HARBOUR_SOLUTIONS_GROUP_L - Accounts


Company Registration No. 11293277 (England and Wales)
HARBOUR SOLUTIONS GROUP LIMITED
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
HARBOUR SOLUTIONS GROUP LIMITED
COMPANY INFORMATION
Directors
J K M T Bark-Jones
S J Dunn
S E Encrantz
G A Thorstensson
J O M Tonnby
P K M Tonnby
P Tolhurst
G N B Bennett
P A Hatter
Company number
11293277
Registered office
8 Waterloo Place
4th Floor
London
SW1Y 4BE
Auditor
Arram Berlyn Gardner LLP
30 City Road
London
EC1Y 2AB
HARBOUR SOLUTIONS GROUP LIMITED
CONTENTS
Page
Strategic report
1 - 2
Directors' report
3
Directors' responsibilities statement
4
Independent auditor's report
5 - 8
Profit and loss account
9
Group statement of comprehensive income
10
Group balance sheet
11
Company balance sheet
12
Group statement of changes in equity
13
Company statement of changes in equity
14
Group statement of cash flows
15
Notes to the financial statements
16 - 29
HARBOUR SOLUTIONS GROUP LIMITED
STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
- 1 -

The directors present the strategic report for the year ended 31 December 2020.

 

Harbour Solutions Group Limited (HSG) was formed in 2018 to acquire a controlling interest in and subsequently to provide effective and efficient management of and strategic direction over its two subsidiaries, Harbour Litigation Funding Limited (HLF) and Harbour Underwriting Limited (HUL) (formerly Quantum Legal Costs Cover Limited (QLCC)).

 

During the year a third subsidiary, Harbour Litigation Funding GmbH, was formed and commenced operations in Germany.

Fair review of the business

The subsidiaries each operate as stand-alone business units with HSG providing the management oversight and strategic direction.

 

HLF

HLF is the sole investment sub-advisor in respect of five investment funds that provide litigation funding. Most of the revenue of the group to date comes from sub-advisory services. In 2020, sub-advisory income was £9m (2019: £8.5m) and made up 70% of group revenue (2019: 88%) .

 

HLF GmbH

HLF GmbH is an exclusive sub-advisor to HLF providing local (German) sub-advisory services. HLF GmbH does not generate any revenue for the group.

 

HUL

HUL is a Managing General Agent for insurance for event driven risks associated with litigation (After The Event (ATE) insurance).

 

HUL is well positioned to exploit opportunities for growth in 2021, most notably as a result of the strong relationships with the strategic partners in the underwriting chain.

Principal risks and uncertainties

 

HLF

As investment sub-advisor, the performance of HLF is not directly exposed to investment performance. However, underperformance in the underlying funds may impact the ability to secure future investment sub-advisory contracts. Operational risks, such as the loss of regulatory permissions, are mitigated through up to date compliance procedures and robust systems and controls. The ability to attract and retain key staff is also vital to HLF’s success.

 

HLF GmbH

HLF GmbH’s risks are similar to those of HLF with operational risks mitigated by oversight from HSG.

 

HUL

HUL operates as an Authorised Representative under the delegated regulatory authority of Bennet Gould and Partners and is not itself regulated to perform insurance underwriting.

HARBOUR SOLUTIONS GROUP LIMITED
STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
- 2 -
Key performance indicators

 

HLF

HLF's key performance indicator is the satisfaction of its client, an investment advisor to private funds, which is reviewed on a quarterly basis. In determining whether it continues to be satisfied with HLF's performance, its client will consider, amongst other things, HLFs ability to source new high-quality investment opportunities for, and monitor the performance of, existing investments made by such funds.

 

HLF GmbH

HLF GmbH’s performance will be driven by its ability to source local investment opportunities for its client, HLF.

 

HUL

HUL’s key performance indicators are the aggregate limits of indemnity placed, and associated loss ratios. Growth in revenue from new introducers will be a key performance benchmark.

 

Other information and explanations

As at the date of signing, the Covid-19 pandemic continues to cause business disruption and uncertainty. While no material long-term impact to the Company’s operations or key service providers’ functions have been identified or are expected, management continues to closely monitor and assess the situation for any impact.

 

On behalf of the board

P K M Tonnby
Director
5 May 2021
HARBOUR SOLUTIONS GROUP LIMITED
DIRECTORS' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
- 3 -

The directors present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2020.

Principal activities

The principal activity of the group continued to be that of investment advisory services and acting as agent for its clients, who are insurers of legal expenses, in opportunity sourcing, underwriting and policy management.

Directors

The directors who held office during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were as follows:

J K M T Bark-Jones
S J Dunn
S E Encrantz
G A Thorstensson
J O M Tonnby
P K M Tonnby
P Tolhurst
G N B Bennett
S P Hanbury
(Resigned 16 October 2020)
P A Hatter
Results and dividends

The results for the year are set out on page 9.

No ordinary dividends were paid. The directors do not recommend payment of a dividend.

Statement of disclosure to auditor

So far as each person who was a director at the date of approving this report is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the auditor of the company is unaware. Additionally, the directors individually have taken all the necessary steps that they ought to have taken as directors in order to make themselves aware of all relevant audit information and to establish that the auditor of the company is aware of that information.

On behalf of the board
P K M Tonnby
Director
5 May 2021
HARBOUR SOLUTIONS GROUP LIMITED
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
- 4 -

The directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

 

Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the group and company, and of the profit or loss of the group for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:

 

  •     select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

  •     make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

  •     state whether 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.

 

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the group’s and company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the group and company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the group and company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

HARBOUR SOLUTIONS GROUP LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF HARBOUR SOLUTIONS GROUP LIMITED
- 5 -
Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Harbour Solutions Group Limited (the 'parent company') and its subsidiaries (the 'group') for the year ended 31 December 2020 which comprise the group profit and loss account, the group statement of comprehensive income, the group balance sheet, the company balance sheet, the group statement of changes in equity, the company statement of changes in equity, the group statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

  •     give a true and fair view of the state of the group's and the parent company's affairs as at 31 December 2020 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

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

 

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the group's and parent company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

 

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

 

We have nothing to report in this regard.

HARBOUR SOLUTIONS GROUP LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE MEMBERS OF HARBOUR SOLUTIONS GROUP LIMITED
- 6 -

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.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

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.

Responsibilities of directors

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 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 company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.

The extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities including fraud

Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows:

•the engagement partner ensured that the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence, capabilities and skills to identify or recognise non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations;

•we identified the laws and regulations applicable to the company through discussions with directors and other management, and from our commercial knowledge and experience of the financial services sector;

HARBOUR SOLUTIONS GROUP LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE MEMBERS OF HARBOUR SOLUTIONS GROUP LIMITED
- 7 -

•we focused on specific laws and regulations which we considered may have a direct material effect on the financial statements or the operations of the company, including, but not limited to, the Companies Act 2006, FCA legislation and taxation legislation;

•we assessed the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations identified above through making enquiries of management and inspecting relevant correspondence; and

•identified laws and regulations were communicated within the audit team regularly and the team remained alert to instances of non-compliance throughout the audit.

We assessed the susceptibility of the company’s financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:

* Understanding the business model as part of the control and business environment;

•making enquiries of management as to where they considered there was susceptibility to fraud, their knowledge of actual, suspected and alleged fraud; and

•considering the internal controls in place to mitigate risks of fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations.

To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we:

•performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships;

•tested journal entries to identify unusual transactions;

•assessed whether judgements and assumptions made in determining the accounting estimates were indicative of potential bias; and

•investigated the rationale behind significant or unusual transactions.

Through these procedures, we did not identify any material actual or suspected incidents of fraud.

In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to:

•agreeing financial statement disclosures to underlying supporting documentation;

•reading the minutes of meetings of those charged with governance;

•enquiring of management as to actual and potential litigation and claims; and

•reviewing correspondence and enquiring with the company of actual and potential non-compliance with laws and regulations.

There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of non-compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations to enquiry of the directors and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any.

Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion.

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.

HARBOUR SOLUTIONS GROUP LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE MEMBERS OF HARBOUR SOLUTIONS GROUP LIMITED
- 8 -

Use of our 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.

Sarah Wilson FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of Arram Berlyn Gardner LLP
7 May 2021
Chartered Accountants
Statutory Auditor
30 City Road
London
EC1Y 2AB
HARBOUR SOLUTIONS GROUP LIMITED
GROUP PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
- 9 -
2020
2019
Notes
£
£
Turnover
3
12,857,284
9,838,779
Cost of sales
(838,686)
(346,860)
Gross profit
12,018,598
9,491,919
Administrative expenses
(9,888,938)
(9,091,871)
Other operating income
124,966
36,092
Operating profit
4
2,254,626
436,140
Interest payable and similar expenses
8
(20,996)
(33,750)
Profit before taxation
2,233,630
402,390
Tax on profit
9
(468,185)
(149,110)
Profit for the financial year
21
1,765,445
253,280
Profit for the financial year is attributable to:
- Owners of the parent company
1,695,170
167,772
- Non-controlling interests
70,275
85,508
1,765,445
253,280
HARBOUR SOLUTIONS GROUP LIMITED
GROUP STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
- 10 -
2020
2019
£
£
Profit for the year
1,765,445
253,280
Other comprehensive income
-
-
Total comprehensive income for the year
1,765,445
253,280
Total comprehensive income for the year is attributable to:
- Owners of the parent company
1,695,170
167,772
- Non-controlling interests
70,275
85,508
1,765,445
253,280
HARBOUR SOLUTIONS GROUP LIMITED
GROUP BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2020
31 December 2020
- 11 -
2020
2019
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Intangible assets
10
-
-
Tangible assets
11
375,175
552,364
375,175
552,364
Current assets
Debtors falling due after more than one year
15
256,377
256,377
Debtors falling due within one year
15
2,496,659
2,389,407
Cash at bank and in hand
3,432,731
1,049,603
6,185,767
3,695,387
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
16
(3,720,113)
(2,947,367)
Net current assets
2,465,654
748,020
Total assets less current liabilities
2,840,829
1,300,384
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
17
-
(225,000)
Net assets
2,840,829
1,075,384
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
20
150
150
Other reserves
21
319,850
319,850
Profit and loss reserves
21
2,166,546
471,376
Equity attributable to owners of the parent company
2,486,546
791,376
Non-controlling interests
354,283
284,008
2,840,829
1,075,384
The financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 5 May 2021 and are signed on its behalf by:
05 May 2021
P K M Tonnby
Director
HARBOUR SOLUTIONS GROUP LIMITED
COMPANY BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2020
31 December 2020
- 12 -
2020
2019
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Investments
12
202,763
150
Current assets
Debtors
15
559,724
314,037
Cash at bank and in hand
214,894
171,017
774,618
485,054
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
16
(849,913)
(470,584)
Net current (liabilities)/assets
(75,295)
14,470
Net assets
127,468
14,620
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
20
150
150
Profit and loss reserves
21
127,318
14,470
Total equity
127,468
14,620

As permitted by s408 Companies Act 2006, the company has not presented its own profit and loss account and related notes. The company’s profit for the year was £112,848 (2019: £86,827 )

 

The financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 5 May 2021 and are signed on its behalf by:
05 May 2021
P K M Tonnby
Director
Company Registration No. 11293277
HARBOUR SOLUTIONS GROUP LIMITED
GROUP STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
- 13 -
Share capital
Other reserves
Profit and loss reserves
Total controlling interest
Non-controlling interest
Total
£
£
£
£
£
£
Balance at 1 January 2019
150
319,850
303,604
623,604
198,500
822,104
Year ended 31 December 2019:
Profit and total comprehensive income for the year
-
-
167,772
167,772
85,508
253,280
Balance at 31 December 2019
150
319,850
471,376
791,376
284,008
1,075,384
Year ended 31 December 2020:
Profit and total comprehensive income for the year
-
-
1,695,170
1,695,170
70,275
1,765,445
Balance at 31 December 2020
150
319,850
2,166,546
2,486,546
354,283
2,840,829
HARBOUR SOLUTIONS GROUP LIMITED
COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
- 14 -
Share capital
Profit and loss reserves
Total
£
£
£
Balance at 1 January 2019
150
(72,357)
(72,207)
Year ended 31 December 2019:
Profit and total comprehensive income for the year
-
86,827
86,827
Balance at 31 December 2019
150
14,470
14,620
Year ended 31 December 2020:
Profit and total comprehensive income for the year
-
112,848
112,848
Balance at 31 December 2020
150
127,318
127,468
HARBOUR SOLUTIONS GROUP LIMITED
GROUP STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
- 15 -
2020
2019
Notes
£
£
£
£
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
24
2,928,509
245,923
Interest paid
(86,625)
-
Income taxes paid
(176,103)
(72,590)
Net cash inflow from operating activities
2,665,781
173,333
Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
(57,653)
(181,693)
Proceeds on disposal of tangible fixed assets
-
2,815
Net cash used in investing activities
(57,653)
(178,878)
Financing activities
Repayment of long term borrowings
(225,000)
-
Net cash used in financing activities
(225,000)
-
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
2,383,128
(5,545)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
1,049,603
1,055,148
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
3,432,731
1,049,603
HARBOUR SOLUTIONS GROUP LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
- 16 -
1
Accounting policies
Company information

Harbour Solutions Group Limited (“the company”) is a private limited company domiciled and incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 8 Waterloo Place, 4th Floor, London, SW1Y 4BE.

 

The group consists of Harbour Solutions Group Limited and all of its subsidiaries.

1.1
Accounting convention

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 under 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 33 ‘Related Party Disclosures’: Compensation for key management personnel.

The consolidated financial statements incorporate those of Harbour Solutions Group Limited and all of its subsidiaries (ie entities that the group controls through its power to govern the financial and operating policies so as to obtain economic benefits). Merger accounting has been adopted and the results of the subsidiaries are incorporated from the beginning of the financial year in which the combination occurred. All financial statements are made up to 31 December 2020.

 

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.

 

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.

1.2
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.

HARBOUR SOLUTIONS GROUP LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 17 -
1.3
Turnover

Turnover represents amounts receivable for commission earned on insurance premiums and amounts receivable for advisory services.

 

a. Commission on insurance premiums

Revenue is recognised at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for the services provided in the normal course of business.

 

b. Advisory services

Fees are charged on a cost plus basis and are recognised in the period to which they relate.

1.4
Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Leasehold land and buildings
20% straight line
Plant and machinery
33% straight line
Fixtures, fittings and equipment
50% straight line
Computers
33% straight line

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 profit and loss account.

1.5
Fixed asset investments

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.

1.6
Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting period end date, the group reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible 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.

HARBOUR SOLUTIONS GROUP LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 18 -

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.

1.7
Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand are basic financial assets and include cash at bank and in hand.

1.8
Financial instruments

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 balance sheet 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

Basic financial assets, which include debtors 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.

Other financial assets

Other financial assets, including investments in equity instruments which are not subsidiaries, associates or joint ventures, are initially measured at fair value, which is normally the transaction price. Such assets are subsequently carried at fair value and the changes in fair value are recognised in profit or loss, except that investments in equity instruments that are not publicly traded and whose fair values cannot be measured reliably are measured at cost less impairment.

HARBOUR SOLUTIONS GROUP LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 19 -
Loans and receivables

Trade debtors, loans and other receivables that have fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market are classified as "loans and receivables". Loans and receivables are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment.

 

Interest is recognised by applying the effective interest rate, except for short-term receivables when the recognition of interest would be immaterial. The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a debt instrument and of allocating the interest income over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the debt instrument to the net carrying amount on initial recognition.

Impairment of financial assets

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.

Derecognition of financial assets

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.

Classification of financial liabilities

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 creditors, 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 payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

 

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

 

Trade creditors 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 creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the group's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

HARBOUR SOLUTIONS GROUP LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 20 -
1.9
Equity instruments

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.

1.10
Taxation

The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.

Current tax

The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the profit and loss account 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

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 profit and loss account, 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.

1.11
Employee benefits

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 fixed 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.

1.12
Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

1.13
Leases

Rentals payable under operating leases, including any lease incentives received, are charged to profit or loss 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 leased asset are consumed.

HARBOUR SOLUTIONS GROUP LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
- 21 -
2
Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

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.

Key sources of estimation uncertainty

The estimates and assumptions which have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities are as follows.

Accruals

The group and company make estimates around certain accruals balances, principally bonuses and other commission-related payments. When assessing the likely final value, management considers various factors including the likely ultimate value of the payment, the profile of the underlying model and historical experience.

3
Turnover and other revenue
2020
2019
£
£
Turnover analysed by class of business
Investment advisory fees
9,075,290
8,593,147
Commission on insurance premiums
3,781,994
1,245,632
12,857,284
9,838,779
4
Operating profit
2020
2019
£
£
Operating profit for the year is stated after charging:
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets
234,842
194,265
(Profit)/loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets
-
8,766
Operating lease charges
453,186
461,333
5
Auditor's remuneration
2020
2019
Fees payable to the company's auditor and associates:
£
£
For audit services
Audit of the financial statements of the group and company
12,500
12,000
Audit of the financial statements of the company's subsidiaries
29,010
16,850
41,510
28,850
HARBOUR SOLUTIONS GROUP LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
5
Auditor's remuneration
(Continued)
- 22 -
For other services
Taxation compliance services
4,750
-
All other non-audit services
4,750
10,000
9,500
10,000
6
Employees

The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the group and company during the year was:

Group
Company
2020
2019
2020
2019
Number
Number
Number
Number
Directors
10
9
10
9
Other
31
23
11
5
41
32
21
14

Their aggregate remuneration comprised:

Group
Company
2020
2019
2020
2019
£
£
£
£
Wages and salaries
6,470,183
5,619,256
2,637,548
1,662,603
Social security costs
767,599
582,853
227,811
132,426
Pension costs
170,422
145,854
58,061
33,215
7,408,204
6,347,963
2,923,420
1,828,244
7
Directors' remuneration
2020
2019
£
£
Remuneration for qualifying services
1,299,424
1,192,686
Company pension contributions to defined contribution schemes
50,126
41,684
1,349,550
1,234,370
HARBOUR SOLUTIONS GROUP LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
7
Directors' remuneration
(Continued)
- 23 -
Remuneration disclosed above includes the following amounts paid to the highest paid director:
2020
2019
£
£
Remuneration for qualifying services
417,321
451,470
Company pension contributions to defined contribution schemes
19,500
19,500
436,821
470,970
8
Interest payable and similar expenses
2020
2019
£
£
Other interest on financial liabilities
20,996
33,750
9
Taxation
2020
2019
£
£
Current tax
UK corporation tax on profits for the current period
460,163
139,357
Adjustments in respect of prior periods
7,183
9,753
Total UK current tax
467,346
149,110
Foreign current tax on profits for the current period
839
-
Total current tax
468,185
149,110
HARBOUR SOLUTIONS GROUP LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
9
Taxation
(Continued)
- 24 -

The actual charge for the year can be reconciled to the expected charge for the year based on the profit or loss and the standard rate of tax as follows:

2020
2019
£
£
Profit before taxation
2,233,630
402,390
Expected tax charge based on the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 19.00% (2019: 19.00%)
424,390
76,454
Tax effect of expenses that are not deductible in determining taxable profit
70,136
8,934
Tax effect of utilisation of tax losses not previously recognised
(93,916)
(11,200)
Permanent capital allowances in excess of depreciation
31,952
8,189
Under/(over) provided in prior years
7,183
9,753
Relief for qualifying donations
1,067
(4,708)
Balancing charge
-
1,665
Provision tax adjustment
27,373
60,023
Taxation charge
468,185
149,110
10
Intangible fixed assets
Group
Intangible fixed assets
£
Cost
At 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020
7,924
Amortisation and impairment
At 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020
7,924
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2020
-
At 31 December 2019
-
The company had no intangible fixed assets at 31 December 2020 or 31 December 2019.
HARBOUR SOLUTIONS GROUP LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
- 25 -
11
Tangible fixed assets
Group
Leasehold land and buildings
Plant and machinery
Fixtures, fittings and equipment
Computers
Total
£
£
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 January 2020
424,679
123,577
246,434
6,916
801,606
Additions
2,086
42,173
13,394
-
57,653
At 31 December 2020
426,765
165,750
259,828
6,916
859,259
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2020
89,389
45,336
107,639
6,878
249,242
Depreciation charged in the year
85,764
52,020
97,020
38
234,842
At 31 December 2020
175,153
97,356
204,659
6,916
484,084
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2020
251,612
68,394
55,169
-
375,175
At 31 December 2019
335,290
78,241
138,795
38
552,364
The company had no tangible fixed assets at 31 December 2020 or 31 December 2019.
12
Fixed asset investments
Group
Company
2020
2019
2020
2019
Notes
£
£
£
£
Investments in subsidiaries
13
-
-
202,763
150
13
Subsidiaries

Details of the company's subsidiaries at 31 December 2020 are as follows:

Name of undertaking
Registered
Nature of business
Class of
% Held
office
shares held
Direct
Indirect
Harbour Litigation Funding Limited
8 Waterloo Place, 4th Floor, London, SW17 4BE
Investment advisors
Ordinary
83.00
-
Harbour Underwriting Limited
8 Waterloo Place, 4th Floor, London, SW17 4BE
Agency for sourcing, underwriting and policy management
Ordinary
100.00
-
Harbour Litigation Funding GmbH
Emil-Nolde-Str.7, 53113 Bonn
Investment advisors
Ordinary
100.00
-
HARBOUR SOLUTIONS GROUP LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
13
Subsidiaries
(Continued)
- 26 -

The subsidiaries, HLF and HUL, were acquired by the parent company on 11th December 2018 and merger accounting has been adopted in preparing the consolidated accounts. HLF GmbH was formed on 6 July 2020 and commenced operations on 1 October 2020.

14
Financial instruments
Group
Company
2020
2019
2020
2019
£
£
£
£

Within financial liabilities there was a loan with a capital value of £225,000 which accrued interest at 15% per annum. The loan was repaid in full during the financial year.

15
Debtors
Group
Company
2020
2019
2020
2019
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
£
£
Trade debtors
1,962,432
2,105,474
-
0
-
0
Corporation tax recoverable
2,192
-
2,192
-
0
Amounts owed by group undertakings
-
-
257,375
253,336
Other debtors
293,470
67,665
202,345
10,722
Prepayments and accrued income
238,565
216,268
97,812
49,979
2,496,659
2,389,407
559,724
314,037
Amounts falling due after more than one year:
Other debtors
256,377
256,377
-
0
-
0
Total debtors
2,753,036
2,645,784
559,724
314,037
16
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Group
Company
2020
2019
2020
2019
£
£
£
£
Trade creditors
322,099
69,055
17,543
-
0
Corporation tax payable
433,631
139,357
43,357
-
0
Other taxation and social security
209,085
163,238
101,513
54,554
Other creditors
342,239
352,747
-
0
-
0
Accruals and deferred income
2,413,059
2,222,970
687,500
416,030
3,720,113
2,947,367
849,913
470,584
HARBOUR SOLUTIONS GROUP LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
- 27 -
17
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
Group
Company
2020
2019
2020
2019
Notes
£
£
£
£
Other borrowings
18
-
225,000
-
0
-
0
18
Loans and overdrafts
Group
Company
2020
2019
2020
2019
£
£
£
£
Other loans
-
225,000
-
0
-
0
Payable after one year
-
225,000
-
0
-
0

The loan was unsecured and incurred interest at a rate of 15% per annum. The loan was repaid during the financial year.

19
Retirement benefit schemes
2020
2019
Defined contribution schemes
£
£
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes
170,422
145,854

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.

20
Share capital
Group and company
2020
2019
Ordinary share capital
£
£
Issued and fully paid
150 Ordinary shares of £1 each
150
150
21
Reserves
Other reserves

Other reserves represent the merger reserve created on the transfer of the subsidiaries.

Profit and loss reserves

Profit and loss reserves represent accumulated comprehensive income for the year and prior periods less dividends paid.

HARBOUR SOLUTIONS GROUP LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
- 28 -
22
Operating lease commitments
Lessee

Operating lease payments represent rentals payable by the company for office premises, rental lease payments for accommodation and two photocopiers.

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:

Group
Company
2020
2019
2020
2019
£
£
£
£
Within one year
429,980
413,616
-
-
Between two and five years
1,710,968
1,713,653
-
-
In over five years
1,103,844
1,531,139
-
-
3,244,792
3,658,408
-
-
23
Related party transactions
Remuneration of key management personnel

The remuneration of key management personnel is as follows.

2020
2019
£
£
Aggregate compensation
1,962,245
1,486,175
Transactions with related parties

During the year the group entered into the following transactions with related parties:

Sales
Purchases
2020
2019
2020
2019
£
£
£
£
Group
Other related parties
9,075,290
8,593,147
20,996
63,971

The following amounts were outstanding at the reporting end date:

Amounts due to related parties
2020
2019
£
£
Group
Other related parties
1,716
554,997
HARBOUR SOLUTIONS GROUP LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
23
Related party transactions
(Continued)
- 29 -

The following amounts were outstanding at the reporting end date:

Amounts due from related parties
2020
2019
Balance
Balance
£
£
Group
Other related parties
1,860,328
1,865,161
24
Cash generated from group operations
2020
2019
£
£
Profit for the year after tax
1,765,445
253,280
Adjustments for:
Taxation charged
468,185
149,110
Finance costs
86,625
-
(Gain)/loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets
-
8,766
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets
234,842
194,265
Movements in working capital:
(Increase) in debtors
(105,060)
(1,664,169)
Increase in creditors
478,472
1,304,671
Cash generated from operations
2,928,509
245,923
25
Analysis of changes in net funds - group
1 January 2020
Cash flows
31 December 2020
£
£
£
Cash at bank and in hand
1,049,603
2,383,128
3,432,731
Borrowings excluding overdrafts
(225,000)
225,000
-
824,603
2,608,128
3,432,731
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