CITIHUB_LIMITED - Accounts
CITIHUB_LIMITED - Accounts
The directors present the strategic report for the year ended 31 December 2019.
The group's income decreased during the year from £26,879,539 in 2018 to £22,768,507 in 2019. The drop in income in Europe is a result of;
large client projects to be compliant with major EU regulations (MiFID II and GDPR) finally completing.
revenues from 2 key clients reducing to nil following their action to consolidate their approved vendor list to focus on the global consultancies and system integrators in 2017.
Other parts of Citihub’s revenues including the digital transformation of businesses through cloud adoption and the use of big data have seen a healthy growth.
The increased Group profits in 2019 can be attributed to an increased utilisation in the US coupled with better billing margins globally. Careful management of administrative costs, along with the closure of the Singapore Office, also helped to increase profitability.
The overall utilisation of permanent staff continued to be strong in both regions in 2019. The plan for modest growth in 2020 included the use of contractors to continue to mitigate against exposure to any future downturn.
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on all sectors including Financial Services. Fortunately, all our engagements can be delivered via remote working, and at the outset, the impact to revenues has been minimal. The longer-term impact on client consultancy budgets is yet to be fully understood.
The group has taken advantage of government schemes designed to protect independent businesses through Covid-19 from short term cashflow issues; deferral of VAT and National Insurance contributions in the UK and the PPP loans scheme in the US.
In 2019, Citihub continued to invest in the development of market leading capabilities in the modernisation of businesses applications and their migration to the public cloud. Public cloud adoption helps organisations support agile working practices, become responsive to client demand, reduce time to market and make financial savings compared to traditional platforms. As budgets tighten in the likely economic downturn, Citihub is well positioned to continue to help clients remain competitive and operate efficiently.
The Board of Directors have considered the period ahead and addressed the company's performance. They anticipate a softening of the original growth plan in the light of Covid-19, however the groups focus will be on continuing to develop its portfolio of client offerings, the use contractors to fill resourcing shortfall and maintaining employee consultant utilisation to preserve profitability.
The risk implications of business decisions affecting the company are considered by the Board of Directors. Operational costs are continually reviewed (fixed vs variable) and savings realised. The group assesses potential operational risks monthly to ensure any risks arising from changes in the group's operations are identified and appropriately managed. In light of Covid-19, travel and expense budgets have been significantly reduced and office rental costs renegotiated where possible.
The group's principal uncertainties arise from the downturn in the market and resulting budgetary tightening of consultant spending in the Financial Services sector. The full impact of Covid-19 is yet to be understood and the lack of clarity regarding Brexit in EMEA continues.
The Board of Directors believes the mix of Fixed Price projects versus Time and Material projects will continue to provide a resilient business model, whilst also representing a sound base for further income growth.
The Board of Directors considers the group to be operating within acceptable key performance indicators relevant to the group and have reduced the level of any risk-based engagements which were labour intensive with minimal profit margins, and therefore not conducive to the group's business model.
The key performance indicators for the group are:
Total Operating Income – This is the main measure of the Group’s economic output. This decreased from £26,879,539 in 2018 to £22,768,507 in 2019.
Profit or loss before impairment and provisions – This amounted to a profit of £1,077,827 in 2019 compared to a loss of £82,107 in 2018.
Cashflow – The increase or decrease in the cash and cash equivalents is important for ensuring adequate liquidity for on-going operations. Overall the group had a net decrease in cash and cash equivalents to £2,933,206 for 2019 from £4,651,160 for 2018.
On behalf of the board
The directors present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2019.
The directors who held office during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were as follows:
The results for the year are set out on page 10.
Ordinary dividends were paid amounting to £889,175 (2018: £609,480). The directors do not recommend payment of a final dividend.
The auditor, Gerald Edelman, is deemed to be reappointed under section 487(2) of the Companies Act 2006.
Having reviewed the group's financial forecasts and expected future cash flows, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the company and group have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, a period of not less than 12 months from the date of approval of these financial statements.
In light of the recent Covid-19 outbreak in the UK and the likely economic disruption that this will cause, the directors have considered the impact that this could have on the group's future prospects. Like many businesses the result of the group is impacted by the health of the economy. Therefore, a potential downturn in the economy is likely to have an impact upon the group’s turnover. Having considered this, and taking into account government support, the directors expect the impact on the group to be limited to the short-term and therefore do not believe it to pose a significant risk to the long-term trading and profitability of the business.
Accordingly, the directors continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2019. Further details regarding adoption of the going concern basis can be found in note 1.3 to the financial statements.
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business.
give a true and fair view of the state of the group's and the parent company's affairs as at 31 December 2019 and of the group's profit for the year then ended; have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 .
Basis for opinion
Conclusions relating to going concern
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the ISAs (UK) require us to report to you where:
the directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is not appropriate; or
the directors have not disclosed in the financial statements any identified material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt about the group's or the parent company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting for a period of at least twelve months from the date when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Other information
The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit:
the information given in the strategic report and the directors' report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
the strategic report and the directors' report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and the parent company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report and the directors' report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
the parent company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
certain disclosures of directors' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
As explained more fully in the directors' responsibilities statement, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the group's and the parent company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the group or the parent company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: http://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.
This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
The income statement has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations.
As permitted by s408 Companies Act 2006, the Company has not presented its own income statement and related notes. The Company’s profit for the year was £790,378 (2018: £39,741).
Citihub Limited (“the Company”) is a private company limited by shares domiciled and incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 73 Cornhill, London, EC3V 3QQ. The business address is Moor Place, 1 Fore Street, London, EC2Y 9DT.
The Group consists of Citihub Limited and all of its subsidiaries.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
The company is a qualifying entity for the purposes of FRS 102, being a member of a group where the parent of that group prepares publicly available consolidated financial statements, including this company, which are intended to give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the group. The company has therefore taken advantage of exemptions from the following disclosure requirements for parent company information presented within the consolidated financial statements:
- Section 7 ‘Statement of Cash Flows’: Presentation of a statement of cash flow and related notes and disclosures;
- Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instrument Issues’: Interest income/expense and net gains/losses for each category of financial instrument; basis of determining fair values; details of collateral, loan defaults or breaches, details of hedges, hedging fair value changes recognised in profit or loss and in other comprehensive income;
- Section 26 ‘Share based Payment’: Share-based payment expense charged to profit or loss, reconciliation of opening and closing number and weighted average exercise price of share options, how the fair value of options granted was measured, measurement and carrying amount of liabilities for cash-settled share-based payments, explanation of modifications to arrangements;
- Section 33 ‘Related Party Disclosures’: Compensation for key management personnel.
The consolidated financial statements incorporate those of Citihub Limited and all of its subsidiaries (i.e. entities that the group controls through its power to govern the financial and operating policies so as to obtain economic benefits). Subsidiaries acquired during the year are consolidated using the purchase method. Their results are incorporated from the date that control passes.
All financial statements are made up to 31 December 2019. 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.
At the time of approving the financial statements, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the company and group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, a period of not less than 12 months from the date of approval of these financial statements.
In light of the recent Covid-19 outbreak in the UK and the likely economic disruption that this will cause, the directors have considered the impact that this could have on the group's future prospects. Like many businesses the result of the group is impacted by the health of the economy. Therefore, a potential downturn in the economy is likely to have an impact upon the group’s turnover. Having considered this, and taking into account government support, the directors expect the impact on the group to be limited to the short-term and therefore do not believe it to pose a significant risk to the long-term trading and profitability of the business.
Accordingly, the directors continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2019.
Revenue represents amounts receivable for services net of VAT and discounts. Revenue comprises of retainer fees and variable fees. Retainer fees are recognised based on the percentage of completion of projects. Variable fees are recognised monthly based on actual time spent by consultants on projects.
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the income statement.
Equity investments are measured at fair value through profit or loss, except for those equity investments that are not publicly traded and whose fair value cannot otherwise be measured reliably, which are recognised at cost less impairment until a reliable measure of fair value becomes available.
In the parent company financial statements, investments in subsidiaries, associates and jointly controlled entities are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses.
A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the group. Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.
At each reporting end date, the group reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the company estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.
The carrying amount of the investments accounted for using the equity method is tested for impairment as a single asset. Any goodwill included in the carrying amount of the investment is not tested separately for impairment.
Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.
If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease.
Recognised impairment losses are reversed if, and only if, the reasons for the impairment loss have ceased to apply. Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset (or cash-generating unit) in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the reversal of the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation increase.
The group has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the group's statement of financial position when the group becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amounts presented in the financial statements when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets, which include trade and other receivables and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Financial assets, other than those held at fair value through profit and loss, are assessed for indicators of impairment at each reporting end date.
Financial assets are impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash flows have been affected. If an asset is impaired, the impairment loss is the difference between the carrying amount and the present value of the estimated cash flows discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate. The impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss.
If there is a decrease in the impairment loss arising from an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the impairment is reversed. The reversal is such that the current carrying amount does not exceed what the carrying amount would have been, had the impairment not previously been recognised. The impairment reversal is recognised in profit or loss.
Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled, or when the group transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to another entity, or if some significant risks and rewards of ownership are retained but control of the asset has transferred to another party that is able to sell the asset in its entirety to an unrelated third party.
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the group after deducting all of its liabilities.
Basic financial liabilities, including trade and other payables, loans from fellow group companies and accruals, are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade payables are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the group's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
Equity instruments issued by the group are recorded at the proceeds received, net of transaction costs. Dividends payable on equity instruments are recognised as liabilities once they are no longer at the discretion of the group.
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.
The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the income statement because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The group’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting end date.
Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all timing differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the timing difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the tax profit nor the accounting profit.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting end date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the income statement, 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 if, and only if, there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to taxes levied by the same tax authority.
The costs of short-term employee benefits are recognised as a liability and an expense, unless those costs are required to be recognised as part of the cost of stock or non-current assets.
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the company is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
Equity-settled share-based payments are measured at fair value at the date of grant by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments granted using the Black-Scholes model. If material, the fair value determined at the grant date is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the estimate of shares that will eventually vest. A corresponding adjustment is made to equity.
The expense in relation to options over the parent company’s shares granted to employees of a subsidiary is recognised by the company as a capital contribution, and presented as an increase in the company’s investment in that subsidiary.
When the terms and conditions of equity-settled share-based payments at the time they were granted are subsequently modified, the fair value of the share-based payment under the original terms and conditions and under the modified terms and conditions are both determined at the date of the modification. Any excess of the modified fair value over the original fair value is recognised over the remaining vesting period in addition to the grant date fair value of the original share-based payment. The share-based payment expense is not adjusted if the modified fair value is less than the original fair value.
Cancellations or settlements (including those resulting from employee redundancies) are treated as an acceleration of vesting and the amount that would have been recognised over the remaining vesting period is recognised immediately.
Rentals payable under operating leases, including any lease incentives received, are charged to the income statement on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease except where another more systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the lease asset are consumed.
Transactions in currencies other than pounds sterling are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing at the dates of the transactions. At each reporting end date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the reporting end date. Gains and losses arising on translation in the period are included in profit or loss.
Research and development
Amounts relating to research and development claims are recognised on a receivable basis once the relevant claim has been submitted.
In the application of the group’s accounting policies, the directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods. There are no areas of material estimates or provisions contained within these financial statements.
An analysis of the group's revenue is as follows:
The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the group and company during the year was:
Their aggregate remuneration comprised:
The number of directors for whom retirement benefits are accruing under defined contribution schemes amounted to 5 (2018 - 5).
The actual credit for the year can be reconciled to the expected charge/(credit) for the year based on the profit or loss and the standard rate of tax as follows:
As permitted by the reduced disclosure framework within FRS 102, the company has taken advantage of the exemption from disclosing the carrying amount of certain classes of financial instruments, denoted by 'n/a' above.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset where the group or company has a legally enforceable right to do so. The following is the analysis of the deferred tax balances (after offset) for financial reporting purposes:
The deferred tax liability set out above is expected to reverse within 12 months and relates to accelerated capital allowances that are expected to mature within the same period.
A defined contribution pension scheme is operated for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the group in an independently administered fund.
The Ordinary-B shares are non-voting and are only entitled to capital distribution on winding up. The shares do not confer any rights of redemption and are not entitled to a dividend. With the exception of the above, the Ordinary-B shares rank pari passu in all other respects with the other issued classes of shares.
All other share classes have full voting, dividend and capital distribution (including on winding up) rights; they do not confer any rights of redemption.
There is a bank overdraft and credit card facility which is secured on the company's assets. The net liability outstanding at year ended 31 December 2019 in relation to this guarantee was £4,438 (2018: £11,703).
At the reporting end date the group had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:
The remuneration of key management personnel is as follows.
The following amounts were outstanding at the reporting end date:
Included in other receivables is the amount of £75,143 due from I O'Hara (2018: £75,143), a member of key management personnel. No interest has been charged on this balance during the year.
Dividends totalling £70,351 (2018: £nil) were paid in the year in respect of shares held by I O'Hara.
The ultimate controlling parties are C M Allison and K Maitland.
Dividends totalling £818,824 (2018: £609,480) were paid in the year in respect of shares held by the company's directors and their close family.
Included in other receivables is the amount of £19,058 due from C M Allison (2018: £nil). Interest of £nil (2018: £nil) has been charged on this balance during the year.
Included in other receivables is the amount of £97,791 due from C Winson (2018: £97,791). Interest of £nil (2018: £nil) has been charged on this balance during the year.
Included in other receivables is the amount of £95,247 due from R Hamstead (2018: £95,247). Interest of £nil (2018: £nil) has been charged on this balance during the year.
Included in other receivables is the amount of £95,247 due from D Sewell (2018: £95,247). Interest of £nil (2018: £nil) has been charged on this balance during the year.
Details of the company's subsidiaries at 31 December 2019 are as follows: