Quarterlytics / Healthcare / Medical - Diagnostics & Research / Charles River Laboratories International

Charles River Laboratories International

crl · LSE Healthcare
Claim this profile
Ticker crl
Exchange LSE
Sector Healthcare
Industry Medical - Diagnostics & Research
Employees 501-1000
← All annual reports
FY2018 Annual Report · Charles River Laboratories International
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Registered Number 1227964 

0 

 
       
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Contents 

Financial and operational highlights  

Chairman’s statement 

Group strategic report 

Directors’ report   

Board of Directors 

Corporate governance statement 

Directors’ remuneration report 

Directors’ responsibilities statement 

Independent auditor’s report to the members of Creightons Plc 

Consolidated income statement and statement of comprehensive income 

Company income statement and statement of comprehensive income   

Consolidated balance sheet 

Company balance sheet 

Consolidated and company statement of changes in equity 

Consolidated and company cash flow statement 

Notes to the financial statements 

Directors and advisers  

       Page 

2 

3 

5 

10 

11 

15 

18 

24 

25 

29 

30 

31 

32 

33 

34 

35 

60 

1 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Financial highlights 

Revenue increased by 13.8% to £34.8m (2017: £30.6m). 

 
  Operating profit increased by 8.1% to £1,635,000 (2017: £1,513,000). 
  Operating profit margin of 4.7% (2017 4.9%). 
 

Balance sheet remains strong with net cash on hand after significant investment in working capital, product 
development and fixed assets to support organic growth. 
Increased tax charge, including a one off adjustments for prior year, has adversely impacted on profit for the 
year which has fallen by £19,000 to £1,232,000 (2017 - £1,251,000) 
The increased tax charge has reduced fully diluted earnings per share at 1.85p (2017 – 1.88p) 
Proposed final dividend 0.23p per ordinary share (2017: 0.23p). 

 

 
 

Operational highlights 

 

Sales growth momentum maintained: 

  Our own branded sales have grown by 13%, including export sales growth of 15% 
 
 
 

Sales of retailer own label products increased by 46% 
Contract sales decreased by 8% following the decision to not pursue certain low margin gift sales 
Total overseas sales have increased by 33% to £4.6m (2017 - £3.5m). 
The Feather & Down range of products was successfully launched in May 2017. 
Australian sales and marketing business commenced trading in February 2018. 

 
 
  Outsourcing the manufacture of certain branded products allowed the business to maintain sales and pre tax 

profit growth but adversely impacted profits by £299,000, with £229,000 increase in cost of sales and 
£70,000 increase in distribution costs. 
Cash generated from operations has been invested in working capital, product development and plant & 
equipment to support the business growth. 

 

  Decision made to withdraw from low margin candle manufacturing by July 2018. 
  We continue to garner awards including best private label supplier from our largest customer. 

2 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chairman’s statement  

Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

The  Group  has  continued  its  recent  expansion  with  organic  sales  growth  of  £4.2m  (13.8%)  resulting  in  sales  of 
£34.8m for the year ended 31 March 2018 (2017 £30.6m).  As mentioned in the stock exchange announcement made 
on  9  February  2018  the  Board  made  a  decision  to  outsource  the  manufacture  of  its  own  branded  products  at  an 
increased marginal cost in order to facilitate the long term growth plans for the business. These additional costs have 
restricted  the  growth  in  profit  before  tax  to  £120,000  (8.1%)  resulting  in  a  profit  before  tax  of  £1,609,000,  (2017 
£1,489,000). Profit before tax margin is 4.6% in 2018 compared to 4.9% in 2017. The board consider that continued 
underlying profit growth supports the decision to outsource some production whilst the Group puts actions in place to 
increase capacity. 

Sales 
Group  sales  of  £34,810,000  for  the  year  ended  31  March  2018  are  13.8%  higher  than  the  previous  year  (2017: 
£30,586,000). Sales of our branded products have increased by 13.3% in the period. The main drivers of this growth 
were: increased sales to export markets, which grew by 14.9%; the successful launch of the Feather & Down brand, 
on an exclusive basis with Boots and continued expansion in the value sector.  The Feather & Down launch has proved 
to  be  a  success with  wider  store  distribution secured for  the  coming  year.  Our  private label  and  contract  sales  have 
continued to grow with sales increasing by 13%. Major range extensions with our largest customer and the addition of 
a new major retailer in the UK were the main drivers of this growth. The first sales from our Australian business which 
has  taken  over  the  distribution  of  our  products  from  a  third  party  distributor,  with  effect  from  January  2018,  are 
included in sales for the year. The Group’s total overseas business including non own branded customers has grown by 
33% to £4,592,000 (2017 - £3,451,000). 

Margin  
Our  gross  margin  was  40.6%  for  the  year  ended  31  March  2018  (2017:  42.5%).  A  significant  factor  in  the  lower 
margin  was  £229,000  one-off  increased  costs  associated  with  outsourcing  the  manufacture  of  some  of  our  branded 
products  noted  above,  which eroded  gross margin  by 0.7%.  Margins continue  to be  impacted  by rising raw material 
costs and increases in the national living wage, which also impacts on many of our customers, gradually eroding our 
margins.    We  have  successfully  re-sourced  many  raw  materials  during  the  year  to  mitigate  the  impact  of  these 
increases and are undertaking a comprehensive re-sourcing exercise on all other categories of components where cost 
increases  have  been  significant.  As  mentioned  in  the  announcement  on  9  February  2018,  we  are  making  significant 
investment in new equipment in order to increase capacity. The first stage of this investment combined with improved 
production  management  has  enabled  all  outsourced  production  to  be  brought  back  in  house.    The  second  stage  of 
investment  in  our  tube  filling  capacity  will  come  on  stream  towards  the  end  of  this  calendar  year.  Whilst  capacity 
rather than productivity is the main driver there will be productivity gains arising from this expansion programme.  

Overheads 
Overhead costs have increased by 10% in the year as the Group has invested in increased operations and engineering 
management  and  resources  as  it  builds  a  team  capable  of  delivering  the  growth  anticipated  for  the  future.  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. Distribution costs includes £70,000 associated with outsourced manufacturing. 

Operating profit 
Operating  profit  increased  by  £122,000  (8.1%)  to  £1,635,000  (2017:  £1,513,000).  The  £299,000  impact  of  the 
outsourcing  costs  noted  above  adversely  impacted  on  the  operating  profit  margin  by  0.9%,  which  deteriorated  by 
0.2% to 4.7% (2017: 4.9%). 

Tax 
It should be noted that the Group utilised all remaining historic tax losses in the financial year to 31 March 2017 and 
therefore we have provided a tax charge within these results of £377,000 (2017: £238,000) which equates to a rate of 
23.4% (2017: 16.0%), and includes a prior year deferred tax adjustment of £60,000 which inflates the charge in the 
period.  The charge will reduce to a more normal rate in future years. 

Profit after tax  
The Group’s profit after tax is therefore £1,232,000 for the year ended 31 March 2018 (2017: £1,251,000)  

Earnings per share 
The  higher  tax  charge  has  adversely  impacted on  the  diluted  earnings  per  share  of  1.85p  (2017: 1.88p)  a  marginal 
decrease of 1.6%.  

Working capital 
Net  cash  on  hand  (cash  and  cash  equivalents  less  bank  loan  and  short  term  borrowings)  is  £221,000  (2017: 
£2,029,000). The main reason for the decrease in net cash on hand is the impact of increased investment in working 
capital together with increased investment in new product development and plant and equipment to support the sales 
growth.    The  Group  has  continued  to  focus  on  working  capital  management  and  whilst  both  stock  levels  and  trade 
debtors have increased the ratios continue to be largely in line with expectations.  High sales in the last month of the 
year  have  driven  an  increase  in  debtors  together  with  the  timing  of  certain  customer  receipts  were  received  shortly 
after  the  year  end.  Higher  forecast  sales  in  the  first  quarter  of  2018-19  have  driven  increases  in  inventories  with 
underlying  ratios  significantly  improved.  Stock  turn,  based  on  cost  of  sales  in  the  months  prior  to  the  year  end, 
improved to 4.5 times compared to 3.5 times in 2017.  

3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Chairman’s statement (Continued) 

Share Options 
The existing Share Option Scheme is no longer applicable as the number of employees has increased beyond the level 
allowed  by  HMRC’s  rules.    The  Board  intends  to  present  to  shareholders  a  new  Company  Share  Option  Plan  for 
approval at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. 

Dividend 
The  Board proposes  a final  dividend  of  0.23  pence  per  ordinary  share,  subject  to  approval  at  the  AGM,  which  is  the 
same as last year’s final dividend. This is in line with the directors’ intention to align any future dividend payments to 
the underlying earnings and cash flow of the business. Together with the interim dividend of 0.15p per share paid last 
November the total dividend paid in the year ended 31 March 2018 is 0.38p (2017: 0p). 

The Board believes that this year’s sales of £34,810,000, profit after tax of £1,232,000 and strong balance sheet place 
the Group in a good position to take advantage of any opportunities that may arise.  

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 to support the business through a period of significant expansion. I would also like to thank our 
customers, shareholders and suppliers for their support and loyalty to the Group. 

William McIlroy 
Chairman, 25 June 2018 

4 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Group strategic report 

This strategic report has been prepared solely to provide additional information to  enable shareholders to assess the 
Group’s strategies and the potential for those strategies to succeed. 

The strategic report contains certain forward looking statements. These statements are made by the directors in good 
faith based on the information available to them up to the time of their approval of this report and such statements 
should  be  treated  with  caution  due  to  the  inherent  uncertainties,  including  both  economic  and  business  risk  factors, 
underlying any such forward looking information. 

In preparing this strategic report the directors have complied with s414C of the Companies Act 2006. 

The strategic report has been prepared for the Group and therefore gives greater emphasis to those matters which are 
significant to Creightons Plc and its subsidiary undertakings when viewed as a whole. 

The strategic report discusses the following areas: 

The business model 
A fair review of the Group’s business 
Strategy and objectives 
Key performance indicators 
Principal risks and uncertainties 
Corporate and social responsibility 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  Going concern 

The business model 

The principal activity of the Group is the development, marketing and manufacture of toiletries and fragrances which 
includes  the  development  of  brands.  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  subsidiary  undertakings  affecting  the  results  of  the  Group  in  the  year  are  detailed  in  note  17  to  the  financial 
statements. 

A fair review of the Group’s business 

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. 
The  Group  consolidated  its  manufacturing  at  the  Potter  and  Moore  Innovations  plant  in  Peterborough  following  the 
acquisition of the Potter and Moore business in 2003 and disposal of the Storrington site in 2005. The Group acquired 
the  business  and  assets  of  the  Broad  Oak  Toiletries  site  in  Tiverton  in  February  2016  further  increasing  the  group’s 
sales reach in terms of product and premium customers and adding to manufacturing capability and capacity. 

The continued profitable operations have cleared accumulated tax losses. As a result of the improved profitability the 
Company also made the decision to declare dividends in the year to March 2018.  

Operating Environment 

The  toiletries  sector  principally  encompasses  products  for  haircare,  skincare,  bath  &  body  and  male  grooming.  The 
market is relatively mature although it is constantly evolving as brands seek to differentiate their offering in order to 
generate  sales  opportunities.  This  has  resulted  in  a  fragmentation  of  different  sectors,  for  example,  with  haircare 
products  being  developed  to  treat  different  hair  types  and  conditions.  Whilst  adding  some  complexity,  this 
segmentation creates opportunities for our business. 

We also now operate in the home fragrance sector, reed diffusers and room fragrance. This sector is fragrance driven, 
fast moving and dynamic in line with changing consumer tastes and home interior trends. 

Consumers purchase our products through a range of retail and internet 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 products are sold in the UK, although with increasing amounts sold overseas, either direct to retailers or 
through distributors. 

Producers and manufacturers providing products in this market place range from major multinational corporations to 
small  businesses.  Production  and  manufacturing  is  now  world-wide,  with  many  competitors  sourcing  a  significant 
proportion of their products from outside the UK or EU, either due to greater economies of scale or due to a lower cost 
base. 

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

5 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Group strategic report (continued) 

Recent developments 

The Group’s operations are broadly organised into three business streams: 

 

 

 

our  own  branded  business  which  develops,  markets,  sells  and  distributes  products  we have  developed  and 
own the rights to or brands we have licensed;   

private label business which focuses on high quality private label products for major high street retailers and 
supermarket chains and 

contract manufacturing business, which develops and manufactures products on behalf of third party brand 
owners. This stream includes the more premium customers of Potter & Moore (Devon) Ltd. 

Each  business  stream  uses  central  creative,  planning,  sourcing,  finance  and  administration  operations  based  in 
Peterborough  with  manufacturing,  sales,  research  and  development  and  logistics  operations  located  at  both 
Peterborough  and  Tiverton.  Each  business  stream  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 their existing brand owners. These 
operate  within  the  existing  branded  products  business  stream.  We  continue  exploring  further  opportunities  of  this 
nature where the benefits of developing existing established brands with the brand owners will add contribution to the 
Group’s profits and value to the brand. 

In the recent past, the Group has disposed of several brands and businesses such as “the Real Shaving Company” and 
“TS  Ventures”  which  we  had successfully  grown  but  which  it  was  felt  were  no  longer  part  of  our  core  business.  The 
Group considers the development and investment in new brands to be a key adding value to the business.  

Position of group business 

It  is  the  directors’  view  that  the  financial  position  of  the  group  at  the  year-end  is  strong  and  that  the  Group  has 
sufficient resources to meet its obligations in the normal course of business for the next 12 months. 

Current operations 

The  Group  operates  through  the  three  main  business  streams  described  above,  utilising  its  extensive  brand 
management,  product  development  and  manufacturing  capabilities  encompassing  toiletries,  skincare,  hair  care, 
fragrances  and  home  fragrance.    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, with Feather & Down successfully launched in the year. The group continues to extend and develop 
those already successfully launched such as Amie Skincare, The Curl Company, Creightons Haircare brands.  

Strategy and objectives 

The primary objective of the Group is to deliver an adequate and sustainable  return for shareholders whilst guarding 
against commercial risks. We aim to deliver this by pursuing the following broad strategies: 

 

 

 

Expand our customer base across all three sales streams (private label, contract and brands) within the UK 
and increasingly overseas. 

Continuously review, develop and enhance our product offering to meet the consumers’ requirement for high 
quality excellent value products and thereby help our customers grow their businesses. 

Ensure  that  we  exceed  our  customers’  expectations  for  first  rate  quality  products  and  excellent  customer 
service and use this to expand opportunities within our existing customer base. 

  Manage  our  gross  and  net  margins  through  efficient  product  sourcing,  continuously  improving  production 

efficiencies, asset management and cost control. 

  Make  fully  appraised  investment  in  brands  which  will  help  us  maintain  and  grow  our  business  and  create 

brand value which can crystallise through disposals to third parties. 

6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Group strategic report (continued) 

Key performance indicators 

Management and monitoring of performance 

Your directors are mindful that although Creightons Plc is a UK Listing Authority “premium” listed company, in size it is 
really only medium sized and therefore many of the ‘big business’ features common in premium listed companies are 
inappropriate.  Recent  year’s  profitable  results  have  been  achieved  only  as  a  result  of  considerable  hard  work  in 
focusing  management  and  staff  efforts  on  more  productive  product  ranges,  improving  production  and  stock  holding 
efficiencies,  ensuring  high  levels  of  customer  service  and  eliminating  overhead  inefficiencies.  This  report  has  been 
prepared with that in mind and is commensurate with the size of the Group’s business. 

The Group therefore has  limited personnel or other non-financial Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or targets. Each 
position that becomes vacant is reviewed against our strategic objectives for necessity before authorisation is given for 
it to be filled through either recruitment or promotion.  

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. 

Financial key performance indicators  

Sales 
Gross Margin as a % of Revenue 
Profit for the year  
Operating profit  
Operating profit as a % of Revenue 
Return on capital employed 
Net  gearing  (including  obligations  under  finance 
leases) 

2017/18 
£34,810,000 
40.6% 
£1,232,000 
£1,635,000 
4.7% 
12.8% 
(2.3%) 

2016/17 
£30,586,000 
42.5% 
£1,251,000 
£1,513,000 
4.9% 
14.1% 
(22.5%) 

Movement 
Increase of 13.8% 
Decrease of 1.9% 
Decrease of 1.5% 
Increase of 8.1% 
Decrease of 0.2% 
Decrease of 1.3% 
Increase of 20.2% 

There were 3 incidents involving employees or contractors on the Group’s sites which was required to be reported to 
the  Health  &  Safety  Executive  during  the  year  (2017:  1).  None  of  these  resulted  in  adverse  HSE  reports  or 
recommendations. All those involved have fully recovered and were able to return to work with no long-term effects 
after their incident. The Group continuously monitors and revises its operating, training and monitoring procedures as 
appropriate  to  ensure  that  the  safety  of  employees  and  contractors  is  maintained  to  a  high  standard,  and  ensures 
there is no deterioration in compliance with these standards. 

Principal risks and uncertainties 

Risks 

The Board regularly monitors exposure to key risks, such as those related to production efficiencies, cash position and 
competitive  position  relating  to  sales.  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 risks 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,  accident  ratios,  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 21. 

Capital structure, cash flow and liquidity 

Having achieved profitability after a number of years of substantial losses and having repaid loans used at the time of 
the purchase of the Potter & Moore business in 2003 the Group’s cash position has improved substantially. The Group 
has a strong balance sheet with no borrowings at the year end. The business is funded using retained earnings, invoice 
discounting,  overdraft  and  hire  purchase  facilities  secured  against  the  Group’s  assets.  Further  details  are  set  out  in 
Notes 23 -25. 

Competitive environment 

The Group operates in a highly competitive environment in which demand for products can vary and customers have 
the  opportunity  to  transfer  business  to  other  suppliers.  The  Group  works  to  minimise  this  risk  by  developing  close 
relationships with customers offering quality, service and innovation throughout the business. This risk is also further 
reduced  through  the  development  of  its  branded  product  portfolio  and  by  the  diversity  of  customers  and  products 
offered. 

7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Group strategic report (continued) 

Principal risks and uncertainties (continued) 

Quality  

The Group treats quality as its key requirement for all products and strives to deliver quality products for every price 
point.  Failure  to  achieve  the  required  quality  and  safety  standards  would  have  severe  consequences  for  the  Group, 
from  financial  penalties  to  the  damage  to  customer  relationships.  The  Group  has  a  robust  product  development 
process to mitigate risk wherever possible and to ensure all products are safe and fit for purpose. The Group is subject 
to  frequent  internal  and  external  safety,  environmental  and  quality  audits  covering  both  accreditations  held  and  a 
number of specific operating standards our customers require us to comply with. 

Research and development 

The  Group  undertakes  research  and  development  to  identify  new  brands,  proprietary  products  and  improved 
formulations  to  existing  products  which  address  expected  market  trends  and  customer  and  consumer  demands  to 
maximise the Group’s market share and deliver new opportunities for growth. 

The Group’s principal focus in R&D is maintenance and development of brands and products in its existing markets and 
product ranges, and therefore does not invest significant resources in ‘blue sky’ research. 

Corporate and social responsibility 

The Group is mindful of its wider responsibilities as a significant local employer in both its principal locations and of the 
contribution it makes to the local economy both where it and its suppliers are based.   

Environment 

The  Group  has  formally  adopted  an  Environmental  Policy,  which  requires  management  to  work  closely  with  local 
environmental protection authorities and agencies, and, as a minimum, meet all environmental legislation. 

Employees 

We  value  and  respect  our  employees  and  endeavour  to  engage  their  talent  and  ability  fully.  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. 

Disabled persons 

The Group's policy is to fully consider all applications for employment from disabled persons in relation to the vacancy 
concerned. In the event of existing staff members becoming disabled, every effort would be made to enable them to 
maintain  their  present  position  or  to  provide  appropriate  training  and  find  an  alternative  role  within  another 
department. 

The table below shows the number of employees by gender in the Group as at 31 March 2018 

Directors, including Non-executive Directors 

Senior Managers 

Other employees 

Directors, including Non-executive Directors 

Senior Managers 

Other employees 

Group 2018 

Company 2018 

Female 

Male 

Female 

Male 

2 

2 

6 

3 

219 

137 

2 

- 

- 

6 

- 

- 

Group 2017 

Company 2017 

Female 

Male 

Female 

Male 

2 

2 

6 

2 

197 

146 

2 

- 

- 

6 

- 

- 

The  Group  has  formal  Staff  Handbooks  which  cover  all  major  aspects  of  staff  discipline  and  grievance  procedure, 
Health and Safety regulations, and the Group’s non-discrimination policy. 

8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Group strategic report (continued) 

Going concern 

The  directors  are  pleased  to  report  that  the  Group  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 being at least twelve months from the date of this report. 
For this reason, the directors continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. 

This report was approved by the board of directors on 25 June 2018 and signed on its behalf by:  

Bernard Johnson   
Managing Director 

9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Directors’ report 

The  directors  present  their  annual  report  on  the  affairs  of  the  Group,  together  with  the  financial  statements  and 
auditor’s report, for the year ended 31 March  2018. The corporate  governance statement set out on pages 15 to 17 
forms part of this report. 

The Strategic Report on pages 5 to 9 provides a fair review of the Group’s business for the year ended 31 March 2018 
as well as explaining the Group’s strategy and objectives, its key performance  indicators for monitoring the business, 
the Group’s principal risks and uncertainties that could impact on the Group and its potential future developments. 

There are no post balance sheet events to report.  

Dividends 

The Director’s propose a final dividend of 0.23 pence per ordinary share subject to approval at the AGM (2017: 0.23p). 
The  2017  final  dividend of  0.23p  per ordinary  share  and  an  interim  2018  dividend of  0.15 pence  per ordinary  share 
were paid during the year (2017: £nil) giving a full dividend of 0.38 pence per ordinary shares (2017 – 0.23p). 

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 

GHG emissions data for the year from 1 April to 31 March 

Combustion of fuel and operation of facilities 
Electricity, heat, steam and cooling purchased for own use 
Total 
Tonnes of Co2e per £m of cost of sales 

Global tonnes of Co2e 

2018 

2017 

606 
713 
1,319 
64.0 

637 
802 
1,439 
82.0 

We have reported on all of the emissions sources required under the Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups 
(Accounts and Reports) Regulation 2008 as amended in August 2013. The reporting boundary used for the collation of 
the above data is consistent with that used for consolidation purposes in the financial statements. We have used GHG 
Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard (revised edition), data gathered to fulfil our requirements under 
the  CRC  Energy  Efficiency  scheme,  and  emission  factors  from  the  UK  Governments  GHG  Conversion  Factors  for 
Company Reporting 2014 to calculate the above disclosures. 

The key sources for emissions  are gas and electricity. We have not included Co2e emissions from Group  employees’ 
travel which we consider to be immaterial.  

The Group set a target of reducing tonnes of Co2e per £m of cost of sales by 5% (based on the figures reported in the 
year ended 31 March 2013 of 110.5 tonnes of Co2e per £m of cost of sales) over the 5 years ending 31 March 2018, 
which was achieved. The target for the next five years to 31 March 2023 will be to reduce tonnes of Co2e per £m of 
cost of sales by 20%. This will be achieved by ensuring that activities are monitored with the aim of reducing waste 
and that capital expenditure plans take into consideration the impact on the Group’s consumption of Co2e. 

Capital structure 

Details of the issued share capital are shown in note 24. Creightons Plc has one class of ordinary shares which carry no 
rights to fixed income. Each share carries one vote at general meetings of the Company. 

There  are  no  specific  restrictions  on  the  size  of  a  holding  nor  on  the  transfer  of  shares,  which  are  governed  by  the 
general  provisions  of  the  Articles  of  Association  and  prevailing  legislation.  The  directors  are  not  aware  of  any 
agreements between holders of the company’s shares that may result in restrictions on the transfers of shares or their 
voting rights. 

Details of the employee share schemes are set out in note 26. 

No person has any special rights of control over the company’s share capital and all issued shares are fully paid. 

With regard to the appointment and replacement of directors, the company is governed by its Articles of Association, 
the  UK  Corporate  Governance  Code,  the  Companies  Act  and  related  legislation.  The  Articles  themselves  may  be 
amended by special  resolution  of  the  shareholders.  The  powers of  the  directors  are  governed  by  the  Companies Act 
2006, the Articles of the Company and the corporate governance statement on pages 15 to 17. Directors are required 
to retire upon the third anniversary of their last election. 

Under the terms of resolution 12 at the 2017 AGM, the Company has the authority to issue 3,027,612 ordinary shares, 
being 5% of the issued share capital at that time. This authority expires after 15 months from its date of adoption (10 
August  2017)  or  until  the  next  AGM  if  sooner  unless  renewed.  The  directors  will  propose  a  resolution  renewing  this 
power based upon the new issued share capital. 

10 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Directors’ report (continued) 

Capital structure (continued) 

There are a number of other agreements that alter or terminate upon a change of control of the company or subsidiary 
companies  such  as  commercial  agreements,  bank  facility  agreements,  property  leases  and  employee  share  plans. 
None of these are  expected to be considered significant in terms of their likely impact on the business of the  Group 
taken  as  a  whole.   There  are  no  agreements between  any  companies within  the  Group  and  any  of  their  directors or 
employees that provide for compensation for loss of office or employment that occurs because of a takeover bid. 

Directors 

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

William O McIlroy (Executive Chairman and Chief Executive) 
Mary T Carney (Senior Independent Non-executive)   
Nicholas DJ O’Shea (Non-executive and Group Company Secretary) 
Bernard JM Johnson (Managing Director) 
William T Glencross (Non-executive)  
Philippa Clark (Global Sales & Marketing Director)  
Martin Stevens (Deputy Managing Director)   
Paul Forster (Director of UK Operations) 

William McIlroy – Chairman and Chief Executive 
Mr  McIlroy  is  a  major  shareholder  and  has  served  as  on  the  Company’s  board  since  2000  and  been  Chairman  and 
Chief  Executive  since  2001.  He  has  extensive  knowledge  and  experience  of  the  personal  care  industry.  Since  his 
appointment  to  the  board,  he  has  provided  invaluable  strategic  direction  and  guidance  to  the  Company,  which  has 
resulted  in  its  recovery  from  an  historically  poor  trading  and  funding  position,  leading  to  the  delivery  of  sustained 
profit and earnings growth for over a decade.  

Bernard Johnson - Managing Director 
Mr  Johnson  has  been  the  Company’s  Managing  Director  since  2002  and  has  been  in  similar  senior  positions  with 
manufacturing businesses over the past 30 years, in many cases brought in on a rescue and recovery basis. He has 
overseen  the  turn-round  and  subsequently  growth  of  the  business  during  his  time  as  Managing  Director  as  well  as 
managing the acquisition and integration of both the Potter & Moore Innovations business in Peterborough and more 
recently the Potter & Moore Devon business. 

Philippa Clark – Global Sales & Marketing Director 
Ms  Clark  has  worked  within  the  industry  for  20  years  in  a  wide  and  extensive  range  of  sales,  marketing  and 
commercial  roles  across  private  label,  branded  and  contract  businesses.    In  recent  years  she  has  headed  up  the 
development of the Creightons branded portfolio, growing and extending the reach of the Company's award-winning 
brands into multiple channels and international markets whilst also overseeing the development of the strengthening 
private label division of the business. She has held the position of Global Marketing Director since her appointment to 
the Board in 2015. 

Martin Stevens – Deputy Managing Director 
Mr Stevens is a Chartered Chemist and has worked in the cosmetics industry for 32 years with extensive experience 
across  the  personal  care  and  household  sector  in  Research  &  Development,  Quality  Assurance,  Production  and 
Procurement. Martin has been Technical Director at Potter & Moore Innovations Ltd (the Company's principal trading 
business)  and  Creightons  Plc  for  the  past  14  years.  He  has  previously  been  Technical  Director  of  Norit  Body  Care 
Toiletries,  Technical  Director  at  the  manufacturing  division  of  AAH  Pharmaceuticals  Ltd,  Chief  Chemist  at  Columbia 
Products Co Ltd after initially entering the industry with L'Oreal working with brands such as Lancôme and Cacharel. 
Martin was appointed as Group Deputy Managing Director when he joined the Board in 2015. 

Paul Forster - Director of UK Operations  
Mr  Forster  as  appointed Director  of  UK Operations when  he  joined  the Board  in 2015, a  new  role  with  responsibility 
encompassing finance, manufacturing, logistics and procurement. Paul has been with the Potter & Moore Innovations 
business for 24 years, primarily working as Chief Financial Officer but also including spells overseeing manufacturing.  
Previously  he  was  Finance  Director  of  Beauty  International  Fragrance  Ltd  (BIF),  who  distributed  the  Coty  fragrance 
range throughout Europe and the Far East.  Prior to joining BIF Paul qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Touche 
Ross. 

Mary Carney – Senior Non-executive Director 
Ms Carney is a freelance tax consultant and a former senior tax partner with Grant Thornton, Chartered Accountants, 
Belfast. She is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation, and prior to joining Grant Thornton, was a tax 
inspector. Ms Carney has been a director of the Company since November 1999. 

William Glencross - Non-executive Director 
Mr  Glencross  has  had  many  years'  sales,  marketing  and  general  management  experience  in  the  cosmetics  and 
toiletries  industry  in  both  the  branded  and  private  label  sectors,  having  been  Sales  &  Marketing  Director  and  then 
Managing  Director  of  Potter &  Moore,  and was previously  General  Manager  of  the  Fine  Fragrance division of  Shulton 
G.B., part of the American Cyanamid Group. Mr Glencross was appointed to the Board in July 2005 and made a non-
executive director on his retirement in 2006. 

11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Directors report (continued) 

Nicholas O’Shea – Non-executive Director & Group Company Secretary 
Mr  O’Shea  has  been  the  company  secretary  for  over  20  years  and  a  director  since  2001.  A  maths  &  chemistry 
graduate,  he  has  a  background  in  the  toiletries  and  chemicals  sectors  having  held  senior  financial  positions  in  a 
number  of  world-wide  businesses  including  Proctor  &  Gamble,  Scott  Paper  and  Omya  Pluss-Stauffer.  Mr  O’Shea  is  a 
CIMA qualified management accountant, and he is currently CFO or finance director with several privately-owned SMEs 
as well as an investment management company in the City. 

Directors indemnities 

There are no director indemnities. 

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 date of this report. 

Directors standing for re-election 

Under the terms of the Articles, directors are required to retire on the third anniversary of their last election. William O 
McIlroy, Bernard JM Johnson, Philippa Clark, Martin Stevens and Paul Forster retire at the next annual general meeting 
at the end of their three-year term of office and, being eligible to do so, offer themselves for re-election.  

Substantial shareholdings 

At 31 March 2018 the Company had been notified, in accordance with chapter 5 of the Disclosure and Transparency 
Rules, of the following substantial interests, being 3% or more of the ordinary shares in issue:   

Shareholder 

Number of shares  % held 

Mr WO McIlroy (including Oratorio Developments Ltd) 
Mr & Mrs B Geary 
Mr BJM Johnson 
Messrs S & A Chandaria 
The Estate of Mr T Amies 
Mr D Barry 
Mr B Dale 

16,219,275 
6,543,404 
4,787,844 
3,500,000 
2,580,000 
2,500,000 
2,451,740 

26.75% 
10.79% 
7.90% 
5.77% 
4.25% 
4.12% 
4.04% 

During  the  period  between  31  March  2018  and  22  June  2018  the  company  did  not  receive  any  notifications  under 
chapter 5 of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules. 

12 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Directors report (continued) 

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 Group's financial statements and reports of the directors and auditor for the 

year ended 31 March 2018. 

2.  To receive and approve the directors’ remuneration report for the year ended 31 March 2018. 

3.  To approve the directors’ remuneration policy as detailed in pages 18 to 23 of the directors’ remuneration 

report. 

4.  To re-elect Mr William McIlroy, who is retiring by rotation under the provisions of Article 76 of the Articles 

of Association, who, being eligible, offers himself for re-election as a director of the company. 

5.  To  re-elect  Mr  Bernard  Johnson,  who  is  retiring  by  rotation  under  the  provisions  of  Article  76  of  the 
Articles of Association, who, being eligible, offers himself for re-election as a director of the company. 

6.  To re-elect Ms Philippa Clark, who is retiring by rotation under the provisions of Article 76 of the Articles 

of Association, who, being eligible, offers herself for re-election as a director of the company. 

7.  To re-elect Mr Martin Stevens, who is retiring by rotation under the provisions of Article 76 of the Articles 

of Association, who, being eligible, offers himself for re-election as a director of the company. 

8.  To re-elect Mr Paul Forster, who is retiring by rotation under the provisions of Article 76 of the Articles of 

Association, who, being eligible, offers himself for re-election as a director of the company. 

9.  To approve the proposed final dividend of 0.23 pence per share.  

10.  To appoint Moore Stephens LLP as auditor and to authorise the directors to determine their remuneration. 

11.  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  £202,127.17,  being  a  further  one  third  of  the 
company’s present issued share capital as a rights issue.  

12.  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 £30,319.07, 
being 5% of the company’s present issued share capital, without first offering them as a rights issue to 
existing shareholders.  

13.  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  £30,319.07, being 5% of the  Company's 
present issued share capital, at 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. 

14.  To approve Creightons plc Share Option Plan 2018, Part A and Part B. 

15.  To approve Creightons plc Share Incentive Plan 2018. 

The resolution approved at the AGM on 10 August 2017 relating to the authorisation of the Company to purchase 1p 
ordinary shares up to a maximum 5% of the company's issued share capital at that date remains in place and is 
unused. 

13 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Directors report (continued) 

Directors confirmations 

Each director at the date of approval of this annual report confirms that: 

 

 

so far as the director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Group’s auditor is not 
aware; and 
the  director  has  taken  all  the  steps  that  he/she  ought  to  have  taken  as  a  director  in  order  to  make 
himself/herself aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Group’s auditor is aware 
of that information. 

This confirmation is given and should be interpreted in accordance with the provisions of s418 of the Companies Act 
2006. 

Viability statement 

The directors have assessed the viability of the Group for the period of 3 years. The board believe this time period is 
appropriate having consideration for the Group’s principal risks and uncertainties (outlined in the Strategic Report on 
pages  7-8)  to  production  efficiencies,  cash  position  and  competitive  position  relating  to  sales  as  well  as  costs  and 
purchases. 

Based on the above the board confirm it has a reasonable expectation  that the Group will continue in operation and 
meet its liabilities as they fall due over the 3 year period of assessment. 

Auditor 

A resolution to appoint Moore Stephens LLP is being proposed at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. 

By order of the Board 

Mr Paul Forster 
Group Finance & Commercial Director 

   25 June 2018 

14 

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Corporate governance statement 

Compliance 

The  Listing  Rules  of  the  Financial  Conduct  Authority  (“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 UK Corporate Governance Code is available on 
the Financial Reporting Council’s website: www.frc.org.uk. 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 specifically for Non-executive Directors. 
The role of the Chairman and Chief Executive are combined. 
The non-executive directors are not limited to a period of office. 
There is only one director considered by the board to be independent, and she has served on the board for 
more than 5 years. 

With the growth of the Company and increasingly prescriptive compliance requirements, the Board is continuing to 
review its governance arrangements with the intention of ensuring that it continues to be as compliant with guidelines 
and best practice as is appropriate and practical for a company of our size and resources.   

The Composition of the Board 

Details of all the directors are set out below: 

William McIlroy  
Bernard Johnson   
Nicholas O’Shea    
Mary Carney   
William Glencross   
Philippa Clark 
Martin Stevens 
Paul Forster 

Executive Chairman and Chief Executive  
Managing Director 
Group Company Secretary and Non-executive Director 
Senior Independent Non-executive Director 
Non-executive Director     
Global Sales & Marketing Director  
Deputy Managing Director  
Director of UK Operations  

The Role of the Board 

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 has considered that the Group was too small for the distinction between Chairman and Chief Executive to 
be practical. 

The  Board  considers  it  would  be  difficult  to  replace  the  existing  Non-executive  Directors  with  persons  of  similar 
competence,  experience  and  understanding  without  incurring  significant  additional  costs  both  in  terms  of  executive 
search  and  then  both  the  fees  such  new  Non-executive  Directors  would  expect  and  the  cost  of  training  them. 
Consequently,  it  feels  that  it  remains  appropriate  for  the  existing  Non-executive  Directors  to  be  nominated  for  re-
election when their terms expire under the company’s articles. 

The Board has also considered the position of independence of the Non-executive Directors, and considers that only Ms 
Carney is ‘independent’ in the context of corporate governance. She does not fulfil tasks outside of those delegated by 
virtue of her role as a Non-executive Director (i.e. considering the directors remuneration, director contracts, accounts 
and  corporate  governance),  she  does  not  complete  any other  project  work  in  respect  of  the  company,  she  does  not 
hold shares in the company and she does not work in the industry. 

The  Board  operates  a  formal  process  of  performance  evaluation  with  the  Chairman  and  Remunerations  Committee 
regularly reviewing the performance of all members of the Board. 

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

15 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Corporate governance statement (continued) 

The  directors  have  met  as  a  full  board  on  8  occasions  during  the  year,  including  meetings  by  telephone.  The 
attendance at meetings held during the year to 31 March 2018 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 
Philippa Clark 
Martin Stevens 
Paul Forster 

6 
7 
7 
7 
7 
7 
7 
6 

- 
- 
2 
2 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
2 
2 
- 
- 
- 
- 

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. 

Board Committees 

Under the formal terms of reference of the Board Committees, the Board has delegated specific responsibilities to the 
Nomination, Remuneration and Audit Committees. The Board considers that all the members of each Committee have 
the appropriate experience and none of them has interests which conflict with their positions on the Committees. 

Nomination Committee 

The Board as a whole undertakes 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.  

Remuneration Committee 

The Remuneration Committee consisted of Mary Carney who acts as chair 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. 

Directors’ remuneration 

The Executive Directors are salaried in their capacity as directors. Their management and operational services may be 
provided via service 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,  shareholdings  and  share  options  are  noted  in  the  Directors’  Remuneration 
Report on pages 18 to 23.  

16 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Corporate governance statement (continued) 

Internal control 

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  misstatement  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  Chairman’s  and  Managing  Director’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 and is satisfied with the effectiveness of the internal controls in operation and this process will 
continue. 

Audit Committee 

The Audit Committee consists of Mary Carney who acts as chair 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 review 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 auditor’s 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; 
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  position  and  performance,  business  model  and 
strategy; 
Report to the Board on how it has discharged its responsibility. 

 

The board reviews the work of the Audit Committee annually to ensure it meets the requirements of its role. 

The  Audit  Committee  pays  particular  attention  to  matters  it  considers  to  be  important  by  virtue  of  their  size, 
complexity, level of judgement and potential impact on the financial statements and wider business model. The only 
significant  matter  the  audit  committee  looked  at  during  the  year  was  the  performance  of  the  company  and 
management and related management reporting in the run up to the trading announcement in February 2018. 

In respect of the present auditor, Moore Stephens LLP: 

 

 
 

In  considering  the  appointment  or  re-appointment  of  the  audit  firm,  the  Audit  Committee  considers  the 
quality of the work the audit firm produces, the degree of investigation required into the transactions for a 
Group of our size and complexity, and the value for money offered by the audit firm.  
The current audit partner is Paul Fenner who took over this role this year. 
The last time a tender process was undertaken was in 2011. 

Relations with shareholders 

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, at the presentation of 
full-year and interim results and on an ad hoc basis, subject to normal disclosure rules. 

17 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Directors’ remuneration report 

This  report  is  on  the  activities  of  the  Remuneration  Committee  for  the  year  to  31  March  2018.  It  sets  out  the 
remuneration  policy  and  remuneration  details  for  the  Executive  and  Non-executive  Directors  of  the  company.  It  has 
been prepared in accordance with Schedule 8 of The  Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups  (Accounts and 
Reports) Regulations 2008 (the “Regulations”) as amended in August 2013.   

The report is split into three main areas: 

 
 
 

Statement by the chair of the Remuneration Committee; 
Annual report on directors remuneration (subject to audit); and 
Policy report. 

The policy report was subject to a binding shareholder resolution at the 2017 Annual General Meeting and the policy 
took  effect  for  the  financial  year  beginning  on  1  April  2017.  The  annual  report  on  directors’  remuneration  provides 
details on remuneration in the period and some other information required by the Regulations.  It will be subject to an 
advisory shareholder vote at the 2018 Annual General Meeting. 

The  Companies  Act  2006  requires  the  auditor  to  report  to  the  shareholders  on  certain  parts  of  the  directors’ 
remuneration report and to state whether, in their opinion, those parts of the report have been properly prepared in 
accordance with the Regulations.  The parts of the annual remuneration report that are subject to audit are indicated 
in  that  report.   The  statement  by  the  chair  of  the  Remuneration  Committee  and  the policy report  are  not subject  to 
audit. 

Statement by the chair of the Remuneration Committee 

The  directors’  remuneration  report  has  been  prepared  on  behalf  of  the  Board  by  the  Remuneration  Committee.  The 
current  members of  the  Remuneration  Committee  are  Mary  Carney, who  is  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee  and  the 
Senior Non-executive Director and considered by the board to be independent, and Nicholas O’Shea who is also a Non-
executive Director.   

The  Remuneration  Committee  determines  the  remuneration  of  each  Executive  Director.    During  the  year  ended  31 
March 2018 the Remuneration Committee did not propose any changes to the salaries of the Executive Directors. 

It  is envisaged  that  the remuneration  components  for  Executive  Directors for  the  year ended  31  March  2019  will  be 
similar to those in place for the year ended 31 March 2018 as shown in the ‘single figure’ tables shown below. 

Annual report on directors’ remuneration  

The information provided in this part of the Directors Remuneration Report is subject to audit 

The tables below represent the directors’ remuneration for the years ended 31 March 2018 and 31 March 2017.  These 
emoluments are normally paid in the year except for the bonus payments which are paid following the approval of the 
financial statements. 

Executive directors’ remuneration as a single figure  

Director 

Note 

2018 

Salary 
and fees 

Annual 
bonuses 

Pension 

Total 

1 
2 

WO McIlroy 
BJM Johnson 
P Clark 
M Stevens 
P Forster 
Total 

£000’s 

£000’s 

- 
92 
81 
77 
76 
326 

85 
85 
9 
9 
9 
197 

£000’s 
- 
- 
3 
7 
6 
16 

£000’s 

85 
177 
93 
93 
91 
539 

Salary 
and 
fees 
£000’s 
- 
92 
81 
77 
75 
325 

2017 

Annual 
bonuses 

Pension 

Total 

£000’s 

£000’s 

£000’s 

78 
78 
10 
10 
10 
186 

- 
- 
3 
7 
6 
16 

78 
170 
94 
94 
91 
527 

18 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ remuneration report (continued) 

Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

The remuneration of the Non-executive Directors for the years ended 31 March 2018 and 31 March 2017 is made up 
as follows: 

Non-executive Directors’ remuneration as a single figure  

Director 

Note 

Salary  
and fees 
£000’s 

2018 
Taxable 
benefit 
£000’s 

Total 

£000’s 

Salary 
and fees 
£000’s 

2017 
Taxable 
benefit 
£000’s 

Total 

£000’s 

MT Carney 
NDJ O’Shea 
W T Glencross 
Total 

3 

20 
20 
20 
60 

- 
- 
1 
1 

20 
20 
21 
61 

8 
13 
12 
33 

- 
- 
1 
1 

8 
13 
13 
34 

Note 
1 
2 

3 

All payments are made to Mr McIlroy’s service company, Lesmac Securities Limited. 
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 Consultants Limited. 

All other directors’ remuneration is paid directly to the individual directors. 

As  in  previous  years  Mr  W  McIlroy  waived  his  entitlement  to  receive  payment  of  his  salary  of  £25,000  in  the  year 
ended March 2018, although he did not waive entitlement to bonuses.  

Mr  B  Johnson  also  waived  an  additional  bonus  payment  of  £25,000  in  the  year ended March  2017,  and  in  doing  so, 
enabled  the  company  to  increase  performance  incentive  bonuses  available  for  other  employees  with  no  adverse 
incremental impact on earnings. 

Taxable benefits 

The  taxable  benefit  for  Mr  William  Glencross  relates  to  his  membership  of  the  Group’s  medical  scheme,  which 
commenced prior to him stepping down as an Executive Director. 

Payments for loss of office 

No Executive Directors left the company during the year ended 31 March 2018 and therefore no payments in respect 
of compensation for loss of office were paid or payable to any director (2017 – nil). 

Share options  

No share options were awarded to the Director’s during the years ended 31 March 2018 and 31 March 2017. 

Directors' shareholdings 

The directors who held office at 31 March 2018 had the following beneficial interests in the 1p ordinary shares of the 
company:     

Director 

At 31 March 2018 & 1 April 2017 

Number of 
shares 

Options 

Exercise 
period 

Exercise 
price 

Mr William O McIlroy 
Mr Bernard JM Johnson 
Mr Nicholas DJ O’Shea 
Mr William T Glencross 
Ms P Clark 
Mr M Stevens 
Mr P Forster 

16,219,275 
4,787,844 
100,000 
67,500 
501,818 
581,818 
749,318 

1,300,000 
1,300,000 
- 
- 
400,000 
400,000 
500,000 

2017-2023 
2018-2025 
- 
- 
2018-2025 
2018-2025 
2018-2025 

5.5p 
4.5p 
- 
- 
4.5p 
4.5p 
4.5p 

All of the above options relate to ordinary shares in Creightons plc. The market prices of these shares are included  in 
the table below. 

At 31 March 2018 
19.08p 

Market price 
Lowest during period 
19.08p 

Highest during period 
44.50p 

Mr  McIlroy’s  holding  noted  above  includes  14,450,000  (2017:  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 2018 and 25 June 2018. 

19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
              
  
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Directors’ remuneration report (continued) 

The information provided in this part of the Annual Report on remuneration is not subject to audit 

Performance graph and CEO remuneration table 

The following graph shows the Group’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 

25.00

20.00

p

/

15.00

e
c

l

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

i

10.00

5.00

0.00

4060

3960

3860

3760

3660

3560

3460

3360

3260

x
e
d
n

I

e
r
a
h
S

l
l

A
E
S
T
F

31-Mar-13

31-Mar-14

31-Mar-15

31-Mar-16

31-Mar-17

31-Mar-18

Creightons Plc Share price - pence

FTSE All Share Index

Table of Historical Data 

The table below sets out the remuneration of the highest paid director. 

Year 

2018 
2017 
2016 
2015 
2014 

 Single figure of 
total remuneration 
£000’s 

Annual  bonus  pay-out 
against maximum % 

177 
170 
156 
139 
118 

100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 

Percentage change in remuneration of director undertaking the role of Chief Executive Officer 

The  table  below  shows  the  percentage  increase  in  remuneration  of  the  highest  paid  director  and  the  Group’s 
employees as a whole between the years ended 31 March 2017 and 31 March 2018. 

Salary and fees 
All taxable benefits 
Annual bonus 
Total 

Percentage increase in remuneration in 
2018 compared with remuneration in 2017 

Highest paid 
director 

Employees 

3.0% 
0.0% 
3.0% 
3.0% 

0% 
n/a 
9% 
9% 

20 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Directors’ remuneration report (continued) 

Relative importance of spend on pay 

The  table  below  shows  the  total  expenditure  of  the  Group  for  all  employees  compared  to  retained  profits  and 
distributions to shareholders  for the years ended 31 March 2018 and 31 March 2017 and the year on year change. 

Employee costs 
Profit for the year 
Dividends paid 

Voting at general meeting 

Year ended 
31 March 
2018 
£000’s 

Year ended 
31 March 
2017 
£000’s 

9,178 
1,232 
230 

8,613 
1,251 
- 

Change 

% 

6.6% 
(1.5%) 
100% 

The  Group  is  committed  to  on-going  shareholder  dialogue  and  takes  an  active  interest  in  voting  outcomes.  Where 
there are substantial votes against resolutions in relation to directors’ remuneration, the reasons for any such vote will 
be sought, and any actions in response will be detailed here. 

The following table sets out actual voting in respect of the approval of the Directors’ Remuneration report in respect of 
the year ended 31 March 2017: 

Number of 
votes cast 
for 
23,745,785 

% of votes 
cast for 

Number of 
votes cast 
against 

% of votes 
cast 
against 

Total votes 
cast 

 100% 

 - 

0.0% 

 23,745,785 

Number of 
votes cast 
withheld 
Nil 

Policy report  

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 Chairman. There have been two meetings 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 Group 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  packages  for  Non-executive 
Directors include a salary or fee. The  Committee has reviewed the policy for the year ahead and has concluded that 
the key features of the remuneration policy remain appropriate. 

In  setting  Executive  Directors’  remuneration,  the  Committee  is  mindful  of  the  pay  and  conditions  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  Group  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  Group,  such  as  with  direct  competitors  or  major 
suppliers and customers.  

21 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Directors’ remuneration report (continued) 

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  2017-18,  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 bonuses 

Both Mr McIlroy and Mr Johnson have contracts which provide for bonuses should the Group achieve profitability, and 
Mr McIlroy’s also provides for a bonus should a complete or partial sale of the Group’s toiletries business be achieved. 
The profit criterion was met in 2018, and as a consequence, provision for payment of the profit related performance 
bonus has been made in the financial statements, and will be paid 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  bonus  to  be  paid  by  the  company  to  Lesmac 
Securities Limited in respect of the Group’s net profits before tax at the rate of 12.5% in respect of net profits up to 
£50,000, 7.5% of net profits between £50,001 and £100,000, and 5% of net profits in excess of £100,000. A further 
bonus of 10% of the net sale proceeds is also payable to Lesmac Securities Limited if the company sells the whole of 
the toiletries business undertaken by the  company at 16 January 2002 for a price in excess of £1,500,000, or if the 
company sells a part of that toiletries business for a price in excess of £500,000 and the net book value of the assets 
disposed of is less than one-third of the value of the net assets of the company. 

The  contract  for  Mr  Johnson’s  services  as  a  managing  director  provides  for  a  performance  bonus  to  be  paid  by  the 
company to Carty Johnson Limited in respect of the Group’s net profits before tax at the rate of 12.5% in respect of 
net  profits  up  to  £50,000,  7.5%  of  net  profits  between  £50,001  and  £100,000,  and  5%  of  net  profits  in  excess  of 
£100,000. 

The  contracts  for  Ms  Clark,  Mr  Stevens  and  Mr  Forster  all  include  a  Group  bonus  scheme,  where  employees  are 
entitled  to  a  bonus  of 7.5% of earnings  if  the  Group  hits the  profit  target  for  the  period  and  additional  payments  in 
relation to key performance indicator targets which were partially achieved during the year. 

Executive share option scheme 

The policy of the Company is to grant share options to Executive Directors and other senior managers as an incentive 
to enhance shareholder value.  

Service contracts 

Name of Director 

WO McIlroy (chairman’s 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) 
P Clark (Global Sales & Marketing Director) 
M Stevens (Deputy Managing Director) 
P Forster (Director of UK Operations) 

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 
9 Feb 2015 
9 Feb 2015 
9 Feb 2015 

Date contract 
last amended 

Notice period 

20 Mar 2003 
1 April 2017 
1 April 2017 
1 April 2017 

12 months 
12 months 
12 months 
12 months 
3 months 
3 months 
3 months 
3 months 
3 months 
3 months 

It  is  the  Company’s  policy  that  service  contracts  for  the  directors  are  for  an  indefinite  period,  terminable  by  either 
party with a maximum period of notice of  either 3 months or  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 above. 

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. 

The Board as a whole considers the policy and structure for the Non-executive Directors’ fees on the recommendation 
of the Chairman. The Non-executive Directors do not participate in discussions on their specific levels of remuneration. 

22 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Directors’ remuneration report (continued) 

Non-executive Directors may not be granted share options nor participate in any personal 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. The 
fees paid for the chairman also include an element of profit-related bonus based on the performance of the Company 
and of sales value related bonus for the disposal of all or parts of the toiletries business. 

Approval 

In the opinion of the Remuneration Committee, the Company has complied with Section D of the Code, and in forming 
the remuneration policy the Committee has given full consideration to that section of the Code. 

The Directors’ Remuneration Report was approved by the Board of Directors on 25 June 2018 and signed on its behalf 
by: 

Mr Paul Forster 
Group Finance & Commercial Director 

23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ responsibilities statement 

Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

The directors whose names and functions are set out  on page 60 of this document are responsible for preparing the 
Annual Report and the Financial Statements in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.   

UK company law requires the directors to prepare such financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the 
directors  are  required  to  prepare  the  Group  consolidated  financial  statements  in  accordance  with  International 
Financial  Reporting  Standards  (IFRS)  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  and  Article  4  of  International  Accounting 
Standards regulation and have also chosen to prepare the parent company financial statements under IFRS as adopted 
by the European Union. Under UK 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 and the Group and of the profit 
or loss of the Group for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to: 

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; 

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

state whether the finance statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the 
European Union; and 
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the 
company will continue in business. 

 

The  directors  are  responsible  for  maintaining  proper  accounting  records  that  are  sufficient  to  show  and  explain  the 
Group’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Group and enable 
them  to  ensure  that  its  financial  statements  comply  with  the  Companies  Act  2006  and  Article  4  of  International 
Accounting  Standards  regulation.  They  are  also  responsible  for  safeguarding  the  assets  of  the  Group  and  hence  for 
taking reasonable steps to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities. 

The directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on 
the Group’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 – Periodic Financial Reporting 
Each of the directors confirms that to the best of their knowledge: 

1. 

2. 

3. 

the financial statements, prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted 
by  the  EU,  give  a  true  and  fair  view  of  the  assets,  liabilities,  financial  position  and  profit  or  loss  of  the 
Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole; 
the  strategic  report  includes  a  fair  review  of  the  development  and  performance  of  the  business  and  the 
position of the company and the  undertakings included in the consolidation  taken as a whole, together with 
the description of the principal risks and uncertainties that they face; and  
the report and financial statements, taken as a whole, are fair, balanced and understandable and provide the 
information necessary for shareholders to assess the  Group’s position and performance, business model and 
strategy.  

24 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent auditor’s report to the members of  Creightons plc 

Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

We have audited the financial statements of Creightons Plc (the “Parent Company”) and its subsidiaries (the “Group”) for the 
year  ended  31  March  2018  which  comprise  the  consolidated  and  company  income  statement,  consolidated  and  company 
statement of comprehensive income, consolidated and company balance sheet, consolidated and company statement of changes 
in equity, the consolidated and company statement of cash flows and the related notes to the financial statements including a 
summary of significant accounting policies.  

The  financial  reporting  framework  that  has  been  applied  in  the  preparation  of  the  Group  and  Parent  Company  financial 
statements is applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union.  

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 2018 and of 
the Group and Parent Company’s profit for the year then ended; 
have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union; and 
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. 

Basis for opinion 

We  conducted  our  audit  in  accordance  with  International  Standards  on  Auditing  (UK)  (ISAs  (UK))  and  applicable  law.  Our 
responsibilities  under  those  standards  are  further  described  in  the  Auditor’s  responsibilities  for  the  audit  of  the  financial 
statements section of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant 
to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard as applied to listed public interest entities, 
and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence 
we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 

Conclusions relating to principal risks, going concern and viability statement 

We have nothing to report in respect of the following information in the annual report, in relation to which the ISAs (UK) require 
us to report to you whether we have anything material to add or draw attention to: 

 

 

 

 

 

the  disclosures  in  the  annual  report  set  out  on  page  7  that  describe  the  principal  risks  and  explain  how  they  are 
being managed or mitigated; 

the Directors’ confirmation set out on page 7 in the annual report that they have carried out a robust assessment of 
the  principal  risks  facing  the  Group,  including  those  that  would  threaten  its  business  model,  future  performance, 
solvency or liquidity; 

the  Directors’  statement  set  out  on  page  9  in  the  financial  statements  about  whether  the  Directors  considered  it 
appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements and the Directors’ 
identification of any material uncertainties to the Group’s ability to continue to do so over a period of at least twelve 
months from the date of approval of the financial statements; 

whether the Directors’ statement relating to going concern required under the Listing Rules in accordance with Listing 
Rule 9.8.6R(3) is materially inconsistent with our knowledge obtained in the audit; or 

the Directors’ explanation set out on page 24 in the annual report as to how they have assessed the prospects of the 
Group, over what period they have done so and why they consider that period to be appropriate, and their statement 
as to whether they have a reasonable expectation that the Group will be able to continue in operation and meet its 
liabilities as they fall due over the period of their assessment, including any related disclosures drawing attention to 
any necessary qualifications or assumptions. 

Key audit matters 

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our audit of the financial 
statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to 
fraud)  that  we  identified.  These  matters  included  those  which  had  the  greatest  effect  on:  the  overall  audit  strategy,  the 
allocation  of  resources  in  the  audit;  and  directing  the  efforts  of  the  engagement  team.  These  matters  were  addressed  in  the 
context  of  our  audit  of  the  financial  statements  as  a  whole,  and  in  forming  our  opinion  thereon,  and  we  do  not  provide  a 
separate opinion on these matters. 

Revenue recognition  

There is a risk that revenue due to the Group has been overstated, especially for transactions around the reporting date. This is 
effectively the risk that the revenue reported is inaccurate, inflated or has been recognised in the wrong period. 

In response to the risk: 

  We  tested  transactions  recorded  in the  nominal ledger through  to  sales invoices,  order  forms  and bank receipts  to 

ensure that revenue had been appropriately recorded at the right time; 

  We tested credit notes issued after the reporting date to gain assurance that those relating to sales made in the year 

 

had been accounted for; 
For material sales made around the reporting date, we assessed that they had been recorded in the correct period 
through review of invoices, order forms and date of dispatch.  

25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Independent auditor’s report to the members of  Creightons plc (Continued) 

Valuation of Inventory  

Due to the nature of the inventory balances the risk that they are overstated is increased due to potentially obsolete, damaged 
and slow moving items. 

In response to the risk: 

 

For a sample of inventory assets, we compared the valuation at the reporting date to purchase cost and sale proceeds 
around the reporting date to ensure inventory is carried at the lower of cost and net realisable value; 

  We attended the year end stocktakes and tested from sheet to floor to agree stock counts; 
  We critically assessed the principles and integrity of the inventory provision model; 
  We reviewed the valuation calculation and assessed that the policy was correctly applied; 
 

In addition, we reviewed the outcome of the prior year inventory provisions based on the actual sales and use during 
the current year, of inventory items previously provided against. 

Our application of materiality 

We  apply  the  concept  of  materiality  in  planning  and  performing  our  audit,  and  in  evaluating  the  effect  of  misstatements  and 
omissions on our audit and on the financial statements. For the purposes of determining whether the financial statements are 
free from material misstatement we define materiality as the level of misstatement, including omissions that could influence the 
economic decisions of a reasonably knowledgeable user of the financial statements. 

We determined the materiality for the Group financial statements as a whole to be £80,500, calculated with reference to a 
benchmark of 5% of profit before tax.  In addition, we set a Parent Company materiality of £76,600 based on net assets of 
which  it  represents  3%.    This  is  the  threshold  above  which  missing  or  incorrect  information  in  financial  statements  is 
considered to have an impact on the decision making of users. 

We  reported  to  the  Audit  Committee  all  potential  adjustments  in  excess  of  £4,000  being  5%  of  the  materiality  for  the 
financial  statements  as  a  whole,  in  addition  to  other  identified  misstatements  that  warranted  reporting  on  qualitative 
grounds. 

An overview of the scope of our audit 

The Group operates through four trading subsidiary undertakings. Two of these, Potter & Moore Innovations Limited and Potter & 
Moore  Devon  Limited,  were  considered  to  be  significant  components  for  the  purposes  of  the  Group  financial  statements.  The 
financial statements consolidate these entities together with a number of dormant subsidiary undertakings as set out in note 17. 
In establishing our overall approach to the group audit, we determined the type of work that needed to be performed in respect 
of each subsidiary. This consisted of auditing the financial information of the significant components of the Group, which were 
subject to a full scope audit. 

As  part  of  planning  our  audit,  we  determined  materiality  and  assessed  the  risks  of  material  misstatement  in  the  financial 
statements. As part of this assessment we allocate performance materiality to determine our audit scope for the Group.  
We  considered  the  risk  of  the  financial  statements  being  misstated  or  not  prepared  in  accordance  with  the  underlying 
legislation or standards. We then directed our work toward areas of the financial statements which we assessed as having the 
highest risk of containing material misstatements.  

We tested and examined information using both analytical procedures and tests of detail, to the extent necessary to provide 
us with a reasonable basis to draw conclusions. These procedures gave us the evidence that we need for our opinion on the 
Group’s  financial  statements  as  a  whole  and,  in  particular,  helped  mitigate  the  risks  of  material  misstatement  mentioned 
above. 

We  also  documented  and  reviewed  the  Group’s  systems,  primarily  to  confirm  that  they  form  an  adequate  basis  for  the 
preparation of the financial statements, but also to identify the controls operated to ensure the completeness and accuracy of 
the data. 

Other information 

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report set out on pages 2 to 23, other than the financial 
statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The Directors are responsible for the other information. Our opinion on the financial 
statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not 
express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.  

In  connection  with  our  audit  of  the  financial  statements,  our  responsibility  is  to  read  the  other  information  and,  in  doing  so, 
consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the 
audit  or  otherwise  appears  to  be  materially  misstated.  If  we  identify  such  material  inconsistencies  or  apparent  material 
misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material 
misstatement  of  the  other  information.  If,  based  on  the  work  we  have  performed,  we  conclude  that  there  is  a  material 
misstatement of the other information; we are required to report that fact. 

We have nothing to report in this regard. 

26 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent auditor’s report to the members of  Creightons plc (Continued) 

Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

In this context, we also have nothing to report in regard to our responsibility to specifically address the following items in the 
other information and to report as uncorrected material misstatements of the other information where we conclude that those 
items meet the following conditions: 

 

 

Fair,  balanced  and  understandable  set  out  on  page  24  –  the  statement  given    by  the  Directors  that  they 
consider  the  annual  report  and  financial  statements  taken  as  a  whole  is  fair,  balanced  and  understandable  and 
provides  the  information  necessary  for  shareholders  to  assess  the  Group’s  performance,  business  model  and 
strategy, is materially inconsistent with our knowledge obtained in the audit; or 

Audit committee reporting set out on page 17 – the section describing the work of the audit committee does not 
appropriately address matters communicated by us to the audit committee / the explanation as to why the annual 
report  does  not  include  a  section  describing  the  work  of  the  audit  committee  is  materially  inconsistent  with  our 
knowledge obtained in the audit; or 

  Directors’ statement of compliance with the UK Corporate Governance Code set out on pages 15 to 17  – 
the parts of the Directors’ statement required under the Listing Rules relating to the Company’s compliance with the 
UK Corporate  Governance Code  containing  provisions specified  for review  by  the  auditor in accordance with Listing 
Rule  9.8.10R(2)  do  not  properly  disclose  a  departure  from  a  relevant  provision  of  the  UK  Corporate  Governance 
Code. 

Opinions 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. 

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit: 

 

 

 

the  information  given  in  the  Strategic  Report  and  the  Directors’  Report  for  the  financial  year  for  which  the  Group 
financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements and those reports have been prepared in 
accordance with applicable legal requirements; 
the information about internal control and risk management systems in relation to financial reporting processes and 
about  share  capital  structures,  given  in  compliance  with  rules  7.2.5  and  7.2.6  in  the  Disclosure  Rules  and 
Transparency  Rules  sourcebook  made  by  the  Financial  Conduct  Authority  (the  FCA  Rules),  is  consistent  with  the 
financial statements and has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements; and 
information about  the Group’s corporate  governance  code and  practices and about its  administrative,  management 
and supervisory bodies and their committees complies with rules 7.2.2, 7.2.3 and 7.2.7 of the FCA Rules. 

Matters on which we are required to report by exception 

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have 
not identified material misstatements in: 

the Strategic Report or the Directors’ Report; or 
the information about internal control and risk management systems in relation to financial reporting processes and 
about share capital structures, given in compliance with rules 7.2.5 and 7.2.6 of the FCA Rules. 

 
 

 

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report 
to you if, in our opinion: 

 

 

 
 

 

adequate  accounting  records  have  not  been  kept  by  the  Group  and  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;  or  a  corporate  governance 
statement has not been prepared by the Group; or 
a corporate governance statement has not been prepared by the Parent Company.  

Responsibilities of Directors 

As  explained  more  fully  in  the  Directors’  responsibilities  statement  set  out  on  page  24,  the  Directors  are  responsible  for  the 
preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as 
the Directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, 
whether due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the financial statements, the Directors are responsible for assessing the Group’s and the Parent Company’s ability 
to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of 
accounting unless the Directors either intend to liquidate the Group or the Parent Company or to cease operations, or have no 
realistic alternative but to do so. 

27 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Independent auditor’s report to the members of  Creightons plc (Continued) 

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements 

Our  objectives  are  to  obtain  reasonable  assurance  about  whether  the  financial  statements  as  a  whole  are  free  from  material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is 
a  high  level  of  assurance,  but  is  not  a  guarantee  that  an  audit  conducted  in  accordance  with  ISAs  (UK)  will  always  detect  a 
material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or 
in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these 
financial statements.  

The objective of our audit, in relation to fraud include identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatements due to fraud, 
obtaining  sufficient  appropriate  audit  evidence  regarding  the  assessed  risk  of  material  misstatements  due  to  fraud,  designing 
and  implementing  appropriate  responses  and  responding  appropriately  to  any  fraud  or  suspected  fraud  identified  during  the 
audit.  The  primary  responsibility  for  the  prevention  and  detection  of  fraud  does  however  rest  with  those  charged  with 
governance. 
Our approach was as follows: 

  We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks applicable to the Group and Parent Company 
and determined that the most significant frameworks which are directly relevant to specific assertions in the financial 
statements  are  those  that  relate  to  the  reporting  framework  (IFRS,  FRS  101,  the  Companies  Act  2006  and  UK 
Corporate Governance Code) and the relevant tax compliance regulations. In addition, we concluded that there are 
certain  significant  laws  and  regulations  which  may  have  an  effect  on  the  determination  of  the  amounts  and 
disclosures in the financial statements being in relation to its production of products.  

  We gained an understanding of how the Group and Parent Company are complying with those frameworks by making 
enquiries of management and those responsible for legal and compliance procedures. We corroborated our enquiries 
through our review of board minutes, and review of any correspondence received from regulatory bodies. 

  We communicated identified laws and regulations throughout our team and remained alert to any indications of non-

compliance throughout the audit.  

  We  assessed  the  susceptibility  of  the  Group’s  financial  statements  to  material  misstatement,  including  how  fraud 
might occur by meeting with management to understand where it considered there was susceptibility to fraud. We 
considered the  controls  that the  group  has established to  address  risks identified,  or  that  otherwise  prevent,  deter 
and detect fraud; and how senior management monitors those controls. Where the risk was considered to be higher, 
we  performed  audit  procedures  to  address  each  identified  fraud  risk.  These  procedures  included  testing  manual 
journals  and were  designed  to provide  reasonable assurance  that  the  financial  statements were  free  from  fraud  or 
error. 

 

Based  on  this  understanding  we  designed  our  audit  procedures  to  identify  non-compliance  with  such  laws  and 
regulations identified. Our procedures involved: journal entry testing, with a focus on manual consolidation journals 
and  journals  indicating  large  or  unusual  transactions  based  on  our  understanding  of  the  business  and  focused 
testing, as referred to in the key audit matters section above. 

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Councils 
website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report. 

Other matters which we are required to address 

We were appointed by the Directors of the Parent Company in 2000.  
The period of total uninterrupted engagement including previous renewals and reappointments of the firm is 18 years.  
The non-audit services prohibited by the FRC’s Ethical Standard were not provided to the Group and we remain independent of 
the Group and Parent Company in conducting our audit. 
Our audit opinion is consistent with the additional report to the audit committee. 

Use of our report 

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. 

Paul Fenner, (Senior Statutory Auditor) 
For and on behalf of Moore Stephens LLP, Statutory Auditor 
150 Aldersgate Street  
London 
EC1A 4AB 

Date: 25 June 2018 

28 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated income statement 

Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Revenue 
Cost of sales 

Gross profit 

Distribution costs 
Administrative expenses 

Operating profit 

Finance costs 

Profit before tax 

Taxation 

Profit for the year from continuing operations attributable to the equity 
shareholders of the parent company 

Dividends  

Paid in year (£000) 
Paid in year (pence per share) 
Proposed (£000) 
Proposed (pence per share) 

Earnings per share  

Basic 
Diluted 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

Profit for the year  
Exercise of derivatives 

Items that may be subsequently reclassified to profit and 
loss: 
Exchange differences on translating foreign operations 

Other comprehensive income for the year 

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

29 

Note 

5, 6 

7 

10 

11 

Note 
12 
12 

Year ended 31 
March 2018 
£000 

Year ended 31 
March 2017 
£000 

34,810 
(20,660) 

30,586 
(17,598) 

14,150 

12,988 

(1,479) 
(11,036) 

(1,280) 
(10,195) 

1,635 

1,513 

(26) 

1,609 

(377) 

1,232 

(24) 

1,489 

(238) 

1,251 

Year ended 31 
March 2018 

Year ended 
31 March 
2017 

230 
0.38p 
139 
0.23p 

- 
- 
139 
0.23p 

Year ended 31 
March 2018 

Year ended 
31 March 
2017 

Note 
13 
13 

2.03p 
1.85p 

2.09p 
1.88p 

Year ended 
31 March 
2018 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2017 
£000 

1,232 
37 

1,251 
26 

9 

46 

3 

29 

1,278 

1,280 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company income statement 

Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Revenue 
Income from subsidiary 
Finance income 
Finance costs 
Profit for the year attributable to the equity shareholders 

Company statement of comprehensive income 

Profit for the year  

Total comprehensive income for the year 

Year ended 
31 March 
2018 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2017 
£000 

- 
230 
5 
(5) 
230 

Note 

9 
10 

Year ended 
31 March 
2018 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2017 
£000 

230 

230 

- 
- 
8 
(8) 
- 

- 

- 

30 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated balance sheet  

Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

31 March 
2018 
£000 

31 March 
2017 
£000 

Note 

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

Current assets 
Inventories 
Trade and other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Derivative financial instruments 

Total assets 

Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Borrowings 
Bank loan 
Derivative financial instruments 

Net current assets 

Non-current liabilities 
Deferred tax liability 
Bank loan 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Equity 
Share capital 
Share premium account 
Other reserves 
Translation reserve 
Cash flow hedge reserve 
Retained earnings 

Total equity attributable to the equity shareholders of the parent 
company 

14 
15 
16 

18 
19 
20 
21 

22 
23 
23 
21 

32 
23 

24 

25 

331 
349 
1,832 
2,512 

5,499 
7,667 
968 
- 
14,134 

331 
212 
1,637 
2,180 

4,024 
4,861 
2,631 
19 
11,535 

16,646 

13,715 

6,260 
747 
- 
- 
7,007 

4,564 
68 
116 
56 
4,804 

7,127 

6,731 

34 
- 
34 

26 
418 
444 

7,041 

5,248 

9,605 

8,467 

607 
1,262 
25 
- 
- 
7,711 

606 
1,259 
25 
(9) 
(37) 
6,623 

9,605 

8,467 

These financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 25 June 2018. They 
were signed on its behalf by: 

Bernard Johnson   
Managing Director 

31 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company balance sheet  

Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Non-current assets 
Investment in subsidiaries 

Current assets 
Trade and other receivables 

Total assets 

Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Bank loan 

Net current assets 

Non-current liabilities 
Bank loan 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Equity 
Share capital 
Share premium account 
Capital redemption reserve 
Retained earnings 

Total equity attributable to the equity shareholders of the 
parent company 

31 March 
2018 

31 March 
2017 

Note 

£000 

£000 

17 

19 

22 
23 

23 

24 

60 
60 

60 
60 

2,529 
2,529 

2,990 
2,990 

2,589 

3,050 

35 
- 
35 

35 
116 
151 

2,494 

2,839 

- 
- 

35 

418 
418 

569 

2,554 

2,481 

607 
1,262 
18 
667 

606 
1,259 
18 
598 

2,554 

2,481 

These financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 25 June 2018. They 
were signed on its behalf by: 

Bernard Johnson   
Managing Director 

Company registration number 1227964 

32 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of changes in equity 

Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Share 
capital 

Share 
premium 
account 

Other 
reserves 
(note 25) 

Translation  
reserve 

Cash flow 
hedge 
reserve 

Retained 
earnings 

Total 
equity 

£000 

£000 

£000 

£000 

£000 

£000 

£000 

At 1 April 2016 
Exchange differences 
on translation of 
foreign operations 
Exercise of options 
Share-based 
payment charge 
Exercise of 
derivatives 
Charge in relation to 
derivative financial 
instruments 
Deferred tax through 
Equity 
Profit for the year 
At 31 March 2017 

Exchange differences 
on translation of 
foreign operations 
Exercise of options 
Share-based 
payment charge 
Exercise of 
derivatives 
Deferred tax through 
Equity 
Dividends 
Profit for the year 
At 31 March 2018 

599 
- 

1,249 
- 

7 
- 

- 

- 

- 

10 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 
606 

- 
1,259 

- 

3 
- 

- 

- 

- 
- 
1,262 

1 
- 

- 

- 

- 
- 
607 

25 
- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 
25 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 
- 
25 

(12) 
3 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 
(9) 

9 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 
- 
- 

(26) 
- 

- 
- 

26 

(37) 

5,307 
- 

7,142 
3 

- 
90 

- 

- 

17 
90 

26 

(37) 

- 

(25) 

(25) 

- 
(37) 

- 

- 
- 

37 

- 

- 
- 
- 

1,251 
6,623 

- 

1,251 
8,467 

9 

- 
69 

- 

17 

4 
69 

37 

17 

(230) 
1,232 
7,711 

(230) 
1,232 
9,605 

Company statement of changes in equity 

Share 
capital 

Share 
premium 
account 

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 

Retained 
earnings 

Total 
equity 

£000 

£000 

£000 

£000 

£000 

At 1 April 2016 
Exercise of options 
Share based payment 
charge 
At 31 March 2017 

Exercise of options 
Share-based payment 
charge 
Dividends paid 
Profit for the year 

599 
7 
- 

606 

1 
- 

- 
- 

1,249 
10 
- 

1,259 

3 
- 

- 
- 

At 31 March 2018 

607 

1,262 

18 
- 
- 

18 

- 
- 

- 
- 

18 

508 
- 
90 

2,374 
17 
90 

598 

2,481 

- 
69 

4 
69 

(230) 
230 

667 

(230) 
230 

2,554 

33 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated cash flow statement  

Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Net cash (used in)/from operating activities 

31 

(413) 

2,058 

Year ended 
31 March 
2018 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2017 
£000 

Note 

Investing activities 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment 
Purchase of intangible assets  

Net cash used in investing activities 

Financing activities 
Repayment of finance lease obligations 
Proceeds on issue of shares 
Increase of bank loans and invoice finance facilities 
Repayment of bank loans and invoice finance facilities 
Dividends paid to owners of the parent 

Net cash (used in)/from financing activities 

(633) 
(549) 

(551) 
(306) 

(1,182) 

(857) 

- 
4 
679 
(534) 
(230) 

(81) 

(7) 
17 
602 
- 
- 

612 

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents 

(1,676) 

1,813 

Cash and cash equivalents at start of year 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 

Company cash flow statement  

Net cash from/(used in) operating activities 

Dividend received 

Net cash used in investing activities 

Financing activities 
Proceeds of share issue 
(Decrease)/increase of bank loans 
Dividends paid to owners of the parent 

Net cash (used in) / from financing activities 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents at start of year 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 

Note 

31 

2,631 
13 

814 
4 

968 

2,631 

Year ended 
31 March 
2018 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2017 
£000 

530 

230 

230 

4 
(534) 
(230) 

(760) 

- 

- 

- 

(551) 

- 

- 

17 
534 
- 

551 

- 

- 

- 

34 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Notes to the financial statements 

1.  General information 

Creightons Plc (the Company) was incorporated in the England and Wales under the Companies Act. The address 
of the registered office is given on page 60; it is a public company, with a premium listing on the London Stock 
Exchange.  The  nature of  the  Group’s operations  and  its  principal  activities  are  set  out  in  the  strategic report  on 
pages 5 to 9. 

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 3. 

2  Adoption of new and revised accounting standards 

The International Accounting Standards Board and IFRIC have issued the following new and revised standards and 
interpretations with an effective date after the date of these financial  statements, which have not been applied in 
these financial statements: 

Standard/Interpretation 
IFRS 9 
IFRS 15 
IFRS 16 

Title 
Financial instruments 
Revenue from contracts with customers 
Leases 

Effective date 
1 January 2018 
1 January 2018 
1 January 2019 

The directors anticipate that the adoption of IFRS 9 and IFRS15  will have no material impact on the profit of the 
financial statements of the Group.  

IFRS 16 replaces existing lease guidance. Leases will have the impact of increasing both creditors and fixed assets 
on the balance sheet by similar amounts that will depend on the operating leases that the Group is party to during 
the  year  ended  31  March  2020.  The  Group  are  currently  assessing  the  potential  impact  on  its  consolidated 
accounts,  but  have  not  yet  completed  a  detailed  assessment.  The  actual  impact  depends  on  future  economic 
conditions depending on the Group’s weighted average cost of capital and the leases the Group are party to. 

The most significant impact identified is that the Group will recognise new assets and liabilities for its Peterborough 
and  Devon  sites.  As  at  31  March  2018,  the  Group’s  future  minimum  lease  payments  under  non-  cancellable 
operating leases amounted to £2,326,000 on an undiscounted basis (see note 28). 

3  Significant accounting policies 

Basis of accounting 

The  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  IFRS  adopted  by  the  European  Union  and  the 
Group financial statements comply with Article 4 of the EU IAS regulations. 

The  financial  statements  have  also  been  prepared  on  the  historical  cost  basis,  except  for  the  revaluation  of 
financial  instruments  that  are  measured  at  fair  values  at  the  end  of  each  reporting  period,  as  explained  in  the 
accounting  policies  below.  Historical  cost  is  generally  based  on  the  fair  value  of  the  consideration  given  in 
exchange for goods and services. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below. 

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, as set out in note 17.  Control is achieved 
when the company: 

 
 
 

has power over the investee; 
is exposed, or has rights, to variable return from its involvement with the investee; and 
has the ability to use its power to affect its returns. 

The company reassesses whether or not it controls an investee if facts and circumstances indicate that there are 
changes to one or more of the three elements of control listed above. 

Consolidation of a subsidiary begins when the company obtains control over the subsidiary and ceases when the 
company loses control of the subsidiary. Specifically, the results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the 
year  are  included  in  the  consolidated  income statement  from  the  date  the  company  gains  control  until  the  date 
the company ceases to control the subsidiary. 

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

All  intra-group  assets  and  liabilities,  equity,  income,  expenses  and  cash  flows  relating  to  transactions  between 
members of the Group are eliminated on consolidation. 

35 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Notes to the financial statements 

3   Significant accounting policies (continued) 

Going concern 

The directors have, at the time of approving the financial statements, a reasonable expectation that the Group has 
adequate resources  to  continue  in  operational  existence for  the  foreseeable  future.  Thus  they  continue  to  adopt 
the going concern basis of accounting in preparation of the financial statements. Further detail is included in the 
strategic report on pages 5 to 9. 

Business combinations 

Acquisition  of  subsidiaries  and  businesses  are  accounted  for  using  the  acquisition  method.    The  consideration 
transferred in a business combination is measured at fair value, which is calculated as the sum of the acquisition-
date  fair  values  of  assets  transferred  to  the  Group,  less  liabilities  incurred  in  exchange  for  control  of  the  entity 
acquired. Acquisition related costs are recognised in profit or loss as incurred.  

At  the  acquisition  date,  the  identifiable  assets  acquired  and  the  liabilities  assumed  are  recognised  at  their  fair 
value, except: 

 

 

deferred  tax  assets  or  liabilities  and  assets  or  liabilities  related  to  employee  benefit  arrangements  that 
are recognised  and  measured  in  accordance  with IAS 12  Income  Taxes  and  IAS  19  Employee  Benefits 
respectively; and 
assets that are classified as held for  sale in accordance with IFRS 5 Non-current Assets Held for Sale and 
Discontinued Operations are measured in accordance with that standard. 

Goodwill is measured as the excess of the sum of the consideration transferred, the amount of any non-controlling 
interests in the acquired entity, and the fair value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interests in the acquiree 
(if  any)  over  the  net  of  the  acquisition-date  amounts  of  the  identifiable  assets  acquired  and  the  liabilities 
assumed.  If, after reassessment, the net of the acquisition-date amounts of the identifiable assets acquired and 
liabilities assumed exceeds the sum of the consideration transferred, the amount of any non-controlling interest in 
the acquired entity and the fair value of the acquirer’s previously held interests in the acquired entity (if any), the 
excess is recognised immediately in profit or loss as a purchase gain. 

Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives 

Goodwill and intellectual property is initially recognised and measured as set out above. 

These assets are not amortised but are reviewed for impairment at least annually. For the purposes of impairment 
testing,  these  assets  are  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. An impairment loss recognised for 
goodwill is not reversible in subsequent periods. 

On  disposal  of  a  subsidiary,  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  in  the  year  and  represents 
amounts  receivable  for  goods  provided  in  the  normal  course  of  business,  net  of  discounts,  VAT  and  other  sales 
related taxes.  

Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when all the following conditions are satisfied: 

 

 
 
 

the  Group  has  transferred  to  the  buyer  the  significant  risks  and  rewards  of  ownership  of  the  goods 
generally  when  the  production  of  goods  is  complete  and  the  customer  has  accepted  title  of  the  goods 
under contractual shipping arrangements; 
the amount of revenue can be measured reliably; 
it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the entity; and 
the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably. 

36 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Notes to the financial statements 

3   Significant accounting policies (continued) 

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 expenses and reduction of the lease obligation so as to achieve 
a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.  Finance expenses are recognised immediately 
in profit or loss. 

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

In the event that lease incentives are received to enter into operating leases, such incentives are recognised as a 
liability.  The aggregate benefit of incentives is recognised as a reduction of rental expense on a straight line basis 
over the term of the lease.  

Foreign currencies 

The individual financial statements of each group company are prepared in the currency of the primary economic 
environment in which it operates (its functional currency).  For the purposes of consolidated financial statements, 
the  result  and  financial  position  of  each  group  company  is  presented  in  pounds  sterling,  which  is  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 that date.  

Exchange  differences  are  recognised  in  profit  or  loss  in  the  period  in  which  they  arise  except  for  exchange 
difference on: 

 

transactions entered into to hedge certain currency risks (see below under financial instruments / hedge 
accounting); and 

  monetary items receivable from or payable to a foreign operation for which settlement is neither planned 
nor likely to occur in the foreseeable future (therefore forming part of the net investment in the foreign 
operation), which are recognised initially in other comprehensive income and reclassified from equity to 
profit or loss on disposal or partial disposal of the next investment. 

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 recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity. 

On  the  disposal  of  a  foreign  operation  (i.e.  a  disposal  of  the  Group’s  entire  interest  in  a  foreign  operation,  or  a  
disposal  involving  loss of  control  over  a  subsidiary  that  includes  a  foreign  operation,  loss  of  joint  control  over  a 
jointly  controlled  entity  that  includes  a  foreign  operations,  or  loss  of  significant  influence  over  an  associate  that 
includes a foreign operation) all of the accumulated exchange differences in respect of that operation attributable 
to the Group are reclassified to profit or loss.  

In addition, in relation to a partial disposal of a subsidiary that includes a foreign operation that does not result in 
the Group losing control over the subsidiary, the proportionate share of accumulated exchange differences are re-
attributed to non-controlling interests and are not recognised in profit or loss. For all other partial disposals (i.e. 
partial disposals of associates or joint arrangements that do not result in the Group losing significant influence or 
joint control), the proportionate share of the accumulated exchange differences is reclassified to profit or loss. 

37 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Notes to the financial statements 

3   Significant accounting policies (continued) 

Borrowing costs 

All borrowing costs are recognised in the income statement in the period in which they are incurred. 

Retirement benefit costs 

The Group companies contribute to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes.   

Payments to the defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are recognised as an expense when employees 
have rendered service entitling them to the contributions.  

Taxation 

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

Current 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 
deductible.  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 

Deferred  tax  is  the  tax  expected  to  be  payable  or  recoverable  on  material  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. 

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that 
it  is  no  longer  probable  that  sufficient  taxable  profits  will  be  available  to  allow  all  or  part  of  the  asset  to  be 
recovered. 

Deferred tax is calculated at tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the 
asset is realised based on tax laws and rates that have been enacted or substantially enacted at the balance sheet 
date.  Deferred  tax  is  charged  or  credited  to  the  income  statement,  except  when  it  relates  to  items  charged  or 
credited to other comprehensive income, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in other comprehensive 
income.  

The measurement of deferred tax liabilities and assets reflects the tax consequences that would follow from the 
manner in which the Group expects, at the end of the reporting period, to recover or settle the carrying amount of 
its assets or liabilities. 

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

Current and deferred tax for the year 

Current and deferred tax are recognised in profit or loss, except when they relate to items that are recognised in 
other comprehensive income or directly in equity, in which case, the current and deferred tax are also recognised 
in  other  comprehensive  income  or  directly  in  equity respectively.    When  current  tax or  deferred  tax  arises  from 
the  initial  accounting  for  a  business  combination,  that  tax  effect  is  included  in  the  accounting  for  the  business 
combination. 

38 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Notes to the financial statements 

3   Significant accounting policies (continued) 

Property, plant and equipment 

Property,  plant  and  equipment  is  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 - 20 
20 - 33 

The  estimated  useful  lives,  residual  values  and  depreciation  method  used  are  reviewed  at  the  end  of  each 
reporting period, with the effect of any changes in the estimate accounted for on a prospective basis. 

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. 

An item of property, plant and equipment is derecognised upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are 
expected to arise from the continued use of the asset.  The gain or loss arising on the disposal or scrappage 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. 

In accordance with IAS 38 Intangible Assets,  internally generated intangible assets will be capitalised; 

  where a project has entered the development phase and is sufficiently  self-contained that the expected 

future economic benefits can be traced to those assets developed in the project; 
it  is  probable  that  the  future  economic  benefits  that  are  attributable  to  those  assets  will  flow  to  the 
Group; and 
the costs of the asset can be measured reliably. 

 

 

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

Intangible assets acquired separately 

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 its estimated 
useful life as follows: 

Computer software 
Product development costs 

- Over three to five years 
- Over two years 

39 

 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Notes to the financial statements 

3   Significant accounting policies (continued) 

Impairment of tangible and other intangible assets  

At  each  balance  sheet  date,  the  Group  reviews  the  carrying  amount  of  its  tangible  and  intangible  assets  to 
determine whether there is any indication that those assets suffered an impairment loss.  If any such indication 
exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated to determine the extent of the impairment loss, if any. 
Where the asset does not generate cash flows that are independent from other assets, the  Group estimates the 
recoverable amount of the cash generating unit to which the asset belongs.   

Recoverable amount is the higher of the fair value less cost to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the 
estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects  the 
current market assessment  of the time value of money and the risk specific to the asset for which the asset for 
which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted. 

Investments 

Investments in subsidiary companies are stated at cost less any recognised impairment loss. 

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.  Cost is calculated using standard costing and on FIFO basis. Net realisable 
value  represents  the  estimated  selling  price  less  all  estimated  costs  to  completion  and  costs  to  be  incurred  in 
marketing, selling and distribution. 

Financial assets and liabilities 

Financial  assets  and  liabilities  are  recognised  in  the  Group’s  balance  sheet  when  the  Group  becomes  party  to  a 
contractual provision of the instrument. 

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

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand, demand deposits and advances made available under invoice 
financing and are subject to insignificant risk of change of value. 

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,  
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). 

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. 

40 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Notes to the financial statements 

3   Significant accounting policies (continued) 

Hedge accounting 

The  group  designates  certain  hedging  instruments,  which  include  derivatives  and  non-derivatives  in  respect  of 
foreign currency risks as cash flow hedges.  Hedges of foreign exchange on firm commitments are accounted for 
as cash flow hedges. 

At  the  inception  of  the  hedge  relationship,  the  entity  documents  the  hedge  relationship  between  the  hedging 
instrument  and  the  hedged  item,  along  with  its  risk  management  objectives  and  its  strategy  for  undertaking 
various  hedge  transactions.    Furthermore,  at  the  inception  of  the  hedge  and  on  an  ongoing  basis,    the  Group 
documents whether  the hedging instrument that is used in a hedging relationship is highly effective in offsetting 
changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged item. 

Note 21 sets out details of the fair values of the derivative instruments used for hedging purposes.  Movements in 
the hedging reserve in equity are also detailed in the statement of changes in equity within  the cash flow hedge 
reserve. 

Cash flow hedge 

The effective portion of change in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges 
are deferred and recognised in other comprehensive income.  The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is 
recognised immediately as profit or loss in the income statement. 

Amounts deferred in equity are recycled in profit or loss in the period when the hedged item is recognised in profit 
or  loss,  in  the  same  line  of  the  income  statement  as  the  recognised  hedged  item.    However  when  the  forecast 
transaction  that  is  hedged  results  in  recognition  of  a  non-financial  asset  or  non-financial  liability,  the  gains  and 
losses previously deferred in equity are transferred from equity and included in the initial measurement of the cost 
of the asset or liability. 

Hedge  accounting  is  discontinued  when  the  Group  revokes  the  hedging  relationship,  the  hedging  instrument 
expires or is sold, terminated or exercised, or no longer qualifies for hedge accounting.  Any cumulative gain or 
loss deferred in equity at that time remains in equity and is recognised when the forecast transaction is ultimately 
recognised in profit or loss.  When a forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or 
loss that was deferred in equity is recognised immediately in profit or loss. 

Share-based payments 

Equity-settled share-based payments to employees and others providing similar services are measured at the fair 
value  at  the  grant  date.    The  fair  value  excludes  the  effect  of  non-market  based  vesting  conditions.  Details 
regarding the determination of the fair value of equity-settled share-based payments are set out in note 26. 

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.    At  each 
balance  sheet  date  the  Group  revises  its  estimate  of  the  number  of  shares  expected  to  vest  as  a  result  of  the 
effect  of  non-market  based  vesting  conditions.    The  impact  of  the  revision  of  the  original  estimate,  if  any,  is 
recognised in profit or loss such that the cumulative expense reflects the revised estimate, with a corresponding 
adjustment to equity reserves. 

The  replacement  of  equity-settled  share  based  payments  during  the  vesting  period  are  measured  at  the 
incremental fair value. The measurement of the amount recognised for services received over the period from the 
modification  date  until  the  date  when  the  modified  equity  instruments  vest  is  expensed  on  a  straight  line  basis 
over  the  modified  vesting  period,  in  addition  to  the  amount  based  on  the  grant  date  fair  value  of  the  original 
equity instruments, which is recognised over the remainder of the original vesting period. 

41 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Notes to the financial statements 

4  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 3, management has made 
the  following  judgements  that  have  the  most  significant  effect  on  the  amounts  recognised  in  the  financial 
statements. 

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 
economic benefit. No impairment provision was considered necessary against this carrying value. 

Stock provision  -  A  judgement  is  required  in  determining  the  value  of  any  provisions  held  against  inventory.  In 
determining this provision the directors have made a judgement based on the historic realisable value of finished 
products and made provision for all raw materials with no current demand. 

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. 

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 3 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. 

5  Revenue 

All of the Group’s revenue is derived from the sale of goods.   

6  Business and geographic segments 

In the year ended 31 March 2018 the Group had one customer that exceeded 10% of total revenue, being 13.5% 
(2017: 10.3%). 

Revenues from external customers 

UK 
Overseas 

Total 

Year ended 
31 March 
2018 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2017 
£000 

30,218 
4,592 

27,135 
3,451 

34,810 

30,586 

42 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Notes to the financial statements 

7. 

  Operating profit  

Operating profit is stated after charging/(crediting): 

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 

Loss on disposal of property plant and equipment 

Amortisation of intangible assets (included in administrative 
expenses) 

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 consolidated financial statements 
Fees payable to the company’s auditor for other services: 
- The audit of the company’s subsidiaries, pursuant to legislation 

Year ended 
31 March 
2018 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2017 
£000 

(236) 

(262) 

20,896 

17,885 

123 

418 

412 
- 

26 

412 

110 

415 

274 
14 

- 

333 

9,178 

8,613 

65 

37 

510 
36 

510 
3 

Year ended 
31 March 
2018 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2017 
£000 

41 

24 

24 

13 

43 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Notes to the financial statements 

8.  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 
2018 
Number 

Year ended 
31 March 
2017 
Number 

8 
82 
275 

365 

8 
78 
265 

351 

Year ended 
31 March 
2018 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2017 
£000 

8,250 
823 
105 

9,178 

7,827 
709 
77 

8,613 

Details  of  directors’,  who  are  the  key  management  personnel  of  the  Group,  emoluments  are  set  out  in  the 
directors’ remuneration report.  

9.  Finance income 

Interest received from subsidiary 

Total 

10.  Finance costs 

Group 

Company 

  Year ended 
31 March 
2018 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2017 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2018 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2017 
£000 

- 

- 

- 

- 

5 

5 

8 

8 

Group 

Company 

  Year ended 
31 March 
2018 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2017 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2018 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2017 
£000 

Interest on bank overdrafts and loans 

Total 

26 

26 

24 

24 

5 

5 

8 

8 

44 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Notes to the financial statements 

11.  Taxation 

Current tax 
Current tax on profit for the year 
Adjustments in respect of prior years 
Total current tax 

Deferred tax (see note 32) 
Originations and reversal of temporary differences 
Adjustment in respect of prior years 
Total deferred tax 

Total 

Year ended 
31 March 
2018 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2017 
£000 

331 
21 
352 

(15) 
40 
25 

377 

237 
- 
237 

1 
- 
1 

238 

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

Year ended 
31 March 
2018 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2017 
£000 

Profit before taxation 

1,609 

1,489 

Tax charge at the UK corporation tax rate of 19% 
(2017 – 20%)  
Fixed asset differences 
Tax effect of expenses that are not deductible in 
determining taxable profit 
Deferred tax charge on temporary differences 
Adjustments in respect of prior years 
Adjustments in respect of prior years (deferred tax) 
Deferred tax credited directly to retained earnings 
Tax effect of utilisation of brought forward tax losses 
Adjust closing deferred tax to average rate 
Adjust opening deferred tax to average rate 
Deferred tax not recognised 
Other differences 
Total expense and effective rate for the year 

306 

5 
19 

(32) 
21 
40 
17 
- 
(4) 
8 
2 
(5) 
377 

298 

- 
1 

1 
- 
- 
(25) 
(54) 
(5) 
(1) 
(9) 
32 
238 

In  addition  to  the  amount  charged  to  the  income  statement  and  other  comprehensive  income,  the  following 
amounts relating to tax have been recognised directly in equity. 

Deferred tax 
Excess tax deductions related to share-based 
payments on exercised options 

Deferred tax 

Year ended 
31 March 
2018 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2017 
£000 

17 

17 

(25) 

(25) 

45 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Notes to the financial statements 

12.  Payments to shareholders 

Final dividend paid – 0.23p (2017: £nil) per share 
Interim dividend paid – 0.15p (2017: £nil) per share 

Year ended 
31 March  
2018 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2017 
£000 

139 
91 

230 

- 
- 

- 

13.  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  
2018 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2017 
£000 

1,232 

1,251 

Year ended 
31 March 
2018 
Number 

Year ended 
31 March 
2017 
Number 

60,596,963 

59,905,805 

Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares relating to share 
options 

5,882,951  

6,850,137 

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

66,479,914  

66,755,942 

Earnings per share  

Basic 
Diluted 

2.03p 
1.85p 

2.09p 
1.88p 

46 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Notes to the financial statements 

14.  Goodwill 

Cost 
At 1 April 2016, 31 March 2017 and 31 March 2018 

Accumulated impairment losses 
At 1 April 2016, 31 March 2017 and 31 March 2018 

Carrying amount 
At 31 March 2017 

At 31 March 2018 

Year ended 
31 March 
£000 

367 

36 

331 

331 

Goodwill relates to the Potter & Moore business acquired in March 2003. 

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  9%  and  a  discount  rate  of  6%.  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. 

15.  Other intangible assets 

Group 

  Computer 
software 
£000 

Intellectual 
property 
£000 

Product 
development costs 
£000 

Total 

£000 

Cost 
At 1 April 2016 
Additions 
Disposals 
At 31 March 2017 
Additions 
Disposals 
At 31 March 2018 

Accumulated amortisation 
At 1 April 2016 
Amortisation for the year 
Disposals 
At 31 March 2017 
Amortisation for the year 
Disposals 
At 31 March 2018 

Carrying value 
At 1 April 2016 

At 31 March 2017 

At 31 March 2018 

10 
- 
- 
10 
- 
- 
10 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

10 

10 

10 

1,292 
287 
(3) 
1,576 
546 
(352) 
1,770 

1,077 
324 
(3) 
1,398 
403 
(352) 
1,449 

1,425 
306 
(3) 
1,728 
549 
(352) 
1,925 

1,186 
333 
(3) 
1,516 
412 
(352) 
1,576 

215 

239 

178 

212 

321 

349 

123 
19 
- 
142 
3 
- 
145 

109 
9 
- 
118 
9 
- 
127 

14 

24 

18 

47 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Notes to the financial statements 

16.  Property, plant and equipment 

Group 

Cost 
At 1 April 2016 
Additions 
At 31 March 2017 
Additions 
Disposals 
At 31 March 2018 

Accumulated depreciation 
At 1 April 2016 
Depreciation for the year 
At 31 March 2017 
Depreciation for the year 
Disposals 
At 31 March 2018 

Carrying value 
At 1 April 2016 

At 31 March 2017 

At 31 March 2018 

Plant and 
machinery 
£000 

Fixtures 
and fittings 

Computers 

Total  

3,219 
473 
3,692 
470 
(152) 
4,010 

2,010 
232 
2,242 
338 
(126) 
2,454 

1,209 

1,450 

1,556 

313 
30 
343 
125 
- 
468 

169 
40 
209 
52 
- 
261 

144 

134 

207 

41 
48 
89 
38 
- 
127 

20 
16 
36 
22 
- 
58 

21 

53 

69 

3,573 
551 
4,124 
633 
(152) 
4,605 

2,199 
288 
2,487 
412 
(126) 
2,773 

1,374 

1,637 

1,832 

Included within property, plant and equipment are assets held under finance leases with a carrying value of £nil 
(2017 - £45,000) on which depreciation of £nil (2017 - £14,000) has been charged during the year. 

17.   Investment in subsidiaries 

Company 

Cost 
At 1 April 2016, 1 April 2017 & 31 March 2018 

Impairment charge 
At 1 April 2016, 31 March 2017 & 31 March 2018 

Carrying value 
At 1 April 2016, 31 March 2017 and 31 March 2018 

Details of the company’s subsidiaries at 31 March 2018 and 31 March 2017 are as follows: 

Investments 
£000 

75 

15 

60 

48 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Notes to the financial statements 

17. Investment in subsidiaries (continued) 

Name 

Potter & Moore Innovations Limited 
Potter and Moore International Inc 
Potter and Moore (Devon) Limited 
Potter and Moore Pty Ltd 
The Natural Grooming Company Limited 
St James Perfumery Co Limited 
Ashworth & Claire Limited 
The Haircare Studio Limited 
The Real Shaving Company Ltd 
The Hair Design Studio Limited 
Creightons Naturally Limited 
Groomed Limited 
Twisted Sista Limited 
Amie Skincare Limited 
Potter & Moore International Ltd 
The Herbal Hair Company Ltd 
Curl Therapy Limited 
Feather & Down Limited 
Creighton Services Limited 
The Curl Company Limited 
Creighton Direct Limited 

All shareholdings are in ordinary shares. 

Place of incorporation,  
registration and 
operation 

Proportion of 
ownership, interest 
and voting power 
held 

England 
United States of America 
England 
Australia 
England 
England 
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% 
100% 
100% 
55% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 

Potter and Moore Pty Ltd was incorporated on 21 November 2017 and Feather & Down Limited was incorporated 
on 16 May 2017. 

The activity of Potter & Moore Innovations Limited is the creation and manufacture of toiletries and fragrances.  
The activity of Potter and Moore International Inc. is a distribution of personal care products.  
The activity of Potter & Moore (Devon) Limited, is the manufacture and distribution of premium contract brands. 
The range of products includes toiletries, fragrances, candles and soaps.  
The activity of Potter and Moore Pty Ltd is the distribution of personal care products. 

All other subsidiaries were dormant throughout the years ended 31 March 2018 and 31 March 2017.  

Under  the  terms  of  the  shareholder  agreements  with  the  partners  in  Amie  Skincare  Limited  the  partner 
shareholder has the right, in certain circumstance, to purchase the company’s shareholding upon the exercise of a 
valid exercise option. The directors consider the value of this option to be immaterial. 

18.  Inventories 

Raw materials 
Work in progress 
Finished goods 

Group 

2018 
£000 

2017 
£000 

Company 

2018 
£000 

2017 
£000 

2,300 
621 
2,578 

1,516 
372 
2,136 

5,499 

4,024 

- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 

- 

Inventories  with  a  carrying  value  of  £5,499,000  (2017  -  £4,024,000)  have  been  pledged  as  security  for  the 
Group’s bank overdrafts. Directors believe that net realisable value approximates to fair value. 

49 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Notes to the financial statements 

19.  Trade and other receivables 

Group 

2018 
£000 

2017 
£000 

Company 

2018 
£000 

2017 
£000 

Trade receivables 
Amounts receivable from subsidiaries 
Prepayments and other receivables 

7,248 
- 
419 

4,699 
- 
162 

- 
2,529 
- 

- 
2,990 
- 

7,667 

4,861 

2,529 

2,990 

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. The Group assesses the credit risk 
for each individual customer and the value of debtors covered by credit insurance at 31 March 2018 was 
£5,429,000. With a further £1,815,000 on debtors which the Group consider to be low risk customers.  

Amounts receivable from subsidiaries are unsecured, interest free and repayable on demand. 

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

Trade receivables 
Less impairment provision 

Group 

2018 
£000 

2017 
£000 

Company 

2018 
£000 

2017 
£000 

7,253 
(5) 

4,707 
(8) 

7,248 

4,699 

- 
- 

- 

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

Group 

2018 
£000 

2017 
£000 

Company 

2018 
£000 

2017 
£000 

At 1 April 
(Release)/charge in current year income 
statement 

At 31 March 

8 
(3) 

5 

2 
6 

8 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

There were £498,000 (2017 - £145,000) of trade receivables that were overdue at the balance sheet  date that 
have  not  been  provided  against.  There  are  no  indications  as  at  31  March  2018  that  the  debtors  will  not  meet 
their payment obligations in respect of the amount of trade receivables recognised in the balance sheet whether 
past due or not and not provided. The proportion of trade receivables at 31 March  2018 that were overdue for 
payment was 6.9% (2017 – 3.1%). 

50 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Notes to the financial statements 

20.  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 Australian dollars 
Sterling equivalent of deposit 
denominated in Euro’s 
Sterling equivalent of deposit 
denominated in Euro’s 
Surplus invoice finance balance 

Group 

2018 
£000 

2017 
£000 

Company 

2018 
£000 

2017 
£000 

794 
11 

10 

9 

144 

968 

2,084 
- 

87 

- 

460 

2,631 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

21.  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 are with retail customers. The maximum exposure to credit risk is represented 
by the carrying amount of those financial asset in the balance sheet not covered by credit insurance. 

Impairment provisions on trade receivables have been disclosed in note 19. 

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  borrowings  over  the  year  assuming  a  1%  increase  or 
decrease which is used when reporting interest rate risk internally to key management personnel. 

A 1% increase in bank base rates would reduce Group pre-tax profits by £7,000 (2017: £6,000). A 1% decrease 
would  have  the  opposite  effect.  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 3% (2017 – 6%) of the Group’s income is denominated in 
US  dollars  and  2%  (2017  -  2%)  in  Euros.  Approximately  1%  (2017  –  1%)  of  the  Group’s  expenditure  is 
denominated in US dollars and 8% (2017 – 5%) in Euros.  

51 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Notes to the financial statements 

21.  Financial instruments and treasury risk management (continued) 

Foreign currency sensitivity 

A 5% strengthening of sterling would result in a £48,000 (2017 - £34,000) reduction in profits and equity.  A 5% 
weakening in sterling would result in a £53,000 (2017 - £37,000) increase in profits and equity. 

When appropriate the Group utilises currency derivatives to hedge against significant future transactions and cash 
flows.  The  Group  was  party  to  foreign  currency  forward  contracts  in  the  management  of  its  exchange  risk 
exposure  at  31  March  2017.  There  were  no  outstanding  contracts  as  at  31  March  2018.  The  instruments 
purchased are in the currency used by the Group’s principal overseas suppliers. 

The Group designates its foreign currency forward exchange contracts as hedging instruments as they qualify for 
hedge accounting under IAS39. The Group is party to foreign currency forward contracts in the management of its 
exchange  risk  exposure;  they  are  not  held  for  speculative  purposes.  The  instruments  purchased  are  in  the 
currencies used by the Group’s overseas customers and suppliers.  

Current assets 

Derivatives that are designated and effective 
as hedging instruments carried at fair value 
Forward foreign currency contracts 

Current liabilities 

Financial assets carried at fair value through 
the profit or loss 
Forward foreign currency contracts 

Group 

2018 
£000 

2017 
£000 

Company 

2018 
£000 

2017 
£000 

- 

- 

19 

19 

- 

- 

Group 

2018 
£000 

2017 
£000 

Company 

2018 
£000 

2017 
£000 

- 

- 

56 

56 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

The  Group  had  entered  into  forward  exchange  contracts  as  at  31  March  2017  (for  terms  not  exceeding  12 
months) for hedging the exchange rate risk from commitments to purchase raw materials denominated in Euros 
and then sold in US dollars, which were designated as cash flow hedges. There were no outstanding contracts as 
at 31 March 2018. 

Cash flow and liquidity risk 

The  Group  manages  its  working  capital  requirements  through  overdrafts  and  invoice  finance  facilities.  These 
facilities are due to be renewed in March 2018. 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 2018 the Group had available £3,873,000 (2017 - £3,829,000) of 
undrawn committed borrowing facilities in respect of which all conditions precedent had been met.  The directors 
do not consider that a more detailed maturity analysis is necessary. 

Financial assets 

Financial assets are included in the Statement of financial position within the following headings. These are valued 
at amortised cost and are detailed below. 

Group 

2018 
£000 

2017 
£000 

Company 

2018 
£000 

2017 
£000 

Trade and other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents 

7,248 
968 

4,699 
2,631 

2,529 
- 

2,990 
- 

8,216 

7,330 

2,529 

2,990 

52 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Notes to the financial statements 

21.  Financial instruments and treasury risk management (continued) 

Financial liabilities 

Financial  liabilities  apart  from  derivatives  are  included  in  the  Statement  of financial  position  within  the  following 
headings. These are valued at amortised cost and are detailed below. 

Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Accruals 
Borrowings 
Bank loan 

Non-current liabilities 
Bank loan 

Fair value hierarchy 

Group 

2018 
£000 

2017 
£000 

Company 

2018 
£000 

2017 
£000 

4,561 
699 
747 
- 

2,605 
859 
68 
116 

- 

418 

35 

- 
- 

- 

6,007 

4,066 

35 

35 

- 
116 

418 

569 

The fair value of financial instruments has been determined using the following fair value hierarchy:  

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3 

The unadjusted quoted price in an active market for identical assets or liabilities that the 
entity can access at the measurement date. 
Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable (i.e. developed 
using market data) for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. 
Inputs are unobservable (i.e. for which market data is unavailable) for the asset or liability. 

The fair value of the financial instruments of the Group at 31 March 2018 are shown in the table below:  

Forward foreign currency contracts 

Forward foreign currency contracts 

22.  Trade and other payables   

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

Level 1 
£000 

2018 
Level 2 
£000 

Level 3 
£000 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Level 1 
£000 

2017 
Level 2 
£000 

Level 3 
£000 

- 

- 

(37) 

(37) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Group 

2018 
£000 

2017 
£000 

Company 

2018 
£000 

2017 
£000 

4,561 
780 
699 
- 
220 

2,605 
863 
859 
- 
237 

6,260 

4,564 

- 
- 
- 
35 
- 

35 

- 
- 
- 
35 
- 

35 

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

Amounts payable to subsidiary undertakings are unsecured, interest free and repayable on demand. 

53 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Notes to the financial statements 

23.  Bank overdrafts and loans 

Bank overdraft 
Bank loan repayable within one year 
Bank loan repayable within two to five years 

Group 

2018 
£000 

2017 
£000 

Company 

2018 
£000 

2017 
£000 

747 
- 

747 

68 
116 
418 

602 

- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
116 
418 

534 

The borrowings in relation to the bank overdrafts are repayable on demand or within one year. The bank loan was 
repaid during the year ended 31 March 2018.  

Borrowings  totalling  £747,000  (2017  -  £68,000)  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 

2018 
% 

2017 
% 

Company 

2018 
% 

2017 
% 

Bank overdrafts 
Bank loan 
Borrowings under invoice finance facilities 

3.3 
2.7 
2.8 

3.2 
2.7 
2.7 

- 

- 

- 

- 

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

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

24.  Share capital 

At 1 April 2016 
Issued in the year 
At 31 March 2017 
Issued in the year 
At 31 March 2018 

Ordinary shares of 1p each 

£000 

Number 

599 
7 
606 
1 
607 

59,837,243 
715,000 
60,552,243 
85,909 
60,638,152 

The Company has one class of ordinary shares which carry no right to fixed income. All of the share are issued 
and  fully  paid.  The  total  proceeds  from  the  issue  of  shares  from  the  exercise  of  share  options  in  the  year  was 
£4,000 (2017 – £17,000).  

25.  Other reserves 

Group 

Capital 
reserve 

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 

Total 
Other 
reserves 

£000 

£000 

£000 

At 1 April 2016, 31 March 2017 and 31 March 2018 

7 

18 

25 

54 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Notes to the financial statements 

26.  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 
10 years from the date of grant, the option expires. Options are forfeited if the employee leaves the Group before 
options vest. 

Fair value is calculated using the Black-Scholes model as below.   

Ordinary shares of 1p each 

Number 

2018 

Weighted 
average 
exercise price 

Number 

2017 

Weighted 
average 
exercise price 

Outstanding at the beginning of the 
period 
Exercised in the period 
Lapsed in the period 

5,940,000 

5.26p 

7,005,000 

(85,909) 
(50,000) 

4.85p 
4.50p 

(715,000) 
(350,000) 

Outstanding at the end of the period 

5,804,091 

4.72p 

5,940,000 

5.10p 

2.37p 
4.69p 

5.26p 

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

Granted 

December 2013 
November 2014 
September 2015 

Exercise 
period 

Number 

Exercise 
price 

2017 – 2023 
2018 - 2024 
2018 – 2025 

45,000 
1,309,091 
4,450,000 

4.25p 
5.50p 
4.50p 

Outstanding at the end of the period 

5,804,091 

4.72p 

The weighted average contractual life for the outstanding options based on last exercise date is 7.0 years. 

The Group recognised total expenses of £69,000 (2017 - £90,000) related to share-based payments. 

27.  Retirement benefit scheme 

The Group operates defined contribution schemes for employees. The assets of the schemes are held separately 
from those of the Group. The Group also entered into an auto-enrolment pension scheme on 1 April 2014.  

The  charge  in  the  consolidated  income  statement  in  the  year  was  £105,000  (2017:  £77,000)  and  cash 
contributions were £83,000 (2017: £67,000). 

55 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Notes to the financial statements 

28.  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  
2018 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March  
2017 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March  
2018 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March  
2017 
£000 

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

546 

513 

- 

- 

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

Total operating leases, expiring 

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

Total 

29.  Capital commitments 

Group 

2018 
£000 

2017 
£000 

Company 

2018 
£000 

2017 
£000 

571 
1,200 
555 

510 
1,334 
701 

2,326 

2,545 

- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 

- 

Group 

2018 
£000 

2017 
£000 

Company 

2018 
£000 

2017 
£000 

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

329 

33 

- 

- 

30.  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 

Year ended 
31 March  
2018 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2017 
£000 

2,529 

2,990 

(35) 

(35) 

During  the  year  the  company  was  charged  £69,000  (2017:  £90,000)  by  Potter  &  Moore  Innovations  Limited  in 
relation  to  share-based  payment  charges,  received  cash  from  Potter  &  Moore  Innovations  Limited  of  £nil  (2017: 
£nil)  and  transferred  £4,000  from  the  proceeds  of  the  exercise  of  share  option  (2017:  £17,000).  The  company 
financed, in the form of a loan, the acquisition costs relating to Potter & Moore (Devon) of £Nil (2017: £600,000) 
and  received  repayments  of  £534,000  in  the  year  to  March  2018  (2017:  £66,000).  The  Company  received  a 
dividend of £230,000 (2017: £nil) from Potter & Moore Innovations Limited. 

56 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Notes to the financial statements 

30. Related party transactions (continued) 

Oratorio Developments Limited 

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: 

Rental charges 
Re-imbursement of property insurance costs 

Total 

Amounts owed to Oratorio Developments Limited 

Amounts payable 

Carty Johnson Limited 

Year ended 
31 March  
2018 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2017 
£000 

350 
16 

366 

350 
18 

368 

Year ended 
31 March  
2018 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2017 
£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  
2018 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2017 
£000 

Charges for internet support services 

7 

9 

Saxon Coast Limited 

Saxon  Coast  Limited,  a  company  of  which  Mr  O’Shea  is  a Director  and  controlling  shareholder  provides  company 
secretarial services. The following amounts were charged in the year: 

Year ended 
31 March  
2018 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2017 
£000 

Charges for company secretarial services 

13 

8 

Details of the remuneration paid to related parties (as well as any salaries and bonuses waived) is included in the 
Directors Remuneration Report on page 18. 

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 18 to 23. 

Salaries and other short term benefits 

Total 

57 

Year ended 
31 March 
2018 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2017 
£000 

539 

539 

527 

527 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Notes to the financial statements 

31.  Notes to cash flow statement 

Group 

Profit from operations 

1,635 

1,275 

  Year ended 

31 March 
2018 

Year ended 
31 March 
2017 

  Group total   Group total 

£000 

£000 

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

Increase in inventories 
Increase in trade and other receivables 
Increase in trade and other payables 
Increase in deferred tax provision 
Movement in non-cash derivatives 

Cash (used in)/generated from operations 

Interest paid 
Taxation paid 

412 
412 
26 
69 

288 
333 
- 
90 

2,554 

1,986 

(1,475) 
(2,806) 
1,710 
- 
- 

(112) 
(813) 
1,021 
26 
(26) 

(17) 

2,082 

(26) 
(370) 

(24) 
- 

Net cash (used in)/from operating activities 

(413) 

2,058 

Analysis of changes in net debt 

Cash and bank balances 
Borrowings 

Net debt 

Cash and bank balances 
Borrowings 

Net debt 

At 1 April 
2017 
£000’s 

Cash flow 

£000’s 

Non-cash 
movements 
£000’s 

At 31 
March 2018 
£000’s 

2,631 
(602) 

(1,676) 
(145) 

2,029 

(1,821) 

13 
- 

13 

968 
(747) 

221 

At 1 April 
2016 
£000’s 

Cash flow 

£000’s 

Non-cash 
movements 
£000’s 

At 31 
March 2017 
£000’s 

814 
- 

1,815 
(602) 

814 

1,213 

2 
- 

2 

2,631 
(602) 

2,029 

58 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Notes to the financial statements 

31. Notes to cash flow statement 

Company 

Profit from operations 

Adjustments for: 
Share based payment charge 

(decrease)/increase in trade and other receivables 

Cash generated from operations 

Interest paid 
Interest received 

Net cash from / (used in) operating activities 

32.  Deferred tax 

The movement in deferred tax provision is analysed as follows. 

At 1 April 2016 
Recognised in the income statement 
Recognised directly through retained earnings 

At 31 March 2017 

Recognised in the income statement 
Recognised directly through retained earnings 

At 31 March 2018 

Deferred tax is represented by. 

Capital allowances in advance of depreciation 
Share based payments 
Other temporary differences 

Net deferred tax liability 

Year ended 
31 March  
2018 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2017 
£000 

- 

69 

69 

- 

90 

90 

461 

(641) 

530 

(551) 

(5) 
5 

(8) 
8 

530 

(551) 

Group 
£000 

- 
(1) 
(25) 

(26) 

(25) 
17 

(34) 

Year ended 
31 March 
2018 
£000 

Year ended 
31 March 
2017 
£000 

(126) 
80 
12 

(34) 

(83) 
52 
5 

(26) 

59 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creightons Plc    Annual Report 2018 

Directors and Advisers  

Directors 

William O McIlroy  
Bernard JM Johnson 
William T Glencross 
Mary T Carney 
Nicholas DJ O’Shea 
Philippa Clark 
Martin Stevens 
Paul Forster 

Chairman 
Managing Director 
Non-executive Director 
Senior Independent Non-executive Director 
Non-executive Director 
Global Sales & Marketing Director 
Deputy Managing Director 
Director of UK Operations 

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  

Moore Stephens LLP 
150 Aldersgate Street 
London   
EC1A 4AB 

Bankers 

HSBC Bank Plc 
Cathedral Square  
Peterborough 
PE1 1XL  

Financial Advisers 

Beaumont Cornish Ltd 
2nd Floor  
Bowman House 
29 Wilson Street   
London 
EC2M 2SJ 

Registrars 

Link Market Services Limited 
Northern House 
Fenay Bridge 
Huddersfield 
HD8 0GA 

Solicitors 

Coolebevis 
5 The Steyne  
Worthing 
West Sussex 
BN11 3DT 

Thomson, Webb & Corfield 
16 Union Road  
Cambridge  
CM2V 1HE  

60