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Greggs plc

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Sector Consumer Defensive
Industry Grocery Stores
Employees 33146
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FY2018 Annual Report · Greggs plc
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Delivering 
our strategy

Greggs plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

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We’ve come a long way since we started  
out 80 years ago, and it’s time for us to  
celebrate who we are today – a modern  
food-on-the-go brand that stands for  
so much more than sausage rolls!

Having spent the past five years investing significantly in our business, we’re in a 
healthier place than ever, and excited about what the future holds for Greggs in the 
fast-moving and dynamic food-on-the-go market.

We’re well positioned to achieve our ambition to become the customers’ favourite for 
food-on-the-go, because put simply: We offer good, honest food that our customers 
can trust, at affordable prices.

Our strategy

Read about our five-year strategic journey on page 2. 

Great tasting, freshly 
prepared food

Best customer 
experience

Competitive 
supply chain

First class 
support teams

Read more on page 18. 

Read more on page 20. 

Read more on page 22. 

Read more on page 24. 

Strategic Report

Directors’ Report

Accounts

Highlights 

Our strategic journey 

Greggs at a glance 

Chairman’s statement 

Our strategy 

Chief Executive’s report 

Our strategy in action 

Financial review 

Financial key performance indicators 

1

2

6

8

10

12

18

26

30

Non-financial key performance indicators 32

Risk management 

Principal risks and uncertainties 

35

38

Board of Directors and Secretary 

Governance report 

Directors’ report 

Audit Committee report 

Directors’ remuneration report 

40

42

42

51

57

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities  73

Independent auditor’s report 

Consolidated income statement 

Consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income 

Balance sheets 

Statements of changes in equity 

Statements of cashflows 

Notes to the consolidated accounts 

Ten-year history 

Financial calendar 

Secretary and advisers 

74

80

80

81

82

84

85

110

IBC

IBC

A year in a billion!

highlights

It’s been a roller coaster of a year for Greggs. In early 2018,  
the ‘Beast from the East’ knocked the business off course, 
followed by the hottest summer on record since 1976 – which 
meant the Great British public were more likely to be buying  
ice creams than sausage rolls.

Despite the unprecedented weather conditions, 2018 has  
been a great year for the business, one that has seen us  
develop best-selling products and open high-performing shops. 
We have also centralised our cake, doughnut, pizza and bread 
roll production lines, whilst continually finding new ways to 
improve the fast and friendly service our customers love.

In December we reached a major milestone in Greggs history, 
breaking through the £1 billion annual sales barrier for the first 
time. This is a fantastic achievement by the whole business,  
and we are proud to be reporting a fifth consecutive year of 
like-for-like growth and record profits.

  Underlying excluding exceptional items (see note 4 on page 93)
  Total including exceptional items

Detailed calculations of Alternative Performance Measures, not otherwise 
shown in the income statement and related notes, are detailed on page 110.

Total sales

£1,029m
+7.2%

£1,029m
+7.2%

Company-managed shop like-for-like 
(LFL) sales growth

2.9%

2.9%

Pre-tax profit

£89.8m
+9.8%

£82.6m
+14.3%

Diluted EPS

70.3p

64.5p

Ordinary dividend

35.7p

35.7p

Return on capital employed

27.4% 25.2%

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

1

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportOur strategic journey

Becoming the 
customers’ favourite 
for food-on-the-go

A lot has changed in the past five years…

Our transformation from bakery to food-on-the-go began in 2013, 
and the process of creating a centralised, fully-integrated business 
capable of supporting 2,500 shops is nearing completion, with just 
two years left to go. Whilst this has required a once-in-a-generation 
level of capital investment and business change, it has already 
delivered results and helped our customers realise we’re so much 
more than sausage rolls! The result – a resilient brand, better 
able to cope with an unpredictable retail environment and 
economic uncertainty.

improved

Our new Fairtrade coffee 
blend delights customers 
at taste tests

2013

2014

£25m

investment to 
centralise systems 
and processes 
announced

Calorie information is made 
available at the point of 
purchase for our entire 
national range

7

regions 
become four

In-store 
bakeries 
decommissioned

1st

Euro Garages 
franchise 
shop opens

1,671

shops across
seven regions

Photovoltaic 
panels installed 
on bakery roofs

25%

in bakery food-on-
the-go format

GREGGS 
REWARDS

arrives and wins 
lots of awards

2

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

80%

on the
high street

New

healthier range offers 
customers a 
‘Balanced 
Choice’

Retail Apprenticeship 
Programme 
launches

Greggs awarded the 
Good Egg Award 
by Compassion in World 
Farming, for changing all 
of our whole eggs 
to free range 
supply

New workforce 
and supplier relationship 
management software 
delivers benefits beyond 
expectations

1,698

Our shop estate returns to 
net shop growth

We move from 
`Tier Five’ to 
`Tier Three’ on the 
Business Benchmark 
for Farm Animal 
Welfare

100%

of Greggs 
palm oil now comes 
from sustainable 
sources

Shop 
transformation 
programme 
ramps up

2015

Breakfast 
and Balanced 
Choice ranges 
extended and 
hot food menu 
refreshed

25%

Our 2010 ambition to 
reduce carbon emissions 
intensity by 25%, by 2015 
is achieved

A partnership with 
Applegreen takes us 
to Northern Ireland 
for the first time

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

3

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportOur strategic journey

Our Fairtrade 
Flat White and 
gluten-free options 
prove to be welcome 
additions to 
our menu

200th

We celebrated 
opening our 200th 
franchise shop

Get `Greggs 
Delivered’ to 
your door (office 
door that is, 
in Newcastle)

We created 
Centres of Excellence 
in Glasgow and 
Leeds, and closed 
Edinburgh Bakery

10

We celebrate our ten-year  
partnership anniversary  
with Children in Need  
(today we have raised 
almost £9 million 
for this annual 
appeal)

All of our tuna 
now comes from 
sustainable sources 
and we achieve 
`Tier Two’ on 
the BBFAW

2016

Twickenham 
Bakery closes

£100m

investment programme 
to reshape Greggs 
supply chain 
announced

CEO

Roger Whiteside 
joins the Women’s 
Business 
Council

 80%of shops now 

open by 7am, 
Monday to Friday

1st

Our first company-
managed shop opens 
in Northern Ireland

1st

Our first 
Drive-Thru 
opens in  
Irlam

A new Distribution 
Centre, with the 
capacity to supply 
450 shops, opens 
in Enfield

SAP 
Finance 
implemented

4

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Largest-ever 
systems roll-out
Traditional shop ordering 
replaced with a new central 
forecasting and  
replenishment 
process

2017

30th

Greggs Foundation 
celebrates its 
30th birthday

 5%

Sweet range 
reformulated in line 
with Public Health 
England’s year one 
sugar reduction 
target

1,953

shops

92%

in bakery 
food-on-the-go 
format

Awarded 4.5 star 
rating on BITC’s 
CR Index

63%

on the 
high street

B2C and B2B 
gifting channels 
create new ways 
for customers 
to shop with us

2018

We created Centres 
of Excellence in 
Manchester, Leeds 
and Newcastle, and 
closed Norwich 
Bakery

1st

vegan-friendly product 
launched and our famous 
vegan sausage roll 
developed

500th

Breakfast Club opens

SAP HR, 
and real estate 
software 
implemented

Greggs now 
delivers to your 
home in Birmingham, 
Newcastle, Bristol 
and London

36%

of sales are  
now from  
new strategic  
categories

90%

of shops open by 7am,
Monday to Friday

Shops opened 
in exciting high-profile 
transport locations

£1bnWe break through the £1 billion 

annual sales mark for  
the first time

`Click and 
Collect’ trialled 
in Manchester

Peak year 
of investment 
in systems and 
supply chain

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

5

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportGreggs at a glance

Becoming the customers’ 
favourite for food-on-the-go

Greggs is a strong and trusted brand that goes way back. 
However, to become the customers’ favourite for food-on-the-go, 
we knew that we had to get people thinking and feeling differently 
about us. To achieve this we put our customers at the heart of  
our strategy…

Our vision: To become the customers’ 
favourite for food-on-the-go.

Our purpose
Behind the golden puff pastry and freshly made 
sandwiches we’ve always been committed to  
doing the right thing. Way back in the sixties we 
started with our free pie ‘n‘ peas suppers for older 
residents in Gateshead. Today we’re just as keen for 
Greggs to have a positive impact on people’s lives. 
With ownership of our supply chain and ambitions  
to grow to over 2,500 shops nationwide, we are in  
a unique position to make good, freshly prepared 
food accessible to everyone.

Our target market
Greggs is a brand for everyone. We work hard 
to evolve our offer and keep pace with changing 
customer demands and behaviour, using insight 
from our award-winning loyalty app, Greggs 
Rewards, and our dedicated customer insight team.

Our operations
Ownership of our supply chain means that we can 
make good, freshly prepared food accessible to 
everyone at great value in an extremely competitive 
market place. By managing our own logistics 
operation, we can remain focused on the customer, 
delivering what our shops and customers need.

Our market locations
The world has changed in a short space of time;  
the way we shop and our food-on-the go eating 
habits have too. We’ve been quick to react, by 
building on our existing estate of shops to take 
Greggs where our customers want us to be and  
can now be found in retail parks, shopping centres, 
industrial estates, office parks, roadside locations 
and key transport hubs, including motorway service 
stations, petrol forecourts, train stations, tube 
stations and airports. Our home delivery trial means 
that we may soon be able to bring Greggs to your 
door too.

6

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

What we do

Business Model
Where we operate

What we offer

Manufacturing

Delivery

Shopping

Travel

Quality

Convenience

Shops

Support

Work

Leisure

Value

Service

Strategy

Great tasting, freshly 
prepared food

Best customer 
experience

Competitive 
supply chain

First class 
support teams

Read more on page 10. 

Risks and uncertainties

Organisational 
capacity

Brand 
reputation

Technology

Regulatory 
compliance

Read more on page 36. 

Positive impact

Customer 
health
We encourage 
healthier food-on- 
the-go choices

Responsible 
sourcing
We care about 
where our ingredients 
come from

Community 

Environment 

People 

We share our 
success with the 
people around us

We aim to use 
energy efficiently 
and minimise waste

We are committed 
to creating a great 
place to work

Read more on pages 18 to 25. 

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

7

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportChairman’s statement

Greggs carries out its business  
in a responsible manner, delivering 
sustainable long-term growth

In 2018 Greggs once again demonstrated its resilience and 
capacity for growth, delivering record profits in a challenging 
retail environment, heavily impacted by extreme weather 
conditions. Alongside the robust trading performance, we 
continued to invest in our internal supply chain and systems, 
laying a strong foundation for further growth and efficiency.

I am proud that Greggs carries out its business in a responsible 
manner, aiming to deliver sustainable long-term growth for the 
benefit of all stakeholders.

Overview
Over the year as a whole Greggs performed robustly 
in 2018. Sales were well ahead of last year, profit was 
above our expectations and the Company ended the 
year with a healthy cash balance. This was achieved 
in a very uncertain economic environment with 
significant cost pressures and challenging trading 
conditions, whilst managing a major reorganisation 
and change programme in the internal supply chain. 
Trading conditions in the first half of the year were 
negatively affected by extremes of weather. In the 
second half, our performance picked up and we 
ended the year very strongly.

Our people and values
The Board recognises that 2018 was a year of significant 
change for many of Greggs employees. We oversaw 
and engaged regularly with the exhaustive planning 
that went into the reorganisation of our manufacturing 
operations, designed to improve competitiveness  
and support further growth in the number of shops.  
We tested the approach taken by management  
against our values and were pleased that the changes 
are being made without a need for compulsory 
redundancies. Significant progress was also made  
on the multi-year project to enhance the systems that 
support our growing business. I would like to record my 
personal admiration and the thanks of the Board to our 
23,000 colleagues who have coped with the many 
changes over the course of the year and delivered 
another great outcome for the Company and  
its shareholders.

Greggs prides itself on conducting its business in  
a responsible manner and the Board supports and 
challenges its agenda in this respect. We continued 
to support the work of the Greggs Foundation,  
which celebrated the opening of its 500th primary 
school Breakfast Club in 2018, and we are building 
on our environmental management programme with 
a target to reduce the use of single-use plastic across 
our operations in the year ahead.

8

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018
Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Favourite Greggs snack:
“It has to be the Vegan Sausage Roll.”

“Take a look at our strategy to 
see how it is making an impact.”

Read Our strategy on page 10. 

35.7p

10.5% dividend 
increase

23,000

colleagues

Greggs success depends on its ability to attract  
and engage a talented and diverse workforce that 
understands the needs of its customers. The Board 
sets a strong example on gender balance and has 
encouraged the business in its journey to create  
a more inclusive workplace. Our Chief Executive,  
Roger Whiteside, has shown great personal 
leadership in this regard and I was delighted that  
this was recognised in the New Year Honours list, 
with Roger being awarded the Order of the British 
Empire for services to Women and Equality.

The Board
Greggs has enjoyed a period of stability on the  
Board and this has been helpful in ensuring continuity 
and consistency. We are, nevertheless, planning 
succession for Board Directors and have embarked  
on the recruitment of an Audit Committee Chair to 
succeed Allison Kirkby who will not be offering herself 
for re-election at the Annual General Meeting (‘AGM’), 
following her appointment to the Board of BT Group. 
Allison has proved to be a warm and enthusiastic 
colleague over her six years on the Board, and has 
displayed passion and professionalism in equal 
measure. We thank Allison for her contribution  
and wish her well in her future career.

In 2018 we continued to spend a significant amount  
of time overseeing the major investments being made 
in our internal supply chain and the associated change 
management programme. It was appropriate therefore 
that the Board held one of its meetings at our Leeds 
bakery, affording an opportunity for us to see for 
ourselves the investments being made to create  
a Centre of Excellence for small cakes, and also to 
review our retail operations in the Leeds area. Both 
visits allowed the Directors to hear directly from staff 
involved in the programme of organisational change 
that supports our growth plans.

Outside of such formal arrangements, Directors 
continue to visit different areas of the business and 
experience it through the eyes of our colleagues, 
customers and other stakeholders. This helps to ensure 
that Non-Executive Directors’ contributions to Board 
discussions are well informed, supporting open and 
constructive dialogue with the management team and 
helping them to meet the s172 obligations to take into 
account the broader stakeholder population.

Company’s ongoing change programme and the 
uncertainties surrounding the UK’s exit from the 
European Union.

We also spent time during the year understanding 
management’s approach to ensuring that the culture 
within Greggs remains one that manages risks well  
as the business grows further.

Further details of the Board’s work are included 
in the governance and committee sections of this 
annual report.

Dividend
Our progressive dividend policy targets an ordinary 
dividend that is two times covered by earnings, with 
further surplus cash being returned to shareholders  
as appropriate. Our Finance Director, Richard Hutton, 
outlines the expected application of the distribution 
policy in more detail in the financial review. We currently 
expect to be in a position to declare a special dividend 
at the time of our interim results in July.

In line with its progressive ordinary dividend policy,  
the Board intends to recommend at the AGM a final 
dividend of 25.0 pence per share (2017: 22.0 pence), 
giving a total ordinary dividend for the year of  
35.7 pence (2017: 32.3 pence), an increase 
of 10.5 per cent.

Looking ahead
It is hard to report on the performance of Greggs 
without reference to the vegan-friendly sausage  
roll, launched in early 2019 to an enthusiastic 
reception from our customers. The extraordinary  
level of social and general media coverage that 
followed has attracted additional visits to our shops, 
offering a great opportunity to showcase the many 
improvements that have been made to our shops  
and product offering in recent years.

At a time of unprecedented political and economic 
uncertainty for the food industry and for the UK, 
Greggs continues to demonstrate its resilience.  
Whilst we cannot be immune to the impact that this 
uncertainty may have on the economy as a whole,  
we are in a strong financial position and are investing 
for further growth and increased competitiveness in 
the years ahead.

Risk management continues to be an important area of 
focus for the Board, particularly in light of heightened 
awareness of the risks around allergens, the

Ian Durant
Chairman
7 March 2019

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

9

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportOur strategy

Our vision is to become 
the customers’ favourite 
for food-on-the-go

Our strategic plan has four pillars and our commitment to having 
a positive impact on people’s lives is built into them all.

Strategic pillar

Great tasting, freshly prepared food

We work hard to make sure our range meets our customers’ needs 
and that, while our classic favourites can’t be beaten, there is always 
something new to excite them. We offer great value at every time 
of the day and care about where our ingredients come from.

Best customer experience

We provide customers with fast and friendly service, fixing issues 
without a fuss and enjoy making every day a great day by rewarding 
them for their loyalty, and sharing our success with the communities 
that we serve. We are taking our modern shops to where our 
customers want them to be, extending trading hours and ultimately 
becoming more and more convenient alongside their busy lives.

Competitive supply chain

We stand out from the crowd because we make great quality bakery 
products ourselves and love to create new things that will excite 
customers. We are always looking for ways to be more efficient and to 
minimise our impact on the environment, while supporting shop growth.

First class support teams

We have well-trained people providing great service to their 
colleagues and ultimately our customers, and are committed 
to providing our teams with a great place to work by investing 
in first class systems and living up to Greggs values.

10

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

“We’re always striving 
to have a positive impact 
on peoples lives.”

Read more on our Principal risks and uncertainties on pages 38 and 39. 

Read more on our Key performance indicators on pages 30 to 34. 

Progress made in 2018

Plans for 2019

We continued to grow our strategic categories,  
which now account for 36 per cent of sales and reinforced 
our reputation for great value, by expanding our breakfast 
deal and introducing a new £2 ‘pizza slice + drink’ offer  
after 4pm. Our first vegan-friendly product, the Mexican 
Bean Wrap, was well received alongside our expanding 
vegetarian range, encouraging more customers to  
give us a try.

We have another strong pipeline 
of new product developments  
and upgrades, with many 
opportunities to improve our 
product offer and further develop 
our position in the food-on-the-
go market.

As our food-on-the-go refit programme neared completion, 
we continued to open new shops in exciting high-profile 
transport locations. We built on the success of Greggs 
Rewards to understand how we can serve our customers 
better through the use of digital technology, by trialling  
`Click and Collect’ in Manchester and working with Deliveroo 
to test home delivery in Birmingham, Newcastle, Bristol  
and London. The development of our B2C and B2B gifting 
channels are creating new ways for customers to shop with us.

We will increase shop numbers 
and expect to open 100 new 
shops, including 50 with franchise 
partners. We will continue to 
develop our digital vision for 
Greggs, taking our shopping 
environments and customer 
experiences to the next level.

We invested record amounts in our supply chain during  
a peak year of activity, which has focused on the creation  
of Centres of Excellence in Newcastle, Manchester  
and Leeds. The quality of production and service from  
our new manufacturing lines has been excellent, despite 
unprecedented levels of upheaval as we implemented  
the changes.

During a peak year of investment, the human resource and 
estate management modules of our integrated SAP solution 
were implemented, together with enhanced processes to 
manage our product ranging and availability.

We will complete the 
manufacturing programme  
of activity, creating Centres of 
Excellence in Enfield, Glasgow 
and Treforest and build our 
second dedicated Distribution 
Centre in Amesbury, 
to support shop growth 
in the south of England.

It’s another big year in our  
major process and systems 
investment programme, with  
the replacement of our payroll 
system taking priority in the first 
half, alongside which we will be 
rolling out the SAP solution for  
our supply chain.

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

11

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportChief Executive’s report

2018 tested Greggs business model 
and demonstrated the benefits of our 
strategic investment programme

2018 was a year that tested the resilience of Greggs business 
model and demonstrated the benefits of our strategic  
investment programme.

The first half was significantly impacted by extreme weather but 
our multi-year investment in food-on-the-go products, customer 
experience and new shop locations allowed us to maintain 
positive sales growth in relatively difficult market conditions.

Favourite Greggs snack:
“Our iconic sausage roll, of course!”

Once weather conditions returned to normal  
these underlying strengths were revealed in a strong 
second-half performance that saw us recover all of 
the lost ground and deliver results for the year that 
exceeded our expectations. At the same time, we 
continued to make good progress with the remaining 
elements of our business transformation programme, 
including the significant supply chain investment that 
will deliver increased efficiency and capacity for 
further growth in shop numbers.

Financial performance
Total sales grew 7.2 per cent to £1,029.3 million in 
2018, the first time in its history that the business has 
generated turnover of more than a billion pounds in a 
year. Within this, company-managed shop like-for-like 
sales (defined on page 110) grew by 2.9 per cent.

Underlying operating profit, excluding property  
profits and exceptional items, grew by 9.1 per cent  
to £89.1 million (2017: £81.7 million). Pre-tax profit 
(including exceptional items) grew by 14.8 per cent 
 to £82.6 million.

Market background
Economic conditions remained challenging in 2018. 
Although inflationary pressures on consumers eased  
and they saw a return to growth in disposable incomes, 
confidence levels were low due to continued uncertainty 
regarding the economic outlook. The general retail 
sector saw continued declines in high street footfall as 
traditional business models struggled to adapt to the 
new dynamics in customer behaviour, whilst dealing with 
continued rising costs, particularly relating to labour.

The weather had a significant impact on trading  
in 2018. After a good start to the year the severe 
wintry conditions in early March hit sales badly and  
a more subdued trading period followed. In June 
and July the prolonged heatwave also affected  
sales, with strong demand for cold drinks, but less  
for bakery items. As soon as temperatures reverted 
to the seasonal norm, we saw a pick-up in sales 
growth, and this strengthened further through  
the fourth quarter.

12

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018
Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

2.9%

Company-managed 
shop like-for-like 
sales grew by  
2.9 per cent

In contrast to the general retail environment, the 
food-on-the-go sector overall continues to grow, 
though it remains highly competitive. We have worked 
hard over the last five years to redevelop our shop 
estate in order to be less dependent on shopping 
locations, and to refocus our product range on growth 
categories and extended day-parts which have been 
key to our success. These strategic initiatives have been 
underpinned by fast and friendly service, further driving 
genuine consumer affection for the Greggs brand.

Delivering our strategy
Greggs draws on its heritage in fresh bakery 
to compete successfully in the food-on-the-go 
market. Our purpose is to make good, freshly 
prepared food accessible to everyone with the 
aim of becoming the customers’ favourite for 
food-on-the-go.

We are also committed to conducting our business 
in a responsible manner and, in doing so, having  
a positive impact on people’s lives.

In the five years since we launched our strategic  
plan to focus on the growing food-on-the-go market 
we have radically reshaped the business, making it 
better balanced and more efficient whilst focusing  
it on those areas that will provide a platform for 
continued long-term growth in a rapidly changing 
retail environment.

We are now a significant way through our 
transformation programme, which is on plan and 
scheduled to complete in 2021. This has required a 
significant level of capital investment and business 
change, but we have already seen resulting benefits 
and these investments are positioning the business 
to succeed over the long term. When the programme 
has completed, we will have the capacity to grow  
the estate to around 2,500 shops, as well as having  
a materially more efficient and flexible platform 
and infrastructure.

Our strategy has four pillars:
1.  Great tasting, freshly prepared food
Greggs products are differentiated by the way that 
we freshly prepare food each day in our shops and  
by offering outstanding value for good quality,  
great tasting food-on-the-go.

Making good, freshly prepared food accessible  
to everyone is embedded in our core purpose as  
a brand. Our outstanding value meal deals set us 
apart from the competition and have increased  
in popularity as awareness of them grows. Over  
the years we have developed a market-leading 
reputation in long-established traditional bakery 
categories adapted to food-on-the-go. Whilst these 
products remain best sellers, we continue to build  
a reputation in new areas that create more reasons  
to visit Greggs, meeting food-on-the-go needs  
at all times of the day.

Breakfast
Breakfast-on-the-go continues to grow strongly and 
remains the fastest-growing part of our trading day.  
We now offer a wide range of breakfast menu options  
to cater for regular customers seeking variety each day, 
and awareness is growing as we add lines such as fruit 
and yoghurt to our breakfast meal deal. New products 
such as fresh porridge and breakfast boxes are also 
showing good potential as they become available in 
more shops.

Hot drinks
Led by coffee at breakfast, our reputation for quality, 
value and service in this growth category continues 
to build. We are focused on offering the best-selling 
coffee choices in the market at outstanding value, 
often combined with food purchases. We have been 
successful in adding new flavours to coffee and in 
offering a reusable cup to help reduce levels of 
packaging waste.

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

13

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic Report 1,953

Total number of 
shops trading at  
the end of the year

Chief Executive’s report continued

Dietary choices
Growing consumer interest in food choices  
and its impact on health and the environment  
is driving increased demand for dietary options in 
food-on-the-go. Greggs has a key role to play in 
encouraging healthier food choices. Our range of 
options for customers is widening – adding gluten-free 
and vegan-friendly products alongside those in our 
Balanced Choice range that offers fewer than 400 
calories and good nutritionals. Notable successes 
include our range of gluten-free soups, award-winning 
vegan-friendly Mexican bean wrap and, in early 2019, 
the launch of our vegan-friendly sausage roll.

We have adopted a proactive approach, working 
closely with Public Health England, to reduce salt,  
fat and sugar in our products and to encourage 
greater consumption of vegetables as part of a 
balanced diet. We remain one of the few food-on-
the-go retailers to publish full calorie and nutritional 
information on all of the products we sell to help 
customers make informed choices.

Hot food
Hot food is also a key area of development for us, 
with increasing demand for quick meal solutions later 
in the day when demand for sweet bakery items and 
cold sandwiches has passed its peak. Hot sandwiches 
are available in all shops and we are now beginning 
the roll-out of hot self-serve cabinets, making 
successful new product ranges available across the 
country. These include fresh porridge, soups, potato 
wedges and chicken goujons.

2.   Best customer experience
Fast and friendly service is a key reason why 
customers choose Greggs. Great service is not  
an easy thing to deliver under pressure and our  
shop teams do an amazing job. This year we have 
supported them with training to deliver ‘The Greggs 
Way’, our best-practice programme that aims to 
release more time to serve customers by simplifying 
processes and increasing productivity. Our investment 
in systems capability has also improved product 
availability through better ordering and ranging.

The use of technology to improve the customer 
experience is developing rapidly and we have  
begun trials to determine the best way forward for 
Greggs in new areas including ‘click and collect’  
and home delivery. Early results have been promising  
and we intend further development and roll-out in 
the year ahead.

Our marketing is beginning to play a more significant 
role as we target infrequent and non-users who have 
yet to recognise how much Greggs has changed in 
recent years. We have invested to strengthen our 
marketing capability, which has seen an improvement 
in all areas, beginning with customer insight and 
through to product packaging, shop point of sale 
and brand communication.

Social media channels are playing a key role in our 
strategy to drive brand awareness, with the recent 
campaign launching our vegan-friendly sausage roll 
showing the scale of impact that can be achieved. 
This launch built on a series of campaigns, building 
advertising awareness through 2018 and prompting 
reappraisal of the brand and increased frequency  
of visits. Combined with insight from our Greggs 
Rewards scheme, we have been able to assess the 
extent of new customer acquisition and repeat 
purchase patterns, informing our future plans for 
ranging and fulfilment. In the year ahead we plan to 
invest further in Greggs Rewards to broaden its user 
base, measure customer satisfaction and help us 
better understand and meet customer needs.

Our shops
Our shop estate has been transformed in recent  
years to create an attractive food-on-the-go 
experience with relevant products, extended trading 
hours and seating, and a wide variety of location types 
offering convenient access wherever our customers 
are. Convenience is the key consideration when 
customers choose where to shop for food-on-the-go. 
Being within easy reach for customers when they  
need us is a prerequisite and we are working hard  
to increase shop numbers in order to provide good 
access. In 2018 we opened 149 new shops (including 
62 franchise units) and closed 50, growing the estate 
to 1,953 shops trading as at 29 December 2018.

We now have 262 franchised shops, predominantly  
in travel locations, and we extended our company-
managed estate into a number of high-profile 
transport hubs in the year. These included 
Birmingham New Street Station, Glasgow Buchanan 
Bus Station and East Midlands Airport. In London we 
opened in Westminster Underground, Cannon Street 
and London Bridge Stations, the latter of which has 
quickly become one of our busiest shops.

Refurbishment of our shops continued at a relatively 
modest level in 2018 thanks to the substantial 
investments made over the last five years to 
transform legacy bakery shops to our food-on-the-
go format. We completed 89 refurbishments and 
franchise partners refurbished a further 11 units.  
In the year ahead we expect to refurbish around  
60 shops, and this will then step back up to a level  
of around 200 per year three years from now.

We have a strong pipeline of new shop openings  
for 2019 and expect to add at least 100 net new 
shops in the year, including around 50 with franchise 
partners. We will continue to focus on increasing  
our presence in travel, leisure and work-centred 
catchments. At the end of 2018, 37 per cent of our 
shop estate was located in these catchment types 
and we expect this proportion will continue to  
rise as we work towards our target of at least  
2,500 shops.

14

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

“Greggs is a national brand with a local culture.  
Our teams take enormous pride in their connection  
with, and support for, the local communities  
in which we operate.”

3.  Competitive supply chain
2018 was a year of significant progress in our major 
investment programme to support shop growth by 
increasing logistics capacity and consolidating our 
manufacturing operations. Once complete, in 2021, 
this new supply chain platform will provide capacity 
for around 2,500 shops and deliver improvements to 
product quality and competitiveness.

The significant elements of this programme delivered 
in 2018 were:
 – Consolidation of doughnut base manufacturing at 
our Gosforth Park bakery in Newcastle upon Tyne.

 – Transfer of pizza production to our Manchester 
site, and successful commissioning of a new roll 
plant there.

 – Closure of our bakery and distribution operations 

in Norwich.

 – Creation of a national facility for the production  
of fresh cream products at our Leeds bakery.

In the year ahead we aim to complete the 
programme to consolidate manufacturing into our 
Centres of Excellence and have also commenced 
work to build our new southern distribution centre at 
Amesbury in Wiltshire. This is expected to complete 
at the end of 2019 and will provide additional 
support for our growth plans from 2020 onwards. 
The final stage of the investment plan, expected to 
commence in 2020, will be the conversion of our 
Birmingham site to become a dedicated distribution 
centre. A further opportunity to increase efficiency  
in our logistics network has also been identified.  
This two-year project will result in us building an 
automated frozen distribution facility at our Balliol 
distribution centre in order to reduce our reliance  
on third-party providers.

Once again, I must pay tribute to the commitment  
of our supply chain team who have managed such 
significant change whilst maintaining a high standard 
of service as we continue to grow shop numbers.  
It has not been easy but we are building a supply 
network that we can be proud of, and which will 
enable the Greggs business to improve product 
quality and increase capacity to reach customers  
in more parts of the UK.

4.  First class support teams
Our investment programme to modernise our 
processes and IT systems is now well advanced.  
In 2018 we enhanced processes for managing 
product ranging and pricing as well as implementing 
the human resource and estate management 
modules of our integrated SAP solution.

Preparations are now well advanced for the 
replacement of our payroll system in the first half  
of 2019; this will leave the integration of our logistics 
and manufacturing sites as the final element of the 
programme, which should complete in 2021.

With the end of our multi-year SAP deployment 
programme in sight, our IT team is now turning its 
attention to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead as 
we develop our digital capabilities to build new services 
and a seamless customer experience across all channels.

Having a positive impact on people’s lives
Greggs has a long-standing tradition and reputation 
as a socially responsible business and as such we want 
our actions to have a positive impact on people’s lives. 
Customers are increasingly aware of the impact of 
economic activity on society and the environment  
and are becoming more demanding when making 
consumption choices. We at Greggs recognise that  
we must play our part and show leadership in areas 
that really matter to our customers.

We encourage healthier food-on-the-go choices
Customers are becoming increasingly aware of  
the impact of diet on their health and wellbeing and 
we aim to help customers make good, well-informed 
choices when consuming food-on-the-go. We provide 
calorie and nutritional information for all of our 
products either on the shelf or through our website 
and mobile application, and are proud supporters of 
Public Health England’s ‘One You’ campaign.

We aim to provide our customers with convenient 
access to healthier choices in food, with ranges such  
as our Balanced Choice products offering options with 
fewer than 400 calories. We also offer a number of 
gluten-free products and, more recently, vegan-
friendly options. Our Mexican bean wrap was named 
‘Best Vegan Sandwich’ at the PETA Vegan Food 
Awards 2018.

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

15

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportChief Executive’s report continued

“We also fundraise for a number of other charities  
which our people and customers feel passionate about.”

Reducing sugar is also a key objective – we are fully 
engaged with Public Health England and are on track 
to achieve a 20 per cent reduction across all our 
products by 2020. Our carbonated drinks have almost 
all been reformulated to reduce sugar and we are 
making good progress in sweet bakery, which is the 
next largest category to be targeted. Whilst traditional 
bakery products remain popular, we are seeing good 
growth in a wide range of products offering healthier 
choices as customers seek out fewer calories, less 
sugar and vegetable fillings. As a result of our  
‘Pledge for Veg’, made in partnership with the Food 
Foundation, we helped our customers to consume 
over one million extra portions of veg in 2018.

We share our success with the community around us
Every day we distribute unsold fresh food to local 
charities and collect change in our shops for the 
Greggs Foundation, which has been established for 
over 30 years. Each year we donate at least one per 
cent of profits to the Greggs Foundation and this, 
along with support from our staff and partners, has 
enabled the charity to invest £2.8 million in 2018 in  
a wide range of initiatives that improve the quality  
of life in our local communities. These included the 
award-winning Greggs Breakfast Club programme 
which, with support from 88 partners, now provides 
over six million free wholesome breakfasts each year 
to children in over 500 primary schools.

The Greggs Foundation is proud to be ‘Tackling 
Health’ through the implementation of a national 
programme in primary schools. The initiative, in 
partnership with Premiership Rugby, will encourage 
30,000 children from across the country (many  
of whom attend one of the Greggs Foundation’s 
Breakfast Clubs) to make healthier food choices  
and to get active through playing tag rugby by  
the end of 2020.

We also fundraise for a number of other charities 
which our people and customers feel passionate 
about, including BBC Children in Need, the Poppy 
Appeal and the Disasters Emergency Committee 
(DEC). We are also proud supporters of the North of 
England Children’s Cancer Research charity and are 
the main sponsor of its annual Children’s Cancer Run. 
To date, the run has raised over £30 million to fund 
research into improving recovery rates.

We care where our products come from
Customers are showing growing interest in the supply 
chain impact of their buying choices. All the tea, 
coffee, hot chocolate, orange juice, apple juice and 
bananas we sell are certified Fairtrade – the premium 
paid for our coffee over the last 13 years has enabled 
farmers to invest over £2.5 million into their farms  
and communities. We source our ingredients from 
sustainable sources and maintained a ‘Tier Two’ 
standing in the Business Benchmark on Farm Animal 
Welfare for the third year running. In our internal 
supply chain the majority of our manufacturing sites 
have achieved AA standard on version seven of  
the BRC Global standard for food safety. 

In 2018 Greggs became the first high-street company 
to invest in Shared Interest – a social lender that has 
over 11,500 UK members with a collective investment 
of £40 million in share capital. This money is pooled 
in order to offer loans and credit facilities to Fairtrade 
producers who struggle to find finance elsewhere.

We aim to use energy efficiently and  
minimise waste
The ‘Blue Planet effect’ has driven customer 
awareness of the environmental impact of their 
consumption choices to a whole new level. We are 
proud to support national environmental initiatives 
including Surfers Against Sewage’s Autumn Beach 
and River Clean Series (for the third year running) and 
are committed to doing our bit to protect the health 
of the planet. Plastic has become a key focus and we 
have responded by testing replacements for single-
use plastics in our shops. Following successful trials 
these will be rolled out across our entire estate during 
2019. Once complete this will remove over 300 tonnes 
of plastic from our supply chain each year.

Coffee cups remain a target for further reduction and 
improved recycling. Our reusable cup, which offers 
customers a 20 pence discount on any hot drink, is 
increasingly popular and we are working with industry 
peers to develop sector-wide improvements in the 
way we manage coffee cup usage and disposal.

16

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Outlook for 2019
There are significant uncertainties in the months 
ahead, not least as the UK negotiates its exit terms 
from the European Union and the potential impact 
that a disorderly exit might have on supply chains, 
tariffs, exchange rates and consumer demand. 
However, Greggs has started 2019 in great form,  
with company-managed shop like-for-like sales in  
the seven weeks to 16 February 2019 up 9.6 per cent, 
and total sales up 14.1 per cent. We have enjoyed 
strong sales growth, particularly in January, helped  
in part by the publicity surrounding the launch of our 
vegan-friendly sausage roll. We hope to continue 
benefiting from this strong momentum during the 
first half of 2019 before facing stronger comparatives 
later in the year.

2019 will be another significant year for investment  
in our supply chain as we create the capacity and 
platforms for further growth. We have a strong 
financial position which we plan to use to invest in 
Greggs potential for further growth, whilst also 
delivering good returns for shareholders.

Roger Whiteside OBE
Chief Executive
7 March 2019

We hold the Carbon Trust Standard in recognition  
of our work on carbon efficiencies and our 
Environmental Management System is certificated  
to ISO 14001. We continue to trial technologies  
that could help to reduce our carbon footprint  
even further in the years ahead.

We are committed to creating a great place to work
Deeply embedded in the Greggs culture, and a 
fundamental source of our enduring success as a 
brand, is the way our colleagues feel about working 
for Greggs. We have worked hard to preserve their 
loyalty and affection whilst making transformational 
changes to our business model in recent years.  
Our Employee Opinion Survey provides us with the 
best insight to understand employee sentiment and 
remains at sector-leading levels. Our engagement 
score for 2018 increased once more to 82 per cent.
We aim to make Greggs an even better place to work 
and are challenging ourselves against the criteria of 
the National Equality Standard. We are committed  
to supporting the development of all our colleagues, 
notably our talented female colleagues, and in  
2018 reported a gender pay gap of 18 per cent  
(2017: 22 per cent). We have made good progress 
with this in recent years and are currently ranked 
tenth in the FTSE 250 ranking for women on boards 
and in leadership.

We share ten per cent of our profits with employees 
and will be sharing a record £10.0 million with our 
people as a result of our performance in 2018.

Further details of all of our actions in these areas are 
described elsewhere in this annual report.

 £10m

We will be sharing 
a record £10 million 
with our people 
due to our strong 
performance in 2018

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

17

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportOur strategy in action

Our progress in 2018

Great tasting, 
freshly  
prepared food

In a nutshell we offer great tasting, freshly prepared 
food that our customers can trust, at affordable prices 
and while our classic favourites can’t be beaten, we work 
hard to ensure there is always something new to excite 
them. We will continue to develop products in line with 
changing food trends, making sure we strike the right 
balance between innovation and tradition, nutrition  
and indulgence, value and values.

sugar 
reduction

We reformulated our range of 
sweet products in line with 
Public Health England’s year 
two sugar reduction target  
of 10%. We actually achieved 
17.4% and are on track to 
achieve an overall reduction  
of 20% by 2020 

best vegan 
sandwich

Our first vegan-friendly product,  
the Mexican bean wrap, was named 
`Best Vegan Sandwich’ at PETA’s 
2018 Vegan Food Awards

9

12

6

3

Breakfast-on-the-go  
remains the fastest  
growing daypart

Greggs is recognised  
as Britain’s favourite  
for bacon rolls 

£3m

Greggs partnership with Fairtrade, which is now in its  
13th year, has enabled farmers to invest over £3 million into 
their farms and communities. In 2018 we became the first 
high-street company to invest in Shared Interest – a social 
lender that offers loans and credit facilities to Fairtrade 
producers who struggle to find finance elsewhere

36%

New strategic categories  
now account for 36% of  
sales (2013: 15%)

1m+

We helped our customers to 
consume over one million extra  
portions of veg, as a result of  
our ‘Pledge for Veg’, made  
in partnership with the  
Food Foundation

18

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

tackling  
health

The Greggs Foundation is proud to be  
‘Tackling Health’ in primary schools with  
Premiership Rugby, through the implementation  
of a national programme which will encourage  
30,000 children from across the country (many of whom  
attend one of the Greggs Foundation’s Breakfast  
Clubs), to make healthier food choices and  
to get active through playing tag  
rugby by the end of 2020

Sustainability links

Customer 
health

Responsible 
sourcing

Community

Environment

People

Read more on Non-financial key performance 
indicators on pages 32-34. 

Tier  
Two 

We maintained Tier Two in the 
Business Benchmark on Farm  
Animal Welfare for  
the third year  
running

one 
you

We are proud supporters of Public Health 
England’s ‘One You’ campaign, during which we 
highlight our breakfast and lunch combinations 
which meet the 400-600-600 recommended 
daily calorie consumption

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

19

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic Report£30m

We donate at least 1% of our pre-tax profits to the 
Greggs Foundation and fundraise all year round  
for this fantastic charity. Since the charity was  
founded, over 30 years ago, it has given in excess  
of £30 million to help improve the quality of life  
of people in the local communities that we serve

Our strategy in action continued

Our progress in 2018

Best 
customer 
experience

We’ve been working hard to take Greggs to where our 
customers are, making sure our shops are open when 
they need them and that we offer modern, attractive 
shopping environments. We deliver fast and friendly 
service and enjoy making every day a great day for our 
customers by rewarding them for their loyalty, and for 
the communities that we serve by sharing our success. 
We will soon break through the 2000th shop mark and 
are excited about our future growth potential, as we 
extend our offer into the evening and invest in digital 
technology, which promises to take our customer 
experience to a new level.

New Bridges  
shop in Sunderland  
crowned `Shop of  
the Year’ 2018

We are proud to support national  
environmental initiatives including Surfers Against 
Sewage’s Autumn Beach and River Clean Series  
(for the third year running), and committed  
to doing our bit to improve the health of  
the planet in our Plastic Reduction Policy

This year we introduced a number of initiatives  
to reduce the use of single-use plastic across  
30 of our Newcastle and Glasgow shops,  
and will be rolling them out in 2019

Exciting new shop locations included 
Westminster Tube Station, London Bridge 
Station, Birmingham New Street Station, 
Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station and East 
Midlands Airport, (not forgetting  
our third Drive-Thru in Blackburn) 

10x

We have increased the  
amount of unsold food that  
we donate to good causes tenfold 
over the last five years

20

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Sustainability links

Customer 
health

Responsible 
sourcing

Community

Environment

People

Read more on Non-financial key performance 
indicators on pages 32-34. 

1,953

We now have 1,953 shops, with 37% located 
outside traditional shopping locations and 
believe that proportion will grow to  
over 50% in the longer term  
(2013:20%)

Let’s  
get digital

We have been building on our digital 
vision for Greggs by trialling home  
delivery in Birmingham, London, Bristol 
and Newcastle and ‘Click and Collect’ 
in Manchester. Feedback  
received to date has been  
extremely positive

500th

Greggs Foundation celebrated the launch of its 
500th Breakfast Club. Set up in 1999, the Greggs 
Breakfast Club Programme has since provided  
over 50 million nutritious breakfasts to 
schoolchildren in disadvantaged areas 

90%

of our shops are now 
open by 7am or earlier,  
Monday to Friday

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

21

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportOur strategy in action continued

Our progress in 2018

Competitive 
supply chain

Because we own our supply chain and make our own 
bakery products, we can provide the best value to  
our customers and deliver unique product innovations 
and environmentally-friendly packaging solutions, 
meaning everyday tastes good at Greggs. Ownership  
of our distribution centres and delivery fleet makes  
us even more competitive – capable of supporting  
shop growth and minimising the impact that our 
operations have on the environment. The completion  
of our centralisation journey in two years’ time will  
give us the platform we need to improve the quality  
of our existing range and create new products, while 
continuing to offer fantastic value. 

ISO 14001 

Environmental Management 
System is certified to ISO 
14001 standards

Our Newcastle doughnut 
line is home to one of 
Kemper’s biggest fryers, 
of which there are only 
four in the world

Centres of Excellence  
for creams, doughnuts,  
pizzas and bread rolls created  
in Leeds, Newcastle  
and Manchester

Selling daily fresh products  
means we require less packaging  
than our factory food competitors.  
We are, however, committed to reducing  
the use of single-use plastic in our processes  
and have recently switched from acetate to 
cardboard packaging for our twin pack Yum Yums 
and Belgian Buns in Newcastle and Glasgow.  
In 2019 we will roll out these environmentally 
packaging solutions

We said  
a fond farewell  
to our Norwich 
Bakery

22

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

 
3m

Our Manchester Centre of 
Excellence has the capacity  
to produce over 3 million  
bread rolls  
per week

Peak year of activity  
which has required  
a once-in-a-generation  
level of capital investment  
and business change

Sustainability links

Customer 
health

Responsible 
sourcing

Community

Environment

People

Read more on Non-financial key performance 
indicators on pages 32-34. 

7,000

Nearly 7,000 Yum Yums  
are made every hour  
in Glasgow

Our Manchester  
pizza line can make  
10,000 pizzas  
per hour

14%

We’re proud holders of the Carbon Trust Standard 
in recognition of our work on carbon efficiencies, 
and achieved a 14% reduction in intensity in 2018

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

23

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportOur strategy in action continued

Our progress in 2018

First class 
support teams

As we continue to make significant progress in 
centralising our back office systems, introducing  
the new ways of working needed to compete more 
effectively as a centralised brand, we have well-trained 
and engaged colleagues providing great service to their 
team members, to ensure we provide the best customer 
experience possible. As this transformation programme 
completes, we can look forward to reaping the benefits 
of being fully connected, as a modern, centralised 
food-on-the-go operator.

18%

In 2018 we reported a 
gender pay gap* of 18%, 
compared to 22% in 2017

We are signatories to the  
National Equality Standard and  
are committed to supporting the 
development of all our colleagues

#10

Greggs is ranked number ten in the FTSE 250 
rankings for women on boards and in leadership.  
We are making sure our female executive talent 
receive all the encouragement they need to pursue  
a progressive career through our `Female Career 
Development Programme’

During a peak year  
of investment, the  
human resource and  
estate management 
modules of our integrated 
SAP solution were 
implemented

Our programme of  
investment in centralised  
systems is well-advanced  
and nearing completion,  
delivering benefits  
ahead of schedule

Enhanced processes  
to manage product 
ranging and price 
promotion introduced

Chief Executive,  
Roger Whiteside awarded  
an OBE for his services to  
women and equality in  
the 2019 New Year’s  
Honours List

*  For a copy of our 2018 Gender Pay Gap Report 

please visit https://corporate.greggs.co.uk

24

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Forecast and replenishment 
systems delivering  
good availability  
and lower stales

Sustainability links

Customer 
health

Responsible 
sourcing

Community

Environment

People

Read more on Non-financial key performance 
indicators on pages 32-34. 

82%of our people say they feel committed  

to Greggs and to helping us achieve  
our goals 

£10m

We share 10%  
of our profits with employees  
and will be sharing a record  
£10 million with our  
people in 2019

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

25

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportFinancial review

In 2018 we delivered a  
record financial performance

In 2018 we delivered a record financial performance, taking more 
than one billion pounds in sales for the first time in the Company’s 
history, we recovered from a very challenging first half to deliver 
an increase in profit and margin for the year as a whole. Cash 
generation was strong, setting us up well to finance our growth-
oriented investment programme, while at the same time 
improving shareholder returns.

Favourite Greggs snack:
“Jammie Heart Biscuit – 5 pence 
from the sale of each one goes to 
the Greggs Foundation!”

Revenue
Operating profit (excluding 

exceptional items and 
property profits)

Property profits

Operating profit (excluding 

exceptional items)

Operating margin (excluding 

exceptional items)

Finance expense

Profit before taxation 

(excluding exceptional items)

Exceptional items

Profit before taxation

2018 
£m

2017 
£m

1,029.3

960.0

89.1
0.7

81.7
0.5

89.8

82.2

8.7%
(0.0)

8.6%
(0.4)

89.8
(7.2)

82.6

81.8
(9.9)

71.9

Sales
Total Group sales for the 52 weeks ended 29 December 
2018 were £1,029.3 million (2017: £960.0 million),  
an increase of 7.2 per cent. Sales in company-managed 
shops with more than one calendar year’s trading 
history (‘like-for-like’) grew by 2.9 per cent to  
£876.3 million (2017: £851.7 million).

Profit
Operating profit before exceptional items was  
£89.8 million (2017: £82.2 million). This included  
a £0.7 million contribution from property disposals 
(2017: £0.5 million). Excluding the impact of property 
profits from both years, the underlying growth  
in operating profit was 9.1 per cent.

Pre-tax profit before exceptional items was  
£89.8 million (2017: £81.8 million). Including 
exceptional items, pre-tax profit was £82.6 million 
(2017: £71.9 million).

Exceptional items
Our major investment programme, designed to 
reshape our internal supply chain for future growth, 
commenced in 2016. We continue to expect the total 
exceptional cash costs of this change programme, 
excluding any associated property disposal gains,  
to be in the region of £25.0 million, with a further 
£5.0 million charge in respect of non-cash costs 
(accelerated depreciation and asset write-offs).  
Total charges so far amount to £22.8 million and  
we expect a further £4.3 million in 2019.

26

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

 £1,029m

Total sales up 7.2%

 £89.1m

Underlying operating 
profit, excluding 
property profits,  
up 9.1%

Activity in 2018 included the consolidation of 
doughnut base manufacturing at our Gosforth Park 
bakery in Newcastle upon Tyne, the transfer of pizza 
and roll production to our Manchester site and the 
creation of a national facility for the production of 
fresh cream products at our Leeds bakery. At the end 
of 2018 we also closed our bakery and distribution 
operations in Norwich. The total exceptional charge 
in relation to this programme was £5.9 million in 2018 
(2017: £10.1 million).

An exceptional pension cost arose in the year as a 
result of the High Court ruling in the case of Lloyds 
Bank in relation to Guaranteed Minimum Pension 
(‘GMP’) equalisation. Whilst this may still be subject 
to appeal, we have made a provision of £1.7 million 
for the expected one-off impact of GMP equalisation 
on the reported liabilities of the Company’s defined 
benefit pension scheme.

After adjustments made for the reversal of prior year 
exceptional costs the total exceptional charge for the 
year was £7.2 million (2017: £9.9 million), comprised 
as follows:

Supply chain restructuring:
– (release)/provision of 

redundancy costs

– transfer of operations
– property-related

Cash costs of supply chain 

restructuring

– depreciation and asset 

write-offs

– property disposal gains

Net supply chain 

restructuring charge

GMP equalisation past 

service costs

Release of prior years’ 
exceptional items:

– property-related

Total exceptional items

2018 
£m

2017 
£m

(0.2)
4.9
0.5

5.2

0.7
–

5.9

1.7

7.4
1.3
0.5

9.2

1.3
(0.4)

10.1

–

(0.4)

7.2

(0.2)

9.9

There were no exceptional property gains in the  
year in respect of the supply chain restructuring 
programme. Our vacant Twickenham site is under 

contract for sale subject to certain conditions.  
Should this progress to completion then any  
resultant profit will be treated as an exceptional  
gain. We continue to expect the total proceeds 
arising from supply chain site disposals to be in  
line with those anticipated in our investment plan.

In 2018 the total cash impact of exceptional items 
was a net outflow of £9.0 million (2017: £1.9 million 
cash outflow). We expect the 2019 cash outflow  
in respect of exceptional items to be c.£7.0 million.

Operating margin
Operating margin before finance expenses and 
exceptional items was 8.7 per cent (2017: 8.6 per 
cent). Including exceptional items, the operating 
margin was 8.0 per cent (2017: 7.5 per cent).

Gross margin before exceptional items was stable 
year-on-year at 63.7 per cent (2017: 63.7 per cent). 
Food input costs proved less inflationary than was 
the case in 2017, and the rate of inflation reduced  
as the year went on. Including exceptional items, 
gross margin was 63.1 per cent (2017: 62.7 per cent).

In 2018 we continued to drive actions to make the 
business simpler and more efficient, and in doing so 
partially mitigated the impact of cost inflation on the 
business. In 2018 we delivered savings of £7.4 million 
(2017: £9.7 million) through procurement initiatives, 
benefits from our investment in modernised IT 
systems and as a result of improvements across our 
retail and supply chain operations. Employment cost 
inflation continued to be a headwind and this will be 
the case again in 2019, with increases to the National 
Living Wage as well as higher pension contributions.

Financing charges
There was a net finance expense of £0.0 million  
in the year (2017: £0.4 million) reflecting the funding 
position of the defined benefit pension scheme, 
offset by interest received and exchange gains.  
In the year ahead we expect to incur a finance 
expense of around £0.2 million relating to the net 
liability of the pension scheme at the start of the 
year. Financing charges will also be affected by  
the adoption of IFRS 16 (see below).

Taxation
The Company has a simple corporate structure, carries 
out its business entirely in the UK and all taxes are paid 
there. We aim to act with integrity and transparency  
in respect of our taxation obligations.

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

27

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportFinancial review continued

Excluding the effect of exceptional items, the  
Group’s underlying effective tax rate was 20.2 per  
cent (2017: 20.7 per cent). The overall tax rate for the 
year including exceptional items was 20.4 per cent 
(2017: 20.9 per cent). The year-on-year reduction  
in the effective rate primarily reflected reductions in 
the headline rate of corporation tax and settlement  
of prior year tax computations.

We expect the effective rate for 2019 to be around 
20.75 per cent and that the effective rate going 
forward will be almost two per cent above the headline 
corporation tax rate. This is principally because of 
disallowed expenditure such as depreciation on 
non-tax-deductible qualifying properties and costs  
of acquisition of new shops.

managed shops alongside further openings  
with franchise partners. Overall, we plan capital 
expenditure of around £90 million in 2019.

The investment programme in our supply chain is 
expected to complete in mid-2021 and we intend  
to continue to grow shop numbers at a rate of c.100 
net shops per year, likely to be evenly split between 
company-managed and franchised operations. The 
requirement for capital expenditure to refurbish our 
shops will increase in the coming years, as we come 
out of the current lull in the refurbishment cycle; at 
the same time the expenditure on our supply chain 
will be reducing. Overall, we expect the medium-
term capital expenditure requirement to be in the 
range £80-90 million per annum.

Earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share before exceptional items 
were 70.3 pence (2017: 63.5 pence), an increase of 
10.7 per cent. Basic earnings per share before 
exceptional items were 71.1 pence (2017: 64.5 pence). 
Including exceptional items diluted earnings per share 
were 64.5 pence (2017: 55.7 pence) and basic earnings 
per share were 65.2 pence (2017: 56.6 pence).

Working capital
Group net current liabilities decreased to £4.5 million 
at the end of 2018 (2017: £21.4 million). We held a 
relatively high cash balance at the end of 2018 as a 
result of delays in the phasing of capital expenditure, 
and a higher than normal trade creditor position as  
we changed energy supplier. Inventory levels rose by 
£2.1 million and receivables fell by £1.8 million in the year.

Dividend
The Board recommends a final ordinary dividend of 
25.0 pence per share (2017: 22.0 pence). Together with 
the interim dividend of 10.7 pence (2017: 10.3 pence) 
paid in October 2018, this makes a total ordinary 
dividend for the year of 35.7 pence (2017: 32.3 pence), 
an increase of 10.5 per cent. This is covered two times 
by diluted earnings per share before exceptional items 
in line with our progressive dividend policy. Our policy 
on special distributions is outlined below under  
‘Cash flow and capital structure’.

Subject to the approval of shareholders at the AGM, 
the final dividend will be paid on 30 May 2019 to 
shareholders on the register on 26 April 2019.

Balance sheet
Capital expenditure
We invested a total of £73.0 million (2017:  
£70.4 million) in capital expenditure during 2018.  
The total included £33.1 million for development  
and maintenance of our retail estate and £7.0 million 
in respect of development and maintenance of our IT 
infrastructure. Investment in our supply chain totalled 
£32.9 million as we commissioned new production 
lines to consolidate our previously decentralised 
regional bakery operations, and expanded our 
distribution capability to facilitate further growth  
in shop numbers. Depreciation and amortisation  
in the year was £55.9 million (2017: £53.5 million).

The investment in our supply chain will continue 
throughout 2019, when we will complete the 
consolidation of manufacturing whilst building our 
new distribution facility at Amesbury in Wiltshire. 
We will also continue to expand our shop estate, 
investing in between 80 and 90 new company-

With the current uncertainties over the UK’s exit from 
the European Union we have taken the precaution, 
where possible, of building additional stocks of key 
ingredients and equipment that could be affected  
by disruption to the flow of goods into the UK.  
An additional £2.7 million of working capital has 
been committed in this way in early 2019 and 
additional operating expenditure of £0.25 million  
is expected in 2019 as a result of our actions.

Pension scheme liability
The net liability shown on the balance sheet for the 
Company’s closed defined benefit pension scheme 
increased to £8.4 million (2017: £7.5 million). As noted 
above, provision has been made for the expected 
one-off impact of GMP equalisation on past service 
costs. In 2018 the assets of the scheme lost value due 
to market conditions but this fall was broadly offset 
by actuarial assumptions, particularly a strengthening 
of the discount rate used to value the scheme’s 
liabilities. The scheme will next undergo a full 
actuarial revaluation in 2020.

Return on capital
We manage return on capital against predetermined 
targets and monitor performance through our 
Investment Board, where all capital expenditure is 
subject to rigorous appraisal before and after it is 
made. For investments in new shops we target an 
average cash return on invested capital of 25 per cent, 
with a hurdle rate of 22.5 per cent, over an average 
investment cycle of eight years. Other investments  
are appraised using discounted cash flow analysis.

The performance of new shops opened in 2018 was 
good, with average sales above the level expected  
at the time of investment. New shops opened in 2017 

28

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

are maturing well and are, on average, now making 
returns above our target. Within this we continue  
to see particularly strong returns on the relocation  
of shops within their existing catchments.

On average, a company-managed shop generated 
sales of £568,000 in 2018, and required £226,000 in 
capital employed, generating a cash return of 37 per 
cent on this capital (taking into account store-level 
cash contribution less an allocation of incremental 
support costs). Annual income from a franchised shop 
was, on average, £211,000 in the same period, and 
required £89,000 in capital employed. After allocated 
support costs franchised shops generated a cash 
return of 29 per cent on capital.

We delivered an overall return on capital employed 
(ROCE, defined on page 110) for 2018 of 27.4 per cent 
excluding exceptional items (2017: 26.9 per cent), 
reflecting the strength of performance in the year,  
and lower than expected capital expenditure.

Lease accounting
Greggs will adopt the requirements of IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ 
for the first time in 2019. As a result, we will recognise  
a balance sheet asset and corresponding obligation 
relating to our use of properties and other assets 
leased under multi-year agreements.

Rental payments made under these leases will be 
accounted for as repayments of the balance sheet 
liability, which will include an implied interest element, 
and the asset recognised will be depreciated over the 
remaining lease term.

Greggs will adopt the modified approach to transition 
where the initial asset values will be equal to the 
present value of the future lease payments as at the 
date of transition. This will result in all existing leases 
being capitalised over their remaining lives, as if  
they had just been entered into, and the Company’s 
accounts will reflect an elevated interest charge 
following adoption.

On transition our opening balance sheet position  
for 2019 will be adjusted for right-of-use assets in  
the order of £270 million, with corresponding lease 
liabilities in the order of £270 million.

2019 net profit before tax will decrease by an 
estimated £4.2 million as the pre-IFRS 16 rental  
charge is replaced by depreciation and interest.  
The depreciation will be charged on a straight-line 
basis; however, interest is charged on the outstanding 
lease liabilities and will therefore be higher in the 
earlier years and decrease over time. On the basis  
of the Company’s plans for further growth in shop 
numbers the expected impact on reported profit 
performance over the next three years is as follows:

Expected increase 
in operating profit
Expected increase  
in finance expense

Expected decrease in 
net profit before tax

2019 
£m

2.6

(6.8)

2020 
£m

2.8

(7.9)

2021 
£m

3.8

(8.5)

(4.2)

(5.1)

(4.7)

On a cash flow basis, the impact of transition to  
IFRS 16 will be £nil and adoption of the standard  
will have no impact on the way that we evaluate  
shop investment.

The above estimates are sensitive to a number  
of judgements, including a key one relating to the 
treatment of properties where the current lease term 
has expired but we remain in negotiation with the 
landlord for potential renewal. Our interpretation of 
IFRS 16 is such that, where we believe renewal to be 
reasonably certain, we will account for the lease as 
having been renewed. This is a material judgement 
and so we have developed a number of objective 
tests to ensure that leases are treated consistently.  
At the end of 2018 there were 264 property leases  
in this situation that we intend to capitalise for this 
reason. These properties account for £40 million  
of the assets and liabilities referred to above and 
£0.4 million of the expected decrease in profit.

Cash flow and capital structure
The net cash inflow from operating activities in the 
year was £136.2 million (2017: £116.9 million). At the 
end of the year the Group had net cash and cash 
equivalents of £88.2 million (2017: £54.5 million).

The Board continues to believe that it is appropriate 
to maintain a target year-end net cash position  
of around £40 million to allow for seasonality in our 
working capital cycle and to protect the interests of 
all creditors. The current cash position is clearly above 
this level, reflecting the strength of performance in 
2018 and some short-term changes to working capital 
and the phasing of capital expenditure.

Given the current political and economic uncertainties 
facing the UK, the Board believes that maintaining  
a strong cash position is advantageous to the 
Company. Looking forward, after taking into account 
the Company’s investment requirements and the 
intention to maintain our progressive dividend policy, 
it is likely that a proportion of the current cash position 
will be surplus to requirements. We are keeping our 
plans under active review and currently expect to be 
in a position to declare a special dividend at the time 
of the interim results in July 2019.

Richard Hutton
Finance Director
7 March 2019

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

29

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportFinancial key performance indicators

We use eight key financial 
performance indicators (KPIs) 
to monitor the performance of 
the Group against our strategy

The definition of these KPIs and our performance over the last five years is detailed 
below. All of the non-GAAP measures detailed can be calculated from the GAAP 
measures included in the annual accounts. Commentary on these KPIs is contained 
within the financial review:

Total sales growth:
7.2%

Like-for-like sales growth:
2.9%

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

7.2

7.4

7.0

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

5.2

4.7

2.9

3.7

4.2

4.7

4.5

The percentage year-on-year change in total sales for the Group, adjusted for the 
impact of a 53-week year in 2014.

Compares year-on-year cash sales in our company-managed shops, with a calendar 
year’s trading history. Like-for-like sales growth includes selling price inflation and 
excludes VAT. The impact of shop refurbishment is included in like-for-like sales 
growth. The calculation of these figures can be found on page 110.

Operating profit:
£89.8 million

Operating margin:
8.7%

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

89.8

82.6

82.2

72.3

80.3

75.2

73.1
73.1

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

58.1

49.6

8.0

8.7

8.6

7.5

9.0

8.4

8.7
8.7

7.2

6.1

Reflects the performance of the Group before financing and taxation impacts  
and the underlying measure excludes any exceptional items arising in the year.

Shows the operating profit of the Group as a percentage of turnover.  
The underlying measure excludes any exceptional items arising in the year.

30

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Graph key

  Underlying 

  Including exceptional items

Diluted earnings per share (pence):
70.3 pence

Capital expenditure:
£73.0 million

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

0

0

0

70.3

64.5

63.5

55.7

60.8

56.7

55.8
55.8

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

43.4

36.8

73.0

70.4

71.7

80.4

48.9

Calculated by dividing profit attributable to shareholders by the average number 
of dilutive outstanding shares. The underlying measure excludes any exceptional 
items arising in the year.

The total amount incurred in the year on investment in fixed assets.

Net cash inflow from operating activities:
£136.2 million

Return on capital employed (ROCE):
27.4%

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

136.2

116.9

117.6

103.7

91.1

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

27.4

25.2

26.9

23.7

28.1

26.3

26.8
26.8

22.4

19.1

Operating profit adjusted for the impact of non-cash items and working 
capital movements.

Calculated by dividing profit before tax by the average total assets less current 
liabilities for the year. The underlying measure excludes any exceptional items 
arising in the year. The calculation of these figures can be found on page 110.

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

31

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportNon-financial key performance indicators

KPI

Our 
commitment

2018 targets

Status

2019 targets

Customer health
We encourage 
healthier food-on- 
the-go choices

Responsible 
sourcing
We care about 
where our ingredients 
come from

Community
We share our success 
with the people 
around us

 – Increase sales of healthier choices by 10% (based on 2017 results)

 – Reduce sugar by 5% in line with the Government’s Childhood 

Obesity Plan (based on 2015)

 – Maintain Tier Two BBFAW (Farm Animal Welfare)

 – All of our retail paper and board packaging to be from 

accredited sustainable materials

 – Work with Greggs Foundation to maximise its impact

 – Launch a national initiative in Breakfast Club schools to promote good food choices

Environment
We aim to use 
energy efficiently 
and minimise waste

 – Reduce the amount of single-use plastics used within our stores and  

increase the level of segregation and recycling for key packaging types

 – Further reduce our carbon footprint intensity by 2%

 – Increase redistribution of unsold food by 10% (compared to 2017 result)

People
We are committed 
to creating a great 
place to work

 – Complete the relaunch of our culture and values programme

 – Successfully deliver year two of our action plan following our National 

Equality Standard Audit in 2017

 – Continue to drive health and safety engagement to reduce reportable 

incidents across our operations by 10%

1

2

3

4

5

Champion

Commercial 

Director

United Nations 

Sustainable 

Development Goals

3

GOOD HEALTH

AND WELL-BEING

Commercial 

Director

12

RESPONSIBLE

CONSUMPTION

AND PRODUCTION

Finance 

Director

11

SUSTAINABLE CITIES 

AND COMMUNITIES

Property and 

Business 

Development 

Director

13

CLIMATE 

ACTION

Retail and 

People 

Director

10

REDUCED 

INEQUALITIES

1  We fell short in 2018 with sales of £230 million vs. target of £250 million.
2  We did achieve our aim to donate £3.4 million to the Greggs Foundation. We didn’t fully launch our new Foundation Software system in 2018 as commissioning  

and testing (to make sure it worked fully and correctly) was not completed by the end of the year but will be implemented fully in early 2019.

3   We tested a number of initiatives to reduce single-use plastic in 2018 and intend to roll these out across the whole estate in 2019. This includes replacing plastic carrier bags 
with paper, replacing plastic cutlery with wood and removal of plastic sheets for confectionery products – once implemented this will remove over 300 tonnes of plastic from 
our operations. In addition, we trialled instore collection of used hot drinks cups (any brand) and are also part of the two significant recycling schemes for used hot drinks 
cups (ACEUK and Valpak), incentivising the wider waste industry to implement collection infrastructures across the UK.

4  While we have made significant progress in this area, it is important to us that our colleagues help to shape the programme. This consultative approach has required  

a longer lead time than first anticipated.

5  We saw a fantastic improvement in our supply and logistics operations with a >35 per cent improvement, however our retail performance dipped compared to 2017 results 

(which showed an unprecedented improvement) but the result was still a further improvement on 2015 and 2016 showing a general improving trend. 

32

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
KPI

Our 

commitment

2018 targets

Status

2019 targets

Customer health

We encourage 

healthier food-on- 

the-go choices

Responsible 

sourcing

We care about 

where our ingredients 

come from

Community

We share our success 

with the people 

around us

 – Increase sales of healthier choices by 10% (based on 2017 results)

 – Reduce sugar by 5% in line with the Government’s Childhood 

Obesity Plan (based on 2015)

 – Maintain Tier Two BBFAW (Farm Animal Welfare)

 – All of our retail paper and board packaging to be from 

accredited sustainable materials

 – Work with Greggs Foundation to maximise its impact

 – Launch a national initiative in Breakfast Club schools to promote good food choices

Environment

We aim to use 

energy efficiently 

and minimise waste

 – Reduce the amount of single-use plastics used within our stores and  

increase the level of segregation and recycling for key packaging types

 – Further reduce our carbon footprint intensity by 2%

 – Increase redistribution of unsold food by 10% (compared to 2017 result)

People

We are committed 

to creating a great 

place to work

 – Complete the relaunch of our culture and values programme

 – Successfully deliver year two of our action plan following our National 

Equality Standard Audit in 2017

 – Continue to drive health and safety engagement to reduce reportable 

incidents across our operations by 10%

1

2

3

4

5

Champion

Commercial 
Director

United Nations 
Sustainable 
Development Goals

3

GOOD HEALTH
AND WELL-BEING

Reduce sugar by 20% in line 
with the Government’s 
Childhood Obesity Plan 
(based on 2015)

20%

Healthier Choice sales to be 
25% of our overall sales mix 
by end of 2019

25%

Maintain Tier Two BBFAW (Farm Animal Welfare)

Tier Two

Commercial 
Director

12

RESPONSIBLE
CONSUMPTION
AND PRODUCTION

Tackling Health initiative to reach 250 schools

250 schools

Finance 
Director

11

SUSTAINABLE CITIES 
AND COMMUNITIES

Reduce our carbon intensity 
by a further 2%

Increase our unsold food 
donations to 25%

2%

25%

Property and 
Business 
Development 
Director

13

CLIMATE 
ACTION

Deliver year three of the 
National Equality Standard 
action plan

Increase the frequency  
of our Employee Opinion 
Survey to twice yearly

Year 3

2x

Retail and 
People 
Director

10

REDUCED 
INEQUALITIES

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

33

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-financial key performance indicators continued

Carbon footprint
Our net carbon footprint for the 2018 financial year was  
101,208 tonnes of carbon dioxide and equivalent gases (CO2e), 
with an intensity of 99.07 tonnes of CO2e per £million turnover.  
This represents a 14.3% improvement on our 2017 result.

Global GHG emissions data
In line with Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors 
Report) Regulations 2013, we are reporting our greenhouse  
gas (GHG) emissions as part of our annual strategic report.  
Our GHG reporting year is the same as our financial year from 
31 December 2017 to 29 December 2018.

We have reported on all of the emission sources which we  
deem ourselves to be responsible for, as required under the 
Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors Report) 
Regulations 2013. These sources fall within our operation’s 
control and financial boundaries and include emissions from 
manufacturing, retail and distribution sites and the operation  
of our distribution fleet. We do not have responsibility for any 
emission sources that are outside of our operational control.

Carbon Trust Standard
We measure our direct carbon footprint and since the start of 
2019 we have been once again accredited to hold the Carbon 
Trust Standard in recognition of our work on carbon efficiencies. 
In addition we disclose our GHG emissions through the  
Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). 

Gender of workforce1
We are proud of our reputation for bringing the best  
talent through the business regardless of gender and that  
69.6 per cent of our total workforce is female, almost half  
of our management population is female and, of the seven 
Board posts, three are held by women.

The methodology used to calculate our emissions is based on 
the UK Government’s Environmental Reporting Guidance (2013) 
and emissions factors from UK Government’s GHG Conversion 
Factors for Company Reporting (2018).

The 2018 emissions are verified by the Carbon Trust as part  
of the review of our carbon footprint.

Board

Senior Managers

Other managers

All employees

Female

Male

3

60

277

4

78

279

Total

7

138

556

15,945

6,955

22,904*

*  The ‘All employees’ total figure is greater than the sum of the female and  
male figures because we have four employees whose gender is recorded  
as ‘Unknown’ or ‘Undeclared’ on our personnel database. 

Current 
reporting 
year 2018 
(tonnes of 
CO2e)

Comparison 
year 2017 
(tonnes of 
CO2e)

Base year 
(2015)

% change 
2018 v base 
year

Location based emissions

Combustion of fuel & operations of facilities

33,245

32,460

31,509

5.51%

Scope 1

Scope 1

Scope 2

Refrigerants

Electricity purchased for own use (inc PV generated electricity)

6,282

61,938

7,222

4,306

45.89%

71,821*

89,375

(30.70%)

101,465

111,503* 125,244

(18.99%)

101,208

111,204*

124,776

(18.89%)

Gross emissions

Net emissions

Total scope 1 + 2 CO2e emissions
Net emissions excluding PV

NET intensity measure

for use of renewable energy

Tonnes of CO2e per £m turnover adjusted to account  

99.07

115.61

149.29

(33.64%)

*  Scope 2 emissions for 2017 have been adjusted as electricity emissions in 2017 were under reported.

1 For a copy of our 2018 Gender Pay Gap Report please visit https://corporate.greggs.co.uk

34

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

 
Risk management

The Board has ultimate 
responsibility for 
ensuring that risks are 
managed appropriately

Our risk management approach
We have well-established risk management processes 
embedded within the business, which enable us to identify, 
evaluate, record and monitor significant risks. Taking an 
appropriate level of risk is an inherent part of any business, 
but in doing so we assess the likelihood and impact of each 
risk arising.

The diagram below sets out our approach and shows the  
various information flows.

The responsibilities of key participants within the  
risk management process are summarised below:

Board of Directors/Audit Committee
 – Ultimate responsibility for ensuring risks are  

managed appropriately;

 – full annual review of the risk management process;
 – regular consideration of key strategic risks and  

new and emerging risks; and

 – robust annual assessment of principal risks as  

set out on the following page.

Business Assurance Function

Insured 
risks

Functional 
risks

Project 
risks

Key 
strategic 
risks

Other 
strategic 
risks

New & 
emerging 
risks

Risk Manager

Risk Committee/Operating Board

Main Board/Audit Committee

Risk Committee/Operating Board
 – Quarterly detailed discussion of significant risks;
 – understanding the business’ exposure to risk;
 – supporting the implementation of the Company’s  

risk management strategy; and

 – escalating significant matters to Main Board, via the 

Audit Committee.

Risk Manager
 – Maintaining the corporate risk register;
 – supporting the Risk Committee to operate effectively; and
 – ensuring adequate insurance is in place, as determined  

by the Main Board.

Business Assurance function
 – Providing independent internal audit coverage of the 
business, reporting findings to Audit Committee;

 – oversight of the risk process; and
 – support to the whistleblowing process, which allows  

staff to raise matters of concern.

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

35

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportRisk management continued

Principal risks and uncertainties
The Directors have carried out a robust assessment of the 
principal risks facing the Company, including those that would 
threaten its business model, future performance, solvency  
or liquidity.

Where appropriate, the impact of these risks occurring has  
been considered when developing the scenarios tested as  
part of the financial viability statement as set out on page 37.

Additional risks and uncertainties, not presently known to 
management or deemed less material currently, may also have 
an adverse effect on the business. Further, the exposure to  
each risk will evolve as we take mitigating actions, or as new 
risks emerge. The risks set out below provide a summary  
of the position at the date of the annual report.

In this year’s statement, we have separately stated the risks  
of business change relating to our transformation programme 
and our IT systems implementation. This is due to the fact  
that the two risks diverge in their nature and mitigations  
as the transformation agenda nears completion. We have  
also specifically described a broader risk of increased  
legislation, which previously focused on the financial  
impact of non-compliance.

Previously disclosed risks relating to the wider economy  
and our response to competitor activity have been removed, 
since we have robust routine management processes in place  
to control these issues and we are able to flex our business 
model as required.

The risks are grouped according to their overriding theme,  
and are described along with the strategic pillars to which  
they are linked, and the movement in net risk during the year.

Great tasting, freshly 
prepared food

Best customer 
service

Competitive 
supply chain

First class 
support teams

Business transformation

Loss of production

Loss of distribution capability

Management of third-party relationships

Ability to attract/retain/motivate people

Product quality and safety

Product quality and safety

Food scare

Food scare

Consumer trends

Cyber and data security

System capacity

Increased legislation and taxation

Significant fines for non-compliance with legislation

Impact of Brexit

Key

Strategic risk

Operational risk

Compliance risk

36

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Viability statement
The Directors have assessed the Company’s prospects and 
viability taking into account its current position, plans and 
principal risks. The Company remains cash-generative and 
has no debt other than normal trading liabilities to creditors  
and the obligations arising under commercial leases.  
In assessing the Company’s prospects the Board has  
taken into account the following:
 – The Company’s strong financial position and cash- 

generative nature.

 – The continued growth of out-of-home eating and the 

alignment of the Company’s offer to this growing market.

 – The potential for further growth in existing markets  

and investment plans to support this.

 – The maintenance of a competitive, differentiated  

offer to customers.

 – Controls over, and mitigations to, the occurrence  

of principal risks and uncertainties.

In assessing the Company’s viability the Board has considered 
potential scenarios that have been envisaged to reflect the 
occurrence of the principal risks that the business faces. These 
include threats to its operations and the supply of products, 
such as a loss of production capacity, and the occurrence  
of risks affecting confidence in the Greggs brand.

In carrying out its assessment the Board has reviewed the 
three-year operational and financial plans to 2021. This is the 
period over which the Board reviews management’s business 
planning and sets performance targets, and therefore the Board 
believes that this is the most appropriate timeframe over which 
to make the viability assessment.

The Directors have carried out a robust assessment of the 
principal risks facing the Company, including those that would 
threaten its business model, future performance, solvency  
or liquidity.

The principal risks to which the Company is exposed ultimately 
affect the ability of its shops to trade successfully, either through 
an interruption to supply or because of a loss of confidence in 
the Greggs brand. A significant loss of sales would be particularly 
damaging given the Company’s vertical integration in that the 
cost of the internal supply chain cannot be reduced quickly.

In order to stress-test the Company’s financial resilience, 
scenarios were created to simulate the impact arising from  
the occurrence of the following principal risks:
1.  A brand-damaging food scare resulting in a significant 
one-year sales reduction followed by gradual recovery  
of confidence. In making assumptions the Directors 
considered real examples of companies in the food  
sector that had experienced such issues.

2.  The impact of a ten per cent annual sales decline as a  
result of changing shopping habits or consumer trends.
3.  Temporary loss of production capacity for the Company’s 
iconic pastry savoury products and the consequences  
for liquidity as capacity is restored.

4.  The possible impact of Britain leaving the EU without  

a trading agreement, assuming the imposition of tariffs  
on imports, disruption to the flow of goods into the UK  
and a consumer downturn.

Scenario four above was applied as an additional layer of risk,  
in order to test how the impact of Britain leaving the EU without 
a trading agreement would affect the Company’s viability  
in the other scenarios.

In each case the Directors reviewed the mitigating actions  
that would be necessary to protect the Company’s liquidity. 
These included:
 – Temporary suspension of dividend payments in order to 

preserve cash for operational use, including the restoration 
of customer confidence in the Greggs brand.

 – Restriction of capital investment to cover only essential 

maintenance of infrastructure, taking into account capital 
commitments to major investment programmes.

 – Addition of temporary financing facilities, taking into account 

the Company’s borrowing capacity.

 – Drawing on the Company’s insurance arrangements on the 

occurrence of an insured risk.

The scenarios tested represent more extreme circumstances 
than the Company has ever experienced. Based on the results 
of the analysis, the Directors have a reasonable expectation  
that the Company will be able to continue in operation and 
meet its liabilities as they fall due over the three-year period  
of their detailed assessment.

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

37

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportKey mitigations

basis to our Operating Board.

Change

Links to 

strategy

Principal risks and uncertainties

Description

Business transformation

Our business change programme continues, requiring restructuring and capital investment. 

Expected timelines or savings may not be met, and there may be disruption to our customers.

We phase our change activity to avoid affecting the Company as a whole wherever possible. Timelines and  

forecasts are clearly defined and agreed. Progress against these is closely monitored and reported on a regular 

  No change

Loss of  
production

Loss of distribution 
capability 

As we continue to move towards more centralised production, any interruption to production  
may have a significant impact on availability of product for our customers.

All of our supply sites have contingency plans in place. We simulate scenarios and test our recovery processes 

periodically. We have identified alternative supply sources for key ingredients and products, and periodically test 

these alternative routes. Our property insurers conduct annual site inspections, helping us to protect our facilities. 

We also believe that to an extent customers will choose an alternative product if their first choice is not available.

  Increase

We are creating larger distribution Centres of Excellence with a greater reliance on technology.  
This increases the impact of any operational failure on our ability to deliver to our shops. 

We work closely with our property insurers in our building design, to ensure an appropriate level of protection.  

As with our production sites, annual inspections are carried out by our insurers.

  New

We are refreshing our site-based contingency plans to ensure that they remain relevant for dedicated distribution 

centres. Our IT disaster recovery plans are being updated as part of a review of our approach to cyber risk.

Management of  
third party relationships

As our reliance on third parties for services, ingredients or business support increases, we become  
more exposed to their business interruption risks. This could impact on our ability to produce,  
distribute or sell our products.

Our own contingency arrangements consider the implications of key systems or ingredients being unavailable. 

All third parties are vetted prior to us engaging with them. Key supplier relationships are managed by our central 

  No change

procurement team.

Ability to attract/retain/
motivate people

Market forces and particularly the impact of Brexit may result in a shortage of available workforce. This 
may be compounded by the relative complexity of our shop operations compared with other retailers.

We offer attractive remuneration and benefit packages to reward our teams, along with training and development 

opportunities. We carry out an annual opinion survey which confirms high levels of employee engagement.

  No change

We are continually striving to streamline and simplify our shop processes and operations for our teams.

As part of our business change programme, we have invested in improved recruitment processes, making the 

application journey easier for a potential employee.

Description

Key mitigations

Change

Links to 

strategy

Product quality and safety

Due to our vertically-integrated structure, and the fact that we freshly prepare food every day  
in our shops, we may have a greater exposure to food safety risk than many of our competitors. 

Procedures are in place throughout our supply sites and shops to ensure that food safety is maintained.  

Compliance is monitored both internally and by regulators. We are working with industry bodies to help  

  Increase

Food scare

We may suffer a loss of trade due to customer confidence being impacted by an external food scare 
beyond our control.

Most of the products on sale in our shops are made by our staff in our bakeries. Routine checks are carried out  

to confirm the integrity of our products and ingredients. We have robust procedures in place to execute product 

  No change

Consumer trends

As customers become more concerned about nutrition and health, demand for the more indulgent 
products in our range may reduce. 

We continue to work on improving the nutrition of our traditional products, including a commitment to reduce  

sugar and fat in line with Public Health England’s guidance. Our ‘Balanced Choice’ range provides a number  

of healthier options, and we continue to develop new lines catering for emerging dietary choices.

  No change

Description

Key mitigations

Cyber and data security

As with all businesses, our data and systems are exposed to external threats such as hackers or viruses. 
These could lead to data breaches, or disruption to our operation.

We actively monitor our networks and systems, including conducting regular penetration testing.

Our approach to information security is closely monitored by the Board.

  No change

to shape new allergen controls and regulations.

withdrawals quickly should the need arise.

System capacity 

Our IT systems may have insufficient capacity to keep pace with the required rate of change. Greater 
system integration and interconnectivity results in an increased impact in the event of any process failure 
or technology outage.

Our development plans take into account the business vision, to ensure appropriate ‘future-proofing’.

We work closely with partners to provide additional capacity and technical expertise when required. Contingency 

plans continue to evolve in response to system and process changes.

Description

Increased legislation  
and taxation

New legislation may necessitate additional processes, such as allergen controls in our shops.

Continued growing concern over the environment and health may drive the introduction of additional 
levies and taxes. 

Key mitigations

reduction targets. 

We are working closely with industry bodies in responding to Government proposals on the communication of 

allergen content in food. We are continuing to work on our plans to meet the Government’s sugar and calorie 

In order to reduce our impact on the environment, we are trialling coffee cup recycling, conducting a plastic-free 

trial in our shops, and continuing to reduce our carbon intensity.

Significant fines  
for non-compliance  
with legislation 

Large financial penalties could be imposed on the business for breaches of Food Safety or Health & 
Safety legislation. Due to the number of stores we operate, and the volume of customer transactions  
we handle on a daily basis, we may be exposed to isolated incidents which fall below our expected 
standards and may expose us to prosecution.

We have a system of controls and monitors in place, and our teams are provided with extensive training on  

safe processes and procedures. Our audit processes confirm whether proper procedures are being followed.

  No change

We are in the process of setting up a Primary Authority arrangement with Newcastle City Council for Food Safety, 

which will mirror that already in place for Health & Safety, and fire safety.

Impact of Brexit

There is continued uncertainty regarding changes to trading arrangements, customs agreements, tariffs etc. 
post Brexit. This may give rise to increased costs and inflationary pressures, with a resultant risk of recession.

Any currency devaluation would cause the costs of imported goods to increase.

Short-term border disruption could impact on our ability to import salad ingredients.

Developments continue to be monitored, with regular review by our Operating Board. 

Purchasing contracts give price stability in the short to medium term.

Contingency arrangements have been developed where possible.

  Increase

Change

Links to 

strategy

  New

Change

  New

Links to 

strategy

y
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38

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Description

Loss of  

production

Loss of distribution 

capability 

Ability to attract/retain/

motivate people

Business transformation

Our business change programme continues, requiring restructuring and capital investment. 

Expected timelines or savings may not be met, and there may be disruption to our customers.

As we continue to move towards more centralised production, any interruption to production  

may have a significant impact on availability of product for our customers.

Key mitigations

Great tasting, freshly 
prepared food

Best customer  
experience

Competitive  
supply chain

First class  
support teams

Change

Links to 
strategy

We phase our change activity to avoid affecting the Company as a whole wherever possible. Timelines and  
forecasts are clearly defined and agreed. Progress against these is closely monitored and reported on a regular 
basis to our Operating Board.

All of our supply sites have contingency plans in place. We simulate scenarios and test our recovery processes 
periodically. We have identified alternative supply sources for key ingredients and products, and periodically test 
these alternative routes. Our property insurers conduct annual site inspections, helping us to protect our facilities. 
We also believe that to an extent customers will choose an alternative product if their first choice is not available.

  No change

  Increase

We are creating larger distribution Centres of Excellence with a greater reliance on technology.  

This increases the impact of any operational failure on our ability to deliver to our shops. 

We work closely with our property insurers in our building design, to ensure an appropriate level of protection.  
As with our production sites, annual inspections are carried out by our insurers.

  New

We are refreshing our site-based contingency plans to ensure that they remain relevant for dedicated distribution 
centres. Our IT disaster recovery plans are being updated as part of a review of our approach to cyber risk.

Management of  

third party relationships

As our reliance on third parties for services, ingredients or business support increases, we become  

more exposed to their business interruption risks. This could impact on our ability to produce,  

distribute or sell our products.

Our own contingency arrangements consider the implications of key systems or ingredients being unavailable. 

All third parties are vetted prior to us engaging with them. Key supplier relationships are managed by our central 
procurement team.

  No change

Market forces and particularly the impact of Brexit may result in a shortage of available workforce. This 

may be compounded by the relative complexity of our shop operations compared with other retailers.

We offer attractive remuneration and benefit packages to reward our teams, along with training and development 
opportunities. We carry out an annual opinion survey which confirms high levels of employee engagement.

  No change

We are continually striving to streamline and simplify our shop processes and operations for our teams.

As part of our business change programme, we have invested in improved recruitment processes, making the 
application journey easier for a potential employee.

Description

Key mitigations

Change

Links to 
strategy

Product quality and safety

Due to our vertically-integrated structure, and the fact that we freshly prepare food every day  

in our shops, we may have a greater exposure to food safety risk than many of our competitors. 

Food scare

We may suffer a loss of trade due to customer confidence being impacted by an external food scare 

beyond our control.

Consumer trends

As customers become more concerned about nutrition and health, demand for the more indulgent 

products in our range may reduce. 

Procedures are in place throughout our supply sites and shops to ensure that food safety is maintained.  
Compliance is monitored both internally and by regulators. We are working with industry bodies to help  
to shape new allergen controls and regulations.

Most of the products on sale in our shops are made by our staff in our bakeries. Routine checks are carried out  
to confirm the integrity of our products and ingredients. We have robust procedures in place to execute product 
withdrawals quickly should the need arise.

We continue to work on improving the nutrition of our traditional products, including a commitment to reduce  
sugar and fat in line with Public Health England’s guidance. Our ‘Balanced Choice’ range provides a number  
of healthier options, and we continue to develop new lines catering for emerging dietary choices.

  Increase

  No change

  No change

Description

Cyber and data security

As with all businesses, our data and systems are exposed to external threats such as hackers or viruses. 

We actively monitor our networks and systems, including conducting regular penetration testing.

These could lead to data breaches, or disruption to our operation.

Our approach to information security is closely monitored by the Board.

Key mitigations

System capacity 

Our IT systems may have insufficient capacity to keep pace with the required rate of change. Greater 

system integration and interconnectivity results in an increased impact in the event of any process failure 

or technology outage.

Our development plans take into account the business vision, to ensure appropriate ‘future-proofing’.

We work closely with partners to provide additional capacity and technical expertise when required. Contingency 
plans continue to evolve in response to system and process changes.

Description

Increased legislation  

and taxation

New legislation may necessitate additional processes, such as allergen controls in our shops.

Continued growing concern over the environment and health may drive the introduction of additional 

levies and taxes. 

Key mitigations

We are working closely with industry bodies in responding to Government proposals on the communication of 
allergen content in food. We are continuing to work on our plans to meet the Government’s sugar and calorie 
reduction targets. 

In order to reduce our impact on the environment, we are trialling coffee cup recycling, conducting a plastic-free 
trial in our shops, and continuing to reduce our carbon intensity.

Change

Links to 
strategy

  No change

  New

Change

  New

Links to 
strategy

Significant fines  

for non-compliance  

with legislation 

Large financial penalties could be imposed on the business for breaches of Food Safety or Health & 

Safety legislation. Due to the number of stores we operate, and the volume of customer transactions  

we handle on a daily basis, we may be exposed to isolated incidents which fall below our expected 

standards and may expose us to prosecution.

We have a system of controls and monitors in place, and our teams are provided with extensive training on  
safe processes and procedures. Our audit processes confirm whether proper procedures are being followed.

  No change

We are in the process of setting up a Primary Authority arrangement with Newcastle City Council for Food Safety, 
which will mirror that already in place for Health & Safety, and fire safety.

Impact of Brexit

There is continued uncertainty regarding changes to trading arrangements, customs agreements, tariffs etc. 

post Brexit. This may give rise to increased costs and inflationary pressures, with a resultant risk of recession.

Any currency devaluation would cause the costs of imported goods to increase.

Short-term border disruption could impact on our ability to import salad ingredients.

Developments continue to be monitored, with regular review by our Operating Board. 

Purchasing contracts give price stability in the short to medium term.

Contingency arrangements have been developed where possible.

  Increase

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

39

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R

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Board of Directors and Secretary

Name & 
job title

Ian Durant
Chairman

  Roger Whiteside OBE

Chief Executive

Richard Hutton FCA
Finance Director

Biography

Ian has a background in 
international finance and 
commercial management, 
with experience in the  
retail, property, hotels and 
transport sectors. His career 
includes leadership roles with 
the retail division of Hanson 
and Jardine Matheson, 
Hongkong Land, Dairy Farm 
International, Thistle Hotels 
and SeaContainers and as 
Finance Director of Liberty 
International. Ian is an 
experienced non-executive 
director of UK-listed 
companies, having previously 
served on the Boards of 
Westbury, Home Retail 
Group and Greene King.  
He was Chairman of Capital 
and Counties Properties plc 
between 2010 and 2018.

Appointed since

5 October 2011

Roger began his career at 
Marks and Spencer where  
he spent 20 years, ultimately 
becoming head of its food 
business. He was then one of 
the founding team of Ocado, 
serving as Joint MD from 
2000 to 2004. From 2004 to 
2007 Roger led a successful 
turnaround as Chief Executive 
of the Thresher Group 
off-licence chain before 
joining Punch Taverns, 
ultimately becoming Chief 
Executive. Roger was 
appointed as Chief Executive 
of Greggs on 4 February 
2013, and awarded an OBE 
for services to Women and 
Equality in the 2019 New  
Year Honours List.

17 March 2008  
(Non-Executive Director  
until 3 February 2013)

Richard qualified as a Chartered 
Accountant with KPMG and 
gained career experience with 
Procter and Gamble before joining 
Greggs in 1998.

Helena Ganczakowski
Non-Executive 
Director

Helena worked for Unilever  
for 23 years and held  
senior positions in brand 
management and marketing, 
including UK Marketing 
Director and ultimately  
Head of Global Agencies. 
Helena has a PhD in 
Engineering from the  
University of Cambridge.

13 March 2006

2 January 2014

Independent

Yes

Not applicable

Not applicable

Yes

External 
appointments

Chairman of DFS Furniture plc.

Trustee of Richmond Parish 
Lands Charity

Member of the Women’s 
Business Council.

Non-Executive Director  
of Card Factory plc.

Non-Executive Director and 
Chair of the Audit Committee  
of The Lakes Distillery Company 
plc. Trustee Director of Business 
in the Community. Trustee of 
Greggs Foundation. Trustee  
of The Alnwick Garden Trust.

Non-Executive Director  
of Croda International Plc  
and also owner and manager of 
a consulting business working 
at a global level  
with multi-national food 
businesses, helping them 
to develop and implement 
strategies.

Committee 
membership

Chair of Nominations 
Committee

Not applicable

Not applicable

Audit, Remuneration and 
Nominations Committee 
member

Favourite 
Greggs snack

Board diversity
Our Board brings a 
balance of relevant 
backgrounds and 
gender to their 
discussions.

40

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Name & 
job title

Biography

Allison Kirkby
Non-Executive 
Director

Peter McPhillips
Non-Executive 
Director

Sandra Turner
Non-Executive 
Director

Jonathan Jowett
Company Secretary 
and General Counsel

Sandra has been involved in  
the retail sector throughout  
her career and was employed 
by Tesco PLC, latterly as 
Commercial Director for Tesco 
Ireland, from 1987 to 2009.  
Prior to this she worked in sales 
and marketing roles for Unilever 
and Wilkinson Sword.

Jonathan is a lawyer by 
profession and has held the 
position of Company Secretary 
for a number of FTSE 250 and 
FTSE Smallcap companies.  
His previous employers include 
Avon Cosmetics Limited, SSL 
International plc, Wagon plc 
and Bakkavor Group.

Peter spent most of his executive 
career in food manufacturing, 
having held a number of 
executive positions including 
Divisional Managing Director  
of Hillsdown Holdings, Director 
of Terranova (the chilled foods 
business demerged from 
Hillsdown Holdings) and 
ultimately as UK Managing 
Director of Uniq plc. More 
recently, Peter was European 
Chairman of Hain Celestial 
Group.

Allison Kirkby was appointed 
President & Group CEO of TDC 
Group A/S in December 2018. 
TDC is the leading provider  
of technology, communication 
solutions and home 
entertainment in Denmark.  
She previously served as 
President & Group CEO  
of Tele2 AB. Prior to joining 
Tele2 in 2014, Allison spent two 
decades in the FMCG sector  
at Procter & Gamble in a  
variety of senior financial and 
operational roles before moving 
into the TMT sector, first at 
Virgin Media and then as Group 
CFO of Shine Group (a division 
of 21st Century Fox). Allison  
is a Fellow of the Chartered 
Institute of Management 
Accountants (CIMA).

Appointed since

30 January 2013

10 March 2014

1 May 2014

12 May 2010

Independent

Yes

Yes

Yes

Not applicable

External 
appointments

Non-Executive Director  
of BT Group plc.

Non-Executive Director  
of Browns Food Group. 
Non-Executive Director of 
Jackson’s Bakery Limited.

Non-Executive Director of 
Carpetright plc, McBride plc, 
Greene King plc and  
Huhtämaki OYJ (from  
1 May 2019).

Member of the British Retail 
Consortium Policy Board;  
Chair of the Trustees of the 
Percy Hedley Foundation.

Non-Executive Director of 
Newcastle Hospitals NHS 
Foundation Trust.

Committee 
membership

Chair of Audit Committee; 
Remuneration and Nominations 
Committee member

Audit, Remuneration and 
Nominations Committee 
member

Chair of Remuneration 
Committee; Audit and 
Nominations Committee 
member

Secretary to Board and all 
its Committees

Favourite 
Greggs snack

4:3

Board diversity, 
by gender

57%

43%

Male

Female

7.3

Board diversity, 
by tenure (years)

3-7 years

>7 years

14%

43%

43%

Male

Female

Male

Average (years)

5.1

10.3

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

41

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportGovernance report – Chairman’s Introduction

We have enjoyed 
a period of stability 
on the Board

Dear Shareholder
I am pleased to introduce our governance report for 2018, 
which follows on pages 43 to 50.

We have seen some significant governance developments  
in 2018, culminating in the revised UK Corporate Governance 
Code (‘the 2018 Code’), which was issued in July. Perhaps the 
main area of focus has been around directors’ duties under 
s172 Companies Act 2006, which although it has been law for 
many years, was brought into sharp focus as a result of certain 
corporate failures.

Although the new requirements of the 2018 Code have only 
just started to apply, we have borne them in mind in preparing 
this report, and we have included a first attempt, on a voluntary 
basis, at the more formal reporting requirements in relation to 
s172 (see stakeholder engagement section page 48). Otherwise 
this report has been prepared to reflect the April 2016 version of 
the Corporate Governance Code, with which we were compliant 
across the year.

The other key development to emerge from the 2018 Code was 
the requirement for the Board to focus on its leadership, ensuring 
that the Company’s purpose, values and strategy are aligned with 
its culture.

Our ‘purpose’ forms an integral heading to our strategy;  
it is ‘making good tasting, freshly prepared food accessible  
to everyone’. This is in turn is reflected in our vision: To be the 
customers’ favourite for food-on-the-go. Our whole business 
strategy, described in the strategic report on pages 1 to 39, 
underpins this purpose and vision.

Our culture and values deserve specific mention. In 2018, we 
embarked upon a broad review of our culture, engaging with 
our colleagues across the organisation, as we began to work  
on a more detailed understanding of how our culture works; as  
a Board we all believe that there is a very special culture within 
Greggs, borne of the family values instilled into the business 
by our founders. In recent years, we have been taking some 
significant decisions around centralisation of our operations and, 
more recently, our supply chain. In some instances, these have 
led to factory closures and some job losses, whilst at the same 
time continuing to grow the business organically. The Board 
is always keen to ensure that these activities do not endanger 
the culture in a rapidly-changing and competitive market place. 
We asked our employees for their thoughts as part of our annual 
Employee Opinion Survey, and we will be undertaking further 
work during 2019, which commenced with a session at our 
Annual Management Conference held in January.

Insofar as measures of culture and, in particular, colleague 
engagement are concerned, we will be building on what we 
believe are firm foundations; some 93 per cent of our 23,000 
colleagues took time to respond to our survey, and indicated  
an engagement level of 82 per cent.

Towards the end of the year, we undertook our second 
externally-facilitated Board evaluation, supported as before 
by NJMD Corporate Services Limited. That report has captured 
the essence of Greggs and how we operate, in noting that

“…the value and culture currently displayed by the Board,  
as part of the inherent culture and heritage of the Company, 
contributes to an open and honest environment which is 
encouraged by the [Governance] Code. We noted the respect 
and enthusiasm of all of the interviewees for the culture of  
the Company and their recognition of its beneficial effect  
on successful business operations”.

I look forward to welcoming as many shareholders as possible 
to our Annual General Meeting.

Ian Durant
Chairman
7 March 2019

42

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018
Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

The remainder of this corporate governance report, together with the reports of the Audit, Nominations and Remuneration 
Committees on pages 51 to 72, explains how our governance framework operates and how we oversee both the performance of 
the Company and also the general understanding and application of the values for which Greggs is known. With the exception of 
Allison Kirkby, all of the Directors will be seeking re-election at our Annual General Meeting to be held on Tuesday 21 May 2019.

The Company has a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange, and throughout 2018 was a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index. 
The April 2016 version of the UK Corporate Governance Code (‘the Code’) applied throughout 2018. This governance report, 
together with information contained elsewhere within the Directors’ report, describes how the relevant principles and provisions 
of the Code were applied in the year.

For the current financial year, which commenced on 30 December 2018, the Company will be applying the UK Corporate Governance 
Code issued in July 2018 and effective from 1 January 2019 (‘the 2018 Code’).

The Board confirms that it was compliant with the Code throughout the year, and all of the policies and terms of reference referred 
to in this report are available on the corporate website at: http://corporate.greggs.co.uk.

The Board
Effectiveness
The Chairman chairs the Nominations Committee whose primary function is to consider the blend of skills and experience that  
the Directors bring to the Board. This includes independent and objective experience of food retailing and manufacturing, finance, 
marketing, property and corporate finance to complement the existing skills and experience of the Executive Directors.

The Board meets regularly to discharge its duties. At these meetings, it reviews strategy, financial performance against key indicators, 
resources, risk management and other matters reserved for the Board. Whilst executive responsibility for running the Company’s 
business rests ultimately with the Chief Executive, the Non-Executive Directors ensure that the strategies proposed by the Executive 
Directors are fully discussed and critically examined prior to adoption.

The main stakeholder activities of the Board are described in the stakeholder engagement section on page 48.

The Board schedules an agreed number of meetings per year, and meets on an ad hoc basis as required.

Attendance at scheduled meetings held during the year is recorded in the table below, where the number of meetings actually 
attended are shown with the number of meetings that the individual could have attended.

Main Board

8

Audit 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Nominations 
Committee

4

2

2

Meeting attendance

Number of meetings held

Ian Durant

Roger Whiteside

Richard Hutton

Helena Ganczakowski

Allison Kirkby

Peter McPhillips

Sandra Turner

In addition, the Non-Executive Directors meet together formally twice each year and from time to time, as required.

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

43

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportGovernance report continued

The Board continued
Board modus operandi
The Board has a policy on the separation of the roles of the Chairman and the Chief Executive. The Chairman sets the agenda 
for Board meetings in accordance with a specific Schedule of Matters Reserved policy (which is reviewed and approved annually), 
and ensures that the Board is supplied, in a timely manner, with information in a form and of a quality appropriate to enable it to 
discharge its duties.

The Board considers that it effectively leads and controls the Company. All Directors take decisions objectively and in the interests 
of the Company. The Non-Executive Directors scrutinise the performance of management in meeting agreed goals and objectives 
and monitor the reporting of performance. This is done using an ‘OGSM’ model, whereby the key objectives for the year are agreed 
at a strategy meeting held in June of the preceding year, and are then reported upon across the year by the Chief Executive and 
members of the Operating Board with responsibility for particular objectives.

All Directors receive induction training on joining the Board and regularly update and refresh their knowledge through reading, 
attendance on relevant courses and/or activities outside the Company.

The Board continued its practice introduced in 2017 of making additional operating information available to Non-Executive 
Directors in the expectation that this adds further colour to the debate and discussion at Board meetings. Board papers include  
a summary of activity by each Operating Board Director, together with a fuller and more detailed report attached, should  
Non-Executive Directors wish to explore further any matter being reported. Members of the Operating Board are invited to  
attend Board meetings on a rolling rota in order to participate in the Board’s discussion on business performance and key issues. 
This process also affords senior managers the opportunity to bring matters to the attention of the Board. During the year,  
the Board received regular updates including:
 – Developments on the two main strategic projects, being the implementation of SAP, and the £100 million investment  

in our supply chain.

 – The implications of ‘Brexit’.
 – Customer insight, competitor activity, marketing and category plans.
 – Wage negotiations and people issues.
 – Food safety and health and safety.

The Board sets a Rolling Agenda, which facilitates agenda planning for scheduled meetings across the year. In this way the  
Board monitors its activities and ensures that it is operating effectively.

Diversity
The Board continues to support the development of all colleagues and specifically continues to support women through to the 
highest levels of our organisation. Members of the Board are actively participating in our Women’s Development Programme 
sharing their knowledge and experiences with participants. Our gender reporting is now contained in page 34 of the strategic 
report. We continue to make progress and once again were recognised by the Hampton Alexander Review published in  
November 2018 as a top 10 FTSE 250 Company for Women on boards and in Leadership. In December 2018, our Chief Executive 
was appointed as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in recognition of this work in promoting the interest of Women  
and Equality.

Succession and development
The Board is satisfied that a process is in place for orderly succession to the Board and to positions of senior management, so as  
to maintain an appropriate balance of skills and experience within the Company and on the Board. The Chief Executive meets with 
the Chairman and the Non-Executive Directors on a regular basis in order that succession and development plans can be drawn  
up for Executive Directors and members of the Operating Board. During 2018, this included a review of remaining terms of office 
for Non-Executive Directors, and the formulation of a rolling succession plan. Further detail is set out on page 45 under the 
Nominations Committee section of this report.

All Directors are able to receive training and to take independent professional advice at the expense of the Company. They also 
have direct access to the Company Secretary, who is responsible for advising the Board on all governance matters.

Evaluation
The performance of the Board, its Committees and of all Directors is evaluated annually by a formal and rigorous process, and in 
2018 the evaluation was facilitated by Nigel Davies of NJMD Corporate Services Limited. Mr Davies had conducted the previous 
externally-facilitated evaluation carried out in 2015.

As a key part of the evaluation process, the Chairman also meets with the Non-Executive Directors at least annually without the 
Executive Directors present, and also has one-to-one sessions with every member of the Board. The Senior Independent Director 
meets the Non-Executive Directors annually without the Chairman present to appraise the Chairman’s performance.

44

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Election and re-election of Directors
The Board has resolved that, in line with Governance Code provision B.7.1, all Directors will be subject to annual re-election 
by shareholders. Following recommendation by the Nominations Committee, all of the Non-Executive Directors who will offer 
themselves for re-election at the Annual General Meeting are considered by the Board to be independent in character and 
judgement and are free from any business or other relationship or circumstance which is likely to affect or to interfere with  
the exercise of their independent judgement.

Board Committees
The Board delegates some of its activities to the following Committees, each of which has written terms of reference, which are 
available on the Company’s website. The Company Secretary acts as secretary to and is generally in attendance at each of these 
Committees, and each of the Committees is provided with sufficient resources to undertake its duties.

The Audit Committee currently consists of four independent Non-Executive Directors: Allison Kirkby (Chair), Helena Ganczakowski, 
Peter McPhillips and Sandra Turner. The Committee met four times in the year, and a fuller report on its activities is set out on  
pages 51 to 56.

The Remuneration Committee currently consists of four independent Non-Executive Directors: Sandra Turner (Chair), Helena 
Ganczakowski, Allison Kirkby and Peter McPhillips. The Chief Executive and the People Director have a standing invitation to attend the 
Remuneration Committee. The Finance Director is also invited to attend Remuneration Committee meetings from time to time to help  
the Remuneration Committee determine and measure and monitor performance against set targets. The Chair of the Remuneration 
Committee is absolutely clear that Executives are required to step out of the meeting from time to time to enable the Committee  
to discuss key elements of remuneration in closed session.

The Committee’s main duties (which it discharged during the year) are detailed within the Directors’ remuneration report which  
is set out on pages 57 to 72 of this annual report. Shareholders approved the current remuneration policy at the meeting held on 
19 May 2017, and this is included on pages 60 to 64 for the sake of expediency. The Chairman’s fees are reviewed annually and set 
by the Executive Directors, following the general policy of everyone in the Company receiving the same basic level of pay award.

The Nominations Committee currently comprises Ian Durant (Chairman) and all of the Non-Executive Directors. The Committee’s 
main functions (which it discharged during the year) are to: review the balance and constitution of the Board; to advise the Board  
as to whether Directors should be nominated for re-election by the members; and to approve and manage the process for setting 
the specification for all Board appointments, identifying candidates who meet that specification and making recommendations  
to the Board on the basis of merit and compliance with objective criteria in respect of all new Board appointments.

In recruiting additional Directors the Nominations Committee defines the role and uses external consultants to assist in identifying 
suitable candidates from which the Committee selects a short list and conducts interviews. The final candidate is then subject  
to formal recommendation by the Committee and approval by the Board.

Following an informal selection process conducted in 2018, the Nominations Committee appointed JCA Heidrick Struggles (’JCA’)
to assist with succession planning and identification of potential Non-Executive Directors.

During the year, the Nominations Committee developed, debated and agreed a Board succession plan. The first action identified 
was to plan for the need to appoint a successor to Allison Kirkby as Non-Executive Director and Audit Committee Chair. Allison’s 
departure was announced on 7 March 2019, and Allison will not offer herself for re-election as a Director at the Annual General 
Meeting on 21 May 2019, having served six years on the Board. A brief for the role was developed by the Committee which takes 
account of the expected strategy and needs of the business to ensure the Board has ongoing access to a good mix and diversity  
of skills and background. The recruitment is being led by the Chairman and the Senior Independent Director and the Nomination 
Committee was advised by JCA. Several candidates were considered from a short list prepared from a longer list which had been 
discussed with the Chairman and the Senior Independent Director. Visits for shortlisted candidates will be arranged to head office, 
shops and a manufacturing unit.

Following appointment, new Directors are subject to an in-depth tailored induction process. In the case of Non-Executive Directors, 
this includes meeting with all members of the Operating Board, visiting bakeries, shops and offices, and being provided with an 
extensive Board Handbook which contains key information and policies that are relevant to the position. For new Executive Directors, 
and Non-Executive Directors for whom the appointment is their first to a UK-listed Company, the induction includes details of the 
legal duties and obligations of being a Director of the Company.

New Non-Executive Directors are also encouraged to present at a Board meeting formal feedback of their first months on the 
Greggs Board.

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

45

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportGovernance report continued

Risk management
Details of the Company’s principal risks and the management of them are set out within the strategic report, on pages 35 and 36.

The Board confirms that it has reviewed the effectiveness of the system of internal control (covering all material controls, including 
financial, operational, compliance and risk management systems) during the year under review and up to the date of approval  
of the annual report and accounts.

Relations with shareholders
The Board ensures that there is effective communication with individual and institutional shareholders through the announcement of 
regular trading updates, as well as general presentations after announcement of the interim and preliminary results and the posting 
of results on the Company’s website. The Board receives reports on any comments received from shareholders and market analysts 
following these presentations.

The Chief Executive and the Finance Director carry out extensive engagement with institutional shareholders and market analysts, 
either meeting them as part of Company presentations and briefings, individual meetings or on telephone calls.

The Chairman adopts an ongoing policy of arranging to meet with major shareholders, and the Non-Executive Directors are 
encouraged to attend external meetings and events which provide them with the opportunity to engage generally with the 
investment community.

The Company Secretary and the Company’s Brokers draw the attention of the Board to all relevant shareholder communications. 
The Board also reviews briefings and comments by analysts and shareholders in order to maintain an understanding of market 
perceptions of the Company. The Board reviews at each meeting an analysis of the share register, noting all significant changes.

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is well attended, and a short presentation of business performance is given to attendees by 
the Chief Executive (although no non-public sensitive information is shared). The Chairman and the Chairs of the Board Committees 
are available to answer any issues raised and any newly-appointed Directors being available to meet shareholders. During informal 
sessions both before and after the meeting, the Chairman, and all Directors are available to meet with any of the 80 or so individual 
private shareholders who are in attendance. This is in addition to the opportunity given to shareholders to ask questions of the 
Board during the formal meeting, which session is always welcomed by those in attendance. In 2018, information stalls were set 
up at the entrance to the meeting informing shareholders of the Company’s progress on key social responsibility topics.

At each AGM, the balance of proxy votes cast for and against each resolution and the number of abstentions is displayed. All substantial 
issues, including the receipt of the annual report and accounts, are proposed at the AGM as separate resolutions. All resolutions were 
strongly supported by shareholders, and were determined by poll, in accordance with best practice.

The Senior Independent Director, Sandra Turner, is available to shareholders if they have concerns which they have not been able to 
resolve through the normal channels of the Chairman, Chief Executive or Finance Director, or for circumstances where such contact 
would not be appropriate.

The Company provides on its website, www.greggs.co.uk, a significant amount of information both about its customer offerings  
in the bakery food-on-the-go market, as well as detailed information on the governance arrangements.

Substantial shareholdings
At 7 March 2019 the only notified holdings of substantial voting rights in respect of the issued share capital of the Company  
(which may have altered since the date of such notification, without any requirement for the Company to have been informed) were:

MFS Investment Management
Standard Life Aberdeen plc
Kames Capital plc
Norges Bank

Number of shares held

Percentage of  

issued share capital

10,029,195
5,765,652
3,073,582
3,035,673

9.915%
5.700%
3.038%
3.001%

46

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Accountability, audit and going concern
The Board acknowledges its responsibility to present a fair, balanced and understandable assessment of the Company’s position 
and prospects. In order to assist the Board to comply with the requirements within the Governance Code, each year the Audit 
Committee is requested to undertake an assessment of the annual report and to make a recommendation to the Board. This 
request has been enshrined within the Audit Committee’s terms of reference, which are available at: https://corporate.greggs.co.uk.

The actions undertaken by the Audit Committee in confirming its advice to the Board included the consideration of a detailed 
review that has been undertaken by the Head of Business Assurance and reviewing the annual report as a whole to confirm that it 
presents a fair, balanced and understandable assessment. In considering the advice of the Audit Committee, and having reviewed 
the annual report including the contents of the strategic report on pages 1 to 39, together with the statutory accounts themselves, 
the Board duly considers the annual report and accounts, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable, and provides the 
necessary information for shareholders to assess the Company’s performance, business model and strategy.

A statement of Directors’ responsibilities in respect of the preparation of accounts is given on page 73. A statement of auditor’s 
responsibilities is given in the report of the auditor on pages 78 and 79.

After making enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in 
operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the 
accounts (see basis of preparation on page 85). The Board’s ‘viability statement’ made in accordance with Code provision C.2.2  
can be found on page 37.

Policies
Freedom of association
At Greggs, we recognise the right of all employees to freedom of association and collective bargaining. Whilst we do not have  
a formal ‘freedom of association’ policy, the Company encourages all its employees in bakeries, shops and offices to become,  
and remain, members of a union.

Bribery and corruption
Greggs has an ‘anti-bribery and corruption’ policy which applies to all employees and prohibits the offering, giving, seeking  
or acceptance of any bribe in any form to any person or Company by acting on its behalf, in order to gain an advantage in an  
unethical way.

Business conduct
We have a specific policy that sets out the standards of ethical behaviour that are expected of all employees. All graded managers, 
and members of the procurement department, are required to make an annual confirmation of their compliance with the policy.

Whistle-blowing
Our ‘whistle-blowing’ policy creates an environment where employees are able to raise concerns without fear of disciplinary action 
being taken against them as a result of any disclosure. Any matters raised are treated in confidence and an independent review will 
be undertaken where it is appropriate. The Chair of the Audit Committee is the designated first point of contact for any concerns 
which cannot be addressed through normal management processes.

Political donations
Greggs has a clear policy forbidding political donations or contributions. This includes financial and in-kind contributions made  
by the Company.

Disclosure of information to the auditor
Each of the Directors who held office at the date of approval of this Directors’ report confirms that, so far as they are individually 
aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company’s auditor is unaware; and that they have taken all the steps  
that they ought to have taken as a Director to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the 
Company’s auditor is aware of that information.

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

47

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportGovernance report continued

Stakeholder engagement
This statement is intended by the Directors to set out how they have approached and met their responsibilities under s172  
of Companies Act 2006 in the financial period ending 29 December 2018. It is in response to the obligations as set out in the 
Companies (Miscellaneous Reporting) Regulations 2018, and the UK Corporate Governance Code July 2018, and as such forms  
part of the strategic report of the Company’s annual report and accounts.

As the new reporting requirements became clearer, the Directors considered a stakeholder analysis, using the ‘Power/Interest’ 
model, and the outputs from this review will set the agenda for ongoing engagement in 2019, focusing on with whom Directors 
should engage and communicate, either collectively or individually, and how feedback, general or specific, will be considered 
during the decision-making process.

Stakeholders identified during the mapping exercise included our 23,000 colleagues, agency workers and consultants, suppliers 
of both goods and services, shareholders (both institutional and retail), customers, City analysts, the financial and consumer press, 
the communities in which our shops are located, the communities that benefit from moneys donated to the Greggs Foundation  
and other charitable causes, the Government and NGOs.

The following are some examples of the interactions that have taken place in 2018.

Shop and bakery visits
Each year the Board meets at a production location. In 2018, the Board met in Leeds, whilst the production centre was undergoing 
significant building works with the installation of an automated cake line and the building of a new high-care facility. This walkaround 
allowed Directors to engage with colleagues about the changes and the difficulties they were having to overcome to ensure that 
production could continue amidst the works. Additionally, the Directors visited six stores in Leeds city centre, led by the Retail 
Operations Manager and the Area Manager for the region. Directors were able to speak with shop colleagues and customers 
about the shop environment and sales generally.

Individually, several of the Non-Executive Directors have spent time with the Retail Operations Director or with a Head of Retail  
visiting shops in different parts of the country, looking at product range and speaking with shop teams.

Supply chain restructuring programme meetings and visit
There was a significant amount of change in our bakeries during 2018. There were new automated production lines brought 
onstream in Leeds, Gosforth and Manchester. Peter McPhillips, whose executive career was focused around food production, 
attended these sites during the change process, and also attended meetings of the Supply Chain Leadership Team 
as it effected the change programme.

AGM engagement
Our AGM is always well attended. There are generally some 80 attendees, being mainly private shareholders. The Board mingles 
with attendees before the meeting, and during a sit down Greggs buffet lunch following the meeting. The question and answer 
session during the AGM covers a variety of subjects and generally lasts for 45 minutes to one hour.

Audit Committee Chair engagement
Having been identified as an opportunity during the 2017 Board Evaluation, Allison Kirkby, Audit Committee Chair, attended a 
meeting of the Risk Committee. This Committee is a management Committee, and is attended by both Executive Directors and  
all members of the Operating Board, along with the Heads of Financial Reporting, Technical, Business Assurance, Procurement,  
the Health & Safety Manager and the Risk Manager. This provided Allison with the opportunity to understand the detailed review  
of risk undertaken by management and the mitigations in place and under development.

Allison also regularly meets with the Audit Partner from KPMG, and with members of the Finance team and Head of Business 
Assurance ahead of Audit Committee meetings.

2019 plan
During 2019, stakeholder sessions that Non-Executive Directors are planning to attend include:
 – Significant shareholders.
 – Listening groups with colleagues.
 – Customer panels.
 – Key supplier meetings.

48

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Directors and their interests
The names of the Directors in office during the year, together with their relevant interests in the share capital of the Company at 
30 December 2017 and 29 December 2018, are set out in the Directors’ remuneration report on page 71. Details of the Directors’ 
share options are set out in the Directors’ remuneration report on page 70.

In accordance with provision B.7.1 of the Governance Code, all Directors will retire from the Board at the AGM, and will all offer 
themselves for re-election, apart from Allison Kirkby, who steps down from the Board at the close of the AGM to be held on 21 May 2019.

The Nominations Committee has considered the appropriateness and suitability of each Director standing for re-election and has 
recommended to the Board that each individual should be put forward for re-election.

Directors’ indemnities and conflicts
As at the date of this report, indemnities are in force under which the Company has agreed to indemnify the Directors, to the extent 
permitted by law, in respect of losses arising out of or in connection with the execution of their duties, powers or responsibilities  
as Directors of the Company. The indemnities do not apply in situations where the relevant Director has been guilty of fraud or  
wilful misconduct.

Under the authority granted to them in the Company’s articles of association, the Board has considered carefully any situation  
declared by any Director pursuant to which they have or might have a conflict of interest and, where it considers it appropriate to  
do so, has authorised the continuation of that situation. In exercising its authority, the Directors have had regard to their statutory  
and other duties to the Company.

Additional information
 – The information set out within the governance report in pages 43 to 50 forms part of the Directors’ report.
 – Greenhouse gas emissions: All disclosures concerning the Group’s greenhouse gas emissions (as required to be disclosed  

under the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors’ Report) Regulations 2013 are contained in the non-financial  
KPIs on page 34.

Authority to purchase shares
At the AGM on 9 May 2018, the shareholders passed a resolution authorising the purchase by the Company of its own shares  
to a maximum of 10,350,000 ordinary shares of 2 pence each.

That authority had not been used as at 29 December 2018.

The authority remains in force until the conclusion of the AGM in 2019 or 14 August 2019, whichever is the earlier. It is the Board’s 
intention to seek approval at the 2019 AGM for the renewal of this authority.

Takeover directive information
Following the implementation of the European Directive on Takeover Bids by certain provisions of the Companies Act 2006,  
the Company is required to disclose certain additional information in the Directors’ report. This information is set out below:
 – the Company has one class of share in issue being ordinary shares of 2 pence each. As at 7 March 2019, there were 101,155,901 
such ordinary shares in issue. There are no shares in the Company that grant the holder special rights with regard to the control 
of the Company;

 – at general meetings of the Company, on a show of hands every shareholder present in person or by proxy has one vote only and, 
in the case of a poll, every shareholder present in person or by proxy has one vote for every share in the capital of the Company 
held by him or her;

 – the Company’s articles of association set out the circumstances in which shares may become disenfranchised. No shareholder is 
entitled, unless the Directors otherwise determine, in respect of any share held by him or her to be present or vote at a general 
meeting either personally or by proxy (or to exercise any other right in relation to meetings of the Company) in respect of that 
share in certain circumstances if any call or other sum is payable and remains unpaid, if the shareholder is in default in complying 
with a duly served notice under section 793(1) of the CA 2006 or if any shareholder has failed to reply to a duly served notice 
requiring him or her to provide a written statement stating he or she is the beneficial owner of the shares;

 – a notice convening a general meeting can contain a statement that a shareholder is not entitled to attend and vote at a general 

meeting unless his or her name is entered on the register of members of the Company at a specific time (not more than 48 hours 
before the meeting) and if a shareholder’s name is not so entered he or she is not entitled to attend and vote;

 – under the Company’s articles of association the Directors may, in their absolute discretion, refuse to register the transfer of a 

share in certified form in certain circumstances where the Company has a lien on the share (provided that the Directors do not 
exercise their discretion so as to prevent dealings in partly paid shares from taking place on an open and proper basis), where a 
shareholder has failed to reply to a duly served notice under section 793(1) CA 2006 or if a transfer of a share is in favour of more 
than four persons jointly. In addition, the Directors may decline to recognise any instrument of transfer unless it is in respect of 
only one class of share and is deposited at the address at which the register of members of the Company is held (or at such other 
place as the Directors may determine) accompanied by the relevant share certificate(s) and such other evidence as the Directors 
may reasonable require to show the right of the transferor to make the transfer. In respect of shares held in uncertificated form 
the Directors may only refuse to register transfers in accordance with the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001 (as amended 
from time to time);

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

49

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportGovernance report continued

Takeover directive information continued
 – under the Company’s code on dealings in securities in the Company, persons discharging managerial responsibilities and  

some other senior executives may in certain circumstances be restricted as to when they can transfer shares in the Company;
 – there are no agreements between shareholders known to the Company which may result in restrictions on the transfer of shares 

or on voting rights;

 – details of significant holders of the Company shares are set out on page 46;
 – where, under an employee share plan operated by the Company, participants are the beneficial owners of shares but not  
the registered owner, the voting rights are normally exercised by the registered owner at the direction of the participant;
 – the Company’s articles of association may only be amended by special resolution at a general meeting of the shareholders;
 – the Company’s articles of association set out how Directors are appointed and replaced. Directors can be appointed by the 
Board or by the shareholders in a general meeting. At each AGM, any Director appointed by the Board since the last AGM  
must retire from office but is eligible for election by the shareholders. Furthermore, the Board has resolved that, in line with  
the UK Corporate Governance Code (2016 revision) provision B.7.1, all the Directors will be subject to annual re-election by 
shareholders. Under the CA 2006 and the Company’s articles of association, a Director can be removed from office by the 
shareholders in a general meeting;

 – the Company’s articles of association set out the powers of the Directors. The business of the Company is to be managed by the 
Directors who may exercise all the powers of the Company and do on behalf of the Company all such acts as may be exercised 
and done by the Company and are not by any relevant statutes or the Company’s articles of association required to be exercised 
or done by the Company in general meeting, subject to the provisions of any relevant statutes and the Company’s articles of 
association and to such regulations as may be prescribed by the Company by special resolution;

 – under the CA 2006 and the Company’s articles of association, the Directors’ powers include the power to allot and buyback 

shares in the Company. At each AGM, resolutions are proposed granting and setting limits on these powers;

 – the Company is not party to any significant agreements which take effect, alter or terminate upon a change in control of the 

Company, following a takeover bid; and

 – there are no agreements between the Company and its Directors or employees providing for compensation for loss of office or 

employment (whether through resignation, purported redundancy or otherwise) that occurs because of a takeover bid. Details of 
the Directors’ service agreements and terms of appointment are set out in the Directors’ remuneration report on pages 62 and 
63. However, provisions in the employee share plans operated by the Company may allow options to be exercised on a takeover.

Employees
Applications for employment of disabled persons are always fully considered, bearing in mind the aptitudes of the applicant concerned. 
In the event of members of staff being disabled every effort is made to ensure that their employment within the Company continues 
and that appropriate training is arranged. It is the policy of the Company that the training, career development and promotion of 
disabled people should, as far as possible, be identical to that of other employees.

The Directors recognise the importance of good communications and good relations with employees. A weekly bulletin is sent 
to all shop staff and quarterly bulletin to all bakery employees.

Significant relationships
The Group does not have any contractual or other relationships with any single party which are essential to the business of the 
Group and, therefore, no such relationships have been disclosed.

By order of the Board

Jonathan D Jowett
Company Secretary
Greggs plc (CRN 502851) 

Greggs House
Quorum Business Park
Benton Lane
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE12 8BU

7 March 2019

50

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Audit Committee report

The Committee 
plays an important 
part in the 
governance of  
the Company

Favourite Greggs snack:
“A bacon roll sets me up  
for the day.”

Introduction
I am pleased to introduce the report of the Audit Committee 
for 2018.

The Committee plays an important part in the governance of 
the Company with its principal activities focused on the integrity 
of financial reporting, quality and effectiveness of internal and 
external audit, risk management and the system of internal control.

I have set out below the main matters considered by the 
Committee during the year and the conclusions drawn. We meet 
formally at key times within our reporting calendar and the agendas 
for our meetings are designed to cover all significant areas of risk 
over the course of the year and to provide oversight and challenge 
to the key financial judgements, controls and processes that 
operate within the Company.

The Committee continues to keep its activities under review  
in the light of regulatory developments and the emergence of 
best practice. Key topics for consideration in 2019 will be the 
implementation of IFRS 16 leasing and associated reporting and 
the Company’s ongoing supply chain investment programme 
and the associated exceptional charges. Cyber security matters 
continue to be a priority for the Committee.

Overall I am satisfied that the activities of the Committee enable 
it to gain a good understanding of the key matters impacting the 
Company during the year along with oversight of the governance 
and operation of its key controls and ultimately to draw the 
conclusions set out in the following report.

Allison Kirkby
Chair of the Audit Committee
7 March 2019

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

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AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportAudit Committee report continued

Composition
The Audit Committee is comprised of the following:

Allison Kirkby (Chair)
Helena Ganczakowski
Peter McPhillips
Sandra Turner

It is the practice of the Company for all independent Non-Executive Directors to serve as members of the Audit Committee. 
There have been no changes in the composition of the Committee during 2018, however, Allison Kirby will retire from the Board  
at the Annual General Meeting in May and will not be seeking reappointment.

Training is provided for any new members of the Audit Committee by way of a thorough induction process which includes access 
to the external auditor, the Head of Business Assurance and relevant members of management.

The Directors’ biographies on pages 40 and 41 detail the Committee members’ previous experience and demonstrate that they 
have experience individually in a range of disciplines relevant to Greggs business. The Board considers that Allison Kirkby has 
recent and relevant financial experience.

Role and responsibilities
The Terms of Reference of the Committee can be accessed at: http://corporate.greggs.co.uk/investor-centre/corporate-
governance/Company-documents.

The key responsibilities of the Audit Committee are:
 – ensuring that the accounting and financial policies of the Company are proper and effective;
 – assisting the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities by monitoring the integrity of the accounts and information published 

by the Company and reviewing significant financial judgements contained in them;

 – advising the Board on whether it believes the annual report and accounts, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable 
and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Company’s position and performance, business model 
and strategy;

 – reviewing the internal financial controls and the Group’s approach to risk management;
 – oversight of whistle-blowing arrangements;
 – monitoring compliance with the Listing Rules and the recommendations of the Governance Code;
 – oversight of the Company’s external and internal auditors and reviewing the effectiveness and objectivity of the audit process; and
 – reporting to the Board on how it has discharged its responsibilities.

Meetings during the year
The Audit Committee met four times during the year. Details of Committee members’ attendance is given on page 43.

The Committee normally invites the Company Chairman, the Executive Directors, the Head of Business Assurance and the external 
auditor to attend its meetings. Time is set aside bi-annually for discussion with the external auditor and with the Head of Business 
Assurance, in each case in the absence of all Executive Directors. The Committee also has access to the Company’s management 
team and to its auditor and can seek further professional advice, at the Company’s cost, if required. The Chair has regular contact 
with the Finance Director, and internal and external auditors, in addition to scheduled Committee meetings to ensure that emerging 
issues are addressed. She also has access to, and in 2018 made contact several times with, an audit partner independent of the 
partner responsible for the audit.

52

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Financial reporting
In 2018 the Audit Committee reviewed the 2017 annual report, interim results, preliminary results announcement and reports from 
the external auditor on the outcome of their reviews and audits.

During the year, and up to the date of this report, the Committee considered key accounting issues and judgements and related 
disclosures in the Group’s accounts. The significant areas of judgement considered by the Committee in relation to the accounts 
for the 52 weeks ended 29 December 2018 are as follows:

Area of focus

Action taken

Understanding and treatment of exceptional items
The accounts include exceptional items in the current year.

Total exceptional costs of £7,213,000 were incurred in 2018 
(2017: £9,862,000).

£5,947,000 (2017: £10,060,000) of this relates to the restructuring 
of supply chain operations and in 2018 comprises mainly the 
one-off costs associated with the transfer of activity between 
sites as we consolidate our manufacturing operations into 
centres of excellence. Costs in the prior year related largely 
to redundancy – a full breakdown for both years is given in 
Note 4 to the accounts.

A charge of £1,682,000 in relation to the gender equalisation 
of guaranteed minimum pensions (GMP) payable from our 
defined benefit pension scheme was recognised as exceptional. 
The judgements applied in recognising this amount are noted 
below. The one-off nature of this charge led to its disclosure 
as exceptional.

The Committee considered the accounting requirements  
of IAS1 relating to the separate disclosure of material items  
of income or expense together with the FRC’s guidance on  
the subject, with reference to:
i)  the costs arising from the decision, announced in March 

2016, to invest in and reshape the Company’s supply chain 
in order to support future growth; and

ii)  the equalisation of GMP payable from our defined benefit 

pension scheme.

The Committee ensured that consistent principles were 
established (and agreed with the external auditor) early in the 
process and that reporting is suitably clear. The Committee gave 
careful consideration to the judgements made in the separate 
disclosure of non-underlying items, both in respect of events 
occurring in 2018 and also changes in circumstance in respect 
of provisions relating to events from prior years, ensuring that 
the annual report as a whole presents a balanced view, including 
the presentation of GAAP and non-GAAP measures.

In addition £416,000 (2017: £198,000) was credited to exceptional 
items being the release of prior years’ provisions relating to the 
settlement of various property transactions.

It concluded that separate disclosure should be made of 
charges incurred in 2018 related to the supply chain investment 
programme and GMP equalisation.

Pension scheme liabilities are assessed on behalf of the 
Company by independent actuaries. The Committee assessed 
the underlying assumptions and concluded that they were 
appropriate and also discussed the appropriateness of the 
assumptions with the external auditor.

Accounting for defined benefit pension schemes
The determination of the defined benefit obligation depends 
on the selection of certain assumptions including the discount 
rate, inflation rates and mortality rates.

The UK High Court ruled on 26 October 2018 in respect of 
the gender equalisation of GMPs for occupational pension 
schemes. The judgement requires equalisation between men 
and women for the effect of unequal GMPs accrued between 
1990 and 1997 and describes the applicable ways in which the 
benefit entitlements should be equalised.

Detailed individual calculations have yet to be performed by  
the scheme actuary – an estimate of the additional liability has 
been incorporated in the accounting valuation of the defined 
benefit obligation at 29 December 2018 as a plan amendment. 
The resulting charge to the income statement has been treated 
as an exceptional item as noted above. Any difference between 
this estimate and the actual liability will be recognised in other 
comprehensive income in the year in which it is determined.

The net liability held in relation to defined benefit pension 
schemes at the end of 2018 was £8,416,000 (2017: £7,506,000) 
and the exceptional charge to the income statement was 
£1,682,000 (2017: £nil).

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

53

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportAudit Committee report continued

Area of focus

Action taken

Fair, balanced and understandable
The Committee is responsible for advising the Board  
on whether it believes the annual report and accounts,  
taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable.

Going concern
The accounts continue to be prepared on a going concern basis. 

Viability
The Board is required to consider the period over which 
they are able to conclude that the Company will remain  
viable, having taken into account severe but plausible  
risks and risk combinations.

The Committee received a report from the Head of Business 
Assurance who is not involved in the preparation of the annual 
report and accounts and who conducted an independent review 
of it. The following factors were considered during the course  
of this review:
 – ensuring that all the statements are consistent with  

one another;

 – verifying that figures in the narrative sections are  

consistent with the relevant financial detail;

 – identifying any duplication of information;
 – ensuring that the disclosure of non-underlying items  

is balanced;

 – confirming that ‘bad news’ is included, as well as  

‘good news’; and

 – highlighting any inappropriate use of technical  

language or jargon.

The Audit Committee considered the feedback from this report 
alongside its own review of the annual report and accounts 
when making its recommendation to the Board regarding fair, 
balanced and understandable.

Information provided by the Finance Director regarding future 
financial plans, risks and liquidity is presented to the Committee 
to enable it to determine whether the going concern basis of 
accounting remained appropriate.

The Committee reviewed and challenged the assumptions used 
and concluded that the Board is able to make the going concern 
statement on page 47 of the Directors’ report.

The Committee reviewed the process undertaken by 
management to support and allow the Directors to assess the 
Group’s long-term prospects and make its viability statement. 
The Committee considered and provided input into the 
determination of which of the Group’s principal risks and 
combinations thereof might have an impact on the Group’s 
liquidity and solvency. In particular, the possible impact of  
a ‘no deal’ Brexit scenario was applied in combination with  
other principal risks.

The Committee reviewed the results of management’s  
scenario modelling and the stress testing of these models.  
The Committee reviewed and challenged the assumptions  
used and concluded that the Board is able to make the viability 
statement on page 37 of the strategic report.

The Committee also considered other key accounting issues and related disclosures in the Group’s accounts as follows:
 – whether any changes in accounting policy were required following changes in the business or in legislation;
 – whether the Company’s tax policy remains appropriate;
 – the impact of changes in accounting standards and their relevance, if any, to the Company. In particular it reviewed the 

Company’s preparations for the implementation of IFRS 16 Leases which becomes effective at the start of 2019. IFRS 16 will  
have a material impact on the Company’s accounts and requires the exercise of several key judgements. The Committee 
reviewed and challenged the judgements that the Company proposes to adopt to ensure that they are appropriate; and
 – reports from the Company Secretary and Finance Director which assess the Company’s compliance with the Listing Rules.

One areas which was previously considered to be significant – accounting for dilapidations – is no longer included above as the 
amounts provided have been utilised to such an extent that they are no longer material. As a result the Committee does not 
consider the judgements required to be significant to the accounts.

54

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

External audit
Assessing external audit effectiveness
The Audit Committee discussed and agreed the scope of the audit with the external auditor and agreed their fees in respect of the audit.

The Committee reviewed the effectiveness of the external audit in line with the Financial Reporting Council’s ‘Practice aid for  
Audit Committees’ (May 2015). It considered the results of external quality inspections by the Audit Quality Inspection Team  
on other KPMG clients. It sought feedback from senior management, by way of a detailed questionnaire, in respect of the 
effectiveness of the audit process with particular reference to audit planning and design and audit execution.

The Committee also considered the effectiveness of the audit through the reporting from and communications with the auditor 
and an assessment of the auditor’s approach to key areas of judgement and any errors identified during the course of the audit.

The Committee concluded that the audit was effective and that the relationship and effectiveness of the external auditor be kept 
under review.

Appointing the auditor and safeguards on non-audit services
KPMG has been the Company’s auditor for more than 20 years and the transitional rules in the EU Directive require an initial change  
of audit firms no later than 2020. Having reappointed KPMG in 2014 following a competitive tender, the Committee expects to change 
audit firms in accordance with the requirements of the EU directive. The Committee will continue to consider annually whether to 
conduct an audit tender for audit quality or independence reasons.

During the year Mick Thompson retired by rotation as audit partner and has been replaced by Nick Plumb.

The Audit Committee confirms that the Company complies with the Statutory Audit Services for Large Companies Market Investigation 
(Mandatory use of Competitive Tender Process and Audit Committee Responsibilities) Order 2014.

It is the responsibility of the Committee to monitor the independence and objectivity of the external auditor (including the impact 
of any non-audit work undertaken by it) and its suitability for re-appointment.

The Company has a formal policy to ensure that the provision of non-audit services by the external auditor for non-audit work does 
not compromise the auditor’s independence or objectivity. It monitors the level and type of non-audit fees on an annual basis and 
ensures that the overall level of non-audit fees remains in line with current ethical guidance governing the accounting profession.

The Audit Committee favours a presumption that non-audit work will be awarded to a firm other than the audit firm unless there 
is a good reason to use the auditor. An annual base plan for non-audit fees paid to the external auditor is agreed in advance by the 
Audit Committee. Expenditure in accordance with this plan can then be committed without further referral to the Audit Committee. 
Expenditure that is not included in the agreed plan is subject to strict authority limits and is reviewed by the Committee.

All use of the external auditor for non-audit work must be reported to and approved by the Committee. In circumstances where 
non-audit fees are significant relative to the audit fee an explanation would be provided in the subsequent Audit Committee 
Report. In addition, the Audit Committee ensures that the external auditor has its own policies and is subject to professional 
standards designed to safeguard their independence as auditor.

The Audit Committee has reviewed whether, and is satisfied that, the Company’s auditor, KPMG LLP, continues to be objective 
and independent of the Company. KPMG LLP did perform non-audit services during 2018 for the Group but the Audit Committee 
is satisfied that its objectivity was not impaired by such work.

In 2018, the charge to the income statement in respect of non-audit fees paid to KPMG LLP and related KPMG operations amounted 
to £5,000 (which is 17 per cent of the audit fee for the year) and related to audit of turnover statements required by shop landlords 
and pension scheme audits.

Reappointment of auditor
In accordance with Section 489 of the Companies Act 2006, a resolution for the reappointment of KPMG LLP will be proposed  
at the forthcoming AGM.

Risk management and internal control
Internal control
The Committee reviewed the Company’s internal control environment to satisfy itself that procedures are in place to ensure  
that assets are well protected, authority levels for expenditure are clear, segregation of duties exists and performance is regularly 
monitored. Processes are in place to ensure that key controls are being operated and compliance with these processes is the 
subject of inspection by the Internal Audit team and subsequent review by the Audit Committee.

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

55

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportRisk management and internal control continued
Whistle-blowing
The Company’s whistle-blowing policy is made available to all employees through the intranet, as well as via posters displayed across 
the business. This gives information regarding how to raise a concern in strict confidence. Two reports were made during the year, 
relating to staff welfare and shop facilities. Both events were reported directly to the Chair of the Audit Committee by email. One 
instance was resolved by working with the local management team and the other was found to be unsubstantiated. The outcome 
of both matters was reported to the Board during the year.

The Company’s whistle-blowing policy was last subject to a detailed review in 2016 and updated to align with best practice. The Audit 
Committee is confident that it remains appropriate and fit for purpose; however, the policy will be refreshed and updated during 2019 
as part of a wider review of corporate policies.

Risk management process
The Audit Committee undertakes a review of the risk management process in the Group at least annually, as set out in its terms  
of reference. The process is detailed on page 35, and has been reviewed by the Committee to confirm its appropriateness in light 
of the risks identified. The Committee Chair also attended a meeting of the Risk Committee during the year. The key areas that  
the Committee has specifically considered are as follows:

Area of focus

New and emerging risks

Financial reporting and control

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

Cyber risk and information security

Business transformation

Review of principal risks and uncertainties

Action taken

The Audit Committee reviews areas of new and emerging risk as identified  
by the business via the Risk Committee as a standing item on its agenda.  
It raises any other areas which it believes should be documented within the 
Company’s risk register.

Judgemental areas in the accounts are considered by the Committee,  
to provide challenge to the process. The Company’s approach to lease 
accounting requirements under IFRS 16 has been discussed. Amendments  
to the accounts receivable policy and delegated authorities have also been 
reviewed and approved.

Regular updates on preparation for the implementation of GDPR were received 
by the Committee during the first half of the year. Since the regulation came  
into force in May, members have received commentary on compliance and 
associated activity.

The adequacy of the Company’s approach to cyber risk and information security 
is considered at every Audit Committee meeting, by receiving a regular update 
on activity.

The Committee continues to receive reports on the Company’s transformation 
programme, including progress with supply chain investment and SAP implementation.

The proposed disclosure of principal risks and uncertainties was prepared by  
the Risk Committee, based on its discussions during the year and informed  
by its annual review of the strategic risks faced by the business. The statement 
was then considered and approved by the Audit Committee.

Internal audit
The work of the internal audit function is set out in more detail within the principal risks and uncertainties statement on pages 35 
to 39 of this annual report. The team is led by the Head of Business Assurance, supported by the Risk Manager, the Information 
Security & Compliance Manager and 14 auditors. The majority of the audit team work across the retail estate to provide assurance 
over the Company’s retail operations.

The Audit Committee approves the annual plan for the team and monitors progress against that plan. The effectiveness of the internal 
audit team and its level of resource are reviewed by the Committee at least annually. This review includes assessing the delivery 
of the audit plan, considering the function’s output across the year and evaluating customer feedback received by the team.

Committee effectiveness
Each year the Committee reviews critically its own performance, assisted by consideration of a series of questions, and considers 
where improvements can be made.

Allison Kirkby
Chair of the Audit Committee
7 March 2019

56

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Directors’ remuneration report

We have a 
transparent and 
open approach 
towards 
remuneration  
at Greggs

Favourite Greggs snack:
“Greggs doughnuts are  
the perfect sweet treat.”

Dear Shareholder
I am pleased to present our remuneration report for 2018.

In line with best practice we are aiming to continue with our 
transparent and open approach towards remuneration at 
Greggs. We will continue to ensure that our report is clear, 
simple and easy to read providing explanations and rationale 
to our decision-making throughout the different sections of 
the report.

The report is made up of three key sections:
 – My annual Chair’s letter.
 – Our remuneration policy report, which sets out a summary 
of the Directors’ remuneration policy for all Directors of Greggs. 
This policy was formally agreed at our AGM held on 19 May 
2017 and approved with a majority vote of 93.91 per cent.
 – Our annual remuneration report, split into two sections  

that set out:
 – how our remuneration policy will be implemented in 2019; and
 – how our remuneration policy was implemented in 2018. 
This is an audited section of the report outlining the 
remuneration of the Company’s Executive and Non-
Executive Directors during the 52 weeks ended 
29 December 2018.

The annual remuneration report will be subject to an advisory 
shareholder vote at the 2019 AGM.

We are in year two of a three-year policy, and in developing 
how we apply this policy the Remuneration Committee is 
very aware that executive remuneration continues to be a 
key focus for shareholders, as well as being a topic that is 
regularly discussed in the public domain. Throughout 2018, 
the Committee has continued to assess the effectiveness of 
overall levels of remuneration and the alignment with business 
strategy and has reviewed the new UK Corporate Governance 
Code, emerging market practice and the best-practice 
expectations of investors and others. The Committee has  
taken into account a number of reference points, both internal 
and external. Independent advice was also sought, where 
appropriate, from the Committee’s advisers.

Remuneration policy
The existing remuneration policy consists of the following elements:
 – fixed pay – base salary, pension and benefits; and
 – variable pay – annual bonus (paid in both cash and deferred 
shares) and performance share plan (PSP) measuring long- 
term performance and delivered in shares.

The Committee believes that the current structure works well. 
It is simple and consistent, with pay outcomes dependent upon 
performance linked to our business strategy as well as taking 
into account our wider workforce and culture. It ensures a 
significant proportion of pay is delivered in shares to provide 
alignment with investors and incorporates a number of best-
practice features, including a two-year post-vesting holding 
period for PSP awards.

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

57

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportDirectors’ remuneration report continued

Remuneration policy continued
Since announcing our five-year strategic plan in 2013, transforming the business from a traditional bakery into a modern food- 
on-the-go-retailer, we have delivered excellent operational and financial performance. In the five years since 2013 our company-
managed shop like-for-like sales have grown by 20 per cent and pre-tax profit (excluding exceptional items) has increased by  
118 per cent, reflecting sales growth combined with significant savings arising from structural changes and investment in better 
processes and systems. This is reflected in strong pre-exceptional EPS growth (averaging 19 per cent per annum since 2013).

There is a strong alignment of interest between Executive Directors and shareholders, with incentive plans focused on long-term, 
sustainable value creation for our shareholders. We are comfortable that the policy remains appropriate to ensure the team running 
the business is incentivised going forwards, whilst at the same time remaining flexible enough to be applicable over the final year 
of the policy period. Accordingly there are no formal changes to our policy proposed for 2019. However, as recommended by the new 
UK Corporate Governance Code, we have reviewed the clawback and malus provisions within our incentive schemes and have decided 
to broaden the circumstances in which these provisions would apply, with effect from the awards to be made in 2019. We have also 
ensured that full discretion is able to be applied to incentive plan outcomes to ensure payments reflect broader performance factors.

During 2019 we will start the process of reviewing the remuneration policy ahead of presenting a new policy for shareholder 
approval at our AGM in 2020.

Performance in 2018 and incentive payments
As disclosed last year, the annual bonus scheme for 2018 was set up with performance targets based on profit (50 per cent), sales 
(20 per cent) and strategic objectives (30 per cent). As also disclosed, the strategic element incorporated measures linked to cost 
savings (ten per cent), specific project delivery within the change management programme regarding processes and systems  
(ten per cent) and specific project delivery within the supply chain restructuring programme (ten per cent).

The metrics linked to the change management programme involved the delivery of new systems and processes in two of our supply 
chain operations. However, early in the year the Board took the strategic decision not to proceed with these upgrades in 2018 due 
to timing issues and the desire to avoid unnecessary disruption to our activities during a critical trading period. The Remuneration 
Committee subsequently used its discretion to remove the related element from the bonus scheme, and the ten per cent of the 
bonus which had been attributed to the change management programme was redistributed between the other strategic metrics, 
such that cost savings accounted for 15 per cent of the overall bonus and supply chain restructuring programme for 15 per cent.

The Committee believes that the use of its discretion in this fashion was appropriate as it was not considered fair to assess management 
against a measure which was effectively redundant following the Board’s decision not to proceed with the system and process upgrade 
at the beginning of the year. Redistributing the bonus between the other metrics was viewed as more appropriate than setting new 
targets part way through the year. The Committee is satisfied that taking this approach did not result in a bonus outcome that was 
inconsistent with the performance of the Company in 2018. The bonus targets used for 2018 are described in the annual remuneration 
report on pages 68 and 69.

Performance against the stretching targets set for the bonus was impacted in 2018 by some significant weather conditions. 
Although economic conditions improved somewhat in 2018 as inflationary pressures eased slightly and consumers saw growth 
in disposable incomes, the weather had a significant impact on trading. After a good start to the year the severe wintry conditions 
in early March hit sales badly and a more subdued trading period followed. In June and July the unusually prolonged heatwave 
affected sales, but as soon as temperatures reverted to the seasonal norm we saw a pick-up in sales growth, and this strengthened 
further through the fourth quarter.

As a consequence of performance over the year, both the profit and sales elements of the bonus were significantly impacted and 
the targets were not met in full. The profit element resulted in 38.85 per cent of a maximum of 50 per cent being achieved, with  
5.2 per cent of a maximum of 20 per cent sales performance being achieved.

Cost pressures remain, particularly in labour cost growth, and despite a tight control on costs the cost savings element of the bonus 
resulted in 5.4 per cent of the maximum of 15 per cent being achieved.

There was a stronger performance in the strategic objectives that were set and we made good progress with our supply chain 
change programme. This resulted in 9.75 per cent bonus payment against a maximum of 15 per cent for this strategic element. 

Overall, annual bonuses were paid at a level of 59.2 per cent of the maximum for both the Chief Executive and the Finance Director. 
This equates to payments of 74 per cent (out of a maximum possible of 125 per cent) and 53.3 per cent (out of a maximum possible 
of 90 per cent) of salary to the Chief Executive and Finance Director, respectively. Any element of the bonus earned above 50 per 
cent of the maximum will be paid in shares and will be subject to a two-year holding period.

Under the PSP, awards made in March 2016 are due to vest in March 2019. These awards are based on EPS growth in excess of  
RPI growth over the three years to 29 December 2018 and average annual ROCE over the three-year performance period 2016 to 
2018. EPS has grown in excess of RPI by 4.83 per cent and our average annual ROCE was 27.47 per cent. This meant that the EPS 
performance condition was achieved at a rate of 30.19 per cent and the ROCE performance condition vested in full. The calculation 
of total remuneration payable is therefore based on a 80.19 per cent vesting rate for the award.

58

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

The Committee is very comfortable that the level of performance achieved justifies vesting at the above level and there has been 
no need to apply discretion to adjust the outcome.

Approach for 2019
The salary increase for both the Chief Executive and Finance Director was in line with that of the base increase for the workforce 
generally at 3.0 per cent. The increases to salaries took effect from 1 January 2019. The fees payable to Non-Executive Directors 
increased by the same percentage with effect from the same date.

As part of the Committee’s ongoing review of best practice and a review of the market, the target-setting process for the annual 
bonus has been reviewed. The Committee believes that the nature of the current measures (profit, sales and strategic objectives) 
remains appropriate and no changes are proposed to the measures or the mix. Financial targets for these measures for the 2019 
annual bonus have been set in line with the financial plan for the business for the year and the rolling strategic plan, and continue 
to be stretching. We will also continue to require any bonus earned over 50 per cent of the maximum to be payable in shares and 
be subject to a two-year holding period. The percentage pay out for on-target performance for the profit and sales element of the 
bonus remains at 50 per cent with threshold performance remaining at a ten per cent pay out. Due to the commercial sensitivity  
of the 2019 bonus targets they are not disclosed within this report, but will be disclosed retrospectively in next year’s report.

For the PSP, the Committee has considered the performance conditions and has determined that EPS and ROCE should continue 
to apply with an equal weighting given to each. The Committee has ensured that targets have been set for the year ahead which 
reflect the strategic plan and business outlook over the performance period. Consequently, the ROCE range has been reduced 
in light of the performance outlook in the coming period. The new ROCE range will be 24 per cent to 28 per cent, a slight reduction 
on the 25 per cent to 29 per cent range which applied to the awards granted in 2018. The Committee believes that this revised 
range remains appropriately stretching in light of the Company’s business strategy, without encouraging undue risk-taking.

During 2019, the Committee will be considering the impact of the introduction of IFRS 16 on the EPS and ROCE targets set for PSP 
awards and on the profit targets set in the bonus scheme. Further details on these adjustments will be provided in next year’s report.

Concluding remarks
I hope that you will find this report transparent, clear and informative. The Committee has continued to ensure that executive 
remuneration is closely aligned to the delivery of Greggs business strategy as well as remaining relevant to market and best practice.

I look forward to receiving your continued support at this year’s AGM.

Yours faithfully

Sandra Turner
Chair of the Remuneration Committee
7 March 2019

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

59

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportDirectors’ remuneration report continued

Remuneration policy report
This section of our report sets out the summary of the remuneration policy for all Executive and Non-Executive Directors at Greggs. It explains 
the purpose and strategy of each element of the package and demonstrates how the policy will incentivise Executive Directors to achieve 
sustainable long-term growth and value that will best serve the interests of the Company, its shareholders, its employees and customers.

Our Directors’ remuneration policy was approved by shareholders at our AGM on 19 May 2017 and became effective for three years 
from that date.

The policy for the remuneration of the Executive and Non-Executive Directors is set out in the tables below:

Executive Directors

Element

Purpose and strategy

Operation

Base salary

To attract and retain high-calibre 
individuals in order to promote 
the long-term success 
of the business.

Reviewed and set annually in January.

Benchmarked periodically by the Committee against the remuneration 
levels for executives in similar roles in companies of a comparable 
size. Individual performance and contribution is recognised in 
setting salary levels.

Salaries are paid monthly in cash.

Benefits

To support a competitive 
remuneration package 
in the marketplace.

Benefits include provision of a company car (or cash in lieu), private 
medical health care, life assurance and permanent health insurance.

Pension

To support a competitive 
remuneration package 
in the marketplace.

Annual bonus 
(including 
profit share)

To incentivise achievement of 
annual targets and objectives 
consistent with the short to 
medium-term strategic needs of 
the business, so as to encourage 
sustainable growth in the 
Company’s operating profits.

Performance 
Share Plan (PSP)

To incentivise long-term  
value creation, retention of our 
talent and ensure alignment  
of Executive Directors’ and 
shareholders’ interests.

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Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Executive Directors can elect to either:
•  participate in the Company defined contribution pension scheme  
(up to a cap). Above the cap Executive Directors receive a salary 
supplement; or

•  take cash in lieu of this contribution paid as a supplement to their 

salary on a monthly basis.

The Executive Directors are able to make this choice on an annual basis. 
The remuneration adjustment is disclosed later in this report.

The bonus will be based on a mix of business KPIs, with operating profit 
being the largest component of the mix of metrics and this will not be less 
than 50% of the overall mix.

Targets for each metric are set in advance and in line with business 
planning objectives set by the Committee.

Each Executive Director is entitled to participate in the Company’s profit 
sharing scheme available to all employees. The value of this is then deducted 
from their annual bonus and is subject to the individual cap.

The Committee will use appropriate underpins for any non-profit-based 
element of the annual bonus such that payment under these elements may 
be scaled back (potentially to zero), at the discretion of the Committee,  
in the event that the operating profit performance for the year is judged  
to be running significantly below that required for the achievement of the 
long-term strategy.

Any bonus paid in excess of 50% of the maximum will be payable in shares, 
which (after any sales to pay tax and other statutory deductions) must be 
held in the Employee Benefit Trust for two years after receipt.

The dividends payable on deferred bonus shares are paid to the individual 
as they fall due.

Recovery and withholding provisions allow the Company to recoup annual 
bonus payments within three years in the event of misstatement of 
performance, error or misconduct, where this has led to an overpayment in 
the view of the Committee. There is a flexible mechanism which allows the 
Company to withhold outstanding deferred or future remuneration or 
recover the overpayment directly from the individual concerned.

Awards are granted under the PSP annually at the discretion of 
the Committee.

Performance conditions will be based on an equal split of two different 
financial measures, EPS and ROCE (for discrete parts of an award). Targets 
will be set for each metric which reflect the strategic plan and business 
outlook over the respective performance period. The mix may alter for 
future awards and/or different metrics, such as TSR, may be used. 
Performance will be measured over a three-year period with an additional 
mandatory holding period of two years for the vested shares (net of tax and 
other deductions).

Recovery and withholding provisions allow the Company to recoup vested 
Performance Share awards within three years in the event of misstatement 
of performance, error or misconduct, where this has led to an overpayment 
in the view of the Committee. There is a flexible mechanism which allows 
the Company to withhold outstanding deferred or future remuneration,  
or recover the overpayment directly from the individual concerned.

Maximum opportunity

Key reference points for 
salary increases are market 
and economic conditions 
and, in line with our values, 
the approach to employee 
pay throughout the 
organisation.

No maximum limit is 
prescribed particularly as 
the cost of providing insured 
benefits fluctuates over 
time. However, the 
Committee monitors on an 
annual basis the overall cost 
of the benefit provision.

Up to 22.5% of base salary 
contribution for the Chief 
Executive and up to 15%  
of base salary for other 
Executive Directors.

Capped at 125% of  
base salary for the Chief 
Executive and 90% of  
base salary for other 
Executive Directors.

On target performance 
delivers no more than 60% 
of the maximum.

No more than 25% of  
the bonus opportunity  
is payable under each 
element for threshold 
performance.

115% of base salary for 
Chief Executive and 95%  
of base salary for other 
Executive Directors.  
150% of base salary in 
exceptional circumstances.

Threshold vesting at 25% 
of the maximum.

Element

Purpose and strategy

Operation

Savings-Related 
Share Option 
Schemes
(SAYE and SIP)

To encourage employees at 
all levels within the Company 
to understand better and so 
participate in the growth in  
value of the Company.

No performance conditions have been attached to options granted 
pursuant to the Company’s SAYE and SIP schemes, which are available 
for all employees.

The rules of these schemes require that all options granted must be  
on the same terms.

Maximum opportunity

Executive Directors may 
enter into a contract to save 
up to an agreed saving limit 
in line with all colleagues in 
the business and HMRC 
guidelines.

Share retention 
guidelines

To further align the interests 
of Executive Directors to those  
of shareholders.

Executive Directors are required to build up a shareholding of 200%  
of base salary within five years of appointment.

n/a

This can be achieved through vested awards granted via the PSP and 
deferred bonus shares.

Non-Executive Directors

Element

Purpose and strategy

Operation

Non-Executive 
Chairman and 
Directors’ fees

To attract and retain high-quality 
and experienced Non-Executive 
Chairman and Directors.

The Chairman is paid an all-encompassing fee.

Non-Executive Directors are paid a basic fee and the Chairs of the  
Main Board Committees and the Senior Independent Director (SID)  
are paid an additional fee to reflect their additional responsibilities. 
Where the SID role is combined with that of chairing a Committee  
then only one fee is paid.

These fees are reviewed and set annually in December and implemented 
from 1 January.

Non-Executive Directors are not eligible for pension scheme membership, 
bonus or incentive arrangements. They are entitled to reimbursement  
of reasonable business expenses and tax thereon. They may also receive 
limited travel or accommodation-related benefits in connection with their 
role as a Director.

Maximum opportunity

There is no prescribed 
maximum.

Difference in remuneration policy across the Group
The remuneration policy for the Executive Directors is designed having regard to the policy for employees across the Group as a whole.

There are differences in salary levels and in the levels of potential reward depending upon seniority and responsibility, although  
a key reference point for executive salary increases is the average increase across the general workforce. A higher proportion of the 
Executive Directors’ remuneration package is delivered through performance-related pay and in share-based form, which provides 
a good link to long-term Company performance.

All colleagues with one year’s service or more may participate in the SAYE scheme and in the SIP that are run annually.  
Under the SAYE scheme, at the end of a three-year saving period, colleagues can buy Greggs shares at a discounted rate.

With the SIP, all colleagues may purchase Company shares from pre-tax salary subject to HMRC limits. After six months’  
service all colleagues are eligible to participate in the profit-sharing scheme in which they share ten per cent of our profits.

Policy discretion
The Committee will operate incentive plans in accordance with their respective rules, the Listing Rules and the HMRC limits  
where relevant. The Committee, consistent with market practice, retains discretion over a number of areas relating to the operation 
and administration of certain plan rules. These include (but are not limited to) the following:
 – who participates;
 – the timing of the grant of award and/or payment;
 – the size of an award (up to plan/policy limits) and/or a payment;
 – discretion relating to the measurement of performance in the event of a change of control or reconstruction;
 – determination of a good leaver (in addition to any specified categories) for incentive plan purposes and the treatment of leavers;
 – adjustments required in certain circumstances (e.g. rights issues, corporate restructuring and special dividends); and
 – the ability to adjust existing performance conditions for exceptional events so that they can still fulfil their original purpose.

Legacy arrangements
For the avoidance of doubt, in approving this policy report, authority is given to the Company to honour any commitments entered 
into with current or former Directors (such as the payment of a pension or the unwinding of legacy share schemes) that have been 
disclosed to shareholders in previous remuneration reports. Details of any of these payments to former Directors will be set out in 
the annual report on remuneration as they arise.

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

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AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportDirectors’ remuneration report continued

Remuneration policy report continued
Policy on recruitment remuneration
The Committee will aim to set a new Executive Director’s remuneration package in line with the Company’s approved policy at  
the time of appointment. The Committee will take into account, in arriving at a total package and in considering the quantum for 
each element of the package, the skills and experience of the candidate, the market rate for a candidate of that experience as well 
as the importance of securing the best available candidate.

Annual bonus and PSP awards will not exceed the policy maxima (not including any arrangements to replace forfeited deferred pay). 
Participation in the annual bonus plan and PSP will normally be pro-rated for the year of joining. The Committee may make one-off 
additional cash and/or share-based awards as it deems appropriate, and if the circumstances so demand to take account of deferred 
pay forfeited by an Executive Director on leaving a previous employer. Awards to replace deferred pay forfeited would, where 
possible, reflect the nature of awards forfeited in terms of delivery mechanism (cash or shares), time horizons, attributed expected 
value and performance conditions. Other payments may be made in relation to relocation expenses and other incidental expenses as 
appropriate. Any buyout awards would be made under existing arrangements where possible or as permitted under the Listing Rules.

In the case of an internal appointment, any variable pay element awarded in respect of the prior role would be allowed to pay out 
according to its terms and any other ongoing remuneration obligations existing prior to appointment would continue.

For the appointment of a new Chairman or Non-Executive Director, the fee arrangement would be set in accordance with the 
approved remuneration policy at that time.

Service contracts and policy on cessation
Executive Directors’ service contracts contain the following remuneration-related aspects:

Provision

Detailed terms

Remuneration

 – Salary, pension and benefits;
 – company car or cash allowance;
 – private medical health care for the Director;
 – permanent health insurance;
 – participation in annual bonus and profit share (subject to scheme rules);
 – participation in long-term incentive schemes or similar arrangements (subject to scheme rules); and
 – life assurance.

Notice period

 – Chief Executive’s contract is terminable on 12 months’ notice served by either the Company or the Director;
 – Finance Director’s service contract is terminable on 12 months’ notice served by the Company or by six 

months’ notice served by the Director; and

 – any future Executive Directors’ service contracts will be terminable on 12 months’ notice served by either party.

Termination payment

 – Payment in lieu of notice equal to any unexpired notice of termination given by either party; and
 – payment in lieu shall not include:

 – any bonus payment;
 – any payment in respect of benefits which the Director would have been entitled to receive; and
 – any payment in respect of any holiday entitlement that would have accrued during the period for 

which the payment in lieu is made.

Details of the circumstances in which the Committee has the ability to exercise discretion with regards  
to termination payments are set out on the next page.

The Company’s policy is that current Executive Directors’ service contracts do not have a specific duration but may be terminated  
with twelve months’ notice from the Company and six months’ notice from the Executive Director (12 months in the case of the Chief 
Executive). Any future Executive Directors’ service contracts will be terminable on 12 months’ notice served by either party. Under their 
service contracts the Executive Directors are entitled to salary, pension contributions and benefits for their notice period save where a 
payment in lieu is to be made. The Company would seek to ensure that any payment is mitigated by use of phased payments and offset 
against earnings elsewhere in the event that an Executive Director finds alternative employment during his notice period. There are no 
contractual provisions in force other than those set out above that impact any termination payment.

62

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Areas where the Committee can exercise discretion with regards to termination payments:
 – annual bonus may be payable pro-rated for that part of the year worked;
 – deferred bonus shares must normally be retained in trust until the end of their two-year holding period and will be subject to recovery 
and withholding in the event of misstatement of performance, error or misconduct, where this has led to an overpayment in the view  
of the Committee for a period of three years from the payment date;

 – any unvested awards held under the PSP will lapse at cessation, unless the individual is leaving in good leaver circumstances (defined 
under the plan as death, injury, ill-health, disability, redundancy, retirement, his office or employment being with either a Company 
which ceases to be a Group member or relating to a business or part of a business which is transferred to a person who is not a Group 
member, a change of control or any other reason the Committee so decides). In these circumstances, unvested awards will normally 
vest at the normal vesting date (other than on death or where the Committee decides they should vest at cessation) subject to 
performance conditions being met and scaling back in respect of actual service as a proportion of the total vesting period (unless  
the Committee decides that scaling back is inappropriate). Vested awards will normally be subject to the mandatory two-year holding 
period although the Committee will have discretion to waive this in exceptional circumstances; and

 – the Committee may agree to payment of disbursements such as legal costs and outplacement services if appropriate and depending 

on the circumstances of cessation.

The table below sets out the details of the Executive Directors’ service contracts:

Director

Roger Whiteside
Richard Hutton

Date of contract

4 February 2013
7 April 2006

Raymond Reynolds stepped down from the Main Board on 19 May 2017.

The service contracts are available for inspection during normal business hours at the Company’s registered office, and are 
available for inspection at the AGM.

Expected value of the proposed annual remuneration package for Executive Directors
The following charts indicate the level of remuneration payable to Executive Directors in 2019 based on policy at ‘minimum’ 
remuneration, remuneration in line with ‘on target’ Company performance, and the maximum remuneration available.

Chief Executive – Roger Whiteside

£2,500,000

£2,000,000

£1,500,000

£1,000,000

£500,000

£2,387,993
40%

£2,062,777

32%

£1,454,764

22%

29%

48%

£705,352
100%

34%

30%

34%

30%

0

Minimum

On target

Stretch

50% share price
appreciation

PSP

Bonus

Fixed remuneration

Fixed remuneration:
 – salary
 – pension
 – benefits

Bonus

Performance Share Plan

Total

Minimum

On target

Stretch

50% share price 
appreciation

£565,594
£127,259
£12,500

£565,594
£127,259
£12,500

£565,594
£127,259
£12,500

£565,594
£127,259
£12,500

–

–

£424,195

£706,992

£706,992

£325,216

£650,433

£975,649

£705,352

£1,454,764

£2,062,777

£2,387,993

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

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AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportDirectors’ remuneration report continued

Remuneration policy report continued
Expected value of the proposed annual remuneration package for Executive Directors continued
Finance Director – Richard Hutton

£1,200,000

£1,000,000

£800,000

£600,000

£400,000

£200,000

0

£1,126,809

41%

£973,337

31%

£703,549

22%

25%

53%

£375,603

100%

30%

26%

39%

33%

Minimum

On target

Stretch

50% share price
appreciation

PSP

Bonus

Fixed remuneration

Fixed remuneration:
 – salary
 – pension
 – benefits

Bonus

Performance Share Plan

Total

Minimum

On target

Stretch

50% share price 
appreciation

£323,100
£42,003
£10,500

£323,100
£42,003
£10,500

£323,100
£42,003
£10,500

£323,100
£42,003
£10,500

–

–

£174,474

£290,790

£290,790

£153,472

£306,945

£460,417

£375,603

£703,549

£973,337

£1,126,809

Assumptions used in the charts:
Base salary levels as at 1 January 2019.
The value of taxable benefits is based on the cost of supplying those benefits (as disclosed) for the 52 weeks ended 29 December 2018.

BONUS
Minimum remuneration – assumes no award is earned under the annual bonus plan.
On target remuneration – the annual bonus plan assumes the target level is reached for each of the elements:
– 50 per cent of profit (total 25 per cent of max potential)
– 50 per cent LFL sales (total ten per cent of max potential)
– Mid-range for costs (total five per cent of max potential)
– Full pay out for strategic elements (ten per cent for each element giving a total 20 per cent of max potential)
Calculated as 60 per cent of max potential – 75 per cent of salary for Chief Executive and 54 per cent of salary for Finance Director.
Maximum remuneration – assumes full vesting for all elements under the annual bonus plan and therefore full pay out. Calculated as 125 per cent of salary for Chief 
Executive and 90 per cent of salary for Finance Director.

PSP element is calculated as award percentage of base salary multiplied by the relevant vesting percentage. Share price movement and dividend accrual have been 
excluded, other than in the 50 per cent share price appreciation model.

Minimum remuneration – assumes no vesting is achieved under the PSP.
On target remuneration – assumes 50 per cent vesting is achieved and is calculated as 50 per cent of 115 per cent of salary for Chief Executive and 50 per cent of 95 per cent 
of salary for Finance Director.
Maximum remuneration – assumes full vesting is achieved and is calculated as 100 per cent of 115 per cent of salary for Chief Executive and 100 per cent of 95 per cent of 
salary for Finance Director.

Terms of appointment of Non-Executive Directors
Non-Executive Directors are appointed subject to the Company’s articles of association, retiring and seeking election at the  
first AGM after appointment. Thereafter, every Director will be subject to annual re-election by shareholders. The Nominations 
Committee advises the Board as to whether Directors should be nominated for re-election. Non-Executive Directors are not 
entitled to compensation for early termination of their appointments prior to the date on which they would next be due to offer 
themselves for election or re-election, or if not re-appointed at such time.

The following table shows the effective date of appointment for each Non-Executive Director:

Non-Executive Director

Ian Durant
Allison Kirkby
Helena Ganczakowski
Peter McPhillips
Sandra Turner

Original date of appointment

5 October 2011
30 January 2013
2 January 2014
10 March 2014
1 May 2014

Non-Executive Directors are appointed on an understanding that the appointment will last for at least six years, but without any 
commitment by either party.

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Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Annual remuneration report
Our remuneration policy is simple and consistent, with pay outcomes dependent upon performance linked to our business strategy, 
and works to promote the long-term sustainable success of our business. It ensures a significant proportion of pay is delivered  
in shares to provide alignment with investors and incorporates a number of best-practice features.

Outlined below are the current Remuneration Committee members:

Member

Sandra Turner (Chair since appointment to the Board)
Allison Kirkby
Helena Ganczakowski
Peter McPhillips

Meeting attendance

2/2
2/2
2/2
2/2

All members are considered to be independent for the purpose of the UK Corporate Governance Code and the Company 
Secretary acts as Secretary to the Committee.

Responsibility is delegated to the Remuneration Committee to ensure that an effective remuneration policy is in place for the  
Chief Executive, the Chairman and other Executive and Non-Executive Directors. It is the Committee’s role to design a policy to 
ensure that executive remuneration is aligned to the delivery of Greggs business strategy and the alignment between our Executive 
Directors and shareholders is strengthened whilst taking close account of the business strategy, current and emerging market 
practice and the best-practice expectations of institutional shareholders.

The Committee maintains an active dialogue with institutional investors and shareholder representatives and although the 
Committee does not currently consult with employees on Directors’ pay policy this is kept under review. The Committee will 
continue to give further consideration to this during 2019 in light of the changes to the UK Corporate Governance Code.

Summary of Committee activity during 2018
During 2018 the Committee has, among other things:
 – Discussed and reviewed the new UK Corporate Governance Code and the new remuneration reporting regulations.
 – Agreed process and timelines for the review of the new three-year remuneration policy, to begin in 2019.
 – Discussed and reviewed Directors’ salaries.
 – Discussed and reviewed the 2018 bonus percentage, specifically reapportioning the strategic measures for the 2018 bonus.
 – Discussed and reviewed the targets for bonus and PSP for the year ahead and approved new plan rules for a further ten years.
 – Approved grants under the share option scheme (to senior managers below Operating Board level).
 – Approved the Company SAYE scheme and approved new plan rules for a further ten years.

Structure and content of the remuneration report
The Remuneration Report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 (the Act) and The Large 
and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) (Amendment) Regulations 2013 (‘the Regulations’). It also meets 
the requirements of the UK Listing Authority’s Listing Rules.

The Regulations also require our auditor to report to shareholders on the audited information within this remuneration report and to 
state whether, in their opinion, the relevant sections have been prepared in accordance with the Act and the Regulations. The auditor’s 
opinion is set out on pages 74 to 79 and we have indicated appropriately the audited sections of this remuneration report.

Remuneration advice
The Chief Executive along with Jonathan Jowett (Company Secretary and General Counsel), Roisin Currie (Retail & People Director) 
and Emma Walton (Head of People) are normally invited to attend the Committee meetings in order to provide advice and support 
to the Committee. During the year Korn Ferry supported the Committee.

Korn Ferry is a signatory to the Remuneration Consultants’ Code of Conduct in relation to executive remuneration consulting in the UK.

The Committee reviewed the operating processes in place at Korn Ferry and is satisfied that the advice it receives is objective and 
independent. Fees paid to Korn Ferry during the year were £13,000.

Shareholder dialogue
The voting outcome from the 2018 AGM reflected strong support from both individual and institutional shareholders.

For
Against

Total votes cast (excluding votes withheld)

Votes withheld

Total votes cast (including votes withheld)

Approve the remuneration report

Total number of votes

% of votes cast

60,115,372
1,473,132

61,588,504

169,967

61,758,471

97.61%
2.39%

100%

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

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AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportDirectors’ remuneration report continued

Annual remuneration report continued
Shareholder dialogue continued
Shareholders were asked to approve the remuneration policy at the 2017 AGM and the results are outlined below:

For
Against

Total votes cast (excluding votes withheld)

Votes withheld

Total votes cast (including votes withheld)

Approve the remuneration policy 
(vote at 2017 AGM)

Total number of votes

% of votes cast

57,297,311
3,717,480

61,014,791

170,679

61,185,467

93.91%
6.09%

100%

We will continue to engage with shareholders to understand any concerns they may have about our remuneration policy and 
its implementation.

How our remuneration policy will be implemented in 2019 – Executive Directors
The section below summarises the implementation of our remuneration policy for 2019.

Base salary 2019
The annual base salaries for the Executive Directors were reviewed with effect from 1 January 2019; increases and current salaries 
are outlined below:

Director

Roger Whiteside (Chief Executive)
Richard Hutton (Finance Director)

Salary as at 1 January 2018

Salary as at 1 January 2019

% increase

£549,120
£313,689

£565,594
£323,100

3%
3%

Increases are in line with the average base salary increase for the workforce as a whole.

Pension contribution 2019
The pension contribution rates (both of which are cash in lieu) are: 

Roger Whiteside
Richard Hutton

Annual bonus 2019
The annual bonus opportunity for 2019 is outlined below:

Chief Executive

 – Maximum opportunity of 125% of base salary.
 – Bonus in excess of 50% of maximum will be payable in shares deferred for two years.

Finance Director

 – Maximum opportunity of 90% of base salary.
 – Bonus in excess of 50% of maximum will be payable in shares deferred for two years.

The bonus metrics are:

Measure

Weighting

Detail and link to strategy.

Profit

50% of total

Sales

20% of total

Reflects the profit of the 
Group at an underlying level 
before tax. This will be based 
on meeting and exceeding 
budget for the year.

Based on company-managed 
shop like-for-like sales 
excluding any additional shops 
opened during the bonus year.

Strategic objectives

30% of total

Detailed below.

22.5%
14%

The strategic objectives for each bonus cycle are based on measures which will provide a strong link to future value creation. 
For the 2019 bonus the three strategic objectives, each relating to ten per cent of the bonus opportunity, will be:
i.  Cost savings (ten per cent of the measure);
ii.  Specific project delivery within our change programme regarding processes and systems with a minimum payout (five per cent) 
based on the implementation of two IT solutions or sites and maximum payout (ten per cent) being achieved with an additional 
two IT solutions or sites being implemented; and

iii.  Specific project delivery within our programme for supply chain restructuring, with a minimum payout (five per cent) based on 

the full consolidation of two product platforms into Centres of Excellence and a maximum payout (ten per cent) being achieved 
with the installation of two further production platforms.

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Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

 
 
The annual bonus is based on performance against a range of financial and strategic performance measures. This range of metrics 
measures achievement of the Company’s key operational objectives. The Committee reviews the key performance indicators (KPIs) 
each year and varies them as appropriate to reflect the priorities for the business in the year ahead. Where appropriate a sliding 
scale of targets is set for each KPI to encourage continuous improvement, or sustained high performance.

There will be an underpin to the sales and strategic objectives elements of the bonus whereby any payment under these elements 
may be scaled back (potentially to zero) at the discretion of the Committee, if the profit performance for the year is judged to be 
running significantly below that required for the achievement of the long-term strategy.

Bonus targets for the forthcoming year are considered to be commercially sensitive and so have not been disclosed. Targets are set 
at the start of the year by the Committee and are set using the outturn and performance of the previous year as well as the business 
plan to determine an appropriately stretching sliding scale. Retrospective disclosure of the targets and performance against them 
will be made in next year’s annual report on remuneration, as will any considered impact of the introduction of IFRS 16 on these 
bonus targets.

PSP award 2019
PSP awards will be granted as follows:

Chief Executive

Executive Directors

115% of base salary

95% of base salary

Performance conditions will be based on an equal split of two different financial measures, EPS and ROCE (for discrete parts of an 
award)*. EPS and ROCE are two of our eight strategic KPIs and together provide a rounded assessment of our overall profitability 
against stretching targets set in line with the strategic plan and business outlook over the performance period. For these awards the 
ROCE range has been set to ensure that the targets remain appropriate in light of our business strategy over the coming three-year 
period. The EPS targets require the same level of growth as for last year’s award, albeit the base point from which the growth is 
measured is higher than last year.

For the 2019 awards the target ranges will be as follows:
 – The EPS performance condition will require average annual growth of EPS of five per cent to 11 per cent over three financial 

years measured from the 2018 financial year end.

 – The ROCE condition will require average annual ROCE over the three-year performance period (2019, 2020 and 2021) to be  

in the range 24 per cent to 28 per cent.

In both cases 25 per cent of an award will vest on achieving threshold performance and thereafter straight-line sliding scales will 
apply until stretch performance is achieved.

In order to improve alignment of interest between Executive Directors and shareholders, a holding period is attached to vested PSP 
awards granted in the policy period, requiring the vested shares to be held (net of tax and other deductions) for a further two years.

*   EPS and ROCE are measured excluding exceptional items. Any required adjustments following the introduction of IFRS 16 will be outlined in next year’s annual report 

on remuneration.

How our remuneration policy will be implemented in 2019 – Non-Executive Directors
In order to ensure that no Director is involved in deciding his/her own remuneration, the fees payable to Non-Executive Directors 
are set, after consultation with the Chairman, by a Committee of the Board consisting only of the Executive Directors. The fees 
payable to the Chairman are set by the Remuneration Committee.

These fees are reviewed and set annually in December and implemented from 1 January. The fees for Non-Executive Directors 
increased by three per cent on 1 January 2019 in line with the base award for our whole workforce in 2019.

The Non-Executive Directors are paid an annual base fee which is currently £45,979 and additional responsibility fees of £6,836 
for the role of Senior Independent Director (SID) or for chairing a Board Committee. Where the SID role is combined with the role 
of chairing a Committee then only one fee of £6,836 will be paid.

Details of the fees being paid to Non-Executive Directors in 2019 are set out below:

Name

Position

Ian Durant
Allison Kirkby
Helena Ganczakowski
Peter McPhillips
Sandra Turner

Chairman
Chair of the Audit Committee
Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director
SID and Chair of the Remuneration Committee

Fee

£172,849
£52,815
£45,979
£45,979
£52,815

We will take the opportunity in 2019, to review our Non-Executive fees and remuneration to ensure that they are appropriately set 
and aligned to market.

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

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Annual remuneration report continued
How our remuneration policy was implemented in 2018 (audited)
Total remuneration payable for 2018
The following table presents the remuneration payable for 2018 (showing the equivalent figures for 2017) for the Executive Directors.

Roger Whiteside
2018
2017

Richard Hutton
2018
2017

Raymond Reynolds
2018
20172

Pension 
contribution 
(including salary 
in lieu) 
£

Salary 
£

Taxable benefits 
£

Annual incentives 
(including profit 
share) 
£

Long-term 
incentives1 
£

Total 
remuneration 
£

549,120
534,163

313,689
305,145

–
104,012

123,552
120,186

41,397
41,067

–
15,043

12,483
12,441

17,193
16,203

–
6,006

406,349
429,467

411,937
529,236

1,503,441
1,625,493

167,133
176,642

183,029
235,140

722,441
774,197

–
60,210

–
209,820

–
395,091

Notes:
1  The 2018 long-term incentive vesting values are based on the forecast value of the awards due to vest on 21 March 2019. This value will be trued up in the 2019 report 
to reflect the actual level of vesting and share price at the vesting date. The 2017 long-term incentive value has been restated and reflects the actual value of the 
awards that vested in March 2018, following the estimated value last year.

2  2017 remuneration until date of retirement from the Board on 19 May 2017.

Fees for Non-Executive Directors
The fees for Non-Executive Directors were as follows:

Ian Durant
Allison Kirkby
Helena Ganczakowski
Peter McPhillips
Sandra Turner

2018

2017

£167,815
£51,277
£44,640
£44,640
£51,277

£163,244
£49,880
£43,424
£43,424
£49,880

Annual bonus 2018
The table below outlines the bonus performance conditions and payments to Executive Directors in respect of 2018. As explained 
in the statement from the Chair of the Remuneration Committee on page 58, the Committee exercised its discretion during the year 
to amend the weightings within the strategic objectives element of the bonus scheme.

Measure

Strategic objective

Weighting

Entry

Target

Stretch

Actual

%

All Executive Directors
Profit (£)

Profit before tax 
(excluding exceptional 
items and property profits)

To deliver 
profit target

Sales (%)

Company-managed 
like-for-like sales

To deliver 
target increase

50%

£81.5m £86.0m £91.5m

£89.05m 38.85%

20%

2.5%

3.5%

4.5%

2.9%

5.2%

Strategic (£)*

Cost savings

Strategic 
(3 elements)*

Supply chain 
reorganisation**

Total weighting based on balanced scorecard

15%

15%

100%

£6.0m £10.0m

–

£7.44m

Partially 
achieved

5.4%

9.75%

59.20%

*  As set out in the letter from the Chair of the Remuneration Committee, the Committee used its discretion to remove the 10 per cent of the bonus related to processes 

and systems within the change management programme and redistribute the bonus to the other two strategic measures such that cost savings accounted for  
15 per cent of the overall bonus and the supply chain restructuring programme for 15 per cent.

**  Further details of the supply chain reorganisation metric are set out below.

Supply chain reorganisation

Metric

Criteria

Transfer of production platform 
(doughnuts)

Transfer of production platform 
(cupcakes and creams)

Transfer of production platform 
(pizza and rolls)

Delivered and operational by 
end of FY2018

Delivered and operational by 
end of FY2018

Delivered and operational by 
end of FY2018

Payment of  
15% total

3.75%

1.5%

4.5%

68

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Bonus achieved for 2018

Roger Whiteside
Richard Hutton

The portion of the bonus earned in excess of 50 per cent of the maximum will be paid in shares.

Details of the shares awarded in 2018 for the 2017 bonus year are outlined below:

Director

Roger Whiteside
Richard Hutton

As % of maximum

59.2%
59.2%

Number of shares awarded

3,477
1,146

Performance Share Plan award for performance over 2016-2018
The PSP award granted in 2016 measured EPS performance by reference to the three financial years to 29 December 2018 and 
average annual ROCE over the three-year performance period 2016 to 2018. The performance targets that were set, together with 
the performance delivered, are set out in the table below.

Metric

Condition

Threshold target

Stretch target

Actual

Earnings per 
share (50%)

ROCE (50%)

Normalised EPS* growth of RPI + 2% p.a. 
to RPI + 8% p.a. over three financial years.

RPI +2% 
(12.5% vesting)

Average annual ROCE over the three-year 
performance period.

22% 
(12.5% vesting)

RPI +8% 
(50% vesting)

27% 
(50% vesting)

*  Normalised EPS is the Company’s reported earnings per share excluding exceptional items.

These awards will vest on 21 March 2019.

RPI +4.83%

% vesting

30.19%

27.47%

50.00%

Total vesting

80.19%

The table below details the impact of share price appreciation on the value of this PSP award.
Number of shares to 
vest

Number of shares at 
grant

Vesting outcome

Value at grant 1

Executive

Roger Whiteside
Richard Hutton

42,560
18,910

£469,011
£208,388

80.19%
80.19%

34,129
15,164

Notes:
1  Based on a share price at grant of £11.02.
2  Based on a three-month average share price to 29 December 2018 of £12.07.

Performance Share Plan Awards granted during 2018 are as follows:

Estimated value2

£411,937
£183,029

Value attributable to 
share price growth

£35,835
£15,922

Executive

Roger 
Whiteside

Type of award

Basis of 
award granted

Share price at date 
of grant (19 March 
2018)

Number of shares 
over which award 
was granted

Face value 
of award

115% of salary

£11.96

52,800

£631,488

nil cost option

Richard Hutton

95% of salary

£11.96

24,916

£297,995

% of face value 
that would vest 
at threshold 
performance

25%

Vesting determined 
by performance over

Three financial 
years to 
2 January 
2021

The target ranges* for this award are as follows:
 – EPS average annual growth of five per cent to 11 per cent over three years from the 2017 financial year end.
 – Average annual ROCE over the three-year performance period (2018, 2019 and 2020) to be in the range 25 per cent to 29 per cent.

*  Subject to any adjustment due to IFRS 16.

In both cases, 25 per cent of the award will vest on achieving threshold performance and thereafter straight-line sliding scales will 
apply until stretch performance is achieved. A holding period is attached to vested PSP awards requiring the vested shares to be 
held (net of tax) for a further two years.

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

69

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic Report 
Directors’ remuneration report continued

Annual remuneration report continued
Outstanding Share Awards
The following table sets out details of the PSP and savings-related share options (all of which were granted at a £nil cost to the 
Executive Director concerned) held by, or granted to, each Executive Director during the year:

Roger Whiteside

Richard Hutton

At 
31 December 
2017 
number

Granted 
number

Exercised 
number

Lapsed 
number

At 
29 December 
2018 
number

44,103
42,560
57,303
–
215
148
169
–

–
–
–
52,800
–
–
–
124

44,1031
–
–
–
2152
–
–
–

144,498

52,924

44,318

19,595
18,910
24,041
–
215
148
169
–

–
–
–
24,916
–
–
–
124

19,5953
–
–
–
2154
–
–
–

66,078

25,040

19,810

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
42,560
57,303
52,800
–
148
169
124

153,104

–
18,910
27,041
24,916
–
148
169
124

71,308

Market price 
of each 
share at date 
of grant

Date from 
which 
exercisable

Expiry date

Scheme

Exercise 
price

Date of 
grant

£nil Mar 15
£nil Mar 16
£nil May 17
£nil Mar 18
£8.18 Apr 15
£8.70 Apr 16
£8.07 Apr 17
£9.54 Apr 18

£10.350 Mar 18 Mar 25
£11.020 Mar 19 Mar 26
£10.720 May 20 May 27
£11.960 Mar 21 Mar 28
Jun 18 Nov 18
Jun 19 Nov 19
Jun 20 Nov 20
Jun 21 Nov 21

£nil Mar 15
£nil Mar 16
£nil May 17
£nil Mar 18
£8.18 Apr 15
£8.70 Apr 16
£8.07 Apr 17
£9.54 Apr 18

£10.350 Mar 18 Mar 25
£11.020 Mar 19 Mar 26
£10.720 May 20 May 27
£11.960 Mar 21 Mar 28
Jun 18 Nov 18
Jun 19 Nov 19
Jun 20 Nov 20
Jun 21 Nov 21

PSP
PSP
PSP
PSP
SAYE
SAYE
SAYE
SAYE

PSP
PSP
PSP
PSP
SAYE
SAYE
SAYE
SAYE

Notes:
1   The market value on the date of exercise was £12.000 and the resultant gain on exercise was £529,236.
2   The market value on the date of exercise was £10.590 and the resultant gain on exercise was £518.
3   The market value on the date of exercise was £12.170 and the resultant gain on exercise was £238,471.
4   The market value on the date of exercise was £10.19 and the resultant gain on exercise was £432.

Options granted under the all-employee SAYE scheme are not subject to performance conditions.

The mid-market price of ordinary shares in the Company as at 29 December 2018 was £12.63. The highest and lowest mid-market 
prices of ordinary shares during the financial year were £13.95 and £9.42, respectively.

Legacy defined benefit pension scheme (Audited)
The following table sets out the change in each Director’s accrued pension in the Company’s defined benefit scheme during the 
year and his accrued benefits in the scheme at the year end:

Executive Director

Date of birth

Accrued annual 
pension entitlement 
as at 31 December 
2017 
£

Accrued annual 
pension entitlement 
as at 29 December 
2018 
£

Increase in accrued 
pension entitlement 
for the year 
£

Increase in accrued 
pension entitlement 
for the year net of 
inflation of 1.24% 
£

Transfer value of 
increase in accrued 
pension entitlement 
for the year 
£

Date service 
commenced

Richard Hutton

3/6/68

1/1/98

18,522

18,522

–

–

–

Notes:
1  The pension entitlement shown is that which would be paid annually on retirement based on service to the end of the year, but excluding any statutory increases 

which would be due after the year end.

2  The inflation rate of 1.24 per cent shown in the table above is that published by the Secretary of State for Social Security in accordance with Schedule 3 of the 

Pensions Schemes Act 1993.

Richard Hutton

327,015

335,631

–

Cash equivalent transfer value as at 
30 December 2017 
£

Cash equivalent transfer value as at 
29 December 2018 
£

Increase in the cash equivalent transfer 
value since 31 December 2017 
£

Note:
Cash equivalent transfer values have been calculated in accordance with Actuaries Guidance Note GN11 and the increase is stated net of contributions made by the Director. 
The transfer values disclosed above do not represent a sum paid or payable to the individual Director. Instead they represent a potential liability of the pension scheme.

70

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

The main features of the defined benefit scheme are:
 – pension at normal retirement age of 1/60th of member’s final pensionable salary for each complete year and a proportionate 

amount for each additional complete month of service from the date of joining the scheme until 5 April 2008 when the scheme 
was closed to future accrual;

 – choice of giving up part of the pension in exchange for a tax-free cash sum subject to a limit of 25 per cent of the total value  

of the member’s benefits under the scheme;

 – pension payable in the event of ill health;
 – spouse’s pension on death; and
 – normal retirement at age 65.

Chief Executive pay compared to performance
The graph below shows a comparison of the total shareholder return for the Company’s shares for each of the last ten financial 
years against the total shareholder return for the companies comprised in the FTSE 250 Index (excluding Investment Trusts) and  
the FTSE 350 (excluding Investment Trusts).

These indices were chosen for this comparison because they include companies of broadly similar size to the Company.

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

D

D

D

D

D

D

D

D

D

D

D

e

e

e

e

e

e

e

e

e

e

e

c
-
0

8

c
-
0

9

c
-
1

0

c
-
1

1

c
-
1

2

c
-
1

3

c
-
1

4

c
-
1

5

c
-
1

6

c
-
1

7

c
-
1

8

FTSE 350 
(excluding investment trusts)

FTSE 250 
(excluding investment trusts)

Greggs

Remuneration outcomes for Chief Executive over last nine years
The table below shows the total remuneration figure for the Chief Executive over the same nine-year period. The total remuneration 
figure includes the annual bonus, pension and PSP/option awards which vested based on performance in those years.

Total remuneration

£767,397 £707,245 £635,030 £1,011,381 £1,238,248 £2,462,193 £2,135,526 £1,625,493 £1,503,441

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Bonus (% of 

max potential)

PSP/options 

56.6%

38.6%

18%

20%*

100%

93.7%

86.7%

64.3%

59.2%

(% max potential)

n/a

0%

78.3%

n/a

n/a

100%

100%

100%

80.19%

*  This figure includes only the performance related bonus that was achieved in 2013 and not the bonus share award given to the Chief Executive.

Directors’ shareholding and share interests (Audited)
Details of the shareholdings of each Executive Director as of 29 December 2018 and their interests in shares are detailed below with 
the percentage holding calculated using the share price at that date:

Director

Roger Whiteside
Richard Hutton
Ian Durant
Allison Kirkby
Helena Ganczakowski
Peter McPhillips
Sandra Turner

Beneficially 
owned at 
29 December 
2018

Beneficially 
owned at 
30 December 
2017

Outstanding PSP 
awards

Outstanding 
deferred bonus 
awards

Outstanding 
option awards

222,666
82,806
11,700
1,600
1,100
1,000
1,000

195,472
70,844
11,700
1,600
1,100
1,000
1,000

152,663
70,867
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

% shareholding 
guideline 
achieved at 
29 December 
2018

512%
196%
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

There have been no changes since 29 December 2018 in the Directors’ interests noted above.

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

71

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportDirectors’ remuneration report continued

Annual remuneration report continued
Exit payments or payments to past Directors (Audited)
There were no payments to past Directors in the 52 weeks ended 29 December 2018. No payments for compensation or loss  
of office were paid to, or receivable by, any Director.

External directorships
Executive Directors may take up one Non-Executive Directorship outside of the Company subject to the Board’s approval and 
provided that such an appointment is not likely to lead to a conflict of interest. It is recognised that this can support a Director’s 
development and enhance experience as well as benefit the Company. Executive Directors will be entitled to retain the fees  
of such an appointment.

Roger Whiteside was appointed as Non-Executive Director of Card Factory plc effective from 4 December 2017. He retains the  
fee that he earns. In 2018 this fee was £45,000.

Richard Hutton was appointed Non-Executive Director of The Lakes Distillery Company plc effective from 1 June 2018. He retains 
the fee that he earns. In 2018 this fee was £14,583.

Relative importance of spend on pay
The Committee is aware of the importance of pay across the business and the table below shows the expenditure and percentage 
change in the overall spend on all colleague costs compared to other key financial indicators.

All colleague costs

Dividends

Retained profit (excluding exceptional items)

Corporation tax paid

2018 
£m

369.6

33.1

71.6

16.1

2017 
£m

358.2

32.2

64.9

17.6

% increase/
(decrease)

3.2%

2.8%

104%

(8.9)%

Percentage change in remuneration of Director undertaking role of Chief Executive
The table below sets out the percentage change in remuneration for the Chief Executive compared to the wider workforce.  
For this purpose the wider workforce is defined as all full-time head office management colleagues as they too are entitled to 
receive benefits and annual bonus awards.

Chief Executive (£)
– salary
– benefits
– performance pay

Average per colleague (£)
– salary
– benefits*
– performance pay

% change from 
2017 to 2018

2.8%
0.3%
(14.1%)

1.6%
5.3%
(21.7%)

*  The average employee benefits figure is based on tax year 2016/17 for 2017 and tax year 2017/18 for 2018.

At the AGM of the Company to be held on 21 May 2019, an ordinary resolution will be proposed to approve the annual report 
on remuneration.

This report was approved by the Board on 7 March 2019.

Signed on behalf of the Board

Sandra Turner
Chair of the Remuneration Committee
7 March 2019

72

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities in 
respect of the annual report and accounts

The Directors are responsible for preparing the annual report and the Group and Parent Company accounts in accordance with 
applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare Group and Parent Company accounts for each financial year. Under that law  
they are required to prepare the Group accounts in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by  
the European Union (IFRSs as adopted by the EU) and applicable law and have elected to prepare the Parent Company accounts  
on the same basis.

Under company law the Directors must not approve the accounts unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of  
the state of affairs of the Group and Parent Company and of their profit or loss for that period. In preparing each of the Group  
and Parent Company accounts, the Directors are required to:
 – select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
 – make judgements and estimates that are reasonable, relevant and reliable;
 – state whether they have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU;
 – assess the Group and Parent Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related  

to going concern; and

 – use the going concern basis of accounting unless they either intend to liquidate the Group or the Parent Company or to cease 

operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Parent Company’s 
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Parent Company and enable them to 
ensure that its accounts comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are responsible for such internal control as they determine is 
necessary to enable the preparation of accounts that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and have 
general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the Group and to prevent 
and detect fraud and other irregularities.

Under applicable law and regulations, the Directors are also responsible for preparing a strategic report, Directors’ report, 
Directors’ remuneration report and corporate governance statement that complies with that law and those regulations.
The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the 
Company’s website. Legislation in the UK governing the preparation and dissemination of accounts may differ from legislation 
in other jurisdictions.

Responsibility statement of the Directors in respect of the annual accounts
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:
 – the accounts, prepared in accordance with the applicable set of accounting standards, 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 strategic report and Directors’ report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and  
the position of the issuer and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with a description  
of the principal risks and uncertainties that they face.

We consider the annual report and accounts, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information 
necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s position and performance, business model and strategy.

Roger Whiteside   
Chief Executive 
7 March 2019

Richard Hutton
Finance Director

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

73

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic Report 
 
 
 
 
Independent auditor’s report
to the members of Greggs plc 

1. Our opinion is unmodified
We have audited the accounts of Greggs plc (‘the Company’) for the 52 weeks ended 29 December 2018 which comprise the 
consolidated income statement, consolidated statement of comprehensive income, balance sheets, statements of changes  
in equity, statements of cashflows and the related notes, including the accounting policies on pages 85 to 90. 

In our opinion: 
the accounts give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the Parent Company’s affairs as at 29 December 2018  
and of the Group’s profit for the period then ended: 
 – the Group accounts have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted  

by the European Union (IFRSs as adopted by the EU); 

 – the Parent Company accounts have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU and as applied  

in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006; and 

 – the accounts have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the  

Group accounts, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

Basis for opinion 
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (‘ISAs (UK)’ and applicable law.  
Our responsibilities are described below. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is a sufficient and appropriate  
basis for our opinion. Our audit opinion is consistent with our report to the Audit Committee. 

We were first appointed as auditor by the Company before 1984. The period of total uninterrupted engagement is for more than 
the 35 financial years ended 29 December 2018. We have fulfilled our ethical responsibilities under, and we remain independent  
of the Group in accordance with, UK ethical requirements including the FRC Ethical Standard as applied to listed public interest 
entities. No non-audit services prohibited by that standard were provided.

Overview

Materiality:  
Group accounts as a whole

Coverage

Key audit matters

Event-driven

New: The impact of uncertainties due to the UK 
exiting the European Union

Recurring risks

New: Valuation of defined benefit pension obligation

£4.0 million (2017: £4.0 million) 
4.5 per cent (2017: 4.9 per cent)  

of normalised PBT

100 per cent (2017: 100 per cent)  

of Group profit before tax

vs. 2017

74

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

2. Key audit matters: including our assessment of risks of material misstatement
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in the audit of the accounts and 
include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) identified by us, including those 
which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy; the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the 
engagement team. We summarise below the key audit matters, in arriving at our audit opinion above, together with our key audit 
procedures to address those matters and, as required for public interest entities, our results from those procedures. These matters 
were addressed, and our results are based on procedures undertaken, in the context of, and solely for the purpose of, our audit  
of the accounts as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and consequently are incidental to that opinion, and we do not 
provide a separate opinion on these matters. 

The risk

Our response

The impact of 
uncertainties due  
to the UK exiting  
the European Union

(Group and Parent 
Company)

Unprecedented levels of uncertainty
All audits assess and challenge the reasonableness 
of estimates, related disclosures and the 
appropriateness of the going concern basis of 
preparation of the accounts. All of these depend  
on assessments of the future economic environment 
and the Group’s future prospects and performance.

Refer to page 38 
(principal risks), page 37 
(viability statement), 
pages 51 to 56 (Audit 
Committee report),  
page 85 (accounting 
policy).

In addition, we are required to consider the other 
information presented in the annual report including 
the principal risks disclosure and the viability 
statement and to consider the Directors’ statement 
that the annual report and accounts taken as a whole 
is fair, balanced and understandable and provides 
the information necessary for shareholders to assess 
the Group’s position and performance, business 
model and strategy.

Brexit is one of the most significant economic 
events for the UK and at the date of this report  
its effects are subject to unprecedented levels  
of uncertainty of outcomes, with the full range  
of possible effects unknown.

We developed a standardised firm-wide approach 
to the consideration of the uncertainties arising 
from Brexit in planning and performing our audits. 
Our procedures included:
 – Our Brexit knowledge; We considered the 

Directors’ assessment of Brexit-related sources  
of risk for the Group’s business and financial 
resources compared with our own understanding 
of the risks. We considered the Directors’ plans  
to take action to mitigate the risks.

 – Sensitivity analysis; When addressing areas  
that depend on forecasts, for example, the  
key estimates and judgements described in  
the accounts, we compared the Directors’ 
analysis to our assessment of the full range  
of reasonably possible scenarios resulting from 
Brexit uncertainty and, where forecast cash 
flows are required to be discounted, considered 
adjustments to discount rates for the level of 
remaining uncertainty.

 – Assessing transparency; As well as assessing 
individual disclosures we considered all of the 
Brexit-related disclosures together, including those 
in the strategic report, comparing the overall 
picture against our understanding of the risks.

Our res ults
 – We found the resulting estimates and related 

disclosures and disclosures in relation to going 
concern to be acceptable. However, no audit 
should be expected to predict the unknowable 
factors or all possible future implications for  
a company and this is particularly the case  
in relation to Brexit.

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

75

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportIndependent auditor’s report continued
to the members of Greggs plc 

2. Key audit matters: including our assessment of risks of material misstatement (continued)

The risk

Our response

Valuation of defined 
benefit pension 
obligation

(Group and Parent 
Company)

(£113.5 million; 2017:  
£122.2 million)

Refer to page 53  
(Audit Committee 
report), pages 85 and 88 
(accounting policy)  
and pages 103 and 104 
(financial disclosures).

Subjective valuation
Small changes in the assumptions and estimates 
used to value the Group’s pension obligation 
(before deducting scheme assets) would have a 
significant effect on the Group’s and Company’s 
net pension deficit.  

Additionally, as disclosed in Note 4 to the accounts 
the Group’s pension scheme is impacted by the 
High Court ruling on Guaranteed Minimum Pension 
(‘GMP‘) equalisation resulting in a judgemental 
change to the measurement of the obligation.

The effect of these matters is that, as part of our 
risk assessment, we determined that valuation of 
the defined benefit pension obligation has a high 
degree of estimation uncertainty, with a potential 
range of reasonable outcomes greater than our 
materiality for the accounts as a whole. The 
accounts (Note 20) disclose the range/sensitivity 
estimated by the Group.

Our procedures included: 
 – Benchmarking assumptions: Challenging,  

with the support of our own actuarial specialists, 
the key assumptions applied, being the 
discount rate, inflation rate, GMP equalisation, 
and mortality/life expectancy against externally 
derived data; and

 – Assessing transparency: Considering the 

adequacy of the Group’s disclosures in respect of 
the sensitivity of the deficit to these assumptions. 

Our results  
 – We found the valuation of the pension obligation 

to be acceptable (2017 result: acceptable).

We continue to perform procedures over retail property provisions and recoverability of property, plant and equipment. However, 
following: a number of obligations having been exited with a corresponding reduction in size of the provisions; and progression  
of the Group’s supply site investment programme reducing judgement over property, plant and equipment recoverability, we have  
not assessed these as the most significant risks in our current year audit and, therefore, these are not separately identified in our 
report this year. 

3. Our application of materiality and an overview of the scope of our audit 
Materiality for the accounts as a whole was set at £4.0 million (2017: £4.0 million), determined with reference to a benchmark  
of Group profit before tax normalised to exclude exceptional items (as disclosed in note 4 of the accounts) of which it represents  
4.5 per cent (2017: 4.9 per cent). 

Materiality for the Parent Company accounts as a whole was set at £4.0 million (2017: £4.0 million) determined with reference  
to a benchmark of Company profit before tax normalised to exclude exceptional items of which it represents 4.5 per cent  
(2017: 4.9 per cent).

We agreed to report to the Audit Committee any corrected or uncorrected misstatements exceeding £200,000 (2017: £200,000),  
in addition to other identified misstatements that warranted reporting on qualitative grounds.

The Group audit team performed the audit of the Group as if it was a single aggregated set of financial information which covered  
100 per cent (2017: 100 per cent) of total Group revenue, Group profit before tax and total Group assets. The audit was performed  
using the materiality levels set out above. The Group team performed procedures on the items excluded from normalised Group  
profit before tax.

Profit before tax  
(before exceptional items) 
£89.8 million (2017: £81.8 million)

 Profit before tax

 Group materiality

76

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Group Materiality
£4.0 million (2017: £4.0 million)

£4.0 million
Whole accounts materiality
(2017: £4.0 million)

£200,000k
Misstatements reported to the  
Audit Committee (2017: £200,000k)

4. We have nothing to report on going concern 
The Directors have prepared the accounts on the going concern basis as they do not intend to liquidate the Company or the  
Group or to cease their operations, and as they have concluded that the Company’s and the Group’s financial position means that 
this is realistic. They have also concluded that there are no material uncertainties that could have cast significant doubt over their 
ability to continue as a going concern for at least a year from the date of approval of the accounts (‘the going concern period‘).

Our responsibility is to conclude on the appropriateness of the Directors’ conclusions and, had there been a material uncertainty 
related to going concern, to make reference to that in this audit report. However, as we cannot predict all future events or 
conditions and as subsequent events may result in outcomes that are inconsistent with judgements that were reasonable  
at the time they were made, the absence of reference to a material uncertainty in this auditor’s report is not a guarantee that  
the Group and the Company will continue in operation. 

In our evaluation of the Directors’ conclusions, we considered the inherent risks to the Group’s and Company’s business model  
and analysed how those risks might affect the Group’s and Company’s financial resources or ability to continue operations over  
the going concern period. The risks that we considered most likely to adversely affect the Group’s and Company’s available 
financial resources over this period were: 
 – the impact of a brand-damaging food scare on customer demand;
 – the impact of a significant business continuity issue affecting the Group’s production facilities; and
 – the impact of Brexit on the Group’s supply chain.

As these were risks that could potentially cast significant doubt on the Group’s and the Company’s ability to continue as a going 
concern, we considered sensitivities over the level of available financial resources indicated by the Group’s financial forecasts taking 
account of reasonably possible (but not unrealistic) adverse effects that could arise from these risks individually and collectively  
and evaluated the achievability of the actions the Directors consider they would take to improve the position should the risks 
materialise. We also considered less predictable but realistic second order impacts, such as the impact of Brexit on the erosion  
of customer or supplier confidence, which could result in a rapid reduction of available financial resources.

Based on this work, we are required to report to you if:
 – we have anything material to add or draw attention to in relation to the Directors’ statement in the accounts on the use  
of the going concern basis of accounting with no material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt over the Group  
and Company’s use of that basis for a period of at least twelve months from the date of approval of the accounts; or
 – the related statement under the Listing Rules set out on page 47 is materially inconsistent with our audit knowledge.

We have nothing to report in these respects, and we did not identify going concern as a key audit matter.

5. We have nothing to report on the other information in the annual report
The Directors are responsible for the other information presented in the annual report together with the accounts. Our opinion  
on the accounts does not cover the other information and, accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion or, except as explicitly 
stated below, any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether, based on our accounts audit work,  
the information therein is materially misstated or inconsistent with the accounts or our audit knowledge. Based solely on that  
work we have not identified material misstatements in the other information.

Strategic report and Directors’ report 
Based solely on our work on the other information: 
 – we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report and the Directors’ report; 
 – in our opinion the information given in those reports for the financial year is consistent with the accounts; and 
 – in our opinion those reports have been prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006.

Directors’ remuneration report 
In our opinion the part of the Directors’ remuneration report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the 
Companies Act 2006. 

Disclosures of principal risks and longer-term viability 
Based on the knowledge we acquired during our accounts audit, we have nothing material to add or draw attention to in relation to:
 – the Directors’ confirmation within the viability statement on page 37 that they have carried out a robust assessment of the principal 
risks facing the Group, including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency and liquidity; and
 – the principal risks and uncertainties disclosures describing these risks and explaining how they are being managed and mitigated; 
and the Directors’ explanation in the viability statement of how they have assessed the prospects of the Group, over what period 
they have done so and why they considered that period to be appropriate, and their statement as to whether they have a reasonable 
expectation that the Group will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the period of their 
assessment, including any related disclosures drawing attention to any necessary qualifications or assumptions. 

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

77

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportIndependent auditor’s report continued
to the members of Greggs plc 

5. We have nothing to report on the other information in the annual report (continued)
Disclosures of principal risks and longer-term viability continued
Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the viability statement. We have nothing to report in this respect.

Our work is limited to assessing these matters in the context of only the knowledge acquired during our accounts audit.  
As we cannot predict all future events or conditions and as subsequent events may result in outcomes that are inconsistent  
with judgements that were reasonable at the time they were made, the absence of anything to report on these statements  
is not a guarantee as to the Group’s and Company’s longer-term viability. 

Corporate governance disclosures 
We are required to report to you if:
 – we have identified material inconsistencies between the knowledge we acquired during our accounts audit and the Directors’ 

statement that they consider that the annual report and accounts taken as a whole is fair, balanced and understandable  
and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s position and performance, business model  
and strategy; or 

 – the section of the annual report describing the work of the Audit Committee does not appropriately address matters 

communicated by us to the Audit Committee.

We are required to report to you if the corporate governance statement does not properly disclose a departure from the eleven 
provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code specified by the Listing Rules for our review. 

We have nothing to report in these respects. 

6. We have nothing to report on the other matters on which we are required to report by exception 
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 accounts 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.

We have nothing to report in these respects.

7. Respective responsibilities 
Directors’ responsibilities
As explained more fully in their statement set out on page 73, the Directors are responsible for: the preparation of the accounts 
including being satisfied that they give a true and fair view; such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the 
preparation of accounts that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; assessing the Group and Parent 
Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern; and using the  
going concern basis of accounting unless they either intend to liquidate the Group or the Parent Company or to cease operations,  
or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

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

A fuller description of our responsibilities is provided on the FRC’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. 

Irregularities – ability to detect
We identified areas of laws and regulations that could reasonably be expected to have a material effect on the accounts from our 
general commercial and sector experience, through discussion with the Directors and other management (as required by auditing 
standards), and discussed with the Directors and other management the policies and procedures regarding compliance with laws 
and regulations. We communicated identified laws and regulations throughout our team and remained alert to any indications  
of non-compliance throughout the audit.

The potential effect of these laws and regulations on the accounts varies considerably.

Firstly, the Group is subject to laws and regulations that directly affect the accounts, including financial reporting legislation 
(including related companies legislation), distributable profits legislation, taxation legislation and defined benefit pension 
legislation, and we assessed the extent of compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our procedures on the related 
financial statement items. 

78

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

7. Respective responsibilities (continued)
Secondly, the Group is subject to many other laws and regulations where the consequences of non-compliance could have a 
material effect on amounts or disclosures in the accounts, for instance, through the imposition of fines or litigation or limitations  
on the Group’s licence to operate. We identified the following areas as those most likely to have such an effect: Food Safety and 
Health & Safety, recognising the nature of the Group’s activities. Auditing standards limit the required audit procedures to identify 
non-compliance with these laws and regulations to enquiry of the Directors and other management and inspection of regulatory 
and legal correspondence, if any. These limited procedures did not identify actual or suspected non-compliance.

Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material 
misstatements in the accounts, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing 
standards. For example, the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations (irregularities) is from the events and 
transactions reflected in the accounts, the less likely the inherently limited procedures required by auditing standards would 
identify it. In addition, as with any audit, there remained a higher risk of non-detection of irregularities, as these may involve 
collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal controls. We are not responsible for 
preventing non-compliance and cannot be expected to detect non-compliance with all laws and regulations.

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

Nick Plumb
(Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of KPMG LLP, Statutory Auditor 
Chartered Accountants 
Quayside House
110 Quayside
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE1 3DX

7 March 2019

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

79

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportConsolidated income statement
for the 52 weeks ended 29 December 2018 (2017: 52 weeks ended 30 December 2017)

Revenue
Cost of sales

Gross profit
Distribution and selling costs
Administrative expenses

Operating profit 
Finance expense

Profit before tax
Income tax

2018
Excluding 
exceptional 
items
£’000

1,029,347
(373,487)

655,860
(513,161)
(52,856)

89,843
(12)

89,831
(18,201)

2018
Exceptional 
items
(see Note 4)
£’000

–
(5,947)

(5,947)
416
(1,682)

(7,213)
–

(7,213)
1,322

2018
Total
£’000

1,029,347
(379,434)

649,913
(512,745)
(54,538)

82,630
(12)

82,618
(16,879)

Note

1

6

3-6
8

Profit for the financial year attributable  

to equity holders of the Parent

Basic earnings per share 
Diluted earnings per share

71,630

(5,891)

65,739

9
9

71.1p
70.3p

(5.9p)
(5.8p)

65.2p
64.5p

2017
Excluding 
exceptional 
items
£’000

960,005
(348,098)

611,907
(476,215)
(53,517)

82,175
(368)

81,807
(16,923)

64,884

64.5p
63.5p

2017
Exceptional 
items
(see Note 4)
£’000

–
(10,060)

(10,060)
198
–

(9,862)
–

(9,862)
1,884

2017
Total
£’000

960,005
(358,158)

601,847
(476,017)
(53,517)

72,313
(368)

71,945
(15,039)

(7,978)

56,906

(7.9p)
(7.8p)

56.6p
55.7p

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
for the 52 weeks ended 29 December 2018 (2017: 52 weeks ended 30 December 2017)

Profit for the financial year
Other comprehensive income
Items that will not be recycled to profit and loss:
Re-measurements on defined benefit pension plans
Tax on re-measurements on defined benefit pension plans

Other comprehensive income for the financial year, net of income tax

Total comprehensive income for the financial year

Note

2018
£’000

2017
£’000

65,739

56,906

20
8

966
(164)

802

66,541

15,962
(2,714)

13,248

70,154

80

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Balance sheets
at 29 December 2018 (2017: 30 December 2017)

ASSETS
Non-current assets
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investments
Deferred tax asset

Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Current tax liability
Provisions

Non-current liabilities
Other payables
Defined benefit pension liability
Long-term provisions

Total liabilities

Net assets

EQUITY
Capital and reserves
Issued capital
Share premium account
Capital redemption reserve
Retained earnings

Total equity attributable to equity holders of 

the Parent

Note

Group

2018
£’000

Parent Company

2017
£’000

2018
£’000

2017
£’000

10
11
12
13

14
15
16

17
18
21

19
20
21

22

22

16,886
330,472
–
191

347,549

20,792
31,581
88,197

140,570

488,119

14,737
319,195
–
782

334,714

18,688
33,365
54,503

106,556

441,270

16,886
331,065
4,987
640

353,578

20,792
31,581
88,197

140,570

494,148

14,737
319,788
4,987
1,231

340,743

18,688
33,365
54,503

106,556

447,299

(126,377)
(10,059)
(8,659)

(107,126)
(8,714)
(12,090)

(134,184)
(10,059)
(8,659)

(114,933)
(8,714)
(12,090)

(145,095)

(127,930)

(152,902)

(135,737)

(4,655)
(8,416)
(735)

(5,127)
(7,506)
(1,344)

(4,655)
(8,416)
(735)

(13,806)

(13,977)

(13,806)

(158,901)

(141,907)

(166,708)

329,218

299,363

327,440

2,023
13,533
416
313,246

2,023
13,533
416
283,391

2,023
13,533
416
311,468

(5,127)
(7,506)
(1,344)

(13,977)

(149,714)

297,585

2,023
13,533
416
281,613

329,218

299,363

327,440

297,585

The accounts on pages 80 to 109 were approved by the Board of Directors on 7 March 2019 and were signed on its behalf by:

Roger Whiteside 
Richard Hutton 

Company Registered Number 502851

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

81

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportStatements of changes in equity
for the 52 weeks ended 29 December 2018 (2017: 52 weeks ended 30 December 2017)

Group
52 weeks ended 30 December 2017

Balance at 1 January 2017
Total comprehensive income for the year
Profit for the financial year
Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income for the year
Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity
Sale of own shares
Purchase of own shares
Share-based payment transactions
Dividends to equity holders
Tax items taken directly to reserves

Total transactions with owners

Balance at 30 December 2017

52 weeks ended 29 December 2018

Balance at 31 December 2017
Total comprehensive income for the year
Profit for the financial year
Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income for the year
Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity
Sale of own shares
Purchase of own shares
Share-based payment transactions
Dividends to equity holders
Tax items taken directly to reserves

Total transactions with owners

Balance at 29 December 2018

Note

20
22
8

Attributable to equity holders of the Company

Issued 
capital 
£’000 

Share 
premium 
£’000 

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 
£’000 

Retained 
earnings
£’000 

Total
£’000 

2,023 

13,533 

416  248,688  264,660 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

56,906 
13,248 

56,906 
13,248 

70,154 

70,154 

5,358 
(11,352)
1,835 
(32,187)
895 

5,358 
(11,352)
1,835 
(32,187)
895 

(35,451)

(35,451)

2,023 

13,533 

416  283,391 

299,363 

Attributable to equity holders of the Company

Issued 
capital 
£’000 

Share 
premium 
£’000 

Capital 
redemption 
reserve
£’000 

Retained 
earnings 
£’000 

Total
£’000

Note

2,023 

13,533 

416  283,391  299,363 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

65,739 
802 

65,739 
802 

66,541 

66,541 

5,270 
(9,945)
2,018 
(33,086)
(943)

5,270 
(9,945)
2,018 
(33,086)
(943)

(36,686)

(36,686)

2,023 

13,533 

416  313,246  329,218 

20
22
8

82

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Parent Company
52 weeks ended 30 December 2017

Balance at 1 January 2017
Total comprehensive income for the year
Profit for the financial year
Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income for the year
Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity
Sale of own shares
Purchase of own shares
Share-based payment transactions
Dividends to equity holders
Tax items taken directly to reserves

Total transactions with owners

Balance at 30 December 2017

52 weeks ended 29 December 2018

Balance at 31 December 2017
Total comprehensive income for the year
Profit for the financial year
Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income for the year
Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity
Sale of own shares
Purchase of own shares
Share-based payment transactions
Dividends to equity holders
Tax items taken directly to reserves

Total transactions with owners

Balance at 29 December 2018

Note

7

20
22
8

Note

7

20
22
8

Attributable to equity holders of the Company

Issued
capital
£’000

Share
premium
£’000

Capital
redemption 
reserve
£’000

Retained 
earnings
£’000

Total
£’000

2,023

13,533

416

246,910

262,882

–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–

56,906
13,248

56,906
13,248

70,154

70,154

5,358
(11,352)
1,835
(32,187)
895

5,358
(11,352)
1,835
(32,187)
895

(35,451)

(35,451)

2,023

13,533

416

281,613

297,585

Attributable to equity holders of the Company

Issued
capital
£’000

Share
premium
£’000

Capital
redemption
reserve
£’000

Retained 
earnings
£’000

Total
£’000

2,023

13,533

416

281,613

297,585

–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–

65,739
802

65,739
802

66,541

66,541

5,270
(9,945)
2,018
(33,086)
(943)

5,270
(9,945)
2,018
(33,086)
(943)

(36,686)

(36,686)

2,023

13,533

416

311,468

327,440

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

83

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportStatements of cashflows
for the 52 weeks ended 29 December 2018 (2017: 52 weeks ended 30 December 2017)

Operating activities
Cash generated from operations (see below)
Income tax paid

Net cash inflow from operating activities

Investing activities
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment
Acquisition of intangible assets
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
Interest received

Net cash outflow from investing activities

Financing activities
Sale of own shares
Purchase of own shares
Dividends paid

Net cash outflow from financing activities

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the start of the year

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

Cash flow statement – cash generated from operations

Profit for the financial year
Amortisation
Depreciation 
Impairment/(reversal of impairment)
Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment
Release of government grants
Share-based payment expenses
Finance expense 
Income tax expense
Increase in inventories
Decrease/(increase) in receivables
Increase in payables
(Decrease)/increase in provisions
Increase in pension liability

Cash from operating activities

Group

Parent Company

Note

2018
£’000

2017
£’000

2018
£’000

2017
£’000

152,222
(16,050)

134,470
(17,602)

152,222
(16,050)

134,470
(17,602)

136,172

116,868

136,172

116,868

(61,437)
(5,188)
1,726
182

(68,646)
(3,918)
2,171
249

(61,437)
(5,188)
1,726
182

(68,646)
(3,918)
2,171
249

(64,717)

(70,144)

(64,717)

(70,144)

5,270
(9,945)
(33,086)

5,358
(11,352)
(32,187)

5,270
(9,945)
(33,086)

5,358
(11,352)
(32,187)

(37,761)

(38,181)

(37,761)

(38,181)

33,694
54,503

8,543
45,960

33,694
54,503

8,543
45,960

88,197

54,503

88,197

54,503

2018
£’000

65,739
3,039
52,867
367
1,602
(472)
2,018
12
16,879
(2,104)
1,784
12,849
(4,040)
1,682

2017
£’000

56,906
3,435
50,044
(415)
2,719
(472)
1,835
368
15,039
(2,754)
(2,652)
4,497
5,920
–

2018
£’000

65,739
3,039
52,867
367
1,602
(472)
2,018
12
16,879
(2,104)
1,784
12,849
(4,040)
1,682

2017
£’000

56,906
3,435
50,044
(415)
2,719
(472)
1,835
368
15,039
(2,754)
(2,652)
4,497
5,920
–

152,222

134,470

152,222

134,470

6

22

16

16

Note

10
11
11

20
6
8

20

84

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Notes to the consolidated accounts

Significant accounting policies
Greggs plc (‘the Company’) is a company incorporated and domiciled in the UK. The Group accounts consolidate those of the 
Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as ‘the Group’). The results of the associate are not consolidated on the grounds 
of materiality. The Parent Company accounts present information about the Company as a separate entity and not about its Group.

The accounts were authorised for issue by the Directors on 7 March 2019.

(a)   Statement of compliance
Both the Parent Company accounts and the Group accounts have been prepared and approved by the Directors in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU (‘adopted IFRSs’), IFRIC interpretations and the Companies Act 
2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. On publishing the Parent Company accounts here together with the Group 
accounts, the Company is taking advantage of the exemption in s408 of the Companies Act 2006 not to present its individual 
income statement and related notes that form a part of these approved accounts.

(b)   Basis of preparation
The accounts are presented in pounds sterling, rounded to the nearest thousand, and are prepared on the historical cost basis 
except the defined benefit pension asset/liability, which is recognised as plan assets less the present value of the defined 
benefit obligation.

The Group’s business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position  
are set out in the Directors’ report and strategic report on pages 1 to 39. The financial position of the Group, its cash flows and  
liquidity position are described in the financial review on pages 26 to 29. In addition, Note 2 to the accounts includes: the Group’s 
objectives, policies and processes for managing its capital; its financial risk management objectives; details of its financial 
instruments and hedging activities; and its exposures to credit risk and liquidity risk.

The Group chose not to restate business combinations prior to the IFRS transition date (1 January 2004), as no significant 
acquisitions had taken place during the previous ten years. The Group’s policy up to and including 1997 was to eliminate goodwill 
arising upon acquisitions against reserves. Under IFRS 1 and IFRS 3, such goodwill remains eliminated against reserves.

The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently throughout the Group and to all years presented in these 
consolidated accounts and are unchanged from previous years. From 31 December 2017 the following standards, amendments  
and interpretations were adopted by the Group:
• 
• 

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments; and
IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers.

The adoption of the above has not had a significant impact on the Group’s profit for the period or equity.

Going concern
Directors have reviewed the Company’s operational and investment plans for the next 12 months along with the principal risks  
and uncertainties that could affect these plans or threaten its liquidity. The key factors likely to affect future performance and the 
Company’s exposure to risks are set out on pages 35 to 39 of the strategic report. In addition the financial review on pages 26 to 29 
sets out the Company’s net cash position and continued strong cash generation.

After making enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group have adequate resources to 
continue in operational existence for the next 12 months. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing 
the annual report and accounts.

Key estimates and judgements 
The preparation of financial information in conformity with adopted IFRSs requires management to make judgements, estimates 
and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses.  
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised  
in the year in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that year, or in the year of revision and future years if the 
revision affects both current and future years.

Treatment of items as exceptional
The accounts for both the current and the prior year include items which are material and unusual in nature and which are 
considered to be of such significance that they require separate disclosure on the face of the income statement. These items 
include the decision to invest in and reshape the Company’s supply chain, with a multi-year, known budget project, in order  
to support future growth. Judgement is required in ensuring that only items that relate directly to this activity are separately 
presented. They also include the change in respect of guaranteed minimum pension equalisation. Further details of items treated  
as exceptional are given in Note 4.

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

85

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportNotes to the consolidated accounts continued

Significant accounting policies continued
(b)   Basis of preparation continued
Key estimates and judgements continued
Post-retirement benefits
The determination of the defined benefit obligation of the Group’s defined benefit pension scheme depends on the selection  
of certain assumptions, with significant estimation uncertainty, including the discount rate, inflation rate, mortality rates and 
commutation and guaranteed minimum pensions. Differences arising from actual experience or future changes in assumptions  
will be reflected in future years. The key assumptions, sensitivities and carrying amounts for 2018 are given in Notes 4 and 20.

(c)  Basis of consolidation
The consolidated accounts include the results of Greggs plc and its subsidiary undertakings for the 52 weeks ended 29 December 
2018. The comparative period is the 52 weeks ended 30 December 2017.

(i)  Subsidiaries

Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Company. The Company controls an entity when it is exposed to, or has rights to, 
variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. 
The accounts of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated accounts from the date on which control commences until the 
date on which control ceases.

(ii)  Associates

Associates are those entities in which the Group has significant influence, but not control, over the financial and operating 
policies. Significant influence is presumed to exist when the Group holds between 20 and 50 per cent of the voting power  
of another entity. At the year end the Group has one associate which has not been consolidated on the grounds of materiality 
(see Note 12).

(iii)  Transactions eliminated on consolidation

Intragroup balances, and any unrealised gains and losses or income and expenses arising from intragroup transactions,  
are eliminated in preparing the consolidated accounts.

(d)  Exceptional items
Exceptional items are defined as items of income and expenditure which are material and unusual in nature and which are 
considered to be of such significance that they require separate disclosure on the face of the income statement. Any future 
movements on items previously classified as exceptional will also be classified as exceptional.

(e)  Foreign currency
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at the foreign exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets  
and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are translated at the foreign exchange rate ruling at that date. 
Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange 
rate at the date of the transaction. Foreign exchange differences arising on translation are recognised in the income statement.

Intangible assets

(f) 
The Group’s only intangible assets relate to software and the costs of its implementation which are measured at cost less 
accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. Subsequent expenditure is capitalised only when it increases  
the future economic benefits embodied in the specific asset to which it relates. All other expenditure is recognised in the income 
statement as incurred.

Amortisation is recognised in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of intangible assets  
from the date that they are available for use. The estimated useful lives are five to seven years. 

Assets in the course of development are re-categorised and amortisation commences when the assets are available for use.

(g)  Property, plant and equipment
(i)  Owned assets

Items of property, plant and equipment are stated at cost or deemed cost less accumulated depreciation (see below) and 
impairment losses (see accounting policy (k)). The cost of self-constructed assets includes the cost of materials and direct labour.

(ii)  Subsequent costs

The cost of replacing a component of an item of property, plant and equipment is recognised in the carrying amount of the 
item if it is probable that the future economic benefits embodied within the component will flow to the Group, and its costs  
can be measured reliably. The carrying value of the replaced component is derecognised. The costs of the day-to-day servicing 
of property, plant and equipment are recognised in the income statement as incurred.

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Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

 
 
 
 
 
(iii)  Depreciation

Depreciation is provided so as to write off the cost (less residual value) of each item of property, plant and equipment during  
its expected useful life using the straight-line method over the following periods:

Freehold and long leasehold buildings 
Short leasehold properties 
Plant, machinery, equipment, vehicles, fixtures and fittings 

40 years
10 years or length of lease if shorter
3 to 10 years

Freehold land is not depreciated.

Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values (if not insignificant) are reassessed annually.

(iv)  Assets in the course of construction

These assets are re-categorised and depreciation commences when the assets are available for use.

(h)  Investments
Non-current investments comprise investments in subsidiaries and associates which are carried at cost less impairment.

Current investments comprise fixed-term fixed-rate bank deposits where the term is greater than three months.

Inventories

(i) 
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary 
course of business, less the estimated costs of completion and selling expenses. The cost of inventories includes expenditure 
incurred in acquiring the inventories and direct production labour costs.

(j)  Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprises cash balances and call deposits with an original maturity of three months or less. Bank 
overdrafts that are repayable on demand and form an integral part of the Group’s cash management are included as a component 
of cash and cash equivalents for the purpose of the statement of cash flows.

(k)  Impairment
The carrying amounts of the Group and Company’s assets, other than inventories and deferred tax assets, are reviewed at each 
balance sheet date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, the asset’s recoverable 
amount is estimated. Impairment reviews are carried out on an individual shop basis unless there are a number of shops in the  
same location, in which case the impairment review is based on the location.

An impairment loss is recognised whenever the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount. Impairment losses are 
recognised in the income statement. Impairment losses recognised in prior years are assessed at each reporting date and reversed 
if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the 
extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of 
depreciation, if no impairment loss had been recognised. 

(l)  Non-current assets held for sale
Non-current assets that are expected to be recovered primarily through sale rather than through continuing use are classified  
as held for sale. Immediately before classification as held for sale, the assets are re-measured in accordance with the Group  
and Company’s accounting policies. Thereafter generally the assets are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and  
fair value less cost to sell. Once classified as held for sale assets are no longer depreciated or amortised.

(m)  Share capital and reserves
(i)  Re-purchase of share capital
  When share capital recognised as equity is re-purchased, the amount of the consideration paid, including directly attributable 
costs, is recognised as a deduction from equity. Re-purchased shares that are held in the employee share ownership plan  
are classified as treasury shares and are presented as a deduction from total equity.

(ii)  Dividends

Dividends are recognised as a liability when the Company has an obligation to pay and the dividend is no longer at the 
Company’s discretion.

(iii)  Distributable reserves

All retained earnings are distributable and are the only such reserves.

(n)   Employee share ownership plan
The Group and Parent Company accounts include the assets and related liabilities of the Greggs Employee Benefit Trust (EBT).  
In both the Group and Parent Company accounts the shares held by the EBT are stated at cost and deducted from total equity.

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

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AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated accounts continued

Significant accounting policies continued
(o)  Employee benefits
(i)  Short-term employee benefits

Short-term employee benefits are expensed as the related service is provided. A liability is recognised for the amount 
expected to be paid if the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation to pay this amount as a result of past service 
provided by the employee and the obligation can be measured reliably.

(ii)  Defined contribution plans

Obligations for contributions to defined contribution pension plans are recognised as an expense in the income statement 
when they are due.

(iii)  Defined benefit plans

The Company’s net obligation in respect of defined benefit pension plans is calculated by estimating the amount of future 
benefit that employees have earned in return for their service in the current and prior periods; that benefit is discounted to 
determine its present value, and the fair value of any plan assets (at bid price) is deducted. The Company determines the net 
interest on the net defined benefit asset/liability for the period by applying the discount rate used to measure the defined 
benefit obligation at the beginning of the annual period to the net defined benefit asset/liability.

The discount rate is the yield at the reporting date on bonds that have a credit rating of at least AA, that have maturity dates 
approximating to the terms of the Company’s obligations and that are denominated in the currency in which the benefits  
are expected to be paid.

Re-measurements arising from defined benefit plans comprise actuarial gains and losses and the return on plan assets 
(excluding interest). The Company recognises them immediately in other comprehensive income and all other expenses related 
to defined benefit plans in employee benefit expenses in the income statement.

  When the benefits of a plan are changed, or when a plan is curtailed, the portion of the changed benefit related to past service 
by employees, or the gain or loss on curtailment, is recognised immediately in profit or loss when the plan amendment or 
curtailment occurs.

The calculation of the defined benefit obligation is performed by a qualified actuary using the projected unit credit method. 
When the calculation results in a benefit to the Company, the recognised asset is limited to the present value of benefits 
available in the form of any future refunds from the plan or reductions in future contributions and takes into account the 
adverse effect of any minimum funding requirements.

(iv)  Share-based payment transactions

The share option programme allows Group employees to acquire shares of the Company. The fair value of share options 
granted is recognised as an employee expense with a corresponding increase in equity. The fair value is measured at grant 
date, using an appropriate model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the share options were granted, 
and is spread over the period during which the employees become unconditionally entitled to the options. The amount 
recognised as an expense is adjusted to reflect the actual number of share options that vest except where forfeiture is only  
due to share prices not achieving the threshold for vesting.

(v)  Termination benefits

Termination benefits are expensed at the earlier of the date at which the Group can no longer withdraw the offer of these 
benefits and the date at which the Group recognises costs for a restructuring. If benefits are not expected to be settled wholly 
within 12 months of the reporting date they are discounted.

(p)  Provisions
A provision is recognised if, as a result of a past event, the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation that can be 
estimated reliably, and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. Provisions  
are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of  
the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability.

(i)  Restructuring

A provision for restructuring is recognised when the Group has approved a detailed and formal restructuring plan,  
and the restructuring either has commenced or has been announced publicly. Future operating costs are not provided for.

(ii)  Onerous leases

Provisions for onerous leases are recognised when the Group believes that the unavoidable costs of meeting the lease 
obligations exceed the economic benefits expected to be received under the lease. Before a provision is established  
the Group recognises any impairment loss on the associated assets.

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Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(iii)  Dilapidations

The Group provides for property dilapidations, where appropriate, based on the future expected repair costs required to 
restore the Group’s leased buildings to their fair condition at the end of their respective lease terms, where it is considered  
a reliable estimate can be made.

(q)  Revenue
(i)  Retail sales

Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised as income on receipt of cash or card payment. Revenue is measured net  
of discounts, promotions and value added taxation.

(ii)  Franchise sales

Franchise sales are recognised when goods are dispatched to franchisees. Additional franchise royalty fee income, generally 
calculated as a percentage of gross sales income, is recognised on an accruals basis in accordance with the relevant agreement. 
Pre-opening capital fit-out costs are recharged to the franchisee and represent a key performance obligation of the overall 
franchise sales agreement. These recharges are recognised as income on completion of the related fit-out. 

(iii)  Wholesale sales
  Wholesale sales are recognised when goods are delivered to customers.

(iv)  Loyalty programme/gift cards

Amounts received for gift cards or as part of the loyalty programme are deferred. They are recognised as revenue when the 
Group has fulfilled its obligation to supply products under the terms of the programme or when it is no longer probable that 
these amounts will be redeemed. No adjustment is made to revenue to reflect the fair value of the free items provided under 
the loyalty scheme as these would be immaterial to the accounts. The costs of these free items are expensed as the products 
are provided to the customer.

The nature, timing and uncertainty of revenues arising from the above transaction types do not differ significantly from each other.

(r)  Government grants
Government grants are recognised in the balance sheet initially as deferred income when there is a reasonable assurance that  
they will be received and that the Group will comply with the conditions attaching to them. Grants that compensate the Group  
for expenses incurred are recognised in the income statement on a systematic basis in the same periods in which the expenses  
are incurred. Grants that compensate the Group for the cost of an asset are recognised in the income statement over the useful  
life of the asset.

(s)  Operating lease payments
Payments under operating leases are recognised in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.  
Lease incentives received are recognised in the income statement as an integral part of the total lease expense over the term  
of the lease.

(t)  Finance income and expense
Interest income or expense is recognised using the effective interest method.

(u)  Income tax
Income tax comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognised in the income statement except to the extent that  
it relates to items recognised directly in equity, in which case it is recognised in equity.

Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable profit for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the 
balance sheet date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years. Taxable profit differs from profit as reported  
in the income statement because some items of income or expense are taxable or deductible in different years or may never be 
taxable or deductible.

Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable in the future arising from temporary differences between the carrying 
amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used in the calculation of taxable profit. It is 
accounted for using the balance sheet liability method. The amount of deferred tax recognised is based on the expected manner  
of realisation or settlement of the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities, using tax rates that are expected to apply when the 
temporary differences reverse, based on rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.

Deferred tax is not recognised for the following temporary differences: the initial recognition of assets or liabilities in a transaction 
that is not a business combination and that affects neither accounting nor taxable profit, and differences relating to investments  
in subsidiaries to the extent that it is probable that they will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which  
the asset can be utilised. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer 
probable that the related deferred tax benefit will be realised.

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

89

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic Report 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated accounts continued

Significant accounting policies continued
(v)  Research and development
The Company continuously strives to improve its products and processes through technical and other innovation. Such expenditure 
is typically expensed to the income statement as the related intellectual property is not capable of being formalised and does not 
always have distinguishable research and development phases.

(w)  IFRSs available for early adoption not yet applied
The following standards and amendments to standards which will be relevant to the Group were available for early adoption but 
have not been applied in these accounts:
• 

IFRS 16 Leases (effective date 1 January 2019).

The Group is adopting IFRS 16 Leases for the 52 weeks ending 28 December 2019 with a transition date of 30 December 2018.  
The standard replaces IAS 17 and establishes principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases. 
IFRS 16 eliminates the classification of leases as either operating leases or finance leases and introduces a single lessee accounting 
model. An asset (the right to use the leased item) and a financial liability to pay rentals are recognised with the only exceptions 
being for short-term or low-value leases. Depreciation of the right-of-use assets and interest on the financial liability are recognised 
separately in the income statement.

The application of IFRS 16 will have a material impact on the Group’s accounts for the 52 weeks ending 28 December 2019.  
The Group has applied the modified retrospective approach to transition as at 30 December 2018 and comparative amounts for  
the prior year will not be restated on first adoption. The right-of-use assets have been measured at the amount of the lease liability 
on adoption (adjusted for any prepaid or accrued lease expenses).

As at 29 December 2018 the Group had non-cancellable operating lease commitments of £164.7 million (see Note 23) the majority 
of which relate to property leases for shops.

For these lease commitments on transition the Group has recognised right-of-use assets and lease liabilities in the order of  
£270 million, after adjustments for prepayments and accrued lease liabilities recognised as at 29 December 2018. Net current  
assets are approximately £50 million lower due to the presentation of a portion of the liability as a current liability. 

The Group expects that net profit before tax will decrease by approximately £4.2 million for the 52 weeks ending 28 December 2019 
as a result of adopting the new rules. Operating profit is anticipated to increase by c.£2.6 million and finance expenses  
to increase by c.£6.8 million due to the depreciation and interest elements being charged separately.

Overall there will be no impact on cashflow though operating cashflows are expected to increase and financing cashflows decrease 
as repayment of the principal portion of the lease liabilities will be classified as cashflows from financing activities.

Key judgements regarding interest rates and lease terms have been applied in deriving the anticipated impact of the adoption  
of the new standard. One of these judgements relates to the treatment of properties where the current lease term has expired but 
the Company remains in negotiation with the landlord for potential renewal. The Company’s interpretation of IFRS 16 is such that, 
where the intention is to renew the lease, and renewal is reasonably certain, it will be accounted as if it has been renewed. This is  
a material judgement and the Company has developed a number of objective tests to ensure that leases are treated consistently.  
At the end of 2018 there were c.260 property leases in this situation that it is intended will be capitalised for this reason. These 
properties account for £40 million of the assets and liabilities referred to above and £0.4 million of the expected decrease in profit.

There are no other standards that are not yet effective that would be expected to have a material impact of the income statement 
or balance sheet of the Group.

1.   Segmental analysis
The Board is considered to be the ‘chief operating decision-maker’ of the Group in the context of the IFRS 8 definition. In addition 
to its retail activities, the Group generates revenues from franchise and wholesale. However, these elements of the business are  
not sufficiently significant to be ‘Reportable Segments’ in the context of IFRS 8. 

Products and services – the Group sells a consistent range of fresh bakery goods, sandwiches and drinks in its shops. The Group 
also provides frozen bakery products to its wholesale customers.

Major customers – the majority of sales are made to the general public on a cash basis. A small proportion of sales are made on 
credit to certain organisations, including wholesale customers, and franchisees. These are included within the ‘other’ column below.

Geographical areas – all results arise in the UK.

90

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

The Board regularly reviews the revenues and trading profit of each segment separately but receives information on overheads, 
assets and liabilities on an aggregated basis consistent with the Group accounts. Details of the revenue and trading profit are 
shown below:

Revenue

Trading profit*
Overheads including profit share

Operating profit before exceptional items
Finance expense

Profit before tax (excluding  

exceptional items)

Exceptional items (see Note 4)

Profit before tax

 Retail 
company-
managed shops 
2018
£’000

949,250 

151,211 

Other
2018
£’000

Total
2018
£’000

80,097 

1,029,347 

14,355 

165,566 
(75,723)

89,843 
(12)

89,831 
(7,213)

82,618 

Retail 
company-
managed shops
2017
£’000

891,778 

144,014 

Other
2017
£’000

68,227 

12,084 

Total
2017
£’000

960,005 

156,098 
(73,923)

82,175 
(368)

81,807 
(9,862)

71,945 

*  Trading profit is defined as gross profit less supply chain costs and retails costs (including property costs) and before central overheads.

2.   Financial risk management
Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its 
contractual obligations.

Retail sales represent a large proportion of the Group’s sales and present no credit risk as they are made for cash or card payments. 
The Group does offer credit terms on sales to its wholesale and franchise customers. In such cases the Group operates effective 
credit control procedures in order to minimise exposure to overdue debts.

Counterparty risk is also considered low. All of the Group’s surplus cash is held with highly-rated banks, in line with Group policy.

Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due.

The Group operates with net current liabilities and is therefore reliant on the continued strong performance of the retail portfolio  
to meet its short-term liabilities. This is a well-established and proven business model. Any increase in short-term liquidity risk can 
be mitigated by reducing capital expenditure. The model has been tested in various scenarios for the Group’s viability statement 
which is included in the strategic report on page 37. The Group had significant cash resources at the year end. 

Market risk
Market risk is the risk that changes in market prices, such as foreign exchange rates, interest rates and equity prices will affect  
the Group’s income or the value of its holdings of financial instruments.

Market risk is not significant and therefore sensitivity analysis would not be meaningful.

Currency risk
The Group has no regular transactions in foreign currency although there are occasional purchases, mainly of capital items, 
denominated in foreign currency. Whilst certain costs such as electricity and wheat can be influenced by movements in the  
US dollar, actual contracts are priced in sterling. In respect of those key costs which are volatile, such as electricity and flour,  
the price may be fixed for a period of time in line with Group policy. All such contracts are for the Group’s own expected usage.

Interest rate risk
The Group has low exposure to interest rate risk. Interest only arises on its bank deposits and overdrafts and the defined  
benefit pension scheme liability. Net financial expense in the year was £12,000 (2017: £368,000).

Equity price risk
The Group has no significant equity investments other than its subsidiaries and associate. As disclosed in Note 20 the Group’s 
defined benefit pension scheme has investments in equity-related funds.

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

91

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportNotes to the consolidated accounts continued

2.   Financial risk management continued
Capital management 
The Board defines capital as the equity of the Group. The Group has remained net cash positive with funding requirements met by 
cash generated from retail operations. The Board considers that it is not currently appropriate to take on structural debt given the 
inherent leverage of the leasehold shop estate and working capital requirements. The Board’s policy on dividend levels is to pursue 
a progressive dividend policy that pays due regard to the growth of earnings per share over the medium term, the cash-generative 
nature of the business and the continuing determination to deliver value to shareholders. The Board would expect to return any 
material level of surplus capital to shareholders, likely by way of a special dividend.

The Board reserves the option to purchase its own shares in the market dependent on market prices and surplus cash levels.  
The trustees of the Greggs Employment Benefit Trust also purchase shares for future satisfaction of employee share options.

Financial instruments
Group and Parent Company
All of the Group’s surplus cash is invested as cash placed on deposit or fixed-term deposits.

The Group’s treasury policy has as its principal objective the achievement of the maximum rate of return on cash balances whilst 
maintaining an acceptable level of risk. Other than mentioned below there are no financial instruments, derivatives or commodity 
contracts used.

Financial assets and liabilities
A financial asset is measured at amortised cost if it meets both of the following conditions:
• 
• 

it is held within a business model whose objective is to hold assets to collect contractual cash flows; and
its contractual terms give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the  
principal amount outstanding.

The Group’s main financial assets comprise cash and cash equivalents and fixed-term deposits. Other financial assets include trade 
receivables arising from the Group’s activities. These financial assets all meet the conditions to be recognised at amortised cost.

Other than trade and other payables, the Group had no financial liabilities within the scope of IFRS 9 as at 29 December 2018 
(2017: £nil).

Fair values
The fair value of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities is not materially different from their carrying values. Financial assets and 
liabilities comprise principally of trade receivables and trade payables and the only interest-bearing balances are the bank deposits 
and borrowings which attract interest at variable rates.

Interest rate, credit and foreign currency risk
The Group has not entered into any hedging transactions during the year and considers interest rate, credit and foreign currency 
risks not to be significant.

3.   Profit before tax
Profit before tax is stated after charging/(crediting):

Amortisation of intangible assets
Depreciation on owned property, plant and equipment
Impairment/(reversal of impairment) of owned property, plant and equipment
Loss on disposal of fixed assets 
Release of government grants
Payments under operating leases – property rents
Research and development expenditure
Auditor’s remuneration 

Audit of these accounts
Audit of pension schemes’ accounts
All other services

2018
£’000

3,039
52,867
367
1,602
(472)
54,265
325

149
8
17

2017
£’000

3,435
50,044
(415)
2,719
(472)
50,933
325

154
8
9

Amounts paid to the Company’s auditor in respect of services to the Company, other than the audit of the Company’s accounts, 
have not been disclosed as the information is required instead to be presented on a consolidated basis.

92

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

4.   Exceptional items

Cost of sales

Supply chain restructuring

Distribution and selling

Prior year items 

Administrative expenses

Pension scheme 

Total exceptional items

– redundancy 
– gain on property disposal
– depreciation and asset write-off 
– transfer of operations
– property-related

– property-related

– guaranteed minimum pension equalisation

2018
£’000

(174)
–
709
4,931
481

5,947

2017
£’000

7,458
(403)
1,245
1,302
458

10,060

(416)

(198)

1,682

7,213

–

9,862

Supply chain restructuring
This charge arises from the decisions, announced in 2016 and 2017, to invest in and reshape the Company’s supply chain in order  
to support future growth. In 2018 the costs related to accelerated depreciation and the expenses incurred as a result of transferring 
manufacturing processes between sites, including additional running costs. In 2017 the costs related to the sale of one bakery site, 
including the gain on disposal, redundancy costs relating to the consolidation of production processes, accelerated depreciation 
and other contractual obligations that arose as a result of this consolidation. 

Prior year item
This relates to the movement on costs treated as exceptional in prior years and arises from the settlement of various property transactions.

Guaranteed minimum pension equalisation
The charge arises from the recognition of a past service cost in respect of the equalisation of guaranteed minimum pension  
(GMP) benefits.

On 26 October 2018, the High Court handed down a judgement involving Lloyds Banking Group defined benefit pension schemes. 
The judgement ruled that the schemes should equalise benefits for men and women in relation to GMP benefits. The judgement 
has implications for many defined benefit schemes including that operated by the Company. We have worked with our actuarial 
advisors to understand the implications of the judgement for the Greggs scheme and the £1,682,000 pre-tax exceptional expense 
reflects our best estimate of the effect on our reported pension liabilities.

The change in pension liabilities recognised in relation to GMP equalisation involves estimation uncertainty. It is expected that  
there will be follow-on court hearings to further clarify the application of GMP equalisation in practice. Further, it is not yet known 
whether Lloyds Banking Group will appeal the High Court judgement. These accounts reflect the best estimate of the impact  
on pension liabilities; however that estimate reflects a number of assumptions. As the outcome of future court hearings cannot  
be reliably predicted, it is not practical to quantify the extent of the estimation uncertainty but the best estimate reflects the 
information currently available. The Directors will continue to monitor any further clarifications or court hearings arising from  
the Lloyds case and consider the impact on pension liabilities accordingly.

The Directors have made the judgement that the estimated effect of GMP equalisation is a past service cost that should  
be reflected through the income statement and that any subsequent change in the estimate should be recognised in other 
comprehensive income. This judgement is based on the fact that the reported pension liabilities as at 30 December 2017  
did not include any amount in respect of GMP equalisation.

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

93

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportNotes to the consolidated accounts continued

5.   Personnel expenses
The average number of persons employed by the Group (including Directors) during the year was as follows:

Management
Administration
Production
Shop

The aggregate costs of these persons were as follows:

Wages and salaries
Compulsory social security contributions
Pension costs – defined benefit plan
Pension costs – defined contribution plans
Equity-settled transactions (including employer’s NI costs)

2018
Number

710
454
3,023
18,283

22,470

2018
£’000

328,264
21,199
1,682
15,096
2,018

368,259

2017
Number

711
461
2,988
17,389

21,549

2017
£’000

321,872
22,535
–
11,258
2,575

358,240

Note

20
20
20

In addition to wages and salaries, the total amount accrued under the Group’s employee profit sharing scheme is contained  
within the main cost categories as follows:

Cost of sales
Distribution and selling costs
Administrative expenses

2018
£’000

2,612
6,228
1,205

10,045

2017
£’000

2,395
5,710
1,106

9,211

For the purposes of IAS 24 ‘Related Party Disclosures’, key management personnel comprises the Directors and the members  
of the Operating Board and their remuneration was as follows:

Salaries and fees
Taxable benefits
Annual bonus (including profit share)
Post-retirement benefits
Share-based payments

2018
£’000

2,782
130
1,291
341
1,168

5,712

The following amounts are disclosed in accordance with Schedule 5 of the Large and Medium-Sized Companies and Groups 
(Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008.

Aggregate Directors’ remuneration
Aggregate amount of gains on exercise of share options

2018
£’000

1,631
769

2,400

2017
£’000

2,956
126
1,350
352
933

5,717

2017
£’000

1,820
1,374

3,194

The number of Directors in the defined contribution pension scheme and in the defined benefit pension scheme during the year 
was one (2017: two).

94

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

6.   Finance expense

Interest income on cash balances
Foreign exchange gain
Net interest related to defined benefit obligation 

Note

20

2018
£’000

171
11
(194)

(12)

2017
£’000

46
203
(617)

(368)

7.  Profit attributable to Greggs plc
Of the Group profit for the year, £65,739,000 (2017: £56,906,000) is dealt with in the accounts of the Parent Company.  
The Company has taken advantage of the exemption permitted by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 from presenting  
its own income statement.

8.   Income tax expense
Recognised in the income statement

Current tax 
Current year
Adjustment for prior years

Deferred tax 
Origination and reversal of temporary 

differences

Adjustment for prior years

Total income tax expense in income 

statement

Excluding 
exceptional
items
2018
£’000

18,954
(643)

18,311

(237)
127

(110)

Exceptional 
items
2018
£’000

(916)
–

(916)

(406)
–

(406)

Total
2018
£’000

18,038
(643)

17,395

(643)
127

(516)

Excluding 
exceptional
items
2017
£’000

18,902
(1,256)

17,646

(457)
(266)

(723)

Exceptional
items
2017
£’000

(1,756)
–

(1,756)

(128)
–

(128)

Total
2017
£’000

17,146 
(1,256)

15,890

(585)
(266)

(851)

18,201

(1,322)

16,879

16,923

(1,884)

15,039

Reconciliation of effective tax rate
The tables below explain the differences between the expected tax expense calculated at the UK statutory rate of 19 per cent 
(2017: 19.25 per cent) and the actual tax expense for each year for both the total tax expense and the underlying tax expense, 
excluding the effect of exceptional items.

Total tax expense

Profit before tax

Income tax using the domestic corporation tax rate
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes
Non-tax-deductible depreciation
(Profit)/loss on disposal of non-tax-deductible assets
Impact of reduction in deferred tax rate
Adjustment for prior years

Total income tax expense in income statement

Underlying (excluding exceptional items)

Profit before tax

Income tax using the domestic corporation tax rate
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes
Non-tax-deductible depreciation
(Profit)/loss on disposal of non-tax-deductible assets
Impact of reduction in deferred tax rate
Adjustment for prior years

Total income tax expense in income statement

2018

19.00%
0.26%
1.87%
(0.08%)
–
(0.62%)

20.43%

2018

19.00%
0.18%
1.73%
(0.08%)
–
(0.57%)

20.26%

2018
£’000

82,618

15,697
216
1,552
(70)
–
(516)

16,879

2018
£’000

89,831

17,068
167
1,552
(70)
–
(516)

18,201

2017

19.25%
1.20%
2.00%
0.45%
0.10%
(2.10%)

20.90%

2017

19.25%
1.10%
1.75%
0.40%
0.10%
(1.90%)

20.70%

2017
£’000

71,945

13,849
882
1,425
328
77
(1,522)

15,039

2017
£’000

81,807

15,748
882
1,425
328
62
(1,522)

16,923

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

95

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportNotes to the consolidated accounts continued

8.   Income tax expense continued
A reduction in the rate of corporation tax from 19 per cent to 17 per cent with effect from 1 April 2020 was substantively enacted  
on 6 September 2016. Any timing differences which reverse before 1 April 2020 will do so at 19 per cent and any timing differences 
which exist at 1 April 2020 will reverse at 17 per cent.

Tax recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity

Debit/(credit):
Relating to equity-settled transactions
Relating to defined benefit plans – re-measurement gains

2018
Current
tax
£’000

–
–

–

2018
Deferred
tax
£’000

943
164

1,107

2018
Total
£’000

943
164

1,107

2017
Total
£’000

(895)
2,714

1,819

The deferred tax movements in both the current and prior years relating to equity-settled transactions are in respect of share-based 
payments and arise primarily as a result of fluctuations in share price in the year and the stage of maturity of existing schemes.

9.   Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share
Basic earnings per share for the 52 weeks ended 29 December 2018 is calculated by dividing profit attributable to ordinary 
shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the 52 weeks ended 29 December 2018  
as calculated below.

Diluted earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share for the 52 weeks ended 29 December 2018 is calculated by dividing profit attributable to ordinary 
shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares, adjusted for the effects of all dilutive potential ordinary shares  
(which comprise share options granted to employees) outstanding during the 52 weeks ended 29 December 2018 as calculated below.

Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders

Profit for the financial year attributable  

to equity holders of the Parent

Basic earnings per share 
Diluted earnings per share 

2018
Excluding 
exceptional 
items
£’000

71,630

71.1p
70.3p

2018
Exceptional 
items
£’000

2018
Total
£’000

(5,891)

65,739

(5.9p)
(5.8p)

65.2p
64.5p

2017
Excluding 
exceptional
items
£’000

64,884

64.5p
63.5p

2017
Exceptional
items
£’000

(7,978)

(7.9p)
(7.8p)

2017
Total
£’000

56,906

56.6p
55.7p

Weighted average number of ordinary shares

Issued ordinary shares at start of year
Effect of own shares held

Weighted average number of ordinary shares during the year
Effect of share options on issue

Weighted average number of ordinary shares (diluted) during the year

2018
Number

2017
Number

101,155,901
(462,731)

101,155,901
(510,293)

100,693,170 100,645,608
1,489,067

1,161,042

101,854,212

102,134,675

96

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

 
10. Intangible assets
Group and Parent Company

Cost
Balance at 1 January 2017
Additions
Transfers

Balance at 30 December 2017

Balance at 31 December 2017
Additions
Transfers

Balance at 29 December 2018

Amortisation
Balance at 1 January 2017
Amortisation charge for the year

Balance at 30 December 2017

Balance at 31 December 2017
Amortisation charge for the year

Balance at 29 December 2018

Carrying amounts
At 1 January 2017

At 30 December 2017

At 31 December 2017

At 29 December 2018

Software
£’000

Assets under 
development
£’000

Total
£’000

17,611
3,918
–

1,150
396
(762)

784

21,529

784
3,698
(1,630)

21,529
5,188
–

16,461
3,522
762

20,745

20,745
1,490
1,630

23,865

2,852

26,717

3,357
3,435

6,792

6,792
3,039

9,831

13,104

13,953

13,953

14,034

–
–

–

–
–

–

3,357
3,435

6,792

6,792
3,039

9,831

1,150

14,254

784

784

14,737

14,737

2,852

16,886

Assets under development relate to software projects arising from the investment in new systems platforms.

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

97

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportNotes to the consolidated accounts continued

11.  Property, plant and equipment
Group

Cost
Balance at 1 January 2017
Additions
Disposals
Transfers

Balance at 30 December 2017

Balance at 31 December 2017
Additions
Disposals
Transfers

Balance at 29 December 2018

Depreciation
Balance at 1 January 2017
Depreciation charge for the year
Impairment charge for the year
Impairment release for the year
Disposals
Transfers

Balance at 30 December 2017

Balance at 31 December 2017
Depreciation charge for the year
Impairment charge for the year
Impairment release for the year
Disposals

Balance at 29 December 2018

Carrying amounts
At 1 January 2017

At 30 December 2017

At 31 December 2017

At 29 December 2018

Land and
buildings
£’000

Plant and
equipment
£’000

Fixtures
and fittings
£’000

Assets under
construction
£’000

Total
£’000

140,357
7,606
(2,501)
1,748

136,221
10,246
(10,022)
686

288,533
40,586
(22,398)
–

2,434
8,037
–
(2,434)

567,545
66,475
(34,921)
–

147,210

137,131

306,721

8,037

599,099

147,210
6,108
(1,001)
763

137,131 306,721
33,141
26,600
(18,710)
(16,113)
–
7,251

8,037
1,990
–
(8,014)

599,099
67,839
(35,824)
–

153,080

154,869

321,152

2,013

631,114

37,981
3,770
–
–
(1,569)
(164)

90,491
12,022
–
–
(9,203)
164

131,710
34,252
104
(519)
(19,135)
–

40,018

93,474

146,412

40,018
4,278
–
–
(246)

93,474
11,821
140
–
(15,563)

146,412
36,768
403
(176)
(16,687)

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–

260,182
50,044
104
(519)
(29,907)
–

279,904

279,904
52,867
543
(176)
(32,496)

44,050

89,872

166,720

– 300,642

102,376

45,730

156,823

2,434

307,363

107,192

43,657

160,309

8,037

319,195

107,192

43,657 160,309

8,037

319,195

109,030

64,997 154,432

2,013

330,472

Assets are reviewed for impairment on a regular basis and provision made where necessary. For shop assets a discounted cashflow 
is calculated for each shop using historic cashflows including attributable overheads, which management consider a reasonable 
approximation of a forecast for future cashflows, a zero per cent growth rate, the Group’s cost of capital of ten per cent, as an 
approximation to that for each individual unit, (given that the risks are not significantly different as a result of geographical 
locations) and an appropriate assumption regarding the remaining lease term. The net book value of the relevant assets attributable 
to the shop is impaired to the extent that the net present value of the cashflows is lower than the net book value. Supply chain 
assets are impaired to their estimated recoverable amount which is generally deemed to be £nil.

During 2018, the Company exchanged contracts for the disposal of the vacant Twickenham site. The disposal is conditional on  
a number of factors, including the applications for and successful grant of planning permission. The timing of the resolution of  
these factors is uncertain and therefore this asset continues to be classified as non-current. At this stage the total proceeds arising 
from supply chain site disposals are still expected to be in line with those anticipated in the investment plan.

98

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Parent Company

Cost
Balance at 1 January 2017
Additions
Disposals
Transfers

Balance at 30 December 2017

Balance at 31 December 2017
Additions
Disposals
Transfers

Balance at 29 December 2018

Depreciation
Balance at 1 January 2017
Depreciation charge for the year
Impairment charge for the year
Impairment release for the year
Disposals
Transfers

Balance at 30 December 2017

Balance at 31 December 2017
Depreciation charge for the year
Impairment charge for the year
Impairment release for the year
Disposals

Balance at 29 December 2018

Carrying amounts
At 1 January 2017

At 30 December 2017

At 31 December 2017

At 29 December 2018

Land and buildings
The carrying amount of land and buildings comprises:

Freehold property
Short leasehold property

Land and
buildings
£’000

Plant and
equipment
£’000

Fixtures
and fittings
£’000

Assets under
construction
£’000

Total
£’000

140,867
7,606
(2,501)
1,748

136,754
10,246
(10,022)
686

289,021
40,586
(22,398)
–

2,434
8,037
–
(2,434)

569,076
66,475
(34,921)
–

147,720

137,664

307,209

8,037

600,630

147,720
6,108
(1,001)
763

137,664
26,600
(16,113)
7,251

307,209
33,141
(18,710)
–

8,037 600,630
67,839
1,990
(35,824)
–
–
(8,014)

153,590

155,402 321,640

2,013 632,645

38,258
3,770
–
–
(1,569)
(164)

90,761
12,022
–
–
(9,203)
164

132,101
34,252
104
(519)
(19,135)
–

40,295

93,744

146,803

40,295
4,278
–
–
(246)

93,744 146,803
36,768
11,821
403
140
(176)
–
(16,687)
(15,563)

44,327

90,142

167,111

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

261,120
50,044
104
(519)
(29,907)
–

280,842

– 280,842
52,867
–
543
–
(176)
–
(32,496)
–

– 301,580

102,609

45,993

156,920

2,434

307,956

107,425

43,920

160,406

8,037

319,788

107,425

43,920 160,406

8,037

319,788

109,263

65,260

154,529

2,013

331,065

Group

Parent Company

2018
£’000

2017
£’000

2018
£’000

2017
£’000

107,646
1,384

105,576
1,616

107,879
1,384

105,809
1,616

109,030

107,192

109,263

107,425

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

99

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportNotes to the consolidated accounts continued

12. Investments
Non-current investments
Parent Company

Cost
Balance at 1 January 2017, 30 December 2017 and 29 December 2018

Impairment
Balance at 1 January 2017, 30 December 2017 and 29 December 2018

Carrying amount
Balance at 1 January 2017, 30 December 2017, 31 December 2017 and 29 December 2018

The undertakings in which the Company’s interest at the yearend is more than 20 per cent are as follows:

Shares in 
subsidiary 
undertakings
£’000

5,828

841

4,987

Charles Bragg (Bakers) Limited
Greggs (Leasing) Limited
Thurston Parfitt Limited
Greggs Properties Limited
Olivers (U.K.) Limited
Olivers (U.K.) Development Limited*
Birketts Holdings Limited
J.R. Birkett and Sons Limited*
Greggs Trustees Limited
Solstice Zone A Management Company Limited

Notes:
*  held indirectly.
1  Greggs House, Quorum Business Park, Newcastle upon Tyne NE12 8BU.
2  Clydesmill Bakery, 75 Westburn Drive, Clydesmill Estate, Cambuslang, Glasgow G72 7NA.
3  The Abbey, Preston, Yeovil, Somerset BA20 2EN.

Principal activity

Non-trading
Dormant
Non-trading
Property holding
Dormant
Non-trading
Dormant
Non-trading
Trustees
Non-trading

Address of 
registered office

Proportion of 
voting rights and 
shares held

1
1
1
1
2
2
1
1
1
3

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
28%

Solstice Zone A Management Company Limited was not consolidated on the grounds of materiality.

The Company’s subsidiary undertakings listed above were all entitled to exemption, under subsections (1) and (2) of section 480  
of Companies Act 2006 relating to dormant companies, from the requirement to have their accounts audited.

13. Deferred tax assets and liabilities
Group
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following:

Property, plant and equipment
Employee benefits
Short-term temporary differences

Tax assets/(liabilities)

Assets

Liabilities

Net

2018
£’000

–
3,184
244

3,428

2017
£’000

–
4,044
575

4,619

2018
£’000

(3,237)
–
–

(3,237)

2017
£’000

(3,837)
–
–

(3,837)

2018
£’000

(3,237)
3,184
244

191

2017
£’000

(3,837)
4,044
575

782

The movements in temporary differences during the year ended 30 December 2017 were as follows:

Property, plant and equipment
Employee benefits
Short-term temporary differences

100

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Balance at 
1 January 
2017
£’000

(4,695)
6,397
48

1,750

Recognised
in income
£’000

Recognised
in equity
£’000

Balance at 
30 December 
2017
£’000

858
(534)
527

851

–
(1,819)
–

(1,819)

(3,837)
4,044
575

782

The movements in temporary differences during the year ended 29 December 2018 were as follows:

Property, plant and equipment
Employee benefits
Short-term temporary differences

Parent Company
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following:

Balance at 
31 December 
2017
£’000

Recognised
in income
£’000

Recognised
in equity
£’000

Balance at 
29 December 
2018
£’000

(3,837)
4,044
575

782

600
247
(331)

516

–
(1,107)
–

(1,107)

(3,237)
3,184
244

191

Property, plant and equipment
Employee benefits
Short-term temporary differences

Tax assets/(liabilities)

Assets

Liabilities

Net

2018
£’000

–
3,184
244

3,428

2017
£’000

–
4,044
575

4,619

2018
£’000

(2,788)
–
–

(2,788)

2017
£’000

(3,388)
–
–

(3,388)

2018
£’000

(2,788)
3,184
244

640

2017
£’000

(3,388)
4,044
575

1,231

The movements in temporary differences during the year ended 30 December 2017 were as follows:

Property, plant and equipment
Employee benefits
Short-term temporary differences

Balance at 
1 January 
2017
£’000

(4,246)
6,397
48

2,199

Recognised
in income
£’000

Recognised
in equity
£’000

Balance at 
30 December 
2017
£’000

858
(534)
527

851

–
(1,819)
–

(1,819)

(3,388)
4,044
575

1,231

The movements in temporary differences during the year ended 29 December 2018 were as follows:

Property, plant and equipment
Employee benefits
Short-term temporary differences

14. Inventories

Raw materials and consumables
Work in progress

Balance at 
31 December 
2017
£’000

Recognised
in income
£’000

Recognised
in equity
£’000

Balance at 
29 December 
2018
£’000

(3,388)
4,044
575

1,231

600
247
(331)

516

–
(1,107)
–

(1,107)

(2,788)
3,184
244

640

Group and Parent Company

2018
£’000

15,218
5,574

20,792

2017
£’000

13,330
5,358

18,688

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

101

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportNotes to the consolidated accounts continued

15. Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables
Other receivables
Prepayments

Group and Parent Company

2018
£’000

15,304
2,946
13,331

2017
£’000

11,833
4,921
16,611

31,581

33,365

At 29 December 2018 trade receivables are shown net of an allowance for bad debts of £29,000 (2017: £24,000) arising in the 
ordinary course of business.

The ageing of trade receivables that were not impaired at the balance sheet date was:

Not past due date
Past due 1-30 days
Past due 31-90 days
Past due over 90 days

Group and Parent Company

2018
£’000

11,354
3,950
–
–

2017
£’000

9,897
1,923
11
2

15,304

11,833

The Group believes that any unimpaired amounts that are past due by more than 30 days are still collectable in full based on 
historic payment behaviour and extensive analysis of customer credit risk. Based on the Group’s monitoring of customer credit risk, 
the Group believes that no significant impairment allowance is necessary in respect of trade receivables not past due. 

16. Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents

17. Trade and other payables

Trade payables
Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings
Other taxes and social security
Other payables
Accruals and deferred income
Deferred Government grants

Group and Parent Company

2018
£’000

2017
£’000

88,197

54,503

Group

Parent Company

2018
£’000

55,777
–
8,141
35,061
26,930
468

2017
£’000

48,207
–
7,378
33,325
17,748
468

2018
£’000

55,777
7,807
8,141
35,061
26,930
468

2017
£’000

48,207
7,807
7,378
33,325
17,748
468

126,377

107,126

134,184

114,933

18. Current tax liability
The current tax liability of £10,059,000 in the Group and the Parent Company (2017: Group and Parent Company £8,714,000) 
represents the estimated amount of income taxes payable in respect of current and prior years.

19. Non-current liabilities – other payables

Deferred Government grants

Group and Parent Company

2018
£’000

2017
£’000

4,655

5,127

The Group has been awarded five Government grants relating to the extension of existing facilities and construction of new 
facilities. The grants, which have all been recognised as deferred income, are being amortised over the weighted average of the 
useful lives of the assets they have been used to acquire.

102

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

20. Employee benefits
Defined benefit plan
Scheme background
The Company sponsors a funded final salary defined benefit pension plan (the ‘scheme’) for qualifying employees. The scheme  
was closed to future accrual in 2008 and all remaining employees who are still members of the scheme are now members of  
the Company’s defined contribution scheme.

The scheme is administered by a separate Board of Trustees which is legally separate from the Company. The Trustees are 
composed of representatives of both the employer and employees. The Trustees are required by law to act in the interest  
of all relevant beneficiaries and are responsible for the investment policy with regard to the assets plus the day-to-day 
administration of the benefits.

UK legislation requires that pension schemes are funded prudently. The last funding valuation of the scheme was carried out  
by a qualified actuary as at 6 April 2017 and showed a surplus. The Company is currently not required to pay contributions  
into the scheme. 

Profile of the scheme
The defined benefit obligation includes benefits for former employees and current pensioners. Broadly, two-thirds of the liabilities 
are attributable to deferred members and one-third to current pensioners.

The scheme duration is an indicator of the weighted average time until benefit payments are made. For the scheme as a whole,  
the duration is approximately 18 years.

Investment strategy
The Company and Trustees have agreed a long-term strategy for reducing investment risk as and when appropriate. This includes  
a policy to hold sufficient cash and bond assets to cover the anticipated benefit payments for at least the next five years so as to 
improve the cashflow matching of the scheme’s assets and liabilities.

Defined benefit obligation
Fair value of plan assets

Net defined benefit liability

Liability for defined benefit obligations
Changes in the present value of the defined benefit obligation are as follows:

Opening defined benefit obligation
Past service costs (see Note 4)
Interest cost
Re-measurement (gains)/losses:

– changes in mortality assumptions
– changes in commutation assumptions
– changes in financial assumptions
– experience

Benefits paid

Changes in the fair value of plan assets are as follows:

Opening fair value of plan assets
Net interest on plan assets
Re-measurement (losses)/gains
Benefits paid

Closing fair value of plan assets

Group and Parent Company

2018 
£’000 

(113,548)
105,132 

(8,416)

2017 
£’000 

(122,244)
114,738 

(7,506)

Group and Parent Company

2018 
£’000 

122,244 
1,682 
3,012 

(605)
– 
(5,353)
(4,119)
(3,313)

2017 
£’000 

131,373 
– 
3,483 

(4,879)
(7,010)
3,770 
953 
(5,446)

113,548 

122,244 

Group and Parent Company

2018 
£’000 

114,738 
2,818 
(9,111)
(3,313)

105,132 

2017 
£’000 

108,522 
2,866 
8,796 
(5,446)

114,738 

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

103

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportNotes to the consolidated accounts continued

20. Employee benefits continued
Defined benefit plan continued
Liability for defined benefit obligations continued
The costs charged in the income statement are as follows:

Interest expense on net defined benefit liability

The amounts recognised in other comprehensive income are as follows:

Re-measurement gains on defined benefit pension plans

Group

2018 
£’000 

194 

2017 
£’000 

617 

Group

2018 
£’000 

966 

2017 
£’000 

15,962 

Cumulative re-measurement gains and losses reported in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income since  
28 December 2003, the transition date to adopted IFRSs, for the Group and the Parent Company are net losses of £23,082,000 
(2017: net losses of £24,048,000).

The fair value of the plan assets is as follows:

Equities  – UK

– overseas

Bonds  – corporate

– government
Absolute return funds
Cash and cash equivalents/other

Principal actuarial assumptions (expressed as weighted averages):

Discount rate
Future salary increases
Future pension increases

Group and Parent Company

2018 
£’000 

35,126 
38,914 
13,342 
12,887 
3,143 
1,720 

2017 
£’000 

40,494 
45,329 
16,230 
3,564 
5,486 
3,635 

105,132 

114,738 

Group and Parent Company

2018 

2017 

2.80%
n/a 

2.50%
n/a 
1.7% – 2.45% 1.7% – 2.45%

Mortality assumption
Mortality in retirement is assumed to be in line with the S2PXA tables using CMI_2016 projections and a long-term rate of 1.25 per cent 
per annum. Under these assumptions, pensioners aged 65 now are expected to live for a further 22.0 years (2017: 22.1 years) if they  
are male and 23.9 years (2017: 24.0 years) if they are female. Members currently aged 45 are expected to live for a further 23.4 years 
(2017: 23.9 years) from age 65 if they are male and for a further 25.4 years (2017: 25.5 years) from age 65 if they are female.

The sensitivities regarding the principal assumptions used to measure the scheme liabilities are set out below:

Discount rate
Inflation
Mortality rates

Change in assumption

Impact on scheme liabilities

0.1% increase
0.1% decrease
1 year decrease

£2.0m decrease
£1.2m decrease
£4.5m decrease

The other demographic assumptions have been set having regard to latest trends in the scheme.

The triennial valuation of the scheme took place in April 2017. The outcome of that valuation was considered by the Trustees  
and the Company and no requirement for future contributions was identified.

Defined contribution plan
The Company also operates defined contribution schemes for other eligible employees. The assets of the schemes are held 
separately from those of the Group. The pension cost represents contributions payable by the Group and amounted to  
£15,096,000 (2017: £11,258,000) in the year.

104

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

 
 
Share-based payments – Group and Parent Company
The Group has established a Savings Related Share Option Scheme, an Executive Share Option Scheme and a Performance  
Share Plan.

The terms and conditions of the grants for these schemes are as follows, whereby all options are settled by physical  
delivery of shares:

Date of grant

Employees entitled

Exercise
price

Number 
of shares
granted

Vesting conditions

Contractual
life

April 2008 Senior employees 457p

618,500 Three years’ service and EPS growth of 3-5% 

10 years

over RPI on average over those three years

April 2009 Senior employees 356p

2,012,000 Three years’ service and EPS growth of 3-7% 

10 years

over RPI on average over those three years

March 2012 Senior executives £nil

248,922 Three years’ service, EPS annual compound 

10 years

growth of 3-8% over RPI over those three 
years and TSR position relative to an 
appropriate comparator group

March 2013 Senior employees 480p

693,000 Three years’ service and EPS growth of 3-7% 

10 years

over RPI on average over those three years

March 2013 Senior executives £nil

305,592 Three years’ service, EPS annual compound 

10 years

growth of 3-8% over RPI over those three 
years and TSR position relative to an 
appropriate comparator group

March 2014 Senior executives £nil

224,599 Three years’ service, EPS annual compound 

10 years

growth of 1-4% over RPI over those three 
years and average annual ROCE of 15.5-17% 
over those three years

April 2014 Senior employees 500p

598,225 Three years’ service and EPS growth of 1-4% 

10 years

over RPI on average over those three years

April 2014 All employees

465p

696,344 Three years’ service

3.5 years

March 2015 Senior employees 1022p 298,045 Three years’ service and EPS growth of 1-7% 

10 years

May 2015

Senior employee 1056p 3,285

March 2015 Senior executives £nil

146,174

over RPI on average over those three years

Three years’ service and EPS growth of 1-7% 
over RPI on average over those three years

Three years’ service, EPS annual compound 
growth of 1-7% over RPI over those three 
years and average annual ROCE of 19-21.5% 
over those three years

April 2015 All employees

818p

391,979

Three years’ service

March 2016 Senior executives £nil

133,271 Three years’ service, EPS average annual 
growth of 2-8% over RPI over those three 
years and average annual ROCE of 22-27% 
over those three years

10 years

10 years

3.5 years

10 years

April 2016 Senior employees 1088p 235,857 Three years’ service and EPS growth of 2-8% 

10 years

over RPI on average over those three years

April 2016 All employees

870p

361,853

Three years’ service

3.5 years

May 2017

Senior executives £nil

206,404 Three years’ service, EPS average annual 

10 years

growth of 5-11% over those three years and 
average annual ROCE of 23-27% over those 
three years

April 2017 Senior employees 1033p 246,219 Three years’ service and EPS growth of 5-11% 

10 years

on average over those three years

April 2017 All employees

807p

403,560 Three years’ service

3.5 years

Executive Share 
Option Scheme 13

Executive Share 
Option Scheme 14

Performance Share 
Plan 3

Executive Share 
Option Scheme 16

Performance Share 
Plan 4

Performance Share 
Plan 5

Executive Share 
Option Scheme 17

Savings Related Share 
Option Scheme 15

Executive Share 
Option Scheme 18

Executive Share 
Option Scheme 18a

Performance Share 
Plan 6

Savings Related Share 
Option Scheme 16

Performance Share 
Plan 7

Executive Share 
Option Scheme 19

Savings Related Share 
Option Scheme 17

Performance Share 
Plan 8

Executive Share 
Option Scheme 20

Savings Related Share 
Option Scheme 18

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

105

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportNotes to the consolidated accounts continued

20. Employee benefits continued
Share-based payments – Group and Parent Company continued

Date of grant

Employees entitled

Exercise
price

Number 
of shares
granted

Vesting conditions

Performance Share 
Plan 9

March 2018 Senior executives £nil

190,943

Three years’ service, EPS average annual 
growth of 5-11% over those three years and 
average annual ROCE of 25-29% over those 
three years

Contractual
life

10 years

Executive Share 
Option Scheme 21

Savings Related Share 
Option Scheme 19

March 2018 Senior employees 1197p 228,923 Three years’ service and EPS growth of 5-11% 

10 years

on average over those three years

April 2018 All employees

954p

335,482 Three years’ service

3.5 years

The number and weighted average exercise price of share options is as follows:

Outstanding at the beginning of the year
Lapsed during the year
Exercised during the year
Granted during the year

Outstanding at the end of the year

Exercisable at the end of the year

2018

2017

Weighted  
average exercise 
price

649p
889p
605p
786p

690p

548p

Number of 
options

2,893,489 
(109,157)
(795,620)
755,348

2,744,060

598,881

Weighted  
average exercise 
price

548p
848p
374p
677p

649p

419p

Number of 
options

3,521,408 
(165,172)
(1,318,930)
856,183 

2,893,489 

685,933 

The options outstanding at 29 December 2018 have an exercise price in the range of £nil to £11.97 and have a weighted average 
contractual life of 5.5 years. The options exercised during the year had a weighted average market value of £11.80 (2017: £11.19). 

The fair value of services received in return for share options granted is measured by reference to the fair value of share options 
granted. The estimate of the fair value of the services received is measured based on the Black-Scholes model for all Savings 
Related Share Option Schemes and Executive Share Option Schemes and for Performance Share Plan options granted from  
2014 onwards. The Monte Carlo option pricing model was used for Performance Share Plans granted prior to 2014. The fair value 
per option granted and the assumptions used in these calculations are as follows:

Fair value at grant date

Share price
Exercise price
Expected volatility
Option life
Expected dividend yield
Risk-free rate

2018

2017

Performance 
Share Plan 9
March 2018

Executive Share 
Option  

Scheme 21
March 2018

Savings Related 
Share Option 
Scheme 19
April 2018

Performance 
Share Plan 8
May 2017

Executive Share 
Option  

Scheme 20
April 2017

Savings Related 
Share Option 
Scheme 18
April 2017

1103p

1196p
nil 
27.39%
3 years
2.70%
0.87%

183p

1197p
1197p
27.39%
3 years
2.70%
0.87%

282p

1192p
954p
27.29%
3 years
2.70%
0.94%

981p

1072p
nil 
30.25%
3 years
2.95%
0.17%

165p

1033p
1033p
30.25%
3 years
3.00%
0.17%

238p

807p
1009p
30.09%
3 years
3.07%
0.14%

The expected volatility is based on historical volatility, adjusted for any expected changes to future volatility due to publicly 
available information. The historical volatility is calculated using a weekly rolling share price for the three-year period immediately 
prior to the option grant date.

The costs charged to the income statement relating to share-based payments were as follows:

Share options granted in 2014
Share options granted in 2015
Share options granted in 2016
Share options granted in 2017
Share options granted in 2018

2018 
£’000 

– 
214
774
586
444

2017 
£’000 

178 
748 
482 
427 
– 

Total expense recognised as employee costs

2,018

1,835 

106

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

21. Provisions

Balance at start of year
Additional provision 

in the year:
– ordinary
– exceptional
Utilised in year:

– ordinary
– exceptional

Provisions reversed 
during the year:
– ordinary
– exceptional

2018 
Dilapidations 
£’000 

2018 
Onerous 
leases 
£’000 

2018
Redundancy
£’000 

2018
Other
£’000

2018 
Total 
£’000 

2017 
Dilapidations 
£’000 

2017 
Onerous 
leases 
£’000 

2017
Redundancy
£’000 

2017
Other
£’000

2017 
Total 
£’000 

2,956

1,321 

7,204 

1,953 

13,434 

3,243 

1,819 

1,438 

1,014 

7,514 

Group and Parent Company

1,028 
– 

(430)
(75)

(667)
(14)

6 
– 

– 
– 

1,701 
– 

2,735 
– 

(99)
– 

– 
(3,546)

(405)
– 

(934)
(3,621)

(191)
(402)

635 

– 
(174)

(772)
– 

(1,630)
(590)

3,484 

2,477 

9,394 

1,954 
– 

(940)
(95)

(1,152)
(54)

2,956 

206 
10 

(352)
(81)

(175)
(106)

– 
7,349 

– 
(1,583)

1,513 
– 

3,673 
7,359 

(574)
– 

(1,866)
(1,759)

– 
– 

– 
– 

(1,327)
(160)

1,321 

7,204 

1,953 

13,434 

Balance at end of year

2,798 

Included in current 

liabilities

Included in non-

current liabilities

2,551 

294 

3,484 

2,330 

8,659 

2,689 

379 

7,204 

1,818 

12,090 

247 

2,798 

341 

635

– 

147 

735 

267 

942 

– 

135 

1,344 

3,484 

2,477 

9,394 

2,956 

1,321 

7,204 

1,953 

13,434 

The provisions at the end of the year relates to ordinary or exceptional activity as follows:

Ordinary
Exceptional

2,551 
247 

2,798 

428 
207 

635 

– 
3,484 

3,484 

2,477 
– 

2,477 

5,456 
3,938 

9,394

2,619 
337 

2,956 

713 
608 

1,321 

– 
7,204 

7,204 

1,953 
– 

5,285 
8,149 

1,953 

13,434 

Dilapidation provisions have been made based on the future expected repair costs required to restore the Group’s leased  
buildings to their fair condition at the end of their respective lease terms, where it is considered a reliable estimate can be made.

The provision for onerous leases is held in respect of leasehold properties for which the Group is liable to fulfil rent and other 
property commitments for shops from which either the Group no longer trades or for which future trading cash flows are projected 
to be insufficient to cover these costs. Amounts have been provided for the shortfall between projected cashflows and property 
costs up to the lease expiry date or other appropriate estimated date. Included within the provision is £207,000 (2017: £607,000)  
in respect of possible recourse on leases which have been conditionally assigned.

The provision for redundancy costs arises from the supply chain restructuring described in Note 4.

Other provisions relate predominantly to national insurance costs on future share option exercises.

The majority of all of the provisions are expected to be utilised within four years such that the impact of discounting would  
not be material.

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

107

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportNotes to the consolidated accounts continued

22. Capital and reserves
Share capital 

In issue and fully paid at start and end of year – ordinary shares of 2p 

Ordinary shares

2018 
Number 

2017 
Number 

101,155,901  101,155,901 

The holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends as declared from time to time and are entitled to one vote per share 
at meetings of the Company. 

Capital redemption reserve
The capital redemption reserve relates to the nominal value of issued share capital bought back by the Company and cancelled.

Own shares held
Deducted from retained earnings is £33,001,000 (2017: £28,327,000) in respect of own shares held by the Greggs Employee Benefit 
Trust. The Trust, which was established during 1988 to act as a repository of issued Company shares, holds 560,866 shares (2017: 
504,215 shares) with a market value at 29 December 2018 of £7,084,000 (2017: £7,054,000) which have not vested unconditionally  
in employees. During the year the Trust purchased 889,189 (2017: 986,150) shares for an aggregate consideration of £9,945,000 
(2017: £11,352,000) and sold 832,538 (2017: 1,360,170) shares for an aggregate consideration of £5,270,000 (2017: £5,358,000).

The shares held by the Greggs Employee Benefit Trust can be purchased either by employees on the exercise of an option  
under the Greggs Executive Share Option Schemes, Greggs Savings Related Share Option Scheme and Greggs Performance  
Share Plan or by the trustees of the Greggs Employee Share Scheme. The trustees have elected to waive the dividends payable  
on these shares.

Dividends
The following tables analyse dividends when paid and the year to which they relate:

2016 final dividend
2017 interim dividend
2017 final dividend
2018 interim dividend

2018 
Per share 
pence 

– 
– 
22.0p
10.7p

32.7p

2017 
Per share 
pence 

21.5p
10.3p
– 
– 

31.8p

The proposed final dividend in respect of 2018 amounts to 25 pence per share (£25,161,000). This proposed dividend is subject to 
approval at the AGM and has not been included as a liability in these accounts.

2016 final dividend
2017 interim dividend
2017 final dividend
2018 interim dividend

2018 
£’000 

– 
– 
22,262 
10,824 

33,086 

2017 
£’000 

21,768 
10,419 
– 
– 

32,187 

108

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

23. Operating leases
Non-cancellable operating lease rentals are payable as follows:

Less than one year
Between one and five years
More than five years

2018 
£’000 
Property 

44,034 
97,187 
19,592 

160,813 

2018 
£’000 
Equipment

1,893 
2,040 
– 

3,933 

2018 
£’000 
Total

45,927 
99,227 
19,592 

2017 
£’000 
Property 

39,751 
90,070 
15,866 

164,746 

145,687 

2017 
£’000 
Equipment

2,005 
2,949 
– 

4,954 

2017 
£’000 
Total

41,756 
93,019 
15,866 

150,641 

The Group leases the majority of its shops under operating leases. The leases typically run for a period of ten years, with an option 
to renew the lease after that date. Lease payments are generally increased every five years to reflect market rentals. For a small 
number of the leases the rental is contingent on the level of turnover achieved in the relevant unit; these amounts are immaterial.

The inception of the shop leases has taken place over a long period of time and many date back a significant number of years.  
They are combined leases of land and buildings. It is not possible to obtain a reliable estimate of the split of the fair values of the 
lease interest between land and buildings at inception. Therefore, in determining lease classification the Group evaluated whether 
both parts are clearly an operating lease or a finance lease. Firstly, title does not pass for the land or buildings. Secondly, because 
the rent paid to the landlord for the buildings is increased to market rent at regular intervals, and the Group does not participate  
in the residual value of the land or buildings it is judged that substantially all the risks and rewards of the land and buildings are  
with the landlord. Based on these qualitative factors it is concluded that the leases are operating leases.

24. Capital commitments
During the year ended 29 December 2018, the Group entered into contracts to purchase property, plant and equipment and 
intangible assets for £11,551,000 (2017: £10,098,000). These commitments are expected to be settled in the following financial year.

25. Related parties
Identity of related parties
The Group has a related-party relationship with its subsidiaries (see Note 12), Directors and executive officers and pension schemes.

Trading transactions with subsidiaries – Group
There have been no transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries or associates during the year (2017: £nil).

Trading transactions with subsidiaries – Parent Company

Dormant subsidiaries

Amounts owed to related parties

Amounts owed by related parties

2018 
£’000 

7,807 

2017 
£’000 

7,807 

2018 
£’000 

– 

2017 
£’000 

– 

The Greggs Foundation is also a related party and during the year the Company made a donation to the Greggs Foundation  
of £950,000 (2017: £900,000), as well as passing on £652,000 (2017: £697,000) raised from the sale of carrier bags and £320,000 
(2017: £303,000) raised from the sale of products. The Greggs Foundation holds 300,000 shares in Greggs plc and Richard Hutton, 
a Director of Greggs plc is a trustee of the Greggs Foundation.

Transactions with key management personnel
Details of Directors’ shareholdings, share options, emoluments, pension benefits and other non-cash benefits can be found  
in the Directors’ remuneration report on pages 57 to 72. Summary information on remuneration of key management personnel  
is included in Note 5. 

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

109

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportTen-year history

Turnover (£’m)

Total sales growth (%)

Company-managed shop 

20091

20101

658.2

4.8%

662.3

0.6%

2011

701.1

5.8%

2012
(as restated)2

2014  
(as restated)1,3

2013

734.5

762.4

4.8% 

3.8% 

806.1

5.7%

20151

835.7

3.7%

2016

2017

2018

894.2

7.0%

960.0

1,029.3

7.4%

7.2%

like-for-like sales growth (%)

0.8%

0.2%

1.4%

(2.7%)

(0.8%)

4.5% 

4.7%

4.2%

3.7%

2.9%

48.4

52.4

53.0

51.3

41.5

58.1

73.1

80.3

82.2

89.8

7.4%

7.9%

7.6%

7.0%

5.4%

7.2%

8.7%

9.0%

8.6%

8.7%

–

–

7.4 

1.4 

(8.1)

(8.5)

– 

(5.2)

(9.9)

(7.2)

48.8 

52.5 

60.5 

52.4 

33.2 

49.7 

73.0

75.1

71.9

82.6

Earnings before interest and 

tax (EBIT) excluding 
exceptional items (£’m)

EBIT margin excluding 
exceptional items (%)

Pre-tax exceptional (charge)/

credit (£’m)

Profit on ordinary activities 

including exceptional items 
and before tax (£’m)

Diluted earnings per share 

excluding exceptional items 
(pence)

Dividend per share (pence) 

Total shareholder return (%)

34.0

16.6

29%

37.3

18.2

11%

38.8

19.3

13%

38.3

19.5

(6%)

46.9 

30.6

19.5

1%

43.4

22.0

70%

55.8

48.64

60.8

31.0

63.5

32.3

70.3

35.7

87.1% (23.8%)

47.5%

(7.4%)

47.6 

48.9 

71.7

80.4

70.4

73.0

Capital expenditure (£’m)

30.3 

45.6 

59.1 

Return on capital employed 

(excluding exceptional items) 

25.9%

25.9%

24.4%

21.3%

16.4%

22.4%

26.8%

28.1%

26.9%

27.4%

Number of shops in 

operation at year end

1,419 

1,487 

1,571 

1,671 

1,671 

1,650 

1,698

1,764

1,854

1,953

Notes:
1  2009 and 2014 were 53 week years, impacting on total sales growth for that year and the year immediately following.
2  Restated following the adoption of IAS 19 (Revised).
3  Restated to include revenue in respect of franchise fit-out costs.
4 

Includes a special dividend of 20 pence.

All of the non-GAAP measures detailed above can be calculated from the GAAP measures included in the annual accounts with the 
exception of those detailed below.

Calculation of alternative performance measures
Like-for-like (LFL) sales growth – compares year-on-year cash sales in our company-managed shops, with a calendar year’s trading 
history and is calculated as follows:

Current year LFL sales
Prior year LFL sales

Growth

LFL sales growth percentage

2018
£’000

876,337 
851,731 

24,606 

2.9%

2017
£’000

817,533 
788,510 

29,023 

3.7%

Return on capital employed (ROCE) – calculated by dividing profit before tax by the average total assets less current liabilities for 
the year.

Profit before tax

Capital employed:

Opening
Closing

Average

Return on capital employed

110

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

2018
Underlying
£’000

2018
Including 
exceptional 
items
£’000

2017
Underlying
£’000

2017
Including 
exceptional items
£’000

89,831 

82,618 

81,807 

71,945 

313,340 
343,024 

313,340 
343,024 

328,182 

328,182 

27.4%

25.2%

294,536 
313,340 

303,938 

26.9%

294,536 
313,340 

303,938 

23.7%

Notes

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

111

AccountsDirectors’ ReportStrategic ReportNotes

112

Greggs plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Financial Calendar

Announcement of results and dividends
Half year
Full year

Dividends
Interim
Final

Annual report posted to shareholders 
Annual General Meeting 

Late July
Early March

Mid-October
30 May 2019

Early April
21 May 2019

Secretary and Advisers

Secretary
Jonathan D Jowett, LL.M. Solicitor

Registered office
Greggs House 
Quorum Business Park
Newcastle upon Tyne 
NE12 8BU

Registered number
502851

Bankers
Barclays Bank plc
Barclays House
5 St Ann’s Street
Quayside
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 3DX

Auditors
KPMG LLP
Quayside House
110 Quayside
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 3DX

Stockbrokers
UBS
5 Broadgate Circle
London
EC2M 2QS

Investec
2 Gresham Street
London
EC2V 7QP

Solicitors
Muckle LLP
Time Central
32 Gallowgate
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 4BF

Registrars
Link Asset Services
Bourne House
34 Beckenham Road
Beckenham
Kent
BR3 4TU

 
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Greggs plc
Company Registered Number 502851

corporate.greggs.co.uk

 
 
 
 
 
 
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