The directors present the strategic report for the year ended 31 December 2024.
The principal activity of Sulmara Subsea International Limited (the ”company”) is that of a holding company. The group comprises Sulmara Subsea International Limited and all of its subsidiaries ("the group"). The principal activity of the group is the provision of offshore survey and inspection services to the energy and utility industries. The group drives the decarbonisation of offshore services through the development and use of innovative technologies and methodologies, delivering data products with a focus on lower carbon impact solutions in the core markets of site characterisation, offshore construction support and operations & maintenance investigations.
Our rapid growth and success to date has come from using expertise and technology to provide more efficient survey services with a lower carbon footprint to a wide range of global clients, reducing their operational and financial risk. Our business recognises that political instability, the need for domestic energy security and the motivation of energy companies and governments around the world to reduce their CO2 footprint supports our growth ambitions in the energy sector worldwide. Our use of innovative technologies throughout the lifecycle of offshore project development enables organizations to expedite their position to become carbon neutral ahead of the 2050 COP 26 targets.
Our service delivery is supported by 244 staff (2023: 179) across regional bases in the UK, the United States and Asia-Pacific region. As our greatest asset, these individuals are selected for their expertise and alignment with our values, and we empower all our staff to think differently to help deliver the company’s vision. This competence and robust organizational processes allow the group to deliver safe and efficient projects for our clients to the same exacting standards wherever we work in the world. Building long term relationships with our key clients allows us to mature new technologies and continually add value to their projects.
During the year the group delivered turnover of $76.2m which is an increase of 23% on previous year (2023: $61.8m). The significant growth was achieved by organic expansion in the Americas and AsiaPac regions.
The group is exposed to various risks which are monitored by the board. Appropriate processes are put in place to periodically review and mitigate key business risks. The key business risks which affect the group are set out below:
(a) to finance its operations
(b) to manage its exposure to interest and currency risks arising from its operations and from its sources of finance; and
(c) for trading purposes.
Interest rate risk
The group monitors interest rates closely in order to minimise the potential exposure it has to any interest rate movements. During the year, the group entered into new loan agreements with its main shareholders which provide a fixed rate of interest of 14% until 2033.
Credit risk
The group provides credit to most of its customers and is therefore exposed to the usual credit risk and cash flow risk associated with this form of trading. These risks are managed through ongoing credit control procedures and a broad diversification of client portfolio.
Liquidity risk
The liquidity risk is managed by cash flow forecasting. During the year, there was significant investment into the group and post year end, there has been additional investment into the group which the directors believe is sufficient to maintain liquidity and support the growth of the business. This also provides further mitigation against liquidity risk.
Currency rate risk
The group's activities expose it to the risk of fluctuating foreign exchange rates. This risk is mitigated by forecasting the potential exposures across the group and matching the projected revenues and costs in each currency.
The group uses a range of financial indicators to monitor the group's performance over time. The directors consider turnover, gross profit and adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) to be key performance indicators. These are set out below:
| 2024 | 2023 |
|
| $’000 | $’000 | %change |
Turnover | 76,182 | 61,815 | +23% |
Gross profit | 21,167 | 15,913 | +33% |
EBITDA (adj.) | 2,894 | 3,270 | -11% |
The directors consider the employees to be the group’s most valuable asset and ensures they are kept informed of performance, progress and developments through regular briefings with management.
During the year, the directors considered the impact of their decisions on the workforce when reviewing the group’s strategy, operating model and significant business initiatives. The directors received updates on workforce matters, including health and safety, diversity and inclusion, talent development and employee engagement, and took these into account when assessing the long-term consequences of key decisions.
The directors seek to promote an open and inclusive culture and to maintain effective channels of communication with employees across the group, recognising the importance of a motivated and skilled workforce in delivering sustainable long-term performance.
Customers are critical to the group’s success with strong relationships maintained through regular interactions to better understand both current and future requirements. This ensures we continue to provide a market leading service whilst working to the same core values, safety and quality standards.
The directors consider the need to foster effective relationships with suppliers when making decisions, taking into account supply chain resilience, ethical standards and long-term value. The directors seek to maintain fair and responsible supplier relationships that support the group’s strategy and reputation.
The directors recognise that maintaining the confidence of the group’s investors and lenders is critical to the long-term success of the business. In making decisions, the directors seek to balance the delivery of sustainable long-term returns to investors with the need to maintain an appropriate capital structure and a resilient balance sheet.
The directors seek to act fairly between investors and to communicate transparently with investors and lenders through regular reporting and engagement, supporting informed decision-making and confidence in the group’s governance and financial stewardship.
On behalf of the board
The directors present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.
The group is committed to increased investment in new technology that will allow us to deliver world-class services to support the entire offshore energy sector at a lower carbon cost. Our focus is on driving efficiency through a combination of next generation uncrewed delivery platforms including USV’s and AUV’s hosting advanced sensor technology payloads, developed in-house and alongside industry leading technology partners, to produce the data products our clients need faster and at a much reduced financial and carbon cost than traditional manned vessel solutions.
The results for the year are set out on page 11.
No ordinary dividends were paid (2023: $nil). The directors do not recommend payment of dividends at this stage.
The directors who held office during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were as follows:
The group continues to invest in research and development as demonstrated by the increase in development costs capitalised as intangible assets. These will improve and expand the range of offshore survey and inspection services which we offer to the market which will benefit the group in the medium to long term.
On 18 December 2025, new loan notes of £3,865,000 were issued by BGF Investments LP and BGF UK Enterprise Fund 3 LP, which are subject to interest at 14% per annum with only interest due to commence being repaid from December 2026. These new loan notes are repayable at the same time as the previous loan notes. On this date, they also elected to exercise share warrants for additional C Ordinary Shares.
On 18 December 2025, a short-term loan and interest owed to a related party were settled with the related party choosing to reinvest with a new loan note of £1,135,000, which is subject to interest at 14% per with only interest due to commence being repaid from December 2026. These new loan notes are repayable at the same time as the previous loan notes. On this date, they also elected to exercise share warrants for additional A Ordinary Shares.
The auditor, Azets Audit Services, is deemed to be reappointed under section 487(2) of the Companies Act 2006.
We fully recognise our responsibility to protect the environment and we have a strong environmental policy, objectives and guidelines in place which we review and update regularly. The Company complies with all regulations covering the processing and disposal of toxic & non-toxic waste and uses qualified licensed contractors for the collection and disposal of waste where appropriate. We make every effort to keep our neighbours in the local community safe from any potential harm caused by our activities by closely managing our emissions and waste.
UK energy use
During the reporting period, the Company used a total of 3,310,921.7 kWh of energy and emitted a total of 1,726.3 tonnes of CO2e which is categorised as follows:
Scope 1 | kWh | km | Tonnes of CO2e |
Transport (owned and controlled) | 3,196,445.3 | N/A | 895.5 |
Scope 2 |
|
|
|
Purchased Electricity | 84,853.6 | N/A | 17.6 (7.7 from renewable sources) |
Scope 3 |
|
|
|
Transport (fuel associated with employee travel by air) | N/A | 4,753,470.0 | 776.2 |
Waste (Office and Vessel) | 8229.4 | N/A | 3.97 |
Capital Goods | 21,393.4 | N/A | 11.4 |
Downstream Transportation | N/A | 144,292.7 | 21.6 |
Total | 3,310,921.7 | 4,753,470.0 | 1,726.3 |
Due to this being the first year of reporting, there are no prior year figures available.
Energy Efficiency
We are committed to energy efficiency and have several policies in place to minimise negative impacts on the environment such as promotion of more sustainable travel, decreasing energy usage by implementing energy saving measures and purchasing from renewable energy providers where possible. This year the Company introduced the following energy efficiency activities:
Training on environmental awareness and ESG to educate and change behaviours both in onshore and offshore environments.
Regular maintenance programmes to ensure equipment and machinery operate efficiently.
Purchase of an electric forklift for use in our warehouse and van for use in downstream transportation.
Introduction of Cycle to Work scheme for all staff.
Switching to a REGO backed 100% green energy tariff.
Introduction of an electric car scheme to encourage staff to reduce carbon emissions when travelling.
Moved premises to a building with an EPC rating of A including motion sensor LED lighting.
Introduction of a Carbon Neutrality Management Plan, and a roadmap with targets up to 2045.
Upgrade of a multi-purpose offshore supply vessel with more sustainable equipment which enhances operational efficiency thus lowering emissions. Use of Remote Autonomous Vehicles in operations which lowers project emissions due to the remote operation and battery usage.
Intensity ratio
During the reporting period, the Company emitted an intensity ratio of:
tCO2e/ Full time employee: 43.2 (1726.3/40 (average headcount over year 2024 for Glasgow and Aberdeen added together))
tCO2e/£m turnover (UK/Europe): 69.6 (1726.3/24.8 £million)
Methodology and Conversion Factors
Standards Used
World Resources Institute (WRI) and The GHG Protocol: A Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard (March 2004) have been utilised as the framework for the quantification of our Carbon Footprint.
Data on energy use, travel, transport, procurement of IT and waste have been converted into tCO2e emissions using recognised GHG Protocol consistent emission factors for 2023/2024 provided by the UK Government Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. For the first half of the year, emissions were calculated using 2023 DEFRA Conversion factors and for the second half, emissions were calculated using 2024 DEFRA Conversion factors due to when this information was communicated. Individual GHG’s have been reported as tonnes equivalent of carbon dioxide in this instance. This standardised methodology has been adopted so all individual GHG’s can be determined or measured as a single unit.
Calculations
Capital Goods
The main categories that are purchased and therefore will be reported are monitors, laptops and PC's/Towers. The SIC Multipliers 2020 datasheet, gives the kgCO2 per £ spent on a particular product or service. Using the electrical equipment conversion (from SIC Multipliers datasheet) and the amount spent on each category, the carbon footprint of each product can be calculated.
Ratings, taken from product datasheets, used to work out kWh of each category:
Monitors: (38W*8hrs)/1000 = 0.304 kWh Laptops: (65W*8hrs)/1000 = 0.52 kWh PCs: (250W*8hrs)/1000 = 2kWh
Transport
For Scope 1 transport (fuel owned or controlled) data:
Van - data is provided in litres from fuel card provider then converted to kWh using a unit converter for diesel and used 9.5 as the average unit converter from litres to kWh.
Vessels (Marine Gas Oil – MGO) - data is provided in litres then converted to kWh using 9.5 as the unit converter of litres to kWh.
For Scope 3 transport (business travel by air & downstream transportation) the data is provided in km travelled and converted to tCO2e using UK GHG conversion factors and only carbon emissions were reported for these categories.
Waste
Data includes general waste, recycling, operational wastes (including hazardous waste) and biodegradable waste from offices and vessels, sourced in kgs/tonnes then converted to kWh.
Boundaries
Carbon footprints are generally defined in relation to two boundaries: the organisational boundary and the operational boundary. The organisational boundary was used to set out which assets are to be included in the footprint and how any shared assets will be accounted for e.g. office spaces Aberdeen and Glasgow. The operational boundary sets out the emission sources included in our footprint and includes all Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions (e.g. company owned/controlled vehicles and purchased electricity consumption). Scope 3 emissions (e.g. waste, IT and business travel e.g. by air) are considered discretionary but are included where data is available. The categories included and excluded from the 2024 carbon footprint baseline for the organisation are shown below.
Inclusions & Exclusions
The Company’s SECR disclosures include Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions for UK operations over which it has operational control. Scope 1 emissions comprise fuel consumed by Company-owned fleet vehicles. Fugitive emissions from refrigerant gases have been excluded from Scope 1 as the necessary data is not currently available; this exclusion is not considered material to the overall emissions profile. Scope 2 emissions include indirect emissions arising from the generation of purchased electricity consumed in the Company’s buildings. No material exclusions have been made from Scope 2 emissions.
As disclosed above, there has been additional investment in the group made by shareholders after the reporting date to support the group's short-term working capital position.
Assurances have been obtained by the group from its shareholders, BGF Investments LP and BGF UK Enterprise Fund 3 LP, that they remain supportive of the group and will consider providing additional investment if required in the next 12 months to allow the group to continue as a going concern but do not currently consider that this is required based on the latest forecasts. They have also confirmed that they have no intention to seek early repayment of any long-term amounts due or seeking repayment of any short-term funding provided to the detriment of other creditors.
As with any group or company placing reliance on shareholders for financial support, the directors acknowledge that there can be no certainty that this will continue although, at the date of approval of these financial statements, they have no reason to believe that this support will not continue for a period of at least 12 months from the date of approval of the financial statements.
On that basis, and along with recent results and forecasts, the directors have a reasonable expectation that it is appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in the preparation of the financial statements and are confident that the group and company will have sufficient funds to continue to meet their liabilities as they fall due for at least 12 months from the date of approval of the financial statements.
We have audited the financial statements of Sulmara Subsea International Limited (the 'parent company') and its subsidiaries (the 'group') for the year ended 31 December 2024 which comprise the group statement of comprehensive income, the group balance sheet, the company balance sheet, the group statement of changes in equity, the company statement of changes in equity, the group statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Basis for opinion
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the group's and parent company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other information
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit:
The information given in the strategic report and the directors' report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
The strategic report and the directors' report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.
Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above and on the Financial Reporting Council’s website, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud.
We obtain and update our understanding of the entity, its activities, its control environment, and likely future developments, including in relation to the legal and regulatory framework applicable and how the entity is complying with that framework. Based on this understanding, we identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. This includes consideration of the risk of acts by the entity that were contrary to applicable laws and regulations, including fraud.
In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, including fraud, we designed procedures which included:
Enquiry of management and those charged with governance around actual and potential litigation and claims as well as actual, suspected and alleged fraud;
Reviewing minutes of meetings of those charged with governance;
Assessing the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations considered to have a direct material effect on the financial statements or the operations of the entity through enquiry and inspection;
Reviewing financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
Performing audit work over the risk of management bias and override of controls, including testing of journal entries and other adjustments for appropriateness, evaluating the business rationale of significant transactions outside the normal course of business and reviewing accounting estimates for indicators of potential bias.
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
As permitted by s408 Companies Act 2006, the company has not presented its own profit and loss account and related notes. The company’s loss for the year was $2,946,367 (2023: $1,553,918 loss).
Sulmara Subsea International Limited (“the company”) is a private limited company domiciled and incorporated in Scotland. The registered office is 28 Albyn Place, Aberdeen, United Kingdom, AB10 1YL. The principal place of business of the company is Pavillion 11, Kingshill Park, Venture Drive, Westhill, Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom, AB32 6FL. The company's registered number is SC602514.
The group consists of Sulmara Subsea International Limited and all of its subsidiaries.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
The financial statements are prepared in United States dollars, which is the functional currency of the group. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest $ 000.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
The company is a qualifying entity for the purposes of FRS 102, being a member of a group where the parent of that group prepares publicly available consolidated financial statements, including this company, which are intended to give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the group. The company has therefore taken advantage of exemptions from the following disclosure requirements for parent company information presented within the consolidated financial statements:
Section 7 ‘Statement of Cash Flows’: Presentation of a statement of cash flow and related notes and disclosures;
Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instrument Issues: Interest income/expense and net gains/losses for financial instruments not measured at fair value; basis of determining fair values; details of collateral, loan defaults or breaches, details of hedges, hedging fair value changes recognised in profit or loss and in other comprehensive income;
Section 26 ‘Share based Payment’: Share-based payment expense charged to profit or loss, reconciliation of opening and closing number and weighted average exercise price of share options, how the fair value of options granted was measured, measurement and carrying amount of liabilities for cash-settled share-based payments, explanation of modifications to arrangements;
Section 33 ‘Related Party Disclosures’: Compensation for key management personnel.
The consolidated group financial statements consist of the financial statements of the parent company Sulmara Subsea International Limited together with all entities controlled by the parent company (its subsidiaries) and the group’s share of its interests in joint ventures and associates.
All financial statements are made up to 31 December 2024. Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies used into line with those used by other members of the group.
All intra-group transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between group companies are eliminated on consolidation. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred.
Subsidiaries are consolidated in the group’s financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases.
Entities in which the group holds an interest and which are jointly controlled by the group and one or more other venturers under a contractual arrangement are treated as joint ventures. Entities other than subsidiary undertakings or joint ventures, in which the group has a participating interest and over whose operating and financial policies the group exercises a significant influence, are treated as associates.
Investments in joint ventures and associates are carried in the group balance sheet at cost plus post-acquisition changes in the group’s share of the net assets of the entity, less any impairment in value. The carrying values of investments in joint ventures and associates include acquired goodwill.
If the group’s share of losses in a joint venture or associate equals or exceeds its investment in the joint venture or associate, the group does not recognise further losses unless it has incurred obligations to do so or has made payments on behalf of the joint venture or associate.
Unrealised gains arising from transactions with joint ventures and associates are eliminated to the extent of the group’s interest in the entity.
As disclosed in the events after the reporting date note, there has been additional investment in the group made by shareholders after the reporting date to support the group's short-term working capital position.
Assurances have been obtained by the group from its shareholders, BGF Investments LP and BGF UK Enterprise Fund 3 LP, that they remain supportive of the group and will consider providing additional investment if required in the next 12 months to allow the group to continue as a going concern but do not currently consider that this is required based on the latest forecasts. They have also confirmed that they have no intention to seek early repayment of any long-term amounts due or seeking repayment of any short-term funding provided to the detriment of other creditors.
As with any group or company placing reliance on shareholders for financial support, the directors acknowledge that there can be no certainty that this will continue although, at the date of approval of these financial statements, they have no reason to believe that this support will not continue for a period of at least 12 months from the date of approval of the financial statements.
On that basis, and along with recent results and forecasts, the directors have a reasonable expectation that it is appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in the preparation of the financial statements and are confident that the group and company will have sufficient funds to continue to meet their liabilities as they fall due for at least 12 months from the date of approval of the financial statements.
Turnover is recognised at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for goods and services provided in the normal course of business, and is shown net of VAT and other sales related taxes. The fair value of consideration takes into account trade discounts, settlement discounts and volume rebates.
When cash inflows are deferred and represent a financing arrangement, the fair value of the consideration is the present value of the future receipts. The difference between the fair value of the consideration and the nominal amount received is recognised as interest income.
Revenue from contracts for the provision of professional services is recognised by reference to the stage of completion when the stage of completion, costs incurred and costs to complete can be estimated reliably. The stage of completion is calculated by comparing costs incurred, mainly in relation to contractual hourly staff rates and materials, as a proportion of total costs. Where the outcome cannot be estimated reliably, revenue is recognised only to the extent of the expenses recognised that it is probable will be recovered.
Research expenditure is written off against profits in the year in which it is incurred. Identifiable development expenditure is capitalised to the extent that the technical, commercial and financial feasibility can be demonstrated.
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the profit and loss account.
Equity investments are measured at fair value through profit or loss, except for those equity investments that are not publicly traded and whose fair value cannot otherwise be measured reliably, which are recognised at cost less impairment until a reliable measure of fair value becomes available.
In the parent company financial statements, investments in subsidiaries, associates and jointly controlled entities are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses.
A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the group. Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.
An associate is an entity, being neither a subsidiary nor a joint venture, in which the company holds a long-term interest and where the company has significant influence. The group considers that it has significant influence where it has the power to participate in the financial and operating decisions of the associate.
Investments in associates are initially recognised at the transaction price (including transaction costs) and are subsequently adjusted to reflect the group’s share of the profit or loss, other comprehensive income and equity of the associate using the equity method. Any difference between the cost of acquisition and the share of the fair value of the net identifiable assets of the associate on acquisition is recognised as goodwill. Any unamortised balance of goodwill is included in the carrying value of the investment in associates.
Losses in excess of the carrying amount of an investment in an associate are recorded as a provision only when the company has incurred legal or constructive obligations or has made payments on behalf of the associate.
In the parent company financial statements, investments in associates are accounted for at cost less impairment.
Entities in which the group has a long term interest and shares control under a contractual arrangement are classified as jointly controlled entities.
At each reporting period end date, the group reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the company estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.
The carrying amount of the investments accounted for using the equity method is tested for impairment as a single asset. Any goodwill included in the carrying amount of the investment is not tested separately for impairment.
Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.
If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease.
Recognised impairment losses are reversed if, and only if, the reasons for the impairment loss have ceased to apply. Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset (or cash-generating unit) in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the reversal of the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation increase.
The group has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the group's balance sheet when the group becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amounts presented in the financial statements when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Other financial assets, including investments in equity instruments which are not subsidiaries, associates or joint ventures, are initially measured at fair value, which is normally the transaction price. Such assets are subsequently carried at fair value and the changes in fair value are recognised in profit or loss, except that investments in equity instruments that are not publicly traded and whose fair values cannot be measured reliably are measured at cost less impairment.
Financial assets, other than those held at fair value through profit and loss, are assessed for indicators of impairment at each reporting end date.
Financial assets are impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash flows have been affected. If an asset is impaired, the impairment loss is the difference between the carrying amount and the present value of the estimated cash flows discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate. The impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss.
If there is a decrease in the impairment loss arising from an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the impairment is reversed. The reversal is such that the current carrying amount does not exceed what the carrying amount would have been, had the impairment not previously been recognised. The impairment reversal is recognised in profit or loss.
Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled, or when the group transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to another entity, or if some significant risks and rewards of ownership are retained but control of the asset has transferred to another party that is able to sell the asset in its entirety to an unrelated third party.
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the group after deducting all of its liabilities.
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors, bank loans, loans from fellow group companies and preference shares that are classified as debt, are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the group's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
Equity instruments issued by the group are recorded at the proceeds received, net of transaction costs. Dividends payable on equity instruments are recognised as liabilities once they are no longer at the discretion of the group.
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.
The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the profit and loss account because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The group’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting end date.
Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all timing differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the timing difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the tax profit nor the accounting profit.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting end date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the profit and loss account, except when it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset if, and only if, there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to taxes levied by the same tax authority.
The costs of short-term employee benefits are recognised as a liability and an expense, unless those costs are required to be recognised as part of the cost of stock or fixed assets.
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the company is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
Equity-settled share-based payments are measured at fair value at the date of grant by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments granted using the Black-Scholes model. As the holders of the options are employed by a subsidiary, the fair value determined at the grant date is capitalised within additions on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the estimate of shares that will eventually vest. A corresponding adjustment is made to equity.
The expense in relation to options over the parent company’s shares granted to employees of a subsidiary is recognised by the company as a capital contribution, and presented as an increase in the company’s investment in that subsidiary.
When the terms and conditions of equity-settled share-based payments at the time they were granted are subsequently modified, the fair value of the share-based payment under the original terms and conditions and under the modified terms and conditions are both determined at the date of the modification. Any excess of the modified fair value over the original fair value is recognised over the remaining vesting period in addition to the grant date fair value of the original share-based payment. The share-based payment expense is not adjusted if the modified fair value is less than the original fair value.
Cancellations or settlements (including those resulting from employee redundancies) are treated as an acceleration of vesting and the amount that would have been recognised over the remaining vesting period is recognised immediately.
Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessees. All other leases are classified as operating leases.
Assets held under finance leases are recognised as assets at the lower of the assets fair value at the date of inception and the present value of the minimum lease payments. The related liability is included in the balance sheet as a finance lease obligation. Lease payments are treated as consisting of capital and interest elements. The interest is charged to profit or loss so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.
Rentals payable under operating leases, including any lease incentives received, are charged to profit or loss on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease except where another more systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leased asset are consumed.
Government grants are recognised at the fair value of the asset received or receivable when there is reasonable assurance that the grant conditions will be met and the grants will be received.
A grant that specifies performance conditions is recognised in income when the performance conditions are met. Where a grant does not specify performance conditions it is recognised in income when the proceeds are received or receivable. A grant received before the recognition criteria are satisfied is recognised as a liability.
Transactions in currencies other than pounds sterling are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing at the dates of the transactions. At each reporting end date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the reporting end date. Gains and losses arising on translation in the period are included in profit or loss.
Interest payable
Interest payable is recognised using the effective interest rate method. In calculating interest payable, the effective interest rate is applied to the amortised cost of the liability.
Interest receivable
Interest receivable is recognised using the effective interest rate method. In calculating interest receivable, the effective interest rate is applied to the gross carrying amount of the asset where the asset has not been impaired. For financial assets that have been impaired after initial recognition, interest income is calculated by applying the effective interest rate to the amortised cost of the financial asset. If the asset is no longer impaired the interest income calculation reverts to the gross carrying amount.
In the application of the group’s accounting policies, the directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
The estimates and assumptions which have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities are as follows.
At the balance sheet date management makes an assessment of the carrying value and existence of the intangible assets by considering various factors including the feasibility and commerciality of the systems being developed and their capacity to generate future revenue streams to the Group. Management believe that the value of all development costs included in note 11 can be upheld due to future revenue forecasted to flow to the Group. The existence of the development costs is based on expenditure which is capitalised in line with FRS 102 and supported by appropriate back up retained by management.
The total amount of trade debtors at the balance sheet date is $12,885k (2023: $11,630k) and the total amount of loans receivable (including accrued interest) at the balance sheet date is $12,326k (2023: $10,929k). Management use estimates based on historical experience and current information available in determining the level of any debts for which an impairment is required. The level of the impairment required is reviewed on an ongoing basis.
At the grant date, management make an estimate of the fair value of the share options granted using a Black-Scholes model, the period over which these options are most likely to vest, and the number of options which will ultimately be exercised by the holders of the options. This is based on recent transactions in the company's share capital and management's judgement over retention of key employees and a future vesting event.
The whole of turnover is attributable to the rendering of services.
The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the group and company during the year was:
Their aggregate remuneration comprised:
The actual charge for the year can be reconciled to the expected (credit)/charge for the year based on the profit or loss and the standard rate of tax as follows:
Details of the company's subsidiaries at 31 December 2024 are as follows:
Amounts included in loans receivable of $12,326,434 (£9,808,390) (2023: $10,929,340 (£8,585,297)) relates to three loans and accrued interest to the same company. Loan 1 is subject to interest at 18% and loans 2 & 3 are subject to interest at 15%. All loans are subject to additional interest of 5% on outstanding balances not paid before their due date. These loans were due for repayment in April 2022, however this was extended on a repayment on demand basis as the parties renegotiated the terms of the loans.
In April 2025 the parties agreed to an amount of £6,700,000 being repaid to the company with the remaining £3,600,000 being refinanced under a new loan agreement. This new loan agreement is subject to interest at 14% and is due for repayment by 31 March 2026.
The directors are satisfied that the remaining amounts will be repaid in full.
The bank loan is repayable in monthly instalments and is subject to interest at 2.5%. The final repayment is due to be made in December 2026.
Within bank loans and overdrafts there is an invoice finance facility with a balance of $496,258 at the year end (2023: $nil). The invoice finance facility is secured against the customer invoices to which it relates.
The obligations under finance leases are secured against the asset to which they relate.
In March 2023, the capital, interest and arrangement fees outstanding on all loans owed to a related party were novated to be owed to another related party connected to the original lender. The loans were then novated from Sulmara Subsea Limited to Sulmara Subsea International Limited so that the parent company became the borrower. After completion of the novations, the revised loan of $8,794,835 (£7,293,655) was agreed between Sulmara Subsea International Limited and the lender which represents the outstanding capital, accrued interest and unpaid arrangement fees at the date of the agreement of the loans owed to the related party. This loan was subject to interest at 12% per annum above the Bank of England Base Rate and was due for repayment in full, including all interest and arrangement fees, on 31 March 2024. As a result of this new agreement, the lender held a bond and floating charge over Sulmara Subsea Limited as well as a warrant instrument which allowed the lender the option to acquire further shares in Sulmara Subsea International Limited at a fixed exercise price. This loan was subsequently extended to allow for the completion of the investment and refinancing exercise which completed on 25 November 2024. This exercise repaid the amount owed to the related party with the new loan notes agreed between the parties not commencing repayment until 30 June 2030. At 31 December 2023, amounts included in other borrowings of $10,780,559 (£8,468,425) relates to this loan and accrued interest prior to the completion of the refinancing and investment exercise.
Within other creditors at 31 December 2024 are unsecured loans of $539,622 (2023: $1,025,000). The amount outstanding at 31 December 2024 does not accrue interest and is repayable on demand. In the prior year $425,000 of the unsecured loans were from shareholders which were fully repaid on 31 May 2024 and 29 November 2024. Both loans were subject to a fixed interest rate of 20% per annum. There were also $600,000 of unsecured loans from third parties at 31 December 2023 which were subject to a fixed interest rate of 25% per annum. These were repaid in full on 31 May 2024, 23 July 2024, and 29 November 2024.
The bank loan is repayable in monthly instalments and is subject to interest at 2.5%. The final repayment is due to be made in December 2026.
The obligations under finance leases are secured against the asset to which they relate.
Amounts included in other borrowings of $17,206,541 (£13,691,589) relates to loan notes issued by shareholders of £13,500,000 and the associated accrued interest. All of the loan notes are subject to interest at 14% per annum and are not due to commence being repaid until 30 June 2030.
Finance lease payments represent rentals payable by the company or group for certain items of plant and machinery. Leases include purchase options at the end of the lease period, and no restrictions are placed on the use of the assets. All leases are on a fixed repayment basis and no arrangements have been entered into for contingent rental payments.
The bank loan is repayable in monthly instalments and is subject to interest at 2.5%. The final repayment is due to be made in December 2026.
The invoice finance facility is secured against the customer invoices to which it relates.
In March 2023, the capital, interest and arrangement fees outstanding on all loans owed to a related party were novated to be owed to another related party connected to the original lender. The loans were then novated from Sulmara Subsea Limited to Sulmara Subsea International Limited so that the parent company became the borrower. After completion of the novations, the revised loan of $8,794,835 (£7,293,655) was agreed between Sulmara Subsea International Limited and the lender which represents the outstanding capital, accrued interest and unpaid arrangement fees at the date of the agreement of the loans owed to the related party. This loan was subject to interest at 12% per annum above the Bank of England Base Rate and was due for repayment in full, including all interest and arrangement fees, on 31 March 2024. As a result of this new agreement, the lender held a bond and floating charge over Sulmara Subsea Limited as well as a warrant instrument which allowed the lender the option to acquire further shares in Sulmara Subsea International Limited at a fixed exercise price. This loan was subsequently extended to allow for the completion of the investment and refinancing exercise which completed on 25 November 2024. This exercise repaid the amount owed to the related party with the new loan notes agreed between the parties not commencing repayment until 30 June 2030. At 31 December 2023, amounts included in other borrowings of $10,780,559 (£8,468,425) relates to this loan and accrued interest prior to the completion of the refinancing and investment exercise.
Amounts included in other borrowings of $17,206,541 (£13,691,589) relates to loan notes issued by shareholders of £13,500,000 and the associated accrued interest. All of the loan notes are subject to interest at 14% per annum and are not due to commence being repaid until 30 June 2030.
The following are the major deferred tax liabilities and assets recognised by the group and company, and movements thereon:
Defined contribution pension schemes are operated for all qualifying employees of the group. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the group in an independently administered fund.
There are no employees of the company and no pension schemes operated by the company.
During the prior year, 2,704 Ordinary B shares were repurchased by the company at a price of $1.00 per share. This resulted in a decrease of $2,161 to share premium.
During the year, 1,295 Ordinary B shares were repurchased by the company at a price of $1.00 per share and subsequently cancelled. A further 12,000 B Ordinary shares were then alloted and purchased at a price of $1.00 per share.
On 25 November 2024 the company and its investors signed an agreement with BGF Investment Management Limited whereby BGF Investments LP and BGF UK Enterprise Fund 3 LP acquired a portion of the A and B Ordinary Shares of the company. A portion of B Ordinary Shares were also acquired by management. On completion of the agreement, all of the A Ordinary and B Ordinary shares acquired by the parties above were redesignated as C1 Ordinary Shares. On this date, an existing shareholder also exercised a warrant to acquire an additional 10,081 A Ordinary shares.
The Group's Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) scheme, which was introduced during 2020, provides for certain employees to exercise B Ordinary share options in the future if certain conditions are met. At 31 December 2024, the maximum number of B Ordinary shares exercisable under the EMI scheme, from awards made to employees, was 93,025 (2023: 36,625). The exercise price for 22,900 (2023: 22,900) of the options granted is $1.00 per share, for a further 13,725 (2023: 13,725) the exercise price is £3.35 per share, and for the remaining balance of 56,400 (2023: nil) options granted the exercise price is £3.20.
Details of the share based payment arrangements are as follows:
At the reporting end date the group had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:
On 18 December 2025, new loan notes of £3,865,000 were issued by BGF Investments LP and BGF UK Enterprise Fund 3 LP, which are subject to interest at 14% per annum with only interest due to commence being repaid from December 2026. These new loan notes are repayable at the same time as the previous loan notes. On this date, they also elected to exercise share warrants for additional C Ordinary Shares.
On 18 December 2025, a short-term loan and interest owed to a related party were settled with the related party choosing to reinvest with a new loan note of £1,135,000, which is subject to interest at 14% per with only interest due to commence being repaid from December 2026. These new loan notes are repayable at the same time as the previous loan notes. On this date, they also elected to exercise share warrants for additional A Ordinary Shares.
At 31 December 2023, a balance of $10,780,559 (£8,468,425) relates to a loan and accrued interest with a related party. This loan was subject to interest at 12% per annum above the Bank of England Base Rate. The transactions during the prior year with the related party were the repayment of loan capital of $1,654,939 (£1,300,000) the issue of loans including arrangement fees of $9,470,742 (£7,439,528) and the accrual of interest payable of $1,512,643 (£1,188,223). During the current financial year, further interest of $1,330,642 (£1,057,185) accrued on the loan. On 25 November 2024, the capital and all accrued interest on this loan were settled with the related party electing to reinvest in the group with a new loan note of £1,500,000. This loan is subject to interest at 14% per annum. During the year, $26,794 (£21,288) of interest accrued on this loan and the year end balance owed to the related party was $1,911,838 (£1,521,288).
During the prior year, the final repayment on a short-term, unsecured, and interest free loan of $100,000 was made to a related party. No balance remains outstanding on this loan in the current or prior year balance sheets presented.