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FY2014 Annual Report · boohoo group
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Report and 
financial information
For the year ended 28 February 2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014.

 Introduction

boohoo.com is one 
of the UK’s largest 
pure-play online own 
brand fashion retailers. 
The group designs, 
sources, markets 
and sells own brand 
clothing, shoes and 
accessories through 
the www.boohoo.com 
website to a core 
market of 16 to 24 year 
old consumers in the 
UK and globally. 

boohoo.com plc is not required to produce its first 
annual report and accounts until the year ended 
28 February 2015. This report and financial information 
is for comparative purposes and comprises unaudited, 
non-statutory group accounts, which have been 
compiled from the audited results of the company’s 
subsidiaries, boohoo.com UK Limited (formerly Wasabi 
Frog Limited), Boo Who Limited and ABK Limited, 
acquired on 14 March 2014 and presented on the basis 
that these entities had always been part of the group.

For more information  
on our business visit:

www.boohooplc.com

Contents

01

02   Financial highlights 

03   Highlights of the year

04  Chairman’s statement

05   Business model 
and strategy

06   Performance during 

the year

10   Financial review

14   Risks and uncertainties

16    Corporate social 
responsibility

18  Board of directors

20   Corporate governance 

report

22  Remuneration report

28   Consolidated statement 

of comprehensive income

29   Consolidated statement 

of financial position

30   Consolidated statement 
of changes in equity

31   Consolidated cash flow 

statement

32  Notes

47  Shareholder information

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014.Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements02

 Financial highlights

Revenue 

Gross profit

Gross margin

EBITDA (pre-exceptional)

Profit before tax and exceptional items

Profit before tax

Pro forma gross profit

Pro forma gross margin

Pro forma EBITDA (pre-exceptional)

Net cash at year end

2014
£’000

109,791

64,912

59.1%

12,175

11,112

10,737

68,900

62.8%

16,007

2,669

2013
£’000

67,282

36,663

54.5%

3,854

3,184

3,184

43,269

64.3%

8,602

1,867

Growth

+63%

+77%

+460bps

+216%

+249%

+237%

+59%

-150bps

+86%

+43%

Pro forma numbers include the net profit that was made by related party companies supplying inventory to boohoo.com. Since Q4 
2013, this profit is wholly realised by boohoo.com, which now sources all product directly and not through related parties.

EBITDA is calculated as profit before tax, interest, depreciation and amortisation and exceptional costs.

Revenue (£m)

EBITDA (£m)

2

.

2
1
£

£120.0

£100.0

£80.0

£60.0

£40.0

.

8
9
0
1
£

.

3
7
6
£

£12.0

£10.0

£8.0

£6.0

£4.0

£20.0

5
.
4
2
£

0
.
9
2
£

9
.
3
£

£2.0

7
.
2
£

2
.
2
£

£0.0

£0.0

2011

2012

2013

2014

2011

2012

2013

2014

£109.8m
+63%

£12.2m
+216%

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014. Highlights of the year

03

•	Revenue up 63% (international revenue  

35% of total) 

•	Pro forma gross margin 63% 

•	Pro forma EBITDA of £16.0m

•	2.3 million active customers, up 54% 

on prior year

•	Significant infrastructure investment  

in the warehouse and IT

•	Another year of international 

expansion with our first foreign 
language website successfully 
launched in France

•	47% of traffic from mobile devices, 
compared to 29% in the prior year

•	Extension of our range with successful 

launch of boohooMan

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014.Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements04

 Chairman’s statement

The group has achieved some very pleasing results over 
The group has achieved some very pleasing results over 
the last year, with record revenues and profits and a 
the last year, with record revenues and profits and a 
growth rate that would be the envy of most businesses. 
growth rate that would be the envy of most businesses. 
This has been achieved by a talented team with a proven 
This has been achieved by a talented team with a proven 
formula for success.
formula for success.

I am delighted to have joined the company as 
Chairman at such a key and exciting stage in its 
development. The transition of the company from 
private to public ownership heralds a new era of 
opportunity. The group, subsequent to its listing on the 
Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock 
Exchange on 14 March 2014, now has the financial 
resources for the investment it requires to achieve its 
vision of becoming a global force in fashion retail.

The group has achieved some very pleasing results 
over the last year, with record revenues and profits 
and a growth rate that would be the envy of most 
businesses. This has been achieved by a talented 
team with a proven formula for success.

The business model affords the group enormous 
opportunity to grow. Its target market of fashion 
conscious 16 to 24 year old men and women in every 
continent of the world is highly responsive to internet 
shopping and resilient to economic change. 

Fashion available at prices far lower than the high 
street, able to be delivered to your door at very short 
notice and a great website experience is a winning 
combination, which is borne out by the growth in 
the business and the financial results contained in 
this report.

It is a great privilege for me to be able to work with 
an experienced board of directors and with a highly 
successful executive and management team who 
have built this business over the years. I would like to 
acknowledge the work that all employees of the group 
have contributed to making the business the success 
that it has become and I look forward to working with 
the team to continue its success.

Peter Williams

Chairman 
12 June 2014

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014. Business model and strategy

05

Description of the business model
boohoo.com sells own brand clothing, shoes and 
accessories through the boohoo.com websites to a 
core market of 16 to 24 year old consumers in the UK 
and globally. boohoo.com is focused selling the latest 
on-trend fashions across a range of aspirational, 
but value orientated, boohoo branded products. 
Founded in 2006, boohoo.com has grown rapidly, 
developing a brand identity and an international online 
proposition for consumers, and now has over 2.3 million 
active customers.

boohoo.com has a well-established brand in the 
UK, Ireland and Australia and currently sells products 
into over 100 countries. The group has plans to 
further extend reach into existing and new territories 
including the USA, Central Europe and Scandinavia, 
supported by foreign language websites. Currently the 
group operates through English, French and Spanish 
language websites.

Products are designed, sourced and then distributed 
globally from a central UK warehouse. Marketing activity 
is performed through a variety of media including: TV 
advertising; billboards; catalogues; social media and 
via the websites. Hundreds of products are added to 
the website each week through the group’s on-site 
photography and art studio and displayed by gallery 
photos and catwalk videos. The speed and agility of 
the group enables it to be first on the market with the 
latest on-trend styles and fashion.

Strategy and objectives
The group strategy is built around four pillars of growth:

•	Recruitment

•	Reach

•	Retention

•	Keeping it Real

Recruitment of new customers to the websites is 
driven by individualisation of marketing spend and 
by maintaining a highly attractive website displaying 
the latest fashions in quality product at value prices. 
Reach is achieved by focusing on key new markets 
abroad and developing foreign language websites 
and product offerings tailored to local tastes. 
Retention of customers is secured by providing great 
customer experience from the website visit, delivery 
service, and from the quality, fit and style of the product 
– all leading to brand loyalty. Keeping it Real means 
maintaining discipline in cost control in the business 
and driving efficiency improvements.

The product strategy is to expand the product range 
to include larger sizes, develop an extended range 
of accessories and fashion footwear and to increase 
the menswear range and appeal of the brand to men 
through the boohooMan brand.

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014.Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements06

 Performance during the year

We are pleased to report a very 
successful year with our highest ever 
revenue and a growth rate of 63%. 
Our active customer base reached 
the 2.3 million mark and the launch 
of our foreign language websites 
will continue to drive growth in 
international markets.

We have achieved record revenue of £110m, up 63% for 
the year ended February 2014. Our largest market is the 
UK, where revenue for the year grew by 60%. Revenue in 
the rest of Europe grew by 78% and rest of the world by 
65%. In total our international markets counted for 35% 
of revenues. A slowdown in marketing expenditure in 
the last quarter of the year enabled us to accelerate 
investment in IT and warehouse infrastructure to support 
future growth.

EBITDA increased by 216% to £12.2m (2013: £3.9m) and 
profit before tax by 237% to £10.7m (2013: £3.2m). 

Fashion
We carry a range of around 9,000 styles for the 
traditional seasons of spring/summer and autumn/
winter. Dresses represented over 30% of the product 
range. The main range dresses are priced between 
£12 and £25 and are developed to be both high fashion 
and low cost. ‘Style Steals’ are a basics range with an 
entry price point of £3. The Boutique Collection is a 
higher price point offering to a slightly older age group 
with more disposable income and has generated 
significant PR interest. This range grew its sales by 
170% during the year.

Our range of swimwear performed well, with 
sales increasing by 454% over the previous year. 
Knitwear was also highly successful and grew by 118%. 
Fashion playsuits, in particular, were also very popular 
and sales rose by 157%.

boohooMan was introduced in autumn 2013 and 
comprises a mix of high fashion and style steals. 
Marketing activity commenced in February 2014 on TV 
and billboards to build momentum for the new ranges 
that are expected to perform well after a promising 
start. Menswear grew by 117% over the previous year.

Our plus size range, boohoo plus, introduced earlier in 
2014 was very well received and we will be expanding 
the product offering to satisfy demand from this 
segment. We have plans to offer a petite range later 
this year.

Awards

2007

Top 10 Online fashion 
website award 
2007 Cosmopolitan 
Magazine

2008

Top 10 – Heat 
Magazine top online 
retailer awards

2010

Experian Hitwise Top 
10 website in Apparel 
and Accessories 
category (Jan-Dec)

2007

BT Online Retail 
Excellence Awards 
2007

2009

Cosmopolitan Online 
Fashion Awards – Best 
Newcomer

2010

Cosmopolitan 
Fashion Awards – Best 
for Bargains

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014.07

Marketing
This summer has seen us roll out our biggest ever 
marketing campaign ‘#experienceeverything’. Split into 
a series of three different creatives, the messaging 
is being pushed out through TV advertising across 
our key markets. The creative is also being utilised in 
above the line advertising on the underground, digital 
display, banners and video, blogger outreach, direct 
mail and on the very first day of launch the campaign 
was trending on Twitter. 

This autumn/winter we are working with international 
blogger Nadia Aboulhosn on the launch of an exclusive 
plus size collection, building on the successful launch 
earlier this year.

Historically, we have seen a strong correlation between 
marketing spend and sales. Marketing expenditure for 
the year to February 2014 was 14.0% of revenue, after 
a significant reduction in the last quarter to 12.4% to 
allow for investment in infrastructure to cater for rapidly 
increasing demand. Growth rates for the last quarter 
of the year were somewhat lower than we would have 
achieved with a higher marketing spend.

Customer interaction
We served 2.3 million customers during the year, up from 
1.5 million last year. The boohoo.com website attracted 
61 million unique monthly visitors during the year and 
1.7 million new customers were added at a steady rate 
of about 140,000 per month. 

We fulfilled 4.2 million orders and despatched 
10.1 million units from our wide range of products. 
On social media, we have over 380,000 followers on 
Twitter and over 2 million Facebook fans.

We continue to work on increasing the personalisation 
of the website to include products, promotions and 
menus tailored to the individual’s preferences and 
buying history. Customers receive a pro-active offer of 
support and promotional incentives when they do not 
complete orders and feedback is requested to help us 
maintain the highest levels of customer service.

Additional delivery options are being developed 
including Sunday delivery, a 10pm cut-off for next day 
delivery, express service to Europe and other countries, 
improved transit times for foreign deliveries and more 
returns options for customers, including alternative 
collection and return points. We also plan to add text 
messaging to enable delivery point and time to be 
amended by the customer during transit.

2010

Reveal Click to Buy 
Awards – Brilliant for 
Bargains

2012

Lorraine Awards – 
Best Online Retailer

2014

Reveal Online 
Fashion Awards – Best 
for a bargain, Best 
one-stop shop, Best 
online shop of the 
year

2011

Reveal Click to Buy 
Awards – Best for 
Bargains, Best Place 
to Spend £50

2013

Lorraine Awards – 
Best Online Retailer

2014

Lorraine Awards – 
Best Online Retailer

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014.Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements08

 Performance during the year

continued

Technology
New foreign language websites have been launched 
on our in-house developed platform. This will enable us 
to launch additional foreign language websites based 
on the same template with appropriate localisation 
and translation.

A new payment gateway incorporating additional 
payment options will be available shortly, adding 
additional Scandinavian currency payments and 
payment by Sofort and Ideal cards in Europe.

boohoo.com continues to be able to price differently 
in any country or currency. 

Growth in mobile continues with mobile traffic 
representing 47% of total visitors for the year, compared 
to 29% in the prior year. We are currently developing an 
updated mobile look and feel which will be live by the 
summer. A more responsive mobile website is planned 
for later in the year on both in house and third party 
hosted platforms.

International expansion
International sales grew strongly in the year and 
represented 35% of total revenue. The launch of our 
first foreign language website in France in November 
2013 has led to increased traffic, conversion and sales. 
Revenue growth since launch of the French language 
website has been 90%. A Spanish foreign language 
website went live in May 2014 and other foreign 
language websites are planned for later in the year 
with dedicated marketing campaigns. We are also 
adding more currencies and payment methods to 
grow revenues in other European countries.

The Australian market has faced significant currency 
headwinds through the year to February 2014 with 
growth slowing from a very strong performance in 
the first half last year.

The US market grew strongly during the year, trebling in 
size and remains a potential market for much greater 
investment in the future. A local office in New York is 
planned and, during a recent visit, management have 
identified office space and are beginning to build a 
local team to help execute on the significant growth 
opportunities in that market.

Further international expansion is planned this coming 
year through adding currencies for Scandinavia as well 
as launching additional local language websites in a 
number of other European markets.

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014.09

Warehouse
Investment in the warehouse was accelerated to ensure 
our ability to deliver on future growth is not capacity 
constrained. The construction of mezzanine floors 
within the existing warehouse has increased capacity 
to support gross annual sales of £350m. An extension 
to the existing site has received planning permission 
and is scheduled for completion by the end of the 
current financial year resulting in capacity to support 
£500m of gross sales. The 110,000 square foot extension 
has multiple floors and will add 670,000 square feet of 
storage space, enough to store eight million units, more 
than four times the present capacity.

A new warehouse management system is in the 
advanced stages of implementation following a 
£1.5m investment programme. The system will improve 
efficiency through optimisation of the pickers’ routes 
using Wi-Fi arm mounted units, improving order 
management and stock control.

The warehouse management team has been 
strengthened with the addition of three senior 
management appointments and a number of 
technical specialists in finance and stock control.

People
We have an excellent opportunity as a public company 
to hire first rate talent to help build boohoo.com for 
the long term. Over the last year key hires have been 
made including an IT director, logistics director, buying 
director, head of garment technology, head of financial 
planning and head of financial reporting.

As part of the IPO, we now have an even more 
experienced board providing insightful input into 
building boohoo.com for the future.

Outlook
The new financial year has started very positively and 
we anticipate revenue growth to accelerate as we 
increase our marketing spend in line with our targets. 
We are excited about our future growth prospects 
including: introduction of new product ranges, 
delivering new foreign language websites and new 
currency options as well as further improving our mobile 
website and customer experience.

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014.Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements10

 Financial review

The group has achieved another strong performance with revenues and profits increasing in all territories.

Sales revenue by geographical market

UK

Rest of Europe

Rest of world

2014
£’000

 70,992

 13,058

 25,741

 109,791

2013
(restated)1
£’000

2013 
as reported
£’000

 44,326

 7,349

 15,607

 67,282

 43,770

 7,203

 16,309

 67,282

Growth
%

60%

78%

65%

63%

1  The geographical split of revenue in 2013 has been restated in respect of certain countries in rest of Europe that were previously in rest of world and for a more 

accurate regional allocation of returns provisions.

Revenue growth was broad-based across all territories, with UK growing by 60%, rest of Europe by 78% and rest of 
world by 65%. Following the introduction of the French language website in November 2013, revenue in France 
continues to grow strongly. The USA market also grew strongly, with turnover trebling over last year, and remains a 
key market for much greater opportunities in the future. In Australia, sales grew strongly, although growth slowed 
towards the end of the year due largely due to currency headwinds.

KPIs

Active customers1

Number of orders

Conversion rate to sale2

Average order value3

Number of items per basket

1 Defined as having shopped in the year.

2014

2013

2.3 million

1.5 million

4.2 million

2.5 million

 6.9%

 £37.48

 2.38

 6.0%

 £39.02

 2.18

Growth
%

54%

71%

15%

-4%

9%

2  Defined as the percentage of monthly unique visitors to the site making a purchase.

3 Calculated as gross sales including sales tax divided by the number of orders.

We have continued to grow our business strongly, attracting new customers and retaining existing ones through our 
quality product offerings and focus on customer service. Conversion rates have increased during the year to 6.9%. 
Average order value has decreased marginally whilst the number of items per basket has increased.

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014.11

Consolidated income statement

Revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Gross margin

Distribution costs

Administrative expenses

Other income

Operating profit

Finance expenses

Profit before tax

EBITDA 

Calculation of EBITDA 

Operating profit

Depreciation and amortisation

Exceptional items 

EBITDA 

Actual

Pro forma

2014
£’000

 109,791

(44,879)

 64,912

59.1%

(24,290)

(30,289)

 488

 10,821

(84)

 10,737

2013
£’000

 67,282

(30,619)

 36,663

54.5%

(13,613)

(19,764)

 –

 3,286

(102)

 3,184

Growth
%

63%

47%

77%

2014
£’000

 109,791

(40,891)

 68,900

62.8%

(24,290)

(30,445)

 488

229%

 14,653

(84)

237%

 14,569

2013
£’000

 67,282

(24,013)

 43,269

64.3%

(13,678)

(21,557)

–

 8,034

(102)

 7,932

 12,175

 3,854

216%

 16,007

 8,602

 10,821

 979

 375

 12,175

 3,286

 568

–

 3,854

 14,653

 979

 375

216%

 16,007

 8,034

 568

–

 8,602

Growth
%

63%

70%

59%

82%

84%

86%

86%

In the table above, the pro forma results add the profits that were made by related companies in supplying inventory to boohoo.com. From late 2013, boohoo.com 
sourced all its products direct from suppliers and not through related companies. The group profits made in 2014 and 2013 would have been higher if boohoo.com 
had sourced inventory direct and therefore the pro forma results are a more meaningful comparison against future years’ results. The cost of personnel performing 
the sourcing activity in the related companies has also been added to the reported figures to reflect the subsequent transfer of these employees to boohoo.com.

Reported gross margin rose from 54.5% to 59.1% due to the increasing proportion of inventories sourced by boohoo.
com direct from suppliers. 

Distribution costs and administrative expenses have increased as the business has expanded and we have 
continued to invest in improved and more efficient systems and in talented people. Cost control remains uppermost 
in our management philosophy and is tightly managed throughout the business.

The exceptional items of £375,000 in 2014, included in administrative expenses, related to capital reorganisation 
fees incurred prior to the flotation of the company in March 2014.

EBITDA increased by 216% from £3.9m to £12.2m on an actuals basis and from £8.6m to £16.0m on a pro forma basis.

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014.Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements12

 Financial review

continued

Statement of financial position

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Deferred tax 

Non-current assets

Working capital

Net financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents 

Interest bearing loans and borrowings 

Current tax liability

Net assets

2014
£000

 3,052

 6,199

 33

 9,284

(1,147)

 101

 5,411

 (2,742)

(1,147)

 9,760

2013
£000

 626

 4,967

 33

 5,626

(5,033)

 –

 4,607

(2,740)

(647)

 1,813

Net assets have increased by £7.9m to £9.8m, driven by strong profits. Working capital has increased by £3.9m and 
the group has a strong cash position up £0.8m at £5.4m at the year end. After the reporting date, the company 
received net proceeds of £46m from its Initial Public Offering.

Liquidity and financial resources
Free cash flow was £3.2m compared to £1.1m in 2013. Working capital requirements have increased due to the 
growth of business activity and the change to direct sourcing: inventories have increased due to the requirement 
to hold more products to serve our growing customer base; receivables have increased in line with revenue 
growth and due to a £0.5m deposit guarantee for global credit card payments and £1.1m increase in related party 
receivables and increase in other receivables of £1.4m. Capital expenditure was £4.6m as we have continued to 
invest in our warehouse and IT systems to support projected growth in trade. At the year end, and before the net 
injection of £46m following the flotation on 14 March 2014, the cash balances were £5.4m compared to £4.6m 
in 2013.

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014.Consolidated cash flow statement

Profit for the year

Depreciation charges and amortisation

Tax expense

Finance expenses

Increase in inventories

(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables

Increase in trade and other payables

Capital expenditure

Free cash flow

Interest paid

Tax paid

Non–cash changes and exchange differences

Proceeds from new loans

Redemption of preference shares

Dividends paid

Repayment of borrowings

Net cash flow

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

13

2014
£000

 8,427

 979

 2,310

 84

(2,955)

(3,179)

 2,147

(4,637)

 3,176

(84)

(1,810)

 20

 199

(100)

(400)

(197)

 804

 4,607

 5,411

2013
£000

 2,570

 568

 614

 102

(3,442)

 16

 5,280

(4,647)

 1,061

(102)

 –

 –

 2,667

 –

 –

(579)

 3,047

 1,560

 4,607

Trends and factors likely to affect future performance
The market for online clothing shopping is forecast to continue to grow and, along with the increasing use of the 
internet throughout the world, provides the group with much opportunity for further growth. Customers throughout 
the world are seeking quality product at value prices better than those available on the high street. boohoo.com’s 
target market of 16 to 24 year olds has a high propensity to spend on fashion and the market is fairly resilient to 
external macro-economic factors.

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014.Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements14

 Risks and uncertainties

Risk heading

Risk factors

Mitigation

Economic risk

•		Economic	uncertainty	may	affect	consumer	

•		Monitor	and	review	economic	indicators	

spending attitudes

•		Unforeseen	changes	in	raw	material,	energy,	

labour and transport costs may not be able to 
be immediately passed on to the customers, 
thereby reducing margins

and plan and adjust business requirements 
accordingly

•		React	rapidly	to	consumer	spending	
preferences by targeting products to 
market demand

•		Changes	in	consumer	demographics	may	

•		Monitor	demographic	changes	to	ensure	

affect category spend 

product offering remains relevant to consumers

•		Adverse	weather	may	affect	consumer	

spending patterns

•		Global	consumer	base	provides	some	
diversification against economic and 
environmental risk

Competition risk

•		Competitors	may	be	able	to	offer	consumers	

better quality, keener pricing, a more 
fashionable product, improved customer 
service, more generous delivery terms or better 
brand image, thereby eroding market share 

•		Review	competitor	activity	and	offerings	
regularly to remain abreast of market 
developments and identify competitive 
advantages

•		Monitor	consumers’	changing	preferences	
to ensure product and service is relevant 
to their demands

•		Establish	performance	targets	for	key	

deliverables (product quality, design, pricing 
and service) and monitor performance to 
maintain high levels of service

•		Maintain	high	level	of	efficiency	and	tight	

cost control

Fashion and 
consumer 
demands risk

•		Failing	to	keep	abreast	of	the	latest	trends	in	
colour and style could lead to lost sales and 
erosion of market share

•		Employ	highly	competent	designers	and	buyers	

who are adept at interpreting fashion and 
producing desirable product

•		Failure	to	react	quickly	enough	to	fashion	

changes could lead to lost sales

•		Buying	the	incorrect	quantities	of	product	
relevant to demand may result in lost sales 
opportunities or excess inventory

Systems and 
technical risk

•		Hardware	or	software	failure	could	disable	the	

website or operational systems

•		Computer	hacking	is	an	increasingly	major	risk

•		Technological	developments	making	the	

offering outdated with consumers migrating 
to more appealing websites

•		System	capacity	due	to	high	transactional	

volumes may be compromised, leading to error 
or failure

•		Websites	hosted	by	third	party,	which	may	

be subject to business failure

•		Loss	of	or	theft	of	consumer	data	could	lead	

to loss of reputation and breach of data 
protection regulations

•		Keep	up	to	date	with	fashion	changes	through	
fashion shows, predictive agencies and fashion 
press

•		Review	product	ranges	to	ensure	sufficient	
product offering to cover likely demand

•		React	to	high	demand	by	buying	

replenishment stock in short lead time, 
responding rapidly to fashion demand

•		Ensure	links	between	buying	department,	
merchandising and marketing are strong, 
with regular cross-functional communication

•		Duplicate	back-up	system	in	remote	location	
protects hardware failure and to some extent 
software failure

•		High	security	threshold	and	appropriate	

IT access and usage policies protect from 
virus and malicious attack and are regularly 
reviewed by the IT Director

•		Systems	documentation	and	recovery	

procedures are in place and tested periodically

•		Investment	in	new	systems	is	planned	and	

phased implementation of new installations 
is carefully controlled

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014.15

Risk heading

Risk factors

Mitigation

Supply chain risk

Reputational risk

•		The	business	is	dependent	on	suppliers	with	
whom relationships have been developed 
over time and whose loss through insolvency, 
disaster or denial of supply may be difficult 
to replace at short notice

•		Interruption	to	supply	from	raw	material	

shortages, quota restrictions or capacity 
limitations could restrict supply

•		Interruption	to	supply	from	carriers	due	to	

adverse weather, war or terrorism or industrial 
action could restrict supply

•		Adverse	customer	experience	through	poor	
product quality, product recall due to faulty 
manufacture or use of illegal substances in 
manufacture, labour abuses or environmental 
damage by third party suppliers could lead to 
reputational damage and customer boycott 
of the brand

•		Adverse	customer	experience	through	refund	

disputes or poor customer service could 
damage reputation

Financial risk

•		Poor	business	performance	or	lack	of	appetite	
for the sector may impede raising of capital

People risk

•		Competitors	are	inclined	to	poach	key	staff	

and talented individuals

•		Employees	may	leave	the	company	for	better	

pay and prospects elsewhere

•		Employees	may	not	give	adequate	

performance

Loss of key 
facilities

•		Fire,	flood,	or	terrorism	could	lead	to	part	
or total, temporary or permanent closure 
of facilities

•		Supply	risk	is	spread	over	many	suppliers	with	

no major individual dependencies

•		Extensive	and	up	to	date	knowledge	of	supplier	
base would enable alternative sources to be 
found relatively quickly

•		Maintain	adequate	levels	of	inventory	to	cover	

short periods of supply delay

•		Maintain	a	system	of	factory	approvals,	

ensuring that manufacturers agree to a set 
of acceptable standards

•		Monitor	the	compliance	with	manufacturers’	

agreements by periodic audit

•		Monitor	customer	complaints	and	internet	sites	
for customer complaints and ensure responses 
to issues are given where appropriate

•		Ensure	working	capital	is	sufficient	for	business	
requirements through the regular budgeting 
and forecasting process

•		Reduce	uncertainty	due	to	fluctuating	

exchange rates by appropriate hedging 
policies

•		Maintain	appropriate	incentive	schemes	for	
senior managers, including share ownership, 
bonus and incentive schemes linked to 
personal and business performance

•		Provide	a	pleasant	workplace	environment,	

encouraging a positive company ethos 
through rewards and values with management 
engagement

•		Measure	and	reward	employee	performance	

through a formal PDP appraisal system

•		Operate	a	succession	planning	policy

•		Maintain	a	disaster	recovery	plan	and	disaster	

committee

•		Warehouse	is	protected	by	24	hour	security	

and sprinkler system regularly tested

•		Head	office	is	protected	by	security	alarm,	
access control system and sprinkler system 
regularly tested 

•		Electric	power	continuity	is	protected	by	 

back-up generators

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014.Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements16

Corporate social responsibility

Environmental matters
The environmental impact of the group’s activities are monitored and reported to the directors. Head office waste 
is recycled and air travel is minimised wherever possible.

Social responsibility
Corporate social responsibility is of the utmost importance to the group and a system of policies and procedures 
has been established by the CSR department. We are introducing a programme in which suppliers are required 
to comply with a written code which outlines minimum standards in working conditions and manufacturing 
processes. The group is a member of SEDEX and encourages its suppliers to join. A programme of factory audits 
has been established in 2014 to ensure compliance with boohoo.com’s supplier policies. The group places great 
importance on health and safety at work and has policies to enforce best practice.

Genders of employees

Number of employees of each gender at the year end

Directors of the parent company

Senior managers

Other employees

By order of the board

Male

Female

 7

10

175

192

 1

11

248

 260

Mahmud Kamani

Carol Kane

Neil Catto

Joint Chief Executive 
12 June 2014

49-51 Dale Street 
Manchester 
M1 2HF

Joint Chief Executive 

Chief Financial Officer 

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014.Governance

17

18  Board of directors

20   Corporate governance report

22  Remuneration report

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18

 Board of directors

Neil Catto  
(aged 47)

Chief  
Financial Officer

Neil qualified as a chartered 
accountant with Ernst & 
Young and spent nine years 
working in their Manchester, 
Palo Alto and Reading 
offices. He was previously 
finance director of dabs.
com plc and has held 
senior financial positions in 
BT plc and The Carphone 
Warehouse Group plc.

Peter Williams  
(aged 60)

Non-executive 
Chairman

Mahmud Kamani  
(aged 49)

Joint  
Chief Executive

Carol Kane  
(aged 47)

Joint  
Chief Executive

Carol has 25 years of 
experience in the fashion 
industry. Starting her career 
as a designer, then fashion 
buyer, Carol has worked for 
Mahmud Kamani for the past 
20 years supplying high street 
retailers. Carol co-founded 
boohoo.com in 2006 and 
since inception has worked 
on marketing, product 
and brand strategy both 
domestically and abroad.

Mahmud founded boohoo.
com with Carol Kane in 
2006, leveraging over 28 
years of experience in the 
fashion industry. Mahmud’s 
involvement in the fashion 
and apparel industry spans 
all areas of the supply chain 
from importer to wholesaler to 
retailer. Mahmud has sourced 
garments from all over the 
world. An entrepreneur 
with previous experience 
in fashion and clothing, 
Mahmud has developed a 
loyal team, some of whom 
have remained with him for 
20 years.

Peter was formally the Senior 
Independent Director of 
ASOS plc and is currently the 
Senior Independent Director 
of Sportech PLC and non-
executive director of both 
Rightmove plc and Cineworld 
Group plc. He is Chairman 
of both Mister Spex, an 
online retailer specialising 
in eyewear based in Berlin, 
and OfficeTeam, an office 
supplies business, and is a 
trustee of the Design Council. 
In the past, he has also 
served on the boards of the 
EMI group, Blacks Leisure 
Group plc, Silverstone, JJB 
Sports plc, GCap Media plc, 
and Capital Radio Group 
plc. In his executive career, 
he was Chief Executive at 
Alpha Group plc and prior 
to that was Chief Executive 
of Selfridges plc where he 
also acted as Chief Financial 
Officer for over ten years. 
Mr Williams is a chartered 
accountant.

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014.19

Petar Cvetkovic  
(aged 52)

Non-executive  
director

Petar is currently CEO of 
DX (Group) plc and is a 
non-executive director 
of Crawford Healthcare 
Holdings Limited. He is the 
former MD of DFDS Logistics, 
Norbert Dentressangle in the 
UK and was latterly Chief 
Executive Officer of Target 
Express and MD of City Link. 
During his 29 years in the 
logistics industry, Petar has 
worked in parcels, contract 
and shared-user distribution 
as well as supply chain and 
international logistics.

David Forbes  
(aged 54)

Non-executive director 
and Senior Independent 
Director

David qualified as a 
chartered accountant in 
1984 and has been a leading 
figure in Corporate Finance 
advisory services for many 
years including 22 years in the 
investment Banking division 
of N M Rothschild. David’s 
areas of expertise include 
mergers and acquisitions, 
corporate strategy and 
corporate finance involving 
both equity and debt. David 
is currently a non-executive 
director, and Chairman of the 
Remuneration Committee, at 
Vertu Motors plc and Renew 
Holdings plc.

Stephen Morana  
(aged 43)

Non-executive  
director

Stephen is currently the 
Chief Financial Officer 
of Zoopla Property Group 
plc. He was formerly the 
Chief Financial Officer of 
Betfair Group PLC, one of 
the UK’s most successful 
internet businesses where 
he also held the position of 
interim CEO. Prior to Betfair, 
Stephen held a number of 
senior finance positions, 
including at Sapient, the 
Nasdaq listed technology 
innovator. Stephen is a 
Chartered Accountant and 
an INSEAD alumnus.

Mark Newton-Jones  
(aged 46) 

Non-executive  
director

Mark is the former CEO of 
Shop Direct Group, a position 
he held for almost ten years 
until July 2013. Under Mark’s 
stewardship, Shop Direct 
embarked on one of the 
largest retail integrations 
in Europe, merging and 
integrating with Littlewoods 
and Great Universal 
Stores, and a significant 
transformation journey from 
a failing large scale bricks 
and mortar operation, to 
one of the UK’s leading 
multi-channel retailers with 
seamlessly integrated mobile, 
online, and digital platforms. 
Mark led the launch of the 
successful online fashion 
brand, very.co.uk. Prior to 
Shop Direct Group, Mark 
spent 18 years at Next PLC, 
the last five of which he was 
responsible for Next Directory.

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014.Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements20 Corporate governance report

Board governance
The directors acknowledge the importance of the principles set out in the Quoted Companies Alliance Corporate 
Governance Code (‘QCA Code’). Although the QCA Code is not compulsory for AIM quoted companies, the 
directors intend to apply the principles as far as they consider appropriate for a company of boohoo.com plc’s size 
and nature in accordance with the QCA Code for Small and Mid-Size Quoted companies 2013.

As boohoo.com plc was not listed during the last financial year, this report is not prepared in accordance with the 
QCA Code – rather, it is designed to provide shareholders with further information on the corporate governance 
regime being followed by the company. Next year, the Committee intends to produce a full corporate governance 
report prepared in accordance with the QCA Code to the extent relevant for an AIM listed company. 
The board
The directors’ biographies appear on pages 18 and 19.

The board comprises eight directors, three of whom are executive directors and five of whom are non-executive 
directors, reflecting a blend of different experience and backgrounds. Each of Peter Williams, David Forbes, Mark 
Newton-Jones and Stephen Morana are prior to appointment considered to be ‘independent’ non-executive 
directors under the criteria identified in the QCA Corporate Government Code. In addition, David Forbes is the 
Senior Independent Director.
The role of the board
The board as a whole is collectively responsible for the success of the group and provides entrepreneurial leadership 
of the group within the framework of effective controls which enable risk to be assessed and managed. It sets 
out the group’s values and standards and ensures that its obligations to shareholders and other stakeholders 
are understood and met.

The board has a formal schedule of matters reserved to it for decision, including approval of strategic plans and 
the annual operating plan, significant investments and capital projects, treasury and risk management policies. 
All directors take decisions objectively in the interests of the group.

Guidelines are in place concerning the content, presentation and timely delivery of papers by management to 
directors for each board meeting so that the directors have enough information to be properly briefed. Where issues 
arise at board meetings, the Chairman ensures that all directors are properly briefed and, when necessary, 
appropriate further enquiries are made. The division of responsibilities between the Chairman and Joint Chief 
Executives is clearly established and has been agreed by the board.

All directors have access to the advice and services of the Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary, who will 
be responsible for ensuring that the board procedures are followed and that applicable rules and regulations are 
complied with. In addition, procedures will be in place to enable the directors to obtain independent professional 
advice in the furtherance of their duties, if necessary, at the company’s expense.
Board committees
The company has three committees namely Audit, Nomination and Remuneration Committees. 
Audit Committee
Stephen Morana is the Chairman of the Audit Committee, which has primary responsibility for monitoring the 
quality of internal controls, ensuring that the financial performance of the company is properly measured and 
reported on and reviewing reports from the company’s auditors relating to the company’s accounting and internal 
controls, in all cases having due regard to the interests of shareholders. The Audit Committee will meet at least 
twice a year. Stephen Morana has recent and relevant financial experience. He is a chartered accountant and 
Chief Financial Officer at Zoopla Property Group plc having previously held a number of senior finance positions. 
Mark Newton-Jones and David Forbes are the other members of the Audit Committee. 

Nomination Committee
Peter Williams is the chairman of the Nomination Committee which will identify and nominate, for the approval 
of the board, candidates to fill board vacancies as and when they arise. The Nomination Committee will meet 
at least twice a year. David Forbes, Mark Newton-Jones and Stephen Morana are the other members of the 
Nomination Committee.

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014.21

Remuneration Committee
The chairman of the Remuneration Committee is David Forbes. This committee reviews the performance of the 
executive directors and determines their terms and conditions of service, including their remuneration and the grant 
of share awards, having due regard to the interests of shareholders. The Remuneration Committee will meet at least 
twice a year. Mark Newton-Jones and Stephen Morana are the other members of the Remuneration Committee.
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee comprises the three executive directors and selected members of the senior executive 
management. The committee meets at least monthly and has the responsibility for dealing with the day-to-day 
management of the group and developing and executing strategy.
Board and committee meetings
It is intended that the board meets at least eight times a year and the Audit Committee, the Nomination Committee 
and the Remuneration Committee at least twice a year.
Risk management and internal control
The board has overall responsibility for the group’s systems of internal control and risk management and for reviewing 
the effectiveness of those systems. Such systems are designed to manage rather than eliminate the risk of failure to 
achieve business objectives. Any system can only provide reasonable and not absolute assurance against material 
misstatement or loss.

The board confirms that there are on-going procedures for identifying, evaluating and managing significant risks 
faced by the group. The board will review the system of internal controls during the year to identify any significant 
failures or weaknesses. 

The board has an internal risk management procedure to identify, with relevant management, the major business 
risks facing the group and to put in place appropriate policies and procedures to manage those risks. Internal and 
external risks, which are assessed on a continual basis, may be associated with a variety of internal or external 
sources, including control breakdowns, disruption in information systems, competition, natural catastrophe and 
regulatory requirements. These involve a process of control, self-assessment and reporting that will be established 
to provide a documented trail of accountability, which will be reported to the board.

Management will report on its review of the risks and how they are managed to both the board and Audit 
Committee, whose role will be to review the key risks inherent in the business and the systems of control necessary 
to manage those risks. The Audit Committee will present its findings to the board as appropriate. Management will 
also report to the board on major changes in the business and external environment which affect significant risks. 
Where areas for improvement in the systems are identified, the board will consider the recommendations made 
by management and the Audit Committee.
Performance evaluation
The Chairman intends to carry out an internal evaluation of the board (including sub-committees and individual 
board members) in 2014, which will involve a series of one-to-one discussions between the Chairman and board 
members. This will enable the board to confirm that its performance, as well as the contribution of each of the 
executive and non-executive directors, demonstrates commitment to their respective roles and that the board 
members’ respective skills complement each other and enhance the overall operation of the board.
Relations with shareholders
The company maintains an active dialogue with its shareholders through a planned programme of investor 
relations. This activity is a keystone of the company’s corporate communications programme and is headed 
by the Joint Chief Executives, the Chief Financial Officer and the Head of Investor Relations.

The programme includes formal presentations in London of the company’s full year and interim results and meetings 
between institutional investors, analysts and senior management on a regular basis. Regular communication with 
shareholders also takes place thorough the company’s annual and interim report and via the company website 
(www.boohooplc.com) which contains up to date information on the group’s activities.

The Annual General Meeting is an important opportunity for communication with both institutional and private 
shareholders and also involves a short statement on the company’s latest trading position. Shareholders may ask 
questions of the full board, including the chairs of Audit, Remuneration and Nomination Committees. The result of 
the proxy votes submitted by shareholders in respect of each resolution will be available on the company’s website 
or on request to the Company Secretary. 

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014.Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements22  Remuneration report

Introduction
Following Admission on 14 March 2014, the Remuneration Committee (‘Committee’) assumed responsibility for 
determining the remuneration policy for the executive directors and other members of senior management and 
for overseeing the company’s share plans. 

During this financial year, the Committee will review the company’s remuneration policy. The primary objective 
of this review is to ensure that the policy is suitable for the group’s current and future growth aspirations and the 
planned transition from AIM to a full listing over the next few years, whilst also reflecting the unique characteristics 
that have made boohoo.com successful to date. 

The Committee is committed to complying with the principles of good corporate governance in relation to the 
design of its remuneration policy, and such our policy will follow the UK Corporate Governance Code, the QCA 
Remuneration Guidance, and the ABI Principles of Remuneration, as far as is appropriate to boohoo.com’s 
management structure and the company’s size and listing. 

As boohoo.com plc was not listed during the year ended 28 February 2014, this report is not prepared in 
accordance with remuneration reporting regulations – rather, it is designed to provide shareholders with further 
information on the role of the Committee and the current remuneration of the board of directors. 

Next year, the Committee intends to produce a full remuneration report prepared in accordance with the Large 
and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, as amended, to the extent 
relevant for an AIM listed company. 

Remuneration Committee
The Committee was established on Admission. It is responsible for making recommendations to the board 
regarding the remuneration of the executive directors and other senior managers, determining their terms and 
conditions of service and overseeing the company’s share plans. The Committee’s terms of reference are available 
on the company’s website at www.boohooplc.com.

The members of the Committee are currently David Forbes (who is also the Committee Chairman), Mark Newton-
Jones and Stephen Morana, all of whom are non-executive directors of the company.

The Committee has appointed independent remuneration consultants New Bridge Street (‘NBS’) to advise, 
as required, on senior executive remuneration. Neither NBS, nor AonHewitt of which it is part, provide any other 
services to the company. 

Pay philosophy
The aim of the remuneration policy is to attract, retain and motivate high calibre senior executives, whilst ensuring 
that no more than necessary is paid. There is a significant variable pay component, designed to incentivise the 
delivery of the group’s growth strategy. The interests of the executives are designed to align with the interests of 
shareholders through encouraging equity ownership and the award of equity incentive plans where necessary. 

These principles are reflected across the company as a whole. In particular, an aim of the company’s remuneration 
policy is to encourage widespread equity ownership across the employees, and in support of this objective, 
on Admission we granted an award of free shares to all our employees under an HMRC Approved SIP. It is also 
intended that employees will be offered the opportunity to invest in our shares on a tax-efficient basis through 
offering partnership shares under the SIP. 

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014.23

Pay policy for executive directors
Remuneration for the executive directors comprises the following elements, not all of which are currently provided 
to each executive director:

•	base salary

•	pension 

•	annual bonus

•	the Executive Share Option Plan (‘ESOP’)

Base salary
Currently, the salaries of the executive directors are £225,000 for Mahmud Kamani, £225,000 for Carol Kane and 
£150,000 for Neil Catto. 

Salaries will be reviewed annually, with the next review being scheduled to take effect for the year commencing 
1 March 2015. 

Pension and other benefits
Carol Kane and Neil Catto receive a company pension contribution of 5% of salary. Mahmud Kamani does not 
receive a company pension contribution.

Carol Kane and Neil Catto receive company health care and life assurance.

Annual bonus
All of the executive directors are eligible to participate in the company wide annual cash bonus plan. 
The Committee oversees the bonus plan, and any bonus payments are at the discretion of the Committee.

Under the annual bonus plan, performance is measured over a single financial year. For the financial year ending 
28 February 2015, the performance targets will be based on inter alia a combination of revenue and EBITDA 
metrics, (as defined in the plan), both of which will carry equal weighting. This choice of metrics reflects that these 
measures have been identified as the key indicators of the company’s success against its growth strategy. 

Executive Share Option Plan (‘ESOP’)
On Admission, Neil Catto (together with a number of other selected senior executives who received differing 
levels of award), was granted 2,000,000 options with an exercise price of 50 pence per share. These options 
will become exercisable on the third anniversary of grant until 14 March 2024, subject to the achievement 
of performance conditions. 

The performance targets applying to the ESOP awards are based on the achievement of an aggregate group 
EBITDA target (as defined in the ESOP plan documentation) over the three financial years 2015, 2016 and 2017. 75% 
of the options will become exercisable for the achievement of 75% of the target, rising on a straight-line-basis to 
100% vesting for full achievement of the target. 

As founder shareholders, neither Mahmud Kamani nor Carol Kane, both of whom have retained a significant equity 
stake in the company, received ESOP awards on Admission. 

The ESOP is considered an effective equity incentive vehicle as it aligns closely with the interests of shareholders 
both via the requirement to achieve performance targets linked to our financial performance.

It is intended that grants of options will continue to be made under the ESOP periodically at the discretion 
of the Committee. 

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014.Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements24  Remuneration report

continued

Service contracts
Each of the executive directors has a service contract dated 21 February 2014. Under these contracts, each 
executive director has a 12 month notice period from both the company and the executive. The company may 
also elect to terminate the employment of each executive director by making a payment in lieu of notice equal 
to their base salary in either a lump sum or monthly instalments. 

Remuneration policy for non-executive directors
The Chairman and non-executive directors provide their services under the terms of letters of appointment dated 
21 February 2014. With the exception of the non-executive Chairman, whose letter of appointment provides for 
termination of services with three months’ notice, the letters of appointment have a one month notice period either 
by the company or the non-executive director. 

The Chairman and non-executive directors all receive a single fee to cover all their duties. The current annual 
fees are:

•	Non-executive Chairman 

•	 Non-executive director and Senior Independent Director 

•	Non-executive directors 

The above fees will be reviewed annually by the board. 

£70,000

£50,000

£40,000

NED Plan
The NED Plan was established on Admission to enable share options to be granted to certain non-executive 
directors on the same terms as the ESOP. Details of the grants made on Admission are set out below. 

Name

Peter Williams 

Stephen Morana 

Mark Newton-Jones 

No of 
ordinary shares 
under option 

Exercise price

Exercise period1

1,900,000 

50p per share 

14 March 2017 to 14 March 2024

500,000

700,000 

50p per share 

14 March 2017 to 14 March 2024

50p per share 

14 March 2017 to 14 March 2024

1  Options will become exercisable subject to the achievement of the same performance targets as for the ESOP awards. 

It is not intended that further options be granted under the NED plan on a regular basis.

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014.25

Disclosure of directors’ pay for the year
The remuneration of the directors during the year ended 28 February 2014 is set out below:

Director

Mahmud Kamani

Carol Kane

Neil Catto

Petar Cvetkovic

Base salary/
non-executive 
director fees
£

Nil

136,251

116,004

30,000

Benefits
£

Nil

1,891

1,584

Nil

Pension
£

Nil

20,256

7,704

Nil

Annual 
bonus
£

Nil

Nil

100,000

Nil

Total
£

Nil

158,398

225,292

30,000

Directors’ interests in shares 
The table below sets out the beneficial interests in shares as at the date of Admission.

Name of director

Mahmud Kamani

Carol Kane

Petar Cvetkovic

Peter Williams

Mark Newton-Jones

Stephen Morana

David Forbes

David M Forbes

Chairman of the Remuneration Committee 
12 June 2014

Interests in ordinary shares

At 14 March 
2014

As a % of 
share capital

275,354,731

24.58

50,980,421

10,210,362

200,000

200,000

200,000

40,000

4.55

0.91

0.02

0.02

0.02

0.00

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014.Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements26

Financial 
Statements

27

28   Consolidated statement  

of comprehensive income

29   Consolidated statement  

of financial position

30   Consolidated statement 
of changes in equity

31   Consolidated cash flow  

statement

32  Notes

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28 Consolidated statement of comprehensive 

income

for the year ended 28 February 2014

Revenue

Cost of sales 

Gross profit

Distribution costs

Administrative expenses

Other income

Profit before tax

Finance costs

Profit before tax

Taxation

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income for the year, net of income tax

Net fair value gains on cash flow hedges

Total comprehensive income for the year

All activities relate to continuing operations. 

The notes on pages 32 to 46 form part of these financial statements.

Note

2

3

4

9

2014
£’000

109,791

(44,879)

64,912

(24,290)

(30,289)

488

10,821

(84)

10,737

(2,310)

8,427

20

8,447

2013
£’000

67,282

(30,619)

36,663

(13,613)

(19,764)

–

3,286

(102)

3,184

(614)

2,570

–

2,570

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014.Consolidated statement of financial position

29

at 28 February 2014

Assets

Non-current assets

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Deferred tax

Current assets

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Total current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Interest bearing loans and borrowings

Financial liabilities

Current tax liability

Total current liabilities

Liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Interest bearing loans and borrowings

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity

Share capital

Share premium

Capital redemption reserve

Reconstruction reserve

Hedging reserves

Retained earnings

Total equity

The notes on pages 32 to 46 form part of these financial statements.

Note

2014
£’000

2013
£’000

10

11

13

14

15

20

16

17

20

3,052

6,199

33

9,284

9,795

3,927

125

5,411

19,258

28,542

626

4,967

33

5,626

6,840

873

–

4,607

12,320

17,946

(14,869)

(12,746)

(384)

(24)

(1,147)

(219)

–

(647)

(16,424)

(13,612)

17

(2,358)

(18,782)

9,760

(2,521)

(16,133)

1,813

18

18

–

–

100

17

20

9,623

9,760

–

–

–

117

–

1,696

1,813

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014.Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements30 Consolidated statement of changes in equity

for the year ended 28 February 2014

Capital 
redemption 
reserve
£’000

Reconstruction 
reserve
£’000

Retained 
earnings/
(accumulated 
losses)
£’000

Hedging 
reserves
£’000

Total equity
£’000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

117

–

–

117

–

–

–

100

–

100

(100)

–

17

–

–

–

–

–

20

20

–

–

20

(874)

(757)

2,570

2,570

1,696

8,427

–

8,427

(100)

(400)

2,570

2,570

1,813

8,427

20

8,447

(100)

(400)

9,623

9,760

Balance as at 1 March 2012

Total comprehensive income for the year 

Profit for the year

Total comprehensive income for the year

Balance at 28 February 2013

Total comprehensive income for the year 

Profit for the year

Fair value gains on cash flow hedges

Total comprehensive income for the year

Transactions with owners

Redemption of preference shares

Dividends paid

Balance at 28 February 2014

All activities relate to continuing operations. 

The notes on pages 32 to 46 form part of these financial statements.

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014.Consolidated cash flow statement

31

for the year ended 28 February 2014

Cash flows from operating activities

Profit for the year

Adjustments for:

Depreciation charges and amortisation

Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment

Transfer from hedging reserves

Finance costs

Tax expense

Profit before tax before changes in working capital and provisions

Increase in inventories

(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables

Increase in trade and other payables

Cash generated from operations

Interest paid

Tax paid

Net cash inflow from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Acquisition of intangible assets

Acquisition of tangible property, plant and equipment

Acquisition of Burnley warehouse

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from new loan

Redemption of preference shares

Dividends paid

Repayment of borrowings

Net cash (used in)/generated from financing activities

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

The notes on pages 32 to 46 form part of these financial statements.

Note

2014
£’000

2013
£’000

8,427

2,570

979

(60)

20

84

2,310

11,760

(2,955)

(3,179)

2,147

7,773

(84)

(1,810)

5,879

(2,762)

(1,875)

–

60

568

–

–

102

614

3,854

(3,442)

16

5,280

5,708

(102)

–

5,606

(357)

(691)

(3,599)

–

(4,577)

(4,647)

199

(100)

(400)

(197)

(498)

804

4,607

5,411

2,667

–

–

(579)

2,088

3,047

1,560

4,607

10

11

11

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014.Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements32  Notes

1 Accounting policies
boohoo.com plc is a company incorporated and domiciled in Jersey.

The group financial statements consolidate those of its subsidiaries that became its subsidiaries after the year 
end, ABK Limited, boohoo.com UK Limited (formerly Wasabi Frog Limited) and Boo Who Limited (‘Subsidiaries’). 
All intercompany transactions between group companies are eliminated.

The group financial statements, which are not statutory financial statements, have been extracted from financial 
statements of the Subsidiaries prepared and approved by the directors in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU (‘Adopted IFRSs’), IFRIC Interpretations and the Companies Act 2006 
applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. Since the company did not acquire the group until after the 
balance sheet date, these financial statements include the results of the Subsidiaries as if they were always part of 
the group and are for comparative purposes. boohoo.com plc acquired the group on 14 March 2014 simultaneous 
with its flotation and admission to the AIM listing of the London Stock Exchange. The proceeds from that flotation 
are not therefore included in these financial statements.

The directors have considered the accounting policy that should be applied in respect of the consolidation of the 
group formed upon acquisition of the group on admission. They have concluded that the transaction described 
above represented a combination of entities under common control and in accordance with IAS 8 ‘Accounting 
policies, changes in accounting estimates and errors’ have considered FRS 6 ‘Acquisitions and mergers’ under UK 
GAAP, which the directors believe reflects the economic substance of the transaction. Under this standard, assets 
and liabilities are recorded at book value, not fair value, intangible assets and contingent liabilities are recognised 
only to the extent that they were recognised by the legal acquirer, no goodwill is recognised, any expenses of the 
combination are written off immediately to the income statement and comparative amounts, if applicable, are 
restated as if the combination had taken place at the beginning of the earliest accounting period presented. 
Therefore, although the group reconstruction did not take place until 14 March 2014, these consolidated financial 
statements are presented as if the group structure had always been in place, using merger accounting principles.

The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. 
These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

Measurement convention
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis and under the historical cost 
convention, as modified by financial assets and financial liabilities (including derivative instruments) at fair value 
through profit or loss.

Going concern
The financial statements have been approved on the assumption that the group remains a going concern. 
The following paragraph summarises the issues and basis on which the directors have reached their conclusion.

The directors have reviewed the group’s cash flow forecasts for a period exceeding 12 months from the date of 
authorisation of these financial statements. Following this review, the directors have formed a judgement that, 
at the time of approval of the financial statements, the group has sufficient resources to continue operating for 
the foreseeable future including the funding of necessary capital expenditure. For the reasons noted above, 
the directors continue to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis.

Basis of consolidation
Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the group. Control exists when the group has the power to govern the 
financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. In assessing control, the 
group takes into consideration potential voting rights that are currently exercisable. The acquisition date is the date 
on which control is transferred to the acquirer. Subsidiary undertakings acquired during the year are accounted 
for using the acquisition method of accounting. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the 
consolidated financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases.

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014. 
33

Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. 
Where parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives they are accounted for as 
separate property, plant and equipment. Asset acquisitions are funded from cash rather than from borrowings.

Cost includes expenditures that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the asset. The cost of each item of 
property, plant and equipment is written off evenly over its estimated remaining useful life. Depreciation is charged 
to the statement of comprehensive income on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of each part of 
an item of property, plant and equipment, as follows: buildings 2%; motor vehicles and computer equipment 33%; 
and short leasehold and fixtures and fittings 33% or 20%. The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed 
and adjusted, if appropriate, at each reporting date.

Classification of financial instruments issued by the group
Financial instruments issued by the group are treated as equity (i.e. forming part of shareholders’ funds) only to the 
extent that they meet the following two conditions:

a)  they include no contractual obligations upon the group to deliver cash or other financial assets or to exchange 
financial assets or financial liabilities with another party under conditions that are potentially unfavourable to the 
group; and

b)  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’s 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 share capital and share premium exclude amounts in relation to those shares.

Finance payments associated with financial liabilities are dealt with as part of finance costs. Finance payments 
associated with financial instruments that are classified in equity are dividends and are recorded directly in equity.

Financial risk management
The group seeks to mitigate partially against increased interest rates whilst maintaining a degree of flexibility 
to benefit from decreased rates of interest by holding a mix of short and longer term loans sourced externally.

Financial instruments
Financial instruments are recognised at fair value and subsequently held at amortised cost. For those recognised 
at fair value the gain or loss on re-measurement to fair value is recognised immediately in the statement of 
comprehensive income. 

Trade and other receivables
Trade and other receivables are recorded initially at fair value. Subsequent to this they are measured at amortised 
cost less any impairment losses.

Trade and other payables
Trade and other payables are recorded initially at fair value. Subsequent to this they are measured at 
amortised cost. 

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014.Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements 
34  Notes

continued

1 Accounting policies (continued)
Derivative financial instruments and cash flow hedges
The group holds derivative financial instruments to hedge its foreign currency exposures. These derivatives, 
classified as cash flow hedges, are initially recognised at fair value and then re-measured at fair value at the end 
of each reporting date. Hedging instruments are documented at inception and effectiveness is tested throughout 
their duration. Changes in the value of cash flow hedges are recognised in other comprehensive income and any 
ineffective portion is immediately recognised in the statement of comprehensive income. If the firm commitment 
or forecast transaction that is the subject of a cash flow hedge results in the recognition of a non-financial asset 
or liability, then at the time the asset is recognised, the associated gains or losses on the derivative that had 
been previously recognised on other comprehensive income 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 other 
comprehensive income are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income in the same period in which 
the hedged item affects net profit.

Taxation
Tax on the profit for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the statement of 
comprehensive income except to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity, in which case 
it is recognised in equity. 

Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or 
substantively enacted at the reporting date, and any adjustments to tax payable in respect of previous years.

Deferred tax is recognised on temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for 
financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. The amount of deferred tax provided 
is based on the expected manner of realisation or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities, using 
tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.

A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available 
against which the asset can be utilised.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, for the purpose of the cash flow statement and the statement of financial position, 
comprises cash in hand.

Impairment

Non-financial assets
The carrying amounts of the group’s non-financial assets other than inventories and deferred tax assets are 
reviewed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication 
exists, the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated.

An impairment loss is recognised whenever the carrying amount of an asset or its cash-generating unit exceeds its 
recoverable amount. A cash-generating unit is the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows 
that are largely independent of the cash inflows from the other assets or group of assets. Impairment losses are 
recognised in the statement of comprehensive income.

The recoverable amount of an asset or cash-generating unit is the greater of its fair value less costs to sell and value 
in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-
tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time, value for money and the risks specific to the 
asset. For an asset that does not generate largely independent cash inflows, the recoverable amount is determined 
for the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014.35

Financial assets
An impairment loss is recognised whenever the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount. 
Impairment losses are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income.

The recoverable amount of the group’s receivables carried at amortised cost is calculated as the present value 
of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the original effective interest rate (i.e. the effective interest rate 
computed at initial recognition of these financial assets). Receivables with a short duration are not discounted. 

Revenue 
Revenue and profit before tax are attributable to the one principal activity of the business. Revenue represents net 
invoiced sales of goods, excluding value added tax. Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when the group 
has transferred the goods to the buyer.

Intangible assets
Intangible assets are valued at cost less accumulated amortisation. The group purchased various domain names 
and the registered trademark which have been included in patents and licences. These are expected to have 
an estimated useful life of ten years and have been amortised over this period. Computer software purchased in 
the year has been amortised over its estimated life of three or four years. Amortisation is included in administrative 
expenses in the statement of comprehensive income.

Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after making due allowance for obsolete and 
slow moving items. Inventories are valued on a first in first out basis.

Leasing commitments
Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the statement of comprehensive income on a straight-line 
basis over the period of the lease. 

Finance costs
Interest payable is recognised in the statement of comprehensive income as it accrues in respect of the effective 
interest rate method.

Pension costs
The group contributes to a Group Personal Pension scheme for certain employees under a defined contribution 
scheme. The costs of these contributions are charged to the statement of comprehensive income on an accruals 
basis as they become payable under the scheme rules.

Significant estimates and judgements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS as adopted by the EU requires management to 
make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the 
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience 
and various other factors believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from 
these estimates and any subsequent changes are accounted for when such information becomes available. 
The judgements, estimates and assumptions that are the most subjective or complex are discussed below:

Refund accruals
Accruals for sales refunds are estimated based on recent historical returns and management’s best estimates 
and are allocated to the period in which the revenue is recorded. Actual returns could differ from these estimates.

Inventory valuation
Inventory is carried at the lower of cost or net realisable value. The estimation of net realisable value may 
be different from the future actual value realised.

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014.Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements 
36  Notes

continued

1 Accounting policies (continued)
IFRSs issues not yet applied
The following new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations issued by the International 
Accounting Standards Board became effective during the year, but have no material effect on the group’s 
financial statements:

– Improvements to IFRS 2011
The International Accounting Standards Board (‘IASB’) and International Financial Reporting Interpretations 
Committee (‘IFRIC’) have also issued the following standards and interpretations which have been endorsed by 
the EU at 28 February 2014 with an effective date of implementation after the date of these financial statements:

International Accounting Standards (‘IAS/IFRSs’)

IFRS 10 (revised) Consolidated Financial Statements

IFRS 11 (revised) Joint Arrangements

IFRS 12 (revised) Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities

IAS 27 (revised) Separate Financial Statements (2011)
Amendments to IAS32 Offsetting Financial Assets and 
Financial Liabilities

Effective date 
(periods beginning 
on or after)

1 January 2014

1 January 2014

1 January 2014

1 January 2014

1 January 2014

The directors do not anticipate that the adoption of these standards and interpretations will have a material impact 
on the financial statements in the period of initial application.

2 Revenue
Sales revenue by geographical market

UK

Rest of Europe

Rest of world

2014
£’000

70,992

13,058

25,741

109,791

2013
(restated)1
£’000

44,326

7,349

15,607

67,282

1  The geographic split of revenue in 2013 has been restated in respect of certain countries in rest of Europe that were previously in rest of world and for a more 

accurate regional allocation of returns provisions.

3 Other income

Gift to group from director for benefit of employees

Waiver of loan from director in ABK Limited

2014
£’000

450

38

488

2013
£’000

–

–

–

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014.4 Finance costs

Bank interest

5 Auditors’ remuneration

Audit of these financial statements

Disclosure below based on amounts receivable in respect of services to the group

Amounts receivable by auditors and their associates in respect of:

Audit of financial statements of subsidiaries pursuant to legislation

Other services relating to taxation

Transaction services fees

6 Profit before tax

Hire of plant and machinery

Operating lease rentals for buildings

Depreciation

Amortisation

Exceptional items – capital re-organisation fees

37

2014
£’000

84

2014
£’000

–

45

–

255

300

2014
£’000

–

401

643

336

375

2013
£’000

102

2013
£’000

–

30

3

–

33

2013
£’000

24

–

414

154

–

7 Staff numbers and costs
The average monthly number of persons employed by the group (including directors) during the year, analysed 
by category, was as follows:

Administration

Selling and distribution

The aggregate payroll costs of these persons were as follows:

Wages and salaries

Social security costs

2014
£’000

252

142

394

2014
£’000

9,144

849

9,993

2013
£’000

121

89

210

2013
£’000

4,594

426

5,020

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014.Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements38  Notes

continued

8 Directors’ remuneration

Directors’ emoluments

Wages and salaries

Other pension costs

2014
£’000

386

28

414

2013
£’000

239

26

265

The aggregate of emoluments of the highest paid director was £225,292 (2013: £127,528). The contributions to a 
money purchase pension scheme in respect of the highest paid director were £7,704 (2013: £18,972). The number 
of directors contributing to a money purchase pension scheme was 2 (2013: 1).

9 Taxation

Analysis of charge in year

UK corporation tax

Current tax on income for the year

Adjustments in respect of prior year taxes

Deferred taxation – depreciation in excess of capital allowances

Tax on profit on ordinary activities

The total tax charge differs from the amount computed by applying the UK rate of 23.1% 
(2013: 24.2%) to profit before tax as a result of the following:

Profit on ordinary activities before tax

Profit before tax multiplied by the standard rate of corporation tax on the UK of 23.1% 
(2013: 24.2%)

Effects of:

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes – property, plant and equipment

(Income not subject to)/expenses not deductible for tax purposes

Adjustments in respect of prior year taxes

R&D tax credits

Change in tax rate

Depreciation in excess of capital allowances – deferred tax not recognised

Tax on profit on ordinary activities

2014
£’000

2013
£’000

2,352

(42)

–

2,310

647

–

(33)

614

10,737

3,184

2,478

770

–

(32)

(42)

(114)

–

20

2,310

19

35

–

–

3

(213)

614

A reduction in the UK corporation tax rate from 24% to 23% (effective from 1 April 2013) was substantively enacted 
on 3 July 2012. Accordingly the group’s profits for this accounting period are taxed at an effective rate of 23.1%. 
The deferred tax asset at 28 February 2014 has been calculated based on the rate of 23% at the reporting date. 

 The March 2013 Budget announced that the rate will further reduce to 20% by 2015 in addition to the planned 
reduction to 21% by 2014 previously announced in the December 2012 Autumn Statement. It has not yet been 
possible to quantify the full anticipated effect of the announced further 3% rate reduction, although this will further 
reduce the group’s future current tax charge and reduce the group’s deferred tax asset accordingly.

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014. 
10 Intangible assets

Cost

Balance at 1 March 2012

Additions

Disposals

Balance at 28 February 2013

Balance at 1 March 2013

Additions

Balance at 28 February 2014

Accumulated amortisation

Balance at 1 March 2012

Amortisation for the year

Disposals

Balance at 28 February 2013

Balance at 1 March 2013

Amortisation for year

Balance at 28 February 2014

Net book value

At 29 February 2012

At 28 February 2013

At 28 February 2014

39

Totals
£’000 

646

357

(10)

993

993

Patents and 
licences
£’000

Computer 
software
£’000

208

75

(10)

273

273

28

301

43

26

(10)

59

59

29

88

165

214

213

438

282

–

720

720

2,734

3,454

2,762

3,755

180

128

–

308

308

307

615

258

412

223

154

(10)

367

367

336

703

423

626

2,839

3,052

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014.Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements 
40  Notes

continued

11 Property, plant and equipment

Short leasehold
£’000

Fixtures and 
fittings
£’000

Computer 
equipment
£’000

Motor  
vehicles
£’000

Land and 
buildings
£’000

Cost

Balance at 1 March 2012

Additions

Balance at 28 February 2013

Balance at 1 March 2013

Additions

Disposals

279

131

410

410

921

–

599

361

960

960

376

–

397

174

571

571

499

–

Balance at 28 February 2014

1,331

1,336

1,070

Accumulated depreciation

Balance at 1 March 2012

Depreciation charge for the year

Balance at 28 February 2013

Balance at 1 March 2013

Depreciation charge for the year

Disposals

Balance at 28 February 2014

Net book value

At 29 February 2012

At 28 February 2013

79

62

141

141

130

–

271

200

269

At 28 February 2014

1,060

230

147

377

377

232

–

609

369

583

727

296

93

389

389

178

–

567

101

182

503

155

25

180

180

74

(172)

82

106

69

175

175

21

(172)

24

49

5

58

Totals
£’000

1,802

4,290

6,092

6,092

1,875

(172)

7,795

711

414

1,125

1,125

643

(172)

372

3,599

3,971

3,971

5

–

3,976

–

43

43

43

82

–

125

1,596

372

3,928

3,851

1,091

4,967

6,199

12 Investments
The subsidiaries held from 14 March 2014 but consolidated in these accounts are set out below:

Company

Principal activity

Country of incorporation

Percentage ownership

ABK Limited
boohoo.com UK Limited  
(formerly Wasabi Frog Limited)
Boo Who Limited

Holding company
Trading company

Property holding 
company

Boohoo.com USA Limited

Dormant company

13 Deferred tax

Jersey
UK

UK

UK

At 1 March 2012

Recognised in statement of comprehensive income

At 28 February 2013

At 28 February 2014

100%
100%

100%

100%

Depreciation in 
excess of capital 
allowances 
£’000

–

33

33

33

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014.14 Inventories

Finished goods

41

2014
£’000

9,795

2013
£’000

6,840

The value of inventories included within cost of sales for the year was £42,433,000 (2013: £30,619,000). An impairment 
provision of £517,000 (2013: £687,000) was charged to the statement of comprehensive income. The relative 
reduction in the level of the provision between 2013 and 2014 follows the introduction of a new provisioning 
methodology during the year calculated on the basis of an enhanced level of historic inventory data. The provision 
at 28 February 2013 under the new methodology would have been £335,000.

15 Trade and other receivables

Amounts due from related party undertakings

Other receivables

Prepayments and accrued income

2014
£’000

1,156

1,610

1,161

3,927

2013
£’000

39

158

676

873

The amounts due from related party undertakings will be repaid within six months. Other receivables represent 
amounts due from credit card sales which were received within a few days of the invoice date in accordance with 
normal bank clearance times, advance payments to suppliers and a deposit paid to a credit card organisation.

16 Trade and other payables

Trade payables

Amounts owed to related party undertakings

Other payables

Accruals and deferred income

Taxes and social security payable

2014
£’000

8,469

192

42

4,859

1,307

14,869

2013
£’000

7,910

953

49

3,242

592

12,746

17 Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
This note provides information about the contractual terms of the group’s interest-bearing loans and borrowings, 
which are measured at amortised cost. 

Non-current liabilities

Secured bank loans

Other loans

Current liabilities

Current portion of secured bank loans

Current portion of other loans

2014
£’000

2,358

–

2,358

185

199

384

2013
£’000

2,482

39

2,521

185

34

219

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014.Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements42  Notes

continued

17 Interest-bearing loans and borrowings (continued)

Currency

Nominal 
interest rate

Year of 
maturity

£

£

£

2.75%

0%

0%

2027

2014

2014

Secured bank loan

Carbon trust loan

Other loan

The secured bank loan was repaid in April 2014.

18 Share capital and share premium

Authorised and fully paid ordinary shares of 1p each (2013: nil)

2014
£’000

2,543

–

199

2,742

2013
£’000

2,667

14

59

2,740

2014
£’000

–

2013
£’000

–

During the year, the redeemable preference shares in boohoo.com UK Limited (formerly Wasabi Frog Limited) were 
redeemed at nominal value of £99,917.

19 Related party disclosures
Included in amounts due from related party undertakings at the year end in boohoo.com UK Limited (formerly 
Wasabi Frog Limited) is an amount of £1,155,684 (2013: amounts owed to related party undertakings £419,100) due 
from Jogo Associates Limited, a company in which J A Kamani is interested in as director and shareholder and  
M A Kamani is interested in as a shareholder. Transactions in boohoo.com UK Limited (formerly Wasabi Frog Limited) 
with Jogo Associates Limited during the year were as follows:

Purchases

Loan

2014
£’000

453

1,142

2013
£’000

426

–

Included in trade payables at the year end in boohoo.com UK Limited (formerly Wasabi Frog Limited) is an amount 
of £nil (2013: £nil) payable to The White Cube Creative Limited, a company in which the domestic partner of  
C M Kane is interested in as a director. Transactions in boohoo.com UK Limited (formerly Wasabi Frog Limited) 
with The White Cube Creative Limited during the year were as follows:

Administration costs – marketing services

2014
£’000

74

2013
£’000

98

Included in trade payables at the year end in boohoo.com UK Limited (formerly Wasabi Frog Limited) is an amount 
of £nil (2013: £4,082,892) payable to The Pinstripe Clothing Co. Limited, a company in which J A Kamani and  
M A Kamani are interested in as directors and shareholders. Included in amounts owed to related party 
undertakings at the year end in boohoo.com UK Limited (formerly Wasabi Frog Limited) is an amount of £27,541 
(2013: £533,925). Transactions in boohoo.com UK Limited (formerly Wasabi Frog Limited) with The Pinstripe 
Clothing Co. Limited during the year were as follows:

Purchases

Loan

2014
£’000

10,162

926

2013
£’000

30,995

–

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014.43

Included in trade payables at the year end in boohoo.com UK Limited (formerly Wasabi Frog Limited) is an amount 
of £nil (2013: £561,932) payable to Red Orange Limited, a company in which M A Kamani and C M Kane are 
interested in as directors and shareholders. Included in amounts owed to related party undertakings at the year 
end in boohoo.com UK Limited (formerly Wasabi Frog Limited) is an amount of £16,374 (2013: included in amounts 
due from related party undertakings £33,290). Transactions in boohoo.com UK Limited (formerly Wasabi Frog 
Limited) with Red Orange Limited during the year were as follows:

Purchases

2014
£’000

1,157

2013
£’000

4,230

Included in trade payables at the year end in boohoo.com UK Limited (formerly Wasabi Frog Limited) is an amount 
of £20,716 (2013: £47,366) payable to Pannone Corporate LLP, a company in which S Grant (a former director of 
boohoo.com UK Limited) is interested in as a partner. Transactions in boohoo.com UK Limited (formerly Wasabi Frog 
Limited) with Pannone Corporate LLP during the year were as follows:

Administration costs – legal services

2014
£’000

196

2013
£’000

100

Included in trade payables at the year end in boohoo.com UK Limited (formerly Wasabi Frog Limited) is an amount 
of £nil (2013: £33,022) payable to Kamani Commercial Property Limited, a company in which M A Kamani and  
J A Kamani are interested in as directors. Included in amounts owed to related party undertakings at the year end 
in boohoo.com UK Limited (formerly Wasabi Frog Limited) is an amount of £129,585 (2013: amounts due from related 
party undertakings £4,006). Transactions in boohoo.com UK Limited (formerly Wasabi Frog Limited) with Kamani 
Commercial Property Limited during the year were as follows:

Rent and service charge

2014
£’000

575

2013
£’000

458

Included in trade payables at the year end in boohoo.com UK Limited (formerly Wasabi Frog Limited) is an 
amount of £nil (2013: £20,568) due to Kamani Construction Limited, a company in which M A Kamani and  
J A Kamani are interested in as directors. Included in amounts owed to related party undertakings at the year end 
in boohoo.com UK Limited (formerly Wasabi Frog Limited) is an amount of £17,913 (2013: amounts due from related 
party undertakings £1,928). Transactions in boohoo.com UK Limited (formerly Wasabi Frog Limited) with Kamani 
Construction Limited during the year were as follows:

Purchases

2014
£’000

170

2013
£’000

161

Included in amounts owed by related party undertakings in boohoo.com UK Limited (formerly Wasabi Frog Limited) 
at the year is an amount of £1,071,016 (2013: £1,232,462) due from Boo Who Limited, a subsidiary of boohoo.com 
UK Limited (formerly Wasabi Frog Limited) and of which M A Kamani is a director. Transactions in boohoo.com UK 
Limited (formerly Wasabi Frog Limited) with Boo Who Limited during the year were as follows:

Distribution costs – Rent

Interest and other expenses payable

2014
£’000

324

49

2013
£’000

324

40

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014.Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements44

 Notes

continued

19 Related party disclosures (continued)
Included in trade payables at the year end in boohoo.com UK Limited (formerly Wasabi Frog Limited) is an amount 
of £10,000 (2013: £nil) payable to Zeus Capital Limited, a company in which R Hughes (a former director of boohoo.
com UK Limited) is interested in as a director. Transactions in boohoo.com UK Limited (formerly Wasabi Frog Limited) 
with Zeus Capital Limited during the year were as follows:

Administration costs

2014
£’000

120

2013
£’000

–

Included in prepayments and accrued income at the year end in boohoo.com UK Limited (formerly Wasabi Frog 
Limited) is an amount of £450,000 (2013: £nil) due from M A Kamani in respect of a gift to boohoo.com UK Limited 
(formerly Wasabi Frog Limited) for the benefit of employees.

Other income

2014
£’000

450

2013
£’000

–

Included in trade payables in boohoo.com UK Limited (formerly Wasabi Frog Limited) at the year end is an amount 
of £nil (2013: £nil) payable to Graphic Clothing Limited, a company in which J A Kamani is interested in as a director. 
Transactions in boohoo.com UK Limited (formerly Wasabi Frog Limited) with Graphic Clothing Limited during the 
year were as follows:

Purchases

20 Financial instruments
(a) Fair values of financial instruments

2014
£’000

614

2013
£’000

–

Trade and other receivables
The fair value of trade and other receivables, excluding construction contract debtors, is estimated as the present 
value of future cash flows, discounted at the market rate of interest at the reporting date if the effect is material.

Trade and other payables
The fair value of trade and other payables is estimated as the present value of future cash flows, discounted 
at the market rate of interest at the reporting date if the effect is material.

Cash and cash equivalents
The fair value of cash and cash equivalents is estimated as its carrying amount where the cash is repayable 
on demand. Where it is not repayable on demand then the fair value is estimated at the present value of future 
cash flows, discounted at the market rate of interest at the reporting date.

Interest-bearing borrowings
Fair value is calculated based on the present value of future principal and interest cash flows, discounted at the 
market rate of interest at the reporting date. 

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014.Fair values

Financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash flow hedges

Trade and other receivables

Total financial assets

Financial liabilities

Other interest-bearing loans and borrowings

Cash flow hedges

Trade and other payables

Total financial liabilities

(b) Credit risk

45

2014
£’000

5,411

125

2,766

8,302

2014
£’000

2,742

24

13,562

16,328

2013
£’000

4,607

–

197

4,804

2013
£’000

2,740

–

12,154

14,894

Financial risk management 
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the group if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet 
its contractual obligations and arises principally from the group’s receivables from customers and hedging and 
other financial activities.

The group faces minimal credit risk from trade receivables as customers pay for their orders in full at the time of 
purchase and bank clearance of credit cards receipts is of short duration. The risk of default from related party 
undertakings is considered low.

(c) Liquidity risk

Financial risk management 
Liquidity risk is the risk that the group will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. 

The group’s approach to managing liquidity is to use both short-term and long-term cash forecasts to assist 
in monitoring cash flow requirements.

(d) Capital risk

Financial risk management 
Capital risk is the risk that the group will not be able to continue as a going concern. 

The group’s approach to managing capital risk is to safeguard the group’s ability to continue as a going concern 
by securing an appropriate mix of debt and equity funding, a strong credit rating and sufficient headroom.

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014.Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements46

 Notes

continued

20 Financial instruments (continued)
(d) Foreign currency risk

Financial risk management 
The group trades internationally and is exposed to exchange rate risk on purchases and sales, primarily in Australian 
dollars, euros and US dollars. The group’s results are presented in sterling and are exposed to exchange rate risk on 
translation of foreign currency assets and liabilities. 

The group’s approach to managing foreign currency risk is to use financial instruments in the form of forward foreign 
exchange contracts to hedge foreign currency cash flows.

The fair value of forward foreign exchange contracts recognised in the Statement of Financial Position within 
financial assets at 28 February 2014 was £125,000 (2013: £nil) and within financial liabilities was £24,000 (2013: £nil). 
Cash flows related to these contracts will occur during the year to 28 February 2015 and gains or losses will be 
recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income during the same period.

21 Operating leases
The group has lease agreements in respect of properties, plant and equipment, for which the payments extend 
over a number of years. The total of future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases due 
in each period are:

Within one year

Within two to five years

2014
£’000

555

1,752

2013
£’000

–

–

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014.Shareholder information 

47

Registered address 
Registered in Jersey, number 114397
12 Castle Street
St. Helier 
Jersey 
JE2 3RT 

Auditors
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
101 Barbirolli Square
Lower Mosley Street
Manchester
M2 3PW

Financial PR
Buchanan
107 Cheapside
London
EC2V 6DN

Company Registrars
Capita Registrars (Jersey) Limited
12 Castle Street
St. Helier
Jersey
JE2 3RT

Bankers
HSBC Bank
4 Hardman Square
Spinningfields
Manchester
M3 3EB

Head office
49-51 Dale Street
Manchester
M1 2HF 

Company Secretary
Louise Fishwick

Corporate website
www.boohooplc.com

Nominated Adviser and Broker
Zeus Capital Limited
82 King St
Manchester
M2 4WQ

23 Berkeley Square
Mayfair
London
W1J 6HE

Solicitors
DLA Piper UK LLP
101 Barbirolli Square
Lower Mosley Street
Manchester
M2 3DL

Pannone Corporate LLP
Lincoln House
Brazennoze Street
Manchester
M2 5FJ

Ogier
Ogier House
The Esplanade
St. Helier
Jersey
JE4 9WG

Current shareholders
Shareholders holding more than 3% of the company’s shares as at 16 June 2014.

Shareholder

M A Kamani

Old Mutual Global Investors

J A Kamani

R A Kamani

Odey Asset Management

BlackRock Investment Mgt (UK).

C M Kane

Standard Life Investments

Number of ordinary  
shares held

Percentage held

275,354,731

107,935,901

76,485,370

76,485,370

64,816,606

54,622,221

50,980,421

41,814,922

24.52%

9.61%

6.81%

6.81%

5.77%

4.86%

4.54%

3.72%

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014.Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements48 Shareholder notes

Report and financial information. For the year ended 28 February 2014.Designed and produced by Radley Yeldar www.ry.com

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