SECG.L Regulatory News (SECG)

21 November 2019

SEC Newgate S.p.A.

("SEC Newgate" or the "Group")

Strategic Plan 2020-2022

·; Board approves SEC Newgate's three-year Strategic Plan

·; Strong focus on new growth projects and positioning on the digital frontier

SEC Newgate (AIM: SECG), the international communications, advocacy and research group, announces that its Board of directors has approved the Group's strategic plan for the three-year period 2020/2022 (the "Strategic Plan"); the Strategic Plan was developed by the Executive Committee.

The Strategic Plan sets out a number of operational priorities for the Group for the next three years including:

·; A return to profitability and strengthening of the balance sheet;

·; Cultural integration and harmonization of the two SEC S.p.A. and Porta Communications organisations, now SEC Newgate;

·; Raising of the Group's visibility and reputation worldwide;

·; Continuing the Group's acquisition plan to strengthen and increase capabilities; and,

·; Implementing incentives and reward schemes to retain key talent.

Following completion of the merger of SEC S.p.A. and Porta Communications plc in September 2019, and the creation of the new global communications brand, SEC Newgate, the Group is now operating across five continents through a network of 31 offices in 15 countries and the professional support of nearly 600 staff.

Under the Strategic Plan, organic growth and acquisition growth targets have been set for each year and immediate priority given to achieving commercial and organisational synergies which are at the core of the strategy. This work has already commenced and is expected to deliver significant savings by the end of 2020.

During the period covered by the Strategic Plan, the Group will continue its acquisition strategy, with a particular early focus on the US, a key strategic market to complete the Group's geographic footprint and to secure its worldwide reach. In conjunction, an increased presence in the APAC region will also be pursued, with the expansion of operations in Greater China and the inclusion of two other key markets in the region.

Additionally, the Group has very recently established a start-up operation in Morocco. This was initiated as the first step in SEC Newgate's plan to achieve a strong presence in the African continent.

The Strategic Plan includes certain financial targets which, if achieved, are expected to drive Group revenues and deliver enhanced Group consolidated profit margins over the three-year period (excluding the effect of future acquisitions).

Over the next few months the Group will be working to develop a fully articulated market positioning for its Research, Innovation & Digital Transformation presence which encompasses the significant progress made in this area to date including:

I. an innovative approach to research applied to communications. developed in Australia and the UK;

II. an AI-based platform operating in all five key European languages, that will be launched under a new brand and totally new set of tools, in the sentiment and opinion tracking area. This will enable organisations to thoroughly assess the reputation of a brand, company or product/service.

III. an important project in digital transformation aimed at creating a network of digital transformation experts, multi-channel storytellers and creative thinkers to help our clients to govern the challenges of rapidly evolving change in business, technology and consumer behaviour.

Fiorenzo Tagliabue, CEO of SEC Newgate, commented:

"Our three-year Strategic Plan, which will be updated and revised annually, will be our navigation system towards securing new business and strengthening our presence globally. A new phase in our history has started and we are all committed to ensuring that each of the Group's companies deliver an ever-increasing quality and range in the services they offer, coupled with improvements in revenues and profitability. Our key focus on digital transformation is reflected in the Strategic Plan. It will ensure SEC Newgate becomes an even more credible and innovative player in the market."

Further information:

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Notes to Editors

·; Further information is available at www.secnewgate.com 

·; On 3 September 2019, SEC S.p.A. and Porta Communications Plc merged to create SEC Newgate S.p.A.

·; The Group's principal brands are: ACH (Spain); Cambre Associates (Belgium); Cambre Maroc (Morocco); Clai (France); Kohl PR (Germany); Martis Consulting (Poland); SEC Latam (Colombia); Newgate Communications (Abu Dhabi, Australia, Greater China, Singapore, UK); Newington (UK); Publicasity (UK); SEC Newgate S.p.A. (Italy); and 2112 (UK).