TIDMBRK

RNS Number : 5936R

Brooks Macdonald Group PLC

02 March 2023

BROOKS MACDONALD GROUP PLC

HALF-YEAR RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHSED 31 DECEMBER 2022

"Solid six months demonstrating continued organic growth, and a robust underlying profit margin of 25%, supporting an 8% increase in the interim dividend"

Brooks Macdonald Group plc ("Brooks Macdonald" or the "Group") today announces its half-year results for the six months ended 31 December 2022.

Solid financial performance with continuing organic growth

-- Total Funds under Management ("FUM") reached GBP16.2bn, up 3.6% over the half year (30 June 2022: GBP15.7 billion)

 
 
  *    Continuing positive net flows over the six months, 
       totalling GBP347 million (H1 FY22: GBP326 million), 
       with annualised net flows of 4.4% compared to 4.0% 
       for the same period last year, despite the volatile 
       macroeconomic backdrop 
 
  *    Positive investment performance of 1.4% for the half 
       year, ahead of the benchmark index which saw a 
       decline of 0.3%. 
 

-- The Group's core UK discretionary business had annualised net flows of 7.8% for the period, driven by:

 
 
  *    Strong growth in Brooks Macdonald Investment 
       Solutions ("BMIS"), the firm's B2B offering for 
       advisers, and in Platform Managed Portfolio Service 
       ("PMPS") which saw combined annualised net flows of 
       52.6% 
 
  *    Partly offset by net outflows in our Bespoke 
       Portfolio Service ("BPS"), a reflection of weaker 
       investor sentiment and extended lead times. 
 
       *    Revenue declined by 4.8% to GBP58.9 million (H1 FY22: 
            GBP61.9 million) driven by the impact of volatile 
            markets on average FUM, lower transaction-related 
            revenues, and the repricing of our Cornelian Risk 
            Managed Fund ("RMF") range, partly offset by 
            continuing positive net flows and higher interest 
            income. 
 
       *    Underlying profit before tax was GBP14.5 million, in 
            line with prior guidance, compared to GBP17.6 million 
            in the same period last year, with underlying profit 
            margin at 24.6% (H1 FY22: 28.4%), continuing our 
            commitment to top quartile underlying profit margin. 
 
       *    Statutory profit after tax was GBP8.2 million, versus 
            GBP10.2 million in H1 FY22. 
 
       *    Underlying diluted earnings per share were 72.5p 
            compared to 85.4p in the same period last year. 
 
             *    The Group has raised the interim dividend by 7.7% to 
                  28.0p (H1 FY22: 26.0p), reflecting the results for 
                  the period, the Group's strong capital position, and 
                  the Board's continuing confidence in the firm's 
                  prospects. 
 
       *    The outlook for the year remains as per prior 
            guidance, with full year net flows expected to be 
            5-6%, 
 
 
      primarily driven by Platform MPS and BMIS. 
 

Strategic progress

Selective high-quality acquisitions remaining a key pillar of the Group's strategy

 
 
       *    The Group completed two acquisitions in the period, 
            both high-quality financial advice firms with strong 
            long-standing relationships with Brooks Macdonald: 
 
  *    Integrity Wealth Solutions in Nuneaton, with a strong 
       West Midlands client base 
 
  *    Adroit Financial Planning in Manchester, with a 
       broader franchise across the country focused on Court 
       of Protection and vulnerable clients. 
 
 

Ongoing investment to deliver a comprehensive digital transformation

 
 
       *    T he Group completed migration of all its adviser- 
            and client-facing processes to the SS&C platform, a 
            critical milestone in its digital transformation 
 
       *    Progress now being made to embed the SS&C systems and 
            processes into the business, with a programme 
 
 
      of work under way to deliver the full efficiency benefits and, ultimately, 
      best-in-class client and intermediary experience 
 
       *    Other elements of the Group's digital transformation 
            continued to progress, including replacing the core 
            financial planning system and preparing an upgrade to 
            the client relationship management system. 
 

Andrew Shepherd, CEO, commented:

"I am encouraged by our underlying profit margin for the half year remaining robust at close to 25%, a reflection of continued cost discipline offsetting the impact of difficult markets on our funds under management and hence our revenue. Overall, our financial performance for the period was solid with positive net flows demonstrating continuing intermediary and client demand for our products and services. This performance enabled us to increase our interim dividend by 8%, delivering continued returns for our shareholders.

"Our purpose is realising ambitions and securing futures, and we have stayed close to our clients and intermediaries when they have needed us most. We are confident in our strategy, we are making good progress and I remain optimistic about our long-term prospects. Although the short-term macroeconomic outlook remains uncertain, we are well positioned to take advantage of the growth opportunities ahead."

 
Financial highlights:                       H1 FY23  H1 FY22   FY22 
 
Underlying(1) profit before tax (GBPm)         14.5     17.6   34.5 
Underlying(1) profit margin before tax 
 (%)                                           24.6     28.4   28.2 
Statutory profit before tax (GBPm)              9.8     13.2   29.5 
Statutory profit margin before tax (%)         16.6     21.3   24.1 
Underlying(1) diluted earnings per share 
 (p)                                           72.5     85.4  168.7 
Statutory diluted earnings per share 
 (p)                                           50.6     63.1  144.4 
Interim (FY22 - final) dividend per share 
 (p)                                           28.0     26.0   71.0 
------------------------------------------  -------  -------  ----- 
 
 
Business highlights:      H1 FY23  H1 FY22   FY22 
 
FUM (GBPbn)                  16.2     17.3   15.7 
Revenue (GBPm)               58.9     61.9  122.2 
Total net assets (GBPm)     151.1    140.3  148.4 
Cash balances (GBPm)         37.6     45.7   61.3 
------------------------  -------  -------  ----- 
 
 
Revenue by segment:               H1 FY22  H1 FY21   FY21 
 
UK Investment Management (GBPm)      48.8     50.9  101.0 
International (GBPm)                 10.1     11.0   21.2 
--------------------------------  -------  -------  ----- 
 
 
Financial calendar: 
 
Results announcement                    2 March 2023 
Ex-dividend date for interim dividend   9 March 2023 
Record date for interim dividend       10 March 2023 
Interim dividend payment date           6 April 2023 
-------------------------------------  ------------- 
 

(1) The underlying figures represent the results for the Group's activities excluding underlying adjustments as listed in the Interim management report. The Board considers the underlying profit to be an appropriate reflection of the Group's performance compared to statutory profit. A reconciliation between the Group's statutory and underlying profit before tax is also included in the Interim management report.

An analyst meeting will be held at 10.30am on Thursday 2 March. Please contact Iona Biggart at FTI Consulting on 07971 989065 or e-mail brooksmacdonald@fticonsulting.com for further details.

Enquiries to:

 
 Brooks Macdonald Group plc                       www.brooksmacdonald.com 
  Andrew Shepherd, CEO                                      020 7927 4816 
 Peel Hunt LLP (Nominated Adviser 
  and Broker) 
  Paul Shackleton / Andrew Buchanan 
  / John Welch                                              020 7418 8900 
 FTI Consulting                         brooksmacdonald@fticonsulting.com 
  Ed Berry / Laura Ewart / Katherine        07703 330199 / 0 7711387085 / 
  Bell                                                       07976 870961 
 

Notes to editors

Brooks Macdonald Group plc, through its various subsidiaries, provides leading investment management services in the UK and internationally. The Group, which was founded in 1991 and began trading on AIM in 2005, had discretionary Funds under Management of GBP16.2 billion as at 31 December 2022.

Brooks Macdonald offers a range of investment management services to private high net worth individuals, pension funds, institutions, charities and trusts. The Group also provides financial planning as well as international investment management, and acts as fund manager to a range of onshore and international funds.

The Group has fifteen offices across the UK and Crown Dependencies including London, Birmingham, Cheltenham, East Anglia, Exeter, Leeds, Manchester, Nuneaton, Southampton, Tunbridge Wells, Scotland, Wales, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man.

LEI: 213800WRDF8LB8MIEX37

www.brooksmacdonald.com / @BrooksMacdonald

Interim management report

Solid performance in H1

The six months to end 2022 saw solid performance for Brooks Macdonald, with FUM growing to GBP16.2 billion, decent financial results, and continued organic growth.

The Group's revenues fell by 4.8% to GBP58.9 million (H1 FY22: GBP61.9 million). Underlying costs were broadly flat, up 0.2% to GBP44.4 million (H1 FY22: GBP44.3 million), reflecting continued strong cost discipline. This resulted in an underlying profit before tax of GBP14.5 million, a 17.6% decline on the prior period (H1 FY22: GBP17.6 million).

Our underlying profit margin remained robust at 24.6%, reflecting our commitment to top quartile underlying profit margin over the medium term, although it was down 3.8 percentage points from the prior period's 28.4%. Similarly, underlying basic EPS was down 16.0% to 74.4p (H1 FY22: 88.6p). Statutory profits declined from GBP13.2 million to GBP9.8 million.

The Group is declaring an interim dividend of 28.0 pence per share, a 7.7% uplift on the interim dividend paid last year, in line with the solid results for the period and the Board's continuing confidence in the firm's prospects.

Our investment performance remains good, with overall performance of 1.4% over the period, compared to a 0.3% decline in the MSCI PIMFA Private Investor Balanced Index. Over reasonable investment time horizons, our Centralised Investment Process ("CIP") continues to achieve strong risk adjusted returns for clients.

We completed the transition of our adviser- and client-facing processes to the SS&C platform, a critical milestone in our digital transformation, and are making good progress in embedding the SS&C systems and processes into the business.

Our people agenda remains focused on Our Promise, which is the consolidation of our commitment to our people across an inclusive culture, fulfilling careers and great recognition for outstanding performance.

Strategy delivering

The key strengths of our organisation are its client-centric culture, strong adviser relationships, robust Centralised Investment Process, comprehensive investment proposition, and commitment to service and operational excellence. We aim to build on these through our strategy, which is based on three key value drivers:

   --    Market-leading organic growth 
   --    Service and operational excellence 
   --    Selective high-quality acquisitions. 

In the period, the Group announced ambitious medium-term targets - delivering 8-10% net flows and top quartile underlying profit margin in support of becoming a Top 5 wealth manager in the UK and the Crown Dependencies. We expect the three key value drivers to combine to achieve these targets.

Market-leading organic growth

The first half of our financial year saw continuing positive net flows, running at an annualised rate of 4.4% for the period, compared to 4.0% for the same period last year, supported by our continued focus on clients and intermediaries.

Our UK Investment Management ("UKIM") business, under the leadership of Robin Eggar, had a solid half. We saw particularly good growth in our strategic focus areas of BM Investment Solutions ("BMIS"), our BRB offering for advisers, and Platform Management Portfolio Services ("PMPS"), which saw combined annualised net flows of 52.6%. We also continued to see progress in the specialised variants of our Bespoke Portfolio Service, including the Decumulation Service, which had FUM up c.25% over the period. Overall, our core UK Investment Management discretionary business had annualised net flows of 7.8% for the half year.

FUM in the UKIM Funds business declined by 2.4% in the period with net outflows more than offsetting positive investment performance, in line with experience across the industry.

International had pleasing investment performance, partly offset by disappointing outflows, leading to a loss at the underlying profit level. The Group continues to see a material market opportunity in the Crown Dependencies and will continue to invest in the islands, while reviewing options to improve the performance of the business.

Markets remained volatile in the last six months of 2022 with financial markets favouring different investment styles as the period progressed, creating a difficult investment backdrop to navigate. At a headline level, Brooks Macdonald investment performance gained 1.4% versus a loss of 0.3% for the PIMFA Balanced index. The longer-term returns of our Centralised Investment Process also continue to be robust, with each of Brooks Macdonald's Bespoke Portfolio Service ("BPS") risk profiles outperforming their relevant ARC benchmarks over 10 years.

Service and operational excellence

SS&C Technologies ("SS&C"), a global provider of software and technology services to the financial services industry, is our technology partner. In H1, we completed the transition of all client- and adviser-facing processes on to the SS&C platform, which is a critical milestone in our digital transformation. Progress is now being made to embed the SS&C systems and processes into the business, with a programme of work under way to deliver the full efficiency benefits and, ultimately, best-in-class client and intermediary experience.

The Group is continuing to drive forward its digital transformation, including upgrades to our financial planning and client relationship management systems.

Selective high-quality acquisitions

Acquisitions form an important part of our strategy, essential to achieve our ambitious medium-term target of becoming a Top 5 wealth manager in the UK and Crown Dependencies. As previously disclosed, we have four strict criteria for acquisitions: (i) the target must be a good business in its own right; (ii) there must be clear strategic logic to the combination; (iii) it must be a good cultural fit with Brooks Macdonald; and (iv) the economics of the transaction must be compelling.

In the period at hand, we were pleased to complete two acquisitions - Integrity Wealth Solutions in Nuneaton and Adroit Financial Planning in Manchester. Both firms are high quality financial advisers, with strong long-standing relationships with Brooks Macdonald, who now bring further scale and capability to our growing Private Clients business. Integrity have built a strong client base in the West Midlands and Adroit have a broader franchise across the country focused on Court of Protection and vulnerable clients.

Positive medium-term outlook

The short-term geopolitical and macroeconomic outlook remains uncertain, undermining investor sentiment, and at times, making clients reluctant to commit funds. Nonetheless, the outlook for the year remains as per prior guidance, with full year net flows expected to be 5-6%, primarily driven by Platform MPS and BMIS. The fundamental opportunity for the Group remains as strong as it has ever been and we are confident in our long-term prospects building on our ambitious organic and inorganic growth strategy, grounded in our purpose of realising ambitions and securing futures.

Review of the results for the period

The Group delivered a solid set of results for the first half of the financial year given the challenging macroeconomic environment. Net flows and overall financial performance remained resilient delivering an underlying profit for the period of GBP14.5 million and an underlying profit margin of 24.6%. The Group also continued to deliver on its ambitious growth strategy, completing the acquisition of Integrity Wealth Solutions and Adroit Financial Planning in the period.

The table below shows the Group's financial performance for the six months ended 31 December 2022 with the comparative period and provides a reconciliation between the underlying results, which the Board considers to be an appropriate reflection of the Group's underlying performance, and the statutory results. Underlying profit represents an alternative performance measure ("APM") for the Group. Refer to the Non-IFRS financial information section in the Condensed consolidated financial statements for a glossary of the Group's APMs, their definition, and the criteria for how underlying adjustments are considered.

 
                                          Six months    Six months     12 months 
                                                  to            to            to 
                                         31 Dec 2022   31 Dec 2021   30 Jun 2022 
                                                GBPm          GBPm          GBPm 
--------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
Revenue                                         58.9          61.9         122.2 
 
Fixed staff costs                             (21.5)        (20.0)        (40.5) 
Variable staff costs                           (4.3)         (8.3)        (14.8) 
--------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
Total staff costs                             (25.8)        (28.3)        (55.3) 
FSCS levy                                          -             -         (1.1) 
Non-staff costs                               (18.6)        (16.0)        (31.3) 
--------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
Total non-staff costs                         (18.6)        (16.0)        (32.4) 
--------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
Total underlying costs                        (44.4)        (44.3)        (87.7) 
 
Underlying profit before tax                    14.5          17.6          34.5 
 
Underlying adjustments                         (4.7)         (4.4)         (5.0) 
--------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
Statutory profit before tax                      9.8          13.2          29.5 
 
Taxation                                       (1.6)         (3.0)         (6.1) 
--------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
Statutory profit after tax                       8.2          10.2          23.4 
--------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
Underlying profit margin before tax            24.6%         28.4%         28.2% 
Underlying basic earnings per share            74.4p         88.6p        174.1p 
Underlying diluted earnings per share          72.5p         85.4p        168.7p 
Statutory profit margin before tax             16.6%         21.3%         24.1% 
Statutory basic earnings per share             51.8p         65.5p        149.0p 
Statutory diluted earnings per share           50.6p         63.1p        144.4p 
Dividends per share                            28.0p         26.0p         71.0p 
--------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 

Funds under management

The table below shows the opening and closing FUM position and the movements during the period broken down by segment and by our key services within UK Investment Management ("UKIM").

 
                                 Six months ended 31 December 
                                          2022 (GBPm) 
                              ---------------------------------- 
 
                                    Organic net new 
                                           business 
                     Opening                                      Closing 
                         FUM                                          FUM  Total organic 
                       1 Jul                               Total   31 Dec        net new 
                          22      Q1     Q2   Total   inv. perf.       22       business  Total mvmt 
                     -------  ------  -----  ------  -----------  -------  -------------  ---------- 
BPS                    8,581     (6)   (82)    (88)           66    8,559         (1.0)%      (0.3)% 
MPS Custody              960     (3)      2     (1)           16      975         (0.1)%        1.6% 
MPS Platform           2,053     243    297     540           39    2,632          26.3%       28.2% 
-------------------  -------  ------  -----  ------  -----------  -------  -------------  ---------- 
MPS total              3,013     240    299     539           55    3,607          17.9%       19.7% 
-------------------  -------  ------  -----  ------  -----------  -------  -------------  ---------- 
UKIM discretionary    11,594     234    217     451          121   12,166           3.9%        4.9% 
-------------------  -------  ------  -----  ------  -----------  -------  -------------  ---------- 
Funds - DCF              439    (14)   (17)    (31)          (4)      404         (7.1)%      (8.0)% 
Funds - Other          1,418    (20)   (24)    (44)           35    1,409         (3.1)%      (0.6)% 
-------------------  -------  ------  -----  ------  -----------  -------  -------------  ---------- 
Funds total            1,857    (34)   (41)    (75)           31    1,813         (4.0)%      (2.4)% 
-------------------  -------  ------  -----  ------  -----------  -------  -------------  ---------- 
UKIM total            13,451     200    176     376          152   13,979           2.8%        3.9% 
-------------------  -------  ------  -----  ------  -----------  -------  -------------  ---------- 
 
International          2,216     (9)   (20)    (29)           60    2,247         (1.3)%        1.4% 
-------------------  -------  ------  -----  ------  -----------  -------  -------------  ---------- 
 
Total                 15,667     191    156     347          212   16,226           2.2%        3.6% 
-------------------  -------  ------  -----  ------  -----------  -------  -------------  ---------- 
Total investment performance                                                                    1.4% 
MSCI PIMFA Private Investor Balanced Index(1)                                                 (0.3)% 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 

1. Capital-only index.

During the period, the Group recorded positive net flows of GBP0.3 billion or 2.2%. Positive investment performance of 1.4%, ahead of the benchmark index (which recorded a decline of 0.3%), added a further GBP0.2 billion. This resulted in a closing FUM of GBP16.2 billion, an increase of 3.6% from the start of the financial year (30 June 2022: GBP15.7 billion; 31 December 2021: GBP17.3 billion).

Within UKIM, the BPS offering experienced net outflows in the period of GBP0.1 billion, whilst Platform MPS (including BM Investment Solutions) recorded strong net flows of GBP0.5 billion. The Funds business saw outflows of GBP0.1 billion during the period, primarily due to wider market conditions with outflows across most funds in the sector.

International FUM remained broadly flat over the period with marginal net outflows offset by positive investment performance.

Revenue

Total revenue for the Group reduced by 4.8% to GBP58.9 million in the first half of the financial year. Fee income declined by 13% compared to the prior period driven by lower average FUM levels, and the implementation of a new competitive rate card for the Cornelian Risk Managed Funds range in order to drive higher levels of growth. Transactional income reduced by GBP0.9 million due to lower trading levels during the first quarter of the financial year and the continuing trend of clients moving to the fee-only rate card.

The decline in fee and transactional income was offset by higher interest turn of GBP5.1 million (H1 FY22: GBP0.4 million) driven by the rise in the Bank of England base rates.

Fees from Financial Planning in the period amounted to GBP2.4 million and recorded an increase of 9.1% on the previous period, driven by the first contribution from the recently acquired Integrity Wealth Solutions and Adroit Financial Planning businesses of GBP0.4 million.

Revenue, yields and average FUM

 
                                       Revenue                 Average FUM                  Yields 
                               ------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------ 
                               H1 FY23  H1 FY22  Change  H1 FY23  H1 FY22  Change  H1 FY23  H1 FY22  Change 
                                  GBPm     GBPm    GBPm     GBPm     GBPm       %      bps      bps     bps 
-----------------------------  -------  -------  ------  -------  -------  ------  -------  -------  ------ 
BPS fees                          27.2     31.6   (4.4)    8,253    9,475  (12.9)     65.3     66.3   (1.0) 
BPS non-fees (transactional)       4.4      4.9   (0.5)        -        -       -     10.6     10.3     0.3 
BPS non-fees (interest 
 turn)                             3.8      0.3     3.5        -        -       -      9.1      0.6     8.5 
-----------------------------  -------  -------  ------  -------  -------  ------  -------  -------  ------ 
Total BPS                         35.4     36.8   (1.4)    8,253    9,475  (12.9)     85.0     77.2     7.8 
MPS Custody                        2.8      3.2   (0.4)      962    1,061   (9.3)     58.5     59.8   (1.3) 
MPS Platform                       2.3      1.6     0.7    2,347    1,665    41.0     19.3     19.1     0.2 
MPS Custody non-fees 
 (interest turn)                   0.5      0.1     0.4        -        -       -      9.5      1.9     7.6 
-----------------------------  -------  -------  ------  -------  -------  ------  -------  -------  ------ 
Total MPS                          5.6      4.9     0.7    3,309    2,726    21.4     33.4     35.7   (2.3) 
-----------------------------  -------  -------  ------  -------  -------  ------  -------  -------  ------ 
UKIM discretionary                41.0     41.7   (0.7)   11,562   12,201   (5.2)     70.3     67.9     2.4 
Funds                              5.0      6.4   (1.4)    2,027    2,281  (11.1)     48.8     55.7   (6.9) 
-----------------------------  -------  -------  ------  -------  -------  ------  -------  -------  ------ 
Total UKIM                        46.0     48.1   (2.1)   13,589   14,482   (6.2)     67.1     65.9     1.2 
International fees                 8.1      9.8   (1.7)    2,213    2,554  (13.4)     72.6     76.1   (3.5) 
International non-fees             2.0      1.3     0.7        -        -       -     26.8     15.5    11.3 
-----------------------------  -------  -------  ------  -------  -------  ------  -------  -------  ------ 
Total International(1)            10.1     11.1   (1.0)    2,213    2,554  (13.4)     90.6     86.2     4.4 
-----------------------------  -------  -------  ------  -------  -------  ------  -------  -------  ------ 
Total FUM-related 
 revenue                          56.1     59.2   (3.1)   15,802   17,036   (7.2)     70.3     69.0     1.3 
-----------------------------  -------  -------  ------  -------  -------  ------  -------  -------  ------ 
Financial Planning(2)              2.4      2.2     0.2 
Other income                       0.4      0.5   (0.1) 
-----------------------------  -------  -------  ------  -------  -------  ------  -------  -------  ------ 
Total non-FUM-related 
 revenue                           2.8      2.7     0.1 
-----------------------------  -------  -------  ------  -------  -------  ------  -------  -------  ------ 
Total Group revenue               58.9     61.9   (3.0) 
-----------------------------  -------  -------  ------  -------  -------  ------  -------  -------  ------ 
 
MSCI PIMFA Private Investor Balanced 
 Index(3)                                                  1,661    1,849  (10.2) 
-----------------------------------------------  ------  -------  -------  ------  -------  -------  ------ 
 

1. The yields on the Lloyds Channel Islands acquired businesses are included within the International fees line in the above table as these businesses are now

fully embedded.

2. Following a corporate restructure of the business in FY22, fees earned on Financial Planning advice in the International business are being wrapped up within the Annual Management Charge and no longer billed separately. Comparatives have been updated to reflect a like-for-like comparison with advice fees shown in the International fees line for both years. As a result, the Financial Planning revenue in the table above relates to solely UK Financial Planning income and the H1 FY22 International yield has been restated to ensure consistent reporting with the current period.

   3.   Capital-only index. 

The Group's average FUM fell by 7.2% from H1 FY22, which was ahead of the movement in the MSCI PIMFA Private Investor Balanced Index, which fell by 10.2% from 31 December 2021 to 31 December 2022.

The yield on BPS fees for UKIM decreased by 1bp to 65.3bps during the period driven by a change in mix between fee-only and fee and dealing accounts and rates achieved on new business.

The BPS non-fee transactional income yield increased marginally by 0.3bps, whilst the yield on interest turn saw significant growth from 0.6bps to 9.1bps driven by increase in the Bank of England base rates during the period. This will now begin to stabilise as we restart paying clients interest on cash balances.

The yields on MPS custody dropped by 1.3bps to 58.5bps as a result of the change in mix within the portfolios, whilst the MPS platform remained relatively stable when compared to the prior period. These include the Brooks Macdonald Investment Solutions offering that attracts relatively larger mandates, which benefit from discounted tiered rates.

The Funds fee yields reduced by 6.9bps to 48.8bps during the first half of the year. This was principally driven by the Cornelian Risk Managed Fund range moving onto a more competitive rate card in July 2022. As part of our growth strategy, we are targeting a significant increase in market share with advisers and networks that predominately use multi asset funds to deliver their investment offering.

International fee income yield reduced by 3.5bps to 72.6bps during the first half of the year as a result of the change in mix and the impact of the timing of inflows and outflows during the period. Non-fees income yield increased significantly by 11.3bps as a result of the rise in rates earned on both GBP and foreign currency account balances.

Underlying costs

Total underlying costs for the Group of GBP44.4 million were broadly in line with last year (H1 FY22: GBP44.3 million) and included GBP0.3 million in respect of the recent acquisitions of Integrity Wealth Solutions and Adroit Financial Planning.

Staff costs

Total staff costs decreased by 8.8% from GBP28.3 million to GBP25.8 million. Fixed staff costs increased by 7.5% to GBP21.5 million as a result of inflationary pay rises, the introduction of higher National Insurance rates in April 2022 and the cost of new hires from the recent two acquisitions.

Variable staff costs reduced by 48.2% to GBP4.3 million driven by the reduction in pre-variable pay profit and a small number of senior management exits. Within this, the share-based payments charge was down GBP0.9 million on the prior period due to lapses recognised in H1 FY23 and a reduction in the Group's share price impacting the associated employer national insurance contributions.

Non-staff costs

Non-staff costs amounted to GBP18.6 million, of which GBP0.1 million related to the recent acquisitions. Within this, the Group incurred GBP1.3 million in relation to terminated M&A processes and other one-off costs which are not expected to recur. Excluding the impact of these and the acquired costs, non-staff costs for the core business increased by GBP1.2 million or 7.5% on H1 FY22. During the period, the Group successfully migrated the Group's custody book onto the SS&C technology suite, delivering brand-new capabilities and supporting the Group's digital transformation whilst providing a scalable platform for future growth. The platform migration resulted in a net increase of GBP0.6 million in the go-live year, comprising GBP1.3 million additional spend on the enhanced capabilities, offset by a reduction in computer software amortisation of GBP0.7 million following the full amortisation in the prior year of the legacy operating platform technology.

Profit before tax

Combined, the above gave rise to an underlying profit before tax for the half year of GBP14.5 million, a decrease of 17.6% on the prior period (H1 FY22: GBP17.6 million) resulting in a profit margin of 24.6%, down by 3.8 points on last year (H1 FY22: 28.4%).

The Group's statutory profit before tax fell by GBP3.4 million to GBP9.8 million (H1 FY22: GBP13.2 million). A breakdown of the underlying adjustments together with an explanation of each is included within the Reconciliation between underlying and statutory profits section below.

Segmental analysis

The Group reports its results across two key operating segments: UK Investment Management and International. The tables below provide a breakdown of the half year performance broken down by these segments, with comparatives.

 
                                          UK Investment                      Group and 
H1 FY23 (GBPm)                               Management  International   consolidation   Total 
----------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  ------ 
Revenue                                            48.8           10.1               -    58.9 
Direct costs                                     (20.7)          (6.6)          (17.3)  (44.6) 
----------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  ------ 
Operating contribution                             28.1            3.5          (17.3)    14.3 
Internal cost recharges and net finance 
 income                                          (11.2)          (3.7)            15.1     0.2 
----------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  ------ 
Underlying profit/(loss) before tax                16.9          (0.2)           (2.2)    14.5 
----------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  ------ 
Underlying adjustments                            (2.1)          (0.8)           (1.8)   (4.7) 
----------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  ------ 
Statutory profit/(loss) before tax                 14.8          (1.0)           (4.0)     9.8 
----------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  ------ 
 
Underlying profit/(loss) margin before 
 tax                                              34.6%         (2.0)%             n/a   24.6% 
Statutory profit/(loss) margin before 
 tax                                              30.3%         (9.9)%             n/a   16.6% 
----------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  ------ 
 
 
                                      UK Investment                      Group and 
H1 FY22 (GBPm)                           Management  International   consolidation   Total 
------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  ------ 
Revenue                                        50.9           11.0               -    61.9 
Direct costs                                 (20.1)          (6.2)          (18.0)  (44.3) 
------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  ------ 
Operating contribution                         30.8            4.8          (18.0)    17.6 
Internal cost recharges                      (11.9)          (3.9)            15.8       - 
------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  ------ 
Underlying profit/(loss) before tax            18.9            0.9           (2.2)    17.6 
------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  ------ 
Underlying adjustments                        (2.2)          (0.7)           (1.5)   (4.4) 
------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  ------ 
Statutory profit/(loss) before tax             16.7            0.2           (3.7)    13.2 
------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  ------ 
 
Underlying profit margin before tax           37.1%           8.2%             n/a   28.4% 
Statutory profit margin before tax            32.8%           1.8%             n/a   21.3% 
------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  ------ 
 

Restatement of segmental view

Over the past 12 months, the Group has undertaken a wide-ranging review of its internal management information and management cost allocations. The new branch and team level performance reporting is driving a step change in performance management and business insight and transforms the Group's management information capabilities. As part of this change, the business has moved to team and branch level compensation models based on contribution. In order to ensure this change was delivering appropriate and equitable results, a detailed review of the cost structure and allocation methodology was carried out, which resulted in a more appropriate reflection of internal resource usage. As a result, the segmental results for the comparative period have been restated to ensure consistent reporting with the current period. The impact of this restatement has been an increase in Group allocations and recharges to the International business.

UKIM saw revenue fall by 4.1% to GBP48.8 million, driven by lower average FUM, whilst its total costs remained relatively flat on the prior period. This resulted in an underlying profit before tax of GBP16.9 million, down GBP2.0 million on the prior period and an underlying profit margin of 34.6%, a reduction of 2.5 points.

International revenue reduced by GBP0.9 million to GBP10.1 million as a result of lower average markets and the impact of outflows. Total costs increased marginally by 2.0% from GBP10.1 million to GBP10.3 million, driven primarily by higher legal costs. This resulted in the International segment recording an underlying loss of GBP0.2 million, down GBP1.1 million from the underlying profit of GBP0.9 million in H1 FY22. The continued investment in the Isle of Man branch in the current year resulted in an underlying loss of GBP0.3 million, which is included within the overall International loss of GBP0.2 million.

Reconciliation between underlying and statutory profits

Underlying profit before tax is considered by the Board to be an appropriate reflection of the Group's performance when compared to the statutory results as this excludes income and expense categories, which are deemed of a non-recurring nature or a non-cash operating item. Reporting at an underlying basis is also considered appropriate for external analyst coverage and peer group benchmarking, allowing a like-for-like comparison. Underlying profit is deemed to be an alternative performance measure ("APM"); refer to the Non-IFRS financial information section in the Condensed consolidated financial statements for a glossary of the Group's APMs, their definitions, and the criteria for how underlying adjustments are considered.

A reconciliation between underlying and statutory profit before tax for the six months ended 31 December 2022, with comparatives is shown in the following table:

 
 
                                                     Six months 
                                                             to    Six months     12 months 
                                                         31 Dec            to            to 
                                                           2022   31 Dec 2021   30 Jun 2022 
                                                           GBPm          GBPm          GBPm 
---------------------------------------------------  ----------  ------------  ------------ 
Underlying profit before tax                               14.5          17.6          34.5 
 
Amortisation of client relationships                      (2.8)         (2.7)         (5.5) 
Dual running operating platform costs                     (1.6)         (1.6)         (2.4) 
Acquisition and integration-related costs                 (0.3)             -             - 
Changes in fair value and finance cost of deferred 
 contingent consideration                                     -         (0.1)         (0.1) 
Other non-operating income                                    -             -           3.0 
---------------------------------------------------  ----------  ------------  ------------ 
Total underlying adjustments                              (4.7)         (4.4)         (5.0) 
 
Statutory profit before tax                                 9.8          13.2          29.5 
---------------------------------------------------  ----------  ------------  ------------ 
 

Amortisation of client relationships (GBP2.8 million charge)

These intangible assets are created in the course of acquiring funds under management and are amortised over their useful life, which have been assessed to range between 6 and 20 years. The increase is due to the acquisitions of Integrity Wealth Solutions and Adroit Financial Planning. This amortisation charge has been excluded from the underlying profit since it is a significant non-cash item. Refer to Note 10 of the Condensed consolidated financial statements for more details.

Dual running operating platform costs (GBP1.6 million charge)

The Group is in a partnership agreement with SS&C to transform our adviser and client service including the onboarding process and digital experience, as well as enhancing our operating platform. The migration was executed at the end of July 2022, however, as part of the transition process, the Group has incurred net incremental costs in running two operating platforms concurrently. The dual running costs have been excluded from underlying profit in view of their non-recurring nature.

Acquisition and integration-related costs (GBP0.3 million charge)

These represent costs incurred in relation to the acquisitions of Integrity Wealth Solutions on 31 October 2022 and Adroit Financial Planning on 15 December 2022. The costs incurred include stamp duty and legal fees.

FY22 Changes in fair value and finance cost of deferred contingent consideration (GBP0.1 million charge)

This comprises the fair value measurement arising on deferred consideration payments from acquisitions carried out by the Group, together with their associated net finance costs where applicable. Refer to Note 15 of the Condensed consolidated financial statements for more details.

FY22 Other non-operating income (GBP3.0 million credit)

During the year ended 30 June 2022, the Group received confirmation from HMRC that the supply of certain Group services was exempt from VAT. As a result, the Group received a refund from HMRC in respect of VAT arising on those services over the period from 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2020 of GBP3.0 million.

Taxation

The Group's Corporation Tax charge on underlying profits for the period was GBP2.8 million (H1 FY22: GBP3.7 million) representing an effective tax rate of 19.0% (H1 FY22: 21.1%). The reduction is principally driven by an R&D credit arising on FY22 qualifying expenditure and recognised as a prior period tax adjustment in H1 FY23. The statutory Corporation Tax charge was GBP1.6 million, down 46.7% from the prior period (H1 FY22: GBP3.0 million).

Earnings per share

The Group's basic statutory earnings per share for the six months ended 31 December 2022 was 51.8p, which reduced by 13.7p from H1 FY22. On an underlying basis, basic earnings per share decreased by 16.0% to 74.4p (H1 FY22: 88.6p). Details on the basic and diluted earnings per share are provided in Note 8 of the Condensed consolidated financial statements.

Financial position and regulatory capital

The Group's financial position remains strong with net assets of GBP151.1 million at 31 December 2022 (H1 FY22: GBP140.3 million; FY22: GBP148.4 million). As at 31 December 2022, the Group had an own funds adequacy ratio of 267.8% (H1 FY22: 285.7%). The own funds adequacy ratio is defined as the Group's own funds as a proportion of the fixed overhead requirement. The total net assets and the own funds adequacy ratio calculation take into account the respective period's interim profits (net of the declared interim dividends) as these are deemed to be verified at the date of publication of the half year results.

Brooks Macdonald Asset Management Limited, the Group's main operating subsidiary, is an IFPRU 125k Limited Licence Firm regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA"). In view of this, the Group is classified as a regulated group and subject to the same regime. As required under FCA rules, and those of both the Jersey and Guernsey Financial Services Commission, the Group assesses its regulatory capital and liquidity on an ongoing basis through the Internal Capital Adequacy and Risk Assessment ("ICARA") and Adjusted Net Liquid Asset ("ANLA") assessments, which include performing a range of stress tests and scenario analysis to determine the appropriate level of regulatory capital and liquidity that the Group needs to hold. Surplus levels of capital and liquidity are forecast, taking into account known outflows and proposed dividends to ensure that the Group maintains sufficient capital and liquidity at all times.

The FY22 ICARA review was conducted for the period ended 30 June 2022 and signed off by the Board in December 2022. Regulatory capital forecasts are performed monthly and take into account expected dividends and intangible asset acquisitions and disposals where applicable, as well as budgeted and forecast trading results.

The Group's Pillar III disclosures are published annually on the Group's website ( www.brooksmacdonald.com ) and provide further details about the Group's regulatory capital resources and requirements. The Group monitors a range of capital and liquidity statistics on a daily and monthly basis.

Dividend

The Board recognises the importance of dividends to shareholders and the benefit of providing sustainable shareholder returns. In determining the level of dividend in any year, the Board considers a number of factors such as the level of retained earnings, future cash commitments, statutory profit cover, capital and liquidity requirements and the level of profit retention required to sustain the growth of the Group. The Board has declared an interim dividend of 28.0p (H1 FY22: 26.0p). This represents an increase of 7.7% compared to the previous period. The interim dividend will be paid on 6 April 2023 to shareholders on the register as at 10 March 2023. Refer to Note 9 of the Condensed consolidated financial statements for more details.

Cash flow and capital expenditure

The Group continues to have strong levels of cash generation from operations. Total cash resources at the end of December 2022 fell by GBP23.7 million from the 30 June 2022 to GBP37.6 million (H1 FY22: GBP45.7 million; FY22: GBP61.3 million). This reduction was contributed by the Group financing the recent acquisitions of Integrity Wealth Solutions and Adroit Financial Planning from its own resources, resulting in a net cash out flow of GBP14.9 million. Excluding this outflow, cash decreased by GBP8.8 million from 30 June 2022, with GBP7.0 million spent on the FY22 final dividend during the current period. The Group continued to have no borrowings at 31 December 2022.

During the six months ended 31 December 2022, the Group incurred capital expenditure of GBP2.3 million. This comprised technology-related development of GBP1.9 million and property-related costs of GBP0.4 million. The technology-related spend was primarily incurred in connection with our partnership with SS&C and amortisation started at the end of July 2022 following the successful migration, with the capital expenditure amortised over the remaining eight years of the ten-year agreement entered into with SS&C.

Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income

for the six months ended 31 December 2022

 
                                                     Six months 
                                                          ended                   Year ended 
                                                         31 Dec     Six months 
                                                           2022          ended   30 Jun 2022 
                                                                   31 Dec 2021 
                                                    (unaudited)    (unaudited)     (audited) 
                                            Note        GBP'000        GBP'000       GBP'000 
------------------------------------------  ----  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
Revenue                                        4         58,908         61,941       122,210 
Administrative costs                                   (49,287)       (48,517)      (95,288) 
------------------------------------------  ----  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
Gross profit                                              9,621         13,424        26,922 
 
Other gains/(losses) - net                     5              2             28          (55) 
 
Operating profit                                          9,623         13,452        26,867 
 
Finance income                                              356             16            68 
Finance costs                                             (135)          (229)         (372) 
Other non-operating income                                    -              -         2,983 
------------------------------------------  ----  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
Profit before tax                                         9,844         13,239        29,546 
 
Taxation                                       6        (1,657)        (2,955)       (6,135) 
 
Profit for the period attributable to 
 equity holders of the Company                            8,187         10,284        23,411 
 
Other comprehensive income                                    -              -             - 
 
Total comprehensive income for the period                 8,187         10,284        23,411 
------------------------------------------  ----  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 
Earnings per share 
Basic                                          8          51.8p          65.5p        149.0p 
Diluted                                        8          50.6p          63.1p        144.4p 
------------------------------------------  ----  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these Condensed consolidated financial statements.

Condensed consolidated statement of financial position

as at 31 December 2022

 
                                                      31 Dec 
                                                        2022    31 Dec 2021  30 Jun 2022 
                                                 (unaudited)    (unaudited)    (audited) 
                                         Note        GBP'000        GBP'000      GBP'000 
---------------------------------------  ----  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
Assets 
Non-current assets 
Intangible assets                          10        102,500         88,241       85,887 
Property, plant and equipment              11          2,222          2,527        2,202 
Right-of-use assets                        12          4,663          5,229        4,971 
Financial assets at fair value through 
 other comprehensive income                13            500            500          500 
Deferred tax assets                        17          3,642          3,240        3,002 
---------------------------------------  ----  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
Total non-current assets                             113,527         99,737       96,562 
Current assets 
Trade and other receivables                13         32,844         29,769       30,473 
Financial assets at fair value through 
 profit or loss                            13            786            867          784 
Cash and cash equivalents                  13         37,573         45,715       61,328 
---------------------------------------  ----  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
Total current assets                                  71,203         76,351       92,585 
---------------------------------------  ----  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
Total assets                                         184,730        176,088      189,147 
---------------------------------------  ----  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 
Liabilities 
Non-current liabilities 
Other non-current liabilities              13          (400)          (785)        (570) 
Lease liabilities                          14        (3,641)        (4,545)      (4,075) 
Deferred contingent consideration          15        (1,039)              -            - 
Provisions                                 16          (304)          (265)        (326) 
Deferred tax liabilities                   17        (9,406)        (8,398)      (7,959) 
---------------------------------------  ----  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
Total non-current liabilities                       (14,790)       (13,993)     (12,930) 
Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables                   13       (15,286)       (18,031)     (23,861) 
Current tax liabilities                    13          (128)          (118)        (833) 
Lease liabilities                          14        (2,008)        (1,437)      (1,952) 
Deferred contingent consideration          15          (333)          (321)        (327) 
Provisions                                 16        (1,099)        (1,933)        (819) 
---------------------------------------  ----  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
Total current liabilities                           (18,854)       (21,840)     (27,792) 
---------------------------------------  ----  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
Net assets                                           151,086        140,255      148,425 
---------------------------------------  ----  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 
Equity 
Share capital                              19            163            162          162 
Share premium                              19         80,240         78,931       79,141 
Other reserves                                        10,364          9,801        9,962 
Retained earnings                                     60,319         51,361       59,160 
---------------------------------------  ----  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
Total equity                                         151,086        140,255      148,425 
---------------------------------------  ----  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 

The Condensed consolidated financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 1 March 2023, signed on their behalf by:

Andrew Shepherd

CEO

Company registration number: 4402058

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these Condensed consolidated financial statements.

Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity

for the six months ended 31 December 2022

 
                                                                                  Retained 
                                   Share capital  Share premium  Other reserves   earnings    Total 
                             Note        GBP'000        GBP'000         GBP'000    GBP'000  GBP'000 
---------------------------  ----  -------------  -------------  --------------  ---------  ------- 
Balance at 30 June 2021                      161         78,703           8,467     46,672  134,003 
---------------------------  ----  -------------  -------------  --------------  ---------  ------- 
 
Comprehensive income 
Profit for the period                          -              -               -     10,284   10,284 
Other comprehensive income                     -              -               -          -        - 
---------------------------  ----  -------------  -------------  --------------  ---------  ------- 
Total comprehensive income                     -              -               -     10,284   10,284 
 
Transactions with owners 
Issue of ordinary shares       19              1            228               -          -      229 
Share-based payments                           -              -           2,161          -    2,161 
Share options exercised                        -              -         (1,957)      1,957        - 
Purchase of own shares 
 by employee benefit trust                     -              -               -    (1,300)  (1,300) 
Tax on share options                           -              -           1,130          -    1,130 
Dividends paid                  9              -              -               -    (6,252)  (6,252) 
---------------------------  ----  -------------  -------------  --------------  ---------  ------- 
Total transactions with 
 owners                                        1            228           1,334    (5,595)  (4,032) 
 
Balance at 31 December 
 2021                                        162         78,931           9,801     51,361  140,255 
---------------------------  ----  -------------  -------------  --------------  ---------  ------- 
 
Comprehensive income 
Profit for the period                          -              -               -     13,127   13,127 
Other comprehensive income                     -              -               -          -        - 
---------------------------  ----  -------------  -------------  --------------  ---------  ------- 
Total comprehensive income                     -              -               -     13,127   13,127 
 
Transactions with owners 
Issue of ordinary shares       19              -            210               -          -      210 
Share-based payments                           -              -             618          -      618 
Share options exercised                        -              -           (537)        537        - 
Purchase of own shares 
 by employee benefit trust                     -              -               -    (1,800)  (1,800) 
Tax on share options                           -              -              80          -       80 
Dividends paid                  9              -              -               -    (4,065)  (4,065) 
---------------------------  ----  -------------  -------------  --------------  ---------  ------- 
Total transactions with 
 owners                                        -            210             161    (5,328)  (4,957) 
 
Balance at 30 June 2022                      162         79,141           9,962     59,160  148,425 
---------------------------  ----  -------------  -------------  --------------  ---------  ------- 
 
Comprehensive income 
Profit for the period                          -              -               -      8,187    8,187 
Other comprehensive income                     -              -               -          -        - 
---------------------------  ----  -------------  -------------  --------------  ---------  ------- 
Total comprehensive income                     -              -               -      8,187    8,187 
 
Transactions with owners 
Issue of ordinary shares       19              1          1,099               -          -    1,100 
Share-based payments                           -              -           1,953          -    1,953 
Share options exercised                        -              -         (1,794)      1,794        - 
Purchase of own shares 
 by employee benefit trust                     -              -               -    (1,800)  (1,800) 
Tax on share options                           -              -             243          -      243 
Dividends paid                  9              -              -               -    (7,022)  (7,022) 
---------------------------  ----  -------------  -------------  --------------  ---------  ------- 
Total transactions with 
 owners                                        1          1,099             402    (7,028)  (5,526) 
---------------------------  ----  -------------  -------------  --------------  ---------  ------- 
Balance at 31 December 
 2022                                        163         80,240          10,364     60,319  151,086 
---------------------------  ----  -------------  -------------  --------------  ---------  ------- 
 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these Condensed consolidated financial statements.

Condensed consolidated statement of cash flows

for the six months ended 31 December 2022

 
                                                        Six months    Six months 
                                                             ended         ended    Year ended 
                                                            31 Dec 
                                                              2022   31 Dec 2021   30 Jun 2022 
                                                       (unaudited)   (unaudited)     (audited) 
                                               Note        GBP'000       GBP'000       GBP'000 
---------------------------------------------  ----  -------------  ------------  ------------ 
Cash flow from operating activities 
Cash generated from operations                   18          5,515        10,485        32,826 
Corporation Tax paid                                       (2,605)       (2,843)       (5,269) 
Tax refund                                                       -             -         2,983 
---------------------------------------------  ----  -------------  ------------  ------------ 
Net cash generated from operating activities                 2,910         7,642        30,540 
 
Cash flows from investing activities 
Purchase of computer software                    10        (1,911)       (2,240)       (2,912) 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment        11          (414)         (200)         (289) 
Purchase of financial assets at fair value 
 through profit or loss                                          -             -         (215) 
Deferred contingent consideration paid           15              -       (6,000)       (6,000) 
Consideration paid                                7       (14,865)             -             - 
Interest received                                              356            16            68 
---------------------------------------------  ----  -------------  ------------  ------------ 
Net cash used in investing activities                     (16,834)       (8,424)       (9,348) 
 
Cash flows from financing activities 
Dividends paid to shareholders                    9        (7,022)       (6,252)      (10,317) 
Payment of lease liabilities                     14        (1,109)       (1,079)       (1,785) 
Proceeds of issue of shares                      19          1,100           229           439 
Shares issued as consideration                    7        (1,000)             -             - 
Purchase of own shares by Employee Benefit 
 Trust                                           19        (1,800)       (1,300)       (3,100) 
---------------------------------------------  ----  -------------  ------------  ------------ 
Net cash used in financing activities                      (9,831)       (8,402)      (14,763) 
 
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash 
 equivalents                                              (23,755)       (9,184)         6,429 
---------------------------------------------  ----  -------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning 
 of period                                                  61,328        54,899        54,899 
---------------------------------------------  ----  -------------  ------------  ------------ 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period                  37,573        45,715        61,328 
---------------------------------------------  ----  -------------  ------------  ------------ 
 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these Condensed consolidated financial statements.

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements

for the six months ended 31 December 2022

1. General information

Brooks Macdonald Group plc (the "Company") is the Parent Company of a group of companies (the "Group"), which offers a range of investment management services to private high net worth individuals, pension funds, institutions, charities and trusts. The Group also provides financial planning as well as international investment management, and acts as fund manager to a range of onshore and international funds.

The Company is a public limited company, incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom under the Companies Act 2006 and listed on AIM. The address of its registered office is 21 Lombard Street, London, EC3V 9AH.

The Interim Report and Accounts were approved for issue on 1 March 2023. The Condensed consolidated financial statements have been independently reviewed but not audited.

2. Accounting policies

a) Basis of preparation

The Group's Condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with UK-adopted International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting'. The Financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, except for the revaluation of financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income, financial assets at fair value through profit or loss and deferred contingent consideration such that they are measured at their fair value.

The information in this Interim Report and Accounts does not comprise statutory financial statements within the meaning of section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. The Group's financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2022 have been reported on by its auditors and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The Condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Group's audited financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2022, which are prepared in accordance with UK-adopted International Accounting Standards.

At the time of approving the Financial statements, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing these Financial statements.

Developments in reporting standards and interpretations

Standards and interpretations adopted during the current reporting period

In the six months ended 31 December 2022, the Group did not adopt any new standards or amendments issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") or interpretations by the IFRS Interpretations Committee ("IFRS IC") that have had a material impact on the Condensed consolidated financial statements.

Future new standards and interpretations

A number of new standards are effective for annual periods beginning after 1 July 2022 and earlier application is permitted; however, the Group has not early adopted the new or amended standards in preparing these Condensed consolidated financial statements. None of the standards not yet effective are expected to have a material impact on the Group's Financial statements.

b) Changes in accounting policies

The accounting policies applied in these Condensed consolidated financial statements are the same as those applied in the Group's Consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 30 June 2022.

In the six months ended 31 December 2022, the Group did not adopt any new standards or amendments issued by the IASB or interpretations issued by the IFRS IC that have had a material impact on the Condensed consolidated financial statements.

New standards, amendments and interpretations listed below were newly adopted by the Group but have not had a material impact on the amounts reported in these Financial statements. They may, however, impact the accounting for future transactions and arrangements.

   --    COVID-19-related Rent Concessions (Amendment to IFRS 16) 
   --    Reference to the Conceptual Framework (Amendments to IFRS 3) 
   --    Property, Plant and Equipment - Proceeds before Intended Use (Amendments to IAS 16) 
   --    Onerous Contracts - Cost of Fulfilling a Contract (Amendments to IAS 37) 
   --    Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2018-2020. 

c) Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation and uncertainty

The Group has reviewed the judgements and estimates that affect its accounting policies and amounts reported in its Condensed consolidated financial statements. These are unchanged from those reported in the Group's Financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2022.

During the period, the Group acquired the entire share capital of Integrity Wealth Bidco Limited and Integrity Wealth (Holdings) Limited. The Group accounted for the transaction as a business combination, as set out in Note 7. The payment of certain elements of consideration was deferred, contingent on future revenue targets being met by the acquired business. The Group continues to monitor the forecast of consideration payable. A provision for the expected consideration has been made.

Under the terms of the agreement, the deferred contingent consideration can be a maximum possible payment of up to GBP2,500,000. Management's best estimate of this award at 31 December 2022 was GBP1,275,000, based on forecast future revenues. The maximum award of GBP2,500,000, would result in an increase in fair value and charge to the Condensed statement of comprehensive income for the period to 31 December 2022 of GBP998,000.

3. Segmental information

For management purposes, the Group's activities are organised into two operating divisions: UK Investment Management and International. These divisions are the basis on which the Group reports its primary segmental information to the Executive Committee, which is the Group's chief operating decision-maker. In accordance with IFRS 8 'Operating Segments', disclosures are required to reflect the information that the Board of Directors uses internally for evaluating the performance of its operating segments and allocating resources to those segments. The information presented in this Note is consistent with the presentation for internal reporting.

The UK Investment Management segment offers a range of investment management services to private high net worth individuals, pension funds, institutions, charities and trusts, and also provides management services to high net worth individuals and families, giving independent 'whole of market' financial advice enabling clients to build, manage and protect their wealth. The International segment is based in the Channel Islands and Isle of Man, offering a similar range of investment management and financial planning services as the UK Investment Management segment.

Following the acquisitions of Integrity Wealth Solutions Limited and Adroit Financial Planning Limited (Note 7), the activities since the two acquisitions were completed have been included in the UK Investment Management segment.

The Group segment principally comprises the Group Board's management and associated costs, along with the consolidation adjustments. Revenues and expenses are allocated to the business segment that originated the transaction. Transactions between segments are carried out at arm's length. Centrally incurred expenses are allocated to business segments on an appropriate pro rata basis.

 
                                                                              Group and 
                                           UK Investment                  consolidation 
Six months ended 31 December 2022             Management  International     adjustments     Total 
 (unaudited)                                     GBP'000        GBP'000         GBP'000   GBP'000 
-----------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
Total revenue                                     52,271         10,121               -    62,392 
Inter-segment revenue                            (3,484)              -               -   (3,484) 
-----------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
External revenue                                  48,787         10,121               -    58,908 
Underlying administrative costs                 (20,723)        (6,636)        (17,285)  (44,644) 
-----------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
Operating contribution                            28,064          3,485        (17,285)    14,264 
 
Allocated costs                                 (11,301)        (3,794)          15,095         - 
Net finance income                                   150             55              29       234 
-----------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
Underlying profit/(loss) before 
 tax                                              16,913          (254)         (2,161)    14,498 
 
Amortisation of client relationship 
 contracts                                         (793)          (513)         (1,451)   (2,757) 
Dual running costs of operating platform         (1,420)          (191)               -   (1,611) 
Acquisition-related costs                           (23)              -           (244)     (267) 
Finance cost of deferred contingent 
 consideration                                         -            (6)            (13)      (19) 
Profit/(loss) mark-up on Group allocated 
 costs                                               166          (166)               -         - 
-----------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
Profit/(loss) before tax                          14,843        (1,130)         (3,869)     9,844 
 
Taxation                                                                                  (1,657) 
-----------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
Profit for the period attributable 
 to equity holders of the Company                                                           8,187 
-----------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
 
 
                                                                        Group and 
                                     UK Investment                  consolidation 
                                        Management  International     adjustments     Total 
As at 31 December 2022 (unaudited)         GBP'000        GBP'000         GBP'000   GBP'000 
-----------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
Total assets                                88,078         27,691          68,961   184,730 
Total liabilities                           25,266          2,823           5,555    33,644 
-----------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
Net assets                                  62,812         24,868          63,406   151,086 
-----------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
 
 
                                                                              Group and 
                                           UK Investment                  consolidation 
                                              Management  International     adjustments     Total 
Six months ended 31 December 2021 
 (unaudited)(1)                                  GBP'000        GBP'000         GBP'000   GBP'000 
-----------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
Total segment revenue                             53,700         11,057               -    64,757 
Inter-segment revenue                            (2,816)              -               -   (2,816) 
-----------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
External revenue                                  50,884         11,057               -    61,941 
Underlying administrative costs                 (20,055)        (6,235)        (17,918)  (44,208) 
-----------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
Operating contribution                            30,829          4,822        (17,918)    17,733 
 
Allocated costs                                 (11,763)        (3,889)          15,652         - 
Net finance (cost)/income                           (96)           (18)              14     (100) 
-----------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
Underlying profit/(loss) before 
 tax                                              18,970            915         (2,252)    17,633 
 
Amortisation of client relationship 
 contracts                                         (792)          (513)         (1,416)   (2,721) 
Dual running costs of operating platform         (1,387)          (202)               -   (1,589) 
Finance cost of deferred contingent 
 consideration                                         -            (6)            (78)      (84) 
Profit/(loss) mark-up on Group allocated 
 costs                                               134          (134)               -         - 
-----------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
Profit/(loss) before tax                          16,925             60         (3,746)    13,239 
 
Taxation                                                                                  (2,955) 
-----------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
Profit for the period attributable 
 to equity holders of the Company                                                          10,284 
-----------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
 

1. As discussed in the Interim management report, the segmental results for the six months ended 31 December 2021 have been restated to be consistent with the current period. For the six months ended 31 December 2021, the reported UKIM segment allocated costs have changed from GBP13,862,000 to GBP11,763,000, a movement of GBP2,099,000, and underlying profit before tax changed from GBP16,871,000 to GBP18,970,000, a movement of GBP2,099,000. The reported International segment underlying administrative costs changed from GBP6,852,000 to GBP6,235,000, a movement of GBP617,000, allocated costs changed from GBP1,790,000 to GBP3,889,000, a movement of GBP2,099,000, and underlying profit before tax changed from GBP2,397,000 to GBP915,000, a movement of GBP1,482,000. The reported Group segment underlying administrative costs changed from GBP17,301,000 to GBP17,918,000, a movement of GBP617,000, and underlying loss before tax changed from GBP1,635,000 to GBP2,252,000, a movement of GBP617,000.

 
                                                                        Group and 
                                     UK Investment                  consolidation 
                                        Management  International     adjustments     Total 
As at 31 December 2021 (unaudited)         GBP'000        GBP'000         GBP'000   GBP'000 
-----------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
Total assets                                88,823         32,171          55,094   176,088 
Total liabilities                           29,025          3,431           3,377    35,833 
-----------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
Net assets                                  59,798         28,740          51,717   140,255 
-----------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
 
 
                                                                              Group and 
                                           UK Investment                  consolidation 
                                              Management  International     adjustments                    Total 
Year ended 30 June 2022 (audited)                GBP'000        GBP'000         GBP'000                  GBP'000 
-----------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  ----------------------- 
Total revenue                                    105,550         21,156               -                  126,706 
Inter-segment revenue                            (4,496)              -               -                  (4,496) 
-----------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  ----------------------- 
External revenue                                 101,054         21,156               -                  122,210 
Underlying administrative costs                 (43,469)       (14,016)        (29,932)                 (87,417) 
-----------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  ----------------------- 
Operating contribution                            57,585          7,140        (29,932)                   34,793 
 
Allocated costs                                 (25,129)        (3,152)          28,281                        - 
Net finance costs                                  (254)           (15)               -                    (269) 
-----------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  ----------------------- 
Underlying profit/(loss) before 
 tax                                              32,202          3,973         (1,651)                   34,524 
 
Amortisation of client relationship 
 contracts                                       (1,586)        (1,025)         (2,832)                  (5,443) 
Other non-operating income                         2,983              -               -                    2,983 
Dual running costs of operating platform         (2,119)          (309)               -                  (2,428) 
Finance cost of deferred contingent 
 consideration                                         -           (12)            (78)                     (90) 
Profit/(loss) mark-up on Group allocated 
 costs                                               214          (214)               -                        - 
-----------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  ----------------------- 
Profit/(loss) before tax                          31,694          2,413         (4,561)                   29,546 
 
Taxation                                                                                                 (6,135) 
-----------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  ----------------------- 
Profit for the period attributable 
 to equity holders of the Company                                                                         23,411 
-----------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  ----------------------- 
 
 
                                                                  Group and 
                               UK Investment                  consolidation 
                                  Management  International     adjustments     Total 
As at 30 June 2022 (audited)         GBP'000        GBP'000         GBP'000   GBP'000 
-----------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
Total assets                          96,749         30,561          61,837   189,147 
Total liabilities                     32,198          4,372           4,152    40,722 
-----------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
Net assets                            64,551         26,189          57,685   148,425 
-----------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
 

4. Revenue

 
                                                UK Investment 
                                                   Management  International    Total 
Six months ended 31 December 2022 (unaudited)         GBP'000        GBP'000  GBP'000 
----------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------- 
Investment management fees                             32,558          6,114   38,672 
Transactional income                                    4,325          1,405    5,730 
Fund management fees                                    5,152          1,887    7,039 
Wealth management fees                                  2,361             56    2,417 
Interest turn                                           4,391            659    5,050 
----------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------- 
Total revenue                                          48,787         10,121   58,908 
----------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------- 
 
 
                                                UK Investment 
                                                   Management  International    Total 
Six months ended 31 December 2021 (unaudited)         GBP'000        GBP'000  GBP'000 
----------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------- 
Investment management fees                             36,682          6,948   43,630 
Transactional income                                    5,074          1,222    6,296 
Fund management fees                                    6,594          2,368    8,962 
Wealth management fees                                  2,180            463    2,643 
Interest turn                                             352             56      408 
Other income                                                2              -        2 
----------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------- 
Total revenue                                          50,884         11,057   61,941 
----------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------- 
 
 
                                    UK Investment 
                                       Management  International    Total 
Year ended 30 June 2022 (audited)         GBP'000        GBP'000  GBP'000 
----------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------- 
Investment management fees                 70,161         13,182   83,343 
Transactional income                       12,209          2,491   14,700 
Fund management fees                       13,187          4,441   17,628 
Wealth management fees                      4,082            832    4,914 
Interest turn                               1,377            210    1,587 
Other income                                   38              -       38 
----------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------- 
Total revenue                             101,054         21,156  122,210 
----------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------- 
 

Investment management fees

Investment management fees are earned for the management services provided to clients. Fees are billed quarterly in arrears but are recognised over the period the service is provided. Fees are calculated based on a percentage of the value of the portfolio at the billing date. Fees are only recognised when the fee amount can be estimated reliably, and it is probable that the fee will be received. Amounts are shown net of rebates paid to significant investors.

Performance fees are earned from some clients when contractually agreed performance levels are exceeded within specified performance measurement periods. They are only recognised at the end of these performance periods, when a reliable estimate of the fee can be made and is virtually certain that it will be received.

Transactional income

Transactional income is earned through dealing and admin charges levied on trades at the time a deal is placed for a client. Revenue is recognised at the point of the trade being placed.

Foreign exchange trading fees are also included, that are charged on client trades placed in non-base currencies, and therefore requiring a foreign currency exchange in order to action the trade. Revenue is recognised at the point of the trade being placed.

Fund management fees

Fund management fees are earned for the management services provided to several Open-Ended Investment Companies ("OEICs"). Fees are billed monthly in arrears but are recognised over the period the service is provided. Fees are calculated daily based on a percentage of the value of each fund. Fees are only recognised when the fee amount can be estimated reliably, and it is probable that the fee will be received. Amounts are shown net of rebates paid to significant investors.

Wealth management fees

Wealth management fees relate to fees for the provision of financial advice. Fees are charged to clients using an hourly rate, by a fixed fee arrangement, or by a fund-based arrangement whereby fees are calculated based on a percentage of the value of the portfolio at the billing date. All fees are recognised over the period the service is provided. Commissions receivable and payable are accounted for in the period in which they are earned.

Interest turn

Interest turn is bank interest earned on client cash deposits. Income is recognised over the period for which the deposit is held with the bank. Amounts shown are net of any interest passed on to clients.

a) Geographic analysis

The Group's operations are located in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and Isle of Man. The following table presents external revenue analysed by the geographical location of the Group entity providing the service.

 
                     Six months 
                          ended                   Year ended 
                         31 Dec     Six months 
                           2022          ended   30 Jun 2022 
                                   31 Dec 2021 
                    (unaudited)    (unaudited)     (audited) 
                        GBP'000        GBP'000       GBP'000 
----------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
United Kingdom           48,787         50,884       101,054 
Channel Islands          10,050         11,057        21,079 
Isle of Man                  71              -            77 
----------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
Total revenue            58,908         61,941       122,210 
----------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 

b) Major clients

The Group is not reliant on any one client or group of connected clients for the generation of revenues.

5. Other gains/(losses) - net

Other gains and losses represent the net changes in the fair value of the Group's financial instruments and impairment of intangible assets recognised in the Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

 
                                                        Six months    Six months 
                                                             ended         ended 
                                                            31 Dec 
                                                              2022   31 Dec 2021    Year ended 
                                                                                   30 Jun 2022 
                                                       (unaudited)   (unaudited)     (audited) 
                                                           GBP'000       GBP'000       GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------------  --------------  ------------  ------------ 
Changes in fair value of financial assets at fair 
 value through profit or loss (Note 13)                          2            28          (55) 
--------------------------------------------------  --------------  ------------  ------------ 
Total other gains/(losses) - net                                 2            28          (55) 
--------------------------------------------------  --------------  ------------  ------------ 
 

6. Taxation

The current tax expense for the six months ended 31 December 2022 was calculated based on the Corporation Tax rate of 20.5%, applied to the taxable profit for the six months ended 31 December 2022 (six months ended 31 December 2021: 19.0%; year ended 30 June 2022: 19.0%).

 
                                                     Six months    Six months 
                                                          ended         ended    Year ended 
                                                         31 Dec 
                                                           2022   31 Dec 2021   30 Jun 2022 
                                                    (unaudited)   (unaudited)     (audited) 
                                                        GBP'000       GBP'000       GBP'000 
------------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------  ------------ 
UK Corporation Tax                                        2,806         2,816         6,441 
Over provision in prior years                             (830)             -         (307) 
------------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------  ------------ 
Total current taxation                                    1,976         2,816         6,134 
Deferred tax credits                                      (194)          (73)         (211) 
(Over)/under provision of deferred tax in prior 
 years                                                    (125)           212           212 
------------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------  ------------ 
Total income tax expense                                  1,657         2,955         6,135 
------------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------  ------------ 
 

Taxation for other jurisdictions is calculated at the rates prevailing in the respective jurisdictions.

The tax on the Group's profit before tax differs from the theoretical amount that would arise using the time apportioned tax rate applicable to profits of the consolidated entities in the UK as follows, split out between underlying and statutory profits:

 
                                                          Underlying           Underlying  Statutory 
                                                              profit   profit adjustments     profit 
Six months ended 31 December 2022 (unaudited)                GBP'000              GBP'000    GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------  -------------------  --------- 
Profit before taxation                                        14,498              (4,654)      9,844 
 
Profit multiplied by the standard rate of tax 
 in the UK of 20.5%                                            2,972                (954)      2,018 
Tax effect of amounts that are not deductible/(taxable) 
 in calculating taxable income: 
- Depreciation and amortisation                                  794                (145)        649 
- Disallowable expenses                                          153                    3        156 
- Share-based payments                                         (216)                    -      (216) 
- Lower tax rates in other jurisdictions in which 
 the Group operates                                             (63)                    -       (63) 
- Overseas tax losses not available for UK tax 
 purposes                                                        106                    -        106 
- Over provision in prior periods                              (958)                    -      (958) 
- Non-taxable income                                            (35)                    -       (35) 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------  -------------------  --------- 
Income tax expense                                             2,753              (1,096)      1,657 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------  -------------------  --------- 
 
Effective tax rate                                             19.0%                  n/a      16.8% 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------  -------------------  --------- 
 
 
                                                          Underlying           Underlying  Statutory 
                                                              profit   profit adjustments     profit 
Six months ended 31 December 2021 (unaudited)                GBP'000              GBP'000    GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------  -------------------  --------- 
Profit before taxation                                        17,633              (4,394)     13,239 
 
Profit multiplied by the standard rate of tax 
 in the UK of 19.0%                                            3,350                (835)      2,515 
Tax effect of amounts that are not deductible/(taxable) 
 in calculating taxable income: 
- Non-taxable income                                             (3)                    -        (3) 
- Disallowable expenses                                          171                 (15)        156 
- Under provision of deferred tax in prior years                 212                    -        212 
- Depreciation and amortisation                                  107                   77        184 
- Share-based payments                                            97                    -         97 
- Overseas tax losses not available for UK tax 
 purposes                                                      (206)                    -      (206) 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------  -------------------  --------- 
Income tax expense                                             3,728                (773)      2,955 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------  -------------------  --------- 
 
Effective tax rate                                             21.1%                  n/a      22.3% 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------  -------------------  --------- 
 
 
                                                          Underlying           Underlying  Statutory 
                                                              profit   profit adjustments     profit 
Year ended 30 June 2022 (audited)                            GBP'000              GBP'000    GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------  -------------------  --------- 
Profit before taxation                                        34,524              (4,978)     29,546 
 
Profit multiplied by the standard rate of tax 
 in the UK of 19.0%                                            6,560                (946)      5,614 
Tax effect of amounts that are not deductible/(taxable) 
 in calculating taxable income: 
- Depreciation and amortisation                                  609                (207)        402 
- Non-taxable income                                             (8)                    -        (8) 
- Overseas tax losses not available for UK tax 
 purposes                                                      (293)                    -      (293) 
- Disallowable expenses                                          309                   15        324 
- Lower tax rates in other jurisdictions in which 
 the Group operates                                            (201)                   92      (109) 
- Share-based payments                                           315                    -        315 
- Over provision in prior periods                              (110)                    -      (110) 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------  -------------------  --------- 
Income tax expense                                             7,181              (1,046)      6,135 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------  -------------------  --------- 
 
Effective tax rate                                             20.8%                  n/a      20.8% 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------  -------------------  --------- 
 

On 11 March 2021, it was outlined in the Finance Bill 2021, and substantively enacted having received royal ascent on 24 May 2021, that the UK Corporation Tax rate would increase to 25.0% from 1 April 2023 and remain at 19.0% until that date. As a result, the effective rate of Corporation Tax applied to the taxable profit for the six months ended 31 December 2022 is 20.5% (six months ended 31 December 2021: 19.0%; year ended 30 June 2022: 19.0%). Deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated at the rate that is expected to be in force when the temporary differences unwind.

7. Business combinations

Integrity

On 31 October 2022, the Group acquired Integrity Wealth Bidco Limited and Integrity Wealth (Holdings) Limited, together with its subsidiary Integrity Wealth Solutions Limited (IWS), (collectively "Integrity"). The acquisition brings a successful and rapidly growing Independent Financial Adviser ("IFA") business into the Group and brings scale to the Group's Private Clients business, adding distinctive expertise in their specialist area. The acquisition consisted of acquiring 100% of the issued share capital of Integrity Wealth (Holdings) Limited and Integrity Wealth Bidco Limited (intermediate holding company), which was funded through existing financial resources.

The acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method and details of the purchase consideration are as follows:

 
                                                   Note  GBP'000 
------------------------------------------------  -----  ------- 
Initial cash consideration                                 4,000 
Shares consideration                                  i    1,000 
Excess for net assets                                ii      601 
Deferred contingent consideration at fair value     iii    1,026 
------------------------------------------------  -----  ------- 
Total purchase consideration                               6,627 
-------------------------------------------------------  ------- 
 

i. The Group issued 52,084 ordinary shares to the previous shareholders of Integrity Wealth (holdings) Limited and Integrity Wealth Bidco Limited at a price of GBP19.20 per share. The amount of shares issued was based on the share price at the completion date to provide the equivalent consideration value of GBP1,000,000.

ii. In accordance with the Sale and Purchase agreement ("SPA"), the Group was required to pay the difference between the available capital and the required regulatory capital for Integrity.

iii. The total estimated cash deferred contingent consideration is GBP1,275,000, payable in three years following completion, based on revenue criteria of the acquired business. As outlined in the SPA, the maximum cash deferred contingent consideration payable is up to GBP2,500,000 if certain revenue criteria are met.

The fair value of the deferred contingent consideration liability has been remeasured at 31 December 2022, and remains unchanged. The revenue has been forecast using previous revenue growth assumptions and aligned to the Group's Medium-Term Plan ("MTP"). The revenue growth is dependent on several unpredictable variables, including client sentiment and market conditions.

Client relationship intangible assets of GBP2,543,000 were recognised on acquisition in respect of the expected cash inflows and economic benefit from the acquired business. An associated deferred tax liability of GBP636,000 was recognised in relation to the expected cash inflows on the acquired client relationship intangible asset. Goodwill of GBP3,945,000 was recognised on acquisition in respect of the expected growth in the acquired business and associated cash inflows. The fair value of the assets acquired were the gross contractual amounts and were all considered to be fully recoverable. The fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired, at the date of acquisition, are detailed below.

Net assets acquired through business combination

 
                                                    GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------------  ------- 
Trade and other receivables                             270 
Cash at bank                                            804 
Trade and other payables                              (167) 
Corporation tax payable                               (132) 
--------------------------------------------------  ------- 
Total net assets recognised by acquired companies       775 
Fair value adjustments: 
- Client relationship contracts                       2,543 
- Deferred tax liabilities                            (636) 
--------------------------------------------------  ------- 
Net identifiable assets                               1,907 
Goodwill                                              3,945 
--------------------------------------------------  ------- 
Total purchase consideration                          6,627 
--------------------------------------------------  ------- 
 

The trade and other receivables were recognised at their fair value, being the gross contractual amounts, deemed fully recoverable.

Adroit

On 15 December 2022, the Group acquired Adroit Financial Planning Limited ("Adroit"), a successful and rapidly growing Independent Financial Adviser ("IFA") business. The acquisition brings further scale to the Group's Private Clients business, adding distinctive expertise in their specialist area. The acquisition consisted of acquiring 100% of the issued share capital of Adroit Financial Planning Limited, which was funded through existing financial resources.

The acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method and details of the purchase consideration are as follows:

 
                                Note  GBP'000 
-----------------------------  -----  ------- 
Initial cash consideration             10,991 
Additional consideration           i      270 
-----------------------------  -----  ------- 
Total purchase consideration           11,261 
------------------------------------  ------- 
 

i. In accordance with the Sale and Purchase agreement ("SPA"), the Group was required to pay an additional amount based on the number of days between the date of exchange and date of completion.

Client relationship intangible assets of GBP2,931,000 were recognised on acquisition in respect of the expected cash inflows and economic benefit from the acquired business. An associated deferred tax liability of GBP733,000 was recognised in relation to the expected cash inflows on the acquired client relationship intangible asset. Goodwill of GBP8,541,000 was recognised on acquisition in respect of the expected growth in the acquired business and associated cash inflows. The fair value of the assets acquired were the gross contractual amounts and were all considered to be fully recoverable. The fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired, at the date of acquisition, are detailed below.

Net assets acquired through business combination

 
                                                    GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------------  ------- 
Trade and other receivables                             533 
Cash at bank                                            193 
Trade and other payables                              (204) 
--------------------------------------------------  ------- 
Total net assets recognised by acquired companies       522 
Fair value adjustments: 
- Client relationship contracts                       2,931 
- Deferred tax liabilities                            (733) 
--------------------------------------------------  ------- 
Net identifiable assets                               2,198 
Goodwill                                              8,541 
--------------------------------------------------  ------- 
Total purchase consideration                         11,261 
--------------------------------------------------  ------- 
 

The trade and other receivables were recognised at their fair value, being the gross contractual amounts, deemed fully recoverable.

Acquisition impact on reported results

Directly attributable acquisition costs of GBP267,000 were incurred in relation to the acquisitions, which were charged to administrative costs in the Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income but excluded from underlying profit.

In the period from acquisition to 31 December 2022, the two acquisitions earned revenue of GBP443,000 and statutory profit before tax of GBP108,000. Had the acquisitions been consolidated from 1 July 2022, the Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income would have included revenue of GBP2,176,000 and statutory profit before tax of GBP564,000.

Net cash outflow resulting from business combinations

 
                                                            GBP'000 
----------------------------------------------------------  ------- 
Total purchase consideration                                 17,888 
Less shares issued as consideration                         (1,000) 
Less deferred cash contingent consideration at fair value   (1,026) 
----------------------------------------------------------  ------- 
Cash paid to acquire business combinations                   15,862 
Less cash held by acquired entities                           (997) 
----------------------------------------------------------  ------- 
Net cash outflow - investing activities                      14,865 
----------------------------------------------------------  ------- 
 

8. Earnings per share

The Board of Directors considers that underlying earnings per share provides an appropriate reflection of the Group's performance in the period. Underlying earnings per share are calculated based on 'underlying earnings', which is defined as earnings before underlying adjustments listed below. The tax effect of these adjustments has also been considered. Underlying earnings is an alternative performance measure ("APM") used by the Group. Refer the Non-IFRS financial information section for a Glossary of the Group's APMs, their definition and criteria for how underlying adjustments are considered.

Earnings for the period used to calculate earnings per share as reported in these Condensed consolidated financial statements were as follows:

 
                                                            Six months 
                                                                 ended 
                                                                31 Dec     Six months 
                                                                  2022          ended    Year ended 
                                                                          31 Dec 2021   30 Jun 2022 
                                                           (unaudited)    (unaudited)     (audited) 
                                                               GBP'000        GBP'000       GBP'000 
-------------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
Earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders                   8,187         10,284        23,411 
 
Underlying adjustments 
Amortisation of acquired client relationship contracts 
 (Note 10)                                                       2,757          2,721         5,443 
Dual running costs of operating platform                         1,611          1,589         2,428 
Acquisition-related costs                                          267              -             - 
Finance cost of deferred contingent consideration 
 (Note 15)                                                          19             84            90 
Other non-operating income                                           -              -       (2,983) 
Tax impact of adjustments (Note 6)                             (1,096)          (773)       (1,046) 
-------------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
Underlying earnings attributable to ordinary 
 shareholders                                                   11,745         13,905        27,343 
-------------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of shares in issue throughout the period. Included in the weighted average number of shares for basic earnings per share purposes are employee share options at the point all necessary conditions have been satisfied and the options have vested, even if they have not yet been exercised.

Diluted earnings per share represents the basic earnings per share adjusted for the effect of dilutive potential shares issuable on exercise of employee share options under the Group's share-based payment schemes, weighted for the relevant period. The diluted weighted average number of shares in issue and diluted earnings per share considers the effect of all dilutive potential shares issuable on exercise of employee share options. The potential shares issuable includes the contingently issuable shares that have not yet vested and the vested unissued share options that are either nil cost options or have little or no consideration.

The weighted average number of shares in issue during the six months ended 31 December 2022 were as follows:

 
                                                        Six months    Six months 
                                                             ended         ended 
                                                            31 Dec 
                                                              2022   31 Dec 2021    Year ended 
                                                                                   30 Jun 2022 
                                                       (unaudited)   (unaudited)     (audited) 
                                                            Number     Number of     Number of 
                                                         of shares        shares        shares 
---------------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------  ------------ 
Weighted average number of shares in issue              15,791,432    15,691,468    15,707,706 
Effect of dilutive potential shares issuable on 
 exercise of employee share options                        398,960       595,775       502,259 
---------------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------  ------------ 
Diluted weighted average number of shares in issue      16,190,392    16,287,243    16,209,965 
---------------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
 
                                   Six months 
                                        ended                   Year ended 
                                       31 Dec     Six months 
                                         2022          ended   30 Jun 2022 
                                                 31 Dec 2021 
                                  (unaudited)    (unaudited)     (audited) 
                                            p              p             p 
------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
Based on reported earnings: 
Basic earnings per share                 51.8           65.5         149.0 
Diluted earnings per share               50.6           63.1         144.4 
Based on underlying earnings: 
Basic earnings per share                 74.4           88.6         174.1 
Diluted earnings per share               72.5           85.4         168.7 
------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 

9. Dividends

 
                                              Six months 
                                                   ended 
                                                  31 Dec     Six months 
                                                    2022          ended    Year ended 
                                                            31 Dec 2021   30 Jun 2022 
                                             (unaudited)    (unaudited)     (audited) 
                                                 GBP'000        GBP'000       GBP'000 
-----------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
Final dividend paid on ordinary shares             7,022          6,252         6,251 
Interim dividend paid on ordinary shares               -              -         4,066 
-----------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
Total dividends                                    7,022          6,252        10,317 
-----------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 

An interim dividend of 28.0p (six months ended 31 December 2021: 26.0p) per share was declared by the Board of Directors on 1 March 2023. It will be paid on 6 April 2023 to shareholders who are on the register at the close of business on 10 March 2023. In accordance with IAS 10, this dividend has not been included as a liability in the Condensed consolidated financial statements at 31 December 2022.

A final dividend for the year ended 30 June 2022 of 45.0p (year ended 30 June 2021: 40.0p) per share was paid to shareholders on 4 November 2022.

10. Intangible assets

 
                                                                  Acquired   Contracts 
                                                                    client    acquired 
                                                   Computer   relationship   with fund 
                                        Goodwill   software      contracts    managers    Total 
                                         GBP'000    GBP'000        GBP'000     GBP'000  GBP'000 
--------------------------------------  --------  ---------  -------------  ----------  ------- 
Cost 
At 30 June 2021                           51,887     11,398         70,011       3,521  136,817 
Additions                                      -      2,240              -           -    2,240 
--------------------------------------  --------  ---------  -------------  ----------  ------- 
At 31 December 2021                       51,887     13,638         70,011       3,521  139,057 
Additions                                      -        672              -           -      672 
Disposals                                      -    (7,380)              -           -  (7,380) 
--------------------------------------  --------  ---------  -------------  ----------  ------- 
At 30 June 2022                           51,887      6,930         70,011       3,521  132,349 
Additions                                 12,486      1,911          5,474           -   19,871 
--------------------------------------  --------  ---------  -------------  ----------  ------- 
At 31 December 2022                       64,373      8,841         75,485       3,521  152,220 
--------------------------------------  --------  ---------  -------------  ----------  ------- 
 
Accumulated amortisation and 
 impairment 
At 30 June 2021                           11,213      6,152         26,034       3,521   46,920 
Amortisation charge                            -      1,175          2,721           -    3,896 
--------------------------------------  --------  ---------  -------------  ----------  ------- 
At 31 December 2021                       11,213      7,327         28,755       3,521   50,816 
Amortisation charge                            -        304          2,722           -    3,026 
Accumulated amortisation on disposals          -    (7,380)              -           -  (7,380) 
--------------------------------------  --------  ---------  -------------  ----------  ------- 
At 30 June 2022                           11,213        251         31,477       3,521   46,462 
Amortisation charge                            -        501          2,757           -    3,258 
--------------------------------------  --------  ---------  -------------  ----------  ------- 
At 31 December 2022                       11,213        752         34,234       3,521   49,720 
--------------------------------------  --------  ---------  -------------  ----------  ------- 
 
Net book value 
At 30 June 2021                           40,674      5,246         43,977           -   89,897 
At 31 December 2021                       40,674      6,311         41,256           -   88,241 
At 30 June 2022                           40,674      6,679         38,534           -   85,887 
--------------------------------------  --------  ---------  -------------  ----------  ------- 
At 31 December 2022                       53,160      8,089         41,251           -  102,500 
--------------------------------------  --------  ---------  -------------  ----------  ------- 
 

a) Goodwill

Goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated at acquisition to the cash-generating units ("CGUs") that are expected to benefit from that business combination. The carrying amount of goodwill in respect of these CGUs within the operating segments of the Group comprises:

 
                                                                 31 Dec 
                                                                   2022 
                                                                          31 Dec 2021  30 Jun 2022 
                                                            (unaudited)   (unaudited)    (audited) 
                                                                GBP'000       GBP'000      GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------  ----------- 
Funds 
Braemar Group Limited ("Braemar")                                 3,320         3,320        3,320 
 
International 
Brooks Macdonald Asset Management (International) 
 Limited and Brooks Macdonald Retirement Services 
 (International) Limited (collectively "International")          21,243        21,243       21,243 
 
Cornelian 
 Cornelian Asset Managers Group Limited ("Cornelian")            16,111        16,111       16,111 
 
Integrity 
 Integrity Wealth (Holdings) Limited ("Integrity")                3,945             -            - 
 
Adroit 
 Adroit Financial Planning Limited ("Adroit")                     8,541             -            - 
 
Total goodwill                                                   53,160        40,674       40,674 
--------------------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------  ----------- 
 

During the six months ended 31 December 2022, the Group acquired goodwill of GBP3,945,000 and GBP8,541,000 in relation to the acquisitions of Integrity and Adroit respectively (Note 7).

The International CGU incurred a loss for the six months ended 31 December 2022 (Note 3), which triggered an impairment indicator. As a result, the Group conducted an impairment review of the International CGU as at 31 December 2022. The International CGU recoverable amount was calculated as GBP53,492,000 at 31 December 2022, giving a surplus over the International CGU carrying amount of GBP30,573,000 indicating that there is no impairment. The key underlying assumptions of the calculation are the discount rate, the medium-term growth in earnings and the long-term growth rate of the business. A pre-tax discount rate of 13% has been used, based on the Group's assessment of the risk-free rate of interest and specific risks relating to Brooks Macdonald International.

There were no indicators that the carrying amount of goodwill in relation to any of the Group's other CGUs should be impaired, therefore no further calculations regarding recoverability have performed.

b) Computer software

Computer software costs are amortised on a straight-line basis over an estimated useful lives (four to eight years). Costs incurred on internally developed computer software are initially recognised at cost and, when the software is available for use the costs are amortised on a straight-line basis over an estimated useful life of four years. Capitalised costs incurred on the Group's partnership with SS&C to transform the Group's client- and intermediary-facing processes, launch a digital onboarding solution and enhance the Group's operating platform are amortised on a straight-line basis over the remaining agreement length with SS&C of eight years, the estimated period the Group will generate positive economic benefit from the capitalised costs.

c) Acquired client relationship contracts

This asset represents the fair value of future benefits accruing to the Group from acquired client relationship contracts. The amortisation of client relationships is charged to the Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives (6 to 20 years).

During the six months ended 31 December 2022, the Group acquired client relationship contracts totalling GBP2,543,000 and GBP2,931,000, as part of the Integrity and Adroit acquisitions respectively (Note 7), which were recognised as separately identifiable intangible assets in the Condensed consolidated statement of financial position, with useful economic lives of 15 years.

11. Property, plant and equipment

 
                                             Fixtures, 
                                              fittings 
                                Leasehold   and office          IT 
                             improvements    equipment   equipment    Total 
                                  GBP'000      GBP'000     GBP'000  GBP'000 
--------------------------  -------------  -----------  ----------  ------- 
Cost 
At 30 June 2021                     2,630          724       1,942    5,296 
Additions                              95           16          89      200 
--------------------------  -------------  -----------  ----------  ------- 
At 31 December 2021                 2,725          740       2,031    5,496 
Additions                              51           12          26       89 
Disposals                            (88)         (11)       (811)    (910) 
--------------------------  -------------  -----------  ----------  ------- 
At 30 June 2022                     2,688          741       1,246    4,675 
Additions                             356           50           8      414 
--------------------------  -------------  -----------  ----------  ------- 
At 31 December 2022                 3,044          791       1,254    5,089 
--------------------------  -------------  -----------  ----------  ------- 
 
Accumulated depreciation 
At 30 June 2021                       773          423       1,344    2,540 
Depreciation charge                   206           50         173      429 
--------------------------  -------------  -----------  ----------  ------- 
At 31 December 2021                   979          473       1,517    2,969 
Depreciation charge                   240           51         123      414 
Depreciation on disposals            (88)         (11)       (811)    (910) 
--------------------------  -------------  -----------  ----------  ------- 
At 30 June 2022                     1,131          513         829    2,473 
Depreciation charge                   246           50          98      394 
--------------------------  -------------  -----------  ----------  ------- 
At 31 December 2022                 1,377          563         927    2,867 
--------------------------  -------------  -----------  ----------  ------- 
 
Net book value 
At 30 June 2021                     1,857          301         598    2,756 
At 31 December 2021                 1,746          267         514    2,527 
At 30 June 2022                     1,557          228         417    2,202 
--------------------------  -------------  -----------  ----------  ------- 
At 31 December 2022                 1,667          228         327    2,222 
--------------------------  -------------  -----------  ----------  ------- 
 

12. Right-of-use assets

 
                              Cars  Property    Total 
                           GBP'000   GBP'000  GBP'000 
-------------------------  -------  --------  ------- 
Cost 
At 30 June 2021                  -     9,092    9,092 
Additions                       47         -       47 
-------------------------  -------  --------  ------- 
At 31 December 2021             47     9,092    9,139 
Additions                      281       333      614 
-------------------------  -------  --------  ------- 
At 30 June 2022                328     9,425    9,753 
Additions                      272       334      606 
-------------------------  -------  --------  ------- 
At 31 December 2022            600     9,759   10,359 
-------------------------  -------  --------  ------- 
 
Accumulated depreciation 
At 30 June 2021                  -     3,113    3,113 
Depreciation charge              2       795      797 
-------------------------  -------  --------  ------- 
At 31 December 2021              2     3,908    3,910 
Depreciation charge             35       837      872 
-------------------------  -------  --------  ------- 
At 30 June 2022                 37     4,745    4,782 
Depreciation charge             67       847      914 
-------------------------  -------  --------  ------- 
At 31 December 2022            104     5,592    5,696 
-------------------------  -------  --------  ------- 
 
Net book value 
At 30 June 2021                  -     5,979    5,979 
At 31 December 2021             45     5,184    5,229 
At 30 June 2022                291     4,680    4,971 
-------------------------  -------  --------  ------- 
At 31 December 2022            496     4,167    4,663 
-------------------------  -------  --------  ------- 
 

13. Financial instruments

The analysis of financial assets and liabilities into their categories as defined in IFRS 9 'Financial Instruments' is set out in the following table.

 
                                                                    31 Dec 
                                                                      2022    31 Dec 2021  30 Jun 2022 
                                                               (unaudited)    (unaudited)    (audited) 
                                                                   GBP'000        GBP'000      GBP'000 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
Financial assets 
Financial assets at fair value through profit 
 or loss: 
- Investment in regulated OEICs                                        786            867          784 
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive 
 income: 
- Unlisted redeemable preference shares                                500            500          500 
Financial assets at amortised cost: 
- Trade and other receivables                                       32,844         29,769       30,473 
- Cash and cash equivalents                                         37,573         45,715       61,328 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
Total financial assets                                              71,703         76,851       93,085 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 
Financial liabilities 
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit 
 or loss: 
- Deferred contingent consideration (Note 15)                        1,372            321          327 
Financial liabilities at amortised cost: 
- Trade and other payables                                          15,286         18,031       23,861 
- Current tax liabilities                                              128            118          833 
- Provisions (Note 16)                                               1,403          2,198        1,145 
- Lease liabilities (Note 14)                                        5,649          5,982        6,027 
- Other non-current liabilities                                        400            785          570 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
Total financial liabilities                                         24,238         27,435       32,763 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 

The table below provides an analysis of the financial assets and liabilities that, subsequent to initial recognition, are measured at fair value. These are grouped into the following levels within the fair value hierarchy, based on the degree to which the inputs used to determine the fair value are observable:

-- Level 1 - derived from quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date;

-- Level 2 - derived from inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly; and

   --    Level 3 - derived from inputs that are not based on observable market data. 

There have been no transfers of assets or liabilities between any levels of the fair value hierarchy used in measuring the fair value of financial instruments in the current and previous periods.

 
                                                 Level 1   Level 2   Level 3     Total 
                                                 GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
----------------------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
Financial assets 
At 1 July 2021                                       624         -       500     1,124 
Additions                                            215         -         -       215 
Net changes in fair value                             28         -         -        28 
----------------------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
At 31 December 2021                                  867         -       500     1,367 
Net changes in fair value                           (83)         -         -      (83) 
----------------------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
At 30 June 2022                                      784         -       500     1,284 
Net changes in fair value                              2         -         -         2 
----------------------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
At 31 December 2022                                  786         -       500     1,286 
----------------------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 
Comprising: 
Financial assets at fair value through other 
 comprehensive income                                  -         -       500       500 
Financial assets at fair value through profit 
 and loss                                            786         -         -       786 
----------------------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
Total financial assets                               786         -       500     1,286 
----------------------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 

At 31 December 2022, the Group held an investment of 500,000 redeemable GBP1 preference shares in an unlisted company incorporated in the UK. The preference shares carry an entitlement to a fixed preferential dividend at a rate of 4% per annum. Unlisted preference shares are classified as financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income. They have been valued using a perpetuity income model, which is based upon the preference dividend cash flows.

The Group holds 500,000 shares in five of the SVS Cornelian Risk Managed Passive Funds. The Group's holding in the SVS Cornelian Risk Managed Passive Funds at 31 December 2022 was GBP588,000.

The Group holds an investment in the Blueprint Multi Asset Fund range across the various models within the fund range. During the six months ended 31 December 2022, the Group recognised a gain on these investments of GBP2,000. The Group's holding in the Blueprint Multi Asset Fund range at 31 December 2022 was GBP198,000.

 
                                                       Level     Level     Level 
                                                           1         2         3     Total 
                                                     GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
Financial liabilities 
At 1 July 2021                                             -         -     6,237     6,237 
Finance cost of deferred contingent consideration          -         -        84        84 
Payments made during the period                            -         -   (6,000)   (6,000) 
--------------------------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
At 31 December 2021                                        -         -       321       321 
Finance cost of deferred contingent consideration          -         -         6         6 
--------------------------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
At 30 June 2022                                            -         -       327       327 
Additions                                                  -         -     1,026     1,026 
Finance cost of deferred contingent consideration          -         -        19        19 
--------------------------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
At 31 December 2022                                        -         -     1,372     1,372 
--------------------------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 
Comprising: 
Deferred contingent consideration (Note 
 15)                                                       -         -     1,372     1,372 
--------------------------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
Total financial liabilities                                -         -     1,372     1,372 
--------------------------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 

Deferred contingent consideration is recognised at fair value through profit or loss and is valued using the net present value of the expected amounts payable based on management's forecasts and expectations. For more details see Note 15.

14. Lease liabilities

 
                                                  Cars  Property    Total 
                                               GBP'000   GBP'000  GBP'000 
---------------------------------------------  -------  --------  ------- 
At 30 June 2021                                      -     6,869    6,869 
Additions                                           47         -       47 
Payments made against lease liabilities            (2)   (1,077)  (1,079) 
Finance cost of lease liabilities                    -       145      145 
---------------------------------------------  -------  --------  ------- 
At 31 December 2021                                 45     5,937    5,982 
Additions                                          281       333      614 
Payments made against lease liabilities           (39)     (667)    (706) 
Finance cost of lease liabilities                    5       132      137 
---------------------------------------------  -------  --------  ------- 
At 30 June 2022                                    292     5,735    6,027 
Additions                                          272       334      606 
Payments made against lease liabilities           (69)   (1,040)  (1,109) 
Finance cost of lease liabilities                    8       117      125 
---------------------------------------------  -------  --------  ------- 
At 31 December 2022                                503     5,146    5,649 
---------------------------------------------  -------  --------  ------- 
 
Analysed as: 
Amounts falling due within one year                165     1,843    2,008 
Amounts falling due after more than one year       338     3,303    3,641 
---------------------------------------------  -------  --------  ------- 
Total lease liabilities                            503     5,146    5,649 
---------------------------------------------  -------  --------  ------- 
 

15. Deferred contingent consideration

Deferred contingent consideration is split between non-current liabilities and current liabilities to the extent that it is due to be paid within one year of the reporting date. It reflects the Directors' best estimate of amounts payable in the future in respect of certain client relationships and subsidiary undertakings that were acquired by the Group. Deferred contingent consideration is measured at its fair value based on discounted expected future cash flows. The movements in the total deferred contingent consideration balance during the current and comparative periods were as follows:

 
                                                       Six months 
                                                            ended 
                                                           31 Dec     Six months 
                                                             2022          ended    Year ended 
                                                                     31 Dec 2021   30 Jun 2022 
                                                      (unaudited)    (unaudited)     (audited) 
                                                          GBP'000        GBP'000       GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
At beginning of period                                        327          6,237         6,237 
Additions                                                   1,026              -             - 
Finance cost of deferred contingent consideration              19             84            90 
Payments made during the period                                 -        (6,000)       (6,000) 
--------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
At end of period                                            1,372            321           327 
--------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 
Analysed as: 
Amounts falling due within one year                           333            321           327 
Amounts falling due after more than one year                1,039              -             - 
--------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
At end of period                                            1,372            321           327 
--------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 

During the year ended 30 June 2021, the Group completed the Lloyds Channel Islands acquisition and part of the consideration was to be deferred over a period of two years to 30 November 2022. The deferred contingent criteria was met for the period and therefore the full GBP333,000 deferred contingent consideration is due, which was paid shortly after the 31 December 2022 reporting period.

During the six months ended 31 December 2022, the Group completed the Integrity acquisition (Note 7) and part of the consideration is to be deferred over a period of three years. The deferred consideration is payable at the end of November 2025 based on the future revenue of the business acquired. The estimated fair value of the deferred contingent consideration at acquisition was GBP1,026,000. During the period from acquisition to 31 December 2022, the Group recognised a finance cost of GBP12,000 on the Integrity deferred contingent consideration. The fair value of the Integrity deferred contingent consideration at 31 December 2022 was GBP1,039,000.

Deferred contingent consideration is classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy, as defined in Note 13. The key inputs in estimating the deferred contingent consideration include forecast outcomes and an estimated implied borrowing rate. If the implied borrowing rate increased by 2%, the deferred contingent consideration at 31 December 2022 would decrease by GBP53,000.

16. Provisions

 
                                                      Exceptional 
                                                         costs of 
                                                        resolving  Regulatory       Leasehold 
                             Client compensation   legacy matters      levies   dilapidations  Tax-related     Total 
                                         GBP'000          GBP'000     GBP'000         GBP'000      GBP'000   GBP'000 
---------------------------  -------------------  ---------------  ----------  --------------  -----------  -------- 
At 30 June 2021                                -              600       1,245             413            -     2,258 
Charged to the Condensed 
 consolidated statement of 
 comprehensive income                        160                -           -              65          162       387 
Transfer from trade and 
 other payables                                -                -           -               -        1,217     1,217 
Utilised during the period                 (126)                -     (1,145)           (113)        (280)   (1,664) 
---------------------------  -------------------  ---------------  ----------  --------------  -----------  -------- 
At 31 December 2021                           34              600         100             365        1,099     2,198 
Charged to the Condensed 
 consolidated statement of 
 comprehensive income                        238                -       1,304              61            -     1,603 
Utilised during the period                 (160)            (600)     (1,018)            (59)        (819)   (2,656) 
---------------------------  -------------------  ---------------  ----------  --------------  -----------  -------- 
At 30 June 2022                              112                -         386             367          280     1,145 
Charged to the Condensed 
 consolidated statement of 
 comprehensive income                        809                -          34              55            -       898 
Utilised during the period                 (222)                -       (418)               -            -     (640) 
---------------------------  -------------------  ---------------  ----------  --------------  -----------  -------- 
At 31 December 2022                          699                -           2             422          280     1,403 
---------------------------  -------------------  ---------------  ----------  --------------  -----------  -------- 
 
Analysed as: 
Amounts falling due within 
 one year                                    699                -           2             118          280     1,099 
Amounts falling due after 
 more than 
 one year                                      -                -           -             304            -       304 
---------------------------  -------------------  ---------------  ----------  --------------  -----------  -------- 
Total provisions                             699                -           2             422          280     1,403 
---------------------------  -------------------  ---------------  ----------  --------------  -----------  -------- 
 

a) Client compensation

Client compensation provisions relate to the potential liability arising from client complaints against the Group. Complaints are assessed on a case-by-case basis and provisions for compensation are made where judged necessary. The amount recognised within provisions for client compensation represents management's best estimate of the potential liability. The timing of the corresponding outflows is uncertain as these are made as and when claims arise.

b) Regulatory levies

At 31 December 2022, provisions include an amount of GBP2,000 (at 31 December 2021: GBP100,000; at 30 June 2022: GBP386,000) in respect of expected levies by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme ("FSCS").

c) Leasehold dilapidations

Leasehold dilapidations relate to dilapidation provisions expected to arise on leasehold premises held by the Group, and monies due under the contract with the assignee of leases on the Group's leased properties. The non-current leasehold dilapidations provision relate to expected economic outflow at the end of lease terms, with the longest lease term ending in four years from the Condensed consolidated statement of financial position date.

d) Tax-related

Tax-related provisions relate to voluntary disclosures made by the Group to HM Revenue and Customs ("HMRC") following an input VAT review carried out by the Group during FY22.

17. Deferred income tax

Deferred income tax assets are only recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilised. An analysis of the Group's deferred assets and deferred tax liabilities is shown below.

 
                                                       Six months 
                                                            ended 
                                                           31 Dec     Six months 
                                                             2022          ended    Year ended 
                                                                     31 Dec 2021   30 Jun 2022 
                                                      (unaudited)    (unaudited)     (audited) 
                                                          GBP'000        GBP'000       GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
Deferred tax assets 
Deferred tax assets to be settled after more than 
 one year                                                   2,031          2,200         1,486 
Deferred tax assets to be settled within one year           1,611          1,040         1,516 
--------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
Total deferred tax assets                                   3,642          3,240         3,002 
--------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 
Deferred tax liabilities 
Deferred tax liabilities to be settled after more 
 than one year                                            (8,522)        (7,958)       (7,019) 
Deferred tax liabilities to be settled within one 
 year                                                       (884)          (440)         (940) 
--------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
Total deferred tax liabilities                            (9,406)        (8,398)       (7,959) 
--------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 

The gross movement on the deferred income tax account during the period was as follows:

 
                                                                Six months 
                                                                     ended 
                                                                    31 Dec     Six months 
                                                                      2022          ended    Year ended 
                                                                              31 Dec 2021   30 Jun 2022 
                                                               (unaudited)    (unaudited)     (audited) 
                                                                   GBP'000        GBP'000       GBP'000 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
At the start of the period                                         (4,957)        (6,166)       (6,166) 
Additional liability on acquisition of client relationship 
 intangible assets 
 (Note 7)                                                          (1,369)              -             - 
Charge to the Condensed consolidated statement 
 of comprehensive income                                               319          (139)           (1) 
Credit recognised in equity                                            243          1,130         1,210 
Adjustment on acquisition of business combination                        -             17             - 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
At the end of the period                                           (5,764)        (5,158)       (4,957) 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 

The change in deferred income tax assets and liabilities during the period was as follows:

 
                                                             Trading                 Accelerated 
                                        Share-based   losses carried                     capital 
                                           payments          forward  Dilapidations   allowances     Total 
                                            GBP'000          GBP'000        GBP'000      GBP'000   GBP'000 
--------------------------------------  -----------  ---------------  -------------  -----------  -------- 
Deferred tax assets 
At 1 July 2021                                1,856              641             29          210     2,736 
(Under)/over provision in prior 
 years                                            -            (260)             48            -     (212) 
Charged to the Condensed consolidated 
 statement of comprehensive income            (234)            (154)           (11)         (15)     (414) 
Credit to equity                              1,130                -              -            -     1,130 
--------------------------------------  -----------  ---------------  -------------  -----------  -------- 
At 31 December 2021                           2,752              227             66          195     3,240 
Charge to the Condensed consolidated 
 statement of comprehensive income            (165)             (94)            (1)         (58)     (318) 
Credit to equity                                 80                -              -            -        80 
--------------------------------------  -----------  ---------------  -------------  -----------  -------- 
At 30 June 2022                               2,667              133             65          137     3,002 
Over provision in prior years                     -              125              -            -       125 
Charge to the Condensed consolidated 
 statement of comprehensive income               74               67             10          121       272 
Credit to equity                                243                -              -            -       243 
--------------------------------------  -----------  ---------------  -------------  -----------  -------- 
At 31 December 2022                           2,984              325             75          258     3,642 
--------------------------------------  -----------  ---------------  -------------  -----------  -------- 
 

The carrying amount of the deferred tax asset is reviewed at each reporting date and is only recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits of the Group will allow the asset to be recovered.

 
                                                                  Accelerated 
                                                                      capital 
                                                                   allowances 
                                                                  on research           Intangible 
                                                              and development   asset amortisation    Total 
                                                                      GBP'000              GBP'000  GBP'000 
-----------------------------------------------------------  ----------------  -------------------  ------- 
Deferred tax liabilities 
At 1 July 2021                                                            452                8,450    8,902 
Credit to the Condensed consolidated statement 
 of comprehensive income                                                 (69)                (435)    (504) 
-----------------------------------------------------------  ----------------  -------------------  ------- 
At 31 December 2021                                                       383                8,015    8,398 
Charge/(credit) to the Condensed consolidated statement 
 of comprehensive income                                                    6                (445)    (439) 
-----------------------------------------------------------  ----------------  -------------------  ------- 
At 30 June 2022                                                           389                7,570    7,959 
Additional liability on acquisition of client relationship 
 intangible assets                                                          -                1,369    1,369 
Charge/(credit) to the Condensed consolidated statement 
 of comprehensive income                                                  523                (445)       78 
-----------------------------------------------------------  ----------------  -------------------  ------- 
At 31 December 2022                                                       912                8,494    9,406 
-----------------------------------------------------------  ----------------  -------------------  ------- 
 

18. Reconciliation of operating profit to net cash inflow from operating activities

 
                                                         Six months    Six months 
                                                              ended         ended    Year ended 
                                                             31 Dec   31 Dec 2021   30 Jun 2022 
                                                   2022 (unaudited)   (unaudited)     (audited) 
                                                            GBP'000       GBP'000       GBP'000 
------------------------------------------------  -----------------  ------------  ------------ 
Operating profit before tax                                   9,623        13,452        26,867 
 
Adjustments for: 
- Depreciation of property, plant and equipment                 394           429           843 
- Depreciation of right-of-use assets                           914           797         1,669 
- Amortisation of intangible assets                           3,258         3,896         6,922 
- Other (losses)/gains - net                                    (2)          (28)            55 
- Increase in receivables                                   (1,193)       (1,320)       (2,024) 
- Decrease in payables                                      (9,004)       (9,079)       (3,194) 
- Decrease in provisions                                      (258)          (60)       (1,113) 
- Increase in other non-current liabilities                   (170)           237            22 
- Share-based payments charge                                 1,953         2,161         2,779 
------------------------------------------------  -----------------  ------------  ------------ 
Net cash inflow from operating activities                     5,515        10,485        32,826 
------------------------------------------------  -----------------  ------------  ------------ 
 

19. Share capital and share premium

The movements in share capital and share premium during the six months ended 31 December 2022 were as follows:

 
                                                                           Share     Share 
                                             Number     Exercise price   capital   premium     Total 
                                          of shares                  p   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
---------------------------------------  ----------  -----------------  --------  --------  -------- 
At 30 June 2021                          16,181,138                          161    78,703    78,864 
Shares issued: 
- on exercise of options                      6,886  2,360.0 - 2,640.0         -       120       120 
- to Sharesave Scheme                         2,517  2,310.0 - 2,740.0         1       108       109 
---------------------------------------  ----------  -----------------  --------  --------  -------- 
At 31 December 2021                      16,190,541                          162    78,931    79,093 
Shares issued: 
- on exercise of options                          -  1,629.8 - 2,260.0         -         -         - 
- to Sharesave Scheme                        15,001  1,400.0 - 2,300.0         -       210       210 
---------------------------------------  ----------  -----------------  --------  --------  -------- 
At 30 June 2022                          16,205,542                          162    79,141    79,303 
Shares issued: 
- on exercise of options                          -                  -         -         -         - 
- to Sharesave Scheme                         7,130  1,922.5 - 2,250.0         -       100       100 
- of consideration for the acquisition 
 of Integrity                                52,084            1,920.0         1       999     1,000 
---------------------------------------  ----------  -----------------  --------  --------  -------- 
At 31 December 2022                      16,264,756                          163    80,240    80,403 
---------------------------------------  ----------  -----------------  --------  --------  -------- 
 

The total number of ordinary shares issued and fully paid at 31 December 2022 was 16,264,756 (at 31 December 2021: 16,190,541; at 30 June 2022: 16,205,542).

Employee Benefit Trust

The Group established an Employee Benefit Trust ("EBT") on 3 December 2010 to acquire ordinary shares in the Company to satisfy awards under the Group's Long-Term Incentive Scheme ("LTIS") and Long-Term Incentive Plan ("LTIP"). At 31 December 2022, the EBT held 552,889 (at 31 December 2021: 534,461; at 30 June 2022: 580,806) 1p ordinary shares in the Company, acquired for a total consideration of GBP15,900,000 (at 31 December 2021: GBP12,300,000; at 30 June 2022: GBP14,100,000) with a market value of GBP11,700,000 (at 31 December 2021: GBP14,270,000; at 30 June 2022: GBP12,923,000). They are classified as treasury shares in the Condensed consolidated statement of financial position, their cost being deducted from retained earnings within shareholders' equity.

20. Equity-settled share-based payments

Share options granted during the six months ended 31 December 2022 under the Group's equity-settled share-based payment schemes were as follows:

 
                            Exercise 
                               price     Fair value 
                                                     ----------- 
                                                          Number 
                                   p              p   of options 
-------------------------  ---------  -------------  ----------- 
Long-Term Incentive Plan           -  1,696 - 1,822      233,885 
-------------------------  ---------  -------------  ----------- 
 

No options were granted in respect of the Company's other equity-settled share-based payment schemes during the six months ended 31 December 2022. The charge to the Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the six months ended 31 December 2022 in respect of all equity-settled share-based payment schemes was GBP1,953,000 (six months ended 31 December 2021: GBP2,161,000; year ended 30 June 2022: GBP2,779,000).

21. Related party transactions

There were no related party transactions during the six months ended 31 December 2022 and no balances outstanding at 31 December 2022 owed to or from related parties.

22. Guarantees and contingent liabilities

In the normal course of business, the Group is exposed to certain legal issues that, in the event of a dispute, could develop into litigious proceedings and, in some cases, may result in contingent liabilities. Similarly, a contingent liability may arise in the event of a finding in respect of the Group's tax affairs, including the accounting for VAT, which could result in a financial outflow and/or inflow from the relevant tax authorities.

A claim for unspecified losses has been made by a client against Brooks Macdonald Financial Consulting Limited, a subsidiary of the Group, in relation to alleged negligent financial advice. The claimant has not yet advised the quantum of their claim so it is not possible to reliably estimate the potential impact of a ruling in their favour. There remains significant uncertainty surrounding the claim and the Group's legal advice indicates that it is not probable that the claim will be upheld, therefore no provision for any liability has been recognised at this stage.

Brooks Macdonald Asset Management Limited, a subsidiary company of the Group, has an agreement with the Royal Bank of Scotland plc to guarantee settlement for trading with CREST stock on behalf of clients. The Group holds client assets to fund such trading activity. Additional levies by the FSCS may give rise to further obligations based on the Group's income in the current or previous years. Nevertheless, the ultimate cost to the Group of these levies remains uncertain and is dependent upon future claims resulting from institutional failures.

There remains one outstanding claim against Brooks Macdonald Asset Management (International) Limited relating to legacy matters. With reference to the exemption in IAS 37 paragraph 92, the Group will not disclose any further information about the possible obligation arising from the outstanding claim. The disclosure of such information could prejudice seriously the position of and result in financial losses to the Group.

23. Principal risks and uncertainties

During the six months ended 31 December 2022 the principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group have been reviewed by management, and no additional emerging risks have been identified. The Group risks are in line with those disclosed and included within the Group's Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2022.

24. Events since the end of the period

No material events have occurred between the reporting date and the date of signing the Condensed consolidated financial statements.

Non-IFRS financial information

Non-IFRS financial information or Alternative Performance Measures ("APMs") are used as supplemental measures in monitoring the performance of the Group. The adjustments applied to IFRS measures to compute the Group's APMs excludes income and expense categories that are deemed of a non-recurring nature or a non-cash operating item. The Board considers the disclosed APMs to be an appropriate reflection of the Group's performance and considered appropriate for external analyst coverage and peer group benchmarking.

The Group follows a rigorous process in determining whether an adjustment should be made to present an APM compared to IFRS measures. For an adjustment to be excluded from underlying profit as an APM compared to statutory profit, it must initially meet at least one of the following criteria:

   --    It is unusual in nature, e.g. outside the normal course of business and operations. 
   --    It is a significant item, which may be recognised in more than one accounting period. 

-- It has been incurred as a result of either an acquisition, disposal or a company restructure process.

The Group uses the below APMs:

 
APM                        Equivalent IFRS measure   Definition and purpose 
-------------------------  ------------------------  ----------------------------------------------- 
Underlying profit          Statutory profit before   Calculated as profit before tax excluding 
 before tax                 tax                       income and expense categories that 
                                                      are deemed of a non-recurring nature 
                                                      or a non-cash operating item. It is 
                                                      considered by the Board to be an appropriate 
                                                      reflection of the Group's performance 
                                                      and considered appropriate for external 
                                                      analyst coverage and peer group benchmarking. 
                                                      See the Interim management report for 
                                                      a reconciliation of underlying profit 
                                                      before tax and statutory profit before 
                                                      tax and an explanation for each item 
                                                      excluded in underlying profit before 
                                                      tax. 
-------------------------  ------------------------  ----------------------------------------------- 
Underlying tax charge      Statutory tax charge      Calculated as the statutory tax charge, 
                                                      excluding the tax impact of the adjustments 
                                                      excluded from underlying profit. 
                                                      See Note 6 Taxation. 
-------------------------  ------------------------  ----------------------------------------------- 
Underlying earnings        Total comprehensive       Calculated as underlying profit before 
 / Underlying profit        income                    tax less the underlying tax charge. 
 after tax                                            See Note 8 for a reconciliation of 
                                                      underlying profit after tax and statutory 
                                                      profit after tax. 
-------------------------  ------------------------  ----------------------------------------------- 
Underlying profit          Statutory profit margin   Calculated as underlying profit before 
 margin before tax          before tax                tax over revenue for the period. This 
                                                      is another key metric assessed by the 
                                                      Board and appropriate for external 
                                                      analyst coverage and peer group benchmarking. 
-------------------------  ------------------------  ----------------------------------------------- 
Underlying basic earnings  Statutory basic earnings  Calculated as underlying profit after 
 per share                  per share                 tax divided by the weighted average 
                                                      number of shares in issue during the 
                                                      period. This is a key management incentive 
                                                      metric and is a measure used within 
                                                      the Group's remuneration schemes. 
                                                      See Note 8 Earnings per share. 
-------------------------  ------------------------  ----------------------------------------------- 
Underlying diluted         Statutory diluted         Calculated as underlying profit after 
 earnings per share         earnings per share        tax divided by the weighted average 
                                                      number of shares in issue during the 
                                                      period, including the dilutive impact 
                                                      of future share awards. This is a key 
                                                      management incentive metric and is 
                                                      a measure used within the Group's remuneration 
                                                      schemes. 
                                                      See Note 8 Earnings per share. 
-------------------------  ------------------------  ----------------------------------------------- 
Underlying costs           Statutory costs           Calculated as total administrative 
                                                      expenses, other net gains/(losses), 
                                                      finance income and finance costs and 
                                                      excluding income and expense categories 
                                                      that are deemed of a non-recurring 
                                                      nature or a non-cash operating item. 
                                                      This is a key measure used in calculating 
                                                      underlying profit before tax. 
                                                      See the Interim management report for 
                                                      details on underlying costs. 
-------------------------  ------------------------  ----------------------------------------------- 
Segmental underlying       Segmental statutory       Calculated as profit before tax excluding 
 profit before tax          profit before tax         income and expense categories that 
                                                      are deemed of a non-recurring nature 
                                                      or a non-cash operating item for each 
                                                      segment. 
                                                      See Note 3 Segmental information. 
-------------------------  ------------------------  ----------------------------------------------- 
Segmental underlying       Segmental statutory       Calculated as segmental underlying 
 profit before tax          profit before tax         profit before tax over segmental revenue. 
 margin                     margin 
-------------------------  ------------------------  ----------------------------------------------- 
 

Statement of Directors' responsibilities

The Directors confirm that the Interim Report and Accounts have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted by the European Union and that the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.7 and DTR 4.2.8, namely:

-- an indication of important events that have occurred during the first six months and their impact on the Condensed consolidated financial statements, and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the financial year; and

-- material related party transactions in the first six months and any material changes in the related party transactions described in the last Annual Report and Accounts.

The Directors of Brooks Macdonald Group plc are listed within Further information.

By order of the Board of Directors

Andrew Shepherd

CEO

1 March 2023

Independent review report to Brooks Macdonald Group plc

for the six months ended 31 December 2022

Report on the condensed consolidated interim financial statements

Our conclusion

We have reviewed Brooks Macdonald Group plc's condensed consolidated interim financial statements (the "interim financial statements") in the Interim Report and Accounts of Brooks Macdonald Group plc for the 6 month period ended 31 December 2022 (the "period").

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the interim financial statements are not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with UK adopted International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting' and the AIM Rules for Companies.

The interim financial statements comprise:

   --    the Condensed consolidated statement of financial position as at 31 December 2022; 
   --    the Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the period then ended; 
   --    the Condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the period then ended; 
   --    the Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity for the period then ended; and 
   --    the explanatory notes to the interim financial statements. 

The interim financial statements included in the Interim Report and Accounts of Brooks Macdonald Group plc have been prepared in accordance with UK adopted International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting' and the AIM Rules for Companies.

Basis for conclusion

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK) 2410, 'Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity' issued by the Financial Reporting Council for use in the United Kingdom ("ISRE (UK) 2410"). A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures.

A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) and, consequently, does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

We have read the other information contained in the Interim Report and Accounts for the six months period ended 31 December 2022 and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the interim financial statements.

Conclusions relating to going concern

Based on our review procedures, which are less extensive than those performed in an audit as described in the Basis for conclusion section of this report, nothing has come to our attention to suggest that the directors have inappropriately adopted the going concern basis of accounting or that the directors have identified material uncertainties relating to going concern that are not appropriately disclosed. This conclusion is based on the review procedures performed in accordance with ISRE (UK) 2410. However, future events or conditions may cause the group to cease to continue as a going concern.

Responsibilities for the interim financial statements and the review

Our responsibilities and those of the directors

The Interim Report and Accounts for the six months period ended 31 December 2022, including the interim financial statements, is the responsibility of, and has been approved by the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the Interim Report and Accounts for the six months period ended 31 December 2022 in accordance with the AIM Rules for Companies which require that the financial information must be presented and prepared in a form consistent with that which will be adopted in the company's annual financial statements. In preparing the Interim Report and Accounts for the six months period ended 31 December 2022, including the interim financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the group'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 to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Our responsibility is to express a conclusion on the interim financial statements in the Interim Report and Accounts for the six months period ended 31 December 2022 based on our review. Our conclusion, including our Conclusions relating to going concern, is based on procedures that are less extensive than audit procedures, as described in the Basis for conclusion paragraph of this report. This report, including the conclusion, has been prepared for and only for the company for the purpose of complying with the AIM Rules for Companies and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving this conclusion, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Chartered Accountants

London

1 March 2023

Further information

Directors

 
Richard Price    Acting Chairman 
Andrew Shepherd  CEO 
Robert Burgess   Non-Executive Director 
Dagmar Kershaw   Non-Executive Director 
John Linwood     Non-Executive Director 
 

Financial calendar

 
Interim results announced         2 March 2023 
Ex-dividend date for interim      9 March 2023 
 dividend 
Record date for interim dividend  10 March 2023 
Payment date of interim dividend  6 April 2023 
 

Company information

 
Secretary                     Phil Naylor 
Company registration number   04402058 
Registered office             21 Lombard Street, London, EC3V 9AH 
Website                       www.brooksmacdonald.com 
 

Cautionary statement

The Interim Report and Accounts for the six months ended 31 December 2022 has been prepared to provide information to shareholders to assess the current position and future potential of the Group. The Interim Report and Accounts contains certain forward-looking statements concerning the Group's financial condition, operations and business opportunities. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could impact the actual results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, dividend policy and the development of the industry in which the Group operates and differ materially from the impression created by the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement is made using the best information available to the Directors at the time of their approval of this report. Past performance cannot be relied on as a guide to future performance.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

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END

IR EAFDFEFFDEAA

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

March 02, 2023 02:00 ET (07:00 GMT)

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