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boohoo group

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FY2015 Annual Report · boohoo group
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ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 
28 FEBRUARY 2015

24077.04 - 8 May 2015 6:26 AM - Proof 5

Annualreportreport2015 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
boohoo.com plc | stock code: BOO

Annual Report & Accounts for the year ended 28 February 2015

 | 01

W E LC OM E  T O 

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.

VISIT US ONLINE AT:
www.boohooplc.com

CONT ENT S

STRATEGIC REPORT

Highlights 
Chairman’s statement 
Our business model 
Strategic report 
Financial review 
Corporate social responsibility 
Awards 

02
06
08
10
14
18
20

GOVERNANCE

Board of directors 
Corporate governance report 
Directors’ report 
Directors’ remuneration report 
Statement of directors’ responsibility  
in respect of the annual report  
and financial statements 

24
26
29
34

44

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent auditors’ report to the 
members of boohoo.com plc 
Consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income 
Consolidated statement of  
financial position 
Consolidated statement of  
changes in equity 
Consolidated cash flow statement 
Notes to the financial statements 
Independent auditors’ report to the 
members of boohoo.com plc 
Company statement of  
comprehensive income 
Company statement of financial 
position 
Company statement of changes in 
equity 
Company cash flow statement 
Notes to the company financial 
statements 
Five year financial summary 
Shareholder information 

48

50

51

52
53
54

70

72

73

74
75

76
79
81

02 | STRATEGIC REPORT

 STRATEGIC REPORT | 03

HI G H L I G H T S

REVENUE (£m)

139.9

+27%

109.8

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 °

 °

 °

 °

Revenue up 27% (31% CER(1))

 °

UK up 33%, rest of Europe up 39% (47% CER), rest of world up 7% 
(16% CER)

One third of revenue is generated outside the UK

 °
Gross margin 60.8%

Adjusted EBITDA £14.1 million

Strong balance sheet with net cash of £54.1 million

67.3

OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

29.0

24.5

1
1
0
2

2
1
0
2

3
1
0
2

4
1
0
2

5
1
0
2

£139.9 million

ADJUSTED  
EBITDA (£m)

+16%

14.1

12.2

3.9

2.7

2.2

1
1
0
2

2
1
0
2

3
1
0
2

4
1
0
2

5
1
0
2

£14.1 million

Over three million active customers(2), up 29% on prior year

 °
 ° New fully responsive website a success with 64% of traffic via mobile device, 

up from 47% in the prior year 

 °

 °

 °

 °

International growth accelerated through focus on key markets

Investment in warehouse increasing capacity by 33%, with extension to be 
completed mid-2015

Successful implementation of new warehouse management system

Product range continues to be extended with the successful launch of 
boohoo Petite and boohoo FIT, adding to the rapidly growing boohoo Plus 
range

(1)  CER designates Constant Exchange Rate translation of foreign currency revenue
(2)  Active customers defined as having shopped in the last year

2015
£000

2014
£000

139,851

109,791

Revenue

Gross profit

  Gross margin

Adjusted EBITDA

Profit before tax and exceptional items

Profit before tax

Pro forma gross profit

  Pro forma gross margin

Pro forma adjusted EBITDA

Net cash at year end

Basic earnings per share

85,045

60.8%

14,126

12,322

11,068

85,045

60.8%

14,126

54,146

0.75p

Change

+27%

+31%

+170bps

+16%

+11%

+3%

+23%

–200bps

–12%

64,912

59.1%

12,175

11,112

10,737

68,900

62.8%

16,007

2,669

0.75p

+£51.5m

–

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.

Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as profit before tax, interest, depreciation, amortisation, share-based 
payment charges and exceptional costs.

24077.04 - 8 May 2015 6:26 AM - Proof 5

24077.04 - 8 May 2015 6:26 AM - Proof 5

boohoo.com plc | stock code: BOOAnnual Report & Accounts for the year ended 28 February 201504 | STRATEGIC REPORT

 STRATEGIC REPORT | 05

CONT ENT S

STRATEGIC REPORT

Chairman’s statement 
Our business model 
Performance during the year 
Financial review 
Corporate social responsibility 
Awards   

06
08
10
14
18
20

VISIT US ONLINE AT:
www.boohooplc.com

ZOELLA

 ° 7. 8 MILLION YOUTUBE SUBSCRIBERS / 4.2 

MILLION INSTAGRAM FOLLOWERS / 3.15 MILLION 
TWITTER FOLLOWERS.

 ° YOUTUBE STAR ZOELLA IS A BIG FAN OF BOOHOO 

AND HAS COLLABORATED WITH US OVER THE LAST 
TWO YEARS, TAKING OVER THE @BOOHOOOFFICIAL 
INSTAGRAM WEARING HER FAVOURITE BOOHOO 
OUTFITS AND FILMING BOOHOO “HAUL” VIDEOS 
FOR INSTAGRAM.

 ° OUR LATEST PARTNERSHIP SAW ZOELLA STYLING 
FIVE BOOHOO LOOKS FOR A LOOKBOOK VIDEO ON 
HER YOUTUBE CHANNEL, WITH HER AUDIENCE 
ABLE TO ENTER A COMPETITION ON SITE TO WIN 
HER OUTFITS.

VISIT US ONLINE AT:
www.boohooplc.com

24077.04 - 8 May 2015 6:26 AM - Proof 5

24077.04 - 8 May 2015 6:26 AM - Proof 5

strategicreportreportboohoo.com plc | stock code: BOOAnnual Report & Accounts for the year ended 28 February 2015 
 
 
 
 
 
06 | STRATEGIC REPORT

 STRATEGIC REPORT | 07

C HAI R M A N ’ S 
S T A T E M E N T

I am pleased to report a successful 

year for the group. Revenue 
growth was 27% (31% CER), a solid 
achievement, gross margin was strong 
at 60.8% and adjusted EBITDA was 
£14.1 million at 10.1% of revenue, all 
of which are admirable results for 
the fashion industry. Unfortunately, 
revenue growth in the second half did 
not meet the targets that we had set 
ourselves originally and I recognise 
that the shortfall relative to market 
expectations was disappointing. 
International growth recovered in the 
second quarter as we invested across 
several markets and in the second 
half we made a decision to preserve 
profitability by concentrating marketing 
spend in the UK, Australia, USA, 
Ireland and France, where we identified 
the greatest opportunities. The board 
has spent some considerable time on 
the strategy and remains confident that 
carefully focussed activity, including 
changes to the customer proposition 
and a concentration on key markets, 
will result in the best long-term return.

boohoo.com accomplished much 
during the year: the conversion 
from private to public ownership 
upon flotation in March 2014, 
attracting a high quality shareholder 
base, and implementing all the 
necessary changes in management 
and structure; the expansion of 
international operations through 
new foreign language websites; the 
successful implementation of a new 
warehouse management system; and 
investment in a significant warehouse 
expansion programme. All of this 
was accomplished while maintaining 
excellent customer service levels 
during peak trading periods, including 
Black Friday. During this phase of 
investment we have seen increased 
market share in the company’s 
largest market in the UK and growth 
in the USA and France has been very 
encouraging.

The achievements in growth and 
consistent high performance across 
business operations demonstrate the 
ambition, dedication and capability 
of the management team and the 
employees. The foundations laid will 
support the future growth and overseas 
expansion that the group is targeting. 

We have invested considerably in new 
talent for the business during the year 
at all levels. Senior executives have 
joined to head up the HR, marketing 
and merchandising functions; new 
heads of department have been 
added in IT, legal and USA marketing; 
and teams have been strengthened 
throughout the business, particularly 
in buying, merchandising and 
warehousing.

boohoo.com has bright prospects. 
Internet retailing continues to expand 
and the appetite of young consumers for 
fast fashion in all corners of the globe 
provides significant opportunities for 
diversified growth. In addition, these 
consumers are resilient to economic 
changes when it comes to purchasing 
affordable fashion, thereby providing 
some cushioning from economic cycles. 

Our strategy is to continue doing 
what we are best at: offering great 
fashionable product at affordable 
prices to young consumers globally and 
providing them with the best possible 
customer service and shopping 
experience. We will continue to use 
innovative marketing to amplify brand 
awareness and grow market share in 
the UK and our key overseas markets.

I am proud to be part of a formidable 
team with an enviable record of success 
and I would like to extend my thanks 
and appreciation to all boohoo.com’s 
employees, who have made these 
achievements possible.

PET ER WILLIAMS
Chairman

5 May 2015

“ boohoo.com 
HAS BRIGHT 
PROSPECTS. 
INTERNET 
RETAILING 
CONTINUES TO 
EXPAND AND 
THE APPETITE 
OF YOUNG 
CONSUMERS FOR 
FAST FASHION 
IN ALL CORNERS 
OF THE GLOBE 
PROVIDES 
SIGNIFICANT 
OPPORTUNITIES 
FOR DIVERSIFIED 
GROWTH.”

24077.04 - 8 May 2015 6:26 AM - Proof 5

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boohoo.com plc | stock code: BOOAnnual Report & Accounts for the year ended 28 February 201508 | STRATEGIC REPORT

 STRATEGIC REPORT | 09

O U R   BU S I N E S S 
M O D E L

DESIGN
Our speed, agility & 
market knowledge 
enable us to deliver 
attention demanding, 
aspirational 
style first.

VALUE
Our sourcing ability
 & supply chain 
management 
allow our products to 
deliver outstanding 
value.

BRAND
 We are differentiated 
by our inclusiveness, 
the breadth of our 
product range and the 
way we connect with 
our customers. 

ENGAGEMENT

Through two-way 
social media contact, 
we recruit, connect 
with & learn from our 
brand evangelists 
constantly.

WE ARE ENTIRELY FOCUSSED ON OUR CUSTOMER, 
AND EVERY ELEMENT OF OUR MODEL BEGINS AND 
ENDS WITH THEM. WE ENGAGE, WE LISTEN, WE 
LEARN, WE CREATE, AND REPEAT. 

TOGETHER, WE ARE BOOHOO.COM

24077.04 - 8 May 2015 6:26 AM - Proof 5

24077.04 - 8 May 2015 6:26 AM - Proof 5

boohoo.com plc | stock code: BOOAnnual Report & Accounts for the year ended 28 February 201510 | STRATEGIC REPORT

boohoo.com plc | stock code: BOO

Annual Report & Accounts for the year ended 28 February 2015

 STRATEGIC REPORT | 11

PE RF ORMANCE  
DU RI NG T HE Y EAR

“ THE PRODUCT 
STRATEGY IS 
TO CONTINUE 
TO EXPAND 
WOMENSWEAR 
IN PLUS, TALL 
AND PETITE 
SIZES, EXTEND 
THE RANGE OF 
ACCESSORIES 
AND FASHION 
FOOTWEAR, GROW 
BOOHOO FIT AND 
TO INCREASE 
MENSWEAR AND 
THE APPEAL OF 
THE BOOHOOMAN 
BRAND”

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. Combining cutting-
edge, aspirational design with an 
affordable price tag, boohoo.com has 
grown rapidly since 2006, developing 
a brand identity and an international 
online proposition for consumers, 
and now has over three million active 
customers.

boohoo.com is a well-established 
brand in the UK, Ireland and Australia 
and currently sells products into over 
100 countries. Currently the group 
operates through English, French, 
German, Italian 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, digital 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 to market 
with the latest on-trend styles and 
fashion.

STRATEGY AND OBJECTIVES
The group’s strategy is built around 
four pillars of growth – Recruitment, 
Reach, Retention and keeping it Real. 
Recruitment of new customers to 
the websites is driven by targeted 
marketing spend and by maintaining 
a highly attractive website displaying 
the latest fashions in quality product 
at value prices. Reach is achieved 
by focussing on key new markets 
abroad, developing foreign language 
websites and product offerings tailored 
to local tastes and using innovative 
social and digital media to engage 

with new customers. Retention of 
customers is secured by providing a 
great customer experience from the 
website visit, delivery and customer 
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 continue 
to expand womenswear in plus, tall 
and petite sizes, extend the range of 
accessories and fashion footwear, grow 
boohoo FIT and to increase menswear 
and the appeal of the boohooMan 
brand.

PERFORMANCE DURING THE 
YEAR
We achieved revenue of £139.9 million, 
up 27% (31% CER) for the year ended  
28 February 2015. 

Our largest market continues to be the 
UK, where revenue for the year grew by 
33%. Revenue growth in the first half of 
the year in the UK was strong at 47% 
and moderated in the second half to 
22%. The lower second half growth rate 
was impacted by heavy discounting by 
UK high street retailers arising from 
the warm autumn season. 

Revenue in the rest of Europe grew 
by 39% (47% CER), and despite the 
impact of the weakening euro, we 
were able to maintain momentum by 
re-pricing competitively. Rest of the 
world growth was also impacted by 
adverse currency movements in the 
first half, when revenues declined by 
11%, but recovered in the second half 
after implementation of a re-pricing 
strategy in Australia. Second half 
growth in rest of the world was 29% 
(33% CER), a substantial turnaround, 
and the resultant full year growth was 
7% (16% CER). 

Gross margin was 60.8% in spite of 
investing in our pricing proposition 
globally and adverse exchange rate 
movements. Adjusted EBITDA was 

£14.1 million for the year, an increase of 16% on the prior 
year reported figure, reflecting the infrastructure investment 
in the conversion to a publicly-listed company and 
foundations built for sustainable future growth.

INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION
International sales growth was 17% (26% CER), assisted by 
the creation of new foreign language sites, multiple payment 
methods, currency options and locally optimised marketing 
strategies, but fell short of our expectations in some 
countries. 

Revenue growth in the rest of Europe was 39% (47% CER). 
Growth in France was particularly strong whilst growth in 
Germany, Spain and Scandinavia was strong but from a low 
base and did not reach the levels we had expected. Despite 
adverse currency movements we remained price competitive 
in our key markets. 

In Australia, sales declined in the first half of the year 
as currency movements eroded our competitive pricing 
advantage. When the pricing was re-based in the summer, 
sales returned to growth on a constant currency basis. 
Australia is our second largest market and we appointed a 
dedicated country manager to direct marketing activity to 
improve its effectiveness and extend our reach. boohoo.com 
moved up three places to seventh position in Hitwise internet 
traffic rankings in Australia, reflecting our improving market 
position and the success of our marketing campaigns.

Following a major brand marketing campaign in New York 
City in autumn 2014, including a pop-up store, growth 
in US sales accelerated and attained 44% CER for the 
year. Marketing was carefully targeted to our audience 
through college ambassador programmes, media 
events and social media. The US market remains a 
significant opportunity for growth and our recent 
success based on relatively modest marketing spend 
suggests there is unfulfilled appetite for affordable 
fast fashion.

FASHION
The ability of our talented teams to identify the very latest 
fashion trends and convert them into product offerings in 
short timeframes is demonstrated by the launch of up to 
100 new styles every day, with constant “new in” updates on 
our websites. The combination of high fashion, great value 
prices and effective marketing encourages customers to 
shop for every occasion on a regular basis from a choice of 
over 10,000 styles. Our test-and-repeat model reduces stock 
holding risk, whilst rapid response enables us to reorder 
strong selling lines to quickly satisfy demand.

Our core womenswear ranges have continued to grow 
well, with dresses being our largest category, followed 
by women’s tops and then footwear. We have continued 

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12 | STRATEGIC REPORT

 STRATEGIC REPORT | 13

PE RF ORMANCE  
DU RI NG T HE Y EAR  C ONT I NUE D

to broaden our product ranges and this has also been 
integral to revenue growth. Menswear grew by 39% and now 
represents 4.2% of total sales and a significant opportunity 
for future growth.

boohoo Plus, a range of larger women’s sizes, attracted 
much media attention, being voted “Best for Curves” in 
Cosmopolitan Magazine’s fashion awards in September 
2014. Sales growth has been outstanding, from zero to 2.8% 
of group sales in the year, and we continue to develop this 
range to capitalise upon the global potential of this sector. 
We see significant opportunity for smaller sizes and boohoo 
Petite, which was launched in the autumn, has made a very 

promising start.#ExperienceEverything
#WhereWeStand

boohoo.com autumn 2014 marketing campaign

Our range of active wear, boohoo FIT, was launched in 
December 2014 and has performed well in the “back-to-
health” period following Christmas. For autumn/winter 2015, 
we continue to broaden our product range and will create a 
tall range of womenswear, boohoo Tall.

MARKETING
Our summer 2014 marketing campaign 
“#experienceeverything”, was highly successful, trending 
in the UK on launch, and driving sales growth and new 
customer acquisitions. The message was delivered through 
TV advertising across our key markets, as well as above the 
line advertising on the underground, digital display, banners 
and video, blogger outreach, and direct mail.

The autumn campaign, “#wherewestand”, launched on 
social media, had a strong music element and went into 
the UK top 10 adverts on Shazam within the first week of 
launch. We have developed a number of associations with 
successful music artists, which are highly complementary 
to the interests of many of our target consumers. Such 
associations enable us to extend our reach and appeal to a 
larger audience. 

Our social media team is highly skilled in identifying 
influencers and trends in fashion and music. We constantly 
feature highly on a range of social media sites. Influencers, 
such as international blogger Nadia Aboulhosn, who 
supported our plus size range with live tweets in the autumn 
with a reach of 1.4 million followers, and YouTube star Zoella 
with 7.8 million subscribers, who posted videos wearing 
boohoo outfits, generate significant consumer interest and 
immediate increases in visitors to our website.

In the USA, we created a “pop-up shop” in New York to 
support a series of promotional events, including music 
sessions, blogger meet and greets, a student ambassador 
programme and college fashion weeks in several states. 
Results from the campaign were highly successful, driving a 
greatly increased growth rate in US sales over the following 
months. In Australia, the summer campaign included 
outdoor advertising, blogger outreach, online activity and TV 
advertising, driving a turnaround in revenue growth in the 
second half of the year.

Our spring/summer 2015 campaign is entitled #WeAreUs 
and will feature an innovative approach to marketing with 
behind-the-scenes videos relating to the brand and its 
people, shown on boohoo TV and social media, where 
customers can share images, music, health and lifestyle 
tips. We expect this style of marketing to be engaging with 
our young consumers, who enjoy developing connections 
with their interest groups. The aim of the campaign is to 
drive loyalty through building a greater emotional connection 
with our customers, expressing our brand personality and 
the core values of fun, inclusivity and individuality. 

Marketing expenditure was 13.2% of revenue over the 
year compared to 14.0% in the previous year. Marketing 
expenditure in the second half of the year was reduced in 
territories where the growth rates had slowed and was 
redirected to key markets with greater potential, namely UK, 
Australia, USA, Ireland and France. The strategy for the next 
financial year is to continue to focus marketing expenditure 
on those key markets, with a moderate level in developing 

markets.#WeAreUs
#ExperienceEverything
#WhereWeStand

Traffic to our websites continues to grow strongly, with  
159 million sessions recorded in the year, up 25% on the 
previous 12 months. The number of customers we served in 
the 12 months to 28 February 2015 reached 3.0 million, up 
from 2.3 million in the previous 12 months. On social media, 
we have 0.4 million followers on Twitter, 0.7 million on 
Instagram, 2.2 million Facebook likes and 1.9 million views 
recorded on YouTube. We have a presence on up-and-coming 
social media sites such as Vine, Snapchat and Tunepics and 
we also feature on Pinterest.

CUSTOMER INTERACTION

boohoo.com summer 2014 marketing campaign

Our multilingual customer services team handle customer 
queries from a variety of media and aim for the highest 
standards in response time and problem resolution. In 

addition to live internal performance measurement, we 
monitor external customer review websites to ensure we 
maintain best-in-class standards. Our rating on Trustpilot 
from over 110,000 reviews in February 2015 remained strong 
at four stars.

Delivery performance and flexibility is something that 
is very important to our customers and we have made 
many improvements during the year. The new warehouse 
management system has enabled us to move to a 9pm 
cut-off for next day UK delivery and we now offer Sunday 
deliveries. In the UK, Collect+ is available for customers 
to return goods at designated drop-off sites and we will 
introduce more delivery and returns choices in the spring.

boohoo.com spring/summer 2015 campaign

#WeAreUs
#ExperienceEverything

Our style advice magazine, Stylefix, is now available online, 
showing the latest trends and suggestions for co-ordinating 
clothes for a great look, and our customers can click and buy 
directly from the magazine. The website also features 
“shops” to make buying for a certain look or occasion easier 
and more fun and this kind of categorisation will be extended 
so customers can enjoy a full brand showcase.

Conversion rates for smartphone users improved by 40% 
following the responsive upgrade. Overall, conversion rates 
improved by 9% to 3.6%.

We utilise two different website platforms, one being 
externally developed and managed and the other internally. 
This strategy provides security and flexibility, enabling us to 
deliver local look, language, feel and pricing to international 
sites in a relatively short timescale.

WAREHOUSE
Our warehouse investment programme now includes the 
completed construction of mezzanine floors within the 
existing warehouse, increasing capacity by 78,000 sq. ft. 
Work is nearing completion on the building of a £7 million 
extension to the existing warehouse, giving us extra capacity 
to support up to £500 million of gross sales. The 110,000 sq. 
ft. extension has multiple floors and will add 670,000 sq. ft. of 
storage space, enough to store 8 million units, compared to 
the current 2.7 million unit capacity.

The new £1.5 million warehouse management system 
went live successfully in early September 2014. The system 
increases efficiency through optimisation of the pickers’ 
routes using Wi-Fi arm-mounted units, improving order 
management, fulfilment accuracy and stock control.

We have converted a large number of warehouse operatives’ 
contracts from agency to permanent and revised our pay 
structure to attract and retain capable and experienced 
teams to meet the demands of our expanding business. 
Agency staff are engaged to support the operation in peak 
periods, optimising the efficient use of labour resources.

PEOPLE
During the year, we have strengthened our talented 
management team through the appointments of an 
HR director, a merchandising director and a marketing 
director. We have also continued to add new starters to 
our e-commerce, marketing and IT functions to support 
our international expansion programme and to focus 
on improving our knowledge of overseas markets and 
gaining consumer insight. Multilingual advisors have been 
added to our customer service team to service our foreign 
language websites. Office headcount has increased by 97 
and warehouse headcount by 235 through new recruits and 
agency workers converted to permanent contracts. We now 
employ a total of 784 people.

TECHNOLOGY
We made significant progress during the year in the use of 
technology to deliver the best possible customer experience 
on our websites and to increase operational efficiency. 
Website improvements were concentrated on delivering 
foreign language sites, more currency options and converting 
to a responsive web design. Operational improvements 
were achieved through the implementation of a warehouse 
management system.

We added Spanish, German and Italian language websites 
on our in-house developed platform in mid-2014, following 
on from the French language website launched in November 
2013. Scandinavian currency payment options were added 
in June, the Ideal payment option for our Dutch customers 
in September and the Klarna payment option, largely for 
the German market, in December. These additions have 
improved conversion.

The website design was given a major refresh in mid-year 
and converted to fully responsive technology in September 
(responsive technology adapts the display to the screen size 
of the device the customer is using). This greatly improved 
the user experience of customers who use mobile and tablet 
devices, which now account for 64% of online sessions. 

24077.04 - 8 May 2015 6:26 AM - Proof 5

24077.04 - 8 May 2015 6:26 AM - Proof 5

boohoo.com plc | stock code: BOOAnnual Report & Accounts for the year ended 28 February 201514 | STRATEGIC REPORT

 STRATEGIC REPORT | 15

FI NANCIAL  
RE VI E W

The group has achieved a satisfactory performance with 
revenues and profits increasing in all territories. 

SALES REVENUE BY GEOGRAPHICAL MARKET

UK
Rest of Europe
Rest of world

2015
£000
94,342
18,086
27,423
139,851

2014
£000
 70,992
 13,058
 25,741
 109,791

Change
%
33%
39%
7%
27%

SALES REVENUE AT CONSTANT EXCHANGE RATE
2015
£000
94,342
18,086
27,423
139,851

2014
£000
 70,992
 12,335
 23,742
 107,069

UK
Rest of Europe
Rest of world

Change
%
33%
47%
16%
31%

Growth in sterling terms has been impacted by currency 
headwinds across our international business, especially in 
Australia. In the second half of the year, Australia sales, in 
sterling and on a local currency basis, returned to growth 
following the revised pricing strategy.

KPIS

Active 
customers(1)
Number of orders
Conversion rate 
to sale(2)
Average order 
value(3)
Number of items 
per basket

2015

2014

Change

3.0 million
5.8 million

2.3 million
4.2 million

+29%
+36%

3.6%

 3.3%

+30bps

£35.28

 £36.59

–3.6%

2.56

 2.38

+7.3%

(1)  Defined as having shopped in the last year
(2)  Defined as the percentage of orders taken to internet sessions
(3)  Calculated as gross sales including sales tax divided by the number of orders

Our business is continuing to attract new customers and 
retain existing customers, with active customer numbers 
increasing by 29% compared to the prior year. Conversion 
rates have increased to 3.6%, despite an increase in 
traffic from mobile devices, where we observe lower 
conversion rates. Average order value has seen a decline 
of 3.6% to £35.28 as we have sought to keep our prices 
highly competitive and target product at price points 
most appealing to our young customers, which has also 
underpinned the growth in the number of items per basket 
increasing by 7.3%.

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Gross margin
Distribution costs
Administrative expenses
Other income
Operating profit
Finance income/(expense)
Profit before tax
Adjusted EBITDA
Calculation of adjusted EBITDA
Operating profit
Depreciation and amortisation
Share-based payments
Exceptional items 
Adjusted EBITDA

Change
+27%

+31%
+170bps

–2%

+3%
+16%

2015
£000
139,851
(54,806)
85,045
60.8%
(30,653)
(43,814)
–
10,578
490
11,068
14,126

10,578
2,002
292
1,254
14,126

Actual
2014
£000
 109,791
(44,879)
 64,912
59.1%
(24,290)
(30,289)
 488
 10,821
(84)
 10,737
 12,175

 10,821
 979
–
 375
 12,175

Pro forma

Change
+27%

+23%
–200bps

–28%

–24%
–12%

2014
£000
 109,791
(40,891)
 68,900
62.8%
(24,290)
(30,445)
 488
 14,653
(84)
 14,569
 16,007

 14,653
 979
–
 375
 16,007

In the table above, the pro forma results last year are the reported results plus the profits that were made by related companies in supplying inventory to boohoo.
com. From late 2013, boohoo.com sourced all of its products direct from suppliers and not through related companies. The cost of personnel performing the sourcing 
activity in the related companies has also been added to the prior year reported figures to reflect the subsequent transfer of these employees to boohoo.com.

Reported gross margin rose from 59.1% to 60.8% due to direct sourcing of inventory from suppliers compared to the prior 
year, when a proportion of inventory came from related parties. The pro forma margin of 62.8% last year was higher than 
the margin of 60.8% this year because of a combination of factors, with roughly equal weighting: the increase this year in the 
proportion of UK sales, where margin is lower than in the international markets; adverse currency movements in international 
sales; and a small reduction in selling prices in the UK, driving growth and increased profits.

Distribution costs and administrative expenses have increased due to business expansion, higher marketing expenditure and 
investment in improved, more efficient systems and in talented people to support the transition to a publicly-listed company 
and future growth. Administration costs relating to corporate governance, finance and legal resources associated with being 
listed amounted to an additional £2.1 million of costs over the same period last year.

The exceptional items of £1.3 million this year, included in administrative expenses, relate to IPO expenses. IPO expenses 
written off to share premium amounted to £12.6 million.

Adjusted EBITDA increased by 16% from £12.2 million to £14.1 million on an actual basis and reduced from £16.0 million on a 
pro forma basis.

TAXATION
The effective rate of tax for the year was 24.1% (2014: 21.5%), which is different to the UK statutory rate of tax of 21.1% (2014: 
23.1%) due to disallowable items, principally IPO costs and share-based payments, and expenditure qualifying for additional 
tax relief.

EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic underlying earnings per share (calculated before exceptional items) increased by 14.7% from 0.75p to 0.86p. Basic 
earnings per share remained 0.75p in both years.

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boohoo.com plc | stock code: BOOAnnual Report & Accounts for the year ended 28 February 201516 | STRATEGIC REPORT

 STRATEGIC REPORT | 17

FI NANCIAL  
RE VI E W  C ONT I NUE D

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
Net assets have increased by £56.6 million, driven by profits and the net IPO proceeds of £47.5 million. Working capital has 
reduced primarily due to payables relating to increased trading activity.

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

2015
£000
4,561
10,854
46
15,461
(2,882)
821
54,146
–
(1,173)
66,373

2014
£000
 3,052
 6,199
 33
 9,284
(1,147)
 101
5,411
(2,742)
(1,147)
 9,760

LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES
Free cash flow was £5.8 million compared to £3.2 million the previous year. Working capital decreased primarily due to 
payables and accruals increasing in line with trading activity, offset by inventories increasing (due to the requirement to hold 
more products to serve our growing customer base across a larger product range). Capital expenditure was £8.2 million as 
we have continued to invest in our warehouse and IT systems to support projected growth in trade. The net IPO proceeds were 
£47.5 million and the closing cash balance was £54.1 million.

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

Profit for the year
Depreciation charges and amortisation
Share-based payments charge
Tax expense
Finance (expense)/income
Increase in inventories
Increase in trade and other receivables
Increase in trade and other payables
Capital expenditure
Free cash flow
Net proceeds raised from IPO
Purchase of own shares by Employee Benefit Trust
Interest received/(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

2015
£000
8,405
2,002
292
2,663
(490)
(1,393)
(523)
3,053
(8,166)
5,843
47,515
(401)
368
(2,650)
802
–
–
–
(2,742)
48,735
 5,411
54,146 

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

TRENDS AND FACTORS LIKELY TO AFFECT FUTURE 
PERFORMANCE
The market for online fashion is forecast to continue to grow 
and, along with the increasing use of the internet throughout the 
world, provides a favourable backdrop for the group with much 
opportunity for further growth. Customers throughout the world 
are seeking quality product at value prices lower 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 resilient to external macro-economic factors.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
The group places great importance on health and safety at work 
and has policies to enforce best practice.

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES OF EACH GENDER AT THE 
YEAR END

Directors of the parent company
Senior managers
Other employees

6
32
318
356

1
58
369
428

OUTLOOK
We remain confident in our proven business model and in the 
continued delevopment of the on-line fashion market globally 
in which we are steadily increasing our market share. Having 
increased marketing spend towards levels seen in the first 
quarter last year (as a percentage of sales) we have seen a good 
start to the new financial year with improved momentum in 
the UK. Our international momentum has continued, reflecting 
greater focus on our key markets. Overall, the business 
continues to trade in line with management’s expectations. 

Looking forward, we will continue to focus on our four pillars of 
growth, both in the UK and abroad, in order to strengthen our 
brand and create long-term value for our shareholders. We will 
support our growth with the launch of new collections, further 
expansion and development of existing and highly sucessful 
ranges, additional refinements to our website experience, more 
delivery options and regional pricing to ensure our offering is 
both competitive and profitable in each country.

On behalf of the board

MAHMUD KAMANI

CAROL KANE

NEIL CAT T O
5 May 2015

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boohoo.com plc | stock code: BOOAnnual Report & Accounts for the year ended 28 February 201518 | STRATEGIC REPORT

 STRATEGIC REPORT | 19

C ORP ORAT E SO CIAL 
RE SP ONSIBILIT Y
At boohoo.com we believe in operating in a fair and 

sustainable manner and this includes doing the 
right thing by all of our stakeholders. Since listing, 
boohoo.com has taken steps to ensure that we meet our 
responsibilities by adopting a proactive CSR policy. We know 
that it is important that we adopt a responsible attitude 
towards the environment, the people we work with in our 
supply chain and in the communities in which we operate 
and that we value our employees. 

diversity across the business is strong. The percentage 
of males was 45% and females 55% and we have 61% of 
management positions held by women. 

As the company has grown, more emphasis has been placed 
on communicating with employees. boohoo.com’s “Your 
View” engagement survey has been running for three years 
and gives every colleague the opportunity to have his or her 
say on all aspects of working for the organisation. 

boohoo.com actively seeks ways to alleviate unemployment 
in young people and to provide opportunities for young 
people to reach their potential. Highlights included:

 °

 °

 °

 °

 °

 °

70 previously unemployed people have been taken on 
permanently at the Burnley distribution centre

The business employed six apprentices at head office, 
with plans to recruit three more to the customer 
services function

In 2014, boohoo.com employed 12 interns and a further 
15 will join the business in July 2015, across buying, 
merchandising, marketing and public relations

boohoo.com is working in collaboration with Manchester 
Metropolitan University to further develop employment 
and research opportunities for young people and will 
sponsor three dissertations and two merchandising 
research-based projects during 2015

The company does not discriminate against ex-offenders 
in its methods of recruitment and is in the process 
of signing up to “Ban the Box”, a Business In the 
Community initiative to enable ex-offenders to get back 
into employment

Employee volunteering – boohoo.com will start to 
document all volunteering opportunities in order that the 
company can report on its community investment going 
forward 

COMMUNITY
In 2014, boohoo.com raised £25,000 through colleague 
fundraising events and charitable donations. Highlights 
included: 

 °

Style for Stroke – A celebrity slogan T-shirt campaign was 
launched as part of boohoo.com’s collaboration with the 
charity Style for Stroke. The aim is to raise awareness of 
stroke and the work of the Stroke Association amongst 
young people. The highly publicised campaign has so 
far raised £6,000 for the charity, with over 1,000 T-shirts 
sold. The partnership will continue for a second year with 
a wider range of merchandise and new celebrity faces 
fronting the campaign

 °

A Christmas charity sample sale raised £5,300 for two 
local charities. As part of our plans to get more involved 
with the local community, boohoo.com teamed  

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR:
 °

In May 2014, a new sourcing compliance team was set up. 
Its remit includes systematically auditing all suppliers to 
monitor compliance with SEDEX regulations. These outline 
the minimum standard boohoo.com expects from suppliers 
and work on a grading system

 °

 °

 °

 °

In August 2014, the boohoo.com supplier manual was 
launched at an event attended by 80 delegates from 50 
of our biggest UK-based suppliers. All suppliers have 
access to the supplier manual via a portal to ensure 
they are aware of boohoo.com’s standards, policies and 
procedures. We encourage all suppliers to sign up to 
SEDEX

The quality assurance team has been expanded and 
greater emphasis is being placed on product safety

In August 2014 a CSR manager was appointed, with the 
remit to define a CSR strategy that fits with the boohoo.
com brand

In September 2014, boohoo.com became full members of 
Business in the Community (BITC), leading experts in social 
responsibility for businesses in the UK. We are developing 
a three year strategic plan in conjunction with BITC, a 
demonstration of our commitment to making improvements 
across CSR 

During 2015, a social responsibility committee will deliver a 
plan with four key areas of focus: 

Workplace – how we look after our people, engage with them 
and promote talent, skills and diversity in the workplace

Community – how we address social issues that are relevant 
to our business and in the communities in which we operate 
and our approach to charitable giving

Marketplace/product – how we control and measure all 
aspects of the supply chain and product life cycle. Supplier 
auditing and compliance sits here

Environment – how we directly impact the environment 
through our operations, including water, energy and waste

WORKPLACE
The total number of employees at the end of February 2015 
was 784, which was a 73% increase from last year. Gender 

QUALITY ASSURANCE AND TECHNICAL EXPERTISE
During 2014, the team was expanded to allow for greater 
emphasis to be placed on product quality and safety and to 
respond to the needs of the growing business. The supplier 
manual was launched, along with an integrated in-house 
quality control system. 

We identified standard sizing in 2014 and this will be a focus 
for the coming year with investment in an initiative to develop 
improved fit for all product across our supply base. 

ENVIRONMENT 
boohoo.com acts responsibly to reduce energy consumption 
and to use energy more efficiently to reduce its environmental 
impact. We are monitoring and reporting on all wastage. In 
2014, we recycled approximately 405 tonnes of cardboard and 
62 tonnes of plastic from our distribution facility. We are also 
investing in waste compactors to reduce the volume of waste 
going to landfill. For our Manchester site, 50% (by volume) 
of all our waste is recycled, a figure we are working hard 
to improve on. We aim to refurbish our head office building 
during the year to improve efficiency of heating and air 
conditioning, to better insulate the building, and to fit energy 
efficient LED lighting systems. 

boohoo.com is working with Business in the Community to 
identify ways we can further reduce our carbon footprint 
and during 2015/16 we will develop an environmental policy. 
From Q2 2015 our outer plastic packaging and swing tickets 
will be produced from recycled material. 

The CO2 output from heating and lighting in the offices and 
warehouse in the year was 1,252 tonnes (2014: 951 tonnes), 
from employee air travel was 153 tonnes (2014: 156 tonnes) 
and from inward shipping was 8,848 tonnes (2014: 4,245 
tonnes).

up with the children from a local inner city school. The 
money was split between Key 103’s Mission Christmas 
campaign and the charity the students asked  
boohoo.com to support, 42nd Street, which supports 
young people’s emotional health and wellbeing. Nine 
students helped run the charity sale, giving them 
some hands-on work experience. boohoo.com will be 
collaborating with the school going forwards, supporting 
students with CV writing, job-seeking advice and 
placement opportunities

 °

 °

Save the Children Christmas jumper campaign – raised 
£500 through wearing Christmas jumpers 

£2,350 was raised for Pendleside Hospice by employees 
at the Burnley Distribution Centre through various 
activities including sample sales and raffles 

A charity strategy is to be developed as part of the CSR plan. 
Our main charity partner will be voted on by colleagues and 
start from 2016. 

MARKETPLACE/PRODUCT 
A new sourcing compliance function was established in May 
2014 to deliver improvements and efficiencies and much 
has been achieved since then. Our supply base has been 
consolidated from 390 suppliers to 248 – a reduction of 36%. 
We are members of SEDEX and our audits follow the Ethical 
Trade Initiative (ETI) code. 

Using SEDEX guidelines, the team are working on a traffic 
light system with the objective to move all suppliers to 
“green” status – which means they are compliant with strict 
standards. We have a systematic review process in place and 
we have prioritised our top turnover suppliers within this. The 
business has made a commitment to review all outstanding 
suppliers during the next financial year. In addition, we have 
developed an Ethical Trade Policy and a PETA approved 
Animal Welfare Policy. 

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boohoo.com plc | stock code: BOOAnnual Report & Accounts for the year ended 28 February 2015 
20 | STRATEGIC REPORT

 STRATEGIC REPORT | 21

AWARDS

BT ONLINE RETAIL 
EXCELLENCE 
AWARDS 2007

2007

TOP 10 ONLINE FASHION 
WEBSITE AWARD 2007 
COSMOPOLITAN 
MAGAZINE

2008

TOP 10 – HEAT 
MAGAZINE TOP 
ONLINE RETAILER 
AWARDS 2008

COSMOPOLITAN ONLINE 
FASHION AWARDS – 
BEST NEWCOMER 2009

2009

REVEAL CLICK TO BUY 
AWARDS – BRILLIANT 
FOR BARGAINS 2010

2010

REVEAL CLICK TO BUY 
AWARDS – BEST FOR 
BARGAINS, BEST 
PLACE TO SPEND £50 
2011

2011

EXPERIAN HITWISE TOP 
10 WEBSITE IN APPAREL 
AND ACCESSORIES 
CATEGORY 2010

COSMOPOLITAN 
FASHION AWARDS – 
BEST FOR 
BARGAINS 2010

2012

LORRAINE AWARDS – 
BEST ONLINE 
RETAILER 2012

LORRAINE AWARDS 
– BEST ONLINE 
RETAILER 2013

COSMOPOLITAN 
MAGAZINE FASHION 
AWARDS – BEST FOR 
CURVES 2014

U MAGAZINE HIGH 
STREET STYLE AWARDS 
– BEST ONLINE 
RETAILER 2014

MANCHESTER EVENING 
NEWS – BUSINESS OF 
THE YEAR (OVER £100 
MILLION) 2014

2013

2014

REVEAL ONLINE FASHION 
AWARDS – BEST FOR A 
BARGAIN, BEST ONE-STOP 
SHOP, BEST ONLINE SHOP 
OF THE YEAR 2014

LORRAINE AWARDS – 
BEST ONLINE 
RETAILER 2014

FABULOUS HIGH STREET 
FASHION AWARDS – 
FABULOUS ONLINE 
ONE-STOP SHOP, 
FABULOUS FOR 
CURVES 2014

DRAPERS AWARDS – 
BEST FASHION 
PURE-PLAY ETAILER 
OF THE YEAR 2014

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boohoo.com plc | stock code: BOOAnnual Report & Accounts for the year ended 28 February 201522 | GOVERNANCE

GOVERNANCE | 23

CONT ENT S

GOVERNANCE

Board of directors  
Corporate governance report 
Directors’ report 
Directors’ remuneration report 
Statement of directors’  
responsibilities 

24
26
29
34

44

VISIT US ONLINE AT:
www.boohooplc.com

SONYA

 ° 1.1 MILLION YOUTUBE SUBSCRIBERS / 861,000 
INSTAGRAM FOLLOWERS / 230,000 TWITTER 
FOLLOWERS.

 ° RUSSIAN YOUTUBE SENSATION AND STREET-
STYLE QUEEN SONYA FLEW TO MEET US AT 
LONDON FASHION WEEK THIS SEASON TO SHOOT A 
“DAY IN THE LIFE” VIDEO WEARING HER FAVOURITE 
BOOHOO LOOKS. 

VISIT US ONLINE AT:
www.boohooplc.com

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financial2015financial2015boohoo.com plc | stock code: BOOAnnual Report & Accounts for the year ended 28 February 2015 
 
 
 
 
24 | GOVERNANCE

GOVERNANCE | 25

BOA R D   O F
DI R E C T O R S

PET ER  WILLIAMS
Non-executive Chairman

Peter was the Senior Independent Director of ASOS plc for almost eight 
years, 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 Jaeger, the fashion brand, 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, OfficeTeam, 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. Peter is a chartered accountant.

MAHMUD  KAMANI
Joint Chief Executive

Mahmud founded boohoo.com with Carol Kane in 2006, leveraging over 
29 years of experience in the fashion and clothing industry. Mahmud is 
an entrepreneur, with expertise encompassing all areas of the supply 
chain from sourcing, import and wholesale. Mahmud is an inspirational 
leader, having built a strong team and engendered loyalty from many 
long-serving employees.

CAROL  KANE
Joint Chief Executive

Carol has 26 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.

NEIL  CAT T O
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.

DAVID  FORBES
Non-executive director & 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 
Non-executive Chairman of Entu (UK) plc, and a non-executive director 
and chairman of the Remuneration Committee at both Vertu Motors plc 
and Renew Holdings plc.

ST EPHEN  MORANA
Non-executive director

Stephen is currently the Chief Financial Officer of Zoopla Property Group 
plc. He was formerly the Chief Financial Officer of Betfair plc, one of 
the UK’s most successful internet businesses, where he also held the 
position of interim CEO. Prior to Betfair plc, 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 NEWT ON-JONES
Non-executive director

Mark is CEO of Mothercare plc, which he joined in 2014. He was the 
former CEO of Shop Direct, a position he held for almost ten years 
until 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 to one of the UK’s leading multi-channel retailers with mobile, 
online, and digital platforms. Mark led the launch of the successful 
online fashion brand, very.co.uk. Prior to Shop Direct, Mark spent 18 
years at Next PLC, the last five of which he was responsible for  
Next Directory.

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GOVERNANCE | 27

C O R P O RA T E   G O V E R N A N C E 
R E P O R T

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.

THE BOARD
The directors’ biographies appear on pages 24 and 25.

The board comprises seven directors, three of whom are 
executive directors and four 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 were prior to 
appointment considered to be “independent” non-executive 
directors under the criteria identified in the QCA Corporate 
Governance Code. In addition, David Forbes is the Senior 
Independent Director.

In October 2014, Petar Cvetkovic, who had been a director of 
the company since flotation, resigned to concentrate on his 
other business interests. The board wishes to thank Petar for 
his contribution to the group over the past five years.

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 are 
responsible for ensuring that the board procedures are 

followed and that applicable rules and regulations are 
complied with. In addition, procedures are 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 meets three times 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.

The Audit Committee met three times during the year and 
also after the year end and matters considered at these 
meetings included: reviewing and approving the report 
and financial information for the year ended 28 February 
2014, the half year results to 31 August 2014 and the report 
and financial statements for the year ended 28 February 
2015; discussion with the external auditors to confirm their 
independence and scope for audit work; considering the 
reports from external auditors identifying any accounting 
or judgemental issues requiring the board’s attention and 
the auditors’ assessment of internal controls; reviewing and 
approving the group’s tax strategy; reviewing the company’s 
risk register; considering the work of the corporate social 
responsibility function; and considering the adequacy of 
the whistle-blowing facility, the anti-bribery training and 
monitoring and data protection policy and procedures.

The Audit Committee chairman has maintained dialogue with 
the auditors outside of the scheduled meetings and meets 
with the auditors without the presence of executive directors 
and members of the finance team.

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 meets at least once a year 
and otherwise as required. David Forbes, Mark Newton-
Jones and Stephen Morana are the other members of the 
Nomination Committee.

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 meets at least 
twice a year. Mark Newton-Jones and 
Stephen Morana are the other members 
of the Remuneration Committee.

The responsibilities and activities of 
the remuneration Committee are set 
out in more detail in the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report.

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, the Audit 
Committee at least three times a year, 
the Nomination Committee at least 
once a year 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 
ongoing procedures for identifying, 
evaluating and managing significant 
risks faced by the group. Detailed 

policies ensure the accuracy 
and reliability of financial 
reporting and the preparation 
of the financial statements 
including the consolidation 
process. The board reviews 
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 reports on its review of 
the risks and how they are managed to 
both the board and Audit Committee, 
whose role it is to review the key risks 
inherent in the business and the 
systems of control necessary to manage 
those risks. The Audit Committee 
presents its findings to the board as 
appropriate. Management also reports 
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 
considers the 
recommendations 
made by 
management and 
the Audit Committee.

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GOVERNANCE | 29

C O R P O RA T E   G O V E R N A N C E 
R E P O R T   C O N T I N U E D

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
The Chairman completed an internal evaluation of the 
board (including subcommittees and individual board 
members) in January 2015, involving a series of one-to-one 
discussions between the Chairman and board members. 
This was formulated to 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. The results of this 
evaluation confirmed that the board and its committees were 
working to the satisfaction of the Chairman and achieving 
their objectives.

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 and the Chief Financial Officer. The 
board is informed of shareholder views as part of the regular 
reporting process and matters for discussion.

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. 

ATTENDANCE AT BOARD AND COMMITTEE 
MEETINGS
The table below shows the attendance of individual directors 
at board meetings and committee meetings of which they 
are members.

Board

Audit 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Nomination 
Committee

Eligible to 
attend
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
6

Attended
12
12
12
12
11
10
11
5

Eligible to 
attend
–
–
–
–
3
3
3
–

Attended
–
–
–
–
3
3
3
–

Eligible to 
attend
–
–
–
–
3
3
3
–

Attended
–
–
–
–
3
2
3
–

Eligible to 
attend
1
–
–
–
1
1
1
–

Attended
1
–
–
–
1
1
1
–

Peter Williams
Mahmud Kamani
Carol Kane
Neil Catto
David Forbes
Stephen Morana
Mark Newton-Jones
Petar Cvetkovic

As at 5 May 2015, the board has met twice since the end of the financial year.

AUDITOR INDEPENDENCE
The Audit Committee reports to the board on the effectiveness, value and independence of the auditors on an annual 
basis. The Audit Committee also approves the extent of non-audit work undertaken by the auditors to ensure that 
it does not interfere with their independence and has established guidelines for the value of non-audit services 
permitted to be undertaken by the auditors. The board is satisfied with the independence and objectivity of the auditors, 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, and is recommending their reappointment at the AGM.

,

DI R E C T O R S  
R E P O R T

The directors present their directors’ report and audited 
consolidated financial statements for the year ended 28 
February 2015.

234 of the Companies Act 2006 and was in place during 
the year and up to the date of approval of the financial 
statements.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES
The principal activity of the company is that of a holding 
company. The principal activity of its subsidiary undertakings 
is that of internet clothing retailer. 

BUSINESS REVIEW
The directors are required by Company Law to set out a fair 
review of the business, its position at the year end and a 
description of the principal risks and uncertainties facing 
the group. The Chairman’s statement on page 6 and the 
strategic report on pages 10 to 17 provide this review and 
financial position and are incorporated by cross-reference 
and form part of this report. The corporate governance 
report on pages 26 to 28 should be read as forming part of 
the directors’ report. The principal risks are considered later 
in this report.

RESULTS AND DIVIDENDS
Group profit after tax for the year to 28 February 2015 was 
£8.4 million (2014: £8.4 million). The audited financial 
statements for the year for the group and company are set 
out on pages 48 to 77.

The directors do not recommend the payment of a dividend.

DIRECTORS
The biographies of the directors in office at the date of 
this report are set out on pages 24 and 25. Petar Cvetkovic 
resigned as a director in October 2014.

The interests of the directors in the shares of the company 
and their share options and awards are detailed in the 
remuneration report on page 41.

The company maintains directors’ and officers’ liability 
insurance which gives appropriate cover for any legal 
action brought against the directors. The company has also 
provided an indemnity for its directors, which is a qualifying 
third party indemnity provision for the purposes of section 

SHARE CAPITAL AND RESTRICTIONS ON SALE OF 
SHARES
The authorised and issued share capital of the company 
and details of shares issued during the year are shown in 
note 19. The issued share capital at 28 February 2015 was 
1,123,132,360 shares of 1p.

The directors, J Kamani, R Kamani, N Kamani, C Bale and 
P Cvetkovic have agreed pursuant to the Placing Agreement 
not to dispose of any of their shares in the company within 
36 months of Admission on 14 March 2014 without the 
consent of Zeus Capital (or its successor nominated broker). 
C Hughes (the wife of former director of boohoo.com UK 
Limited, R Hughes) has also agreed not to sell any of 
20,420,723 shares within 36 months of admission without the 
consent of Zeus Capital (or its successor-nominated broker).

Powers related to the issue and buy-back of the company’s 
shares are included in the company’s articles of association 
and such authorities are renewed annually by shareholders 
at the Annual General Meeting.

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT TRUST
The Employee Benefit Trust is used by the company to 
provide share incentives to its employees. The trustees are 
Appleby Trust (Jersey) Limited, an independent professional 
body based in Jersey. During the year, the EBT purchased 
1,000,000 shares at 40p each with view to hedging part of the 
company’s liability to settle free share awards and employee 
share option plan awards.

The trustees may only vote on those shares where the 
beneficial interest has been transferred to the beneficiary 
and then in accordance with the beneficiary’s instructions.

SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDERS
Shareholders holding more than 3% of the company’s shares 
as at 13 April 2015:

Shareholder
Mahmud Kamani
Old Mutual Global Investors
Jalal Kamani
Rabia Kamani
Carol Kane
BlackRock Investment Mgt (UK)
Ruane, Cunnliff & Goldfarb

Number of 
ordinary 
shares held
275,354,731
117,870,017
76,485,370
76,485,370
50,980,421
43,313,534
35,553,000

Percentage 
held
24.52%
10.49%
6.81%
6.81%
4.54%
3.86%
3.17%

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,

DI R E C T O R S  
R E P O R T   C ONT I NU E D

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
The board has identified the following principal risks and uncertainties together with an assessment of mitigating factors:

Risk Heading

Risk Factors

Mitigation

Economic risk

Competition risk

Fashion and consumer 
demands risk

 °

 °

 °

 °

 °

 °

 °

 °

Economic uncertainty may affect 
consumer 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

Changes in consumer demographics 
may affect category spend 

Adverse weather may affect consumer 
spending patterns

Competitors may be able to offer 
consumers like-for-like better quality, 
cheaper, more fashionable product, 
superior customer service, more 
generous delivery terms or better brand 
image, thereby eroding market share

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

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

 ° Monitor and review economic indicators 

and plan and adjust business requirements 
accordingly

 °

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

 ° Monitor demographic changes to ensure 
product offering remains relevant to 
consumers

 °

 °

Global consumer base provides some 
diversification against economic and 
environmental risk

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

 °

 °

 °

 °

 °

Employ highly competent designers and 
buyers who are adept at interpreting 
fashion and producing desirable product

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 expected 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

GOVERNANCE | 31

Risk Heading

Risk Factors

Mitigation

Systems and technical 
risk

 °

 °

 °

Hardware or software failure could 
disable the website or operational 
systems

Computer hacking is an increasing 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 a third party, which 
may be subject to business failure

 °

 °

 °

 °

Duplicate back-up system in remote 
location protects against 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

Supply chain risk

Reputational risk

Financial risk

 °

 °

 °

 °

 °

 °

 °

Loss of or theft of consumer data could 
lead to loss of reputation and breach of 
data protection regulations

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

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

 °

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

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,

DI R E C T O R S  
R E P O R T   C ONT I NU E D

Risk Heading

Risk Factors

Mitigation

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

 ° 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

GOING CONCERN
The group’s business activities together with the factors that 
are likely to affect the future development, performance and 
position of the group, are set out in the strategic report on 
pages 10 to 17.

The group has a strong cash position at the year end, with a 
cash balance of £54.1 million. The directors have reviewed 
the group’s forecast and projections, including assumptions 
concerning capital expenditure and expenditure commitments 
and their impact on cash flows, and have a reasonable 
expectation that the group has adequate financial resources 
to continue its operations for the foreseeable future. For this 
reason they have continued to adopt the going concern basis 
in preparing the financial statements.

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT
Financial risk management is detailed in note 21 to the 
financial statements. 

EMPLOYEE POLICIES
The quality, commitment and effectiveness of the group’s 
employees are crucial to its continued success. Employee 
policies and programmes are designed to encourage 
employees to become interested in the group’s activities 
and to reward employees according to their contribution 

and capability. Employee communications are a priority 
and regular briefings are used to disseminate relevant 
information. Employee surveys are undertaken to allow 
employees to express their views anonymously on many 
aspects of their work lives. Suggestion boxes are used to 
allow employees to voice their opinions for improvements 
and change. Employee share ownership is encouraged 
through free share schemes and employee share option 
plans.

Employment policies do not discriminate between employees 
or potential employees on the grounds of colour, race, ethnic 
or natural origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, 
religious beliefs or disability. If an employee were to become 
disabled whilst in employment and as a result was unable 
to perform his or her duties, every effort would be made to 
offer suitable alternative employment and assistance with 
retraining.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
The group is committed to providing a safe place of work for 
employees. Group policies are reviewed on a regular basis to 
ensure that policies regarding training, risk assessment, safe 
working and accident management are appropriate. There 
are designated officers responsible for health and safety and 
issues are reported at each board and executive meeting.

GOVERNANCE | 33

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
The group measures its operational carbon 
footprint in order to limit and control its 
environmental impact. Only the impact of the 
group’s direct activities are included, as the full 
impact of the entire supply chain of large numbers 
of suppliers cannot be measured practically. The 
section on social responsibility on pages 18 to 19 is 
incorporated into this report by cross-reference.

STATEMENT ON DISCLOSURE OF 
INFORMATION TO AUDITORS
The directors who held office at the date of approval 
of this directors’ report confirm that, so far as 
they are each aware, there is no relevant audit 
information of which the company’s auditors are 
unaware and each director has taken all the steps 
that he/she ought to have taken as a director to 
make himself/herself aware of any relevant audit 
information and to establish that the company’s 
auditors are aware of that information.

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, have 
indicated their willingness to continue in office 
and a resolution that they be reappointed will be 
proposed at the annual general meeting.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The annual general meeting of the 
company will be held at 2 p.m. on 
26 June 2015 at the offices of TLT 
Solicitors, Manchester. The notice of 
the meeting will be available to view 
on the group’s website boohooplc.
com at least 20 days before the 
meeting.

On behalf of the board

MAHMUD KAMANI

CAROL KANE

NEIL CAT T O
5 May 2015

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GOVERNANCE | 35

,  
DI RE C T O R S 
REMUN E RAT I ON RE P O R T

ANNUAL STATEMENT BY 
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE 
REMUNERATION COMMITTEE
Dear shareholder,

I am pleased to present the report 
of the Remuneration Committee on 
behalf of the directors covering the first 
full year of the company’s trading on 
the AIM market of the London Stock 
Exchange.

REMUNERATION POLICY
The policies and constituent parts of 
executive remuneration were laid out 
in the Admission Document, and in 
the Report and Financial Information 
for the year ended 28 February 
2014, and continue unchanged as 
detailed in the policy report on page 
35 that follows my statement. The 
Committee is committed to complying 
with the principles of good corporate 
governance in relation to the design of 
its remuneration policy, and as such, 
our policy will take account of the UK 
Corporate Governance Code and other 
best practice guidance (for example, 
the QCA Remuneration Guidance 
and the Investment Association’s 
Principles of Remuneration), as far 
as is appropriate to boohoo.com’s 
management structure and the 
company’s size and listing.

Our policy objectives, to attract and 
retain the highest calibre directors 
and to design remuneration which 
promotes the long-term success 
of the company, remain the same. 
The policies are laid out in detail 
in the following report. We provide 
the opportunity for executives to 
receive short- and long-term variable 
pay, dependent upon appropriate 
performance conditions, ensuring 
a clear link is established between 
shareholder value creation and the pay 
of our directors. However, the founding 
shareholders and directors, Mahmud 
Kamani and Carol Kane, will not be 
granted share options as they have 
retained substantial shareholdings in 
the company. 

We are committed to encouraging all 
our employees, as well as our senior 
executives, to be shareholders in the 
business. As part of facilitating this 
policy objective, we made awards 
under a UK HMRC-approved Share 
Incentive Plan to all employees on 
flotation and will make further SIP 
awards during the financial year ending 
February 2016. In addition, we will be 
giving all employees the opportunity to 
participate in an approved SAYE option 
plan.

PERFORMANCE AND REWARD 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED  
28 FEBRUARY 2015
For the year ended 28 February 2015, 
the company attained a high level 
of revenue growth but did not reach 
its challenging threshold targets for 
annual bonus payments and so no cash 
bonuses are payable.

SHAREHOLDER FEEDBACK
The Committee recognises that 
dialogue with shareholders plays a 
key role in informing the design of the 
remuneration policy and welcomes 
any feedback that you may have. The 
Committee will consider shareholder 
feedback received in relation to the 
AGM each year. Any such feedback, 
plus any additional feedback received 
from time to time, will be considered 
as part of the company’s annual review 
of remuneration policy.

Shareholders will be informed of any 
future major changes in remuneration 
policy in the remuneration report.

The directors’ remuneration report will 
be subject to an advisory vote at the 
forthcoming annual general meeting of 
the company.

DAVID FORBES
Chairman of the Remuneration 
Committee

5 May 2015

overall approach to reward for, and 
the pay and employment conditions 
of, other employees in the group, 
especially when determining annual 
salary increases. This process 
ensures that any increase to the pay 
of executive directors is set in an 
appropriate context and is appropriate 
relative to increases proposed for 
other employees. The Committee is 
also provided with periodic updates on 
employee remuneration practices and 
trends across the group.

The principle of encouraging our 
senior executives to be shareholders 
in the business is reflected across 
the company as a whole and a key 
aim of the remuneration policy is 
to encourage widespread equity 
ownership across the whole 
employee base. In support of 
this objective, on Admission we 
granted an award of free shares 
to all our employees under 
an HMRC-approved Share 
Incentive Plan. Further 
awards of free shares to all 
employees may be made 
at the discretion of the 
board. Furthermore, 
all employees will be 
invited to participate 
in an approved SAYE 
option plan.

POLICY REPORT
PAY PHILOSOPHY
The Remuneration Committee 
(“Committee”) is responsible for 
determining, on behalf of the board, 
the company’s pay philosophy and 
the policy on the remuneration of the 
executive directors, the Chairman and 
other senior executives of the group.

The aim of the remuneration 
policy is to ensure that high calibre 
senior executives are provided with 
remuneration which is designed to 
promote the long-term success of 
the company. The policy includes 
performance-related elements which 
are transparent, stretching and 
rigorously applied so as to encourage 
enhanced performance and to reward, 
in a fair and responsible manner, 
individual contributions to the success 
of the company. The remuneration 
policy is designed to be compatible 
with risk policies and systems and to 
be aligned to the company’s long-term 
strategic goals. The policy framework 
is structured so as to adhere to 
the principles of good corporate 
governance and has been developed 
taking into account the principles of the 
UK Corporate Governance Code 2014. 

The performance-related variable pay 
component makes up a significant 
proportion of the overall package for 
senior executives and is designed 
to incentivise the delivery of the 
company’s growth strategy and other 
strategic and business objectives. 
The interests of the executives are 
designed to align with the interests 
of shareholders through encouraging 
equity ownership and, in support of 
this, awards under the company’s 
equity incentive plans are made where 
appropriate. 

CONSIDERATION OF 
EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS 
ELSEWHERE IN THE GROUP
When setting the remuneration 
policy for executive directors, the 
Committee takes into account the 

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GOVERNANCE | 37

,  

DI RE C T O R S 
REMUN E RAT I ON RE P O R T  C ONT I NU E D

SUMMARY OF OUR REMUNERATION POLICY
The table below provides a summary of the key aspects of the company’s remuneration policy for executive directors. 

REMUNERATION POLICY TABLE FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS 

Element

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Base salary

 °

 °

 °

To aid recruitment and retention

To reflect experience and 
expertise

To provide an appropriate level of 
fixed basic income 

Annual 
bonus

 °

To reward the annual delivery of 
short- to medium-term objectives 
relating to the business strategy

Executive 
Share 
Option Plan 
(‘ESOP’) 

 °

 °

Intended to align the long-term 
interests of senior executives with 
those of shareholders

To incentivise the delivery of 
key strategic objectives over the 
longer-term

Pension

Other 
benefits

 °

 °

 °

To aid recruitment and retention

To provide an appropriate level of 
fixed income

Provide competitive benefits 
package 

 °

 °

 °

 °

 °

 °

 °

 °

 °

 °

 °

 °

 °

 °

 °

 °

 °

 °

Reviewed annually, with any increase usually becoming effective 1 March

Set initially at a level required to recruit suitable executives reflecting their 
experience and expertise

Any subsequent increase influenced by:

Scope of the role
Experience and personal performance in the role
Average change in total workforce salary
Performance of the group
External economic conditions, such as inflation 

 °
 °
 °
 °
 °
Account taken of practice in comparable companies (e.g. those of a similar 
size and complexity)

No recovery or withholding provisions apply

All bonus payments are at the discretion of the Committee

Not pensionable

Payable in cash following the end of the year based on targets set at the start 
of the year

Targets are set and/or reviewed annually

Recovery provisions apply in certain circumstances at the discretion of the 
Committee (including where there has been a misstatement of accounts, an 
error in assessing any applicable performance condition, or in the event of 
misconduct on the part of the participant)

The ESOP was introduced on Admission in 2014

Awards may (though not necessarily) be granted annually in the form of 
HMRC-approved and unapproved options

Options will have an exercise price which is no lower than the market value of 
shares at grant

Ability to exercise is dependent on performance targets being met during the 
performance period and continued service of the directors 

Recovery and withholding provisions apply in certain circumstances at the 
discretion of the Committee (including where there has been a misstatement 
of accounts, an error in assessing any applicable performance condition, or in 
the event of misconduct on the part of the participant) 

Executive directors may receive an employer’s pension contribution

Executive directors may receive benefits including health care and life 
assurance, as well as other standard group-wide benefits offered by the 
company from time-to-time

Executive directors are also eligible to participate in any all-employee share 
plans operated by the company on the same basis as for other eligible 
employees (and in line with relevant HMRC rules)

Maximum opportunity

Framework used to assess performance

 °

 °

Annual increases will generally be restricted to 
those of the average of the wider workforce 

 °

The Committee reviews the salaries of executive directors each year taking 
due account of all the factors described in the salary policy 

Increases beyond those awarded to the wider 
workforce (in percentage of salary terms) may be 
awarded in certain circumstances such as where 
there is a change in responsibility or experience, or 
a significant increase in the scale or complexity of 
the role and/or size and value of the company  

 °

 °

 °

 °

 °

 °

 °

Bonuses are based on performance measures with appropriate targets set 
and assessed by the Committee at its discretion

Those financial measures which are identified as the key indicators of 
success against the strategy (e.g. EBITDA and revenue) will represent 
the majority of bonus, with any other measures – where appropriate – 
representing the balance

Performance is measured over a single financial year 

20% of maximum bonus will be payable for achievement of a threshold level 
of performance, rising to 100% of maximum bonus for reaching target

Measures and weightings may change each year to reflect any year on year 
changes to business priorities at the discretion of the Committee

Awards vest based on challenging targets measured over a three 
year period, the majority of which will normally be based on financial 
performance metrics (such as, inter alia EBITDA, PBT, EPS or TSR)

Prior to each award the Committee will set threshold and stretch targets 
along with an intermediate vesting range. Details of this will be disclosed 
in advance in the annual report on remuneration unless the targets are 
commercially sensitive, in which case they will be disclosed retrospectively

 °

Up to 75% of salary for all executive directors, 
dependent on performance

 °

 °

 °

 °

 °

Maximum limit contained within the plan rules to 
be amended in FY2016 to 250% of annual salary 
for executive directors and 175% of salary for other 
management, in the ordinary course 

Awards are at the discretion of the Committee and 
may be made at lower levels than this 

Exceptionally, at the discretion of the Committee, 
awards may be made in excess of 250% of salary per 
annum

Employer’s defined contribution up to 5% of salary

 N/A

The value of benefits may vary from year to year 
depending on the cost to the company

 N/A

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DI RE C T O R S 
REMUN E RAT I ON RE P O R T  C ONT I NU E D

CHOICE OF PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND 
APPROACH TO TARGET SETTING
The performance metrics and targets that are set for the 
executive directors via the annual bonus plan and ESOP 
are carefully selected to align closely with the company’s 
strategic plan and key performance indicators.

In terms of annual performance targets the bonus is 
determined on the basis, primarily, of performance against 
financial measures which are identified as the key indicators 
of success against the strategy set annually. The precise 
metrics chosen, along with the weightings of each, may vary 
from year to year. The Committee will review the performance 
measures and targets each year and vary them as appropriate 
to reflect the priorities for the business in the year ahead.

In terms of the long-term performance targets, metrics for 
the ESOP awards will be set at the time of each grant but will 
normally include a majority based on financial performance 
in line with our key objectives of delivering returns to 
shareholders through achievement of our growth strategy. 
The Committee will disclose the targets for each award to 
the executive directors in advance in the annual report on 
remuneration (unless the targets are commercially sensitive, 
in which case they will be disclosed retrospectively). The 
Committee will review the choice of performance measures 
and the appropriateness of the performance targets prior to 
each ESOP grant.

Challenging targets are set whereby modest rewards are 
payable for the delivery of threshold levels of performance, 
rising to maximum rewards for the delivery of substantial 
out-performance of our financial and operating plans.

DIFFERENCES IN REMUNERATION POLICY FOR 
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS COMPARED TO OTHER 
EMPLOYEES
The Committee has regard to pay structures across the 
wider group when setting the remuneration policy for 
executive directors. The Committee, in particular, considers 
the general basic salary increase for the broader workforce 
when determining the annual salary review for the executive 
directors. 

Overall, the remuneration policy for the executive directors 
is more heavily weighted towards performance-related pay 
than for other employees. Performance-related long-term 
incentives are provided for those employees considered 
to have the greatest potential to influence overall levels of 
performance and those whose retention within the group is 
regarded as important. That said, whilst the use of the ESOP is 
confined to the more senior management in the group, there 
is a commitment to encouraging widespread equity ownership 
through, for example, our use of an HMRC-approved Share 
Incentive Plan and SAYE share option scheme.

The level of performance-related pay varies within the 
group by grade of employee and is informed by the specific 
responsibilities of each role as appropriate.

SERVICE CONTRACTS AND LOSS OF OFFICE 
PAYMENTS 
Service contracts normally continue until the executive 
director’s agreed retirement date or such other date as 
the parties agree. The company’s policy is that executive 
directors will be employed on a contract that can be 
terminated by the company on giving no more than one 
year’s notice, with the executive director required to give up 
to one year’s notice of termination.

A director’s service contract may be terminated without 
notice and without any further payment or compensation, 
except for sums earned up to the date of termination, on 
the occurrence of certain events such as gross misconduct. 
The circumstances of the termination (taking into account 
the individual’s performance) and an individual’s duty and 
opportunity to mitigate losses are taken into account by the 
Committee when determining amounts payable on/following 
termination. Our policy is to reduce compensatory payments 
to former executive directors where they receive remuneration 
from other employment during the compensation period. 
The Committee will consider the particular circumstances of 
each leaver on a case by case basis and retains flexibility as 
to at what point, and the extent to which, payments would be 
reduced. Details will be provided in the relevant annual report 
on remuneration should such circumstances arise.

In summary, the contractual provisions are as follows:

Provision
Notice period Maximum of 12 months from both the 

Detailed terms

Termination 
payment

Change of 
control

company and the executive director
Payment in lieu of notice of base salary 
only, normally subject to mitigation and paid 
monthly(1), subject to the discretion of the 
Committee
In addition, any statutory entitlements would 
be paid as necessary
There will be no enhanced provisions on a 
change of control

(1)  The Committee may elect to make a lump sum termination payment (up 

to a maximum of 12 months’ base salary) as part of an executive director’s 
termination arrangements where it considers it appropriate to do so.

Annual bonus on termination
There is no contractual entitlement to annual bonus on 
termination. At the discretion of the Committee, in certain 
circumstances a pro rata bonus may become payable at the 
normal payment date for the period of active service only. 

ESOP on termination
Any share-based entitlements granted under the company’s 
share plans will be determined on the basis of the relevant 
plan rules. In determining whether an executive director 
should be treated as a good leaver under the plan rules 
the Committee will take into account the performance of 
the individual and the reasons for his/her departure and, in 
the event of this determination being made, will set out its 
rationale in the following annual report on remuneration. 

APPROACH TO RECRUITMENT AND PROMOTIONS
The remuneration package for a new executive director 
would generally be set in accordance with the terms of 
the company’s remuneration policy in force at the time 
of appointment. In addition, with specific regard to 
the recruitment of new executive directors (whether 
by external recruitment or internal promotion), the 
remuneration policy will allow for the following: 

 ° Where new joiners or recent promotions 
have been given a starting salary at a 
discount to the mid-market level, a series 
of increases above those granted to the 
wider workforce (in percentage of salary 
terms) may be awarded over the proceeding 
few years, subject to satisfactory individual 
performance and development in the role.

 °

 °

 °

 °

The Committee may offer additional cash 
and/or share-based elements when it 
considers these to be in the best interests 
of the company and shareholders. Any such 
additional payments would aim to reflect the 
terms and value of remuneration relinquished 
when leaving the former employer. 

The annual bonus would operate in accordance 
with the terms of the policy, subject to the 
overriding discretion of the Committee. 
Depending on the timing and responsibilities of the 
appointment it may be necessary to set different 
performance measures and targets in the first year. 

For an internal executive appointment, any 
variable pay element awarded in respect of the 
former role would be allowed to pay out according to 
its terms, adjusted as relevant to take into account 
the appointment. In addition, any other ongoing 
remuneration obligations existing prior to appointment 
would continue.  

For external and internal appointments, the Committee 
may agree that the company will meet certain relocation 
expenses as appropriate.

For the appointment of a new Chairman or non-executive 
director, the fee arrangement would generally be set in 
accordance with the fee policy in force at that time.

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DI RE C T O R S 
REMUN E RAT I ON RE P O R T  C O N T I N U E D

EXTERNAL NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POSITIONS
The company allows executive directors to hold external directorships subject to agreement by the Chairman on a case by 
case basis and, at the discretion of the Committee, to retain the fees received from those roles. 

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ LETTERS OF APPOINTMENT
The non-executive directors do not have service contracts with the company, but instead have letters of appointment. 
The letters of appointment are usually renewed every three years. Termination of the appointment may be earlier at the 
discretion of either party on three months’ written notice for the Chairman and one month’s written notice for other non-
executive directors. None of the non-executive directors are entitled to any compensation if their appointment is terminated. 
Appointments will be subject to re-election at the AGM. 

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ FEES
The non-executive directors’ fees policy is described below:

Element
Fees

Purpose and link 
to strategy

 °

To recruit and 
retain high 
calibre non-
executives

Operation

Maximum opportunity

 °

Fees are determined by the board, with non-
executive directors abstaining from any discussion 
or decision in relation to their fees

 °

 °

 ° Non-executive directors are paid an annual single 

consolidated fee to cover all board duties
 ° Non-executive directors will not receive regular 
awards under any of the company’s incentive 
arrangements or receive any pension provision 

 °

The fee levels are reviewed on a periodic basis, 
with reference to the time commitment of the role 
and market levels in companies of comparable 
size and complexity 

 ° Non-executive directors shall be entitled to have 
reimbursed all expenses that they reasonably 
incur in the performance of their duties

There is no cap on fees

Fees may be increased to 
ensure they continue to 
appropriately recognise the 
time commitment of the 
role, increases to fee levels 
for non-executive directors 
in general and fee levels in 
companies of a similar size 
and complexity 

CONSIDERATION OF SHAREHOLDERS’ VIEWS
The Committee recognises that dialogue with shareholders plays a key role in informing the design of the remuneration policy 
and welcomes any feedback that shareholders may have. The Committee will consider shareholder feedback received in 
relation to the AGM each year. Any such feedback, plus any additional feedback received from time to time, will be considered 
as part of the company’s annual review of remuneration policy.

Significant shareholders will be consulted in advance about any proposed material changes in remuneration policy in the 
remuneration report.

The directors’ remuneration report will be subject to an advisory vote at the forthcoming annual general meeting of the 
company.

ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION – AUDITED INFORMATION
This section of the remuneration report contains details as to how the company’s remuneration policy was implemented 
during the year ended 28 February 2015.

DISCLOSURE OF DIRECTORS’ PAY FOR THE YEAR
The remuneration of the directors during the years ended 28 February 2015 and 28 February 2014 is set out below:

Director
Executive directors
Mahmud Kamani
Carol Kane
Neil Catto
Total executive directors
Non-executive directors
Peter Williams
David Forbes
Stephen Morana
Mark Newton-Jones
Former non-executive director
Petar Cvetkovic
Total non-executive directors
Total

Base salary/
non-executive 
director fees
£

Benefits
£

Pension
£

Annual 
bonus
£

28 February 
2015
Total
£

28 February 
2014
Total
£

216,634
220,788
158,438
595,860

67,397
48,967
38,513
38,513

–
193,390
789,250

–
2,116
1,710
3,826

–
–
–
–

–
12,000
7,640
19,640

–
–
–
–

–
–
3,826

–
–
19,640

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–

216,634
234,904
167,788
619,326

67,397
48,967
38,513
38,513

–
193,390
812,716

–
158,398
225,292
383,690

–
–
–
–

30,000
30,000
413,690

Petar Cvetkovic waived his fees for the period upon his resignation in October 2014.

ANNUAL BONUS
For the year ended 28 February 2015, bonus targets were as follows:

Financial target range
EBITDA £20.0m and gross takings of at least £225m
EBITDA £23.4m and gross takings of at least £235m

Bonus % of 
salary
25%
50%

The performance targets were not achieved and so no bonuses were payable in the year ended 28 February 2015.

EXECUTIVE SHARE OPTION PLAN (“ESOP”)
No long-term incentive awards were due to vest during the year ended 28 February 2015.

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. Of the executive directors, only Neil Catto holds options, granted on 
Admission and subject to the achievement of performance conditions as follows:

Name
Neil Catto 

No. of 
ordinary shares 
under option 
2,000,000 

Exercise 
price 
pence
50

Date of 
grant
14/03/14

Exercise period
14/03/17 to 13/03/24

The performance targets applying to the ESOP awards granted on Admission 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. 

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DI RE C T O R S 
REMUN E RAT I ON RE P O R T  C O N T I N U E D

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

Name
Peter Williams 
Stephen Morana 
Mark Newton-Jones 

No. of 
ordinary shares 
under option 
1,900,000 
500,000
700,000 

Exercise 
price 
pence
50
50
50

Date of 
grant
14/03/14
14/03/14
14/03/14

Exercise period
14/03/17 to 13/03/24
14/03/17 to 13/03/24
14/03/17 to 13/03/24

Options detailed above, granted under the NED Plan on Admission, will become exercisable subject to the achievement of the 
same performance targets as for the ESOP awards granted on Admission detailed above.

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS IN SHARES 
The table below sets out the beneficial and non-beneficial interests in ordinary shares as at the year end and at the date of 
Admission.

Name of director
Mahmud Kamani
Carol Kane
Neil Catto
Peter Williams
Mark Newton-Jones
Stephen Morana
David Forbes

Beneficially 
owned at 
28 February 
2015
275,354,731
50,980,421
–
400,000
309,467
379,098
240,000

As a % 
of share 
capital
24.52
4.54
–
0.04
0.03
0.03
0.02

Beneficially 
owned at 
14 March 
2014
275,354,731
50,980,421
–
200,000
200,000
200,000
40,000

Outstanding 
share 
options
–
–
2,000,000
1,900,000
700,000
500,000
–

Total 
interests in 
shares
275,354,731
50,980,421
2,000,000
2,300,000
1,009,467
879,098
240,000

SERVICE CONTRACTS
Each of the executive directors has a service contract dated 21 February 2014, under which there is a 12 month notice period 
from both the company and the director. The Chairman and non-executive directors provide their services under the terms of 
letters of appointment dated 21 February 2014.

ADVISORS TO THE REMUNERATION COMMITTEE
The advisors to the remuneration committee are New Bridge Street, whose fees for the year were £34,959.

IMPLEMENTATION OF REMUNERATION POLICY FOR THE YEAR ENDING 28 FEBRUARY 2016 - UNAUDITED
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”)

all employee Share Incentive Plan

all employee Save As You Earn scheme

BASE SALARY
Currently, the salaries of the executive directors are as 
follows: 

Mahmud Kamani Joint CEO
Joint CEO
Carol Kane
CFO
Neil Catto

From 
1 March 
2015
£225,000
£225,000
£160,000

From 
14 March 
2014
£225,000
£225,000
£150,000

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. The maximum bonus payable 
for the year ending February 2016 for executive directors 
will be 75% of base salary. Performance will be measured 
over the single financial year ending 28 February 2016. 
The performance targets are based on 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. The amount of bonus payable will be calculated as 
a percentage of base salary modified by a factor linked to 
the revenue and EBITDA metrics, for which there is a sliding 
scale set between upper and lower thresholds. The bonus 
will be payable in cash immediately after the announcement 
of the financial results.

The Committee considers that the bonus targets, in relation 
to the financial year ending February 2016, are commercially 
sensitive and therefore plans to disclose them only on a 
retrospective basis. Details of the targets, performance 
against those targets, and any payments resulting, are 
expected to be disclosed, as far as possible, in next year’s 
annual report on remuneration. 

EXECUTIVE SHARE OPTION PLAN (“ESOP”)
As founder shareholders, neither Mahmud Kamani nor 
Carol Kane, both of whom have retained a significant equity 
stake in the company, will receive ESOP awards. Neil Catto 
is expected to be awarded a further grant of options, subject 
to the individual limits in the ESOP, which will be subject to 
performance criteria which have not yet been set.

ALL-EMPLOYEE SHARE PLANS
The board adopted a UK HMRC-approved Share Incentive 
Plan on Admission and it is intended that a further award of 
free shares to all our employees under the Share Incentive 
Plan is made this year as well as an invitation being made 
to all employees to participate in the SAYE scheme. The 
executive directors are eligible to participate in the scheme 
on the same basis as other employees. 

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

Peter Williams Non-executive 

David Forbes

Chairman
NED and 
Senior 
Independent 
Director

Stephen Morana NED
Mark 
Newton-Jones NED

From 
1 March 
2015

From 
14 March 
2014

£70,000

£70,000

£50,000
£40,000

£50,000
£40,000

£40,000

£40,000

The above fees will be reviewed annually by the board.

DAVID FORBES
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee 

5 May 2015

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S TAT EM E NT O F DI RE C T O R S ’ 
RE SP ONSIBI LIT I E S

STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ 
RESPONSIBILITIES IN RESPECT 
OF THE ANNUAL REPORT AND 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The directors are responsible for 
preparing the strategic report, the 
directors’ report and the financial 
statements in accordance with 
applicable law and regulations. 

The directors are required by the 
Companies (Jersey) Law 1991, 
as amended, to prepare financial 
statements for each financial year 
which give a true and fair view of 
the state of affairs of the group and 
company as at the end of the financial 
year and of the profit or loss for that 
year. In preparing these financial 
statements, the directors are required 
to:

 °

select suitable accounting policies 
and then apply them consistently;
 ° make judgements and estimates 
that are reasonable and prudent;

 °

 °

state whether applicable 
accounting standards have 
been followed, subject to any 
material departures disclosed 
and explained in the financial 
statements; and

prepare the financial statements 
on the going concern basis unless 
it is inappropriate to presume 
that the company will continue in 
business.

The directors are responsible for 
keeping accounting records that are 
sufficient to show and explain the 
group’s and company’s transactions. 
These records must disclose with 
reasonable accuracy at any time the 
financial position of the company and 
to enable the directors to ensure that 
any financial statements prepared 
comply with the Companies (Jersey) 
Law 1991, as amended. They are 
also responsible for safeguarding the 
assets of the company and group and 
hence for taking reasonable steps for 
the prevention and detection of fraud, 
error and non-compliance with law and 
regulations.

The directors confirm that they have 
complied with the above requirements 
in preparing the financial statements.

The directors are responsible for 
the maintenance and integrity of the 
company’s website. Legislation in 
Jersey governing the preparation and 
dissemination of financial statements 
may differ from legislation in other 
jurisdictions.

On behalf of the board

MAHMUD KAMANI
Director

5 May 2015

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 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 47

CONT ENT S

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent auditors’ report to the members of boohoo.com plc 
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 
Consolidated statement of financial position 
Consolidated statement of changes in equity   
Consolidated cash flow statement 
Notes to the financial statements 
Independent auditors’ report to the members of boohoo.com plc 
Company statement of comprehensive income 
Company statement of financial position 
Company statement of changes in equity 
Company cash flow statement 
Notes to the company financial statements 
Five year financial summary 
Shareholder information 

48
50
51
52
53
54
70
72
73
74
75
76
79
81

VISIT US ONLINE AT:
www.boohooplc.com

NADIA ABOULHOSN

 ° 221,000 INSTAGRAM FOLLOWERS / 18,900 TWITTER 

FOLLOWERS

 ° PLUS-SIZE MODEL AND FASHION BLOGGER NADIA 

FROM NEW YORK IS REDEFINING PLUS-SIZE 
FASHION AND IS THE FACE OF BOOHOO’S LATEST 
PLUS-SIZE COLLECTION.

 ° THE BOOHOO PLUS CAPSULE COLLECTION, CO-

DESIGNED BY NADIA, IS BOOHOO’S FIRST DESIGN 
COLLABORATION AND LAUNCHED MARCH 2015.

VISIT US ONLINE AT:
www.boohooplc.com

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48 | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 49

I NDE PE NDE NT  
AUDIT ORS’ RE P ORT

to the members of boohoop.com plc

REPORT ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Our opinion
In our opinion the 28 February 2015 financial statements (the 
“financial statements”) defined below:

Opinion on other matter 
In our opinion the information given in the directors’ report 
for the financial year for which the financial statements are 
prepared is consistent with the financial statements.

 °

 °

 °

give a true and fair view of the state of the group’s affairs 
as at 28 February 2015 and of its profit and cash flows 
for the year then ended;

have been properly prepared in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as 
adopted by the European Union; and

have been prepared in accordance with the requirements 
of the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991.

What we have audited
The financial statements comprise:

 °

 °

 °

 °

 °

the consolidated statement of financial position as at 28 
February 2015;

the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for 
the year then ended;

the consolidated cash flow statement for the year then 
ended;

the consolidated statement of changes in equity for the 
year then ended; and

the notes to the financial statements, which include a 
summary of significant accounting policies and other 
explanatory information.

Certain required disclosures have been presented elsewhere 
in the Annual Report, rather than in the notes to the financial 
statements. These are cross-referenced from the financial 
statements and are identified as audited.

The financial reporting framework that has been applied 
in their preparation is applicable law and International 
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the 
European Union.

In applying the financial reporting framework, the directors 
have made a number of subjective judgements, for 
example in respect of significant accounting estimates. In 
making such estimates, they have made assumptions and 
considered future events.

OTHER MATTERS ON WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO 
REPORT BY EXCEPTION
Adequacy of accounting records and information and 
explanations received
Under the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 we are required to 
report to you if, in our opinion:

 ° we have not received all the information and 
explanations we require for our audit; or

 °

 °

adequate accounting records have not been kept; or

the financial statements are not in agreement with the 
accounting records.

We have no exceptions to report arising from this 
responsibility.

RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS AND THE AUDIT
Our responsibilities and those of the directors
As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities 
statement set out on page 44, the directors are responsible 
for the preparation of the financial statements and for being 
satisfied that they give a true and fair view.

Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the 
financial statements in accordance with applicable law and 
International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) (“ISAs 
(UK & Ireland)”). Those standards require us to comply 
with the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for 
Auditors.

This report, including the opinions, has been prepared 
for and only for the company’s members as a body in 
accordance with Article 113A of the Companies (Jersey) Law 
1991 and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving these 
opinions, accept or assume responsibility for any other 
purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown 
or into whose hands it may come save where expressly 
agreed by our prior consent in writing.

What an audit of financial statements involves
We conducted our audit in accordance with ISAs (UK & 
Ireland). An audit involves obtaining evidence about the 
amounts and disclosures in the financial statements 
sufficient to give reasonable assurance that the financial 
statements are free from material misstatement, whether 
caused by fraud or error. This includes an assessment of: 

 ° whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the 
company’s circumstances and have been consistently 
applied and adequately disclosed; 

 °

 °

the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates 
made by the directors; and 

the overall presentation of the financial statements. 

We primarily focus our work in these areas by assessing the 
directors’ judgements against available evidence, forming 
our own judgements, and evaluating the disclosures in the 
financial statements.

We test and examine information, using sampling and other 
auditing techniques, to the extent we consider necessary to 
provide a reasonable basis for us to draw conclusions. We 
obtain audit evidence through testing the effectiveness of 
controls, substantive procedures or a combination of both. 

In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial 
information in the Annual Report to identify material 
inconsistencies with the audited financial statements and 
to identify any information that is apparently materially 
incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, the 
knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing 
the audit. If we become aware of any apparent material 
misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the 
implications for our report.

FIONA KELSEY
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
Chartered Accountants and recognised auditor 
Manchester

5 May 2015

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24077.04 - 8 May 2015 6:26 AM - Proof 5

boohoo.com plc | stock code: BOOAnnual Report & Accounts for the year ended 28 February 201550 | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 51

C ONSOLIDAT E D S TAT EME NT O F  
C OMP REHE NSIV E I NC OME

for the year ended 28 February 2015

C ONSOLIDAT E D S TAT EME NT O F
FI NANCIAL P OSIT I ON

at 28 February 2015

Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Distribution costs
Administrative expenses
Other income
Operating profit
Finance income/(expense)
Profit before tax
Taxation
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income for the year, net of income tax
Net fair value gain on cash flow hedges(1)
Total comprehensive income for the year
Earnings per share
Basic
Diluted

All activities relate to continuing operations. 

Note
2

3

4

10

7

2015
£000
139,851
(54,806)
85,045
(30,653)
(43,814)
–
10,578
490
11,068
(2,663)
8,405

802
9,207

0.75p
0.74p

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

0.75p
0.74p

Administrative expenses include the following exceptional items: IPO expenses £1,254,000 (2014: capital reorganisation fees 
£375,000).

The notes on pages 54 to 69 form part of these financial statements.

(1)  Net fair value gains on cash flow hedges will be reclassified to profit or loss during the year to 28 February 2016.

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
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Financial liabilities
Current tax liability
Total current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Total liabilities
Net assets
Equity
Share capital
Share premium
Capital redemption reserve
Hedging reserve
EBT reserve
Reconstruction reserve
Retained earnings
Total equity 

Note

2015
£000

2014
£000

11
12
14

15
16
21

17
18
21

18

19

19

4,561
10,854
46
15,461

11,188
3,845
852
54,146
70,031
85,492

(17,915)
–
(31)
(1,173)
(19,119)

–
(19,119)
66,373

11,231
551,612
100
822
(430)
(515,282)
18,320
66,373

3,052
6,199
33
9,284

9,795
3,927
125
5,411
19,258
28,542

(14,869)
(384)
(24)
(1,147)
(16,424)

(2,358)
(18,782)
9,760

–
–
100
20
–
17
9,623
9,760

The notes 1 to 25 form part of these financial statements.

These financial statements of boohoo.com plc, registered number 114397, on pages 50 to 69 were approved by the board of 
directors on 5 May 2015 and were signed on its behalf by:

MAHMUD KAMANI
Director

5 May 2015

CAROL KANE
Director

NEIL CAT T O
Director

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24077.04 - 8 May 2015 6:26 AM - Proof 5

boohoo.com plc | stock code: BOOAnnual Report & Accounts for the year ended 28 February 201552 | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 53

C ONSOLIDAT E D S TAT EME NT O F
CHANGE S I N E QUIT Y

for the year ended 28 February 2015

C ONSOLIDAT E D  
CASH FL OW S TAT EME NT

for the year ended 28 February 2015

Share 
capital
£000
–
–

Share 
premium
£000
–
–

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 
£000
–
–

Hedging 
reserve
£000
–
–

EBT 
reserve
£000
–
–

Recon-
struction 
reserve
£000
117
–

Retained 
earnings
£000
1,696
8,427

Total 
equity
£000
1,813
8,427

–

–

–
–
–
11,231
–
–
–

–
–
–
551,612
–
–
–

–
11,231

–
551,612

–

100
–
100
–
–
–
–

–
100

20

–
–
20
–
–
–
–

–

–

–

20

–
–
–
–
(430)
–
–

(100)
–
17
(515,299)
–
–
–

(100)
(400)
9,623
–
–
292
8,405

(100)
(400)
9,760
47,544
(430)
292
8,405

802
822

–
(430)

–
(515,282)

–
18,320

802
66,373

Balance as at 1 March 2013
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income 
for the year
Redemption of preference 
shares
Dividends
Balance at 28 February 2014
Issue of shares
Purchase of shares by EBT
Share-based payments credit
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income 
for the year
Balance at 28 February 2015

The notes on pages 54 to 69 form part of these financial statements.

Cash flows from operating activities
Profit for the year
Adjustments for:
Share-based payments charge
Depreciation charges and amortisation
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment
Transfer from hedging reserves
Finance (income)/expense
Tax expense
Profit before tax before changes in working capital and provisions
Increase in inventories
Increase in trade and other receivables
Increase in trade and other payables
Cash generated from operations
Finance expense
Tax paid
Net cash inflow from operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisition of intangible assets
Acquisition of tangible property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
Finance income
Net cash used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from the issue of ordinary shares
Payment of convertible loan notes to shareholders of ABK Limited
Share issue costs written off to share premium
Purchase of own shares by EBT
Proceeds from new loan
Redemption of preference shares
Dividends paid
Repayment of borrowings
Net cash generated from/(used in) financing activities
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

Notes 1 to 25 form part of these financial statements.

Note

2015
£000

2014
£000

8,405

8,427

15
16
17

11
12

292
2,002
–
802
(490)
2,663
13,674
(1,393)
(523)
3,053
14,811
–
(2,650)
12,161

(2,442)
(5,724)
–
368
(7,798)

300,000
(239,899)
(12,586)
(401)
–
–
–
(2,742)
44,372
48,735
5,411
54,146

–
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
–
(4,577)

–
–
–
–
199
(100)
(400)
(197)
(498)
804
4,607
5,411

24077.04 - 8 May 2015 6:26 AM - Proof 5

24077.04 - 8 May 2015 6:26 AM - Proof 5

boohoo.com plc | stock code: BOOAnnual Report & Accounts for the year ended 28 February 201554 | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOT E S

to the financial statements

 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 55

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES
General information
boohoo.com plc is a public limited company incorporated and domiciled in Jersey and listed on the Alternative Investment 
Market (AIM) of the London Stock Exchange. Its registered office address is: 12 Castle Street, St Helier, Jersey, JE2 3RT. 
The company was incorporated on 19 November 2013.

Basis of preparation
The consolidated financial statements of the group have been approved by the directors and prepared on a going concern 
basis in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union (“Adopted IFRSs”), 
IFRS IC Interpretations and the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991. 

New and amended standards adopted by the group and/or company
The following standards have been adopted by the group for the first time for the financial year beginning on 1 March 2014:

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

IFRS 10, “Consolidated financial statements” (effective 1 January 2013) (endorsed 1 January 2014)

IFRS 11, “Joint arrangements” (effective 1 January 2013) (endorsed 1 January 2014)

IFRS 12, “Disclosures of interests in other entities” (effective 1 January 2013) (endorsed 1 January 2014)

IAS 27 (revised 2011) “Separate financial statements” (effective 1 January 2013) (endorsed 1 January 2014)

Amendments to IFRS 10, 11 and 12 on transition guidance (effective 1 January 2013) (endorsed 1 January 2014)

Amendments to IAS 32 on financial instruments asset and liability offsetting (effective 1 January 2014)

Amendment to IAS 36, “Impairment of assets” on recoverable amount disclosures (effective 1 January 2014)

Amendment to IAS 39 “Financial instruments: Recognition and measurement”, on novation of derivatives and hedge 
accounting (effective 1 January 2014)

The adoption of these standards has had no material impact on the group’s financial statements.

Standards, amendments and interpretations to existing standards that are not yet effective and have not been 
early adopted by the group and/or company.
The following standards have been published and are mandatory for accounting periods beginning after 1 March 2014 but 
have not been early adopted by the group or company and could have a material impact on the group and company financial 
statements:

 –

 –

IFRS 9, “Financial instruments” (effective 1 January 2018)

IFRS 15, “Revenue from contracts with customers’ (effective 1 January 2017)

At the time of preparing this report the group continues to assess the possible impact of the adoption of these standards in 
future periods and updates will be provided in a future annual report.

A number of other new standards and amendments to standards and interpretations are effective for annual periods 
beginning after 1 March 2014, and have not been applied in preparing these consolidated financial statements. None of these 
is expected to have a significant effect on the consolidated financial statements of the group.

The financial statements have been approved on the assumption that the group remains a going concern as explained on  
page 32.

Measurement convention
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, excluding financial assets and 
financial liabilities (including derivative instruments) held at fair value through profit or loss. 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.

Basis of consolidation
boohoo.com plc acquired the group on 14 March 2014 simultaneous with its flotation and admission to the AIM. The group 
financial statements consolidate those of its subsidiaries and the Employee Benefit Trust. All intercompany transactions 
between group companies are eliminated. 

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued
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 14 March 2014, the date of flotation and admission to AIM. 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. All subsequent business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition 
method of accounting.

Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the group. The group controls an entity when the group is exposed to, or has rights  
to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over  
the entity.

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. Under the 
acquisition method of accounting, the cost of the acquisition is the aggregate of the fair values of the assets and liabilities 
and equity instruments issued on the acquisition date. The excess of the cost of acquisition over the group’s share of the fair 
values of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. If the cost of acquisition is less than the fair value of the 
assets, the difference is recognised directly in the statement of comprehensive income.

The Employee Benefit Trust is considered to be a special purpose entity in which the substance of the relationship is that of 
control by the group in order that the group may benefit from its control. The assets held by the trust are consolidated into the 
group.

Intangible assets
Trademark and licenses are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses and are amortised over 
their expected lives of ten years and charged to administration expense.

The costs of acquiring or developing software are recorded as intangible assets and stated at cost less accumulated 
amortisation and impairment losses. The costs include the payroll costs of employees directly associated with the project and 
other direct external material and service costs. Costs are capitalised only where there is an identifiable project that will bring 
future economic benefit. Other website development and maintenance costs are expensed in the statement of comprehensive 
income. Software costs are amortised over three to five years based on their estimated useful lives and charged to 
administrative expenses in the statement of comprehensive income.

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. 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%, 20% or 10%. The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed and adjusted, if appropriate, at 
each reporting date.

Financial instruments
Financial instruments are recognised at fair value and subsequently held at amortised cost using the effective interest 
method. 

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boohoo.com plc | stock code: BOOAnnual Report & Accounts for the year ended 28 February 201556 | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 57

NOT E S  C ONT I NUE D

to the financial statements

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 remeasured 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.

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. Movements in impairment provisions are charged to the statement of comprehensive income.

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

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.

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.

Revenue 
Revenue and profit before tax are attributable to the one principal activity of the business. Revenue represents net invoiced 
sales of goods including postage and packing receipts, excluding value added tax. Revenue from the sale of goods is 
recognised when the group has transferred the goods to the buyer on despatch from the warehouse, less actual returns and a 
provision for expected returns.

Rebates 
Retrospective rebates from suppliers are accounted for in the period to which the rebate relates to the extent that it is 
reasonably certain that the rebate will be paid. Early settlement discounts are taken when payment is made.

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.

Finance income
Interest receivable is recognised in the statement of comprehensive income as it is earned.

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.

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued
Share-based payments
The group issues equity settled share-based payments in the parent company to certain employees in exchange for services 
rendered. These awards are measured at fair value on the date of the grant using an option pricing model and expensed in 
the statement of comprehensive income on a straight line basis over the vesting period after making an allowance for the 
estimated number of shares that are estimated will not vest. The level of vesting is reviewed and adjusted annually.

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.

Foreign currency translation
The results and cash flows of overseas subsidiaries are translated at the average monthly exchange rates during the period. 
The statement of financial position of each overseas subsidiary is translated at the year end rate. The resulting exchange 
differences are recognised in a translation reserve in equity and are reported in other comprehensive income.

Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rates on the 
day of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into the functional 
currency at the year end rate and exchange differences are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income.

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.

Share option valuation
Critical estimates and assumptions are made, in particular with regard to the calculation of the fair value of employee share 
options, using appropriate valuation models. The inputs and assumptions of the model are detailed in note 22.

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 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 59

NOT E S  C ONT I NUE D

to the financial statements

2 SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS
IFRS 8, “Operating Segments” requires operating segments to be determined based on the group’s internal reporting to the 
chief operating decision maker. The chief operating decision maker has been determined to be the executive board and has 
determined that the primary segmental reporting format of the group is geographical by customer location, based on the 
group’s management and internal reporting structure.

The executive board assesses the performance of each segment based on revenue and gross profit after distribution 
expenses, which excludes administrative expenses.

Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Distribution expenses
Segment result
Administrative expenses
Operating profit
Finance income
Profit before tax

Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Distribution expenses
Segment result
Administrative expenses
Other income
Operating profit
Finance expense
Profit before tax

Year ended 28 February 2015

UK
£000
94,342
(37,911)
56,431
(19,078)
37,353
–

Rest of 
Europe
£000
18,086
(7,275)
10,811
(3,953)
6,858
–

Rest of 
world
£000
27,423
(9,620)
17,803
(7,622)
10,181
–

–

–

–

Year ended 28 February 2014
Rest of 
world
£000
25,741
(8,652)
17,089
(7,228)
9,861
–
–

Rest of 
Europe
£000
13,058
(5,210)
7,848
(4,402)
3,446
–
–

UK
£000
70,992
(31,017)
39,975
(12,660)
27,315
–
–

–

–

–

Total
£000
139,851
(54,806)
85,045
(30,653)
54,392
(43,814)
10,578
490
11,068

Total
£000
109,791
(44,879)
64,912
(24,290)
40,622
(30,289)
488
10,821
(84)
10,737

Due to the nature of its activities, the group is not reliant on any individual customers.

No analysis of the assets and liabilities of each operating segment is provided to the chief operating decision maker in the 
monthly management accounts, therefore no measure of segmental assets or liabilities is disclosed in this note. There are no 
material non-current assets located outside the UK.

3 OTHER INCOME

Gift to group from director for benefit of employees
Waiver of loan from director in ABK Limited

4 FINANCE INCOME/(EXPENSE)

Bank interest received/(paid)

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

Implementation of employee share plan

6 PROFIT BEFORE TAX
Profit before tax is stated after charging:

Operating lease rentals for buildings
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Amortisation of intangible assets
Exceptional items – IPO and capital reorganisation fees

2015
£000
–
–
–

2015
£000
490

2015
£000
5

40
10
400
58
513

2015
£000
588
1,069
933
1,254

2014
£000
450
38
488

2014
£000
(84)

2014
£000
–

45
–
255
–
300

2014
£000
401
643
336
375

7 EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing profit after tax by the weighted average number of shares in issue during 
the year. Own shares held by the Employee Benefit Trust are eliminated from the weighted average number of shares. The 
prior year comparatives are stated using the number of shares in issue on the IPO date.

Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit after tax by the weighted average number of shares in issue 
during the year, adjusted for potentially dilutive share options.

Weighted average shares in issue for basic earnings per share
Dilutive share options
Weighted average shares in issue for diluted earnings per share

Earnings (£000)
Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share

2015

2014
1,119,632,278 1,120,210,360
12,844,000
1,133,841,812 1,133,054,360

14,209,534

8,405
0.75p
0.74p

8,427
0.75p
0.74p

24077.04 - 8 May 2015 6:26 AM - Proof 5

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boohoo.com plc | stock code: BOOAnnual Report & Accounts for the year ended 28 February 2015 
60 | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 61

NOT E S  C ONT I NUE D

to the financial statements

8 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: 

10 TAXATION continued
The total tax charge differs from the amount computed by applying the UK rate of 21.1% (2014: 23.1%) to profit before tax as a 
result of the following:

Administration
Distribution

The aggregate payroll costs of these persons were as follows:

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs
Share-based payment charges 

9 DIRECTORS’ AND KEY MANAGEMENT COMPENSATION

Wages and salaries
Pension costs
Share-based payment charges

Number of employees

2015
418
270
688

2015
£000
15,861
1,446
249
292
17,848

2015
£000
2,026
49
5
2,080

2014
252
142
394

2014
£000
9,144
849
134
–
10,127

2014
£000
812
40
–
852

Directors’ and key management compensation comprises the directors and executive committee members. Directors’ 
emoluments and pension payments are detailed in the directors’ remuneration report on page 41. Directors’ emoluments are 
borne by the principal trading subsidiary and not recharged to the parent company.

10 TAXATION

Analysis of charge in year
Current tax on income for the year
Adjustments in respect of prior year taxes
Deferred taxation
Tax on profit on ordinary activities

2015
£000

2,621
55
(13)
2,663

2014
£000

2,352
(42)
–
2,310

Profit on ordinary activities before tax
Profit before tax multiplied by the standard rate of corporation tax on the UK of 21.1% 
(2014: 23.1%)
Effects of:
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes
Income not subject to tax
Adjustments in respect of prior year taxes
R&D tax credits
Depreciation in excess of capital allowances
Tax on profit on ordinary activities

11,068

10,737

2,332

2,478

246
–
55
–
30
2,663

–
(32)
(42)
(114)
20
2,310

A reduction in the UK corporation tax rate from 23% to 21% (effective from 1 April 2014), and a further reduction to 20% with 
effect from 1 April 2015, was substantively enacted in July 2013. Accordingly, the group’s profits for this accounting year are 
taxed at an effective rate of 21.1%. The deferred tax asset at 28 February 2015 has been calculated based on the rate of 20% at 
the reporting date. 

11 INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

Cost
Balance at 1 March 2013
Additions
Balance at 28 February 2014
Additions
Disposals/retirements
Balance at 28 February 2015
Accumulated amortisation
Balance at 1 March 2013
Amortisation for the year
Balance at 28 February 2014
Amortisation for year
Disposals/retirements
Balance at 28 February 2015
Net book value
At 28 February 2013
At 28 February 2014
At 28 February 2015

Patents and 
licences
£000

Computer 
software
£000

273
28
301
8
–
309

59
29
88
30
–
118

214
213
191

720
2,734
3,454
2,434
(93)
5,795

308
307
615
903
(93)
1,425

412
2,839
4,370

Total 
£000

993
2,762
3,755
2,442
(93)
6,104

367
336
703
933
(93)
1,543

626
3,052
4,561

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12 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

14 DEFERRED TAX 

Cost
Balance at 1 March 2013
Additions
Disposals
Balance at 28 February 2014
Additions
Disposals/retirements
Balance at 28 February 2015
Accumulated depreciation
Balance at 1 March 2013
Depreciation charge for the year
Disposals
Balance at 28 February 2014
Depreciation charge for the year
Disposals/retirements
Balance at 28 February 2015
Net book value
At 28 February 2013
At 28 February 2014
At 28 February 2015

Short 
leasehold
£000

Fixtures 
and fittings
£000

Computer 
equipment
£000

Motor 
vehicles
£000

Land & 
buildings
£000

410
229
–
639
8
(4)
643

141
95
–
236
131
(4)
363

269
403
280

960
1,036
–
1,996
1,416
(89)
3,323

377
267
–
644
467
(89)
1,022

583
1,352
2,301

571
499
–
1,070
613
(372)
1,311

389
178
–
567
376
(372)
571

182
503
740

180
74
(172)
82
18
(9)
91

175
21
(172)
24
15
(9)
30

5
58
61

3,971
37
–
4,008
3,669
–
7,677

43
82
–
125
80
–
205

3,928
3,883
7,472

Total
£000

6,092
1,875
(172)
7,795
5,724
(474)
13,045

1,125
643
(172)
1,596
1,069
(474)
2,191

4,967
6,199
10,854

13 INVESTMENTS
The subsidiaries held and consolidated in these financial statements are set out below:

Name of company
ABK Limited
boohoo.com UK Limited
Boo Who Limited
boohoo.com USA Limited
boohoo.com USA Inc
Shanghai Wasabi Frog Boohoo Ltd

Principal activity
Holding company
Trading company
Dormant company
Dormant company
Marketing office
Dormant company

Country of 
incorporation
Jersey
UK
UK
UK
USA
China

Percentage 
ownership
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

At 1 March 2013
At 28 February 2014
Recognised in statement of comprehensive income
At 28 February 2015

Depreciation 
in excess of 
capital
allowances
£000
33
33
(45)
(12)

Share-
based 
payments
£000
–
–
58
58

Recognition of the deferred tax assets is based upon the expected generation of future taxable profits.

15 INVENTORIES

Finished goods

2015
£000
11,188

The value of inventories included within cost of sales for the year was £54,682,000 (2014: £42,433,000). An impairment 
provision of £124,000 (2014: £517,000) was charged to the statement of comprehensive income.

16 TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Amounts due from related party undertakings
Other receivables
Prepayments and accrued income

2015
£000
13
2,768
1,064
3,845

Total
£000
33
33
13
46

2014
£000
9,795

2014
£000
1,156
1,610
1,161
3,927

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. None are considered past due.

The fair value of trade and other receivables is not materially different from the carrying value.

17 TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

Trade payables
Amounts owed to related party undertakings
Other payables
Accruals and deferred income
Taxes and social security payable

The fair value of trade and other payables is not materially different from the carrying value.

2015
£000
8,037
9
90
8,326
1,453
17,915

2014
£000
8,469
192
42
4,859
1,307
14,869

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18 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
Current liabilities
Current portion of secured bank loans
Current portion of other loans

Terms and debt repayment schedule 

Secured bank loan
Other loan

The secured bank loan was repaid in April 2014.

19 SHARE CAPITAL AND RESERVES

Nominal
interest
rate
2.75%
0%

Year of
maturity
2027
2014

Currency
£
£

1,123,132,360 authorised and fully paid ordinary shares of 1p each (2014: nil)

2015
£000

–

–
–
–

2015 
£000
–
–
–

2015
£000
11,231

2014
£000

2,358

185
199
384

2014
£000
2,543
199
2,742

2014
£000
–

During the prior year, the redeemable preference shares in boohoo.com UK Limited were redeemed at nominal value of 
£99,917.

On Admission, the company issued a total of 1,123,132,360 shares as follows: 600,000,000 were issued to institutional 
investors and company employees at 50 pence each for a total consideration of £300,000,000; 520,210,360 were issued in a 
share conversion and share for share exchange to the shareholders of ABK Limited for 100% of the shares of ABK Limited; 
and 2,922,000 were issued for the Share Incentive Plan for the benefit of employees of the company and for which there was 
no consideration. The aggregate nominal value of the shares issued was £11,231,324. The Admission date was 14 March 2014 
and the market price of the shares was 50 pence each, as detailed in the Admission Document published on 5 March 2014.

Under merger accounting principles, as explained in note 1 “accounting policies”, a reconstruction reserve of £515,282,000 
was created upon the acquisition of the group and flotation on 14 March 2014. This reserve largely eliminates, upon 
consolidation, the investment in the parent company’s accounts.

During the year, the Employee Share Trust bought £1 million shares at 40 pence each to be held for the benefit of employees 
in the ESOP scheme.

In 2014, boohoo.com UK Limited paid dividends of £400,006 to the ordinary shareholders during the year at the rate of £95.24 
per A1 share, £70.03 per C share and £349.65 per E share. No dividends have been paid or are payable in 2015.

20 RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

Company transacting 
with the related party

Nature of relationship

Related party
Amounts included in the statement of financial position
Amounts due from related party undertakings
Kamani Commercial Property Limited boohoo.com UK Limited Common directors and shareholders
Jogo Associates Limited
boohoo.com UK Limited Common directors and shareholders
Amounts owed to related party undertakings
boohoo.com UK Limited Common directors and shareholders
The Pinstripe Clothing Co. Limited
boohoo.com UK Limited Common directors and shareholders
Red Orange Limited
Kamani Construction Limited
boohoo.com UK Limited Common directors and shareholders
Kamani Commercial Property Limited boohoo.com UK Limited Common directors and shareholders
Prepayments and accrued income
Mahmud Kamani

boohoo.com UK Limited Director’s gift to company for benefit 

of employees

Amounts included in the statement of comprehensive income
Purchases
Jogo Associates Limited
The Pinstripe Clothing Co. Limited
Red Orange Limited
Kamani Construction Limited
Graphic Clothing Limited
Loans
Jogo Associates Limited
The Pinstripe Clothing Co. Limited
Admin costs – marketing
The White Cube Creative Limited

boohoo.com UK Limited Common directors and shareholders
boohoo.com UK Limited Common directors and shareholders
boohoo.com UK Limited Common directors and shareholders
boohoo.com UK Limited Common directors and shareholders
boohoo.com UK Limited Common shareholders and manager

boohoo.com UK Limited Common directors and shareholders
boohoo.com UK Limited Common directors and shareholders

boohoo.com UK Limited Director of supplier is a domestic 
partner of boohoo.com plc director

Admin costs – office rental
Kamani Commercial Property Limited boohoo.com UK Limited Common directors and shareholders
Other income
Mahmud Kamani

boohoo.com UK Limited Director’s gift to company for benefit 

of employees

2015
£000

2014
£000

13
–

–
1,156

–
–
–
9

–

–
29
–
75
–

–
–

28
16
18
130

450

453
10,162
1,157
170
614

1,142
926

103

74

773

–

575

450

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21 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
(a) Fair values of financial instruments
Trade and other receivables
The fair value of trade and other receivables 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. 

Fair values

Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents 
Cash flow hedges
Trade and other receivables

Financial liabilities
Other interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Cash flow hedges
Trade and other payables

2015
£000

54,146
852
2,781
57,779

2015
£000

–
31
16,462
16,493

2014
£000

5,411
125
2,766
8,302

2014
£000

2,742
24
13,562
16,328

(b) Credit risk
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.

21 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS continued
(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. The capital structure is 
regularly reviewed to ensure it is appropriate to the group’s strategic objectives. The funding requirements of the group are 
ascertained by regular cash flow forecasts and projections. At 28 February 2015 the group had capital of £120.5 million (2014: 
£12.8 million).

(e) 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 2015 was £852,000 (2014: £125,000) and within financial liabilities was £31,000 (2014: £24,000). Cash flows related 
to these contracts will occur during the year to 28 February 2016 and gains or losses will be recognised in the statement of 
comprehensive income during the same period.

22 SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS
Summary of movements in awards

Number of shares
Granted during the year
Lapsed during the year
Exercised during the year
Outstanding at 28 February 2015
Exercisable at 28 February 2015

ESOP
11,508,000
(710,000)
–
10,798,000
–

NED Plan
3,100,000
–
–
3,100,000
–

SIP
2,900,370
(580,437)
–
2,319,933
–

Total 
17,508,370
(1,290,437)
–
16,217,933
–

Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price
pence
41.72
(27.51)
–
42.85
–

The group recognised a total expense of £292,000 during the year (2014: nil) relating to equity settled share-based payment 
transactions.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
The ESOP allows the grant of options to all employees and executive directors of the group, based on a predetermined 
aggregate EBITDA target for the three financial years 2015 to 2017. Options may be granted by either the board or the trustees 
of the Employee Benefit Trust.

1 March 
2014 
no. of 
shares
–
–
–
–

Granted 
during the 
year 
no. of 
shares
9,744,000
776,000
988,000
11,508,000

Lapsed 
during the 
year 
no. of 
shares
(710,000)
–
–
(710,000)

Exercised 
during the 
year 
no. of 
shares
–
–
–
–

28 February 
2015 
no. of 
shares
9,034,000
776,000
988,000
10,798,000

Exercise 
price
pence

Exercise period
0.50 14/03/17 – 13/03/24
0.50 27/03/17 – 26/03/24
0.50 04/07/17 – 03/07/24

Date of grant
14/03/14
27/03/14
04/07/14

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22 SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS continued
The ESOP options were valued using a Black–Scholes model. The inputs into the model were as follows:

Grant date
Share price at grant date
Exercise price
Number of employees
Shares under option
Vesting period (years)
Expected volatility
Option life (years)
Expected life (years)
Risk free rate
Expected dividends expressed as a dividend yield
Possibility of ceasing employment before vesting
Expectations of meeting performance criteria
Fair value per option (pence)

14/03/14
50.00
50.00
153
9,034,000
3
33.33%
10
3
0.976%
0%
15%
nil
11.93

27/03/14
59.25
50.00
4
776,000
3
33.25%
10
3
1.067%
0%
10%
nil
18.33

04/07/14
44.25
50.00
2
988,000
3
33.45%
10
3
1.303%
0%
10%
nil
8.71

NED Plan
The NED Plan allows the grant of option to certain non-executive directors. The terms of the NED Plan mirror the terms of 
the ESOP other than for participation limits and the use of an employee benefit trust.

1 March 
2014 
no. of 
shares
–

Granted 
during the 
year 
no. of 
shares
3,100,000

Lapsed 
during the 
year 
no. of 
shares
–

Exercised 
during the 
year 
no. of 
shares
–

28 February 
2015 
no. of 
shares
3,100,000

Exercise 
price
pence

Exercise period
0.50 14/03/17 – 13/03/24

Date of grant
14/03/14

The NED options were valued using a Black–Scholes model. The inputs into the model were as follows:

Grant date
Share price at grant date
Exercise price
Number of employees
Shares under option
Vesting period (years)
Expected volatility
Option life (years)
Expected life (years)
Risk free rate
Expected dividends expressed as a dividend yield
Possibility of ceasing employment before vesting
Expectations of meeting performance criteria
Fair value per option (pence)

14/03/14
50.00
50.00
3
3,100,000
3
33.33%
10
3
0.976%
0%
0%
nil
11.93

Share Incentive Plan (SIP)
Under the terms of the SIP, the Board or the trustees of the Employee Benefit Trust grant free shares to every employee 
under an HMRC-approved SIP. Awards must be held in trust for a period of at least three years after grant date and become 
exercisable at this date. There are no performance criteria.

22 SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS continued

1 March 
2014 
no. of 
shares
–
–
–

Granted 
during the 
year 
no. of 
shares
2,736,000
164,370
2,900,370

Lapsed 
during the 
year 
no. of 
shares
(564,000)
(16,437)
(580,437)

Exercised 
during the 
year 
no. of 
shares
–
–
–

28 February 
2015 
no. of 
shares
2,172,000
147,933
2,319,933

Exercise 
price
pence

Exercise period
nil 14/03/17 – 13/03/24
nil 02/04/17 – 01/04/24

Date of grant
14/03/14
02/04/14

The SIP options were valued using a Black–Scholes model. The inputs into the model were as follows:

Grant date
Share price at grant date
Exercise price
Number of employees
Shares under option
Vesting period (years)
Expected volatility
Option life (years)
Expected life (years)
Risk free rate
Expected dividends expressed as a dividend yield
Possibility of ceasing employment before vesting
Expectations of meeting performance criteria
Fair value per option (pence)

14/03/14
50.00
nil
362
2,172,000
3
33.33%
10
3
0.976%
0%
40%
100%
50.00

02/04/14
54.26
nil
27
147,933
3
33.20%
10
3
1.143%
0%
25%
100%
54.26

Expected volatility was found using a historical volatility calculator with reference to the share price of competitors over a 
three year period.

23 CAPITAL COMMITMENTS
Capital expenditure contracted for at the end of the reporting year but not yet incurred is as follows:

Property, plant and equipment

2015
£000
2,622

2014
£000
–

24 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
In more than five years

2015
£000
690
2,257
1,976

2014
£000
589
2,247
2,506

25 CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
From time to time, the group can be subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of 
business which may include cases relating to the group’s brand and trading name. All such cases brought against the group 
are robustly defended and a liability is recorded only when it is probable that the case will result in a future economic outflow 
and that the outflow can be reliably measured.

As at 28 February 2015, there are no pending claims or proceedings against the group which are expected to have material 
adverse effect on its liquidity or operations. 

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I NDE PE NDE NT  
AUDIT ORS ’ RE P ORT

to the members of boohoo.com plc

REPORT ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Our opinion
In our opinion the 28 February 2015 financial statements (the “financial statements”) defined below:

 °

 °

 °

give a true and fair view of the state of the company’s affairs as at 28 February 2015 and of its loss and cash flows for the 
year then ended;

have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the 
European Union; and

have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991.

What we have audited
The financial statements comprise:

the statement of financial position as at 28 February 2015;

the statement of comprehensive income for the year then ended;

the statement of cash flows for the year then ended;

the statement of changes in equity for the year then ended; and

 °

 °

 °

 °

 °

RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND THE AUDIT
Our responsibilities and those of the directors
As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement set out on page 44, the directors are responsible for the 
preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view.

Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and 
International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) (“ISAs (UK & Ireland)”). Those standards require us to comply with the 
Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.

This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and only for the company’s members as a body in accordance with 
Article 113A of the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving these opinions, accept or 
assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may 
come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.

What an audit of financial statements involves
We conducted our audit in accordance with ISAs (UK & Ireland). An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and 
disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from 
material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This includes an assessment of: 

the notes to the company financial statements, which include a summary of significant accounting policies and other 
explanatory information.

 ° whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the company’s circumstances and have been consistently applied and 

adequately disclosed; 

Certain required disclosures have been presented elsewhere in the annual report, rather than in the notes to the financial 
statements. These are cross-referenced from the financial statements and are identified as audited.

 °

 °

the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the directors; and 

the overall presentation of the financial statements. 

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union.

We primarily focus our work in these areas by assessing the directors’ judgements against available evidence, forming our 
own judgements, and evaluating the disclosures in the financial statements.

In applying the financial reporting framework, the directors have made a number of subjective judgements, for example in 
respect of significant accounting estimates. In making such estimates, they have made assumptions and considered future 
events.

Opinion on other matter 
In our opinion the information given in the directors’ report for the financial year for which the financial statements are 
prepared is consistent with the financial statements.

We test and examine information, using sampling and other auditing techniques, to the extent we consider necessary to 
provide a reasonable basis for us to draw conclusions. We obtain audit evidence through testing the effectiveness of controls, 
substantive procedures or a combination of both. 

In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information in the Annual Report to identify material inconsistencies 
with the audited financial statements and to identify any information that is apparently materially incorrect based on, or 
materially inconsistent with, the knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing the audit. If we become aware of any 
apparent material misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report.

OTHER MATTERS ON WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT BY EXCEPTION
Adequacy of accounting records and information and explanations received
Under the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:

 ° we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or

 °

 °

adequate accounting records have not been kept; or

the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records.

We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.

FIONA KELSEY
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Chartered Accountants and recognised auditor

Manchester

5 May 2015

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24077.04 - 8 May 2015 6:26 AM - Proof 5

boohoo.com plc | stock code: BOOAnnual Report & Accounts for the year ended 28 February 201572 | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 73

C OMPANY S TAT EME NT O F  
C OMP REHE NSIV E I NC OME

for the year ended 28 February 2015

C OMPANY S TAT EME NT O F  
FI NANCIAL P OSIT I ON

at 28 February 2015

Administrative expenses
Operating loss
Finance income
Loss before tax
Taxation
Comprehensive loss for the year

2015
£000
(219,085)
(219,085)
924
(218,161)
(55)
(218,216)

Assets
Non-current assets
Investments
Current assets
Other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Total current assets
Total assets
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Current tax liability
Total current liabilities
Net assets
Equity
Share capital
Share premium
EBT reserve
Retained earnings
Total equity 

Note

2015
£000

3

4

5

297,591

36,722
10,231
46,953
344,544

(55)
(55)
344,489

11,231
551,612
(430)
(217,924)
344,489

The notes on pages 76 to 78 form part of these financial statements.

These financial statements of boohoo.com plc, registered number 114397, on pages 72 to 78 were approved by the board of 
directors on 5 May 2015 and were signed on its behalf by:

MAHMUD KAMANI
Director

5 May 2015

CAROL KANE
Director

NEIL CAT T O
Director

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24077.04 - 8 May 2015 6:26 AM - Proof 5

boohoo.com plc | stock code: BOOAnnual Report & Accounts for the year ended 28 February 201574 | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 75

C OMPANY S TAT EME NT O F 
CHANGE S I N E QUIT Y

Issue of shares
Purchase of shares by EBT
Share-based payments credit
Loss for the year
Balance at 28 February 2015

Share 
capital
£000
11,231
–
–
–
11,231

Share 
premium
£000
551,612
–
–
–
551,612

EBT 
reserve
£000
–
(430)
–
–
(430)

Retained 
earnings
£000
–
–
292
(218,216)
(217,924)

Total 
equity
£000
562,843
(430)
292
(218,216)
344,489

The notes on pages 76 to 78 form part of these financial statements.

C OMPANY CASH FL OW 
S TAT EME NT

for the year ended 28 February 2015

Cash flows from operating activities
Loss for the year
Adjustments for:
Impairment of investment in subsidiary
Finance income
Tax expense
Loss before tax before changes in working capital and provisions
Increase in other receivables
Net cash outflow from operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Interest received
Net cash inflow from investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from the issue of ordinary shares
Payment of convertible loan notes to shareholders of ABK Limited
Share issue costs written off to share premium
Purchase of own shares by EBT
Net cash 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 76 to 78 form part of these financial statements.

Note

2015
£000

4

(218,216)

218,000
(924)
55
(1,085)
(36,683)
(37,768)

885
885

300,000
(239,899)
(12,586)
(401)
47,114
10,231
–
10,231

24077.04 - 8 May 2015 6:26 AM - Proof 5

24077.04 - 8 May 2015 6:26 AM - Proof 5

boohoo.com plc | stock code: BOOAnnual Report & Accounts for the year ended 28 February 201576 | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 77

NOT E S T O T HE C OMPANY FI NANCIAL 
S TAT EME NT S

forming part of the financial statements

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES 
Basis of preparation
The financial statements of the company have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRS) and International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRS IC) interpretations, as adopted by the European 
Union and the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991. As at the year end, these are the standards’ subsequent amendments and 
related interpretations issued and adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) that have been endorsed 
by the European Union.

These financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis as explained on page 32 of the directors’ report, under the 
historical cost convention.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRSs requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. 
It also requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the company’s accounting policies. The 
areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the 
financial statements, are disclosed in note 3 of the consolidated financial statements.

A summary of the more important policies adopted in dealing with items that are considered material to the company and 
are not specifically included in the policies in the notes to the consolidated financial statements are shown below. Further 
required disclosures are included in note 1 of the consolidated accounts on page 54.

Income
Dividend income is recognised when the right to receive payment is established.

Investments
Investments are accounted for at cost unless there is evidence of a permanent diminution in value, in which case they are 
written down to their estimated realisable value. Any such provision, together with any realised gains and losses, is included 
in the statement of comprehensive income.

boohoo.com plc is required to recognise share-based payment arrangements involving equity instruments where boohoo.com 
plc has remunerated those providing services to the entity in this way. boohoo.com plc makes contributions to boohoo.com UK 
Limited equal to the charge for the share-based payment arrangement which is reflected as an increase in boohoo.com plc’s 
investment in boohoo.com UK Limited.

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:

Impairment of investment
The impairment of the carrying value of the investment in subsidiaries is calculated using forward looking assumptions of 
profit growth rates, discount rates and time frames, which require management judgement and estimates that cannot be 
certain.

2  LOSS FOR THE YEAR
Loss before tax is stated after charging:

Impairment of investment in subsidiaries
Exceptional items – IPO expenses

2015
£000
218,000
873

3 INVESTMENTS

Cost
Balance at 14 March 2014
Additions
Balance at 28 February 2015
Impairment
Balance at 14 March 2014
Charge for year
Balance at 28 February 2015
Net book value
At 14 March 2014
At 28 February 2015

Investments
£000

Capital 
contribution
£000

–
515,299
515,299

–
218,000
218,000

–
297,299

–
292
292

–
–
–

–
292

Total 
£000

–
515,591
515,591

–
218,000
218,000

–
297,591

Additions of investment balances during the year to 28 February 2015 are a result of the acquisition of the boohoo.com UK 
Limited business following the admission of the parent company to AIM and relate only to group entities.

The value of the investment in subsidiaries was revalued to £298 million using value in use methodology, specifically a ten 
year discounted cash flow with a discount rate of 9.5%. The ten year period and discount rate are considered appropriate for 
the valuation of a business with a long-term future and in line with accepted market practice. The discounted cash flows are 
based on lower growth rates of the business of the principal trading subsidiary, boohoo.com UK Limited, than were expected 
when the float price was set in March 2014 when the value of the investment in subsidiaries was established. The impairment 
of the investment is estimated at £218 million.

At 28 February 2015 the company’s subsidiaries were as follows:

Name of company
boohoo.com UK Limited
Boo Who Limited
boohoo.com USA Limited
boohoo.com USA Inc
Shanghai Wasabi Frog Boohoo Ltd

Principal activity
Trading company
Dormant company
Dormant company
Marketing office
Dormant company

Country 
of 
incorporation
UK
UK
UK
USA
China

Percentage 
ownership
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

The accounting reference date of all subsidiaries of boohoo.com plc is 28 February, except for Shanghai Wasabi Frog Boohoo 
Ltd which has an accounting reference date of 31 December due to Chinese statutory requirements.

4 OTHER RECEIVABLES

Prepayments and accrued income
Receivable from subsidiary undertaking

2015
£000
45
36,677
36,722

The fair value of other receivables is not materially different to their carrying value. Management believes that the receivable 
from the subsidiary undertaking of £36,677,000 as at 28 February 2015 is fully recoverable.

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boohoo.com plc | stock code: BOOAnnual Report & Accounts for the year ended 28 February 201578 | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 79

NOT E S T O T HE C OMPANY FI NANCIAL
S TAT EME NT S  C ONT I NUE D

forming part of the financial statements

FIV E Y EAR G ROUP S TAT EME NT 
O F C OMP REHE NSIV E I NC OME

5 SHARE CAPITAL

1,123,132,360 authorised and fully paid ordinary shares of 1p each

2015
£000
11,231

On Admission, the company issued a total of 1,123,132,360 shares as follows: 600,000,000 were issued to institutional 
investors and company employees at 50 pence each for a total consideration of £300,000,000; 520,210,360 were issued in a 
share conversion and share for share exchange to the shareholders of ABK Limited for 100% of the shares of ABK Limited; 
and 2,922,000 were issued for the Share Incentive Plan for the benefit of employees of the company and for which there was 
no consideration. The aggregate nominal value of the shares issued was £11,231,324. The Admission date was 14 March 2014 
and the market price of the shares was 50 pence each, as detailed in the Admission Document published on 5 March 2014.

During the year, the Employee Share Trust bought one million shares at 40 pence each to be held for the benefit of employees 
in the ESOP scheme.

6 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
During the year, the company entered into transactions in the ordinary course of business with related parties as follows:

Costs recharged by subsidiary undertakings
Interest recharged to subsidiary undertakings

2015
£000
(2,111)
688
(1,423)

Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Distribution costs
Administrative expenses
Other income
Operating profit
Finance income/(expense)
Profit before tax
Taxation
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income for the year, net of 
income tax
Net fair value gain on cash flow hedges
Total comprehensive income for the year
Earnings per share*
Basic
Diluted

2011
£000
24,486
(11,906)
12,580
(5,869)
(6,534)
–
177
(38)
139
–
139

–
139

0.01p
0.01p

2012
£000
29,012
(13,627)
15,385
(6,695)
(8,430)
–
260
(11)
249
–
249

–
249

0.02p
0.02p

2013
£000
67,282
(30,619)
36,663
(13,613)
(19,764)
–
3,286
(102)
3,184
(614)
2,570

–
2,570

0.23p
0.23p

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

0.75p
0.74p

2015
£000
139,851
(54,806)
85,045
(30,653)
(43,814)
–
10,578
490
11,068
(2,663)
8,405

802
9,207

0.75p
0.74p

* Earnings per share is calculated on the basis of the number of shares on admission for 2014 and prior years.

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boohoo.com plc | stock code: BOOAnnual Report & Accounts for the year ended 28 February 201580 | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

boohoo.com plc | stock code: BOO

Annual Report & Accounts for the year ended 28 February 2015

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION | 81

FIV E Y EAR G ROUP S TAT EME NT O F  
FI NANCIAL P OSIT I ON

Non-current assets
Current assets
Total assets
Equity attributable to the owners of the parent
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Total liabilities, capital and reserves

2011
£000
1,610
4,177
5,787
(970)
6,107
650
5,787

2012
£000
1,513
5,848
7,361
(721)
7,535
547
7,361

2013
£000
5,626
12,320
17,946
1,849
13,576
2,521
17,946

2014
£000
9,284
19,258
28,542
9,760
16,424
2,358
28,542

2015
£000
15,461
70,031
85,492
66,373
19,119
–
85,492

FIV E Y EAR G ROUP  
CASH FL OW S TAT EME NT

Net cash generated from operating activities
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash generated from/(used in) financing activities
Net movement in cash and cash equivalents
Opening cash and cash equivalents
Closing cash and cash equivalents

2011
£000
1,945
(1,677)
267
535
27
562

2012
£000
1,460
(253)
(209)
998
562
1,560

2013
£000
5,607
(4,648)
2,088
3,047
1,560
4,607

2014
£000
5,879
(4,577)
(498)
804
4,607
5,411

2015
£000
12,161
(7,798)
44,372
48,735
5,411
54,146

SHAREHOLDE R 
I NF ORMAT I ON

REGISTERED ADDRESS OF COMPANY
Registered in Jersey, number 114397

12 Castle Street 
St Helier 
Jersey 
JE2 3RT

HEAD OFFICE
49–51 Dale Street 
Manchester 
M1 2HF

COMPANY SECRETARY
Louise Fishwick

CORPORATE WEBSITE
www.boohooplc.com

NOMINATED ADVISOR AND JOINT BROKER
Zeus Capital 
82 King Street  
Manchester  
M2 4WQ

Berkeley Square 
Mayfair 
London 
W1J 6HE

JOINT BROKER
Jefferies Hoare Govett 
Vintners Place  
68 Upper Thames Street  
London  
EC4V 3BJ

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

SOLICITORS
TLT LLP 
3 Hardman Square 
Manchester 
M3 3EB

Pannone Corporate LLP 
Lincoln House 
Brazennoze Street 
Manchester 
M2 5FJ

Ogier 
Ogier House 
The Esplanade 
St Helier 
Jersey 
JE4 9WG

FINANCIAL PR
Buchanan 
107 Cheapside 
London 
EC2V 6DN

COMPANY REGISTRARS
Capita Registrars (Jersey) Limited 
12 Castle Street 
St Helier 
Jersey 
JE2 3RT

PRINCIPAL BANKERS
HSBC Bank 
4 Hardman Square 
Spinningfields 
Manchester 
M3 3EB 

B

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12 CASTLE STREET
ST HELIER
JERSEY 
JE2 3RT.

NUMBER: 114397

www.boohoo.com

@boohoo

@boohooofficial

facebook.com/boohoo.com

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Annualreportreport2015