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Canfor Pulp Products

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FY2017 Annual Report · Canfor Pulp Products
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 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 7

 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 offi ces 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

41

42

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text_30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text  15/08/2017  16:26  Page 1

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

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

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

Increase/
(decrease)

Revenue

80,475

76,879

5%

Profit from operations

2,937

5,013

(41%)

Profit before taxation 

2,937

5,016

(41%)

Profit attributable to shareholders

1,895

3,461

(45%)

Basic earnings per share

18.6p

32.2p

(42%)

Diluted earnings per share

18.6p

32.2p

(42%)

Dividends per share

4.80p

4.60p

4%

Equity

25,936

26,318

(1.5%)

Operating cash flow

4,180

7,195

(42%)

Cash and cash equivalents

6,710

10,085

(33%)

* Restated

1

Job No.: 30642
Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 7
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2017    

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

30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text_30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text  15/08/2017  16:26  Page 2

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

C H A I R M A N ’ S   S TAT E M E N T

Financial Results 
Group  sales  for  the  year  to  30  April  2017  increased  by  4.7%  to  £80.48  million  (2016:  £76.88  million  but
decreased by 5.3% on a constant currency basis. Pre-tax profits decreased to £2.94 million (2016: £5.02 million)
and earnings per share decreased to 18.6p (2016: 32.2p). The Group ended the year with net cash of £6.7 million
(2016: £10.1 million).

The Board is proposing to increase the final dividend by 4% to 2.50p per share (2016: 2.40p) making a total for
the year of 4.80p (2016: 4.60p), an increase of 4%. The final dividend, which is subject to shareholder approval,
will be paid on 10 October 2017 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 8 September 2017.

During  the  year  the  Group  returned  £2.58  million  (2016:  £324,000)  to  shareholders  through  the  purchase  of
537,000 shares at an average price of £4.79 and representing 5.0% of the issued share capital of the Company.

The decline in our profit was mainly due to difficult trading conditions in our core US market where sales were
down by 7.7% on a constant currency basis. Our decision to hedge our US Dollar exposure at our budgeted rate
meant  that  we  incurred  hedging  losses  of  £2.0  million  (2016:  £144,000)  reflecting  the  collapse  in  Sterling
following the Brexit Referendum. Excluding hedging losses the Group profit before tax would have been £4.91
million or down 2% on last year.

A significant proportion of the Group’s sales are in overseas markets with 68% of sales invoiced in currencies other
than Sterling. In addition 47% of Group net assets are denominated in currencies other than Sterling. As a result
exchange rate movements have exacerbated the changes in revenues, costs, assets and liabilities in our reported
results. 

Despite difficult trading conditions, the Group made significant progress during the year with a major programme
of capital investment in new showrooms. In the UK our Decorating Division successfully moved from 39 Brook
Street to new premises at 89-91 Pimlico Road in Belgravia and we are pleased with the positive customer response
to the new showroom. In the US we opened two new showrooms in Boston and Atlanta which are both major
sales territories. Inevitably these showroom openings involved some disruption to our existing business and we can
now focus fully on building sales in these markets. 

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 87% of Group turnover were up by 5.5% to £70.05 million (2016:
£66.40 million) but down by 6.0% on a constant currency basis. Operating profit reduced to £2.80 million (2016:
£4.53  million)  but  excluding  hedging  losses  of  £2.0m  was  up  by  6.0%  highlighting  the  importance  of  the  US
Dollar exchange rate to Fabric Division performance. 

The  main  reason  for  the  decline  in  Fabric  Division  sales  on  a  constant  currency  basis  was  adverse  trading
conditions  in  our  core  US  market.  Sales  in  the  US,  which  represent  59%  of  the  Fabric  Division’s  turnover,
decreased by 7.7%. The rate of decline slowed during the year with the first half down by 10% and the second
half down by 6%. In the run up to the US election there was considerable political uncertainty which we believe
impacted spending at the luxury end of the market and although the election result was unexpected there has been
greater certainty and economic confidence since the election. We opened a new showroom in Boston in October
and a new showroom in Atlanta in February. Previously we sold through agent showrooms in these territories and
we now have direct control over sales in these important markets.

Sales in the UK which represent 18% of the Fabric Division’s turnover were down by 1% during the year reflecting
fairly challenging conditions at the top end of the market. Trading conditions are closely linked to the health of the
high end housing market and there has been a significant decline in high end housing transactions over the last
year which we attribute to the very high rate of stamp duty on these properties. We would like to see stamp duty
rates reduced but there seems to be little prospect of this in the current political climate. It is too early to say how
our UK market will be affected by Brexit. Currently, the majority of our fabrics are sourced duty free from high
quality manufacturers in Europe.

2

Job No.: 30642
Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 7
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2017    

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

30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text_30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text  15/08/2017  16:26  Page 3

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

C H A I R M A N ’ S   S TAT E M E N T

Sales in Continental Europe, which represent 20% of the Fabric Division’s turnover, increased by 7% in reported terms
but decreased by 6% on a constant currency basis. France, Germany and Italy account for 55% of sales in Europe
and all of these markets were relatively difficult. On a constant currency basis France was down by 5%, Germany by
9% and Italy by 4%. Sales in most other European countries were slightly down compared to last year but there are
tentative signs of a pick-up in the overall economy. Europe encompasses a wide range of design tastes and the Group’s
portfolio of brands means that we will look to exploit specific growth opportunities in specific markets. 

Sales in the Rest of the World which represent just 3% of the Fabric Division’s turnover, decreased by 2% during
the year. The main markets are the Middle East, Australia, Russia and China and current market conditions mean
that they are likely to remain a relatively small part of overall sales. 

•

Furniture – Kingcome Sofas

Sales of Kingcome furniture, which represent 3% of Product Division sales decreased by 10% to £2.35 million
(2016: £2.62 million). This business activity is highly operationally geared and, as a result of the sales decrease,
operating profit reduced to £23,000 compared to a profit of £263,000 last year. Approximately 90% of sales are
in the UK, predominantly London, and we believe the luxury furniture market has been adversely impacted by the
slowdown in the high end housing market. Customer deposits ended the year up by 21% compared to the prior
year  but  we  expect  trading  conditions  to  remain  challenging.  Export  sales  represent  an  opportunity  for  growth
especially given the decline in the value of Sterling since the Brexit referendum.

Interior Decorating Division
Decorating  sales,  which  account  for  10%  of  Group  turnover,  increased  by  3%  to  £8.06  million  (2016:  £7.86
million) but profits were £108,000 compared to a profit of £221,000 for the prior year. It has been a transitional
year for the Decorating Division due to the move from 39 Brook Street in Mayfair where the company was based
for over 80 years. The new showroom at 89-91 Pimlico Road in Belgravia opened in February 2017 and the initial
market reaction has exceeded our expectations. The new location is better suited to the needs of the business and
whilst  we  have  significantly  reduced  our  investment  in  antique  stock,  antique  sales  have  been  encouraging.
Despite  the  distraction  of  the  move,  customer  deposits  are  well  ahead  of  last  year. The  decline  in  Sterling  is  a
growth opportunity for the company and we have seen an increase in the proportion of overseas clients. 

Prospects
The  last  year  has  been  challenging  for  the  Group  and  underlying  trading  conditions  were  affected  both  by
uncertainty before the US election and after the Brexit Referendum. We are pleased to have successfully completed
a significant capital investment programme with two major new US showrooms and a new Decorating Division
showroom in the UK and we expect to see a good return on these investments in the current year. 

In the US, our most important market, we have seen a steady improvement in confidence since the Presidential
election and sales for the first two months of the new financial year are ahead of last year and budget. Sales in the
UK and Europe are also ahead of last year although we remain cautious about growth prospects in these markets. 

The  weakness  of  Sterling  against  the  US  Dollar  is  extremely  positive  for  our  business  due  to  the  fact  that
approximately 60% of Fabric Division sales are in the US and invoiced in US Dollars. However, we will not benefit
fully this year due to ongoing hedging, put in place prior to the Brexit Referendum, which is likely to give rise to
a pre-tax charge of just over £1.2 million. 

Overall we are cautiously optimistic about the Group’s prospects for the year ahead and will continue to invest
with confidence in our portfolio of brands.

I would like to thank all of our staff throughout the Group for their loyalty, talent, hard work and enthusiasm, and
for their ongoing commitment to the future success of the Group.

David B. Green
Chairman
24 July 2017

3

Job No.: 30642
Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 7
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2017    

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

30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text_30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text  15/08/2017  16:26  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  different
suppliers  primarily  in  Italy,  France,  Belgium  the  UK  and  India. This  broad  supplier  base  enables  the  Group  to
respond  rapidly  to  changing  market  tastes  and  avoids  the  complexity  and  capital  intensive  nature  of
manufacturing. 

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. The  industry  is  still  relatively  fragmented  with  a  large  number  of  independent  competitors. The  main
challenge with acquisitions has been finding vendors who are prepared to sell at a realistic price. In the absence
of acquisitions we believe there are still good opportunities for organic growth within the Group’s existing portfolio
and we will continue to return surplus cash to shareholders through our long running share buyback programme. 

The Group’s fabric and wallpapers are sold in over 50 countries worldwide although the US market accounts for
59% of Fabric Division sales and the UK market 18% of sales. The next largest individual country is France which
accounts for 6% sales. The Group sells primarily to interior designers and retail fabric and wallpaper shops (the
‘trade’) and apart from one retail outlet in London accounting for just over 1% of 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 distributors. 

The strategic rationale behind the Group’s portfolio of brands is that they each have separate design studios but
share a common operational platform in terms of marketing, sales, sampling, warehousing, purchasing, 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 complimented 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 smaller product launches The Group seeks to reduce business risk by targeting different brands
at different markets and ensuing that each brand remains clearly differentiated with minimal product overlap.

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
33 staff and this is the Group’s only manufacturing activity. It is a relatively small part of the Group accounting for
2.9% 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 also 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 10% 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 three 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. 

4

Job No.: 30642
Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 7
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2017    

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

30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text_30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text  15/08/2017  16:26  Page 5

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

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

The  Decorating  Division  includes  a  decorative  antiques  business  which  accounts  for  about  12%  of  its  sales.  In
recent years the market for antiques has been relatively challenging due to changing consumer tastes. During the
year the Decorating Division moved from Brook Street in Mayfair to new premises in Pimlico Road Belgravia and
as part of the move the investment in antique stock was reduced by over 50% with an emphasis on fewer but more
selective  items. The  new  location  is  much  better  suited  to  antique  sales  and  although  smaller,  this  activity  will
remain strategically important to the Decorating Division.

The project based nature of decorating means that, depending on the timing of projects, there can be significant
fluctuations in profits from year to year and this can sometimes have a material impact on the Group’s results. 

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

2017
-5.3%
55.1%
3.6%
18.6p
£4.2m

2016
-2.2%
56.3%
6.5%
32.2p
£7.2m

Sales Growth
Group sales were up by 4.6% in reported terms to £80.48 million (2016: £76.88 million) but down by 5.3% on a
constant  currency  basis. The  sales  decline  mainly  reflects  challenging  market  conditions  in  the  US.  In  the  core
Fabric Division sales decreased by 6% on a constant currency basis compared to a 3% constant currency decrease
last year. By market the US was down 8.0%, the UK down 1% and Europe down 6%. These changes are discussed
in more detail in the Chairman’s Statement. The sales decline in the US was across all brands and most territories
which suggests that it was more to do with market conditions than internal factors. We believe that our sales are
closely tied to the strength of the high end housing market. 

In the Decorating Division sales were up by 2.1%. Variations in the timing and duration of projects mean that sales
don’t  always  reflect  current  market  conditions. A  more  reliable  indicator  is  customer  deposits  which  increased
steadily throughout the year. In December the 53 year lease of our showroom at 39 Brook Street in Mayfair came
to  an  end  and  the  company  moved  to  new  premises  in  Belgravia  which  are  better  suited  to  the  needs  of  the
business.

Gross Profit Margin
The overall gross profit margin decreased from 56.3% to 55.1% The actual margin achieved is heavily influenced
by the US Dollar exchange rate because fabric and wallpaper sold in the US is invoiced in US Dollars but sourced
mainly in Sterling and Euros. The Group typically hedges a significant portion of its US Dollar exposure with any
gains or losses on hedging recorded in cost of goods sold when they are realised. The decision to hedge all of our
exposure  this  year  at  our  budgeted  rate  of  $1.50  unfortunately  resulted  in  hedging  losses  of  £2  million  when
Sterling collapsed after the Brexit Referendum. Excluding hedging losses the Group margin would have increased
to  57.6%. This  demonstrates  the  significance  of  the  US  Dollar  exchange  to  Group  profits  with  every  one  cent
movement worth approximately £95,000. Next year we will not benefit fully from the strength of the US Dollar
because  we  still  have  some  cover  in  place  which  will  give  rise  to  hedging  losses  of  approximately  £1  million.
However, overall the strong Dollar is very positive for our business. 

The  Brexit  result  was  unexpected  and  has  implications  for  future  sales  and  profit  margins  if  the  UK  leaves  the
Customs  Union  and  is  unable  to  negotiate  a  new  free  trade  agreement.  This  is  because  the  Fabric  Division
purchases the majority of its goods in Europe and makes 20% of its sales in Europe.

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.

5

Job No.: 30642
Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 7
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2017    

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

30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text_30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text  15/08/2017  16:26  Page 6

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

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

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

US dollar average
US dollar closing
Euro average
Euro closing

2017
1.29
1.29
1.18
1.19

2016
1.50
1.47
1.36
1.27

% change
14.0%
12.2%
13.2%
6.2%

Operating Profit Margin
Group operating profit decreased by 41.8% to £2.94 million (2016: £5.01 million) representing an operating profit
margin of 3.6% (2016: 6.5%). Excluding hedging losses the operating margin would have been £4.92 million or
6.1%. The main reason for the decline in the operating margin was the 6% decline in Fabric Division sales on a
constant currency basis. This highlights the extent to which the Group’s profits are operationally geared. Relatively
small increases or decreases in sales can have a significant impact on profits.

The  Decorating  Division  made  a  profit  of  £108,000  compared  to  £221,000  last  year.  The  profit  includes
compensation of £494,000 for the termination of the Brook Street lease although this income was largely offset by
move costs including double rent and rates during the build out of the new showroom, stamp duty and legal costs.

Next year the Group’s operating margin will benefit from a reduction in hedging losses but the most important
factor will be whether we see a return to growth in our core US market.

Earnings Per Share
Earnings per share reduced to 18.6p (2016: 32.2p) in line with the decline in operating profit. There was a decrease
of 5% in the weighted average number of shares in issue during the year due to share buybacks in the current and
prior year. However, this benefit was offset by a 4% increase in the corporation tax rate from 31% to 35% due to
the proportion of profits made in the US market. Next year the tax rate is expected to return to last year’s levels. 

The  Board  remains  committed  to  a  policy  of  returning  surplus  cash  to  shareholders  by  way  of  share  buybacks
provided  it  enhances  shareholder  value.  Since  September  1999  the  Group  has  returned  over  £24  million  to
shareholders through its share buyback program. At this year’s AGM on the 14 September 2017 the Group will be
seeking  to  renew  its  authority  to  make  annual  share  buybacks  of  up  to  15%  of  the  issued  share  capital.
As David Green currently owns over 30% of the company any share buyback would increase his stake and under
Rule  9  of  the  Takeover  Code  require  him  to  make  a  bid  for  the  entire  issued  share  capital  of  the  company. 
The Group will therefore hold an Extraordinary General Meeting after the AGM to seek approval for a waiver of
Rule 9. A Circular will be sent to shareholders with the Annual Report and Accounts.

Operating Cash flow
The  Group’s  operating  cash  flow  was  £4.18  million  (2016:  £7.19  million)  compared  to  profit  before  tax  of
£2.94 million. The decrease compared to last year is mainly due to the reduction in operating profit but also an
increase in inventory of £1.14 million (2016: £127,000). The increase in inventory was largely due to the increased
cost  of  Euro  purchases  following  the  12%  devaluation  of  Sterling  after  the  Brexit  Referendum.  Including
movements in debtors and creditors there was a net increase in working capital of £1.46 million compared to just
£5,000  in  2016.  Depreciation  amounted  to  £2.72  million  (2016:  £2.19  million)  compared  to  net  capital
expenditure of £4.08 million. The high capital expenditure was due to new US showrooms in Boston and Atlanta
and the new Decorating Division showroom in Belgravia. Next year capital expenditure is expected to return to
more normal levels and be below the annual depreciation charge.

The Group ended the year with net cash of £6.7 million compared to £10.1 million last year. The reduction in cash
compares to post tax profits of £1.9 million and is mainly explained by the exceptionally high capital expenditure
of £4.08 million compared to depreciation of £2.72 million, an increase in working capital of £1.46 million, share
buybacks of £2.58 million and dividend payments of £478,000. 

6

Job No.: 30642
Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 7
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2017    

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

30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text_30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text  15/08/2017  16:26  Page 7

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

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

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 £95,000. 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 £13.6 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,  risks  associated  with  new  product  introduction  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.

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 a high volume 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 three warehouse buildings
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 24 July 2017 and signed on its behalf by

R. M. Barker BSc ACA
Group Finance Director

7

Job No.: 30642
Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 11
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2017

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

30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text_30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text  15/08/2017  16:26  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
19-23 Grosvenor Hill
London W1K 3QD

Registered in England No. 1870320

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

Auditors

BDO LLP
55 Baker Street
London W1U 7EU

Solicitors

Keystone Law
48 Chancery Lane
London WC2A 1JF

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
41 Floor
New York
NY 10017
U.S.A.

Registrars and Transfer Office

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

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30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text_30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text  15/08/2017  16:26  Page 9

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

D I R E C T O R S ’  R E P O RT

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
of 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.

Resolution Number 8, proposed as a special resolution, would authorise the Directors to purchase up to a total
nominal  value  of  £153,300  of  the  Company’s  ordinary  shares,  representing  15%  of  the  issued  share  capital  at
24 July 2017, at prices from 10p up to a maximum of 5% above the middle market quotations for the preceding
five business days. This power will only be exercised by the Board when it is satisfied that any purchase would
have a beneficial impact on earnings per share, would not have a material adverse impact upon attributable assets
and would be in the interests of the shareholders.

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. During the year, the
Company repurchased 537,000 shares at an average price of 479.1p.

Results and Dividends
The Group’s profit after tax was £1,895,000 (2016 – £3,461,000). An interim dividend of 2.30p (2016 – 2.20p) per
share was paid to shareholders on 10 April 2017. The Directors recommend the payment of a final dividend of
2.50p  (2016  –  2.40p)  per  share  to  be  paid  on  10  October  2017  to  shareholders  on  the  register  at  the  close  of
business on 8 September 2017. 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  4.80p  (2016  –  4.60p)  per  share  and  the  total  of  the  interim  and  proposed  final  dividend  is  £488,000 
(2016 – £492,000).

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.

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30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text_30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text  15/08/2017  16:26  Page 10

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

D I R E C T O R S ’  R E P O RT

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 30 April 2017 at the date of these financial statements.

Financial Risk Management
Detail 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 28 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 a historical cost basis was £168,000 at 30 April 2017
(2016 – £167,000).

Directors
The Directors listed on page 8 have held office throughout the year to 30 April 2017.

In accordance with Article 14.1 of the Company’s Articles of Association, R. Barker will retire by rotation at the
Annual General meeting. Resolution 5 proposes his re-election as Director. R. Barker 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

630
225
187
347

24

1,413

–
–
13
–

–

13

49
2
25
–

–

76

–
–
–
23

–

23

2017
Total
£’000

679
227
225
370

24

1,525

Substantial Shareholdings

D. B. Green
Rights and Issues Investment Trust plc
Schroder plc

Number of shares
3,148,681
2,436,979
1,938,234

2016
Total
£’000

705
229
222
309

19

1,484

%
30.8
23.8
18.9

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30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text_30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text  15/08/2017  16:26  Page 11

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

D I R E C T O R S ’  R E P O RT

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

Ordinary shares of 10p each
2016
3,648,681
218,102
97,350
161,100
45,000

2017
3,148,681
218,102
97,350
161,100
45,000

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

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  30  April  2017  was  460p. The  range  of  market  prices  during  the
financial year was between 445p and 540p.

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
24 July 2017

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30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text_30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text  15/08/2017  16:26  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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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 30 April 2017 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 30 April 2017 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, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

•

•

the  information  given  in  the  strategic  report  and  the  directors  report  for  the  financial  year  for  which  the
financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

the  strategic  report  and  directors’  report  have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  applicable  legal
requirements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In  the  light  of  the  knowledge  and  understanding  of  the  group  and  the  parent  company  and  its  environment
obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the
directors’ report.

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.

Anthony Perkins (senior statutory auditor)
For and on behalf of BDO LLP, statutory auditor
London, United Kingdom
24 July 2017

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

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30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text_30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text  15/08/2017  16:26  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 30 April 2017

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

2017
£’000

80,475
36,119

44,356
41,419

2016
£’000

76,879
33,587

43,292
38,279

2,937

5,013

1
(1)

3
–

2,937

5,016

39
(1,081)

(502)
(1,053)

9

(1,042)

(1,555)

1,895

3,461

11
11

18.6p
18.6p

32.2p
32.2p

The notes on pages 21 to 40 form part of these Consolidated financial statements.

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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 30 April 2017

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income/(expense):

Items that will not be reclassified to profit and loss:

Notes

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

1,895

3,461

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations
Remeasurement of defined benefit pension scheme
Tax relating to items that will not be reclassfied to profit and loss

19

1,628
101
(449)

642
(100)
(106)

Items that will or may be reclassified to profit and loss:

Cash flow hedges:
Losses recognised directly in equity
Transferred to profit and loss for the year
Tax relating to items that will or may be reclassified to 
profit and loss

Total other comprehensive income/(expense)

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

1,280

436

(2,611)
2,006

(805)
144

19

109

132

(496)

(529)

784

(93)

2,679

3,368

The notes on pages 21 to 40 form part of these Consolidated financial statements.

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30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text_30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text  15/08/2017  16:26  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 30 April 2017

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

Current assets:
Inventories and work in progress
Trade and other receivables
Current corporation tax
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
Deferred tax liability
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
17
16

2017
£’000

9,669
386

10,055

13,938
11,805
170
6,710

2016
£’000

7,551
35

7,586

12,518
9,179
–
10,085

32,623

31,782

13,961
–

11,258
163

17

13,961

11,421

18,662

20,361

28,717

27,947

18
19
24

21
22
22
22
22
22
22

1,992
734
55

1,459
–
170

25,936

26,318

1,022
11,148
1,852
(113)
2,779
(979)
10,227

1,076
11,148
1,798
(113)
1,559
(483)
11,333

25,936

26,318

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on
24 July 2017.

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

The notes on pages 21 to 40 form part of these Consolidated financial statements.

Company No. 1870320

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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 30 April 2017

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

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

13

27,093

27,093

15

17

21
22
22
22
22

3,941

3,941

4,267

4,267

2,507

1,434

1,499

2,768

28,527

29,861

1,022
11,148
10,762
1,852
3,743

1,076
11,148
10,762
1,798
5,077

28,527

29,861

The Company profit for the year was £1,727,000 (2016 – £2,988,000).

The financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 24
July 2017.

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

The notes on pages 21 to 40 form part of these Consolidated financial statements.

Company No. 1870320

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30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text_30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text  15/08/2017  16:26  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 30 April 2017

Operating activities
Profit before taxation
Finance income
Finance expense
Depreciation

Cash flows from operations before changes in working capital
Increase in inventories and work in progress
(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables
Increase/(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 in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Exchange gains/(losses) on cash and cash equivalents

Notes

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

12

12

10

2,937
(1)
1
2,720

5,657
(1,140)
(2,172)
1,835

4,180

5,016
(3)
–
2,187

7,200
(127)
704
(582)

7,195

(224)
(1,141)

(556)
(781)

(1,365)

(1,337)

2,815

5,858

(4,126)
40
1

(2,278)
24
2

(4,085)

(2,252)

(2,583)
(1)
(478)

(3,062)

(4,332)
10,085
957

(324)
(1)
(483)

(808)

2,798
6,861
426

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

16

6,710

10,085

The notes on pages 21 to 40 form part of these Consolidated financial statements.

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30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text_30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text  15/08/2017  16:26  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 30 April 2017

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

Cash flows from operations before changes in working capital
(Increase)/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 (outflow)/inflow 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

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

1,727
(1,598)
(146)
–

(17)
(152)
(807)

(976)

3,136
(3,000)
(152)
–

(16)
693
801

1,478

(224)

(1,200)

(556)

922

146
2,300

2,446

150
2,000

2,150

10

(2,583)
–
(478)

(3,061)

(324)
(1)
(483)

(808)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

(1,815)
(677)

2,264
(2,941)

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

16

(2,492)

(677)

The notes on pages 21 to 40 form part of these Consolidated financial statements.

19

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Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 7
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2017    

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

30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text_30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text  15/08/2017  16:26  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 30 April 2017

Share
capital
£’000

1,076
–
–

Share

Capital
premium redemption
reserve
account
£’000
£’000

ESOP
share
reserve
£’000

Foreign
exchange
reserve
£’000

11,148
–
–

1,798
–
–

(113)
–
–

1,559
–
1,628

Cash
flow
hedge
reserve
£’000

(483)
–
–

Retained
earnings
£’000

11,333
1,895
–

Total
equity
£’000

26,318
1,895
1,628

–

–
–

–

–

(54)
–

–

–
–

–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–

–

54
–

–

–
–

–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–

101

101

(2,611)
2,006

–
–

(2,611)
2,006

(408)

109

(41)

(340)

1,220

(496)

–
–

–
–

1,955

(2,583)
(478)

2,679

(2,583)
(478)

1,022

11,148

1,852

(113)

2,779

(979)

10,227

25,936

1,083
–
–

11,148
–
–

1,791
–
–

(113)
–
–

1,062
–
642

–

–
–

–

–

(7)
–

–

–
–

–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–

–

7
–

–

–
–

–

–

–
–

46
–
–

–

(805)
144

–

–
–

(145)

132

8,740
3,461
–

23,757
3,461
642

(100)

(100)

–
–

39

(805)
144

26

497

(529)

3,400

3,368

–
–

–
–

(324)
(483)

(324)
(483)

1,076

11,148

1,798

(113)

1,559

(483)

11,333

26,318

At 1 May 2016
Profit for the year
Foreign exchange
Remeasurement of defined benefit
pension scheme

Cash flow hedges:
Losses
Transfers

Tax on other 
comprehensive income

Total comprehensive
income for the year

Share buybacks
Dividends paid

At 30 April 2017

At 1 May 2015
Profit for the year
Foreign exchange
Remeasurement of defined benefit
pension scheme

Cash flow hedges:
Losses
Transfers

Tax on other 
comprehensive income

Total comprehensive
income for the year

Share buybacks
Dividends paid

At 30 April 2016

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 30 April 2017

At 1 May 2016
Profit and total comprehensive income for the year
Share buybacks
Dividends paid

At 30 April 2017

At 1 May 2015
Profit and total comprehensive income for the year
Share buybacks
Dividends paid

At 30 April 2016

Share
premium
reserve
£’000

Capital
Merger redemption
reserve
reserve
£’000
£’000

Share
capital
£’000

1,076
–
(54)
–

11,148
–
–
–

10,762
–
–
–

1,022

11,148

10,762

1,083
–
(7)
–

11,148
–
–
–

10,762
–
–
–

1,076

11,148

10,762

Retained
earnings
£’000

5,077
1,727
(2,583)
(478)

Total
equity
£’000

29,861
1,727
(2,583)
(478)

3,743

28,527

2,896
2,988
(324)
(483)

27,680
2,988
(324)
(483)

5,077

29,861

1,798
–
54
–

1,852

1,791
–
7
–

1,798

The notes on pages 21 to 40 form part of these Consolidated financial statements.

20

Job No.: 30642
Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 7
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2017    

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

30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text_30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text  15/08/2017  16:26  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 30 April 2017

1. Accounting policies

General Information
Colefax Group Plc is a public limited company (Company No. 1870320) 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.

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

– Annual Improvements to IFRSs (2012-2014 Cycle) – These amendments were endorsed for use in the

EU on 20 December 2015.

– Amendment  to  IAS  1  ‘Disclosure  Initiative’  (effective  for  accounting  periods  beginning  on  or  after 
1 January 2016). This amendment is designed to further encourage companies to apply professional
judgement  in  determining  what  information  to  disclose  in  their  financial  statements.  These
amendments were endorsed for use in the EU on 23 December 2015.

– Amendments  to  IFRS  10,  IFRS  12  and  IAS  28  ‘Investment  Entities:  Applying  the  Consolidation
Exception’ (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2016). These amendments
introduce  clarifications  to  the  requirements  when  accounting  for  investment  entities.  These
amendments were endorsed for use in the EU on 22 September 2016.

– Amendment  to  IFRS  11  ‘Accounting  for  Acquisitions  of  Interests  in  Joint  Operations’  (effective  for
accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2016). This amendment requires the acquirer of
an interest in a joint operation to apply the key principles for accounting for business combinations
in IFRS 3. This amendment was endorsed for use in the EU on 28 November 2015.

– Amendments  to  IAS  16  and  IAS  38  ‘Clarification  of  Acceptable  Methods  of  Depreciation  and
Amortisation’  (effective  for  accounting  periods  beginning  on  or  after  1  January  2016). These
amendments clarify that the use of revenue-based methods to calculate the depreciation of an asset is
not appropriate. These amendments were endorsed for use in the EU on 7 December 2015.

– Amendment  to  IAS  27  ‘Equity  Method  in  Separate  Financial  Statements’  (effective  for  accounting 
periods beginning on or after 1 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  were  endorsed  for  use  in  the  EU  on 
27 December 2015.

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 1 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 been endorsed for use in the EU.

– Amendment to IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers.’ This clarification has not yet been

endorsed for use in the EU.

21

Job No.: 30642
Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 7
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2017    

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

30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text_30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text  15/08/2017  16:26  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 30 April 2017

1. Accounting policies

continued

– IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 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  de-recognition  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 been
endorsed for use in the EU.

– IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019). This standard
sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both
parties to a lease contract. The IFRS eliminates the classification of leases as either operating or finance
as required by IAS 17, and instead introduces a single lessee accounting model. This standard has not
yet been endorsed for use in the EU.

– Amendments  to  IAS  12  ‘Income  taxes’  (effective  for  accounting  periods  beginning  on  or  after 
1 January 2017). The amendments to IAS 12 are intended to clarify the requirements on recognition
of deferred tax assets for unrealized losses on debt instrument financial assets measured at fair value.
This amendment has not yet been endorsed for use in the EU.

– Amendments to IAS 7 ‘Statement of Cash Flows’ (effective for accounting period beginning on or after
1  January  2017).  The  amendments  are  intended  to  improve  the  information  provided  to  uses  of
financial  statements  about  changes  in  liabilities  arising  from  an  entity’s  financing  activities. 
This amendment has not yet been endorsed for use in the EU.

Annual improvements to IFRS (2014-2016 Cycle). These amendments have not yet been endorsed for
use in the EU.

The  following  amendments  to  existing  standards  have  been  issued  by  the  IASB  or  the  International
Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) which are not yet effective in the current financial
year and which the Group does not believe will have an impact on the presentation of its consolidated
results in future periods:

– Amendment  to  IFRS  2  ‘Classification  and  Measurement  of  Share-based  Payment  Transactions’

(effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018).

– Amendment  to  IFRS  4  ‘Applying  IFRS  9  Financial  Instruments  with  IFRS  4  Insurance  Contracts’

(effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018).

– IFRIC 22 ‘Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration’ (effective for accounting periods

beginning on or after 1 January 2018).

– Amendments to IAS 40 ‘Transfers of Investment Property’ (effective for accounting periods beginning

on or after 1 January 2018).

– IFRIC 23 ‘Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments’ (effective for accounting periods beginning on or

after 1 January 2019).

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

Basis of Consolidation
Where the Company has control over an investee, it is classified as a subsidiary. The Company controls
an  investee  if  all  three  of  the  following  elements  are  present:  power  over  the  investee,  exposure  to
variable  returns  from  the  investee,  and  the  ability  of  the  Company  to  use  its  power  to  affect  those
variable returns. 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 within the financial statements of Company was £2,988,000 (2015 – £1,058,000). 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  1  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.

22

Job No.: 30642
Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 7
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2017    

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

30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text_30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text  15/08/2017  16:26  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 30 April 2017

1. Accounting policies

continued

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 30 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.

Work in Progress
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.

23

Job No.: 30642
Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 7
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2017    

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

30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text_30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text  15/08/2017  16:26  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 30 April 2017

1. Accounting policies

continued

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 31 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 actuarial gains and losses
in  scheme  liabilities  and  the  movements  on  the  valuation  of  scheme  assets  are  recognised  in  the
Statement of comprehensive income.

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.

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.

24

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Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 7
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2017    

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

30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text_30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text  15/08/2017  16:26  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 30 April 2017

1. Accounting policies

continued

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’.

25

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Customer: Colefax Group plc

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Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2017    

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

30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text_30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text  15/08/2017  16:26  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 30 April 2017

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 (see note 14) 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
As described in note 15, 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,
as described in note 19. 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

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

79,740
735

75,764
1,115

80,475

76,879

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30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text_30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text  15/08/2017  16:26  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 30 April 2017

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/(credit)

Product division
2017
£’000

2016
£’000

Decorating division
2016
£’000

2017
£’000

Total

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

72,535
(119)

69,135
(114)

8,059
–

7,858
–

80,594
(119)

76,993
(114)

72,416

69,021

8,059

7,858

80,475

76,879

2,829
1
(1)

2,829

968

4,792
2
–

4,794

1,496

108
–
–

108

74

221
1
–

222

59

2,937
1
(1)

2,937

1,042

5,013
3
–

5,016

1,555

Profit for the year attributable 
to equity holders of the parent

1,861

3,298

34

163

1,895

3,461

Total assets
Total liabilities

Net assets

Capital expenditure

Depreciation

36,303
12,435

35,013
10,729

23,868

24,284

3,133

2,582

2,191

2,093

5,819
3,751

2,068

993

138

4,355
2,321

42,122
16,186

39,368
13,050

2,034

25,936

26,318

87

94

4,126

2,720

2,278

2,187

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

External revenue

Non-current assets
by location of customers by location of assets
2016
£’000

2016
£’000

2017
£’000

2017
£’000

21,019
41,133
14,791
3,532

20,221
39,168
14,076
3,414

80,475

76,879

2,705
5,713
903
–

9,321

2017
£’000

1,875
4,665
1,046
–

7,586

2016
£’000

28,374
13,045

25,971
12,308

41,419

38,279

Geographical segments

United Kingdom
United States
Europe
Rest of World

5. Operating expenses

Distribution and marketing costs
Administrative costs

Total operating expenses

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30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text_30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text  15/08/2017  16:26  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 30 April 2017

6. Profit from 
operations

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

7. Staff costs

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

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

41
124
93
10
2,720
5,232
76
(21)
2,205
396
(494)
434

2017
£’000

42
113
89
8
2,187
4,493
76
65
328
379
–
–

2016
£’000

15,745
1,839
396

14,124
1,712
379

17,980

16,215

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

Distribution and marketing
Executive directors
Other employees

Administration
Executive directors
Other employees

No.

2
285

2
54

343

No.

2
295

2
50

349

The holding Company directors received their remuneration, as detailed in the Directors’ Report, from
other group companies. The holding Company had no other employees during the year (2016 – 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

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

1,502
23
168

1,693

1,449
35
168

1,652

679

705

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.

One  director  participated  in  Group  defined  contribution  pension  schemes  in  2017  (2016  –  two). 
No  directors  participated  in  Group  defined  benefit  pension  schemes  in  2017  (2016  –  nil).

No directors (2016 – nil) exercised options in the year and no options were granted to directors in the
year (2016 – nil).

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30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text_30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text  15/08/2017  16:26  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 30 April 2017

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

UK deferred tax

Origination and reversal of temporary differences
Adjustments in respect of previous years

Overseas deferred tax

Origination and reversal of temporary differences

Total deferred tax

Total income tax expense

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

1

1

–

–

3

3

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

(97)
13

(84)

1,123
(7)

1,116

1,032

32
13

45

(35)

10

453
4

457

773
43

816

1,273

44
–

44

238

282

1,042

1,555

(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 19.92% (2016 – 20%)

Effect of:
Disallowed expenses and non-taxable income
Adjustments in respect of prior period (current tax)
Adjustments in respect of prior period (deferred tax)
Rate differences

Total tax expense

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

2,937

5,016

585

1,003

(58)
6
13
496

24
47
(4)
485

1,042

1,555

29

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Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2017    

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T: 020 7055 6500 F: 020 7055 6600

30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text_30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text  15/08/2017  16:26  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 30 April 2017

1 April 2014, the UK corpo

10. Dividends

Final (paid) of 2.4p (2015 – 2.30p) on 9 October 2016
Interim (paid) of 2.3p (2016 – 2.20) on 10 April 2017

Final dividend proposed for the year of 2.5p (2016 – 2.40p)

2017

2016
£’000

£’000

244
234

478

254

248
235

483

257

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
£1,895,000 (2016 – £3,461,000) and on 10,185,206 (2016 – 10,750,549) 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
£1,895,000 (2016 – £3,461,000) and on 10,185,206 (2016 – 10,750,549) being the weighted average
number of shares in issue during the year.

30

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30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text_30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text  15/08/2017  16:26  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 30 April 2017

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 1 May 2016
Exchange adjustment
Additions
Disposals

At 30 April 2017

Depreciation:
At 1 May 2016
Exchange adjustment
Charge for the year
Disposals

At 30 April 2017

Net Book Value:
At 30 April 2017

At 1 May 2016

At 1 May 2015
Exchange adjustment
Additions
Disposals

At 30 April 2016

Depreciation:
At 1 May 2015
Exchange adjustment
Charge for the year
Disposals

At 30 April 2016

Net Book Value:
At 30 April 2016

At 1 May 2015

8,094
808
1,481
(648)

9,735

5,101
494
623
(648)

5,570

4,165

2,993

7,586
297
211
–

8,094

4,411
166
524
–

5,101

2,993

3,175

5,808
485
1,166
(791)

6,668

4,262
391
566
(777)

4,442

2,226

1,546

5,588
223
359
(362)

5,808

3,942
159
434
(273)

4,262

1,546

1,646

385
–
124
(87)

422

240
–
85
(82)

243

179

145

374
–
87
(76)

385

223
–
93
(76)

240

145

151

8,990
1,120
1,350
(166)

23,512
2,413
4,126
(1,692)

11,294

28,359

6,290
797
1,442
(166)

15,961
1,682
2,720
(1,673)

8,363

18,690

2,931

2,700

7,134
342
1,620
(106)

9,669

7,551

20,916
862
2,278
(544)

8,990

23,512

5,018
245
1,133
(106)

13,659
570
2,187
(455)

6,290

15,961

2,700

2,116

7,551

7,257

235
–
5
–

240

68
–
4
–

72

168

167

234
–
1
–

235

65
–
3
–

68

167

169

31

Job No.: 30642
Customer: Colefax Group plc

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Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2017    

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T: 020 7055 6500 F: 020 7055 6600

30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text_30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text  15/08/2017  16:26  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 30 April 2017

13. Investments

Company:
At 1 May 2016 and 30 April 2017

Shares
£’000

Loans
£’000

Total
£’000

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:

Name of Company

Notes

Principal
Products

Colefax and Fowler Limited

*,1

Fabrics and Wallpapers

Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler Limited

Kingcome Sofas Limited

Colefax and Fowler Holdings Limited

Manuel Canovas Limited

*,1

*,1

*,1

*,1

Interior & Architectural
Design
Upholstered Furniture

Holding Company for
Colefax and Fowler Inc
Dormant

Jane Churchill Limited

*,1

Dormant

Colefax and Fowler Incorporated

Cowtan and Tout Incorporated

Manuel Canovas SAS

Colefax and Fowler GmbH

Colefax and Fowler Srl

2

2

3

4

5

Holding Company for
Cowtan and Tout Inc
Fabrics and Wallpapers

Fabrics and Wallpapers

Fabrics and Wallpapers

Fabrics and Wallpapers

(*) Owned directly by parent company
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)

Incorporation/Principal Country of Operation is England and Wales.
Incorporation/Principal Country of Operation is USA.
Incorporation/Principal Country of Operation is France.
Incorporation/Principal Country of Operation is Germany.
Incorporation/Principal Country of Operation is Italy.

Registered Address

19-23 Grosvenor Hill,
London W1K 3QD
19-23 Grosvenor Hill,
London W1K 3QD
19-23 Grosvenor Hill,
London W1K 3QD
19-23 Grosvenor Hill,
London W1K 3QD
19-23 Grosvenor Hill,
London W1K 3QD
19-23 Grosvenor Hill,
London W1K 3QD
205, Hudson St,
New York, NY 10013
205, Hudson St,
New York, NY 10013
23, Rue Royale,
75008 Paris
13, Ottostrasse,
80333 Munich
8 Via Palermo,
20121 Milan

The effective percentage of issued Share Capital held by the Group is 100% for all Group subsidiaries.

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

At 30 April 2017, the ESOP Trust owned 60,000 (2016 – 60,000) ordinary shares of 10p in the Company
at  cost,  with  a  market  value  of  £276,000  (2016 – £286,500).  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

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

13,591
1,072
(725)

12,387
547
(416)

13,938

12,518

The cost of inventories recognised as an expense and included in cost of sales amounted to £20,948,000
(2016 – £21,142,000). The value of stock impaired/written off in the period amounted to £1,019,000
(2016 – £1,160,000).

32

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30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text_30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text  15/08/2017  16:26  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 30 April 2017

15. Trade and other 
receivables

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

Group

Company

2017
£’000

–
7,268
2,606
–
1,931

11,805

2016
£’000

–
6,145
1,486
–
1,548

9,179

2017
£’000

3,532
–
330
–
79

3,941

2016
£’000

3,774
–
316
–
177

4,267

Trade receivables and other are considered for impairment based on a number of factors including the
age of the receivable and other factors considered to be relevant.

As at 30 April 2017 the Group had trade receivables of £2,513,000 (2016 – £1,559,000) 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

2017
£’000

2,191
153
107
62

2,513

2016
£’000

1,335
143
23
58

1,559

As at 30 April 2017 the Group had trade receivables of £304,000 (2016 – £295,000) which were past
due and 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

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

33

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

103
52
8
141

304

116
51
9
119

295

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

315
55
(51)
(17)
17

319

2017
£’000

3,257
1,936
1,815
260

7,268

310
45
(20)
(29)
9

315

2016
£’000

2,534
1,453
1,929
229

6,145

Job No.: 30642
Customer: Colefax Group plc

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Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2017    

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T: 020 7055 6500 F: 020 7055 6600

30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text_30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text  15/08/2017  16:26  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 30 April 2017

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

2017
£’000

6,710
–

Group

Company

2016
£’000

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

10,085
–

–
(2,492)

6,710

10,085

(2,492)

–
(677)

(677)

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

Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings
Bank overdraft
Trade payables
Accruals
Payments received on account
Corporation tax
Other taxes and social security costs
Other payables
Forward foreign currency contracts

Group

Company

2017
£’000

–
–
3,433
3,514
2,559
(170)
515
2,731
1,209

2016
£’000

–
–
2,962
3,368
1,143
163
711
2,470
604

13,791

11,421

2017
£’000

–
2,492
–
15
–
–
–
–
–

2,507

2016
£’000

807
677
–
15
–
–
–
–
–

1,499

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

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

18. Non-current liabilities Deferred rent

1,992

1,459

–

–

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

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

1,592
(46)
(1,198)

1,253
(47)
(1,241)

348

(35)

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
Deferred taxation included in non-current liabilities

Movements in the deferred tax provision is as follows:

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

At 30 April

34

(386)
734

348

(35)
–

(35)

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

(35)
10
340
33

348

(285)
282
(26)
(6)

(35)

Job No.: 30642
Customer: Colefax Group plc

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Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2017    

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30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text_30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text  15/08/2017  16:26  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 30 April 2017

19. Deferred taxation

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

continued

Cash flow hedge reserve
Deferred tax on long-term loan foreign currency movements
Deferred tax on overseas defined benefit pension scheme movements

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

(109)
408
41

340

(132)
145
(39)

(26)

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 30 April 2017 can
be analysed under the following IAS 39 categories:

Group

Financial assets
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

Total

Assets at fair value
through profit or loss

Loans and
receivables

Total

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

1,345
–

1,345

926
–

926

8,529
6,710

6,705
10,085

9,874
6,710

7,631
10,085

15,239

16,790

16,584

17,716

Liabilities at fair value
through profit or loss

Other financial
liabilities

Total

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

Financial liabilities
Trade and other payables
Forward foreign currency 
contracts

Total

1,366

1,209

2,575

941

604

6,947

6,330

8,313

7,271

1,545

6,947

6,330

–

–

1,209

9,522

604

7,875

The Directors have revisited the nature of certain assets and liabilities relating to deferred compensation
and concluded that they should be classified as assets and liabilities at fair value through profit and loss.
As  a  result  prior  year  figures  have  been  reclassified  from  loans  and  receivables  and  other  financial
liabilities. There is no impact on assets or profits as a result of this reclassification.

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. All trade and other payables disclosed
above fall due for payment within one year.

Forward  foreign  currency  contracts  are  carried  at  fair  value,  measured  using  level  2  of  the  fair  value
hierarchy. The deferred compensation plan assets and liabilities are carried at fair value, measured using
level 1 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. The  fair  value  of  the
deferred compensation plan assets and liabilities is based on quoted market prices.

35

Job No.: 30642
Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 7
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2017    

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

30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text_30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text  15/08/2017  16:26  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 30 April 2017

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  (2016  –  £3.0  million).  The  undrawn  committed
facilities available at 30 April 2017 in respect of which all conditions had been met at that date total
£3.0 million (2016 – £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 30 April 2017 the Group’s trade
payables were £3.4 million (2016 – £3.0 million) and trade receivables were £7.3 million (2016 – £6.1
million) giving a ratio of 2.1 (2016 – 2.0). 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 51% 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
30 April 2017 is detailed below.

The  Group’s  profit  is  reduced  by  approximately  £95,000  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  23%  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 £6.7 million (2016 – £10.1 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 30 April 2017, the Group was in multiple forward foreign currency contract arrangements to sell US
dollars. The hedged transactions are expected to occur in 2017/18.

36

Job No.: 30642
Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 7
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2017    

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

30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text_30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text  15/08/2017  16:26  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 30 April 2017

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:

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

Fair value of forward foreign currency contracts – (liability)/asset

(1,209)

(604)

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 30 April 2017 can
be analysed under the following IAS 39 categories:

Company

Financial assets
Trade and other receivables

Total

Financial liabilities
Trade and other payables
Bank overdrafts

Total

Loans and
receivables

Total

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

3,862

3,862

4,090

4,090

3,862

3,862

4,090

4,090

Other financial
liabilities

Total

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

–
2,492

2,492

807
677

1,484

–
2,492

2,492

807
677

1,484

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 (2016 – £3.0 million) which is available to the UK companies in the Group.

37

Job No.: 30642
Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 7
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2017    

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

30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text_30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text  15/08/2017  16:26  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 30 April 2017

21. Share capital

Ordinary shares of 10p each

£3,300,000

£3,300,000

£1,022,000

£1,075,700

Number of shares

33,000,000

33,000,000

10,220,000

10,757,000

Authorised

Allotted, called up
and fully paid

2017

2016

2017

2016

Allotted, called up and fully paid

2017
Number

2017
£

2016
Number

2016
£

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

10,757,000
(537,000)

1,075,700
(53,700)

10,827,500
(70,500)

1,082,750
(7,050)

At end of year

10,220,000

1,022,000

10,757,000

1,075,700

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 32.

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  30  April  2017  the  Group  had  total  commitments  under  non-cancellable  operating  leases  as 
follows:

Within one year
Between two and five years
Over five years

2017

2016

Land and
Buildings
£’000

Other
£’000

Land and
Buildings
£’000

4,992
15,569
12,410

32,971

56
33
–

89

4,717
14,895
13,441

33,053

Other
£’000

66
64
–

130

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

38

Job No.: 30642
Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 7
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2017    

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

30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text_30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text  15/08/2017  16:26  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 30 April 2017

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 £396,000
(2016 – £379,000).

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 1 July 1997. The scheme was
closed to new members on 31 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  30 April  2016  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 3.6% (2016 – 3.37%, 2015
– 4%). The market value of investments at 30 April 2017 was £1,007,000 (2016 – £851,000, 2015 –
£854,000), all of which have an expected long term rate of return of 5% (2016 – 5%, 2015 – 5%). 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  30  April  2017  was  £1,062,000  (2016  – £1,021,000,  2015  –
£1,002,000),  resulting  in  a  net  pension  liability  of  £55,000  (2016  – £170,000,  2015  –  £148,000). 
An accrual of £55,000 (2016 – £170,000, 2015 – £148,000) covering the unfunded actuarial accrued
liability is included in the Group statement of financial position together with a related deferred tax asset
of £22,000 (2016 – £68,000, 2015 – £59,000). The expected group contributions to the scheme for the
year ended 30 April 2018 is £10,000.

The fair value of the assets in the scheme and the expected rate of return at 30 April 2017 were:

Cash and cash equivalents
Fixed income
Equities

2017
£’000

–
196
811

2016
£’000

–
144
707

2015
£’000

–
137
717

Total market value of assets
Present value of scheme liabilities

1,007
(1,062)

851
(1,021)

854
(1,002)

Net pension liability

(55)

(170)

(148)

Reconciliation of plan assets:

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

At end of year

Reconciliation of plan liabilities:

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

At end of year

2014
£’000

–
121
641

762
(879)

(117)

2017
£’000

851
146
52
(107)
65

1,007

2017
£’000

1,021
147
37
(107)
(36)

2013
£’000

–
278
483

761
(1,026)

(265)

2016
£’000

854
69
90
(98)
(64)

851

2016
£’000

1,002
48
33
(98)
36

1,062

1,021

39

Job No.: 30642
Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 7
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2017    

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

30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text_30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text  15/08/2017  16:26  Page 40

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 30 April 2016

24. Pension commitments History of experience gains and losses:

continued

2017

2016

2015

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

65
6.8%

(63)
-7.5%

20
-2.4%

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

36
-2.6%

(36)
3.6%

(92)
9.0%

2014

55
2.3%

10
1.1%

2013

18
2.3%

(77)
7.5%

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 30 April 2017, the value of subsidiary overdrafts covered by the
guarantee amounted to £nil (2016 – £nil).

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

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

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

146

150

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

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

2017
£’000

8,093
2,985
50
54

2016
£’000

7,947
3,471
(807)
6

11,182

10,617

The Company received dividend income from subsidiaries in the year of £1,598,000 (2016 – £3,000,000).

40

Job No.: 30642
Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 7
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2017    

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

30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text_30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text  15/08/2017  16:26  Page 41

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

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

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

2013
£’000

Revenue from continuing 
operations

80,475

76,879

76,796

78,035

70,619

Profit from continuing operations

2,937

5,013

5,037

4,922

3,547

Profit before taxation 
from continuing operations

2,937

5,016

5,029

4,885

3,547

Profit attributable to shareholders

1,895

3,461

3,542

3,353

2,334

Basic earnings per share 
from continuing operations

Diluted earnings per share
from continuing operations

18.6p

32.2p

32.2p

27.9p

18.2p

18.6p

32.2p

32.2p

27.9p

18.2p

Dividends per share

4.80p

4.60p

4.40p

4.20p

4.00p

Equity

25,936

26,318

23,757

22,211

24,283

Operating cash flow

4,180

7,195

8,741

4,867

6,035

Cash and cash equivalents

6,710

10,085

6,861

4,057

7,630

41

Job No.: 30642
Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 7
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2017    

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

30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text_30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text  15/08/2017  16:26  Page 42

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

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

Notice  is  hereby  given  that  the  2017  Annual  General  Meeting  of  Colefax  Group  Plc  will  be  held  at
19-23 Grosvenor Hill, London W1K 3QD on 14 September 2017 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
30 April 2017, together with the reports of the Directors and of the auditors thereon.

2.

3.

4.

5.

To declare a final dividend of 2.5p 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 R. Barker, 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 resolutions 7 and 8 will be proposed as special resolutions.

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 £340,666 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  £340,666  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
entitlements  or  legal  or  practical  issues  under  the  laws  of  any  jurisdiction  or  territory  or  the

42

Job No.: 30642
Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 7
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2017    

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

30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text_30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text  15/08/2017  16:26  Page 43

COLEFAX GROUP PLC

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

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 £51,100.

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.

8.

THAT the Company be generally and unconditionally authorised in accordance with Section 701 of the
Companies Act (the “Act”) to make one or more market purchases (within the meaning of Section 693(4)
of the Act) of ordinary shares of 10p each in the capital of the Company (“ordinary shares”) provided that:

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

the  maximum  aggregate  number  of  ordinary  shares  authorised  to  be  purchased  is  1,533,000
representing 15% of the issued ordinary share capital;

the minimum price which may be paid for an ordinary share is 10p;

the maximum price which may be paid for an ordinary share is an amount equal to 105% of
the average of the middle market quotations for an ordinary share as derived from The London
Stock Exchange Daily Official List for the five business days immediately preceding the day on
which that ordinary share is purchased;

this authority expires on the fifth anniversary of the date of the passing of the resolution; and

the Company may make a contract to purchase ordinary shares under this authority before the
expiry of the authority which will or may be executed wholly or partly after the expiry of the
authority, and may make a purchase of ordinary shares in pursuance of any such contract.

By order of the Board
R. M. Barker BSc ACA
Secretary
24 July 2017

Registered Office
19-23 Grosvenor Hill
London W1K 3QD

43

Job No.: 30642
Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 7
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2017    

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

30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text_30642 R Colefax Annual Report 2017 Text  15/08/2017  16:26  Page 44

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 12th September 2017.

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 12th September 2017 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 12th September 2017 (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 24 July 2017 (being the last business day prior to the date of this notice) the company’s issued share capital consisted
of  10,220,000  ordinary  shares  each  carrying  one  vote  per  share.  Accordingly  the  total  number  of  voting  rights  in  the
company as at 24 July 2017 were 10,220,000.

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.

44

Job No.: 30642
Customer: Colefax Group plc

Proof Event: 7
Project Title: Annual Report and Accounts 2017    

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

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

Printed by Park Communications on FSC® certifi ed paper.

 Head Office: 19/23 Grosvenor Hill, London W1K 3QD 
Tel: 020 7493 2231  Fax: 020 7495 3123