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Canfor Pulp Products

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FY2015 Annual Report · Canfor Pulp Products
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Head Office: 19/23 Grosvenor Hill, London W1K 3QD  
Tel: 020 7493 2231  Fax: 020 7495 3123

A n n u a l   R e p o r t   a n d   A c c o u n t s   2 0 1 5

Colefax  Group  is  an  international  designer  and  distributor  of  luxury 
furnishing fabrics and wallpapers and a leading international decorating 
company. Sales  are  made  under  the  brand  names  Colefax  and  Fowler, 
Cowtan and Tout, Jane Churchill, Larsen and Manuel Canovas. The Group 
has offices in the UK, USA, France, Germany and Italy which form part of 
an expanding worldwide distribution network.

C O N T E N T S

Financial Highlights 

Chairman’s Statement 

Strategic Report 

Directors, Bankers and Advisers 

Directors’ Report 

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities 

Independent Auditors’ Report 

Group Income Statement 

Group Statement of Comprehensive Income 

Group Statement of Financial Position 

Company Statement of Financial Position 

Group Statement of Cash Flows 

Company Statement of Cash Flows 

Group Statement of Changes in Equity 

Company Statement of Changes in Equity 

Notes to the Accounts 

Five Year Review 

Notice of Meeting 

1

2

4

8

9

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

20

21

40

41

Park is an EMAS certified company and its Environmental Management System is certified to ISO 14001.

Printed by Park Communications on FSC® certified paper.

Job No: 22500Proof Event: 9Black Line Level: 0Park Communications Ltd Alpine Way London E6 6LACustomer: ColefaxProject Title: Annual ReportT: 0207 055 6500 F: 020 7055 6600Job No: 22500Proof Event: 9Black Line Level: 0Park Communications Ltd Alpine Way London E6 6LACustomer: ColefaxProject Title: Annual ReportT: 0207 055 6500 F: 020 7055 6600 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 1

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

F I N A N C I A L   H I G H L I G H T S

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

Increase/
(decrease)

Revenue

76,796

78,035

(2)%

Profit from operations

5,037

4,922

Profit before taxation 

5,029

4,885

Profit attributable to shareholders

3,542

3,353

2%

3%

6%

Basic earnings per share

32.2p

27.9p

15%

Diluted earnings per share

32.2p

27.9p

15%

Dividends per share

4.40p

4.20p

Equity

23,757

22,211

5%

7%

Operating cash flow

8,741

4,867

80%

Cash and cash equivalents

6,861

4,057

69%

* Restated

1

Job No.: 22500
Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 10
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Park Communications Ltd Alpine Way London E6 6LA
T: 020 7055 6500 F: 020 7055 6600

22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 2

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

C H A I R M A N ’ S   S TAT E M E N T

Financial Results
The  Group’s  pre-tax  profit  for  the  year  to  30th  April  2015  increased  by  3%  to  £5.03  million 
(2014 – £4.89 million) on sales down by 2% to £76.80 million (2014 – £78.04 million). Earnings
per share increased by 15% to 32.2p (2014 – 27.9p). The Group ended the year with net cash of 
£6.86 million (2014 – £4.06 million).

The Board is proposing to raise the final dividend by 5% to 2.30p per share (2014 – 2.20p) making
a  total  for  the  year  of  4.40p,  an  increase  of  5%.  The  final  dividend  will  be  paid  on 
9th October 2015 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 11th September 2015.

During  the  year  the  Group  returned  £1.6  million  of  surplus  cash  to  shareholders  by  purchasing
418,982 shares at an average price of 372.5p representing 3.7% of the Group’s issued share capital.

This year’s results reflect a good performance from the Fabric Division with an increase in operating
profits  of  28%  to  £5.0  million  mainly  due  to  the  continued  recovery  of  the  US  market  and  a
significant strengthening of the US Dollar in the second half of the year. In contrast the Decorating
Division had a challenging year reporting a loss of £139,000 on sales down 28% at £8.0 million.
This  compares  to  a  profit  of  £985,000  last  year  and  mainly  reflects  fluctuations  in  the  timing  of
major projects but also a weak trading environment for antiques.

Product Division
•

Fabric Division – Portfolio of Five Brands: “Colefax and Fowler”, “Cowtan and Tout”, 
“Jane Churchill”, “Manuel Canovas” and “Larsen”

Sales  in  the  Fabric  Division,  which  represent  86%  of  Group  turnover  increased  by  3%  to 
£66.31  million  (2014 – £64.52  million)  and  by  4%  on  a  constant  currency  basis.  Operating  profit
increased by 28% to £5.01 million (2014 – £3.91 million) mainly due to increased sales in our two
major markets, the US and the UK and the benefit of a strong US Dollar in the second half of the year.

Sales in the US, which represent 56% of the Fabric Division’s turnover increased by 8% and by 7%
on a constant currency basis. The US market continues to improve and we are confident that market
conditions will remain positive for the remainder of this year. We have taken over the distribution
of  our  product  from  our  agent  in  Boston  and  will  be  opening  a  new  showroom  within  the  next 
12  months. We  now  operate  our  own  showrooms  in  seven  of  the  major  US  territories  and  these
account for approximately 65% of sales in this market. 

Sales in the UK, which represent 19% of the Fabric Division’s turnover, increased by 1% during the
year. During the second half of the year the high end housing market was adversely affected by the
threat of the mansion tax and a significant increase in stamp duty. Whilst the mansion tax threat has
been removed by the election result the rise in stamp duty is still having a negative effect on high
end housing transactions. Overall we are optimistic that this market will perform well in the current
year due to the underlying strength of the economy.

Sales in Continental Europe, which represent 22% of the Fabric Division’s turnover, were down by
7%  but  flat  on  a  constant  currency  basis. There  has  been  little  improvement  in  any  of  the  major
markets  in  Continental  Europe  and  trading  in  France,  our  largest  European  market,  remains
challenging. However we believe that the dual benefits of quantitative easing and a much weaker
exchange rate will provide a boost to eurozone economies and help to improve trading conditions
for us in the second half of the year. We are seeing some positive benefit from our new showroom
in  Milan  and  there  are  encouraging  signs  of  an  improvement  in  some  of  our  smaller  European
markets although they will not have a material impact on our overall results.

Sales in the Rest of the World increased by 3% to £1.95 million (2014 – £1.90 million). In Australia,
China and the Middle East, we are continuing to see reasonable growth but this has been partially
offset by a significant decline in sales in Russia.

2

Job No.: 22500
Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 10
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Park Communications Ltd Alpine Way London E6 6LA
T: 020 7055 6500 F: 020 7055 6600

22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  28/07/2015  12:52  Page 3

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

C H A I R M A N ’ S   S TAT E M E N T

•

Furniture – Kingcome Sofas

Sales of Kingcome furniture, which are included within the product division and account for 3% of
Group  turnover,  increased  by  8%  to  £2.45  million  (2014  – £2.27  million).  Operating  profit  was
£171,000  compared  to  £24,000  last  year  reflecting  the  high  level  of  operational  gearing  in  this
business.  Market  conditions  for  high  end  furniture  have  continued  to  improve  and  we  are
continuing to explore opportunities for this division to make a more significant contribution to the
Group’s results. 

Interior Decorating Division
Decorating sales, which account for 10% of Group turnover, decreased by 29% to £8.03 million
(2014 – £11.24 million) following an exceptional performance last year. The division made a loss
of £139,000 compared to a profit of £985,000 last year. This is a disappointing result which mainly
reflects the uneven timing of major projects. In addition we experienced a decline in antique sales
and with demand for antiques remaining weak, we do not envisage a significant improvement in
this part of the business. As a result we are cautious about prospects for the year ahead despite a
reasonable level of decorating deposits. 

Prospects
Trading conditions in our two principal markets, the US and UK, continue to improve and we are
optimistic about further growth in our core Fabric Division. Continental Europe remains difficult but
we are hopeful that trading conditions will start to improve in the second half of the year. Our strategy
is  to  continue  to  invest  in  our  portfolio  of  brands  and  in  our  distribution  network  with  particular
emphasis  on  markets  which  offer  the  most  growth  potential. We  will  maintain  our  focus  on  cash
generation through tight control of working capital.

Although we are cautious about prospects for our Decorating Division we expect to see increased
activity  in  all  the  other  areas  of  our  business  and  as  a  result  we  are  optimistic  about  our  overall
performance.

David B. Green
Chairman
27th July 2015

3

Job No.: 22500
Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 13
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Park Communications Ltd Alpine Way London E6 6LA
T: 020 7055 6500 F: 020 7055 6600

22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 4

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

S T R AT E G I C   R E P O RT

Strategy and Business Model
The core business of Colefax Group Plc is the design and distribution of luxury furnishing fabrics and wallpapers.
The  Group  does  not  manufacture  any  fabrics  and  wallpapers  and  they  are  sourced  from  over  100  third  party
suppliers  primarily  in  Italy,  France,  Belgium,  the  UK  and  India. This  broad  supplier  base  enables  the  Group  to
respond quickly to changing market tastes whilst at the same time avoids the complexity and capital intensive nature
of the manufacturing process. 

The Group sells its fabrics and wallpapers through a ‘portfolio’ of luxury brands. The rationale behind the portfolio
is that each brand has a particular look and price point and caters to a particular segment of the market. The brands
have  different  strengths  in  different  markets  and  product  categories  which  enables  the  Group  to  maximise  sales
through  its  worldwide  distribution  network. The  Group  is  interested  to  acquire  additional  fabric  and  wallpaper
brands  provided  they  complement  the  existing  portfolio.  However,  the  Group  believes  that  there  are  significant
opportunities to grow sales of its existing brands through targeted new product development and acquisitions are
seen as complementary rather than essential to the overall strategy. The luxury market remains highly fragmented
although in recent years it has tended to be dominated by fewer larger participants all of whom have pursued the
portfolio model.

The Group’s fabric and wallpapers are sold in over 50 countries worldwide although the US market now accounts
for 56% of sales and the UK market 19% of sales. The next largest individual country is France which accounts for
6% of sales. The Group sells primarily to interior designers and retail fabric and wallpaper shops (the ‘trade’) and
apart from two retail outlets in London accounting for just under 1% of Group sales there is no direct retail activity.
The Group adopts different sales approaches according to the size and potential of individual markets. In major
geographical markets the Group mainly employs its own sales staff to sell direct to trade customers. In medium sized
markets  the  Group  sells  through  agents  who  receive  a  sales  commission  and  in  smaller  or  complex  markets  the
Group uses exclusive distributors. 

The operational rationale behind the Group’s portfolio of brands is that each brand has a separate design studio but
shares a common operational platform in terms of marketing, sales, warehousing, IT systems and accounting. This
minimises costs and maximises efficiency whilst at the same time keeping the identity of each brand distinct and
separate in the market. 

The Group has five fabric and wallpaper brands all sold at the premium end of the market. Colefax and Fowler is a
renowned luxury English brand and is complemented by another English brand Jane Churchill which is targeted at
a lower price point than Colefax and Fowler. Larsen is a highly innovative contemporary US brand and Manuel
Canovas is an iconic luxury French brand. Cowtan and Tout is a very high end luxury US brand sold exclusively in
the US market.

The Group’s current strategy is to maximise sales and operating profit from its existing portfolio of brands primarily
through an annual cycle of new product investment. This is the key driver of sales growth and the market reaction
to new product is one of the key business risks. Typically each brand introduces a major new collection annually
supplemented by additional product launches at certain times.

In addition to the Group’s core fabric and wallpaper brands (the Fabric Division) the Group owns a UK based luxury
sofa manufacturer Kingcome Sofas. Production takes place at a freehold factory in Devon which employs 38 staff
and this is the Group’s only manufacturing activity. It is a relatively small part of the Group accounting for just under
4% of sales. Although a distinct activity the furniture company is grouped with the fabric and wallpaper brands to
make up the Product Division. 

The Group owns an ultra luxury interior design business trading as Sibyl Colefax and John Fowler Limited. Founded
in  1933  this  activity  is  the  original  business  from  which  the  rest  of  the  Group  evolved  and  is  referred  to  as  the
Decorating Division. Currently it accounts for approximately 11% of Group sales. The business undertakes interior
design  and  decoration  projects  primarily  for  high  end  residential  customers. All  projects  are  fully  estimated  and
funded  by  customer  deposits. There  are  four  Design  Directors  and  two Associate  Directors  each  with  their  own
portfolio  of  clients. The  business  is  international  with  a  broad  geographical  spread  and  the  high  end  client  base
means it is quite resilient to normal economic cycles. However, the project based nature of this activity means that
there can be quite significant fluctuations in profits from year to year. The Decorating Division also encompasses a
decorative antiques business which complements the interior design and decoration business.

4

Job No.: 22500
Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 10
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Park Communications Ltd Alpine Way London E6 6LA
T: 020 7055 6500 F: 020 7055 6600

22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 5

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

S T R AT E G I C   R E P O RT

Key Performance Indicators 
Given the size and nature of the Group’s activities the Key Performance Indicators are all financial in nature:

Constant Currency Sales Growth
Gross Profit Margin
Operating Profit Margin
Earnings Per Share
Operating Cash Flow

2015
-0.5%
54.7%
6.6%
32.2p
£8.7m

2014
11.2%
53.3%
6.3%
27.9p
£4.9m

Sales Growth
Group sales decreased by 1.6% to £76.80 million (2014 – £78.04 million) and by 0.5% on a constant currency
basis. The main reason for the decrease in sales was a much lower level of activity in the Decorating Division where
sales decreased by 28.6% or £3.2 million. The decline in decorating sales follows an exceptional performance last
year and reflects fewer major projects as well as challenging market conditions for antiques. 

In the core Fabric Division sales increased by £1.8 million or 2.8% to £66.31 million (2014 – £64.52 million) and
by 4.1% on a constant currency basis. The main driver of growth was the US market where sales increased by 7%
on  a  constant  currency  basis. The  rate  of  growth  slowed  from  8.6%  in  the  first  half  to  5.7%  in  the  second  half
reflecting tougher prior year comparatives. The recovery in US sales has been remarkably steady since the financial
crisis in 2008 although total sales are still 10% below the 2008 peak. In the UK sales increased by just 1% which
we attribute to the impact of the election on the high end housing market in the second half of the year. Sales in
Europe were flat on a constant currency basis reflecting challenging market conditions in most markets and it has
been noticeably harder to sell sample books to trade customers. 

Overall the high end fabric industry remains highly competitive and we expect this to intensify as market conditions
continue to improve.

Gross Profit Margin
The  overall  gross  profit  margin  increased  by  1.4  to  54.7%. The  increase  was  almost  entirely  due  to  the  lower
proportion  of  Decorating  Division  sales  which  have  a  lower  margin  than  Fabric  Division  sales. The  US  Dollar
exchange rate has a significant impact on the Group’s gross profit margin due to the fact that 56% of Fabric Division
sales are made in the US and invoiced in US Dollars but most of the goods sold are sourced in Sterling or Euros. 
A  one  cent  movement  in  the  average  rate  for  the  year  against  Sterling  impacts  gross  profit  by  approximately 
£94,000.  During  the  year  the  US  Dollar  averaged  $1.59  compared  to  $1.61  last  year  although  this  average  rate
conceals a significant strengthening of the US Dollar during the second half from an average of $1.66 to $1.53. 
This  improvement  had  a  significant  impact  on  the  result  for  the  year  and  helped  to  offset  the  disappointing
performance from the Decorating Division. The Group does not have any significant exposure to the Euro Sterling
exchange rate as there is a natural hedge between Euro costs and revenues.

The average and closing US dollar and Euro rates were as follows:

US dollar average
US dollar closing
Euro average
Euro closing

2015
1.59
1.54
1.30
1.37

2014
1.61
1.69
1.19
1.22

% change
1%
9%
-9%
-12%

Operating Profit Margin
Group operating profit increased by 2% to £5.04 million (2014 – £4.92 million) representing an operating profit
margin of 6.6% (2014 – 6.3%). This very small improvement is mainly due to the fact that the Decorating Division
made a loss of £139,000 on sales of £8 million. In the Fabric Division the operating profit margin was 7.5% and
was impacted by a weak US Dollar in the first half of the year. Fabric Division profits are particularly sensitive to
small fluctuations in sales due to relatively high gross margins and a fairly fixed cost base comprising mainly staff
and premises costs. 

5

Job No.: 22500
Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 10
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Park Communications Ltd Alpine Way London E6 6LA
T: 020 7055 6500 F: 020 7055 6600

22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 6

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

S T R AT E G I C   R E P O RT

Earnings Per Share
Earnings per share increased by 15% to 32.2p (2014 – 27.9p). This compares to a 5.6% increase in profits after tax
and the difference is mainly due to an 8.7% reduction in the weighted average number of shares in issue during the
year. During the year the Group acquired 418,982 shares at a cost of £1.57 million or an average of 372.5p per
share and in the prior year the Group acquitted 1,063,518 shares at a cost of £4.36 million or £4.00 per share. 

The  Board  remains  committed  to  a  policy  of  returning  surplus  cash  to  shareholders  by  way  of  share  buybacks
provided it enhances shareholder value. Following resolutions passed at the AGM held on 11th September 2012 the
Group has authority to make annual purchases up to a maximum of 4,774,004 shares over five years. The maximum
number of shares that can still be purchased under this authority is 1,909,776 or 17.6% of the issued share capital.

Earnings  per  share  also  benefitted  from  a  1.8%  reduction  in  the  effective  Group  tax  rate  from  31.4%  to  29.6%
mainly due to lower corporation tax rates on UK profits.

Operating Cash Flow
The Group’s operating cash flow was up by 80% at £8.74 million (2014 – £4.87 million) compared to profit before
tax  of  £5.03  million. This  was  an  exceptional  performance  due  to  a  number  of  factors.  Inventory  decreased  by 
£1.4 million during the year mainly due to timing differences in the launch of new fabric collections but also the
benefit  of  a  much  weaker  Euro  exchange  rate  in  the  second  half  of  the  year.  Debtors  decreased  by  £655,000
reflecting an above average level of Decorating Division debtors at the start of the year following an exceptional
performance in the prior year. Creditors reduced by £388,000 also reflecting timing differences in the launch of new
fabric  collections.  Overall  there  was  a  working  capital  decrease  of  £1.68  million  compared  to  a  net  increase  of
£2.13 million in the prior year. Depreciation amounted to £2.03 million (2014 – £2.08 million) compared to net
capital expenditure of £2.18 million (2014 – £1.57 million).

Principal Risks and Uncertainties
The Group has put in place controls to identify, monitor and manage the principal risks and uncertainties faced by
the  Group.  Risks  are  ranked  according  to  their  potential  financial  impact  and  probability  and  a  Group  Risk
Assessment Report is presented bi-annually to the Audit Committee. The Group’s Executive Directors provide input
into the risk assessment process where relevant.

The principal risks can be summarized into business risks, financial risks and operational risks.

Business risks
The main internal business risk relates to the market reaction to new product investment. The risk is mitigated by
employing  talented  and  experienced  design  studio  staff  together  with  tight  budgetary  controls  over  new  product
investment and regular feedback and financial analysis.

The  main  external  business  risk  is  a  downturn  in  the  high  end  housing  market. The  business  is  not  immune  to
economic cycles and in particular it tends to lag changes in the strength of the housing market. Both the number of
high end transactions and the level of price inflation are important. The main control for responding to changes in
the housing market is the amount of new product investment.

Financial risks
There  are  two  major  financial  risks  facing  the  Group. The  first  is  the  US  Dollar  exchange  rate  against  Sterling. 
This can have a material impact on profitability because every one cent movement in the exchange rate impacts
Group profits by approximately £94,000. The Group seeks to hedge against fluctuations in the US Dollar exchange
rate by taking out forward contracts to sell US dollars at rates close to or better than the annual budgeted rate. 

The second major financial risk relates to obsolete inventory. Each fabric brand consists of hundreds of individual
fabric  and  wallpaper  options  and  as  a  result  the  largest  component  of  the  balance  sheet  is  finished  goods  stock
amounting  to  approximately  £12.1  million. There  are  substantial  fluctuations  in  inventory  levels  during  the  year
relating  to  the  timing  of  new  product  launches.  Obsolete  stock  arises  due  to  surpluses  resulting  from  supplier
minimum  orders,  sales  declines  through  the  product  life  cycle  and  product  discontinuations.  Some  obsolete
inventory  is  an  inevitable  feature  of  the  business  but  the  Board  seeks  to  mitigate  the  risk  of  obsolete  inventory
through tight purchasing controls and budgetary controls over new product investment.

6

Job No.: 22500
Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 10
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Park Communications Ltd Alpine Way London E6 6LA
T: 020 7055 6500 F: 020 7055 6600

22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 7

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

S T R AT E G I C   R E P O RT

Operational risks
There are two main operational risks. The first relates to the loss or failure of the Group’s IT system in the UK or the
US. The nature of the Fabric Division business is that it involves large numbers of stock items, large numbers of
customers and large numbers of transactions. As a result the Group is highly dependent on its IT systems and the
main way that the Group mitigates this risk is through real-time backup procedures in the UK and the US. In addition
the Group has full business interruption insurance.

The second main operational risk relates to loss or damage to the Group’s warehouse and operations facilities in the
US and the UK including loss or damage to inventory. The risk is spread by having 3 warehouse sites in the UK and
one in the US. The main way that the Group mitigates this risk is by having alarm systems and disaster recovery
plans as well as full inventory insurance and business interruption insurance.

The above report was approved by the Directors on 27th July 2015 and signed on its behalf by

R. M. Barker BSc ACA
Group Finance Director

7

Job No.: 22500
Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 10
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Park Communications Ltd Alpine Way London E6 6LA
T: 020 7055 6500 F: 020 7055 6600

22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 8

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

D I R E C T O R S,  B A N K E R S   A N D   A D V I S E R S

Directors

Nominated Advisers and Stockbrokers

D. B. Green, Chairman and Chief Executive
R. M. Barker BSc ACA, Finance Director
W. Nicholls, Decorating Managing Director
K. Hall, Chief Executive Officer – USA
A. K. P. Smith, Non-Executive Director

Secretary and Registered Office

R. M. Barker BSc ACA
39 Brook Street, London W1K 4JE

Peel Hunt LLP
Moor House
120 London Wall
London EC2Y 5ET

Auditors

BDO LLP
55 Baker Street
London W1U 7EU

Registered in England No. 1870320

Solicitors

King & Wood Mallesons SJ Berwin
10 Queen Street Place
London EC4R 1BE

Bankers

HSBC Bank plc
31 Holborn
London EC1N 2HR

HSBC Bank USA
452 Fifth Avenue
New York
NY 10018
U.S.A.

JP Morgan Chase Bank
270 Park Avenue
41st Floor
New York
NY 10017
U.S.A.

Registrars and Transfer Office

Computershare Investor Services PLC
The Pavilions
Bridgwater Road
Bristol BS99 6ZY

8

Job No.: 22500
Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 10
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Park Communications Ltd Alpine Way London E6 6LA
T: 020 7055 6500 F: 020 7055 6600

22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 9

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

D I R E C T O R S ’  R E P O RT

The Directors submit their report and Group financial statements for the year ended 30th April 2015.

Principal Activities
The  principal  activities  of  the  Group  are  the  design,  marketing,  distribution  and  retailing  of  furnishing  fabrics,
wallpapers, trimmings, related products and upholstered furniture in the UK and overseas and the sale of antiques,
interior and architectural design, project management, decorating and furnishing for private and commercial clients.

Review of the Business and Future Developments
Details of the Group’s activities during the year, key performance indicators and future plans are contained in the
Chairman’s Statement on pages 2 and 3, and in the Strategic Report on pages 4 to 7.

Share Capital
At  the  forthcoming  Annual  General  Meeting,  certain  resolutions  are  to  be  proposed  relating  to  the  allotment
of shares.

Resolution  Number  6,  proposed  as  an  ordinary  resolution,  would  authorise  the  Directors  to  allot  shares  in  the
Company  and  to  grant  rights  to  subscribe  for  or  to  convert  any  security  into  shares  in  the  Company  up  to  a
maximum of one third of the issued share capital of the Company for a period expiring on the date of the next
Annual General Meeting or 15 months after the passing of the resolution, whichever occurs first.

In addition, Resolution Number 6 would also authorise the Directors to allot equity securities in connection with a
rights issue up to a maximum of one third of the issued share capital of the Company for a period expiring on the
date of the next Annual General Meeting or 15 months after the passing of the resolution, whichever occurs first.

Resolution Number 7, proposed as a special resolution, would authorise the Directors to allot shares for cash, on
rights issues and other issues to existing shareholders in proportion to their existing holdings and also allows issues
or sales other than to existing shareholders in respect of a maximum of 5% of the existing issued share capital of
the Company, for a period again expiring on the date of the next Annual General Meeting or 15 months after the
passing of the resolution, whichever occurs first.

Purchase of Own Shares
The  Board  is  committed  to  a  strategy  of  utilising  surplus  cash  for  share  buybacks  provided  they  enhance
shareholder value through their effect on earnings per share and return on capital employed.

Results and Dividends
The Group’s profit after tax was £3,542,000 (2014 – £3,353,000). An interim dividend of 2.10p (2014 – 2.00p) per
share was paid to shareholders on 10th April 2015. The Directors recommend the payment of a final dividend of
2.30p (2014 – 2.20p) per share to be paid on 9th October 2015 to shareholders on the register at the close of
business on 11th September 2015. The proposed final dividend has not been accrued for because the dividend
was declared after the year end and is yet to be approved at the Annual General Meeting. The total dividend for
the year is 4.40p (2014 – 4.20p) per share and the total of the interim and proposed final dividend is £474,000
(2014 – £470,000).

Employees
The Group values the involvement of its employees and keeps them informed on matters affecting them and on
factors affecting the performance of the Group. Information is given at formal and informal meetings throughout
the year.

The Group believes in a policy of equal opportunities. Recruitment and promotion are undertaken on the basis of
merit, regardless of gender, race, age, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, colour and disability.

Disabled Persons
It is the policy of the Group to employ disabled persons wherever appropriate. Such disabled employees are given
the same opportunities for training and promotion as other employees. In the event of members of staff becoming
disabled, every effort is made to ensure that their employment with the Group continues.

Events after the Reporting Date
No significant events have occurred since 30th April 2015 at the date of approval of these financial statements.

9

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22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 10

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

D I R E C T O R S ’  R E P O RT

Financial Risk Management
Details of the use of financial instruments and financial risk management are contained in note 20 to the financial
statements.

Freehold Property
The  Group’s  freehold  property  was  last  valued  on  28th April  2011  on  an  open  market  value  basis  by  qualified
valuers  from  Drew  Pearce,  an  independent  firm  of  chartered  surveyors.  The  valuation  was  carried  out  in
accordance with guidance issued by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. The market value determined
under this basis was £850,000.

The net book value of the Group’s freehold property, on an historical cost basis, was £169,000 at 30th April 2015
(2014 – £169,000).

Directors
The Directors listed on page 8 have held office throughout the year to 30th April 2015.

In accordance with Article 14.1 of the Company’s Articles of Association, David Green will retire by rotation at the
Annual General Meeting. Resolution 5 proposes his re-election as Director. David Green has a service contract
which is terminable by one year’s notice by either the Company or the Director.

Non-Executive Directors
A. K. P. Smith was appointed as non-executive Director in February 1994.

Directors’ Remuneration

Executive Directors:
D. B. Green
R. M. Barker
W. Nicholls
K. Hall

Non-executive Directors:
A. K. P. Smith

Salary and
fees
£’000

Bonus
£’000

Benefits
Pension
in kind contributions
£’000

£’000

640
200
182
281

28

1,331

32
10
9
13

0

64

45
9
24
0

0

78

0
20
0
18

0

38

2015
Total
£’000

717
239
215
312

28

1,511

2014
Total
£’000

710
244
229
282

25

1,490

Substantial Shareholdings
Interests amounting to 3% or more in the issued share capital of the Company were as follows as at 27th July 2015:

D. B. Green
Rights and Issues Investment Trust
Schroder plc
Hunter Hall Investment Management
Discretionary Unit Fund Managers

Number of shares
3,648,681
2,050,000
1,938,234
496,479
435,000

%
33.7
18.9
17.9
4.6
4.0

Directors’ Interests
The Directors’ interests in the share capital of the Company at the end of the financial year were as follows:

D. B. Green
R. M. Barker
W. Nicholls
K. Hall
A. K. P. Smith

No Director has interests in the shares of any subsidiary company. 

10

Ordinary shares of 10p each
2014
4,048,681
232,687
100,000
183,365
70,000

2015
3,648,681
224,187
100,000
183,365
45,000

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22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 11

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

D I R E C T O R S ’  R E P O RT

Share Options
There are no options outstanding in respect of the Colefax Group plc Employee Share Ownership Plan Trust.

The market price of the Company’s shares at 30th April 2015 was 412.5p. The range of market prices during the
financial year was between 335p and 412.5p.

Corporate Governance
As the Company is listed on the Alternative Investment Market it is not formally required to comply with the UK
Corporate  Governance  Code.  However,  the  Board  seeks  to  apply  the  principles  of  good  corporate  governance
wherever practical given the confines of a smaller company. The whole Board acts as a Nomination Committee.
The  Board  has  identified  the  principal  business  and  financial  risks  facing  the  Group  and  documented  the  key
control  procedures  that  are  in  place  to  manage  these  risks.  This  document  is  subject  to  review  by  the  Audit
Committee and updated on a regular basis.

Auditors
All of the current directors have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any
information needed by the Company’s auditors for the purposes of their audit and to establish that the auditors are
aware of that information. The directors are not aware of any relevant audit information of which the auditors are
unaware.

A resolution to reappoint BDO LLP as auditors will be put to the members at the Annual General Meeting.

By order of the Board

R. M. Barker BSc ACA
Secretary
27th July 2015

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22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 12

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

S TAT E M E N T   O F   D I R E C T O R S ’  R E S P O N S I B I L I T I E S   I N   R E S P E C T   O F
T H E   F I N A N C I A L   S TAT E M E N T S

Directors’ responsibilities
The  directors  are  responsible  for  preparing  the  annual  report  and  financial  statements  in  accordance  with
applicable law and regulations.

Company  law  requires  the  directors  to  prepare  financial  statements  for  each  financial  year.  Under  that  law  the
directors have elected to prepare the group and company financial statements in accordance with International
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union. Under company law the directors must
not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs
of the group and company and of the profit or loss of the group and company for that period. The directors are
also  required  to  prepare  financial  statements  in  accordance  with  the  rules  of  the  London  Stock  Exchange  for
companies trading securities on the Alternative Investment Market.

In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:

•

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

• make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

•

•

state whether they have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union, subject
to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;

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 adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the
company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company
and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the
prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Website publication
The directors are responsible for ensuring the annual report and the financial statements are made available on a
website. Financial statements are published on the company‘s website in accordance with legislation in the United
Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements, which may vary from legislation in
other jurisdictions. The maintenance and integrity of the company‘s website is the responsibility of the directors.
The directors’ responsibility also extends to the ongoing integrity of the financial statements contained therein.

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22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 13

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

I N D E P E N D E N T   AU D I T O R S ’  R E P O RT
T O   T H E   M E M B E R S   O F   C O L E FA X   G R O U P   P L C

We have audited the financial statements of Colefax Group plc for the year ended 30th April 2015 which comprise
the  group  income  statement  and  statement  of  comprehensive  income,  the  group  and  company  statement  of
financial position, the group and company statement of cash flows, the group and company statement of changes
in equity and the related notes. 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 and,
as regards  the  parent  company  financial  statements,  as  applied  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  the
Companies Act 2006.

This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the
Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members those
matters  we  are  required  to  state  to  them  in  an  auditors’  report  and  for  no  other  purpose. To  the  fullest  extent
permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company’s
members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditors
As  explained  more  fully  in  the  statement  of  directors’  responsibilities,  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).  Those  standards  require  us  to  comply  with  the  Financial  Reporting
Council’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.

Scope of the audit of the financial statements
A  description  of  the  scope  of  an  audit  of  financial  statements  is  provided  on  the  Financial  Reporting  Council’s
website at www.frc.org.uk/auditscopeukprivate.

Opinion on financial statements
In our opinion:

•

•

•

•

the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the group’s and the parent company’s affairs
as at 30th April 2015 and of the group’s profit for the year then ended;

the  group  financial  statements  have  been  properly  prepared  in  accordance  with  IFRSs  as  adopted  by  the
European Union;

the parent company’s financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted
by the European Union and as applied in accordance with provisions of the Companies Act 2006; and

the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion the information given in the strategic report and directors’ report for the financial year for which
the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report
to you if, in our opinion:

•

•

•

adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit
have not been received from branches not visited by us; or

the parent company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or

certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or

• we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

Scott McNaughton (senior statutory auditor)
For and on behalf of BDO LLP, statutory auditor
London, United Kingdom
27th July 2015

BDO LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales (with registered number OC305127).

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22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 14

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

G R O U P   I N C O M E   S TAT E M E N T
For the year ended 30th April 2015

Revenue
Cost of sales

Gross profit
Operating expenses

Profit from operations

Finance income
Finance expense

Profit before taxation

Tax expense
– UK
– Overseas

Profit for the year attributable to 
equity holders of the parent

Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share

Notes

3

5

6

8
8

2015
£’000

76,796
34,760

42,036
36,999

2014
£’000

78,035
36,418

41,617
36,695

5,037

4,922

4
(12)

4
(41)

5,029

4,885

(651)
(836)

(875)
(657)

9

(1,487)

(1,532)

3,542

3,353

11
11

32.2p
32.2p

27.9p
27.9p

The notes on pages 21 to 39 form part of these Consolidated financial statements.

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22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 15

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

G R O U P   S TAT E M E N T   O F   C O M P R E H E N S I V E   I N C O M E
For the year ended 30th April 2015

Notes

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

3,542

3,353

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income/(expense):
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

Cash flow hedges:
(Losses)/gains recognised directly in equity
Transferred to profit and loss for the year

Tax on components of other comprehensive income

19

Total other comprehensive income/(expense)

Total comprehensive income for the year
attributable to equity holders of the parent

299

(797)

(103)
160

(313)

43

135
(171)

248

(585)

3,585

2,768

The notes on pages 21 to 39 form part of these Consolidated financial statements.

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22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 16

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

G R O U P   S TAT E M E N T   O F   F I N A N C I A L   P O S I T I O N
At 30th April 2015

Non-current assets:
Property, plant and equipment
Deferred tax asset

Current assets:
Inventories and work in progress
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

Current liabilities:
Trade and other payables
Current corporation tax

Net current assets

Total assets less current liabilities

Non-current liabilities:
Deferred rent
Pension liability

Net assets

Capital and reserves attributable to equity
holders of the Company:
Called up share capital
Share premium account
Capital redemption reserve
ESOP share reserve
Foreign exchange reserve
Cash flow hedge reserve
Retained earnings

Total equity

Notes

12
19

14
15
16

2015
£’000

7,257
285

7,542

2014
£’000

6,810
590

7,400

12,296
9,681
6,861

13,526
10,055
4,298

28,838

27,879

10,812
230

11,386
425

17

11,042

11,811

17,796

16,068

25,338

23,468

18
24

1,433
148

1,140
117

23,757

22,211

21
22
22
22
22
22
22

1,083
11,148
1,791
(113)
1,062
46
8,740

1,125
11,148
1,749
(113)
1,065
–
7,237

23,757

22,211

The financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on
27th July 2015.

D. B. Green Director
R. M. Barker Director

The notes on pages 21 to 39 form part of these Consolidated financial statements.

Company No. 1870320

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22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 17

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

C O M PA N Y   S TAT E M E N T   O F   F I N A N C I A L   P O S I T I O N
At 30th April 2015

Non-current assets:
Investments

Current assets:
Trade and other receivables

Current liabilities:
Trade and other payables

Net current assets

Net assets

Capital and reserves attributable to equity
holders of the Company:
Called up share capital
Share premium account
Merger reserve
Capital redemption reserve
Retained earnings

Total equity

Notes

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

13

27,093

27,093

15

17

21
22
22
22
22

3,550

3,550

4,882

4,882

2,963

587

3,314

1,568

27,680

28,661

1,083
11,148
10,762
1,791
2,896

1,125
11,148
10,762
1,749
3,877

27,680

28,661

The financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on
27th July 2015.

D. B. Green Director
R. M. Barker Director

The notes on pages 21 to 39 form part of these Consolidated financial statements.

Company No. 1870320

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22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 18

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

G R O U P   S TAT E M E N T   O F   C A S H   F L O W S
For the year ended 30th April 2015

Operating activities
Profit before taxation
Finance income
Finance expense
Depreciation

Cash flows from operations before changes in working capital
Decrease/(increase) in inventories and work in progress
Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables
Decrease in trade and other payables

Cash generated from operations

Taxation paid
UK corporation tax paid
Overseas tax paid

Net cash inflow from operating activities

Investing activities
Payments to acquire property, plant and equipment
Receipts from sales of property, plant and equipment
Interest received

Net cash outflow from investing

Financing activities
Purchase of own shares
Interest paid
Equity dividends paid

Net cash outflow from financing

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Exchange losses on cash and cash equivalents

Notes

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

12

12

10

5,029
(4)
12
2,028

7,065
1,409
655
(388)

8,741

4,885
(4)
41
2,078

7,000
(503)
(380)
(1,250)

4,867

(765)
(894)

(660)
(967)

(1,659)

(1,627)

7,082

3,240

(2,213)
32
4

(1,583)
17
4

(2,177)

(1,562)

(1,567)
(10)
(472)

(4,362)
(29)
(478)

(2,049)

(4,869)

2,856
4,057
(52)

(3,191)
7,630
(382)

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

16

6,861

4,057

The notes on pages 21 to 39 form part of these Consolidated financial statements.

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22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 19

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

C O M PA N Y   S TAT E M E N T   O F  C A S H   F L O W S
For the year ended 30th April 2015

Operating activities
Profit before taxation
Dividend income for the year
Provision against investment
Finance income
Finance expense

Cash flows from operations before changes in working capital
Decrease in trade and other receivables
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables

Cash generated from operations

Taxation paid
UK corporation tax paid

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities

Investing activities
Interest received
Dividends received from subsidiaries

Net cash inflow from investing

Financing activities
Purchase of own shares
Interest paid
Equity dividends paid

Net cash outflow from financing

Notes

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

13

1,195
(1,095)
–
(146)
10

(36)
1,958
(5)

1,917

5,405
(5,800)
500
(141)
20

(16)
166
12

162

(765)

1,152

(660)

(498)

146
1,095

1,241

141
3,800

3,941

10

(1,567)
(8)
(472)

(4,362)
(7)
(478)

(2,047)

(4,847)

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

346
(3,287)

(1,404)
(1,883)

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

16

(2,941)

(3,287)

The notes on pages 21 to 39 form part of these Consolidated financial statements.

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22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 20

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

g r o u p   s tat e m e n t   o f   c h a n g e s   i n   e q u i t y
For the year ended 30th April 2015

At 1st May 2014
Profit for the year
Foreign exchange

Cash flow hedges:
Losses
Transfers

Tax on other 
comprehensive income
Share buybacks
Dividends paid

Share
capital
£’000

1,125
–
–

–
–

–
(42)
–

Share

Capital
premium redemption
reserve
account
£’000
£’000

ESOP
share
reserve
£’000

Foreign
exchange
reserve
£’000

11,148
–
–

1,749
–
–

(113)
–
–

1,065
–
299

Cash
flow
hedge
reserve
£’000

–
–
–

Retained
earnings
£’000

7,237
3,542
–

Total
equity
£’000

22,211
3,542
299

–
–

–
–
–

–
–

–
42
–

–
–

–
–
–

(302)
–
–

–
–

(103)
160

–
–

(103)
160

At 30th April 2015

1,083

11,148

1,791

(113)

1,062

At 1st May 2013
Profit for the year
Foreign exchange

Cash flow hedges:
Gains
Transfers

Tax on other 
comprehensive income
Share buybacks
Dividends paid

1,231
–
–

11,148
–
–

1,643
–
–

(113)
–
–

1,622
–
(797)

–
–

–
(106)
–

–
–

–
–
–

–
–

–
106
–

–
–

–
–
–

–
–

240
–
–

At 30th April 2014

1,125

11,148

1,749

(113)

1,065

(11)
–
–

46

28
–
–

135
(171)

8
–
–

–

–
(1,567)
(472)

(313)
(1,567)
(472)

8,740

23,757

8,724
3,353
–

24,283
3,353
(797)

–
–

135
(171)

–
(4,362)
(478)

248
(4,362)
(478)

7,237

22,211

c o m pa n y   s tat e m e n t   o f   c h a n g e s   i n   e q u i t y
For the year ended 30th April 2015

At 1st May 2014
Profit for the year
Share buybacks
Dividends paid

At 30th April 2015

At 1st May 2013
Profit for the year
Share buybacks
Dividends paid

At 30th April 2014

Share
premium
reserve
£’000

Capital
Merger redemption
reserve
reserve
£’000
£’000

Share
capital
£’000

1,125
–
(42)
–

11,148
–
–
–

10,762
–
–
–

1,083

11,148

10,762

1,231
–
(106)
–

11,148
–
–
–

10,762
–
–
–

1,125

11,148

10,762

Retained
earnings
£’000

3,877
1,058
(1,567)
(472)

Total
equity
£’000

28,661
1,058
(1,567)
(472)

2,896

27,680

3,469
5,248
(4,362)
(478)

28,253
5,248
(4,362)
(478)

3,877

28,661

1,749
–
42
–

1,791

1,643
–
106
–

1,749

The notes on pages 21 to 39 form part of these Consolidated financial statements.

20

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Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 9
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2015

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22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 21

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

N O T E S   T O   T H E   A C C O U N T S
For the year ended 30th April 2015

1. Accounting policies

General Information
Colefax Group Plc is a public limited company incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom and
listed on the Alternative Investment Market. The principal activity of the Company is to act as a holding
company for the Group’s trading subsidiaries. The address of its registered office and principal place of
business  are  disclosed  on  page  8.  The  principal  activities  of  the  Group  are  the  design,  marketing,
distribution and retailing of furnishing fabrics, wallpapers, trimmings, related products and upholstered
furniture  in  the  UK  and  overseas  and  the  sale  of  antiques,  interior  and  architectural  design,  project
management, decorating and furnishing for private individuals and commercial firms.

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

These  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  International  Financial  Reporting
Standards  (IFRSs  and  IFRIC  interpretations)  issued  by  the  International  Accounting  Standards  Board
(IASB) as adopted by the European Union (“EU adopted IFRS”) and with those parts of the Companies
Act 2006 applicable to companies preparing their financial statements in accordance with IFRS.

Balance Sheet Reclassification
An adjustment has been made in respect of deferred rent from current liabilities to long term liabilities
to reflect the period in which the liabilities will unwind. The amount reclassified in respect of the year
ended 30th April 2014 is £1,140,000. There is no impact on the net asset position or the reported profits
or cash flows of the Group at either the current or previous two year ends.

Changes in Accounting Policies
The  standards  and  interpretations,  issued  by  the  IASB  and  the  International  Financial  Reporting
Interpretations Committee (IFRIC), which are effective for the first time in the current financial year have
no significant impact on the Group’s consolidated results or financial position for the current reporting
period.

The following standards and interpretations issued by the IASB or IFRIC have not been adopted by the
Group as these are not effective for the current year. The Group is currently assessing the impact these
standards and interpretations will have on the presentation of its consolidated results in future periods:

– IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’ (effective for accounting periods beginning on or 
after 1st January 2018). This standard is intended to clarify the principles of revenue recognition and
establish  a  single  framework  for  revenue  recognition.  The  core  principle  is  that  an  entity  should
recognise revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that
reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or
services. This amendment has not yet been endorsed for use in the EU. 

– Amendment  to  IAS  19  ‘Defined  Benefit  Plans:  Employee  Contributions’  (effective  for  accounting
periods beginning on or after 1st July 2014). This amendment clarifies the accounting requirements 
for  contributions  to  defined  benefit  plans. This  amendment  has  been  endorsed  for  use  in  the  EU 
(the mandatory effective data for the EU-endorsed version is 1st February 2015).

– Amendment  to  IAS  27  ‘Equity  Method  in  Separate  Financial  Statements’ (effective  for  accounting
periods beginning on or after 1st January 2016). The amendment introduces an option for an entity to
account for its investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures, and associates using the equity method in
its separate financial statements. These amendments have not yet been endorsed for use in the EU.

– IFRS  9  ‘Financial  Instruments’  (effective  for  accounting  periods  beginning  on  or  after  1st  January
2018).  This  standard  replaces  IAS  39  ‘Financial  Instruments:  Recognition  and  Measurement’ in  its
entirety, using a single approach to determine whether a financial asset is measured at amortised cost
or fair value, replacing the many different rules in IAS 39. The approach in IFRS 9 is based on how an
entity manages its financial instruments and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial
assets. The recognition and derecognition requirements for financial assets and financial liabilities are
unchanged from IAS 39. The new hedge accounting model is more principles-based, less complex and
allows entities to apply hedge accounting more broadly to manage profit and loss mismatches, and as
a result reduce ‘artificial’ hedge ineffectiveness that can arise under IAS 39. This standard has not yet
been endorsed for use in the EU.

21

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22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 22

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

N O T E S   T O   T H E   A C C O U N T S
For the year ended 30th April 2015

1. Accounting policies

continued

The following principal accounting policies have been applied consistently in the preparation of the 
financial statements:

Basis of Consolidation
Where the Group has the power, either directly or indirectly, to govern and control the financial and
operating policies of another entity or business so as to obtain benefits from its activities, it is classified
as a subsidiary. The consolidated financial statements present the results of Colefax Group Plc and its
subsidiaries as if they formed a single entity.

No income statement is presented for the Company as provided in S.408 of the Companies Act 2006. 
The profit dealt with in the financial statements of Company was £1,058,000 (2014 – £5,248,000). Total
comprehensive income relating to the year for the Company consists of the profit for the year only.

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. Under the acquisition method
the results of subsidiary undertakings are included from the date of acquisition.

Where merger accounting was used in business combinations prior to 1st May 2006 (transition date), 

the investment is still recorded in the Company’s statement of financial position at the nominal value of
the  shares  issued,  together  with  the  fair  value  of  any  additional  consideration  paid  as  the  Group  has
applied  the  IFRS  1  ‘First-time  Adoption  of  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards’  exemption
relating to business combinations.

In  the  Group  Financial  Statements,  merged  subsidiary  undertakings  are  treated  as  if  they  had  always
been a member of the Group. Any difference between the nominal value of the shares acquired by the
Group and those issued by the company to acquire them is taken to reserves.

Goodwill
Goodwill arising on acquisitions prior to 30th April 1998 was set off directly against reserves. Goodwill
previously eliminated against reserves has not been reinstated upon transition to IFRS.

Investments in Subsidiaries
Investments in subsidiaries in the Company statement of financial position are stated at cost less any
provision for impairment.

Revenue Recognition
Revenue,  which  excludes  value  added  taxes,  represents  the  amounts  receivable  from  customers  for
goods and services supplied including disbursements. Sales of goods are recognised when goods are
delivered and title has passed. Revenue for services, principally interior design and decorating services,
is recognised in the period in which they are rendered. Where projects are ongoing at the year end,
revenue is recognised on a stage of completion basis, when the Group has a right to consideration for
those services.

Property, Plant and Equipment
Property,  plant  and  equipment  are  stated  at  historical  cost  less  accumulated  depreciation  and
accumulated impairment losses. Historical cost comprises the purchase price and costs directly incurred
in bringing the asset into use. The carrying values of property, plant and equipment are reviewed for
impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable.

Depreciation is provided on all property, plant and equipment other than freehold land at rates calculated
to write off the cost less estimated residual value evenly over its expected useful life, as follows:

Freehold property
Leasehold improvements
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
Motor vehicles
Screens and originations

50 years
over the shorter of the life of the lease or the life of the asset
5 – 10 years
4 years
4 years

Inventories
Inventories  are  initially  recognised  at  cost,  and  subsequently  at  the  lower  of  cost  and  net  realisable
value. Cost comprises all costs of purchase and other costs incurred in bringing the inventories to their
present location and condition, with the majority of inventories being valued on a weighted average cost
basis. Net realisable value represents the estimated selling price for inventories less all estimated costs of
completion and costs necessary to make the sale. Provision is made for obsolete and slow moving stocks.

22

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Customer: Colefax Group plc

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22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 23

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

N O T E S   T O   T H E   A C C O U N T S
For the year ended 30th April 2015

1. Accounting policies Work in Progress

continued

Work in progress is valued at cost less progress payments received and receivable. Cost includes all direct
expenditure on material and external services that have been incurred in bringing the work in progress
to its present location and condition. Provision is made for any losses expected to arise on completion of
the work entered into at the date of the statement of financial position.

Taxation
Income tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.

Current Tax
The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from profit reported in
the income statement because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other
years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The Group’s liability for current tax
is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the date of the statement of
financial position.

Deferred Taxation
Deferred tax is recognised on differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the
financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit, and is
accounted for using the balance sheet liability method. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised
for all taxable temporary differences, and deferred tax assets are generally recognised for all deductible
temporary differences to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which
those deductible temporary differences can be utilised. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if
the  temporary  difference  arises  from  goodwill  or  from  the  initial  recognition  (other  than  a  business
combination) of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the taxable profit nor the
accounting profit.

Current and Deferred Tax for the year
Current and deferred tax are recognised as an expense or income in the income statement, except when
they relate to items credited or debited directly to other comprehensive income or equity, in which case
the tax is also recognised directly in other comprehensive income or equity.

Lease Commitments and Incentives
Leases  where  substantially  all  of  the  risks  and  rewards  incidental  to  ownership  of  a  leased  asset  are
retained  by  the  lessor  are  classified  as  operating  leases.  Payments  made  under  operating  leases  are
charged  to  the  income  statement  on  a  straight  line  basis  over  the  lease  term.  Lease  incentives  and
inducements  are  recognised  in  current  and  non-current  liabilities  as  appropriate  and  released  on  a
straight line basis over the lease term.

Retirement Benefits
Defined Contribution Schemes
The Group operates defined contribution pension schemes which are externally administered. Payments
made  to  the  funds  are  charged  when  payable  to  the  income  statement  as  part  of  employment  costs.
There are no outstanding or prepaid contributions at the year end.

Defined Benefit Schemes
One Group company operates a defined benefit pension scheme for employees. The scheme’s funds are
administered  by  trustees  and  are  independent  of  Group  finances. Annual  contributions  are  based  on
external actuarial advice. The scheme was closed to new members on 31st December 1997.

The difference between the fair value of the assets held in the Group’s defined benefit pension scheme
and the scheme’s liabilities measured on an actuarial basis using the projected unit credit method are
recognised in the Group’s statement of financial position as a pension asset or liability as appropriate.
Any  related  deferred  tax  is  recognised  within  the  Group’s  deferred  tax  asset  or  liability  following  the
principles described in the deferred tax accounting policy note.

Changes  in  the  defined  benefit  pension  scheme  asset  or  liability  arising  from  factors  other  than  cash
contribution by the Group are charged to the income statement in accordance with IAS 19 ‘Employee
Benefits’.

Foreign Currency
The individual financial statements of each Group entity are presented in the currency of the primary
economic  environment  in  which  the  entity  operates  (its  functional  currency).  For  the  purpose  of  the
consolidated financial statements, the results and financial position of each Group entity are expressed
in Great British Pounds (‘GBP’), which is the functional currency of the Company and the presentation
currency for the consolidated financial statements.

23

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22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 24

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

N O T E S   T O   T H E   A C C O U N T S
For the year ended 30th April 2015

1. Accounting policies

continued

Group
The assets and liabilities of overseas subsidiary undertakings are translated at the rate of exchange ruling
at the date of the statement of financial position and the results of overseas subsidiaries are translated at
the  average  rate  of  exchange  for  the  year.  The  exchange  differences  arising  on  the  retranslation  of
opening net assets and on loans which form part of the net investment are taken directly to translation
reserves.  Loans  are  designated  as  part  of  the  net  investment,  when  settlement  is  neither  planned  nor
likely to occur in the foreseeable future.

Company
Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary
assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies including loans to subsidiaries are retranslated at
the rate of exchange ruling at the date of the statement of financial position. All differences are taken to
the income statement.

Financial Instruments
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents are defined as including short term deposits with original maturity within 3 months.
For  the  purposes  of  the  statements  of  cash  flow,  cash  and  cash  equivalents  consist  of  cash  and  cash
equivalents net of outstanding bank overdrafts held.

Trade and Other Receivables
Trade  and  other  receivables  do  not  carry  interest  and  are  stated  at  their  nominal  (invoiced)  value  as
reduced  by  appropriate  allowances  for  estimated  irrecoverable  amounts. When  a  trade  receivable  is
considered  uncollectable,  it  is  written  off  against  the  allowance.  Subsequent  recoveries  of  amounts
previously  written  off  are  credited  against  the  allowance.  Changes  in  the  carrying  amount  of  the
allowance are recognised in the income statement.

Trade and Other Payables
Trade and other payables are initially measured at fair value and subsequently at amortised cost using
the effective interest rate method.

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts
The Group uses forward foreign currency contracts to hedge its risk associated with foreign currency
fluctuations.  Such  forward  foreign  currency  contracts  are  stated  at  fair  value  which  is  calculated  by
reference to current forward exchange rates for contracts with similar maturity profiles.

It is the Group’s policy not to hold forward foreign currency contracts for speculative purposes.

Hedge  accounting  can  be  applied  to  financial  assets  and  financial  liabilities  only  where  all  of  the
relevant  hedging  criteria  under  IAS  39  are  met.  The  Group  accounts  for  forward  foreign  currency
contracts as a cash flow hedge. The effective part of the contracts designated as a hedge of the variability
in cash flows of foreign currency risk arising from highly probable forecast transactions, are measured
at fair value with changes in fair value recognised directly in equity (the “cash flow hedge reserve”).

The  cumulative  gain  or  loss  initially  recognised  in  equity  is  recycled  through  the  consolidated  income
statement at the same time as the hedged transaction affects the income statement, and reported within the
cost of sales line of the income statement. If, at any point, the hedged transaction is no longer expected to
occur, the cumulative gain or loss is recycled through the consolidated income statement immediately.

Dividends
Dividends are recognised when they become legally payable. In the case of interim dividends to equity
shareholders,  this  is  in  the  year  in  which  they  are  paid.  Final  dividends  are  not  accrued  until  the
proposed dividend has been approved by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting.

Segmental Reporting
For internal management purposes the Group reports by ‘product division’ and ‘decorating division’.

24

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Customer: Colefax Group plc

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22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 25

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

N O T E S   T O   T H E   A C C O U N T S
For the year ended 30th April 2015

2.

Critical accounting
estimates and
judgements

In  preparation  of  consolidated  financial  statements  under  IFRS  the  Group  makes  estimates  and
assumptions  regarding  the  future.  Estimates  and  judgements  are  continually  evaluated  based  on
historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be
reasonable under the circumstances. In the future, actual experience may differ from these estimates and
assumptions. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment
to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.

Inventories
The Group reviews the net realisable value of, and demand for, its inventories to provide assurance that
recorded  inventory  is  stated  at  the  lower  of  cost  or  net  realisable  value.  Factors  that  could  impact
estimated  demand  and  selling  prices  include  the  success  of  future  collections,  competitor  actions,
supplier prices and economic trends.

Trade Receivables
The Group reviews its trade receivables to provide assurance that their carrying value is reduced by an
appropriate allowance for irrecoverable amounts. Factors which are considered as part of that review
include the age of the receivable and the creditworthiness of the customer.

Pension Assumptions
The costs, assets and liabilities of the defined benefit scheme operated by the Group are determined
using methods relying on actuarial estimates and assumptions. Details of the key assumptions are set
out in note 24. The Group takes advice from independent actuaries relating to the appropriateness of
the  assumptions.  Changes  in  the  assumptions  used  may  have  a  significant  effect  on  the  consolidated
income statement and the statement of financial position.

Income Taxes
The  Group  is  subject  to  income  tax  in  several  jurisdictions  and  significant  judgement  is  required  in
determining  the  provision  for  income  taxes.  During  the  ordinary  course  of  business,  there  are 
transactions  and  calculations  for  which  the  ultimate  tax  determination  is  uncertain.  As  a  result,  the 
Group recognises tax liabilities based on estimates of whether additional taxes and interest will be due.
To the extent that the final tax outcome of these matters is different than the amounts recorded, such
differences  will  impact  current  and  deferred  tax  expenses  and  balances  in  the  period  in  which  such
determination is made.

Financial Instruments
As described in note 20, the Board use their judgement in selecting an appropriate valuation technique
for  financial  instruments  not  quoted  in  an  active  market.  Valuation  techniques  commonly  used  by
market practitioners are applied.

For  forward  foreign  currency  contracts,  assumptions  are  based  on  quoted  market  rates  adjusted  for
specific features of the contract. Details of the assumptions used are provided in note 20. 

3. Revenue

Revenue arises from:
Sale of goods
Provision of services

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

76,219
577

77,017
1,018

76,796

78,035

25

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Customer: Colefax Group plc

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22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 26

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

N O T E S   T O   T H E   A C C O U N T S
For the year ended 30th April 2015

4. Segmental analysis

The Board of Colefax Group Plc manages the operations of the Group as two divisions:

Product  division  – This  division  is  involved  in  the  design  and  distribution  of  furnishing  fabrics,
wallpapers, upholstered furniture and related products;

Decorating  division  – This  division  is  involved  in  interior  and  architectural  design  and  decoration,
primarily for private individuals.

The  reportable  segments  are  distinct  business  units  each  run  by  a  separate  management  team. The
financial  performance  of  each  division  is  reported  separately  to  the  Board  and  forms  the  basis  of
strategic decision making.

Business segments

Revenue:
Total revenue
Inter-segment revenue

Revenue from 
external customers

Segment result:
Profit from operations
Finance income
Finance expense

Profit before taxation

Tax expense

Product division
2015
£’000

2014
£’000

Decorating division
2014
£’000

2015
£’000

Total

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

68,885
(122)

66,890
(99)

8,033
–

11,244
–

76,918
(122)

78,134
(99)

68,763

66,791

8,033

11,244

76,796

78,035

5,176
4
(11)

5,169

1,508

3,937
4
(40)

3,901

1,288

(139)
–
(1)

(140)

(21)

985
–
(1)

984

244

5,037
4
(12)

5,029

1,487

4,922
4
(41)

4,885

1,532

Profit for the year attributable 
to equity holders of the parent

3,661

2,613

(119)

740

3,542

3,353

Total assets
Total liabilities

Net assets

Capital expenditure

Depreciation

32,815
10,907

30,722
10,650

21,908

20,072

2,202

1,939

1,528

1,980

3,565
1,716

1,849

11

89

4,557
2,418

36,380
12,623

35,279
13,068

2,139

23,757

22,211

55

98

2,213

2,028

1,583

2,078

.

No one single external customer contributes to a significant proportion of the Group’s revenues.

Inter-segment sales are priced along the same lines as sales to external customers.

Geographical segments

United Kingdom
United States
Europe
Rest of World

5. Operating expenses

Distribution and marketing costs
Administrative costs

Total operating expenses

26

External revenue

Non-current assets
by location of customers by location of assets
2014
£’000

2015
£’000

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

20,152
37,557
15,640
3,447

19,359
35,032
19,132
4,512

76,796

78,035

1,675
4,676
1,191
–

7,542

2015
£’000

1,709
4,429
1,262
–

7,400

2014
£’000

25,194
11,805

24,498
12,197

36,999

36,695

Job No.: 22500
Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 10
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Park Communications Ltd Alpine Way London E6 6LA
T: 020 7055 6500 F: 020 7055 6600

22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 27

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

N O T E S   T O   T H E   A C C O U N T S
For the year ended 30th April 2015

6. Profit from 
operations

This has been arrived at after charging/(crediting):
Audit services – group
Audit services – subsidiaries
Non-audit services – taxation
Non-audit services – pensions
Depreciation of owned property, plant and equipment
Operating lease rentals – land and buildings
Operating lease rentals – plant and machinery
Profit on the disposal of property, plant and equipment
Exchange (gains)/losses
Pension costs (see note 24)

7. Staff costs

Staff costs, including Executive Directors, were as follows:
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

44
110
74
7
2,028
4,030
78
(20)
(341)
399

34
116
133
9
2,078
3,938
70
(15)
119
339

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

13,881
1,680
399

13,739
1,719
339

15,960

15,797

The average monthly number of employees during the year, including Executives Directors, was made
up as follows:

Distribution and marketing
Administration

The holding Company had no employees during the year (2014 – nil).

Directors’ (key management personnel) remuneration was as follows:
Emoluments
Pension contributions
Employers social security costs on directors’ emoluments

Emoluments of the highest paid director:
Emoluments

No.
283
63

346

No.
281
61

342

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

1,473
38
166

1,677

1,460
30
165

1,655

717

710

A full analysis of Directors’ remuneration is provided on page 10 in the Directors’ Report.

As  the  directors  have  the  authority  and  responsibility  for  planning,  directing  and  controlling  the
activities of the Group they are seen to be key management.

Two  directors  participated  in  Group  defined  contribution  pension  schemes  in  2015  (2014  –  two). 
No  directors  participated  in  Group  defined  benefit  pension  schemes  in  2015  (2014  –  nil).

No directors (2014 – nil) exercised options in the year and no options were granted to directors in the
year (2014 – nil).

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22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 28

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

N O T E S   T O   T H E   A C C O U N T S
For the year ended 30th April 2015

8. Finance income and

expense

Finance expense:
Bank loans and overdrafts repayable within five years
Finance income:
Bank and other interest receivable

9. Tax expense

(a) Analysis of charge for the year
UK corporation tax

UK corporation tax on profits of the year
Adjustments in respect of previous years

Overseas tax

Overseas tax on profits of the year
Adjustments in respect of previous years

Total current tax

Deferred tax
Origination and reversal of temporary differences (note 19)

UK
Overseas

Total income tax expense

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

(12)

4

(8)

(41)

4

(37)

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

613
3

616

915
(58)

857

848
(5)

843

524
22

546

1,473

1,389

35
(21)

14

32
111

143

1,487

1,532

(b) Factors affecting the tax charge for the year
The tax assessed for the year is higher than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK.

The differences are explained below.

Profit before taxation

Profit before taxation multiplied by the standard rate of
corporation tax in the UK of 20.9% (2014 – 22.8%)

Effect of:
Disallowed expenses and non-taxable income
Adjustments in respect of prior period (current tax)
Adjustments in respect of prior period (deferred tax)
Reversal of previously recognised deferred tax asset
Tax on overseas intragroup dividends
Rate differences

Total tax expense

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

5,029

4,885

1,051

1,114

32
(55)
(6)
–
35
430

95
17
(1)
87
–
220

1,487

1,532

28

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Customer: Colefax Group plc

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Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2015

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T: 020 7055 6500 F: 020 7055 6600

22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 29

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

N O T E S   T O   T H E   A C C O U N T S
For the year ended 30th April 2015

1st April 2014, the UK corpo

10. Dividends

Final (paid) of 2.20p (2013 – 2.10p) on 9th October 2014
Interim (paid) of 2.10p (2014 – 2.00p) on 10th April 2015
Out of date dividends returned

Final dividend proposed for the year of 2.30p (2014 – 2.20p)

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

246
226
0

472

248

257
224
(3)

478

246

11. Earnings per share

The  proposed  final  dividend  has  not  been  accrued  for  because  the  dividend  was  declared  after  the
year end and is yet to be approved at the Annual General Meeting.

Basic earnings per share have been calculated on the basis of profit on ordinary activities after tax of
£3,542,000 (2014 – £3,353,000) and on 10,984,807 (2014 – 12,025,641) ordinary shares, being the
weighted  average  number  of  ordinary  shares  in  issue  during  the  year.  Shares  owned  by  the  Colefax
Group  Plc  Employees’  Share  Ownership  Plan  (ESOP) Trust  are  excluded  from  the  basic  earnings  per
share calculation.

Diluted earnings per share have been calculated on the basis of profit on ordinary activities after tax of
£3,542,000 (2014 – £3,353,000) and on 10,984,807 (2014 – 12,025,641) being the weighted average
number of shares in issue during the year.

29

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Customer: Colefax Group plc

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22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 30

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

N O T E S   T O   T H E   A C C O U N T S
For the year ended 30th April 2015

Leasehold
Freehold
property improvements
£’000

£’000

Furniture,
fixtures
and
equipment
£’000

Motor

Screens
and
vehicles originations
£’000

£’000

Total
£’000

12. Property, plant and 

equipment

Group
Cost:
At 1st May 2014
Exchange adjustment
Additions
Disposals

At 30th April 2015

Depreciation:
At 1st May 2014
Exchange adjustment
Charge for the year
Disposals

At 30th April 2015

Net Book Value:
At 30th April 2015

At 1st May 2014

At 1st May 2013
Exchange adjustment
Additions
Disposals

At 30th April 2014

Depreciation:
At 1st May 2013
Exchange adjustment
Charge for the year
Disposals

At 30th April 2014

Net Book Value:
At 30th April 2014

At 1st May 2013

6,468
429
691
(2)

7,586

3,648
253
512
(2)

4,411

3,175

2,820

7,316
(409)
238
(677)

6,468

3,993
(206)
538
(677)

3,648

2,820

3,323

5,760
48
400
(620)

5,588

4,002
111
446
(617)

3,942

1,646

1,758

5,865
(256)
242
(91)

5,760

3,772
(196)
515
(89)

4,002

1,758

2,093

417
–
48
(91)

374

222
–
83
(82)

223

151

195

466
–
44
(93)

417

216
–
99
(93)

222

195

250

5,717
541
1,071
(195)

18,593
1,018
2,213
(908)

7,134

20,916

3,849
380
984
(195)

11,783
744
2,028
(896)

5,018

13,659

2,116

1,868

5,244
(404)
1,059
(182)

7,257

6,810

19,122
(1,069)
1,583
(1,043)

5,717

18,593

3,383
(275)
923
(182)

11,423
(677)
2,078
(1,041)

3,849

11,783

1,868

1,861

6,810

7,699

231
–
3
–

234

62
–
3
–

65

169

169

231
–
–
–

231

59
–
3
–

62

169

172

30

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Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 10
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2015

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T: 020 7055 6500 F: 020 7055 6600

22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 31

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

N O T E S   T O   T H E   A C C O U N T S
For the year ended 30th April 2015

13. Investments

Company:
At 1st May 2014 and 30th April 2015

At 1st May 2013
Provision against investment in Kingcome Sofas Limited

At 30th April 2014

Shares
£’000

Loans
£’000

Total
£’000

19,443

7,650

27,093

19,943
(500)

7,650
–

27,593
(500)

19,443

7,650

27,093

The  subsidiaries  of  the  Group,  all  of  which  have  been  included  in  these  consolidated  financial
statements, are as follows:

Incorporation and
Principal Country
of Operation

England and Wales
England and Wales

England and Wales
England and Wales

England and Wales
England and Wales
USA

USA
France
Germany
Italy

Effective % of
Issued Share
Capital held
by the Group

100%
100%

100%
100%

100%
100%
100%

100%
100%
100%
100%

Principal Products

Fabrics and Wallpapers
Interior and
Architectural Design
Upholstered Furniture
Holding Company for
Colefax and Fowler Inc
Dormant
Dormant
Holding Company for
Cowtan & Tout Inc
Fabrics and Wallpapers
Fabrics and Wallpapers
Fabrics and Wallpapers
Fabrics and Wallpapers

Name of Company

Colefax and Fowler Limited*
Sibyl Colefax and
John Fowler Limited*
Kingcome Sofas Limited*
Colefax and Fowler
Holdings Limited*
Manuel Canovas Limited*
Jane Churchill Limited*
Colefax and Fowler Incorporated

Cowtan & Tout Incorporated
Manuel Canovas SAS*
Colefax and Fowler GmbH
Colefax and Fowler Srl

*Owned directly by parent company

There was no movement in the number of shares held in subsidiary undertakings during the year.

At  30th  April  2015,  the  ESOP  Trust  owned  60,000  (2014 – 60,000)  ordinary  shares  of  10p  in  the
Company at cost, with a market value of £247,500 (2014 – £235,500). Dividends on these shares have
been waived.

The ESOP can provide benefits to all employees of the Group.

There were no shares under option in the ESOP at the date of the statement of financial position.

14. Inventories and 
work in progress

Finished goods for resale
Work in progress
Less: progress payments received and receivable

Group

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

12,114
621
(439)

13,419
596
(489)

12,296

13,526

The cost of inventories recognised as an expense and included in cost of sales amounted to £22,465,000
(2014 – £21,789,000).

31

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Customer: Colefax Group plc

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22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 32

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

N O T E S   T O   T H E   A C C O U N T S
For the year ended 30th April 2015

15. Trade and other 
receivables

Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings
Trade receivables
Other receivables 
Forward foreign currency contracts
Prepayments and accrued income

Group

Company

2015
£’000

–
6,312
1,887
57
1,425

2014
£’000

–
6,754
1,638
–
1,663

9,681

10,055

2015
£’000

2,974
–
329
–
247

3,550

2014
£’000

4,221
–
397
–
264

4,882

As at 30th April 2015 the Group had trade receivables of £1,567,000 (2014 – £1,959,000) which were
past due but not individually impaired. The ageing of these receivables is as follows:

Up to 3 months past due
3 to 6 months past due
6 to 12 months past due
Over 12 months past due

2015
£’000

1,485
9
48
25

1,567

2014
£’000

1,692
213
4
50

1,959

As at 30th April 2015 the Group had trade receivables of £290,000 (2014 – £258,000) which were past
due and individually impaired. The ageing of these receivables is as follows:

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

103
43
22
122

290

78
34
46
100

258

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

278
106
(52)
(20)
(2)

310

2015
£’000

2,643
1,862
1,577
230

6,312

447
61
(166)
(55)
(9)

278

2014
£’000

3,006
2,125
1,362
261

6,754

Up to 3 months past due
3 to 6 months past due
6 to 12 months past due
Over 12 months past due

Movements in the Group provision for impairment of trade receivables is as follows:

At beginning of year
Provided during the year
Receivables written off as uncollectable
Unused amounts reversed
Exchange differences

At end of year

The Group’s trade receivables are denominated in the following currencies:

Sterling
Euro
US Dollar
Other

32

Job No.: 22500
Customer: Colefax Group plc

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Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2015

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22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 33

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

N O T E S   T O   T H E   A C C O U N T S
For the year ended 30th April 2015

16. Cash and cash
equivalents

For the purposes of the consolidated statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents comprise the 
following:

Cash at bank and in hand
Bank overdrafts

Group

Company

2014
£’000

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

4,298
(241)

–
(2,941)

–
(3,287)

4,057

(2,941)

(3,287)

2015
£’000

6,861
–

6,861

Cash at bank earns interest at floating rates based on daily bank deposit rates. The fair value of cash and
cash equivalents are considered to be their book value.

17. Current liabilities

Bank overdraft
Trade payables
Accruals
Payments received on account
Corporation tax
Other taxes and social security costs
Other payables

Group

Company

2015
£’000

–
3,734
3,099
894
230
663
2,422

2014
£’000

241
3,690
3,189
1,402
425
704
2,160

11,042

11,811

2015
£’000

2,941
–
22
–
–
–
–

2,963

2014
£’000

3,287
–
27
–
–
–
–

3,314

The Group’s overdraft facilities are secured by an unlimited multilateral company guarantee and a first
fixed and floating charge over all assets of the Company.

Group

Company

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

18. Non-current liabilities Deferred rent

1,433

1,140

–

–

An amount of £1,140,000 has been reclassified from current liabilities to non-current liabilities in respect
of the year ended 30th April 2014. This is to reflect the period in which the liabilities will unwind.

19. Deferred taxation

Deferred taxation has been provided as follows:
Accelerated capital allowances on property, plant and equipment
Excess of depreciation over capital allowances on property, plant and equipment
Short-term temporary differences

Group

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

1,077
(79)
(1,283)

933
(116)
(1,407)

(285)

(590)

Deferred tax assets have been recognised in respect of all tax losses and other temporary differences
where the directors believe it is probable that the assets are recoverable.

This is made up as follows:
Deferred taxation included in non-current assets

Movements in the deferred tax provision is as follows:

At 1st May
Charged to the income statement (note 9)
Charged/(credited) directly to other comprehensive income
Translation adjustment

At 30th April

33

(285)

(590)

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

(590)
14
313
(22)

(285)

(499)
143
(248)
14

(590)

Job No.: 22500
Customer: Colefax Group plc

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Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2015

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22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 34

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

N O T E S   T O   T H E   A C C O U N T S
For the year ended 30th April 2015

19. Deferred taxation

The deferred income tax charged/(credited) to other comprehensive income during the year is as follows:

continued

Fair value reserves in shareholders’ equity:
Cash flow hedge reserve
Deferred tax on long-term loan foreign currency movements

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

11
302

313

(8)
(240)

(248)

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period in
which the liability is settled or the asset realised, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted
or substantively enacted by the date of the statement of financial position. The measurement of deferred
tax liabilities and assets reflects the tax consequences that would follow from the manner in which the
Group expects, at the reporting date, to recover or settle the carrying amount of its assets and liabilities.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax
assets against current tax liabilities and when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation
authority and the Group intends to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.

20. Financial instruments

The financial instruments of the Group as classified in the financial statements as at 30th April 2015 can
be analysed under the following IAS 39 categories:

Group

Financial assets
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Forward foreign currency 
contracts

Total

Assets at fair value
through profit or loss

Loans and
receivables

Total

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

–
–

57

57

–
–

–

–

8,199
6,861

8,392
4,298

8,199
6,861

8,392
4,298

–

–

57

–

15,060

12,690

15,117

12,690

Liabilities at fair value
through profit or loss

Other financial
liabilities

Total

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

Financial liabilities
Trade and other payables
Bank overdraft

Total

–
–

–

–
–

–

8,080
–

8,080

7,832
241

8,073

8,080
–

8,080

7,832
241

8,073

The Group’s principal financial instruments comprise of cash, short-term deposits, bank overdrafts, bank
loans,  forward  foreign  currency  contracts  and  various  items  such  as  trade  and  other  receivables  and
trade and other payables that arise directly from its operations.

Forward  foreign  currency  contracts  are  carried  at  fair  value,  measured  using  level  2  of  the  fair  value
hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy has the following levels: Level 1 – quoted prices (unadjusted) in active
markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2 – inputs other than quoted prices included within Level
1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from
prices);  and  Level  3  – inputs  for  the  asset  or  liability  that  are  not  based  on  observable  market  data
(unobservable  inputs). The  fair  value  of  forward  foreign  currency  contracts  is  based  on  broker  quote,
derived from the quoted price of similar investments.

34

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Customer: Colefax Group plc

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Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2015

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22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 35

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

N O T E S   T O   T H E   A C C O U N T S
For the year ended 30th April 2015

20. Financial instruments

continued

The main risks arising from the Group’s financial instruments are liquidity risk, credit risk and foreign
currency  risk. The  Board  reviews  and  agrees  policies  for  managing  each  of  these  risks  and  they  are
summarised below. These policies have remained unchanged.

Liquidity Risk
The  Group’s  objective  is  to  maintain  an  appropriate  balance  between  continuity  of  funding  and
flexibility through the use of multi-currency overdrafts and bank loans. The Group has various borrowing
facilities  available  to  it  amounting  to  £3.0 million  (2014  –  £3.0  million).  The  undrawn  committed
facilities available at 30th April 2015 in respect of which all conditions had been met at that date total
£3.0 million (2014 – £3.0 million). Group borrowing facilities are reviewed annually with HSBC.

The Group’s trade and short-term creditors all fall due within 60 days. At 30th April 2015 the Group’s
trade  payables  were  £3.7 million  (2014  –  £3.7  million)  and  trade  receivables  were  £6.3  million
(2014 – £6.8 million) giving a ratio of 1.7 (2014 – 1.8). This, together with the Group’s cash balances
and unused borrowing facility, constitutes a very low liquidity risk.

Credit Risk
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. The Group is mainly exposed to credit risk from credit sales. It
is  Group  policy,  implemented  locally,  to  assess  the  credit  risk  of  new  customers  before  entering
contracts. Such credit ratings are taken into account by local business practices.

In the Product Division credit risk is spread over a large number of customers and historically bad debt
experience  has  been  extremely  low.  In  the  Decorating  Division  it  is  not  unusual  to  undertake  large
projects  which  can  give  rise  to  significant  debtor  balances  from  time  to  time.  Risk  is  reduced  by
requiring a 50% deposit at the start of the project and a further 25% deposit prior to completion.

Credit  risk  also  arises  from  cash  and  cash  equivalents  and  deposits  with  banks.  For  banks,  only
independently rated parties with minimum rating “A” are accepted.

Foreign Currency Risk
Due  to  the  international  nature  of  its  operations,  the  Group  faces  currency  exposures  in  respect  of
exchange rate fluctuations against sterling. The most significant of these is the US where revenue in US
dollars represents 49% of Group revenue.

The majority of the US subsidiary’s revenue from the sale of goods is sourced by imports from the UK
and  Europe.  This  revenue  is  invoiced  in  US  dollars.  The  Group  minimises  the  currency  translation
exchange risk by the use of forward foreign currency contracts. The fair value of these contracts at 30th
April 2015 is detailed below.

The  Group’s  profit  is  reduced  by  approximately  £94,000  for  every  one  cent  deterioration  in  the
US dollar against Sterling. The Group has a natural hedge between Euro costs and Euro revenues but
this is dependent on maintaining Euro revenue at current levels.

About  25%  of  Group  revenue  is  to  customers  in  countries  other  than  the  UK  and  US.  Most  of  this
revenue  is  invoiced  in  the  currencies  of  the  countries  involved. The  Group  does  not  hedge  currency
exposures  on  this  revenue  using  forward  foreign  currency  contracts  as  any  exchange  rate  risk  is
considered to be insignificant due to the offsetting effect of imports.

The Group has continued its policy of not hedging statement of financial position translation exposures
except to the extent that overseas liabilities, including borrowings, provide a natural hedge. It is also the
Group’s policy not to hedge income statement translation exposures.

The statements of financial position of overseas operations are translated into sterling at the closing rates
of  exchange  for  the  year  and  any  exchange  difference  is  dealt  with  as  a  movement  in  the  foreign
exchange  reserve.  The  income  statements  of  overseas  business  are  translated  at  an  average  rate  of
exchange.

Interest Rate Risk
As the Group has net cash of £6.9 million (2014 – £4.1 million) and interest rates are at historically low
levels, the Group does not consider interest rate risk to be a significant risk.

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts
The Group uses forward foreign currency contracts to forward-buy and sell foreign currency in order to
hedge  future  transactions  and  cash  flows. The  Group  is  party  to  forward  foreign  currency  contracts
denominated in US dollars to eliminate transactional currency exposures on future expected revenue in
the US.

At 30th April 2015, the Group was in multiple forward foreign currency contract arrangements to sell
US dollars. The hedged transactions are expected to occur in 2015/16.

35

Job No.: 22500
Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 10
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Park Communications Ltd Alpine Way London E6 6LA
T: 020 7055 6500 F: 020 7055 6600

22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 36

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

N O T E S   T O   T H E   A C C O U N T S
For the year ended 30th April 2015

20. Financial instruments

continued

The fair value of the Group’s forward foreign currency contracts at the date of the statement of financial 
position is as follows:

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

Fair value of forward foreign currency contracts – asset

57

–

Capital Disclosures
The directors consider the Group’s capital to consist of its share capital and reserves.

The Group’s objective when maintaining capital is to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going
concern so that it can continue to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders.

To  the  extent  that  the  Group  considers  it  has  surplus  capital  it  has  been  Group  policy  to  return  this  to
shareholders through share buy backs.

Other Financial Instruments
The book amount for trade and other receivables, cash and cash equivalents, bank overdrafts, and trade
and other payables with an expected life of 12 months or less, is considered to reflect its fair value.

The financial instruments of the Company as classified in the financial statements at 30th April 2015 can
be analysed under the following IAS 39 categories:

Company

Financial assets
Trade and other receivables

Total

Financial liabilities
Bank overdrafts

Total

Loans and
receivables

Total

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

3,303

3,303

4,618

4,618

3,303

3,303

4,618

4,618

Other financial
liabilities

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

Total

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

2,941

2,941

3,287

3,287

2,941

2,941

3,287

3,287

The Company acts as a holding company for the Group’s subsidiaries and does not trade. Its financial
instruments  comprise  cash,  bank  overdraft,  amounts  receivable  and  payable  from  subsidiary
undertakings and other receivables and payables.

The Company faces interest rate risk on its bank overdraft and liquidity risk on managing cash flows from
its subsidiary undertakings. The Company participates in a Group wide multi-currency overdraft facility
of £3.0 million (2014 – £3.0 million) which is available to the UK companies in the Group.

36

Job No.: 22500
Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 10
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Park Communications Ltd Alpine Way London E6 6LA
T: 020 7055 6500 F: 020 7055 6600

22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 37

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

N O T E S   T O   T H E   A C C O U N T S
For the year ended 30th April 2015

21. Share capital

Ordinary shares of 10p each

£3,300,000

£3,300,000

£1,082,750

£1,124,648

Number of shares

33,000,000

33,000,000

10,827,500

11,246,482

Authorised

Allotted, called up
and fully paid

2015

2014

2015

2014

Allotted, called up and fully paid

2015
Number

2015
£

2014
Number

2014
£

Ordinary shares of 10p each
At beginning of year
Purchase of own shares for cancellation

11,246,482
(418,982)

1,124,648
(41,898)

12,310,000
(1,063,518)

1,231,000
(106,352)

At end of year

10,827,500

1,082,750

11,246,482

1,124,648

Details  of  share  options  and  shareholdings  of  Directors  are  shown  in  the  Directors’  Report  on
pages 9 to 11.

Share options over the ESOP shares are shown in note 13 on page 31.

22. Reserves

The following describes the nature and purpose of each reserve within owners’ equity:

Reserve

Description and purpose

Share capital
Share premium
Capital redemption
ESOP share
Merger

Retained earnings

Foreign exchange

Cash flow hedge

Amount subscribed for share capital at nominal value.
Amount subscribed for share capital in excess of nominal value.
Amounts transferred from share capital on redemption of issued shares.
Weighted average cost of own shares held by the ESOP trust.
Premium on shares issued to fund acquisitions prior to 1999, which was used
for write-off of goodwill on consolidation.
Cumulative net gains and losses recognised in the consolidated income
statement less distributions made.
Unrealised cumulative net gains and losses arising on the retranslation of the
opening net assets and loans of overseas subsidiary undertakings.
Unrealised gains and losses, net of deferred tax, arising on the revaluation of
forward foreign currency contracts at the date of the statement of financial
position.

23. Commitments under
operating leases

At  30th  April  2015  the  Group  had  total  commitments  under  non-cancellable  operating  leases  as 
follows:

Within one year
Between two and five years
Over five years

2015

2014

Land and
Buildings
£’000

Other
£’000

Land and
Buildings
£’000

3,841
12,133
8,064

24,038

49
47
–

96

3,562
11,041
7,658

22,261

Other
£’000

54
36
–

90

The majority of leases of land and buildings are subject to rent reviews every 5 years.

37

Job No.: 22500
Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 10
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Park Communications Ltd Alpine Way London E6 6LA
T: 020 7055 6500 F: 020 7055 6600

22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 38

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

N O T E S   T O   T H E   A C C O U N T S
For the year ended 30th April 2015

24. Pension commitments Group  companies  make  pension  contributions  for  eligible  employees  to  group  personal  pension
schemes.  These  schemes  are  independently  administered.  The  pension  cost  charge  represents
contributions payable by Group companies to the schemes during the year and amounted to £399,000
(2014 – £339,000).

The  Group’s  US  subsidiary  Cowtan  & Tout  Incorporated  operates  a  funded  defined  benefit  pension
scheme. This scheme relates to the acquisition of Jack Lenor Larsen on 1st July 1997. The scheme was
closed to new members on 31st December 1997. Existing members’ current pension contributions were
transferred to a defined contribution scheme and hence all future benefits became fixed on the date the
scheme was closed. The most recent actuarial valuation of the fund was on 30th April 2015 using the
projected  unit  credit  method.  As  the  scheme  is  closed  to  new  members  and  all  benefits  have  been
frozen,  assumptions  concerning  inflation  and  the  rate  of  increase  of  salaries,  pensions  and  deferred
pensions are not applicable. The rate used to discount scheme liabilities was 4% (2014 – 4%, 2013 –
4%). The  market  value  of  investments  at  30th  April  2015  was  £854,000  (2014  – £762,000,  2013  –
£761,000), all of which have an expected long term rate of return of 5% (2014 – 5%, 2013 – 6½%).
Due to the nature of the investments, the actuarial value of the assets and the market value are the same.
The present value of scheme liabilities at 30th April 2015 was £1,003,000 (2014 – £879,000, 2013 –
£1,026,000),  resulting  in  a  net  pension  liability  of  £148,000  (2014  – £117,000,  2013  –  £265,000). 
An accrual of £148,000 (2014 – £117,000, 2013 – £265,000) covering the unfunded actuarial accrued
liability is included in the Group statement of financial position together with a related deferred tax asset
of £59,000 (2014 – £47,000, 2013 – £106,000).

The fair value of the assets in the scheme and the expected rate of return at 30th April 2015 were:

Cash and cash equivalents
Fixed income
Equities

Total market value of assets
Present value of scheme liabilities

Net pension liability

Reconciliation of plan assets:

At beginning of year
Exchange gain/(loss)
Contributions by Group
Benefits paid
Actuarial gain

At end of year

Reconciliation of plan liabilities:

At beginning of year
Exchange increase/(reduction)
Interest cost
Benefits paid
Actuarial increase/(reduction)

At end of year

2015
£’000

–
137
717

854
(1,002)

(148)

2014
£’000

–
121
641

762
(879)

(117)

2013
£’000

–
278
483

761
(1,026)

(265)

2012
£’000

2011
£’000

–
264
435

699
(952)

(253)

–
350
349

699
(940)

(241)

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

762
76
87
(91)
20

854

2015
£’000

879
88
34
(91)
92

761
(64)
106
(96)
55

762

2014
£’000

1,026
(79)
38
(96)
(10)

1,002

879

38

Job No.: 22500
Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 10
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Park Communications Ltd Alpine Way London E6 6LA
T: 020 7055 6500 F: 020 7055 6600

22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 39

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

N O T E S   T O   T H E   A C C O U N T S
For the year ended 30th April 2015

24. Pension commitments History of experience gains and losses:

continued

Actuarial return on scheme assets (£’000)
As a % of plan assets

Actuarial (increases)/reductions on scheme 
liabilities (£’000)
As a % of plan liabilities

2015

20
-2.4%

(92)
9.0%

2014

55
2.3%

10
1.1%

2013

18
2.3%

2012

(23)
(3.3%)

2011

40
5.7%

(77)
7.5%

(29)
3.0%

(4)
0.4%

25. Guarantees

26.

Related party
transactions

The Company has given an unlimited guarantee to HSBC Bank plc to secure all the present and future
indebtedness and liabilities to the Bank of the Company, Colefax and Fowler Incorporated and Cowtan
& Tout Incorporated. There is a cross guarantee between the Company and each of its U.K. subsidiaries
in respect of their overdraft facilities. At 30th April 2015, the value of subsidiary overdrafts covered by
the guarantee amounted to £nil (2014 – £nil).

The Company undertook the following transactions with its subsidiary undertakings in the year:

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

Interest charged on long-term loans to Colefax and Fowler Holdings Limited

146

141

At the year end the following amounts were owed to the Company by its subsidiaries:

Colefax and Fowler Holdings Limited
Colefax and Fowler Limited
Sibyl Colefax and John Fowler Limited
Kingcome Sofas Limited

2015
£’000

7,796
2,600
221
7

2014
£’000

7,650
4,188
16
17

10,624

11,871

39

Job No.: 22500
Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 10
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Park Communications Ltd Alpine Way London E6 6LA
T: 020 7055 6500 F: 020 7055 6600

22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 40

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

F I V E   Y E A R   R E V I E W

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

2013
£’000

2012
£’000

2011
£’000

Revenue from continuing 
operations

76,796

78,035

70,619

70,399

77,722

Profit from continuing operations

5,037

4,922

3,547

3,151

6,448

Profit before taxation 
from continuing operations

5,029

4,885

3,547

3,148

6,521

Profit attributable to shareholders

3,542

3,353

2,334

2,195

4,573

Basic earnings per share 
from continuing operations

Diluted earnings per share
from continuing operations

32.2p

27.9p

18.2p

15.8p

33.0p

32.2p

27.9p

18.2p

15.8p

32.8p

Dividends per share

4.40p

4.20p

4.00p

3.85p

3.85p

Equity

23,757

22,211

24,283

26,254

25,460

Operating cash flow

8,741

4,867

6,035

7,115

7,759

Cash and cash equivalents

6,861

4,057

7,630

8,519

6,298

40

Job No.: 22500
Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 10
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Park Communications Ltd Alpine Way London E6 6LA
T: 020 7055 6500 F: 020 7055 6600

22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 41

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

N O T I C E   O F   M E E T I N G

Notice  is  hereby  given  that  the  2015  Annual  General  Meeting  of  Colefax  Group  Plc  will  be  held  at
19-23  Grosvenor  Hill,  London  W1K  3QD  on  17th  September  2015  at  11.00  a.m.  to  transact  the  following
business:

Ordinary Business
1.

To receive, and if thought fit, to adopt the audited Annual Accounts of the Company for the year ended
30th April 2015, together with the reports of the Directors and of the auditors thereon.

2.

3.

4.

5.

To declare a final dividend of 2.30p per ordinary share.

To re-appoint BDO LLP as auditors of the Company from the conclusion of this Annual General Meeting
until the conclusion of the next general meeting of the Company at which accounts are laid.

To authorise the Directors to determine the remuneration of the auditors.

To re-elect David Green, who retires by rotation, as a Director.

Special Business
To  consider  and,  if  thought  fit,  to  pass  the  following  resolutions  of  which  resolution  6  will  be  proposed  as  an
ordinary resolution and resolution 7 will be proposed as a special resolution.

6.

THAT  in  place  of  all  existing  authorities  (save  to  the  extent  relied  upon  prior  to  the  passing  of  this
resolution),  the  Directors  be  generally  and  unconditionally  authorised  pursuant  to  section  551  of  the
Companies Act 2006 (the “Act”):

(a)

(b)

to allot shares in the Company and to grant rights to subscribe for or to convert any security into
shares in the Company up to a maximum nominal amount of £360,917 for a period expiring
(unless previously renewed, varied or revoked by the Company in general meeting) at the earlier
of the date falling 15 months following the date of the Annual General Meeting and the end of
the next annual general meeting of the Company, save that the Company may before expiry of
this authority make an offer or agreement which would or might require shares to be allotted,
or rights to subscribe for or to convert any security into shares to be granted, after expiry of this
authority  and  the  Directors  may  allot  shares,  or  grant  rights  to  subscribe  for  or  convert  any
security into shares, in pursuance of that offer or agreement as if this authority had not expired;
and

in  addition,  to  allot  equity  securities  (within  the  meaning  of  section  560  of  the  Act)  in
connection with a rights issue in favour of holders of ordinary shares in proportion (as nearly as
may be) to their respective holdings of ordinary shares (but subject to such exclusions or other
arrangements  as  the  Directors  consider  necessary  or  expedient  in  connection  with  treasury
shares,  fractional  entitlements  or  any  legal  or  practical  problems  arising  under  the  laws  or
regulations of, or the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange in, any territory)
up  to  a  maximum  nominal  amount  of  £360,917  for  a  period  expiring  (unless  previously
renewed, varied or revoked by the Company in general meeting) at the earlier of the date falling
15 months following the date of the Annual General Meeting and the end of the next annual
general  meeting  of  the  Company,  save  that  the  Company  may  before  expiry  of  this  authority
make an offer or agreement which would or might require equity securities to be allotted after
expiry of this authority and the Directors may allot equity securities in pursuance of that offer
or agreement as if this authority had not expired.

7.

THAT, subject to the passing of resolution 6 above and in place of all existing powers, the Directors be
generally and unconditionally authorised pursuant to section 570 of the Companies Act 2006 (the “Act”)
to allot equity securities (within the meaning of section 560 of the Act) for cash pursuant to the authority
granted by resolution 6 above as if section 561 of the Act did not apply to any such allotment. This power
shall be limited to:

(a)

the allotment of equity securities in connection with an offer of such securities or an invitation
to apply to subscribe for such securities (whether by way of rights issue, open offer or otherwise)
in favour of holders of ordinary shares in proportion (as nearly as may be) to their respective
holdings  of  ordinary  shares  but  subject  to  such  exclusions  or  other  arrangements  as  the
Directors  consider  necessary  or  expedient  in  connection  with  treasury  shares,  fractional

41

Job No.: 22500
Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 10
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Park Communications Ltd Alpine Way London E6 6LA
T: 020 7055 6500 F: 020 7055 6600

22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 42

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

N O T I C E   O F   M E E T I N G

entitlements  or  legal  or  practical  issues  under  the  laws  of  any  jurisdiction  or  territory  or  the
regulations or requirements of any regulatory or stock exchange authority in any jurisdiction or
territory; and

(b)

the  allotment  (other  than  pursuant  to  sub-paragraph  (a)  above)  of  equity  securities  up  to  an
aggregate nominal amount of £54,138.

This  power  shall  expire  on  the  earlier  of  the  date  falling  15  months  following  the  date  of  the Annual
General  Meeting  and  the  conclusion  of  the  next  annual  general  meeting  of  the  Company,  but  the
Company may before the expiry of this power make an offer or agreement which would or might require
equity securities to be allotted after expiry of this power and the Directors may allot equity securities in
pursuance of that offer or agreement as if this power had not expired.

This power also applies in relation to a sale of treasury shares, which is an allotment of equity securities
by virtue of section 560(3) of the Act as if in the first paragraph of this resolution the words “subject to
the passing of resolution 6 above” and “pursuant to the authority granted by resolution 6 above” were
omitted.

By order of the Board
R. M. Barker BSc ACA
Secretary
27th July 2015

Registered Office
39 Brook Street
London W1K 4JE

42

Job No.: 22500
Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 10
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Park Communications Ltd Alpine Way London E6 6LA
T: 020 7055 6500 F: 020 7055 6600

22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 43

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

N O T I C E   O F   M E E T I N G

Notes:

1. A member entitled to attend and vote at this meeting is entitled to appoint another person as his or her proxy to exercise
all or any of his or her rights to attend, to speak and, both on a show of hands and on a poll, to vote in his or her stead at
the meeting. A proxy need not be a member of the company but must attend the meeting in person. The appointment of a
proxy does not preclude a member from attending and voting in person at the meeting should he or she subsequently decide
to do so. A form of proxy which may be used is attached.

2. A member may appoint more than one proxy in relation to a meeting, provided that each proxy is appointed to exercise

the rights attached to a different share or shares held by him or her.

3.

4.

To be valid, a form of proxy together with, if applicable, the power of attorney or other authority under which it is signed,
or  a  certified  copy  thereof,  must  be  received  by  Computershare  Investor  Services  plc  at The  Pavilions,  Bridgwater  Road,
Bristol, BS99 6ZY not later than 11.00 a.m. on 15th September 2015.

The  company,  pursuant  to  Regulation  41  of  the  Uncertificated  Securities  Regulations  2001,  specifies  that  only  those
shareholders registered in the register of members of the company as at 6.00 p.m. on 15th September 2015 shall be entitled
to attend or vote (whether on a show of hands or on a poll) at the meeting in respect of the number of shares registered in
their name at the time. Changes to entries on the register after 6.00 p.m. on 15th September 2015 (or after 6.00 p.m. on the
day which is two days before any adjourned meeting) shall be disregarded in determining the rights of any person to attend
or vote at the meeting.

5. As at 27th July 2015 (being the last business day prior to the date of this notice) the company’s issued share capital consisted
of  10,827,500  ordinary  shares  each  carrying  one  vote  per  share.  Accordingly  the  total  number  of  voting  rights  in  the
company as at 27th July 2015 were 10,827,500.

6. CREST members who wish to appoint a proxy or proxies for the meeting or any adjournment thereof by utilising the CREST
electronic  proxy  appointment  service  may  do  so  by  following  the  procedures  described  in  the  CREST  Manual
(www.euroclear.com/CREST).  CREST  personal  members  or  other  CREST  sponsored  members  and  those  CREST  members
who have appointed a voting service provider(s) should refer to their CREST sponsor or voting service provider(s), who will
be able to take the appropriate action on their behalf.

In  order  for  a  proxy  appointment  or  instruction  made  by  means  of  CREST  to  be  valid,  the  appropriate  CREST  message
(a “CREST Proxy Instruction”) must be properly authenticated in accordance with Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited’s (EUI)
specifications  and  must  contain  the  information  required  for  such  instructions,  as  described  in  the  CREST  Manual. The
message,  regardless  of  whether  it  constitutes  the  appointment  of  a  proxy  or  an  amendment  to  the  instruction  given  to  a
previously appointed proxy, must, in order to be valid, be transmitted so as to be received by the issuer’s agent (ID 3RA50)
by the latest time(s) for receipt of proxy appointments specified in this notice. For this purpose, the time of receipt will be
taken to be the time (as determined by the timestamp applied to the message by the CREST Application Host) from which
the issuer’s agent is able to retrieve the message by enquiry to CREST in the manner prescribed by CREST. After this time
any  change  of  instructions  to  proxies  appointed  through  CREST  should  be  communicated  to  the  appointee  through
other means.

CREST members and, where applicable, their CREST sponsors or voting service providers should note that EUI does not
make  available  special  procedures  in  CREST  for  any  particular  message.  Normal  system  timings  and  limitations  will
therefore apply in relation to the input of CREST Proxy Instructions. It is the responsibility of the CREST member concerned
to take (or, if the CREST member is a CREST personal member or sponsored member or has appointed (a) voting service
provider(s),  to  procure  that  his  CREST  sponsor  or  voting  service  provider(s)  take(s))  such  action  as  shall  be  necessary  to
ensure  that  a  message  is  transmitted  by  means  of  the  CREST  system  by  any  particular  time.  In  this  connection,  CREST
members  and,  where  applicable,  their  CREST  sponsors  or  voting  service  provider(s)  are  referred,  in  particular,  to  those
sections of the CREST Manual concerning practical limitations of the CREST system and timings.

The  company  may  treat  as  invalid  a  CREST  Proxy  Instruction  in  the  circumstances  set  out  in  Regulation  35(5)(a)  of  the
Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001.

7. Any member attending the meeting has the right to ask questions.

8.

If a shareholder has a general query about the Annual General Meeting or wishes to give the Company prior notification of
any question he wishes to ask at the Annual General Meeting, he should call our shareholder helpline on 0870 889 3295
if calling within the United Kingdom or +44 870 889 3295 if calling from outside the United Kingdom. The Shareholder
Helpline  is  available  from  8.30  a.m.  and  5.30  p.m.  Monday  to  Friday  (except  public  holidays). The  cost  of  calls  to  the
helpline vary depending on the service provider. Calls to the helpline from outside the United Kingdom will be charged at
applicable international rates. Calls may be recorded and monitored for security and training purposes.

43

Job No.: 22500
Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 10
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Park Communications Ltd Alpine Way London E6 6LA
T: 020 7055 6500 F: 020 7055 6600

22500 Colefax Annual Report Text_22500 Colefax Annual Report Text  27/07/2015  15:17  Page 44

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

44

Job No.: 22500
Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 10
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Park Communications Ltd Alpine Way London E6 6LA
T: 020 7055 6500 F: 020 7055 6600

Colefax  Group  is  an  international  designer  and  distributor  of  luxury 
furnishing fabrics and wallpapers and a leading international decorating 
company. Sales  are  made  under  the  brand  names  Colefax  and  Fowler, 
Cowtan and Tout, Jane Churchill, Larsen and Manuel Canovas. The Group 
has offices in the UK, USA, France, Germany and Italy which form part of 
an expanding worldwide distribution network.

C O N T E N T S

Financial Highlights 

Chairman’s Statement 

Strategic Report 

Directors, Bankers and Advisers 

Directors’ Report 

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities 

Independent Auditors’ Report 

Group Income Statement 

Group Statement of Comprehensive Income 

Group Statement of Financial Position 

Company Statement of Financial Position 

Group Statement of Cash Flows 

Company Statement of Cash Flows 

Group Statement of Changes in Equity 

Company Statement of Changes in Equity 

Notes to the Accounts 

Five Year Review 

Notice of Meeting 

1

2

4

8

9

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

20

21

40

41

Park is an EMAS certified company and its Environmental Management System is certified to ISO 14001.

Printed by Park Communications on FSC® certified paper.

Job No: 22500Proof Event: 9Black Line Level: 0Park Communications Ltd Alpine Way London E6 6LACustomer: ColefaxProject Title: Annual ReportT: 0207 055 6500 F: 020 7055 6600Job No: 22500Proof Event: 9Black Line Level: 0Park Communications Ltd Alpine Way London E6 6LACustomer: ColefaxProject Title: Annual ReportT: 0207 055 6500 F: 020 7055 6600 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Head Office: 19/23 Grosvenor Hill, London W1K 3QD  
Tel: 020 7493 2231  Fax: 020 7495 3123

A n n u a l   R e p o r t   a n d   A c c o u n t s   2 0 1 5