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Hargreaves Services Plc

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FY2014 Annual Report · Hargreaves Services Plc
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Annual Report  
and Accounts 2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Since 1994, Hargreaves Services plc has 
provided unrivalled performance in 
sourcing, producing, processing, handling 
and transporting carbon-based and  
other bulk materials throughout the UK  
and Europe.
Every day, each one of our 2,500+ people 
strives to deliver progress for the Group and 
our customers. Working together to move 
the business forward.

Market Leadership 

Integration 

We are a market leader or major 
player across all the sectors we 
operate in. Operating in four 
distinct but synergistic divisions  
we offer our customers an 
unrivalled level of expertise.

Across our divisions, we are  
a fully integrated business. We 
source, produce, process, handle 
and transport a wide range of  
bulk materials demonstrating  
the value added nature of our 
service offerings.

Quality

Unrivalled Scale 

We are committed to delivering  
a quality service. We have built an 
international reputation for quality, 
service and health and safety. 

We are the largest surface mining 
operator in the UK and the largest 
independent importer of coal.  
Our teams collectively handle over 
50 million tonnes of coal per year.

Contents

Strategic Report

IFC  An Overview of the Group
1  Highlights of the Year 
2  Chairman’s Statement
4  Group Business Review
8 

 Review of Operating Performance 
by Business Unit
12  Financial Review
16 

 Statement on Risks Relating  
to the Group’s Business

Directors’ Report

20   Board of Directors and Group 
Executive Management Team

23  Directors’ Report
26  Corporate Governance
30  Remuneration Report
33   Statement of Directors’ 

Responsibilities in Respect  
of the Annual Report and the 
Financial Statements

Financial Statements

34   Independent Auditor’s Report 
to the Members of Hargreaves 
Services plc 

35   Consolidated Statement  

of Profit and Loss and Other 
Comprehensive Income

36  Balance Sheets
38  Statements of Changes in Equity
41  Cash Flow Statements
42   Notes (forming part of  
the financial statements)
82  Notice of Annual General  
   Meeting
88  Investor Information

www.hsgplc.co.uk

An Overview of the Group

Established in 1994, Hargreaves Services plc 
provides unrivalled performance in sourcing, 
producing, processing, handling and 
transporting carbon-based and other bulk 
materials throughout the UK and within Europe. 
The Group has four complementary divisions:

Production
Produces coal and coke for customers 
throughout the UK and Europe.

Production Division gross revenues increased by £64.5m  
from £103.2m to £167.7m reflecting a full year of surface mining 
in Scotland. Whilst Scotland contributed significantly to the 
Division’s result during the year, underlying operating profit  
for the division remained at £16.7m reflecting reduced profits  
at Monckton. 

Energy & Commodities
Provides coal, coke, minerals, smokeless 
fuel and biomass products to a range of 
industrial, wholesale and public sector 
energy consumers.

The Energy & Commodities Division performed in line  
with overall divisional expectations. Gross revenues  
increased by £8.3m from £585.0m to £593.3m reflecting  
a significant increase in metallurgical coal volumes sold  
in our UK bulk business offset by the deconsolidation  
of European revenues. Underlying operating profits  
increased slightly from £31.9m to £32.5m. 

Continuing Gross 
Revenue

£167.7m
+62.5%

Continuing Underlying 
Operating Profit

£16.7m
+0.0%

Continuing Gross 
Revenue

£593.3m
+1.4%

Continuing Underlying 
Operating Profit

£32.5m
+1.9%

Find out more about this division and  
its performance in 2014 from page 8

Find out more about this division and  
its performance in 2014 from page 10

Transport
One of the largest suppliers of bulk 
logistics to UK customers.

Transport Division gross revenues increased significantly during 
the year from £82.7m to £89.0m. Strong volumes in the period 
within our Dry Bulk business contributed £59.3m. Underlying 
operating profit also increased significantly from £4.0m to 
£4.5m reflecting increased contribution from both the Dry  
Bulk and Tankers business units with Bulk contributing £2.2m 
and Tankers contributing £2.3m.

Industrial Services
Provides quality assured contract 
management services to the power 
generation, utilities, chemicals, minerals 
and steel industries.

Industrial Services Division revenues reduced by £26.7m  
from £149.3m to £122.6m. This reduction on the prior year is 
substantially due to the incremental contribution to revenue 
made by the biomass conversion projects in the prior year.

Continuing Gross 
Revenue

Continuing Underlying 
Operating Profit

£89.0m
+7.6%

£4.5m
+12.5%

Continuing Gross 
Revenue

£122.6m
-17.9%

Continuing Underlying 
Operating Profit

£5.7m
+90%

Find out more about this division and  
its performance in 2014 from page 11

Find out more about this division and  
its performance in 2014 from page 11

Highlights of the Year

•  Underlying profit before tax from continuing operations increased by 6% to £55.1m
•  Strong UK trading volumes and successful expansion of production activities 
•  Positive end to the year for surface mining with excellent production run rates after 

earlier delays and exceptional weather conditions

•  Five-year Industrial Services contract secured with China Light and Power in Hong Kong
•  Maltby closure progressing in line with plan
•  Strong operating cash flows – net debt reduced to £68.8m at year end
•  Recommended full-year dividend increased 24.4% to 25.5p
•  Group review and simplification strategy underway
•  Disposal of Imperial Tankers for a cash consideration of £26.9m now announced

Continuing Revenue
Continuing Operating Profit
Continuing Underlying Operating Profit(1)
Continuing Profit Before Tax
Continuing Underlying Profit Before Tax(2)
Continuing Diluted EPS
Continuing Underlying Diluted EPS(2)
Dividend (including proposed final dividend)
Net Debt(3)

Year ended  
31 May 2014

Year ended  
31 May 2013

£869.2m
£50.9m
£59.5m
£52.1m
£55.1m
122.2p
124.8p
25.5p
£68.8m

£843.3m
£44.0m
£55.7m
£43.1m
£52.2m
111.0p
134.6p
20.5p
£77.9m

Change  
%

+3.1%
+15.7%
+6.8%
+20.9%
+5.6%
+10.1%
(7.3%)
+24.4%
(11.7%)

(1)  Continuing Underlying Operating Profit is stated excluding the amortisation of acquired intangibles and impairment of goodwill,  

impairment of non-current assets, and including share of profit in associates and jointly controlled entities before tax.

(2)  Continuing Underlying Profit before Tax and EPS are stated excluding the amortisation and impairment of acquired intangibles,  

impairment of non-current assets and gain on disposal of subsidiaries.

(3)  Net debt comprises cash and cash equivalents, bank overdrafts and other interest bearing loans and borrowings.

Continuing Underlying 
 Operating Profit (£m)

53.4

55.7

59.5

46.7

38.7

Continuing  
Revenue (£m)

617.9

552.3

459.8

843.3

869.2

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

£59.5m
+6.8%

£869.2m
+3.1%

Dividend per Share 
 (pence)

17.8

15.5

13.5

25.5

20.5

Continuing Underlying  Diluted 
EPS (pence)

125.0

134.6

124.8

103.7

88.8

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

25.5p
+24.4%

124.8p
(7.3%)

1

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014 
 
 
 
Chairman’s Statement
Tim Ross, Group Chairman

2

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Results 
Underlying Profit Before Tax from Continuing Operations increased by £2.9m 
from £52.2m to £55.1m. Reported Profit Before Tax was £52.1m compared 
with £43.1m in 2013. All divisions performed robustly in the financial year, 
which was despite a slow start for our surface mining operations in Scotland, 
exacerbated by poor weather and by the impact of challenging coke 
markets on profits of the Monckton and German coke trading operations.

Underlying Diluted EPS from Continuing Operations decreased by 7.3%  
from 134.6p to 124.8p, following the issue of equity in April 2013. 

Review of Strategy
Over the years Hargreaves has developed to become the most  
successful and profitable coal operator in the UK and has established  
a unique range of skills and services. The diversification of the business  
to encompass trading, production, industrial services and logistics has 
provided a resilient base for the Group since it was listed in 2005. The focus 
on diversification beyond thermal coal into industrial, domestic and steel 
markets has helped broaden and diversify the Group’s footprint. However,  
it has also added to the complexity of the Group and has required 
significant working capital investment.

The coal and coke markets in the UK have continued to be volatile and 
uncertain. International coal and coke prices are at their most depressed 
levels for many years. Although we are confident that markets for coal will 
continue in the UK, the Board has elected to take a proactive stance and to 
set about reviewing strategy. On 1 September 2014 we announced the sale 
of Imperial Tankers (Imperial) and the implementation of a new strategy to 
focus the Group on its core strengths; simplifying operations and ensuring 
that the business is optimally placed to respond as market conditions 
continue to evolve. 

These actions are being undertaken with shareholder value firmly in our 
minds. The sale of Imperial is the first step and the Board and management 
team have been working intensively for months considering strategy and 
assessing risks and opportunities of various options. Several of these were 
outlined in our announcement on 1 September 2014. These are set out 
again in the report below and we will update shareholders on progress  
as appropriate.

Board 
Following the resignation of Peter Gillatt from his Non-Executive Director 
role on the Board when he assumed a full-time executive role as Managing 
Director of the Production Division, we were pleased to announce the 
appointment of Peter Jones to the Board on 6 June 2014. Peter is already 
bringing significant commercial acumen to the Board alongside his 
experience and knowledge around ports and logistics.

Outlook 
Whilst there remain challenges ahead, particularly due to the uncertain 
economic climate and its knock-on effects on the major coal users in the 
power generation and steel sectors, we believe that the Group’s resilience 
leaves it better positioned than any other coal operator to work through  
the current market volatility and support the sector in the longer term.  
It is very early in the year and although we await the commencement  
and development of winter trading, recent trading in the UK has been 
encouraging. We also note recent improvements, albeit modest, in the 
sterling value of international coal prices.

Dividend 
In view of the strong underlying performance from Continuing Operations 
the Board has confidence in recommending an increase of 23% in the final 
dividend from 13.6p to 16.7p. This will bring the dividend for the full year to 
25.5p compared with 20.5p in the previous year, an overall increase of 24.4% 
for the year. The proposed final dividend will be paid on 21 November 2014 to 
all shareholders on the register at the close of business on 24 October 2014. 

Tim Ross
Chairman
8 September 2014

This increase in dividend is in line with the intention we outlined last  
year to progressively increase the dividends over a three-year period  
to bring the dividend cover down to around four times. The Board will 
continue to review this policy in light both of progress in underlying  
trading and any developments arising from the ongoing actions to refocus 
the Group operations.

People 
As always, our staff remain key to the business and once again I would like  
to thank them for their loyalty and hard work. I am pleased to note that  
we have achieved our stated target of creating or safeguarding at least  
500 jobs in our surface mining operations in Scotland. Whilst shareholder 
value remains a primary focus for us, our employees will always be a key 
stakeholder group. We respect the loyalty and commitment of our staff  
and will ensure that we take appropriate consideration of their interests  
as we progress through the review. We recognise a strong and profitable 
Group is in the common interest of all stakeholders.

On 1 September we announced  
the sale of Imperial Tankers and the 
implementation of a new strategy to 
focus the Group on its core strengths.

3

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Group Business Review
Gordon Banham, Group Chief Executive

4

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Outside of the UK, the Group will continue to carefully grow its Industrial 
Services business, building on its recent contract wins, which include a 
five-year contract with China Light and Power, and its increased credentials 
and experience in the steel sector. The Group does not expect to need to 
deploy significant capital to support this initiative. 

In assessing the Group’s wider activities, the Board has already identified  
a number of additional areas where it sees opportunity to release and 
redeploy capital.

The Group produces and trades coke through its Monckton coke plant.  
As we have previously reported, coke markets and pricing have been very 
volatile and this continues to hamper Monckton’s activities. Difficulties in  
the financial and commercial position of some producers and customers  
are adding to the challenging trading conditions. The Group has always 
recognised the importance of balancing risk with maximising return on 
capital employed and is aware of the high levels of working capital already 
invested at Monckton and in its wider coke trading activities. We remain 
committed to minimising operational risk wherever possible, by avoiding 
significant open contractual positions. Against this background, the Board 
will, in the coming weeks, review whether Monckton can achieve sufficient 
contractual certainty in current market conditions to justify the level of 
working capital deployed to support the operation. At the end of May 2014 
the coal and coke stocks at Monckton amounted to £17.5m. The Group will 
also look for opportunities to cut working capital levels in our German 
associate by reducing trading levels until normal market conditions resume.

The Group views its UK coal trading businesses as an important part of the 
Group and highly synergistic with its coal production activities. Although 
there will continue to be a key focus on developing production, trading and 
distribution activities in the UK, the Group does recognise that coal trading 
poses very intensive working capital demands. Opportunities will be sought 
to focus trading activities on core streams where the Group is best placed to 
add value, optimise its return on capital and maximise synergies and profits 
from its thermal and speciality coal markets. To achieve this focus, we 
currently envisage reducing bulk trading volumes by around 1.5m tonnes 
per annum and reducing working capital accordingly. A key focus of the 
Group will be to protect our market share and margins from the supply of 
coal into the thermal and speciality markets. 

Other non-core activities are also under review, including the tyre crumbing 
operation, the joint venture with Mir Trade in Europe and the Rocpower 
operation. Notice has already been given to our joint venture partners to 
seek to wind down the activities of the Mir Trade joint venture in an orderly 
fashion. The Group has recently received early stage interest from a third 
party in the acquisition of Rocpower’s Commonside Lane facility and grid 
connection. In light of the decision to streamline the Group, the Board is 
willing to consider a disposal of the Rocpower assets and has written down 
the value of the assets in the Group balance sheet accordingly.

The Board expects this set of initiatives to liberate substantial cash resources, 
which will be available to enhance returns for shareholders. 

Disposal of Imperial Tankers
The Board was very pleased to announce the disposal of Imperial on  
1 September 2014. Imperial has been part of the Group since it was  
acquired in 2007 for a total consideration of £6.3m. Our existing tanker  
fleet at the time was integrated into the Imperial fleet. The overall book 
value of Imperial in the Group accounts at the time of the disposal was 
approximately £9.5m. The tanker operation had grown steadily under the 
Group’s ownership and has been consistently profitable. However it offered 
limited synergies with other Group operations and fell outside the Group’s 
core activities. Imperial generated profit after tax of approximately £1.6m on 
revenue of £29.7m during the year ended 31 May 2014. EBITDA in the year 
ended 31 May 2014 was approximately £4m. The business unit has been sold 
inclusive of cash balances of £1.6m and £2.7m of asset finance debt, resulting 
in an effective enterprise value and reduction in overall net debt of £28.1m. 

5

Review of Strategy
On 1 September 2014 we announced the disposal of Imperial Tankers  
and the implementation of a new strategy for the Group. The disposal of 
Imperial Tankers is a first step in implementing a new strategy to focus the 
Group on its core strengths, simplify operations and ensure the business  
is optimally placed to respond to changes in market conditions. 

The low current coal and coke prices and the ongoing market volatility has 
prompted the Board to reassess Group strategy and look for opportunities 
to minimise earnings risk and volatility. This process has identified a number 
of earnings streams where we feel that the rate of return and longer term 
prospects does not justify the capital deployed. The review will identify 
opportunities to generate cash through the release of working capital or  
the sale or closure of operations that are not clearly core activities. These 
objectives when taken together will result in the generation of cash and  
will deliver a more simplified and streamlined group. 

As the review progresses and the outcome of the current strategic initiatives 
take shape, the Board will consider the optimal capital structure and 
distribution policy for the Group, ensuring that they are properly aligned to 
the long term expectations and requirements of both shareholders and the 
Group. It is anticipated that any capital that is liberated by the review may be 
utilised to reduce debt, distribute to shareholders or re-invest in the business 
depending upon the opportunities identified. Any re-investment would be 
focussed on attractive and value enhancing projects related to the Group’s 
core business activities. In the event that no appropriate investment 
opportunities are identified then the Board is currently minded to pursue  
a strategy of running the UK operation to maximise cash returns with a view 
to distributing these to shareholders. 

In terms of any other investment opportunity or requirement, the Group’s 
short and medium term priority will continue to be focused on securing  
and under-pinning the core UK coal trading, production and distribution 
businesses. The Group is actively reviewing and seeking a number of 
opportunities to obtain control over at least four million tonnes of annual 
thermal coal flows and exposure to a degree of clean dark spread to  
help manage the impact of coal price risk on the Production activities.  
The Group has expended significant time and effort to date, in parallel  
with consideration of the simplification and streamlining initiative. We 
continue to actively identify and review opportunities to acquire more 
direct control over significant outlets for coal, by contract, acquisition or  
joint venture. Long term coal supply contracts underpin our coal production 
and coal trading operations by providing greater long term visibility over 
coal offtake. In turn, this will help underpin the ability and control that  
we have over the core UK coal operations to deliver future cash returns.

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Group Business Review
continued

Imperial is a quality business and the Board would like to commend and 
thank the staff and management for their hard work and commitment in 
developing Imperial into one of the strongest tanker brands in the country. 
The very favourable valuation reflects the quality of the business and strong 
recent growth. We are pleased that the business has been sold to a high 
calibre operator who is seeking to invest in expansion and is well placed to 
drive synergies from the business, which the Hargreaves Group is unable to 
access. This is a good outcome both for the Group and for the management 
and employees of Imperial. Following the disposal we are left with the fleet 
of dry bulk vehicles; which remains a key part of the Group, offering 
synergies with our trading and production activities.

Commodity Prices
Recent significant falls in the international coal price have been compounded 
by a strengthening of Sterling against the US Dollar. The effect of this has 
been to reduce the Sterling price of thermal coal in the UK to around £46  
per tonne. The Board remains of the opinion that current price levels are 
unsustainably low and expects some recovery in the foreseeable future. 

Hargreaves has always adopted a business model where we attempt to 
eliminate or at least smooth the impact of changing commodity prices. In 
the Energy & Commodities business, where we buy and sell coal and coke, 
we continue to minimise open positions in our trading activities through 
hedging or, more commonly, through the use of back-to-back purchase and 
sale contracts. This business model provides significant profit-protection 
when rapid or major price changes are being experienced. A falling or even 
a volatile coal price does not therefore present a significant problem for our 
trading operation, with the exception that a low or falling coal price reduces 
the value of pond fines that are added to a coal blend.

In the Production Division, coal price has a very direct impact on profitability. 
At its current level the coal price presents near term challenges to 
investment in and the development of the Production Division’s surface 
mining operations. Since acquiring the surface mining assets of Scottish 
Coal Company Limited and Aardvark (TMC) Limited, the Sterling price of 
coal, as measured by the API 2 Index, has fallen from around £55 per tonne 
to £46 currently. These surface assets were acquired at prices that represent 
good long term value for the Group and the Group remains committed to 
the development of surface mining opportunities in the UK and building on 
its strong pipeline of sites. 

The table below shows the current mining reserves for the Group.

Millions of tonnes

With planning 
permission

In planning 
process

Pre-planning

Wales
Scotland
England
Total

5.3
14.8
0.1
20.2

–
2.8
0.5
3.3

–
4.3
–
4.3

Total

5.3
21.9
0.6
27.8

To date, for existing sites, the impact of the falling coal price has been 
minimised by hedging or fixing the price of the coal that was planned to  
be extracted. In the longer term, for new and future sites, the challenge  
of low coal prices can be partially mitigated through re-designing mining 
schemes to focus on the lower cost of recovery coals that exist within our 
extensive pipeline of sites, reducing production costs but also reducing the 
total amount of coal that can be extracted. Whilst this will reduce absolute 
production levels it will assist in protecting the profitability of the coal that  
is produced. The Group will only commence operations at new sites if the 
output can be fixed or hedged at an economic level.

In the current financial year we are targeting to maintain a production  
rate of just under 2 million tonnes of profitable coal, in addition to the coal 
produced at the Tower joint venture. The financial results of the current year 
ending 31 May 2015 will benefit from the contracts and hedges that were 
put in place to protect the value of coal extracted from these sites. The 
contracts and hedges add between £8m and £9m of value when compared 
to the current average market coal prices for the year ending 31 May 2016. 
Over the coming months, the Board will monitor the coal price and consider 
various mining plan scenarios to mitigate this impact. The Board is committed 
to keeping its surface mining operations active and viable as the Board 
believes that there is considerable value in mining reserves.

Indigenous coal will continue to be an important fuel for UK power 
generation and therefore the surface mining pipeline is a core strategic  
asset and store of long term value for the Group. The strength of the Group’s 
position in surface mining leaves it uniquely placed to capitalise on any 
future upturn in coal prices and coal fired power generation. 

We will not commence production of a site and hence create a restoration 
liability without having sufficient certainty of the price at which the coal can 
be sold. Such a practice would expose the Group to significant market risks 
that could exceed the impact of merely reducing mining levels and 
potentially mothballing some sites and equipment.

UK Coal and Coke Markets
In our report last year we outlined our view as to how the coal markets would 
develop in the UK. We expressed an opinion that coal fired generation will 
remain an important element of the UK energy mix well into the second half 
of the 2020’s and probably even beyond. Today our view has not changed 
and we are still of the opinion that forecasts of the rapid demise of coal usage 
in the UK are not well founded and depend on assumptions about the rate of 
additional new capacity being added, whether in renewable, gas or nuclear, 
that are simply unrealistic and will not occur. 

Whilst that core view on longer term coal demand and requirement in the 
UK has not changed, the markets in which we operate and to which we are 
exposed continue to be volatile and uncertain. Government policy around 
the UK Energy sector remains unclear and this uncertainty is exacerbated by 
the prospect of an upcoming general election. 

6

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014The sale of Imperial Tankers and the announcement of the process to review 
and streamline our operations is a proactive step that demonstrates that we 
are acting decisively to respond to market changes. We will look carefully for 
opportunities to protect shareholder value through either, or a combination 
of, seeking to maximise cash generation to improve returns to shareholders 
or seeking investment opportunities that help us further protect the value 
in our core UK activities by better positioning the Group to deal with 
challenging market conditions. We will also ensure that the Group remains 
well placed to capitalise on any improvements in coal prices and market 
conditions. In that respect we are encouraged by the significant mining 
reserves that we have access to in Scotland and the platform we have in 
Europe to rapidly resume and expand trading activities when market 
conditions normalise.

Gordon Banham 
Group Chief Executive 
8 September 2014

The steel sector in the UK and Europe continues to face significant 
challenges and difficult market conditions. This continues to significantly 
impact coke demand across Europe. Supply imbalance in Europe has been 
exacerbated by exports of surplus coke from China. This has resulted in 
significant falls in coke prices and a disconnect between coking coal and 
coke prices. These conditions have resulted in very difficult trading 
conditions for our associate’s German coke trading operation and continue 
to present challenges in managing Monckton coke output to ensure that 
coking coal input prices and coke output commitments and prices are 
appropriately aligned to minimise open positions. 

The drive towards renewable energy and the reduction of CO2 emissions 
continues to present uncertainty about the quantity of coal that will 
continue to be burned by power generators to satisfy UK energy market 
demands. Although recent substantial and unexpected falls in short term 
gas prices have significantly reduced current coal burn and despite the 
imposition of carbon taxes and the upcoming impact of the Industrial 
Emissions Directive, the Board remains of the opinion that coal and in 
particular indigenous coal will continue to be an important constituent  
of the UK energy mix for many years to come. Indigenous coal will continue 
to be an important element of this mix. Current data indicates that the UK 
coal market, principally led by the demand of power generators, will remain 
of sufficient size to support comfortably the Group’s plans for its UK coal 
production and distribution businesses in the medium term. The Board 
remains confident that Hargreaves can add value and generate profit from 
this market. 

In the nearer term, increasing uncertainty around Government policy,  
the weakness in international coal prices and current volatility in gas prices, 
and hence coal burn, are leading UK generators to delay purchase contracts 
or source coal on shorter term contracts. This reduces revenue visibility  
in the Energy & Commodities Division and creates longer-term challenges 
for the Production Division, where substantial contract visibility is required 
to underpin longer term investment decisions in the Group’s surface  
mining activities. 

Other changes are also affecting the supply and demand for coal products. 
Uncertainty still exists over the future of the operations of the former UK Coal 
PLC, both in terms of the deep and surface mines, whilst proposed changes 
in Irish government policy could also reduce demand for domestic coals. 

Strategic Outlook and Priorities
Our priority remains the creation and protection of shareholder value. We 
are experts in the markets in which we operate and will continue to carefully 
monitor not only current market conditions but also future opportunities, 
risks and trends. Our view is that the level of risk and volatility in our markets 
necessitates a thorough review of our business and, alongside that, our 
strategy to deliver value to shareholders. We remain committed to the 
production, trading and distribution of thermal and speciality coals and the 
development of complementary services and logistics operations. All other 
activities will be subject to careful and stringent review.

Strategic Review
£26.9m cash consideration for the 
disposal of Imperial Tankers represents 
the first step of the strategic review.

7

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Review of Operating Performance 
by Business Unit

Revenues from continuing operations for the full year increased by 3.1% 
from £843.3m to £869.2m, reflecting a strong performance in our Energy & 
Commodities (“E&C”) division and the first full year of our Scottish surface 
mining operations. Underlying Group operating profit increased by £3.8m 
from £55.7m to £59.5m. Underlying profit before tax was £55.1m, an increase 
of 5.6% on the prior year with robust performances across all of our divisions.

Production Division
Production Division revenues increased by £64.5m from £103.2m to £167.7m 
reflecting a full year of surface mining in Scotland, with Scotland coal 
revenues contributing £50.5m during the year.

Whilst Scotland contributed significantly to the Division’s result during the 
year, underlying operating profit for the division remained at £16.7m reflecting 
reduced profits at Monckton. Mining profits from our Tower joint venture were 
below our original expectations, affected by adverse weather conditions.

Surface Mining
Although it has been a challenging year for our surface mining operations 
on a number of fronts we are pleased with the progress made in developing 
our Scottish operations. As previously reported, a slower than anticipated 
start in commencing operations in Scotland resulted in a shortfall in 
production output during the first half. This shortfall was expected to be 
recovered through the second half as the Group became operational across 
the planned seven sites shortly after the end of the first half of the year. 
However, as previously announced, the exceptional rainfall in December, 
January and February significantly hampered operations in the second half 
such that it was not possible to fully recover all of the shortfall in production 
output during the year. Notwithstanding these challenges, the Scottish 
business finished the year strongly and the Group is pleased with the 
current production run rates that are being achieved.

Segment Continuing Operating profit
Intangible amortisation/impairment
Impairment of property, plant and equipment
Share of profit in associates and jointly controlled entities (net of tax)
Share of tax in associates and jointly controlled entities

Underlying Continuing Operating Profit

Net financing costs – Continuing Operations

Underlying Continuing Profit before Tax

Segment Continuing Operating profit/(loss)
Intangible amortisation/impairment
Share of profit in jointly controlled entities (net of tax)
Share of tax in jointly controlled entities

Underlying Continuing Operating Profit

Net financing costs – Continuing Operations

Underlying Continuing Profit before Tax

Production 
2014 
£000

Energy & 
Commodities 
2014 
£000

11,772
143
2,829
1,639
357

16,740

29,255
847
–
1,860
555

32,517

(209)

(2,731)

16,531

29,786

Production 
2013 
£000 

Energy & 
Commodities 
2013 
£000 

13,179
131
2,364
1,071

16,745

27,456
4,152
209
60

31,877

(374)

(1,550)

16,371

30,327

Transport 
2014 
£000

4,508
–
–
–
–

4,508

(933)

3,575

Transport 
2013 
£000 

3,814
197
–
–

4,011

(694)

3,317

Industrial 
Services 
2014
£000

5,405
329
–
–
–

5,734

Total 
2014
£000

50,940
1,319
2,829
3,499
912

59,499

(574)

(4,447)

5,160

55,052

Industrial 
Services 
2013 
£000 

(477)
3,505
–
–

3,028

Total 
2013
£000

43,972
7,985
2,573
1,131

55,661

(864)

(3,482)

2,164

52,179

8

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014 
The Scottish operation delivered first year coal revenues of £50.5m during 
the year and generated an operating profit of £5.8m. This result reflected 
the sale of 845,000 tonnes, marketed and sold through our E&C business,  
at just over £5 operating profit per tonne, as expected, and also benefitted 
from some restoration activity during the year and the sale of surplus mining 
assets. We are also pleased to be contributing to significant restoration efforts 
at a number of key sites. Whilst this does not by any means deal with the 
significant restoration liability left behind by ATH and SRG, we are actively 
providing restoration at a number of sites. We have already delivered 
significant improvement at sites such as Glenmuckloch in Dumfries and 
Galloway and Muir Dean in Fife. At these sites we have utilised world class 
heavy plant and equipment and expertise to deliver on our contractual 
commitments. Restoration services have been provided on time and to  
the highest standards. Our specialised heavy duty equipment is providing 
the maximum possible impact for the money available. Even at sites where 
there is minimal or no restoration funding available, such as Duncanziemere, 
Netherton and House of Water, we are working to extract remaining 
reserves of coal whilst providing the greatest possible improvement to site 
conditions and environmental impact.

The Tower project contributed £5.8m of operating profit during the year 
through a combination of our 35% share of mining profits and profit made 
by Hargreaves Surface Mining. Whilst the profit earned by our contract 
mining business remained steady, our share of joint venture profits suffered 
as a result of the record wet weather. Production output of 470,000 tonnes 
fell short of the joint venture’s target. We remain encouraged by the 
prospects for the operation and will be working with the joint venture and 
offtake customers to ensure that we can establish mine and offtake plans  
to support an increase in production in the second phase of the project.

In England, our small site at Well Hill in Northumberland contributed its first 
tonnes during the year and we continue to make progress in getting 
additional sites through the planning process. 

Monckton
Monckton performed broadly in line with plan during the first half of the  
year as domestic and export volumes were largely contracted through to  
the end of the calendar year. Monckton operated against a very challenging 
backdrop during the second half of the year across all markets. In the export 
markets, the negotiation of new contracts resulted in significant pricing 
pressure through the second half. In particular, a number of Monckton’s 
export customers opted to minimise offtake contracts and seek shorter term 
arrangements until greater visibility could be achieved in the market place.

In the domestic market, Tata Chemicals Europe (TCE) announced a 
restructure of its UK-based soda ash production plants at the start of the 
second half of the year. Initially we sought to enforce the contract on advice 
that the contract remained fully enforceable through the end of its term  
to December 2015. In August we reached a commercially acceptable 
agreement whereby we obtained an extension and a reduction in the  
rate of offtake to 36,000 tonnes per annum. The Group is continuing 
commercial discussions with a number of other customers in an effort to 
place the additional volumes in the market. The market volatility and short 
term nature of customers’ offtake appetite is making it very difficult to lock 
down a high degree of contractual certainty for Monckton to ensure that 
coking coal input costs and commitments are sufficiently linked with the 
associated coke offtake contracts. 

Against this backdrop of challenging and volatile steel markets, Monckton’s 
operating profit contribution fell from £6.6m to £2.9m during the year 
ended 31 May 2014. Monckton revenues fell from £53.1m to £42.8m 
reflecting a significant reduction in average selling price from £217 to £198 
with production volumes remaining relatively stable at 190,000 tonnes. The 
drop in revenue reflected a drop in the volume of third party coke products 
that could be sold by Monckton alongside its own production.

Maltby
Maltby ceased to trade during the year and has remained a discontinued 
operation throughout the year as the closure programme continues in line 
with plan. At the date of this report, the mine shafts have been filled and 
capped as part of Maltby’s overall restoration programme and the Group 
awaits formal certification of this completion. The process to sell the 
underground equipment continues to progress; there have been a number  
of enquiries to date and £2.9m of realisations were achieved during the year 
leaving a residual net book value to recover of £6.7m (FY13: £9.5m). These 
assets have been transferred to our plant pool team for management and 
disposal. The Group remains very confident of achieving an amount in excess 
of book value for the assets. The Board is very pleased with the progress that 
has been made in closing the Maltby operation and thanks all the staff and 
other stakeholders involved. The project has been completed on time, on 
budget and to a high quality. The Group is working hard with local authorities 
to optimise the value of land to the Group and to the local community. 

£50.5m

Scottish Surface Mining
Our investment in Scottish Surface Mining activities  
has produced first year revenues of £50.5m.

9

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Review of Operating Performance 
by Business Unit
continued

Energy & Commodities Division
The Energy & Commodities Division performed in line with overall divisional 
expectations during the year. Gross revenues increased by £8.3m from 
£585.0m to £593.3m reflecting a significant increase in metallurgical coal 
volumes sold in our UK bulk business offset by the deconsolidation of 
European revenues from the Group revenue number during the second  
half of the year as our German operation became an associate. Underlying 
operating profit increased slightly by £0.6m from £31.9m to £32.5m with  
a better than expected UK bulk performance offsetting the impact of 
challenging coke markets experienced in Europe. 

Bulk Coal 
Our UK Bulk Coal operations exceeded management expectations during 
the year with 5.4m tonnes of coal delivered to customers in the coal and 
steel markets, an increase of approximately 700,000 tonnes on the prior year. 
Whilst thermal volumes increased slightly during the year, the division saw  
a significant increase in metallurgical volumes. With a full year of operation 
at Redcar, volumes of coking coal increased by almost 300,000 tonnes and 
the Group began supplying PCI coal during the year contributing almost 
300,000 tonnes. We continue to closely manage counterparty risk exposure, 
whilst maximising opportunities, particularly within the challenging steel 
markets. Total coking coal and PCI coal volumes shipped in the year were 
1.5m tonnes.

Profit per tonne in the UK bulk market increased slightly to £2.52 operating 
profit per tonne during the year with the addition of PCI coals and a slightly 
stronger thermal margin. The Group shipped approximately 1.2m tonnes  
to Eggborough power station during the year. The Group has continued  
to support Hatfield Colliery and is working closely with the owners to assist 
with product offtake for the upcoming coal panel when the current panel 
finishes in November. In the current financial year the Group marketed 0.8m 
tonnes of coal produced at Hatfield.

Speciality Coal
Our UK speciality coal business performed largely in line with expectations 
during the year. Volumes were increased to 680,000 tonnes through 
aggressive pricing. This pricing pressure reduced the operating profit  
per tonne from £21.68 to £18.78, resulting in a slight reduction in overall 
operating profit from £13.4m to £12.8m. This is a very pleasing performance 
in light of the announcement of UK Coal’s insolvency and restructuring  
last year, which required the Group to mitigate the loss of the associated 
speciality coal supply contract. In particular, the acquisition of the surface 
mining operation in Scotland has provided the Group with the opportunity 
to diversify the sources of the Group’s speciality coal supply. The Group 
retains a strong position in these markets and is well placed to source and 
deliver a high quality of competitively priced coal. The Group continues to 
closely monitor developments in these important markets to ensure that  
it is best placed to deal with any challenges that arise from changes in the 
balance of supply and demand.

Throughout last year our associate German operations traded in increasingly 
subdued and difficult coke markets. Volume during the year reduced to 
491,000 tonnes with a comparable margin to the prior year. This was an 
excellent result that reflected the trading synergies available from both the 
Monckton operation and the trading relationship with SSI’s steel operation 
at Redcar. Whilst existing contract positions at the end of the first half 
provided a platform for a robust second half performance, these challenging 
underlying trading conditions have remained. As a consequence, activity 
within the German business has been managed down to a lower level, 
ensuring the business does not take any unnecessary risks. Efforts are being 
made to reduce working capital to maximise cash generation.

The table below provides a breakdown of volumes and margins within the Energy & Commodities division.

2014

Tonnes sold (000s)
Operating profit per tonne (£)
Operating profit from trading (£m)
Associates, JCE & non-trading (£m)

Total Segment Underlying Operating Profit (£m)

2013

Tonnes sold (000s)
Operating profit per tonne (£)
Operating profit from trading (£m)
JCE & non-trading (£m)

Total Segment Underlying Operating Profit (£m)

UK 
Bulk

UK 
Speciality

5,411
2.52
13.6

680
18.78
12.8

UK 
Total

6,091
4.34
26.4

European 
Speciality

491
9.29
4.6

UK 
Bulk

UK 
Speciality

4,679
2.35
11.0

618
21.68
13.4

UK 
Total

5,297
4.61
24.4

European 
Speciality

645
9.77
6.3

Total

6,582
4.70
31.0
1.5

32.5

Total

5,942
5.17
30.7
1.2

31.9

10

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014As previously reported, the Group successfully completed a reorganisation 
of its German business on 28 November 2013. Whilst the Group retains  
the same economic interest and therefore a similar level of contribution  
to the Group’s results, the resultant lower equity participation and greater 
autonomy means that the German business was treated as an associate  
in the second half of the year with its profit being included in the Group 
numbers as a one line entry in the income statement.

Industrial Services Division
Industrial Services Division revenues reduced by £26.7m from £149.3m  
to £122.6m. This reduction on the prior year is substantially due to the 
incremental contribution to revenue made by the two biomass conversion 
projects in the prior year. Core material handling revenues of £104.2m  
(2013: £104.3m) in the current year have remained at a strong level and  
are comparable with the prior year.

Underlying operating profit of the division of £5.7m represents an increase 
of £2.7m on the prior year. If the impact of the biomass conversion projects 
is removed, the underlying profit from the core material handling operations 
was comparable with the prior year at £5.1m (2013: £5.0m). 

The core materials handling business has performed well during the year. 
Whilst the division encountered some delays in expected key contract 
awards that impacted the underlying result for the year, the division was 
able to support the operating profit with some one-off profits on the sale  
of surplus plant from its plant pool trading business. Pleasingly, the Division 
has made good commercial progress through the second half of the year, 
and into the current year, winning a number of these key contracts and 
positioning the underlying business to deliver a strong result in the next  
12 months. In particular, the Division was awarded a five-year integrated 
maintenance services contract with China Light and Power at the end of 
2013. The contract was mobilised successfully in January 2014 and we are 
pleased to report a number of months of trading in line with plan. 

The Group is pleased to report that the first biomass conversion project has 
been commercially concluded with payment received in July 2014, with no 
material impact on profit. On the second larger biomass conversion project, 
the Group is pleased to report that this project is now complete and has 
been handed over to the client with final commercial discussions now 
underway. The Group has worked closely and collaboratively with EON to 
support and deliver a quality solution despite significant scope changes  
and resulting cost over-runs. The Group has focussed on the delivery of  
the project and is now in commercial discussions with EON to agree final 
contract values and payment. We do not anticipate any further provisions 
being required to commercially conclude this second project.

Transport Division
Transport revenues increased significantly during the year from £82.7m  
to £89.0m. Strong volumes in the period within our Dry Bulk business 
contributed £59.3m. Underlying operating profit also increased significantly 
from £4.0m to £4.5m reflecting increased contribution from both the Dry 
Bulk and Tankers business units with Bulk contributing £2.2m and Tankers 
contributing £2.3m. 

Health and Safety 
The health and safety of employees, contractors, customers and the public 
continues to be of the highest priority to the Board and management.  
We recognise the potentially hazardous nature of the work undertaken 
across all of our divisions and we are determined to ensure that we provide 
safe systems of work throughout our diverse range of operations. 

The whole Board takes an active role in health and safety. The Group Chief 
Executive personally acts as a Group Health and Safety Champion, working 
alongside the health and safety team to drive high quality health and safety 
performance throughout the business, not just in terms of developing 
processes and systems, but in ensuring substance in terms of actions, 
resources and culture to underpin the processes and systems. 

The Group has health and safety management systems in place that are 
either internally or externally audited to the highest standard. In addition  
to a top down management style we have worked hard to ensure that a 
positive engaging health and safety culture is encouraged throughout our 
operations. Although we focus on safety at the business unit level, we have 
regular accountability meetings and a Group Health and Safety Forum to 
define best practice and to promote high standards of communication  
and coordination across the Group. 

Health and safety statistics continue to be monitored at a divisional and 
business unit level, with regular main Board review, as well as pro-active 
health and safety strategies in place at each division.

The Group is committed to a philosophy of continuing improvement  
across all Group operations. During the last 18 months the Group has 
reshaped its health and safety team and invested in additional resources 
where appropriate. Our strategy has been to identify risks and eliminate 
them before an accident and not to rely on “lessons learned”. To this effect 
the team have embarked on a number of accident prevention initiatives 
including “step back and speak up”, greater emphasis on hazard spotting 
and analysis of near misses.

For the year ended 31 May 2014, accident rates within the Group are 
monitored on the basis of the number of lost time accidents per 100,000 
hours worked. Following last year’s 31% reduction we are pleased to note 
that the accident rate has seen a further 61% reduction from 1.04 to 0.41  
in the year ended 31 May 2014.

The incidence of lost time accidents at Hargreaves has been strongly 
trending downwards for a number of years. Whilst the rate of improvement 
is slowing the downward trend is continuing in the current year.

Iain Cockburn
Group Finance Director

Gordon Banham
Group Chief Executive

8 September 2014

11

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014 
 
 
 
Financial Review 
Iain Cockburn, Group Finance Director

12

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Results Overview
Revenue from continuing operations for the year ended 31 May 2014 
increased by 3.1% from £843.3m to £869.2m. Underlying operating profit 
from continuing operations increased by 6.8% from £55.7m to £59.5m, 
which generated an increase in underlying profit before tax of £2.9m from 
£52.2m to £55.1m. Reported profit before taxation, as set out in note 2, 
increased significantly from £43.1m to £52.1m, despite a one-off impairment 
of Rocpower’s assets amounting to £2.8m during the year. This significant 
increase reflected the improvement in underlying profits but also the 
one-off impairment of goodwill and intangible assets in the prior year, the 
consequent reduction in amortisation this year and also the one-off profit 
on the disposal of our German subsidiary during the year of £2.1m. 
Continuing diluted earnings per share is reported at 122.2p (2013: 111.0p).

Revenue
Continuing revenues in the Group increased by £25.9m from £843.3m  
to £869.2m. Production division revenues grew by 63% from £103.2m to 
£167.7m, reflecting the first year of operations in our Scottish surface mining 
business. Overall E&C revenues grew by £8.3m from £585.0m to £593.3m 
with over £80m expansion in UK bulk revenues. Of this UK bulk revenue 
growth, £50.5m was the Scottish ‘pass through’ revenue, as all Scottish coal 
production is sold to and marketed by our E&C division; the balance of the 
increase related to additional metallurgical coal volumes during the year. 
This significant increase was offset by the removal of revenue generated  
by our German business at the start of the second half following its 
‘deconsolidation’ from the Group. Finally, there was a significant reduction in 
Industrial Services revenues from £149.3m to £122.6m reflecting the revenue 
contribution from the biomass conversion projects in the prior year.

Operating Profit and Margins
Underlying Operating Profit increased by £3.8m from £55.7m to £59.5m 
reflecting a robust contribution from all Divisions. The Production Division 
delivered Underlying Operating Profit of £16.7m in line with the prior year 
with the first year contribution from our Scottish operations offsetting the 
challenges at Tower and Monckton. Our E&C division delivered a strong  
year with an increase in metallurgical volumes compensating for the shortfall 
in volume in Germany. Industrial Services operating profit increased by 
£2.7m reflecting the losses taken in the prior year on the biomass conversion 
projects and the downsizing of the engineering business.

Gain on Disposal of Subsidiary
As previously announced, a reorganisation of our European operations was 
completed on 28 November 2013, resulting in a lower equity participation 
for the Group, whilst retaining the same economic interest. From a financial 
reporting perspective, this resulted in the sale by the Group of our German 
business, and the deconsolidation of its net assets, including net debt,  
from the Group balance sheet. This was then immediately followed by 

re-acquisition of the same entity as an associate and recognition of the  
fair value of the investment in the associate, in accordance with IAS 27.  
Sale of a subsidiary from the Group required recycling of the associated 
translation and non-controlling interest reserves into the income statement. 
These accounting entries resulted in a one-off, non-recurring profit on 
disposal of £2.1m during the year. This has been excluded from Underlying 
Operating Profit. 

Impairment of Non-Current Assets
As noted in our announcement on 1 September 2014 the Group has 
received early stage interest in the acquisition of Rocpower’s Commonside 
Lane facility. As a result of the decision to streamline the Group, the Board  
is minded to consider the disposal of the Commonside Lane facility and 
other Rocpower assets. Having considered this course of action as an 
alternative to holding the assets for a prolonged period, the Board has 
elected to impair some of the operating assets of Rocpower by £2.8m.  
This impairment reflects the view that it is unlikely that, in current market 
conditions, any buyer of Commonside Lane would elect to continue to  
use the heavy fuel oil engines that are currently in place. 

Interest
As expected, the second half of the year showed reduced interest charges 
as the Group net debt reduced and the European interest was removed 
following the reorganisation of our European operation. Net financing costs 
on continuing operations during the year totalled £4.4m compared with 
£3.5m for the previous year. With similar levels of net debt to the prior year, 
the increase in continuing interest charge year-on-year partly reflects the 
significant discontinued operations in the prior year with both Maltby and 
Belgium incurring a large proportion of Group interest.

Taxation
Income tax expense for the year is £11.5m compared with £10.9m for the 
year ended 31 May 2013; including the share of tax of equity accounted 
investees of £0.9m (2013: £1.1m) results in a total tax expense of £12.4m (2013: 
£12.1m). This charge represents an effective tax rate for the Group of 23.47% 
(2013: 27.3%).

The reduction from the 27.3% rate for the year ended 31 May 2013 to the 
underlying rate of 23.47% is driven by the fall in the UK corporation tax rate 
from 23% to 21%, the non-taxable profit on disposal of subsidiaries and the 
exceptional goodwill write-off last year that was treated as non-deductible.

Following a recent change in legislation introduced as part of the 2014 
Finance Act, HMRC may now request payment in advance of concluding 
discussions in respect of certain disclosable tax planning schemes. 
Consequently, over the next 12 months, the Group may be required to pay 
cash in respect of the cash flow benefit taken in the year ended 31 May 2011 

Full year dividend of 25.5p, a 24% 
increase over the prior year.

13

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Financial Review
continued

on a corporation tax planning arrangement which is still subject to ongoing 
negotiation with HMRC. Should such a notice be received, and HRMC in due 
course accept the Group’s view on how this arrangement should be treated 
for corporation tax purposes, any cash paid under the 2014 Finance Act 
notice will be subsequently repaid by HMRC. As previously reported, no P&L 
benefit was taken at the time and no benefit will be taken until the returns 
have been fully agreed. The quantum of tax involved is around £10m.

Earnings per Share
Reported continuing basic earnings per share increased from 112.5p to 
123.2p. Underlying fully diluted earnings per share decreased by 7.3% from 
134.6p to 124.8p. The weighted average number of shares in the period 
increased from 27.9m to 33.1m following the equity raise in May 2013.

Discontinued Operations
The loss for the period from discontinued operations, largely relating to 
costs incurred at Maltby colliery as part of the overall restoration programme 
and orderly closure of the mine, was £3.7m during the year. The closure 
programme continues to progress well and in line with plan. The closure at 
Belgium is also proceeding as expected with a small amount of cost relating 
to discontinued operations incurred during the year.

Dividend
In line with the Board’s previously announced target of increasing the 
dividend payout progressively over three years towards a dividend cover of 
around four times, the Board has recommended an increase of 22.8% in the 
final dividend from 13.6p to 16.7p. This will result in a full year dividend of 
25.5p, a 24% increase over the prior year, representing dividend cover of 4.9 
times (2013: 6.6 times). The dividend will be paid on 21 November 2014 to all 
shareholders on the register at the close of business on 24 October 2014. 

Net Debt
Net debt reduced by £9.1m from £77.9m at 31 May 2013 to £68.8m at 31 May 
2014. The reduction in the net debt figure reflects the deconsolidation of 
the German debt which was £10.2m at the point of change in ownership.

Group net assets increased from £118.3m at 31 May 2013 to £150.1m  
at 31 May 2014. Gearing (measured as net debt compared to net assets)  
at the end of May 2014 was 46%, compared to 66% at 31 May 2013. 

The Group’s financial position remains strong with net debt at 31 May 2014 
equal to 1.0 times earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and 
amortisation (“EBITDA”) pre-exceptional profit, comfortably below our 
maximum covenant levels. 

Operating Cash Flow
Net cash flow from continuing operating activities generated a cash  
inflow of £42.2m during the year. This cash generation has reflected  
a strong EBITDA of £67.2m partly offset by £20.3m working capital 
investment detailed below. By the half year end, the Group had invested 
£45.6m in working capital. Strong inflows in the second half reduced  
this to £20.3m over the year.

Whilst the Group consumed working capital of £20.3m during the year,  
this included the one-off acquisition of the SRG property portfolio of  
£8.4m and the Work in Progress (“WIP”) build on the Lot 4 biomass 
conversion project of £11.8m. Consequently, the underlying core working 
capital increase year-on-year was £0.1m. Efforts are ongoing to prepare the 
property portfolio for sale and the Group is pleased with general progress.

Inventory is the key driver of our working capital movement. Looking 
specifically at inventories it is noted that they increased by a net £28.4m 
during the year. German inventories started the year at £34.8m and reduced 
by £9.0m between the start of the year and the date of deconsolidation.  
At the date of deconsolidation, the inventory level in Germany was £24.8m. 
German inventory ended the year at £13.7m, a reduction of £21.1m across 
the full year, of which only £9.0m, pre-deconsolidation, is reflected in the 
Group cash flow.

Underlying inventory, setting aside the impacts of Germany, the SRG 
property portfolio acquisition and the impact of the Lot1/4 WIP builds, 
increased by £17.2m. The underlying increase in inventory was mainly driven 
by two new business streams within the Group during the year. Firstly, £14m 
of the increase relates to E&C inventory where PCI coal flows to the steel 
sector began during the year and, secondly, £7.8m reflects routine inventory 
levels built in Scotland during its first year of operation. Other movements 
include a stock build in Monckton during the first half of the year offset by  
a number of other stock unwinds across the Group.

Group inventory days increased from 77 days to 87 days. Whilst the 
deconsolidation of Germany improved this figure, this was more than offset 
by the stock build in our UK bulk business. The increase in stock days reflects 
that shipments of coal to UK power station customers slowed in May and 
June resulting in higher than expected stock and a compensating reduction 
in trade debtors. Since the end of the year many customers have been 
trying to reduce stocks as coal burn dropped. This position is expected to 
unwind during the year and we would expect to see stock days reduce to 
historic levels. In addition to this dynamic there was also an element of stock 
build at Monckton.

Debtor days have reduced slightly during the year to 21 days. The efficiency 
of the Group cash cycle has been maintained year-on-year and it is the 
removal of the higher debtor days in our German business that has resulted 
in a slight overall reduction in this metric. Trade creditor days have increased 
from 18 days to 23 days. Whilst this was also partly driven by the 
deconsolidation of Germany during the year, the increase in surface mining 
activities following the start up in Scotland also contributed to the increase.

Net income tax paid of £0.8m reflects last year’s tax losses at Maltby. 

The discontinued operation at Maltby resulted in a net cash outflow from 
operating activities of £9.1m during the year as the mining shafts were filled 
and capped as part of the overall restoration programme.

Capital Expenditure
Net capital expenditure during the year was £34.5m. Of this, £12.3m relates 
to mine stripping costs capitalised under IFRIC 20 and development in our 
new Scottish business, the cash benefit of which will be realised over the 
next 12 months. The balance of £22.2m was higher than normal due to the 
£12.3m invested in mining equipment in Scotland, as previously reported. 
£5m was invested in our Transport business. £13.0m of the £22.2m of capital 
expenditure was financed through finance leases.

The cash flow in relation to the disposal of subsidiaries relates to the 
reorganisation of our German business. The net debt figure of the German 
business was £10.2m at 28 November 2013 which was deconsolidated from 
net debt at the point of disposal.

14

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Net cash from investing activities in discontinued operations resulted in a 
cash inflow of £2.9m as good progress was made in realising an element of 
the remaining Maltby mining asset portfolio. The majority of the remaining 
plant of £6.7m is expected to be sold in the current financial year.

Financing Activities
Net cash outflow from financing activities in continuing operations  
was £15.6m. The Group has repaid £4m of its banking facilities and made 
payments of £5m against finance lease liabilities. Dividend payments  
made during the year amounted to £7.4m.

Summary of Net Debt

Cash and cash equivalents
Bank overdraft
Revolving credit facility
Finance lease liabilities
Hire purchase receivable 

2014 
£000

(30,768)
–
80,190
19,353
–

68,775

2013 
£000

(61,435)
42,476
83,632
15,500
(2,276)

77,897

Going Concern
The Group has considerable financial resources together with long-term 
contracts with a number of customers and suppliers across different 
geographic areas and industries. As a consequence, the Directors believe 
that the Group is well placed to manage its business risks successfully 
despite the current uncertain economic outlook. 

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 foreseeable future. Accordingly, they continue to 
adopt the going concern basis in preparing the annual report and accounts.

Iain Cockburn
Group Finance Director
8 September 2014

Net cash from financing activities in discontinued operations resulted  
in a cash outflow of £1.9m (2013: £5.4m) relating to the repayment of finance 
lease liabilities during the year.

Borrowings and Facilities 
During the year, the Group was financed by a mixture of cash flows from 
operations, trade credit, short-term borrowings, longer-term borrowings 
and finance leases. Operating leases are used in conjunction with asset 
financing to balance the flexibility afforded by asset ownership and the 
efficient use of capital.

The Group continues to operate comfortably within its banking covenants. 
The key covenants on the Revolving Credit Facility (“RCF”) are interest  
cover and leverage, measured as a ratio of net debt to EBITDA. As at  
31 May 2014 interest cover was 15.1 times, comfortably over the covenant 
minimum of four times and leverage was 1.0, comfortably under the 
maximum 2.5 times permitted. 

Capital Management 
The Group manages its capital to ensure that entities in the Group will be able 
to continue as a going concern, whilst maximising the return to shareholders. 
The capital structure of the Group consists of debt, which includes 
borrowings, cash and cash equivalents, and equity attributable to equity 
holders of the parent, comprising capital, reserves and retained earnings. 

The capital structure is reviewed regularly by the Group’s Board of Directors. 
The Group’s policy is to maintain gearing at levels appropriate to the 
business. The Board principally reviews gearing determined as a proportion 
of debt to earnings before interest, tax and depreciation. The Board also 
takes consideration of gearing determined as the proportion of net debt  
to total capital. It should be noted that the Board reviews gearing taking 
careful account of the working capital needs and flows of the business.  
In the trading businesses, where working capital cycles are generally less 
than 90 days, the Board is comfortable to maintain higher levels of debt  
and gearing as measured against EBITDA.

£42.2m

Net cash from continuing operating activities
Cash generation reflected a strong EBITDA of £67.2m  
partly offset by working capital investment.

15

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Statement on Risks Relating to the 
Group’s Business

This statement is an integral part of the Strategic Report.

Operational
Deep Mining Risk
With the mothballing of the underground operations at Maltby, and  
the closure plan that is now progressing, the Group’s exposure to deep 
mining risk has significantly reduced. A key focus for the Group continues  
to be the successful management and completion of the closure and 
restoration programme.

Surface Mining Risk
Our surface mining operation is subject to all of the hazards and risks 
normally encountered in the exploration, development and production  
of surface coal including unusual and unexpected geological formations, 
geotechnical instability, flooding and adverse weather conditions.  
The Group’s surface mining team undertakes appropriate levels of  
site investigation, including extensive geological assessment, drilling/
borehole analysis and ongoing review, and has the appropriate planning, 
development and technical infrastructure and expertise in order to 
minimise these risks.

Markets and Commodity Prices
The Group produces and trades in coal, coke and other mineral 
commodities, the prices of which are subject to variations that are both 
uncontrollable and unpredictable. Further trading risks are created through 
foreign currency exposures. The Group mitigates these risks, wherever 
practical, through the use of measures including fixed-price contracts, 
hedging instruments and “back-to-back” purchase and sale agreements. 
Although short-term trading risks are managed in this way, through the 
ownership of the Monckton Coke Works and our interest in surface mining 
activities, the Group does have a longer-term exposure to price movements, 
favourable or unfavourable, in international coal and coke prices. 

Commercial Relationships
The Group benefits from many long-term and partnership arrangements 
with key customers and suppliers. Damage to, or loss of, these relationships 
could be detrimental to the Group results. In addition, due to the nature of 
the sectors in which the Group operates, it does have a concentration of 
businesses with a small number of large energy companies. 

The Group believes that these risks have been adequately mitigated 
through the close working relationships that it has developed over a long 
period of time with key clients and suppliers and through careful monitoring 
of service levels and price competitiveness.

Economic
Not only are commodity prices subject to fluctuations, trading levels  
are also heavily influenced by economic factors and their impact on key 
customer sectors such as steel production. Our Production units benefit 
from long-term contracts, typically ranging from one year to three years. 
Although elements of the Energy & Commodities trading activities are 
based on long-term contracts of up to one year in duration, a significant 
portion of the trading is based on spot cargoes and deals, particularly in 
Europe. In times of economic downturn, traded volumes can fall. Although 
our fixed cost base in the trading business is low, a drop in volumes can 
have an impact in terms of lost profit. The Group will continue to mitigate 
this risk by minimising the fixed cost base, seeking to enter term contracts 
wherever possible and diversifying the customer base as far as possible.

Health and Safety
Our working environments have numerous and varied risks which we strive 
to mitigate by providing systems, equipment, training and supervision. Risk 
is evaluated by internal and external resources so it is continuously managed 
and mitigated.

Environmental
There is risk of ground and air contamination at our production sites, in 
particular at the Monckton Coke Works. We mitigate this risk by careful 
monitoring of groundwater discharge. Our Transport fleet carries hazardous 
materials, which could lead to contamination in the event of a spillage. The 
Group mitigates this risk through deploying properly maintained equipment, 
utilising well-trained personnel and enforcing tight operational procedures.

Human Resources and Operations
People are the Group’s most important asset and are key to ensuring that 
our quality systems operate effectively. We work hard at recruiting, training 
and developing staff to mitigate the risk of system or human error.

Energy Costs
The Group’s energy usage is very high, both throughout the Transport and 
Plant fleets and at the Group’s production facilities. An increase in energy 
cost has been a risk that to date we have been successful in mitigating by 
indexing key transport contracts against fuel price rises and through our 
ability to essentially balance and therefore intrinsically hedge electricity 
generation and usage between the Monckton Coke Works and other sites.

Financial
Treasury activities have the objective of minimising both risk and finance 
costs and are centralised in the Group’s Head Office. Group Treasury is 
responsible for the management of liquidity, interest and foreign exchange 
risks and operates within policies and authority limits approved by the Board. 
The use of financial instruments, including derivatives, is permitted when 
approved by the Board and where the effect is to minimise risk to the Group.

Coal, coke and minerals stocks that are purchased in foreign currency for 
re-sale are predominantly hedged by matching the currency of purchase 
with the currency of sale.

Interest Rate
The Group predominantly borrows in Sterling. These borrowings  
are largely at floating rates and where appropriate the Group will use 
derivatives to generate the desired effective currency and interest rate 
exposure. As at 31 May 2014, 28.1% of net financial liabilities were at fixed 
rates (2013: 72.3%).

Foreign Currency
The Group has operations in overseas countries and is therefore exposed  
to foreign exchange translation risk when the profits of these entities are 
reflected in the Group accounts. The Group does not hedge exposure  
on the translation of profits of overseas operations. The translation risk  
is reduced by ensuring that net assets are financed where possible by 
borrowing in local currency.

Transaction foreign exchange exposures arise when entities within the 
Group enter into contracts to pay or receive funds in a currency different 
from the functional currency of the entity concerned. It is Group policy  
to hedge material net exposure to cash transactions in foreign currencies 
when a commitment arises, usually through the use of a foreign exchange 
forward contract.

16

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Counterparty Risks
The Group does routinely enter term contracts for the purchase or  
supply of minerals. Although price risk is hedged where appropriate  
on these transactions, the Group is exposed to risk through the potential 
failure of counterparties to perform to contract. This risk is judged against 
the scale and duration of the specific contract on a case-by-case basis.  
As the Group expands into new geographies, the inherent counterparty risk 
profile may increase and the information available to assess counterparties 
may decrease. The Group will mitigate this risk by, as far as possible, carefully 
selecting and monitoring counterparties and structuring transactions to 
minimise counterparty exposure.

Credit Risk
Credit risk arises from the possibility that customers may not be able to pay 
their debts. To manage this risk the Group periodically assesses the financial 
reliability of customers. The majority of the Group’s trade receivables are due 
for payment within 45 days. The Credit Control function closely monitors 
and chases any overdue debts.

Although the Group has a diverse customer base of many hundreds of trade 
debtors, concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables can 
arise. These concentrations, when they do arise tend to relate to the larger 
power generation companies. These concentrations and exposures are 
closely monitored by the Credit Control function. As at 31 May 2014, the 
largest customer represented 16% of the Group trade receivables balance  
of £60.6m.

Management are mindful of the continuation of difficult trading  
conditions being experienced in a number of sectors, particularly  
transport and construction.

17

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 201418

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Directors’ Report

20   Board of Directors and Group  
Executive Management Team

23  Directors’ Report
26  Corporate Governance
30  Remuneration Report
33   Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities 
in Respect of the Annual Report and  
the Financial Statements

Financial Statements

34   Independent Auditor’s Report to the 
Members of Hargreaves Services plc 
35   Consolidated Statement of Profit and 

Loss and Other Comprehensive Income

36  Balance Sheets
38  Statements of Changes in Equity
41  Cash Flow Statements
42   Notes (forming part of  
the financial statements)

82  Notice of Annual General Meeting
88  Investor Information

19

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Board of Directors

Tim Ross* (aged 65)
Non-Executive Chairman

Gordon Banham (aged 50)
Group Chief Executive

Iain Cockburn (aged 49)
Group Finance Director

Tim read law at Oxford University and qualified  
as a solicitor. He worked in the City of London  
and as a company legal adviser, before attending 
London Business School and moving into general 
management. He has considerable experience of 
the construction, aggregates, waste disposal and 
opencast coal industries. He is a past Chairman  
of May Gurney Integrated Services plc and other 
public companies and has served on the boards 
of several other quoted companies, including 
George Wimpey plc and Lavendon plc. He is  
the current Chairman of a number of other 
companies in the construction sector.

Gordon was Managing Director of his family firm, 
F Banham Limited, until 1994 when he negotiated 
its sale to Charrington Fuels and was appointed  
as General Manager of the combined businesses. 
On the acquisition of Charringtons by the CPL 
Group in 1995, he was made Distribution Director 
responsible for the enlarged group’s coal 
distribution activities. Gordon joined Hargreaves 
in 2001, subsequently being appointed as Group 
Chief Executive. He led the management buyout 
in 2004 and subsequent flotation on the London 
Stock Exchange, the following year. He has since 
guided a series of major acquisitions.

*  Current member of Audit, Remuneration and 

Nominations Committees.

Iain is a Chartered Accountant. After five years  
with PricewaterhouseCoopers in the UK and 
Luxembourg he held a number of finance roles  
in both the UK and the USA, within Courtaulds plc 
and GenRad Inc. groups. Prior to joining Hargreaves 
he was Finance Director and subsequently CEO 
and Finance Director of Knowledge Support 
Systems plc.

Kevin Dougan MIQ (aged 60)
Group Commercial Director

David Morgan* (aged 56)
Senior Independent Director

Peter Jones* (aged 59)
Non-Executive Director

Kevin spent the early part of his career with  
British Coal, specialising in opencast coal mining 
becoming Assistant Regional Engineer. In 1986, 
Kevin joined Andrew Golightly Limited as 
Contracts Director, subsequently joining the 
Group in 1995 as a Divisional Director. He was 
appointed to the Group Board in April 2004.

David, a Chartered Accountant, has had  
wide-ranging board and senior management 
experience. Having trained with KPMG, he then 
spent over 20 years with Johnson Matthey plc,  
a FTSE 100 global business and was Executive 
Director, Corporate Development from 1999 to 
2009. He is Chairman of Nord Gold N.V. and of 
Econic Technologies Ltd and a Non-Executive 
director of The Royal Mint as well as a number  
of other companies. His career has involved 
general and financial management as well as 
corporate governance and he has had M&A 
experience in all parts of the world. 

Peter brings to the company many years of senior 
management and Board experience. Previously 
he was Chief Executive of The Mersey Docks & 
Harbour Co Limited (to 2006) before serving as  
Chief Executive of Associated British Ports until 
March 2013. Peter currently serves as Chairman  
of the Port of Milford Haven and is a Non-Executive 
Director of Henderson Opportunities Trust plc 
and also a Non-Executive Director of SKIL Ports  
& Logistics Limited.

*  Current member of Audit, Remuneration and 

*  Current member of Audit, Remuneration and 

Nominations Committees.

Nominations Committees.

20

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Group Executive Management Team

The Executive Directors and the following key managers comprise the Executive Management Team:

Steve Anson
Managing Director

Julie Haynes
Managing Director

Peter Gillatt
Managing Director

Energy & Commodities Division
Previously: Regional Director, Tarmac Limited; 
Commercial Director, Tilcon Limited.

Industrial Services Division
Previously: Business Development Director, 
Norec Ltd; Operations and Development 
Manager, Alfred McAlpine plc; Operations 
Manager, Serco Group plc.

Production Division
Previously: Non-Executive Director, Hargreaves 
Services plc; Group Managing Director, Longcliffe 
Group Limited; Deputy Managing Director, 
Lafarge UK; Chief Operating Officer, SITA UK.

21

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 201422

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Directors’ Report

The Directors present their Directors’ Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 May 2014. 

Principal Activities 
The principal activities of the Group are the provision of haulage services, waste transportation, mineral import, mining and processing, together with coke 
manufacturing and related activities. 

Financial Instruments 
The financial risks faced by the Group and its policy in respect of these risks are set out in Note 26 of the accounts. 

Proposed Dividend 
Following the payment of an interim dividend of 8.8p per share on 21 March 2014, the Directors recommend a final dividend for the year ended  
31 May 2014 of 16.7p per share to be paid on 21 November 2014 to shareholders on the register on 24 October 2014. The shares will be ex-dividend  
on 23 October 2014. This dividend has not been recognised within creditors as it was not declared and approved before the year end. 

Policy and Practice on Payment of Creditors 
The Group does not operate a defined code of practice regarding payment to suppliers. The Group determines conditions of payment for its own  
supply of goods and services. It is the Group’s policy that transactions are then settled in compliance with these legal or other contractual obligations 
having regard to good commercial practice. Average creditor days at 31 May 2014 for the Group were 23 days (2013: 18 days). It is not meaningful  
to disclose a similar statistic for the Company since it does not trade in its own right. 

Directors 
The Directors who held office during the year and to date were as follows: 

Tim Ross 
Gordon Banham 
Iain Cockburn 
Kevin Dougan 
David Morgan
Peter Jones 
Peter Gillatt  

(appointed 6 June 2014)
(resigned 9 September 2013)

The names and biographical details of the Directors at the date of this Directors’ Report appear on pages 20 and 21.

All Directors are required to retire by rotation every three years, in line with the Articles of Association. A formal evaluation of the performance  
of each Director and of the Board is carried out and the performance of each continues to be effective and demonstrates commitment to the role.  
The Directors required to retire by rotation at this year’s AGM are noted on page 25.

23

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Directors’ Report 
continued

The Company provided indemnities to each of its Directors in accordance with the provisions of the Company’s Articles of Association. Additional 
information relating to Directors’ remuneration, service contracts and interests in the Company’s shares is given on pages 30 to 32.

The Directors who held office at the end of the financial year had the following interests in the shares of the Company according to the register of  
Directors’ interests: 

Gordon Banham 
Kevin Dougan 
Iain Cockburn 
Tim Ross 

Class of share 

Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary

Interest at  
end of year

2,149,831 
75,000 
7,680 
3,086

Interest at 
beginning  
of year

3,029,831 
175,000 
7,680 
3,086

The interests of Tim Ross are held through a pension trust of which he is a potential beneficiary. 

Details of Directors’ emoluments are set out in the Remuneration Report on page 30.

All the Directors benefited from qualifying third-party indemnity provisions in place during the year and at the date of this Directors’ Report. 

According to the register of Directors’ interests, no rights to subscribe for shares in Group companies were granted to any of the Directors or their 
immediate families, or exercised by them, during the financial year and up to the date of this Directors’ Report except as indicated below. The options 
referred to below which have vested are held by ESOT Trustees Limited. Options that have vested are held on trust until such time as the Directors  
exercise their options. Vested options are therefore included within the total issued share capital. 

Director

Gordon Banham
Kevin Dougan
Iain Cockburn

Exercise price 
per share

–
–
–

Period during which  
option is exercisable

June 2011 to June 2018
June 2011 to June 2018
June 2011 to June 2018

Number 
of options 
granted

49,180
17,213
20,287

These options were granted under the Long-Term Incentive Plan on 20 June 2008 and are outstanding at the end of the year. None of the share options 
have been exercised. 

Director

Gordon Banham
Kevin Dougan
Iain Cockburn

Exercise price 
per share

–
–
–

Period during which  
option is exercisable

June 2012 to June 2019
June 2012 to June 2019
June 2012 to June 2019

Number 
of options 
granted

60,000
21,000
28,500

These options were granted under the Long-Term Incentive Plan on 30 June 2009 and are outstanding at the end of the year. None of the share options 
have been exercised. 

Director

Gordon Banham
Kevin Dougan
Iain Cockburn

Exercise price 
per share

Period during which  
option is exercisable

–
–
–

June 2013 to December 2020 
June 2013 to December 2020
June 2013 to December 2020

Number 
of options 
granted

39,031 
13,661 
19,133 

These options were granted under the Long-Term Incentive Plan on 15 December 2010 and the scheme lapsed due to non-performance. None of the share 
options have been exercised. No awards are to be made under this scheme. 

Director

Gordon Banham
Kevin Dougan
Iain Cockburn

Exercise price 
per share

Period during which  
option is exercisable

–
–
–

June 2014 to September 2021 
June 2014 to September 2021 
June 2014 to September 2021 

Number 
of options 
granted

34,657 
12,130 
16,989 

These options were granted under the Long-Term Incentive Plan on 16 September 2011 and are outstanding at the end of the year. None of the share 
options have vested to date and are subject to performance conditions as outlined in note 23. 

Director

Gordon Banham
Kevin Dougan
Iain Cockburn

24

Exercise price 
per share

Period during which  
option is exercisable

–
–
–

June 2016 to September 2023
June 2016 to September 2023 
June 2016 to September 2023 

Number 
of options 
granted

50,484 
18,798 
25,242 

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014These options were granted under the Long-Term Incentive Plan on 29 October 2013 and are outstanding at the end of the year. None of the share options 
have vested and are subject to performance conditions as outlined in note 23. 

No options were granted under a Long-Term Incentive Plan in 2012. 

As at 8 September 2014, no decision has been taken to implement a Long-Term Incentive Plan for 2014.

Under the Savings-Related Share Option schemes, the following options were held by Directors: 

Iain Cockburn
Gordon Banham

Scheme

Savings-Related Share Option Scheme 6
Savings-Related Share Option Scheme 7

Options at 
end of year

1,093
819

Options at 
beginning  
of year

1,093
819

Retirement of Directors
In accordance with the Articles of Association one-third of Directors retire by rotation each year. The Directors retiring by rotation are David Morgan and 
Gordon Banham who, being eligible, offer themselves for re-election. 

Significant Shareholdings
At 8 September 2014 the Company had been notified or was aware of the following shareholders with 3% or more of the issued share capital of the 
Company: 

Shareholder

Artemis Investment Management
Shareholder Value Management
Schroder Investment Management
Gordon Banham
M&G Investment Management
Fidelity Worldwide Investment
J O Hambro Capital Management Group Limited
NFU Mutual
Octopus Investments

Number of 
ordinary 
shares

4,023,408
2,970,123
2,596,924
2,149,831
1,898,328
1,857,358
1,627,622
1,480,000
1,059,186

% of issued 
share capital

12.16%
8.98%
7.85%
6.50%
5.74%
5.61%
4.92%
4.47%
3.20%

Employees
Applications for employment by disabled persons are always fully considered. Employment policies are designed to provide opportunities irrespective  
of colour, ethnic or national origin, nationality, sex, sexual orientation or marital status. In the event of employees becoming disabled every effort is made, 
including appropriate training, to ensure that their employment with the Group continues. 

The Directors recognise the importance of good communications and good relations with employees. A quarterly in-house magazine is sent to all employees. 

Purchase of Own Shares
The Directors are authorised to make market purchases of the Company’s own shares under an authority granted at the Annual General Meeting held  
on 6 November 2013. No purchases were made during the year. The Directors will seek renewal of this authority at the 2014 Annual General Meeting  
(full details are available in the 2014 Notice of Annual General Meeting).

Approval to Issue Shares
The Directors will seek authority to allot up to a maximum aggregate nominal amount of £1,102,928 at the 2014 Annual General Meeting (full details are 
available in the 2014 Notice of Annual General Meeting).

Employee Share Schemes
The Company operates share option schemes for the benefit of employees. Information regarding the schemes and the number of options outstanding  
is given in Note 23 on page 72.

Political Contributions 
The Group made no political contributions during the current or prior year. 

Disclosure of Information to Auditor 
The Directors who held office at the date of approval of this Directors’ Report confirm that, so far as they are each aware, there is no relevant audit information 
of which the Company’s auditor is unaware and each Director has taken all the steps that he ought to have taken as a Director to make himself aware of any 
relevant audit information and to establish that the Company’s auditor is aware of that information. 

Independent Auditor 
The Board proposes to reappoint KPMG LLP as auditor. Resolutions concerning their continued appointment and to authorise the Directors to agree their 
remuneration will be put to the forthcoming Annual General Meeting of the Company (full details are available in the Notice of Annual General Meeting).

By order of the Board 

Andrew Robertson
Company Secretary 
8 September 2014

25

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014 
Corporate Governance 

The Company is committed to maintaining high standards of corporate governance. Whilst the Company, which is listed on AIM, is not required to report 
on corporate governance matters, it is the Board’s intention to both disclose and report on the corporate governance structures and processes that are 
operated and to develop these further to meet the standards appropriate for a group of Hargreaves’ size and complexity. 

The following sections set out how the Company and the Group has applied the principles and spirit of the UK Corporate Governance Code. 

The Board 
The Group is headed by an effective Board, which controls and leads the Group. A biography of each Director and details of the membership of the Board 
and its associated committees are provided on pages 20 and 21. 

During the year the Board comprised a Non-Executive Chairman, three Executive Directors, and two independent Non-Executive Directors, one of whom 
acts as the Senior Independent Director. It meets at least ten times per year, receiving appropriate information from management on a timely basis, and 
making further detailed enquiries where necessary to enable it to fully discharge its duties. The Board is collectively responsible for the long term success  
of the Company and has ultimate responsibility for the management, direction and performance of the Group and its businesses. The Board is required to 
exercise objective judgment on all corporate matters and is accountable to shareholders for the proper conduct of the business.

The Board has a schedule of matters which are specifically reserved for its decision. All Directors have access to the advice and services of the Company 
Secretary who is a solicitor. The Company Secretary is responsible to the Board for ensuring that procedures are followed and for compliance with 
applicable rules and regulations. 

There is a clearly defined division of responsibilities between the Chairman and the Group Chief Executive. The Chairman is primarily responsible for the 
leadership and effective working of the Board. This is achieved by:

•  chairing Board meetings, setting the agendas in consultation with the Group Chief Executive and Company Secretary and encouraging the Directors  

to actively participate in Board discussions; 
leading the performance evaluation of the Board, its Committees and individual Directors; 

• 
•  promoting high standards of corporate governance; 
•  ensuring timely and accurate distribution of information to the Directors and effective communication with shareholders; 
•  periodically holding meetings with the Non-Executive Directors without the Executive Directors present; and 
•  establishing an effective working relationship with the Group Chief Executive by providing support and advice whilst respecting executive responsibility. 

There have been no significant changes in the commitments of the Chairman throughout the year which may impact upon his time and commitment  
to the Company. 

The Group Chief Executive is responsible for the executive management of the Group and for ensuring the implementation of Board strategy and policy 
within approved business plans, budgets and timescales. 

Non-Executive Directors
Non-Executive Directors bring a wide range of experience to the Group and throughout the year the Chairman and the Non-Executive Directors were 
considered by the Board to be independent. 

Board Meetings
The Board meets regularly during the year as well as on an ad hoc basis, receiving appropriate information from management on a timely basis and making 
further detailed enquiries where necessary to enable the Board to discharge its duties. At each meeting the Board receives regular reports covering, for example, 
current trading, treasury, health and safety issues and capital expenditure proposals. There is a detailed process to ensure that the Board formally reviews 
and approves annual budgets and business plans. Throughout the year the Board reviews performance against these annual budgets and business plans.

The Board also receives regular updates on strategy and reviews other topics, including material risks, legal issues affecting the Group and uncertainties 
facing the business. The Board also evaluates its own performance. In addition, each year the senior management succession plan for the Group is reviewed 
with the Head of Human Resources. 

Attendance at meetings

Number of meetings
Tim Ross 
Gordon Banham 
David Morgan
Peter Gillatt (resigned 9 September 2013)
Iain Cockburn 
Kevin Dougan 

Board 

Audit Committee

Remuneration Committee

Nominations Committee

10 
10 attended 
10 attended 
10 attended 
3 attended 
10 attended 
10 attended 

3
3 attended 
n/a
3 attended 
1 attended
n/a
n/a

5
5 attended 
n/a
5 attended 
1 attended
n/a
n/a

2
2 attended
n/a
2 attended
n/a
n/a
n/a

Board Committee
The Board has three Committees which assist in the discharge of its responsibilities: 

•  Remuneration; 
•  Audit; and
•  Nominations. 

Each Committee reports to, and has its terms of reference approved by, the Board and each Committee’s terms of reference can be found on the Group’s website. 

26

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Remuneration Committee
The composition and work of the Remuneration Committee is described in the Remuneration Report found on page 30.

The Audit Committee and Independent Auditor 
During the year the Audit Committee comprised the Non-Executive Directors. David Morgan sits as Chairman of the Committee and is a chartered 
accountant with a corporate governance background. He brings a high level of relevant financial and corporate governance experience to the Committee. 
The Board is satisfied that he has recent and relevant financial experience. The Group Chief Executive, Finance Director and the independent auditor are 
invited to attend meetings. The independent auditor throughout the financial year was KPMG LLP who led the external audit. 

The Committee meets at least three times a year to review the Group’s accounting and financial reporting practices; the work of the independent auditor; 
and compliance with policies, procedures and applicable legislation. The objectivity of the independent auditor is maintained by ensuring that they have 
direct access to the Committee and, as appropriate, the Board.

During the year the Committee reviewed the half year and annual financial statements before submission to the Board. The Committee is also responsible 
for receiving and reviewing reports from the Risk Committee and for reviewing the scope, remit and effectiveness of internal audit provisions and the 
effectiveness of the Group’s internal control systems. It also reviews the whistle-blowing arrangements by which employees of the Group may, in confidence, 
raise concerns about possible financial or other improprieties, and the anti-bribery and corruption policy. The minutes of the Committee are circulated to all 
Directors for information.

The independence and objectivity of the independent auditor are considered annually by the Committee. The Board recognises the importance of 
safeguarding auditor objectivity and has taken the following steps to ensure that auditor independence is not compromised:

• 

the Committee reviews the audit appointment periodically and undertakes a review of the effectiveness of the external audit process on an annual 
basis;

•  at least once per year the independent auditor meets with the Committee, or the Chairman of the Committee on its behalf, without members of 

management being present; 

•  non audit work is limited to work that requires detailed knowledge derived from the statutory audit or work where fees are not considered to be 

material, and exceptions to this are specifically approved by the Committee;
the Committee reviews and approves all fees paid for audit, and all other fees, with a view to ensuring that there is value of delivery and appropriate 
cost-effectiveness; and
the independent auditor provides a report to the Board and the Committee confirming its independence in accordance with Auditing Standards.

• 

• 

The effectiveness of the annual audit process is reviewed each year when the robustness of the audit process, quality of delivery and service levels provided 
are assessed. The Audit Committee notes the Financial Reporting Council’s Guidance published in September 2012 concerning the requirement for audit 
services to be put out to tender by FTSE 350 companies once in each ten-year period.

Nominations Committee
The Nominations Committee leads the process for the appointment of Directors by making recommendations to the Board about filling vacancies and 
appointing additional persons to the Board and to senior management positions. This approach assists in maintaining an appropriate balance of skills and 
experience both on the Board and throughout the Group. It also considers and makes recommendations to the Board on its composition, balance and 
membership and on the re-appointment by shareholders of any Director under the retirement by rotation provisions in the Company’s Articles of 
Association. Following such appointment, the Director is required to retire and seek re-appointment at the next Annual General Meeting. There is a process 
of rotation, which ensures that approximately one third of all Directors are required to retire and seek re-appointment at each Annual General Meeting. 

During the year the Nominations Committee reviewed the composition of the Board, leadership requirements and succession planning, together with  
a performance evaluation of Non-Executive time-commitment. The specification for the role of an additional Non-Executive Director was agreed with the 
Board. A short-list of potential appointees was produced with the assistance of external search agencies. Peter Jones was interviewed and asked to attend  
a Board meeting before being formally appointed to the Board and its committees on 6 June 2014. The Committee also reviews its own effectiveness.

The Committee’s members are the independent Non-Executives. Although the Chairman, Tim Ross, is also Chairman of the Committee he will not chair the 
Committee in the event of choosing his successor. The Committee evaluates the balance of skills, knowledge and experience on the Board and in light of 
this evaluation, prepares a description of the roles and capabilities required for a particular appointment.

All Directors have service agreements or letters of appointment and the details of their terms are set out in the Remuneration Report on page 30. 

The Committee recognises the benefits to the Group of diversity in the workforce and in the composition of the Board itself. While the Company will 
continue to make all appointments based on the best candidate for the role and without prejudicing its policy of appointing the most suitable applicant  
for any role, it is aware of the desirability of female representation.

Executive Management Committee
The Group Chief Executive is assisted by the work of the Group Executive and its sub-committees. Together these form part of the Company’s corporate 
governance framework, but are not formally appointed committees of the Board. 

•  Executive Management Team – responsible under the leadership of the Group Chief Executive for the day-to-day management of the business, 
setting performance targets and implementing the Group’s strategy and direction as determined by the Board. Monthly meetings attended by the 
Group Executive Management Team are held to review operational performance and assess the strategic development of each division.

27

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Corporate Governance 
continued

•  Risk Committee – responsible for driving effective risk management throughout the business; reporting and making recommendations to the Audit 
Committee as appropriate; and monitoring and reporting on all material business risks which might impact the delivery of the Group’s strategic goals 
and objectives. Members of the Committee include the Group Finance Director, or his Deputy, and senior financial and operational management. 
Day-to-day risk management is the responsibility of senior management as part of their everyday business processes. This is underpinned by the 
Group’s policies and procedures to ensure that risk management is fully embedded throughout the organisation. The Board has ultimate responsibility 
for ensuring that business risks are effectively managed. The Board has considered and approved the Risk Committee policy and has delegated the 
regular review of the risk management process to the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee receives regular reports and monitors progress against 
agreed action plans arising out of reviews. 

Induction, Development and Support 
All new Directors receive a full, formal and tailored induction on joining the Board, including meetings with senior management and advisers and visits  
to the Group’s operational locations. The Board calendar is planned to ensure that Directors are briefed on a wide range of topics throughout the year and 
are given the opportunity to visit sites and discuss aspects of the business with employees. The Board recognises that the Directors have a diverse range  
of experience, and encourages them to attend external seminars and briefings that will assist them individually. 

Directors have access to independent professional advice at the Company’s expense where they judge this to be necessary to discharge their responsibilities 
as Directors. All Directors have access to the advice and services of the Company Secretary, who is responsible to the Board for ensuring that Board procedures 
are complied with. 

Board Performance Evaluation 
To further strengthen Group compliance the Board undertakes an annual performance review that reviews and measures its effectiveness and that  
of its Committees. Alongside this review each Director receives an appraisal. The Chairman conducts appraisals in respect of the Group Chief Executive and 
Non-Executive Directors; the Senior Independent Director (following discussions with the other Directors) conducts in respect of the Chairman’s appraisal; 
and the Group Chief Executive conducts appraisals in respect of the other Executive Directors. 

Conflicts of Interest 
The Articles of Association enable the Directors to authorise any situation in which a Director has an interest that conflicts or has the potential to conflict 
with the Company’s and Group’s interests and which would otherwise be a breach of the Director’s duty under section 175 of the Companies Act 2006.  
The Board has a formal system in place for Directors to declare such situations to be considered for authorisation by those Directors who have no interest  
in the matter being considered. The Nominations Committee will review conflicts of interests when considering new Board appointments. 

Internal Control 
Management has considerable autonomy to run and develop the business of the Group. The Board believes that a well designed system of internal 
reporting and control is necessary. The Board therefore continues to have overall responsibility to develop and strengthen internal controls further. The 
Audit Committee, on behalf of the Board, has the responsibility for reviewing internal controls. The system is designed to provide reasonable, but not 
absolute, assurance that the assets of the Group are safeguarded, that proper accounting records are maintained, and that reliable financial information  
is produced. 

All subsidiary undertakings are required to adhere to specified internal control procedures. The Audit Committee receives regular reports on internal 
control. Monitoring of compliance with the Group’s system of internal control is undertaken by all levels of management and reinforced by the role fulfilled 
by the Audit Committee.

Relations with Shareholders 
An important role of the Board is to represent and promote the interests of its shareholders as well as being accountable to them for the performance  
and activities of the Group. The Board believes it is important to engage with its shareholders and does this in a number of ways through presentations, 
conference calls, face to face meetings and the Annual General Meeting. Following the announcement of the Group’s half-year and year-end results, 
presentations are made to analysts and major shareholders to update them on progress and invite them to ask questions. 

The Board is updated on the latest shareholder information by the receipt of shareholder register movements, analyst reports and feedback from the 
Group’s brokers following investor road shows after half year and year end results. 

All Directors attend the Annual General Meeting and engage in discussion with shareholders present.

Safety, Health and the Environment 
The Group has a proactive approach to Safety, Health and the Environment and is committed to the highest practicable standards of safety and health 
management and the minimisation of adverse environmental impacts. 

The Board ensures that Health and Safety issues for employees, customers and the public are of foremost concern in all Group activities. The Group  
Chief Executive, supported by external advice, is charged with overall responsibility. The Group encourages both internal and external training through  
a formal network of full-time officers and Health and Safety nominated “champions” at all levels. Statistical analysis is used to highlight any areas where 
additional training or improved working practices would be beneficial, and positive action is promptly implemented. All divisions have formulated  
safety management systems. We continue with the programme to achieve OHSAS 18001 Occupation Health and Safety Assessment Series for health  
and safety management systems and ISO 14000 environmental management. 

28

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Compliance with Laws 
The Group has systems in place designed to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and conformity with all relevant codes of business 
practice. Compliance with the Bribery Act 2010 involves an Anti-Corruption Policy and a Group Whistle Blowing Policy, which can be found on the website. 
Training is given to all appropriate employees through the use of online tools to ensure that there is full understanding of the Bribery Act and awareness of 
the consequences of not adhering to Group policies.

Going Concern
The Group’s business activities and financial position; the factors likely to affect its future development and performance; and its objectives and policies  
in managing financial risks are discussed in the Financial Review on page 12.

The Directors have assessed, in light of current and anticipated economic conditions, the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. The Directors  
are satisfied that the Company and the Group have adequate resources to continue in business for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue  
to adopt the “going concern” basis for preparing the accounts.

29

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Remuneration Report 

Responsibilities and Role of the Remuneration Committee 
The Committee’s principal function is to review the remuneration of the Executive Directors. It also monitors the remuneration of the Group’s senior 
managers. The remuneration strategy, policy and approach for all staff, is also reviewed annually by the Committee. The full Terms of Reference of the 
Committee are available on the website. 

The policy for the current and future financial years for the remuneration and incentivisation of the Executive Directors is as follows:

•  ensure that individual rewards and incentives are aligned with the performance of the Company and the interests of shareholders;
•  ensure that performance-related elements of remuneration constitute a significant proportion of an executive’s remuneration package; and
•  maintain a competitive remuneration package which enables the Company to attract, retain and motivate high calibre executives.

The Committee reviews the Company’s executive remuneration arrangements and implements incentive arrangements to support the objective of 
rewarding those individuals who deliver real and genuine shareholder value. In developing the arrangements the Committee and its advisers consider 
current market practice.

The Committee invites individuals to attend meetings to provide advice to ensure that the Committee’s decisions are informed and take account of pay and 
conditions across the Group. During the year the Group Chief Executive and Group Head of Human Resources attended meetings and provided relevant 
information to the Committee.

Membership of the Committee 
The members of the Committee which met on five occasions during the year were: 

Peter Jones 
David Morgan 
Tim Ross 
Peter Gillatt 

Chairman (appointed 6 June 2014)
(stepped down as Chairman on 6 June 2014)

(resigned 9 September 2013)

Following Peter Gillatt’s resignation as a Non-Executive Director on 9 September 2013, David Morgan chaired the Committee on an interim basis. Peter Jones 
brings a wealth of knowledge to the Committee and has chaired the Committee from 6 June 2014.

All members of the Committee are Independent Non-Executive Directors and recognised by the Board as capable of bringing independent judgement to 
bear. The Group Chief Executive is consulted and invited to attend meetings, when appropriate, but no Director is allowed to be present when his own 
remuneration is discussed. 

During the year the Committee reviewed and considered annual pay rises and conditions of service for employees earning over £100k; bonus scheme 
arrangements; the vesting and granting of Long-Term Incentive Plans; the Group’s annual pay review; and the effectiveness of the Committee.

Components of Remuneration
Basic Salary 
This is a fixed cash sum, payable monthly. Salaries are reviewed annually by the Remuneration Committee in the light of individual performance, experience 
in the role and market comparisons. 

Annual Bonus 
Executive Directors participate in an annual incentive bonus scheme linked to the actual achievement of operating profit targets set by the Committee. 
Such bonus is capped at 100% of salary. No bonus counts in the calculation of pension entitlement. 

Long-Term Incentives 
The Executive Directors and other senior employees are invited to participate in Long-Term Incentive Plans, whereby shares in the Group are awarded 
subject to performance criteria including Earnings Per Share growth targets over a three-year period. 

Benefits in Kind and Pensions 
In addition to basic salary, Executive Directors are entitled to the following benefits: paid holiday, company car, contributions to a personal pension plan and 
life assurance. 

Directors’ Remuneration for the Year to 31 May 2014

Salary/Fees 

Bonus in Cash 

Benefits

Total

Pension

Gordon Banham
Iain Cockburn
Kevin Dougan
Tim Ross
Peter Gillatt* (resigned 09.09.2013)
David Morgan

2014
£000

443
261
242
53
10
43

2013
£000

433
256
218
63
38
41

Total

1,052

1,049

* P Gillatt received an additional £18,000 during 2013 in respect of consultancy fees. 

30

2014
£000

–
130
110
–
–
–

240

2013
£000

2014
£000

2013
£000

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

39
18
34
–
–
–

91

38
17
31
–
–
–

86

2014
£000

482
409
386
53
10
43

2013
£000

471
273
249
63
38
41

1,383

1,135

2014
£000

111
52
–
–
–
–

163

2013
£000

109
51
–
–
–
–

160

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Directors’ Service Contracts and Letters of Appointment
The Directors have entered into service agreements and letters of appointment with the Company and the principal terms are as follows: 

Date of latest agreement

Name 

Position 

3 September 2013
3 September 2013
3 September 2013
3 September 2013
3 September 2013
6 June 2014

Tim Ross 
Gordon Banham 
Kevin Dougan 
Iain Cockburn 
David Morgan
Peter Jones

Non-Executive Chairman 
Group Chief Executive 
Group Commercial Director 
Group Finance Director 
Senior Independent Director
Non-Executive Director

Commencement  
of period of office 

30 November 2005 
1 October 2001 
23 June 1997 
8 October 2007 
24 February 2012
6 June 2014

2014/15  
Salary (£)

65,000 
 452,119
 224,473
265,952 
42,500
40,000

Notice period

12 months’ notice 
12 months’ notice 
12 months’ notice 
12 months’ notice 
6 months’ notice
N/A 

Non-Executive Directors are not eligible to participate in any incentive plans, share option schemes or Company pension arrangements and are not entitled 
to any payment in compensation for any early termination of their appointment.

Directors’ Share Options 
Details of Directors’ share options, held under the Savings-Related Share Option Scheme and Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan, are noted in the Directors’ 
Report on pages 24 and 25. 

Savings-Related Share Option Scheme 
The Sharesave Scheme is a savings-related share option scheme and was implemented in December 2005. This is a ten-year scheme which will be up for 
renewal in 2015.

All employees (including Executive Directors) of the Group, or any participating member of the Group whose earnings are subject to income tax and who 
have the requisite minimum period of continuous employment, are eligible to participate. 

The exercise price of an option shall be fixed by the Group and shall normally be at a 10% discount on the market value of a share on the date invitations are 
issued to eligible employees. In the case of an option to subscribe for shares the exercise price may not be less than the nominal value of a share. 

Participants may, at the absolute discretion of the Committee, be invited to apply for three, five or seven year options. All options must be linked to a contractual 
savings scheme entered into by each participant with the savings institution nominated by the Company and approved by HMRC. Participants may save 
between £5 and £250 per month (or weekly equivalent), such sums to be deducted from the relevant participant’s pay. 

At the end of the chosen savings period, a bonus is payable. 

No option shall be granted under the Sharesave Scheme on any date if, as a result, the total number of shares issued or issuable pursuant to options and 
other rights granted under the Sharesave Scheme and any other employees share scheme established by the Company on or after Admission, would 
exceed 10% of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company on that date of grant. 

Ordinary Shares issued pursuant to the Sharesave Scheme shall rank pari passu in all respects with the ordinary shares already in issue. 

In normal circumstances, options may be exercised during the period of six months commencing on the maturity (that is the relevant bonus date) of the 
savings contract. Options will become exercisable immediately on the death of a participant for a period of 12 months after the date of death or the bonus 
date, whichever is earlier. If a participant ceases to be an employee on reaching the age of 65 or at such other age at which that employee is bound to retire 
in accordance with the terms of his contract of employment or ceases to be in employment due to injury, disability, redundancy, or as a result of the sale  
of the business or subsidiary by which the participant is employed, options will become exercisable for a period of six months. If a participant has held an 
option for at least three years, it will become exercisable for a period of six months. Options will also become exercisable on an employee attaining the age 
of 65 if they should continue in employment and on a change in control, reconstruction, amalgamation or voluntary winding-up of the Company. 

An option will lapse six months following the bonus date, except if the participant dies, in which case an option will lapse 12 months following death, if later. 

Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) 
The LTIP scheme was implemented in November 2006. 

The scheme was designed to allow awards to be made to eligible employees selected by the Remuneration Committee. 

The vesting of an award granted to an Executive Director of the Company shall, or in the case of an award granted to any other Group employee may, be 
subject to the satisfaction of one or more Performance Conditions. The Remuneration Committee may determine or recommend to the Trustee that the 
vesting of an award will be subject to any other objective condition in addition to the Performance Conditions. The Performance Conditions on current 
awards, are included in Note 23. 

The rules of the LTIP schemes allow participants to exercise options, to the extent they have satisfied the performance conditions, after the expiry of the 
vesting period. 

No option shall be granted under the LTIP scheme on any date if, as a result, the total number of shares issued or issuable pursuant to options and other 
rights granted under the LTIP scheme and any other employee share scheme established by the Company on or after Admission, would exceed 10%  
(5% excluding other share schemes) of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company on date of grant. 

Ordinary shares issued pursuant to the LTIP scheme shall rank pari passu in all respects with the ordinary shares already in issue. 

31

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Remuneration Report 
continued

Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) (continued)
An option will lapse ten years after the date of the grant, except if the participant dies, in which case the option will lapse 12 months following death, 
whichever date is earlier. 

By order of the Board 

Peter Jones
Non-Executive Director
8 September 2014

32

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014 
Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities in Respect  
of the Annual Report and the Financial Statements 

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the Financial Statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. 

Company law requires the Directors to prepare Group and parent company financial statements for each financial year. As required by the AIM Rules of the 
London Stock Exchange they are required to prepare the Group financial statements in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU and applicable law and 
have elected to prepare the parent company financial statements on the same basis. 

Under company law the Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs 
of the Group and parent company and of the Group’s profit or loss for that period. In preparing each of the Group and parent company financial 
statements, the Directors are required to: 

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; 

• 
•  make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 
• 
•  prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group and the parent company will continue 

state whether they have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU; and 

in business. 

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 financial statements comply 
with the Companies Act 2006. They 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. 

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 financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. 

33

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014 
Independent Auditor’s Report to the 
Members of Hargreaves Services plc 

We have audited the financial statements of Hargreaves Services plc for the year ended 31 May 2014, set out on pages 35 to 81. The financial reporting 
framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the EU and,  
as regards the parent company financial statements, as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006. 

This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has 
been undertaken so that we might state to the Company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other 
purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company’s 
members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. 

Respective Responsibilities of Directors and Auditor 
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement set out on page 33, the Directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial 
statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to audit, and express an opinion on, the financial statements in 
accordance with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices 
Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors. 

Scope of the Audit of the Financial Statements 
A description of the scope of an audit of financial statements is provided on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at www.frc.org.uk/auditscopeukprivate.

Opinion on Financial Statements 
In our opinion: 

• 

• 
• 

• 

the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the parent company’s affairs as at 31 May 2014 and of the Group’s 
profit for the year then ended; 
the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU; 
the parent company financial statements 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 financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. 

Opinion on Other Matter Prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 
In our opinion the information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared 
is consistent with the financial statements. 

Matters on Which We Are Required to Report by Exception 
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion: 

•  adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches  

not visited by us; or 
the parent company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or 

• 
•  certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or 
•  we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit. 

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 

8 September 2014

34

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated Statement of Profit and  
Loss and Other Comprehensive Income 
for year ended 31 May 2014 

Continuing activities

Revenue 
Cost of sales 

Gross profit 
Other operating income 
Administrative expenses – Impairment of non-current assets
Other administrative expenses 

Operating profit 
Gain on disposal of subsidiaries
Financial income 
Financial expenses 
Share of profit in associates and jointly controlled entities (net of tax) 

Profit before tax 
Income tax expense

Profit for the year from continuing operations

Discontinued operations
Loss for the year from discontinued operations

Profit/(loss) for the year

Other comprehensive income/(expense) 
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss
Actuarial gains and losses on defined benefit pension plans
Tax recognised on items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss 
Items that are or may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss
Foreign exchange translation differences 
Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges 
Tax recognised on items that are or may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss

Other comprehensive income/(expense) for the year, net of tax 

Total comprehensive income/(expense) for the year 

Profit/(loss) attributable to: 
Equity holders of the Company 
Non-controlling interest 

Profit/(loss) for the year 

Total comprehensive income/(expense) attributable to: 
Equity holders of the Company 
Non-controlling interest 

Total comprehensive income/(expense) for the year 

Basic earnings per share (pence)
Diluted earnings per share (pence)
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations (pence)
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations (pence)

Non-GAAP measures (continuing)
Basic underlying earnings per share (pence)
Diluted underlying earnings per share (pence)

Note

1,2 

3

4

1,4-6 
2
7
7
13

9

8

22

10
10
10
10

10
10

2014 
£000 

2013 
£000

869,244
(771,626)

843,298 
(756,930)

97,618
970
(2,829)
(44,819)

50,940
2,087
1,121
(5,568)
3,499

86,368
355
(4,131)
(38,620)

43,972
–
831
(4,313)
2,573

52,079
(11,525)

43,063
(10,933)

40,554

32,130

(3,734)

(81,757)

36,820

(49,627)

(2,738)
460

(754)
10,576
(2,118)

655 
(151)

530
(8,086)
1,869

5,426

(5,183)

42,246

(54,810)

36,995
(175)

(46,438)
(3,189)

36,820

(49,627) 

42,443
(197)

(51,640)
(3,170)

42,246

(54,810)

111.88
110.99
123.18
122.19

(166.68)
(166.68)
112.53
110.96

125.77
124.76

136.52
134.63

35

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014 
Balance Sheets 
at 31 May 2014 

Non-current assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Intangible assets 
Investments in associates and jointly controlled entities 
Investments in subsidiary undertakings 
Derivative financial instruments 
Deferred tax assets 

Current assets 
Assets held for sale
Inventories 
Derivative financial instruments 
Trade and other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Total assets 

Non-current liabilities 
Other interest-bearing loans and borrowings 
Retirement benefit obligations 
Provisions 
Derivative financial instruments 
Deferred tax liabilities 

Current liabilities 
Bank overdraft 
Other interest-bearing loans and borrowings 
Trade and other payables 
Income tax liabilities 
Provisions 
Derivative financial instruments 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

36

Group

2014  
£000 

Company

2013  
£000 

2014  
£000 

2013  
£000 

Note

11 
12 
13 
13 
14 
16 

8
17 
14
18 
19 

20 
22 
24 
15 
16

19 
20 
21 

24
15 

80,293
17,801
6,843
–
2,965
–

60,070
19,149
2,719
–
37
4,108

–
–
5,027
32,574
–
123

–
–
42
32,578 
–
123

107,902

86,083

37,724

32,743

8,171
100,437
4,178
133,518
30,768

14,997
96,193
3,216
149,558
61,435

–
–
–
600,525
427

– 
–
–
469,152
11,845 

277,072

325,399

600,952

480,997

384,974

411,482

638,676

513,740

(92,328)
(5,580)
(8,641)
(1,343)
(2,172)

(92,686)
(3,640)
(7,620)
(3,150)
–

(80,190)
–
–
–
–

(83,632) 
–
–
–
–

(110,064)

(107,096) 

(80,190)

(83,632)

–
(7,215)
(99,612)
(14,823)
(550)
(2,586)

(42,476)
(6,446)
(117,841)
(9,344)
(2,285)
(7,664)

–
–
(430,520)
(496)
–
(1)

–
–
(341,705)
–
–
(12) 

(124,786)

(186,056) 

(431,017)

(341,717)

(234,850)

(293,152)

(511,207)

(425,349)

150,124

118,330

127,469

88,391

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent 
Share capital 
Share premium 
Other reserves 
Translation reserve 
Merger reserve 
Hedging reserve 
Capital redemption reserve 
Retained earnings 

Non-controlling interest 

Total equity 

Note

25 

25
25
25
25
25

Group

2014  
£000 

Company

2013  
£000 

2014  
£000 

2013  
£000 

3,309
73,952
211
(1,965)
1,022
2,766
1,530
69,073

3,296
73,208
211
(872)
1,022 
(5,692)
1,530
47,265 

3,309
73,952
–
–
1,022
–
1,530
47,656

149,898
226

119,968
(1,638)

127,469
–

3,296
73,208
–
–
1,022
–
1,530 
9,335

88,391
–

150,124

118,330

127,469

88,391

These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 8 September 2014 and were signed on its behalf by:

Gordon Banham 
Director 

Iain Cockburn
Director

Registered Number: 4952865

37

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014 
 
 
 
Statements of Changes in Equity 
for year ended 31 May 2014 

Share 
capital 
£000

Share 
premium 
£000

Translation 
reserve 
£000

Hedging 
reserve 
£000

Other 
reserves 
£000

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 
£000

Merger 
reserve 
£000

Retained 
earnings 
£000

Total 
parent 
equity 
£000

Non-
controlling 
interest 
£000

Total 
equity 
£000

2,709

32,105

(1,383)

525

211

1,530

1,022

97,804

134,523

1,838

136,361

Group 

Balance at 1 June 2012 
Total comprehensive  
income for the year 

Loss for the year 
Other comprehensive income 
Foreign exchange translation differences 
Effective portion of changes in  
fair value of cash flow hedges 

Actuarial gains and losses on  

defined benefit pension plans 

Tax recognised on other  
comprehensive income 

Total other comprehensive expense

Total comprehensive expense for the year 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

511

–

–

–

–

–

(8,086)

–

1,869

511

(6,217)

511

(6,217)

Transactions with owners  

recorded directly in equity 

Issue of shares 
Equity settled share-based  
payment transactions 

Dividends 

Total contributions by and  
distributions to owners

587

41,103

–
–

–
–

587

41,103

Changes in ownership interests 
Acquisition of non-controlling  

interest without a change in control 

–

–

Total transactions with owners 

587

41,103

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

(46,438)

(46,438)

(3,189)

(49,627)

511

19

530

–

–

(8,086)

655

655

(151)

1,718

–

–

–

(8,086)

655

1,718

504

(5,202)

19

(5,183)

(45,934)

(51,640)

(3,170)

(54,810)

–

41,690

–

41,690

514
(5,119)

514
(5,119)

–
(306)

514
(5,425)

(4,605)

37,085

(306)

36,779

–

–

–

–

(4,605)

37,085

(306)

36,779

Balance at 31 May 2013 

3,296

73,208

(872)

(5,692)

211

1,530

1,022

47,265

119,968

(1,638) 118,330

38

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014 
Group 

Balance at 1 June 2013 
Total comprehensive income  

for the year 
Profit for the year 
Other comprehensive income/

(expense)

Foreign exchange translation differences 
Effective portion of changes in  
fair value of cash flow hedges 

Actuarial gains and losses on  

defined benefit pension plans 

Tax recognised on other  
comprehensive income 

Total other comprehensive income/

(expense) 

Total comprehensive income/(expense) 

for the year 

Transactions with owners  

recorded directly in equity 

Issue of shares 
Equity settled share-based payment 

transactions 

Dividends 

Total contributions by and  
distributions to owners 

Changes in ownership interests 
Acquisition of non-controlling interest 

without a change in control 

Disposal of subsidiaries

Total changes in ownership

Share 
capital 
£000

Share 
premium 
£000

Translation 
reserve 
£000

Hedging 
reserve 
£000

Other 
reserves 
£000

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 
£000

Merger 
reserve 
£000

Retained 
earnings 
£000

Total 
parent 
equity 
£000

Non-
controlling 
interest 
£000

Total 
equity 
£000

3,296

73,208

(872)

(5,692)

211

1,530

1,022

47,265

119,968

(1,638) 118,330

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

13

–
–

13

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

744

–
–

744

–
–

–

–

(732)

–

–

–

–

–

10,576

–

(2,118)

(732)

8,458

(732)

8,458

–

–
–

–

–
(361)

(361)

–

–
–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

36,995

36,995

(175)

36,820

(732)

(22)

(754)

–

–

10,576

(2,738)

(2,738)

460

(1,658)

–

–

–

10,576

(2,738)

(1,658)

(2,278)

5,448

(22)

5,426

–

34,717

42,443

(197)

42,246

–

–
–

–

–
–

–

–

–

757

1,224
(7,406)

1,224
(7,406)

(6,182)

(5,425)

–

–
–

–

757

1,224
(7,406)

(5,425)

(6,727)
–

(6,727)
(361)

3,922
(1,861)

(2,805)
(2,222)

(6,727)

(7,088)

2,061

(5,027)

(12,909)

(12,513)

2,061

(10,452)

Total transactions with owners 

13

744

(361)

Balance at 31 May 2014 

3,309

73,952

(1,965)

2,766

211

1,530

1,022

69,073

149,898

226

150,124

39

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014 
Statements of Changes in Equity 
for year ended 31 May 2014  
continued

Company

Balance at 1 June 2012
Total comprehensive income for the year 
Profit for the year 

Total comprehensive income for the year 

Transactions with owners recorded directly in equity 
Issue of shares 
Equity settled share-based payment transactions 
Dividends 

Total transactions with owners 

Balance at 31 May 2013 

Balance at 1 June 2013

Total comprehensive income for the year
Profit for the year

Total comprehensive income for the year 

Transactions with owners recorded directly in equity 
Issue of shares 
Equity settled share-based payment transactions 
Dividends paid

Total transactions with owners 

Balance at 31 May 2014 

Share 
capital 
£000

Share 
premium 
£000

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 
£000

Merger 
reserve 
£000

Retained 
earnings 
£000

Total 
parent 
equity 
£000

2,709 

32,105 

1,530 

1,022 

13,211 

50,577 

–

–

–

–

587
–
–

41,103
–
–

587

41,103

–

–

–
–
–

–

–

–

–
–
–

–

729

729

729

729

–
514
(5,119)

41,690
514
(5,119)

(4,605)

37,085

3,296

73,208

1,530

1,022

9,335

88,391

3,296

73,208

1,530

1,022

9,335 

88,391

–

–

13
–
–

13

–

–

744
–
–

744

–

–

–
–
–

–

–

–

–
–
–

–

44,503

44,503

44,503

44,503

–
1,224
(7,406)

757
1,224
(7,406)

(6,182)

(5,425)

3,309

73,952

1,530

1,022

47,656

127,469

40

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014 
Cash Flow Statements 
for year ended 31 May 2014 

Cash flows from operating activities 
Profit for the year from continuing operations 
Adjustments for: 
Depreciation 
Impairment of property, plant and equipment
Depreciation of mining assets
Amortisation and impairment of goodwill and intangible assets 
Dividend income 
Net finance expense 
Share of profit in associates and jointly controlled entities (net of tax) 
Profit on sale of property, plant and equipment 
Profit on disposal of subsidiaries
Equity settled share-based payment expenses 
Income tax expense 
(Loss)/gain on derivative financial instruments 
Translation of non-controlling interest 

Change in inventories 
Change in trade and other receivables 
Change in trade and other payables 
Change in provisions and employee benefits 

Interest paid 
Income tax paid 

Group

2014  
£000 

Company

2013  
£000 

2014  
£000 

2013  
£000

Note

40,554

32,130

44,503

729

9,407
2,829
2,873
1,319
–
4,447
(3,499)
(970)
(2,087)
1,050
11,525
(199)
(22)

67,227
(28,434)
 13,435
(6,461)
1,115

46,882
(3,871)
(793)

8,345
–
–
7,985
–
3,482
(2,573)
(355)
–
307
10,933
–
19

60,273
(23,231)
(34,253)
30,951
35

33,775
(2,688)
(9,868)

–
–
–
–
(41,770)
835
–
–
(3,756)
–
496
11
–

319
–
(93,874)
88,791
–

(4,764)
(278)
–

–
–
–
–
(1,394)
1,222
–
–
–
–
188 
(110)
–

635 
–
(138,140) 
81,174 
–

(56,331) 
(665) 
–

Net cash from continuing operating activities
Net cash from operating activities in discontinued operations

42,218
(9,149)

21,219
(45,801)

(5,042)
–

(56,996)
–

Net cash from operating activities

33,069

(24,582)

(5,042)

(56,996) 

Cash flows from investing activities 
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 
Dividends received 
European reorganisation 
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 

Net cash from investing activities in continuing operations
Net cash from investing activities in discontinued operations

Net cash from investing activities 

Cash flows from financing activities 
Proceeds from the issue of share capital (net of directly attributable expenses)
Payment of finance lease liabilities 
Dividends paid 
Repayment of promissory notes (net of expenses) 
(Repayment of)/proceeds from revolving credit facility 

Net cash from financing activities in continuing operations
Net cash from financing activities in discontinued operations

11

25

25

20

2,089
4,273
10,242
(23,618)

(7,014)
2,910

1,289 
–
–
(6,954)

(5,665)
4,225

–
4,273
–
–

4,273
–

(4,104)

(1,440)

4,273

–
–
– 
–

–
–

–

755
(4,960)
(7,406)
–
(4,000)

(15,611)
(1,923)

41,690
(3,754)
(5,425)
(5,025) 
10,000 

37,486
(5,390)

757
–
(7,406)
–
(4,000)

(10,649)
–

41,690
–
(5,119)
–
10,000 

46,572
–

Net cash from financing activities 

(17,534)

32,096

(10,649)

46,572 

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 June 
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash held 

11,431
18,959
378

6,074
14,637 
(1,752)

(11,418)
11,845
–

(10,425)
22,270
–

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 May 

19 

30,768

18,959

427

11,845

41

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Notes 
(forming part of the financial statements) 

Accounting Policies 

1 
Hargreaves Services plc (the “Company”) is a company incorporated in the UK. 

The Group financial statements consolidate those of the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the “Group”) and equity account the Group’s 
interest in associates and jointly controlled entities. The parent company financial statements present information about the Company as a separate entity 
and not about its Group. 

Both the parent company financial statements and the Group financial statements have been prepared and approved by the Directors in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU (“Adopted IFRSs”). On publishing the parent company financial statements here together 
with the Group financial statements, 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 financial statements. 

The accounting policies set out below have, unless otherwise stated, been applied consistently to all periods presented in these consolidated financial statements. 

In these financial statements various Adopted IFRSs which are effective for the first time, have been adopted including the following standards, 
amendments and interpretations: 

IAS 19 (Revised) Employee Benefits;
IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement;

•  Amendment to IAS 1 “Presentation of items of Other Comprehensive Income”;
• 
• 
•  Amendments to IFRS 7 “Disclosures – Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”; and
•  Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2009-2011.

Presentation of Items of Other Comprehensive Income
As a result of the amendments to IAS 1, the Group has modified the presentation of items of OCI in its consolidated statement of profit or loss and  
OCI, to present separately items that are or may be reclassified to profit or loss from those that would never be. Comparative information has been 
re-presented accordingly.

IAS 19 (Revised) Employee Benefits
The Group adopted IAS 19 (Revised) Employee Benefits from 1 June 2013. As a result of IAS 19 (Revised), the Group has changed its accounting policy with 
respect to the basis for determining the income or expense related to its post-employment defined benefit plans. Under previous IAS 19, the interest cost 
on the defined benefit obligation and an expected return on plan assets were recognised in profit or loss within finance cost and finance income 
respectively. Under IAS 19R, these two amounts have been replaced by a single measure called ‘net interest’ calculated on the net defined benefit liability. 
This change affects the difference between actual and expected returns on plan assets, which is recognised in full within OCI as part of remeasurements. 

The comparative financial information in the consolidated financial statements has not been restated as the effect of the adjustment is not considered material.

IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement
IFRS 13 establishes a single framework for measuring fair value and making disclosures about fair value measurements. IFRS 13 replaces and expands  
the disclosure requirements about fair value measurements in other IFRSs, including IFRS 7. In accordance with the transitional provisions of IFRS 13,  
the Group has applied the new fair value measurement guidance prospectively and has not provided any comparative information for new disclosures. 
Notwithstanding the above, the change had no significant impact on the measurements of the Group’s assets and liabilities.

None of these or the other Adopted IFRSs adopted by the Group had a significant impact on the Group’s result for the year or its equity. 

Accounting Estimates and Judgements 
The preparation of financial statements requires the Directors to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that may affect the application of 
accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and income and expenses. The estimates and associated assumptions are based  
on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of  
making the judgements about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these 
estimates. The key areas requiring the use of estimates and judgements which may significantly affect the financial statements are considered to be: 

a)  Measurement of the recoverable amounts of cash-generating units containing goodwill and assets held for sale

This requires the identification of appropriate cash-generating units and the allocation of goodwill to these units. The assessment of impairment 
involves assumptions on the estimated future operating cash flows from these cash-generating units, the discount rate applied in the calculations  
and the comparison of the cash flows to the carrying value of the goodwill. Management have assessed the sensitivity of carrying amounts of 
cash-generating units containing goodwill to reasonably possible changes in key assumptions. Assets held for sale relate to residual equipment  
from discontinued operations. Estimates have been made of the net proceeds from these disposals.

42

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014 
Accounting Policies (continued)

1 
Accounting Estimates and Judgements (continued)
b)  Mining production and profitability 

The Group has a growing surface mining business through the Tower joint venture and the operations in Scotland. Estimates of mine life and 
production levels, and the profitability of future production (which in the medium-term is in part dependent on future prices for coal and coke)  
are included in Group forecasts. These forecasts are used in the impairment assessment of certain related mining assets, including goodwill.  
Estimates of mine life and production levels also form the basis of depreciation of capitalised mining costs.

c)  Restoration costs 

Obligations exist at both Maltby Colliery and Monckton Coke Works to carry out restoration at the end of the productive life. The related provisions 
(see Note 24) are based on the nature and extent of the contamination and the estimated costs of restoration. These key assumptions are reviewed  
on a regular basis and these reviews may lead to adjustments to the provisions over their lives. 

The Group’s surface mining activities also give rise to obligations for site restoration. The restoration provision is based on the Group’s current 
obligation for the cost of future site restoration. Restoration provisions are measured at the expected value of future cash flows, discounted to their 
present value applying an appropriate risk-adjusted rate. Significant judgements and estimates are involved in forming an expectation of future 
activities and the amount and timing of the associated cash flows. Such expectations are based on existing planning requirements and 
management’s future development plans which give rise to a constructive obligation.

d)  Post retirement employee benefits 

The Group operates both funded defined benefit schemes and unfunded concessionary fuel schemes. The determination of the Group’s obligation 
under these schemes is dependent on a number of long-term assumptions including the discount rate, inflation rate, mortality rates and expected 
return on scheme assets. Differences arising from actual experience or future changes in assumptions will be reflected in future years. 

e)  Share-based payments 

The estimation of share-based payment costs requires the selection of an appropriate valuation model together with assumptions as to the key inputs 
into the model, including the achievement of certain service and performance conditions. Differences arising from actual experience may be reflected 
in future years. 

f)   Deferred tax asset

A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probably that future taxable profits will be available against which the asset can be utilised.

Measurement Convention 
The financial statements are prepared on the historical cost basis except that derivative financial instruments and financial instruments classified as fair value 
through the profit or loss or as available-for-sale are stated at their fair value. 

Going Concern 
The Group’s business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development performance and position are set out in the Group Business 
Review on pages 4 to 7. The financial position of the Group, its cash flows, liquidity position and borrowing facilities are described in the Financial Review on 
pages 12 to 15. In addition, Note 26 to the financial statements 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 exposure to credit risk and liquidity risk. 

The Group has considerable financial resources together with long-term contracts with a number of customers and suppliers across different geographic 
areas and industries. As a consequence, the Directors believe that the Group is well placed to manage its business risks successfully despite the current 
uncertain economic outlook. In making this assessment, the Board has reviewed projections for the next five years, taking into account key assumptions 
and uncertainties. 

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 foreseeable future. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the annual report and accounts. 

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 8 September 2014.

Basis of Consolidation 
Subsidiaries 
Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. Control exists where the Group has the power, directly or indirectly, to govern the financial and operating 
policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. The acquisition date is the date on which control is transferred to the acquirer. The financial 
statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial information from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases. 
Losses applicable to the non-controlling interests in a subsidiary are allocated to the non-controlling interest even if doing so causes the non-controlling 
interests to have a deficit balance. 

Intra-group balances and transactions, and any unrealised gains and losses or income and expenses arising from intra-group transactions, are eliminated 
when preparing the consolidated financial information. 

Associates and Jointly Controlled Entities 
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 percent of the voting power of another entity. 

43

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes 
(forming part of the financial statements)  
continued

Accounting Policies (continued)

1 
Basis of Consolidation (continued)
Associates and Jointly Controlled Entities (continued)
Jointly controlled entities are those entities over whose activities the Group has joint control, established by contractual agreements and requiring 
unanimous consent for strategic, financial and operating decisions. The consolidated accounts include the Group’s share of the total comprehensive 
income and equity movements of jointly controlled entities and associates on an equity accounted basis. The results of jointly controlled entities and 
associates are included in the consolidated accounts from the date that joint control or significant influence respectively, commences until the date  
that it ceases. When the Group’s share of losses exceeds its interest in an equity accounting investee, the Group’s carrying amount is reduced to nil  
and recognition of further losses is discontinued except to the extent that the Group has incurred legal or constructive obligations or made payments  
on behalf of an investee. 

Foreign Currency 
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated to the respective functional currencies of Group entities 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 retranslated to the functional currency  
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 except for differences arising on qualifying cashflow hedges which are recognised directly in other comprehensive income. 

The assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated into sterling, the Group’s presentational currency, at the exchange rates ruling at the balance 
sheet date. The revenues and expenses of foreign operations are translated at rates approximating to the foreign exchange rates ruling at the dates  
of the transactions. Exchange differences arising from this translation of foreign operations are reported as an item of other comprehensive income and 
accumulated in the translation reserve or non-controlling interest, as the case may be. When a foreign operation is disposed of, such that control, joint 
control or significant influence is lost, the entire accumulated amount in the translation reserve, net of amounts previously attributed to non-controlling 
interests, is reclassified to profit or loss as part of the gain or loss on disposal. When the Group disposes of only part of its interest in a subsidiary that  
includes a foreign operation while still retaining control, the relevant proportion of the accumulated amount is reattributed to non-controlling interests.

Classification of Financial Instruments Issued by the Group 
Financial instruments issued by the Group are treated as equity (i.e. forming part of shareholders’ funds) only to the extent that they meet the following  
two conditions: 

• 

they include no contractual obligations upon the Group to deliver cash or other financial assets or to exchange financial assets or financial liabilities with 
another party under conditions that are potentially unfavourable to the Group; and 

•  where the instrument will or may be settled in the Company’s own equity instruments, it is either a non-derivative that includes no obligation to deliver 
a variable number of the Company’s own equity instruments or is a derivative that will be settled by the Company’s exchanging a fixed amount of cash 
or other financial assets for a fixed number of its own equity instruments. 

To the extent that this definition is not met, the proceeds of issue are classified as a financial liability. Where the instrument so classified takes the legal  
form of the Company’s own shares, the amounts presented in these financial statements for called up share capital and share premium account exclude 
amounts in relation to those shares. 

Where a financial instrument that contains both equity and financial liability components exists these components are separated and accounted for 
individually under the above policy. The finance cost on the financial liability component is correspondingly higher over the life of the instrument. 

Finance payments associated with financial liabilities are dealt with as part of finance expenses. Finance payments associated with financial instruments  
that are classified in equity are dividends and are recorded directly in equity. 

Financial Instruments 
Non-Derivative Financial Instruments 
Non-derivative financial instruments include investments, trade and other receivables, cash and cash equivalents, loans and borrowings and trade and 
other payables. These are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently are measured at amortised cost. 

Derivative Financial Instruments 
The Group uses interest rate swaps to help manage its interest rate risk, and forward foreign currency contracts to manage its exchange rate risk. The Group 
also uses derivative sale and purchase contracts to mitigate the risk of fluctuating coal prices and exchange rate risk. 

Derivative financial instruments are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently re-measured to fair value at each reporting date and changes 
therein are accounted for as described below. 

Cash Flow Hedges 
Where a derivative financial Instrument is designated as a hedge of the variability in cash flows of a highly probable forecast transaction (for example, 
interest payments, sales and purchases denominated in foreign currency, sale and purchase of commodities), changes in the fair value of the derivative 
hedging instrument designated as a cash flow hedge are recognised directly in the hedging reserve to the extent that the hedge is effective. Amounts 
deferred in equity are recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income when the hedged item affects profit or loss. To the extent  
that the hedge is ineffective, changes in fair value are recognised immediately in profit or loss. 

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments are accounted for in line with the nature of the hedging arrangement. Derivatives are intended to be highly 
effective in mitigating the above risks, and hedge accounting is adopted where the required hedge documentation is in place and the relevant test criteria 
are met. 

44

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Accounting Policies (continued)

1 
Cash Flow Hedges (continued)
Changes in the fair value of any derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are recognised immediately in the income statement  
as part of financing costs. 

Intra-Group Financial Instruments 
Where the Company enters into financial guarantee contracts to guarantee the indebtedness of other companies within its group, the Company considers 
these to be insurance arrangements and accounts for them as such. In this respect, the Company treats the guarantee contract as a contingent liability until 
such time as it becomes probable that the Company will be required to make a payment under the guarantee. 

Property, Plant and Equipment 
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Where parts of an item of property, plant and 
equipment have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items of property, plant and equipment. 

Mine development costs at the Group’s surface mining operations are depreciated on a tonnage extracted basis over the estimated production life  
of the site.

Depreciation is charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of each part of an item of property, plant and 
equipment. Land is not depreciated. Depreciation rates are as follows: 

Mineral reserves 
Freehold buildings 
Leasehold improvements 
Motor vehicles and plant 
Furniture and equipment 
Fixtures and fittings 

Mining assets
Surface mine development 
Restoration asset 
Stripping activity asset 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

12.5% p.a. 
2% to 4% p.a. 
15% p.a. 
10% to 20% p.a. 
25% p.a. 
15% p.a. 

units of production coal
units of production coal
units of production coal from the specific box cut to which the stripping relates 

Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at each balance sheet date. Depreciation on assets in the course of construction 
commences when the assets are available for use. 

Mining Assets
Surface Mine Development Asset
Costs incurred in preparing and developing sites are referred to as ‘surface mine development costs’ and are capitalised within ‘property, plant and 
equipment’ as part of ‘Mining assets’. Surface mine development costs principally comprise:

the costs associated with achieving necessary planning permission and consents, licences and permits required to operate the site; 

• 
•  drilling, geology and mine design costs; and
site development and infrastructure costs.
• 

This asset is amortised to the statement of comprehensive income on a units of production method. Production is deemed to commence when work  
to extract coal from the first production box cut begins.

Income from incidental coal that is extracted during the development phase is included within the consolidated statement of comprehensive income 
together with the associated direct costs. 

Stripping Asset 
During the production phase, a non-current “stripping activity asset” is recognised within ‘Mining assets’ to capitalise costs of removing overburden to  
gain access to or improve access to coal deposits; to the extent that future economic benefits are probable, the deposit of coal to which access has been 
improved can be identified, and costs reliably measured. The stripping activity asset is initially measured at cost and subsequently carried at cost or its 
revalued amount less amortisation and impairment. The stripping activity asset is amortised over the units of production of the coal deposit identified  
as being made more accessible as a result of the stripping activity.

Business Combinations 
Subject to the transitional relief in IFRS 1, all business combinations are accounted for by applying the purchase method. Goodwill arises from the 
acquisition of businesses and represents the difference between the cost of the acquisition and the fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and 
contingent liabilities acquired. Identifiable intangibles are those which can be sold separately or which arise from legal rights regardless of whether  
those rights are separable. 

Acquisitions on or After 1 June 2010 
For acquisitions on or after 1 June 2010, the Group measures goodwill at the acquisition date as: 

• 
• 
• 
• 

the fair value of the consideration transferred; plus 
the recognised amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree; plus 
the fair value of the existing equity interest in the acquiree; less 
the net recognised amount (generally fair value) of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. 

45

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014 
 
 
 
Notes 
(forming part of the financial statements)  
continued

1 
Accounting Policies (continued)
Business Combinations (continued)
Acquisitions on or After 1 June 2010 (continued)
When the excess is negative, a bargain purchase gain is recognised immediately in profit or loss. 

Costs related to the acquisition, other than those associated with the issue of debt or equity securities, are expensed as incurred. 

Any contingent consideration payable is recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. If the contingent consideration is classified as equity, it is not 
remeasured and settlement is accounted for within equity. Otherwise, subsequent changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration are recognised 
in profit or loss. 

On a transaction-by-transaction basis, the Group elects to measure non-controlling interests either at its fair value or at its proportionate interest in the 
recognised amount of the identifiable net assets of the acquiree at the acquisition date. 

Acquisitions Between 1 June 2006 and 1 June 2010 
Goodwill arising on acquisitions that have occurred between 1 June 2006 and 1 June 2010 is capitalised and subject to impairment review, both annually 
and when there are indications the carrying value may not be recoverable. Negative goodwill arising on an acquisition is recognised immediately in profit 
or loss. 

Acquisitions Prior to 1 June 2006 (Date of Transition to IFRSs) 
Goodwill arising on acquisitions prior to 1 June 2006 was capitalised and amortised under UK GAAP. This goodwill is carried at the UK GAAP carrying value 
at the date of transition to adopted IFRS and is subject to impairment reviews as described above. 

Acquisitions and Disposals of Non-Controlling Interests 
Acquisitions and disposals of non-controlling interests that do not result in a change of control are accounted for as transactions with owners in their 
capacity as owners and therefore no goodwill is recognised as a result of such transactions. The adjustments to non-controlling interests are based on  
a proportionate amount of the net assets of the subsidiary. Any difference between the price paid or received and the amount by which non-controlling 
interests are adjusted is recognised directly in equity and attributed to the owners of the parent. 

Prior to the adoption of IAS 27 (2008), goodwill was recognised on the acquisition of non-controlling interests in a subsidiary, which represented the excess 
of the cost of the additional investment over the carrying amount of the interest in the net assets acquired at the date of the transaction. 

Intangible Assets and Goodwill 
Goodwill is stated at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units and is not amortised but is tested annually for 
impairment. In respect of equity accounted investees, the carrying amount of goodwill is included in the carrying amount of the investment in the investee. 

Other intangible assets that are acquired by the Group, which have finite useful economic lives, are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and 
accumulated impairment losses. Amortisation is recognised in profit and loss on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of intangible assets  
from the date that they are available for use. 

Assets Held for Sale
The Group has classified non-current assets as held for sale if the carrying value will be recovered principally through sale rather than continuing use,  
they are available for immediate sale and the sale is highly probable within one year.

On initial classification as held for sale, assets are measured at the lower of carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell, with any adjustments taken  
to the Income Statement. In accordance with IFRS 5, no reclassifications are made in prior periods.

Inventories 
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is based on the weighted average method and includes expenditure incurred  
in acquiring the inventories, production or conversion costs and other costs in bringing them to their existing location and condition. 

Work in progress includes work to date on service contracts where project milestones have not yet been reached. 

Trade and Other Receivables 
Trade and other receivables are recognised initially at fair value. Subsequent to initial recognition they are measured at amortised cost less any impairment 
losses. A provision for impairment of trade receivables is established where there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to collect all amounts 
due according to the agreed terms of the receivables concerned. 

Cash and Cash Equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and call deposits. 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 only of the cash flow statement. 

Trade and Other Payables 
Trade and other payables are non-interest-bearing and are recognised initially at fair value. Subsequent to initial recognition they are measured at amortised 
cost using the effective interest method. 

46

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Accounting Policies (continued)

1 
Investments 
Investments in jointly controlled entities, associates and subsidiaries are carried at cost less impairment in the parent company accounts. 

Interest-Bearing Borrowings 
Interest-bearing borrowings are recognised initially at fair value less attributable transactions costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, interest-bearing 
borrowings are stated at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment losses. 

Impairment 
The carrying amounts of the Group’s financial 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. 

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

Impairment losses recognised in respect of cash-generating units are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to cash 
generating units and then to reduce the carrying amount of the other assets in the unit on a pro rata basis. A cash-generating unit is the smallest 
identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets. 

Reversals of Impairment 
An impairment loss in respect of goodwill is not reversed. 

In respect of other assets, an impairment loss is reversed when there is an indication that the impairment loss may no longer exist and 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 or amortisation, if no impairment loss had been recognised. 

Employee Benefits 
Defined Benefit Pension Plans 
Following the acquisition of The Monckton Coke & Chemical Company Limited on 17 June 2005 and Maltby Colliery Limited on 26 February 2007, the Group 
operates two concessionary fuel retirement benefit schemes. 

In addition, following the acquisition of Maltby Colliery, the Group is a member of two pension schemes providing benefits based on final pensionable pay. 
The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Group. 

The retirement benefit scheme liabilities are calculated by a qualified actuary using the projected unit method. The concessionary fuel retirement benefit 
schemes are unfunded retirement benefits and as such there are no assets in the schemes. The retirement benefit deficits are recognised in full, the 
movement in the scheme deficits is split between operating charges, finance items and, in other comprehensive income, actuarial gains and losses. 

Pension scheme assets are measured using market values. Pension scheme liabilities are measured using a projected unit method and discounted at the 
current rate of return on a high quality corporate bond of equivalent term and currency to the liability. The pension scheme surplus (to the extent that it  
is recoverable) or deficit is recognised in full. The movement in the scheme surplus/deficit is split between operating charges, finance items and, in other 
comprehensive income, actuarial gains and losses. 

Defined Contribution Pension Plans 
The Group operates a Group personal pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Group in an independently 
administered fund. The amount charged against profits represents the contributions payable to the scheme in respect of the financial period. 

Obligations for contributions to defined contribution pension plans are recognised as an expense in the income statement as incurred. 

Share-Based Payment Transactions 
The Group operates a share option scheme for certain employees. The fair value of options granted is recognised as an employee expense with a 
corresponding increase in equity. The fair value is measured at grant date and spread over the period during which the employees become unconditionally 
entitled to the options. The fair value of the options granted is measured using an option valuation model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon 
which the options were granted. The amount recognised as an expense is adjusted to reflect the actual number of share options for which the related service 
and non-market vesting conditions are expected to be met, such that the amount ultimately recognised as an expense is based on the number of share 
options that do not meet the related service and non-market performance conditions at the vesting date. For share-based payment awards with non-vesting 
conditions, the grant date fair value of the share-based payment is measured to reflect such conditions and there is no true-up for differences between 
expected and actual outcomes.

Where the Company grants share-based payment awards over its own shares to the employees of its subsidiaries it recognises, in its individual financial 
statements, an increase in the cost of investment in its subsidiaries equivalent to the equity settled share-based payment charge recognised in its 
consolidated financial statements with the corresponding credit being recognised directly in equity. 

47

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Notes 
(forming part of the financial statements)  
continued

Accounting Policies (continued)

1 
Revenue 
Revenue is measured at the fair value of consideration received or receivable, excluding value added tax, for goods and services supplied to external 
customers. All directly attributable expenses in respect of services provided are recognised in the income statement in the period to which they relate. 

Coal, Coke and Other Mineral Sales 
Revenue is recognised when delivery of the product has been made and title has passed to the customer. A number of sales are sold on long-term 
contracts, whereby quantities and pricing are agreed with customers for a defined future period. Revenue is recognised on individual sales when the 
conditions above have been met. 

Revenue is measured at the invoiced price net of VAT and any discounts. If, as a separate transaction, the Company has entered into a derivative contract  
to hedge the sale price, any gains or losses on that hedge instrument are also included in revenue at the same time as the hedged transaction is recorded 
as revenue. 

Services 
Revenue is recognised when the service has been delivered and the Group has performed its obligations under the sales contract. A large proportion of 
sales are subject to long-term contracts, typically on a cost-plus or similar basis. The profit on such contracts is recognised (and invoiced) evenly over the 
term of the contract unless it is clear that the timing of contract performance requires profit to be recognised on an alternative basis. Certain contracts,  
for example, include specific programmes of work to be carried out. In these instances, revenue is recognised on achievement of specific programme 
milestones through agreement with the customer. Any losses on such contracts are recognised in full immediately.

Leases 
As Lessee 
Leases of property, plant and equipment where the Group has substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as finance leases. Finance 
leases are capitalised at the lease’s inception at the lower of the fair value of the leased asset and the present value of the minimum lease payments. The 
corresponding rental obligations, net of finance charges, are included in other payables. Each lease payment is allocated between the liability and finance 
charges so as to achieve a constant rate of interest costs charged to the income statement on the outstanding balance. The property, plant and equipment 
acquired under finance leases are depreciated over the shorter of the asset’s useful life and the lease term. 

Leases where the lessor retains a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as operating leases. Payments made under 
operating leases (net of any incentives received from the lessor) are charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. 

As Lessor
The Group also acts as lessor for certain equipment leased on a Hire Purchase basis. As substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership have passed to 
the lessee, the Group has derecognised the related equipment and recognised a recoverable for the minimum lease payments discounted at a rate which 
reflects a constant periodic rate of return over the life of the lease. 

Net Financing Costs 
Net financing costs comprise interest payable, finance charges on finance leases and interest receivable on funds invested together with changes in the  
fair values of interest rate swaps and foreign currency forward contracts recognised through the profit and loss and the expected returns on plan assets  
and interest on the pension scheme liability. 

Interest income and interest payable is recognised in the income statement as it accrues, using the effective interest method. Dividend income is 
recognised in the income statement on the date the entity’s right to receive payments is established. 

Taxation
Tax on the profit or loss for the period comprises both current and deferred tax. 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 income 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. 

Deferred tax is provided on temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts 
used for taxation purposes. The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of realisation or settlement of the carrying amount of 
assets and liabilities, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. 

The following temporary differences are not provided for: the initial recognition of goodwill, the initial recognition of assets or liabilities that affect neither 
accounting nor taxable profit other than in a business combination, and differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent that they will 
probably 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. 

Provisions 
A provision is recognised in the balance sheet when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, that can be reliably 
measured and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. If the effect is material, provisions are determined 
by discounting the expected, risk adjusted, future cash flows at a pre-tax risk-free rate. 

48

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 20141 
Accounting Policies (continued)
Restoration and Rehabilitation Costs
The mining, extraction and processing activities of the Group normally give rise to obligations for site restoration. Restoration works can include site 
decommissioning and dismantling and site and land rehabilitation. The extent of work required and the associated costs are dependent on the requirements 
of relevant authorities and the Company’s environmental policies.

An initial provision reflecting the current obligation for the cost of future site restoration is recognised at the commencement of the production phase for 
all liabilities created through development of the surface mine. Production activities give rise to further restoration obligations and provisions are made for 
these liabilities as they arise.

Restoration provisions are measured at the expected value of future cash flows, discounted to their present value applying an appropriate risk-adjusted rate. 
Significant judgements and estimates are involved in forming an expectation of future activities and the amount and timing of the associated cash flows. 
Such expectations are based on existing planning requirements and management’s future development plans which give rise to a constructive obligation. 
Upon initial recognition of the restoration provision, the corresponding cost is capitalised as an asset, representing part of the cost of acquiring the future 
economic benefits of the operation. The capitalised cost is recognised as ‘restoration assets’ within ‘mining assets’. This asset is amortised to the statement 
of comprehensive income on a units of production method over the life of mine. Further ‘restoration assets’ are capitalised as additional provisions are 
created through production activities. These assets are amortised to the statement of comprehensive income on a units of production method over the 
coal tonnage extracted from the area identified as giving rise to the additional restoration obligation.

The value of the provision is further increased over time as the effect of discounting unwinds, creating an expense recognised in ‘other finance costs’. 
Restoration provisions are also adjusted for changes in estimates, which are accounted for as a change in the corresponding capitalised cost, except where 
a reduction in the provision is greater than the unamortised capitalised cost of the related assets, in which case the capitalised cost is reduced to nil and  
the remaining adjustment is recognised in the statement of comprehensive income. Changes to the capitalised cost result in an adjustment to future 
amortisation and financial charges. 

Given the significant judgements and estimates involved, adjustments to the estimated amount and timing of future restoration and rehabilitation cash 
flows are a normal occurrence. Factors influencing those changes include but are not limited to: revisions to estimated reserves and site operations; 
planning requirements and management’s development plans; changes in the estimated cost and scope of anticipated activities. 

Adopted IFRSs Not Yet Applied 
At the date of issue of these financial statements the following Adopted IFRSs have been endorsed but have not been applied in these financial statements. 
The potential implications of IFRS 10, 11 and 12 are currently being reviewed. The other Adopted IFRSs are not expected to have a material effect on the 
financial statements: 

IFRS 11 ‘Joint Arrangements’;
IFRS 12 ‘Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities’;
IFRS 10 ‘Consolidated Financial Statements’;

• 
• 
• 
•  Amendments to IAS 27 ‘Separate Financial Statements’;
•  Amendments to IAS 28 ‘Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures’;
•  Amendments to IFRS 10, IFRS 11 and IFRS 12 ‘Consolidated Financial Statements, Joint Arrangements and Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities: 

Transition Guidance’;

•  Amendments to IAS 32 ‘Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities’;
•  Amendments to IFRS 10, IFRS 12 and IAS 27 ‘Investment Entities’;
•  Amendments to IAS 39: Novation of Derivatives and Continuation of Hedge Accounting; and
•  Amendments to IAS 36: Recoverable Amount Disclosures for Non-Financial Assets.

Segmental Information 

2 
The following analysis by industry segment is presented in accordance with IFRS 8 on the basis of those segments whose operating results are regularly 
reviewed by the Board of Directors (the Chief Operating Decision Maker as defined by IFRS 8) to assess performance and make strategic decisions about 
allocation of resources. 

The sectors distinguished as operating segments are Production, Energy & Commodities, Transport and Industrial Services. A short description of these 
sectors is as follows: 

•  Production: produces coal and coke throughout the UK and Europe; 
•  Energy & Commodities: provides coal, coke, minerals, smokeless fuel and biomass products to a range of industrial, wholesale and public sector  

energy consumers; 

•  Transport: provides bulk logistics to UK customers; and 
• 

Industrial Services: provides quality assured contract management services to the power generation, utilities, chemicals, minerals and steel industries. 

These segments are combinations of subsidiaries, jointly controlled entities, associates and divisions, have separate management teams and offer different 
products and services. These four operating segments are also reportable segments. 

49

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Notes 
(forming part of the financial statements)  
continued

Segmental Information (continued)

2 
The segment results, as reported to the Board of Directors, are calculated under the principles of IFRS. Performance is measured on the basis of underlying 
operating profit, which is reconciled to profit before tax in the tables below: 

Revenue 
Total revenue 
Inter-segment revenue 

Production 
2014  
£000

Energy & 
Commodities 
2014  
£000

Transport 
2014  
£000

Industrial 
Services  
2014 
£000

Total  
2014  
£000

167,654
(79,091)

593,338
(6,858)

88,975
(12,467)

122,599
(4,906)

972,566
(103,322)

Revenue from external customers 

88,563

586,480

76,508

117,693

869,244

Underlying operating profit
Gain on disposal of subsidiaries
Impairment of property, plant and equipment
Amortisation of intangibles/goodwill 
Taxation on associates and jointly controlled entities
Net financing costs 

Profit before taxation 

Depreciation charge 

Capital expenditure

Net assets 
Segment assets 
Segment liabilities 

Segment net assets 
Associates and jointly controlled entities

16,740
–
(2,829)
(143)
(357)
(209)

32,517
2,087
–
(847)
(555)
(2,731)

4,508
–
–
–
–
(933)

5,734
–
–
(329)
–
(574)

59,499
2,087
(2,829)
(1,319)
(912)
(4,447)

13,202

30,471

3,575

4,831

52,079

(5,374)

(2,626)

(3,196)

(1,084)

(12,280)

26,383

1,588

6,251

1,336

35,558

128,660
(38,888)

121,196
(52,465)

30,518
(20,631)

52,111
(22,111)

332,485
(134,095)

89,772
4,078

68,731
2,764

9,887
–

30,000
–

198,390
6,842

Segment net assets including share of associates and jointly controlled entities 

93,850

71,495

9,887

30,000

205,232

Unallocated net assets 

Total net assets 

(55,108)

150,124

Unallocated net assets include goodwill and intangibles (£17.8m), revolving credit facility (£80.2m), cash and cash equivalents (£3.0m), derivative financial 
instruments (£3.2m), deferred tax liability (£2.2m) and other corporate items (£3.3m). 

50

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014 
2 

Segmental Information (continued)

Revenue 
Total revenue 
Inter-segment revenue 

Production 
2013  
£000 

Energy & 
Commodities 
2013  
£000 

Transport 
2013  
£000 

Industrial 
Services  
2013  
£000 

Total  
2013  
£000 

103,189
(15,884)

585,022
(38,691)

82,686
(11,536)

149,276
(10,764)

920,173
(76,875)

Revenue from external customers 

87,305

546,331

71,150

138,512

843,298

Underlying operating profit
Amortisation of intangibles/goodwill 
Taxation on jointly controlled entities
Net financing costs 

Profit before taxation 

Depreciation charge 

Capital expenditure

Net assets 
Segment assets 
Segment liabilities 

Segment net assets 
Jointly controlled entities 

16,745
(131)
(1,071)
(374)

31,877
(4,152)
(60)
(1,550)

4,011
(197)
–
(694)

3,028
(3,505)
–
(864)

55,661
(7,985)
(1,131)
(3,482)

15,169

26,115

3,120

(1,341)

43,063

(1,706)

(622)

(3,212)

(2,805)

(8,345)

8,566

1,340

2,343

4,467

16,716 

92,494
(25,192)

198,293
(110,805)

27,882
(17,330)

36,749
(25,490)

355,418
(178,817)

67,302
2,439

87,488
280

10,552
–

11,259
– 

176,601
2,719

Segment net assets including share of jointly controlled entities 

69,741

87,768

10,552

11,259

179,320

Unallocated net assets

Total net assets 

(60,990)

118,330

Unallocated net assets include goodwill and intangibles (£19.1m), revolving credit facility (£83.6m), cash and cash equivalent (£12.6m) derivative financial 
instruments (£7.6m), deferred tax asset (£4.1m) and other corporate items (£9.6m). 

Information About Key Customers 
Included in revenue is an amount of £155,595,000 (2013: £146,699,000) arising from sales to the Group’s largest customer, relating to the Energy and 
Commodities and Industrial Services divisions. 

The following table analyses revenue by significant category: 

Sale of goods
Rendering of services

Geographical Information 

Revenue 
Non-current assets 

2014  
£000

2013  
£000

675,043
194,201

633,636
209,662

869,244

843,298

2014

UK  
£000

816,274
107,902

Overseas  
£000 

52,970
–

2013

UK  
£000 

740,459
81,567 

Overseas  
£000

102,839 
371 

51

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Notes 
(forming part of the financial statements)  
continued

Segmental Information (continued)

2 
On 28 November 2013 a group reorganisation took place, whereby the Group’s share of the voting rights in its German subsidiary reduced from 86% to  
49%, which together with changes in board composition and shareholder rights, resulted in the Group losing control of the German business but retaining 
significant influence. In accordance with IAS 27, this is accounted for as a disposal of subsidiary and acquisition of an associate; the latter is accounted for  
at its fair value at the date of the acquisition, resulting in a gain on disposal of £2,087,000. 

Prior to the deemed disposal of Hargreaves Raw Materials Services GmbH which was completed on 28 November 2013, the revenue and trading results  
of this entity have been included in the consolidated profit and loss and other comprehensive income on a line by line basis. 

From 28 November 2013, from which date Hargreaves Services plc ceased to control the entity, the trading results of Hargreaves Raw Material Services 
GmbH continue to be included within continuing operations, albeit as part of the share of profit in associates.

This also resulted in the deconsolidation of its net assets from the group balance sheet and the recycling of the associated translation and non-controlling 
interest reserves into the income statement resulting in a profit on disposal of £2.1m.

3  Other Operating Income 

Net gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment 

Expenses and Auditors’ Remuneration 

4 
Included in profit are the following: 

Amortisation of intangibles 
Impairment of intangibles
Impairment of goodwill
Impairment loss on inventories 
Impairment loss on trade and other receivables
Impairment of property, plant and equipment
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment owned 
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment held under finance lease 
Depreciation of mining assets

Auditors’ Remuneration: 

Audit of these financial statements 

Amounts receivable by the Company’s auditor and its associates in respect of: 

Audit of financial statements of subsidiaries of the Company 
Audit related assurance services 
Taxation compliance services 
Other tax advisory services 
Other assurance services 
All other services 

2014  
£000 

970

2013  
£000 

355

2014  
£000 

1,319
–
–
694
19
2,829
5,765
3,642
2,873

2014  
£000 

27

208
5
67
45
–
47

2013  
£000

3,854 
1,629
2,502
384
197
–
2,728
5,617
–

2013  
£000

23

230
5
72
59
150
512

Amounts paid to the Company’s auditor and its associates in respect of services to the Company, other than the audit of the Company’s financial 
statements, have not been disclosed as the information is required instead to be disclosed on a consolidated basis. 

Staff Numbers and Costs 

5 
The average number of persons employed by the Group in continuing and discontinued operations (including Directors) during the year, analysed by 
category, was as follows: 

Directors
Traffic and administration
Production, maintenance and drivers

52

Number of employees 
Group

2014

22
557
2,176

2013

25
651
2,134

2,755

2,810

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Staff Numbers and Costs (continued)

5 
The aggregate payroll costs of these persons were as follows: 

Wages and salaries 
Share-based payments (see Note 23) 
Social security costs 
Contributions to defined contribution plans (see Note 22) 
Current service costs of defined benefit plans (see Note 22) 

6  Directors’ Remuneration 

Directors’ emoluments 
Company contributions to money purchase pension plans 
Amounts paid to third-parties in respect of Directors’ services 

Group

2014  
£000

97,966
1,224
9,643
1,765
89

2013  
£000

109,916
514
9,636
1,756
1,216 

106,890

123,038

2014  
£000

1,277
163
106

2013  
£000 

993
160 
160

The aggregate of emoluments and amounts receivable under long-term incentive schemes of the highest paid Director was £482,000 (2013: £471,000),  
and company pension contributions of £110,813 (2013: £108,641) were made to a money purchase scheme on his behalf. 

Retirement benefits are accruing to the following number of Directors under: 
Money purchase schemes 
Defined benefit schemes

The number of Directors who exercised share options was
The number of Directors in respect of whose services shares were received or receivable under long-term incentive schemes was

Directors’ rights to subscribe for shares in or debentures of the Company and its subsidiaries are indicated below: 

Number of Directors 

2014

2013

2
–

–
3

2
–

–
3

GFC Banham 
GFC Banham (under SRSOSs) 
KJ Dougan 
ID Cockburn 
ID Cockburn (under SRSOSs)

All of the Directors benefited from qualifying third-party indemnity provisions. 

Finance Income and Expense 

7 
Recognised in Profit or Loss 

Finance income
Interest income on unimpaired financial assets
Interest received from jointly controlled entities

Total finance income

Finance expense 
Total interest expense on financial liabilities measured at amortised cost
Interest on defined benefit pension plan obligation 

Total finance expense 

Number of options 

At start  
of year

At end  
of year

Exercise  
price pence

182,868
819
64,004
84,909
1,093

194,321
819
69,141
91,018
1,093

–
1,098
–
–
825

2014  
£000

185
936

1,121

2013  
£000 

54
777

831

5,427
141

4,292
21 

5,568

4,313

53

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes 
(forming part of the financial statements)  
continued

8  Discontinued Operations
The Group’s discontinued operations made a loss of £3.7m (2013: loss of £81.8m) after tax during the year. These losses relate to events at Maltby and in 
Belgium and the associated results have been classified as discontinued in the current and prior year. In addition, certain related assets were reclassified  
in the balance sheet as “assets held for sale”.

Revenue
Direct depreciation
Cost of sales – Belgium exceptional item
Impairment of property, plant and equipment
Inventory write down
Other direct cost of sales

Gross profit/(loss)

Other operating income
Impairment of goodwill
Administrative expenses

Operating loss

Net finance expense

Loss before tax of discontinued operations

Taxation

Current tax credit
Deferred tax (charge)/credit

Loss for the year from discontinued operations

The major classes of assets directly attributable to the discontinued operations are:

Property, plant and equipment
Other non-current assets

2014  
£000

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
(4,174)

(4,174)

2013  
£000

37,148
(7,756)
(18,710)
(24,845)
(19,426)
(49,832)

(83,421)

2,403
(2,727)
(14,401)

(98,146)

(895)

(2,235)

(5,069)

(100,381)

6,725
(5,390)

1,335

14,065
4,559

18,624

(3,734)

(81,757)

2014  
£000

6,774
1,397

8,171

2013  
£000

9,735
5,262

14,997

54

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014 
Taxation 

9 
Recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss

Current tax expense 
Current year 
Adjustments for prior years 
Foreign tax – current year 

Current tax expense 

Deferred tax credit 
Origination and reversal of temporary differences 
Adjustments for prior years 
Reduction in tax rate 

Deferred tax credit 

Tax expense in income statement (excluding share of tax of equity accounted investees) 

Share of tax of equity accounted investees 

Total tax expense from continuing operations 

Recognised in Other Comprehensive Income 

Deferred tax (expense)/income 
Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges 
Actuarial gains and losses on defined benefit pension plans 

Reconciliation of Effective Tax Rate 

Profit for the year from continuing operations 
Total tax expense (including tax on equity accounted investees) 

Profit excluding taxation from continuing operations 

2014  
£000

2013  
£000 

11,444
472
377

11,775
(555)
1,026

12,293

12,246

(710)
(98)
40

(1,699)
467
(81)

(768)

(1,313)

11,525

10,933

912

1,131

12,437

12,064 

2014  
£000

2013  
£000 

(2,118)
460

1,869
(151)

(1,658)

1,718

2014  
Rate 

2014  
£000 

40,554
12,437

52,991

2013  
Rate 

2013  
£000 

32,130
12,064

44,194

Tax using the UK corporation tax rate of 22.67% (2013: 23.83%) 

22.67%

12,011

23.83%

10,532

Effect of tax rates in foreign jurisdictions 
Unrecognised tax losses
Non-deductible (income)/expenses
Reduction in tax rate on deferred tax balances
Under/(over) provided in prior years 

0.43%
0.02%
(0.36%)
–
0.71%

228
13
(187)
(2)
374

0.64%
0.65%
2.54%
(0.18%)
(0.18%)

284
286
1,122
(81) 
(79)

Effective tax rate and total tax expense

23.47%

12,437

27.30%

12,064

The UK corporation tax rate reduced to 21% on 1 April 2014, giving an effective base rate of 22.67% (2013: 23.83%). 

Factors That May Affect Future Current and Total Tax Charges 
The March 2013 budget announced that the main rate of corporation tax will further reduce to 20% by 1 April 2015 in addition to the planned reduction  
to 21% by 2014 previously announced in the December 2012 Autumn Statement. These changes were substantively enacted during the year and are 
therefore included in the figure above.

55

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Notes 
(forming part of the financial statements)  
continued

10  Earnings Per Share 

Ordinary Shares
Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share

2014

2013

Continuing and 
discontinued

Continuing

Continuing and 
discontinued

111.88p
110.99p

123.18p
122.19p

(166.68)p
(166.68)p

Continuing

112.53p
110.96p

The calculation of earnings per share is based on the profit/(loss) for the year attributable to equity holders and on the weighted average number of shares 
in issue and ranking for dividend in the year.

Profit/(loss) for the year attributable to equity holders (£000)
Weighted average number of shares
Basic earnings per share

2014

2013

Continuing and 
discontinued

36,995
33,065,926
111.88p

Continuing

40,729
33,065,926
123.18p

Continuing and 
discontinued

(46,438)
27,860,668
(166.68)p

Continuing

31,351
27,860,668
112.53p

The calculation of diluted earnings per share is based on the profit/(loss) for the year and the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue in the 
year adjusted for the dilutive effect of the share options outstanding (effect on weighted average number of shares is 266,277 (2013: 392,241)); effect on 
earnings per ordinary share is 0.89p (2013: nil). Effect on continuing earnings per ordinary share is 0.99p (2013: 1.57p).

Profit/(loss) for the year attributable to equity holders (£000)
Weighted average number of shares
Diluted earnings per share

2014

2013

Continuing and 
discontinued

36,995
33,332,203
110.99p

Continuing

40,729
33,332,203
122.19p

Continuing and 
discontinued

(46,438)
28,252,909
(166.68)p

Continuing

31,351
28,252,909
110.96p

Continuing underlying basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated on the same weighted average number of shares in the table above, and on 
underlying profit after tax, as reconciled below:

Profit for the year attributable to equity holders from continuing operations
Disposal of subsidiaries
Amortisation/impairment of intangibles/goodwill
Tax effect of amortisation
Impairment of property, plant and equipment
Tax effect of impairment

Underlying profit after tax

2014  
£000

40,729
(2,087)
1,319
(299)
2,404
(481)

2013  
£000

31,351
–
7,985
(1,299)
–
–

41,585

38,037

56

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Balance at 31 May 2013 

21,557

2,095

5,702

65,821

524

11  Property, Plant and Equipment 
Group 

Cost 
Balance at 1 June 2012
Other acquisitions 
Disposals 
Transferred to assets held for sale
Effect of movements in foreign exchange 

Balance at 1 June 2013 
Other acquisitions 
Disposals 
Transfers
Effect of movements in foreign exchange 

Balance at 31 May 2014 

Depreciation and impairment 
Balance at 1 June 2012
Depreciation charge for the year – continuing
Depreciation charge for the year – discontinued
Impairment losses
Transferred to assets held for sale (including impairment)
Disposals 
Effect of movements in foreign exchange 

Balance at 31 May 2013

Balance at 1 June 2013
Depreciation charge for the year
Impairment losses
Disposals 
Effect of movements in foreign exchange 

Balance at 31 May 2014

Net book value 
At 1 June 2012 

Freehold land 
and buildings 
and leasehold 
improvements 
£000

Assets under 
the course of 
construction 
£000

Furniture  
and 
equipment 
£000

Motor 
vehicles 
and plant 
£000

Fixtures 
and 
fittings 
£000

Mining 
assets 
£000

Mineral 
reserves 
£000

Total  
£000

21,249
663
(68)
(305)
18

1,456
639
–
–
–

5,641
791
(118)
(628)
16

130,817
14,520
(2,497)
(77,128)
109

446
103
–
(25)
–

–
–
–
–
–

–

9,571
–
–
–
–

169,180 
16,716
(2,683)
(78,086)
143

9,571 105,270

21,557
408
(552)
2,342
–

23,755

3,372
363
7
–
(234)
(42)
13

3,479

3,479
334
–
(201)
–

3,612

2,095
615
(260)
(2,450)
–

5,702
760
(255)
–
(3)

65,821
22,890
(4,608)
108
(3)

524
56
(4)
–
–

–
12,770
–
–
–

9,571  105,270
37,499
(15,250)
–
(6)

–
(9,571)
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–

6,204

84,208

576

12,770

– 127,513

4,903
328
42
–
(561)
(112)
6

57,712
7,617
6,885
20,583
(63,994)
(1,712)
77

361
37
5
–
(27)
–
–

4,606

27,168

376

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

4,492
–
817
4,262
–
–
–

70,840
8,345
7,756
24,845
(64,816)
(1,866)
96

9,571

45,200

4,606
359
–
(200)
(2)

27,168
8,660
2,829
(3,110)
(1)

376
44
–
(4)
–

–
2,883
–
–
–

9,571
–
–
(9,571)
–

45,200
12,280
2,829
(13,086)
(3)

4,763

35,546

416

2,883

–

47,220

17,877

1,456

738

73,105

85

–

–

5,079

98,340 

–

–

60,070 

80,293

At 31 May 2013 and 1 June 2013 

18,078

2,095

1,096

38,653

148

At 31 May 2014

20,143

–

1,441

48,662

160

9,887

The Group has £nil (2013: £2,095,000) property, plant and equipment under construction. 

The Company has no property, plant and equipment. 

Leased Plant and Machinery 
At 31 May 2014 the net carrying amount of leased plant and machinery was £21,350,279 (2013: £21,675,316). The leased equipment secures lease obligations 
(see Note 20). 

Security 
The Group’s property, plant and equipment is used to secure some of its interest-bearing loans and borrowings (see Note 20). 

57

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Notes 
(forming part of the financial statements)  
continued

Intangible Assets 

12 
Group 

Cost 
Balance at 1 June 2012
Effect of movements in foreign exchange 

Goodwill  
£000

22,290 
30

Negative 
goodwill 
£000 

Customer 
contracts 
£000 

Supply 
contracts 
£000 

Other 
intangibles 
£000 

Total  
£000 

(93) 
–

14,229 
–

8,148 
–

1,015 
–

45,589 
30

Balance at 31 May 2013 

22,320

(93)

14,229

8,148

1,015

45,619

Balance at 1 June 2013 
Effect of movements in foreign exchange 
Disposal of subsidiary

22,320
–
–

(93)
–
93

14,229
–
–

8,148
–
–

1,015
–
–

45,619
–
93

Balance at 31 May 2014 

22,320

–

14,229

8,148

1,015

45,712

Amortisation and impairment 
Balance at 1 June 2012
Amortisation for the year 
Impairment losses for the year (continuing)
Impairment losses for the year (discontinued)

Balance at 31 May 2013 

Balance at 1 June 2013 
Amortisation for the year 
Disposal of subsidiary
Exchange movements

Balance at 31 May 2014

Net book value
At 31 May 2012

At 31 May 2013 and 1 June 2013 

At 31 May 2014

–
–
2,502
2,727

(93)
–
–
–

10,961
2,094
–
–

4,890
1,629
1,629
–

–
131
–
–

15,758
3,854
4,131
2,727

5,229

(93)

13,055

8,148

131

26,470

5,229
–
–
29

5,258

22,290

17,091

17,062

(93)
–
93
–

13,055
1,174
–
–

8,148
–
–
–

131
145
–
–

26,470
1,319
93
29

–

–

–

–

14,229

8,148

276

27,911

3,268

3,258

1,015

29,831

1,174

–

–

–

884

19,149 

739

17,801

The supply contracts were being amortised over the weighted average expected life of the contracts, of 60 months. 

£2,032,000 of the customer contracts were being amortised over 62 months, £2,596,000 of the customer contracts were being amortised over 71 months, 
£7,061,000 of the customer contracts were being amortised over 75 months and £2,540,000 of the customer contracts were being amortised over 36 months, 
each being the weighted average expected life of the contracts. 

£1,000,000 of other intangibles relates to an exclusivity agreement and is being amortised over the expected life of the project to which it relates, which is 
expected to be seven years. 

Amortisation and Impairment Charge 
The amortisation and impairment charge is recognised in the following line items in the income statement: 

Administrative expenses – Impairment of intangible assets
Other administrative expenses 
Discontinued operations

2014  
£000 

–
1,319
–

2013  
£000 

4,131
3,854
2,727

58

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Intangible Assets (continued)

12 
Impairment Testing 
The remaining goodwill has been allocated to cash-generating units or groups of cash-generating units as follows: 

Hargreaves Industrial Services Limited (formerly Norec Limited)
Imperial Tankers Limited/Hargreaves (Bulk Liquid Transport) Limited 
The Monckton Coke & Chemical Company Limited 
Coal4Energy Limited/Maxibrite Limited 
Other 

Goodwill

2014  
£000

1,252
3,523
5,419
6,140
728

2013  
£000 

1,252
3,523
5,419
6,140
757

17,062

17,091

The recoverable amounts of the above cash-generating units have been calculated with reference to their value in use. The key features of this calculation 
are shown below: 

Period on which management approved forecasts are based
Growth rate applied beyond approved forecast period
Discount rate

2014

2013

5 years
2%
12%

5 years
2%
12%

The growth rates used in value in use calculations reflect a conservative estimate of the average industry growth rate. 

The recoverable amount of each cash-generating unit has been calculated with reference to its value in use. In calculating this value, management have 
used the following assumptions: 

•  Cash flows were projected based on budgeted operating results for the proceeding year with the short-term growth rate applied to the next four years. 
A conservative growth rate of 2% has been applied in perpetuity. This rate does not exceed the long-term average growth rate for any of the cash-
generating units’ industries; 
sustaining capital expenditure in each cash-generating unit has been used in the calculations equivalent to the current levels of annual depreciation; and

• 
•  a pre-tax discount rate of 12% (2013: 12%) has been used in the first instance. Management consider this to be higher than a market participant’s 
discount rate for each individual cash-generating unit. The latter would be used if the initial 12% indicated potential impairment of any individual 
cash-generating unit. 

Each of the cash-generating units had significant headroom under the annual impairment review, which remains after allowing for reasonably possible 
changes in assumptions. 

The Company has no intangible assets. 

59

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Country of 
incorporation 

Class of  
shares held

Ownership

2014

2013 

Notes 
(forming part of the financial statements)  
continued

Investments in Subsidiaries, Associates and Jointly Controlled Entities 

13 
The Group and Company have the following investments in subsidiaries, associates and jointly controlled entities: 

Company 
Subsidiary undertakings 
Hargreaves (UK) Limited 
Hargreaves Industrial Services Limited  

Nature of business 

Holding company 

(formerly Norec Limited) 

Contract management service 
Light industrial and domestic coal sales 
Coal4Energy Limited 
Holding company 
Forward Sound Limited 
Holding company 
Hargreaves Europe Limited 
Holding company 
Hargreaves Services (HK) Limited 
Coal mining
Hargreaves Surface Mining Limited
Contract management service
Hargreaves Technical Resources Limited
Coal trading
Hargreaves Services Australia Limited
Holding company
Hargreaves Maltby Limited
Property holding
Hargreaves Services (Westfield) Limited
Property holding
Hargreaves Services (Castlebridge) Limited
Property holding
Hargreaves Services (Blindwells) Limited
Property holding
Hargreaves Services (Piperhill) Limited
Property holding
Hargreaves Services (Killoch) Limited
Property holding
Hargreaves Services Forestry Limited
Hargreaves Services Wind Farm (Damside) Limited
Property holding
Hargreaves Services Wind Farm (Broken Cross) LimitedProperty holding
Hargreaves Services Wind Farm (Glentaggart) Limited Property holding
Hargreaves Services Wind Farm (House of Water) Limited Property holding
Hargreaves Services Wind Farm (Chalmerston) LimitedProperty holding

UK 

UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
Hong Kong 
UK
UK
UK
UK
UK
UK
UK
UK
UK
UK
UK
UK
UK
UK
UK

Ordinary 

Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary

100%

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

50%
50%

100%

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

50% 
50%

Jointly controlled entities 
Mir Trade Services BV 
Mir Trade Services Limited 

Associate undertakings
Hargreaves Services Europe Limited 

Import and sale of carbon-based materials 
Import and sale of carbon-based materials 

Netherlands 
UK 

Ordinary 
Ordinary 

Import and sale of carbon-based materials 

UK 

Ordinary 

86%

86%

Group 
Subsidiary undertakings 
Hargreaves (UK) Limited 
Hargreaves (UK) Services Limited 
The Monckton Coke & Chemical Company Limited  Manufacture of coke 
Hargreaves Industrial Services Limited (formerly 

Holding company 
Haulage, mineral import and processing 

UK 
UK 
UK 

UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 

Contract management service 
Coal mining 
Mineral distribution 
Haulage 

Engineering maintenance services 
Smokeless fuel briquette manufacturing 
Renewable energy solutions 
Renewable energy solutions 
Import and sale of carbon-based materials 
Holding company 
Holding company 
Contract management service 
Port facilities 
Coal mining
Contract management service
Coal trading
Port facilities
Property holding
Property holding
Property holding

UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
Belgium 
UK 
Hong Kong 
Hong Kong 
UK 
UK
UK
UK
Belgium
UK
UK
UK

Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 

Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 

Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary

100%
100%
100%

100%
100%
100%
100%

100%
85.2%
50.1%
85%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

100%
100%
100%

100%
100%
100%
100%

100%
85.2%
50.1%
85%
82%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
86%
–
–
–

Norec Limited)

Maltby Colliery Limited 
Hargreaves Metallurgical Supplies Limited 
Imperial Tankers Limited 
Hargreaves Engineering & Contracts Limited 

(formerly AJS Contracts Limited) 

Maxibrite Limited 
RocFuel Limited 
RocPower Limited 
Hargreaves Carbon Products NV 
Hargreaves Europe Limited 
Hargreaves Services (HK) Limited 
Hargreaves Industrial Services (HK) Limited 
Eastgate Materials Handling Limited 
Hargreaves Surface Mining Limited
Hargreaves Technical Resources Limited
Hargreaves Services Australia Limited
Mekol NV
Hargreaves Services (Westfield) Limited
Hargreaves Services (Castlebridge) Limited
Hargreaves Services (Blindwells) Limited

60

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 201413 

Investments in Subsidiaries, Associates and Jointly Controlled Entities (continued)

Nature of business 

Country of 
incorporation 

Property holding
Hargreaves Services (Piperhill) Limited
Property holding
Hargreaves Services (Killoch) Limited
Property holding
Hargreaves Services Forestry Limited
Hargreaves Services Wind Farm (Damside) Limited
Property holding
Hargreaves Services Wind Farm (Broken Cross) LimitedProperty holding
Hargreaves Services Wind Farm (Glentaggart) Limited Property holding
Hargreaves Services Wind Farm (House of Water) 

Limited

Property holding
Hargreaves Services Wind Farm (Chalmerston) LimitedProperty holding

UK
UK
UK
UK
UK
UK

UK
UK

Jointly controlled entities 
Tower Regeneration Limited 
Mir Trade Services BV 
Mir Trade Services Limited 
Tower Regeneration Leasing Limited 
517EPA Limited

Associate undertakings
Hargreaves Raw Material Services GmbH 
Hargreaves Carbon Products Polska Sp Zo.o 
Hargreaves Services Europe Limited 

Coal mining 
Import and sale of carbon-based materials 
Import and sale of carbon-based materials 
Lease of heavy plant 
Holding company

UK 
Netherlands 
UK 
UK 
UK

Import and sale of carbon-based materials 
Sale of carbon-based materials 
Import and sale of carbon-based materials 

Germany 
Poland 
UK 

Class of  
shares held

Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary

Ordinary
Ordinary

Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary

Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 

Ownership

2014

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

100%
100%

50%
50% 
50%
50%
50%

86%
86%
86%

2013 

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–

50% 
50% 
50%
50%
50%

86%
86%
86%

During the year the Group increased its stake in Hargreaves Carbon Products NV from 86% to 100%. The consideration of £2.8m has been posted to equity 
in accordance with IAS 27 in the Group balance sheet.

Tower Regeneration Leasing Limited is a 100% owned subsidiary of Tower Regeneration Limited. 

In addition to the above, the Group has approximately 19 dormant subsidiary undertakings. A full list of subsidiaries will be annexed to the next annual 
return of Hargreaves Services plc delivered to the Registrar of Companies.

The Group’s share of post-acquisition total recognised profit or loss in the above associates and jointly controlled entities for the year ended 31 May 2014 
was a profit of £3,499,000 (2013: profit of £2,573,000). 

Group 

Cost 
At beginning and end of year 

Share of post acquisition reserves 
At beginning of year 
Acquisition of associates
Dividends received
Profit for the financial year 
Effect of movements in foreign exchange 

At end of year 

Net book value 
At 31 May 2014 

At 31 May 2013

The acquisition of associates in the year relates to the interest in the German associate which is measured at fair value.

Interests in 
associate 
undertakings 
£000

Interests 
in jointly 
controlled 
entities  
£000

Total  
£000

–

66

66

–
4,984
(4,273)
1,850
(79)

2,653
–
–
1,649
(7)

2,653
4,984
(4,273)
3,499
(86)

2,482

4,295

6,777

2,482

4,361

6,843

–

2,719

2,719

61

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Notes 
(forming part of the financial statements)  
continued

13 

Investments in Subsidiaries, Associates and Jointly Controlled Entities (continued)

2014 
Tower Regeneration Limited 
Tower Regeneration Leasing Limited 
Mir Trade Services Limited 
Mir Trade Services BV 
Hargreaves Raw Material Services GmbH
Hargreaves Services Europe Limited
Hargreaves Carbon Products Polska Sp Zo.o

2013 
Tower Regeneration Limited 
Tower Regeneration Leasing Limited 
Mir Trade Services Limited 
Mir Trade Services BV 

Ownership  
%

Current  
assets  
£000

Non-current 
assets  
£000

Current 
liabilities 
£000

Non-current 
liabilities 
£000

Revenue  
£000

Expenses 
(including tax) 
£000

50%
50%
50%
50%
86%
86%
86%

39,240
1,264
5,033
85
32,295
1,911
–

19,641
29,765
–
–
130
2,442
191

(35,835)
(5,790)
(4,586)
–
(28,669)
(1,087)
(389)

(11,560)
(25,072)
–
–
–
–
–

35,647
5,262
44,209
–
54,983
1,422
59

(31,104)
(5,262)
(44,225)
–
(53,187)
(1,053)
(110)

79,828

52,169

(76,356)

(36,632)

141,582

(134,941)

Ownership  
%

Current  
assets  
£000

Non-current 
assets  
£000

Current 
liabilities  
£000

Non-current 
liabilities  
£000

Revenue  
£000

Expenses 
(including tax) 
£000

50%
50%
50%
50%

38,263
1,115
6,058
85

19,182
33,619
–
–

(35,149)
(2,833)
(5,576)
–

(15,354)
(31,874)
– 
–

42,718
5,019 
19,123
–

(35,991)
(4,990)
(18,704)
–

45,521

52,801

(43,558)

(47,228)

66,860

(59,685)

The Group also has options to acquire 100% of the shares in two subsidiaries of Aardvark (TMC) Limited. These options are measured at fair value which,  
at 31 May 2014, was £2 (31 May 2013: £2). Fair value is deemed to be negligible given the scale of the related restoration liabilities existing within these entities.

Group 
undertakings 
£000

Jointly 
controlled 
entities  
£000

Total  
£000 

32,064 
514

42 
–

32,106 
514

32,578

42

32,620

32,578
(1,228)
–
1,224

42
–
4,984
–

32,620
(1,228)
4,984
1,224

32,574

5,027

37,601

Company

Shares at cost and net book value 
At 1 June 2012
Capital contribution arising on share options 

At 31 May 2013 

At 1 June 2013
Disposals
Acquisitions
Capital contribution arising on share options 

At 31 May 2014 

62

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 201414  Other Financial Assets 

Non-current 
Currency contracts designated as fair value through hedging reserve
Other derivatives designated as fair value through hedging reserve

Current 
Currency contracts designated as fair value through profit or loss
Currency contracts designated as fair value through hedging reserve 
Other derivatives designated as fair value through hedging reserve 

15  Other Financial Liabilities 

Non-current 
Interest rate swaps designated as fair value through hedging reserve 
Currency contracts designated as fair value through hedging reserve
Other derivatives designated as fair value through hedging reserve 

Current 
Currency contracts designated as fair value through hedging reserve
Currency contracts designated as fair value through profit or loss 
Other derivatives designated as fair value through hedging reserve 

Group 

2014  
£000

Company

2013  
£000 

2014  
£000 

2013  
£000 

701
2,264

2,965

–
37

37

–
–

–

–
– 

–

Group 

2014  
£000

Company

2013  
£000 

2014  
£000 

2013  
£000 

46
1,617
2,515

14 
2,477
725

4,178

3,216

–
–
–

–

–
–
–

–

Group 

Company

2013  
£000 

2014  
£000 

2013  
£000 

2014  
£000

962
88
293

2,839
–
311

1,343

3,150

–
–
–

–

–
–
–

–

Group 

2014  
£000

Company

2013  
£000 

2014  
£000 

2013  
£000 

1,089
13
1,484

263
183
7,218

2,586

7,664

–
1
–

1

–
12
– 

12

63

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Notes 
(forming part of the financial statements)  
continued

16  Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities 
Group 
Recognised Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities 
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following: 

Assets 

Liabilities

Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Financial assets
Employee benefits
Share-based payments
Provisions
Tax value of loss carry-forwards
Other

Tax (assets)/liabilities

2014  
£000 

2013  
£000 

2014  
£000 

–
–
–
(1,162)
(293)
(1,275)
(17)
–

2013  
£000 

–
–
(1,769)
(883)
(450)
(1,890)
(20)
(11)

4,306
–
613
–
–
–
–
–

(2,747)

(5,023)

4,919

579
336
–
–
–
–
–
–

915

Deferred tax assets and liabilities have been netted as the Group has a legally enforceable right of offset and settlement will be on a net basis. 

Movement in Deferred Tax During the Year 

Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Financial assets
Employee benefits
Share-based payments
Provisions
Tax value of loss carry-forwards utilised
Other

Movement in Deferred Tax During the Prior Year 

Property, plant and equipment 
Intangible assets 
Financial assets 
Employee benefits 
Share-based payments 
Provisions 
Tax value of loss carry-forwards utilised 
Other 

31 May  
2013  
£000

579
336
(1,769)
(883)
(450)
(1,890)
(20)
(11)

Recognised  
in income  
£000

Recognised  
in equity  
£000

3,727
(336)
264
181
157
615
3
11

–
–
2,118
(460)
–
–
–
–

31 May  
2014  
£000

4,306
–
613
(1,162)
(293)
(1,275)
(17)
–

(4,108)

4,622

1,658

2,172

31 May  
2012  
£000

5,806
1,635
178
(1,482)
(250)
(2,419)
(23)
37

Recognised  
in income  
£000

Recognised  
in equity  
£000

(5,227)
(1,299)
(78)
448
(200)
529
3
(48)

–
–
(1,869)
151
–
–
–
–

31 May  
2013  
£000

579
336
(1,769)
(883)
(450)
(1,890)
(20)
(11)

3,482

(5,872)

(1,718)

(4,108)

The amount recognised in income includes £5,390,000 deferred tax charge (2013: £4,559,000 deferred tax credit) in relation to discontinued operations,  
see note 8.

64

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 201416  Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (continued)
Company 
Recognised Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities 
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following: 

Share-based payments 

Tax assets 
Net of tax liabilities 

Net tax assets 

Movement in Deferred Tax During the Year 

Share-based payments 

There is no expiry date on the above recognised deferred tax asset. 

Assets 

Liabilities

2014  
£000 

(123)

(123)
–

2013  
£000 

(123) 

(123)
–

(123)

(123) 

2014  
£000 

2013  
£000 

–

–
–

–

–

–
–

–

At 31 May 2013 
and at  
31 May 2012  
£000

Recognised  
in income  
£000

Recognised  
in equity  
£000

(123) 

–

–

31 May  
2014  
£000

(123)

A deferred tax asset has been recognised as projections indicate that there will be sufficient future profits to utilise losses.

The Chancellor proposed changes to further reduce the main rate of corporation tax by 1% per annum to 20% by 1 April 2015. As these changes were 
substantively enacted during the year, deferred tax assets and liabilities have been recognised at 20%. 

17 

Inventories 

Raw materials and consumables 
Work in progress 
Finished goods 
Properties held for development and resale

Group 

2014  
£000

7,104
17,064
67,851
8,418

2013  
£000

9,242
4,799
82,152
–

100,437

96,193

Company

2014  
£000

2013  
£000 

–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–

–

All amounts included within raw materials, work in progress and finished goods are expected to be recovered within 12 months. 

The write-down of inventories to net realisable value amounted to £694,000 (2013: £384,000). The reversal of write-downs amounted to £nil (2013: £nil).  
The write-down is in cost of sales. The properties held for development and resale were included in assets acquired in respect of the Scottish surface 
mining activities. 

18  Trade and Other Receivables 

Trade receivables 
Trade receivables due from Group undertakings
Trade receivables due from undertakings in which the Company has a participating interest 
Other receivables 
Prepayments and accrued income 
Corporation tax 
Hire purchase receivable 

Group 

2014  
£000

60,601
–
30,439
20,717
20,287
1,462
12

Company

2013  
£000

2014  
£000

86,545
–
24,520
18,371
16,476
1,370
2,276

–
590,379
7,405
2,041
77
623
–

2013  
£000 

–
461,868
4,288 
2,069
304
623
– 

133,518

149,558

600,525

469,152

Included within trade and other receivables is £nil (2013: £nil) for the Group and £nil (2013: £nil) for the Company expected to be recovered in more than  
12 months. 

65

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Notes 
(forming part of the financial statements)  
continued

18  Trade and Other Receivables (continued)
The Hire Purchase receivable comprises future minimum lease payments of £12,321 (2013: £2,276,000) due within one year and £nil (2013: £nil) due within 
one to two years. 

The Group has a variety of credit terms depending on the customer. The majority of the Group’s sales are made to blue-chip companies and consequently 
have very low historical default rates. 

At 31 May 2014 trade receivables are shown net of an allowance for bad debts of £125,000 (2013: £171,000) arising from the ordinary course of business,  
as follows: 

Group 
Balance at 1 June 
Provided during the year 
Released 
Utilised during the year 

Balance at 31 May 

2014  
£000

171
40
(69)
(17)

125

2013  
£000

129
164
(64)
(58)

171

The allowance for bad debts records impairment losses unless the Group is satisfied that no recovery of the amount owing is possible, at that point the 
amounts considered irrecoverable are written off against the trade receivables directly. 

The ageing of trade receivables at the balance sheet date was: 

Group 
Not past due date 
Past due date (0-90 days) 
Past due date (over 90 days) 
Individually impaired amounts 

Group 
Not past due date 
Past due date (0-90 days) 
Past due date (over 90 days) 
Individually impaired amounts 

Gross trade 
receivables 
£000

2014  
Doubtful  
debt  
£000

Net trade 
receivables 
£000

47,172
11,061
2,493
–

(10)
(10)
(105)
–

47,162
11,051
2,388
–

60,726

(125)

60,601

Gross trade 
receivables 
£000

2013  
Doubtful  
debt  
£000

Net trade 
receivables 
£000

68,238
17,230
1,248
–

(59)
(2)
(110)
–

68,179
17,228
1,138
–

86,716 

(171)

86,545

Management have no indication that any unimpaired amounts will be irrecoverable. 

The Group’s most significant trade receivable at 31 May 2014 is with EDF Energy plc which accounts for £9,422,000 of the trade receivables carrying amount 
at 31 May 2014 within the Energy and Commodities and Industrial Services segments (2013: EDF Energy plc £14,651,000).

The maximum exposure to credit risk for trade receivables at the reporting date by geographic region was: 

UK 
European customers 
Other regions 

The Group’s exposure to credit and currency risks and impairment losses related to trade receivables are disclosed in Note 26. 

66

2014  
£000 

58,033
2,104
464

2013  
£000

65,775 
14,620
6,150

60,601

86,545

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 201419  Cash and Cash Equivalents/Bank Overdrafts 

Cash and cash equivalents per balance sheet 
Bank overdrafts 

Group 

2014  
£000 

30,768
–

2013  
£000 

61,435
(42,476)

Company

2014  
£000 

427
–

2013  
£000 

11,845
–

Cash and cash equivalents per cash flow statement 

30,768

18,959

427

11,845

The Group’s exposure to credit and currency risk related to cash and cash equivalents is disclosed in Note 26. 

20  Other Interest-bearing Loans and Borrowings 
This note provides information about the contractual terms of the Group and Company’s interest-bearing loans and borrowings, which are measured at 
amortised cost. For more information about the Group and Company’s exposure to interest rate and foreign currency risk, see Note 26. 

Non-current liabilities 
Finance lease liabilities 
Invoice discounting facility 
Revolving credit facility 

Current liabilities 
Current portion of finance lease liabilities 

Bank overdraft 

Terms and Debt Repayment Schedule 

Group 

2014  
£000 

Company

2013  
£000 

2014  
£000 

2013  
£000 

12,138
–
80,190

9,054
–
83,632

–
–
80,190

–
–
83,632

92,328

92,686

80,190

83,632

7,215

6,446 

7,215

6,446

–

42,476

7,215

48,922

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Finance lease liabilities 
Bank overdraft facility 
Invoice discounting facility 
Revolving credit facility 

Currency

Nominal interest rate

Sterling 
EUR/USD/Sterling 
Sterling 
Sterling 

4.0% – 5.0%
2.55% – 3.1% 
Base Rate + 2% 
LIBOR + 2.35% 

Year of 
maturity

2013-2018 
N/A 
2015
2015 

Face  
value  
2014  
£000

19,353
–
–
81,000

Carrying 
amount  
2014  
£000

19,353
–
–
80,190

Face  
value  
2013  
£000

15,500
42,476
–
85,000

Carrying 
amount  
2013  
£000

15,500
42,476
–
83,632

100,353

99,543

142,976

141,608

In April 2012, the Group completed a new 43-month multi-bank committed facility consisting of a £40m invoice finance facility and a £135m revolving credit 
facility. This facility is secured by a debenture over the Group’s assets. 

The invoice discounting facilities are committed 43-month facilities from 3 April 2012 which permit the refinancing of current trade receivables. In accordance 
with the presentation requirements of IAS 32 and IAS 39 these liabilities have been classified according to the maturity date of the longest permitted 
refinancing. Without these committed facilities these amounts would have been classified as falling due within one year. The invoice discounting advances 
are secured by fixed and floating charges over the Group’s assets. The gross amount of debts which were subject to invoice discounting advances at 31 May 
2014 was £nil (2013: £nil). At the year end the invoice discounting facility was unused, with a credit balance of £5,922,000 (2013: £2,223,000) which was 
included in cash and cash equivalents. 

On 28 November 2013 the Group restructured its European operations, resulting in a lower equity participation for the Group. As a result the Group net 
debt improved by £10.2m, which included the deconsolidation of the overdraft facility present in the prior year.

67

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Notes 
(forming part of the financial statements)  
continued

20  Other Interest-bearing Loans and Borrowings (continued)
Finance Lease Liabilities 
Finance lease liabilities are payable as follows: 

Group

Less than one year 
Between one and five years 

21  Trade and Other Payables 

Minimum 
lease 
payments 
2014  
£000

7,782
12,727

Interest  
2014  
£000

567
589

Principal  
2014  
£000

7,215
12,138

Minimum 
lease 
payments 
2013  
£000

6,947
9,415

Interest  
2013  
£000

501
361

Principal  
2013  
£000

6,446
9,054

20,509

1,156

19,353

16,362

862

15,500

Current 
Trade payables 
Trade payables due to Group undertakings 
Trade payables due to undertakings in which the Company has a participating interest 
Other trade payables 
Non-trade payables and accrued expenses 

Group 

2014  
£000 

Company

2013  
£000 

2014  
£000 

2013  
£000 

41,321
–
–
19,311
38,980

59,397 
–
–
17,156 
41,288 

–
429,032
–
39
1,449

–
341,333 
–
–
372

99,612

117,841

430,520

341,705

No amounts included within trade and other payables for the Group or Company are expected to be settled in more than 12 months (2013: £nil). 

22  Pension Schemes and Other Retirement Benefits 
Defined Contribution Plans 
The Group operates a Group personal pension scheme. The pension cost charge for the year represents contributions payable by the Group to the 
employees’ funds and amounted to £1,605,000 (2013: £1,756,000). There were no outstanding or prepaid contributions, at either the beginning or end  
of the financial year. 

Defined Benefit Plans 
The Group acquired a concessionary fuel retirement benefit scheme on the acquisition of The Monckton Coke & Chemical Company Limited on 17 June 2005. 

The Group provides for concessionary fuel retirement benefits, for the current members of the scheme, payable at retirement on attaining the age of 65.  
The amounts payable are determined in the employee terms and conditions and are subject to a qualifying period of service. The costs of the concessionary 
fuel benefits are determined by a qualified actuary on the basis of triennial valuations. 

The latest full actuarial valuation was carried out on 31 December 2009 and updated for IAS 19 purposes to 31 May 2014. 

Concessionary fuel is an unfunded retirement benefit and as such there are no assets in the scheme. 

Present value of unfunded defined benefit obligations

Movements in Present Value of Defined Benefit Obligation 

At beginning of year 
Current service cost 
Contributions paid 
Other finance cost 
Actuarial gain

At the end of the year 

68

2014  
£000

411

2014  
£000

424
9
(21)
19
(20)

2013  
£000 

424 

2013  
£000

450
7
(21)
21
(33)

411

424

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014 
22  Pension Schemes and Other Retirement Benefits (continued)
Defined Benefit Plans (continued)
Expense Recognised in the Income Statement 

Current service cost 
Interest on defined benefit obligation 

The expense is recognised in the following line items in the income statement: 

Administrative expenses 
Finance expense 

Actuarial gains and losses recognised directly in equity in the statement of comprehensive income since 17 June 2005. 

Cumulative amount at 1 June 
Recognised in the year 

Cumulative amount at 31 May 

The major assumptions used in these valuations were: 

Average retirement age 
Rate of leaving services 
Coal price inflation 
Discount rate applied to scheme liabilities 
Inflation assumption 

2014  
£000

9
19

28

2014  
£000

9
19

28

2014  
£000

41
20

61

2013  
£000

7
21

28

2013  
£000

7
21

28

2013  
£000

8
33

41

2014

2013

65 years
2.5%
2.55%
4.25%
3.55%

65 years 
2.5%
2.55%
4.6%
3.55%

The assumptions used by the actuary are chosen from a range of possible actuarial assumptions which, due to the timescale covered, may not necessarily 
be borne out in practice. 

The assumptions relating to longevity underlying the pension liability at the balance sheet date are based on standard actuarial mortality tables and 
include an allowance for future improvements in longevity. The assumptions are equivalent to expecting a 65 year old to live for a number of years  
as follows: 

Current pensioner aged 65: 20.0 years (male), 22.2 years (female). 
Future retiree upon reaching 65: 20.6 years (male), 23.0 years (female). 

Sensitivity Analysis 
Reasonably possible changes at the reporting date to one of the actuarial assumptions, holding other assumptions constant, would have increased/
(decreased) the defined benefit obligation by the amounts shown below. 

Discount rate (1% movement)

Coal price inflation (1% movement)

2014  
£000 

(90)

90

2013  
£000 

(88)

88

69

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Notes 
(forming part of the financial statements)  
continued

22  Pension Schemes and Other Retirement Benefits (continued)
The Group acquired another concessionary fuel retirement benefit scheme and became a member of two defined benefit schemes on the acquisition  
of Maltby Colliery on 26 February 2007. Details of these three schemes are consolidated in the tables below. 

The latest full actuarial valuation of all these schemes was carried out at 31 December 2009 and was updated for IAS 19 purposes to 31 May 2014 by a qualified 
independent actuary. 

Present value of unfunded defined benefit obligations
Present value of funded defined benefit obligations 
Fair value of assets 

Deficit in the scheme – Pension liability 

Movements in Present Value of Defined Benefit Obligation 

At the beginning of the year 
Current service cost 
Interest cost 
Actuarial loss 
Contributions paid 
Benefits paid 
Obligation acquired 

At the end of the year

Movements in the Fair Value of Plan Assets 

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 
Expected return on plan assets 
Actuarial (loss)/gain
Employer contributions 
Plan members’ contributions 
Benefits paid 
Expenses paid
Plan assets acquired 

Fair value of plan assets at end of year 

2014  
£000

(1,361)
(39,813)
36,005

2013  
£000 

(1,371)
(37,681)
35,836

(5,169)

(3,216)

2014  
£000

39,052
–
1,752
2,207
–
(2,060)
223

2013  
£000 

32,177
1,209
1,553
3,240
266
(342)
949

41,174

39,052

2014  
£000

35,836
1,630
(551)
1,007
–
(2,060)
(80)
223

2013  
£000 

26,658
1,504
3,862 
2,939
266
(342)
–
949

36,005

35,836

The plan assets and obligations acquired during the current year relate to transfers into the schemes of members under TUPE arrangements with UK Coal. 
All original 140 eligible members have now transferred their entitlement. 

Expense Recognised in the Income Statement 

Current service cost 
Expected return on defined benefit pension plan 
Interest on defined benefit pension plan obligation

The expense is recognised in the following line items in the income statement: 

In discontinued operations

Administrative expenses 
Finance income 
Finance expense 

Actuarial gains and losses recognised directly in equity in the statement of comprehensive income since 26 February 2007. 

70

2014  
£000

80
(1,630)
1,752

2013  
£000 

1,209
(1,504)
1,553

202

1,258

2014  
£000

80
(1,630)
1,752

2013  
£000 

1,209
(1,504)
1,553

202

1,258

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 201422  Pension Schemes and Other Retirement Benefits (continued)

Cumulative amount at 1 June 
Recognised in the year 

Cumulative amount at 31 May 

2014  
£000

(284)
2,758

2013  
£000 

(906)
622

2,474

(284)

Scheme Assets 
The fair value of the scheme’s assets, which are not intended to be realised in the short term and may be subject to significant change before they are 
realised, and the present value of the scheme’s liabilities, which are derived from cash flow projections over long periods and thus inherently uncertain, were: 

Equities and hedge funds 
Bonds 
Property 
Alternative investment mandate 
Other – cash 

Actual return on plan assets 

The major assumptions used in this valuation were: 

Rate of increase in salaries 
Rate of increase in pensions in payment and deferred pensions 
Discount rate applied to scheme liabilities 
Inflation assumption 

Fair value at 
2014  
£000

Fair value at 
2013  
£000

18,454
12,070
1,995
3,140
346

17,058
10,894
1,769
3,217
2,898

36,005

35,836

1,079

5,366

2014 

2013

–
3.4%
4.25%
3.55%

–
3.4%
4.6%
3.55% 

The assumptions used by the actuary are chosen from a range of possible actuarial assumptions which, due to the timescale covered, may not necessarily 
be borne out in practice.

There was a curtailment event as a result of the mothballing of underground activities at Maltby Colliery in the prior year, but this did not result in a 
curtailment gain or charge as the rate of salary increase is equal to inflation and there is not a significant number of early retirements. There is no longer  
an increase in salaries as a result of this curtailment event.

The assumptions relating to longevity underlying the pension liability at the balance sheet date are based on standard actuarial mortality tables and include 
an allowance for future improvements in longevity. The assumptions are equivalent to expecting a 60 year old to live for a number of years as follows: 

IWMPS 
Current pensioner aged 60: 21.7 years (male), 25.5 years (female). 
Future retiree upon reaching 60: 22.5 years (male), 26.4 years (female). 

IWCSSS 
Current pensioner aged 60: 24.4 years (male), 26.7 years (female). 
Future retiree upon reaching 60: 25.1 years (male), 27.6 years (female). 

71

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Notes 
(forming part of the financial statements)  
continued

22  Pension Schemes and Other Retirement Benefits (continued)
Sensitivity Analysis 
Reasonably possible changes at the reporting date to one of the actuarial assumptions, holding other assumptions constant, would have increased/
(decreased) the defined benefit obligation by the amounts shown below. 

Discount rate (1% movement)

Inflation (1% movement)

2014  
£000 

(9,058)

9,058

2013  
£000 

(8,123)

8,123

The Group expects to contribute approximately £1,593,000 to its defined benefit plans in the next financial year. 

23  Employee Share Schemes 
The Group has established a Savings-Related Share Option scheme and an Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan. An additional Long-Term Incentive Plan was 
established for certain senior employees as part of the acquisition of Norec Limited in September 2006. 

The terms and conditions of the grants are as follows, whereby all options are settled by physical delivery of shares: 

Date of grant

Employees entitled

Number of 
shares granted Vesting conditions

Long-Term Incentive Plan – Norec 
Long-Term Incentive Plan 2

September 2006
June 2008

Senior employees 
Senior employees

96,572 
128,621

Long-Term Incentive Plan 3 

June 2009

Senior employees

193,658

Savings-Related Share Option Scheme 5 
Long-Term Incentive Plan 4

April 2010 
December 2010

All employees 
Senior employees

175,511 
128,702

Savings-Related Share Option Scheme 6 
Long-Term Incentive Plan 5 

April 2011 
September 2011

All employees 
Senior employees

141,122 
134,626

Savings-Related Share Option Scheme 7 
Savings-Related Share Option Scheme 8 
Long-Term Incentive plan 6

April 2012
April 2013 
October 2013

All employees 
All employees 
Senior employees

167,715 
134,986 
192,098

Savings-related share option scheme 9

April 2014

All employees

140,346

3 years’ service 
3 years’ service and EPS growth  
of 35.4% (30% award) – 63.5%  
(100% award) over RPI over  
those 3 years 
3 years’ service and EPS growth  
of 18.9% (30% award) – 30.0%  
(100% award) over RPI over  
those 3 years
3 years’ service
3 years’ service and EPS growth  
of 12% (30% award) – 26.0%  
(100% award over RPI over  
those 3 years
3 years’ service 
3 years’ service and EPS growth  
of 9.3%% (30% award) – 22.5%  
(100% award over RPI over  
those 3 years
3 years’ service 
3 years’ service 
3 years’ service and EPS  
growth of 3% pa
(30% award) – 9% pa
(100% award) over those 3 years
3 years’ service

Contractual life

11 years 
3.5 years

3.5 years

3.5 years 
3.5 years

3.5 years 
3.5 years

3.5 years 
3.5 years 

3.5 years
3.5 years

72

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014 
 
23  Employee Share Schemes (continued)
The number and weighted average exercise price of share options is as follows: 

Savings-Related Share Option Schemes 

Outstanding at beginning of year 
Granted during the year 
Lapsed during the year 
Exercised during the year 

Outstanding at the end of the year 

Exercisable at the end of the year 

2014  
Weighted 
average 
exercise price

828p
733p
895p
660p

2014  
Number of 
options

457,561
140,346
(152,599)
(110,678)

2013  
Weighted 
average 
exercise price

748p
794p
953p
450p

2013  
Number of 
options

626,450
134,986
(118,980)
(184,895)

813p

334,630

828p

457,561

825p

47,075

656p

121,395

The options outstanding at 31 May 2014 have an exercise price in the range of 733p to 1098p and have a weighted average contractual life of two years. 

The options exercised during the year had a weighted average market value of 819p (2013: 773p). 

Long-Term Incentive Plans 

Outstanding at beginning of year 
Granted during the year 
Lapsed during the year 
Exercised during the year 

Outstanding at the end of the year 

Exercisable at the end of the year 

2014  
Weighted 
average 
exercise price

26p
–
–
165p

2014  
Number of 
options

551,274
192,098
(123,425)
(52,584)

2013  
Weighted 
average 
exercise price

45p
–
–
–

2013  
Number of 
options

630,593
–
(7,000)
(72,319)

10p

567,363

197p

551,274

22p

246,416

26p

229,000

The options outstanding at 31 May 2014 have an exercise price in the range of £nil to 393.5p and have a weighted average contractual life of 0.9 years. 

The options exercised during the year had a weighted average market value of 814p (2013: 738p). 

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. The contractual life of the option is used as an input into this model. 

Fair value at grant date 
Exercise price
Share price 
Expected volatility 
Option life 
Expected dividends 
Risk-free rate 

2014 

Savings-
Related 
Share Option 
Scheme 9

2013

Long-Term 
Incentive 
Plan 6

Savings-
Related 
Share Option 
Scheme 8

285p
733p
814p
40.0%
3 years
1.0%
5.4%

826p
–
878p
20.0%
3 years
2.0%
5.8%

302p
794p
873p
40.0%
3 years
1.0%
5.4%

Volatility was calculated with reference to the Group’s daily share price volatility. The average share price in the year was 836p (2013: 754p). 

73

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Notes 
(forming part of the financial statements)  
continued

23  Employee Share Schemes (continued)
Long-Term Incentive Plans (continued)
The costs charged to the income statement relating to share-based payments were as follows: 

Share options granted in 2010 
Share options granted in 2011 
Share options granted in 2012 
Share options granted in 2013
Share options granted in 2014

24  Provisions 

Group 

Balance at 1 June 2013 
Provisions made during the year 
Provisions utilised during the year 

2014  
£000 

–
126
632
136
330

2013  
£000

149
(279)
621
23
–

1,224

514 

Surface 
mining 
restoration 
£000

Monckton 
ground water 
contamination 
£000

–
1,081
–

1,687
49
–

Maltby 
restoration 
£000

6,312
444
(1,335)

Maltby 
subsidence 
provision 
£000

1,906
–
(953)

Total  
£000

9,905
1,574
(2,288)

Balance at 31 May 2014 

1,081

1,736

5,421

953

9,191

Included within the Maltby restoration provision is an amount of £550,000 (2013: £2,285,000) that is expected to be utilised in the next 12 months.

Provisions comprise: 
1 
2 

A £1,081,000 restoration provision, which relates to the surface mining obligation to restore the site once mining operation is completed.
A £1,736,000 ground and groundwater contamination provision which relates to Monckton’s obligation to address ground and groundwater 
contamination at its sites. The provision is based on estimates of volumes of contaminated soil and historical contract costs of ground contamination 
treatment. The costs will usually be payable on the decommissioning of the site. 
A £5,421,000 restoration provision which relates to Maltby Colliery’s obligation to restore the site now that coal mining has been completed. The provision 
has increased due to estimates of the future cost of labour and fuel increasing. 
A statutory provision payable to the UK Coal Authority at a set rate, in order to rectify any potential subsidence of the local area around Maltby Colliery. 
Any unused provision will be released after the statutory period. 

3 

4 

The Company has no provisions. 

25  Capital and Reserves 
Share Capital 

In issue at 1 June
Issued for cash

In issue and fully paid at 31 May

Allotted, called up and fully paid 
33,087,413 (2013: 32,962,735) Ordinary Shares of 10p each

Ordinary Shares

2014  
Number

2013  
Number

32,962,735 27,086,816
5,875,919

124,678

33,087,413 32,962,735

2014  
£000

2013  
£000 

3,309

3,296

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. In April 2013, the Group completed a successful fund raising in the amount of £40.7m, net of £1.6m of issue costs resulting in the issue of  
5.46m new shares.

Translation Reserve 
The translation reserve comprises all foreign exchange differences arising since 1 June 2007, the transition date to Adopted IFRSs, from the translation of the 
financial statements of foreign operations. 

Cash Flow Hedging Reserve 
The hedging reserve comprises the effective portion of the cumulative net change in the fair value of cash flow hedging instruments related to hedged 
transactions that have not yet occurred. 

74

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014 
25  Capital and Reserves (continued)
Other Reserves 
Other reserves, the Merger reserve, and the Capital Redemption reserve are historical reserves for which no movements are anticipated. 

Dividends 
The aggregate amount of dividends comprises: 

Final dividends paid in respect of prior year but not recognised as liabilities in that year (13.6 pence per share (2013: 11.8p))
Interim dividends paid in respect of the current year (8.8 pence per share (2013: 6.9p))

Proposed dividend (16.7 pence per share (2013: 13.6p)) 

The proposed dividend has not been included in liabilities as it was not approved before the year end. 

2014  
£000

4,498
2,908

2013  
£000

3,222
1,897

7,406

5,119

5,522

4,483

26  Financial Instruments 
The Group’s and Company’s principal financial instruments comprise short-term receivables and payables, bank loans and overdrafts, invoice discounting 
advances, obligations under finance leases and cash. Neither the Group nor the Company trades in financial instruments but uses derivative financial 
instruments in the form of forward rate agreements and forward foreign currency contracts to help manage its foreign currency, interest rate and 
commodity price exposures. The main purpose of these financial instruments is to raise finance for the Group’s and Company’s ongoing operations  
and manage its working capital requirements. 

(a)  Fair Values of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities 
Derivative Financial Instruments 
Fair Value Hierarchy 
The following hierarchy classifies each class of financial asset or liability depending on the valuation technique applied in determining its fair value: 

Level 1: 
Level 2: 

Level 3: 

The fair value is calculated based on quoted prices traded in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. 
 The fair value is based on inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly  
or indirectly. The fair value of a financial instrument is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly 
transaction between market participants at the measurement date. 
The fair value is based on inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs). 

In both 2014 and 2013 all of the interest rate swaps, the forward exchange contracts and the commodity contracts are considered to be Level 2 in the fair 
value hierarchy. There have been no transfers between categories in the current or preceding year. 

The fair value of financial instruments held at fair value have been determined based on available market information at the balance sheet date. 

(b)  Credit Risk 
Financial Risk Management 
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, and arises 
principally from the Group’s receivables from customers. The Group’s risk is influenced by the nature of its customers. New customers are analysed for 
creditworthiness before the Group’s standard payment terms and conditions are offered and appropriate credit limits set. 

Exposure to Credit Risk 
The carrying amount of trade receivables represents the maximum credit exposure. Therefore, the maximum exposure to credit risk at the balance sheet 
date was £60,601,000 (2013: £86,545,000) being the total of the carrying amount of trade receivables. 

The allowance account for trade receivables is used to record impairment losses unless the Group or Company is satisfied that no recovery of the amount 
owing is possible; at that point the amounts considered irrecoverable are written off against the trade receivables directly. Further information on credit risk 
is provided in Note 18. 

(c)  Liquidity Risk 
Financial Risk Management 
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group and Company will not be able to access the necessary funds to finance their operations. We finance operations 
through a mix of short- and medium-term facilities. 

The Group manages its liquidity risk by monitoring existing facilities and cash flows against forecast requirements based on a rolling cash forecast. 

75

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Notes 
(forming part of the financial statements)  
continued

26  Financial Instruments (continued)
(c)  Liquidity Risk (continued)
Financial Risk Management (continued)
The following are the contractual maturities of financial liabilities, including estimated interest payments and excluding the effect of netting agreements: 

Carrying 
amount 
£000

Contractual 
cash flow 
£000

1 year  
or less  
£000

2014

1 to <2 
years 
£000

2 to <5 
years 
£000

5 years 
and over 
£000

Carrying 
amount 
£000

Contractual 
cash flow 
£000

1 year  
or less 
£000

2 to <5 
years 
£000

5 years 
and over 
£000

Group 

Non-derivative  

financial liabilities 
Finance lease liabilities 
Bank overdrafts
Trade and other payables* 
Invoice discounting facility 
Revolving credit facility 
Promissory note facility 

Derivative financial 

liabilities 

Interest rate swaps used  

for hedging 

Forward exchange contracts 

used for hedging: 

Outflow 
Inflow 
Commodity contracts: 
Outflow 
Inflow 

19,353
–
99,612
(5,922)
80,190
–

20,509
–
99,612
(5,922)
80,190
–

7,782
–
99,612
(5,922)
–
–

5,757
–
–
–
80,190
–

6,970
–
–
–
–
–

962

962

–

–

962

1,190
–

1,777
–

1,190
–

1,777
–

1,102
–

1,484
–

88
–

293
–

–
–

–
–

197,162 198,318 104,058

86,328

7,932

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–

–
–

–

15,500
42,476
117,841
(2,223)
83,632
–

16,362
42,476
117,841
(2,223)
83,632 
–

6,947
42,476
117,841
(2,223)
–
–

2,839

2,839

–

418
–

7,557
–

418
–

7,557
–

418
–

7,246
–

2013

1 to <2 
years 
£000

5,442
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–

311
–

3,973
–
–
–
83,632
–

2,839

–
–

–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–

–
–

–

268,040  268,902  172,705 

5,753 

90,444 

* Excludes derivatives (shown separately). 

Company 

Non-derivative  

financial liabilities 
Trade and other payables
Revolving credit facility 

Derivative financial 

liabilities 

Forward exchange contracts 

used for hedging: 

Outflow 
Inflow 

Carrying 
amount 
£000

Contractual 
cash flow 
£000

1 year or 
less £000

2014

1 to <2 
years 
£000

2 to <5 
years 
£000

5 years 
and over 
£000

Carrying 
amount 
£000

Contractual 
cash flow 
£000

1 year or 
less £000

2013

1 to <2 
years 
£000

2 to <5 
years  
£000

5 years 
and over 
£000

429,032 429,032 429,032
–
80,190

80,190

–
80,190

1
–

1
–

1
–

–
–

509,223 509,223 429,033

80,190

–
–

–
–

–

–
–

341,705
83,632

341,705
83,632

341,705
–

–
–

–

12
–

12
–

12
–

425,349  423,349  341,717 

–
–

–
–

–

–
83,632

–
–

83,632

–
–

–
–

–

(d)  Market Risk 
Financial Risk Management 
Market risk is the risk that changes in market prices, such as foreign exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices will affect the Group’s or Company’s 
income or the value of its holdings of financial instruments. 

Group 
The Group is exposed to currency risk on sales and purchases that are denominated in a currency other than the respective functional currencies of Group 
entities. The Group’s policy is to reduce currency exposures on sales and purchasing through forward foreign currency contracts. 

The Group is exposed to interest rate risk principally where its borrowings are at a variable interest rate. The Group’s policy it to reduce this exposure 
through interest rate swaps. 

76

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 201426  Financial Instruments (continued)
(d)  Market Risk (continued)
Commodity Price Risk
Commodity price risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group through open positions on the trading of coal, coke and other mineral commodities, prices for 
which are subject to variations that are both uncontrollable and unpredictable. 

The Group mitigates these risks wherever practicable, through the use of measures including fixed price contracts, hedging instruments and ‘back to back’ 
purchase and sale agreements. 

Although short-term trading risks are managed in this way, through the ownership of Monckton Coke Works, and the Group’s participation in the Tower 
surface mining jointly controlled entity and the former Aardvark and Scottish Coal sites, the Group does have a longer-term exposure to price movements, 
favourable or unfavourable, in international coal and coke prices. 

Foreign Currency Risk 
Group 
The Group’s exposure to foreign currency risk is as follows. This is based on the carrying amount for monetary financial instruments except derivatives when 
it is based on notional amounts. 

31 May 2014 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Invoice discounting facility 
Trade receivables 
Trade receivables due from undertakings in which the Company has a participating interest 
Trade payables 
Other trade payables 
Revolving credit facility 

Balance sheet exposure 
Contracted future sales
Contracted future purchases

Gross exposure
Forward exchange contracts 

Net exposure 

31 May 2013 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Invoice discounting facility 
Trade receivables 
Trade receivables due from undertakings in which the Company has a participating interest 
Trade payables 
Other trade payables 
Overdraft 
Revolving credit facility 

Balance sheet exposure 
Contracted future sales
Contracted future purchases

Gross exposure
Forward exchange contracts 

Net exposure 

Sterling  
£000 

22,157
5,922
55,353
25,360
(40,859)
(19,311)
(80,190)

(31,568)

Sterling  
£000 

47,166
2,223
68,006
23,115
(52,600)
(17,156)
–
(83,632)

(12,878)

Euro  
£000 

1,164
–
1,109
2,992
(462)
–
–

4,803
518
–

5,321
(2,835)

US Dollar  
£000 

Hong Kong 
Dollar 
 £000 

1,469
–
3,308
2,087
–
–
–

6,864
–
–

6,864
(26,046)

56
–
831
–
–
–
–

887
–
–

887
–

Total  
£000 

24,846
5,922
60,601
30,439
(41,321)
(19,311)
(80,190)

(19,014)
518
–

13,072
(28,881)

2,486

(19,182)

887

(15,809)

Euro  
£000 

US Dollar  
£000 

Polish Zloty 
£000 

6,251
–
11,188
–
(1,112)
–
(11,742)
–

4,585
1,429
–

6,014
(6,079)

5,779
–
7,123
1,405
(5,683)
–
(30,734)
–

(22,110)
–
(11,720)

(33,830)
40,813

16
–
228
–
(2)
–
–
–

242
–
–

242
–

Total  
£000 

59,212
2,223
86,545
24,520
(59,397)
(17,156)
(42,476)
(83,632)

(30,161)
1,429
(11,720)

(27,574)
34,734

(65)

6,983

242

7,160

77

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Notes 
(forming part of the financial statements)  
continued

26  Financial Instruments (continued)
(d)  Market Risk (continued)
Foreign Currency Risk (continued)
Company 
The Company has no exposure to foreign currency risk. 

Sensitivity Analysis 
Group 
A 10% weakening of the following currencies against the pound Sterling at 31 May 2014 would have increased equity and profit or loss by the amounts 
shown below. This calculation assumes that the change occurred at the balance sheet date and had been applied to risk exposures existing at that date. 

This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular other exchange rates and interest rates, remain constant. The analysis is performed on the same 
basis for 2013. 

€
$
PLN 
HKD

Equity

Profit or loss

2014  
£000

(226)
1,744
–
(81)

2013  
£000 

6 
(717)
(22)
–

2014  
£000 

(226)
1,744
–
(81)

2013  
£000

6
(717) 
(22) 
–

A 10% strengthening of the above currencies against the pound Sterling at 31 May 2014 would have had the equal but opposite effect on the above 
currencies to the amounts shown above, on the basis that all other variables remain constant. 

Interest Rate Risk 
Profile 
At the balance sheet date the interest rate profile of the Group’s interest-bearing financial instruments was: 

Fixed rate instruments 
Financial assets 
Financial liabilities 

Variable rate instruments 
Financial assets 
Financial liabilities 

Group 

2014  
£000 

Company

2013 
£000 

2014  
£000 

2013  
£000 

–
(19,353)

–
(57,976)

(19,353)

(57,976)

–
–

–

–
–

–

30,768
(80,190)

61,435
(83,632)

427
(80,190)

11,845
(83,632)

(49,422)

(22,197)

(49,422)

(71,787)

Sensitivity Analysis 
An increase of one basis point in interest rates throughout the period would have affected profit or loss by the amounts shown below. This calculation 
assumes that the change occurred at all points in the period and had been applied to the average risk exposures throughout the period. 

This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular foreign currency rates, remain constant and considers the effect of financial instruments with 
variable interest rates, financial instruments at fair value through profit and loss or available for sale with fixed interest rates and the fixed rate element  
of interest rate swaps. The analysis is performed on the same basis for 2013. 

Group 

Company

2014  
£000

392

2013  
£000 

312 

2014  
£000 

2013  
£000 

(27)

(32)

Profit or loss 
Increase/(decrease) 

78

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 201426  Financial Instruments (continued)
(e)  Cash Flow Hedges 
Cash Flow Hedges – Group 
The following table indicates the periods in which the cash flows associated with cash flow hedging instruments are expected to occur: 

Interest rate swaps: 
Assets 
Liabilities
Forward exchange contracts: 
Assets
Liabilities
Commodity contracts: 
Assets 
Liabilities

2014 Expected cash flows

2013 Expected cash flows

Carrying 
amount 
£000

1 year or 
less £000 

1 to <2 
years 
£000

2 to <5 
years 
£000 

5 years 
and over 
£000

Carrying 
amount 
£000

1 year or 
less £000 

1 to <2 
years 
£000

2 to <5 
years 
£000 

5 years 
and over 
£000

–
(962)

–
–

–
–

–
(962)

2,318
(1,177)

1,617
(1,089)

701
(88)

4,779
(1,777)

2,515
(1,484)

2,264
(293)

–
–

–
–

3,181

1,559

2,584

(962)

–
–

–
–

–
–

–

–
(2,839)

–
–

2,491
(418)

2,491
(418)

–
–

–
–

762
(7,557)

725
(7,246)

37
(311)

–
(2,839)

–
–

–
–

(7,561)

(4,448)

(274)

(2,839)

–
–

–
–

–
–

–

(f)  Capital Management 
The Group manages its capital to ensure that entities in the Group will be able to continue as a going concern, whilst maximising the return to shareholders. 
The capital structure of the Group consists of debt, which includes borrowings, cash and cash equivalents, and equity attributable to equity holders of the 
parent, comprising capital, reserves and retained earnings. 

The capital structure is reviewed regularly by the Group’s Board of Directors. The Group’s policy is to maintain gearing at levels appropriate to the business. 
The Board principally reviews gearing determined as a proportion of debt to earnings before interest, tax and depreciation (‘EBITDA’). The Board also takes 
consideration of gearing determined as the proportion of net debt to total capital. It should be noted that the Board reviews gearing taking careful account  
of the working capital needs and flows of the business. In the trading businesses, where working capital cycles are regular, predictable and generally less  
than 90 days, the Board is comfortable to maintain higher levels of debt and gearing as measured against EBITDA. 

The Board believes that the Group’s dividend cover remains conservative. The average dividend cover over the past three years has been just under  
six times, representing an average payout ratio of 16.6%. As previously stated the Board has therefore set a target of increasing the dividend payout 
progressively over the next three years towards a dividend cover of around four times.

There are no externally imposed capital requirements but the bank debt is subject to certain covenants in line with normal commercial practice. 
Historic and projected compliance with these covenants is reviewed by the Board on a regular basis. 

27  Operating Leases 
Non-cancellable operating lease rentals are payable as follows: 

Less than one year 
Between one and five years 
More than five years 

Group 

2014  
£000

15,318
23,020
74

2013  
£000 

6,876
9,125
1,278

38,412

17,279

Company

2014 
£000 

2013 
£000 

–
–
–

–

–
–
–

–

Group 
During the year £18,710,000 was recognised as an expense in the income statement in respect of operating leases (2013: £12,100,509). 

Company 
During the year £nil was recognised as an expense in the income statement in respect of operating leases (2013: £nil). 

79

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Notes 
(forming part of the financial statements)  
continued

28  Capital Commitments 
Group 
As at 31 May 2014, the Group was committed to contracts to purchase property, plant and equipment for £80,801 (2013: £3,473,093). 

29  Contingencies 
Group and Company 
The Company and certain of its subsidiary undertakings have debenture and composite arrangements in connection with banking facilities. The Company 
acts as a guarantor, or surety, for various subsidiary undertakings in banking and other agreements entered into by them in the normal course of business. 
The Company’s maximum unprovided exposure is £2,324,000 (2013: £6,267,000). 

The Group is defendant in a small number of lawsuits incidental to its operations which, in aggregate, are not expected to have a material adverse effect  
on the Group.

30  Related Parties 
Identity of Related Parties with which the Group has Transacted 
The Group and Company have a related party relationship with their subsidiaries and jointly controlled entities (Note 13) and its Directors. 

The Group restructured its relationship with Hatfield Colliery Limited, following which the Group no longer holds any issued share capital. At 31 May 2013, 
the Group was owed £2,276,000 under a Hire Purchase agreement. 

Group 
Other Related Party Transactions 

Jointly controlled entities 
Tower Regeneration Limited 
Tower Regeneration Leasing Limited 
Mir Trade Services Limited
Associate undertakings
Hargreaves Services Europe Limited
Hargreaves Raw Materials Services GmbH

Jointly controlled entities 
Tower Regeneration Limited 
Mir Trade Services Limited 
Associate undertakings
Hargreaves Raw Materials Services GmbH

Jointly controlled entities
Tower Regeneration Limited 
Tower Regeneration Leasing Limited 
517EPA Limited
Mir Trade Services Limited
Associate undertakings
Hargreaves Raw Materials Services GmbH
Hargreaves Services Europe Limited
Hargreaves Carbon Products Polska Sp Zo.o

Sales to 

Purchases from

2014  
£000 

2013  
£000 

2014  
£000 

2013  
£000

27,673
–
882

965
1,112

23,542
–
– 

–
–

–
5,262
18,980

–
762

– 
5,017
3,905

–
–

30,632

23,542

25,004

8,922

Interest received from

Interest paid to

2014  
£000 

2013  
£000 

2014  
£000 

2013  
£000

728
95

126

949

697
80

–

777

–
–

–

–

–
–

–

–

Receivables outstanding 

Payables outstanding

2014  
£000 

2013  
£000 

2014  
£000 

2013  
£000

24,899
–
125
2,236

2,768
37
373

22,245 
869
–
1,406

–
–
–

30,438

24,520

–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–

Transactions with Key Management Personnel 
The Directors are the key management personnel of the Group. Details of Directors’ remuneration, share options, pension benefits and other non-cash 
benefits can be found in Note 6. In addition to this, the element of the share-based payment charge for the year that relates to key management personnel 
is £701,000 (2013: £27,000). There are no other post-employment or other long-term benefits. 

80

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 201430  Related Parties (continued)
Company 
Other Related Party Transactions 

Jointly controlled entities 
Tower Regeneration Limited 
Mir Trade Services Limited 

Subsidiaries 
Jointly controlled entities 

Sales to

Interest received

2014  
£000 

600
–

600

2013  
£000 

2014  
£000 

2013  
£000

750
–

750

–
95

95

–
80

80

Receivables outstanding 

Payables outstanding

2014  
£000 

2013  
£000 

2014  
£000 

2013  
£000

590,379
7,405

461,868
4,288 

429,032
–

341,333
–

597,784

466,156

429,032

341,333

31  Post Balance Sheet Events
The disposal of Imperial Tankers Limited (‘Imperial’) for a cash consideration of £26.9m was announced on 1 September 2014. The overall book value  
of Imperial at the time of disposal was approximately £9.5m. Imperial generated profit after tax of approximately £1.6m on revenue of £29.7m in the year 
ended 31 May 2014. The business unit was sold inclusive of cash balances of £1.6m and £2.7m of asset finance debt, resulting In an effective enterprise  
value and reduction in net debt of £28.1m.

81

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014 
 
Notice of Annual General Meeting – Hargreaves Services plc 
(incorporated and registered in England and Wales  
under number 4952865) 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that this year’s Annual General Meeting will be held at Prior’s Hall, Durham Cathedral, The College, Durham, DH1 3EH on  
5 November 2014 at 11.00 a.m. for the following purposes: 

Ordinary Business 
To consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolutions, of which resolutions 1 to 9 will be proposed as ordinary resolutions and resolution 10  
as a special resolution. 

1. 

2. 
3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 
9. 

To adopt and receive the Directors’ Report, the Strategic Report, the Directors’ Corporate Governance and Remuneration Reports, the Auditor’s Report 
and the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 May 2014. 
To approve the Directors’ Corporate Governance and Remuneration Reports for the year ended 31 May 2014. 
To declare a final dividend for the year ended 31 May 2014 of 16.7 pence per ordinary share to bring the dividend for the year ended 31 May 2014 to  
a total of 25.50 pence per ordinary share. 
To re-appoint David Morgan as a Director of the Company in accordance with article 34 of the Company’s articles of association, who offers himself for 
re-appointment. 
To re-appoint Gordon Banham as a Director of the Company in accordance with article 34 of the Company’s articles of association, who offers himself 
for re-appointment. 
To re-appoint Peter Jones as a Director of the Company in accordance with article 29.2 of the Company’s articles of association, who offers himself for 
re-appointment.
To appoint KPMG LLP as auditor of the Company to hold office from the conclusion of this meeting to the conclusion of the next meeting at which 
accounts are laid before the Company. 
To authorise the Directors to agree the remuneration of the auditor. 
That the Directors of the Company be and are generally granted and unconditionally authorised for the purposes of Section 551 of the Companies Act 
2006 (the Act) to exercise all the powers of the Company to allot shares in the Company and to grant rights to subscribe for or to convert any security 
into such shares in the Company (Rights): 
9.1  up to an aggregate nominal value of £1,102,928 (representing approximately one-third of the total ordinary share capital in issue as at the date  

of this notice); and 

9.2  comprising equity securities (within the meaning of section 560 of the Act) up to an aggregate nominal amount of £2,205,856 (after deducting 
from such amount any shares allotted under the authority conferred by virtue of resolution 9.1) in connection with or pursuant to an offer or 
invitation by way of a rights issue (as defined below), provided that such authorities conferred by this resolution 9 shall expire on the earlier of the 
conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company or the date falling six months after the end of the Company’s current financial 
year unless varied, revoked or renewed by the Company in general meeting, save that the Company may at any time before such expiry make  
an offer or agreement which would or might require shares to be allotted or Rights to be granted after such expiry and the Directors may allot 
shares and grant Rights pursuant to such offers or agreements as if the relevant authorities conferred by this resolution 9 had not expired. These 
authorities shall be in substitution for all previous authorities previously granted to the Directors to allot shares and grant Rights which are 
pursuant to this resolution 9 revoked but without prejudice to any allotment or grant of Rights made or entered into prior to the date of this 
resolution 9. For the purposes of this resolution 9, rights issue means an offer or invitation to (i) holders of ordinary shares in proportion (as nearly 
as may be practicable) to the respective numbers of ordinary shares held by them on the record date for such allotment and (ii) persons who are 
holders of other classes of equity securities if this is required by the rights of such securities (if any) or, if the Directors of the Company consider 
necessary, as permitted by the rights of those securities, to subscribe for further securities by means of the issue of a renounceable letter (or other 
negotiable instrument) which may be traded for a period before payment for the securities is due, but subject in both cases to such exclusions  
or other arrangements as the Directors of the Company may deem necessary or expedient in relation to fractional entitlements, treasury shares, 
record dates or legal, regulatory or practical difficulties which may arise under the laws of, or the requirements of, any recognised regulatory body 
or any stock exchange in any territory or any other matter whatever. 

10.  That, subject to and conditional upon the passing of resolution 9 above, the Directors be and are empowered pursuant to Sections 570 and 573 of the 

Act to allot equity securities (as defined in Section 560 of the Act) of the Company for cash: 
10.1 pursuant to the authority conferred upon them by resolution 9.1 or where the allotment constitutes an allotment of equity securities by virtue  

of section 560(3) of the Act, provided that this power shall be limited to the allotment of equity securities: 
10.1.1  in connection with or pursuant to an offer of such securities by way of a pre-emptive offer (as defined below); and 
10.1.2  (otherwise than pursuant to sub-paragraph 10.1.1 above) up to an aggregate nominal value of £330,878 (representing approximately 10% 

of the total ordinary share capital in issue); and 

10.2 pursuant to the authority conferred upon them by resolution 9.2, in connection with or pursuant to a rights issue, as if section 561(1) of the  

Act did not apply to any such allotment and the authorities given shall expire on the earlier of the conclusion of the next Annual General  
Meeting of the Company or the date falling six months after the end of the Company’s current financial year unless renewed or extended prior  
to such expiry, save that the Directors of the Company may before such expiry make an offer or agreement which would or might require equity 
securities to be allotted after such expiry and the Directors may allot equity securities in pursuance of any such offer or agreement 
notwithstanding that the power conferred by this resolution 10 has expired. 

rights issue has the meaning given in resolution 9; and

For the purpose of this resolution 10: 
(a) 
(b)  pre-emptive offer means a rights issue, open offer or other pre-emptive issue or offer to (i) holders of ordinary shares in proportion (as nearly  
as may be practicable) to the respective numbers of ordinary shares held by them on the record date(s) for such allotment; and (ii) persons who 
are holders of other classes of equity securities if this is required by the rights of such securities (if any) or, if the Directors of the Company consider 
necessary, as permitted by the rights of those securities, but subject in both cases to such exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors of 
the Company may deem necessary or expedient in relation to fractional entitlements, treasury shares, record dates or legal, regulatory or practical 
difficulties which may arise under the laws of, or the requirements of, any recognised regulatory body or any stock exchange in any territory or 
any other matter whatever. 

82

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014 
Special Business 
To consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolution as a special resolution. 

11.  The Company be and is generally and unconditionally authorised for the purpose of section 701 of the Act to make market purchases (which in this 

resolution shall have the meaning given to this term in section 693 (4) of the Act) of its ordinary shares of 10 pence each in the capital of the Company 
(Ordinary Shares) on the terms set out below: 
11.1  the maximum aggregate number of Ordinary Shares authorised to be purchased by the Company pursuant to this resolution 11 is 3,308,785 

(representing approximately ten per cent of the number of Ordinary Shares in issue); and 

11.2 the minimum price which may be paid for each of those Ordinary Shares (exclusive of expenses) is 10 pence; and 
11.3 the maximum price (exclusive of expenses) which may be paid for each of those Ordinary Shares is not more than the higher of (i) five per cent 
above the average of the middle market quotations for Ordinary Shares (as derived from the Daily Official Lists of the London Stock Exchange)  
for the five dealing days immediately preceding the date of purchase and (ii) that stipulated by Article 5(1) of the Buy-Back and Stabilisation 
Regulations 2003, 

but so that this authority shall (unless previously varied, revoked or renewed) expire on the earlier of the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting 
of the Company or the date falling six months after the end of the Company’s current financial year, save that the Company may before the expiry of this 
authority conclude any contract for the purchase of its own shares pursuant to the authority conferred by this resolution 11 which contract would or 
might be executed wholly or partially after the expiration of this authority as if the authority conferred by this resolution 11 had not expired. 

6 October 2014

By order of the Board 

Andrew Robertson 
Company Secretary 

Registered Office: 
West Terrace Esh Winning 
Durham DH7 9PT 
Registered in England and Wales No. 4952865 

83

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014 
Notice of Annual General Meeting – Hargreaves Services plc 
continued

Notes 
1. 

To be entitled to attend and vote at the Annual General Meeting (and for the purpose of the determination by the Company of the votes they  
may cast), Shareholders must be registered in the Register of Members of the Company at 6.00 p.m. on 3 November 2014 (or, in the event of any 
adjournment, at 6.00 p.m. two days prior to the day of the adjourned meeting). Changes to the Register of Members after the relevant deadline  
shall be disregarded in determining the rights of any person to attend and vote at the meeting. 

2.  Members are entitled to appoint a proxy to exercise all or any of their rights to attend and to speak and vote on their behalf at the meeting.  

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

A shareholder may appoint more than one proxy in relation to the Annual General Meeting provided that each proxy is appointed to exercise the 
rights attached to a different share or shares held by that shareholder. A proxy need not be a shareholder of the Company. A proxy form which  
may be used to make such appointment and give proxy instructions accompanies this notice. 
To be valid any proxy form or other instrument appointing a proxy must be received by post or (during normal business hours only) by hand at the 
office of the Registrars of the Company, Capita Asset Services, Proxies Department, The Registry, 34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 4TU  
no later than 11.00 a.m. on 3 November 2014. 
The return of a completed proxy form, other such instrument or any CREST Proxy Instruction (as described in paragraph 9 below) will not prevent  
a shareholder attending the Annual General Meeting and voting in person if he/she wishes to do so. 
If a member appoints a proxy or proxies and then decides to attend the Annual General Meeting in person and vote using his poll card, then the vote 
in person will override the proxy vote(s). If the vote in person is in respect of the member’s entire holding, then all proxy votes will be disregarded. If, 
however, the member votes at the meeting in respect of less than the member’s entire holding, then if the member indicates on his polling card that 
all proxies are to be disregarded, that shall be the case; but if the member does not specifically revoke proxies, then the vote in person will be treated 
in the same way as if it were the last received proxy and earlier proxies will only be disregarded to the extent that to count them would result in the 
number of votes being cast exceeding the member’s entire holding. If you do not have a proxy form and/or believe that you should have one or if you 
require additional forms, please contact the Company at its registered office. 
To change your proxy instructions simply submit a new proxy appointment using the methods set out above. Note that the cut-off time for receipt  
of proxy appointments (see Note 3 above) also applies in relation to amended instructions; any amended proxy appointment received after the 
relevant cut-off time will be disregarded. 
Where you have appointed a proxy using the hard-copy proxy form and would like to change the instructions using another hard-copy proxy form, 
please contact Capita Asset Services Proxies Department, The Registry, 34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 4TU. If you submit more than one 
valid proxy appointment, the appointment received last before the latest time for the receipt of proxies will take precedence. 
In order to revoke a proxy instruction you will need to inform the Company by sending a signed hard copy notice clearly stating your intention to 
revoke your proxy appointment to Capita Asset Services. In the case of a member which is a company, the revocation notice must be executed under 
its common seal or signed on its behalf by an officer of the company or an attorney for the company. Any power of attorney or any other authority 
under which the revocation notice is signed (or a duly certified copy of such power or authority) must be included with the revocation notice. The 
revocation notice must be received by Capita Asset Services at Proxies Department, The Registry, 34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 4TU  
no later than 11.00 a.m. on 3 November 2014. If you attempt to revoke your proxy appointment but the revocation is received after the time specified 
then, subject to paragraph 5 above your appointment will remain valid. 

9. 

8.  CREST members who wish to appoint a proxy or proxies through the CREST electronic proxy appointment service may do so by using the procedures 
described in the CREST Manual. CREST Personal Members or other CREST sponsored members, and those CREST members who have appointed voting 
service provider(s), should refer to their CREST sponsor or voting service provider(s), who will be able to take the appropriate action on their behalf. 
In order for a proxy appointment or instruction made using the CREST service to be valid, the appropriate CREST message (a “CREST Proxy Instruction”) 
must be properly authenticated in accordance with Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited’s (Euroclear) specifications, and must contain the information 
required for such instruction, as described in the CREST Manual. The message, regardless of whether it constitutes the appointment of a proxy or is  
an amendment to the instruction given to a previously appointed proxy must, in order to be valid, be transmitted so as to be received by the issuer’s 
agent (ID RA10) by 11.00 a.m. on 3 November 2014. For this purpose, the time of receipt will be taken to be the time (as determined by the timestamp 
applied to the message by the CREST Application Host) from which the issuer’s agent is able to retrieve the message by enquiry to CREST in the manner 
prescribed by CREST. After this time any change of instructions to proxies appointed through CREST should be communicated to the appointee 
through other means. 

10.  CREST members and, where applicable, their CREST sponsors, or voting service providers should note that Euroclear does not make available special 

procedures in CREST for any particular message. Normal system timings and limitations will, therefore, apply in relation to the input of CREST Proxy 
Instructions. It is the responsibility of the CREST member concerned to take (or, if the CREST member is a CREST personal member, or sponsored 
member, or has appointed a voting service provider, to procure that his CREST sponsor or voting service provider(s) take(s)) such action as shall be 
necessary to ensure that a message is transmitted by means of the CREST system by any particular time. In this connection, CREST members and, 
where applicable, their CREST sponsors or voting system providers are referred, in particular, to those sections of the CREST Manual concerning 
practical limitations of the CREST system and timings. 

11.  The Company may treat as invalid a CREST Proxy Instruction in the circumstances set out in Regulation 35(5)(a) of the Uncertificated Securities 

12. 

Regulations 2001 (as amended). 
If a corporation is a member of the Company, it may by resolution of its Directors or other governing body authorise one or more persons to act  
as its representative or representatives at the Meeting and any such representative or representatives shall be entitled to exercise on behalf of the 
corporation all the powers that the corporation could exercise if it were an individual member of the Company. Corporate representatives should 
bring with them either an original or certified copy of the appropriate board resolution or an original letter confirming the appointment, provided  
it is on the corporation’s letterhead and is signed by an authorised signatory and accompanied by evidence of the signatory’s authority. 

13.  As at 3 October 2014 (being the last business day prior to the publication of this Notice) the Company’s issued share capital consists of 33,087,850 

ordinary shares, carrying one vote each. Therefore, the total voting rights in the Company as at 3 October 2014 are 33,087,850. 

14.  The following documents will be available for inspection of the Company’s registered office at West Terrace, Esh Winning, Durham, DH7 9PT during 
normal business hours on any week day (Saturdays and English public holidays excepted) from the date of this notice until the close of the Meeting 
and at the place of that Meeting for at least 15 minutes prior to and during the Meeting: 
•  copies of the service contracts for the Executive Directors of the Company; and 
•  copies of the letters of appointment of Non-Executive Directors of the Company. 

84

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014 
Explanatory Notes to the Notice of Annual General Meeting 
The notes on the following pages give an explanation of the proposed resolutions. 

Resolutions 1 to 9 are proposed as ordinary resolutions. This means that for each of those resolutions to be passed, more than half of the votes cast must  
be in favour of the resolution. Resolutions 10 and 11 are proposed as special resolutions. This means that for each of those resolutions to be passed, at least 
three-quarters of the votes cast must be in favour of the resolution. 

Resolution 1: Accounts 
The Directors will present their Report, the Directors’ Corporate Governance and Remuneration Reports, the Auditor’s Report and the audited Financial 
Statements for the financial year ended 31 May 2014 to the meeting as required by law. These reports and statements are set out on pages 23 to 81 of the 
Company’s annual report. 

Resolution 2: Approval of the Directors’ Remuneration Report 
Shareholders are asked to approve the Directors’ Remuneration Report for the financial year ended 31 May 2014 which is set out in full on pages 30 to 32  
of the Company’s annual report. The vote is advisory and the Directors’ entitlement to remuneration is not conditional upon this resolution being passed. 

Resolution 3: Declaration of Final Dividend
Final dividends must be approved by shareholders but must not exceed the amount recommended by the Directors. If the meeting approves resolution 3, the 
final dividend in respect of 2014 of 16.7 pence per share will be paid on 21 November 2014 to shareholders on the register of members on 24 October 2014. 

Resolutions 4 and 5: Re-appointment of Directors 
At each annual general meeting one-third of the Directors for the time being (other than those appointed since the last Annual General Meeting) are 
required to retire. If the number of relevant Directors is not a multiple of three, the number nearest to one-third of Directors, but not less than one-third, 
should be obliged to retire. Directors due to retire by rotation are those longest in office since their last re-election or re-appointment and as between 
persons who become or were last re-elected or re-appointed on the same day those due to retire shall (unless otherwise agreed among themselves) be 
determined by lot. A retiring Director is eligible for re-appointment. David Morgan and Gordon Banham are both offering themselves for re-appointment. 

Brief biographical details of David Morgan and Gordon Banham are set out on pages 20 and 21 of this document. 

Resolution 6: Appointment of a Director
As Peter Jones was appointed to the Board subsequent to the date of the last annual general meeting, he is required by the Company’s articles of 
association to retire at this year’s annual general meeting. The directors recommend that Peter Jones be re-appointed as a director and resolution 6 
proposes his re-appointment. Brief biographical details of Peter Jones are set out on page 21 of this document.

Resolutions 7 and 8: Appointment of Auditor and Approval of Remuneration 
The Company is required to appoint auditors at each general meeting at which accounts are laid, to hold office until the next general meeting. KPMG LLP 
are willing to continue in office for a further year and resolution 7 proposes their re-appointment and, in accordance with standard practice, resolution 8 
proposes that their remuneration be fixed by the Directors.

Resolution 9: Authority to Allot Shares 
Resolution 9.1 grants the Directors authority to allot relevant securities up to an aggregate nominal amount of £1,102,928 being approximately one third  
of the Company’s ordinary share capital in issue at 3 October 2014.

In line with guidance issued by the Association of British Insurers in December 2008, resolution 9.2 grants the Directors of the Company authority to allot 
unissued share capital in connection with a rights issue in favour of ordinary shareholders up to an aggregate nominal amount of £2,205,856 (representing 
£22,058,560 ordinary shares of 10 pence each), as reduced by the nominal amount of any shares issued under resolution 9.1. This amount, before any such 
reduction, represents approximately two thirds of the Company’s ordinary share capital in issue at 3 October 2014. 

It is not the Directors’ current intention to exercise either such authorities. The authorities granted by resolution 9 replace the existing authorities to allot shares.

Resolution 10: Disapplication of Statutory Pre-emption Rights
This resolution disapplies the statutory pre-emption rights which would otherwise apply on an issue of shares for cash and is limited to allotments in 
connection with rights issues or other pre-emptive offers where the securities attributable to the interests of all shareholders are proportionate (as nearly  
as may be) to the number of shares held and generally up to a further £330,878 being approximately 10 per cent of the Company’s ordinary share capital  
in issue at 3 October 2014. This replaces the existing authority to disapply pre-emption rights and expires at the conclusion of the next Annual General 
Meeting of the Company. 

85

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Notice of Annual General Meeting – Hargreaves Services plc 
continued

Resolution 11: Purchase of Own Shares 
Resolution 11 authorises the Company to purchase its own shares (in accordance with section 701 of the Act) during the period from the date of this  
Annual General Meeting until the end of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company or the expiration of six months after the 2014 Company 
financial year end, whichever is the sooner, up to a total of 3,308,785 ordinary shares. This represents approximately 10% of the issued ordinary share capital 
as at 3 October 2014, the latest practicable date prior to the issue of this circular. The maximum price payable for a share shall not be more than the higher 
of 5% above the average of the middle market quotations of such shares for the five business days before such purchases and the price stipulated by Article 
5(1) of the Buy-back and Stabilisation Regulations 2003 (being the higher of the price of the last independent trade and the highest current independent 
bid on the trading venue where the purchase is carried out). The minimum price payable for a share will be 10 pence. Companies are permitted to retain 
any of their own shares which they have purchased as treasury stock with a view to possible re-issue at a future date, rather than cancelling them. The 
Company will consider holding any of its own shares that it purchases pursuant to the authority conferred by this resolution as treasury stock. This would 
give the Company the ability to re-issue treasury shares quickly and cost-effectively, and would provide the Company with additional flexibility in the 
management of its capital base. 

The Directors will consider making use of the renewed authorities pursuant to resolution 11 in circumstances which they consider to be in the best interests 
of shareholders generally after taking account of market conditions prevailing at the time, other investment opportunities, appropriate gearing levels,  
the effect on earnings per share and the Company’s overall financial position. No purchases will be made which would effectively alter the control of the 
Company without the prior approval of the shareholders in a general meeting.

86

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014 
Notes

87

Strategic ReportDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsHargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Investor Information

Joint Stock Broker 
Jefferies Hoare Govett 
Vintners Place 
68 Upper Thames Street 
London  
EC4V 3BJ 

Registered Office 
West Terrace Esh Winning 
Durham 
DH7 9PT 

Registrar 
Capita Asset Services 
The Registry 
34 Beckenham Road 
Beckenham 
Kent 
BR3 4TU

Company Secretary
Andrew Robertson 

Independent Auditor 
KPMG LLP 
Quayside House 
110 Quayside 
Newcastle upon Tyne 
NE1 3DX 

Bankers 
Royal Bank of Scotland
1 Trinity Gardens
Broad Chare
Quayside
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 2HF 

Legal Advisers 
Walker Morris 
Kings Court 
12 King Street 
Leeds 
LS1 2HL 

Nominated Adviser and Joint Stock Broker 
N+1 Singer 
One Bartholomew Lane
London 
EC2N 2AX

88

Hargreaves Services plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014For more information 
Please visit us online at  
www.hsgplc.co.uk 
for up to date investor 
information, company news 
and other information. 

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Hargreaves Services plc
West Terrace
Esh Winning
Durham DH7 9PT
Tel: 0191 373 4485
Fax: 0191 373 3777

www.hsgplc.co.uk