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Charles River Laboratories International

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FY2013 Annual Report · Charles River Laboratories International
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Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Registered Number 1227964 

0 

 
       
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Contents 

Directors and advisers  

Chairman’s statement 

Corporate governance report 

Directors’ report   

Directors’ remuneration report 

Directors’ responsibility statement   

Independent auditor’s report to the members of Creightons plc 

Consolidated income statement 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

Company statement of comprehensive income 

Consolidated balance sheet 

Company balance sheet 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity  

Company statement of changes in equity 

Consolidated cash flow statement 

Company cash flow statement 

Notes to the financial statements 

2 

3 

5 

7 

12 

16 

17 

19 

19 

19 

20 

21 

22 

22 

23 

23 

24 

1 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Directors and advisers  

Directors 

William O McIlroy  
Bernard JM Johnson 
William T Glencross 
Mary T Carney 
Nicholas DJ O’Shea 

Executive Chairman and Chief Executive 
Managing Director 
Non-executive Director 
Non-executive Director 
Non-executive Director 

Registered Office and number 

Company Secretary 

1210 Lincoln Road 
Peterborough 
PE4 6ND  
Registered in England & Wales No 1227964   

Nicholas DJ O’Shea, BSc ACMA CGMA 

Auditor  

Chantrey Vellacott DFK LLP 
Russell Square House 
10-12 Russell Square 
London   
WC1B 5LF 

Bankers 

HSBC Bank Plc 
Cathedral Square  
Peterborough 
PE1 1XL  

Financial Advisers 

Cairn Financial Advisers LLP 
61 Cheapside 
London 
EC2V 6AX 

Registrars 

Capita Registrars Limited 
Northern House 
Woodsome Park 
Fenay Bridge 
Huddersfield 
HD8 0GA 

Solicitors 

Coole & Haddock 
5 The Steyne  
Worthing 
West Sussex 
BN11 3DT 

2 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

 Chairman’s statement 

I am pleased to report that in 2012/13 we achieved another year of growth and consolidation, and that the 
consolidated Group pre-tax profit  for the year ended 31 March 2013  was £302,000 (2012: £223,000). This continued 
improvement in profits has been achieved despite the on-going tough trading environment with customers seeking 
improving value to offer the consumer.  In particular our private label ranges have faced increased price and 
promotion pressure from the big brands which has adversely affected sales volumes.   

To combat the effects of lower underlying demand we have successfully generated sales growth by introducing new 
customers and developing new product ranges. The new business generated over the past couple of years is more 
evenly spread through the year, virtually eliminating the seasonality that characterised the business in previous years.  

Margins remain under pressure with customers seeking to recover lost margin.  We will continue our programme of 
managing costs and our product offering in order to be in a position to respond to customer pressure whilst 
maintaining our own profitability. 

Financial results 

Group sales this year at £17,326,000 are £993,000 (6%) higher than last year (2012: £16,333,000), continuing the 
upward growth in sales volumes we have been recording over the past three years. This year’s growth has come from 
a combination of our own UK branded ranges, private label and contract manufacture, representing all three strands of 
our business. Much of this growth has been driven by new ranges and new customer listings for existing ranges with 
limited growth from on-going sales with existing customers. 

Changes in product mix, particularly relating to new ranges, together with improved purchasing and production 
efficiencies have resulted in an increased gross margin percentage of 42.8%, an increase of 0.7% on last year (2012:- 
42.1%).  Administration costs, which include product research and development as well as sales promotion and 
product support, have risen as we invest in support and promotional activity to drive new sales opportunities. 

Profit before tax and interest for the year of £333,000 (2012: £257,000) represents an increase of 30% (with an 
increase of 99% compared to 2011). Lower average borrowings than in the previous period resulted in slightly lower 
interest costs of £31,000 (2012: £34,000). 

Group profit after tax of £302,000 (2012: £223,000) therefore shows a further improved performance especially given 
the trading environment during the past year.  Diluted earnings per share rose from 0.37p in 2012 to 0.51p for 2013 
as a result of the increased earnings.   

Net borrowings (bank overdraft and loans less cash at bank and in hand) at the year-end have increased by £142,000 
to £874,000 (2012: £732,000). The main reason for the increase in borrowing is the higher working capital 
requirement at the end of the year.  Inventories have increased as we have invested in new ranges and continued our 
drive to support customers with 100% product availability.  

Current year developments 

The Group continues to develop and strengthen its branded portfolio.  This is being achieved through developing our 
own brand offering and developing relationships with the owners of existing brands, often through investing in existing 
brands when opportunities arise.  

We are continuing to work hard to manage cost pressure through a combination of measures including managing 
customer prices, product re-engineering and enhancing our product portfolio with higher margin products.  We have 
continued to develop new sales opportunities to compensate for the decline in the previously significant Christmas gifts 
part of the business. 

As we expected, our main private label customers have responded to the pressures in the current economic climate 
with value strategies resulting in sales opportunities which we have exploited through lower priced products which 
have offset lower sales levels on higher priced products.  Whilst we had anticipated that this would adversely affect 
margins, we have managed to counter this effect through a mix of continued cost control, increasing our branded 
product sales and margins and ensuring we seek value for money in product support, development and administration 
expenditure. We will continue to manage our overhead cost base and working capital requirements to ensure they are 
aligned with the anticipated sales levels of the Group whilst retaining the skills necessary to meet growth opportunities 
as they arise. We are undertaking a major review of our planning and purchasing procedures in order to continue to 
improve our stock turn whilst maintaining customer service levels and reduce investment in working capital. 

As in previous years, your Board is continuing to seek opportunities to acquire brands or companies that would 
complement the existing businesses by offering synergies in manufacturing, sourcing and marketing due to similarities 
in product alignment, sourcing or outlets. 

3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Chairman’s statement 

The board has considered whether to declare a dividend this year, but although we have seen a further increase in 
annual profits, it feels that it continues to be more appropriate to retain profits to help fund the continued investment 
in growth than to reduce available funds through dividend distribution. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of the Group’s employees for the hard work and 
effort they have put in over what has been a challenging year. 

William McIlroy 
Chairman, 20 June 2013 

4 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Corporate governance report 

Compliance 

The Listing Rules of the FCA require listed companies to disclose how they have applied the principles set out in The 
UK Corporate Governance Code (the Code) issued by the Financial Reporting Council and whether or not they have 
complied with its provisions. The Board is committed to the principles set out in the Code but judges that some of the 
processes are disproportionate or less relevant to the Company, given the relative small size and minimal complexity 
of the business.  

The Company has not complied with the Code since its issue as regards the following: 

 
 

No formal training programme is in place for non-executive directors. 
The role of the Chairman and Chief Executive is combined. 

The Board 

Details of the all directors are set out below: 

William McIlroy     
Bernard Johnson   
Nicholas O’Shea    
Mary Carney   
William Glencross   

Executive Chairman and Chief Executive 
Managing Director 
Company Secretary and Independent non-executive Director 
Senior Independent non-executive Director 
Independent non-executive Director                               

The Board’s principal task is to set the Group’s strategy, which is devised to deliver optimum value for shareholders.  
Other matters reserved for decision by the full Board include approval of  the annual report, authorisation of all 
acquisitions and disposals, sanction of all major capital expenditure, the raising of equity or debt finance and investor 
relations. 

The Board does not operate a formal process of performance evaluation; however the Chairman regularly reviews the 
performance of all members of the Board.  

Both William McIlroy and Bernard Johnson have continued with their roles with their management companies and Mr 
McIlroy has continued with his role with Oratorio Developments Ltd.  There has been no change in these commitments 
over the past year. 

The directors have met as a full board on 7 occasions during the year, including meetings by telephone.   The 
attendance at meetings held during the year to 31 March 2013 for each of the Directors is as follows: 

Director 

Board 
meetings 

Remuneration 
Committee 

Audit 
Committee 

William McIlroy 
Bernard Johnson 
Nicholas O’Shea 
Mary Carney 
William Glencross 

7 
7 
7 
6 
6 

- 
- 
1 
1 
- 

- 
- 
1 
1 
- 

Procedures are in place to enable the directors to take appropriate independent professional advice at the Company’s 
expense if that is necessary for the furtherance of their duties.  All directors have access to the advice and services of 
the Company Secretary. 

The Articles of Association require one third of the Board to retire by rotation each year and for those directors 
appointed during the year to stand for re-election at the following Annual General Meeting. 

Nomination Committee 

The Board as a whole has undertaken the duties of the Nomination Committee.  The Committee is responsible for 
proposing candidates for the Board having regard to the balance and structure of the Board. There were no 
appointments made during the year. 

Remuneration Committee 

The Remuneration Committee consisted of Mary Carney and Nicholas O’Shea.  In determining policy for the executive 
directors, the Committee has given due consideration to the Code.  The remuneration packages are designed to 
attract, retain and motivate executive directors of the required calibre.  The Committee reviews the appropriateness of 
all aspects of directors’ pay and benefits by taking into account the remuneration packages of similar businesses. 

5 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Corporate governance report 

Directors’ remuneration 

The executive directors are salaried in their capacity as directors. Their management and operational services are 
provided via management companies on a basic fee basis. Additional fees are contingent on the levels of pre-tax 
profits.  

In addition the executive directors participate in a share option scheme.  The Board believes that in accordance with 
the best practice provisions, this approach aligns the interests of shareholders and executive directors. The Company 
has a policy that share options may not be granted to non-executive directors.  

Full details of directors’ remuneration and share options are noted in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on page 12 
Details of the directors’ shareholdings are shown in the Directors’ Report on page 7.  

The directors are responsible for the Group’s systems of internal control and for reviewing its effectiveness whilst the 
role of management is to implement Board policies on risk management and control.  It should be recognised that the 
Group’s system of internal control is designed to manage rather than eliminate risk of failure to achieve the Group’s 
business objectives and can only provide reasonable and not absolute assurance against material miss-statement or 
loss. 

The Board has established a process for managing the significant risks faced by the Group.  This on-going process is 
reviewed regularly by the Board and accords with the internal control guidance issued by the Turnbull Committee. 

The key procedures designed to provide effective internal controls are:  

  A clearly defined organisational structure with the appropriate delegation of  authority to operational 

management. 

  A comprehensive planning and budgeting process which requires the Chief Executive’s approval. 
  Management information systems to monitor financial and other operating statistics. 
  Aspects of internal control are regularly reviewed and where circumstances dictate new procedures are 

instigated. 

The Group does not have an internal audit function.  However the Board periodically reviews the need for such a 
function.  The current conclusion is that this is not necessary given the scale and complexity of the Group’s activities. 

The Board has reviewed the effectiveness of the internal controls in operation and this process will continue. 

Audit Committee 

The Audit Committee consists of Mary Carney and Nicholas O’Shea.  Its role is to: 

  Monitor the integrity of the financial statements of the Group and any formal announcements relating to the 

group’s financial performance and reviewing significant financial reporting judgements contained therein;  

  Review the Group’s internal financial controls and the Group’s internal control and risk management 

systems; 

  Review whether it is appropriate to introduce an internal audit function; 
  Make recommendations to the Board, for a resolution to be put to the shareholders for their approval in 
general meeting, on the appointment of the external auditor and the approval of the remuneration and 
terms of engagement of the external auditor; 

  Review and monitor the external auditors independence and objectivity and the effectiveness of the audit 

process, taking into consideration relevant UK professional and regulatory requirements; 

  Develop and implement policy on the engagement of the external auditor to supply non-audit services, 

taking into account relevant guidance regarding provision of non-audit services by the external audit firm; 

  To advise the Board on whether the annual report is fair, balanced and  understandable and provides 
information necessary for the users to assess the Group’s performance, business model and strategy; 

  To report to the Board on how it has discharged its responsibility. 

The terms of reference of the Audit Committee are not set out in writing. 

The Group receives non-audit taxation advice from the Group’s auditor.  The Audit Committee assesses the 
independence of the external auditor by means of an internal review of the relationship with the auditor. 

Shareholder Relations 

The objective of the Board is to create increased shareholder value by growing the business in a way that delivers 
sustainable improvements in earnings over the medium to long term. 

The Board considers the Annual General Meeting as an important opportunity to communicate with private investors in 
particular.  Directors make themselves available to shareholders at the Annual General Meeting and on an ad hoc 
basis, subject to normal disclosure rules. 

6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Directors’ report 

The directors present their report on the affairs of the Group, together with the financial statements for the year ended 
31 March 2013. 

Principal activities 

The principal activity of the Group continued to be the creation and manufacture of toiletries and fragrances. A review 
of the operations of the Group during the year and current developments are referred to in the Chairman's statement 
on page 3. 

The principal subsidiary undertakings affecting the results of the Group in the year are detailed in note 13 to the 
financial statements. 

Business Review 

History 

Creightons plc was registered in 1975 to continue the business of manufacturing and marketing toiletries made 
exclusively from natural products first established in 1953. It created a number of proprietary brands, although it 
focused mainly on private label and contract manufacturing. It was first listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1987. 
By 2003, it was seeking to expand both organically and by acquisition, and launched several of its new range of 
brands, including The Real Shaving Company. In March 2003, it purchased the mainly private label and contract filling 
business of Potter & Moore out of administration. Since then, the Group has consolidated its manufacturing at the 
more modern and efficient Potter & Moore Innovations plant in Peterborough.  

By March 2006, the Group had closed and disposed of its operations in Storrington, transferring Creightons’ 
manufacturing to the Potter & Moore Innovations factory in Peterborough. Part of the Storrington site originally in the 
Company’s ownership had been disposed of several years previously, the remaining manufacturing and office facilities 
were disposed of in 2005. In March 2007, the Group established a sales and distribution operation in New York in 
order to market the Group’s branded products in North America. 

The Group consolidated its on-going manufacturing at the Potter & Moore Innovations factory in Peterborough some 
years ago, and continues to spend modest amounts of capital on improving the filling lines and mixing facilities to 
improve efficiency and flexibility to handle a wider range of products.  

Having previously experienced a number of years with major losses, the years since the acquisition of Potter & Moore 
Innovations have seen Creightons plc return to sustained and gradually increasing profitability. 

Operating Environment 

The toiletries sector encompasses products ranging from haircare to footcare, excluding medical and therapeutical 
products. There has been a significant fragmentation of the individual markets in the sector in recent years; with for 
example shampoos and conditioners for different coloured hair and different preparations addressing various perceived 
consumer needs such as frizziness. 

Consumers purchase these through a range of retail outlets, from high quality department stores to low-cost 
discounters, with the high street supermarkets and drug stores somewhere in the middle. The majority of the Group’s 
production is sold into the UK and North America. 

Producers and manufacturers providing products in this market place range from major multinational corporations to 
small businesses, such as Creightons. Also, production and manufacturing in the toiletries market is now world-wide, 
with many competitors sourcing a significant proportion of their products from outside the UK or EU, either due to 
greater efficiency of scale or due to a lower cost base, although the cost advantage some Far Eastern producers 
enjoyed previously has been deteriorating in the past few years. 

The Group does not operate in a ‘regulated’ market in the sense that pharmaceutical product manufacturers do, but 
there has been increasing regulation covering the use, handling and transportation of potentially hazardous 
substances, of consumer protection, as well as increasing restrictions and regulations on waste and disposal of 
potentially environmentally hazardous products and packaging materials. 

Objectives 

The principal objectives of the business are to supply high quality personal care products to its customers, meeting 
high levels of product quality and consumer satisfaction. Clearly, a critical goal for the Board over the past few years 
has been to maintain the Group’s profitability in the difficult trading environment created by the recession. The main 
private label manufacturing business operates in a market which is comparatively low-margin, and susceptible to 
changes in consumer purchasing, loss of major contracts and increases in primary raw material prices, especially for 
oil-based products. The unprecedented economic situation of the last four years has made trading conditions far more 
challenging than at any time in the past decade. In the short term, until the economy recovers, with consumer and 
customer purchasing and confidence returning to historic levels, the Board has made sustaining profitability a key 
objective. 

7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Directors’ report 

Strategy 

The Board’s strategy to achieve its objectives and goals whilst guarding against commercial risks has been to ensure 
high quality and efficiency in all manufactured and bought-in products, to continuously develop and enhance its 
product ranges, both branded and for its private label customers, to seek to source its raw materials as cost-effectively 
as possible, and to ensure its manufacturing processes are constantly being improved both in terms of quality and 
efficiency. The Board is particularly aware that over reliance upon a small number of contract customers could put the 
business into jeopardy, and so is seeking to develop the branded business, whilst of course recognising the continuing 
importance of, and still looking after and expanding, the core private label and contract manufacturing side. 

Recent Developments 

The Group has broadly organised its operations into three business streams: 

 

 

 

private label business which focuses on high quality private label products for major High Street retailers and 
supermarket chains; 
contract manufacturing business, which develops and  manufactures products on behalf of third party brand 
owners’ and 
branded sales business which markets, sells and distributes our branded products.  This business includes 
the North American operation which was established in 2007. 

All of these business streams use the central creative, research and development, sourcing, manufacturing and 
distribution operations based in Peterborough and each is pro-active in the development of new sales and product 
development opportunities for their respective customers.  

Over the past few years, the Group has invested in a number of brands along with the existing brand owners. The 
brands operate as brands within the existing branded products business stream. We will continue exploring further 
opportunities of this nature, which enable the Group to benefit from existing, established or developed brands, and the 
brand owners to benefit from the Group’s wide range of trade outlets and our low-cost quality manufacturing and 
sourcing strengths. 

Current Operations 

The Group therefore operates through the three main business streams described above, utilising its extensive brand 
management, product development and manufacturing capabilities encompassing toiletries, skincare, hair care and 
fragrances.  The Group has extended its research and development and sales expertise to maximise the opportunities 
afforded by these capabilities. Some of this work has been capitalised and is being amortised over the estimated life of 
the products in accordance with IFRS requirements.  

The Group has continued its aggressive development programme of new ranges of branded toiletries, hair care and 
skincare products and continues to extend those already successfully launched  such as The Real Shave Company, St 
James’s and Natural Grooming.  

Management and monitoring of performance 

Your directors are mindful that although Creightons plc is a UK Listing Authority listed company, in size it is really only 
medium sized and therefore many of the ‘big business’ features common in listed companies are inappropriate. This 
year’s profitable result has been achieved only as a result of considerable hard work over several years in focusing 
management, staff and production workers’ efforts on more productive product ranges, improving production and 
stock holding efficiencies, ensuring high levels of customer service and eliminating overhead inefficiencies. 
Consequently, they have continued the ‘minimalist’ approach to micro-management of the business that would 
otherwise add significantly to costs whilst delivering at best minimal added benefits to shareholders. 

The Group does not operate a formal personal performance appraisal process, but individual managers and supervisors 
undertake continuous performance monitoring and appraisal for their subordinates, and routinely report the results of 
these to their own managers. Part of this monitoring and appraisal includes assessment of training required for 
personal development as well as succession planning within the Group, and all employees are encouraged to 
undertake appropriate training to develop their skills and enhance their career opportunities. The Group therefore has 
no formal personnel or other non-financial Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or targets, and each position that 
becomes vacant is reviewed for necessity and criticality before authorisation is given for it to be filled through either 
recruitment or promotion. The Group has a formal Staff Handbook which covers all major aspects of staff discipline 
and grievance procedure, Health and Safety regulations, and the Group’s non-discrimination policy. There was one 
incident involving employees or contractors on the Group’s sites which was required to be reported to the Health & 
Safety Executive during the year (2012:0) 

The Group is mindful of its wider responsibilities as a significant local employer and of the contribution it makes to the 
local economy both where it and its suppliers are based.  The Group has a formally adopted Environmental Policy 
which requires management to work closely with the local environmental protection authorities and agencies, and as a 
minimum to meet all environmental legislation. 

The Board regularly monitors performance against several key financial indicators, including gross margin, production 
efficiency, overhead cost control, cash / borrowing and stocking levels. Performance is monitored monthly against both 
budget and prior year. 

8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Directors’ report 

Financial Key Performance Indicators  

Sales 
Gross Margin as a % of Revenue 
Operating profit  
Operating profit - as a % of Revenue 
Return on capital employed 
Bank overdraft and loans less cash in hand 
Gearing (including obligations under finance 
leases) 

Risks 

2012/13 
£17,326,000 
42.8% 
£333,000 
1.9% 
6.9% 
£874,000 
20% 

2011/12 
£16,333,000 
42.1% 
£257,000 
1.6% 
5.5% 
£732,000 
20% 

Movement 
Increase by 6.1% 
Increase of 0.7% 
Increase by 30% 
Increase of 0.3% 
Increased of 1.4% 
Increased by 19.4% 
Unchanged 

The Board regularly monitors exposure to key risks, such as those related to production efficiencies, the cash position, 
competitive position relating to sales, both related to contract and private label manufactured products and branded 
lines. It has also taken account of the economic situation over the past 12 months, and the impact that has had on 
costs and consumer purchases. 

It also monitors those not directly or specifically financial, but capable of having a major impact on the business’s 
financial performance if there is any failure, such as product contamination and manufacture outside specification, 
maintenance of satisfactory levels of customer and consumer service, or failure to meet environmental protection 
standards or any of the areas of regulation mentioned above. Further details of financial risks are set out in Note 17. 

Capital structure, cash flow and liquidity 

Having achieved profitability after a number of years of substantial losses, and repaid loans used at the time of the 
purchase of the Potter & Moore business, the Group’s cash flow has improved substantially since the Potter and Moore 
acquisition in 2003. The business is funded using retained earnings and invoice discounting, a bank facility secured 
against its assets. Further details are set out in Notes 19 - 22. 

Financial 

The profit for the year is shown in the consolidated income statement on page 19. The directors do not recommend 
the payment of a dividend (2012: nil). 

Research and development 

The Group has a policy of continual product development.  The costs associated with the development of ranges where 
the Group can identify probable future economic benefit are treated as intangible assets and are amortised over the 
period over which those economic benefits are expected to arise. Further details are set out on note 11. 

Directors 

The directors who held office during the year were as follows: 

William O McIlroy (Executive Chairman and Chief Executive) 
Mary T Carney (Non-executive) 
Nicholas DJ O’Shea (Non-executive) 
Bernard JM Johnson (Managing Director) 
William T Glencross (Non-executive)  

The directors retiring by rotation are William McIlroy and Nicholas O’Shea. 

Directors' interests 

The directors who held office at 31 March 2013 had the following beneficial interests in the shares of the Company: - 

31 March 2013                
1p ordinary shares  

 1 April 2012      

              1p ordinary shares 

Director 

Number of 
shares 

Options 

Number of 
shares 

Options 

William O McIlroy 
Bernard JM Johnson 
Nicholas DJ O’Shea 
William T Glencross 

14,916,000 
3,484,569 
31,000 
67,500 

1,303,275 
1,303,275 
- 
- 

14,916,000 
3,484,569 
31,000 
67,500 

1,303,275 
1,303,275 
- 
- 

9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Directors’ report 

Mr McIlroy’s holding noted above includes 14,450,000 (2012: 14,450,000) shares held in the name of Oratorio 
Developments Ltd, a private company of which Mr McIlroy is a director and controlling shareholder.  

There have been no changes between 31 March 2013 and 01 July 2013. 

The share options detailed above as at 31 March 2013 were granted on 18 February 2011 to Messrs McIlroy and 
Johnson in accordance with the rules of the share option scheme. The Company does not make grants of share options 
to non-executive directors. See note 23 for further detail. 

Directors’ insurance 

During the year the Company has purchased insurance cover for the directors against liabilities arising in relation to 
the Group, which remained in force at the end of this report. 

Substantial interests 

At 01 July 2013 the following substantial interests, being 3% or more of the ordinary shares in issue, had been notified 
to the Company: 

Shareholder 

Number of shares 

% held 

Mr WO McIlroy (including Oratorio Developments Ltd) 
Mr T Amies 
Mr D Abell 
Mr BJM Johnson 
Mr B Dale 

Share structure and rights are included in Note 21. 

Going concern 

14,916,000 
4,360,000 
3,807,150 
3,484,569 
2,451,740 

27.38% 
8.00% 
6.99% 
6.40% 
4.50% 

The Directors are pleased to report that the Group has significant unused borrowing facilities, continues to meet its 
debt obligations and expects to operate comfortably within its available borrowing facilities   The Directors have 
therefore formed a judgement, at the time of approving the financial statements, that there is a reasonable 
expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For 
this reason the Directors continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. 

Creditor payment policy 

The Group does not follow any code or standard on payment practice as it is the Group’s policy to settle creditors 
promptly on mutually agreed terms. The number of days’ billings from suppliers outstanding at 31 March 2013 was 51 
days (2012: 47 days). 

Resolutions to be proposed at the Annual General Meeting 

The Board will be proposing the following resolutions at the AGM. The detailed wording of the resolutions is contained 
within the notice of the AGM. They have the support of all Board members, who will vote in favour of them with all 
their own shareholdings and those under their control, and with any discretionary proxies granted to them personally 
or in the capacity of chairman of the meeting. 

1.  To receive and consider the Company's financial statements and reports of the directors and auditor for the 

year ended 31 March 2013. 

2.  To receive and approve the directors’ remuneration report for the year ended 31 March 2013.  

3.  To reappoint Mr WO McIlroy retiring by rotation under the provisions of Article 103 of the Articles of 

Association, as a director of the Company. 

4.  To reappoint Mr NDJ O’Shea retiring by rotation under the provisions of Article 103 of the Articles of 

Association, as a director of the Company. 

5.  To reappoint Chantrey Vellacott DFK LLP as auditor and to authorise the directors to determine their 

remuneration. 

6.  To give authority to the directors to allot shares pursuant to Section 551 of the Companies Act 2006. 

This authorises the Company for a period of up to 15 months, or until the next AGM if sooner, to allot 1p 
Ordinary Shares up to an aggregate nominal value of £181,596.25, being a further one third of the 
Company’s present issued share capital as a rights issue.  

10 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Directors’ report 

7.  As a special resolution, to grant a limited disapplication of the statutory pre-emption rights contained in 

Section 570 of the Companies Act 2006. This authorises the Company for a period of up to 15 months, or 
until the next AGM if sooner, to allot 1p Ordinary Shares up to an aggregate nominal value of £27,239.44, 
being 5% of the Company’s present issued share capital, without first offering them as a rights issue to 
existing shareholders. 

8.  As a special resolution, to give a limited power to the Company to purchase its own shares. This authorises 
the Company for a period of up to 15 months, or until the next AGM if sooner, to purchase 1p Ordinary 
Shares up to a maximum aggregate nominal value of £27,239.44, being 5% of the Company's present issued 
share capital, at a no more than 105% of the average of the middle market quotations for Ordinary Shares 
for the five business days prior to the date of purchase and the minimum price of 1p. 

Directors standing for re-election 

William McIlroy, who has served as the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive for 13 years has extensive 
knowledge and experience of the personal care industry. 

Nicholas O’Shea has been the company secretary for nearly 16 years and a director since 2001. A CIMA qualified 
management accountant, he is finance director with several privately-owned SMEs. 

Directors confirmations 

In the case of each of the persons who are acting as directors of the Company at the date this report was approved:  
so far as each of the directors is aware, there is no relevant audit information (as defined in the Companies 
Act 2006) of which the Company’s auditor is not aware; and 

 

  each of the directors has taken all the steps that he/she ought to have taken as a director to make 

himself/herself aware of any relevant audit information (as defined) and to establish that the company’s 
auditor is aware of that information. 

Auditor 

Chantrey Vellacott DFK LLP have expressed their willingness to continue in office as auditor and a resolution to 
reappoint them will be proposed at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. 

By order of the Board 

Nicholas O'Shea 
Company Secretary 
04 July 2013 

        1210 Lincoln Road 
Peterborough PE4 6ND 

11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Directors’ remuneration report 

This report has been prepared in accordance with Schedule 8 to the Accounting Regulations under the Companies Act 
2006.  A resolution to approve this report will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting of the company at which the 
annual accounts for the year are approved. 

The above regulations also require that the auditor shall report to the company’s members on the auditable part of the 
directors’ remuneration report and state whether in their opinion that part of the directors’ remuneration report has 
been properly prepared in accordance with the Accounting Regulations. This report has therefore been divided into 
separate sections for audited and unaudited information. 

In the opinion of the Remuneration Committee, the company has complied with Section D of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code (the Code), and in forming the remuneration policy, the Committee has given full consideration to 
that section of the Code. 

Unaudited information 

Remuneration Committee 

The Board has established a Remuneration Committee to determine the remuneration of directors of the Company. 
The members of the Committee during the year and the prior year were Nicholas O’Shea and Mary Carney. In 
determining the directors’ remuneration the committee consulted the Executive Chairman, William McIlroy. There has 
been one meeting of the Committee during the period, attended by both Ms Carney and Mr O’Shea. 

Policy on directors’ remuneration 

The policy of the Company on executive remuneration including that for executive directors is to reward individual 
performance and motivate and retain existing executive directors so as to promote the best interests of the Company 
and enhance shareholder value. The remuneration packages for executives and executive directors include a basic 
annual salary, performance related bonus and a share option programme. The remuneration of non-executive 
directors includes a salary or fee. The Committee have reviewed the policy for the year ahead and have concluded that 
the key features of the remuneration policy remain appropriate. 

In setting executive directors’ remuneration, the Committee is mindful of the pay and a condition enjoyed by other 
employees. It considers revisions to their arrangements only when other employees’ pay and conditions are also 
reviewed, and this is always done in the light of market conditions and overall company performance. However, the 
Committee does not automatically increase the pay and conditions for directors in line with either inflation or at the 
same rate that those for other employees’ may be increased. 

Both executive and non-executive directors may accept appointment as directors of other companies and retain any 
fees paid to them, although directors are required to notify the Company of all such appointments and may not accept 
appointments which would be incompatible with their role with the Company, such as with direct competitors or major 
suppliers and customers.  

Salary and benefits 

Executive directors’ salary and benefits packages are determined by the Committee on appointment or when 
responsibilities or duties change substantially, and are reviewed annually. The last review was undertaken during the 
first quarter of this year, but no changes were proposed to the executive directors’ remuneration packages. The 
Committee considers that improved performance should be recognised by achievement of performance bonuses. 

Directors’ performance bonus 

Both executive directors’ contracts provide for performance bonuses should the Group achieve profitability, and Mr 
McIlroy’s also provides for a bonus should a successful sale of the Group’s toiletries business be achieved. The profit 
criterion was met in 2013, and as a consequence, provision for payment of the profit related performance bonus has 
been made in the financial statements, and will be made as required by the contracts within one month of the 
approval and publication of these financial statements. 

The contract for Mr McIlroy’s services as a director provides for a performance bonus payment to Mr McIlroy’s 
employer (Lesmac Securities Ltd) should the Group achieve profitability, on a scale of 12½ % of the pre-tax audited 
profits up to £50,000, 7½% of pre-tax audited profits between £50,001 and £100,000 and 5% of pre-tax audited 
profits in excess of £100,000. The contract also provides for a success bonus payment to Mr McIlroy’s employer should 
the Group dispose of the toiletries business. This bonus is 10% of the proceeds of a complete disposal should the sale 
price exceed £1.5m, or of a partial disposal should the sale price exceed £0.5m and be for not more than 1/3 of the 
book value of the net assets of the Group so disposed. 

The contract for Mr Johnson’s services as a manager provides for a performance bonus payment to Mr Johnson’s 
employer (Carty Johnson Ltd) should the Group achieve profitability, on a scale of 12½ % of the pre-tax audited 
profits up to £50,000, 7½% of pre-tax audited profits between £50,001 and £100,000 and 5% of pre-tax audited 
profits in excess of £100,000. 

12 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Directors’ remuneration report 

Executive share option scheme 

The policy of the Company is to grant options to executive directors and other senior managers as an incentive to 
enhance shareholder value. Those options held by members of the Board are exercisable at 2p per share, between 23 
February 2014 and 22 February 2021. 

Further detail of share options held by directors is given below, and of all options granted by the Company in note 23 
(Share Based Payments). 

Pension arrangements 

The Company does not make any pension arrangements or contributions for the directors. 

Benefits 

William Glencross is a member of the Group’s medical scheme. 

Service contracts 

It is the Company’s policy that service contracts for the executive directors are for an indefinite period, terminable by 
either party with a maximum period of notice of 12 months. Any payments in lieu of notice should not exceed the 
director’s salary or fees for the unexpired term of the notice period. Within that policy, information relating to 
individual directors is scheduled below: 

Name of Director 

WO McIlroy (executive contract) 
WO McIlroy (director’s contract with employer) 
BJM Johnson (director’s contract) 
BJM Johnson (manager’s contract with employer) 
MT Carney (non-executive) 
NDJ O’Shea (non-executive) 
WT Glencross (non-executive) 

Date of service 
contract 
6 Feb 2003 
16 Jan 2002 
16 Jan 2002 
16 Jan 2002 
29 Nov 1999 
5 Jul 2001 
31 Jul 2005 

Date contract 
last amended 

Notice period 

12 months 
12 months 
12 months 
12 months 
None 
None 
None 

20 Mar 2003 
1 Jan 2002 

1 Sep 2006 

Non-executive directors 

The fees for non-executive directors are reviewed annually and determined in the light of market practice and with 
reference to the time commitment and responsibilities associated with each non-executive director’s role and 
responsibilities. 

Non-executives’ fees are determined within the overall aggregate limit or £40,000 authorised by the Company’s 
Articles of Association. The board as a whole considers the policy and structure for the non-executive directors’ fees on 
the recommendation of the Chairman and Chief Executive. The non-executive directors do not participate in 
discussions on their specific levels of remuneration. 

Non-executive directors may not be granted share options nor participate in any performance bonus, and are not 
eligible for pension contributions. The fees paid for non-executive directors consist of a flat annual fee based on the 
involvement each is anticipated to be required to commit to the Group, and both the time commitments and fee basis 
are reviewed annually. Any additional time commitments over these are paid on a pro rata per diem basis. 

13 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Directors’ remuneration report 

Performance graph 

The following graph shows the Company’s performance, measured by total shareholder return, compared with the 
FTSE All-Share index, which the directors have always considered the most suitable comparator given the small 
number of quoted companies of a similar size in the Company’s sector and the typical portfolio style of management 
for most investors, meaning that investments in the Company would be compared against investment portfolios based 
on FTSE All-Share index performance. 

Creightons Plc - Total Shareholder Return compared to FTSE All-Share Index 

4.00

3.50

3.00

p

/

2.50

e
c
i
r
P
e
r
a
h
S
c
P
s
n
o
t
h
g
e
r
C

l

i

2.00

1.50

1.00

0.50

0.00

5000

4500

4000

3500

3000

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

0

x
e
d
n

I

e
r
a
h
S

l
l

A
E
S
T
F

31-Mar-09

31-Mar-10

31-Mar-11

31-Mar-12

31-Mar-13

Creightons Plc Share price - pence

FTSE All Share Index

The market price at 31 March 2013 was 3.375p. 

Audited Information 

Directors’ emoluments  

Note 

Salaries/ 
Fees 
£000 

Bonus 

Benefits 

£000 

£000 

Total 
 2013 
£000 

Total 
2012 
£000 

WO McIlroy 
MT Carney 
BJM Johnson 
NDJ O’Shea 
W T Glencross 
Total 

1 

2 
3 

- 
8 
88 
12 
12 
120 

20 
- 
20 
- 
- 
40 

- 
- 
- 
- 
1 
1 

20 
8 
108 
12 
13 
161 

16 
8 
104 
15 
13 
156 

Note 
1 
2 

3 

All payments are made to Mr McIlroy’s service company, Lesmac Securities Ltd. 
Mr Johnson earns a salary of £10,000 per annum with all other payments made to his service company, Carty 
Johnson Limited. 
All payments are made to Mr O’Shea’s employer Saxon Coast Consulting Limited. 

All other directors’ remuneration is paid direct to the director. 

14 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Directors’ remuneration report 

Share options  

As at 31 March 2013 and 2012 

Number of 
share  

Exercise 
price 

Date from which 
exercisable 

Expiry Date 

WO McIlroy 
BJM Johnson 

1,303,275  2.0p 
1,303,275  2.0p 

23 February 2014 
23 February 2014 

22 February 2021 
22 February 2021 

All share options have performance criteria which require the share price to have achieved and remained for a period 
of not less than three consecutive trading days at a premium of at least one third over the share price at the time of 
grant before they become exercisable. 

Pension entitlements 

No pension contributions are made in respect of directors. 

Approval 

The Directors’ remuneration report was approved by the Board of Directors on 04 July 2013 and signed on its behalf 
by 

Nicholas O’Shea 
Company Secretary 
Remuneration Committee 

15 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Directors’ responsibility statement 

The directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the Financial Statements.  The directors are required 
to prepare financial statements for the group in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as 
adopted by the European Union and have also elected to prepare financial statements for the company in accordance 
with IFRS.  Company law requires the directors to prepare such financial statements in accordance with IFRS, the 
Companies Act 2006 and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.  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 Company 
for that period. 

International Accounting Standard 1 requires that the financial statements present fairly for each financial year the 
Company’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows.  This requires the faithful representation of the 
effects of transactions, other events and conditions in accordance with the definitions and recognition criteria for 
assets, liabilities, income and expenses set out in the International Accounting Standard Board’s Framework for the 
Preparation and Presentation of Financial Statements’. In virtually all circumstances, a fair presentation will be 
achieved by compliance with all applicable International Financial Reporting Standards. The directors are also required 
to: 

 
 

 

properly select then apply accounting policies; 
present information, including accounting policies, in a manner that provides relevant, reliable, comparable 
and understandable information;  
provide additional disclosure when compliance with the specific requirements in IFRS is insufficient to enable 
users to understand the impact of  particular transactions, other events and conditions on the Group’s 
financial position and financial performance; and 

  make an assessment of the company’s ability to continue as a going concern 

The directors are responsible for maintaining proper 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 its financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006.  They are also responsible 
for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to 
safeguard the assets of the Group and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities. 

Under applicable law and regulations, the directors are also responsible for preparing a Directors’ Report, Directors’ 
Remuneration Report and a Corporate Governance Statement that comply with that law and those regulations. 

The directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on 
the Company’s website. 

Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from 
legislation in other jurisdictions. 

Directors’ responsibility statement pursuant to DTR4 

Each of the directors confirms to the best of their knowledge that: 

 

 

The  Group  and  Company  financial  statements  in  this  report  have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with 
International  Financial  Reporting  Standards  (IFRS)  as  adopted  by  the  EU,  IFRIC  interpretations,  Companies 
Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS and give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, 
financial position and profit or loss of the issuer and the undertakings included in the consolidation; and  
The contents of this report include a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the 
position  of  the  Company  and  the  Group  taken  as  a  whole,  together  with  a  description of  the  principal  risks 
and uncertainties that they face. 

Approval 

The Directors’ Responsibility Statement was approved by the Board of Directors on 04 July 2013 and signed on its 
behalf by 

Nicholas O’Shea 
Company Secretary 

16 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF CREIGHTONS PLC 

We  have  audited  the  financial  statements  of  Creightons  Plc  for  the  year  ended  31  March  2013  which  comprise  the 
consolidated  income  statement,  the  consolidated  and  parent  company  statement  of  comprehensive  income,  the 
consolidated  and  parent  company  balance  sheets,  the  consolidated  and  parent  company  statements  of  changes  in 
equity,  the  consolidated  and  parent  company  cash  flow  statements  and  the  related  notes.  The  financial  reporting 
framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRS)  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  auditor’s  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 auditor 

As explained more fully in the Directors' Responsibilities Statement, 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 Auditing Practices Board's Ethical Standards 
for Auditors. 

Scope of the audit of the financial statements 

An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give 
reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or 
error. This includes an assessment of: whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the  Group's and the parent 
company's  circumstances  and  have  been  consistently  applied  and  adequately  disclosed;  the  reasonableness  of 
significant accounting estimates made by the directors; and the overall presentation of the financial statements. 

In  addition,  we  read  all  the  financial  and  non-financial  information  in  the  Annual  Report  to  identify  material 
inconsistencies with the audited financial statements. If we become aware of any apparent material misstatements or 
inconstancies we consider the implications in our report. 

Opinion on financial statements 

In our opinion: 

 

 

 

 

the  financial  statements  give  a  true  and  fair  view  of  the  state  of  the  Group's  and  of  the  parent  company's 
affairs as at 31 March 2013 and of the Group's profit for the year then ended; 
the  Group  financial  statements  have  been  properly  prepared  in  accordance  with  IFRS  as  adopted  by  the 
European Union;  
the parent company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by 
the European Union and as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006; and 
the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 
and, as regards the Group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. 

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 

In our opinion: 

 

 

the part of the Directors' Remuneration Report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with 
the Companies Act 2006; and 
the  information  given  in  the  Directors'  Report  for  the  financial  year  for  which  the  financial  statements  are 
prepared is consistent with the financial statements. 

17 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Matters on which we are required to report by exception 

We have nothing to report in respect of the following 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 and the part of the directors' remuneration report to be audited 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. 

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review: 

 
 

 

the directors' statement set out on page 10 in relation to going concern; and 
the  part  of  the  Corporate  Governance  Statement  relating  to  the  company's  compliance  with  the  nine 
provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code specified for our review. 
certain elements of the report to the shareholders by the Board on directors’ remuneration. 

DAVID JAMES (Senior Statutory Auditor) 
for and on behalf of CHANTREY VELLACOTT DFK LLP 
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor 
London 
04 July 2013 

18 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Consolidated income statement 

Year ended 31 
March 
2013 
£000 

Year ended 31 
March 
2012 
£000 

17,326 
(9,902) 

7,424 

(763) 
(6,328) 

333 

(31) 

302 

- 

302 

16,333 
(9,461) 

6,872 

(686) 
(5,929) 

257 

(34) 

223 

- 

223 

0.55p 
0.51p 

0.41p 
0.37p 

Note 

4 

5 

7 

8 

9 
9 

Year ended 
31 March 
2013 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2012 
£000 

302 

(22) 

280 

223 

(1) 

222 

Year ended 
31 March 
2013 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2012 
£000 

(3) 

(3) 

- 

- 

Revenue 
Cost of sales 

Gross profit 

Distribution costs 
Administrative expenses 

Operating profit 

Finance costs 

Profit before tax 

Taxation 

Profit for the period from continuing operations 

Earnings per share  

Basic 
Diluted 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

Profit for the period from continuing operations 

Exchange differences on translating foreign operations 

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

Company statement of comprehensive income 

Loss for the period from continuing operations 

Total  comprehensive income  for the period  

19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Consolidated balance sheet  

Non-current assets 
Goodwill 
Other intangible assets 
Property, plant and equipment 

Current assets 
Inventories 
Trade and other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Total assets 

Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Obligations under finance leases 
Bank overdrafts and loans 

Net current assets 

Non-current liabilities 
Obligations under finance leases 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Equity 
Share capital 
Share premium account 
Other reserves 
Share-based payment reserve 
Translation reserve 
Retained earnings 

Total equity attributable to the equity shareholders of the parent 
company 

31 March 
2013 
£000 

31 March 
2012 
£000 

Note 

10 
11 
12 

14 
15 
16 

18 
19 
20 

19 

21 

22 

343 
295 
525 
1,163 

3,526 
2,811 
18 
6,355 

346 
262 
556 
1,164 

3,271 
3,040 
106 
6,417 

7,518 

7,581 

2,219 
19 
892 
3,130 

2,604 
19 
838 
3,461 

3,225 

2,956 

48 
48 

67 
67 

3,178 

3,528 

4,340 

4,053 

545 
1,231 
38 
51 
(55) 
2,530 

545 
1,231 
38 
44 
(33) 
2,228 

4,340 

4,053 

These financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 04 July 2013.  They 
were signed on its behalf by: 

Bernard Johnson 
Managing Director 

20 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Company balance sheet  

Non-current assets 
Investment in subsidiaries 

Current assets 
Trade and other receivables 

Total assets 

Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables 

Net current assets 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Equity 
Share capital 
Share premium account 
Capital redemption reserve 
Special reserve 
Share-based payment reserve 
Retained earnings 

Total equity attributable to the equity shareholders of the 
parent company 

31 March 
2013 

31 March 
2012 

Note 

£000 

£000 

13 

15 

18 

21 

72 
72 

75 
75 

2,046 
2,046 

2,039 
2,039 

2,118 

2,114 

35 
35 

35 
35 

2,011 

2,004 

35 

35 

2,083 

2,079 

545 
1,231 
18 
1,441 
51 
(1,203) 

545 
1,231 
18 
1,441 
44 
(1,200) 

2,083 

2,079 

These financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 04 July 2013.  They 
were signed on its behalf by: 

Bernard Johnson 
Managing Director 

Company registration number 1227964 

21 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity 

Share 
capital 

Share 
premium 
account 

Other 
reserves 
(note 
22) 

Share-
based 
payment 
reserve 

Translation 
reserve 

Retained 
earnings 

Total 
equity 

£000 

£000 

£000 

£000 

£000 

£000 

£000 

At 1 April 2011 
Share issue 
Exchange 
differences on 
translation of 
foreign operations 
Share based 
payment charge 
Net profit for the 
year 
At 31 March 2012 
Exchange 
differences on 
translation of 
foreign operations 
Share based 
payment charge 
Net profit for the 
year 
At 31 March 2013 

543 
2 
- 

1,229 
2 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

545 
- 

1,231 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

38 
- 
- 

- 

- 

38 
- 

- 

- 

30 

- 

14 

- 

44 
- 

7 

- 

(32) 
- 
(1) 

- 

- 

(33) 
(22) 

- 

- 

2,005 
- 
- 

- 

223 

2,228 
- 

- 

302 

3,813 
4 
(1) 

14 

223 

4,053 
(22) 

7 

302 

545 

1,231 

38 

51 

(55) 

2,530 

4,340 

Company statement of changes in equity 

Share 
capital 

Share 
premium 
account 

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 

Special 
reserve 

Retained 
earnings 

Total 
equity 

Share-
based 
payment 
reserve 

£000 

£000 

£000 

£000 

£000 

£000 

£000 

At 1 April 2011 
Share issue 
Share based payment 
charge 
At 31 March 2012 
Share based payment 
charge 
Net loss for the year 

At 31 March 2013 

543 
2 
- 

545 
- 

- 

545 

1,229 
2 
- 

1,231 
- 

- 

1,231 

18 
- 
- 

18 
- 

- 

18 

1,441 
- 
- 

1,441 
- 

- 

1,441 

30 
- 
14 

44 
7 

- 

51 

(1,200) 
- 
- 

2,061 
4 
14 

(1,200) 
- 

2,079 
7 

(3) 

(3) 

(1,203) 

2,083 

22 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Consolidated cash flow statement  

Year ended 
31 March 
2013 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2012 
£000 

306 

339 

Note 

28 

(97) 
(334) 

(308) 
(333) 

(431) 

(641) 

(19) 
- 
- 
54 
35 

(90) 

106 

2 

18 

(18) 
97 
4 
227 
310 

8 

96 

2 

106 

Note 

28 

Year ended 
31 March 
2013 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2012 
£000 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(1) 

4 
(3) 

1 

- 

- 

- 

Net cash inflow from operating activities 

Cash flow from investing activities 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment 
Expenditure on intangible assets and goodwill 

Net cash used in investing activities 

Cash flow from financing activities 
Repayment of finance lease obligations 
New finance lease  
Proceeds of share issue 
Increase in bank loans and invoice finance facilities 
Net cash generated from  financing activities 

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents at start of period 

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 

Company cash flow statement  

Net cash outflow from operating activities 

Cash flow from investing activities 
Proceeds of share issue 
Investment in subsidiaries 

Net cash generated from investing activities 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents at start of period 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 

23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Notes to the financial statements 

1.  General information 

Creightons Plc (the Company) was incorporated on 29 September 1975 in England; it is a public company, with a 
premium listing on the London Stock Exchange and domiciled in the United Kingdom. 

These Financial Statements are presented in pounds sterling because that is the currency of the primary economic 
environment in which the Group operates.  Foreign operations are included in accordance with the policies set out 
in note 2. 

2  Significant accounting policies 

Basis of accounting 

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as 
adopted for use by the European Union and comply with Article 4 of the IAS regulation, and the Companies Act 
2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS.   

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis and there are no concerns for the 
foreseeable future that would change the basis on which the financial statements have been prepared. 

The financial statements have also been prepared on the historical cost basis, except for the revaluation of 
financial instruments.  The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.  These policies have been 
applied consistently to all years presented unless otherwise stated. 

Initial application of new IFRS and International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) 
interpretations effective for current reporting period or any amendments to such standards have been reflected in 
these financial statements. Application of these did not have a material impact on the financial statements and did 
not require a change in any significant accounting policies. 

The Group has adopted all of the new and revised Standards and Interpretations issued by the International 
Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) of 
the IASB that are relevant to its operations and effective for accounting periods beginning 1 April 2012. 

New standards and interpretations currently in issue but not effective for accounting periods commencing on 1 
April 2012 are: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (effective 1 January 2015) 
IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements (effective 1 January 2013) 
IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements (effective 1 January 2013) 
IFRS 12 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities (effective 1 January 2013) 
IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement (effective 1 January 2013) 
IAS 19 Employee Benefits (Revised June 2012) (effective 1 January 2013) 
IAS 27 (Revised), Separate Financial Statements (effective 1 January 2013) 
IAS 28 (Revised), Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures (effective 1 
January 2013) 

  Deferred Tax: Recovery of Underlying Assets - Amendments to IAS 12 Income 

 

Taxes (effective 1 January 2013) 
Presentation of Items of Other Comprehensive Income - Amendments to IAS 1 
(effective 1 July 2013) 

As of 31 March 2013, the following standards and interpretations are in issue but not yet adopted by the EU: 

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (effective 1 January 2015) 
IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements (effective 1 January 2013) 
IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements (effective 1 January 2013) 
IFRS 12 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities (effective 1 January 2013) 
IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement (effective 1 January 2013) 
IAS 19 Employee Benefits (Revised June 2012) (effective 1 January 2013) 
IAS 27 (Revised), Separate Financial Statements (effective 1 January 2013) 
IAS 28 (Revised), Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures (effective 1 January 2013) 
IFRS 7 (amendments), Offsetting Financial assets and Financial Liabilities (effective 1 January 2013) 
IAS 32 (amendments), Offsetting Financial assets and Financial Liabilities (effective 1 January 2014) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Disclosures - Transfers of Financial Assets - Amendments to IFRS 7 (effective 1 July 2012) 
  Deferred Tax: Recovery of Underlying Assets - Amendments to IAS 12 Income Taxes (effective 1 January 

2013) 
Severe Hyperinflation and Removal of Fixed Dates for First-time Adopters - Amendments to IFRS 1 First-
time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (effective 1 July 2012) 
Presentation of Items of Other Comprehensive Income - Amendments to IAS 1 (effective 1 July 2013) 

 

 

24 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Notes to the financial statements 

2   Significant accounting policies (continued) 

The directors anticipate that the adoption of these Standards and Interpretations in future periods will have no 
material impact on the financial statements of the Group.  

Basis of consolidation 

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and entities controlled 
by the Company (its subsidiaries), made up to the 31 March each year.  Control is achieved where the company 
has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an investee entity so as to obtain benefits from its 
activities. 

The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the consolidated comprehensive 
income statement from the effective date of acquisition or up to the effective date of disposal, as appropriate. 

Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies 
into line with those used by the Group. 

All intra-group transactions, balances, income, expenses and unrealised profits are eliminated on consolidation.   

A  separate  income  statement  for  the  Company  has  not  been  presented  as  permitted  by  section  408  of  the 
Companies Act 2006. 

Goodwill 

Goodwill on consolidation represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the identifiable assets 
and liabilities of a business acquired at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is initially recognised as an asset at cost 
and is subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses.  Goodwill is tested at least 
annually for impairment and is carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Any impairment is recognised 
immediately in the income statement and is not subsequently reversed. No amortisation is charged. 

For the purposes of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to each of the Group’s cash-generating units 
expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination.  Cash-generating units to which goodwill has been 
allocated are tested for impairment annually, or more frequently when there is an indication that the unit may be 
impaired.  If the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit is less than the carrying amount of the unit, the 
impairment loss is first allocated to reduce the carrying amount of the goodwill allocated to the unit and then to  
the other assets of the unit on a pro-rata basis of the carrying amount of each asset in the unit.   

On disposal of an acquired business the attributable amount of goodwill is included in the determination of the 
profit or loss on disposal. 

Revenue recognition 

Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable and represents amounts 
receivable for goods provided in the normal course of business, net of discounts, VAT and other sales related 
taxes. 

Sales of goods are recognised when goods are delivered and title has passed. 

Interest income is accrued on a time basis, by reference to the principal outstanding and the effective interest rate 
applicable. 

Dividend income from investments is recognised when shareholder’s rights to receive payment have been 
established. 

Leases 

Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and 
rewards of ownership to the lessee.  All other leases are classified as operating leases. 

Assets held under finance leases are recognised as assets of the Group at the fair value or, if lower, at the present 
value of the minimum lease payments, each determined at the inception of the lease.  The corresponding liability 
to the lessor is included in the balance sheet as a finance lease obligation.  Lease payments are apportioned 
between finance charges and reduction of the lease obligation so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the 
remaining balance of the liability.  Finance charges are charged directly against income.  

Rentals under operating leases are charged against income on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant 
lease.   

Benefits received and receivable as an incentive to enter into operating leases are spread on a straight-line basis 
over the term of the lease. 

25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Notes to the financial statements 

2   Significant accounting policies (continued) 

Foreign currencies 

The individual financial statements of each group company are presented in the currency of the primary economic 
environment in which it operates (its functional currency).  For the purposes of consolidated financial statements, 
the results and financial position of each group company are presented in pound sterling, which are the functional 
currency of the Company, and the presentation currency for the consolidated financial statements. 

In preparing the financial statements of individual companies, transactions in currencies other than the entity’s 
functional currency (foreign currencies) are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing on the dates of the 
transactions.  At each balance sheet date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign 
currencies are retranslated at the rates ruling at the balance sheet date. 

Exchange differences arising on the settlement of monetary items, and on the retranslation of monetary items, 
are included in the income statement in the period they arise.  

For the purposes of presenting consolidated financial statements, the assets and liabilities of the Group’s foreign 
operations are translated at exchange rates prevailing on the balance sheet date.  Income and expense items are 
translated at the average exchange rate for the period, unless exchange rates fluctuate significantly during that 
period, in which case the exchange rates at the date of transactions are used.  Exchange differences arising, if 
any, are classified as equity and recognised in the Group’s foreign currency translation reserve.  Such translation 
differences are recognised as income or as an expense in the period in which the operation is disposed of. 

In order to hedge its exposure to certain foreign exchange risks the Group enters into forward exchange contracts 
and options when appropriate to do so.  

Operating profit 

Operating profit is stated after charging restructuring costs and other exceptional items but before investment 
income and finance costs. 

Retirement benefit costs 

The Group companies contribute to a defined contribution retirement benefit scheme.   

Payments to the defined contribution retirement benefit scheme are charged as an expense as they fall due.  
Social Security costs are dealt with as payments to defined contribution schemes where the Group’s obligations 
are equivalent to those arising in a defined contribution retirement benefit scheme. 

Taxation 

The tax expense represents the sum of tax currently payable and deferred tax. 

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

Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable 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 temporary differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable 
that taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary timing differences can be utilised.  Such 
assets and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary differences arise from the initial recognition of goodwill or 
from the initial recognition of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither taxable profit nor 
accounting profit. 

Deferred tax is calculated using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantially enacted by the balance 
sheet date and that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised. 

26 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Notes to the financial statements 

2   Significant accounting policies (continued) 

Property, plant and equipment 

Property, plant  and  equipment  are  stated  at  cost  less  accumulated  depreciation  and  any  recognised  impairment 
loss. 

Depreciation  is  charged  so  as  to  write  off  the  cost  of  the  assets  less  any  residual  values  over  their  estimated 
useful lives using the straight line method on the following basis: 

      Plant and machinery 
Fixtures and fittings 
Computers 

% per annum 

10 - 20  
10 - 33 
25 - 33 

Assets  held  under  finance  leases  are  depreciated  over  their  expected  useful  lives  on  the  same  basis  as  owned 
assets or, where shorter, over the term of the relevant lease. 

The  gain  or  loss  arising  on  the  disposal  or  retirement  of  an  asset  is  determined  as  the  difference  between  the 
sales proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and is recognised in the income statement. 

Research and development expenditure 

Expenditure on research activities is recognised as an expense in the period in which it is incurred. 

An  internally  generated  intangible  asset  arising  from  the  Group’s  product  development  is  recognised  only  if  the 
following conditions are met: 

 
 
 

an asset is created that can be identified with a specific product or range of products; 
it is probable that the asset created will generate future economic benefits; and 
the development cost of the asset can be measured reliably 

Internally  generated  intangible  assets  are  amortised  on  a  straight-line  basis  over  their  useful  lives.    Where  no 
internally generated intangible assets can be recognised, development expenditure is recognised as an expense in 
the period in which it is incurred. 

Other intangible assets 

Other intangible assets are carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated annual impairment.  
Amortisation begins when an asset is available for use and is calculated on a straight-line basis over their 
estimated useful lives as follows: 

Product development   
Computer software 

- Over three years 
- Over three to four years 

Impairment of assets (excluding goodwill) 

At each reporting date, the Group assesses whether there is any indication that an asset may be impaired.  Where 
an indicator of impairment exists, the Group makes an estimate of the recoverable amount.  Recoverable amount 
is the higher of the fair value less cost to sell and value in use and is determined for an individual asset.  If the 
asset does not generate cash inflows that are largely independent of those from other assets or groups of assets, 
the recoverable amount of the cash generating unit to which the asset belongs is determined. Discount rates 
reflecting the asset specific risks and the time value of money are used for the value in use calculation. 

Investments 

Investments in subsidiary companies are stated at cost less any provision for impairment. 

Inventories 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realisable value.  The standard cost comprises direct materials 
and where applicable direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the inventories 
to their present location and condition.  Net realisable value represents the estimated selling price less all 
estimated costs to completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution. 

27 

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Notes to the financial statements 

2   Significant accounting policies (continued) 

Trade receivables 

Trade receivables are initially recognised at fair value.  Appropriate allowances for estimated irrecoverable 
amounts are recognised in the income statement when there is objective evidence, such as an increase in delayed 
payments, that the asset is impaired.   

Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and demand deposits and other short term highly liquid 
investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to insignificant risk of change 
of value. 

Trade payables and loans 

Trade payables and loans are initially measured at their cost which approximates to their fair value.  

Derivative financial instruments 

The Group’s activities expose it primarily to the financial risks of changes in foreign currency exchange rates.  The 
Group uses foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge against foreign exchange rate risk where considered 
appropriate.  The group does not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. 

Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value at the date a derivative contract is entered into and are 
subsequently re-measured to their fair value at each balance sheet date. The resulting gain or loss is recognised 
in the income statement immediately unless the derivative is designated and effective as a hedging instrument, in 
which event the timing of the recognition in the income statement depends upon the nature of the hedge 
relationship.  The Group designates certain derivatives as  either hedges of the fair value of the recognised  assets 
or liabilities or firm commitments (fair value hedges), hedges of highly probable forecast transactions or hedges of 
foreign currency risk of firm commitments (cash flow hedges), or hedges of net investment in foreign operations. 

A derivative is presented as a non-current asset or non-current liability if the remaining maturity of the instrument 
is more than 12 months and it is not expected to be realised or settled within 12 months.  Other derivatives are 
treated as current assets or liabilities. 

Share-based payments 

The Group issues equity-settled share-based payments to certain employees. Equity-settled share-based 
payments are measured at fair value (excluding the effect of non-market based vesting conditions) at the date of 
grant.  The fair value determined at the grant date of the equity-settled share-based payments is expensed on a 
straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the group’s estimate of shares that will eventually vest and 
adjusted for the effect of non-market based vesting conditions. 

Fair value is calculated using the Black-Scholes model.  The expected life used in the model has been adjusted, 
based on management’s best estimate, for the non-transferability, exercise restrictions and behavioural 
considerations. 

3  Critical accounting judgements and sources of estimation uncertainty 

Critical judgements in applying the Group’s accounting policies 

In the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies, which are described in note 2, management have made 
the following judgement that has the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial 
statements. 

Corporation tax 

A judgement is required in determining the provision for Corporation tax. There are some calculations for which 
the ultimate tax determination is uncertain in the ordinary course of business. The Group recognises tax liabilities 
on the best estimate of whether tax liabilities will be due.  Where the final tax outcome is different from the 
amounts that were initially recorded, such differences will impact the income and deferred tax provisions in the 
period in which such determination is made. No deferred tax asset has been accounted due to the economic and 
trading uncertainties facing the Group. 

Key sources of estimation uncertainty 

The key assumptions concerning the future, and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the balance sheet 
date, 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. 

28 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Notes to the financial statements 

3  Critical accounting judgements and sources of estimation uncertainty (continued) 

Impairment of goodwill 

Determining whether goodwill is impaired requires an estimation of the value in use of the cash-generating unit to 
which goodwill is allocated. The value in use requires the entity to estimate the future. No impairment provision 
was considered necessary against this carrying value. 

Impairment of product development costs 

Management review the recoverability of capitalised product development costs throughout the year and will 
charge amortisation to reflect any impairment arising from a reduction in the anticipated lifecycle of the products.  
At the balance sheet date all products were considered to have product lifecycles which were in line with the 
accounting policies noted in 2 above. 

Provisions 

The Group assesses provisions as the Directors’ best estimate of the expenditure required to settle obligations at 
the balance sheet date.  These estimates are made taking account of information available and different possible 
outcomes. Estimates relating to the net realisable value of inventories and recoverability of trade receivables are 
areas where the Directors’ best estimates have been applied in the current financial year. 

4  Business and geographic segments 

For management purposes the Group reports operations internally from two segments one based in the United 
Kingdom and one based in North America. Appropriate segmental information is as follows: 

Revenue by segment 

Year ended 31 March 2013 

Year ended 31 March 2012 

External 
revenue 

£000 

Inter- 
segment 
revenue 
£000 

Total 
segment 
revenue 
£000 

External 
revenue 

£000 

Inter- 
segment 
revenue 
£000 

Total 
segment 
revenue 
£000 

15,782 
1,544 

346 
- 

16,128 
1,544 

14,850 
1,483 

342 
- 

15,192 
1,483 

17,326 

346 

17,672 

16,333 

342 

16,675 

United Kingdom 
North America 

Total 

Information about major customers 

Included in revenues arising from the United Kingdom for the year ended 31 March 2013 are revenues from three 
customers that exceeded 10% of total revenue being; £2,474,000;  £2,084,000 and £1,992,000 respectively.   

Profit by segment 

Year ended 31 March 2013 
Group 
North 
America 
£000 

United 
Kingdom 
£000 

£000 

Year ended 31 March 2012 
Group 
North 
United 
America 
Kingdom 
£000 
£000 

£000 

Segment results 

1,017 

129 

1,146 

905 

115 

1,020 

Central costs 

Operating profit 

Finance costs 

Profit for the period from continuing 
operations 

(813) 

333 

(31) 

302 

(763) 

257 

(34) 

223 

29 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Notes to the financial statements 

4  Business and geographic segments (continued) 

Segmental operating profit is stated after charging: 

Year ended 31 March 2013 
Group 
North 
America 
£000 

United 
Kingdom 
£000 

£000 

Year ended 31 March 2012 
Group 
North 
United 
America 
Kingdom 
£000 
£000 

£000 

Depreciation 

Amortisation 

Write-downs of inventory recognised 
as an expense 

128 

301 

174 

- 

- 

14 

128 

301 

188 

128 

236 

87 

- 

- 

18 

128 

236 

105 

The profit reported by each segment represents the profit earned before central management costs, including 
directors’ remuneration, and finance costs. 

Segment assets 

Non-current assets 

United Kingdom 
North America 

Total non-current assets 

Current assets 

United Kingdom 
North America 

Total current assets 

Total assets 

United Kingdom 
North America 

Total assets 

Segment liabilities 

United Kingdom 
North America 

Total liabilities 

Year ended 
31 March 
2013 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2012 
£000 

1,163 
- 

1,164 
- 

1,163 

1,164 

5,874 
481 

5,694 
723 

6,355 

16,417 

7,037 
481 

6,858 
723 

7,518 

7,581 

Year ended 
31 March 
2013 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2012 
£000 

3,124 
54 

3,285 
243 

3,178 

3,528 

All of the Group’s capital expenditure depreciation and amortisation is within the United Kingdom segment. The 
accounting policies for the reportable segment are the same as the Group’s accounting policies described in Note 
2.  

30 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Notes to the financial statements 

5.  Operating profit  

Operating profit is stated after charging: 

Net foreign exchange gain 

Cost of inventories recognised as expense 

Write downs of inventories recognised as an expense  

Research and development costs 

Depreciation of property plant and equipment 
- owned assets 
- leased assets 

Amortisation of intangible assets (included in 
administrative expenses) 

Impairment loss 

Staff costs 

Auditor’s remuneration  

Operating lease rental expense 
- Land & buildings 
- Other 

The analysis of auditor’s remuneration is as follows: 

Audit services 
Fees payable to the company’s auditor for the audit of    
the parent company and the group financial statements 
Fees payable to the company’s auditor for other 
services: 
  The audit of the company’s subsidiaries, pursuant to 
legislation 
  Tax services 

Year ended 
31 March 
2013 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2012 
£000 

29 

38 

9,699 

8,271 

188 

323 

111 
17 

301 

105 

266 

111 
17 

236 

3 

- 

4,311 

3,985 

28 

28 

350 
38 

350 
37 

Year ended 
31 March 
2013 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2012 
£000 

21 

21 

6 

1 

6 

1 

31 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Notes to the financial statements 

6.  Staff costs 

The average number of employees (including directors) was: 

Management 
Administration 
Production 

Total 

Their aggregate remuneration comprised: 

Wages and salaries  
Social security costs 
Pension contributions 

Total 

Year ended 
31 March 
2013 
Number 

Year ended 
31 March 
2012 
Number 

9 
47 
130 

186 

9 
47 
114 

170 

Year ended 
31 March 
2013 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2012 
£000 

3,933 
355 
23 

4,311 

3,626 
335 
24 

3,985 

Details of directors’ emoluments are set out in the directors’ remuneration report. 

7.  Finance costs 

Interest on bank overdrafts and loans 
Interest on obligations under finance leases 

Total 

Year ended 
31 March 
2013 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2012 
£000 

28 
3 

31 

31 
3 

34 

32 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Notes to the financial statements 

8. Taxation 

Current tax 
Deferred tax 

Total 

Year ended 
31 March 
2013 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2012 
£000 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

       The charge for the year can be reconciled to the profit per the income statement as follows: 

Year ended 
31 March 
2013 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2013 
% 

Year ended 
31 March 
2012 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2012 
% 

Profit before tax 

302 

Tax charge at the UK corporation tax 
rate of 24% (2012 – 26%)  
Tax effect of expenses that are not 
deductible in determining taxable 
profit 
Tax effect of utilisation of brought 
forward tax losses 

Total expense and effective rate for 
the year 

(72) 

(24.0) 

(2) 

(0.7) 

74 

24.7 

- 

- 

223 

(58) 

(4) 

62 

- 

(26.0) 

(1.8) 

27.8 

- 

There is no charge to deferred tax for the Group or the Company. 

At the balance sheet date, the Group has unused tax losses of £2,649,000 (2012 - £2, 877,000) available for 
offset against future profits.  No deferred tax asset has been recognised in respect of these losses due to the 
unpredictability of future profit streams.  All losses may be carried forward indefinitely and utilised against profits 
of the same trade. 

9  Earnings per share 

The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share is based on the following data: 

Earnings 
Net profit attributable to the equity holders of the parent 
company 

Number of shares 
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purposes 
of basic earnings per share 

Year ended 
31 March  
2013 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2012 
£000 

302 

223 

Year ended 
31 March 
2013 
Number 

Year ended 
31 March 
2012 
Number 

54,478,876 

54,478,876 

Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares relating to share 
options 

5,126,550 

5,376,550 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purposes 
of diluted earnings per share 

59,605,426 

59,855,426 

33 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Notes to the financial statements 

10.  Goodwill 

Cost 
At 1 April 2011  
Additions 
At 31 March 2012 
Additions 
At 31 March 2013 

Accumulated impairment losses 
At 1 April 2011 and 31 March 2012  
Charge in the year 
At 31 March 2012 

Carrying amount 
At 1 April 2011  

At 31 March 2012 

At 31 March 2013 

Year ended 
31 March 
£000 

376 
3 
379 
- 
379 

33 
3 
36 

343 

346 

343 

Goodwill relates to the Potter & Moore business acquired in March 2003 and the costs associated with setting up  
TS Ventures Ltd in August 2010 and Miamoo in July 2011. 

The Group tests goodwill annually for impairment or more frequently if there are indications that goodwill might 
be impaired. 

The recoverable amount is determined from a value in use calculation. The key assumptions used for the value in 
use calculation are the discount rate, sales and margin projections, expected changes in direct and indirect costs 
during the five year forecast, a growth rate of 0% and a discount rate of 6.0%.  No likely change in these 
assumptions would give rise to impairment. 

The growth rates are based on the average growth rate experienced by the cash generating unit which is in line 
with historical growth rates for the business sector.  The pre-tax discount rate is based upon the Group’s weighted 
average cost of capital  adjusted for specific risks relating to  the sector and country, as this is believed to be the 
most appropriate to be used. 

34 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Notes to the financial statements 

11.  Other intangible assets 

Group 

Cost 
At 1 April 2011 
Additions 
Disposals 
At 31 March 2012 
Additions 
Disposals 
At 31 March 2013 

Accumulated amortisation 

At 1 April 2011 
Amortisation for the year 
Disposals 
At 31 March 2012 
Amortisation for the year 
Disposals 
At 31 March 2013 

Carrying value 
At 1 April 2011 

At 31 March 2012 

At 31 March 2013 

Acquired 
computer 
software 
£000 

Product 
development 
costs 
£000 

Total 

£000 

82 
16 
- 
98 
8 
- 
106 

43 
17 
- 
60 
16 
- 
76 

39 

38 

30 

301 
314 
(23) 
592 
326 
(48) 
870 

172 
219 
(23) 
368 
285 
(48) 
605 

383 
330 
(23) 
690 
334 
(48) 
976 

215 
236 
(23) 
428 
301 
(48) 
681 

129 

168 

224 

262 

265 

295 

35 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Notes to the financial statements 

12.  Property, plant and equipment 

Group 

Cost 
At 1 April 2011 
Additions 
At 31 March 2012 
Additions 
At 31 March 2013 

Accumulated depreciation 
At 1 April 2011 
Depreciation for the year 
At 31 March 2012 
Depreciation for the year 
At 31 March 2013 

Carrying value 
At 1 April 2011 

At 31 March 2012 

At 31 March 2013 

Property , 
plant and 
equipment 
£000 

1,834 
308 
2,142 
97 
2,239 

1,458 
128 
1,586 
128 
1,714 

376 

556 

525 

 Included  within  plant  and  equipment  are  assets  held  under  finance  leases  with  a  carrying  value  of  £111,000 
(2012- £128,000) on which depreciation of £17,000 (2012 - £17,000) has been charged during the year. 

13.   Investment in subsidiaries 

Company 

Cost 
At 1 April 2011 
Additions 
At 31 March 2012 and 31 March 2013 

Impairment charge 
At 1 April 2011 and 31 March 2012 
Impairment for the year 
At 31 March 2013 

Carrying value 
At 1 April 2011 

At 31 March 2012 

At 31 March 2013 

36 

Investments 
£000 

72 
3 
75 

- 
3 
3 

72 

75 

72 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Notes to the financial statements 

13.   Investment in subsidiaries (continued) 

Details of the Company’s subsidiaries at 31 March 2013 and 31 March 2012 are as follows: 

Name 

Place of incorporation 
and operation 

Proportion of 
ownership interest 
and voting power 
held 

Potter & Moore Innovations Limited 

England 

Potter and Moore International Inc 

United States of America 

The Real Shaving Company Limited  

The Natural Grooming Company Limited 

St James Perfumery Co Limited 

Ashworth & Claire Limited 

The Haircare Studio Limited 

The Hair Design Studio Limited 

The Sensual Secrets Company Limited 

Creightons Naturally Limited 

Groomed Limited 

TS Ventures Limited 

Twisted Sista Limited 

Mother Goose Limited 

Miamoo Limited 

Amie Skincare Limited 

We Only Want You For Your Body Limited 

All shareholdings are in ordinary shares. 

England 

England 

England 

England 

England 

England 

England 

England 

England 

England 

England 

England 

England 

England 

England 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

55% 

100% 

75% 

55% 

55% 

55% 

The activity of Potter & Moore Innovations Ltd is the creation and manufacture of toiletries and fragrances. The 
activity of Potter and Moore International Inc is a distribution of personal care products. All other subsidiaries were 
dormant throughout the years ended 31 March 2013 and 31 March 2012. 

14. Inventories 

Raw materials 
Work in progress 
Finished goods 

Group 

2013 
£000 

2012 
£000 

Company 

2012 
£000 

2011 
£000 

836 
218 
2,472 

881 
307 
2,083 

3,526 

3,271 

- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 

- 

Inventories with a carrying value of £3,526,000 (2012 - £3,271,000) have been pledged as security for the 
Group’s bank overdrafts.  Management believe that net realisable value approximates to fair value. 

37 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Notes to the financial statements 

       15. Trade and other receivables 

Group 

2013 
£000 

2012 
£000 

Company 

2013 
£000 

2012 
£000 

Trade receivables 
Amounts receivable from subsidiaries 
Prepayments and other receivables 

2,641 
- 
170 

2,876 
- 
164 

- 
2,046 
- 

- 
2,039 
- 

2,811 

3,040 

2,046 

2,039 

Trade receivables have been pledged as security for the Group’s borrowings under invoice finance facilities and 
the Group’s bank overdrafts. 

The carrying value of trade and other receivables represents their fair value. 

Trade receivables have been reported in the balance sheet net of provisions as follows: 

Trade receivables 
Less impairment provision 

Group 

2013 
£000 

2012 
£000 

Company 

2013 
£000 

2012 
£000 

2,665 
(24) 

2,900 
(24) 

2,641 

2,876 

- 
- 

- 

The movement in the trade receivables impairment provision is as follows: 

Group 

2013 
£000 

2012 
£000 

Company 

2013 
£000 

2012 
£000 

At 01 April 
Charge in current year income statement 

At 31 March 

24 
- 

24 

15 
9 

24 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

There were £76,000 (2012 - £34,000) trade receivables that were overdue at the balance sheet date that have 
not been provided against. There are no indications as at 31 March 2013 that the debtors will not meet their 
payment obligations in respect of the amount of trade receivables recognised in the balance sheet that are 
overdue and not provided. The proportion of trade receivables at 31 March 2013 that were overdue for payment 
was 2.8% (2012 -0.9%) 

16.  Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash held by the Group and short term bank deposits with an original 
maturity rate of three months or less.  The carrying amounts of these assets approximates to their fair value.  An 
analysis of the amounts at the year-end is as follows: 

Cash at bank and in hand 
Sterling equivalent of deposit 
denominated in US dollars 
Sterling equivalent of deposit 
denominated in Euro’s 

Group 

2013 
£000 

2012 
£000 

Company 

2013 
£000 

2012 
£000 

- 
18 

- 

18 

59 
46 

1 

106 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

38 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Notes to the financial statements 

17.  Financial instruments and treasury risk management 

Exposures to credit, interest and currency risks arise in the normal course of the Group’s business.  Risk 
management policies and hedging activities are outlined below.  

Credit risk 

Trading exposures are monitored by the operational companies against agreed policy levels.  Credit insurance is 
employed where it is considered to be cost effective.  Non-trading financial exposures are incurred only with the 
Group’s bankers or other institutions with prior approval of the Board of directors. 

The majority of trade receivables in the UK and North America are with retail customers.  The maximum exposure 
to credit risk is represented by the carrying amount of each financial asset in the balance sheet. 

Impairment provisions on trade receivables have been disclosed in note 15. 

Interest rate risk 

The Group finances its operations through a mixture of debt associated with working capital facilities and equity.  
The Group is exposed to changes in interest rates on its floating rate working capital facilities.  The variability and 
scale of these facilities is such that the Group does not consider it cost effective to hedge against this risk. 

Interest rate sensitivity 

The interest rate sensitivity is based upon the Group’s weighted average borrowings over the year assuming a 1% 
increase or decrease which is used when reporting interest rate risk internally to key management personnel. 

If interest rates had been 1% higher/lower and all other variables were held constant, the Group’s profit for the 
year ended 31 March 2013 would increase/decrease by £11,000 (2012 – £13,000).  The Group’s sensitivity to 
interest rates has increased during the current year mainly due to the increase in the average working capital 
facilities used in the year. 

Foreign currency risks 

The Group is exposed to foreign currency transaction and translation risks.   

Transaction risk arises on income and expenditure in currencies other than the functional currency of each Group       
Company.  The magnitude of this risk is relatively low as the majority of the Group’s income and expenditure are 
denominated in the functional currency. Approximately 12% (2012 – 13.0%) of the Group’s income is 
denominated in US dollars and 0.5% (2012 - 0.4%) in Euros. Approximately 12% (2012 – 14%) of the Group’s 
expenditure is denominated in dollars and 5%(2012 – 3%) denominated in Euros.  

Foreign currency sensitivity 

A 5% strengthening of sterling would result in a £38,000 (2012 - £32,000) increase profits and equity.  A 5% 
weakening in Sterling would result in a £42,000(2011 - £35,000) decrease in profits and equity. 

When appropriate the Group utilises currency derivatives to hedge against significant future transactions and cash 
flows.  The Group is not party to foreign currency forward contracts in the management of its exchange risk 
exposure at 31 March 2013. The instruments purchased are in the currency used by the Group’s principal 
overseas suppliers. 

Liquidity risk 

The Group has no long term borrowing requirements and manages its working capital requirements through 
overdrafts and invoice finance facilities.  These facilities are due to be renewed in March 2014. The maturity 
profile of the committed bank facilities is reviewed regularly and such facilities are extended or replaced well in 
advance of their expiry.  The Group has complied with all of the terms of these facilities. At 31 March 2013 the 
group had available £1,497,000 (2012 - £1,798,000) of undrawn committed borrowing facilities in respect of 
which all conditions precedent had been met.  

39 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Notes to the financial statements 

18.  Trade and other payables   

Trade payables 
Social security and other taxes 
Accrued expenses 
Amounts payable to subsidiary undertakings  

Group 

2013 
£000 

2012 
£000 

Company 

2013 
£000 

2012 
£000 

1,681 
360 
178 
- 

1,836 
478 
290 
- 

2,219 

2,604 

- 
- 
- 
35 

35 

- 
- 
- 
35 

35 

The directors consider the carrying amount of trade payables approximates to fair value. 

19.  Obligations under finance leases 

Group 

Amounts payable under finance leases 
Within one year 
Between two to five years 

Total minimum lease payments 

Minimum 
lease payments 

2013 
£000 

2012 
£000 

19 
48 

67 

19 
67 

86 

All lease obligations are denominated in sterling and the fair value of the Group’s lease obligations approximate to 
their carrying value. 

The Group’s obligations under finance leases are secured by the lessors’ rights over the leased assets. 

20.  Bank overdrafts and loans 

Bank overdraft 
Borrowings under invoice finance facilities 

Group 

2013 
£000 

2012 
£000 

Company 

2013 
£000 

2012 
£000 

233 
659 

892 

- 
838 

838 

- 
- 

- 

The borrowings are repayable on demand or within one year. 

Borrowings totalling £40,000 are denominated in US Dollars all other borrowings are denominated in Sterling.  
The directors estimate that the fair value of the Group’s borrowings approximates to the carrying value. 

The weighted interest rates paid were as follows: 

Group 

2013 
% 

2012 
% 

Company 

2013 
% 

2012 
% 

Bank overdrafts 
Borrowings under invoice finance facilities 

3.2 
2.7 

3.2 
2.7 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

The  bank  overdraft  is  secured  by  fixed  and  floating  charges  over  all  the  assets  of  the  company  and  its 
subsidiaries.  

The  invoice  finance  facility  is  secured  on  the  trade  receivables  and  a  floating  charge  on  all  of  the  assets  of  the 
Group. 

40 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Notes to the financial statements 

21.  Share capital 

Ordinary shares of 1p each 
2013 

2012 

£000 

Number 

£000 

Number 

Issued and fully paid 

545 

54,478,876 

545  54,478,876 

The Company has one class of ordinary shares which carry no right to fixed income. 

       22. Other reserves 

Group 

Capital 
reserve 

Special 
reserve 

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 

Total 
Other 
reserves 

£000 

£000 

£000 

£000 

At 1 April 2011, 31 March 2012 and 31 March 2013 

7 

13 

18 

38 

The  Company  obtained  a  court  ruling  dated  19  March  1997  under  which  the  reduction  in  share  premium  was 
credited to a special reserve. The special reserve was first used to write off the deficit on the company profit and 
loss  account  and  then  to  write  off  the  goodwill  arising  on the  acquisition  of  Crestol  Limited  to  the  Group  profit 
and loss account.  At 31 March 2013 goodwill written off amounts to £2,575,000 (2012: £2,575,000). 

Under the court ruling, the special reserve may be used to write-off goodwill on any further acquisition.  To the 
extent that there shall remain any sum standing to the credit of the reserve, it shall be treated as unrealised 
profit and as a non-distributable reserve, until such time as the creditors existing at the date of the ruling have 
been satisfied or consent to its distribution. 

23. Equity settled share-based payments 

The Company has a share option scheme which is open to any employee of the Group.  Options granted under 
the scheme are for nil consideration and are exercisable at a price equal to the quoted market price of the 
Company’s shares on the date of the grant.  The vesting period is 3 years. If the options remain unexercised 
after a period of 7 years from the date of grant, the option expires.  Options are forfeited if the employee leaves 
the Group before options vest. 

Ordinary shares of 1p each 

Number 

2013 

Weighted 
average 
exercise price 

Number 

2012 

Weighted 
average 
exercise price 

5,376,550 

1.90p 

5,426,550 

21.93p 

Outstanding at the beginning of the 
period 

Granted in the period 
Lapsed in the period 

- 
(250,000) 

- 
(1.38p) 

(50,000) 

(4.75p) 

Outstanding at the end of the period 

5,126,550 

1.93p 

5,376,550 

1.90p 

Share options outstanding at the end of the year have the following expiry dates and exercise prices: 

Granted 

January 2007 
December 2008 
February 2011 

Outstanding at the end of the period 

41 

Exercise 
period 

Number 

Exercise 
price 

2010 - 2014 
2011 - 2015 
2014 - 2021 

50,000 
820,000 
4,256,550 

5,126,550 

4.75p 
1.38p 
2.00p 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Notes to the financial statements 

23. Equity settled share-based payments (continued) 

The weighted average contractual life for the options based on last exercise date is 6.8 years. 

The share options granted during each period have been valued using a Black-Scholes model. The inputs to the 
Black-Scholes model are as follows: 

Weighted average share price (pence) 
Weighted average exercise price (pence) 
Expected volatility (%) 
Expected life -years 
Risk free rate (%) 
Expected dividends (pence) 

Year ended 
31 March 
2013 

Year ended 
31 March 
2012 

1.93p 
1.93p 
22.9% - 122.9% 
3 
5.8% 
- 

1.93p 
1.93p 
22.9% - 122.9% 
3 
5.8% 
- 

Expected volatility was determined by calculating the historical volatility of the Group’s share price over the 
previous year.  The expected life used in the model has been adjusted, based on management’s best estimate, for 
the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions, and behavioural considerations. 

The Group recognised total expenses of £7,000 (2012- £14,000) related to share-based payments. 

24.  Retirement benefit scheme 

The  Group  operates  a  defined  contribution  scheme  for  certain  employees.    The  assets  of  the  scheme  are  held 
separately from those of the Group.  The charge in the consolidated income statement in the year was £23,000 
(2012 - £24,000) and cash contributions were £23,000 (2012: £24,000). 

25. Operating lease arrangements 

The Group leases property, plant and equipment under non-cancellable operating lease agreements. These leases 
have varying terms, escalation clauses and renewal rights. 

Group 

Company 

  Year ended 
31 March  
2013 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March  
201 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March  
2013 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March  
2012 
£000 

Minimum lease payments under operating 
leases recognised as an expense in the year 

388 

387 

- 

- 

 An analysis of the total minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases is set out below: 

Total operating leases 

Within one year 
In the second to fifth years inclusive 
After five years 

Total 

Group 

2013 
£000 

2012 
£000 

Company 

2013 
£000 

2012 
£000 

384 
1,424 
695 

396 
1,415 
1,045 

2,503 

2,856 

- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 

- 

42 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Notes to the financial statements 

25. Operating lease arrangements (continued) 

Lease for land and buildings 

Within one year 
In the second to fifth years inclusive 
After five years 

Total 

Other operating leases 

Within one year 
In the second to fifth years inclusive 

Total 

26. Capital commitments 

Group 

2013 
£000 

2012 
£000 

Company 

2013 
£000 

2012 
£000 

350 
1,400 
695 

350 
1,400 
1,045 

2,445 

2,795 

- 
- 
- 

- 

Group 

2013 
£000 

2012 
£000 

Company 

2013 
£000 

2012 
£000 

34 
24 

58 

46 
15 

61 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

Group 

2013 
£000 

2012 
£000 

Company 

2013 
£000 

2012 
£000 

Contracts placed for future capital expenditure not 
provided for in the financial statements 

3 

- 

- 

- 

27. Related party transactions 

Transactions between the parent company and its subsidiaries 

The amounts owed by and to subsidiary companies are:  

Amounts receivable from subsidiary undertakings 

Amounts payable to subsidiary undertakings 

Oratorio Developments Limited 

Year ended 
31 March  
2013 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2012 
£000 

2,046 

2,039 

(35)  

(35) 

On 24 July 2006 Oratorio Developments Limited, a company of which Mr McIlroy is a director and controlling 
shareholder, acquired the premises occupied by Potter & Moore Innovations Limited.  The following amounts were 
charged under the terms of the lease: 

Year ended 
31 March  
2013 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2012 
£000 

350 
17 

367 

350 
15 

365 

Rental charges 
Re-imbursement of property insurance costs 

Total 

43 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Notes to the financial statements 

27. Related party transactions (continued) 

Amounts owed to Oratorio Developments Ltd 

Amounts payable 

  Carty Johnson Limited 

Year ended 
31 March  
2013 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2012 
£000 

105 

105 

Carty Johnson Limited, a company of which Mr Johnson is a director and controlling shareholder provides internet 
support services. The following amounts were charged in the year: 

Year ended 
31 March  
2013 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2012 
£000 

Charges for internet support services 

14 

12 

Remuneration of key management personnel 

The remuneration of the directors, who are the key management personnel of the Group, is set out below in 
aggregate for each of the categories specified in IAS 24, ‘Related Party Disclosure’.  Further information about the 
remuneration of individual directors is provided in the audited part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report on 
pages 12 to 14. 

Salaries and other short term benefits 

Total 

Year ended 
31 March 
2013 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2012 
£000 

161 

161 

156 

156 

44 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc 
Annual report 
For the year ended 31 March 2013 

Notes to the financial statements 

28. Notes to cash flow statement 

Group 

Profit from operations 

Adjustments for: 
Depreciation on property, plant and equipment 
Goodwill impairment charge 
Amortisation of intangible assets 
Share based payment charge 

(Increase)  in inventories 
Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables 
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables 

Cash generated from operations 

Interest paid 

Cash inflow from operating activities 

Year ended 
31 March  
2013 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2012 
£000 

333 

257 

128 
3 
301 
7 

128 
- 
236 
14 

772 

635 

(230) 
235 
(440) 

337 

(31) 

306 

(244) 
(462) 
444 

373 

(34) 

339 

Cash and cash equivalents (which are presented as a single asset on the face of the balance sheet) comprise cash 
at bank and in hand. 

Company 

Loss from operations 

Adjustments for: 
Share based payment charge 
Goodwill impairment charge 

Year ended 
31 March  
2013 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2012 
£000 

(3) 

7 
3 

7 

- 

14 
- 

14 

(Decrease) in trade and other receivables 

(7) 

(15) 

Cash outflow from operating activity 

- 

(1) 

Cash and cash equivalents (which are presented as a single asset on the face of the balance sheet) comprise cash 
at bank and in hand. 

45