Dedicated to People
Shaping Better Places
Annual Report and Accounts Report 2008
Supporta plc
3 Kingmaker Court, 
Warwick Technology Park, 
Warwick, CV34 6UT
t 01926 516600 
f 01926 516699
w www.supportaplc.com 
e betterlives@supportaplc.com
Supporta plc Annual Report and Accounts Report 2008 Supporta plc  – Annual Report & Accounts 2008
The Directors’ Report on pages 18 to 20 have been drawn up in accordance with the requirements of English law and liability in respect thereof is also governed by English 
law. In particular, the responsibility of the Directors for these reports is owed solely to Supporta plc. 
The Directors submit to the members their annual report and financial statements of the Group for the year ended 31 March 2008. Pages 1 to 16 and page 77, including the 
Financial Highlights, Chairman’s Statement, Financial Director’s Report, Corporate Governance Statement, Company Information and Directors’ Report form part of the 
Report of the Directors. 
Supporta Care provides support to elderly, frail and 
disabled people in the UK to allow them to continue 
living in their own home in comfort with dignity.
Supporta Professional Services provides partnership, 
support and technology services to leading public and 
private sector organisations across the UK.
Each day the work we undertake has a 
profound impact on the quality of life  
for the people our services touch.
Contents
Financial Highlights 1
Supporta Care  2
Professional Services 4
Timeline 6
Chairman’s Statement 8
Chief Executive’s Report  10
Finance Director’s Report  13
Board of Directors 16
Directors’ Report 18
Corporate Governance Statement 21
Report of the Independent Auditor 23
Consolidated Income Statement 24
Consolidated Statement of  
Recognised Income and Expense 25
Consolidated Balance Sheet 26
Consolidated Cashflow Statement 27
Accounting Policies – Group 28
Notes to the Condensed  
Consolidated Financial Information 35
Reconsiliation Between UK GAAP and IFRS 61
Five Year Summary 67
Parent Company Financial Statements 68
Report to the Independent Auditor  
to the Members of Supporta plc 69
Company Balance Sheet 70
Company Accounting Policies 71
Notes to the Company Financial Information 72
Company Information  77 Supporta plc  – Annual Report & Accounts 2008 1
Financial highlights
+
Operational highlights
Revenue increased by 19% to £50.76m (2007: £42.71m) •	
Operating profit before share-based payment charge, •	
amortisation and exceptional items increased by 14% 
to £4.03m. (2007: £3.53m)
Operating profit of £1.02m (2007: loss of £1.47m) •	
Loss before tax of £0.37m (2007: £2.53m) •	
Adjusted basic earnings per share* reduced by 30%  •	
to 2.66p (2007: 3.78p)
Supporta Care
Contract wins •	 (start date):
Harrow (Dec 07) 4,000 hrs
Hertfordshire (Apr 08) 3,000 hrs
Liverpool (Jul 07) 1,000 hrs
Stockton (Apr 08) 1,000 hrs
Surrey (Sep 08) 1,000 hrs
Bristol Extracare (Jan 08) 500 hrs
Kensington & Chelsea (Jan 08) 500 hrs
11,000 hrs
Supporta Professional Services
Contract wins •	 (start date):
 TfL - Property Asset Register mapping services (Sep 07)
 Cross London Rail Links - Land Referencing and Property 
Information Management Services (Feb 08) and to 
provide a web-based Property Register as a hosted 
service (Apr 08)
 Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust - Extension of  
the Medical Records Data Storage contract (Mar 08)
 Taylor Wimpey - web-based Strategic Land Database  
as a hosted service (Jan 08)
Implementation of new structure •	
Annualised run-rate cost reduction of approximately •	
£1.7m arising from new structure
Operating profit* reducing by 4% to £2.12m  •	
(2007: £2.21m)
Operating Margin* reduced from 18.1% to 12.5% •	
New Care System implementation •	
New Regional Management Team •	
Organic revenue growth 10% •	
Operating profit* increasing 35% to £3.96m  •	
(2007: £2.94m)
Hallam acquisition completed and performing  •	
to expectations
Operating Margin* increased from 9.6% to 11.5% •	
Basic loss per share of 0.91p (2007: loss 3.68p) •	
Cash generated from operations reduced by 45%  •	
to £1.90m (2007: £3.43m)
Banking facilities renegotiated •	
Successful placing raising £4.18m and additional •	
£1.08m of shares issued as deferred consideration
* before share-based payment charge, amortisation and exceptional items
+
all numbers quoted in financial highlights represent continuing operations
Financial Highlights 
for the year ended 31
st 
March 2008
£50.76m
Revenue
(£m)
£1.86m
Profit before Tax*
(£m)
£4.03m
Operating Profit*
(£m)
1.67p
Basic Earnings 
per Share* (p)
50.76
4.03
2.63
2.66
42.71
3.53
2.47
3.78
21.88
1.62
1.21
1.68
20.47
0.75
0.59
1.61 
9.83
0.08
0.00
-0.262
‘04 ‘04 ‘04 ‘04 ‘05 ‘05 ‘05 ‘05 ‘06 ‘06 ‘06 ‘06 ‘07 ‘07 ‘07 ‘07 ‘08 ‘08 ‘08 ‘08 2 Supporta plc  – Annual Report & Accounts 2008
Supporta Care
Supporta Care is one of the largest 
and most experienced providers 
of care at home in the country 
currently working with 47 local 
authorities and providing care to 
over 4,000 Service Users.
At Supporta Care we are dedicated to people, 
employing over 2,000 staff providing over 60,000 
hours of care per week to communities across the 
UK, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 
Supporta Care have been providing care services for 
over 15 years and provide a variety of care services 
ranging from fortnightly shopping calls through to 
intensive 24 hour services.
As well as offering the traditional home care service,  
we also provide the following specialist services:
Live-in Care
Live-in care offers a real care alternative to nursing 
or residential care and the opportunity for couples 
to remain together at home. 
Our live-in services also offer respite care for 
shorter periods enabling relatives to enjoy a break. 
Our live-in care service is offered accross the 
country and is managed from two sites, one in 
Dudley and the other in Loughton, Essex.
Palliative Care
Supporta Care provides a tailor-made service 
designed to offer professional, flexible and 
sympathetic care to the terminally ill and 
their families. 
This service offers real choice for patients to receive 
the care they need in the comfort of their own 
home. If a patient is in hospital, we can offer support 
to assist in an early discharge and allow them to 
receive appropriate care at home. This service is 
provided in a senstive manner by staff who have 
received appropriate training by Supporta Care.
Supporta Angels 
Supporta Angels – provides a tailor-made platinum 
service dedicated to improving customers’ lifestyles 
and helping them live their lives, their way.  
We provide care solutions for people of all ages who 
are looking to maintain or regain their independence.  
They may be recovering from an operation or illness 
and trying to re-adjust to life at home. They may 
need occasional assistance with everyday tasks or 
are just looking for additional support through a 
difficult period in their life.  
Whatever their needs, Supporta Angels offers the 
care they need in the comfort of their own home. 
Rapid Response
This service is provided at short notice to enable 
speedy hospital discharges or prevent admissions 
which can be a significant problem for health and 
social care services.
Supporta Care have trained staff on stand-by to 
cover referrals at short notice and the service is 
managed locally and supported by our out-of-
hours provision.
This service can be linked to providing a care service 
to people who have had a fall, for example. Before 
discharge from hospital, Supporta Care staff will 
help ease the patient into receiving care assistance 
at home. This service could also allow the patient to 
gain confidence by returning home for short time 
periods prior to discharge.  Supporta plc  – Annual Report & Accounts 2008 3
 
+12% +35%
Short-term and Long-term  
Respite Services
Live-in care offers a real care alternative to nursing 
or residential care and the opportunity for couples 
to remain together at home. 
Our live-in services also offer respite care for 
shorter periods enabling relatives to enjoy a break. 
Our live-in acre service is offered accross the 
country and is managed from two sites, one in 
Dudley and the other in Loughton, Essex.
Continuing Care
Supporta’s continuing care service is designed to 
support and care for people with complex and 
unpredictable health needs. 
Supporta Care 
Dedicated to People
2006
2007
2004
2005
2008
2006
2007
2008
2004
2005
-£0.36m
-£0.01m
£1.13m
£2.94m
£3.96m
 £4.55m
£8.29m
£16.28m
£30.52m
£34.33m
Operating Profit* Turnover
before share-based payment charge, * 
amortisation and exceptional items. Supporta plc  – Annual Report & Accounts 2008 4 4 Supporta plc  – Annual Report & Accounts 2008
Professional Services
Supporta Professional Services 
deliver a comprehensive and unique 
portfolio of business services to a 
wide range of organisations across 
the public and private sectors.
Our services and solutions support organisations in 
overcoming their business challenges across:  Architecture 
and Civil & Structural Engineering; more effective use of 
land and property assets; physical and online Document 
Solutions, and general and specialist consultancy.
Our management team has significant experience in 
meeting and exceeding client expectations and delivering 
on key projects with a pedigree of service delivery 
spanning over thirty years.
We work with
mo •	 re than half of the UK’s Local Authorities
more than 50 infrastructure and regeneration •	
organisations
more than 20 Government agencies •	
7 utilities companies •	
more than 50 private sector clients •	
Supporta Professional Services wealth of knowledge and 
experience secured a place on the Geographic Information 
Services and Solutions (GISS) Catalist Framework agreement 
with OGCbuying.solutions, having been successful during a 
competitive procurement process.
Our Architecture practice is one of the panel architects  
to the Home Office’s  prisons build programme.
We operate in a £4.6bn market forecast to grow by 9%  
to 10% between 2007 and 2010.
We specialise in:
Supporta TerraQuest
The business supplies services which enable more 
effective use of land and property in the UK through the 
application of knowledge, expertise and technology to 
the following market segments.
Local Authorities & Regeneration Agencies
There are over 400 local authorities in the UK. Our 
focus is on those with large land and property 
portfolios but with significant underutilisation of land 
and property assets. 
We address these authorities’ need for better 
utilisation of land and property assets by providing 
asset management, land acquisition and town 
planning services.
There are thirty Regeneration Agencies working at 
national, regional and local levels to complement  
and support local authorities in their economic 
development and associated regeneration aspirations.
The business addresses the needs of these Agencies to 
accelerate development by providing development 
opportunity identification and land acquisition services.
Transport and Utilities
These developers are responsible for highway, rail, air 
and water transportation, power, water, communications 
and waste transmission. They generally need to secure 
the land and powers needed to provide new 
infrastructure by following statutory procedures.
The business addresses their needs by providing services 
which secure possession and title to the land. We also 
enable infrastructure developers to manage their land 
portfolios more effectively.
Property Developers
There are a very large number of property developers 
in both the public and private sectors. Some operate 
nationally, others regionally or locally. Some specialise 
in specific types of development e.g. housing and retail 
whilst others cover a range of development types.
The business is focussing on those property developers 
who have large land holdings and provides web-based 
management information services aimed at enabling 
them to maximise the return on their investment.
Devolved Government
Devolved Government focuses on the devolved 
governments of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
The business has two major contracts for  
Devolved Government – one in Scotland and one  
in Northern Ireland. 
Further major business opportunities in Devolved 
Government are being pursued with BT. Supporta plc  – Annual Report & Accounts 2008 5 Supporta plc  – Annual Report & Accounts 2008 5
 
before share-based payment charge, * 
amortisation and exceptional items.
† 
 Includes results for discontinued  
payroll operation
+60%
Turnover Operating Profit
-4%
Supporta Professional Services
Shaping Better Places
2006
†
2007
2004
†
2005
†
2004
†
2005
†
2006
†
2007
2008
2008
 £1.51m
£8.74m
£12.82m
£12.19m
£17.01m
£0.25m
£1.35m
£2.80m
£2.21m
£2.12m
Supporta Services
Document Solutions
SPS Document Solutions provide specialist records, 
document management and imaging services to  Local 
and Central Government; the NHS; Legal; Utilities; 
Pharmaceutical and Publishing organisations.
Operating from an ex NATO airbase in Oxfordshire 
offering highly secure physical record storage and the 
latest in digital conversion process and access systems.
Architecture
Providing architectural design and planning 
consultancy services to the public and private sectors.  
We are licensed to audit the BREEAM code for 
sustainable homes and are Eco-Homes assessors.
We are one of the market leaders in prison design as 
evidenced by our national framework contract with the 
Ministry of Justice.  
Consultant Engineers
We provide civil, structural and environmental 
engineering to public and private organisations. These 
design and consultant projects range from £500k to 
large scale re-generation schemes of up to £100m 
construction value.
Our clients include central Government Departments, 
major developers in the Commercial, Residential, 
Industrial and Regeneration sectors. 
Healthcare Consultancy
Our experienced team of consultants provide a range 
of general and specialist consultancy services from 
business process reviews, systems implementation and 
procurement management.  Care Staff Conference
May 2007
1st Annual Collective 
Conference held  
in Warwick 
Liverpool Care  
Contract Start
June 2007
Start of the new contract with 
Liverpool City Council
New Nomad
June 2007
Brewin Dolphin Securities 
Limited appointed as  
nominated advisor  
and broker
Stockton  
Contract Award
December 2007
Award of block and  
spot contract with  
Stockton council 
Harrow  
Contract Start
December 2007
Start of the new block 
contract with London 
Borough of Harrow 
BT Relationship 
June 2007
BT relationship extended to 
include Local Government
Supporta plc  – Annual Report & Accounts 2008 6
DfT Asset 
Management Plan
September 2007
Award of contract  
by Department  
for Transport to  
assist in developing 
a property asset 
management plan
Timeline
The story of 2008
Catalist Framework 
Appointment
December 2007
SPS secured a place on the 
Geographic Information 
Services and Solutions (GISS) 
Catalist Framework agreement 
with OGCbuying.solutions.
Nottinghamshire Care 
Contract Start
April 2007
Start of new spot contract   
in Nottinghamshire  
County Council
Terraquest Deffered 
Consideration
December 2007
2.6m shares issued  
in part settlement  
of TerraQuest  
acquisition deferred 
consideration
Harrow Care  
Contract Award
June 2007
Award of block contract in 
London Borough of Harrow
Placing
December 2007
Placing of 11.5m 
ordinary shares  
of Supporta PLC raising 
£4.4m before expenses Hertfordshire  
Contract Award
January 2007
Award of block contract with 
Hertfordshire County Council 
January 2008
Oxford Radcliffe  
Contract Award
March 2008
Extension of the Medical 
Records Data Storage  
contract with the Oxford 
Radcliffe Hospitals NHS  
Trust for a further 2 years  
to January 2011
Supporta plc  – Annual Report & Accounts 2008 7
Cross Rail Contract Award
February 2008
Award of five year contract 
by Cross London Rail Links 
to provide Land Referencing 
and Property Information 
Management Services
Hammersmith &  
Fulham Pilot Award
March 2008
Carers Emergency Support 
pilot scheme awarded by 
Hammersmith and Fulham
Surrey Care  
Contract Award
March 2008
Award of spot contract with 
Surrey County Council
Nottinghamshire  
Extra Care Award
January 2008
Award of contract at vale 
View Extra Care scheme in 
Nottinghamshire County 
Council
Cross Rail  
Contract Award
March 2008
Award of five year contract 
by Cross London Rail Links to 
provide a web-based Property 
Register as a hosted service
Hallam Acquisition
January 2008
Acquisition of  
Hallam Healthcare (East 
Midlands) limited for a 
total consideration of up  
to £4.7m Supporta plc  – Annual Report & Accounts 2008 8
Chairman’s Statement
I am pleased to present the results for 
the year ended 31 March 2008.  The 
highlights set out earlier reveal the 
mixed fortunes of the two divisions 
over the course of the last year. 
Our Care Division has continued to develop strongly, 
principally through organic growth, with an outstanding year 
of new contract wins secured.  It continues to operate within 
what we believe to be an extremely buoyant marketplace, 
and is well placed to benefit from further organic growth and 
anticipated consolidation within this sector. 
The Professional Services Division results have been impacted 
significantly by the performance of our Architectural practice 
and specifically by the charge as an exceptional item of 
the write-off of £0.77m of accrued income which had been 
recognised in the previous year’s accounts.  There have 
nonetheless been some significant developments within the 
Division.  The TerraQuest acquisition has performed ahead 
of management expectations, whilst the Engineering and 
Records Management businesses continued to perform in 
line with expectations.  
Corporate Activity
The Board notes the announcement made by Romac 
Investments Limited (‘Romac’) on 13 June 2008 and can 
confirm that on 23 April 2008 it received a letter from 
Romac outlining an indicative conditional proposal 
regarding a possible offer for the issued and to be issued 
share capital of Supporta.
On receipt of this letter the board entered into a dialogue 
with Romac seeking to clarify uncertainties surrounding its 
conditional indicative proposal, including in respect of the 
financing of any offer. The board and its advisors also had a 
number of conversations with alternative offerors and 
received an indicative proposal from a third party which 
placed a significantly higher value on the Group than that 
set out by Romac in their letter of 23 April 2008. This 
higher indicative proposal was conditional on receiving the 
support of Gingko Investments Limited (‘Gingko’), the 
wholly owned subsidiary of Romac, in any offer by the third 
party. Following discussions with the third party Gingko 
informed Supporta that it would not support the higher 
indicative offer and hence the third party formally 
withdrew from discussions regarding an offer for Supporta.
On 5 June 2008 the board informed Romac that it placed a 
significantly higher value on Supporta than that set out in 
Romac’s proposal and that it felt unable to progress matters 
on the basis of Romac’s letter of 23 April 2008.
The Supporta board also informed Romac that it would 
welcome an alternative proposal from Romac that placed 
an appropriate value on the Company; a position it 
continues to adopt.
The board has actively been evaluating strategic options for 
the Company and remains committed to taking action to 
deliver value for all shareholders.
In addition to these recent developments, the Group disposed 
of its payroll business to the Mckesson Corporation in 
May 2007 for a total consideration of £3.5 million in cash 
and it acquired the entire share capital of Hallam Healthcare 
Services (East Midlands) Limited for a maximum total 
consideration of £4.7 million in January 2008.
Strategic Review
The Board conducted a full strategic review during the 
course of the year to strengthen the focus of the Group 
and ensure that Shareholders realised the underlying and 
potential value.  The Board, in conjunction with its financial 
advisers, concluded that:
the best way to optimise shareholder value is to •	
continue to grow the Supporta Care business both 
organically and with earnings enhancing acquisitions;
the cost reduction exercise within Supporta Professional •	
Services should position that business to produce 
enhanced returns
The Board will also continue to review whether the two 
businesses are better positioned to take advantage of 
growth opportunities as separate businesses.
The Board reached these conclusions after taking into 
account the following factors:
the Supporta Care division has market opportunity •	
through both acquisition and organic growth initiatives;
the current stock market valuation of the Group does •	
not accurately reflect the value of the component parts 
of the Group; and
the current M & A environment has been adversely •	
impacted by the weakness in credit markets. 
The Directors believe that in this environment, the value 
which potential acquirers would place on the Group’s 
Divisions would be negatively affected over the short-term.
Performance in 2007/08
The financial year was adversely impacted by the performance 
of our Architectural practice.  This underperformance led to us 
issuing a trading statement on the 23 January 2008.
In December 2007, Supporta completed a placing which 
raised £4.18m net of expenses. At this time it was the Board’s 
expectation that any underperformance arising from its 
Dr Clive Grace
Non-executive Chairman
“Our Care Division has continued to 
develop strongly whilst the Professional 
Services Division results have 
been impacted significantly by the 
performance of our Architecture Practice.”
* before exceptional items, goodwill amortisation and impairment 9
 
We believe that the Group 
is well positioned to deliver 
underlying organic growth.
Supporta plc  – Annual Report & Accounts 2008
Architectural practice would be offset by stronger 
performance from the other businesses which comprise 
the Professional Services Division, such that market 
expectations of operating performance could be achieved.
Towards the end of January 2008 it became clear that 
the results of Supporta Bay Associates would be impacted 
by contract delays. As a result, on 23 January 2008, the 
Board issued a trading statement explaining that the 
earnings before interest, taxation, exceptional items and 
amortisation for the year to 31 March 2008 would not 
be less than £2.95 million. The revised lower target, as set 
out in this release, has been achieved.
The underperformance of the Architectural practice 
in the financial year to 31 March 2008 has arisen in 
part following a review of all accrued income and 
a recognition that income previously recognised in 
the prior year’s financial statements was no longer 
considered recoverable, together with a more rigorous 
policy on revenue recognition in the current financial 
year.  As a result of the underperformance in the 
Architectural practice the management of that business 
unit was changed.
Michael Curran has taken on the role of Divisional 
Managing Director of the Supporta Professional Services 
Division.  The finance team for the division has also been 
significantly strengthened since this time.
A new divisional structure for Professional Services 
has been implemented with the appointment of John 
Gannon to lead the TerraQuest business and John Fynn 
heading up the Services business.  Alongside these two 
business streams lie a Sales and Marketing team led by 
Simon Read and a Corporate Services support function 
headed up by Trevor Fayers.
Banking Facilities   
As a result of the weak trading performance from the 
Group’s Architectural practice the Board successfully 
re-negotiated the terms of its term loan facility with its 
bank, Barclays PLC. The Board has agreed with the bank 
a revised covenant and repayment profile.
Trading Outlook   
Trading for the year to date is in line with management’s 
expectations and the Directors believe that the Group is 
well positioned to deliver underlying organic growth in 
the year.  Supporta Care continues to perform very 
positively and the Directors believe that it has excellent 
opportunities for growth.  We will continue to monitor 
the development of Supporta Professional Services and is 
confident that 2008/09 will be a year of positive growth.
Core Values
We aspire to be both the supplier and the employer of 
choice for our customers and employees.  These core 
values underpin our entire business. 
Supporta now has an impressive list of customers, 
predominantly in the public sector.  We provide a 
range of critical services which enhance peoples’ lives 
on a daily basis.  We acknowledge this burden of 
responsibility and accountability and strive to put in 
place quality controls to ensure that every customer’s 
experience of Supporta is both positive and mutually 
rewarding.  The Board regularly receives reports on 
customer satisfaction and customer feedback, reflecting 
the importance which it attaches to meeting and 
exceeding their expectations.
To be the employer of choice we need a highly 
professional, trained and motivated workforce.  We 
aim to reward staff competitively for the roles they 
undertake.  We also realise that for many of our staff 
their roles are vocations rather than simply jobs.  We 
aim to enrich their work life through training and 
development which helps them meet their aspirations 
and also improves the quality of our services.  We 
monitor feedback from staff and seek ways in which 
their working lives can be even more rewarding.
Our staff continue to show exceptional dedication to 
their roles and make a huge contribution to the quality 
of life of many thousands of people, often some of the 
most vulnerable in the United Kingdom.  On this note I 
would like to thank on behalf of the Board all Supporta 
staff who have helped deliver these results and customer 
satisfaction for the past year.
Changes to the Board   
Stephen Whiting left the business on 27 November 2007 
to pursue opportunities outside of the Group.  
Michael Curran took over the role of leading Supporta 
Professional Services forward and Simon Birks was 
appointed as Company Secretary.  Simon is a qualified 
solicitor and takes on his new role after three years 
service with the Group most recently as Group 
Commercial Manager.
The Board of Directors has the drive and determination to 
achieve our ambitious strategic objectives.
  
Dr Clive Grace
Non-executive Chairman 
23 June 2008 Supporta plc  – Annual Report & Accounts 2008 10
Chief Executive’s Statement
Strategic Review
During the course of the year the Board considered a 
number of strategic options for the Group.  These can be 
broadly classified as:
Status quo •	
Focus on Supporta Care •	
Focus on Supporta Professional Services •	
Demerger of the two divisions into two separate  •	
AIM listed companies
The Board concluded that Supporta Care had the better 
prospects for delivering value to shareholders.  Additionally 
the Board acknowledged that management diversion by 
trying to concentrate on the delivery of such a wide range 
of services was likely to dilute shareholder value in the 
short- to medium-term.
As noted in more detail below the Group was approached 
by a private equity house to acquire Supporta Professional 
Services at an acceptable price in the summer of 2007 
and conducted negotiations to an advanced stage which 
were ultimately unsuccessful.  During this time period the 
credit conditions in the market were adversely affected and 
the impact of the underperformance of the Architectural 
business meant that the Group’s value aspirations were 
unlikely to be met in the short-term.  As a consequence 
the Board has decided to concentrate on driving value out 
of the existing businesses until market conditions change 
when the situation will be reviewed again.
Supporta Care
During 2007/08 the Directors believe that Supporta 
Care has enhanced its reputation as a quality provider 
of domiciliary care services.  Our reputation for delivery 
of quality services has resulted in another year of solid 
organic growth with enhanced margins being achieved 
within the business.
The strategy for our Care division is to continue to grow 
a national brand for provision of home care services, 
mainly to the public sector across the UK.  The Directors 
believe that we are well placed as the fifth largest private 
provider of these services to benefit from the continued 
consolidation of this market place, driven by increased 
complexity and regulation.
Care Market
There is an ageing population in the UK, within which 
there is a more demanding expectation on choice and 
quality for the delivery and support of care for the elderly, 
shaped towards individual need. The number of people aged 
65 and over in the UK in 2006 (based on ONS data) was 
8.1 million. The Government’s actuary’s forecasts suggest 
this could increase to 9.8 million by 2016. This represents 
an increase of approximately 21 per cent. In addition to 
the accelerating growth of the elderly population, life 
expectancy at birth is also increasing at a rate of two years 
every decade. As a result of these demographic trends, 
it is likely that a larger proportion of the population will 
require some form of residential or domiciliary care for a 
longer period of time. The Directors believe that the ageing 
population will be a key driver in the allocation of local 
authority care budgets and the demand for domiciliary care 
services in the foreseeable future.
The domiciliary care market remains highly fragmented with 
4,735 suppliers registered in England on 31 March 2007. 
The top five UK quoted suppliers (including Supporta Care) 
account for approximately 15 percent of the total market.  
In 2006, independent sector agencies delivered in excess 
of 75 percent of total home care hours. The combination 
of independent, smaller agencies, local authorities moving 
towards preferred provider type arrangements, increased 
cost pressures and competition, and regulatory and training 
requirements means that in our opinion there will be a 
natural consolidation in the market.
The Directors believe that smaller independent domiciliary 
care providers will struggle to compete in delivering a cost 
effective, quality service whilst simultaneously retaining 
appropriately skilled staff and that larger independent 
providers however are able to offer cost effective 
solutions based on economies of scale and increased 
efficiency in their investment towards quality.
Local authority purchasing power has a major impact on 
the independent domiciliary care sector; it is estimated 
that 60 per cent of independent providers are thought to 
rely on local authorities for more then 75 per cent of their 
business, with almost 15 per cent of providers dependent 
on their local authority as their only customer.  
John Jasper
Group Chief Executive
“During 2007/08 Supporta Care 
enhanced its reputation as a quality 
provider of domiciliary care services.”
* before exceptional items, goodwill amortisation and impairment 11 Supporta plc  – Annual Report & Accounts 2008
 
During the year the Care division has secured, renewed 
or extended the following contracts:
Client
Term 
years Type of Contract
Brighton and Hove 1 spot
Dudley 1 block
Durham PCT 1 spot
Hammersmith and Fulham 1 block
Harrow 5 cost and volume
Hertfordshire 7 block
Lambeth PCT Palliative Care 1 spot
Norfolk 1 block
North Lanarkshire 1 spot
Nottinghamshire Extra Care 
(Vale View) 3 block
Richmond 1 block
Stockton on Tees 3 block
Sunderland 2 spot
Surrey 2 spot
Sutton 1 block
Supporta Care’s forward order book at 31 March 2008 
increased by 36% to £88.9m compared to £65.2m in 
March 2007.
We are currently working on a number of further 
opportunities with various local authorities and would 
hope to be able to communicate positively about these 
in the near future.
Supporta Professional Services
The Board took the decision to create the Supporta 
Professional Services division with effect from 
1 April 2007.  This new division was formed from  
the previous Property and Services Divisions.  
In November and December 2007 the board 
implemented a cost savings plan within the Supporta 
Professional Services division that is expected to save 
the Group approximately £1.7m on an annualised 
basis. The implementation of this significant cost 
saving initiative had a £0.8m positive impact on 
this current financial year’s results. Of the £1.7m 
savings approximately £0.5m of this relates to the 
Architectural business.  The Board delayed making 
these savings whilst an approach for the Supporta 
Professional Services division from a private equity 
house was being considered. These negotiations, 
despite being at an advanced stage, did not result 
in a successful disposal. Subsequent restructuring 
led to the departure of the Managing Director of 
the Supporta Professional Services division and the 
Managing Director, Chief Architect and Financial 
Controller of the Architectural practice.
Michael Curran was appointed Managing Director 
of the Supporta Professional Services Division on 
27 November 2007.  Since then he has conducted a 
full review of the Division’s activities and prospects.  
Following this review we decided to organise the 
division into two principal units, Supporta TerraQuest 
headed up by John Gannon and Supporta Services 
headed up by John Fynn.  Supporta TerraQuest is now 
responsible for the Division’s management consultancy 
and Business Process Outsourcing activities.  Supporta 
Services has four principal trading units Architecture, 
Engineering, Healthcare and Records Management.
The 2007/08 revenue and operating profit before 
share-based payment charge, amortisation and 
exceptional items for each of these units is set out in 
the following table:
Revenue
£’000
Operating 
Profit*
Supporta TerraQuest 8,398 2,426
Supporta Services
Architecture 2,198 (6)
Engineering 2,435 534
Healthcare 1,813 380
Records Management 2,169 586
8,615 1,494
Overheads – (1,799)
Supporta Professional Services 17,013 2,121
The Board has implemented a 
£1.7m cost savings plan within 
Supporta Professional Services.  Supporta plc  – Annual Report & Accounts 2008 12
Chief Executive’s Statement continued
The focus for the Division during the course of the next 
financial year will be to improve sales performance and 
secure longer term contracts.  The Directors believe that 
this should begin to reduce the risk in the Division as 
currently we enter the financial year with approximately 
two thirds of our forecast income for the year unsecured.
The focus on sales performance is already beginning to yield 
benefits.  We have secured a number of contracts recently 
which should help to improve the prospects for the division:
Supporta TerraQuest relationship with BT extended to •	
include Local Government. 
Appointed by Transport for London to mapping services •	
framework for Property Asset Register. 
Secured a place on the Geographic Information Services •	
and Solutions (GISS) Catalist Framework agreement with 
OGCbuying.solutions.
Award of a contract by Cross London Rail Links to •	
provide Land Referencing and Property Information 
Management Services. 
Award of a contract by Cross London Rail Links  •	
to provide a web based Property Register as a  
hosted service. 
Appointed by Taylor Wimpey to provide a web-based •	
Strategic Land Database as a hosted service.
Appointed by Department for Transport to undertake •	
a property recording review across the department, 
including all Executive Agencies and Non-Departmental 
Public Bodies.
The forward order book for Professional Services is £6.5m 
(2007: £8.1m), with additional anticipated revenues from 
framework agreements of £12.3m (2007: £8.0m).
The management of Supporta has further identified 
synergies and cross-selling opportunities for the Division, 
which it anticipates will lead to further organic growth in 
2008/09 and beyond.
John Jasper
Group Chief Executive  
23 June 2008
* before share-based payment charge, amortisation and exceptional items.
Supporta TerraQuest
Supporta Services
Civil & Structural Engineering 
Architecture
Document Solutions
Healthcare Consultancy
Supporta Professional Services 
Revenue
49.36%
14.32%
12.92%
12.75%
10.65%
Supporta TerraQuest
Supporta Services
Document Solutions
Civil & Structural Engineering 
Healthcare Consultancy
Supporta Professional Services 
Operating Profit
9.68%
13.6%
14.92%
61.80%
* before allocation of central overhead 13
Finance Director’s Report
This year’s annual report presents the Group’s 
results for the first time using the recognition and 
measurement principles of International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the 
European Union.  A reconciliation of the results 
between UK and IFRS financial reporting standards 
(UK GAAP) is set out on pages 61 to 66.
The Group’s accounting policies under IFRS are set 
out in more detail on pages 28 to 35.
The Group’s overall results from continuing operations 
for the year ended 31 March 2008 and percentage 
change from year ended 31 March 2007 show:
Revenue £50.76m +19%
Operating profit £1.02m +169%
Operating profit margin 2.0% +158%
Loss before tax from  
continuing operations (£0.37m) +85%
Cash generated from operations £1.90m -45%
Loss per share from  
continuing operations (0.91p) +75%
Revenue
In 2008 Group revenue from continuing operations 
increased by 19% to £50.76m (2007: £42.71m). 
Growth has been generated both from acquisitions 
and from underlying organic revenue growth of 
1%.  The acquisitions contributing to growth in 
2008 include the full year effect from Datacare 
Business Systems Limited, Bay Associates Limited 
and TerraQuest Solutions Limited acquired in the 
previous year.  Additionally, the Hallam Healthcare 
(East Midlands) Limited acquisition completed during 
the year:
The disposal of Supporta’s Payroll business completed 
on 4 May 2007 and consequently the results 
presented here do not include any contribution from 
that business.
Operating profit
The Group’s operating profit before share-based 
payment charge, amortisation and exceptional items 
profit from continuing operations increased by 14% 
to £4.03m (2007: £3.53m), including £0.14m from the 
Hallam Healthcare acquisition.
The Group incurred a number of exceptional charges 
during the year, relating principally to the write-off of 
accrued revenue in Architecture, restructuring of the 
business and redundancy which are summarised in 
note 4 to the financial statements.
During the course of the year it became apparent that 
£0.77m of accrued revenue which had been recognised 
in 2006/07 was not recoverable.  This arose from a 
policy in the business to recognise revenue where 
work had taken place but no order had been secured.  
We have taken a more prudent approach to income 
recognition in this financial year and only revenue in 
relation to Prison Service work is now recognised in 
this manner, which historically has been collectable.    
Taxation
Corporation tax of £0.28m (2007: credit of £0.16m) 
has been provided for, which is equivalent to an 
effective tax rate of -74% (2007: 6%).  This charge 
and high apparent effective tax rate is impacted by a 
number of disallowable items including share-based 
payment charge, amortisation and timing differences. 
Earnings per share
Adjusted earnings per share* reduced by 30% to 
2.66p (2007:3.78p).
The reported loss after taxation for the year was 
£1.59m (2007: loss of £6.06m) which equates to a loss 
per share for the year of 2.24p (2007: loss of 9.40p).
Cash flow
Net cash outflow for the Group in the year was 
£1.78m compared to an outflow in 2007 of £1.75m. 
Cash inflow from operating activities reduced by 
45% to £1.90m in the year (2007: £3.43m inflow).  
This was driven by financing the Group’s growth in 
the final quarter of the year and settling creditors 
carried over from the previous year.  Financing 
activities raised £4.01m in the year (2007: £8.70m), 
of which £5.26m (net of expenses) came from new 
share issues, £2.76m from the drawdown of banking 
facilities offset by loan repayments of £3.10m and 
a repayment of loan notes amounting to £0.89m.  
The net cash outflow from investing activities was 
£5.42m (2007: £12.34m).
Supporta plc  – Annual Report & Accounts 2008
“This year’s annual report uses 
the principles of International 
Financial Reporting Standards 
for the first time.”
Darren Xiberras
Group Finance Director
* before share-based payment charge, amortisation and exceptional items Supporta plc  – Annual Report & Accounts 2008 14
Finance Director’s Report continued
Treasury management  
and financial instruments
Financial instruments include all assets and liabilities 
of a financial nature such as cash, loans, finance leases, 
overdrafts and long-term liabilities.  All such instruments 
play an important part in the operations of the Group to 
enable it to operate smoothly and effectively and to pay its 
obligations as they fall due.  They also enable the Group to 
fulfill its investment strategy including making appropriate 
acquisitions.  The Group’s objectives are twofold: to use 
financial instruments to minimise the cost of capital at an 
acceptably low financial risk; and to maximise flexibility to 
take advantage of investment and acquisition opportunities 
as they arise.  
The Group is primarily a UK provider of outsourced services 
to the public sector and does not have significant foreign 
exchange risks.  
In March 2008 the Group renegotiated its banking facilities 
with Barclays PLC in order to give it greater headroom in 
relation to its covenants and to reduce the repayments due 
under its term loans.
At the end of the year the Group had net borrowings  
of £17.40m.
The Group’s policy is, and has been throughout the year, 
that no trading in financial instruments is undertaken.
The volatility in 3 month LIBOR, the basis for interest 
charging for the Group’s floating debt has impacted 
adversely the level of interest incurred through this year’s 
consolidated income statement.
The Group entered into a hedging arrangement in May 
2008 to fix the remainder of the Group’s current term 
debt at a fixed rate of 5.445% for four years.  The Group’s 
current margin applicable over and above the fixed rate is 
2.5% increasing to 3.0% in September 2008 which then 
reduces as the ratio of net debt to earnings before interest 
tax and amortisation falls.
Risks
Supporta has identified the five most significant 
operational risks faced by the business - and measures to 
counterbalance them - as follows:
Staff recruitment and retention – •	 our business needs 
access to appropriately skilled employees to enable us 
to grow in a sustainable fashion.  We have implemented 
our Employer of Choice initiative to mitigate this 
risk.  In addition to progress already made on training 
and development, we will continue to review our 
remuneration and employment policies to ensure we can 
maintain good staff retention within our businesses.
Quality failure – •	 the business provides life critical 
services to many thousands of people in the UK, in 
often complex and challenging situations.  Within our 
businesses, as part of our Supplier of Choice initiative 
we have implemented best practice procedures and 
manuals, health and safety working practices, customer 
service initiatives and relationship management 
procedures.  These are regularly reinforced through staff 
training and development.  During the year we intend 
to invest significantly in our Care operational IT systems 
to further strengthen our commitment to quality.  The 
operational management team meets regularly to review 
operational quality issues and items of a significant 
nature are reported to the Board on a regular basis.
Long-term contracts – •	 a number of our subsidiaries 
enter into long-term contracts.  These involve significant 
elements of subjectivity in relation to revenue 
recognition and can be subject to delays as a result of 
external factors, for instance planning permission.  We 
will implement improved controls over the course of the 
year to ensure that rigour is applied in areas requiring 
judgment. We will also continue regular client progress 
review meetings to ensure that visibility of future 
earnings are based upon the best possible information. 15
 
Uncontracted revenue – •	 some of our businesses 
within the Supporta Professional Services division 
commence work prior to the receipt of a signed 
order from customers.  Such work is recognised 
within accrued income.  Our experience of 
dealing with these customers shows that there is 
limited risk in relation to recovering such income, 
however the Board will continue to monitor the 
appropriateness of this practice and policy.
Exposure to UK property sector – •	 a large 
part of our Professional Services Division’s 
revenue is derived from the UK property sector.  
Approximately 36% of Divisional revenues are 
derived from the private sector property industry.  
Whilst in recent history this has been an area 
of significant economic activity, the current 
slow-down in this sector will inevitably impact 
on our activity in this area.  Alongside this 
private sector exposure we also run a significant 
element of work on behalf of the public sector 
and we aim to shift resources into this sector 
as economic activity in the private sector 
slows.  However we will continue to monitor the 
resourcing levels of the affected businesses and 
flex them appropriately.
Darren Xiberras
Group Finance Director 
23 June 2008
Operating Profit improved 
by 174% to £1.1m.
Supporta plc  – Annual Report & Accounts 2008
Elderly
Specialist
Private Patients
Agency
Supporta Care  
Service Provision
73.30%
16.90%
7.70%
2.10%
36,581,770
‘09 ‘10 ‘11 ‘12 ‘13
Supporta Care 
Order Book
‘14 ‘15
23,787,362
10,505,978
6,409,839
6,213,484
2,671,485
2,738,272 Board of Directors
Dr. Clive Grace
Non-executive Chairman
John Jasper
Group Chief Executive
Darren Xiberras
Group Finance Director
Bernadette Walsh
Managing Director, Supporta Care
Michael Curran
Managing Director, Supporta Professional Services
Nick Scholte
Non-executive Director
Supporta plc  – Annual Report & Accounts 2008 16 17 Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008
 
Dr. Clive Grace
Non-executive Chairman
Clive is an Honorary Research Fellow at Cardiff Business 
School, where he researches financial reporting, public 
services, leadership and governance. He is a well-respected 
consultant and leadership coach, with a wealth of public 
services improvement experience.
Chair of the Board of the Solace Foundation Imprint, Clive 
is also an active Member of CIPFA and serves on its Council 
and Management Committee.
He has held a number of senior executive positions in the 
public sector, most recently as Deputy Auditor General for 
Wales and Director General of the Audit Commission for 
Wales. He holds a DPhil. from Oxford University in Law and 
Sociology, an MA in Government from the University of 
California, and a Diploma in Business Administration from 
the Open University.
Clive is also a qualified solicitor.
John Jasper
Group Chief Executive
John is a pioneer of outsourced services, with vast 
experience in the sector and a clear vision of the future.
He was a member of the Capita Group Board for six years, 
and subsequently in the role of Group Chief Executive 
Officer established HBS (formerly Hyder Business Services), 
a Company which is now a leading provider of outsourced 
services to the public sector.
Since joining Supporta in August 2004, John has transformed 
the Group into a fast growing and profitable organisation. 
John is also a fellow of the British Computer Society.
Darren Xiberras
Group Finance Director
Darren is a Chartered Certified Accountant, a graduate 
of the Advanced Development Programme of Cranfield 
University’s School of Management and holds a Bachelor’s 
degree in Economics from Cardiff University.
Darren has extensive financial management experience 
with fast-growing companies in the support services sector, 
including operational financial management, business 
acquisitions and disposals, acquisition integration, system 
implementations, public private partnership contract 
negotiations and management, sales support and pricing of 
large outsourcing contracts.
Prior to joining Supporta, he held the roles of Divisional 
Finance Director at Tribal Education Limited, a subsidiary of 
the Tribal Group plc, and Regional Finance Director of HBS 
Business Services Limited, where he was responsible for 
business units with up to £75m annual turnover. He trained 
as an accountant within the utilities industry.
Bernadette Walsh
Managing Director, Supporta Care
Bernadette has over twenty two years’ experience in the 
delivery of outsourced homecare services and solutions to 
the public sector. She has an outstanding reputation and 
an excellent track record with local authorities in providing 
very high standards of service. Prior to her appointment as 
Managing Director of Supporta Care, Bernadette was MD 
of Medico - one of the social care brands within Nestor plc 
and a Director of Grosvenor Nursing Ltd.
Michael Curran
Managing Director, Supporta Professional Services
Michael has a wealth of experience in delivering outsourced 
managed services to the public sector. A founding Director 
of the Parys Snowdon Group, he brings over eighteen years’ 
experience as a service provider to the NHS. 
Before his appointment as Managing Director, 
Supporta Professional Services Michael was Deputy 
Chief Executive, Chief Operating Officer for the Group 
businesses, and prior to that was Managing Director of 
the Supporta Services Division, which now forms part of 
Supporta Professional Services.
Nick Scholte
Non-executive Director
Nick is Chief Executive of the NHS Business Services 
Authority (NHS BSA), which provides a wide range of key 
support services to NHS contractors, managers and users. 
It was formed in April 2006, out of the merger of the NHS 
Prescription Pricing Authority, Dental Practice Board, NHS 
Pensions Authority, NHS Logistics Authority and the NHS 
Counter Fraud & Security Management Service.
Nick is one of the most highly regarded senior officers in the 
NHS, and has considerable experience of reorganising and 
restructuring high-volume transaction processing businesses. Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 18
The Directors present their report together with financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2008.
PRiNCiPal aCtivitieS
The principal activities of the Group are the provision of outsourcing services to the public sector.
The principal activity of the Company is to act as a holding Company.
BuSiNeSS RevieW
There was a loss for the year after taxation amounting to £1.59m (2007: £6.06m). The Directors do not recommend 
payment of a dividend (2007: £nil). Principal business risks are discussed on page 14. A detailed review can be found in the 
Chief Executive’s Statement set out on pages 10 to 12. 
DiReCtoRS
The membership of the board during the year and subsequently is set out below. 
Appointed Resigned
C Grace – –
J Jasper – –
M Curran – –
D Xiberras 23 May 2007 –
B Walsh 1 June 2007 –
S Whiting 1 June 2007 27 November 2007
N Scholte – –
D Jackson – 23 May 2007
The annual base salaries and beneficial interests of the Directors in the shares of the Company at 1 April 2007 and 
31 March 2008 (or the date of appointment to the board if later) were as follows:
Annual Base Salary Ordinary shares
31 March 2008 
£
01 April 2007 
(or date of 
appointment if later) 
£
31 March 2008 
No.
1 April 2007 
No.
C Grace 50,000 30,000 100,000 30,000
J Jasper 175,000 175,000 400,000 351,728
M Curran 100,000 100,000 2,963,680 3,853,680
D Xiberras 100,000 100,000 10,000 –
B Walsh 100,000 100,000 10,000 –
N Scholte 20,000 20,000 – –
S Whiting – 100,000 n/a –
D Jackson – 100,000 n/a –
No bonuses were payable to Directors for the year (2007: nil).
Directors’ Report Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 19
The share options of the Directors were as follows: 
31 March 2008 31 March 2008
Excercise 
Price (p) 40.0 59.5 62.5 63.0 71.5 89.5 40.0 59.5 62.5 63.0 71.5 82.5 89.5 
C Grace 
J Jasper 250,000 4,077,373 250,000 2,705,804
M Curran 250,000 132,999 250,000 86,666
D Xiberras 150,000 100,000 100,000 
B Walsh 250,000 250,000
N Scholte 
S Padgett 250,000 36,750 333,333
S Whiting 200,000 50,000 
D Jackson 250,000 
On 31 March 2008, J Jasper was granted share options to take the cumulative share options to 5% of the issued share 
capital under an agreement dated 10 August 2004. The option price of the share options is equal to the average of the mid 
market price of a share over the 10 dealing days ending on 31 March 2005. This resulted in the granting of 1,371,569 share 
options at 59.5p.
On 31 March 2008, M Curran was granted 44,333 share options under the terms of an agreement dated 12 February 2006 
between the Company and M Curran. These options were granted at a price of 89.5p.
On 26 June 2007, D Xiberras was granted 150,000 share options under the terms of an agreement dated 7 June 2007. These 
options were granted at a price of 63.0p.
StateMeNt oF DiReCtoRS’ ReSPoNSiBilitieS
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable 
law and regulations.
Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Directors 
have to prepare consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as 
adopted by the European Union (IFRSs) and parent Company financial statements under United Kingdom Generally 
Accepted Accounting Practice (UK GAAP). The financial statements are required by law to give a true and fair view of 
the state of affairs of the Group and Company and of the profit or loss of the Group for that period. In preparing these 
financial statements, the Directors are required to:
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; •	
make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; •	
state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and •	
explained in the financial statements; and
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will •	
continue in business.
The Directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the 
financial position of the Company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 
1985. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the 
prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Directors’ Report continued Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 20
StateMeNt oF DiReCtoRS’ ReSPoNSiBilitieS (continued)
In so far as each of the Directors is aware:
there is no relevant audit information of which the Group’s auditor is unaware; and •	
the Directors have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit •	
information and to establish that the auditor is aware of that information.
The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the 
Group’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements 
may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
eMPloyee iNvolveMeNt 
The Group has continued its practice of keeping employees informed of matters affecting them as employees and the 
financial and economic factors affecting the performance of the Group.
This is achieved through consultations with employee representatives.
DiSaBleD eMPloyeeS 
Applications for employment by disabled persons are given full and fair consideration for all vacancies in accordance with 
their particular aptitudes and abilities. In the event of employees becoming disabled, every effort is made to accommodate 
their requirements and disabilities in order that their employment with the Group may continue.
It is the policy of the Group that training, career development and promotion opportunities should be available to  
all employees.
PayMeNt PoliCy aND PRaCtiCe 
It is the Group’s policy to settle the terms of payment with suppliers when agreeing the terms of the transaction, to ensure 
that suppliers are aware of these terms and abide by them. Trade creditors at the year end amount to 88 days (2007 66 
days) of average supplies for the year. 
ChaRitaBle DoNatioNS 
The Group made no charitable donations in the year (2007 nil). 
CReSt 
Supporta plc share dealings have been settled on CREST since the admission of the ordinary shares to AIM. CREST is 
the computerised system for the settlement of share dealings on the London Stock Exchange. It reduces the amount of 
documentation required and also makes the trading of shares faster and more secure. CREST enables shares to be held 
in electronic form instead of the traditional share certificates. CREST is voluntary, and shareholders can keep their share 
certificates if they wish. This may be especially preferable for shareholders who do not trade frequently. 
auDitoRS 
Grant Thornton UK LLP offer themselves for reappointment as auditor in accordance with section 385 of the Companies  
Act 1985. 
By oRDeR oF the BoaRD  
S Birks 
Secretary 
23 June 2008 
Directors’ Report continued Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 21
iNtRoDuCtioN 
Supporta PLC is an AIM Listed Company and while the AIM rules do not require the Group to comply with any specific 
corporate governance principles, the Group adopts generally accepted corporate governance good practice wherever size 
and resources permit. 
the BoaRD oF DiReCtoRS 
The Group supports the concept of an effective Board leading and controlling the Group. The Board is responsible for 
approving Group policy and strategy. It meets periodically and has a schedule of matters specifically reserved to it for 
decision. Management supplies the Board with appropriate and timely information and the Directors are free to seek any 
further information they consider necessary.
The current Board consists of five executive Directors and two Non-executive Directors. The Non-executive Directors 
are independent of management and any business or other relationship which could interfere with the exercise of their 
independent judgment. The Non-executive Directors provide a strong independent element on the Board and bring 
experience at a senior level to business operations and strategy. The Non-executive Chairman of the Board is Dr. C Grace 
and the Group Chief Executive is J Jasper.
RelatioNS With ShaReholDeRS 
The Group values the views of its shareholders and recognises their interest in the Group’s strategy and performance, 
Board membership and quality of management. It therefore holds regular meetings and presentations to its institutional 
shareholders to discuss objectives.
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is used to communicate with private investors and they are encouraged to participate. 
The Chairman of the Audit and Remuneration Committees is available to answer questions. Separate resolutions are 
proposed on each issue so that they can be given proper consideration and there is a resolution to approve the annual 
report and accounts. The Company counts all proxy votes and will indicate the level of proxies lodged on each resolution, 
after it has been dealt with by a show of hands.
aCCouNtaBility aND auDit 
The Board seeks to present a balanced and understandable assessment of the Group position and prospects in all interim 
and price-sensitive reports, reports to regulators and in the information required to be presented by statute.
The Audit Committee comprises Dr. C Grace and N Scholte who are Non-executive Directors. The terms of reference of the 
Committee include keeping under review the scope and results of the external audit and its cost effectiveness. The Committee 
reviews the independence and objectivity of the external auditors. This includes reviewing the nature and extent of non-audit 
services supplied by the external auditor to the Group, seeking to balance objectivity and value for money.
iNteRNal CoNtRol 
The Board of Directors has overall responsibility for the Group’s system of internal control and for reviewing its 
effectiveness. The risk management process and systems of internal control are designed to manage rather than eliminate 
the risk of failure to achieve the Group’s objectives. It should be recognised that such systems can only provide reasonable 
and not absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss.
aSSeSSMeNt oF BuSiNeSS RiSK 
A system of business risk identification, assessment, and evaluation is in place within the management process throughout 
the Group. Strategic risks are regularly reviewed by the Board. Risks relating to the key activities within the subsidiary 
operating units are assessed continuously.
Corporate Governance Statement Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 22
CoNtRol eNviRoNMeNt 
The Group’s operating procedures include a comprehensive system for reporting financial and non-financial information to 
the Board, including:
preparation of 3-year strategy plans for business development; •	
preparation and review of annual budgets; •	
review of the business at each Board meeting, focusing on any new risks arising (for example key changes in the market). •	
CoNtRol PRoCeDuReS 
Detailed operational procedures have been developed for each of the Group’s operating businesses that embody key 
controls. The implications of changes in law and regulations are taken into account within these procedures.
MoNitoRiNG PRoCeSSeS 
There are clear procedures for monitoring the system of key controls. The most significant component is a review by the 
Audit Committee of the process for identifying and assessing risks and the effectiveness of controls.
The Board has considered the need for an internal audit function but has decided that this is not justified at present. 
However, it will keep the decision under review on at least an annual basis.
GoiNG CoNCeRN 
After making enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue 
in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason they continue to adopt the going concern basis in 
preparing the financial statements.
DiReCtoRS’ ReMuNeRatioN 
The Board recognises that Directors’ remuneration is of legitimate concern to the shareholders and is committed to 
following current best practice. The particulars of the remuneration of the Directors and their interests are set out in the 
Directors’ Report. The Remuneration Committee comprises Dr. C Grace and N Scholte. 
Corporate Governance Statement continued Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 23
We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Supporta Plc for the year ended 31 March 2008 which comprise 
the principal accounting policies, the consolidated income statement, the consolidated balance sheet, the consolidated 
cash flow statement, the consolidated statement of changes in shareholders’ equity, the consolidated statement of 
recognised income and expense and notes 1 to 37. These consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the 
accounting policies set out therein.
We have reported separately on the parent Company financial statements of Supporta Plc for the year ended 31 March 2008. 
This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Section 235 of the Companies 
Act 1985. 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. 
ReSPeCtive ReSPoNSiBilitieS oF DiReCtoRS aND auDitoRS 
The Directors’ responsibilities for preparing the Annual Report and the Group financial statements in accordance with 
United Kingdom law and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union are set  
out in the Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities.
Our responsibility is to audit the Group financial statements in accordance with relevant legal and regulatory requirements 
and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland).
We report to you our opinion as to whether the Group financial statements give a true and fair view and whether the 
Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 1985. We also report to 
you whether in our opinion the information given in the Directors’ Report is consistent with the financial statements. The 
information given in the Directors’ Report includes that specific information presented in the Business Review that is cross 
referred from the Business Review section of the Directors’ Report.
In addition we report to you if, in our opinion, we have not received all the information and explanations we require for  
our audit, or if information specified by law regarding Directors’ remuneration and other transactions is not disclosed. 
We read other information contained in the Annual Report and consider whether it is consistent with the audited Group 
financial statements. The other information comprises only the Directors’ Report, the Chairman’s Statement, the Chief 
Executive’s Report, the Financial Director’s Report, and the Corporate Governance Statement. We consider the implications 
for our report if we become aware of any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the Group financial 
statements. Our responsibilities do not extend to any other information.
BaSiS oF auDit oPiNioN 
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) issued by the Auditing 
Practices Board. An audit includes examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures in 
the Group financial statements. It also includes an assessment of the significant estimates and judgments made by the 
Directors in the preparation of the Group financial statements, and of whether the accounting policies are appropriate to 
the Group’s circumstances, consistently applied and adequately disclosed.
We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations which we considered necessary 
in order to provide us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the Group financial statements are 
free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or other irregularity or error. In forming our opinion we also 
evaluated the overall adequacy of the presentation of information in the Group financial statements.
oPiNioN 
In our opinion: 
the Group financial statements give a true and fair view, in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union, •	
of the state of the Group’s affairs as at 31 March 2008 and of its loss for the year then ended;
the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 1985; and •	
the information given in the Directors’ Report is consistent with the financial statements. •	
GRaNt thoRNtoN uK llP 
ReGiSteReD auDitoR 
ChaRteReD aCCouNtaNtS
OXFORD 
23 June 2008 
Report of the Independent Autitors’
to the members of Supporta PLC Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 24
Notes
2008 
£’000
2007 
£’000 
CONTINUING OPERATIONS 
Revenue 50,763 42,708 
Cost of sales (36,793) (31,180) 
GROSS PROFIT 13,970 11,528 
Administrative expenses before share based payment charge, 
amortisation and exceptional items (9,943) (7,994) 
OPERATING PROFIT BEFORE SHARE-BASED PAYMENT CHARGE, 
AMORTISATION AND EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS 4,027 3,534 
Share-based payment charge, amortisation and exceptional items 4 (3,004) (5,008) 
OPERATING PROFIT/(LOSS) 3 1,023 (1,474) 
Finance income 5 484 403
Finance costs 5 (1,880) (1,463) 
LOSS BEFORE TAXATION (373) (2,534) 
Taxation 7 (277) 161 
LOSS FOR THE YEAR FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS (650) (2,373) 
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS 
Loss for the year from discontinued operations 8 (942) (3,691) 
LOSS FOR THE YEAR ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE EQUITY  
HOLDERS OF THE PARENT (1,592) (6,064) 
LOSS PER SHARE 
From continuing and discontinuing operations 9 
– basic (2.24)p (9.40)p 
– diluted (2.24)p (9.40)p 
LOSS PER SHARE
Loss From continuing operations 9
– basic (0.91)p (3.68)p 
– diluted (0.91)p (3.68)p 
Consolidated Income Statement
for the year ended 31 March 2008 Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 25
Notes
2008 
£’000
2007 
£’000 
LOSS FOR THE YEAR (1,592) (6,064) 
Actuarial gain/(loss) on defined benefit scheme 25 487 (238) 
Deferred tax on actuarial loss 23 (143) –
Fair value (losses)/gains on cash flow hedges (87) 112 
TOTAL RECOGNISED INCOME AND EXPENSE FOR THE YEAR (1,335) (6,190) 
ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE EQUITY HOLDERS OF THE PARENT (1,335) (6,190)
 
Consolidated Statement of Recognised Income and Expense
for the year ended 31 March 2008 Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 26
Notes
2008 
£’000
2007 
£’000
NON-CURRENT ASSETS 
Goodwill 11 43,852 40,375 
Other intangible assets 12 3,071 2,922 
Property, plant and equipment 13 975 877 
Deferred tax asset 23 891 1,097 
Derivative financial instruments 22 109 
48,811 45,380 
CURRENT ASSETS 
Trade and other receivables 15 12,956 12,895 
Cash and cash equivalents 16 52 1,828 
13,008 14,723 
Non-current assets classified as held for sale 8 185 3,401 
TOTAL ASSETS 62,004 63,504 
CURRENT LIABILITIES 
Financial liabilities 18 (7,795) (9,757) 
Trade and other payables 17 (8,012) (7,957) 
Current tax liabilities (696) (934) 
Provisions 24 (150) (150) 
(16,653) (18,798) 
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 
Financial liabilities 19 (12,280) (15,231) 
Provisions 24 (172) (314) 
Deferred tax liabilities 23 (817) (790) 
Retirement benefit obligations 25 (3,181) (3,657) 
(16,450) (19,992) 
TOTAL LIABILITIES (33,103) (38,790) 
NET ASSETS 28,901 24,714 
EQUITY 
Share capital 34 4,077 3,370 
Share premium 34 34,873 30,320 
Share-based payment reserve 34 637 375 
Retained losses 34 (10,708) (9,460) 
Hedging reserve 34 22 109 
28,901 24,714 
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 23 June 2008. 
J Jasper  D Xiberras 
Director  Director 
The accompanying accounting policies and notes form an integral part of these financial statements. 
Consolidated Balance Sheet
for the year ended 31 March 2008 Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 27
Notes
2008 
£’000
2007 
£’000
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 
Cash generated from operations 35 1,898 3,434 
Finance income 75 44 
Finance costs (1,383) (1,014) 
Income taxes (952) (579) 
NET CASH (OUT)/IN FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES (362) 1,885 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES 
Acquisition of subsidiary net of cash acquired 28 (3,683) (7,191) 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment and intangibles (887) (608) 
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 97 186 
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary 29 3,515 0 
Payments in respect of previous acquisitions (4,462) (4,723) 
NET CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES (5,420) (12,336) 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES 
Proceeds from issue of share capital 5,260 40 
(Repayments)/Proceeds of long-term borrowings (335) 7,167 
Increase in overdraft 4 1,995 
Payment of finance lease liabilities (35) (67) 
Reduction in loan note (888) (435) 
NET CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES 4,006 8,700 
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (1,776) (1,751) 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR 16 1,828 3,579 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR 16 52 1,828 
Consolidated Cashflow Statement
for the year ended 31 March 2008 Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 28
GeNeRal iNFoRMatioN 
Supporta plc is a public limited Company (‘Company’) incorporated in the United Kingdom, whose shares are publicly 
traded on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM). The Company is domiciled in the United Kingdom and its registered 
address is 3 Kingmaker Court, Warwick Technology Park, Warwick, CV34 6UT, United Kingdom. 
The Group’s principal activities are the provision of outsourcing services to the public sector. These services are typically 
provided under long term contracts or framework agreements, with shorter term consultancy assignments being delivered 
under letters of engagement. Our Supporta Care Division specialises in the provision of domiciliary care services which 
are designed to help people live independently in their own homes. The Supporta Professional Services division delivers 
Architecture, Business Process Outsourcing, Engineering, Land & property Consultancy & Records Management services.
BaSiS oF aCCouNtiNG 
The financial statements comply with EU adopted International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The accounting 
policies set out below have been applied consistently to all years presented in these consolidated financial statements  
and in preparing an opening IFRS balance sheet at 1 April 2006 for the purposes of the transition to IFRS.
BaSiS oF PRePaRatioN 
For all years to 31 March 2007, the Group prepared its audited financial statements under UK Generally Accepted 
Accounting Principles (UK GAAP). For the year ending 31 March 2008 the Group is required to prepare its annual 
consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting standards adopted for use in the European Union 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out below, taking into 
account the requirements and options in IFRS 1 ‘First-time adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards’ . The 
transition date for the Group’s application of IFRS is 1 April 2006 and the comparative figures for 31 March 2007 have 
been restated accordingly. Reconciliations of the income statement (previously profit and loss account) and balance sheet 
from previously reported UK GAAP to IFRS are shown in note 36.
BaSiS oF CoNSoliDatioN 
The consolidated financial statements incorporate those of Supporta plc and all of its subsidiary undertakings for the year, 
made up to 31 March each year.
In preparing the consolidated financial statements, any intra-group balances, unrealised gains and losses or income 
and expenses arising from intra-group trading are eliminated. Where accounting policies used in individual financial 
statements of a subsidiary Company differ from Group policies, adjustments are made to bring these policies in line with 
Group policies.
Subsidiaries are entities over which the Group has the power to govern the financial and operating policies to obtain 
economic benefit to the Group. Subsidiary companies acquired during the year are consolidated using the purchase 
method. The results of subsidiary companies acquired are included in the consolidated income statement from the effective 
date of acquisition. 
The cost of an acquisition is measured as the fair value of the assets given, equity instruments issued and liabilities 
incurred or assumed at the date of exchange, plus costs directly attributable to the acquisition. Identifiable assets acquired 
and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are initially measured at fair value at the 
acquisition date.
The excess of cost of acquisition over the fair values of the Group’s share of identifiable net assets acquired is recognised 
as goodwill. Any deficiency of the cost of acquisition below the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired (i.e. discount 
on acquisition) is recognised directly in the income statement.
Unrealised gains on transactions between Group and its subsidiaries are eliminated. Unrealised losses are also eliminated 
unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred.
tRaNSitioN to iFRS 
IFRS 1 grants certain exemptions from the full requirements of IFRSs in the transition period. The following exemptions 
have been taken in these consolidated financial statements:
(i)  IFRS 3 – Business combinations 
The Group has elected not to apply IFRS 3 ‘Business Combinations’ retrospectively to acquisitions that took place  
prior to 1 April 2006. As a result, the carrying amount of goodwill in the UK GAAP balance sheet at 31 March 2006  
is brought forward to the IFRS opening balance sheet without adjustment. 
Accounting Policies Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 29
tRaNSitioN to iFRS (continued)
(ii)  IAS 19 – Employee benefits – actuarial gains and losses 
The Group has elected to recognise all cumulative actuarial gains and losses to 1 April 2006 for all defined benefit 
pension schemes.
(iii)  IFRS 2 – Share-based payment 
IFRS 2 has not been applied to share-based payments granted before 7 November 2002 nor those granted after  
7 November 2002 that had vested prior to 1 April 2006. The Group has adopted IFRS 2 ‘Share Based Payment’ for share 
options granted after 7 November 2002 which had not vested at 1 April 2005. The adoption of IFRS 2 has not required 
numerical adjustments to be made to the balance sheet at 1 April 2006 or to the income statement for the year ended 
31 March 2007. 
NoN-CuRReNt aSSetS helD FoR Sale 
Non-current assets classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell.
Non-current assets and disposal groups are classified as held for sale if their carrying amount will be recovered through 
a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. This condition is regarded as met only when the sale is highly 
probable and the asset (or disposal group) is available for immediate sale in its present condition. Management must be 
committed to the sale which should be expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale within one year from the 
date of classification.
ReveNue ReCoGNitioN 
Group revenue is the fair value of the consideration received or receivable by the Group for goods supplied and services 
provided, excluding VAT and trade discounts.
Revenue generated in Supporta Care is attributable to the provision of both home care services and qualified social care 
staff, primarily to local authorities.
Revenue generated by Supporta Professional Services is attributable to the provision of architectural and engineering 
consultancy services primarily to Registered Social Landlords and the Home Office, and on business process outsourcing 
and consultancy. 
Where services are provided on annual contracts, revenue is spread evenly over the duration of the contract. Where annual 
contracts do not apply then revenue is recognised at fair value by reference to the estimated percentage of completion of 
the provision of services.
Interest income is accrued on a time-apportioned basis, by reference to the principal outstanding and at the effective 
interest rate applicable, which is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life  
of the financial asset to that asset’s net carrying amount.
eXCePtioNal iteMS
Exceptional items are disclosed where these are material and considered necessary to explain the underlying financial 
performance of the Group. They are either one off in nature or necessary elements of expenditure to derive future benefits 
for the Group which have not been capitalised in the balance sheet.
SeGMeNtal RePoRtiNG 
A business segment is a group of assets and operations that provide a product or service and that is subject to risks and 
returns that are different from other business segments. 
FiNaNCe CoStS 
Finance costs comprise interest payable, net foreign exchange losses, and finance charges on finance leases. Interest 
payable is recognised in the income statement as it accrues using the effective interest method.
iNtaNGiBle aSSetS 
Intangible assets purchased separately from a business are capitalised at their cost. 
Customer related intangibles 
The Group makes an assessment of the fair value of intangible assets arising on business combinations. An intangible asset 
will be recognised as long as the asset is identifiable and its fair value can be measured reliably. Amortisation is provided 
on the fair value of the asset and is calculated on a straight line basis over its useful life, the range of which is between 
one and nine years. 
Accounting Policies continued Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 30
iNtaNGiBle aSSetS (continued)
Goodwill 
Goodwill on acquisitions being the excess of the fair value of the cost of acquisition over the Group’s interest in the fair 
value of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired is capitalised and tested for impairment on an annual basis. There is 
no restatement of goodwill that was amortised prior to transition to IFRS. Goodwill previously written off to reserves is not 
written back to profit or loss on subsequent disposal. 
Computer software costs 
Expenditure on the development of new software products is charged to the income statement in the year in which it is 
incurred with the exception of expenditure on the development of certain new product projects where the outcome of 
those projects is assessed as being reasonably certain as regards viability and technical feasibility. Such expenditure is 
capitalised and amortised over a period not longer than three years following the completion of the product project.
Where computer software is not an integral part of a related item of computer hardware, the software is treated as an 
intangible asset. This is then capitalised on the basis of costs incurred to acquire and bring to use the specific software. 
Amortisation is provided by equal annual instalments over its expected useful life of 3 years, down to its residual value.
Computer software licences capitalised are amortised by equal annual instalments over their expected useful life of 3 years, 
down to their residual values.
PRoPeRty, PlaNt & eQuiPMeNt 
Property, plant and equipment assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any recognised impairment loss.
Depreciation is charged so as to write off the cost less residual value of assets over their estimated useful economic lives. 
The range of estimated useful lives for each major asset category, which are reviewed annually, are:
Leasehold property  – Term of the lease 
Freehold property  – over 50 years 
Office equipment, fixtures and fittings  – 3 to 8 years  
(including computer equipment)  
and motor vehicles 
Assets held under finance leases are depreciated over their expected useful lives on the same basis as owned assets or, 
where shorter, the term of the relevant lease.
The gain or loss arising on the disposal or retirement of an asset is determined as the difference between the sales proceeds 
and the carrying amount of the asset and is recognised in profit or loss.
iMPaiRMeNt oF aSSetS 
At each balance sheet date the Group reviews the carrying value of its property, plant and equipment 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.
Goodwill is reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the 
carrying value may be impaired.
Impairments when they arise are shown in share-based payment charge, amortisation and exceptional items line of the 
Consolidated Income Statement and are disclosed further in note 4 to the financial statements. 
Impairment is determined for goodwill by assessing the recoverable amount of the cash generating unit (or group of cash 
generating units) to which the goodwill relates. Where the recoverable amount of the cash generating unit is less than 
the carrying amount of the cash generating unit to which goodwill has been allocated, an impairment loss is recognised. 
Impairment losses relating to goodwill cannot be reversed in future periods.
Goodwill was tested for impairment at 1 April 2006, the date of transition to IFRS, even though no indication of 
impairment existed.
Where the asset does not generate cash flows that are independent from other assets the Group estimates the recoverable 
amount of the cash generating unit to which the asset belongs. A cash generating unit is the smallest identifiable group of 
assets that generates cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets.
 
Accounting Policies continued Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 31
iMPaiRMeNt oF aSSetS (continued)
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 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. Any resulting changes are recognised in the income statement in the period to which they relate.
Except in the case of goodwill, an impairment loss is only reversed if there is a subsequent increase in the recoverable 
amount that can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognised. An impairment loss 
in respect of goodwill is not subsequently reversed.
Impairment losses are shown in the share-based payment charge, amortisation and exceptional items line of the 
Consolidated Income Statement.
leaSiNG 
Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of 
ownership to the Group. All other leases are classified as operating leases.
Assets held under finance leases are recognised as assets of the Group at their fair value or, if lower, at the present value of 
the minimum lease payments, each determined at the inception of the lease. The corresponding liability is to be included in 
the balance sheet as a finance lease obligation. The interest element of leasing payments represents a constant proportion 
of the capital balance outstanding and is charged to the income statement over the period of the lease.
Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to income on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease. 
Benefits received and receivable as an incentive to enter into an operating lease are also spread on a straight line basis 
over the lease term.
BoRRoWiNG CoStS 
Borrowing costs are recognised as an expense when incurred in accordance with the benchmark accounting treatment 
under IAS 23. 
taXatioN 
The tax expense represents the sum of the current tax expense and deferred tax expense.
The income tax payable is based on an estimation of the amount due on the taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit  
is different from net profit as reported in the income statement because it excludes items of income or expenditure  
which are not taxable or deductible in the year as a result of either the nature of the item or the fact that it is taxable  
or deductible in another period. The Group’s liability for current tax is calculated by using tax rates that have been enacted 
or substantially enacted by the balance sheet date.
Deferred tax is accounted for on the basis of temporary differences arising from the differences between the tax base and 
accounting base of assets and liabilities.
Deferred tax is recognised for all taxable temporary differences, except to the extent where it arises from the initial 
recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination. Deferred tax is not provided for 
on the initial recognition of goodwill. Deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future 
taxable profits will be available against which temporary differences can be utilised. 
Deferred tax is charged or credited to the income statement, except when it relates to items charged or credited directly to 
equity, in which case it is dealt with within equity. It is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period 
when the asset is realised or the liability is settled.
FiNaNCial iNStRuMeNtS 
Financial assets or liabilities are recognised when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Classification of financial instruments 
Financial instruments are classified as financial assets, financial liabilities or equity instruments.
Accounting Policies continued Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 32
FiNaNCial iNStRuMeNtS ( continued)
Classification of financial instruments (continued)
Following the adoption of IAS 32, financial instruments issued by the Group are treated as equity only to the extent that 
they meet the following two conditions:
They include no contractual obligations upon the Group to deliver cash or other financial assets that are potentially •	
unfavourable to the Group; and
Where the instrument will or may be settled in the Group’s own equity instruments, it is either a non-derivative that •	
includes no obligation to deliver a variable number of the Group’s own equity instruments or is a derivative that will 
be settled by the Group exchanging a fixed amount of cash or other financial assets for a fixed number of its own 
equity instruments.
To the extent that this definition is not met, the proceeds of issue are classified as a financial liability. Where the 
instrument so classified takes the legal form of the Company’s own shares, the amounts presented in these financial 
statements for called up share capital and share premium account exclude amounts in relation to those shares.
Finance payments associated with financial instruments that are classified as equity are dividends and are recorded directly 
in equity. Finance payments associated with financial liabilities are dealt with as part of finance costs.
Recognition and valuation of financial assets 
Trade receivables 
Trade receivables are initially recorded at fair value and subsequently valued at amortised cost, less impairment.
Impairment of trade receivables is recorded if there are objective indicators that suggest that the debts are not full 
recoverable or that the fair value of the receivable is impaired at the balance sheet date.
Cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in hand and at bank. Cash and cash equivalents excludes overdrafts.
Financial liabilities 
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements 
entered into. Financial liabilities include loan notes issued on acquisition and deferred consideration. These financial 
liabilities are recorded at their fair value. Finance charges are allocated to the income statement using an effective interest 
rate, on the outstanding carrying value of the instrument.  
Bank borrowings 
Interest bearing bank loans and overdrafts are recorded at their fair value and subsequently valued at amortised cost. 
Finance charges are allocated to the income statement using an effective interest rate, on the outstanding carrying value 
of the instrument.
Trade payables 
Trade payables are not interest bearing and are recognised initially at fair value and thereafter at amortised cost.
Equity instruments 
Equity instruments are initially measured at fair value. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual 
interest in the assets of the Group after deducting all of its liabilities.
Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting 
The Group’s activities expose it primarily to the financial risks of changes in interest rates. The Group uses interest rate swap 
contracts to hedge these exposures. The Group does not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.
The use of financial derivatives is governed by the Group’s policies approved by the board of Directors, which provide written 
principles in the use of financial derivatives. The Group seeks to manage financial risk by ensuring sufficient liquidity is 
available to meet foreseeable cash requirements and to invest cash assets safely and profitably. Interest rate risk is managed 
through the use of hedging arrangements.
Accounting Policies continued Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 33
FiNaNCial iNStRuMeNtS (continued)
Recognition and valuation of financial assets (continued)
Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting (continued) 
Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments that are designated and effective as hedges of future cash 
flows are recognised directly in equity and the ineffective portion is recognised immediately in the income statement. If the 
cash flow hedge of a forecasted transaction results in the recognition of a non-financial asset or liability, then, at the same 
time the asset or liability is recognised, the associated gains or losses on the derivative that had previously been recognised 
in equity are included in the initial measurement of the asset or liability. For hedges that do not result in the recognition of 
an asset or liability, amounts deferred in equity are recognised in the income statements in the same period in which the 
hedged item affects profit or loss. 
Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are recognised in the 
income statement as they arise.
Hedge accounting is discontinued when the hedging instrument expires is sold, terminated, exercised, or no longer qualifies 
for hedge accounting. At that time, any cumulative gain or loss on the hedging instrument recognised in equity is retained in 
equity until the forecasted transaction occurs. If a hedged transaction is no longer expected to occur, the net cumulative gain 
or loss recognised in equity is transferred to profit or loss for the period.
RetiReMeNt BeNeFitS 
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit plans are charged as an expense as they fall due. Any contributions 
unpaid at the balance sheet date are included as an accrual as at that date. The Group has no further payment obligations 
once the contributions have been paid.
The Group also operates a defined benefit pension plan. For defined benefit retirement plans, the cost of providing benefits is 
determined using the projected unit credit method, with actuarial valuations being carried out at each balance sheet date. 
Actuarial gains and losses arising are recognised directly in equity in the Statement of Recognised Income and Expense in the 
period in which they arise.
The amount recognised in the balance sheet represents the difference between the fair value of the plan assets and the 
present value of the defined benefit obligation as adjusted for unrecognised past service costs, at the balance sheet date. 
Gains and losses on curtailments/settlements are recognised in the income statement when the curtailment/settlement occurs.
ShaRe-BaSeD PayMeNt 
The Group has applied the requirements of IFRS 2 ‘Share-based Payment’ . In accordance with the IFRS 1 exemption, IFRS 2 
has been applied to all grants of equity instruments after 7 November 2002 that had not been vested prior to 1 April 2006.
The Group issues equity-settled share-based payments to certain employees, whereby employees render services in 
exchange for share options.
Where employees are rewarded using share-based payments, the fair values of employees’ services are determined 
indirectly by reference to the fair value of the instrument granted to the employee. This fair value is appraised at the grant 
date using an option-pricing model (Black-Scholes) and excludes the impact of non-market vesting conditions.
Equity-settled share-based payments are expensed in the income statement with a corresponding credit to “share-based 
payment reserve” . Upon exercise of share options, the proceeds received net of attributable transaction costs are credited to 
share capital, and where appropriate share premium.
PRoviSioNS 
The Group has provisions in place for onerous leases and dilapidations. The provisions are recognised when the Group has a 
present obligation as a result of a past event which it is probable will result in an outflow of economic benefits that can be 
reliably estimated. Any differences between expectations and the actual future liability will be accounted for in the period 
when such a determination is made. 
Accounting Policies continued Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 34
Accounting Policies continued
aDoPteD iFRS Not yet aPPlieD 
At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, the following Standards and Interpretations which have not 
been applied in these financial statements were in issue but not yet effective: 
IFRS 3: Business Combinations (revised) •	
IFRS 8: Operating segments •	
IFRIC 11: IFRS 2 Group and Treasury Share Transactions •	
IFRIC 12: Service Concession arrangements •	
IFRIC 13: Customer loyalty programmes •	
IFRIC 14: IAS 19 – the limit on a defined benefit asset, minimum funding requirements and their interaction •	
IAS 1: Presentation of financial statements (revised) •	
IAS 23: (Amendment) Borrowing Costs. •	
IAS 27: Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements (revised) •	
IAS 32: Financial Instruments: Presentation (amended) •	
The Directors anticipate that the adoption of these Standards and Interpretations in future periods will have no material 
impact on the financial statements of the Group.  Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 35
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Information
for the year ended 31 March 2008
1 CRitiCal aCCouNtiNG eStiMateS aND aReaS oF JuDGMeNt 
Estimates and judgments are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including 
expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. 
The Group makes estimated and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting estimates and assumptions that  
have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the  
next financial year are described below: 
Revenue recognition on projects 
At the year end, there were projects which were partially complete. In accordance with the Group’s accounting policy 
revenue and profit are recognised in accordance with the stage of completion of the contract. This is based on costs 
incurred to date and an estimate of future costs.
Share-based payments 
The charge to the income statements in relation to options and incentive plans is based on the Black-Scholes valuation 
technique. This technique requires a number of assumptions to be made such as those in relation to share price 
volatility, movement in interest rates, dividend yields and staff behavioural patterns. 
Property provisions 
The Group occupies leasehold properties for which a provision is made for dilapidations or other future expenditure 
commitments. At 31 March 2008 the provisions are £0.27m (2007: £0.34m). These provisions reflect conditions existing 
at the year end, and are judgemental by their nature. 
Fair Value Adjustments 
The valuation of customer related intangible and adjustments as permitted under the hindsight period are based on a 
number of assumptions including customer retention and growth rate. Further details are included in the intangible 
assets accounting policy.
Key areas of judgment include the distinction a valuation of intangible assets acquired as detailed in the intangible 
assets note and the recognition of revenue as detailed in the revenue recognition policy.
Impairment 
The impairment tests require a number of assumptions and judgments to be made. An explanation of these judgments 
and estimates are detailed in the impairment accounting policy. 
Retirement benefit obligations 
Assumptions are used in the actuarial valuation of the Group’s defined benefit pension schemes. Details of these 
assumptions are disclosed in note 25. Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 36
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Information continued
for the year ended 31 March 2008
2  SeGMeNtal iNFoRMatioN
Business segments
For management purposes the Group is currently organised into two operating divisions – Supporta Care and 
Supporta Professional Services in addition to Corporate. These divisions are the basis on which the Group reports 
its primary segment information.
Principal activities are as follows:
Supporta Care: provision of home care services.
Supporta Professional Services: provision of architectural, engineering, planning, project management, land 
management, business process outsourcing, system support, managed services, consultancy, data archiving and 
scanning services.
Corporate: provision of central management services to the Group.
In prior years the Group was also involved in the provision of Payroll services to NHS organisations. That operation 
was discontinued from 4 May 2007.
Year ended 31 March 2008
Continuing Operations 
£’000
Discontinued
 Operations
 £’000
Supporta 
Care
Supporta 
Professional
 Services Corporate
Payroll
 Division 
Eliminations
 £’000
Consolidated
 £’000
REVENUE
External sales 34,326 16,437 – 330 – 51,093 
Inter-segment sales – 576 – – (576) –
Total revenue 34,326 17,013 – 330 (576) 51,093 
RESULT
Operating profit/(loss) 
before share-based payment 
charge, exceptional items 
and amortisation and 
impairment of goodwill and 
intangible assets 3,955 2,121 (2,053) 4 –         4,027 
Operating profit/(Loss) 3,449 418 (2,844) (696) –             327 
Net finance costs (5) (81) (1,310) – – (1,396)
Profit/(loss) before tax 3,444 337 (4,154) (696) – (1,069)
Corporation tax expense (252) (25) – (413) – (690)
Profit on disposal of
discontinued operations – – – 167 –            167
Profit/(Loss) after tax and
discontinued operations 3,192 312 (4,154) (942) – (1,592)
OTHER INFORMATION
Capital additions* 1,574 106 22 – –         1,702
Depreciation and
amortisation 471 1,148 – – –         1,619
Impairment losses
recognised in income – 218 – – – 218
Inter segment sales are charged at prevailing market rates.
*   Capital additions comprise additions to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets including additions
   resulting from acquisitions through business combinations.
  The additions for Care includes £0.79m of intangibles resulting from the acquisition of Hallam Healthcare. Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 37
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Information continued
for the year ended 31 March 2008
2  SeGMeNtal iNFoRMatioN (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2007
Continuing Operations 
£’000
Discontinued
 Operations 
£’000
Supporta 
Care
Supporta
 Professional
 Services Corporate 
Payroll 
Division
Eliminations
 £’000
Consolidated 
£’000
REVENUE
External sales 30,518 12,190 – 6,380 – 49,088
Inter-segment sales – 980 – – (980) –
Total revenue 30,518 13,170 – 6,380 (980) 49,088
RESULT
Operating profit/(loss) before 
share-based payment charge, 
exceptional items and 
amortisation and impairment of 
goodwill and intangible assets 2,943 2,212 (1,996) 1,164 – 4,323
Operating profit/(loss) 2,077 (901) (2,650) (3,504) – (4,978)
Net finance costs (19) (93) (948) – – (1,060)
Profit/(Loss) before tax 2,058 (994) (3,598) (3,504) – (6,038)
Corporation tax expense 314 (153) – (194) – (33)
Loss on disposal of  
discontinued operations – – – 7 – 7
Profit/(Loss) after tax and
discontinued operations 2,372 (1,147) (3,598) (3,691) – (6,064)
OTHER INFORMATION
Capital additions* 192 3,374 49 – – 3,615
Depreciation and amortisation 195 451 86 – – 732
Impairment losses recognised  
in income – 8,009 – – – 8,009
Other non cash expenses** – – – – – –
Inter segment sales are charged at prevailing market rates.
*   Capital additions comprise additions to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets including additions
   resulting from acquisitions through business combinations.
Year ended 31 March 2008
Continuing Operations 
£’000
Discontinued 
Operations
 £’000
BALANCE SHEET
Supporta 
Care
Supporta 
Professional
 Services Corporate
Payroll 
Division
Eliminations
 £’000
Consolidated
 £’000
Assets 38,450 22,972 53,887 – (53,305) 62,004
Liabilities (26,790) (16,909) (31,201) – 41,797 (33,103)
Segment assets consist primarily of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, financial assets investments  
and other operating assets.
Segment liabilities consist primarily of operating liabilities. Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 38
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Information continued
for the year ended 31 March 2008
2  SeGMeNtal iNFoRMatioN (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2007
Continuing Operations 
£’000
Discontinued 
Operations 
£’000
BALANCE SHEET 
Supporta
 Care
Supporta 
Professional 
Services Corporate
Payroll 
Division
Eliminations 
£’000
Consolidated 
£’000
Assets 30,739 19,035 53,611 3,433 (43,314) 63,504
Liabilities (23,532) (17,815) (32,067) (83) 34,707 (38,790)
Segment assets consist primarily of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, financial assets investments and 
other operating assets.  
Segment liabilities consist primarily of operating liabilities.
3  oPeRatiNG PRoFit/(loSS)
2008 
£’000
2007 
£’000
Profit/(Loss) for the year has been arrived at after charging:
Amortisation of other intangible assets 983  509
Impairment losses (see note 11) 218 3,582
Depreciation
– owned assets 343 429
– leased assets 40 40
Rental under operating leases 1,275 1,476
Staff costs (see note 6) 46,426 35,677
Auditors remuneration in respect of both audit and non-audit services:
Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for the audit of the Company’s annual accounts 95 95
Fees payable to the Company’s auditor and its associates for other services:
 - The audit of the Company’s subsidiaries pursuant to legislation 15 15
 - Other services pursuant to legislation 7 –
 - Tax services 27 25
144 135 Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 39
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Information continued
for the year ended 31 March 2008
4 ShaRe-BaSeD P ayMeNt ChaRGe, aMoRtiSatioN aND eXCePtioNal iteMS
2008 
£’000
2007 
£’000
Share-based payment charge 262 252
Amortisation of other intangible assets 983 509
Impairment provision 218 3,582
Exceptional items 1,541 665
3,004 5,008
Exceptional items represent:
Redundancy costs 275 368
Restructure and relocation costs 86 104
Abortive acquisitions 41 20
Abortive disposals 80
Payments relating to discontinued businesses from previous year – 142
One off retention bonus relating to 2006/7 acquisitions – 31
Write off of Architectural WIP from prior years 773 –
Cost of preparing IFRS conversion 102 –
Refinance costs 157 –
IAS 19 pension fund curtailment loss 27 –
1,541 665
5  Net FiNaNCe CoStS
2008 
£’000
2007 
£’000
Interest on bank loans and overdrafts 1,367 972
Other interest 14 36
Finance charges in respect of hire purchase contracts 2 6
Interest on pension scheme liabilities 497 449
1,880 1,463
Expected return on pension scheme assets (409) (359)
Interest receivable and similar income:
Bank interest (75) (44)
1,396 1,060
6  StaFF CoStS    
Staff costs during the year were as follows:
2008 
£’000
2007 
£’000
Wages and salaries 42,706 32,359
Social security costs 3,299 2,768
Redundancy costs 270 202
Pension costs 151 348
46,426 35,677 Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 40
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Information continued
for the year ended 31 March 2008
6  StaFF CoStS (continued)   
The average number of employees of the Group during the year was as follows:
2008 
No.
2007 
No.
Directors 7 7
Supporta Care – administration 198 151
Supporta Care – home care staff 1,968 1,647
Supporta Professional Services 287 342
Corporate 17 29
2,477 2,176
1 Director (2007: 3) is accruing benefits under the money purchase scheme.
The highest paid Director in the year received remuneration of £175,000 (2007: £135,000).
The pension contributions of the highest paid Director were £NIL (2007: £15,500).
7  taXatioN
Continuing Operations Discontinuing Operations Total
2008 
£’000
2007 
£’000
2008 
£’000
2007 
£’000
2008 
£’000
2007 
£’000
Current tax:
UK corporation tax on (Loss) 445 282 413 194 858 476
Adjustments in respect of previous periods (258) (211) – – (258) (211)
Total current tax 187 71 413 194 600 265
Deferred tax:
Origination and reversal  
of timing differences 90 (232) – – 90 (232)
Tax on loss 277 (161) 413 194 690 33
Corporation tax is calculated at 28 per cent (2007: 30 percent) of the estimated assessable profit for the year.
Of the charge to current tax, approximately £0.34m (2007: £0.19m) related to profits arising in the payroll operation, 
which was disposed of during the year.
A tax charge of £0.57m arose on the disposal of the relevant operation.
The total tax charge for the year can be reconciled to the profit per the income statement as follows:
2008 2007
£’000 % £’000 %
(Loss) before tax (373) 28 (2,534) 30
Tax at the UK corporation tax rate of 28% (2007: 30%) (104) (760)
Tax effect of expenses that are not deductible in determining  
taxable profit 683 1,025
Tax effect of utilisation of tax losses not previously recognised 1 –
Decrease in opening deferred tax liability resulting from a reduction  
in tax rates 20 –
Deferred tax movement 90 (232)
Tax expense (credit) 690 33 Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 41
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Information continued
for the year ended 31 March 2008
8  DiSCoNtiNueD oPeRatioNS
On 2 May 2007, the Group entered into a sale agreement to dispose of the payroll operation of Supporta Services Limited. 
The disposal was completed on 4 May 2007, on which date control passed to the acquirer.
The results of the discontinued operations which have been included in the consolidated income statement, were as follows:
2008 
£’000
2007 
£’000
Revenue 330 6,380
Cost of sales (294) (4,326)
Gross profit 36 2,054
Administrative expenses (565) (1,407)
Impairment of goodwill 0 (4,144)
Loss before tax (529) (3,497)
Attributable tax expense (413) (194)
Net loss attributable to discontinued operations (942) (3,691)
During the year the payroll operation of Supporta Services Limited expensed £0.53m (2007: contributed £0.65m)  
to the Group net operating cashflows, received £3.52m (2007: £Nil) in respect of investing activities and paid £Nil  
(2007: £Nil) in respect of financing activities.
No profit or loss arose on the disposal of the payroll operation of Supporta Services Limited, as the proceeds of 
disposal did not exceed the carrying amount of the subsidiary goodwill. An impairment loss had been recognised on 
the classification of these operations as held for sale.
The effect of discontinued operations on segment results is disclosed in the segmental results note.
The major classes of assets and liabilities comprising the operations classified as held for sale are as follows:
2008 
£’000
2007 
£’000
Goodwill 185 3,401
There were no liabilities associated with assets classified as held for sale.
9  (loSS) PeR ShaRe aND aDJuSteD eaRNiNGS PeR ShaRe
2008 
£’000
2007 
£’000
Weighted average number of shares for basic earnings per share
(000’s of shares) 71,089 64,488
Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares:
Share options (000’s of shares) – –
Weighted average number of shares for diluted earnings per share
(000’s of shares) 71,089 64,488
For basic earning per share:
Loss for the financial period from continuing and discontinued operations (1,592) (6,064)
Add back loss for the period from discontinued operations 942 3,691
Loss for the financial period from continuing operations (650) (2,373)
Loss per share from continuing and discontinued operations:
– basic and diluted (2.24)p (9.40)p
Loss per share from continuing operations:
– basic and diluted (0.91)p (3.68)p
Loss per share from discontinued operations
– basic and diluted (1.33)p (5.72)p Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 42
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Information continued
for the year ended 31 March 2008
9  (loSS) PeR ShaRe aND aDJuSteD eaRNiNGS PeR ShaRe (continued)
2008
 £’000
2007
 £’000
For adjusted earnings per share:
Loss for the financial period (1,592) (6,064)
Add back loss for the period from discontinued operations 942 3,691
Add back share based payment charge 262 252
Add back amortisation of other intangible assets 983 509
Add back impairment provision 218 3,582
Add back exceptional items (adjusted for tax) 1,079 466
Adjusted loss for the financial period 1,892 2,436
Basic adjusted earnings per share 2.66p 3.78p
Diluted adjusted earnings per share 2.66p 3.74p
10  DiviDeNDS
No dividend is proposed in respect of the year ending 31 March 2008 (2007: £Nil).
11  GooDWill
2008
 £’000
2007
 £’000
Cost:
At 1 April 43,957 37,609
Additions 97 –
Recognised on acquisition of a subsidiary 3,598 14,176
Classified as held for sale – (7,828)
At 31 March 47,652 43,957
Accumulated impairment losses:
At 1 April 3,582 –
Impairment losses for the year 218 8,009
Classified as held for sale – (4,427)
At 31 March 3,800 3,582
Carrying amount:
At 31 March 43,852 40,375
Goodwill recognised on acquisition of a subsidiary is detailed in note 28. Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 43
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Information continued
for the year ended 31 March 2008
11  GooDWill (continued)
Goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated to the cash generating units that are expected to benefit from 
the business combination. The carrying value of goodwill has been allocated to the following cash generating units:
Year ended 
31 March 2008
 £’000
Year ended 
31 March 2007 
£’000
Operating Unit
Care 21,059 18,178
Professional services 22,793 22,197
43,852 40,375
Goodwill is not amortised but is tested annually for impairment or more frequently if there are indications that 
goodwill might be impaired. To the extent that the carrying value exceeds the value in use, determined from 
estimated discontinued future net cash flows or recoverable amounts, goodwill is written down to the value in use 
and an impairment charge is recognised.
The recoverable amount of the CGU’s has been determined by value in use calculations. The key assumptions for the 
value in use calculations, are those regarding the discount rates, growth rates, and expected changes to selling price 
and direct costs during future years. The pre-tax discount rate of 9.8% was used in the value in use calculation. In 
determining the value in use, cashflows have been increased by 4% to reflect potential growth over future years. 
Changes in selling prices and direct costs are based on management’s expectations of future changes in the market.
12  otheR iNtaNGiBle aSSetS
Software 
£’000
Cutomer related 
£’000
Total 
£’000
Cost:
At 1 April 2006 476 – 476
Acquisition of subsidiary undertakings 195 2,518 2,713
Additions 480 – 480
Disposals (169) – (169)
At 31 March 2007 982 2,518 3,500
Acquisition of subsidiary undertakings – 793 793
Additions 339 – 339
At 31 March 2008 1,321 3,311 4,632
Amortisation:
At 1 April 2006 132 – 132
Amortisation for the period 273 236 509
Eliminated of disposal (63) – (63)
At 31 March 2007 342 236 578
Amortisation for the period 469 514 983
At 31 March 2008 811 750 1,561
Carrying value:
At 31 March 2006 344 – 344
At 31 March 2007 640 2,282 2,922
At 31 March 2008 510 2,561 3,071 Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 44
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Information continued
for the year ended 31 March 2008
12  otheR iNtaNGiBle aSSetS (continued)
Software is assumed to have a useful economic life of 3 years and is amortised accordingly.
Customer related intangible assets have a differing useful economic life ranging from 1 to 9 years based on 
management expectations and customer commitments and the amortisation policy reflects this.
Customer related intangible assets by Company:
NBV Amortisation period
Datacare Business Systems Limited 849 Between 2-7 years
Bay Associates Consulting Limited 20 2 years
TerraQuest Solutions Limited 1,022 Between 1-9 years
Hallam Healthcare Limited 670 Between 1-3 years
At 31 March 2008 2,561
There are no specific securities or restrictions held over the intangible assets.
13  PRoPeRty , PlaNt aND eQuiPMeNt
Leasehold property
 £’000 
Office Equipment
 £’000
Motor vehicles
 £’000 
Total 
£’000
Cost or valuation:
At 1 April 2006 101 946 8 1,055
Additions 21 107 – 128
Disposals – (135) – (135)
Acquired through  
business combinations – 260 34 294
At 31 March 2007 122 1,178 42 1,342
Additions – 541 7 548
Disposals (52) (289) – (341)
Acquired through business 
combinations – 11 – 11
At 31 March 2008 70 1,441 49 1,560
Accumulated depreciation:
At 1 April 2006 35 269 – 304
Depreciation charge for the period 29 179 15 223
Disposals – (62) – (62)
At 31 March 2007 64 386 15 465
Depreciation charge for the period 10 359 14 383
Disposals (4) (259) – (263)
At 31 March 2008 70 486 29 585
Carrying value:
At 31 March 2006 66 677 8 751
At 31 March 2007 58 792 27 877
At 31 March 2008 – 955 20 975
Details of securities over the assets of the Group are disclosed in notes 20 - 22 of these financial statements.
The carrying value of the Group’s property, plant and equipment includes an amount of £Nil (2007: £0.09m) in respect 
of assets held under finance leases.
Depreciation expense of £0.38m (2007: £0.22m) has been charged to administrative expenses. Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 45
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Information continued
for the year ended 31 March 2008
14  SuBSiDiaRieS
Details of Supporta Plc’s subsidiaries at 31 March 2008 are as follows:
Name of subsidiary 
Place of 
incorporation 
(or registration)
 and operation
Proportion of
 ownership interest
 %
Proportion of 
voting power held 
% Principal activity
Next Generation IT  
Recruitment Limited UK 100 100
Supporta Care Limited UK 100 100
Home and social 
care provision
Supporta Services Limited UK 100 100 Support services
Supporta Professional  
Services Limited UK 100 100 Architectural services
AJH Care Limited UK 100 100 
Independent Living  
Organisation Limited UK 100 100 
Home and social 
care provision
Strathaven Nursing  
Homes Limited UK 100 100
Home and social
 care provision
Datacare Business  
Systems Limited UK 100 100 Data storage and scanning
Bay Associates  
Consulting Limited UK 100 100
Civil and structural 
engineering
Terraquest Solutions Limited UK 100 100 
Business process 
outsourcing 
and consultancy
Terraquest Group Limited UK 100 100
Terraquest Limited UK 100 100
Hallam Healthcare UK 100 100
Home and social 
care provision
Staff VMS Limited UK 100 100 Back office services
Hallam Healthcare was acquired on 4 January 2008. Its financial year end has been changed from 30 June to 
31 March in line with the Group.
15  tRaDe aND otheR ReCeivaBleS 
2008 
£’000
2007
 £’000
Trade receivables 6,591 7,118
Other receivables 662 462
Prepayments and accrued income 5,703 5,315
12,956 12,895
The average credit period taken on sales of goods is 47 days (2007: 52 days). An allowance has been made for 
estimated irrecoverable amounts from the sale of goods £0.52m (2007: £0.27m), based on past default experience.  
The Directors consider the carrying amount of trade and other receivables approximate their fair value.
The Group holds no collateral against these receivables at the balance sheet date.
The following table provides analysis of trade and other receivables that were past due at 31 March but not impaired. 
The Group believed that the balances are ultimately recoverable based on a review of past payment history and the 
current financial status of the customers. Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 46
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Information continued
for the year ended 31 March 2008
15  tRaDe aND otheR ReCeivaBleS (continued)
2008 
£’000
Up to 30 days 811
Between 30 and 60 days 117
Between 60 and 90 days 94
Over 90 days 785
1,807
16  CaSh aND CaSh eQuivaleNtS  
2008 
£’000 
2007 
£’000
Cash and cash equivalents 52 1,828
At 31 March 2008, the Group cash and cash equivalent balance included £Nil (2007: £0.80m) held in an escrow  
bank account.
17  tRaDe aND otheR P ayaBleS  
2008
 £’000 
2007
 £’000
Trade payables 2,149 1,423
Other taxation and social security costs 2,396 2,609
Other payables 1,072 952
Accruals and deferred income 2,395 2,973
8,012 7,957
18  CuRReNt FiNaNCial liaBilitieS  
2008 
£’000 
2007 
£’000
Bank loans and overdrafts (see note 20) 5,171 5,171
Loan notes issued on acquisition – 888
Deferred consideration 2,624 3,663
Amounts due under finance leases (see note 21) – 35
7,795 9,757
The bank loans and overdraft are secured by a fixed and floating charge over all assets of the Group.
Amounts due under finance leases are secured on the assets to which they relate.
19 NoN-CuRReNt FiNaNCial liaBilitieS  
2008 
£’000
2007 
£’000
Bank loans and overdrafts (see note 20) 12,280 12,611
Loan notes issued on acquisition – –
Deferred consideration – 2,620
Amounts due under finance leases (see note 21) – –
12,280 15,231 Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 47
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Information continued
for the year ended 31 March 2008
20  BaNK oveRDRaFt aND loaNS
2008 
£’000
2007 
£’000
Bank overdrafts 1,999 1,995
Bank loans 15,452 15,787
17,451 17,782
The borrowings are repayable as follows:
On demand or within 1 year 5,171 5,171
In the second year 3,145 4,341
In the third to fifth years inclusive 9,135 8,270
After 5 years – –
17,451 17,782
Less: Amount due for settlement within 12 months  
(shown under current liabilities) (5,171) (5,171)
Amount due for settlement after 12 months 12,280 12,611
2008 
%
2007 
%
The weighted average interest rates paid were as follows:
Bank overdrafts 7.50 7.43
Bank loans 7.62 7.43
Bank loans of £7.13m (2007: £9.81m) were arranged at fixed interest rates and expose the Group to fair value interest 
rate risk. Other borrowings are arranged at floating rates, thus exposing the Group to cash flow interest rate risk.
The Directors estimate the fair value of the Group’s borrowings is not significantly different to the carrying value.
The other principal features of the Group’s borrowings are as follows:
Working capital facilities of £2.00m (2007: £2.00m) have been secured by a charge over the Group’s assets.  i. 
The average effective interest rate on the working capital facility approximates 5.0 per cent (2007: 4.9 per cent) 
per annum and are determined based on 2.5 per cent plus prime rate.
The Group has three principal bank loans:     ii. 
a loan of £1.55m (2007: £2.19m). The loan was taken out in the year ending 31 March 2007. Repayments a. 
commenced on 31 December 2006 and will continue until 31 December 2011. The loan is secured by a fixed and 
floating charge over the Group’s assets. This loan carries interest rate at 2.5 per cent above 3-month LIBOR.
a loan of £6.14m (2007: £8.65m). The loan was taken out in the year ending 31 March 2007. Repayments b. 
commenced on 31 December 2006 and will continue until 31 December 2011. The loan is secured by a fixed and 
floating charge over the Group’s assets. This loan carries interest rate at 2.5 per cent above 3-month LIBOR.
a loan of £7.57m (2007: £4.95m). The loan was taken out in the year ending 31 March 2007. Repayments will c. 
commence on 31 December 2008 and will continue until 31 December 2011. The loan is secured by a fixed and 
floating charge over the Group’s assets. This loan carries interest rate at 2.5 per cent above 3-month LIBOR.
At 31 March 2008, the Group had available £9.43m (2007: £12.32m) of undrawn committed borrowing facilities in 
respect of which all conditions precedent had been met. Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 48
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Information continued
for the year ended 31 March 2008
21  aMouNtS Due uNDeR FiNaNCe leaSeS
          Minimum lease payments
2008 
£’000
2007 
£’000
Amounts payable:
Within one year – 35
Less future finance charges – –
Present value of lease obligations – 35
Less: Amount due for settlement within 12 months – 35
Amount due for settlement after 12 months – –
22  FiNaNCial iNStRuMeNtS
The Group uses financial instruments comprising borrowings, cash and various items such as trade debtors and trade 
creditors that arise directly from its operations. The main purpose of these financial instruments is to raise finance for 
the Group’s operations.
The Group’s capital includes the capital and long-term loans. Long-term financial projections are prepared and capital 
requirements are assessed using these projections along with sensitivities. The Group’s banking agreements require us 
to comply with covenants for net debt to normalised earnings before interest, tax and amortisation, interest cover and 
debt service to cashflow ratios. As a result of the renegotiation of the banking facilities the Group was not required 
to measure covenants at 31
st
 March and the next testing date is now 30
th
 June 2008. The Group had met each of its 
covenants at the other quarterly testing dates during the year ended 31
st
 March 2008.
The main risks arising from the Group financial instruments are interest rate, credit and liquidity risk. The board 
reviews and agrees policies for managing each of these risks and they are summarised below.
Short-term debtors and creditors
Short-term debtors and creditors have been excluded from all the following disclosures, other than the currency  
risk disclosures.
Interest rate risk
The Group finances its operations through a mixture of cash, bank borrowings and hire purchase contracts. The fair 
value of the financial instruments is not materially different to book value.  Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 49
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Information continued
for the year ended 31 March 2008
22  FiNaNCial iNStRuMeNtS (continued)
The interest rate exposure of the financial assets and liabilities of the Group as at 31 March 2008 and 31 March 2007 was:
Interest rate
Fixed 
2008 
£’000
Interest rate 
Floating 
2008 
£’000
 Total 
2008 
£’000
Fixed 
2007 
£’000
Interest rate
 Floating 
2007 
£’000
Total 
2007 
£’000
Financial assets:
Cash at bank – 52 52 – 1,828 1,828
– 52 52 – 1,828 1,828
Financial liabilities:
Bank overdrafts – (1,999) (1,999) – (1,995) (1,995)
Bank loans (7,125) (8,327) (15,452) (9,775) (6,012) (15,787)
Hire purchase 
Contracts – – – (35) – (35)
(7,125) (10,326) (17,451) (9,810) (8,007) (17,817)
At 31 March 2008 bank loans amounting to £8.33m were subject to floating interest rates. The floating rate 
borrowings bear interest rates based on LIBOR.
The Group entered into a hedging arrangement in the year ended 31 March 2007 to fix an additional £6.60m of its 
borrowings at a fixed rate of 5.00% for four years. This was reduced by £0.83m by a loan repayment and will reduce 
further as the loan is repaid. This arrangement has 3.25 years remaining.
The Group has derived a sensitivity analysis based on readily available information for forward fixed and floating 
interest rates.
2008 
£’ 000
2007 
£’ 000
Impact on equity  
1% increase in base rate of interest 100 59
1% decrease in base rate of interest (78) (91)
Impact on profit  
1% increase in base rate of interest (173) (131)
1% decrease in base rate of interest 173  131
The fair value of interest rate swaps entered into at 31 March 2008 is estimated at £0.02m (2007: £0.11m). These 
amounts are based on market values of equivalent instruments at the balance sheet date. The balance in equity at 
31 March 2008 will continuously be released to the income statement over the term of the loan agreement.
The weighted average fixed interest rate and weighted average period for which the rate fixed for liabilities at  
31 March 2008 was 7.6% and 2.0 years respectively. 
Liquidity risk
The Group seeks to manage financial risk by ensuring sufficient liquidity is available to meet foreseeable cash 
requirements and to invest cash assets safely and profitably.
Short-term flexibility is achieved by the use of working capital facilities.
Credit risk
Credit risk predominantly arises from trade receivables and cash and cash equivalents. The Group policy is to assess 
the credit quality of each customer before accepting any terms of trade.
  Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 50
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Information continued
for the year ended 31 March 2008
22 FiNaNCial iNStRuMeNtS (continued)
The Group maximum exposure to credit risk relating to such assets is set out below:
2008 
£’000
2007 
£’000
Trade receivables 6,591 7,118
Cash and cash equivalent 52 1,828
6,643 8,946
The Group reviews aged debt on a periodic basis and makes provision for those debts which it considers are doubtful.  
At the balance sheet the total provision for doubtful debts totalled £0.52m (2007: £0.27m).
Total Financial assets and liabilities
The table below sets out the Group’s accounting classification of each class of financial assets and liabilities, and their 
fair values at 31 March 2008.
Loans & receivables
 2008
 £000
Designated at fair 
value through 
profit or loss 
2008 
£000
Total for balance 
sheet heading 
2008 
£000
Cash at bank 52 - 52
Trade receivables - current 6,591 - 6,591
Other receivables - current 662 - 662
Prepayments 5,703 - 5,703
Derivatives - 22 22
Bank overdraft (1,999) - (1,999)
Trade payables – current (2,149) - (2,149)
Loans payable – current (5,171) - (5,171)
Accruals (2,395) - (2,395)
Other liabilities – current (1,072) - (1,072)
Loans payable – non-current (12,280) - (12,280)
VAT and taxation payable (2,396) - (2,396)
Total (14,454) 22 (14,432)
23 DeFeRReD taX
2008 
£’000
2007 
£’000
Analysis for financial reporting purposes:
Deferred tax liabilities 817 790
Deferred tax assets (891) (1,097)
Net position at 31 March (74) (307) Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 51
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Information continued
for the year ended 31 March 2008
23  DeFeRReD taX (continued)
The movement in the year in the Group’s net deferred tax position was as follows:
2008 
£’000
2007
 £’000
At 1 April (307) (664)
Charge to income for the year 90 443
Charge to equity for the year 143 (86)
Amount due for settlement after 12 months (74) (307)
The following are the major deferred tax liabilities and assets recognised by the Group and the movements thereon 
during the year:
Accelerated 
capital 
allowances 
£’000
Other 
£’000
Total 
£’000
At 1 April 2006 0 347 347
Charge to income for the year 105 338 443
At 31 March 2007 105 685 790
Charge to income for the year (4) 31 27
At 31 March 2008 101 716 817
The amounts included within the Other column relate to deferred tax liabilities for customer related intangible assets, 
recognised on business combinations.
Deferred tax assets
Retirement
 benefit 
obligations 
£’000
Total 
£’000
At 1 April 2006 1,011 1,011
Charge to income for the year 0 0
Charge to equity for the year 86 86
At 31 March 2007 1,097 1,097
Charge to income for the year (63) (63)
Charge to equity for the year (143) (143)
At 31 March 2008 891 891 Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 52
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Information continued
for the year ended 31 March 2008
24  PRoviSioNS
Onerous 
lease 
provision 
£’000
Dilapidations/
rectification 
provision 
£’000
Total 
£’000
At 1 April 2006 47 364 411
Additional provision in year 88 20 108
Amount reversed in year (13) (42) (55)
At 31 March 2007 122 342 464
Additional provision in year 200 – 200
Amount reversed in year (268) (74) (342)
At 31 March 2008 54 268 322
31 March 2008
 £’000
31 March 2007 
£’000
Current provision 150 150
Non-current provision 172 314
322 464
The onerous lease provision represents management’s best estimate of the Group’s net liability for unavoidable costs 
(i.e. the net cost of exiting from the contract, which is the lower of the cost of fulfilling it and any compensation or 
penalties arising from failure to fulfil it) to be incurred for onerous lease contracts. The estimate is based on the terms 
of the leases.
The dilapidations/rectification provision has been made for costs expected to arise at the termination of leases. The 
provision is based on the expected dilapidation costs at the point of acquisition, and can be summarised as follows:
Payable
 within 
1 year 
£’000
Payable
 between 
1-5 years 
£’000
Payable
 after 
5 years 
£’000
Total 
£’000
Parys Snowdon Group 15 81 – 96
Roger P Dudley Limited – – 60 60
Independent Living Organisation 81 7 4 92
Supporta plc – – 20 20
At 31 March 2008 96 88 84 268 Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 53
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Information continued
for the year ended 31 March 2008
25  RetiReMeNt BeNeFit oBliGatioNS
Defined contribution plans
The Group operates defined contribution Group personal pension scheme for the benefit of certain employees. 
The Group contributes to personal pension plans of certain Directors and employees. The Group also operates a 
stakeholder pension plan available to all employees. The assets of the plan are held separately from those of the Group 
in funds under the control of trustees.
The total cost charged to income of £0.26m (2007: £0.35m) represents contributions payable to these schemes by the 
Group at rates specified in the rules of the schemes. As at 31 March 2008, contributions of £0.27m (2007: £0.38m) 
due in respect of the current reporting period had not been paid over to the schemes.
Defined benefit plan
The Group contributes to defined benefit pension schemes for the benefit of certain employees of Supporta Services 
Limited; previously employed by Parys Snowdon Payroll Services Limited and Parys Snowdon Group Limited and its 
subsidiaries which have been hived up into it. 
Under the schemes, the employees are entitled to retirement benefits which accrue at a rate of either 1.25% or  
1.67% per cent of final salary for each year of pensionable service up to attainment of a normal retirement age of 65. 
Some members are entitled to retire at age 60 with unreduced benefits. In addition, members who, as described above, 
accrue pension at the rate of 1.25% receive a lump sum on retirement equal to 3 times their pension. No other post-
retirement benefits are provided. The schemes are funded schemes. The funding level at 31 March 2008 was 63%  
(2007: 62%) and there are no partly or wholly unfunded liabilities.
The most recent actuarial valuations of plan assets and the present value of the defined benefit obligation were carried 
out at 31 March 2008 by KPMG, the schemes independent actuaries. The present values of the defined obligation, the 
related current service cost and past service cost were measured using the projected unit credit method.
Key assumptions used:
Valuation at 
2008 
%
Valuation at 
2007 
%
Discount rate 6.45 5.20
Expected rate of salary increases 4.25 4.20
Future pension increases 3.75 3.20
Inflation 3.75 3.20
Mortality - current pensioners 
Male life expectancy at age 60 26.1 years 22.9 years
Mortality - future pensioners
Male life expectancy at age 60 (currently 45) 27.0 years 24.4 years
Mortality rate assumptions are based on publicly available data in the UK.
Amounts recognised in income in respect of these defined benefit schemes are as follows:
2008 
£’000
2007 
£’000
Current service cost 120 262
Interest cost 497 449
Expected return on scheme assets (409) (360)
Past service costs 26 –
Gains and losses curtailments 27 –
Settlements – –
261 351 Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 54
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Information continued
for the year ended 31 March 2008
25 RetiReMeNt BeNeFit oBliGatioNS (continued)
The current service cost for the year has been included in staff costs.
Actuarial gains and losses are reported in the statement of recognised income and expense. The gain recognised in 
2008 was £0.49m (2007: expense of £0.24m), and the cumulative gain is £0.01m (2007: cumulative expense £0.47m).
The actual return of the scheme assets was £0.65m (2007: £0.13m).
The amount included in the balance sheet arising from the Group’s obligation in respect of defined benefit retirement 
schemes is as follows:
2008 
£’000
 2007 
£’000
Present value of defined benefit obligations (8,540) (9,564)
Fair value of scheme assets 5,359 5,907
Deficit in scheme (3,181) (3,657)
(Liability) recognised in balance sheet (3,181) (3,657)
Movements in the present value of defined benefit obligations in the current period were as follows:
2008 
£’000
2007 
£’000
At 1 April 9,564 9,023
Current service costs 120 262
Past service costs 26 –
Interest costs 497 449
Actuarial (gains) and losses (1,545) 5
Contributions by plan participants 39 70
Benefits paid (188) (245)
Business combinations and disposal of subsidiaries – –
Gains and losses on curtailments 27 –
Settlements – –
At 31 March 8,540 9,564
Movements in the fair value of scheme assets in the current period were as follows:
2008 
£’000
 2007 
£’000
At 1 April 5,907 5,654
Expected return on scheme assets 409 360
Actuarial gains and (losses) (1,058) (233)
Employer Contributions 250 302
Employee Contributions 39 70
Settlements – –
Benefits paid (188) (246)
Business combinations and disposal of subsidiaries – –
At 31 March 5,359 5,907 Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 55
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Information continued
for the year ended 31 March 2008
25 RetiReMeNt BeNeFit oBliGatioNS (continued)
The analysis of the scheme assets and the expected rate of return at the balance sheet date was as follows:
                Expected return %              Fair value assets
2008 2007
2008
 £’000
2007
 £’000
Equity instruments 7.20 7.50 3,221 3,403
Debt instruments 5.50 5.00 954 926
Property 7.20 7.50 1,179 1,557
Other assets – cash 5.25 5.25 5 21
5,359 5,907
The overall expected rate of return on assets (see table of assumptions used) has been derived as the weighted 
average of the expected returns from each of the main asset classes. The expected return for each assets class reflects 
a combination of historical performance analysis, the forward looking view on the financial markets (as suggested by 
the yield available) and the views of investment organisations.
The five year history of experience adjustments are as follows:
2008
 £’000
 2007
 £’000
2006
 £’000
 2005
 £’000
 2004 
£’000
Present value of defined benefit obligations (8,540) (9,564) (9,023) (7,496) (6,999)
Fair value of scheme assets 5,359 5,907 5,654 4,331 4,192
At 31 March (3,181) (3,657) (3,369) (3,165) (2,807)
Experience adjustments on scheme liabilities 56 – 648 – –
Experience adjustments on scheme assets (1,058) (233) 900 (75) 382
The estimated amounts of contributions expected to be paid to the scheme during the financial year ending  
31 March 2009 is £0.37m.
26  ShaRe CaPital
2008 
£’000
2007 
£’000
Authorised:
100,000,000 ordinary shares of 5p each 5,000 5,000
Allotted, called up and fully paid:
81,547,450 ordinary shares of 5p each (2007: 67,402,493) 4,077 3,370
Allotments during the year of new ordinary 5p shares were as follows:
4 December 2007 - 2,602,046 shares were issued in order to satisfy the deferred consideration relating 
to the acquisition in November 2006 of TerraQuest Solutions Limited
2 January 2008 - 11,542,911 shares were issued at 38.25p per share in order to fund the acquisition 
of Hallam Healthcare Limited
There was no exercise of employee share options during the year.
All ordinary shares carry equal voting rights, and rights to residual assets. Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 56
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Information continued
for the year ended 31 March 2008
27 ShaRe-BaSeD P ayMeNtS
The Group plan provides for a grant price equal to the average quoted market price of the Group shares for the three 
dealing days prior to the date of the grant. There is no vesting period. If the options remain unexercised after a period 
of 10 years from the date of grant, the options expire. Furthermore, options are forfeited after the expiry of 30 days 
from the date the employee leaves the Group.
2008 
Options exercised 
2007
Options exercised
 2008 
Weighted average
 exercise price
 (pence)
2007
 Weighted average 
exercise price
 (pence)
Outstanding at 1 April 5,194,553 3,818,902 66.1 66.0
Grant during the year 1,565,902 1,645,651 60.7 65.9
Forfeited during the year (1,460,083) (190,000) 78.1 70.5
Exercised during the year – (80,000) – 50.0
Expired during the year – – – –
Outstanding at 31 March 5,300,372 5,194,553 61.1 66.1
Exercisable at 31 March 5,300,372 5,194,553 61.1 66.1
The weighted average share price at the date of exercise for share options exercised during the year ended  
31 March 2007 82.0p per share. No share options were exercised in the current year. The options outstanding at  
31 March 2008 had an exercise price between 40.0p and 89.5p (2007: 40.0p to 89.5p). The estimated fair value  
of options granted in the year using the Black-Scholes method, was 2.0p per share (2007: 30.9p per share).
The inputs into the Black-Scholes valuation model for options granted during the year were as follows:
2008 2007
Weighted average share price 36.6p 71.1p
Weighted average exercise price 60.8p 65.6p
Expected volatility 24.3% 44.0%
Expected life 4 years 4 years
Risk free rate 4.5% 5.0%
Expected dividend yield 0% 0%
The weighted average contractual life of the options is 8.51 years.
Expected volatility was determined by calculating the historical volatility of the Group’s share price over the previous 
6 years. The expected life used in the model has been adjusted, based on management’s best estimate, for the effects 
of non-transferability, exercise restrictions, and behavioural conditions.
The Group recognised total expenses of £0.26m (2007: £0.25m) relating to equity-settled share-based payment 
transactions in 2008. Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 57
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Information continued
for the year ended 31 March 2008
28  aCQuiSitioN oF SuBSiDiaRy On 4 January 2008, Supporta plc acquired 100 per cent of the issued share capital of Hallam Healthcare for cash 
consideration of £3.60m, and incurred directly attributable costs of £0.28m. This transaction has been accounted for 
by the purchase method of accounting.
Fair value 
2008
 £’000
Acquiree’s 
carrying amount
 2008 
£’000
Net assets acquired:
Property, plant and equipment – 11
Trade receivables 270 354
Bank and cash (47) (47)
Trade payables (138) (81)
85 237
Goodwill 3,598 3,446
Total consideration including direct costs 3,683 3,683
Satisfied by:
Cash 3,683
3,683
Net cash flow arising on acquisition:
Cash consideration 3,683
Asset recognised in balance sheet 3,683
Hallam Healthcare contributed £0.79m to revenue and £0.14m to net profit for the period between the date of 
acquisition and the balance sheet date. If this acquisition had occurred on 1 April 2007 Group revenue would have 
been £51.62m and net loss £0.03m.  
On initial accounting for a business combination, fair values attributed to the acquiree’s identifiable assets and 
liabilities may be provisional. Subsequent adjustments to these provisional values arising within twelve months 
of the acquisition date are recognised as an adjustment to goodwill. Any adjustments to provisional fair values 
identified after this twelve month period are recognised in the income statement.   Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 58
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Information continued
for the year ended 31 March 2008
29  DiSPoSal oF SuBSiDiaRy As referred to in note 8, on 4 May 2007 the Group discontinued its payroll operations when this business was disposed of. 
The net assets of the payroll operation of Supporta Services Limited at the date of disposal and at 31 March 2007 
were as follows:
4 May 2007 
£’000
31 March 2007 
£’000
Property, plant and equipment 30 32
Trade payable (83) (83)
Attributable goodwill 3,401 3,401
3,348 3,350
Profit on disposal 167 165
Total consideration 3,515 3,515
Satisfied by:
Cash 3,515 3,515
3,515 3,515
Net cash inflow arising on disposal:
Cash consideration 3,515 3,515
The impact of the payroll division on the Group’s results and its cashflows in the current and prior periods is disclosed 
in note 8.
30  CaPital CoMMitMeNtS
2008 
£’000 
2007 
£’000
Commitments for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment 300 70
31 CoNtiNGeNt liaBilitieS
There are no contingent liabilities relating to the Company or its subsidiaries at 31 March 2008 or 31 March 2007.
The Group has entered into a number of contracts for which the third party has the benefit of a bank guarantee for 
our obligations under these contracts. Such guarantees total £0.31m (2007: £0.31m). Upon disposal of the payroll 
operation on 4 May 2007 the Group provided warranties to the acquirer. Our liabilities under this arrangement are 
limited to £3.7m (with the exception of warranties relating to restricted business which are uncapped) and expire on 
4 November 2008 with the exception of tax warranties which expire on 4 May 2014. Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 59
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Information continued
for the year ended 31 March 2008
32 oPeRatiNG leaSe aRRaNGeMeNtS
The minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating lease rentals are in aggregate as follows:
               2008               2007
Land and 
buildings
 £’000
Other 
£’000 
Land and 
buildings
 £’000 
Other 
£’000
In one year or less 324 – 452 7
Between one and five years 421 177 662 163
Over five years 296 – 227 62
1,041 177 1,341 232
33  RelateD P aRty tRaNSaCtioNS
Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties, have been eliminated on 
consolidation and are not disclosed in this note.
Remuneration of key management personnel
The remuneration of the Directors, who are the key management personnel of the Group, is set out below in aggregate 
for each of the categories specified in IAS 24: “Related Party Disclosures” . 
2008 
£’000
2007 
£’000
Short-term employee benefits 954 795
Other long-term benefits 2 28
Termination benefits 11 –
967 823
Remuneration in respect of Directors was as follows:
2008
 £’000 
2007
 £’000
Emoluments 965 795
Pension contributions to a money purchase pension scheme 2 28
967 823
1 Directors (2007: 3) are accruing benefits under the money purchase scheme.
The highest paid Director in the year received remuneration of £175,000 (2007: £135,000).
The pension contributions of the highest paid Directors were £Nil (2007: £15,500).
The interests of the Directors in share options are as detailed in the Director’s report. Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 60
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Information continued
for the year ended 31 March 2008
33  RelateD P aRty tRaNSaCtioNS (continued)
Trading transactions
During the year, Group companies entered into the following transactions with related parties who are not members 
of the Group.
During the year the Group paid £36,500 for recruitment services to Bandtrace a Company owned by J Jasper’s spouse. 
There were no balances outstanding at either 31 March 2008 or 31 March 2007.
During the year the Group accrued costs of £13,525 to Countrywide Properties for rental of a property which is owned 
by M Curran’s personal pension scheme. This was paid after the year end. There were no balances outstanding at 
31 March 2007.
Any payments to the pension scheme are dealt with in the pension scheme note. See note 25.
34  ChaNGeS iN ShaReholDeRS’ eQuity
Share 
capital 
£’000
Share
 premium
 account
 £’000
Share-based
 payment 
reserves 
£’000
Retained
losses
reserve
 £’000 
Hedging
 reserve 
£’000
Total
 £’000
At 1 April 2006 3,119 26,694 123 (3,158) (3) 26,775
Total recognised income and expense – – – (6,302) 112 (6,190)
Share-based payment reserves movement – – 252 – – 252
Issue of shares in the period 251 – – – – 251
Premium on allotment during the period – 3,626 – – – 3,626
At 31 March 2007 3,370 30,320 375 (9,460) 109 24,714
Total recognised income and expense – – – (1,248) (87) (1,335)
Share-based payment reserves movement – – 262 – – 262
Issue of shares in the period 707 – – – – 707
Premium on allotment during the period – 4,553 – – – 4,553
4,077 34,873 637 (10,708) 22 28,901
All of the amounts above are attributable to the shareholders of the parent.
Share capital
The share capital account includes the par value for all shares issued and outstanding.
Share premium account
The share premium account comprises the premium over nominal value on issued shares. The use of this reserve is 
restricted by the Companies Act 1985.
Retained losses
The retained losses reserve includes the accumulated profits and losses arising from the consolidated income 
statements and certain items from the statements of recognised income and expense attributable to equity 
shareholders less distributions to shareholders.
Share-based payment reserve
The share-based payment represents the cumulative amount which has been recognised in connection with share-
based payments, less any amount transferred to retained earnings in the exercise of share warrants.
Hedging reserve
The hedging reserve represents the cumulative amount which has been recognised in connection with interest rate swaps. Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 61
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Information continued
for the year ended 31 March 2008
35  CaSh GeNeRateD FRoM oPeRatioNS
2008 
£’000
2007 
£’000
Loss before tax on continuing operations (373) (2,534)
Loss before tax on discontinuing operations (529) (3,497)
Loss before tax (902) (6,031)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 383 223
Impairment of goodwill – continuing 218 3,582
Impairment of goodwill – discontining – 4,427
Amortisation of intangible assets 983 509
Share-based payment charge 262 252
(Gain)/loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment (19) (7)
(Gain)/loss on disposal of operation (167) –
Finance costs 1,396 1,060
Operating cash flows before movements in working capital 2,154 4,015
Increase in receivables (331) (505)
Decrease in payables (75) (76)
Cash generated by operations 1,898 3,434
36 ReCoNCiliatioN BetWeeN uK GaaP aND iFRS
For all periods up to and including the year ended 31 March 2007 the Group prepared its financial statements 
in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (UK GAAP). The Group’s financial 
statements for the year ended 31 March 2008 will be the first annual financial statements that will comply with 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). In preparing its opening IFRS balance sheet at 1 April 2006 (the 
Group’s date of transition to IFRS), comparative information for the year ended 31 March 2007 and the year ended  
31 March 2008, the Group has adjusted amounts previously reported in the financial statements prepared in 
accordance with UK GAAP.
This section explains the principal adjustments made by the Group in restating its UK GAAP balance sheet at 
1 April 2006 and its previously published UK GAAP financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2007. Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 62
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Information continued
for the year ended 31 March 2008
36  ReCoNCiliatioN BetWeeN uK GaaP aND iFRS (continued)
Reconciliation of profit for the year ended 31 March 2007
UK GAAP 
£’000
IFRS 3
 Business 
combinations 
£’000
IFRS 5 
Non-current
 assets held for sale
 and discontinued
 operations 
£’000
Restated
 under IFRS 
£’000
Revenue 49,088 – (6,380) 42,708
Cost of sales (35,394) (112) 4,326 (31,180)
Administrative expenses (16,748) (1,805) 5,551 (13,002)
Operating profit/(loss) (3,054) (1,917) 3,497 (1,474)
Finance costs (970) – – (970)
Other finance charges (90) – – (90)
Profit/(loss) before tax (4,114) (1,917) 3,497 (2,534)
Taxation (104) 71 194 161
Profit/(loss) from continuing operations (4,218) (1,846) 3,691 (2,373)
Loss for the period from discontinued 
operations – – (3,691) (3,691)
Loss for the period (4,218) (1,846) – (6,064)
Reconciliation of equity at 31 March 2007
UK GAAP
 £’000
IFRS 3
 Business
combinations
 £’000
IFRS 5 
Non-current
 assets held
 for sale and
 discontinued
 operations
 £’000
IAS 19 
Employee 
benefits 
£’000
IAS 1 
Presentation
 of financial
 statements
 £’000
IAS 38
 Intangible
 assets
 £’000
IAS 32/39
 Financial
 instruments
 £’000
Restated
 under IFRS
 £’000
NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Goodwill 47,220 (3,444) (3,401) – – – – 40,375
Other intangible assets 67 2,283 – – – 572 – 2,922
Property, plant  
and equipment 1,449 – – – – (572) – 877
Deferred tax asset – – – 1,097 – – – 1,097
Derivative financial 
instruments – – – – – – 109 109
48,736 (1,161) (3,401) 1,097 – – 109 45,380
CURRENT ASSETS
Trade and other 
receivables 12,895 – – – – – – 12,895
Cash and cash 
equivalent 1,828 – – – – – – 1,828
Derivative financial 
instruments – – – – – – – –
14,723 – – – – – – 14,723
Non-current assets 
classified as held for 
sale – – 3,401 – – – – 3,401
TOTAL ASSETS 63,459 (1,161) – 1,097 – – 109 63,504 Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 63
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Information continued
for the year ended 31 March 2008
36  ReCoNCiliatioN BetWeeN uK GaaP aND iFRS (continued)
Reconciliation of equity at 31 March 2007 (continued)
UK GAAP
 £’000
IFRS 3
 Business
combinations
 £’000 
IFRS 5 
Non-current
 assets held
 for sale and
 discontinued
 operations
 £’000
IAS 19 
Employee 
benefits 
£’000
IAS 1 
Presentation
 of financial
 statements
 £’000
IAS 38 
Intangible
 assets 
£’000
IAS 32/39 
Financial 
instruments
 £’000
Restated
 under IFRS
 £’000
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Financial liabilities (9,757) – – – – – – (9,757)
Trade and other 
payables (7,957) – – – – – – (7,957)
Current tax liabilities (934) – – – – – – (934)
Provisions – – – – (150) – – (150)
(18,648) – – – (150) – – (18,798)
NON-CURRENT 
LIABILITIES
Financial liabilities (15,231) – – – – – – (15,231)
Provisions (569) – – – 255 – – (314)
Deferred tax liabilities – (685) – – (105) – – (790)
Retirement benefit 
obligations (2,560) – – (1,097) – – – (3,657)
(18,360) (685) – (1,097) 150 – – (19,992)
TOTAL LIABILITIES (37,008) (685) – (1,097) – – – (38,790)
NET ASSETS 26,451 (1,846) – – – – 109 24,714
UK GAAP
 £’000
IFRS 3 
Business
 combinations
£’000
IFRS 5 
Non-current
 assets held
 for sale and
 discontinued
 operations
 £’000 
IAS 19
 Employee
 benefits
 £’000
IAS 1 
Presentation 
of financial 
statements 
£’000
IAS 38
 Intangible
 assets
 £’000
IAS 32/39 
Financial 
instruments
 £’000
Restated
 under IFRS
 £’000
EQUITY
Share capital 3,370 – – – – – – 3,370
Share premium 
account 30,320 – – – – – – 30,320
Share-based payment 
reserve 375 – – – – – – 375
Retained earnings (7,614) (1,846) – – – – – (9,460)
Hedging reserve – – – – – – 109 109
Equity payable  
to equity holders  
of the parent 26,451 (1,846) – – – – 109 24,714 Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 64
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Information continued
for the year ended 31 March 2008
36  ReCoNCiliatioN BetWeeN uK GaaP aND iFRS (continued)
Reconciliation of equity at 1 April 2006
UK GAAP
 £’000
IFRS 3
 Business 
combinations
 £’000
IFRS 5 
Non-current
 assets held
 for sale and
 discontinued
 operations
 £’000
IAS 19
 Employee
 benefits
£’000
IAS 38
 Intangible
 assets
 £’000
 IAS 32/39
 Financial
 instruments
 £’000
Restated
 under IFRS
 £’000
NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Goodwill 37,609 – – – – – 37,609
Other intangible assets 54 – – – 290 – 344
Property, plant and equipment 1,041 – – – (290) – 751
Deferred tax asset – – – 1,011 – – 1,011
Derivative financial instruments – – – – – – –
38,704 – – 1,011 – – 39,715
CURRENT ASSETS
Trade and other receivables 9,271 – – – – – 9,271
Cash and cash equivalent 3,579 – – – – – 3,579
12,850 – – – – – 12,850
Non-current assets classified as held 
for sale – – – – – – –
TOTAL ASSETS 51,554 – – 1,011 – – 52,565
UK GAAP
 £’000
IFRS 3
 Business
combinations
 £’000
IFRS 5 
Non-current
 assets held
 for sale and
 discontinued
 operations
 £’000
IAS 19
Employee
 benefits
 £’000
IAS 38
Intangible
 assets 
£’000 
IAS 32/39 
Financial 
instruments
 £’000
Restated
 under 
IFRS 
£’000
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Financial liabilities (7,244) – – – – – (7,244)
Trade and other payables (5,411) – – – – – (5,411)
Current tax liabilities (715) – – – – – (715)
Derivative financial instruments – – – – – (3) (3)
(13,370) – – – – (3) (13,373)
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
Financial liabilities (8,637) – – – – – (8,637)
Provisions (411) – – – – – (411)
Retirement benefit obligations (2,358) – – (1,011) – – (3,369)
(11,406) – – (1,011) – – (12,417)
TOTAL LIABILITIES (24,776) – – (1,011) – (3) (25,790)
NET ASSETS 26,778 – – – – (3) 26,775 Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 65
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Information continued
for the year ended 31 March 2008
36  ReCoNCiliatioN BetWeeN uK GaaP aND iFRS (continued)
Reconciliation of equity at 1 April 2006 (continued)
UK GAAP
 £’000
IFRS 3
 Business
combinations
 £’000
IFRS 5 
Non-current
 assets held
 for sale and
 discontinued
 operations
 £’000 
IAS 19
Employee
 benefits
 £’000
IAS 1 
Presentation
of financial
 statements
 £’000 
IAS 38
 Intangible
 assets 
£’000
IAS 32/39
 Financial
 instruments
 £’000
Restated
 under IFRS
 £’000
EQUITY
Share capital 3,119 – – – – – – 3,119
Share premium account 26,694 – – – – – – 26,694
Share-based  
payment reserve 123 – – – – – – 123
Retained earnings (3,158) – – – – – – (3,158)
Hedging reserve – – – – – – (3) (3)
Equity attributable  
to equity holders  
of the parent 26,778 – – – – – (3) 26,775
The adoption of IFRS does not impact on the cash flows previously disclosed under UK GAAP in any of the periods of 
account in the interim results. The IAS 7 cash flow statement is presented in a different format than required under 
UK GAAP with cash flow split into three categories of activities – operating, investing and financing.
IFRS does however have a different definition of cash and cash equivalents for cash flow statement purposes, this has 
had the effect of moving bank overdrafts to financing activities.
Explanations of differences between UK GAAP and IFRS, giving rise to adjustments in the reconciliations
IAS 1 Presentation of financial statements
The format of the IFRS financial statements has been prepared in accordance with IAS 1 “Presentation of financial 
statements”, which differs from its UK equivalent.  In particular there is greater flexibility on the presentation of 
information in the primary statements. Certain headings are mandatory but IFRS allows companies to adopt other 
headings in accordance with the nature of their business.
IFRS 3 Business combinations
On initial accounting for a business combination, fair values attributed to the acquirees identifiable assets and 
liabilities may be provisional. Subsequent adjustments to these provisional values arising within twelve months of the 
acquisition date are recognised as an adjustment to goodwill. Any adjustments to provisional fair values identified 
after this twelve month period are recognised in the income statement.
IFRS 3 prohibits the amortisation of goodwill. The standard requires an annual impairment test to be performed. As 
a consequence the value of goodwill at the date of transition has been frozen and the amortisation charges since 
that date have been reversed. Annual impairment tests have been performed and an impairment of £3.58m has been 
recognised at March 2007.
IFRS 3 requires that fair values are attributed to identified intangible assets acquired via business combinations. As a 
result the amount attributed to goodwill arising on consolidation correspondingly reduced. The Group has identified 
all such intangibles for the Group’s business combinations since 1 April 2006. Assets so identified amount to £3.31m 
at 31 March 2008. These represent the net present value of discounted future cash flows expected to be derived from 
customer related intangibles. This value has been transferred from goodwill to other intangible assets. The intangible 
assets will be amortised over their expected useful life. In accordance with IAS12 deferred taxation of £0.71m at 
31 March 2008 has been recognised in goodwill in respect of these intangibles and will be released in line with the 
amortisation of the intangible.  Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 66
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Information continued
for the year ended 31 March 2008
36  ReCoNCiliatioN BetWeeN uK GaaP aND iFRS (continued)
On transition to IFRS, the Group has chosen not to restate acquisitions occurring prior to the date of transition. However, 
under IFRS, deferred tax would have been recognised on the fair value adjustments of acquisitions prior to that date. The 
Group has therefore provided the deferred tax at a rate of 30% based on the Group’s ongoing tax charges.
IFRS 5 Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations
In November 2006, the Group decided to sell the Payroll division of the Group. IFRS 5 requires these discontinued 
operations to be reclassified into one line on the Income Statement which is shown on page 22.
Under IFRS 5 ‘Assets held for sale and disposal groups’, the assets and liabilities of the Payroll division required 
reclassification to assets held for sale and liabilities relating to assets held for sale.
IAS 1 Presentation of financial statements: Provisions
IAS 1 requires provisions to be split between current and non-current liabilities.
IAS 32/39 Financial instruments
IAS 32 and IAS 39 must be applied whereas the UK GAAP equivalent, FRS 26, is not a requirement for AIM listed 
companies. Under IAS 39 the interest rate swap derivatives are recognised at fair value and accounted for using hedge 
accounting. Any movements in fair value go to equity and a corresponding hedge reserve has been set up.
37 PoSt BalaNCe Sheet eveNtS
On 3 June 2008, Supporta PLC allotted 4,908,902 ordinary shares of 5p each in the Company in order to satisfy 
the final element of deferred consideration as agreed under the terms of its acquisition agreement with TerraQuest 
Solutions Limited in November 2006.
The shares were treated as issued at a price of 22.625p per share. Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 67
Five Year Summary
for the year ended 31 March 2008
Prepared under IFRS Prepared under UK GAAP
2008 
£’000
2007 
£’000 
2006 
£’000 
2005 
£’000
2004 
£’000
REVENUE 50,763 42,708 29,102 20,471 9,878
OPERATING PROFIT/(LOSS) 1,023 (1,474) 571 (686) (1,115)
Net finance costs (1,396) (1,060) (414) (186) (52)
(LOSS)/PROFIT BEFORE TAX FROM  
CONTINUED OPERATIONS (373) (2,534) 157 (872) (1,167)
Taxation (277) 161 (173) (89) (43)
(650) (2,373) (16) (961) (1,210)
(Loss) for the year from discontinued 
operations (942) (3,691) – – –
LOSS AFTER TAXATION (1,592) (6,064) (16) (961) (1,210)
Equity minority interests – – (75) 27 10
(LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE EQUITY 
HOLDERS OF THE PARENT (1,592) (6,064) (91) (934) (1,200)
Dividend per share – – – – –
Loss per share – basic (2.24) (9.40) (0.18) (2.82) (10.35) Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 68
Parent Company Financial Statements
The separate financial statements of Supporta plc are presented on pages 70 to 76 as required by the Companies Act 1985 
(‘the Act’). The Group has elected not to adopt International Financial Reporting Standards in the individual Company 
accounts for the parent Company and subsidiary undertakings, and accordingly these financial statements have been 
prepared under UK accounting standards and in accordance with the Act. They are therefore presented separately to the 
Group consolidated financial statements which have been prepared under International Financial Reporting Standards. Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 69
Report of the Independent Auditor to the Members of Supporta plc
We have audited the parent Company financial statements of Supporta Plc for the year ended 31 March 2008 which 
comprise the principal accounting policies, the balance sheet and notes 1 to 14.
These parent Company financial statements have been prepared under the accounting policies set out therein.
We have reported separately on the Group financial statements of Supporta Plc for the ended 31 March 2008.
This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Section 235 of the Companies 
Act 1985. 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. 
ReSPeCtive ReSPoNSiBilitieS oF DiReCtoRS aND auDitoRS
The Directors’ responsibilities for preparing the Annual Report, and the parent Company financial statements in accordance 
with United Kingdom law and Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) are set out 
in the Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities.
Our responsibility is to audit the parent Company financial statements in accordance with relevant legal and regulatory 
requirements and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland).
We report to you our opinion as to whether the parent Company financial statements give a true and fair view and 
whether the parent Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 
1985. We also report to you whether in our opinion the information given in the Directors’ Report is consistent with the 
financial statements. The information given in the Directors’ Report includes that specific information presented in the 
Business Review that is cross referred from the Business Review section of the Directors’ Report.
In addition we report to you if, in our opinion, the Company has not kept proper accounting records, if we have not 
received all the information and explanations we require for our audit, or if information specified by law regarding 
Directors’ remuneration and other transactions is not disclosed.
We read other information contained in the Annual Report and consider whether it is consistent with the audited parent 
Company financial statements. The other information comprises only Chairman’s Statement, Chief Executive’s Report, 
Financial Director’s Report, Corporate Governance Statement and the Directors’ Report. We consider the implications 
for our report if we become aware of any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the parent Company 
financial statements. Our responsibilities do not extend to any other information.
BaSiS oF auDit oPiNioN
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) issued by the Auditing 
Practices Board. An audit includes examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures in the 
parent Company financial statements. It also includes an assessment of the significant estimates and judgments made by 
the Directors in the preparation of the parent Company financial statements, and of whether the accounting policies are 
appropriate to the Company’s circumstances, consistently applied and adequately disclosed.
We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations which we considered necessary 
in order to provide us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the parent Company financial statements 
are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or other irregularity or error. In forming our opinion we also 
evaluated the overall adequacy of the presentation of information in the parent Company financial statements. 
oPiNioN
In our opinion:
the parent Company financial statements give a true and fair view, in accordance with United Kingdom Generally •	
Accepted Accounting Practice, of the state of the Company’s affairs as at 31 March 2008,
the parent Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 1985; and •	
the information given in the Directors’ Report is consistent with the financial statements. •	
GRaNt thoRNtoN uK llP 
ReGiSteReD auDitoR 
ChaRteReD aCCouNtaNtS
OXFORD 
23 June 2008  Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 70
Company Balance Sheet
Note
2008 
£’000
2007 
£’000
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets 2 281 345
Investments 3 23,583 31,279
23,864 31,624
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors 4 29,612 21,183
Cash at bank and in hand 5 411 804
30,023 21,987
CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year 6 (18,901) (17,238)
NET CURRENT ASSETS 11,122 4,749
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 34,986 36,373
CREDITORS: Amounts falling due after one year 7 (12,280) (14,809)
PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES 8 (20) (20)
22,686 21,544
CAPITAL AND RESERVES
Called up share capital 10 4,077 3,370
Share premium account 11 34,873 30,320
Profit and loss account 11 (16,901) (12,521)
Share-based payment reserve 11 637 375
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS 12 22,686 21,544
The notes on pages 72 to 76 form part of these accounts.
These accounts were approved by the Directors on 23 June 2008.
J Jasper  D Xiberras
Director  Director Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 71
Company Accounting Policies
for the year ended 31 March 2008
BaSiS oF PReP aRatioN
The Company financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable United Kingdom accounting 
standards and under the historical cost convention.
The Principal Accounting Policies of the Company are set out below. The policies have remained unchanged from the 
previous period. The policies remain the most appropriate for the year.
tuRNoveR
Company turnover is the total amount receivable by the Company for goods supplied and services provided, excluding VAT 
and trade discounts.
taNGiBle FiXeD aSSetS aND DePReCiatioN
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost, net of depreciation. Depreciation is calculated to write down the cost less 
estimated residual value of all tangible fixed assets by equal annual instalments over their estimated useful economic lives. 
The range of estimated useful lives for each major assets category, which are reviewed annually are:
Leasehold property Term of the lease
Office equipment, fixtures and fittings (including computer equipment) and motor vehicles 3 to 8 years
leaSeD aSSetS
Assets held under finance leases and hire purchase contracts are capitalised in the balance sheet and depreciated over their 
estimated useful economic lives. The interest element of leasing payments represents a constant proportion of the capital balance 
outstanding and is charged to the profit and loss account over the period of the lease. All other leases are regards as operating 
leases and the payments made under them are charged to the profit and loss account on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
iNveStMeNtS
Investments are included at cost less amounts written off.
DeFeRReD taXatioN
Deferred tax is recognised on all timing differences where the transactions or events that give the Company an obligation 
to pay more tax in the future, or a right to pay less tax in the future, have occurred by the balance sheet date. Deferred tax 
assets are recognised when it is more likely than not that they will be recovered. Deferred tax is measured using rates of 
tax that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.
FiNaNCial iNStRuMeNtS
Financial assets are recognised in the balance sheet at the lower of cost and net realisable value.
Income and expenditure arising on the financial instruments is recognised on the accruals basis and credited or charged  
to the profit and loss account in the financial period to which it relates.
RetiReMeNt BeNeFitS
Defined contribution scheme
The pension costs charged against profits are the contributions payable to individual policies in respect of the accounting period.
ShaRe-BaSeD P ayMeNtS
The Company operates several share option plans for key employees. All share-based payment arrangements granted after  
7 November 2002 that had not vested prior to 1 April 2006 are recognised in the financial statements.
All goods and services received in exchange for the grant of any share-based payment are measured at their fair values. 
Where employees are rewarded using share-based payments, the fair values of employees’ services are determined 
indirectly by reference to the fair value of the instrument granted to the employee. This fair value is appraised at the grant 
date and excludes the impact of non-market vesting conditions.
All equity-settled share-based payments are ultimately recognised as an expense in the profit and loss account with a 
corresponding credit to “share-based payment reserve” .
If vesting periods or other non-market vesting conditions apply, the expense is allocated over the vesting period, based 
on the best available estimate of the number of share options expected to vest. Estimates are revised subsequently if 
there is any indication that the number of share options expected to vest differs from previous estimates. Any cumulative 
adjustment prior to vesting is recognised in the current period. No adjustment is made to any expense recognised in prior 
periods if share options that have vested are not exercised.
Upon exercise of share options, the proceeds received net of attributable transaction costs are credited to share capital, 
and where appropriate share premium. Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 72
Notes to the Company Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 March 2008
1  PRoFit aND loSS aCCouNt
The Company’s loss for the year is £4.38m (2007: £8.82m). As permitted by s230(3) of the Companies Act 1985,  
a separate profit and loss account has not been presented.
2  taNGiBle FiXeD aSSetS
Office 
equipment
 £’000
Computer 
software
 £’000
Total 
£’000
Cost:
At 1 April 2007 356 134 490
Additions 10 12 22
At 31 March 2008 366 146 512
Depreciation:
At 1 April 2007 71 74 145
Provided in the year 51 35 86
At 31 March 2008 122 109 231
Net book value:  
At 31 March 2008 244 37 281
At 31 March 2007 285 60 345
3  FiXeD aSSet iNveStMeNtS
Subsidiary
undertaking
£’000
Cost and net book amount:
At 1 April 2007 31,279
Additions 528
Disposal (8,006)
Impairment (218)
At 31 March 2008 23,583 Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 73
Notes to the Company Financial Statements continued
for the year ended 31 March 2008
3  FiXeD aSSet iNveStMeNt (continued)
At 31 March 2008, the principal undertakings where the Group held 20% or more of the equity share capital are 
shown below. A full list of subsidiary undertakings is listed on the Company annual return which is filed at Companies 
House and is also available from the Company Secretary upon request.
Proportion held
Subsidiary 
undertakings:
Country of 
incorporation
Class of share 
capital held
By parent 
Company
By 
subsidary Nature of business
Supporta Care Limited United Kingdom Ordinary 100%
Home and 
social care provision
Supporta Services 
Limited United Kingdom Ordinary 100% Support services
Staff VMS Limited United Kingdom Ordinary 100% Back office services
Supporta Professional 
Services Limited United Kingdom Ordinary 100% Architectural services
Independent Living 
Organisation Limited United Kingdom Ordinary 100%
Home and 
social care provision
Strathaven Nursing 
Homes Limited United Kingdom Ordinary 100%
Home and 
social care provision
Datacare Business 
Systems Limited United Kingdom Ordinary 100%
Data storage 
and scanning
Bay Associates 
Consulting Limited United Kingdom Ordinary 100%
Civil and structural
 engineering
TerraQuest Solutions 
Limited United Kingdom Ordinary 100%
Business process
 outsourcing and
 consultancy
Hallam Helthcare 
Limited United Kingdom Ordinary 100%
Home and 
social care provision
4  DeBtoRS
2008 
£’000
2007 
£’000
Trade debtors 250 1,441
Amounts owed by Group undertakings 28,629 19,428
Corporation tax 139 –
Other debtors 142 116
Prepayments and accrued income 452 198
29,612 21,183
5  CaSh at BaNK aND iN haND
2008 
£’000
2007 
£’000
Cash in Escrow 411 804 Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 74
Notes to the Company Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31 March 2008
6  CReDitoRS: aMouNtS FalliNG Due WithiN oNe yeaR
2008 
£’000
2007 
£’000
Bank loans and overdrafts 8,340 7,804
Loan notes issued on acquisition – 888
Trade creditors 568 311
Amounts owed to Group undertakings 7,226 4,887
Social security and other taxes 224 164
Accruals and deferred income 322 892
Deferred consideration 2,221 2,283
Amounts due under hire purchase contracts – 9
18,901 17,238
The bank loans and overdrafts are secured by a fixed and floating charge over all assets of the Group.
There are no amounts due under hire purchase contracts.
7  CReDitoRS: aMouNtS FalliNG Due aFteR MoRe thaN oNe yeaR
2008 
£’000
2007 
£’000
Bank loans and overdrafts 12,280 12,588
Deferred consideration – 2,221
12,280 14,809
8  PRoviSioNS FoR liaBility aND ChaRGeS
2008 
£’000 
2007 
£’000
Other provisions 20 20
20 20
The £0.02m other provisions for the Company is dilapidation provision. Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 75
Notes to the Company Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31 March 2008
9  BoRRoWiNGS
2008 
£’000
2007 
£’000
Within one year, or on demand:
Bank and other borrowings 8,340 7,804
Hire purchase contracts 9
After one and within two years:
Bank and other borrowings 3,145 4,318
Between two and five years:
Bank and other borrowings 9,135 8,270
20,620 20,401
10  ShaRe CaPital
2008 
£’000
2007 
£’000
Authorised:
100,000,000 ordinary shares of 5p each (2007: 100,000) 5,000 5,000
Allotted, called up and fully paid:
81,547,450 ordinary shares of 5p each (2007: 67,402,493) 4,077 3,370
Allotments during the year of new ordinary 5p shares were as follows:
4 December 2007 - 2,602,046 shares were issued in order to satisfy the deferred consideration 
relating to the acquisition in November 2006 of TerraQuest Solutions Limited
2 January 2008 - 11,542,911 shares were issued at 38.25p per share in order to fund the 
acquisition of Hallam Healthcare Limited
There were no exercise of employee share options during the year.
11  ShaRe PReMiuM aCCouNt aND ReSeRveS
Share premium 
account 
£’000
Profit and loss 
account 
£’000 
Share based 
payment reserves
 £’000
At 1 April 2007 30,320 (12,521) 375
Retained loss for the year – (4,380) –
FRS 20 share-based payment reserve movement – – 262
Premium on allotment during the year 4,553 – –
At 31 March 2008 34,873 (16,901) 637
12  ReCoNCiliatioN oF MoveMeNtS iN ShaReholDeRS’ FuNDS
2008 
£’000
2007 
£’000
Loss for the financial year (4,380) (8,821)
FRS 20 share-based payment reserve movement 262 252
Issue of shares 707 3,877
Net (decrease)/increase in shareholders’ funds (3,411) (4,692)
Shareholders’ funds at 1 April 21,544 26,236
Shareholders’ funds at 31 March 18,133 21,544 Supporta plc  –  Annual Report & Accounts 2008 76
Notes to the Company Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31 March 2008
13  PeNSioN SCheMeS
The Company contributes to personal pension schemes of certain Directors and employees. The Company operates  
a stakeholder pension plan available to all employees.
The Company does not operate a defined benefits scheme.
14  ShaRe-BaSeD P ayMeNtS
2008 
options exercised
2007
 options exercised
2008 
weighted average
 exercise price 
(pence)
2007
 weighted average
 exercise price 
(pence)
Outstanding at 1 April 5,194,553 3,818,902 66.1 66.0
Grant during the year 1,565,902 1,645,651 60.7 65.9 
Forfeited during the year (1,460,083) (190,000) 78.1 70.5 
Exercised during the year - (80,000) - 50.0
Outstanding at 31 March 5,300,372 5,194,553 61.1 66.1 
Exerciseable at 31 March 5,300,372 5,194,553 61.1 66.1
The inputs into the Black-Scholes valuation model for options granted during the year were as follows: 
2008 2007
Weighted average share price 36.6 p 71.1 p
Weighted average exercise price 60.8 p 65.6 p
Expected volatility 24.3 % 44.0 %
Expected life 4 years 4 years
Risk free rate 4.5 % 5.0 %
Expected dividend yield 0 % 0 % Company Information
CoMPaNy ReGiStRatioN NuMBeR
04002389
ReGiSteReD oFiCe
3 Kingmaker Court
Warwick Technology Park
Warwick
CV34 6UT
DiReCtoRS
Dr C Grace  Non-executive Chairman
J Jasper  Group Chief Executive
M Curran  Managing Director, 
 Supporta Professional Services
D Xiberras  Group Finance Director
B Walsh Managing Director, Supporta
N Scholte  Non-executive Director
SeCRetaRy S Birks
BaNKeRS
Barclays Bank Plc
Corporate Banking Centre
P O Box 11
Park House, Newbrick Road
Stoke Gifford
Bristol
BS34 8TN
SoliCitoRS
Eversheds
Eversheds House
70 Great Bridgewater Street
Manchester
M1 5ES
auDitoRS
Grant Thornton UK LLP
Registered Auditors
Chartered Accountants
1 Westminster Way
Oxford
OX2 OPZ
NoMiNateD aDviSoR  
aND StoCKBRoKeR
Brewin Dolphin
12 Smithfield Street
London
EC1A 9BD
Vision is an environmentally friendly paper obtained from sustainable 
forests and is made from Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) bleached kraft pulp. Dedicated to People
Shaping Better Places
Annual Report and Accounts Report 2008
Supporta plc
3 Kingmaker Court, 
Warwick Technology Park, 
Warwick, CV34 6UT
t 01926 516600 
f 01926 516699
w www.supportaplc.com 
e betterlives@supportaplc.com
Supporta plc Annual Report and Accounts Report 2008