Quarterlytics / Consumer Cyclical / Furnishings, Fixtures & Appliances / Davide Campari / FY2012 Annual Report

Davide Campari
Annual Report 2012

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FY2012 Annual Report · Davide Campari
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Europe’s leading  
floor coverings retailer

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Annual report and 
accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
About us

Carpetright plc is Europe’s leading  
specialist floor coverings retailer.

The first store was opened in 1988 and  
the Group trades from 632 stores and 
employs over 3,300 team members.

The Group is organised into two 
geographical regions, the UK and  
the Rest of Europe (comprising the 
Netherlands, Belgium and the Republic  
of Ireland).

www.carpetright.plc.uk 

1 
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Overview 
Financial highlights 
Group at a glance 
Chairman’s statement 

Directors’ report: Business review 
Principal activities 
Business objective and strategies 
Operational and financial review 
Group financial review 
Principal risks and uncertainties 
People 
Corporate responsibility 

Directors’ report: Governance 
Board of Directors 
Corporate governance 
Audit Committee report 
Directors’ remuneration report 
Other information 
Statement of Directors’ responsibilities 

Financial statements 
Financial statements 
Notes to the accounts 
Group five year financial summary  
Independent auditors’ report 
Calendar 
Advisers 

1 
2 
4 

6 
6 
8 
13 
15 
16 
17 

19 
20 
24 
25 
32 
34 

36 
40 
71 
72 
73 
73 

Overview 
Financial highlights 

Revenue 
Underlying1 profit before tax 
Profit before tax 
Underlying1 earnings per share 
Basic earnings per share 
Dividend per share 

52 weeks ending
28 April 2012 

£471.5m
£4.0m
£13.5m
4.5p
16.4p
Nil

52 weeks ending 
30 April 2011 

£486.8m 
£16.9m 
£6.6m 
18.0p 
6.8p 
8.0p 

Change 

(3.1%) 
(76.3%) 
104.5% 
(75.0%) 
141.2%
–

1.  Where this review makes reference to ‘Underlying’ these relate to profit/earnings before exceptional items.

www.carpetright.plc.uk

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
22 
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Group at a glance 

Strong market positions and geographic regions 

Over 
3,300 
People 

4 
Countries

632 
Stores 

Republic of
Ireland

20

Stores

Carpetright plc Annual report and accounts 2012
Carpetright plc Annual report and accounts 2012

Store portfolio at 28 April 2012 

UK  
Standalone 
Concessions 
Total 

Rest of Europe  
Netherlands  
Belgium 
Republic of Ireland 
Total 

Group total 

UK

490

Stores

Belgium

28

Stores

Sites 

474 
16 
490 

94 
28 
20 
142 

632 

’000 sq ft 

4,241
29
4,270

1,094
329
147
1,570

5,840

Netherlands

94

Stores

 
 
 
 
 
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Regional performance 

UK 
Revenue 
Underlying operating profit 
Trading space sq ft ’000 
Number of stores 
Number of people 

Rest of Europe  
Revenue  
Underlying operating profit 
Trading space sq ft ’000 
Number of stores 
Number of people 

52 weeks ending
28 April 2012 

52 weeks ending
30 April 2011 

£381.6m £396.6m
£17.8m
4,514
539
2,934

£2.8m
4,270
490
2,718

£89.9m
£5.2m
1,570
142
666

£90.2m
£3.4m
1,558
140
691

Revenue contribution: Group % 

Profit contribution: Group % 

People % 

19%

65%

81%

19.7%

35%

80.3%

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Netherlands

94

Stores

Number of stores: Regional %

Trading space: Regional % (sq ft)

22.5%

26.9%

77.5%

73.1%

UK

 Rest of Europe 

www.carpetright.plc.uk

Republic of

Ireland

20

Stores

UK

490

Stores

Belgium

28

Stores

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4 
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Chairman’s statement 

We are Europe’s leading specialist carpet  
and floor coverings retailer 

Lord Harris of Peckham 
Chairman 

In my statement last year I said I expected the coming year would  
be challenging, with an extended period of economic uncertainty 
and fragile consumer confidence, and this proved to be the case.   
As a result, the Group faced difficult trading conditions leading to  
a reduction in sales volume, but we remain profitable and continue  
to generate strong operating cash flows. 

Total revenue for the 52 weeks ended 28 April 2012 decreased by 
3.1% to £471.5m (2011: £486.8m).  Underlying profit before tax 
decreased by 76.3% to £4.0m (2011: £16.9m).  Reported profit  
before tax increased to £13.5m (2011: £6.6m), reflecting our  
success in realising significant profits from the sale of freehold 
properties (further information on these disposals is contained in 
the Operational and Financial Review).  Underlying earnings per 
share have fallen to 4.5p (2011: 18.0p) and basic earnings per share 
increased to 16.4p (2011: 6.8p).  During this difficult trading period 
we have continued our focus on reducing the Group’s net debt.   
It is therefore pleasing to announce that as at 28 April 2012 this 
stood at £19.1m (2011: £65.7m), a substantial reduction on the  
prior year, demonstrating the ability of the Group to continue to 
generate cash even in these most difficult of times. 

The Group has remained cash generative and profitable in this 
sustained period of recessionary trading but underlying profits have 
fallen again this year and short term economic conditions continue 
to remain uncertain.  Consequently the Board feels it is appropriate  

to reduce its reliance on debt rather than recommend a payment  
of a final dividend for this financial year. The Board recognises the 
importance of dividends to shareholders and will seek to restore 
payment of a dividend when debt has been reduced, a sustained 
recovery is evident and this is reflected in the financial results of  
the Group.  I have been in the carpet business for over 50 years  
and whilst my enthusiasm for the business remains the same,  
as I near my 70th birthday it was appropriate to address the issue  
of succession. 

In September 2011, I was delighted that Darren Shapland agreed to 
join Carpetright’s Board as a Non-Executive Director.  Darren was 
an outstanding Finance Director of the Group between 2002 and 
2005 and his subsequent success at Sainsbury’s speaks for itself.  
Following Darren’s appointment it became clear to me, and the rest 
of the Board, that the combination of his extensive retail experience 
and specific knowledge of the Group made him an excellent 
candidate for the role of Chief Executive and he was appointed to 
this position with effect from 14 May 2012.  I am confident he will 
make a huge contribution to the future of the business. 

There will be a period of transition during which I will work closely 
with Darren, specifically on buying, property and store standards, 
although I anticipate that my active involvement will decrease 
gradually over time.  

Carpetright plc Annual report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We are encouraged to see a positive impact 
from the self-help actions taken during the year, 
whilst recognising within our plans that economic 
conditions will remain difficult for some time.   

“

”

I am also pleased that Baroness Noakes has agreed to stay on the 
Board in the new role of Deputy Chairman in order to assist the 
Board with the transition of roles and responsibilities.  

We have had a number of other changes to the membership of  
the Board.  Guy Weston retired as a Non-Executive Director  
after six years of service.  I would like to thank him for his valued 
contribution to the Group.  I was delighted to welcome David 
Clifford to the Board in December 2011, as a Non-Executive 
Director.  He was previously a senior partner with KPMG and 
throughout his career has held a variety of roles and led the 
Consumer Markets unit of KPMG for a period, advising a number 
of retailers.  He has made an extremely valuable contribution to  
the Board since his appointment. 

When Darren agreed to become Chief Executive, we wanted to 
comply with the Corporate Governance Code, which mandates  
that there has to be at least as many independent non-executive 
directors as other directors, and to avoid the Board becoming too 
large.  Accordingly Claire Balmforth and Andy Corden stood down 
from the Board in May 2012 but will retain their full executive 
responsibilities for the UK and European businesses respectively.   
I would like to thank them for their contribution to the Board and, 
more importantly, for their contributions to the success of the 
business both in the past and the future. 

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On behalf of the Board, it is important to recognise and thank  
all of our loyal and dedicated team members for their continued 
commitment and contribution throughout the year.  Whether in 
stores, distribution centres or central support offices these teams, 
who consistently provide excellent customer service, remain 
critically important.  It is their efforts that really make the difference. 

Looking forward, fragile consumer confidence continues to produce 
a weak and volatile floor coverings market.  We are encouraged to 
see a positive impact from the self-help actions taken during the 
year, whilst recognising within our plans that economic conditions 
will remain difficult for some time.  That said, I remain confident  
the Group is well positioned to deliver profitable sales growth once 
consumer demand improves. 

Lord Harris of Peckham 
Chairman  

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www.carpetright.plc.uk

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
66 

Directors’ report: Business review 

The Directors present their Annual Report to the shareholders together with the audited 
financial statements for the financial year ended 28 April 2012. This report, together with 
the Chairman’s Statement, describes the results and activity for the period, future plans, 
trends and factors affecting the development, position and performance of the business. 

Principal activities 
Carpetright plc is Europe’s leading specialist floor covering retailer, selling a wide range of carpets, rugs, vinyls and laminates together with 
associated accessories.  We have extended our product offering to include beds in around half of our stores. 

The Group trades from 632 stores organised and managed in two geographical segments, the UK and the Rest of Europe (comprising the 
Netherlands, Belgium and the Republic of Ireland). 
Business objective and strategies 
The primary financial objective of the Group is to deliver long term sustainable growth in earnings per share and cash flow.  We aim to achieve 
this through the following strategies: 

Strategy 

KPI

Definition

Improving and developing our flooring product ranges  
and services 
Ensuring we continually improve and develop our flooring product 
ranges to provide consumers with a market leading product choice 
which offers great value, backed up by excellent customer service. 

Like-for-like sales

Calculated as this year’s net sales divided 
by last year’s net sales for all stores that  
are at least 12 months old at the beginning 
of the financial year (calculated in  
local currency). 

Developing our bed proposition 
To develop a bed proposition as a complementary revenue stream to 
our core floor coverings business, offering consumers a wide choice  
at competitive prices. 

Managing and investing in our store portfolio 
To manage our store base continually to exploit opportunities which 
deliver better overall profitability. 

Gross Profit %

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales
(calculated in local currency). 

Sales participation 
of beds 

Value of net sales of beds as a proportion 
of total sales. 

Number of stores

The number of stores trading at the end of 
the year. 

Store space

Store gross area, including both selling and 
warehouse space.  Space occupied by sub 
tenants is excluded. 

Reaching more customers through additional channels 
To extend the reach of Carpetright’s brand by developing our  
online business and growing sales through the insurance  
replacement market. 

Ongoing focus on cost control and cash management 
To provide the flexibility to offer competitive prices and to manage 
our margin we take a determined approach across the business on 
cost control and cash management. 

Sales originated from 
online leads

Sales directly online and those in stores 
that have been attributable to online leads.

Sales participation of 
non-retail business

Value of net sales to non-retail customers 
as a proportion of total sales. 

Cost as % of sales

Operating costs expressed as a percentage 
of sales (calculated in local currency). 

Net debt

Value of net debt at year end. 

Carpetright plc Annual report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7 
7

Performance 

In a tough consumer environment, we have focused on offering great value, 
backed up with excellent service, with like-for-like sales showing year on year 
growth in the second half. 

The deterioration of consumer confidence impacted the second half in the 
Netherlands, partially offset by the success of the recovery plan in the Republic  
of Ireland delivering year on year growth for last three quarters.

Business

2012 

2011 

2010

2009

UK

(0.2%)   

(6.0%)   

4.2% (13.3%)

Europe

(1.2%)   

(4.0%)   

(6.2%)

1.1%

In the first half of the year sales volumes were closely linked to periods of higher 
promotional discount.  In the second half of the year the level of margin 
investment was reduced through adapting ranges and working with suppliers.

UK

58.9% 

  62.2%    61.9% 62.1%

The increasing participation of laminate in the sales mix resulted in a small dilution.  Europe

56.9% 

  57.1%    58.5% 58.3%

The ranging of beds into more stores and the development of the proposition 
has increased both sales and mix participation. 

UK

6.1% 

5.1%   

3.5%

1.7%

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We have opened 12 stores and closed 61 stores.  Of the latter, 28 were concessions. UK

We have opened three stores and closed one. 

Within the number of store movements we have downsized three stores by 
relocating to new units.  

Europe

UK

490 

142 

539   

140   

561

142

541

142

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4,270 

4,514   

4,626

4,439

In addition to the increase in the number of stores, we have also returned 6k sq ft 
of surplus space to landlords. 

Europe

1,570 

1,558   

1,580

1,602

During the year we have focused on converting leads originating from online 
samples and appointments. 

The structural change in the insurance replacement procurement market has 
reduced our sales through this channel. 

The cost base was reduced by 2.8% due to a reduction in the number of stores, 
successful rent negotiations and reduced depreciation.  This was partially offset 
by increased business rates and utility costs.  

UK

UK

UK

3.9% 

2.1%   

n/a

n/a

3.3% 

4.9%   

4.1%

3.6%

58.2% 

  57.7%    55.0% 57.5%

Cost decreased by 5.8%, a combination of structural inflationary pressures on 
employment and occupancy cost in the Netherlands and Belgium, offset by cost 
reduction activities in the Republic of Ireland. 

The cash generative nature of the business was supplemented by the sale and 
leaseback of nine freehold stores.

Europe

50.6% 

  53.3%    51.6% 51.1%

Group

£19.1m 

  £65.7m    £71.3m £97.1m

We aim to act responsibly towards all our stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, employees and the communities in which we  
operate.  A summary of our approach is on pages 17 and 18 of this report. 

www.carpetright.plc.uk

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
88 

Operational and financial review 

Our focus is to deliver long-term sustainable growth 

“I am excited to have joined Carpetright as its Chief Executive.  
Whilst it has been seven years since I was previously in an 
executive role here, Carpetright is a business I know well.  
Notwithstanding the on-going challenges of the difficult 
consumer environment, I have been encouraged by what I have 
seen so far in the six weeks since becoming Chief Executive.  
The Group remains in a commanding position in its markets,  
with a number one position in floor coverings and a fast growing 
bed business in the UK; a strong presence in the Netherlands 
and Belgium; and a recovering business in Ireland. 

Carpetright is also a business that is focused and tightly 
managed which provides a firm basis for recovery.  Critically,  
it has over 3,000 great people across its operations committed  
to customers and improving the performance of the Group.  
Together, this makes a solid platform from which to build and  
I look forward to working with Lord Harris and the team in the 
future development of the business.” 

Darren Shapland 
Chief Executive 

Business Review 
Our business in the UK has been operating in a very difficult market, 
but has remained profitable with underlying operating profits  
down 84.3% to £2.8m.  We were encouraged by a return to growth  
in like-for-like sales in the second half of the financial year, an 
improving gross margin and the results of our continuous 
programme of cost reduction. 

In this environment, customers are looking harder than ever for 
value before making their purchasing decisions.  Based on our 
experience, we are adapting our ranges and promotional activity  
to continue to offer the best prices, whilst simultaneously working 
with our suppliers to reduce the level of margin investment. 

The underlying operating profits in the Rest of Europe have 
increased by 52.9% to £5.2m.  The Netherlands and Belgium 
businesses are continuing to gain market share as competitors 
struggle in the current economic conditions.  In this climate our 
focus has been similar to the UK business as we look to improve  
our range, operational efficiency and reduce costs.  As part of this  
we took the decision to consolidate our European Central Support 
Office functions into the Netherlands and this will deliver a full  
year saving of £0.5m per annum. 

The previously announced actions taken in our business in the 
Republic of Ireland delivered an improvement in underlying 
performance.  The product range continues to be refined and 
adapted to align it more closely to the local market, and promotional 
campaigns have also been restructured.  It is encouraging to report 

three consecutive quarters of like-for-like growth and this, combined 
with actions taken on reducing costs, has halved the losses over the 
last 12 months. 

In common with many other businesses, we consider it appropriate 
to reduce our debt requirements in an uncertain economic 
environment with tighter credit conditions.  In addition to the 
business continuing to create strong operating cash flows, we have 
completed the sale and leaseback of nine freehold properties from 
which we trade.  Of these, four were located in the UK, four in 
Belgium and one in the Netherlands.  The combined net proceeds 
were £32.0m, realising a profit on disposal of £14.5m.  This was a 
significant factor in the reduction of the net debt during the year by 
£46.6m to £19.1m (2011: £65.7m). 

Our Strategy 
The Group remains committed to delivering long term sustainable 
growth in earnings per share and cash flow through the following 
five strategies: 

1. Improving and developing our flooring product ranges  

and services. 

2. Developing our bed proposition. 

3. Managing and investing in our store portfolio. 

4. Reaching more customers through additional channels. 

5. Ongoing focus on cost control and cash management. 

Carpetright plc Annual report and accounts 2012
Carpetright plc Annual report and accounts 2012 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9 
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1.  Improving and developing our flooring product 
ranges and services  
We believe the foundations of Carpetright’s success rest on the 
provision of market leading product choice which offers great value, 
backed by excellent customer service.  As well as our experience over 
many years, this view is supported by externally conducted market 
research which indicates that Carpetright benefits from both strong 
brand recognition and a reputation for being the ‘first choice’ for 
fitted carpet.  

In the UK, the roll out of our new laminate offering has continued 
and, as at the end of April 2012, this was available in 185 stores.   
We expect this will provide an extra area of sales growth, supported 
by the strength of our value and service proposition.   

To increase our understanding and to monitor performance against 
our key customer objectives, we introduced a mystery shopper 
programme during the first half of the year.  Initial results have enabled 
us to identify areas of service which we can improve and will deliver  
a better sales performance.  These are being addressed through a 
coaching and development programme.  As we enter the new financial 
year, we have also increased the sales related incentives which enable 
the store teams to gain a higher reward for delivering great service. 

In the Rest of Europe, we continued to introduce new products,  
and adapted our promotional offer to suit consumer demand.   
Our growth in laminate sales, a product area where we have had  
a low market share historically, has been encouraging.  This has  
been achieved through the introduction of a comprehensive range, 
with a competitive offer supported by our high service standards. 

2.  Developing our bed proposition 
Beds provide an important complementary revenue stream to our 
core floor coverings business.  We have developed and expanded  
the bed business during the year, and at the end of April 2012 our 
bed offer ‘Sleepright by Carpetright’ was trading from 272 stores 
(2011: 238).  This area of the business delivered an increase in sales  
of 13.2% in the year and now represents 6.1% of UK sales revenue 
(2011: 5.1%).  We believe this business has significant further  
growth potential in the coming year and we will be focusing on  
range development, improving customer awareness of our bed  
offer and reducing delivery times. 

3.  Managing and investing in our store portfolio 
At the end of April we had 490 stores trading in the UK.  During  
the last year, we opened 12 new stores and closed 61 stores, inclusive 
of the 16 concessions in Focus DIY, following that business entering 
administration.  This resulted in a net store decline of 49 stores  
and translated to a reduction in net space of 244k sq ft, a decrease  
of 5.4% since the start of the year.   

We continue to see an increasing trend for customers to use the 
internet to complete a significant proportion of pre-purchase research 
online.  With growing numbers of customers prepared to travel  
further to make their single physical store visit to complete their 
purchase we believe that, over time, this will result in a shift in the 
required geographic density of our store estate.  With leases on 88 
stores due to expire in the next five years there is a natural opportunity 
to further reshape the portfolio in a cost effective way, reducing the  
size of the store footprint and lowering our ongoing rent roll. 

During the second half we began a programme of store 
refurbishments to update and refresh our UK estate.  This has 
involved improving natural light, updating signage, replacing floor 
coverings and upgrading in-store lighting.  The response to an  
initial trial of 34 stores was encouraging with sales up around  
10% compared to the rest of the like-for-like estate, delivering  
a pay back on the investment within one year.  The new format is 
now in 62 stores and we are currently developing our plans for  
the continuation of this programme in the coming year. 

In the Rest of Europe, we opened three new stores during the year 
and closed one store. This translated into a net increase of 12k sq ft  
of selling space, to a total of 1,570k sq ft in 142 stores (2011: 140).   

Two of the new locations were ‘sample only’ stores, building on the 
successful trial opening of a similar store in the prior year.  This new 
smaller format is expected to provide an opportunity for future 
growth in the store estate.   

4.  Reaching more customers through  
additional channels 
In the UK, the internet has become a vital research tool for many  
of our customers and we continued to invest in our online presence 
during the year.  On a weekly basis we are now achieving an average 
of over 70,000 unique visitors to our website, a 16% increase on the 
prior year and this has produced corresponding increases in both 
sample requests and appointment leads.  We are investing in a larger 
team, recruiting individuals with the necessary skills and experience 
to ensure we maximise the opportunity.  We have also focused 
activity to improve our conversion to sales ratio with the opening of 
a call centre manned by knowledgeable Carpetright people and by 
improved follow up at store level.  This demonstrates the importance 
of having an effective and integrated multi-channel proposition.   

We have continued to focus on gaining additional sales through the 
insurance replacement business.  This has proved to be a challenge  
as we understand there has been a reduction in insurance renewals 
associated with the current economic conditions and a structural 
change in the procurement of goods and services by the agents of the 
insurers.  The volume of business through this channel is currently 
small relative to the Group’s total revenue, although we believe it 
offers an opportunity for profitable sales growth. 

5.  Ongoing focus on cost control and  
cash management 
We are committed to an ongoing focus on cost control.  This ensures 
we have an appropriate cost base for the current economic conditions. 

We have a flexible sourcing policy and work closely with our 
suppliers to ensure we achieve the most competitive product costs. 

We anticipate inflationary pressures to come from energy and 
business rates but expect to offset these with favourable negotiations 
with landlords, maintaining a flexible approach to matching store 
staff costs to the level of sales and continuing our programme of 
tendering for all non-merchandise goods and services.  

The cash generative nature of the business has been supplemented  
by the sale and leaseback of nine freehold properties, enabling the 
year end net debt to be reduced by £46.6m to £19.1m.  We intend  
to continue to reduce the level of debt within the Group.  

www.carpetright.plc.uk

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1010 

Operational and financial review continued 

Financial Highlights 

A summary of the reported financial results for the year ended  
28 April 2012 is set out below:  

Revenue 
Underlying1 operating profit  
Net finance charges 
Underlying1 profit before tax 
Exceptional items 
Profit before tax 
Earnings per share (pence) 
– underlying1 
– basic 
Dividends per share (pence) 
Net debt 

 2012 
£m 
471.5 
8.0 
(4.0) 
4.0 
9.5 
13.5 

4.5 
16.4 
Nil 
(19.1) 

2011 
£m 
486.8 
21.2 
(4.3) 
16.9 
(10.3) 

Change 
(3.1%)
(62.3%)
7.0%
(76.3%)

6.6  104.5%

18.0 

(75.0%)
6.8  141.2%
8.0 

(65.7)  £46.6m

1.   Where this review makes reference to “Underlying” these relate to profit / earnings 

before exceptional items.  

Performance by Business 

For year to 28 April 2012 

Revenue 
UK  
Rest of Europe 
Total revenue 

Underlying operating profit1 
UK 
Rest of Europe 
Total underlying operating profit 

Underlying operating profit % 
UK 
Rest of Europe 
Total underlying operating profit %

Overview 
Total sales decreased by 3.1% to £471.5m, reflecting the tough 
consumer environment in all the geographic markets where we 
operate.  During the year, the Group opened 15 stores and closed  
62 which gave a net decrease of 47 stores and a total store base of  
632.  Total store space declined by 3.8% to 5.8 million square feet. 

Weak consumer demand was a significant contributor to the decline 
in underlying operating profit to £8.0m, a decrease of 62.2% on the 
prior year.  Underlying net finance charges were £0.3m lower at 
£4.0m.  These combined to generate an underlying profit before  
tax of £4.0m, a decrease of 76.3% on the prior year. 

Exceptional items generated a surplus of £9.5m (2011: a charge of 
£10.3m), being net property profits partially offset by a combination 
of restructuring costs, non-cash store impairment and onerous  
lease charges. 

As a result, profit before tax increased by 104.5% to £13.5m  
(2011: £6.6m).  Basic earnings per share increased by 141.2%  
to 16.4p reflecting the increase in post tax earnings. 

The combination of cash flow from continued underlying 
profitability, effective management of working capital, the control  
of capital expenditure and proceeds from the disposal of freehold 
properties, enabled net debt to be reduced by £46.6m to £19.1m 
(2011: £65.7m).  The cash flow strength of the Group is highlighted 
by the fact that in the past three years net debt has been reduced by 
over 80% from £97.1m as at April 2009, in the most demanding of 
consumer environments. 

Total
£m 

381.6
89.9
471.5

Year on Year Movement 

Reported 

Local Currency 

Like-for-like2 

(3.8%)
(0.3%)
(3.1%)

(2.0%) 

(0.2%)
(1.2%)

2.8
5.2
8.0

(84.3%)
52.9%
(62.3%)

65.0% 

0.7%
5.8%
1.7%

(3.8ppts)
2.0ppts
(2.7ppts)

1.  Underlying operating profit is operating profit before exceptional items. 

2.  Like-for-like sales growth – calculated as this year’s net sales divided by last year’s net sales for all stores that are at least 12 months old at the beginning of our financial year.   

Stores closed during the year are excluded from both years.  No account is taken of changes to store size or the introduction of third party concessions.  Sales from insurance and 
housebuilders’ contracts are supplied through the stores and included in their figures. 

Carpetright plc Annual report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
UK 
Total UK revenue decreased 3.8% in the year to £381.6m.  This 
performance can be attributed to three key factors: 

i) 
ii) 

the underlying retail flooring performance was down 2.7%; 
the focus on developing our bed offer and introducing it into 
more stores contributed 0.6% to growth; and 

iii)  a fall in sales to the insurance and house builder businesses 

accounted for 1.7% of the decline. 

After taking into account the movement in the number of stores the 
like-for-like sales for the year declined by 0.2%, with the first half 
down 2.4%, predominantly offset by a stronger second half, being  
an increase of 1.9%.  

Gross profit declined by 8.8% to £224.8m, representing 58.9% of 
sales, a decrease of 3.3 percentage points.  This movement is a 
combination of: 

i) 

ii) 

the decline in the underlying floor covering margin with 
demand higher in periods of stronger promotional activity, 
particularly in the first half of the year, contributing an adverse 
movement of 3.2 percentage points; 
a decline in the insurance business resulted in a change in  
the overall sales mix.  This accounted for an increase of  
0.3 percentage points (as this part of the business operates  
on a lower gross margin than retail floor coverings); and 

UK – Performance Review

The key financial results for the UK were: 

Revenue 
Like-for-like sales 
Gross profit 
Gross profit % 
Costs 
Underlying operating profit 
Underlying operating profit % 

The UK portfolio is now as follows: 

Standalone  
Concessions  
Total 

11 
11

iii) 

the impact of fuel inflation on delivery costs accounted for  
an adverse movement of 0.4 percentage points.   

The total UK cost base decreased by 2.9% compared with the prior 
year to £222.0m (2011: £228.7m).  Store payroll costs continue to  
be managed closely to the volume of sales and reduced by 7.5%  
to £57.6m (2011: £62.3m).  Store occupancy costs fell 1.7% to 
£127.5m (2011: £129.7m) due to a reduction in the number of stores, 
successful rent negotiations and reduced depreciation, although this 
was partially offset by increased utility and business rates inflation.  
The underlying rent in like-for-like stores decreased marginally by 
0.2% (2011: 0.4%), reflecting a continued weakening of the property 
market in the current economic climate.  Marketing and central 
support costs were up 0.3% at £36.9m (2011: £36.8m), primarily  
the result of one-off income received in the prior year relating to a 
successful VAT reclaim.  The underlying movement was a decline  
of 2.7% with the largest element being the reduction in management 
and administrative headcount.  

Underlying operating profit decreased by 84.3% to £2.8m. 

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2012 
£m 
381.6 
(0.2%) 
224.8 
58.9% 
(222.0) 
2.8 
0.7% 

2011
£m 
396.6
(6.0%)
246.5
62.2%
(228.7)
17.8
4.5%

Change 
(3.8%)

(8.8%)
(3.3ppts)
2.9%
(84.3%)
(3.8ppts)

Store Numbers 

Sq Ft (’000) 

30 April 2011 
495
44
539

Openings 
12
–
12

Closures 
(33)
(28)
(61)

28 April 2012 

474   
16   
490   

30 April 2011 
4,410
104
4,514

28 April 2012 
4,241
29
4,270

www.carpetright.plc.uk

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
1212 

Operational and financial review continued 

Rest of Europe 
Despite  a  decline  in  sales,  good  progress  has  been  made  in  Europe 
where we have seen improved profitability and a reduction in costs. 

Total reported revenue decreased year on year by 0.3% to £89.9m 
impacted in part by a movement in exchange rates.  Sales in local 
currency declined 2.0%, with like-for-like sales down 1.2%.  All 
markets were impacted by the current economic situation with 
consumers remaining cautious with their discretionary expenditure. 

Gross profit margin decreased marginally to 57.0% (2011: 57.1%), 
primarily due to the impact of the mix effect of selling more laminate 

at a lower than average margin, partially offset by improved rebates 
and effective management of the promotional mix.  Reported 
operating costs decreased by 4.4% to £46.0m.  In local currency 
terms, costs decreased by 6.7% despite inherent inflationary 
increases.  The reduction came as a result of the negotiated salary 
and rent reductions, and the consolidation of central support 
functions.  This reflects the tight management control and focus  
on achieving efficiencies within the whole operation. 

The net result was an underlying operating profit of £5.2m, an 
increase of 52.9%.  In local currency terms, the underlying profit 
increased by 65.0%. 

Rest of Europe – Performance Review

The key financial results for the Rest of Europe were: 

Revenue 
Like-for-like sales 
Gross profit 
Gross profit % 
Costs 
Underlying operating profit 
Underlying operating profit % 

2012
£m 
89.9
(1.2%)
51.2
57.0%
(46.0)
5.2
5.8%

2011
£m 
90.2
(4.0%)
51.5
57.1%
(48.1)
3.4
3.8%

Change
(Reported)
(0.3%) 

Change
(Local Currency)
(2.0%)

(0.6%) 
(0.1ppts) 
4.4% 
52.9% 
2.0ppts 

(2.1%)

6.7%
65.0%

The Rest of Europe portfolio is now as follows: 

Netherlands  
Belgium  
Republic of Ireland 
Total 

Store Numbers 

Sq Ft (’000) 

30 April 2011 
92 
28 
20 
140 

Openings 
2
–
1
3

Closures 
–
–
(1)
(1)

28 April 2012 
94
28
20
142

30 April 2011 
1,079 
334 
145 
1,558 

28 April 2012 
1,094
329
147
1,570

Carpetright plc Annual report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
13 
13

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Group financial review 

Net Finance Costs and Taxation 
Net finance charges were £4.0m (2011: £4.3m) reflecting lower 
average net debt and a reduction in the margin rates on borrowing. 
The effective tax rate on profits is 18.7% (2011: 30.4%).  This 
decrease arises primarily from the impact of a change in tax rates  
and the release of previously held deferred tax provisions. 

Exceptional Items 
The Group recorded a net surplus of £9.5m (2011: charge of £10.3m) 
in the year. 

Profit on disposal of properties 
Store impairment charge 
Onerous lease charge 
Restructuring costs 
Write off of unamortised refinancing fees  

(Charge)/Gain 

2012
£m 
13.4
(1.0)
(0.3)
(2.1)
(0.5)
9.5

2011
£m 
0.5
(2.0)
(8.8)
–
–
(10.3)

We have continued to trade our property portfolio.  In the year a 
profit of £13.4m was achieved (2011: profit of £0.5m).  Of this, 
£14.5m was realised from the sale and leaseback of freehold 
properties from which we continue to operate.  In the UK and the 
Netherlands these transactions were five individual stores sold to 
property investors.  A group of four stores were sold to a single 
investor by way of the disposal of our Belgian property holding 
company, Infradis.  

We have reviewed the carrying value of the store assets in our 
balance sheet, consistent with the approach in previous years.  The 
models used to value these assets include a number of assumptions 
relating to market growth and inflationary expectations.  The tests 
have led to a net impairment charge of £1.0m (2011: £2.0m).   

In addition, there are seven leased properties which had previously 
been used as retail stores where an onerous lease provision has  
been made on the basis of the difference between the expected cash 
inflows and outflows and the re-assessment of previous positions.  

In this difficult retail environment, the Group has focused on 
organisational changes aimed at enhancing our efficiency and 
leveraging our strengths to provide a solid framework for growth.  
This has involved a reduction in management headcount in the UK 
and the consolidation of our offices in Europe at a cost of £2.1m.  
Given the irregular nature and amounts associated with business 
restructuring these have been treated as exceptional items. 

The unamortised costs associated with the previous refinancing, 
which amounted to £0.5m, were written off as an exceptional item. 

Earnings per Share 
Basic earnings per share increased to 16.4 pence (2011: 6.8 pence), 
reflecting a similar increase in post tax earnings.  Underlying 
earnings per share decreased to 4.5 pence (2011: 18.0 pence).  

Dividend 
The Board has decided not to pay a final dividend (2011: nil pence), 
resulting in no full year dividend (2011: 8.0 pence). 

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow 
The Group had net assets of £70.7m (2011: £67.0m) at the end of the 
year, an increase of £3.7m since 30 April 2011.  The cash generative 
nature of the business remains one of the strengths of the Group, 
with operating cash flow of £29.1m in the year (2011: £32.1m).   
The decrease was predominantly attributable to the reduction in 
underlying profitability, partially offset by improving working capital 
management, of which £4.5m related to the timing of the April 
payroll falling on the first working day of the following financial year.   

Cash Flow 

Underlying operating profit 
Depreciation and other non-cash items 
Exceptional items 
(Increase)/Decrease in stock 
(Increase)/Decrease in working capital 
Operating cash flow
Net interest paid 
Corporation tax paid 
Net capital receipts/(expenditure) 
Free cash flow
Dividends paid 
Other  
Movement in net debt
Opening net debt
Closing net debt

2012
£m 
8.0
14.8
(1.6)
(0.4)
8.3
29.1
(4.9)
(3.0)
22.8
44.0
–
2.6
46.6
(65.7)
(19.1)

Net capital receipts/(expenditure) was an inflow of £22.8m  
(2011: outflow of £9.5m).  This can be broken down into the 
following principal categories: 

Capital expenditure 
Purchase of freehold properties 
Proceeds from freehold property 
disposals 
Proceeds from leasehold property 
disposals 

2012
£m 
(6.9)
(3.7)

32.0

1.4
22.8

2011
£m 
21.2
15.3
–
2.9
(7.3)
32.1
(4.9)
(2.7)
(9.5)
15.0
(10.8)
1.4
5.6
(71.3)
(65.7)

2011
£m 
(9.7)
(0.7)

–

0.9
(9.5)

After the repayment of borrowings, net debt decreased by £46.6m to 
£19.1m at the year end (2011: £65.7m). 

Property 
The Group owns a significant property portfolio, most of which  
is used for trading purposes. This portfolio is estimated by 
management to have a market value of £86.4m at the year end  
(2011: £134.0m), compared to a net book value of £83.3m recorded 
in the financial statements (2011: £112.3m).  The movement in the 
year is predominantly the result of sale and leaseback transactions. 

www.carpetright.plc.uk

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1414 

Group financial review continued 

Pensions 
The IAS 19 valuation as at 28 April 2012 was a net deficit of £4.3m in 
relation to defined benefit pension arrangements (2011: £4.0m).  The 
Carpetright scheme closed to future accrual on 30 April 2010.  Plan 
assets increased to £18.3m (2011: £17.4m) driven by higher market 
values and additional Company contributions agreed with the 
pension trustees following the triennial valuation in April 2008.  The 
present value of plan liabilities increased to £22.6m (2011: £21.4m) 
driven principally by a reduction in the discount rate to 4.6%  
(2011: 5.3%). 

Current liquidity 
At the year end the Group held cash balances of £9.6m (2011: £8.3m) 
in a combination of Sterling, Euros and Polish Zlotys.  

Gross bank borrowings at the balance sheet date were £26.0m  
(2011: £70.9m) of which £5.4m is term based with the balance of 
£20.6m being drawn down from overdraft and revolving credit 
facilities.  The Group had further undrawn, committed facilities  
of £40.6m at the balance sheet date.  

In June 2011, the Group completed a refinancing arrangement of its 
principal facilities, split between amortising term loans, a revolving 
credit facility and overdrafts in a mixture of Sterling and Euro 
currencies.  The term loans and revolving credit facilities mature in 
July 2015.  As at 28 April 2012, the facilities provided debt capacity of 
around £66m.  Arrangement fees and legal costs are amortised over 
the period to June 2014, although paid in cash at the outset.  The 
facilities contain financial covenants which are tested on a quarterly 
basis.  The Group monitors actual and prospective compliance with 
these on a regular basis.   

Outlook 
Whilst the UK consumer environment is expected to remain difficult 
for all retailers in the discretionary spend sector, the move back into 
positive UK like-for-like sales in the second half was encouraging.  
While it is far too early to call the beginnings of a broader recovery, 
this performance gives some cause for optimism on the core UK 
floor coverings business.  We have established a £23m revenue bed 
business in just three years and believe there is significant scope for 
us to grow this further, as we continue to develop the range, improve 
the proposition and introduce beds to more stores.  In the Rest of 
Europe, we expect the economic conditions will remain challenging.   

Against this backdrop, we will continue to drive the business towards 
long term growth by focusing on improving our product ranges and 
services, growing margins, focusing on cost reduction, reducing  
debt and promoting the reach of our brand.  As a consequence, we 
believe the Group is well placed to capitalise on a strong value offer 
supported by a superior service proposition, when consumer 
demand in our sector improves. 

Carpetright plc Annual report and accounts 2012

 
 
15 
15

Principal risks and uncertainties 

Carpetright recognises that effective business management requires regular 
review of business risks to identify, evaluate and prioritise them, to assign  
management ownership and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to  
provide mitigation. 

The process for identification of business risks is described on page 22 of this report. 

The risk factors addressed below are those which we believe could adversely affect the operations, revenue, profit, cash flow or assets  
of the Group.  Additional risks and uncertainties currently unknown to us, or which we currently believe are immaterial, may also  
have an adverse affect on the Group. 

We use our risk management process to identify, monitor, evaluate and escalate such issues as they emerge, enabling management  
to take appropriate action wherever possible in order to control them and also enabling the Board to keep risk management  
under review. 

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Business Objective and Strategies 
The primary financial objective of the Group is to deliver long term sustainable growth in earnings per share and cash flow.  The strategies  
that we are following to achieve this are set out on page 6 of this report.  We face a number of strategic and operational risks which are set  
out below, together with the controls and actions which mitigate the impact of those risks. 

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  Risk Description 

Mitigation

  Development and execution of a strategy: 

The business requires a strategy that responds to the challenges 
of the market place so as to position itself for long-term growth.

  Economic uncertainty: 

The economy is a major influence on consumer spending.  
Trends in employment, inflation, taxation, consumer debt  
levels and interest rates impact consumer expenditure in 
discretionary areas.  Changes in Government policies may  
also affect our consumers’ ability to purchase our products  
and services. 

  Cost control: 

In the event we are unable to control our costs the financial 
results of the Group will be adversely affected. 

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The Board holds an annual strategy day and from this business 
plans are developed to ensure targets are both set and resourced 
appropriately.  
Regular monitoring of performance against plan is carried out to 
ensure targets are being achieved and that they remain relevant  
to and focused on the Group strategy. 

Throughout the year we have continued to monitor the 
effectiveness of our pricing, promotional and marketing  
strategies across our businesses, tailoring our consumer  
offering where appropriate.   

We have a budgetary and planning process which has been 
developed to ensure that there is an appropriate budget for both 
operational costs and capital expenditure.  There is a system of 
authorisation to prevent costs being incurred without appropriate 
authorisation and being in excess of budget. 
In addition we continually focus on our cost base to ensure that 
we are able to manage our margins. 

  Reputation: 

The failure to properly mitigate and manage other risks may 
manifest itself by damaging Carpetright’s reputation.  This may 
lead to a lack of confidence by consumers, thereby adversely 
affecting the business. 

We have mitigation strategies in place to manage our other risks, 
thereby reducing the chance of them arising.  In the event that 
there is a threat of reputational damage, there is a process in place 
to deal with enquiries from the press, investors and others, as well 
as social media. 

This table continues overleaf 

www.carpetright.plc.uk

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
1616 

Principal risks and uncertainties continued 

  Risk Description 

  People: 

Our profitability is dependent upon our ability to attract, retain 
and motivate people across all levels of the business. 

  Product and service quality: 

The Carpetright name is a key asset of the business and, as the 
largest operator in its markets, expectations of the Group are 
high.  Failure to provide high quality products and services 
could lead to a loss of trust and confidence, and damage the 
Group’s reputation and brand.  This could result in a decline in 
the customer base and affect our ability to recruit good people.

  IT systems, supply chain and business continuity: 

Carpetright is dependent on the reliability and capability of  
key information systems and technology.  A major incident  
or sustained performance problems with regard to store, 
logistics, multi-channel or head office systems could constitute 
a significant threat to the business, at least in the short term.

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Mitigation

Our approach to remuneration aims to ensure that high calibre 
executives are attracted and retained.  The Group seeks to develop 
individuals through talent management and succession planning.

The protection of the Carpetright brand and position in its 
core markets will be sustained by unique and extensive  
product and service offerings in our stores.  Team members’  
and fitters’ training is delivered continually with fitters being 
independently assessed. 

Business continuity plans have been documented and 
arrangements made to mitigate significant risks arising.  The 
systems implemented within the UK and the Republic of Ireland 
are mirrored in a separate location.  Plans are in place to replicate 
this in the remaining European businesses by the end of 2012. 

  Compliance: 

The Group risks incurring penalties or punitive damages  
arising from failure to comply with legislative or regulatory 
requirements across many areas.

The Group has developed clear policies on compliance and it is 
the Group’s Legal Director’s responsibility to identify prospective 
changes to laws and regulations and to bring these to the 
attention of the relevant team members. 

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  Finance and Treasury: 

The Group risks exposure to exchange rate, interest rate, 
liquidity and credit risks having an adverse or unexpected 
impact on results, funding requirements or purchasing ability.

The Group frequently reviews its financial position to ensure 
that its funding requirements are being met.  Bank covenant  
tests are regularly monitored. Rolling cash flow forecasts are 
produced weekly. 

People 

The Group employs over 3,000 people  
and is proud of being regarded as a 
responsible and respected employer. 

Equal opportunities 
The Board believes in creating throughout the Company a culture 
that is free from discrimination and harassment, and will not permit 
or tolerate discrimination in any form.  The Group operates a 
whistleblowing hotline through a third party provider enabling 
matters of concern to be raised with the Company on a named or 
anonymous basis.  The Company gives full and fair consideration to 
applications for employment when these are received from disabled 
people.  Should an individual become disabled while working for  
the Company, efforts are made to continue their employment and 
retraining is provided, if necessary. 

Training and development 
Our training and development programmes are focused on  
giving our people the skills they need to carry out their jobs and  
in due course to move up to new roles, enabling them to develop 
their careers and ensuring that there is a pipeline of talent within  
the Group. 

Carpetright plc Annual report and accounts 2012

Engagement 
There are a number of communication channels in place to help 
people develop their knowledge of, and enhance their involvement 
with, the Group.  These channels include surveys, conferences, 
management briefings, weekly briefings broadcast to stores and 
offices, and other less formal communications.  Additionally,  
all annual results and interim management statements are made 
available through the intranet.  Directors and senior management 
regularly visit stores and discuss matters of current interest and 
concern with team members. 

Share ownership 
Team members have an opportunity to invest in the Company’s 
shares through two all-employee share schemes, namely an  
All Employee Share Ownership Plan and a Savings Related Share 
Option Scheme.  Approximately 492 team members participate in 
these schemes. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
17 
17

Corporate responsibility 

Our Corporate Responsibility (CR) policy is designed to meet the long-term expectations 
of our customers and other stakeholders and ensure the sustainable development of  
our business. 

It is clear that protecting the environment and running our business 
ethically makes good commercial sense and, apart from improving 
the environment for both our team members and our customers,  
will also help us to enhance shareholder returns.  Neil Page currently 
reports to the Board on CR matters and co-ordinates the Group’s CR 
policies and activities.  He is supported by a team providing support 
and advice to develop the business’s policies and approach. 

With effect from 1 July 2012 a new board committee is being created, 
the Customer and Corporate Responsibility Committee, which will 
oversee, amongst other matters, the Group’s CR activities.  This will 
be chaired by Sandra Turner and the members of the Committee will 
be Baroness Noakes, David Clifford, Darren Shapland, Martin Harris 
and Claire Balmforth.  Martin Harris will take over responsibility for 
reporting to the Board and co-ordinating the Group’s CR activities 
from 1 July 2012. 

We have continued developing and improving policies to cover  
the following: 

Providing excellent service 
Our aim is to provide outstanding customer service by selling a 
comprehensive range of flooring products at the keenest prices, 
supported by dedicated store team members and, where required,  
by organising a high quality fitting service. 

We have introduced post-sales calls to customers, allowing 
immediate feedback thereby ensuring that any issues can be 
immediately addressed by the relevant store. 

Our mobile fitter training pods enable us to offer all our 
recommended fitters access to the Flooring Industry Trade 
Association (FITA) assessment and additional training where 
required to meet FITA’s exacting standards.  We only recommend 
fitters who have attained FITA qualifications, 240 of whom attended 
the relevant carpet fitting assessment course in the past 12 months.  
Additionally, in the year, 192 registered fitters have successfully 
completed their vinyl fitting assessment.  A subfloor preparation  
and door trimming course was introduced to the fitter training 
academy in March 2011, and so far 362 registered fitters have been 
assessed.  In October 2012 a further course was introduced for fitting 
laminated floorcoverings and, as at 28 April 2012, 75 fitters have 
successfully completed this assessment. 

We have introduced an Academy to train our new estimators and,  
to date, 81 have successfully passed through it. 

Developing committed people 
As at 28 April 2012 we employed 3,384 team members in stores, 
depots and offices throughout the UK and the Rest of Europe.   
Our aims are to ensure everyone has the appropriate skills and 
knowledge; to offer our people a good range of incentives and 
benefits and to value and promote the diversity of our workforce. 

We have continued to roll out our store manager training 
programme, with a further 72 managers completing the training  
this year, resulting in 240 managers who remain in the business, 
including senior retail management, having passed the course. 

Team member stability is important to us as a measure of employee 
loyalty and satisfaction and we track retention rates continually. 

Sourcing great products 
We are committed to buying our products from suppliers who 
operate responsibly.  Our aims are to ensure suppliers are subject  
to vetting for satisfactory ethics and procedures, to insist our supply 
chain partners sign up to the Carpetright ‘Codes of Conduct’, and  
to ensure we act in a responsible and ethical manner. 

All floorcoverings suppliers to our businesses both in the UK and  
in the Rest of Europe have signed up to compliance with our  
Ethical and Environmental policies.  We also have a timber policy  
to ensure all timber floor covering products are manufactured  
from sustainable resources. 

Creating a safe place to work and shop 
We are committed to achieving high standards of health and safety 
in all operational areas. 

A monthly health and safety bulletin is now issued to all stores,  
and quarterly Health and Safety Committee meetings have been 
introduced into the Netherlands and Belgium.  There has been a 
decrease in the overall level of accidents in the UK to 110 (2011: 169).  
Pleasingly, the number of reportable accidents decreased in the 
period to 12 (2011: 17), and there were 7 (2011: 4) accidents in  
the Rest of Europe which would have been reportable had they 
occurred in the UK. 

We remain committed to eliminating all heavy manual handling 
from our stores.  Wherever possible, each of our branches has a 
pedestrian operated boom truck to unload and move carpet and  
vinyl deliveries, and where it has not been possible to provide a  
truck we have arranged a series of nearby ‘buddy’ branches to accept 
deliveries.  55 new lifting devices to lift carpet onto roll stock stands 
were delivered during the year to eliminate this element of manual 
handling.  As at 28 April 2012 there were 165 lifting devices in stores. 

Respect for the environment 
We are committed to taking steps to control and minimise any 
damage our operations may cause to the environment through 
manufacturing processes, transport, energy usage and packaging.   
In particular we are aware of the issue of climate change and we  
want to understand and minimise our carbon emissions.   

www.carpetright.plc.uk

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1818 

Corporate responsibility continued  

Where possible we re-use cardboard tubes.  Sheet polythene 
wrapping and cardboard tubes that are not re-used but are delivered 
within the UK from Harris House (our national Central Support 
Office, warehouse and cutting facility) are recycled.  No waste 
produced from Harris House is sent to landfill; general rubbish  
being compacted and incinerated to produce energy. 

We make our own cardboard tubes on site, thereby reducing the  
cost of delivery of what is, essentially, air in the centre of the tubes. 

We are trialling different forms of energy-efficient lighting, and 
where a store undergoes a full refurbishment, it is the intention  
to install such lighting at that location. 

Nearly 300 Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) electricity meters  
have been installed which provide daily meter reading data and 
allows us to target any high-consumption locations, understand  
why the consumption is higher than anticipated and manage our 
consumption appropriately. 

We were able to reduce our water consumption by 10,478m3 during 
the year, which is in addition to the 50,000m3 reduction reported  
in 2010/11.  This has been achieved through improved analysis of 
consumption data and identification of any high-use locations. 

A similar exercise is being undertaken in relation to the installation 
of gas AMR meters, although the benefits of such meters are  
unlikely to be seen until following the winter of 2012/13 when  
our consumption for heating is at its highest. 

Our key measures within CR are: 

  Key Initiative 

Providing Excellent Service 

Developing Committed People 

Creating a Safe Place to  
Work and Shop 

Respect for the Environment 

Indicator 
Complaints per £1m of sales in 
the UK  

2012 
11.3

2011 
12.11

Complaints per €1m of sales in the 
Rest of Europe 

3.7

Not 
available

  Progress 
Improvement by 6.1%.  We 
attribute much of this improvement 
to the introduction of after-sales 
calls to customers. 
In the Netherlands there has been 
an improvement to 4.7 complaints 
per €1m of sales (2011: 9.4). 

% of team members with >3 years
service in the UK  
% of team members with >3 years 
service in the Rest of Europe
No. of UK team members 
completing our store management 
development training in the period 
No. of accidents in the UK 

No. of accidents in the Rest of Europe
No. of reportable accidents in the UK 
No. of accidents in the Rest of Europe 
which would have been reportable if 
they occurred in the UK
Energy efficiency – kWh/sq m
of sales space2 
Energy efficiency – km/litre 
of delivery fleet4 
Recycling in tonnes4 

69%

78%

70

110

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12
7

71%  2ppt decline. 

N/A Figures for 2011 are not available.

48 An increasing number of people 
have completed the course. 

169 Reduction of 36% of all  
accidents reported. 

N/A Figures for 2011 are not available.

17 Reduction of 29%. 
4 A disappointing increase, although 
no trend can be identified as to any 
underlying cause. 

216.23

3.52

240.74  The improvement is principally 
due to a mild winter in 2011/12.
3.41 2.6% improvement in efficiency.

2,366

1,951 21% increase in recycling. 

1.  Excludes internet sales but includes the Republic of Ireland. 

2.  Figures are for the UK only.  2011 figure is actual and has been restated from estimated figure (239.3 kWh/sq m). 

3.  Based on estimated meter readings. 

4.  Figures are for UK and Republic of Ireland only. 

Donations 
Charitable donations of £175,000 (2011: £23,500) were made during the year.   
No political donations were made (2011: £nil). 

Carpetright plc Annual report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
19 
19

Directors’ report: Governance 
Board of Directors 

Lord Harris of Peckham (69) 
Chairman  
Lord Harris is now in his 55th year in carpet retailing and is one of 
the best known names in the business.  He was Chairman and Chief 
Executive of Harris Queensway plc from 1964 until the company  
was taken over in 1988.  Lord Harris is a Non-Executive Director  
of Arsenal Holdings plc and Arsenal Football Club plc.  He was a 
Non-Executive Director of Great Universal Stores plc for 18 years 
until July 2004 and was a Non-Executive Director of Matalan Plc for 
two years until January 2007.  He stepped down from the position of 
Chief Executive of Carpetright in May 2012. 
Darren Shapland (45) 
Chief Executive 
Darren took up his current role as Chief Executive in May 2012.  He 
was a Non-Executive Director of Carpetright between September 
2011 and May 2012.  He was previously an Executive Director of  
J Sainsbury plc until July 2011 in the roles as its Group Development 
Director and its Chief Financial Officer.  He will remain the 
chairman of Sainsbury’s Bank plc until December 2012.  He was  
the Group Finance Director of Carpetright between 2002 and  
2005, and prior to that was the Finance Director of Superdrug  
Stores plc.  Between 1988 and 2000 he held a number of financial  
and operational roles at Arcadia plc (formerly The Burton Group).   
He is also a Non-Executive Director of Ladbrokes plc where he 
chairs its Audit Committee. 
Neil Page (48) 
Group Finance Director 
Neil Page joined Carpetright in July 2008 as Group Finance Director.  
Neil began his career with British Rail and Marks and Spencer.   
He joined Superdrug in 1991, holding a variety of finance and 
operational positions before taking up the role of Finance and IT 
Director for AS Watson (Health & Beauty) UK Ltd in July 2002.  He 
is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. 
Martin Harris (43) 
Group Commercial Director 
Martin Harris took up his current role as Group Commercial 
Director in 2003 and is responsible for marketing, buying and 
logistics, the latter being added in 2005.  Martin first joined 
Carpetright in 1991, previously having been an Executive Director  
of Harveys Furnishing Group Limited.  He became Marketing 
Director in 1997, resigning to become a Non-Executive Director  
in 1998 before returning to the Executive Director position  
of Buying Director in 2002. 

Baroness Noakes (63) 
Deputy Chairman and Senior Independent Director 
Baroness Noakes, a chartered accountant, joined the Board in 2001.  
She is a Non-Executive Director of Severn Trent plc, the Royal  
Bank of Scotland Group plc and is a trustee of the Thomson-Reuters 
Founders Share Company.  Previously she was with KPMG for 30 
years and was the Senior Non-Executive Director of the Bank of 
England and a Non-Executive Director of Hanson plc and ICI plc.  
Baroness Noakes was appointed Deputy Chairman in May 2012.   
She chairs the Audit and Nomination Committees, but will be 
stepping down from the former role in July 2012. 
Alan Dickinson (61) 
Non-Executive Director 
Alan Dickinson joined the Board in October 2010.  He spent  
more than 35 years in banking and is a former Executive  
Committee member of the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) Group  
and Chief Executive of both RBS UK and the bank’s UK Corporate 
Banking business.  He is also a Non-Executive Director of the 
Nationwide Building Society and Willis Limited.  He chairs the 
Remuneration Committee. 
Sandra Turner (59) 
Non-Executive Director 
Sandra Turner joined the Board in October 2010.  She spent  
21 years at Tesco and was part of its senior management team, 
holding senior commercial and operational roles in the UK and 
Ireland.  From 2003 to 2009 she was the Commercial Director of 
Tesco Ireland.  She is a Non-Executive Director of McBride plc and 
Huhtamäki Oyj and was previously a Non-Executive Director of 
Northern Foods plc.  She will chair the Customer and Corporate 
Responsibility Committee. 
David Clifford (60) 
Non-Executive Director 
David Clifford, a chartered accountant, joined the Board in 
December 2011.  He was previously a senior partner with KPMG.  
Throughout his career he held a variety of roles and led the 
Consumer Markets Unit of KPMG for a period, advising a  
number of retailers.  He will be taking over as Chairman of  
the Audit Committee in July 2012. 

www.carpetright.plc.uk

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2020 

Corporate governance 

The Group recognises the importance of high standards of corporate 
governance and is committed to operating within an effective 
corporate governance framework through the operation of Board 
committees, internal procedures and Group policies.  This report,  
the Audit Committee Report and the Directors’ Remuneration 
Report, explain how the Company has applied the principles set out 
in the UK Corporate Governance Code published by the Financial 
Reporting Council. 

For the whole of the 2011/12 financial year the roles of Chairman 
and Chief Executive were both held by Lord Harris.  Lord Harris had 
held both roles since the Company was established.  The Board was 
content for this to continue while Lord Harris remained full time 
with the Company because of his long-standing and leading position 
in the floorcovering sector.  The role of the Senior Independent 
Director (SID) had been developed to provide a counter-balance 
within the Board. 

The structure of the Board and its Committees is set out below: 

Carpetright plc Board of Directors 

Audit  
Committee 

Nomination 
Committee 

Remuneration 
Committee 

Customer  
and Corporate 
Responsibility 
Committee1 

1.  This Committee is being created with effect from 1 July 2012. 

The Board  
The Board currently consists of the Chairman, three Executive and 
four Non-Executive Directors, brief biographies of whom can be 
found on page 19.  Changes to the composition of the Board since  
28 April 2012 can be found below.  There is a formal, rigorous and 
transparent procedure for the appointment of new Directors to  
the Board and this is described in the section concerning the 
Nomination Committee on pages 21 and 22. 

A quarter of the Board is female (2 out of 8). 

All Directors will offer themselves for election or re-election at the 
Annual General Meeting in accordance with the UK Corporate 
Governance Code. 

The Non-Executive Directors of the Company play a key 
governance role and bring an extra dimension to the Board’s 
deliberations.  The Board has considered the independence of  
each Non-Executive Director against the criteria specified in  
the UK Corporate Governance Code and determined that each  
remains fully independent.  The Board in particular considered  
the independence of both Baroness Noakes and Alan Dickinson,  
both of whom are considered by the Board to be independent  
in character and judgment.   

In reaching this determination the Board specifically considered the 
facts that Baroness Noakes is a Non-Executive Director of the Royal 
Bank of Scotland, the Company’s principal banker, and she has 
served as a Director of the Company for more than nine years from 
the date of her first election and Alan Dickinson was, within the last 
three years, a senior employee of the Royal Bank of Scotland. 

It was, however, always the intention that when Lord Harris stepped 
down from the role of Chief Executive, it would be split from that of 
Chairman.  Lord Harris, who will be 70 years old this year, ceased to 
be Chief Executive when Darren Shapland was appointed to the role 
of Chief Executive in May 2012.  Lord Harris remains as Chairman 
and will work four days per week in support of Darren Shapland in 
specific areas of the business.  A formal statement on the division of 
responsibilities between the Chairman and Chief Executive has been 
adopted by the Board and this makes it clear that the Chief Executive 
has the responsibility and accountability for running the business.   
It is anticipated that the Chairman’s active involvement will decrease 
over time as his knowledge and experience is effectively transferred 
to the Chief Executive and his management team. 

In order to facilitate the transition of the Company to the new 
governance arrangements, Baroness Noakes, who has been the SID 
since 2004, has also assumed the role of Deputy Chairman.  She will 
continue to play an active role in determining the agenda for the 
Board, the Board appraisal process and in ensuring that any issues 
raised by the Non-Executive Directors are dealt with.  She will also 
keep under review the division of responsibilities between the 
Chairman and Chief Executive so that it works well in practice. 

The Board believes that its current size and structure are appropriate 
for managing the Group in an effective and successful manner.  In 
order to achieve this size and structure Claire Balmforth and Andy 
Corden both stood down from the Board on 11 May 2012.  They 
retain their full executive responsibilities for the UK and European 
businesses respectively. 

A process of evaluation of the Board and its Audit, Nomination  
and Remuneration Committees has been undertaken.  The exercise 
to evaluate the performance of the Board was led by the SID, and  
those of the Audit and Remuneration Committees were led by the 
chairmen of those committees.  The results of these assessments  
have been considered by the Board and confirmed the strength of 
leadership within the business and a sound governance framework.  
Only minor changes to the way that the Board works were  
found necessary. 

Carpetright plc Annual report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
21 
21

The Non-Executive Directors generally meet privately with  
the Chairman at least twice each year.  The Non-Executive Directors 
meet, with no Executive Directors present, at least once each year 
inter alia to review the performance of the Chairman. 

Details of the number of meetings and Board attendance are set  
out below: 

Number of Meetings in the 2011/12 financial year:

Directors 
Lord Harris 
Chairman 
Darren Shapland1 
Chief Executive 

Neil Page 
Group Finance Director 

Martin Harris 
Group Commercial Director 
Baroness Noakes2 
Deputy Chairman and Senior 
Independent Director 

Alan Dickinson 
Independent Non-Executive Director 

Sandra Turner 
Independent Non-Executive Director 
David Clifford3 
Independent Non-Executive Director 
Claire Balmforth4 
Former Director 
Andy Corden5 
Former Director 
Guy Weston6 
Former Director 
Christian Sollesse7 
Former Director 

Attendance 

8

5

8

8

8

8

8

4

8

8

2

0

8
Maximum number 
of Meetings the 
Director could 
have attended 

8

5

8

8

8

8

8

4

8

8

3

0

Day-to-day management is delegated to the Chief Executive who 
chairs an Executive Committee.  Other members of the Executive 
Committee are the Group Finance Director, Group Commercial 
Director, the Operations Directors for each of the UK and the  
Rest of Europe and the Company Secretary. 

Directors receive monthly trading results, commentary, briefing 
notes and reports for their consideration in advance of each Board 
meeting, including reports on the Group’s operations, to ensure  
that they remain briefed on the latest developments and are able  
to make fully informed decisions. 

All Directors have access to the advice and services of the  
Company Secretary and the Board has established a procedure 
whereby Directors may take independent professional advice at the 
Company’s expense.  In addition, such advice may include training 
in order to enable them to discharge their roles and responsibilities 
as Directors.  All new Directors receive an induction tailored  
to their particular requirements. 

Board committees 
The Board has three Committees, each of which has written terms  
of reference which are available on the Company’s corporate website 
(www.carpetright.plc.uk).  An additional Committee, a Customer 
and Corporate Responsibility Committee, is being created with 
effect from 1 July 2012, and will be chaired by Sandra Turner.  Its 
other members will be Baroness Noakes, David Clifford, Darren 
Shapland, Martin Harris and Claire Balmforth. 

The Board periodically reviews the membership of its Committees  
to ensure that Committee membership is refreshed.  The Company 
provides the Committees with sufficient resources to undertake  
their duties.  The Company Secretary or his nominee acts as 
Secretary to each Committee. 

The role of the Audit Committee, its members and details of how  
it carried out its duties are set out in the Audit Committee report  
on page 24. 

The role of the Remuneration Committee, its members and  
details of how it carried out its duties are set out in the Directors’ 
remuneration report on pages 25 to 31. 

1.  Appointed as a Non-Executive Director on 8 September 2011 and appointed as Chief 

Executive with effect from 14 May 2012. 

The Nomination Committee is chaired by Baroness Noakes.  
Details of its membership and attendance are set out below: 

2.  Appointed as Deputy Chairman with effect from 14 May 2012. 

3.  Appointed 1 December 2011. 

4.  Appointed 3 May 2011, resigned 11 May 2012. 

5.  Appointed 2 June 2011, resigned 11 May 2012. 

6.  Resigned 8 September 2011. 

7.   Resigned 2 June 2011. 

The Board is responsible for setting the Group’s objectives and 
policies, providing effective leadership and approving the Group 
strategy, budgets, business plans and major capital expenditure.  It 
has responsibility for the management, direction and performance  
of the Group and is accountable to the Company’s shareholders for 
the proper conduct of its business.  The Board has a formal schedule 
which sets out those matters requiring Board approval and 
specifically reserved to it for decision. 

Number of Meetings in the 2011/12 financial year:

Members 
Baroness Noakes
Committee Chairman
Lord Harris

Alan Dickinson 
(appointed 8 September 2011) 
Guy Weston 
(resigned 8 September 2011) 

Attendance 

3
3

2

1

3
Maximum number 
of Meetings the 
member could 
have attended 

3
3

2

1

www.carpetright.plc.uk

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2222 

Corporate governance continued 

The role of the Nomination Committee is to: 

•  identify and nominate candidates for the approval of the Board;  

•  fill vacancies; and 

•  make recommendations to the Board on Board composition 

and balance.  External search consultants are generally  
appointed to assist in the search process.   

The Committee considers the diversity of the Board and the  
skills and competencies of the existing Directors when drawing  
up specifications for new appointments.  It ensures that the 
development needs of Executive Directors and other senior 
managers are addressed appropriately. 

The Committee also considers whether Directors due to retire  
at an Annual General Meeting should be recommended for  
reappointment, and whether the appointment of Non-Executive 
Directors reaching the end of their three-year term should  
be renewed.  Committee members do not vote on their  
own reappointment. 

An external search consultancy was used in relation to the 
appointment of David Clifford as a Non-Executive Director. 
Darren Shapland was already known to the Committee from his 
previous role as Finance Director of the Company and he was 
approached directly to become a Non-Executive Director. 

In relation to the appointment of Darren Shapland as Chief 
Executive, the Non-Executive Directors, together with Lord Harris, 
had examined the external market with a firm of headhunters a 
couple of years ago and concluded that it was unlikely that a suitable 
candidate with specialist knowledge of the floorcoverings market 
existed and that, if the external route were followed, a non-specialist 
retailer would have to be considered.  This presented a degree of risk 
which the Non-Executive Directors preferred to avoid. 

Following Darren Shapland joining the Board in September 2011  
it was clear to the Non-Executive Directors and the Chairman that 
he had both extensive retail experience and specific knowledge of 
Carpetright and thus provided a good option to consider as Chief 
Executive.  That led to a decision to approach him in respect of the 
role in late 2011. 

Continuing Professional Development 
All Board members are updated on matters relevant to the Group, 
including legal and regulatory developments, and members of Board 
committees are updated on matters relevant to their committee 
membership.  In the year the Remuneration Committee received 
updates on current best practice from New Bridge Street, and the 
Audit Committee received a briefing relating to the Bribery Act and 
the controls that have been put in place. 

The performance of individual Directors is considered as part of the 
annual Board appraisal process.  The individual development needs 
of Executive Directors are overseen by the Nomination Committee, 
which includes the Chairman.  Non-Executive Directors have access 

to professional development provided by external bodies and  
their continuing competence is considered by the Nomination 
Committee as part of the annual process of recommending the 
reappointment of Directors at the AGM. 

Risk Management and Internal Controls 
The Board has overall responsibility for the Group’s system of 
internal control and for reviewing its effectiveness.  In order to fulfil 
this responsibility and safeguard shareholder investment and the 
Company’s and the Group’s assets, the Directors have established  
an organisational framework with clear operational procedures,  
lines of responsibility and delegated authority which has operated 
throughout the year under review and up to the date of approval  
of the Annual Report and Financial Statements. 

The system of internal control is designed to identify, evaluate  
and manage significant risks associated with the achievement of  
the Group’s objectives.  Because of the limitations inherent in any  
system of internal control, this system is designed to meet the 
Group’s particular needs and the risks to which it is exposed  
rather than eliminate risk altogether.  Consequently it can only 
provide reasonable and not absolute assurance against material 
misstatement or loss. 

The Board has reviewed the Group’s systems of internal controls 
including financial, operational and compliance controls as well  
as risk management, and is satisfied that these accord with the 
guidance on internal controls set out in Internal Control: Revised 
Guidance for Directors on the Combined Code, issued by the 
Financial Reporting Council in October 2005. 

The day-to-day responsibility for managing risk and the 
maintenance of the Group’s system of internal control is collectively 
assumed by the Executive Directors.  An Executive Directors’  
Group (‘EDs Group’) comprising the Executive Directors and  
senior managers was established to review key risk and control 
issues.  The EDs Group met quarterly. 

With effect from 1 July 2012, an Executive Risk Group, comprising 
the members of the Executive Committee and other senior 
managers, will take over the work of the EDs Group. 

Several key processes exist within the Group to ensure a sound 
system of internal control, which is described below: 

Identification of business risks 
The Board is responsible for identifying the major business risks 
faced by the Group, and determining a suitable response.  The EDs 
Group identifies and assesses risks to the Group’s medium-term 
strategy.  The EDs Group directs both the UK and European Risk 
Management Committees to address each of the identified risks, 
formulate a mitigation strategy and assess the likely impact of such 
risk occurring.  The EDs Group provides regular reports to the  
Audit Committee. 

The UK Risk Management Committee and the European Risk 
Management Committee each comprise a small number of the 
senior management team as regular members, who are able to call 

Carpetright plc Annual report and accounts 2012

 
23 
23

A review of the consolidation and financial statements is completed 
by management to ensure that the financial position and results of 
the Group are appropriately reflected.  The preliminary and interim 
results are subject to review by the Audit Committee prior to 
approval by the Board. 

Share capital 
Details of the Company’s share capital and significant shareholders 
can be found on page 33. 

Statement of Compliance 
During the period ended 28 April 2012 the Company complied  
with the provisions set out in the UK Corporate Governance  
Code except as set out below. 

The Company did not comply with provision B.1.2 of the UK 
Corporate Governance Code for the entire period as for the  
period between May 2011 and November 2011 at least half the 
Board did not comprise Non-Executive Directors determined  
by the Board to be independent.  This imbalance was addressed  
upon the appointment of Darren Shapland and David Clifford  
as Non-Executive Directors in September 2011 and December  
2011 respectively. 

The Company did not comply with provision A.2.1 of the UK 
Corporate Governance Code for the entire period as the roles of 
Chairman and Chief Executive were combined, an explanation  
for which is set out above.  The roles were separated in May 2012. 

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www.carpetright.plc.uk

on the expertise of other managers as required.  Each Committee, 
which meets at least quarterly, regularly reviews the risk 
management and control processes within its territory.  They 
consider the response to the significant risks which have been 
identified by management and others, and monitor the maintenance 
of a control environment directed towards the proper management 
of risk. 

The principal risks and uncertainties affecting the business are set 
out on pages 15 and 16. 

Health and safety 
Enforcing the health and safety policy is a high priority for 
management and fully descriptive manuals are available to all  
team members, supported by a training programme for stores, 
distribution centres and the central support office.  Risk assessments 
are undertaken for all procedures and safe systems of work devised 
for all procedures involving physical risk.  Failure to adhere to safe 
systems of work or following unsafe working practices will be 
subject to review and, if necessary, disciplinary proceedings.  Health 
and safety issues are included as part of the internal audit review of 
all premises. 

Internal audit 
The internal audit function: 

•  undertakes its work, both on central functions and in the field, 

based on a risk assessment model; 

•  provides the Audit Committee and the Board with objective 
assurance on the control environment across the Group; and 

•  monitors adherence to the Group’s key policies and principles. 

Planning 
The Group’s planning process underpins the development of the 
annual budget.  The budget is reviewed and approved formally  
by the Board.  Actual performance is reported on a monthly basis  
and measured against the budget and the prior year and a detailed 
explanation of significant variances is provided. 

Control procedures 
The Group has control procedures designed to provide a complete 
and accurate record of financial transactions, to ensure correct 
accounting and to minimise the possible exposure to fraudulent 
transactions.  The Board believes that the measures taken,  
including physical controls, separation of duties and management 
reviews, provide suitable assurance.  Any issues raised by the 
Group’s auditors or the internal audit function are fully reviewed 
and considered. 

Management and specialists within the finance team are responsible 
for ensuring the appropriate maintenance of financial records and 
processes that ensure all financial information is relevant, reliable,  
in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations, and that 
appropriate information is distributed both internally and externally 
in a timely manner. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2424 

Audit Committee report 

The Audit Committee is appointed by the Board from the  
Non-Executive Directors of the Company.  The terms of reference 
are regularly reviewed by the Audit Committee and are then  
referred to the Board for approval.  These are available on the 
Company’s corporate website at www.carpetright.plc.uk. 

The Audit Committee is chaired by Baroness Noakes.  The Board 
has determined that Baroness Noakes and David Clifford have 
recent and relevant financial experience.  Details of membership  
and attendance are set out below: 

Number of Meetings in the 2011/12 financial year: 

Members 
Baroness Noakes 
Committee Chairman1 
Alan Dickinson 

David Clifford  
(from 1 December 2011)1 
Sandra Turner2 
Guy Weston  
(until 8 September 2011) 

Attendance 

4 
4 

2 

4 

1 

4
Maximum number 
of Meetings the 
member could 
have attended 

4
4

2

4

2

1.  David Clifford will chair the Audit Committee from 1 July 2012.  Baroness Noakes 

will remain a member of the Committee. 

2.  Sandra Turner will cease to be a member of the Committee with effect from  

1 July 2012. 

All members of the Audit Committee are independent Non-
Executive Directors.  At the invitation of the Committee, the 
Chairman, Chief Executive, Group Finance Director, Head of 
Internal Audit and representatives from the external auditors 
regularly attended meetings.  Other Directors and senior managers 
also attend if required.  There were also regular private meetings with 
the external and internal auditors without management present. 

The Audit Committee has an agenda linked to events in the Group’s 
financial calendar and pays particular attention to the financial 
statements for the year, the annual results announcement and the 
results for the half-year set out in the interim statement.  Following 
review, these are recommended to the Board for approval. 

The Audit Committee reviews the consistency of and any changes  
to the Group’s accounting policies, the application of appropriate 
accounting standards, the methods used to account for significant or 
unusual transactions and areas of significant judgment.  During the 
year the Audit Committee focused in particular on the judgments 
made in making provision for the impairment of stores and goodwill 
in the light of difficult trading conditions.  In addition, it examined 
carefully all the other items which are disclosed as exceptional. 

During the period ended 28 April 2012, other matters dealt  
with by the Audit Committee were: 

•  reviewing the independence, objectivity and effectiveness  
of the external auditors and, on the basis of that review, 
recommending to the Board their reappointment at  
the AGM; 

•  reviewing the Group’s Corporate Responsibility Report; 

Carpetright plc Annual report and accounts 2012

•  approving the audit fees paid to the external auditors and reviewing 
the application of the policy on non-audit work performed by  
them together with the non-audit fees payable to them; 

•  reviewing the external auditors’ plan for the audit of the Group’s 
accounts, and approving the terms of engagement for the audit; 

•  reviewing the process for ensuring that senior management 
confirm that they have supplied the auditors with relevant  
audit information; 

•  reviewing the internal audit plan, monitoring the delivery of  
that plan during the year and reviewing the effectiveness of  
the internal audit function; 

•  reviewing the work of the EDs Group, which oversees the 

identification and management of the risks to the business, 
together with reports on the Group’s systems of internal  
control, and reporting the results of this review to the Board; 

•  reviewing its terms of reference and effectiveness;  

•  reviewing the whistleblowing policy and relevant items  

reported under that policy; and 

•  receiving a briefing relating to the Bribery Act and the controls 

that have been put in place. 

The Audit Committee and Board place great emphasis on  
the independence and objectivity of the Group’s auditors, 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, when performing their role in the 
Group’s reporting to shareholders.  The external auditors report to the 
Audit Committee annually on their independence from the Company. 

The Audit Committee reviews the independence, objectivity and 
performance of the auditors annually, including the annual report on 
the auditors produced by the Audit Inspection Unit of the Financial 
Reporting Council.  On the basis of that review, the Audit Committee 
recommends the reappointment of the auditors to the Board. 

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP have been auditors to the Company 
since 2005 when they were appointed following a competitive tender.  
The Company does not have a policy of tendering the external audit 
at specific intervals.  The auditors’ tenure runs from one AGM to  
the next and there are no contractual obligations that restrict the 
Committee’s choice of external auditors. 

The Board has also adopted a formal policy on the Company’s 
relationship with its auditor in respect of non-audit work.  The 
auditors may only provide such services provided that such advice 
does not conflict with their statutory responsibilities and ethical 
guidance.  The Audit Committee Chairman’s approval is required 
before the Company uses non-audit services that exceed financial 
limits set out by that policy.  Details of the auditors’ remuneration  
for audit work and non-audit fees for the period ended 28 April 2012 
are disclosed in note 3 to the Financial Statements. 

The Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities in relation to the 
accounts is set out on pages 34 to 35.  The Statement by the Auditors 
on their responsibilities in respect of the accounts is contained in 
their report on page 72. 

The Chairman of the Audit Committee will be available at the 
Annual General Meeting. 

 
25 
25

Directors’ remuneration report 

This report is made by the Board on the recommendation of the 
Remuneration Committee and has been prepared in accordance 
with the UK Corporate Governance Code, relevant regulations and 
the relevant parts of the Listing Rules of the UK Listing Authority.  
The first part of the report provides details of the Remuneration 
Committee and remuneration policy.  The second part provides 
details of the remuneration, pensions and share plan interests of  
the Directors and former Directors who served as Directors of the 
Company during the 52 weeks ended 28 April 2012. 

The Committee is authorised by the Board to appoint external 
advisers if it considers this beneficial.  Over the course of the year,  
the Committee was advised by New Bridge Street (a trading name  
of Aon Hewitt Limited, part of Aon plc).  The Committee’s advisers 
attended two of the four Committee meetings.  New Bridge Street, 
which is a signatory to the Code of Conduct for Remuneration 
Advisers, did not provide other services to the Company.  Other 
members of the Aon plc group of companies provided insurance 
broking and advisory services to the Company. 

Remuneration Committee 
The Remuneration Committee is chaired by Alan Dickinson.  
Details of its membership and attendance are set out below: 

Number of Meetings in the 2011/12 financial year:

Members 
Alan Dickinson 
Committee Chairman1 
Baroness Noakes 

Sandra Turner  

Darren Shapland 
(from 8 September 2011  
until 14 May 2012) 

David Clifford  
(from 1 December 2011)2 
Guy Weston  
(until 8 September 2011)3 

Attendance 

4
4

4

3

3

0

4
Maximum number 
of Meetings the 
member could 
have attended 

4
4

4

4

3

0

1.  Chairman from 8 September 2011. 

2.  David Clifford will cease to be a member of the Committee with effect from  

1 July 2012. 

3.  Chairman until 8 September 2011. 

At the invitation of the Committee, the Chairman, Chief Executive, 
Group Finance Director and Operations Director – UK regularly 
attend Committee meetings.  The Committee considers their views 
when reviewing the remuneration of the Executive Directors and 
Senior Executives.  They are not involved in decisions concerning 
their own remuneration. 

The responsibilities of the Committee include: 

•  determining and agreeing with the Board the broad  

remuneration policy for the Chairman, Executive Directors  
and Senior Executives; 

•  setting individual remuneration arrangements for the  

Chairman and Executive Directors; 

•  recommending and monitoring the level and structure of 
remuneration for those members of senior management  
within the scope of the Committee; and 

•  approving the service agreements of each Executive Director, 

including termination arrangements. 

The Committee’s terms of reference are available on the Company’s 
corporate website (www.carpetright.plc.uk). 

Remuneration policy 
The Committee’s policy is to provide remuneration packages for  
the Executive Directors which include an appropriate balance 
between the fixed and variable elements of pay, and which reflect 
their responsibilities relative to the size and nature of the business.   
It is committed to ensuring the management teams are rewarded  
for delivering the Company’s growth plans and long-term 
shareholder value.  The Committee aims to set levels of fixed pay  
that are competitive within the markets within which it competes  
for talent and short- and long-term incentive opportunities at levels 
that are sufficient to motivate Executives to achieve the Company’s 
short- and long-term goals without encouraging inappropriate 
behaviours.  The Committee’s normal policy is that, for on-target 
performance, approximately half of total remuneration is fixed and 
half is performance related. 

In line with the Association of British Insurers’ Guidelines on 
Responsible Investment Disclosure, the Committee will ensure  
that the incentive structure for Executive Directors and senior 
management will not raise environmental, social or governance  
risks by inadvertently motivating irresponsible behaviour.  More 
generally, the Committee will ensure that the overall remuneration 
policy does not encourage inappropriate operational risk-taking. 

Remuneration review 
Since the publication of last year’s report on Directors’ 
remuneration, the Committee has: 

•  conducted a review of the remuneration arrangements of the 

Executive Directors and Senior Executives; 

•  determined the bonus award for the 2011/12 financial year; 

•  approved the bonus structure for the 2012/13 financial year; 

•  determined the level of awards and performance condition  

under the Company’s Long Term Incentive Plan for Directors 
and Senior Executives; 

•  approved the recruitment terms, including the salary for Darren 
Shapland on his appointment as Chief Executive in May 2012; 

•  approved the Chairman’s new package of remuneration  
following the appointment of the new Chief Executive; 

•  approved salary increases for a limited number of  

Senior Executives; 

•  reviewed its own terms of reference; and 

•  conducted its annual evaluation of its own performance  

and that of its advisers. 

www.carpetright.plc.uk

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2626 

Directors’ remuneration report continued 

Components of remuneration 
The main remuneration components for the Executive Directors 
comprise basic salary, incentive plans, pensions and benefits,  
which are set out below: 

i) Basic salary 
Basic salary for each Executive Director and other Senior  
Executives is determined by the Committee, taking account of the 
responsibilities, performance and experience of the individual.   
A benchmarking exercise was carried out in the period in relation  
to the appointment of the Chief Executive, as well as for the 
Chairman, Deputy Chairman and Non-Executive Directors.   
The Remuneration Committee took account of market trends in 
reviewing basic salaries.  When reviewing the salaries of the 
Executive Directors, the Committee also has regard to the impact  
on the cost of pension provision and pay and conditions elsewhere 
in the Group.  In particular, the Committee takes account of the 
level of salary increases awarded to other employees of the Group 
when deciding on increases for Executive Directors. 

Executive Directors’ basic salaries have been reviewed and other 
than increasing Darren Shapland’s remuneration upon his 
appointment as Chief Executive, no increase is to take place in 2012.  
The current salaries of the Executive Directors are as follows: 

The Committee intends to review levels of bonus opportunity for 
the 2013/14 financial year in light of trading conditions at that time. 

For the 2012/13 financial year the Company has introduced 
clawback in respect of cash bonuses.  Subject to the discretion of  
the Committee, bonuses may be clawed back where the financial 
results have been materially misstated, where an error has been 
made in assessing the size of the bonus or where the individual had 
committed an act of gross misconduct in respect of the relevant 
financial year. 

iii) Long-term incentives 
Executive Directors and other Senior Executives are eligible to 
participate in the Company’s Long Term Incentive Plan (the ‘LTIP’).  
Awards under the LTIP consist of conditional awards of shares that 
vest three years after grant to the extent that performance conditions 
have been met over a three year performance period.  Awards under 
the LTIP are capped at 300% of salary per annum; however, the 
Committee’s policy is to operate within a normal maximum of  
100% of salary per annum for awards to Executive Directors.   
The LTIP was not operated in 2007 or 2008 and, in order to  
address this absence, the 2009 award was made at 200% of salary.  
Award levels reverted to 100% of salary for 2010, in line with the 
normal maximum. 

Darren Shapland 
Neil Page 
Martin Harris 

Current base salary 
£450,000
£280,000
£280,000

The Committee has determined that awards will be made in 2012 in 
line with the normal maximum and will determine the appropriate 
performance criteria to be adopted before the awards are made.  
These will be fully disclosed to shareholders in next year’s report. 

Prior to making the 2011 awards, the Committee reviewed the 
previously planned performance targets for the 2011 awards in light 
of the prevailing expectations for future performance at that time.  
In light of those expectations it decided to set different targets to 
those which had been disclosed and determined that no awards will 
vest if growth in EPS is less than 5.5% per annum over the three 
financial years measured from the financial year immediately 
preceding the year in which the award is granted.  For growth of 
5.5% per annum, 25% of the award vests and for growth of 10% per 
annum, all of the award vests.  For growth between these two points 
between 25% and 100% vests on a sliding scale. 

Lord Harris voluntarily declined an award under the plans for 2009, 
2010 and 2011.  He is not eligible to receive awards upon ceasing  
to be Chief Executive.  It is the Company’s current policy that  
awards under the LTIP will be satisfied using shares purchased  
in the market. 

The Committee intends to review the Company’s long-term 
incentive arrangements during the course of the year with a view  
to introducing new arrangements in the future.  Once the 
Committee has concluded its review it will consult the Company’s 
major shareholders prior to finalising its proposals. 

The combined annual salary increase for all team members and 
management was 1.8%. 

ii) Annual incentives 
Executive Directors are eligible to receive an annual performance 
bonus which is a proportion of salary based on the achievement of 
the annual budgeted profit.  The performance targets for 2011/12 
were set by reference to budgeted levels of underlying profit before 
tax.  The target for the Rest of Europe was partly achieved so a bonus 
will be paid to Andy Corden, who stepped down from the Board  
in May 2012.  Targets were not achieved for the UK or the Group  
so no bonus will be paid in 2012 (2011: nil) to the other Executive 
Directors who served during the period.  Where bonuses are paid, 
they are paid in cash and do not form part of the Directors’ 
pensionable earnings. 

The Committee reviewed levels of bonus opportunity for the 
Executive Directors for the 2012/13 financial year in light of the 
challenging trading environment and concluded that it would  
be appropriate to retain the percentages of salary payable for 
maximum and on-target performance at the same level as for the 
year 2011/12, which had been reduced from the 2010/11 bonus 
earning opportunity.  Accordingly, the maximum bonus 
opportunity for Executive Directors for the 2012/13 financial year  
is 100% (2011: 100%) of basic salary, with 30% (2011: 20%) of salary 
payable for on-target performance.  The performance target for  
the 2012/13 financial year has similarly been set by reference to 
budgeted levels of underlying profit before tax.  

Carpetright plc Annual report and accounts 2012

 
 
iv) Pensions  
Darren Shapland, Martin Harris and Christian Sollesse are deferred 
members of the Carpetright plc Pension Plan, which is a defined 
benefit scheme and closed to future accrual from 30 April 2010.  
Lord Harris receives a pension under the plan.  Executive Directors, 
other than Andy Corden, are offered an allowance of 20% of their 
base salary to fund their own pension provision.  The individual is 
able to choose whether this allowance is paid to the Company’s 
defined contribution Group Personal Pension Plan (‘GPPP’) or 
receive the allowance by way of a salary supplement.  Darren 
Shapland and Martin Harris each receive their allowance as a  
salary supplement.  Neil Page and Christian Sollesse each split  
their allowance between a contribution to the GPPP scheme and  
a salary supplement.  Claire Balmforth has elected for her allowance 
to be paid into the GPPP.  Andy Corden receives payments of 4.5%  
of his Belgian salary into a pension scheme in Belgium. 

v) Benefits 
The Executive Directors are eligible for car benefits, life assurance 
and private medical cover. 

vi) Terms of Darren Shapland’s appointment as  
Chief Executive 
Darren Shapland was appointed as Chief Executive on 14 May 2012.  
The key elements of his remuneration for 2012 are as follows: 

•  Basic salary: £450,000 

•  On-target bonus: 30% of basic salary 

•  Maximum bonus: 100% of basic salary 

•  Pension: 20% of basic salary cash supplement 

•  LTIP buy-out: approximately £345,000 in respect of LTIPs that 
lapse as a result of joining the Company.  Darren Shapland is 
required to subscribe the net proceeds in shares in the Company. 

•  Car allowance: £27,500 

•  LTIP award: when the Company ceases to be in a closed period it 
intends to make an award to align his interests with those of the 
other executives. 

27 
27

Shareholding guidelines 
The Committee has introduced share ownership guidelines to  
create greater alignment with the interests of shareholders and to be 
consistent with one of the objectives of the incentive framework.  All 
Executive Directors should build up a shareholding in the Company 
by the retention of shares with a value equal to the net of taxes gain 
on shares vested under Carpetright’s equity incentive plans until 
such time as they have acquired a holding that is equal to their 
annual basic salary and maintain it thereafter.  At the year end the 
holdings of Lord Harris and Martin Harris were above this level.  
Neil Page held 9,802 shares which, based on the year end share  
price of 604p, represented 21% of his salary.  At the year end Darren 
Shapland, who was appointed as Chief Executive in May 2012,  
did not hold any shares in the Company. 

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www.carpetright.plc.uk

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2828 

Directors’ remuneration report continued 

Performance graph 
The graph below shows the value, at 28 April 2012, of £100 in Carpetright plc shares on 28 April 2007 compared with that of £100 invested in 
the FTSE 250 Index or the FTSE 350 General Retail Index, which the Directors believe to be the most suitable broad comparators.  The other 
points plotted are the values at intervening financial year-ends. 

Total shareholder return 

)
£
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120

105

90

75

60

45

30

15

28 April 2007

3 May 2008

2 May 2009

1 May 2010

30 April 2011

28 April 2012

Carpetright

FTSE 250 Index

FTSE 350 General Retailers

Source: Thomson-Reuters

Service contracts  
It is the Company’s policy to employ Executive Directors under contracts with an indefinite term subject to termination by notice given by 
either party, normally of 12 months.  If the Company terminates employment without giving full notice to the Director, the Company has  
the option to either: 

•  pay damages calculated by reference to common law principles, including an obligation on the Director to mitigate loss; or  

•  to make a payment in lieu of notice calculated by reference to basic salary and benefits only.  This payment would be reduced or terminated 

if alternative employment was secured during the notice period and there is a requirement to mitigate loss. 

The Executive Directors’ service contracts became effective on the following dates: 

Darren Shapland 
Martin Harris 
Neil Page 
Claire Balmforth1 
Andy Corden1 
Christian Sollesse2 

Contract date 
11 May 2012 
27 January 2011 
2 March 2009 
3 May 2011 
30 August 2002 
20 November 2006 

Notice period 
12 months
12 months
12 months
12 months
12 months
12 months

1.  Claire Balmforth and Andy Corden stepped down from the Board on 11 May 2012.  They both remain Senior Executives on their previous contract terms. 

2.  Christian Sollesse stepped down from the Board on 2 June 2011.  He ceased employment on 12 September 2011.  In line with the terms of his contract he continued to receive  

an amount equivalent to his monthly salary, benefits and pension contributions (subject to mitigation) until the end of his notice period.  He was not entitled to a bonus and  
his long-term incentive arrangements have lapsed. 

External appointments  
Executive Directors retain remuneration from outside non-executive directorships.  During the year Lord Harris’s directors’ fees payable  
by Arsenal Holdings plc and Arsenal Football Club plc totalling £25,000 were donated to charity.   

Darren Shapland receives a fee at a rate of £150,000 per annum in respect of his role as Chairman of Sainsburys Bank, which is a commitment 
of one day per week until 31 December 2012, and a fee at a rate of £60,000 per annum as a Non-Executive Director of Ladbrokes plc. 

Carpetright plc Annual report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
29 
29

Chairman and Non-Executive Directors 
The Chairman and the Non-Executive Directors do not have service contracts.  The Chairman has been appointed for an indefinite term  
and the Non-Executive Directors are appointed for an initial three year period, subject to being re-elected by members annually. 

The Chairman and Non-Executive Directors’ letters of appointment became effective on the following dates: 

Lord Harris (Chairman) 
Baroness Noakes 
Alan Dickinson 
Sandra Turner 
David Clifford 

Date of reappointment 

1 February 2012

Appointment date 
11 May 2012
1 February 2001
22 October 2010
22 October 2010
1 December 2011

Unexpired term at the  
date of this report 
Indefinite 
7 months 
1 year 4 months  
1 year 4 months 
2 years 5 months 

Notice period 
3 months
1 month
1 month
1 month
1 month

The fees of the Chairman are determined by the Remuneration Committee.  Non-Executive Directors’ fees are determined by the Executive 
Directors.  These fees are set with reference to external data on fee levels in similar businesses, having taken account of the responsibilities of 
individual Directors and their expected annual time commitment.  The Chairman and the Non-Executive Directors are not eligible for any  
of the Company’s variable pay arrangements.  The Chairman is entitled to a car allowance, life assurance and private medical cover.  The  
Non-Executive Directors receive no benefits. 

The fees of the Non-Executive Directors were last reviewed in May 2012.  As a result of this review the base fees for Non-Executive Directors 
were increased by £3,000 to £39,000.  The fees of Baroness Noakes were increased to £60,000 to take account of her role as Deputy Chairman, 
membership of all Board Committees, chairing the Nomination Committee and her role as the Senior Independent Director.  The fees for 
chairing the Customer and Corporate Responsibility Committee were aligned with chairing the other committees (£5,000 per chair). 

The following section provides details of the remuneration, pension and share plan interests of the Directors for the 52 week period 
ended 28 April 2012 and has been audited. 

i) Directors’ emoluments 
The remuneration of the Directors for the year was as follows: 

  Footnotes 
1 

2 

3 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 

Salary/Fees 
£000 
482
280
280
290
198
51
39
36
23
15
13
122
–
1,829
1,479

Payments 
following 
termination of 
employment 
£000 

236
–
236
–

Bonus
£000 
–
–
–
35
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
35
–

Pension
supplement 
£000 
–
56
6
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
11
–
73
87

Contributions to 
Pension Plan 
£000  
– 
– 
50 
13 
40 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
9 
– 
112 
81 

Lord Harris 
Martin Harris 
Neil Page 
Andy Corden 
Claire Balmforth 
Baroness Noakes 
Alan Dickinson 
Sandra Turner 
Darren Shapland 
David Clifford 
Guy Weston  
Christian Sollesse 
Former Directors 
Total 2012 
Total 2011 

1.  Highest paid Director. 

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Benefits  
£000 
40 
31 
29 
29 
27 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
13 
– 
169 
135 

Total 2012 
£000 
522
367
365
367
265
51
39
36
23
15
13
391
–
2,454
–

Total 2011 
£000 
522
367
365
–
–
51
19
19
–
–
36
371
32

1,782

2.  Paid by subsidiary companies in Euros.  The average exchange rate of €1.16:£1 has been used. 

3.  For 2011, part year only. 

4.  Part year only, since September 2011. 

5.  Part year only, since December 2011. 

6.  For 2012, part year only to September 2011. 

7.  The salary figure includes holiday pay (£20k).  The amounts received post termination of employment include amounts paid in lieu of salary (£178k), pension and pension 

supplement (£36k) and other benefits (£22k).  Payments were made monthly, subject to mitigation, and continued to June 2012. 

No emoluments were waived during the period. 

www.carpetright.plc.uk

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3030 

Directors’ remuneration report continued 

ii) Long term incentive plan 
The table below shows the conditional share awards granted under this plan: 

Director 
Martin Harris 

Neil Page 

Claire Balmforth 

Andy Corden 

Christian Sollesse 

Footnotes 

Date of Grant  
1,5 18 Sept 2009 
2,5 16 Sept 2010 
3 20 Sept 2011 

As at
 30 April 2011 
59,480
37,837
–

Granted/(lapsed)
 in the year 
–
–
57,601

Vested in 
the year 
–
–
–

Outstanding at 
28 April 2012 
59,480
37,837
57,601

Share price 
 at date of award 
(pence) 

First  
exercise date 

Last 
exercise date 
853  Sept 2012  Mar 2013
740  Sept 2013  Mar 2014
486  Sept 2014  Mar 2015

1,5 18 Sept 2009 
2,5 16 Sept 2010 
3 20 Sept 2011 

1,5 18 Sept 2009 
2,5 16 Sept 2010 
3 20 Sept 2011 

2,4,5 16 Sept 2010 
3 20 Sept 2011 

18 Sept 2009 
16 Sept 2010 

60,961
37,837
–

14,067
15,202
–

26,696
–

65,650
37,837

–
–
57,601

–
–
41,143

–
59,957

(65,650)
(37,837)

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–

–
–

60,961
37,837
57,601

14,067
15,202
41,143

26,696
59,957

853  Sept 2012  Mar 2013
740  Sept 2013  Mar 2014
486  Sept 2014  Mar 2015

853  Sept 2012  Mar 2013
740  Sept 2013  Mar 2014
486  Sept 2014  Mar 2015

740  Sept 2013  Mar 2014
486  Sept 2014  Mar 2015

–
–

853 
740 

– 
– 

–
–

1.  None of the 2009 awards vest if growth in underlying Earnings per Share (‘EPS’) is less than 25% per annum over the three financial years measured from the financial year 

immediately preceding the year in which the award is granted.  For growth of 25% per annum, 30% of the award vests and for growth of 50% per annum, all of the award vests.   
For growth between these two points between 30% and 100% vests on a sliding scale. 

2.  None of the 2010 awards vest if growth in underlying EPS is less than 17.5% per annum over the three financial years measured from the financial year immediately preceding the 

year in which the award is granted.  For growth of 17.5% per annum, 25% of the award vests and for growth of 35% per annum, all of the award vests.  For growth between these two 
points between 25% and 100% vests on a sliding scale. 

3.  None of the 2011 awards vest if growth in underlying EPS is less than 5.5% per annum over the three financial years measured from the financial year immediately preceding the year 
in which the award is granted.  For growth of 5.5% per annum, 25% of the award vests and for growth of 10% per annum, all of the award vests.  For growth between these two points 
between 25% and 100% vests on a sliding scale. 

4.  Andy Corden’s award in 2010 was made on a phantom basis such that a payment will be made based upon the market value of a share, rather than receiving shares. 

5.  Neither the 2009 conditional award nor the 2010 conditional award is currently expected to vest. 

iii) Sharesave options 
At the end of the year, the Directors’ SAYE share options were as follows: 

Lord Harris 
Martin Harris 
Neil Page 
Claire Balmforth 
Claire Balmforth 
Claire Balmforth 

As at  
30 April 2011 
5,491 
5,491 
5,491 
1,271 
568 
– 

Granted 
during year 
–
–
–
–
–
1,063

Exercised 
during year 
–
–
–
1,271
–
–

Lapsed 
during year 
–
–
–
–
–
–

As at 
28 April 2012 
5,491
5,491
5,491
–
568
1,063

Exercise  
price pence 

First  
Last 
exercise date 
exercise date 
295.0  Apr 2014  Oct 2014
295.0  Apr 2014  Oct 2014
295.0  Apr 2014  Oct 2014
295.0  Apr 2012  Oct 2012
633.5  Apr 2014  Oct 2014
423.0  Apr 2015  Oct 2015

The market price of Carpetright shares was 604 pence on 28 April 2012 (30 April 2011: 693.5 pence).  During the period ended 28 April 2012, the shares of Carpetright plc traded 
between a low of 375 pence and a high of 741 pence. 

Carpetright plc Annual report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
31 
31

iv) All Employee Share Ownership Plan (AESOP) 
Carpetright operates an AESOP under which team members may contribute up to £125 per month from pre-tax salary to purchase 
Carpetright shares.  Lord Harris, Martin Harris, Neil Page and Claire Balmforth participate in the AESOP, contributing £125 per month. 

v) Directors’ Pensions Benefits  
Only the Executive Directors’ basic salaries are pensionable.  On 30 April 2010 the defined benefit Carpetright plc Pension Plan closed to  
future accrual.  Martin Harris, Christian Sollesse and Darren Shapland are deferred members of the plan. 

Details of pensions earned by the Directors who are members of the Plan are shown below: 

Accrued Pension 

Transfer Value 

Pension  
accrued at  
28 April 2012 

Increase in 
accrued pension 
during the year 

Increase in pension 
during the year net 
of inflation1

Cost to the Plan of the 
increase in pension in 
excess of contributions 

As at  
28 April 2012 

As at 
30 April 2011 

Change in transfer 
value net of Directors’ 
contributions2

£000 pa 
30.1 
17.4 
36.4 
6.5 

£000 pa 
1.9
0.8
1.8
0.3

£000 
–
–
–
–

£000 
–
–
–
–

£000 
615 
328 
887 
133 

£000 
516
215
636
91

£000 
99
113
251
42

Lord Harris3 
Martin Harris 
Christian Sollesse 
Darren Shapland4 

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1.  The cost to the Plan of the increase represents the incremental value to the Director of his service during the period, calculated on service to 30 April 2010.  It is based on the increase 

in accrued pension net of inflation after deducting the Director’s contribution. 

2.  The total change in value includes the effects of fluctuations in the transfer value due to factors beyond the control of the Company and the Directors, such as stock market 

movements.  It is calculated after deducting Directors’ contributions. 

3.  Lord Harris has been in receipt of a pension since September 2007. 

4.  Darren Shapland’s pension rights arise as a result of his previous employment as Group Finance Director of Carpetright. 

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Shareholder approval 
A resolution to approve the Remuneration Report is being proposed at the Annual General Meeting.  The Chairman of the Remuneration 
Committee will be available at the Annual General Meeting. 

By order of the Board: 

Alan Dickinson 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee 
25 June 2012 

www.carpetright.plc.uk

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3232 

Other information 

Directors’ interests 
The beneficial interests of those persons who were Directors as at 28 April 2012 and their immediate families in the ordinary shares of the 
Company are set out below. 

Lord Harris 
Martin Harris 
Neil Page 
Claire Balmforth 
Andy Corden 
Baroness Noakes 
David Clifford 
Alan Dickinson 
Sandra Turner 
Darren Shapland 

28 April 2012 
12,608,393 
3,989,954 
9,802 
1,432 
2,486 
32,225 
– 
– 
– 
– 

30 April 2011 
12,568,122
3,939,683
9,531
–
2,486
32,225
–
–
–
–

In addition, Lord Harris has a non-beneficial interest in 196,414 shares (2011: 196,414).  139,000 of these shares are included within Martin 
Harris’s beneficial interests.  The Executive Directors have an indirect interest in 27,869 shares held in trust to satisfy awards made under the 
LTIP.  Save as disclosed in this section, none of the Directors has any non-beneficial interests in the shares of the Company. 

Between 28 April 2012 and the date of this report 38 shares have been purchased for each of Martin Harris, Neil Page and Claire Balmforth, and 
41 shares have been purchased for Lord Harris under the Company’s AESOP.  There have been no other changes to the above shareholdings. 

Save as disclosed herein, no Director had a material interest in any contract or arrangement with the Company during the year, other than 
through their respective service contracts. 

Details of transactions during the period with companies of which Lord Harris and/or Martin Harris is a Director and/or in which Lord Harris 
holds a material interest are noted below.  All of these transactions are on normal commercial terms. 

Clacton Property Investments Ltd 
Edinburgh Retail LLP 
Glenrothes Retail LLP 
Greenock Retail Ltd 
Harris Ventures Ltd 
Hull Unit Trust 
Neath Retail LLP 
Wick Retail Ltd 

 Lease and concession  
agreement payments made  

Supplies of goods/services  
payments received 

Supplies of goods/services  
payments made 

2012
£000 
–
267
–
226
62
387
–
–

2011
£000 
17
269
28
225
62
357
2
30

2012
£000 
–
–
–
–
2
–
–
–

2011 
£000 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

2012 
£000 
– 
– 
– 
– 
29 
– 
– 
– 

2011
£000 
–
–
–
–
33
–
–
–

As at 28 April 2012 the Group owed related parties £nil (2011: £11,000). 

Directors’ indemnity arrangements 
The Company has provided qualifying third-party indemnities for the benefit of each Director and former Director who held office during the 
2011/12 financial year.  The Company has also purchased and maintained Directors’ and Officers’ liability insurance throughout the 2011/12 
financial year. 

Creditors’ payment policy 
While the Group does not follow any formal code or standard on payment practice, it agrees terms and conditions for its business transactions 
when orders for goods and services are placed, and includes the relevant terms in contracts where appropriate.  These arrangements are 
adhered to when making payments subject to the terms and conditions being met by suppliers.  The number of trade creditor days 
outstanding at the period end for the Company was 56 days (2011: 52 days). 

Carpetright plc Annual report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
33 
33

Significant agreements – change of control 
There are a number of agreements that take effect, alter or terminate upon a change of control of the Company following a takeover bid,  
such as bank loan agreements and employee share plans.  None of these is deemed to be significant in terms of their potential impact on  
the business of the Group as a whole except for: 

•  a term loan and revolving facilities agreement dated 19 March 2008, as amended and restated most recently on 27 June 2011, for term  
loans of €14m and £22m and a revolving credit facility of £45m, which provides that on a change of control all lenders’ commitments  
are cancelled and all outstanding loans, together with accrued interest, will become immediately due and payable; and 

•  under the Company’s all-employee and discretionary share schemes, a change of control of the Company would normally be a vesting 

event, facilitating the exercise or transfer of awards, subject to any relevant performance conditions being satisfied. 

The Company does not have agreements with any Director or officer that would provide compensation for loss of office or employment 
resulting from a takeover, except that provisions in the Company’s share plans may cause options and awards granted under such plans  
to vest on a takeover. 

There is no information that the Company would be required to disclose about persons with whom it has contractual or other arrangements 
which is essential to the business of the Company. 

Share capital 
Details of the Company’s issued share capital can be found in note 24 to the consolidated financial statements.  All of the Company’s issued 
ordinary shares are fully paid up and rank equally in all respects. 

The rights and obligations attaching to the Company’s ordinary shares, in addition to those conferred on their holders by law, are contained  
in the Company’s Articles of Association, copies of which can be obtained from Companies House in the UK or by writing to the Company 
Secretary.  The holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive the Company’s report and accounts, to attend and speak at general meetings  
of the Company, to appoint proxies and to exercise voting rights. 

There are no restrictions on the transfer of ordinary shares or on the exercise of voting rights attached to them, except (i) where the Company 
has exercised its right to suspend their voting rights or to prohibit their transfer following the omission of their holder or any person interested 
in them to provide the Company with information requested by it in accordance with Part 22 of the Companies Act 2006 or (ii) where their 
holder is precluded from exercising voting rights by the FSA’s Listing Rules or the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers. 

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The Company is not aware of any agreements between shareholders that might result in the restriction of transfer or voting rights in relation 
to the shares held by such shareholders. 

Shares acquired through Carpetright’s employee share schemes rank equally with all other ordinary shares in issue and have no special rights.  
The Trustee of the Company’s Employee Benefit Trust (‘EBT’) has waived its rights to dividends on shares held by the EBT and does not 
exercise its right to vote in respect of such shares.  Shares held in trust on behalf of participants in the All Employee Share Ownership Plan are 
voted by the Trustee as directed by the participants.  Details of share-based payments, including information regarding the shares held by the 
EBT, can be found in notes 24 and 25 to the financial statements on pages 65 and 66. 

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Substantial shareholdings 
As at 25 June 2012, the Company has been notified of the following substantial shareholdings, other than those of the Directors, in the issued 
share capital of the Company: 

The Olayan Group 
Franklin Templeton Institutional, LLC 
Harris Associates Inc 
Cascade Investments LLP 
Artisan Partners LP  
A H Palmer and E A O’Keeffe as joint trustees1 
UBS Investment Bank 

1.  Of these shares, 793,000 are held on behalf of Martin Harris and so are also included in his reported holding on page 32. 

Total number 
of shares held 
10,099,000
9,593,037
6,891,163
4,040,857
3,480,472
2,623,000
2,133,181

Percentage 
of shares held 
14.96%
14.21%
10.20%
5.98%
5.15%
3.88%
3.16%

www.carpetright.plc.uk

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3434 

Other information continued 

Investor relations 
There is a formal investor relations programme based around the results presentations and interim management statements.  All of the  
Non-Executive Directors are available to attend meetings should shareholders so request.  The Chairman and Executive Directors feed back 
any investor comments to the Board.  All Directors normally attend the Annual General Meeting and are available to answer any questions  
that shareholders may raise. 

All shareholders will have at least 20 working days’ notice of the Annual General Meeting.  As required by the Code the Board will, at the 2012 
Annual General Meeting, announce the proxy votes in favour of and against each resolution following a vote by a show of hands, and the votes 
cast will be posted on the corporate website. 

Authority to purchase own shares 
At the 2011 Annual General Meeting shareholders gave the Company renewed authority to purchase a maximum of 6,723,566 shares of one  
penny each.  This resolution remains valid until the date of this year’s Annual General Meeting.  As at 28 April 2012, the Directors had not  
used this authority.  The Company’s present intention is to cancel any shares acquired under such authority, unless purchased to satisfy 
outstanding awards under employee share incentive plans.  A resolution seeking renewal of the authority will be proposed at this year’s  
Annual General Meeting. 

Annual General Meeting 
The 2012 Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held on 6 September 2012 at Harris House, Purfleet Bypass, Purfleet,  
Essex RM19 1TT at 12.00 noon.  A full description of the business to be conducted at the meeting is set out in the separate Notice  
of Annual General Meeting. 

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities 
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report, the Directors’ Remuneration Report and the financial statements in 
accordance with applicable laws and regulations. 

UK company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year.  Under that law the Directors have prepared 
the Group and Parent Company financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by 
the European Union.  The financial statements are required by law to 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 Company and Group for that period. 

In preparing those financial statements, the Directors are required to: 

•  select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; 

•  make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 

•  state that the financial statements comply with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union; and 

•  prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis, unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group will continue in business, 

in which case there should be supporting assumptions or qualifications as necessary. 

The Directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position 
of the Company and the Group and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements and the Directors’ Remuneration Report comply 
with the Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the Group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.  They are also responsible for 
safeguarding the assets of the Company and the Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and 
other irregularities. 

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information on the Company’s websites.  
Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in  
other jurisdictions. 

Going concern  
The Directors confirm that, after reviewing expenditure commitments, expected cash flows and borrowing facilities, they have a reasonable 
expectation that the Company and the Group have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the next financial year and the 
foreseeable future.  For this reason they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.  Further details of the 
Group’s liquidity are given in the financial review on page 14. 

Carpetright plc Annual report and accounts 2012

 
 
35 
35

Disclosure of information to auditors 
Each of the Directors of the Company has confirmed that, as far as they are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the auditors 
are unaware and that each Director has taken all steps to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the 
Company’s auditors are aware of that information. 

Responsibility Statement 
Each of the Directors whose names and details are set out on page 19 of this report confirms that to the best of their knowledge: 

•  the financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs 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; and 

•  the business review, which is incorporated into the Directors’ 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 a 
description of the principal risks and uncertainties that they face. 

This Directors’ Report, including the Statement of Directors’ responsibilities, has been approved by the Board. 

By order of the Board  

Jeremy Sampson 
Company Secretary and Legal Director  
25 June 2012 

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www.carpetright.plc.uk

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3636 

Financial statements 
Consolidated income statement 

for 52 weeks ended 28 April 2012 

Revenue 
Cost of sales 
Gross profit 
Administration expenses 
Other operating income 
Operating profit  
Finance costs 
Finance income 
Profit before tax 
Tax 
Profit for the financial period attributable to 
equity shareholders of the Company 

Basic earnings per share (pence) 
Diluted earnings per share (pence) 

Group 52 weeks to 28 April 2012 

Group 52 weeks to 30 April 2011 (restated) 

Before 
exceptional 
items
£m 
471.5
(195.5)
276.0
(270.2)
2.2
8.0
(5.1)
1.1
4.0
(1.0)

3.0

4.5

Notes 
2

2

2,3
5,6
6

7

9
9

Exceptional 
items 
£m 

(3.4)
13.4 
10.0 
(0.5)
–
9.5 
(1.5)

Total
£m 
471.5 
(195.5)
276.0 
(273.6)
15.6 
18.0 
(5.6)
1.1 
13.5 
(2.5)

Before 
exceptional 
items 
£m 
486.8  
(188.8) 
298.0  
(280.2) 
3.4  
21.2  
(5.4) 
1.1  
16.9  
(4.8) 

Exceptional 
items 
£m 

(10.8) 
0.5  
(10.3) 
–  
–  
(10.3) 
2.8  

8.0 

11.0 

12.1  

(7.5) 

11.9 

16.4 
16.4

18.0  

(11.2) 

Total
£m 
486.8 
(188.8)
298.0 
(291.0)
3.9
10.9 
(5.4)
1.1 
6.6 
(2.0)

4.6 

6.8 
6.9 

All material items in the income statement arise from continuing operations. 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income  

for 52 weeks ended 28 April 2012 

Profit for the financial period 

Actuarial (loss)/gain on defined benefit pension scheme 
Exchange (loss)/gain in respect of hedged equity investments
Tax on components of other comprehensive income 
Other comprehensive (expense)/income for the period 

Group  
52 weeks to  
28 April 2012 
£m 
11.0  
(0.9) 
(7.5) 
–  
(8.4) 

Group
 52 weeks to 
30 April 2011
£m 
4.6 
0.4 
2.4 
(0.4)
2.4 

Notes 

22 

7 

Total comprehensive income for the period attributable to equity shareholders of the Company

2.6 

7.0

Carpetright plc Annual report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
37 
37

Statements of changes in equity 

for 52 weeks ended 28 April 2012 

Group 
At 1 May 2010 
Total comprehensive income/(expense) for the financial period
Purchase of own shares by Employee Benefit Trust 
Share based payments and related tax 
Dividends paid to Group shareholders 
At 30 April 2011 
Total comprehensive income/(expense) for the financial period
Issue of new shares 
Share-based payments and related tax 
At 28 April 2012 

Company 
At 1 May 2010 
Total comprehensive income/(expense) for the financial period
Purchase of own shares by Employee Benefit Trust 
Share based payments and related tax 
Dividends paid to Group shareholders 
At 30 April 2011 
Total comprehensive income/(expense) for the financial period
Issue of new shares 
Share based payments and related tax 
At 28 April 2012 

Share capital
£m 
0.7 
–
–
–
–
0.7 
–
–
–
0.7 

Share capital
£m 
0.7 
–
–
–
–
0.7 
–
–
–
0.7 

Share 
premium
£m 
15.4 
–
–
–
–
15.4 
–
0.9 
–
16.3 

Share 
premium
£m 
15.4 
–
–
–
–
15.4 
–
0.9 
–
16.3 

Treasury 
shares
£m 
(0.2)
–
(0.1)
–
–
(0.3)
–
–
–
(0.3)

Treasury 
shares
£m 
(0.2)
–
(0.1)
–
–
(0.3)
–
–
–
(0.3)

Capital 
redemption 
reserve  
 £m 
0.1  
–  
–  
–  
–  
0.1  
–  
–  
–  
0.1  

Capital 
redemption 
reserve  
 £m 
0.1  
–  
–  
–  
–  
0.1  
–  
–  
–  
0.1  

Translation 
reserve  
£m 
10.2  
2.4  
–  
–  
–  
12.6  
(7.5) 
–  
–  
5.1  

Translation 
reserve  
£m 
(2.3) 
0.3  
–  
–  
–  
(2.0) 
1.8  
–  
–  
(0.2) 

Hedging 
reserve 
 £m 
(1.2)
1.1  
–  
–  
–  
(0.1)
0.1  
–  
–  
– 

Hedging 
reserve 
 £m 
(1.2)
1.1  
–  
–  
–  
(0.1)
0.1  
–  
–  
– 

Retained 
earnings
 £m 
46.2 
3.5 
–
(0.3)
(10.8)
38.6 
10.0
–
0.2 
48.8 

Retained 
earnings
 £m 
29.2 
(2.3)
–
(0.3)
(10.8)
15.8 
18.7
–
0.2 
34.7

Total 
£m 
71.2 
7.0 
(0.1)
(0.3)
(10.8)
67.0 
2.6
0.9 
0.2 
70.7

Total 
£m 
41.7 
(0.9)
(0.1)
(0.3)
(10.8)
29.6 
20.6
0.9 
0.2 
51.3

The notes on pages 40 to 70 form an integral part of the financial statements. 

www.carpetright.plc.uk

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3838  

Balance sheets 

as at 28 April 2012 

Assets 
Non-current assets 
Intangible assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Investment property 
Investment in subsidiary undertakings 
Deferred tax assets 
Trade and other receivables 
Total non-current assets 

Current assets  
Inventories 
Trade and other receivables 
Current tax assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Total current assets 

Total assets  

Liabilities 
Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Obligations under finance leases 
Borrowings and overdrafts 
Current tax liabilities 
Total current liabilities 

Non-current liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Obligations under finance leases 
Borrowings 
Derivative financial instruments 
Provisions for liabilities and charges 
Deferred tax liabilities 
Retirement benefit obligations 
Total non-current liabilities 
Total liabilities 
Net assets 

Equity 
Share capital 
Share premium  
Treasury shares 
Other reserves 
Total equity attributable to equity shareholders of the Company

The notes on pages 40 to 70 form an integral part of the financial statements. 

Group 
2012 
£m 

Group  
2011  
£m 

Company  
2012  
£m 

Company 
2011 
£m 

Notes 

10
11
12
13
21
15

14
15

16

61.4 
119.6 
20.7 
–
2.6 
0.9 
205.2 

38.3 
24.1 
–
9.6
72.0

65.8  
147.4  
26.1  
–  
2.9  
1.1  
243.3  

38.7  
32.8  
– 
8.3  
79.8  

32.7  
80.1  
7.4  
16.8  
–  
49.2  
186.2  

30.8  
18.4  
0.4  
6.1  
55.7  

35.1 
96.3 
7.7 
16.8 
–
46.9 
202.8 

30.5 
26.9 
–
4.7 
62.1 

2

277.2

323.1  

241.9 

264.9 

17
18
19

17
18
19
23
20
21
22

2

24
24
24

(109.2)
(0.1)
(9.5)
(1.0)
(119.8)

(33.8)
(2.6)
(16.5)
–
(6.4)
(23.1)
(4.3)
(86.7)
(206.5)
70.7

0.7 
16.3 
(0.3)
54.0
70.7

(105.3) 
(0.1) 
(21.3) 
(2.1) 
(128.8) 

(35.4) 
(2.9) 
(49.6) 
(0.1) 
(9.1) 
(26.2) 
(4.0) 
(127.3) 
(256.1) 
67.0  

0.7  
15.4  
(0.3) 
51.2  
67.0  

(93.2) 
(0.1) 
(5.4) 
–  
(98.7) 

(46.2) 
(1.5) 
(16.5) 
–  
(6.0) 
(17.4) 
(4.3) 
(91.9) 
(190.6) 
51.3 

0.7  
16.3  
(0.3) 
34.6  
51.3  

(89.0)
(0.1)
(16.8)
(1.2) 
(107.1)

(51.4)
(1.9)
(45.1)
(0.1)
(9.1)
(16.6)
(4.0)
(128.2)
(235.3)
29.6 

0.7 
15.4 
(0.3)
13.8 
29.6 

These financial statements from pages 36 to 70 were approved by the Board of Directors on 25 June 2012 and were signed on its behalf by: 

Darren Shapland 
Directors 

Neil Page 

Carpetright plc Annual report and accounts 2012

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
39 
39

Statements of cash flow 

for 52 weeks ended 28 April 2012 

Cash flows from operating activities 
Profit/(loss) before tax 
Adjusted for: 
Depreciation and amortisation
(Profit) on property disposals 
(Profit) on property subsidiary disposal 
Dividend received from subsidiaries 
Exceptional non-cash items 
Other non-cash items 
Net finance costs 
Operating cash flows before movements in working capital
(Increase)/decrease in inventories 
Decrease in trade and other receivables 
Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables 
Cash generated by operations 
Interest paid 
Corporation taxes paid 
Net cash generated from operating activities 

Cash flows from investing activities 
Purchases of intangible assets 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and investment property
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment and investment property
Proceeds on property subsidiary disposal 
Interest received 
Net cash generated from/(used) in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities 
Purchase of Treasury shares by Employee Benefit Trust
Issue of new shares 
Repayment of borrowings  
New loans advanced 
Intercompany loans 
Dividends paid to Group shareholders 
Net cash used in financing activities 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents in the period
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period
Exchange differences 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period

Group 
52 weeks to  
28 April 2012  
£m 

Group 
52 weeks to  
30 April 2011  
£m 

Company
52 weeks to 
28 April 2012 
£m 

Company
52 weeks to
 30 April 2011 
£m 

Notes 

13.5  

6.6  

20.3 

(0.8)

2,3

6

24

29
29

8

29

16,29

14.6  
(4.6) 
(8.8) 
–  
2.3  
0.2  
4.0  
21.2  
(0.4) 
7.9  
0.4  
29.1  
(4.9) 
(3.0) 
21.2  

(0.1) 
(12.0) 
22.1  
12.8  
–  
22.8  

–  
0.9  
(42.9) 
–  
–  
–  
(42.0) 

2.0 
(0.7) 
0.2 
1.5 

15.5  
(0.5) 
–  
–  
10.8  
(0.2) 
4.3  
36.5  
2.9  
5.9  
(13.2) 
32.1  
(5.0) 
(2.7) 
24.4  

(0.5) 
(9.9) 
0.9  
–  
0.1  
(9.4) 

(0.1) 
–  
(13.2) 
12.5  
–  
(10.8) 
(11.6) 

3.4  
(5.0) 
0.9  
(0.7) 

11.8 
(4.8)
–
(22.9)
1.9 
0.2 
4.5 
11.0 
(0.4)
22.1
(0.5)
32.2
(5.3)
(1.4)
25.5

(0.1)
(10.7)
21.3 
–
–
10.5 

–
0.9 
(38.7)
–
4.4
–
(33.4)

2.6
0.2 
(0.7)
2.1

12.1 
(0.5)
–
–
10.7 
(0.3)
4.3 
25.5 
2.0 
9.4 
(11.4)
25.5 
(4.6)
(0.8)
20.1 

(0.5)
(8.4)
0.9 
–
0.2 
(7.8)

(0.1)
–
(13.2)
12.5 
5.3 
(10.8)
(6.3)

6.0 
(5.4)
(0.4)
0.2 

The notes on pages 40 to 70 form an integral part of the financial statements. 

For the purposes of the cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents are reported net of overdrafts repayable on demand.  Overdrafts are 
excluded from the definition of cash and cash equivalents disclosed in the balance sheet. 

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4040  

Notes to the accounts 

1.  Principal accounting policies 
The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are set out below.  These policies have 
been consistently applied to all the years presented unless otherwise stated. 

Basis of preparation 
The financial statements of the Group are made up to the Saturday nearest to 30 April.  The financial year for 2012 represents the 52 weeks 
ended 28 April 2012.  The comparative financial year for 2011 was 52 weeks ended 30 April 2011. 

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) and International 
Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) interpretations endorsed by the European Union, together with those parts of  
the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. 

The following new standards and amendments to standards, which are mandatory for the first time in the financial year beginning  
1 May 2011, are relevant for the Group but have not had any impact in the current financial year: 

•  IAS 1 (amendments) ‘Presentation of Financial Statements’. 

•  IAS 24 (revised) ‘Related Party disclosures’. 

•  IAS 32 (amendments) ‘Financial instruments’. 

•  IFRS 3 (revised) ‘Business combinations’. 

The following IFRIC interpretations, which are mandatory for the first time in the financial year beginning 1 May 2011, are currently either 
not relevant or not material for the Group: 

•  IFRIC 19 ‘Extinguishing financial liabilities with equity instruments’. 

•  IFRIC 14 ‘Pre-payment of a minimum funding requirement’. 

At 28 April 2012 the following new standards and interpretations and amendments to existing standards which are expected to be relevant to 
the Group, were issued but not yet effective.  The Directors are evaluating the impact the standards will have on the financial statements: 

•  IFRS 7 (amendment) ‘De-recognition’ (effective for periods beginning on or after 1 July 2011).  

•  IFRS 9 ‘Financial instruments’ (effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015).  The Group will apply IFRS 9 when it becomes 

effective and is endorsed by the EU. 

•  IFRS 10 ‘Consolidated financial statements’ (effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013).    

•  IFRS 12 ‘Disclosures of interest in other entities’ (effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013). 

•  IFRS 13 ‘Fair value measurement’ (effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013). 

•  IAS 1 ‘Financial statements presentation’ (amendment) (effective for periods beginning on or after 1 July 2012). 

•  IAS 12 ‘Income taxes’ (amendment) (effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2012). 

•  IAS 19 ‘Employee Benefits’ (revised) (effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013). 

•  IAS 27 ‘Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements’ (revised) (effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013).    

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except for derivative financial instruments, pension 
assets and liabilities and share based payments which are measured at fair value.  The principal accounting policies set out below have been 
consistently applied to all periods presented unless otherwise stated. 

Basis of consolidation 
The consolidated financial statements include the Company and its subsidiary undertakings.  The acquisition of subsidiaries is accounted  
for using the purchase method.  The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of in the period are included in the consolidated income 
statement from the effective date of acquisition or up to the effective date of disposal respectively. 

Inter-company transactions, balances and unrealised gains or losses on transactions between Group companies are eliminated.  Accounting 
policies of subsidiaries have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Group. 

Exchange differences 
The consolidated financial statements are presented in pounds sterling, which is the Company’s functional and presentational currency.  
Transactions in foreign currencies, which are those other than the functional currency of an entity, are recorded at the opening rate for the 
month in which the transaction occurs which is used as a reasonable approximation to the rate at the transaction date.  Monetary assets and 

Carpetright plc Annual report and accounts 2012

  
41 
41

liabilities denominated in foreign currency are translated at the rates ruling at the balance sheet date.  Resulting exchange gains or losses are 
recognised in the income statement for the period except where they are part of a net foreign investment hedge when they are recognised  
in equity. 

On consolidation the assets and liabilities of the Group’s foreign operations are translated at the rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet 
date.  Income and expenses of foreign operations are translated at the average rate during the period.  Differences on translation are recognised 
as a separate component of equity.  On disposal of a foreign operation the cumulative exchange differences for that operation are recognised  
in the income statement as part of the profit or loss on disposal. 

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign operation are treated as assets and liabilities of that operation and 
are translated at the rate ruling at the balance sheet date. 

Segment reporting 
Segmental information is presented using a ‘management approach’ on the same basis as that used for internal reporting to the Chief 
Operating decision maker.  The Chief Operating decision maker, who is responsible for resource allocation and assessing performance  
of the operating segments, has been identified as the Board of Directors. 

Revenue 
Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for the provision of goods and services to customers outside 
the Group net of returns, sales allowances and value added and other sales based taxes.  Revenue from goods and services is recognised at the 
point the Group fulfils its commercial obligations to the customer, the revenue and costs in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably 
and collectability is reasonably assured. 

Share based payments 
The Group issues equity-settled share-based payments to certain employees.  The fair value of the employee services received in exchange  
for the grant of options is recognised as an expense and is calculated using Black-Scholes and Monte Carlo models.  The value of the charge  
is adjusted to reflect expected and actual levels of options vesting.  The total amount to be expensed over the vesting period is determined by 
reference to the fair value of the options granted, excluding the impact of any service and performance conditions that are included in the 
assumptions about the number of options which are expected to become exercisable. 

At each balance sheet date the Group revises its estimates of the number of options which are expected to become exercisable.   
It recognises the impact of the revision of original estimates, if any, in the income statement and a corresponding adjustment to  
equity over the vesting period. 

Impairment 
Assets that have an indefinite useful life, for example goodwill, are not subject to amortisation and are tested annually for impairment.  Assets 
that are subject to amortisation are reviewed for indications of impairment at each balance sheet date.  If there is an indication of impairment 
the recoverable amount of either the asset or the cash-generating unit to which it belongs is estimated.  Cash-generating units are used where 
an individual asset does not generate cash flows which are independent of other assets.  The recoverable amount of a non-financial asset is the 
higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use.  Value in use is the present value of the future cash flows expected to be derived 
from the asset or cash-generating unit. 

An impairment loss is recognised in the income statement whenever the carrying amount of an asset or cash-generating unit exceeds its 
recoverable amount. 

Non-financial assets other than goodwill that suffer an impairment are reviewed for possible reversal of impairment at each reporting date. 

Other operating income 
Rental income earned on investment property is recognised, in other operating income, in accordance with the substance of the relevant  
rental agreements. 

Profits or losses on the disposal of property, plant and equipment represent the difference between the net proceeds and the net carrying  
value at the date of sale.  Disposals are accounted for when there has been an unconditional exchange of contracts except where payment  
or completion is expected to occur significantly after exchange. 

Exceptional items 
Profits/losses on property disposals and non-recurring transactions which are material by virtue of their size or incidence such as major 
reorganisation costs, onerous leases, impairments and refinancing costs are disclosed as exceptional items. 

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4242 

Notes to the accounts continued 

1.  Principal accounting policies continued 
Tax 
Current tax liabilities are measured at the amount expected to be paid, based on tax rates and laws that are enacted or substantively enacted  
at the balance sheet date in the countries where the Company’s subsidiaries operate and generate taxable income. 

Deferred tax expected to be payable or recoverable on differences at the balance sheet date between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and 
their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method.  Deferred tax liabilities are 
generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences, and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable 
profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised. 

Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition (other than in a 
business combination) of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the taxable profit nor the accounting profit.  Deferred 
tax is calculated at the rates of tax that are expected to apply when the asset or liability is settled, based on tax rates that have been enacted or 
substantively enacted by the balance sheet date, and is not discounted. 

Tax is charged or credited directly to equity if it relates to items that are credited or charged to equity, otherwise it is recognised in the  
income statement. 

Dividends 
Dividend distribution to the Company’s shareholders is recognised as a liability in the financial statements in the period in which the 
dividends are approved by the Company’s shareholders or, in the case of interim dividends, paid. 

Goodwill 
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the Group’s share of the net identifiable assets of the acquired 
entity.  Goodwill is not amortised, but is reviewed for impairment at least annually.  Any impairment is recognised immediately in the income 
statement and is not subsequently reversed.  On disposal of a subsidiary the attributable amount of goodwill is included in the determination 
of the profit or loss on disposal. 

Other intangible assets 
Purchased brand names and other intangible assets are capitalised at cost.  Acquired software licences and software development costs are 
capitalised on the basis of the costs incurred to acquire and bring to use the specific software. 

Amortisation of intangible assets is calculated to write off the cost of the asset, on a straight line basis, over its expected useful life.  The 
expected useful lives generally applicable are: 

Brands  
Computer software   

20 years 
5 to 10 years 

Property, plant and equipment 
Property, plant and equipment is shown at cost less accumulated depreciation and any provisions for impairment in value. 

Depreciation is provided to write down the cost of property, plant and equipment, on a straight line basis, to their estimated residual  
values over their estimated useful lives.  Freehold land is not depreciated.  The estimated useful lives and residual values of assets are  
reviewed annually. 

The estimated useful lives by asset category that are generally applicable are: 

Freehold and long leasehold buildings 
Short leasehold buildings 
Fixtures and fittings 
Computers 
Motor vehicles 
Other plant and machinery 

50 years 
The shorter of the period of the lease and the estimated useful life 
7 to 15 years
5 to 7 years 
4 years 
7 to 10 years

Carpetright plc Annual report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
43 
43

Borrowing costs 
Gross interest costs incurred on the financing of major projects are capitalised until the time that they are available for use.  Unless a specific 
borrowing is taken out to finance the asset, interest is capitalised using the weighted average interest rate of all non specific borrowings.   
Where a specific borrowing is taken out to finance the asset, interest is capitalised at the rate applicable to that borrowing. 

Investment property 
Property that is held to earn rental income and for capital appreciation is separately disclosed as investment property.  Investment property  
is carried at depreciated historical cost.  Depreciation rates and useful lives of investment property are the same as those for property, plant  
and equipment. 

Leasing commitments 
Leases are classified as finance leases where the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the Group.   
All other leases are classified as operating leases. 

Assets used by the Group which have been funded through finance leases are capitalised in fixed assets and the resulting lease obligations are 
included in creditors.  The assets are depreciated over the shorter of their useful lives and the period of the lease.  The interest element of the 
rental obligations is charged to the income statement over the period of the lease and represents a constant proportion of the balance of capital 
repayments outstanding. 

Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to income on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.  Premiums payable, rent free 
periods and contributions receivable on entering an operating lease are released to income on a straight line basis over the lease term. 

Investment in subsidiaries 
The Company’s investment in subsidiary undertakings is recognised at cost and is accounted for net of impairment losses.  Income from 
investments is recognised in the income statement to the extent that post acquisition profits are received.  Distributions of pre-acquisition 
profits reduce the cost of the investment. 

Inventories 
Inventories are valued at the lower of weighted average cost and net realisable value.  Net realisable value is based on estimated selling prices 
less further costs to be incurred to disposal.  Provisions are made for obsolescence, mark down and shrinkage based on actual losses, ageing  
of inventories and sales trends. 

Rebates receivable from suppliers 
Volume related rebates receivable from suppliers are credited to the carrying value of the inventory to which they relate.  Where a rebate 
agreement with a supplier covers more than one year, the rebates are recognised in the period in which they are earned. 

Trade receivables and payables 
Trade receivables and payables are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently adjusted to the amount receivable or payable.  Receivables 
are stated net of a provision for impairment. 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in hand, cash at bank, deposits repayable on demand and highly liquid investments.  For the 
purposes of the cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents also includes bank overdrafts which are shown within borrowings and 
overdrafts in current liabilities on the balance sheet. 

Bank loans and overdrafts 
Bank loans and overdrafts are initially recognised at fair value less directly attributable transaction costs and are subsequently measured  
at amortised cost using the effective interest rate model. 

Provisions 
A provision is recognised where the Group has a legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event and it is probable that an outflow  
of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation.  Provisions are calculated on a discounted basis when appropriate. 

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4444 

Notes to the accounts continued 

1.  Principal accounting policies continued 
Retirement benefit obligation 
The Group operates defined benefit and defined contribution schemes and also participates in a multi-employer pension scheme in respect  
of its employees in the Netherlands.  The assets and liabilities of all schemes are held separately from those of the Group.  The Group is  
unable to identify its share of the assets and liabilities of the multi-employer scheme and, therefore, accounts for this scheme as a defined 
contribution scheme. 

The cost of providing benefits under the defined benefit schemes is determined using the projected unit credit method, with actuarial 
valuations being carried out at each balance sheet date.  The net retirement benefit obligation recognised in the balance sheet represents  
the present value of the defined benefit obligation less the fair value of the scheme assets at the balance sheet date. 

Actuarial gains and losses are recognised in full, directly in equity in the period in which they occur and are presented in other comprehensive 
income.  Other income and expenses associated with the defined benefit scheme are recognised in the income statement.  The pension cost of 
defined contribution schemes is charged in the income statement as incurred. 

Financial instruments 
Derivative financial instruments 
Derivative financial instruments (“derivatives”) are used to manage risks arising from changes in foreign currency exchange rates and changes 
in interest rates.  In accordance with its Treasury policy, the Group does not enter into derivatives for speculative purposes. 

Derivatives are stated at their fair value.  The fair value of interest rate contracts is the estimated amount that the Group would receive or pay 
to terminate them at the balance sheet date, taking into account prevailing interest rates.  Changes in the fair value of derivatives which do  
not qualify for hedge accounting are recognised in the income statement as they arise. 

Hedge accounting 
Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and effective as hedges of future cash flows are recognised directly in other 
comprehensive income and any ineffective portion is recognised immediately in the income statement.  When the asset or liability for the 
hedged transaction is recognised in the balance sheet, the associated gain or loss on the hedging instrument previously recognised in other 
comprehensive income is included in the carrying amount of the hedged asset or liability.  Gains or losses realised on cash flow hedges are  
then recognised in the income statement in the same period as the hedged item. 

Where the Group hedges net investments in foreign entities through currency borrowings the gains or losses on the retranslation of the 
borrowings are recognised in equity. 

Hedge accounting is discontinued when the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated or exercised, or no longer qualifies for hedge 
accounting.  At that time, any cumulative gain or loss on the hedging instrument previously recognised in equity is retained in equity until  
the hedged transaction occurs.  If the hedged transaction is no longer expected to occur, the net cumulative gain or loss recognised in equity  
is then transferred to the income statement. 

Critical estimates and judgements 
The preparation of consolidated financial statements under IFRS requires the Group to make estimates and assumptions that affect the 
application of policies and reported amounts.  Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience  
and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.  Actual results may  
differ from these estimates.  The estimates and assumptions which have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying 
amount of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below: 

Impairment of goodwill 
The Group is required to test whether goodwill has suffered any impairment.  The recoverable amounts of cash-generating units have been 
determined based on value in use calculations.  The use of this method requires the estimation of future cash flows expected to arise from the 
continuing operation of the cash-generating unit and the choice of a suitable discount rate in order to calculate the present value.  Actual 
outcomes could vary significantly from these estimates. 

Impairment of assets 
Property, plant and equipment are reviewed for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not 
be recoverable.  When a review for impairment is conducted, the recoverable amount of an asset or cash-generating unit is determined based 
on value in use calculations prepared on the basis of management’s assumptions and estimates. 

Retirement benefits 
The present value of the defined benefit liabilities recognised in the balance sheet is dependent on the interest rates of high-quality corporate 
bonds.  The net financing charge is dependent on both the interest rates of high quality corporate bonds and the assumed investment returns 
on scheme assets.  Other key assumptions for pension obligations, including mortality rates, are based in part on current market conditions. 

Carpetright plc Annual report and accounts 2012

 
 
45 
45

2.  Segmental analysis 
The operating segments have been determined based on reports reviewed by the Board that are used to make strategic decisions.  From  
1 May 2011 the Netherlands, Belgium and the Republic of Ireland were managed as a combined business by a single management team  
who had no other responsibilities, in the previous financial year the Republic of Ireland was combined with the UK.  Prior year data in the 
statements that follow have been restated to reflect the change in reporting structure.  The impact of the restatement is to reduce revenue in  
the UK by £7.9m and increase underlying operating profits by £3.4m, Europe moves by equal and opposite amounts.  Information is presented 
to the Board of Carpetright plc (the Chief Operating Decision Maker) on a combined basis.  As a result it is considered that the combined 
business forms a single reportable operating segment under IFRS 8. 

The reportable operating segments derive their revenue primarily from the retail of floor coverings and beds.  Central costs of the Group are 
incurred principally in the UK and are immaterial.  As such these costs are included within the UK segment.  Sales between segments are 
carried out at arm’s length. 

The segment information provided to the Board for the reportable segments for the 52 weeks ended 28 April 2012 is as follows: 

52 weeks to 28 April 2012 

52 weeks to 30 April 2011 (restated) 

Gross revenue  
Inter-segment revenue 
Revenues from external customers 
Gross profit 
Underlying operating profit 
Exceptional items 
Operating profit 
Finance income 
Intercompany interest 
Finance costs 
Profit before tax 
Tax 
Profit for the financial period

Segment assets: 
Segment assets 
Inter-segment balances 
Balance sheet total assets  
Segment liabilities: 
Segment liabilities 
Inter-segment balances 
Balance sheet total liabilities 

Other segmental items: 
Depreciation and amortisation
Additions to non-current assets

UK
£m 
387.1
(5.5)
381.6
224.8
2.8
10.5
13.3
1.1
(0.7)
(5.2)
8.5
(1.6)
6.9

217.7
(20.2)
197.5

(197.3)
20.8
(176.5)

Europe
£m 
89.9
–
89.9
51.2
5.2
(0.5)
4.7
–
0.7
(0.4)
5.0
(0.9)
4.1

100.6
(20.9)
79.7

(50.3)
20.3
(30.0)

Group
£m 
477.0
(5.5)
471.5
276.0
8.0
10.0
18.0
1.1
–
(5.6)
13.5
(2.5)
11.0

318.3
(41.1)
277.2

(247.6)
41.1
(206.5)

UK 
£m 
402.2 
(5.6) 
396.6 
246.5 
17.8 
(5.1) 
12.7 
1.1 
(0.3) 
(5.3) 
8.2 
(0.5) 
7.7 

248.5 
(26.0) 
222.5 

(224.8) 
11.5 
(213.3) 

12.0
7.3

2.6
1.4

14.6
8.7

12.4 
11.6 

Europe
£m 
90.2
–
90.2
51.5
3.4
(5.2)
(1.8)
–
0.3
(0.1)
(1.6)
(1.5)
(3.1)

112.1
(11.5)
100.6

(68.8)
26.0
(42.8)

3.1
1.5

Group
£m 
492.4
(5.6)
486.8
298.0
21.2
(10.3)
10.9
1.1
–
(5.4)
6.6
(2.0)
4.6

360.6
(37.5)
323.1

(293.6)
37.5
(256.1)

15.5
13.1

Carpetright plc is domiciled in the UK.  The Group’s revenue from external customers in the UK is £381.6m (2011: £396.6m) and the total 
revenue from external customers from other countries is £89.9m (2011: £90.2m).  The total of non-current assets (other than financial 
instruments and deferred tax assets) located in the UK is £162.9m (2011: £187.6m) and the total of those located in other countries is  
£74.4m (2011: £90.3m). 

Carpetright’s trade has historically shown no distinct pattern of seasonality with trade cycles more closely following economic indicators  
such as consumer confidence and mortgage approvals. 

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4646 

Notes to the accounts continued 

3.  Operating profit, analysis of costs by nature 
Operating profit is stated after charging/(crediting):  

Rental income earned on investment property  
Cost of inventories recognised as an expense in cost of sales 
Operating lease rentals 

Minimum lease payments in respect of land and buildings 
Minimum lease payments in respect of plant and machinery
Sublease rental income 

Auditors’ remuneration 

Fees payable to the Company’s auditors for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements

Staff costs 
Impairment of non-current assets 

Charged in administration expenses 

Amortisation of intangible assets 

Charged in administration expenses 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 

Owned assets 

Charged in cost of sales 
Charged in administration expenses

Under finance leases 

Charged in administration expenses

Depreciation of investment property 

Charged in administration expenses 

Group  
2012 
£m 
(2.1) 
171.1 

91.5 
1.7 
(2.4) 

0.2 
98.0 

1.0 

2.5 

0.1 
11.6 

0.1 

0.3 

Notes 

4 

5 

10 

11 
11 

11 

12 

4.  Staff costs 
The average number of persons (full-time equivalents) employed by the Group (including Directors) was as follows: 

Stores 
Central support office and warehouse 

The aggregate employment costs of employees and Directors were as follows: 

Wages and salaries (including short term employee benefits) 
Social security costs 
Post-employment benefits  
Defined contribution 

Share based payments 

Group 
2012 
Number 
2,689
386
3,075

Group 
2012 
£m 
86.3
9.1

2.4
0.2
98.0

Group  
2011  
Number 
2,889 
395 
3,284 

Group  
2011  
£m 
90.9 
9.3 

2.2 
(0.3) 
102.1 

Company  
2012  
Number 
2,175 
332 
2,507 

Company  
2012  
£m 
67.9 
6.7 

1.0 
0.2 
75.8 

Notes 

22
25 

Group 
2011 
£m 
(2.4)
166.1

93.6
1.7
(2.9)

0.3
102.1

2.0

2.4

0.1
12.5

0.1

0.4

Company 
2011 
Number 
2,367
344
2,711

Company 
2011 
£m 
73.0
7.0

1.0
(0.3)
80.7

Wages and salaries include short term employee benefits as defined in IAS 19, with the exception of costs associated with the Group’s pension 
schemes.  Post employment benefits include costs associated with the Group’s pension schemes (with the exception of net interest costs and 
the actuarial gain on the defined benefit pension scheme) and are included in administration expenses.  Share-based payments comprise the 
cost of awards in respect of employee share schemes in accordance with IFRS 2.  These costs are explained in note 25.  

Carpetright plc Annual report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
47 
47

Group 
2012 
£m 
3.3
0.5
0.4
0.1
4.3

Group 
2011 
£m 
3.9
0.4
0.3
(0.2)
4.4

The employment costs of key management1 were as follows: 

Salaries (including short term employee benefits) 
Social security costs 
Post employment benefits 
Share based payments 

1.  Key management comprises Group Directors and those senior officers of the Group responsible for planning, directing or controlling Group activities. 

During the year the Executive Directors realised no gains (2011: no gains) on the vesting of Long Term Incentive Plans.  Details of these plans, 
share options and other Directors’ remuneration are disclosed in the Directors’ remuneration report on pages 25 to 31. 

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5.  Exceptional items 

Property profits: 

UK and the Netherlands 
Sale of Belgian property subsidiary 

UK impairment of property, plant and equipment 
Onerous lease provision 
Central support office restructuring 
Write off of unamortised refinancing fees 

Notes 

11 

Group 
2012 
£m 

4.6 
8.8
(1.0)
(0.3)
(2.1)
(0.5)
9.5

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2011 
£m 

0.5 
–
(2.0)
(8.8)
–
–
(10.3)

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In order to facilitate the sale of properties in Belgium, the Group sold a subsidiary that owned those properties during the year.  There were  
no other assets or liabilities owned by the subsidiary at the time of the sale.  Cash proceeds have been allocated to ‘(Profit)/loss on property 
subsidiary disposal’ in the cash flow on page 39. 

The onerous lease provision relates to 20 properties in the UK and Republic of Ireland that are not trading and are either empty or leased  
at below the passing rent.  The provision covers the period until full cost recovery is expected. 

6.  Net finance costs 

Finance costs  

Interest on borrowings and overdrafts 
Fees amortisation 
Gains on hedging instruments
Interest on obligations under finance leases 
Interest on pension scheme obligations 
Other interest payable 

Finance income 

Expected return on pension scheme assets 

Notes 

22 

22 

Group 
2012 
£m 

(3.2)
(0.5)
0.1 
(0.1)
(1.1)
(0.3)
(5.1)

1.1 
1.1 

Group 
2011 
£m 

(4.5)
(0.5)
1.0
(0.2)
(1.1)
(0.1)
(5.4)

1.1 
1.1

Net finance costs 

(4.0)

(4.3)

www.carpetright.plc.uk

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4848 

Notes to the accounts continued 

7.  Tax 

(i) Analysis of the charge in the period 

UK current tax 
Overseas current tax 
Total current tax 
UK deferred tax 
Overseas deferred tax 
Total deferred tax 
Total tax charge in the income statement

Group  
2012  
£m 
0.9 
1.1 
2.0 
0.7 
(0.2) 
0.5 
2.5 

The tax charge for the year includes a charge of £3.1m in respect of exceptional items (2011: credit £1.7m).  In addition, the impact of the 
change in tax rates on deferred tax liability has resulted in an exceptional tax credit of £1.6m (2011: £1.1m credit). 

(ii) Reconciliation of profit before tax to total tax  

Profit before tax 
Tax charge at UK Corporation Tax rate of 26% (2011: 28%) 
Adjusted for the effects of: 

Overseas tax rates 
Fall in UK tax rates 
Non-qualifying depreciation 
Other permanent differences 
Losses recognised 
Gains not subject to tax 
Capital gains 
Adjustments in respect of prior periods
Total tax charge in the income statement

Group  
2012  
£m 
13.5 
3.5 

(0.2) 
(1.6) 
0.6 
0.9 
(0.6) 
(1.1) 
1.7 
(0.7) 
2.5 

Group 
2011 
£m 
2.0
1.5
3.5
(1.4)
(0.1)
(1.5)
2.0

Group 
2011 
£m 
6.6
1.8

(0.2)
(1.1)
0.6
0.6
–
–
–
0.3
2.0

The weighted average annual effective tax rate for the period is 18.7% (2011: 30.4%).  The decrease arises primarily from one-off tax charges in 
the prior year not recurring, the decrease in UK tax rates, the disproportionate effect of permanently disallowable items on the reduced level of 
profit and one-off gains not subject to tax. 

(iii) Tax on items taken directly to or transferred from equity 

Deferred tax on actuarial gains, recognised in other comprehensive income
Total tax recognised in equity 

Group  
2012  
£m 
– 
– 

Group 
2011 
£m 
0.4
0.4

The March 2012 Budget Statement announced that Corporation tax would reduce from 26% to 24% from 1 April 2012 instead of the 
scheduled decrease to 25%.  This change was substantively enacted on 26 March 2012 and has been incorporated into the financial statements.  
Further reductions to the main rate are proposed to reduce the rate by 1% per annum to 22% by 1 April 2014.  These changes had not been 
substantively enacted at the balance sheet date and, therefore, are not included in these financial statements. 

The proposed reductions of the main rate of corporation tax by 1% per year to 22% by 1 April 2014 are expected to be enacted separately  
each year and would have the effect of reducing the deferred tax liability provided at 28 April 2012. 

Carpetright plc Annual report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49 
49

8.  Dividends 

Group and Company 
Prior year final dividend paid  
Current year interim dividend paid  

2012 
Pence per 
 share 
– 
– 
– 

2012 
£m 
– 
– 
– 

2011
Pence per 
share 
8.0 
8.0 
16.0 

2011
£m 
5.4 
5.4 
10.8 

The Directors decided that no final dividend will be paid (2011: No final dividend paid).  This results in no dividend in the year to  
28 April 2012 (2011: 8.0 pence; £5.4m). 

9.  Earnings per share 
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary 
shares in issue during the period, excluding those held by Equity Trust (Jersey) Limited (see note 25) which are treated as cancelled. 

In order to compute diluted earnings per share, the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue is adjusted to assume conversion  
of all potentially dilutive ordinary shares.  Those share options granted to employees and Executive Directors where the exercise price is less 
than the average market price of the Company’s ordinary shares during the period represent potentially dilutive ordinary shares. 

Basic earnings per share 
Effect of dilutive share options 
Diluted earnings per share 

 52 weeks ended 28 April 2012 

 52 weeks ended 30 April 2011 

Weighted 
average 
number of 
shares Millions 
67.2 
0.3
67.5

Earnings 
£m 
11.0
–
11.0

Earnings  
per share 
Pence 
16.4  
– 
16.4  

Weighted 
average 
number of 
shares Millions 
67.2 
0.4 
67.6 

Earnings  
£m 
4.6  
0.1  
4.7  

Reconciliation of earnings per share excluding post tax profit on exceptional items: 

Basic earnings per share 
Adjusted for the effect of exceptional items: 

Exceptional items 
Tax thereon 
Exceptional tax benefit from tax rate change 

Underlying earnings per share

 52 weeks ended 28 April 2012 

52 weeks ended 30 April 2011 

Weighted 
average 
number of 
shares Millions 
67.2

Earnings 
£m 
11.0

(9.5)
3.1 
(1.6)
3.0 

–
–
–
67.2

Earnings  
per share 
Pence 
16.4  

(14.1) 
4.6  
(2.4) 
4.5  

Weighted 
average 
number of 
shares Millions 
67.2

Earnings  
£m 
4.6  

10.3  
(1.7) 
(1.1) 
12.1 

–
–
–
67.2

Earnings 
per share 
Pence 
6.8 
0.1
6.9 

Earnings 
per share 
Pence 
6.8 

15.3
(2.5)
(1.6)
18.0

The Directors have presented an additional measure of earnings per share based on underlying earnings.  This is in accordance with the 
practice adopted by most major retailers.  Underlying earnings is defined as profit excluding exceptional items and related tax.   

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5050 

Notes to the accounts continued 

10.  Intangible assets 

Group 
Cost: 
At 1 May 2010 
Exchange differences 
Additions 
At 30 April 2011 
Exchange differences 
Additions 
Disposals 
At 28 April 2012 

Accumulated amortisation and impairment: 
At 1 May 2010 
Impairment 
Amortisation  
At 30 April 2011 
Amortisation 
Disposals  
At 28 April 2012 

Net book value: 
At 28 April 2012 
At 30 April 2011 

Goodwill 
£m 

Computer 
software  
£m 

Brands  
£m 

54.7 
0.6 
–
55.3 
(2.0)
–
–
53.3 

0.5 
–
–
0.5 
–
–
0.5 

52.8 
54.8 

23.7  
–  
0.5  
24.2  
–  
0.1  
(0.1) 
24.2  

10.7  
0.1  
2.4  
13.2  
2.5  
(0.1) 
15.6  

8.6  
11.0  

0.1  
–  
–  
0.1  
–  
–  
–  
0.1  

0.1  
–  
–  
0.1  
–  
–  
0.1  

–  
–  

Total 
£m 

78.5 
0.6 
0.5 
79.6 
(2.0)
0.1 
(0.1)
77.6 

11.3 
0.1 
2.4 
13.8 
2.5 
(0.1)
16.2 

61.4 
65.8 

Goodwill is not amortised.  Instead it is subject to an impairment review at each reporting date or more frequently if there is an indication  
that it may be impaired.  Other intangibles are amortised and also tested for impairment when there is an indication that the asset may be 
impaired.  Goodwill impairment, intangible amortisation and impairment and reversals thereof are recognised in full in administration 
expenses in the income statement during the period in which they are identified. 

Group goodwill comprises purchased goodwill in respect of the following business acquisitions: 

Subsidiary 
Carpetland BV 
Mays Holdings Ltd 
Storey Carpets Ltd 
Melford Commercial Properties Ltd 
Ben de Graaff 
Sleepright UK Ltd 
Total goodwill 

Acquisition date 
October 2002
June 2005
May 2007
March 2008
July 2008
December 2008

2012 
£m 
18.4  
4.7  
15.3  
6.9  
4.6  
2.9  
52.8  

2011
£m 
20.0 
4.7 
15.3 
6.9 
5.0 
2.9 
54.8 

The movement in the value of goodwill in the year is solely a result of movement in exchange rates. 

Carpetright plc Annual report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
51 
51

Goodwill is impaired if the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount.  The recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs  
to sell and the value in use.  In the absence of a recent market transaction the recoverable amount of the goodwill held by the Group is 
determined from value in use calculations.  These calculations are based on 10 year profit projections, the same period used by the Group for 
appraising the potential of business acquisitions, adjusted for non-cash items, planned working capital movements and capital expenditure. 
The cash flow projections for the initial three year period are based on financial budgets and plans approved by the Board.  The key drivers  
are like-for-like sales growth, gross margin percentage and anticipated cost inflation.  Cash flows beyond the plan period are extrapolated  
at a constant growth rate of 2.5% (2011: 2.5%).  The growth rate is in line with long term growth rates of the countries in which the Group 
operates.  The post-tax discount rate applied to cash flow projections is 7.9% (2011: 8.0%) and is based on the Group’s weighted average cost  
of capital adjusted to reflect the risks of the businesses acquired.  Based on these calculations goodwill is not impaired. An increase of 1% in  
the discount rate would not change the outcome of these calculations.  An increase of 3% in the discount rate would be required before any 
material impairment of goodwill would be indicated. 

Company 
Cost: 
At 1 May 2010 
Additions 
At 30 April 2011 
Additions 
Disposals 
At 28 April 2012 

Accumulated amortisation and impairment: 
At 1 May 2010 
Impairment  
Amortisation  
At 30 April 2011 
Amortisation 
Disposals  
At 28 April 2012 

Net book value: 
At 28 April 2012 
At 30 April 2011 

Goodwill  
£m 

Computer 
software  
£m 

Brands 
£m 

24.1  
–  
24.1  
–  
–  
24.1  

–  
–  
–  
–  
–  
–  
–  

23.7  
0.5  
24.2  
0.1  
(0.1) 
24.2  

10.7  
0.1  
2.4  
13.2  
2.5  
(0.1) 
15.6  

24.1  
24.1  

8.6  
11.0  

0.1 
–
0.1 
–
–
0.1 

0.1 
–
–
0.1 
–
–
0.1 

–
–

Total 
£m 

47.9 
0.5 
48.4 
0.1 
(0.1)
48.4 

10.8 
0.1 
2.4 
13.3 
2.5 
(0.1)
15.7 

32.7 
35.1 

Company goodwill comprises purchased goodwill arising on the transfer of businesses from subsidiaries to the parent company in respect  
of Mays Carpets Ltd – £4.7m; Storey Carpets Ltd – £15.7m; Carpetworld (Manchester) Ltd – £0.8m and Sleepright UK Ltd – £2.9m. 

The impairment review of Company goodwill is the same as that of the Group. 

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5252 

Notes to the accounts continued 

11.  Property, plant and equipment  

Group 
Cost: 
At 1 May 2010 
Exchange differences 
Additions 
Transfer between asset class 
Disposals 
At 30 April 2011 
Exchange differences 
Additions 
Disposals 
At 28 April 2012 

Accumulated depreciation and impairment:
At 1 May 2010 
Exchange differences 
Impairment 
Depreciation  
Disposals 
At 30 April 2011 
Exchange differences 
Impairment 
Depreciation  
Disposals 
At 28 April 2012 

Net book value: 
At 28 April 2012 
At 30 April 2011 

Freehold land 
and buildings 
£m 

Long leasehold 
land and 
buildings 
£m 

Short leasehold 
buildings 
£m 

Fixtures  
and fittings  
£m 

Plant and 
machinery  
£m 

72.8 
0.9 
4.4
–
–
78.1 
(2.6)
–
(21.2)
54.3 

6.4 
0.1 
–
1.1 
–
7.6 
(0.4)
–
1.1 
(2.3)
6.0 

18.6 
–
0.1 
–
–
18.7 
(0.1)
–
(1.2)
17.4 

2.5 
–
0.1 
0.4 
–
3.0 
–
–
0.3 
(0.2)
3.1 

20.0 
0.1 
0.3 
–
(0.6)
19.8 
(0.2)
0.1 
(1.0)
18.7 

9.5 
0.1 
0.5 
0.8 
(0.5)
10.4 
(0.1)
0.2 
0.8 
(0.8)
10.5 

94.3  
0.5  
6.6  
(0.1) 
(4.3) 
97.0  
(1.2) 
7.3  
(11.6) 
91.5  

47.8  
0.4  
1.2  
7.6  
(3.4) 
53.6  
(1.4) 
0.8  
7.4  
(10.8) 
49.6  

42.2  
0.7  
1.2  
0.1  
(0.4) 
43.8  
(2.3) 
1.2  
(3.1) 
39.6  

32.2  
0.7  
0.1  
2.8  
(0.4) 
35.4  
(1.9) 
–  
2.2  
(3.0) 
32.7  

Total 
£m 

247.9 
2.2 
12.6
–
(5.3)
257.4 
(6.4)
8.6 
(38.1)
221.5 

98.4 
1.3 
1.9 
12.7 
(4.3)
110.0 
(3.8)
1.0 
11.8 
(17.1)
101.9 

48.3 
70.5 

14.3 
15.7 

8.2 
9.4 

41.9  
43.4  

6.9  
8.4  

119.6 
147.4 

The impairment of property, plant and equipment relates to a net movement of five loss making stores in UK.  The charge is an operating cost 
in the income statement (note 3). 

Assets held under finance leases have the following net book value: 

Cost 
Accumulated depreciation and impairment 
Net book value 

The assets held under finance leases comprise buildings. 

Group 
2012
£m 
9.3 
(2.0)
7.3 

Group  
2011  
£m 
9.5  
(2.0) 
7.5  

Company  
2012  
£m 
2.5  
(1.5) 
1.0  

Company 
2011 
£m 
2.8 
(1.5)
1.3 

Carpetright plc Annual report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Freehold land 
and buildings 
£m 

Long leasehold 
land and 
buildings 
£m 

Short leasehold 
buildings  
£m 

Fixtures  
and fittings  
£m 

Plant and 
machinery 
£m 

Company 
Cost: 
At 1 May 2010 
Exchange differences 
Additions 
Disposals 
At 30 April 2011 
Exchange differences 
Additions 
Disposals 
At 28 April 2012 

Accumulated depreciation and impairment: 
At 1 May 2010 
Exchange differences 
Impairment 
Depreciation  
Disposals 
At 30 April 2011 
Exchange differences 
Impairment 
Depreciation  
Disposals 
At 28 April 2012 

Net book value: 
At 28 April 2012 
At 30 April 2011 

30.1 
–
4.4
–
34.5 
–
–
(11.9)
22.6 

1.5 
–
–
0.3 
–
1.8 
–
–
0.3 
(0.5)
1.6 

21.0 
32.7 

11.2 
–
–
–
11.2 
–
–
(1.2)
10.0 

1.9 
–
0.1 
0.2 
–
2.2 
–
–
0.2 
(0.2)
2.2 

7.8 
9.0 

53 
53

20.0  
0.1  
0.3  
(0.6) 
19.8  
(0.2) 
0.1  
(1.0) 
18.7  

9.5  
0.1  
0.5  
0.8  
(0.5) 
10.4  
(0.1) 
0.2  
0.8  
(0.8) 
10.5  

82.8  
0.1  
6.4  
(4.2) 
85.1  
(0.2) 
7.0  
(11.4) 
80.5  

38.5  
0.1  
1.2  
7.0  
(3.3) 
43.5  
(0.4) 
0.8  
6.9  
(10.7) 
40.1  

16.9 
–
0.1 
(0.2)
16.8 
–
0.3 
(3.0)
14.1 

11.8 
0.1 
0.1 
1.4 
(0.2)
13.2 
–
–
1.1 
(2.9)
11.4 

Total 
£m 

161.0 
0.2 
11.2
(5.0)
167.4 
(0.4)
7.4 
(28.5)
145.9 

63.2 
0.3 
1.9 
9.7 
(4.0)
71.1 
(0.5)
1.0 
9.3 
(15.1)
65.8 

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9.4  

40.4  
41.6  

2.7 
3.6 

80.1 
96.3 

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5454 

Notes to the accounts continued 

12.  Investment property 
While investment property has not been independently valued the Directors consider that the value of such properties for the Group is 
approximately £23m (2011: approximately £38m) and for the Company it is not significantly different to the book value in either year. 
Operating expenses attributable to investment properties are incurred directly by tenants under tenant-repairing leases. 

Cost: 
At 1 May 2010 
Exchange differences 
Disposals 
At 30 April 2011 
Exchange differences 
Disposals 
At 28 April 2012 

Accumulated depreciation and impairment:
At 1 May 2010 
Exchange differences 
Disposals 
Depreciation  
At 30 April 2011 
Exchange differences 
Depreciation  
Disposals 
At 28 April 2012 

Net book value: 
At 28 April 2012 
At 30 April 2011 

Group  
£m 

Company
£m 

29.4  
0.5  
(1.0) 
28.9  
(1.7) 
(4.9) 
22.3  

3.3  
0.1  
(1.0) 
0.4  
2.8  
(0.2) 
0.3  
(1.3) 
1.6  

20.7  
26.1  

8.1 
–
–
8.1 
–
(0.3)
7.8 

0.4 
–
–
–
0.4 
–
–
–
0.4 

7.4 
7.7 

13.  Investment in subsidiary undertakings 
The Directors consider that to give full particulars of all subsidiary undertakings would lead to a statement of excessive length.  The following 
information relates to those subsidiary undertakings whose results or financial position, in the opinion of the Directors, principally affect the 
figures of the Group. All of the Group’s subsidiary undertakings are included in the consolidated accounts. 

Carpetright of London Limited 
Melford Commercial Properties Limited 
Carpetright (Torquay) Limited 
Pluto Sp. Z.o.o. 
Carpetland NV 
Carpetland BV 
Fontainebleau Vastgoed BV 

Company 
Cost: 
At the beginning of the period 
Additions 
At the end of the period 

Carpetright plc Annual report and accounts 2012

Country of 
incorporation 
and operation 

Principal  
activity 
Great Britain Holding 
Property 
Great Britain
Property 
Great Britain
Poland
Property 
Retail 
Belgium
Retail 
Netherlands
Property 
Netherlands

Percentage of 
ordinary shares 
held indirectly 
by Company 

Percentage of 
ordinary shares 
held directly by 
Company 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 

100%
100%
100%

2011
£m 

15.4 
1.4 
16.8

2012 
£m 

16.8  
–  
16.8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
55 
55

14.  Inventories 
Group and Company inventories are held in the form of finished goods for resale.  Write downs of stock values to net realisable value during 
the current and comparative periods are immaterial. 

Group  
2011  
£m 

Company 
2012 
£m 

Company 
2011 
£m 

15.  Trade and other receivables 

Non-current 
Receivables from subsidiaries 
Prepayments and accrued income 

Current 
Trade receivables 
Less: provision for impairment

Other receivables 
Prepayments and accrued income 

Total trade and other receivables 

Group  
2012  
£m 

–  
0.9  
0.9  

5.9  
(0.6) 
5.3  
3.6  
15.2  
24.1  
25.0  

The Directors consider that the carrying amounts of trade and other receivables approximate to their fair values. 

Provision for impairment 

At the beginning of the period 
Decrease in the provision in the period 
At the end of the period 

Group  
2012  
£m 
(0.6) 
– 
(0.6) 

The table below shows the financial assets included in trade and other receivables at the balance sheet date: 

Major insurance companies 
Property rent debtors 
Other debtors 
Retail customers 
Trade and other receivables 

Group  
2012  
£m 
1.6  
1.7  
0.3  
5.3  
8.9  

–  
1.1  
1.1  

8.5  
(0.6) 
7.9  
7.3  
17.6  
32.8  
33.9  

Group  
2011  
£m 
(0.6) 
– 
(0.6) 

Group  
2011  
£m 
4.1  
2.2  
1.1  
7.8  
15.2  

48.3
0.9 
49.2

1.9 
(0.4)
1.5 
3.7 
13.2 
18.4 
67.6

Company 
2012 
£m 
(0.4)
–
(0.4)

Company 
2012
£m 
1.6 
1.7 
0.4 
1.5 
5.2 

Balances from retail customers principally relate to products awaiting collection, but are considered to have little credit risk as they are 
primarily settled by cash or major credit card and must be settled prior to the goods being collected from/delivered by the store. 

The age profile of balances other than those with retail customers is set out below: 

Neither past due nor impaired 
30 to 60 days 
60 to 90 days 
Over 90 days 
Non-retail trade and other receivables 

Group  
2012  
£m 
1.5  
0.8  
–  
1.3  
3.6  

Group  
2011 
£m 
4.7  
1.7  
0.1 
0.9  
7.4  

Company 
2012 
£m 
1.6 
0.8 
–
1.3 
3.7 

45.8 
1.1 
46.9 

4.4 
(0.4)
4.0 
7.3 
15.6 
26.9 
73.8

Company 
2011 
£m 
(0.4)
–
(0.4)

Company 
2011
£m 
4.1 
2.2 
1.0 
4.0 
11.3 

Company 
2011 
£m 
4.7
1.6
0.1
0.9
7.3 

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5656 

Notes to the accounts continued 

16.  Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash at bank and in hand 
Cash and cash equivalents on the balance sheets 
Bank overdrafts 
Cash and cash equivalents in the cash flow statements 

17.  Trade and other payables 

Current 
Trade payables 
Other taxes and social security 
Accruals and deferred income 

Non-current 
Accruals and deferred income 
Payable to subsidiaries 

Total trade and other payables 

Notes 

19

Group 
2012 
£m 
9.6
9.6
(8.1)
1.5

Group 
2012
£m 

58.5
14.8
35.9
109.2

33.8
–
33.8
143.0

Group  
2011  
£m 
8.3 
8.3 
(9.0) 
(0.7) 

Company  
2012 
£m 
6.1 
6.1 
(4.0) 
2.1 

Company 
2011
£m 
4.7
4.7
(4.5)
0.2

Group  
2011  
£m 

Company  
2012 
£m 

Company 
2011
£m 

55.3 
13.3 
36.7 
105.3 

35.4 
– 
35.4 
140.7 

48.1 
12.2 
32.9 
93.2 

33.8 
12.4 
46.2 
139.4 

45.6
10.6
32.8
89.0

35.4
16.0
51.4
140.4

Trade payables comprise amounts outstanding for trade purchases and ongoing costs.  The Directors consider that the carrying amounts of 
trade and other payables approximate to their fair values. 

18.  Obligations under finance leases 

Minimum lease payments 

Present value of minimum lease payments 

Amounts payable within one year 
Amounts payable between one and  
five years 
Amounts payable after five years 

Less: future finance charges 
Present value of obligations under  
finance leases 
Current 
Non-current  

Group  
2012 
£m 
0.3 

1.2 
5.1 
6.6 
(3.9) 

2.7 
0.1 
2.6 

Group 
2011
£m 
0.3

1.2
5.6
7.1
(4.1)

3.0
0.1
2.9

Company 
2012
£m 
0.2

Company 
2011
£m 
0.2

0.8
1.6
2.6
(1.0)

1.6
0.1
1.5

0.9
2.1
3.2
(1.2)

2.0
0.1
1.9

Group 
2012
£m 
0.1

0.4
2.2
2.7

Group  
2011 
£m 
0.1 

0.4 
2.5 
3.0 

Company  
2012 
£m 
0.1 

Company 
2011
£m 
0.1

0.4 
1.1 
1.6 

0.4
1.5
2.0

The Group leases certain properties under finance leases.  The average lease term is 19 years (2011: 19 years) for properties.  The vehicle leases 
ended during the current financial year.  Minimum lease payments are discounted at the rate inherent in the leases.  Interest rates are fixed at 
the contract date.  All leases are on a fixed repayment basis and no arrangements have been entered into for contingent rental payments.  

Carpetright plc Annual report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
57 
57

Group  
2011 
£m 

9.0 

12.3 
21.3 

49.6 
49.6 
70.9 

Group  
2011  
% 
3.5 
4.0 

Group  
2011 
£m 
21.3 
45.1 
4.5 
70.9 

Company 
2012 
£m 

Company 
2011 
£m 

4.0

1.4
5.4

16.5
16.5
21.9

Company 
2012 
% 
4.3
3.9

Company 
2012 
£m 
5.4
1.4
15.1
21.9

4.5

12.3
16.8

45.1
45.1
61.9

Company 
2011 
% 
4.0
4.2

Company 
2011 
£m 
16.8
45.1
–
61.9

19.  Borrowings and overdrafts  

Current 
Unsecured overdraft 
Borrowings: 
Secured 

Borrowings and overdrafts 
Non-current 
Borrowings: 
Secured 
Borrowings 

Group  
2012  
£m 

8.1 

1.4 
9.5 

16.5 
16.5 
26.0 

Secured borrowings are denominated in Sterling and Euros and are secured on certain of the Group’s assets. 

The effective interest rates at the year end are as follows: 

Overdrafts 
Borrowings 

The maturity profiles of borrowings and overdrafts are as follows: 

Amounts payable within one year 
Amounts payable between one and two years 
Amounts payable between two and five years 

Group  
2012  
% 
3.3 
3.9 

Group  
2012  
£m 
9.5 
1.4 
15.1 
26.0 

The maturity analysis is grouped by when the debt is contracted to mature rather than by re-pricing dates. 

20.  Provisions for liabilities and charges 

Group and Company 
At the beginning of the period 
Added during the period 
Released in year 
Utilised during the period 
At the end of the period 

Group  
2012  
£m 

Company  
2012  
£m 

Onerous lease 
provisions 
£m 
9.1
1.1
(0.9)
(3.4)
5.9

Reorganisation 
provisions 
£m 
–
2.1
–
(1.6)
0.5

Total  
provisions  
£m 
9.1 
3.2 
(0.9) 
(5.0) 
6.4 

Onerous lease 
provisions  
£m 
9.1 
1.1 
(0.9) 
(3.4) 
5.9 

Reorganisation 
provisions 
£m 
–
1.1
–
(1.0)
0.1

Total 
provisions 
£m 
9.1
2.2
(0.9)
(4.4)
6.0

Onerous lease provisions are expected to be used over periods of up to 5 years.  Reorganisation provisions are expected to be used within  
one year. 

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5858 

Notes to the accounts continued 

21.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities 

Deferred tax asset 
Deferred tax liabilities 
Net deferred tax liabilities 

Group
2012 
£m 
(2.6)
23.1
20.5

Group  
2011 
£m 
(2.9) 
26.2 
23.3 

Company  
2012 
£m 
– 
17.4 
17.4 

Company 
2011
£m 
–
16.6
16.6

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset against each other where there is a legally enforceable right to offset. 

The movement in deferred tax assets and liabilities recognised by the Group during the current and prior period is: 

Group 
At 1 May 2010 
Exchange differences 
Charge/(credit) to the income statement 
Charge to other comprehensive income 
Transferred to current tax 
At 30 April 2011  
Exchange differences 
Charge/(credit) to the income statement 
Disposal of property subsidiary 
At 28 April 2012 

Company 
At 1 May 2010 
Charge/(credit) to the income statement 
Credit to other comprehensive income 
Transferred to current tax 
At 30 April 2011 
Charge/(credit) to the income statement 
At 28 April 2012 

Accelerated tax 
depreciation 
9.4 
0.1 
(1.0) 
– 
– 
8.5 
(0.3) 
(0.7) 
(0.6) 
6.9 

Accelerated tax 
depreciation 
5.8 
(0.9) 
– 
– 
4.9 
(0.6) 
4.3 

Fair value 
adjustments 
4.4
0.1
(0.1)
–
–
4.4
(0.3)
(0.5)
(2.1)
1.5

Fair value 
adjustments 
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Short term 
timing 
differences 
(0.2)
(0.1)
(0.5)
–
–
(0.8)
(0.1)
–
(0.1)
(1.0)

Short term 
timing 
differences 
(0.7)
(0.3)
–
–
(1.0)
(0.3)
(1.3)

Rollover 
11.9
–
(0.3)
–
3.9
15.5
–
2.2
–
17.7

Rollover 
10.4
(0.2)
–
3.9
14.1
2.2
16.3

Tax 
losses 
(3.5)
(0.1)
0.4
–
–
(3.2)
0.2
(0.5)
–
(3.5)

Tax 
losses 
(0.4)
0.1
–
–
(0.3)
(0.5)
(0.8)

Share based 
payments 
(0.2) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(0.2) 
– 
– 
– 
(0.2) 

Share based 
payments 
(0.2) 
– 
– 
– 
(0.2) 
– 
(0.2) 

Retirement 
benefit 
obligations 
(1.3) 
– 
– 
0.4 
– 
(0.9) 
– 
– 
– 
(0.9) 

Retirement 
benefit 
obligations 
(1.3) 
– 
0.4 
– 
(0.9) 
– 
(0.9) 

Total 
20.5
–
(1.5)
0.4
3.9
23.3
(0.5)
0.5
(2.8)
20.5

Total 
13.6
(1.3)
0.4
3.9
16.6
0.8
17.4

At the reporting date, the Group had unused tax losses of £8.1m (2011: £8.9m) which can be carried forward indefinitely and are available for 
offset against future profits.  A deferred tax asset of £2.7m (2011: £2.9m) has been recognised in respect of these losses. 

The Group has brought forward tax losses of £0.3m (2011: £2.7m) for which no deferred tax asset has been recognised.  Tax losses of £2.4m 
were recognised in the year. 

Deferred tax assets of £3.4m (2011: £2.5m) were available for offset against deferred tax liabilities of £26.5m (2011: £28.7m) hence the Group’s 
deferred tax liabilities as at 28 April 2012 are £23.1m (2011: £26.2m). 

22.  Retirement benefit obligations 
The Group operates a variety of pension schemes, principally in the UK, the Netherlands and Belgium.  They comprise defined benefit 
schemes where benefits are based on employees’ length of service and average final salary, and defined contribution schemes where the 
employer company pays a set contribution to the scheme.  The UK defined benefit schemes referred to in 22 (i) (a) and the first two defined 
contribution schemes referred to in 22 (ii) are accounted for by the Company. 

(i) Defined benefit schemes 
(a) UK defined benefit schemes 
The Company operated a funded defined benefit pension scheme providing benefits based on final pensionable pay for its employees and has 
assumed the liability for the scheme previously operated by Storey Carpets Ltd (Storeys).  The Company scheme was closed to defined benefit 
service accrual on 30 April 2010 and has been closed to new members since 31 March 2006.  The scheme previously operated by Storeys is  
also closed to new members and has no active members.  The assets of the schemes are held separately from those of the Company.  The assets 

Carpetright plc Annual report and accounts 2012

 
 
59 
59

of the Company scheme are invested in a Managed Fund operated by SEI.  Contributions are determined by a qualified actuary using the 
projected unit method.  The most recent actuarial review was at 6 April 2011 when the actuarial value of the assets represented 77% of the 
benefits accrued to members after allowing for expected future increases in earnings.  A deficit reduction plan has been agreed with the 
Trustees under which £0.6m was paid in the year (2011: £0.4m). 

The assets of the Storeys scheme are held in independently managed funds.  The most recent actuarial review of the Storeys scheme was at  
1 March 2011 when the actuarial value of the assets represented 90% of the benefits accrued to members.  A deficit reduction plan has been 
agreed with the Trustees under which £0.1m was paid in the year (2011: £nil). 

The assets and liabilities of the schemes were valued on an IAS 19 basis at 28 April 2012 by a qualified actuary.  The numbers set out below are 
the aggregate of the two schemes. 

1) Key assumptions used: 

Expected rate of salary increases
RPI inflation linked pension escalation (Storeys 2011)
CPI inflation linked pension escalation ( Storeys 2012)
CPI inflation linked pension escalation  
Discount rate 
Deferred pension revaluation 
Expected return on scheme assets

2012 
% 
n/a
n/a
2.2
3.4 
4.6 
2.2 
5.2 

2011 
% 
n/a
3.2 
n/a
3.7 
5.3 
3.0 
6.2

The assumptions used by the actuary are the best estimates chosen from a range of possible actuarial assumptions which, due to the timescale 
covered, may not necessarily be borne out in practice.  The assumptions used for future life expectancy of members of the scheme are derived 
from industry dates and standard tables.  Specifically the S1NMA table (2011: S1NMA table) with medium cohort improvement has been  
used for male pensioners and the S1NFA table (2011: S1NFA table) with medium cohort improvement for female pensioners projected by 
year of birth. 

The most significant assumptions are the expected return on scheme assets, salary increases and the discount rate, of which the most sensitive 
assumption is the discount rate.  If this assumption increased or decreased by 0.1% the defined benefit obligation would change by £0.2m 
(2011: £0.2m). 

2) The amount included in the balance sheet arising from the Group’s and Company’s obligations in respect of the defined benefit scheme is  
as follows: 

Present value of pension scheme obligations 
Fair value of pension scheme assets 
Retirement benefit obligations recognised in the balance sheet

3) The amounts recognised in the income statement in respect of the defined benefit pension scheme are as follows: 

Interest cost on pension scheme obligations recognised in interest payable
Expected return on pension scheme assets recognised in interest receivable
Total recognised in the income statement 

4) Reconciliation of movement in net pension deficit: 

Opening balance 
Total recognised in the income statement 
Less contributions 
Actuarial (loss)/gain recognised in equity 
Closing balance 

Notes 
6 
6 

2012 
£m 
22.6
(18.3)
4.3

2012 
£m 
1.1 
(1.1)
–

2012 
£m 
(4.0)
–
0.6 
(0.9)
(4.3)

2011 
£m 
21.4 
(17.4)
4.0 

2011 
£m 
1.1 
(1.1)
–

2011 
£m 
(4.8)
–
0.4 
0.4 
(4.0)

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6060 

Notes to the accounts continued 

22.  Retirement benefit obligations continued 
5) The amounts recognised directly in equity in respect of the defined benefit pension scheme are as follows: 

Actuarial (loss)/gain on plan assets 
Experience adjustment on liabilities 
Change in assumptions underlying present value of liabilities 
Total 
Cumulative total 

6) Movements in the pension scheme obligation are as follows:  

Opening balance 
Interest on pension scheme obligation 
Actuarial gain recognised in equity 
Benefits paid 
Closing balance 

7) Movements in the fair value of the pension scheme assets are as follows:  

Opening balance 
Expected return on pension scheme assets
Actuarial (loss)/gain recognised in equity
Actual return on assets 
Employer contributions  
Benefits paid 
Closing balance 

2012  
£m 
(0.2) 
0.5  
(1.2) 
(0.9) 
(3.5) 

2012  
£m 
21.4  
1.1  
0.7  
(0.6) 
22.6  

1.1  
0.4  

2011 
£m 
0.4 
–
–
0.4 
(2.6)

2011 
£m 
21.1 
1.1 
–
(0.8)
21.4 

2011 
£m 
16.3 

1.5 
0.4 
(0.8)
17.4 

1.1 
(0.2)

2012  
£m 
17.4  

0.9  
0.6  
(0.6) 
18.3  

8) The assets in the pension scheme and the expected rates of return are: 

Equities 
Bonds 
Property 
Cash 
Annuities 
Fair value of pension  
scheme assets 
Present value of pension 
scheme obligations 
Retirement benefit obligations 
Related deferred tax asset 

Long term 
expected rate  
of return  
%  
6.0  
3.7  
6.0  
2.7  
4.6  

2012 

2011 

2010 

Category of 
asset as a 
proportion 
of total 
% 
53.3 
16.5 
1.1 
1.1 
28.0 

Long term 
expected rate 
of return 
% 
7.0
4.7
7.0
4.0
5.3

£m  
9.7  
3.0  
0.2  
0.2  
5.2  

Category of 
asset as a 
proportion 
of total 
% 
57.5 
15.5 
–
1.7 
25.3 

Long term 
expected rate  
of return  
%  
7.4  
5.0  
7.4  
4.4  
5.5  

£m 
10.0 
2.7 
–
0.3 
4.4 

Category of 
asset as a 
proportion 
of total 
% 
56.4 
14.1 
0.6 
1.9
27.0 

£m  
9.2  
2.3  
0.1  
0.3  
4.4  

18.3  

100.0 

17.4 

100.0 

16.3  

100.0 

(22.6) 
(4.3) 
1.0  
(3.3) 

(21.4)
(4.0)
0.9
(3.1)

(21.1) 
(4.8) 
1.3  
(3.5) 

The long-term return on equities is assumed to be 2.6% in excess of inflation (2011: 3.3%).  The rate of return on bonds is assumed to be in line 
with the yield on AA-rated corporate bonds. 

Carpetright plc Annual report and accounts 2012

  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
61 
61

9) History of experience gains and losses: 

Fair value of scheme assets 
Present value of defined benefit obligations 
Liability recognised in the balance sheet 
Experience adjustments on pension scheme obligations
Percentage of pension scheme obligation (%) 
Experience adjustments on pension scheme assets 
Percentage of pension scheme assets (%) 

2012 
£m 
18.3
(22.6)
(4.3)
0.5 
(2.2%)
(0.2)
(1.1%)

2011  
£m  
17.4  
(21.4) 
(4.0) 
–  
– 
0.4  
2.3% 

2010  
£m 
16.3  
(21.1) 
(4.8) 
– 
– 
2.8  
17.2% 

2009 
£m 
12.3 
(14.7)
(2.4)
(0.8)
(5.4%)
(3.7)
(30.1%)

2008 
£m 
14.8 
(16.1)
(1.3)
(0.2)
(1.2%)
(1.5)
(10.1%)

Employer contributions of £0.9m are expected to be paid into these pension schemes during the financial year 2012/13. 

(b) Multi-employer scheme 
The Group’s Dutch subsidiary participates in a multi-employer run industry pension scheme which has arrangements similar to those of a 
defined benefit scheme.  It is not possible to identify the Group’s share of the underlying assets and liabilities of the scheme, and therefore  
in accordance with IAS19, the Group has taken the exemption for multi-employer pension schemes not to disclose pension scheme assets  
and liabilities.  Accordingly, although this scheme is a defined benefit scheme it is treated as a defined contribution scheme recognising  
the contributions payable in each period in the income statement.  Under the terms of the scheme the scheme deficit is recovered through 
increased contributions from participating members.  At the period end the Group was unable to obtain a valuation of the industry  
scheme’s full surplus or deficit.  Contributions charged to the income statement amounted to £1.3m (2011: £1.1m). 

(ii) Defined contribution schemes 
The Company launched a Group Personal Pension Plan (“GPP Plan”) in April 2006.  Contributions made by employees are matched by  
the Company to an upper limit.  The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Company and are invested by Scottish Life.  
Contributions for the period amounted to £1.0m (2011: £1.0m). 

In addition, the Group operates defined contribution pension schemes for subsidiary companies in Belgium and the Netherlands.  The Group 
makes contributions into the schemes, the assets of which are held separately from those of the Group and are invested by local insurance 
companies.  The contributions by the Group into individual company schemes for the period were a net charge of £nil (2011: £nil) and 
contributions to industry collective schemes were £0.1m (2011: £0.1m). 

23.  Financial instruments 
(i) Financial risk management objectives and policies 
Risk management 
The Group’s principal financial instruments comprise derivatives, borrowings and overdrafts, cash and cash equivalents. These financial 
instruments are used to manage funding and liquidity requirements.  Other financial instruments which arise directly from the Group’s 
operations include trade receivables and payables. 

Exposure to credit, liquidity, foreign currency exchange and interest rate risks arise in the normal course of the Group’s business operations 
and each of these risks is managed in accordance with the Group’s treasury risk management strategy, which is also discussed in the Business 
Review in the section Current liquidity. 

(a) Credit risk 
The Group does not have significant concentrations of credit risk as exposure is spread over a number of counterparties and customers. 

The Group is exposed to a small amount of credit risk that is primarily attributable to its trade and other receivables, the majority of which 
relates to retail customer products held ready for collection (see note 15).  Retail customers are required to settle outstanding balances in cash 
or using a major credit card prior to goods being collected from/delivered by the store. 

The credit risk on liquid funds and derivative financial instruments is limited because the counterparties are banks with a minimum AA credit 
rating.  The maximum amount of credit risk is represented by the carrying amounts of financial assets. 

(b) Liquidity risk 
The Group finances its operations from a mix of retained profits and bank borrowings achieved through term loans, revolving credit 
agreements and overdraft facilities.  Daily cash balances are forecast and surplus cash is placed on treasury deposit with the Group’s bankers  
at commercial rates.  All counterparties have minimum AA credit ratings. 

www.carpetright.plc.uk

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6262 

Notes to the accounts continued 

23.  Financial instruments continued 
The table below summarises the maturity profile of the Group’s financial liabilities based on contractual undiscounted payments,  
including interest: 

Group 
At 28 April 2012 
Interest bearing loans and borrowings, including derivatives 
Finance leases 
Trade and other payables 

At 30 April 2011 
Interest bearing loans and borrowings, including derivatives 
Finance leases 
Trade and other payables 

Company 
At 28 April 2012 
Interest bearing loans and borrowings, including derivatives 
Finance leases 
Trade and other payables 

At 30 April 2011 
Interest bearing loans and borrowings, including derivatives 
Finance leases 
Trade and other payables 

Less than
1 year
£m 

Between
1 and 2 years
£m 

Between 
2 and 5 years 
£m 

Over 
5 years 
£m 

Total 
£m 

2.1
0.3
85.0
87.4

23.4
0.3
82.4
106.1

2.1
0.2
86.6
88.9

18.7
0.2
87.0
105.9

1.6
0.3
–
1.9

45.6
0.3
–
45.9

1.6
0.2
–
1.8

45.5
0.2
–
45.7

15.9 
0.9 
– 
16.8 

4.5 
0.9 
– 
5.4 

15.9 
0.6 
– 
16.5 

– 
0.7 
– 
0.7 

– 
5.1 
– 
5.1 

– 
5.6 
– 
5.6 

– 
1.6 
– 
1.6 

– 
2.0 
– 
2.0 

19.6
6.6
85.0
111.2

73.5
7.1
82.4
163.0

19.6
2.6
86.6
108.8

64.2
3.1
87.0
154.3

Committed overdraft facilities are renewable annually and amounts undrawn were £6.0m and €0.9m (2011: £5.5m and €0.5m).  The Company 
has committed facilities to July 2015.  These facilities comprise a £22.0m amortising term loan, a €14.0m amortising term loan and a £45.0m 
revolving credit facility.  Repayments on the term loans cannot be redrawn.  There are a number of covenants which commit the Group to 
maintaining certain rates of leverage and fixed charge cover.  The Company is and is expected to remain in compliance with these covenants.  
At 28 April 2012 the revolving credit facility had an undrawn amount of £32.5m (2011: £22.5m). 

(c) Foreign exchange risk 
Outside the UK the Group operates in the Republic of Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium and Poland.  Revenues and expenses of these 
operations are denominated in Euros or Zlotys.  The Group’s investment in Poland is not sufficiently material to require the risk to be hedged.  
The Group mitigates currency risk in respect of the net investment in European operations by designating Euro denominated borrowings as 
hedging instruments of Euro denominated investments in foreign operations. 

If the closing Sterling-Euro rate had been 0.01 points lower in the period the exchange difference reported in the statement of comprehensive 
income would have been £0.7m lower (2011: £0.6m higher).  At 28 April 2012 if Sterling had weakened/strengthened by 10% against the Euro 
profit after tax for the year would have been £0.6m higher/lower as a result of the translation of the Euro denominated businesses. 

Financial assets and liabilities and foreign operations are translated at the following rates of exchange: 

Average rate 
Closing rate 

Euro
2012 
1.16
1.23

Euro 
2011 
1.18 
1.12 

Zloty 
2012 
4.90 
5.12 

Zloty
2011 
4.70
4.42

Carpetright plc Annual report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
63 
63

(d) Interest rate risk 
The Group has various borrowings bearing interest at a margin over LIBOR or EURIBOR rates.  Group policy is to manage interest rate risk 
by purchasing interest rate swap agreements to partially hedge the term loans.  The remainder is liable to interest at prevailing interest rates. 

In accordance with IFRS 7, the Group has undertaken sensitivity analysis on its financial instruments which are affected by changes in interest 
rates.  This analysis has been prepared on the basis of a constant amount of net debt, a constant ratio of fixed to floating interest rates, and on 
the basis of hedging instruments in place at 28 April 2012 and 30 April 2011 respectively.  Consequently analysis relates to the situation at 
those dates and is not representative of the years then ended.  The following assumptions were made: 

•  balance sheet sensitivity to interest rates applies only to derivative financial instruments, as the carrying value of debt and deposits does  

not change as interest rates move. 

•  gains or losses are recognised in equity or the income statement in line with the accounting policies set out in note 1. 

•  cash flow hedges were effective. 

Based on the Group’s net debt position at the year end a 1% change in interest rates would affect the Group’s profit before tax by 
approximately £0.3m (2011: £0.6m). 

The interest rate profile of the financial assets and liabilities of the Group, after the impact of interest rate swaps, is as follows: 

2012 

2011 

Weighted 
average 
effective 
interest rate 
% 
0.2  
1.2  
–  

1.0  
2.2  
–  

Floating  
rate 
£m 
6.1 
3.2  
0.3  
9.6 
(15.4) 
(10.6) 
–  
(26.0) 

Fixed 
rate 
£m 
–
–
–
–
(2.7)
–
–
(2.7)

Interest
 free
£m 
4.8 
4.6 
–
9.4
(72.2)
(12.8)
–
(85.0)

Total
£m 
10.9
7.8
0.3
19.0
(90.3)
(23.4)
–
(113.7)

Weighted 
average 
effective 
interest rate
% 
0.1 
1.2 
–

2.6 
4.0 
–

Floating 
rate 
£m 
4.5  
3.6  
0.2  
8.3 
(48.5) 
(16.1) 
–  
(64.6) 

Fixed 
rate 
 £m 
–  
–  
–  
– 
(3.1) 
(6.3) 
–  
(9.4) 

Interest 
free
£m 
10.8 
4.7 
0.1 
15.6
(69.0)
(13.4)
–
(82.4)

Total
£m 
15.3
8.3
0.3
23.9
(120.6)
(35.8)
–
(156.4)

Sterling 
Euro 
Zloty 
Total financial assets 
Sterling 
Euro 
Zloty 
Total financial liabilities 

Capital management 
The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard its ability to continue as a going concern and retain financial flexibility in order 
to continue to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders.  The Group considers capital to be equity and net debt.  
Net debt is disclosed in note 29. 

The Group manages its capital by: continued focus on free cash flow generation; setting the level of capital expenditure and dividend in the 
context of the current year and forecast free cash flow and monitoring the level of the Group’s financial and leasehold debt in the context of 
Group performance.  

www.carpetright.plc.uk

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6464 

Notes to the accounts continued 

23.  Financial instruments continued 
(ii) Fair value of financial assets and liabilities 
Financial assets and liabilities are classified in accordance with IAS 39.  Financial instruments have not been reclassified or derecognised in  
the period.  There are no financial assets which have been pledged or held as collateral.  None of the Group’s loans is impaired.  In addition the 
Group does not have any financial assets or liabilities measured at fair value through the income statement other than derivatives.  There are 
no available-for-sale financial assets. 

The fair values of financial assets and liabilities, together with their carrying amounts are: 

At cost: 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Loans and receivables at amortised cost: 

Trade and other receivables 

Total financial assets 

Financial liabilities at amortised cost: 

Borrowings and overdrafts 
Finance lease obligations 
Financial liabilities at cost: 

Trade and other payables 

Derivative financial instruments used  
for hedging: 

Interest rate swaps 
Total financial liabilities 

Net financial liabilities 

Group 
2012 

Group 
2011 

Company 
2012 

Company 
2011 

Nominal value  
£m 

Carrying and 
fair value
 £m 

Nominal value 
£m 

Carrying and 
fair value 
£m 

Nominal value 
£m 

Carrying value 
and fair value 
£m 

Nominal value 
£m 

Carrying value 
and fair value
£m 

–  

–  
–  

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

9.6

9.4
19.0

(26.0)
(2.7)

(85.0)

–
(113.7)

(94.7)

–

–
–

–
–

–

6.3
6.3

6.3

8.3

15.6
23.9

(70.9)
(3.0)

(82.4)

(0.1)
(156.4)

(132.5)

–

–
–

–
–

–

–
–

–

6.1 

53.1 
59.2 

(21.9) 
(1.6) 

(86.6) 

–  
(110.1) 

(50.9) 

–  

–  
–  

–  
–  

–  

6.3 
6.3 

6.3 

4.7

56.4
61.1

(61.9)
(2.0)

(87.0)

(0.1)
(151.0)

(89.9)

Determination of fair values 
The fair values of derivatives are estimated using future cash flows discounted at risk-adjusted discount rates based on market yield curves.   
As the yield curves are observable the fair values fall into level two of the three tier hierarchy.  The carrying values of all other financial assets 
and liabilities are deemed to reflect fair value. 

(iii) Derivative financial instruments 
The Group has various Euro and Sterling-denominated borrowings which bear interest at floating rates.  Interest on the Sterling borrowing 
is charged at LIBOR plus a margin.  The Euro-denominated borrowings bear interest at the prevailing EURIBOR rate plus a margin.  Group 
interest rate swaps matured in October 2011.  In the previous financial year interest rate swaps fixed a portion of the floating interest charge  
on term debt at fixed rates of interest ranging from 3.52% to 4.34%. 

Derivative financial instruments are not purchased for speculative purposes. 

Non-current liabilities 
Interest rate swaps – cash flow hedges 

Group
2012
£m 
–

Group 
2011 
£m 
(0.1) 

Company 
2012 
£m 
– 

Company
2011
£m 
(0.1)

Carpetright plc Annual report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
65 
65

(iv) Hedge accounting 
(a) Cash flow hedges 
Interest rate swaps denominated in Euros have been executed to hedge the Group’s exposure to changes in floating interest rates.  Hedge 
documentation is put in place at inception of all hedging relationships.  Effectiveness tests are performed at each reporting date. 

Interest rate swaps are measured at fair value under IAS 39.  Changes in fair value are posted to other comprehensive income in respect of  
the portion of the hedges which satisfy the criteria to be effective hedges.  Charges or credits relating to the portion which does not satisfy  
these criteria are recognised directly in the income statement. 

(b) Net investment hedges 
Euro-denominated borrowings are designated as hedging instruments of Euro-denominated net assets of the Group’s foreign operations  
in order to protect the Group from currency risk in respect of the Group’s Euro-denominated foreign operations.  Borrowing balances are 
carried at amortised cost which approximates fair value since borrowings bear interest at the prevailing floating rate.  The carrying value  
of borrowings amounted to €6.7m (2011: €13.9m). 

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24.  Share capital  

Group and Company 
At 1 May 2010 
Purchase of own shares by Employee Benefit Trust 
Transfer of Treasury shares to participants 
At 30 April 2011 
Issue of new shares 
At 28 April 2012 

Number of 
allotted, called 
up and fully paid 
ordinary shares 
Millions 
67.2 
–
–
67.2
0.3
67.5

Share capital 
£m 
0.7  
–  
–  
0.7 
–  
0.7 

Share premium 
£m 
15.4  
–  
–  
15.4 
0.9  
16.3 

Treasury shares
£m 
(0.2)
(0.1)
–  
(0.3)
–
(0.3)

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£m 
15.9 
(0.1)
–
15.8
0.9
16.7

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The Group’s LTIP was established to grant contingent rights to shares.  Such grants are made on recommendation by the Group’s 
Remuneration Committee.  Shares are purchased by a Trust and held until they are used to satisfy the LTIP awards.  As required by IAS 32 
grants of such shares are classified as Treasury shares and accordingly are deducted from total equity attributable to equity holders of the 
parent.  The assets, liabilities, income and costs of the LTIP and Trust are included in both the Company and the consolidated financial 
statements.  During the period the Trust did not purchase any ordinary shares (2011: – 10,000 shares for £0.1m).  At the year end the Trust  
held 27,869 (2011: 27,869) ordinary shares of 1p each with a market value of £0.2m (2011: £0.2m). 

The Group also operates a share option scheme under which shares are issued to satisfy share options upon exercise. 

25.  Share based payments 
Included within administrative expenses is a charge of £0.3m (2011: credit of £0.3m) in respect of equity-settled share based payments. 

The Group’s employee share schemes are described below and additional detail is disclosed in the Directors’ remuneration report on pages  
25 to 31.  Scheme participants are either Directors of the Company or employees of the Group.  The costs associated with the schemes are 
accounted for in the Company’s accounts. 

(i) LTIP 
Under this scheme participants may receive annual awards in the form of contingent entitlements to Company shares.  These entitlements  
are equity-settled through the purchase of existing shares by the administering Trust.  The shares vest three years after award if participants 
remain with the Group during the vesting period and the Group meets targeted levels of performance.  The performance conditions are fully 
described in the Directors’ remuneration report in the section titled Long Term Incentive Plan. 

www.carpetright.plc.uk

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6666 

Notes to the accounts continued 

25.  Share based payments continued 
During the period contingent entitlements to 360,778 shares were awarded (LTIP 2010: 214,022).  The amount recognised in the income 
statement in respect of all LTIP awards is a charge of £0.1m (2011: credit of £0.4m).  The fair values of the 2009 awards were determined using 
a Monte Carlo simulation model which takes account of the performance conditions described in the preceding paragraph.  The fair value per 
share is based on the expected number of shares that will vest.  Subsequent awards, where there is no market condition, are valued using a 
Black-Scholes option pricing model.  The Group’s LTIP Trust is administered by the Equity Trust (Jersey) Limited and it waives its right to 
dividends on the shares held. 

Reconciliation of movements in the periods ended 28 April 2012 

LTIP 2011 

LTIP 2010 

LTIP 2009 

Outstanding at 1 May 2010 
Granted 
Forfeited 
Vested  
Expired 
Outstanding at 30 April 2011 
Granted 
Forfeited 
Vested  
Expired 
Outstanding at 28 April 2012 

Exercisable at 28 April 2012 
Exercisable at 30 April 2011 

Share awards
’000s 
–
–
–
–
–
–
360.7 
(27.8)
–
–
332.9

–
–

Fair
value
 £m 
–
–
–
–
–
–
1.6 
(0.1)
–
–
1.5

–
–

Share awards
’000s 
–
214.0
–
–
–
214.0
–
(57.2)
–
–
156.8

–
–

Fair 
value 
£m 
– 
1.4 
– 
– 
– 
1.4 
–  
(0.4) 
–  
–  
1.0 

–  
– 

Share awards 
’000s 
227.6 
– 
– 
– 
– 
227.6 
–  
(79.7) 
–  
–  
147.9 

–  
– 

Fair
value
£m 
1.8
–
–
–
–
1.8
–
(0.6)
–
–
1.2

–
–

The valuation assumptions used in the application of the Monte Carlo and Black-Scholes models applied to the relevant schemes above are  
as follows: 

Valuation assumptions 
Fair value per share (pence) 
Share price at grant (pence) 
Exercise price (pence) 
Expected volatility (%)1 
Vesting period (years) 
Dividend yield (%) 
Risk free interest rate (%) 

LTIP 2011 
award 
459 
486 
1.0 
39.7 
3.0 
1.8 
0.8 

LTIP 2010 
award 
675 
740 
1.0 
44.6 
3.0 
3.0 
2.0 

LTIP 2009 
award 
776
853
1.0
46.3
3.0
3.1
2.0

1.  Expected volatility is based on historical volatility over the three year period preceding the date of grant.  The risk free interest rate is the yield on zero-coupon UK government bonds 

at the date of grant of the respective awards over a term consistent with the vesting period. 

(ii) Savings Related Share Option Scheme (“SAYE”) 
Three and five year SAYE schemes were introduced in 2004.  Employees and Executive Directors are invited to subscribe for options over 
shares in the Company at a 20% discount.  The options are ordinarily exercisable within six months from the third or fifth anniversary  
of the grant date.  The entitlement to share options is equity-settled.  Funds for the purchase of Company shares are built up through  
the contribution of a maximum of £250 per month from salary.  Share options were valued using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model.   
The cost charged to the income statement in respect of this scheme is £0.1m (2011: £0.1m). 

Carpetright plc Annual report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
67 
67

Reconciliation of movements in the periods ended 28 April 2012 

SAYE 2012 

SAYE 2011 

SAYE 2010 

SAYE 2009 

SAYE 2008 

SAYE 2007 

SAYE 2006  SAYE 2005 

3 yr  

5 yr 

3 yr  

5 yr 

3 yr 

5 yr 

3 yr 

5 yr 

3 yr 

5 yr 

3 yr 

5 yr 

5 yr 

5 yr 

Number of 
options 
’000s 

Number of 
options 
’000s 

Number of 
options 
’000s 

Number of 
options 
’000s 

Number of 
options 
’000s 

Number of 
options 
’000s 

Number of 
options 
’000s 

Number of 
options 
’000s 

Number of 
options 
’000s 

Number of 
options 
’000s 

Number of 
options 
’000s 

Number of 
options 
’000s 

Number of 
options 
’000s 

Number of 
options 
’000s 

Outstanding at  
1 May 2010 
Granted 
Forfeited 
Vested 
Outstanding at  
30 April 2011 
Granted 
Forfeited 
Vested 
Outstanding at 
28 April 2012 

Exercisable at  
28 April 2012 
Exercisable at  
30 April 2011 

– 
– 
– 
– 

–
–
–
–

– 
97.5 
(3.4) 
– 

–
30.0
–
–

– 
266.0  
(3.4) 
–  

–
42.8  
–  
–  

94.1 
–  
(49.3) 
–  

30.0
–
(14.1)
–

36.5
–
(11.5)
–

25.0
–
(9.5)
–

29.0
–
(8.3)
–

364.5
–
(36.3)
(2.4)

20.7
–
(14.6)

325.8
–
(13.8)
– (283.4)

310.4
–
(25.3)
–

285.1
–
(36.2)
(3.2)

262.6 

42.8

44.8 

15.9

15.5

6.1

28.6

245.7

–  

– 

–  

–

–  

– 

–

–

–

–

–

–

28.6 

–

–

–

23.6
–
(2.4)
(8.0)

13.2
–
(8.0)
(5.2)

–

–

13.2

25.2 
– 
(2.6) 
– 

22.6 
–  
(6.0) 
–  

16.6 

–  

– 

6.2 
– 
(6.2) 
– 

– 
–  
–  
–  

– 

–  

– 

5.7
–
(1.7)
–

4.0
–
(0.4)
–

3.6

3.6

7.7
–
(0.9)
–

6.8
–
(6.8)
–

–

–

–

6.8

38.9
–
(38.9)
–

–
–
–
–

–

–

–

The valuation assumptions used in the application of the Black-Scholes model applied to the relevant schemes above are as follows: 

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Valuation assumptions 
Fair value per  
share (pence) 
Share price at  
grant (pence) 
Exercise price (pence) 
Expected volatility (%)1 
Vesting period (years) 
Dividend yield (%) 
Risk free interest rate (%) 
Possibility of  
ceasing employment before 
vesting (%) 

SAYE 2012 

SAYE 2011 

SAYE 2010 

SAYE 2009 

SAYE 2008 

SAYE 2007 

3 yr  

5 yr 

3 yr 

5 yr 

3 yr 

5 yr 

3 yr 

5 yr 

3 yr 

5 yr 

3 yr 

5 yr 

179 

231 

264

298

333

331

95

81 

148 

132

322

352

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529 
423 
40.0 
3.1 
2.3 
2.9 

529 
423 
44.1 
5.1 
2.3 
2.9 

792
634
41.6
3.1
2.3
1.6

792
634
39.9
5.1
2.3
2.4

941
753
47.4
3.1
3.1
3.1

941
753
38.7
5.1
3.1
3.1

474
295
42.4
3.1
6.8
2.2

474 
295 
35.2 
5.1 
6.8 
2.6 

723 
618 
33.6 
3.1 
7.2 
4.1 

723
618
29.7
5.1
7.2
4.1

1,237
1,040
19.9
3.1
3.8
5.5

1,237
1,040
21.6
5.1
3.8
5.3

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50 

40

50

40

50

40

50 

40 

50

40

50

1.  Expected volatility is based on historical volatility over the three or five year period respectively preceding the date of grant.  The risk free interest rate is the yield on zero-coupon UK 

government bonds at the date of grant of the respective awards over a term consistent with the vesting period. 

(iii) All Employee Share Ownership Plan (“AESOP”) 
Under this scheme staff are invited to contribute up to £125 per month from pre-tax salary to purchase Company shares.  The Group does not 
incur a share-based payment charge in respect of this scheme since the Company shares are acquired at market value and are not subject to an 
accumulation period. 

26.  Capital and other financial commitments 
Capital commitments at 28 April 2012 for which no provision has been made in the accounts relate to the acquisition of tangible and 
intangible assets, and are: 

Authorised and contracted  

Group 
2012 
 £m 
2.5 

Group 
2011 
£m 
5.2 

Company
2012
£m 
1.8

Company
2011
£m 
4.9

www.carpetright.plc.uk

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6868 

Notes to the accounts continued 

27.  Operating lease commitments 
At 28 April 2012 the future minimum lease payments in respect of land and buildings and other assets under operating leases are: 

Group 
Operating leases payable: 

Amounts payable within one year 
Amounts payable between one and five years 
Amounts payable after five years 

Company 
Operating leases payable: 

Amounts payable within one year 
Amounts payable between one and five years 
Amounts payable after five years 

2012 

Land and
buildings
£m 

88.0
319.0
467.5
874.5

2012 

Land and
buildings
£m 

80.4
299.5
456.3
836.2

Other 
£m 

1.1 
1.3 
0.5 
2.9 

Other 
£m 

1.0 
1.2 
0.5 
2.7 

2011 

Land and 
buildings 
 £m 

86.9 
310.9 
459.2 
857.0 

2011 

Land and 
buildings 
 £m 

78.9 
296.2 
456.0 
831.1 

Other 
£m 

1.5
1.9
0.2
3.6

Other 
£m 

1.2
1.6
0.2
3.0

Operating lease payments are negotiated for an average of 6.5 years (2011: 7 years).  The Group enters into sublease agreements in respect of 
some of its operating leases for stores.  At the reporting date the Group had contracted with tenants for future minimum operating sublease 
receipts amounting to £9.8m (2011: £11.5m). 

28.  Contingent liabilities 
The Group has no material contingent liabilities at 28 April 2012. 

The Company’s contingent liabilities derive from guarantees for subsidiaries which are disclosed in note 30. 

29.  Movement in cash and net debt  

Group 
Cash and cash equivalents in the balance sheet 
Bank overdrafts 
Cash and cash equivalents in the cash flow statement 
Borrowings 

Current borrowings 
Non-current borrowings 

Obligations under finance leases 

Current obligations under finance leases
Non-current obligations under finance leases 

Derivative financial instruments 
Net debt 

Carpetright plc Annual report and accounts 2012

2011 

Total
£m 
8.3
(9.0)
(0.7)

(12.3)
(49.6)
(61.9)

(0.1)
(2.9)
(3.0)
(0.1)
(65.7)

2012 

Cash
flow
£m 

Exchange 
differences 
£m 

Revaluation 
£m 

2.0

0.2 

42.9

1.1 

– 

– 

–
–
44.9

–  
–  
1.3  

0.3  
0.1  
0.4  

Total
£m 
9.6
(8.1)
1.5

(1.4)
(16.5)
(17.9)

(0.1)
(2.6)
(2.7)
–
(19.1)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
69 
69

2010 

Total
£m 
8.3
(13.3)
(5.0)

(8.9)
(53.3)
(62.2)

(0.1)
(2.9)
(3.0)
(1.1)
(71.3)

2011 

Total
£m 
4.7 
(4.5)
0.2 

(12.3)
(45.1)
(57.4)

(0.1)
(1.9)
(2.0)
(0.1)
(59.3)

2010 

Total
£m 
3.6
(9.0)
(5.4)

(8.9)
(49.0)
(57.9)

(0.1)
(1.9)
(2.0)
(1.1)
(66.4)

2011 

 Cash 
flow 
£m 

Exchange 
differences 
£m 

Revaluation
£m 

–

–

–
1.0
1.0

3.4 

0.9 

0.7  

(0.4) 

– 
–  
4.1 

–  
–  
0.5 

2012 

Cash 
flow 
£m 

Exchange 
differences 
£m 

Revaluation
£m 

2.6  

(0.7) 

38.7  

0.8  

–  
–  
41.3  

–  
–  
0.1 

2011 

–

–

0.4 
0.1 
0.5 

Cash 
flow 
£m 

Exchange 
differences 
£m 

Revaluation
£m 

6.0 

(0.4) 

0.7 

(0.2) 

– 
–  
6.7  

– 
–  
(0.6) 

–

–

–
1.0
1.0

Total
£m 
8.3
(9.0)
(0.7)

(12.3)
(49.6)
(61.9)

(0.1)
(2.9)
(3.0)
(0.1)
(65.7)

Total
£m 
6.1
(4.0)
2.1

(1.4)
(16.5)
(17.9)

(0.1)
(1.5)
(1.6)
–
(17.4)

Total
£m 
4.7 
(4.5)
0.2 

(12.3)
(45.1)
(57.4)

(0.1)
(1.9)
(2.0)
(0.1)
(59.3)

www.carpetright.plc.uk

Group 
Cash and cash equivalents in the balance sheet 
Bank overdrafts 
Cash and cash equivalents in the cash flow statement
Borrowings 

Current borrowings 
Non-current borrowings 

Obligations under finance leases

Current obligations under finance leases 
Non-current obligations under finance leases 

Derivative financial instruments
Net debt 

Company 
Cash and cash equivalents in the balance sheet 
Bank overdrafts 
Cash and cash equivalents in the cash flow statement
Borrowings 

Current borrowings 
Non-current borrowings 

Obligations under finance leases

Current obligations under finance leases 
Non-current obligations under finance leases 

Derivative financial instruments
Net debt 

Company 
Cash and cash equivalents in the balance sheet 
Bank overdrafts 
Cash and cash equivalents in the cash flow statement
Borrowings 

Current borrowings 
Non-current borrowings 

Obligations under finance leases

Current obligations under finance leases 
Non-current obligations under finance leases 

Derivative financial instruments
Net debt 

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7070 

Notes to the accounts continued 

30.  Related parties 
Group 
Related party transactions with the Directors are disclosed in the Directors’ Report on page 32. 

Share based payment transactions which include transactions with key management are disclosed in notes 4 and 25. 

Contributions to pension schemes are disclosed in note 22.  Costs incurred by the Group to administer pension schemes amounted  
to £0.2m in 2012, (2011: £0.1m). 

Company 
The following table provides the total amount of transactions and year end balances with related parties for the relevant financial year. 

Subsidiary undertakings 
2011/12 
2010/11 

Sales of goods 
£m 

Amounts due 
from related 
parties £m 

Amounts due to 
related parties 
£m 

3.8 
3.8 

48.3 
45.8 

12.4
16.0

The Company guaranteed bank and other borrowings of subsidiary undertakings amounting to £4.1m (2011: £8.9m). 

Carpetright plc Annual report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
Group five year financial summary 

Summarised income statements: 
Revenue 
Gross profit 
Operating profit 
Underlying operating profit 
Net finance costs 
Underlying profit before tax 
Exceptional items 
Profit before tax 
Tax on ordinary activities 
Profit for the financial period 
Extracts from balance sheets: 
Non-current assets 
Net assets 
Net debt 
Ratios and statistics: 
Number of stores at period end
Total space (sq ft – gross) ’000 
Gross margin (%) 
Underlying operating margin (%) 
Operating margin (%) 
Underlying earnings per share (pence) 
Basic earnings per share (pence)
Dividends per share (pence) 

71 
71

2012
£m 

2011 
£m 

2010 
£m 

2009
£m 

2008
£m 

471.5
276.0
18.0
8.0
(4.0)
4.0
9.5
13.5
(2.5)
11.0

205.2
70.7
(19.1)

632
5,840
58.5%
1.7%
3.8%
4.5p
16.4p
–

486.8 
298.0 
10.9 
21.2 
(4.3) 
16.9 
(10.3) 
6.6 
(2.0) 
4.6 

243.3 
67.0 
(65.7) 

679 
6,072 
61.2% 
4.4% 
2.2% 
18.0p 
6.8p 
8.0p 

516.6 
316.0 
28.2 
34.1 
(5.9) 
28.2 
(5.9) 
22.3 
(6.5) 
15.8 

247.1 
71.2 
(71.3) 

703 
6,206 
61.2% 
6.6% 
5.5% 
31.6p 
23.5p 
16.0p 

482.8
295.8
22.3
22.8
(5.6)
17.2
(0.5)
16.7
(4.9)
11.8

265.8
67.2
(97.1)

695
6,155
61.3%
4.7%
4.6%
18.2p
17.6p
8.0p

521.5
323.1
60.8
63.4
(1.3)
62.1
(2.6)
59.5
(16.7)
42.8

254.2
74.3
(57.5)

675
5,816
62.0%
12.2%
11.7%
63.5p
63.2p
52.0p

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www.carpetright.plc.uk

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7272 

Independent auditors’ report to the members of Carpetright plc 

We have audited the financial statements of Carpetright plc for  
the 52 week period ended 28 April 2012 which comprise the Group 
Income Statement, the Group Statement of Comprehensive Income, 
the Group and Company Statements of Changes in Equity, the 
Group and Company Balance Sheets, the Group and Company  
Cash Flow Statements and the related notes.  The financial reporting 
framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable 
law and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs)  
as adopted by the European Union and, as regards the Parent 
Company financial statements, as applied in accordance with  
the provisions of the Companies Act 2006. 

Respective responsibilities of directors  
and auditors 
As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors’ 
Responsibilities, the Directors are responsible for the preparation  
of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a 
true and fair view.  Our responsibility is to audit and express an 
opinion on the financial statements in accordance with applicable 
law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland).  
Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices 
Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors. 

This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and only 
for the Company’s members as a body in accordance with Chapter 3 
of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and for no other purpose.   
We do not, in giving these opinions, accept or assume responsibility 
for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is 
shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed 
by our prior consent in writing. 

Scope of the audit of the financial statements 
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and 
disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give reasonable 
assurance that the financial statements are free from material 
misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error.  This includes  
an assessment of: whether the accounting policies are appropriate  
to the Group’s and the Parent Company’s circumstances and  
have been consistently applied and adequately disclosed; the 
reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the 
Directors; and the overall presentation of the financial statements.  
In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information 
in the annual report to identify material inconsistencies with the 
audited financial statements.  If we become aware of any apparent 
material misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the 
implications for our report. 

Opinion on financial statements 
In our opinion: 

•  the Parent Company financial statements have been properly 

prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European 
Union and as applied in accordance with the provisions of the 
Companies Act 2006; and 

•  the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 
the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the 
Group financial statements, Article 4 of the lAS Regulation. 

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the 
Companies Act 2006 
In our opinion: 

•  the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited has 
been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 
2006; and 

•  the information given in the Directors’ Report for the financial 

year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent 
with the financial statements. 

Matters on which we are required to report  
by exception 
We have nothing to report in respect of the following: 

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, 
in our opinion: 

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

•  the Parent Company financial statements and the part of  
the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited are not  
in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or 

•  certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by  

law are not made; or 

•  we have not received all the information and explanations  

we require for our audit. 

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review: 

•  the Directors’ statement, set out on page 34, in relation to  

going concern; 

•  the part of the Corporate Governance Statement relating to  

the Company’s compliance with the nine provisions of the UK 
Corporate Governance Code specified for our review; and 

•  certain elements of the report to shareholders by the Board  

on Directors’ remuneration. 

•  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 28 April 2012 
and of the Group’s profit and the Group’s and Parent Company’s 
cash flows for the year then ended; 

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

John Ellis (Senior Statutory Auditor) 
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors 
London 
25 June 2012 

Carpetright plc Annual report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
Calendar 

2012 
Q1 interim management statement 
Annual General Meeting 
First-half trading update 
First-half ends 
Interim results announcement 

2013 
Q3 interim management statement 
Second-half trading update 
Year ends 

Advisers 

Financial advisers 
Deutsche Bank AG 
1 Great Winchester Street 
London 
EC2N 2DB 

Solicitors 
Travers Smith LLP 
10 Snow Hill 
London 
EC1A 2AL 

73

24 July
6 September
23 October
27 October
11 December

29 January
23 April
27 April

Stockbrokers 
Deutsche Bank AG 
1 Great Winchester Street 
London 
EC2N 2DB 

Peel Hunt 
111 Old Broad Street 
London 
EC2N 1PH 

Auditors 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
1 Embankment Place 
London 
WC2N 6RH 

Bankers 
National Westminster Bank plc 
Tooting Branch 
30 Tooting High Street 
London 
SW17 0RG 

Registrars 
Computershare Investor Services plc 
The Pavilions 
Bridgwater Road 
Bristol 
BS99 6ZY 

Company Secretary and 
Registered Office 
Jeremy Sampson 
Carpetright plc 
Harris House 
Purfleet Bypass 
Purfleet 
Essex 
RM19 1TT 
Telephone: 01708 802000 

This Report is printed on Core Uncoated.  
It is produced at a mill that is certified with  
ISO 14001 and EMAS environmental management 
standards. The paper is also Totally Chlorine  
Free and PEFC Certified.

The inks used are all vegetable oil based.

Printed at Principal Colour Ltd, ISO 14001  
and FSC® certified.

Designed and produced by Black Sun plc  
www.blacksunplc.com

 
 
 
 
 
C

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Harris House
Purfleet Bypass
Purfleet, Essex RM19 1TT

Telephone +44 (0)1708 802000

www.carpetright.co.uk
www.carpetright.plc.uk