, while providing a new rich source
of data to inform and improve our sales and marketing activity.
This has resulted in a new version of the Learn to Code platform
that was successfully launched in Q1 2022, a fully functional jobs
board and the current help-desk system that is used by all bootcamp
learners. The team will also monitor the industry and make any
necessary changes to the curriculum.
The entire technical team at Northcoders spends time on rotation
in this internal development team. This enables every member of the
technical team to stay up to date with modern software techniques
and processes, enabling Northcoders tutors to deliver the most
cutting-edge and relevant methodologies/content to our learners and
clients.
Consumer bootcamps
Consumer bootcamp courses are designed for individuals seeking a
career as a software developer and are delivered over a 13-week
period.
Consumer demand for the Group's core bootcamp courses grew
strongly during the Period. In July 2021, Northcoders' quality was
acknowledged when the Group was successfully awarded a GBP1.65m
government-funded scholarship programme for its training
courses.
We received over five times the number of applications for the
scholarship places we had available, demonstrating the strength of
demand for quality training.
We have continued to increase the number of our hiring partners,
which now stands at over 315. Additions during the Period included
NHS Digital, PrettyLittleThing, Informa, AND Digital Limited, Wren
Kitchens Limited and Sky Betting & Gaming.
During the Period, the Group has also engaged with a new funding
partner, StepEx Limited, allowing more students from a diverse
range of backgrounds to benefit from the life-changing education
that the Group provides.
Consumer demand for the Group's core bootcamp courses is
expected to continue to grow in FY22, especially with the benefit
of increased monthly marketing spend and geographic presence. In Q1
2022, we graduated our one thousandth person through the coding
bootcamp since our first course in 2016. We anticipate we will
graduate at least half that number again in 2022. Our learner
retention rate is 95%. We continue to achieve an Oxbridge--beating
placement rate of 94%, with average starting salaries in software
for our coding bootcamp graduates now at GBP26,488.
In January 2022 we reported that the Department for Education
had advised that funding has been increased further, due to the
successful delivery of student courses through the first funding
round. The increase entails a further GBP1.65m in funding for
training courses which we expect to deliver between February and
September 2022. To date, we have awarded GBP0.7m of this
funding.
Apprenticeships
Northcoders launched its apprenticeships courses in January
2021. Subsequently, the Group has delivered contracts across the UK
with learners from companies based as far south as Plymouth and as
far north as Darlington and Penrith. An increasing number of large
employers, such as online fashion retailer PrettyLittleThing, and
logistics company Hermes, are seeing the benefit of engaging with
Northcoders to deliver apprenticeship courses on their behalf. In
the Period, the Group has also launched its new apprenticeship
'hire to train' programme which is proving to be very popular with
both corporates and individuals alike.
Corporate solutions
Our corporate solutions division services corporates when their
needs do not fall within hiring a bootcamp graduate or putting a
staff member on an apprenticeship. We work with each individual
corporate company to work out a solution to their digital needs.
This could be in the form of a tailored internal training programme
through a premium consultancy project, or it could be that
Northcoders take on their software engineering project in
house.
We continued to develop our corporate solutions revenue in 2021
with revenues of GBP0.3m (2020: GBP0.1m). Even more pleasingly, we
signed contracts for both software training and software
engineering services, totalling GBP0.5m, in the Period, of which
GBP0.2m carries forward into FY22. Northcoders signed agreements in
the year with Ove Arup, Digital Applications Limited (the
independent IT solution delivery company), and NHS Digital, as well
as working on mobile app development for two start-up companies. We
have also secured further software development work for Manchester
City Council's Adult Education department.
It is becoming apparent that bespoke, localised training for the
corporate sector is a growing opportunity to drive the growth of
Northcoders nationwide. In response, we expect to invest GBP0.3m in
2022 into internal intangible assets with an exciting tech roadmap
in place. Continuing with our product development, and responding
to market demand, we will be introducing a premium consultancy
product. This offers packaged solutions and mentorship services to
clients who need to grow and upskill their software teams rapidly.
Alongside that, using a similar revenue model, we will also be
providing bespoke onboarding and training academies for clients who
need to train either new or existing workforces in specific
skills.
Geographic expansion and hub roll out
The year commenced with the Company having two hubs in
Manchester and Leeds (albeit they were closed due to Covid). During
the year:
-- a new lease has been signed in Leeds for a premises that can
accommodate the Company's recent growth as a result of the
increasing brand awareness;
-- a training hub in Newcastle was opened;
-- activity commenced in Birmingham with a number of students
being signed up in the region. Marketing in the region commenced,
although the opening of a physical hub was deferred due to
uncertainty around the UK Government's winter Covid plans. We are
now set to open Birmingham in May 2022; and
-- the Company received a special request from Jason Stockwood,
the Chairman of Grimsby Town Football Club, to establish a facility
at the club's stadium; this is planned for Q3 2022.
In due course there will be a Northcoders presence in many more
cities throughout the country, not just in the north of England.
Areas that are on the initial target list include Liverpool and
Sheffield, where we already have graduates and current remote
learners. With the availability of the online offering the Company
is taking advantage of its ability to move into new locations
remotely in the first instance and thereafter follow up with a
local, physical presence.
Outlook
Northcoders is a market leader in software engineering training
and its market opportunity is vast. The UK Commission for
Employment and Skills estimated that 1.2m new technically skilled
people are needed by 2022 to satisfy future skills needs in the UK.
Digital transformation is a huge priority for organisations across
the UK and the need for coding skills spans across almost every
sector. Our aim is to fulfil as much as possible of this increase
in demand whilst creating life-changing opportunities for
individuals.
To meet this demand, we will continue to identify new geographic
regions where it is believed that a Northcoders presence and hybrid
product offering, both in-person and online, would be successful.
We will also continue to review our products and endeavour to
provide solutions tailored to corporate needs and the needs of the
industry.
The Group started FY22 with contracted bookings for the year to
December 2022 of approximately GBP3m, approximately 46% of the
target revenue for the year. At the end of Q1 2022 revenue
visibility stood at GBP3.6m, around 55% of the target revenue for
the year. Trading in the year to date has commenced in line with
management's expectations and this, together with the extension of
the DfE contract, gives the Board confidence for the Company's
prospects for the remainder of the year.
Chris Hill
Chief Executive Officer
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the year ended 31 December 2021
2021 2020
Notes GBP GBP
Revenue 2 3,010,357 1,341,493
Cost of sales (848,392) (449,319)
Gross profit 2,161,965 892,174
Other operating income 144,749 153,635
Expenditure (1,947,239) (1,300,865)
Adjusted EBITDA 4 359,475 (255,056)
Depreciation (118,892) (244,854)
Amortisation (134,755) (44,347)
Share-based payments (114,341) -
Total administrative expenses (2,315,227) (1,590,066)
Exceptional items 3 (421,289) (590,788)
Operating loss (429,802) (1,135,045)
Investment revenues 8,574 2,200
Finance costs (102,360) (112,705)
Loss before taxation (523,588) (1,245,550)
Taxation credit 6 165,464 303,443
Loss for the year (358,124) (942,107)
Other comprehensive income:
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss
Tax relating to items not reclassified (5,089) -
Total items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss (5,089) -
Total other comprehensive loss for the year (5,089) -
Total comprehensive loss for the year (363,213) (942,107)
Earnings per share 7
Basic (pence per share) (6.13) (18.84)
Diluted (pence per share) (6.13) (18.84)
A djusted (pence per share) 3 .04 (7.03)
Total comprehensive loss for the year is all attributable to the
owners of the Parent Company. All losses after taxation arise from
continuing operations.
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
For the year ended 31 December 2021
2021 2020
Notes GBP GBP
Non-current assets
Intangible assets 495,071 361,289
Property, plant and equipment 525,067 211,566
Deferred tax asset 256,350 159,521
1,276,488 732,376
Current assets
Trade and other receivables 10 1,416,145 298,800
Current tax recoverable 143,042 241,799
Cash and cash equivalents 1,564,645 525,671
3,123,832 1,066,270
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 467,282 518,472
Borrowings 219,386 191,901
Lease liabilities 181,043 167,916
Deferred revenue 21,813 120,388
889,524 998,677
Net current assets 2,234,308 67,593
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings 512,602 694,195
Lease liabilities 711,524 562,746
Deferred tax liabilities 134,474 85,076
1,358,600 1,342,017
Net assets/(liabilities) 2,152,196 (542,048)
Equity
Called up share capital 69,444 -
Share premium account 2,891,314 -
Merger reserve 500 187,591
Share option reserve 134,715 -
Other reserve (50,000) -
Retained earnings (893,777) (729,639)
Total equity 2,152,196 (542,048)
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 31 December 2021
Share Retained
Share Share premium option Other Merger (deficit)/
capital account reserve reserve reserve earnings Total
Notes GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP
Balance at
1 January 2020 - - - - 187,591 212,468 400,059
Year ended
31 December
2020:
Loss and total
comprehensive
loss for the
year - - - - - (942,107) (942,107)
Balance at
31 December
2020 - - - - 187,591 (729,639) (542,048)
Year ended
31 December
2021:
Loss for the
year - - - - - (358,124) (358,124)
Other comprehensive
loss:
Tax adjustments
on share based
payments - - - - - (5,089) (5,089)
Total comprehensive
income for
the year - - - - - (363,213) (363,213)
Issue of share
capital 19,444 3,480,555 - - - - 3,499,999
Costs of float
set against
premium - (589,241) - - - - (589,241)
Merger reserve
transfer - - - - (187,091) 187,091 -
Share options
and warrants
expense - - 146,699 - - - 146,699
Share-for-share
exchange 50,000 - - (50,000) - - -
Cancellation
of share options - - (11,984) - - 11,984 -
Balance at
31 December
2021 69,444 2,891,314 134,715 (50,000) 500 (893,777) 2,152,196
Consolidated Statement of Cashflows
For the year ended 31 December 2021
GBP GBP GBP GBP
Cash flows from operating activities
Loss for the year after tax (358,124) (942,107)
Adjustment for non-cash items:
Taxation charged (165,464) (303,442)
Finance costs 102,360 112,592
Finance income (8,574) (2,085)
Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment - (11,708)
Amortisation of intangible assets 134,755 44,347
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 118,892 244,840
Impairment of tangible assets - 590,788
Equity-settled share-based payment and warrants expense 146,699 -
Government grant income via present value adjustment - (15,615)
(29,456) (282,390)
(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables (1,117,345) 39,678
Decrease in trade and other payables (152,740) (157,310)
Cash absorbed by operations (1,299,541) (400,022)
Tax refunded 211,701 24,443
Net cash outflow from operating activities (1,087,840) (375,579)
Investing activities
Purchase of intangible assets (268,537) (165,216)
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (42,706) (15,878)
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment - 2,409
Business combination, net of cash received - (17,973)
Investment revenues received 8,574 150
Net cash used in investing activities (302,669) (196,508)
Financing activities -
Proceeds from issue of shares 2,910,758
Proceeds of new bank loans - 925,000
Repayment of bank loans and borrowings (162,961) (105,296)
Payment of lease liabilities (215,954) (54,424)
Interest paid (102,360) (88,723)
Net cash generated from financing activities 2,429,483 676,557
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 1,038,974 104,470
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 525,671 421,201
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 1,564,645 525,671
Changes in liabilities arising from financing activities
The table below details changes in the Group's liabilities
arising from financing activities, including both cash and non-cash
changes. Liabilities arising from financing activities are those
for which cash flows were, or future cash flows will be, classified
in the Group's consolidated statement of cash flows as cash flows
from financing activities.
At 1 January Financing At 31 December
2021 cash flows New leases Other movements(1) 2021
GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP
Bank loans and borrowings 885,950 (162,961) - 8,999 731,988
Lease liabilities 730,662 (215,954) 389,687 (11,828) 892,567
1,616,612 (378,915) 389,687 (2,829) 1,624,555
At 1 January Financing At 31 December
2020 cash flows New leases Other movements(2) 2020
GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP
Bank loans and borrowings 46,267 819,704 - 19,979 885,950
Lease liabilities 139,323 (54,424) 782,809 (137,046) 730,662
185,590 765,280 782,809 (117,067) 1,616,612
1. Other movements in the year ended 31 December 2021 includes:
-- unwinding of present value adjustment of GBP8,999 to bank loans; and
-- accrual for rent due but unpaid on lease liabilities.
2. Other movements in the year ended 31 December 2020 includes:
-- the amount of GBP20,724 within bank loans and borrowings
relating to the bounce bank loan consolidated on business
combination; and
-- disposal of leases of GBP137,046.
Notes to the Final Results information
For the year ended 31 December 2021
1. Accounting policies
Company information
Northcoders Group PLC is a public company limited by shares
incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is
Manchester Technology Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester, Lancashire,
M1 7ED. The Company's principal activities and nature of its
operations are disclosed in the Directors' report.
The Group consists of Northcoders Group PLC and all of its
subsidiaries.
Accounting convention
The Group financial statements have been prepared in accordance
with UK Adopted International Accounting Standards in conformity
with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
The Group's transition to UK Adopted International Accounting
Standards was completed during the preparation of the Historical
Financial Statements contained in the Admission Document upon the
Group's admission to AIM.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the
functional currency of the Group. Monetary amounts in these
financial statements are rounded to the nearest GBP1.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical
cost convention, modified to include the revaluation of certain
financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting
policies adopted are set out below.
The individual Parent Company meets the definition of a
qualifying entity under FRS 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework.
As permitted by FRS 101, the Company has taken advantage of the
following disclosure exemptions from the requirements of IFRS:
(a) the requirements of IFRS 7 'Financial Instruments:
Disclosure';
(b) the requirements within IAS 1 relating to the presentation
of certain comparative information;
(c) the requirements of IAS 7 'Statement of Cash Flows' to
present a statement of cash flows;
(d) paragraphs 30 and 31 of IAS 8 'Accounting policies, changes
in accounting estimates and errors' (requirement for the disclosure
of information when an entity has not applied a new IFRS that has
been issued but it not yet effective); and
(e) the requirements of IAS 24 'Related Party Disclosures' to
disclose related party transactions and balances between two or
more members of a Group.
As permitted by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the
Company has not presented its own statement of comprehensive
income. The Company's loss for the period was GBP323,817.
Business combinations
The cost of a business combination is the fair value at the
acquisition date of the assets given, equity instruments issued and
liabilities incurred or assumed, plus costs directly attributable
to the business combination. The excess of the cost of a business
combination over the fair value of the identifiable assets,
liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired is recognised as
goodwill.
The cost of the combination includes the estimated amount of
contingent consideration that is probable and can be measured
reliably, and is adjusted for changes in contingent consideration
after the acquisition date.
Provisional fair values recognised for business combinations in
previous periods are adjusted retrospectively for final fair values
determined in the twelve months following the acquisition date.
Basis of consolidation
The consolidated Group financial statements consist of the
financial statements of the Parent Company Northcoders Group PLC
together with all entities controlled by the Parent Company (its
subsidiaries) and the Group's share of its interests in joint
ventures and associates.
All financial statements are made up to 31 December 2021. Where
necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of
subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies used into line with
those used by other members of the Group.
All intra-group transactions, balances and unrealised gains on
transactions between Group companies are eliminated on
consolidation. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the
transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset
transferred.
Subsidiaries are consolidated in the Group's financial
statements from the date that control commences until the date that
control ceases.
The Group applied the principles of merger accounting in
consolidating the results, as Northcoders Group PLC was only
incorporated on 6 May 2021 and control of Northcoders Limited was
acquired by Northcoders Group PLC via a share-for-share exchange on
24 June 2021. Merger accounting requires that the results of the
Group are presented as if the Group has always been in its present
form, and does not require a re-evaluation of fair values as at the
point of acquisition. Accordingly, as a result of this merger
accounting, a merger reserve is recognised within equity which
represents the difference between the net assets of the Group and
the retained profits recognised by the Group as at 24 June
2021.
Going concern
In preparing the financial statements, the Directors have
considered the principal risks and uncertainties facing the
business, along with the Group's objectives, policies and processes
for managing its exposure to financial risk. In making this
assessment, the Directors have prepared cash flow forecasts for the
foreseeable future, being a period of at least twelve months from
the date of approval of the financial statements.
Forecasts are adjusted for reasonable sensitives that address
the principal risks and uncertainties to which the Group is
exposed, thus creating a number different scenarios for the Board
to challenge, including a 'stress' case scenario of losing the
apprenticeship licence and associated revenues. However, in this
case scenario there would be increased tutor capacity and the
Directors would expect bootcamp revenue to increase. Overall, the
Directors do not believe this to cause a material uncertainty
around going concern.
At the time of approving the financial statements, the Directors
have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources
to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.
Thus, the Directors continue to adopt the going concern basis of
accounting in preparing the financial statements.
2 Revenue
IFRS 8 'Operating Segments' requires operating segments to be
identified on the basis of internal reports of the Group that are
regularly reviewed by the Group's chief operating decision maker.
The chief operating decision maker of the Group is considered to be
the Board of Directors.
The Group has operating segments as follows:
-- Consumer bootcamps and apprenticeships - Individuals go
through a selection process and a 13-week coding bootcamp programme
to the point where they are in-demand, career ready Junior Software
Engineers. Existing employees of businesses can undertake a
13-month 'On the Job' apprenticeship programme for junior software
engineers. This is delivered with an on-programme assessment to one
or more apprentices utilising government-backed funding from the
Education and Skills Funding Agency ("ESFA"). All training income
is deferred or accrued as appropriate in order to recognise this on
a percentage of completion basis, which is typically on a straight
line period over the delivery of the course.
-- Corporate solutions - On completion of a course, the Group
may seek to place an individual with an employer and such placement
fees are included in this segment. No such fees have been
recognised in the current year, and in the prior year such fees
were invoiced directly to the employer. The Group has decided to
not charge these fee's going forwards. This segment further
includes practical developments created on behalf of other
companies who engage the Group and also bespoke training programmes
delivered to large groups from selected organisations.
-- Central - Where revenues or costs cannot be meaningfully
allocated to either primary operating segment, these are allocated
to the Central segment.
Due to the specific nature of the Group's market, each component
of revenue naturally falls within one of these segments. The
operating segments are monitored by the Group's chief operating
decision maker and strategic decisions are made on the basis of
adjusted segment operating results. All assets, liabilities and
revenues are located in, or derived in, the United Kingdom.
The revenues are allocated to the following operating
segments:
2021 2020
GBP GBP
Revenue analysed by class of business
Consumer bootcamps and apprenticeships 2,757,020 1,194,069
Corporate solutions 253,337 147,424
3,010,357 1,341,493
The Group further sub-analyses the consumer bootcamps and
apprenticeships segment to distinguish between its original core
revenue streams for consumer training, and the apprenticeship
income. This split does not represent individual operating segments
as defined in IFRS 8, however the Directors have presented the
split in order to provide relevant information for the purposes of
these financial statements. This is split as follows:
2021 2020
GBP GBP
Training excluding apprenticeship income 1,724,117 1,072,659
Apprenticeship training income 1,032,903 121,410
2,757,020 1,194,069
The results of the Group are allocated to the following operating
segments consistent with the requirements of IFRS 8:
Year ended 31 December 2021:
Consumer Corporate Central Total
GBP GBP GBP GBP
Revenue 2,757,020 253,337 - 3,010,357
Cost of sales (721,133) (127,259) - (848,392)
Gross profit 2,035,887 126,078 - 2,161,965
Operating costs (114,542) (20,213) (2,180,472) (2,315,227)
Other operating income - - 144,749 144,749
Exceptional costs - - (421,289) (421,289)
Operating profit 1,921,345 105,865 2,457,012 429,802
Net finance costs - - (93,786) (93,786)
Profit/(loss) before taxation 1,921,345 105,865 (2,550,798) (523,588)
Year ended 31 December 2020:
Consumer Corporate Central Total
GBP GBP GBP GBP
Revenue 1,194,069 147,424 - 1,341,493
Cost of sales (379,769) (69,550) - (449,319)
Gross profit 814,300 77,874 - 892,174
Operating costs (37,695) (6,652) (1,545,719) (1,590,066)
Other operating income - - 153,635 153,635
Exceptional costs - - (590,788) (590,788)
Operating profit 776,605 71,222 1,982,872 1,135,045
Net finance costs - - (110,505) (110,505)
Profit/(loss) before taxation 776,605 71,222 (2,093,377) (1,245,550)
2021 2020
GBP GBP
Revenue analysed by geographical market
United Kingdom 3,010,357 1,341,493
2021 2020
GBP GBP
Other significant revenue
Grants received 144,749 153,635
Consumer bootcamps and apprenticeships revenue includes
undiscounted EdAid sales of GBP156,733 of which some of these
contain a financing element. EdAid sales are governed by a formal
credit agreement facilitated by a third party. An adjustment of
GBP10,064 has been recognised in finance income to reflect the
discounted element based on expected repayment profiles inherent in
the agreement at date of invoice.
Grants received comprises the following:
-- Government grant for COVID-19 job retention scheme grant and
business rates relief grant totalling GBP127,617 (2020 -
GBP138,020) which are credited to the income statement in the
period in which the expenditure for which they are intended to
contribute towards has been incurred.
-- Time-value benefit derived on a Coronavirus Business
Interruption Loan (CBILS) totalling GBPnil (2020 - GBP15,615),
which is recognised on receipt of the loan.
-- Leeds Enterprise Partnership claim of GBP17,132 (2020 -
GBPnil) received from West Yorkshire Combined Authority as an
incentive for opening the Leeds office. There were no future
performance obligations attached to the grant and therefore amount
is credited to the income statement in the period in which it was
received. Since this is not considered to be part of the main
revenue generating activities, this is presented separately from
revenue as other income.
Revenue from customers who individually accounted for more than
10% of total Group revenue amounted to GBP1,042,967 from one
customer (2020 - there were no customers who individually accounted
for more than 10% of total Group revenue).
Assets and liabilities related to contract with customers:
The Group has recognised the following assets and liabilities
related to contracts with customers:
Contract assets 2021 2020
GBP GBP
At 1 January 19,030 -
Transfers in the year from contract assets to
trade receivables (19,030) -
Excess of revenue recognised over cash (or rights
to cash) being recognised during the year 801,119 19,030
At 31 December 801,119 19,030
Contract liabilities 2021 2020
GBP GBP
At 1 January 120,388 343,154
Amounts recognised as revenue during the year (120,388) (343,154)
Amounts received in advance of performance and
not recognised as revenue during the year 21,813 120,388
At 31 December 21,813 120,388
Contract assets and contract liabilities are included within
"trade and other receivables" and "trade
and other payables" respectively on the face of the statement
of financial position. They arise from the Group's contracts
because cumulative payments received from customers at each balance
sheet date do not necessarily equal the amount of revenue recognised
on the contracts.
3. Exceptional items
2021 2020
GBP GBP
Expenditure
IPO costs 421,289 -
Impairment of right of use asset - 529,570
Impairment of leasehold improvements - 61,218
IPO costs comprise of expenditure relating to the Group's
listing and include; PR and marketing, IPO related bonus accrual,
IFRS conversion and preparation of Historical Financial
Information, investor relation website, tax structuring, audit and
consultancy expenditure. As these costs relate to the Group's
admission to trading on AIM, which occurred on 27 July 2021, the
costs have been recognised at this point in time and are classified
as exceptional in these financial statements.
In January 2020 the Group took occupation of a new office with
significant space for student training, which was occupied on a 5
year lease resulting in the recognition of a right of use asset. As
a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Group had to materially
change its primary focus of operations to online delivery with the
availability of physical support, and subsequently moving towards a
hybrid model using a blended learning approach of online and
in-person, meaning that the majority of this site is now
functionally redundant. As a result of this the Directors have
recognised an impairment of the right of use asset for the 67.65%
which can no longer be used, calculated by reference to floorspace;
this impairment totals GBPnil (2020 - GBP529,570). An impairment
for amounts included in leasehold improvements has also been
recognised on the same basis, resulting in an impairment charge of
GBPnil (2020 - GBP61,218).
4. Adjusted EBITDA
The Directors have used an Alternative Performance Measure
("APM") in the preparation of these financial statements. The
Consolidated Income Statement has presented Adjusted EBITDA, where
EBITDA represents Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and
Amortisation. The adjusted element removes non recurring items
which are not relevant to the underlying performance and cash
generation of the business. Non- recurring items for the period
consist of IPO related costs and share based payments.
The Directors have presented this APM because they feel it most
suitably represents the underlying performance and cash generation
of the business, and allows comparability between the current and
comparative period in light of the rapid changes in the business
(most notably its admission to AIM and associated costs), and will
allow an ongoing trend analysis of this performance based on
current plans for the business.
5. Operating Loss
2021 2020
GBP GBP
Operating loss for the year is stated after charging/(crediting):
Government grants (144,749) (153,635)
Fees payable to the company's auditor for the
audit of the company's financial statements 52,250 -
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 118,892 244,854
Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment - (11,707)
Amortisation of intangible assets (included
within administrative expenses) 134,755 44,347
Impairment of property, plant and equipment - 61,218
Impairment of right of use asset - 529,570
Share-based payments 114,341 -
6. Taxation
2021 2020
GBP GBP
Current tax
UK corporation tax on profits for the current
period (108,800) (154,628)
Adjustments in respect of prior periods (4,143) (14,717)
Total UK current tax (112,943) (169,345)
Deferred tax
Origination and reversal of temporary differences (21,390) (137,866)
Changes in tax rates (31,131) 3,768
(52,521) (134,098)
Total tax credit (165,464) (303,443)
The charge for the year can be reconciled to the (loss)/profit
per the income statement as follows:
2021 2020
GBP GBP
(Loss)/profit before taxation (523,588) (1,245,550)
Expected tax credit based on a corporation
tax rate of 19% (2020: 19%): (99,482) (236,655)
Effect of expenses not deductible in determining
taxable profit 37,513 1,018
Adjustment in respect of prior years (4,060) (14,717)
Effect of change in UK corporation tax rate (37,243) 4,073
Research and development tax credit (78,663) (61,509)
Share based payment charge (3,864) -
Other 20,335 4,347
Taxation credit for the year (165,464) (303,443)
In addition to the amount charged to the income statement, the
following amounts relating to tax have been recognised directly in
other comprehensive income:
2021 2020
GBP GBP
Deferred tax arising on:
Actuarial differences recognised as other comprehensive
income 5,089 -
The UK corporation tax rate was 19% throughout the year.
In the March 2021 Budget, a change to the future UK corporation
tax rate was announced, indicating that the rate will increase to
25% from April 2023. This was substantively enacted on 24 May 2021.
Deferred tax balances at the reporting date are therefore measured
at 25% (2020 - 19%).
7. Earnings per share
2021 2020
GBP GBP
Number of shares
Weighted average number of ordinary shares
for basic earnings per share 5,841,706 5,000,001
Earnings (all attributable to equity shareholders of the
company)
Continuing operations
Loss for the period from continued operations (358,124) (942,107)
Earnings per share for continuing operations
Basic and diluted earnings per share (pence
per share) (6.13) (18.84)
The number of shares in existence immediately prior to the
Group's admission to AIM is used at all earlier periods. The Group
did not exist in the comparative year, however the creation of the
Group via a share-for-share exchange is a transaction without
corresponding incoming resource, hence earlier periods are restated
to reflect this.
In the current and comparative year the Group has incurred
losses and as such has not presented any dilutive shares in
accordance with IAS 33 'Earnings per share'. However, the Group
does have a number of share options and warrants that would dilute
the earnings per share should the Group become profitable.
Adjusted earnings per share
The Directors use adjusted earnings before exceptional costs and
share based payment expenses. This creates an alternative
performance measure which the Directors believe reflects a fair
estimate of ongoing profitability and performance. The calculated
Adjusted Earnings for the current period of accounts is as
follows:
2021 2020
GBP GBP
Number of shares
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for
basic earnings per share 5,841,706 5,000,001
Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares:
- Weighted average number outstanding share
options 148,487 -
- Weighted average number outstanding warrants 27,293 -
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for
diluted earnings per share 6,017,486 5,000,001
Adjusted earnings
Loss for the period (358,124) (942,107)
Adjusted for: - -
Exceptional costs 421,289 590,788
Share based payment expense 114,341 -
Adjusted earnings for basic and diluted earnings
per share 177,506 (351,319)
Adjusted earnings per share
Basic earnings per share (pence per share) 3.04 (7.03)
Diluted earnings per share (pence per share) 2.95 (7.03)
For adjusted earnings per share the effects of the share options
and warrants has been shown in the diluted weighted average number
of shares as the adjusted earnings show a profit.
8 Intangible assets
Development Licence Total
costs
GBP GBP GBP
Cost
At 1 January 2020 159,837 - 159,837
Additions - internally generated 165,215 - 165,215
Additions - business combinations - 101,899 101,899
At 31 December 2020 325,052 101,899 426,951
Additions - internally generated 268,537 - 268,537
At 31 December 2021 593,589 101,899 695,488
Amortisation and impairment
At 1 January 2020 21,315 - 21,315
Charge for the year 44,347 - 44,347
At 31 December 2020 65,662 - 65,662
Charge for the year 109,280 25,475 134,755
At 31 December 2021 174,942 25,475 200,417
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2021 418,647 76,424 495,071
At 31 December 2020 259,390 101,899 361,289
Development costs compromise employee costs of GBP193,836 and
software development consultancy costs of GBP74,701.
The licence intangible asset arose when Northcoders Limited
acquired the share capital of Northcoders TechEd Limited on 14
December 2020. The consideration paid in excess of the acquired net
assets is solely recognised as a licence intangible because the
licence was the sole asset held by TechEd at acquisition.
Accordingly the directors have determined that the value paid,
which was determined on an arm's length basis represents the fair
value of the licence. The licence has an estimated useful life of 4
years from acquisition.
The Group tests intangible assets for impairment annually.
Assets are assessed for impairment by comparing the carrying values
with the value-in-use calculation, which is determined by
calculating the net present value ("NPV") of future cashflows
arising from the intangible assets.
The NPV of future cash flows is based on budgets and forecasts
for the next 3 years to 2024, using growth rates based on
projections, which are based on market expectations for the Group.
A discount rate of 17.3% has been used based on the Group's
estimated cost of capital, and varied based on the risk profile of
the underlying assets. The outcome of the impairment test is
insensitive to a 5% reduction in growth, or a 2% increase in the
discount rate.
9 Contracts with customers
2021 2020 2020
Period end Period end Period start
GBP GBP GBP
Contracts in progress
Contract assets 801,119 19,030 -
10 Trade and other receivables
2021 2020
GBP GBP
Trade receivables 626,455 208,698
Provision for bad and doubtful debts (56,765) -
569,690 208,698
Contract assets 801,119 19,030
Other receivables 3,215 68,521
Prepayments 42,121 2,551
1,416,145 298,800
The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and
other receivables is approximately equal to their fair value.
Included within trade receivables are undiscounted EdAid
receivables of GBP146,714. EdAid receivables are governed by a
formal credit agreement facilitated by a third party. Some of the
amounts receivable are subject to interest income which is charged
at the official rate of RPI inflation. There is a discounted
financing agreement implicit in the revenue recognition under IFRS
15, which has been calculated using an estimated discount rate of
7%. The cumulative discount recognised and not yet unwound as at
the year end is GBP2,999 (2020 - GBPnil).
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