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Hargreaves Services Plc

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FY2016 Annual Report · Hargreaves Services Plc
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Annual Report  
and Accounts 2016
Hargreaves Services plc

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hargreaves Services plc 
delivers key projects and 
services in the infrastructure, 
energy and property sectors.

The Group continues to evolve our strategy  
to reflect the changing market.

Contents

Strategic Report
IFC  An Overview of the Group
01  Highlights of the Year
02  At a Glance
03  Chairman’s Statement
04  Group Business Review
07  Review of Operating Performance  

by Business Unit
Strategic Sites

10 
12  Case Studies
16 
19 

Financial Review
Statement on Risks Relating to  
the Group’s Business

Directors’ Report
22  Board of Directors
23  Group Executive Management Team
24  Directors’ Report
27  Corporate Governance
31  Remuneration Report
34 

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities 
in Respect of the Annual Report and the 
Financial Statements

Financial Statements
35 

Independent Auditor’s Report to the 
Members of Hargreaves Services plc 
36  Consolidated Statement of Profit and Loss 
and Other Comprehensive Income

38  Balance Sheets 
40  Statements of Changes in Equity
43  Cash Flow Statements 
44  Notes (forming part of the financial 

statements)

84  Notice of Annual General Meeting
IBC 

Investor Information

www.hsgplc.co.uk

Highlights of the Year
•  The Group has delivered Continuing Underlying Operating Profit of £4.6m
•  Trading since Interim results in line with management’s expectations
•  Coal production and trading successfully reduced and now focussing on  

speciality markets

•  Decision taken to shorten mine life at the Tower project with mining due to finish 
March 2017; the Group expects full repayment of loans after write off of equity 
investment and other balances of £4.7m

•  Charge of £12.4m for exceptional costs arising from re-structuring activities
•  Successful acquisition of CA Blackwell in January 2016 broadens Group’s Services 

operations and delivers significant heavy plant synergies

•  Establishment of Property & Energy Division to drive £35-50m of value creation  

Underlying Operating Profit (£m)

£4.6m
(89.3)%

53.4

55.7

59.5

42.8

4.6

in next five to seven years

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

•  Aggressive targets set for new business for Industrial Services operations in face  

of accelerated UK coal fired station closures

•  Coal stocks built to £26.0m in face of negligible demand from UK coal stations, 

confident of sale of surplus stocks this financial year

•  Balance sheet remains strong and well financed to allow orderly run-out of £60m  
of coal stocks and other legacy assets which include land, property, equipment, 
stocks and loans, into cash

•  Final dividend of 2.3 pence in line with Group’s 40% pay-out ratio target

Continuing Revenue
Continuing Operating Profit(1)
Continuing Underlying Operating Profit(2)
Exceptional Costs(3)
Continuing (Loss)/Profit Before Tax
Continuing Underlying Profit Before Tax(4)
Continuing Diluted EPS
Continuing Underlying Diluted EPS(4)
Dividend (including proposed final dividend)
Net Debt(5)

Year ended  
31 May  
2016

£340.7m
£5.2m
£4.6m
£(12.4)m
£(10.6)m
£3.0m
(30.0)p
5.6p
2.3p
£32.3m

Year ended  
31 May 
2015

£662.2m
£38.1m
£42.8m
£(12.2)m
£24.9m
£40.3m
64.2p
93.9p
30.0p
£1.0m

Change  
%

(48.6)
(86.4)
(89.3)
(1.6)
(142.6)
(92.6)
(146.7)
(94.0)
(92.3)
3,130.0

(1)  Continuing Operating Profit is stated before exceptional costs of £12,378,000 (2015: £9,130,000).
(2)  Continuing Underlying Operating Profit is stated excluding the exceptional costs, the impact of the Biomass conversion 

project settlement, the amortisation of acquired intangibles and impairment of goodwill, impairment of non-current assets, 
and including share of profit in associates and joint ventures before tax.

(3)  Exceptional costs for the year ended 31 May 2015 are stated after including an amount of £3,080,000 in respect of unrealised 

fair value losses on derivative financial instruments.

Net Debt (£m)

£32.3m
3,130%

77.7

77.9

68.8

32.3

1.0

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Continuing  Revenue (£m)

£340.7m
(48.6)%

(4)  Continuing Underlying Profit before Tax and Continuing Underlying Diluted EPS are stated excluding the exceptional costs, 

843.3

869.2

the impact of the Biomass conversion project settlement, the amortisation and impairment of acquired intangibles, 
impairment of non-current assets and gain on disposal of subsidiaries.

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

617.9

662.2

340.7

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

01

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Financial StatementsDirectors’ ReportStrategic Report At a Glance

Focussing on developing  
and demonstrating value  
from three clear areas.

Distribution & Services Operations
Our Distribution & Services operations form the long term core of our business. 
Continuing underlying operating profit for these units is as follows:

Industrial Services

£3.3m

Specialist Earthworks

£1.1m

Property & Energy 
Portfolio 
The development and realisation of value 
from our extensive land portfolio through 
property and energy projects. 

Property and Energy Five Year 
Value Creation Target

£35m-£50m

For more information – see page 5 

Coal Distribution

£(0.9)m

Logistics

£1.2m

For more information – see page 4 

Releasing Cash  
from Legacy Assets

Legacy Asset Book Value

£60.1m

For more information – see page 6 

02

Hargreaves Services plcStrategic Report Chairman’s Statement
David Morgan, Group Chairman

With the restructuring and  
re-positioning fundamentally 
complete, our objective and 
priority is to demonstrate the 
intrinsic value of the business.

Results 
The period just ended has once again seen a 
significant transition in our business and this is 
reflected in these results. Underlying Profit before 
Tax from Continuing Operations decreased by 
£37.3m from £40.3m to £3.0m. The reported  
Loss before Tax from Continuing Operations was 
£10.6m after a net exceptional charge of £12.4m 
arising from the continuing restructuring, the 
accelerated closure of a number of significant 
customer sites and the decision to impair our 
equity investment in the Tower project. 
Underlying Diluted EPS from Continuing 
Operations decreased from 93.9p to 5.6p.

Net debt increased by £31.3m to finish the  
year with net debt of £32.3m. The Blackwell 
acquisition accounted for £13.4m of this 
increase in net debt. The collapse in thermal 
coal demand in the UK resulted in an 
unplanned build of coal stocks which we are 
confident will be cleared in this financial year. 

Strategy
Faced by very challenging market conditions 
we have spent the last two years making 
changes to the very nature of the Group  
and have been successful in achieving a 
fundamental re-positioning. In the year ended 
31 May 2014, the Group generated revenues  
of £761.0m and operating profit of £49.3m from 
coal and coke production and trading where 
we produced and traded over seven million 
tonnes. In the year to 31 May 2016 revenues 
and operating profits/losses from coal and  
coke trading and production fell to £179.3m 
and a £0.9m loss respectively. We produced  
or traded less than two million tonnes and  
are on track to reduce activity further as we 
respond to reduced thermal coal demand  
and consequently focus greater efforts on 
specialised coal products and markets. 

The management team have been proactive 
and have responded well to these challenges. 
Excellent progress has been made and a clear 
strategy has been set out to develop long term 
value through a portfolio of complementary 
Services businesses and through the 

development of value in a property and energy 
project portfolio that is rich with opportunity. 
Over the last two years, we have established  
a strong team with a focus on developing and 
delivering value from that portfolio. Looking 
forward, we will start to see that investment 
generating and demonstrating value. The 
acquisition of C.A. Blackwell Group Limited 
(“Blackwell”) in January 2016 was an exciting 
and positive step to building our long term 
Services offering.

Throughout this process, we have maintained  
a strong balance sheet and as we move 
forward the business will utilise this to generate 
significant amounts of cash from the realisation 
of various assets related to our legacy operations. 
These steps are outlined in more detail in the 
Strategic Report, which is included within the 
Annual Report and Accounts.

Dividend 
The Board proposes a final dividend of 0.6p, 
consistent with the targeted 40% pay-out ratio. 
If approved at the Annual General Meeting, this 
will result in a dividend for the full year of 2.3p 
compared with 30.0p in the previous year, an 
overall decrease of 92.3%. The proposed final 
dividend will be paid on 21 October 2016 to  
all shareholders on the register at the close  
of business on 23 September 2016.

People 
Our staff will always play a key role in the 
development and operation of the Group.  
This last financial year has been another  
tough and challenging year during which 
further significant redundancies have been 
necessary. Whilst such redundancies are  
highly regrettable, the Group’s restructuring 
programme is fundamentally complete and  
the acquisition of Blackwell demonstrates the 
Group’s ability and appetite to invest in the 
future. I would also like to make special note  
of the contribution and achievements by our 
team in Hong Kong as their skills and teamwork 
have increased our revenues from that 
operation by 104% to £11.0m.

Board 
During the year there were a number of Board 
changes. I assumed the role of Chairman 
following the retirement of Tim Ross after the 
AGM on 7 October 2015. I would like to thank  
Tim for his contribution to the Group since its 
flotation in 2005. As a result of my planned 
succession to Chairman, Nigel Halkes joined the 
Board on 21 August 2015. I would like to welcome 
Nigel to the Board as Non-executive director and 
Chair of the Audit Committee. I am pleased to 
see how quickly he has integrated into the Board 
and developed his understanding of the Group’s 
operations.

Summary 
In the last two years the Group has been 
through a radical restructuring and re-
positioning programme, undertaken in the  
face of tumultuous market conditions. With the 
restructuring and re-positioning of the Group 
fundamentally complete, our objective and 
priority is to demonstrate the intrinsic value  
of the business as reflected in the Group’s 
considerable asset base. We now have a clear 
strategy to generate significant shareholder 
value through the development of a profitable 
services offering that leverages our core skills, 
as well as the significant value that can be 
unlocked in our property and energy portfolio. 
As we recently announced, our target is to 
generate between £35m and £50m of 
incremental value from our property and 
energy project portfolio over the next five to 
seven years. Across the transition the Group has 
protected and maintained its strong balance 
sheet. The successful conversion of over £60m 
of legacy assets into cash will further improve 
the Group’s flexibility and allow us to consider 
strategic options to enhance shareholder value.

David Morgan
Chairman
8 August 2016

03

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Financial StatementsDirectors’ ReportStrategic Report Group Business Review
Gordon Banham, Group Chief Executive

In the last year we have started 
to see the benefits materialise 
from two years of restructuring, 
simplification and re-positioning. 

trading and production operations. Although 
coal prices have firmed slightly over the last few 
months, helped by the weakening of Sterling 
following the “Brexit” vote, we see no evidence 
of any market trends in coal price or market 
demand that would cause us to re-consider  
the decisions we have taken. 

Distribution & Services, Property & Energy  
and Legacy Asset Realisation. Central group 
overhead spend was £6.1m in the year ended 
31 May 2016 compared with £7.1m in the prior 
year. The reductions made during the year 
should reduce the overhead to around £5.0m 
in the next financial year.

Strategy
In the last year we have started to see  
the benefits materialise from two years of 
restructuring, simplification and repositioning. 
On the 27 April 2016 we published an update 
on the progress we had made with repositioning 
the Group; this statement marks an important 
turning point for the Group. Following the 
actions taken, we are now focused on 
developing and demonstrating the value 
within the Group. 

As outlined in the recent update, we now have 
three clear areas of focus to generate value:

•  Distribution & Services
Property & Energy
• 
Legacy Asset Realisation
• 

These focus areas clearly identify the long term, 
on-going business opportunities which offer 
medium term development and value creation 
opportunities and the short term process to 
release cash from the significant amount of 
legacy assets which we have protected as  
our businesses have been closed or activities 
stepped down.

Reflecting the anticipated momentum and 
importance of Property and Energy, this will 
become a segment in its own right from the 
start of this financial year 1 June 2016. It is 
currently reported under the Coal Distribution 
Division. Profits and losses and cash flows 
related to legacy assets will also be reported  
in a separate Legacy segment, until such times 
as these have run to a de minimis level. From 
1 June 2016, we will also separately report 
central group overhead and this will no longer 
be allocated between individual operations 
and will also not be allocated between 

We believe this enhanced segmentation  
will provide greater transparency on profits, 
cash flows and capital allocation leading to  
a clearer understanding of the development  
of underlying business and the release of cash 
from legacy asset realisations.

DISTRIBUTION & SERVICES
Supplementing our Coal Distribution operation, 
we have a portfolio of three complementary 
Services businesses. We have set ourselves  
the aspiration of achieving an Operating  
Profit of between £10m and £15m from  
these operations in the medium term. These 
businesses are reviewed in more detail below. 

Specialist Earthworks Services
Our heritage in coal production left us with  
the skills and plant necessary to undertake 
contract mining and earthworks projects. The 
acquisition of Blackwell, which was completed 
in January 2016, complements that capability 
and provides a significant step forward in the 
Group’s transition plan. The acquisition 
establishes our new Specialist Earthworks 
Division and offers an important opportunity 
for the Group to grow its Services operations in 
the UK. A new internal team was established to 
manage and optimise the utilisation of heavy 
plant across the Group. The synergies between 
Blackwell’s operations and the Group’s mining 
and restoration experience are very compelling 
and give us confidence that we can grow the 
size and scale of our activities in this area. The 
backing and financial support available from 
the Group will allow Blackwell to tender, 
resource and deliver larger scale projects that 
were not possible as a standalone operation. 

Results
Group revenues decreased from £662.2m  
to £340.7m, reflecting the actions taken to 
reduce the scale of our coal production and 
coal trading activities. Underlying Continuing 
Group Operating Profit reduced from £42.8m  
to £4.6m reflecting the reduction in coal trading 
volumes and the impact of falling coal prices 
on the profits of our residual mining activity. 
Underlying Continuing Profit before Tax fell  
in line with Operating Profit from £40.3m to 
£3.0m. The transformation of the Group has 
required significant actions, which in the period 
incurred exceptional costs of £12.4m. These 
charges related to scaling down the Group’s 
mining activities, the impairment of the Group’s 
equity investment in the Tower joint venture 
and provisions taken for redundancy and 
contract demobilisation costs at a number  
of client sites following early closure 
announcements. These exceptional costs  
are reviewed in more detail in the Financial 
Review below. The reported Continuing  
Loss before Tax was £10.6m compared with  
a Profit before Tax of £24.9m in the prior year.

Coal Exposure Successfully Reduced
Our key focus in the last two years has been  
to reduce exposure to thermal coal production, 
trading and related ancillary services. The recent 
power station closure announcements, 
continuing falls in coal prices and low UK 
demand has hastened our scaling-down of 
operations. The reductions in gas prices and the 
increases in UK carbon taxes have significantly 
reduced electricity generation from coal and 
have precipitated the announcement of the early 
closure or changes to operating regimes that will 
significantly reduce coal usage. Stations closed or 
otherwise likely to be burning less coal include 
Longannet, Rugeley, Fiddlers Ferry, Eggborough 
and Ferrybridge. A strengthening of Government 
sentiment against coal fired generation increases 
the probability of further closures. 

Whilst these developments have presented 
more challenges to us in the last year, they  
have also validated our decision to reduce our 
exposure to the thermal coal markets through 

04

Hargreaves Services plcStrategic Report Logistics Services
Our Logistics business had a difficult year, 
however we are confident it is a business  
with long term profit potential. The recent 
acquisition of Blackwell offers both synergies 
and a number of joint bidding opportunities.  
In the period the business was impacted by  
a combination of low coal movements and  
a major change in waste flows following an 
HMRC landfill tax ruling. These pressures are 
continuing but the team are working hard to 
re-build routes and flows. Logistic volumes 
have not returned to the level enjoyed in the 
previous financial year and it is unlikely that 
these will fully recover before the end of this 
financial year, however the team is confident 
that the opportunity is there to re-build 
revenues and profits. In the meantime, every 
effort is being made to manage overheads and 
optimise fleet operations to protect profits in 
the short term. We are encouraged by recent 
trading. A lease signed in April on a new depot 
in Harlow, Essex presents a first opportunity for 
the Division to start to build significant 
operations in the South East. 

Industrial Services
The Industrial Services Division operates a 
number of key contracts at coal power stations, 
steel-works and ports in the UK, Hong Kong 
and South Africa. Although UK coal fired 
generation has been facing a limited life for  
a number of years, the recent announcements  
of closure or reductions in coal burn have been 
earlier than expected.

Over recent years the Industrial Services 
Division has made good progress with  
its strategy of expanding its international  
activities; in particular its operation in Hong 
Kong generated revenues of £11.0m in the year.  
The establishment of Hargreaves South Africa 
(Pty) Limited in 2014, which followed the Algol 
acquisition, provided a foothold in the South 
African steel sector, a market that offered 
long-term opportunities to deploy the 
Division’s skills. Over the last twelve months  
the world steel sector has faced considerable 
challenges, therefore we have decided to 
suspend any further capital investment to 
support a larger market share in the steel 
market in South Africa until the outlook 
becomes more stable.

The key focus for Industrial Services is to deliver 
quality services from an efficient cost base. The 
division has set itself an ambitious target of 
delivering £2.0m of operating profit from new 

business in the next financial year to replace 
the business lost through recent closures. This 
represents a significant challenge and every 
care will be taken to ensure that business is only 
taken on if the risk weighted return is deemed 
acceptable. The outlook for the Division’s 
operations in Hong Kong and other key Asian 
markets is encouraging and development of 
these operations is key to achieving the 
Division’s new business target.

Coal Distribution
The Coal Distribution operation will focus on 
the supply of specialist coal and coal products 
(briquettes) into the speciality markets. These 
markets include:

•  Domestic home heating
• 

Space heating (including prisons, schools 
and hospitals operating coal boilers)
Industrial markets
Cement manufacturers
Steam railways

• 
• 
• 

For a long time the Group has been the  
leading supplier of specialist coals to markets  
in England and Wales. Our geographical reach 
was increased three years ago by the acquisition  
of the Scottish mining assets that provided a 
platform to supply parts of the Scottish market. 
Although we have more work to do to align 
overheads with activity levels and we see 
significant short term challenges in disposing  
of inferior coals that arise from the production 
of speciality coals, we also see potential for 
sustaining a profitable distribution business 
servicing these diverse specialist coal markets. 
The Group expects that losses on disposal  
of inferior coals in the current challenging 
market could reduce profitability of speciality 
coal trading by around £2m per annum in 
current market conditions. Fixed costs of around 
£1m will add further pressure until leases and 
other fixed overheads can be cut.

The Group will work to minimise the cost  
of the coal that we supply into these markets 
through our expertise in coal sourcing and 
carefully managing the balance between 
indigenous and imported coals. The Group  
will also work to minimise the amount of 
inferior coal that arises from the production 
and preparation of speciality coals and the 
investment at Killoch in improved coal 
preparation equipment is a key action. The  
coal that we supply into the specialist markets 
will be from a combination of sources; our own 
mining operation at the House of Water site in 

East Ayrshire, other UK producers and imported 
coal. The average cost of acquiring specialist 
coal will increase for several reasons. These 
reasons include, the loss of bulk coal volumes 
over which fixed overheads can be recovered 
and the reduced value of non-speciality coal 
that arises in the process, particularly in the 
current difficult thermal coal markets.

Imported coal is generally cheaper but can 
generate significant quantities of lower grade 
finer coals that may prove difficult to sell in the 
UK given the challenges of low demand in the 
thermal sector. Although we will retain the 
ability to import significant volumes of coal,  
we will continue to seek to manage and 
optimise our fixed cost base that supports  
coal imports. These efforts to reduce the fixed 
cost base and finding channels to dispose of 
the non-speciality coal that arises will continue 
through the current financial year, with the 
Group working to have an optimal cost 
structure in place before the start of the 
financial year ended 31 May 2018 to support  
a speciality focussed business. Although we 
believe that the speciality coal markets offer  
a long term return that justifies the capital 
deployment, we are aware that the visibility  
of prices, costs and margins in the next two 
years is very low.

We expect the House of Water site in East 
Ayrshire to offer a supply of around 350,000 
tonnes of coal for at least the next five years.  
An investment of £1.0m was made at our 
railhead in Killoch to improve the processing  
of speciality coals. 

PROPERTY & ENERGY PROJECTS
As a legacy of our coal operations we have  
a diversified 18,500 acre portfolio of property, 
which includes a range of agricultural and 
development land including a number of  
sites with grid connections. We have built a 
team to focus on the development of value  
in that portfolio with a view to optimising the 
conversion of these assets into cash over the 
next five to seven years and have set ourselves 
the target of creating between £35m and £50m 
of value over and above the £24.9m book value 
of these assets. The initial focus will be on 
developing value and realising cash from  
the assets we currently own.

We have been working on this portfolio over 
the last two years and we are confident that 
there is very significant value that will be 
delivered. We will continue to challenge the 

Our key focus in the last two years  
has been to reduce exposure to thermal 
coal production, trading and related 
ancillary services.

05

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Financial StatementsDirectors’ ReportStrategic Report Group Business Review continued

allocation of capital but we are confident  
that the returns from development more than 
justify the cost of holding these sites and taking 
them through at least the early stages of the 
development cycle. We are confident that the 
incremental return on capital compared with an 
outright sale would far exceed our hurdle rate 
and compare very favourably with the 10-15% 
Return on Capital Employed (“ROCE”) rate found 
in typical property development operations.

The Blindwell site, East of Edinburgh, represents 
a particularly exciting development opportunity. 
A planning application for a major residential 
scheme is currently under consideration by the 
local authority. The table at the foot of the page 
lists some of the key development sites that 
present the greatest immediate opportunity for 
value creation through development.

In the energy space, the key focus of 
development effort at this time is around the 
two flagship Energy-from-Waste (EfW) projects, 
where we continue to progress planning and 
development; one at the Earls Gate Energy 
Centre at Grangemouth and one on the 
Westfield site. These projects are complex  
but offer a very significant value creation 
opportunity for the Group. Both projects  
have been carefully appraised and the Board  
is confident that they are both well founded 
and deliverable.

In addition, our energy team continue to 
appraise carefully the opportunities for the 
75MW of grid connections that are owned by 
the Group. Our portfolio also includes 70MW  
of consented wind energy in South Lanarkshire 
and we have a number of other sites that offer 
significant wind potential. All of these key sites 
benefit from high wind speed and whilst 
market conditions and prices do not allow 
commercial development at this time, if 
onshore sites do become financeable, many  
of these sites will be very attractive. Like most 
other operators, we have suspended the bulk 
of speculative investment in solar and onshore 
wind whilst the market evolves.

LEGACY ASSET REALISATION
The Group also owns a portfolio of surplus 
assets obtained through our coal and coke 
trading and extensive mining operations. All  
of these assets are marketable and represent  

Key Development Sites

Project

Blindwell
Westfield
St Ninians
North Killingholme
Eggborough
Maltby
Monckton

Location

East Lothian
Fife
Fife
Lincolnshire
Yorkshire
Yorkshire
Yorkshire

06

an opportunity to generate a significant 
amount of cash for the Group. Many of the 
markets into which these assets are sold are 
however depressed or illiquid at this time. 

These assets comprise largely of stock, plant 
and equipment and loans to the Tower joint 
venture and are held on the balance sheet at 
the lower of cost and net realisable value. The 
estimated net realisable value is based on our 
assessment of the fair market value that could 
be expected from the sale of these assets in  
an orderly manner. Whilst the realisation of  
cash is likely to be lumpy, the recent weakness 
of Sterling should improve prospects for a  
speedy realisation. 

The carrying value of legacy assets as at  
31 May 2016 was £60.1m, following the £4.7m 
impairment of the Tower equity investment 
and other asset balances. The translation of 
these assets into cash is a key priority for the 
Group and we see this as an area of focus over 
the remainder of the project.

The most significant balances are the £22.4m  
of loans and balances relating to the Tower 
joint venture and £19.7m of coal and coke 
stocks. It is our current view that as Tower 
completes its final seven months of mining  
and two years of restoration, the joint venture 
will generate enough cash to repay these loans. 
A large proportion of these loan repayments 
will be achieved through the sale of plant, 
equipment and land. We are currently looking 
at options to achieve plant sales as early as 
possible, both to pay down debt and reduce 
the interest cost to the Tower joint venture itself.

Shareholder Value
As we manage these areas of activity we  
will remain focussed on shareholder value.  
At this time, we believe that the operational 
and value generation objectives we have set 
ourselves can be achieved with relatively little 
incremental investment. The cash that we will 
realise from legacy assets will create significant 
opportunity to look at delivering shareholder 
value through dividends, special dividends or 
share-buy backs. The Board remains open to 
the re-investment of capital should the right 
opportunities arise and provided such 
opportunities clearly offer a better investment 
return compared with the return of surplus 

capital to shareholders. As we review options, we 
will be careful to maintain a strong balance sheet 
position with an appropriate level of leverage. 

Outlook
The reduction in thermal coal distribution and 
production combined with our exit from coke 
production and coke and coking coal trading has 
significantly reduced the risk and volatility of the 
business. Whilst the streamlining process has 
been long and hard and the profitability of the 
Group has significantly reduced, the Group 
emerges from this process with a clear strategic 
and operational focus and a strong balance sheet.

The biggest challenge to delivering our profit 
expectations for the coming year is the need  
for our Industrial Services Division to contract 
new business to replace that lost in the UK 
through the early closure of its customers’ sites. 
Pleasingly, the Division is already making good 
progress in this regard. Compensating that risk, 
we have an exciting opportunity to grow the 
Specialist Earthworks Division. Whilst many  
of our recent statements have focussed on  
the challenges around the wider coal markets, 
the specialist coal markets have consistently 
remained robust. The operational opportunities 
presented by these markets in the coming years 
should not be overlooked and we will work hard 
to maximise the profit opportunity. We have 
budgeted for profits from Property & Energy and 
Industrial Services to be second half weighted.

Turning to the balance sheet, the net assets  
at the end of the year were £131m, equivalent 
to £3.96 pence per share. As noted above, we 
have set ourselves the medium term target of 
adding £35m to £50m of value to the property 
assets included within these net assets and at 
the same time converting our legacy assets 
into cash. Whilst, by their nature, the delivery  
of the increased development value and legacy 
cash realisations is likely to be lumpy, we are 
confident that very significant value can be 
delivered. This represents an exciting 
opportunity to create significant shareholder 
value that is very material in the context of the 
size and scale of the Group. 

Gordon Banham 
Group Chief Executive 
8 August 2016

Acres

390
390
1,155
33
10
84
35

Development Focus

Large scale residential development
Renewable energy through EfW and mixed industrial 
Leisure led, mixed use development
Industrial
Energy, including existing consent for a EfW plant
Mixed residential and Industrial development
Mixed residential and Industrial development

Hargreaves Services plcStrategic Report Review of Operating Performance  
by Business Unit

Review of Underlying Performance
Revenues from Continuing Operations during 
the year reduced by £321.5m from £662.2m to 
£340.7m, reflecting the significant decrease in 
coal sales caused by low UK coal demand for 
both imported and indigenous coals and 
through the cessation of supply of metallurgical 
coals following the closure of Redcar 
Steelworks. Underlying Group Operating  
Profit from Continuing Operations for the year 
reduced by £38.2m from £42.8m to £4.6m. 
Underlying Profit before Tax was £3.0m,  

a decrease of £37.3m on the prior year, due 
largely to the impact of reduced trading 
volumes on revenues and margins in Coal 
Distribution. Reported Profit before Tax of the 
Group reduced by £35.5m from £24.9m to a 
loss of £10.6m after exceptional costs totalling 
£12.4m. The bulk of the exceptional costs 
related to the early closure of a number of 
mining sites to support a move towards a 
single operating site model and redundancy 
and contract demobilisation costs following 
the closure of major steel, coal and port sites  

at which the Group provided industrial services 
as well as impairment of the equity investment 
and other assets in Tower. 

The commentary below reflects the continuing 
underlying performance of the four Divisions.

Segment Continuing Operating Profit/(Loss)
Intangible amortisation/impairment
Share of loss in jointly controlled entities  

(net of tax)

Share of tax in associates and jointly  

controlled entities

Underlying Continuing Operating  

Profit/(Loss)

Net financing costs – Continuing Operations

Underlying Continuing Profit/(Loss)  

before Tax

Segment Continuing Operating Profit
Intangible amortisation/impairment
Impact of Biomass conversion project settlement
Share of profit in 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

Industrial  
Services 
2016 
£000

3,297
–

–

–

Logistics 
2016 
£000

1,173
–

–

–

Specialist 
Earthworks 
2016 
£000

1,076
–

–

–

Total Services 
2016 
£000

5,546
–

–

–

3,297
(211)

1,173
(356)

1,076
(71)

5,546
(638)

Coal  
Distribution 
2016 
£000

(341)
584

(1,792)

628

(921)
(994)

Total 
2016 
£000

5,205
584

(1,792)

628

4,625
(1,632)

3,086

817

1,005

4,908

(1,915)

2,993

Industrial  
Services 
2015 
£000

3,260
–
2,400

–

–

5,660
(609)

5,051

Logistics 
2015 
£000

2,267
–
–

–

–

2,267
(421)

1,846

Specialist 
Earthworks 
2015 
£000

–
–
–

–

–

–
–

–

Total Services 
2015 
£000

5,527
–
2,400

–

–

7,927
(1,030)

6,897

Coal  
Distribution 
2015 
£000

32,547
143
–

1,504

634

34,828
(1,435)

33,393

Total 
2015 
£000

38,074
143
2,400

1,504

634

42,755
(2,465)

40,290

07

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Financial StatementsDirectors’ ReportStrategic Report Review of Operating Performance  
by Business Unit continued

Coal Distribution Division
As the Group’s coal mining activities reduced, the focus of the Division shifted last year to Coal Distribution. The table below shows the breakdown  
of operating profit within the Coal Distribution Division by key activity.

Bulk

Industrial and Domestic

Total

Third Party Traded Volumes (‘000s tonnes)
Profit per tonne (£)

Third Party Trading (£000)

Mining Operations (£000)
Germany (Associate) (£000)
Property and Energy (£000)
Monckton (£000)
Other (£000)

2016

602
0.89

534

2015

4,157
1.39

2016

556
9.26

2015

515
16.78

5,792

5,147

8,644

2016

1,158
4.91

5,681

(8,089)
1,776
395
(341)
(343)

2015

4,672
3.09

14,436

19,972
663
767
(139)
(871)

Division Underlying Continuing Operating (Loss)/Profit (£000)

(921)

34,828

Coal Distribution revenues fell from £485.9m to 
£179.3m principally due to the lower volumes 
of third party coal being traded, as demand  
for coal in the steel and thermal markets fell 
significantly. Following the decisions to reduce 
levels of thermal coal imports and to cease 
importing metallurgical coals, third party  
bulk coal volumes traded by the Division fell 
from 4,157,000 tonnes to 602,000 tonnes. The 
Operating Profit generated from coal trading 
fell from £14.4m to £5.7m.

The volume of speciality coal traded was 
556,000 tonnes compared with 515,000 tonnes, 
whilst the average Operating Profit per tonne 
achieved fell from £16.78 to £9.26 in the 
comparative year. The pressure on margins 
reflected the impact of a number of factors 
including strong competition in the cement 
sector, a significant quantity of stock remaining 
unsold in the market following the closure of 
Kellingley Colliery by its operator UK Coal and a 
second successive exceptionally mild winter. 
The Board expects market supply and demand 
balance to improve in the coming years and is 
focussed on managing the future acquisition 
cost of speciality coals to support the Coal 
Distribution business.

Revenues from coal production activity also  
fell sharply, from £96.4m to £46.0m, as the 
Group scaled down its production activity in 
the face of low coal prices. Mining Operations 
recorded a £8.1m operating loss during the  
year ended 31 May 2016 compared with 
£20.0m operating profit in the prior year. This 
performance reflected the impact of lower coal 
prices combined with the decision to reduce 
output levels in response to the low coal prices. 
The mining operations supplied 126,000 tonnes 
of speciality coal to support the Third Party 
Trading operations.

Coal production was 506,000 tonnes compared 
with 1,399,000 tonnes in the prior year. The 
Division started the year producing coal at six 
sites and finished the year producing coal at 
only two; Glenmuckloch and House of Water. 
Production activity at Glenmuckloch will be 
concluded by the end of September 2016 due 
to low coal prices and low demand, at which 
time the only active coal production site 
operated by the Group will be House of Water. 
During the year, coal production ended at 
Netherton, Duncanziemere and St Ninians. 
Following the announcement of Longannet’s 
closure the decision was taken to cease mining 
early at Muir Dean. The Group incurred an 
exceptional charge of £4.0m to support the 
early closure of Glenmuckloch and Muir Dean. 
As the mining operations have reduced in 
scale, mining operations will no longer be 
separately reported and instead will be 
reported as part of the residual Coal 
Distribution operation.

The Group retains options and planning 
permissions over a number of sites. These  
sites represent the best and most cost effective 
options available to the Group. The balance 
sheet contains £2.1m of development costs in 
respect of these sites and options which are 
held as strategic assets and represent reserves 
of approximately 4.1 million tonnes. 

The Group continues to provide mining 
services to Tower Regeneration Limited (“TRL”), 
a joint venture in which the Group owns a 35% 
beneficial stake. Mining operations at Tower 
performed satisfactorily last year and 813,000 
tonnes of coal were sold compared with 
713,000 tonnes in the previous year. TRL, 
however, had a challenging year due to low 
coal prices and posted a loss of £8.4m. The 
Group’s 35% share of that loss was £2.9m. 
Overall, the Tower project contributed a  
net profit at the operating level of £0.3m 
compared with £5.5m in the prior year.

Although the UK and European steel sectors 
continue to face significant challenges, our 
European associate performed well last year 
and exceeded its targets. The European 
operation generated revenue of £89m from  
the trading of 652,000 tonnes of product 
compared with £64m of revenue from 304,000 
tonnes in the prior year. The Group’s 86% share 
of Operating Profit increased from £0.7m to 
£1.8m. Revenue visibility remains low but we 
note that the operation continues, as it always 
has, to manage its fixed cost base closely.

Property and Energy
The Property and Energy results for the year 
ended 31 May 2016 were reported within the 
Coal Distribution Division and are shown in the 
table above. The Property team generated an 
Operating Profit in the year ended 31 May 2016 
of £0.4m. This figure was lower than the £0.8m 
reported in the prior year simply due to the 
timing of sundry non-core property sales.

Beyond the Operating Profit generated,  
the Group has continued to invest in the 
development of its Property and Energy 
portfolio. The team supporting these 
development projects has been grown from 
eight to twelve. The operation delivered a net 
Operating Profit of £0.4m, arising from sundry 
trading property sales. The key focus of the 
Property team has been the development  
of seven key sites listed in the table in the 
Group Business Review. Investment of £2.1m  
on property and project development was 
capitalised during the year. 

The Group is pleased with the progress being 
made in the development of the Earls Gate 
Energy Centre project in the last financial year 
and notes that the planning application was 
formally submitted in May 2016. The project 
aims to deliver a 75MW replacement Combined 
Heat and Power plant using refuse derived  
fuels at a chemical complex in Grangemouth  
in Scotland. 

08

Hargreaves Services plcStrategic Report The Group has continued to complete and 
formalise their consents for the three wind 
projects that have received planning consent  
in the last twelve months. These are Dalquhandy, 
Broken Cross and Poniel and total 70MW. 
Financial investment in these projects in the 
prior year was negligible and restricted to the 
formalisation of the planning permissions to 
preserve the option value in these schemes. 

Specialist Earthworks Division
On 11 January 2016, the Group completed  
the acquisition of Blackwell, establishing the 
Group’s Specialist Earthworks Division. In the 
four and a half months between acquisition 
and 31 May 2016, the Division reported an 
Operating Profit of £1.1m from revenues of 
£31.3m. The performance was slightly ahead  
of management’s expectations. Since the 
acquisition, good progress has been made  
with the Blackwell team in developing the 
short term contract pipeline. The Board was 
encouraged by the news in April that the 
Division has been selected as the preferred 
provider for the earthworks related to two 
sections of the Government’s £1.5 billion A14 
improvement scheme. 

Industrial Services Division
The Industrial Services business faced a number 
of significant challenges in the UK in the last 
financial year as a consequence of the pressures 
in the coal and steel sectors. The last year also 
saw announcements or closure decisions at a 
number of key client sites including Liverpool 
Bulk Terminal and Ferrybridge. Changes in 
operating regimes that will result in reduced 
coal burn have taken place at both Fiddlers 
Ferry and Eggborough. 

In October 2015, the Redcar steelworks was 
forced to close whilst both the Scunthorpe  
and Port Talbot steelworks were the subject of 
sale processes during the year. We continue to 
provide services at Port Talbot and Scunthorpe, 
however the closure of the Redcar operation 
resulted in an exceptional charge for the Group 
of £1.6m in respect of redundancies and other 
contract demobilisation costs. Excellent 
stewardship and structuring of trading 
arrangements ensured that bad debts and 
losses on stock positions were avoided.

Revenue for the Division reduced by £44.3m 
from £127.8m to £83.5m in the prior year.  
The table below shows the split of revenue  
by geography. The challenges in the UK  
market were reflected by a £51.9m reduction  
in revenues rising from the various site closures. 
Excellent progress and development in the 
Hong Kong operation saw revenues increase 
by £5.6m or 104% from £5.4m to £11.0m.

Total revenue by destination 

£m

UK
Hong Kong
Other

Total

FY14

119.8
2.8
–

FY15

120.9
5.4
1.5

FY16

69.0
11.0
3.5

122.6

127.8

83.5

The bulk of the reduction in UK revenue  
was attributable to the closure of Redcar 
Steelworks and Liverpool Bulk Terminal. Orders 
for additional works at coal power stations  
and other steel sites were also lower than the 
prior year due to the economic and business 
challenges faced by many of our key customer 
sites and operations. 

Six key customer sites were closed or 
announced closure in the last financial year. 
These operations contributed £20.2m of 
revenue and £2.1m of gross margin in the year 
ended 31 May 2016. In addition to the loss of 
revenue and profits, the closures resulted in 
exceptional charges in respect of redundancy 
and other contract demobilisation costs which 
are outlined in the Financial Review. 

Offsetting the challenges faced by the  
UK business, good progress was made  
in developing operations in Hong Kong. 
Revenues in Hong Kong grew from £5.4m  
to £11.0m, an increase of 104%. The operating 
profit generated from international operations 
accounted for £0.3m. Efforts continue to 
develop the business, particularly in Hong 
Kong where ambitious targets have been  
set for growth.

Logistics Division
The Logistics Division had a challenging year. 
Revenues for the operation fell from £68.3m  
to £54.5m. £7.3m of that fall related to Imperial 
Tankers which was disposed of in the prior  
year. The balance of the reduction in revenues 
stemmed from a major change in the movement 
of waste flows following a clarification of waste 
classification for landfill tax purposes by HMRC. 
The Division’s activity levels were also impacted 
by very low seasonal flows of coal and rock salt 
following the mild winter. As a result of reduced 
activity levels and the disruption to established 
waste routes, Operating Profit for the Division 
fell by £1.1m from £2.3m to £1.2m.

Safety, Health and the Environment 
Our vision is to create an environment where  
all employees can work with zero harm to 
them. To achieve this, the Group takes a 
proactive approach to Safety, Health and the 
Environment and remains 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. 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. 

During the previous year, we continued to 
strengthen our approach to behavioural safety 
training, with emphasis on raising the awareness 
and understanding of our supervisory staff, who 
form the “front line” in delivering our standards 
within the workplace. This is being achieved 
through internal safety champions and external 
accredited training providers. 

We have also developed our Senior Manager 
Safety Engagement Programme to deliver 
leadership across our operating sites. This 
Programme is led by the Board members  
and involves all senior managers undertaking 
site based safety visits, engaging directly with  
the workforce to discuss issues that impact  
on them. This Programme has proved to be 
effective in delivering a consistent approach 
across the Group and will continue to be a 
cornerstone of our safety strategy.

It is disappointing to report that, despite  
our best efforts, our safety performance 
deteriorated slightly during the year, as 
measured by Lost Time Incident Frequency 
Rate (“LTIFR”). This performance was in some 
part influenced by the period being a year  
of transition for the Group, with a number  
of operating units closing and others 
downsizing their workforce. Notwithstanding 
these influences, this remains a disappointing 
result and addressing the challenges of the 
changing environment remains a key focus  
for the Group. 

Iain Cockburn 
Group Finance Director 

Gordon Banham 
Group Chief Executive
8 August 2016

09

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Financial StatementsDirectors’ ReportStrategic Report Strategic Sites

A portfolio of over 18,000 acres 
with significant potential.

With over 18,000 acres of land throughout the UK, Hargreaves has 
developed a pipeline of exciting opportunities including renewable  
energy, residential & commercial property and industrial use. This  
land bank includes strategic railheads and in excess of 75MW of grid 
connections. The Hargreaves Services plc Head Office can be found in 
Durham and we have a number of operational centres throughout the UK.

Forestry & Agriculture

Location: Across Scotland
Scale: Over 9,000 acres

1

Westfield

Location: Fife
Scale: 390 acres 
Project: Energy Park with ‘Energy from 
Waste’ plant as the anchor. Site includes 
35MW grid connection

See case study on page 15 

2

St Ninians

Location: Fife
Scale: 1,155 acres
Project: Regeneration of former 
abandoned surface mine with proposal 
for mixed use leisure destination

3

Blindwells

Location: East Lothian
Scale: 390 Acres
Project: 1,600 home residential  
property development

4

Earls Gate

Location: Grangemouth
Scale: 15MW steam & 15MW  
electrical output
Project: Energy from Waste plant, 
consuming c.200,000t of waste p.a.

5

Approved Wind Farms

Location: 3 sites across South 
Lanarkshire
Scale: 4,400 acres
Project: Up to 75MW approved  
wind farms 

See case study on page 12 

See case study on page 15 

6

7

8

Grid Connections

Monckton

Location: Across Yorkshire Region
Scale: c.50MW grid connections
Project: Active grid connections across 
a number of strategic sites in Yorkshire

Location: Monckton, Barnsley
Scale: 35 Acres
Project: Regeneration of former coke 
works to include residential property 
and commercial office buildings

Industrial Storage

Location: Killingholme
Scale: 33 acres
Project: Extensive industrial storage, 
located close to Immingham Docks

10

Hargreaves Services plcStrategic Report Map of operations

Property

Industrial

Energy Projects

Grid Connections

Mixed Use/Restoration/ 
Forestry & Agriculture

Core Operations 

Mixed Use/Recreational 

Poniel
Approved Wind Farm

Piperhill
Forestry & Agriculture

Earls Gate

1
2

4

3

5

Westfield

St Ninians

Blindwells

Broken Cross
Approved Wind Farm

Dalquhandy
Approved Wind Farm

Durham
Head Office

Pontefract
Grid Connections

Eggborough
Grid Connections

6

7

8

Kilingholme
Industrial Storage

Monckton
Property & Industrial

Tower Colliery
Industrial & Residential

Mwyndy (Maxibrite)
Core Operations

Maltby Colliery
Grid Connections

Harlow
Southern Operational Base

11

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Financial StatementsDirectors’ ReportStrategic Report Where landscape 
meets living.

Case Studies

Blindwells

A new settlement for  
East Lothian 

The Blindwells development is ideally 
located close to the A1 in East Lothian,  
with far reaching views over the Firth of 
Forth. Hargreaves’ proposal includes plans 
for up to 1,600 new homes, which will 
include social housing, education facilities, 
a healthcare hub, local retail outlets  
and many other services needed for  
a new community.

The masterplan for the development 
provides an integrated and creative solution 
for an area which has already been identified 
in the East Lothian Local Plan.

The project is currently going through the 
planning process, with a decision expected 
late in 2016.

12

Hargreaves Services plcStrategic Report Location: East Lothian, Scotland

Project type: Housing

Site Area: 114 Hectares

Features: Up to 1,600 homes, retail outlets, education 
& healthcare facilities

13

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Financial StatementsDirectors’ ReportStrategic Report Case Studies continued

CA Blackwell

Strong synergies to  
develop and grow

Established in 1956, CA Blackwell has a 
strong reputation throughout the UK in the 
specialist earthworks, civil engineering and 
remediation sectors having worked on the 
construction of most UK motorways and 
key projects such as Terminal 5 and the 
Olympic Park in London. 

The acquisition of CA Blackwell by 
Hargreaves in January 2016 has enabled 
strong synergies and has created one of 
the largest fleets of mobile plant in Europe.

Hargreaves’ financial backing will also 
enable CA Blackwell to tender on much 
larger projects than they were previously 
able, offering even greater potential.

14

Construction 
Infrastructure
Renewable Energy

Sectors: 
• 
• 
• 
•  Water & Coastal
•  Quarrying & Mining

Capabilities: 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Civil Engineering
Bulk Earthworks
Plant & Engineering
Remediation & Soil Stabilisation

Notable Projects: Hemerdon 
Tungsten Mine, Glensanda Granite 
Quarry, sections of most of the UK’s 
motorways, Heathrow Terminal 5, the 
Olympic Park.

Hargreaves Services plcStrategic Report Earls Gate Energy Centre

Utilising Scottish waste  
to generate energy 

This new energy plant will use the latest technology 
to provide energy to businesses on Earls Gate Park 
in Grangemouth. It will utilise Scottish Refuse 
Derived Fuel (RDF), which is produced by 
transforming commercial and household waste, 
once materials that can be practicably recycled 
have been removed, into a relatively dry fuel.

It is anticipated that the plant would require in 
the region of 200,000 tonnes of RDF per year 
and contribute towards targets for the Zero 
Waste Plan for Scotland.

The Combined Heat and Power (“CHP”) plant 
will be one of the most efficient plants of its 
type in the UK and will provide essential heat 
and power to support four separate chemical 
manufacturers on the Earls Gate site.

The project is currently going through the planning 
process, with a decision expected late in 2016.

Westfield Masterplan

An innovative solution to  
one of Scotland’s largest 
brownfield sites 

The Westfield Masterplan is a unique 
innovation in the restoration and development 
of a large brownfield site. Hargreaves believes 
that with proper investment, the site’s location, 
scale, railhead and road connectivity can be 
exploited through visionary and innovative 
regeneration and development projects.

The Masterplan illustrates the creation of  
an energy generation centre, based on the 
recovery of renewable energy to act as anchor 
developments. One of the major components 
of the plan is an Energy from Waste plant.

The project is in the early stages of the 
planning process, with the application 
expected to be submitted in Q3 2016.

Location: Grangemouth, Scotland

Project type: Energy from Waste

Capacity: c.200,000 tonnes of waste

Power: Up to 15MW of steam and 
15MW electrical output

Location: Fife, Scotland

Project type: Energy Park

Size of site: Over 1,000 acres

Power: 35MW Grid Connection

15

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Financial StatementsDirectors’ ReportStrategic Report Financial Review
Iain Cockburn, Group Finance Director

The Group has continued  
to be faced with significant 
challenges within the coal 
sector in the UK.

Revenue
The Group has continued to be faced with 
significant challenges within the coal sector in 
the UK with continued coal price weakness and 
lower levels of demand for power station grade 
coal, arising from the accelerated programme 
of coal generation plant closures. These market 
pressures together with the Group’s decision to 
scale down its coal activities have resulted in a 
reduction in revenue of £321.5m from £662.2m 
to £340.7m in the current year.

Operating Profit and Margins
Underlying Operating Profit from Continuing 
Operations reduced by £38.2m from £42.8m to 
£4.6m, mainly driven by a reduced contribution 
from our Third Party Trading business, due to 
the aforementioned challenges within the coal 
markets. Additionally, underlying operating 
profit within the Industrial Services division  
has reduced in the year, linked to the closure  
of Redcar Steelworks and the accelerated 
closure programme of many UK coal power 
generation plants. 

The initial period of operation within the newly 
established Specialist Earthworks division has 
been promising, delivering an Underlying 
Operating Profit of £1.1m in the first period  
of operation. This contribution has helped to 
offset the reduction in Underlying Operating 
Profit of £1.1m delivered by our Logistics 
division. The Logistics division was impacted  
by a reduction in coal and rock salt volumes 
combined with some significant challenges 
within the waste sector. These factors 
contributed to the reduction in Underlying 
Operating Profit from £2.3m in the prior year  
to £1.2m in the year ended 31 May 2016.

Reported Group Continuing Operating Profit 
before exceptional costs fell from £38.1m to 
£5.2m whilst Continuing Profit before Tax fell 
more sharply from £24.9m to a loss of £10.6m 
reflecting £12.4m of exceptional costs as the 
Group continues to transition the business  
away from thermal coal exposure within the UK. 

16

Acquisition of Blackwell 
On 11 January 2016, the Group completed the 
acquisition of Blackwell for a consideration of 
£11.85m. The consideration was settled by a  
net cash payment of £8.5m and the transfer  
to the Blackwell shareholders of a property  
at Earls Colne with a market value of £3.35m. 
The property was owned by Blackwell. Of the  
£8.5m net cash payment, £5.25m was placed  
in escrow pending the settlement of a number  
of historic claims and the realisation of 
proceeds from the disposal of two other 
investment properties, which will be marketed 
post-acquisition. These property disposals are 
expected to be completed by 31 December 
2016. The net debt of Blackwell at the date  
of the acquisition was £4.9m.

In our calculation of fair value, we have 
impaired the value of assets to which the 
escrow relates and assumed that the balance  
of £5.25m is returned to the Group. This has 
resulted in the establishment of a £5.25m 
debtor and an investment of £6.6m. The value 
of net assets acquired was £5.8m, resulting in 
goodwill of £0.8m. 

Following the acquisition of Blackwell, a new 
Specialist Earthworks Services Division was 
established and will be managed and reported 
as a new separate business segment. The 
operation will continue to trade as “Blackwell”. 

Exceptional Costs 
The Group continued its re-structuring to 
reduce exposure to thermal coal volatility  
and production within the UK. The various  
port, power station and steel plant closures 
that were announced last year required further 
steps to restructure and reduce costs. As a 
direct result of this, the Group has incurred 
non-recurring costs relating to redundancy  
and asset write downs of £12.4m. Included 
within these exceptional costs in the year to 
31 May 2016 is a one off impairment on the 
Tower project of £4.7m. This impairment has 
arisen following the announcement from 
Aberthaw power station to cease the 
purchasing of Welsh coal at the end of the 
current contract, which has in turn led to the 
decision to shorten the mine life at Tower. 

Item

Impairment of investment and 
other assets relating to the  
Tower project

Redundancy and related site 

closure cost at Redcar Steelworks

Redundancy and related site 
closure costs in Industrial 
Services

Cost associated with early closure 
of certain mining operations

Cost attributable to the acquisition 

of Blackwell

Redundancy costs from central 

overhead cost reduction 
programme

£m

4.7

1.6

1.1

4.0

0.7

0.3

12.4

As a result of the strategic move to transition 
away from exposures to thermal coal, in light  
of continued price and volume pressures, the 
Group took the decision in the prior financial 
year to cease operations at a number of our 
mining sites in Scotland. This led to a write off 
of mining assets and associated redundancy 
costs. The Group will now only operate coal 
extraction from a single site at House of Water.

These costs do not form part of the Group’s 
ongoing activities, are considered exceptional 
by size and nature, and are therefore excluded 
from the Group’s underlying result.

Interest
In the year to 31 May 2016, continuing net 
finance expenses for the Group reduced by 
£0.9m from £2.5m to £1.6m. This is driven 
partially by the success of the simplification 
programme in the prior year, which has led  
to a reduced level of average net debt.

Taxation
The income tax credit for the year is £1.1m 
compared with a tax charge of £3.6m for the 
year ended 31 May 2015; including the share  
of tax of equity accounted investees of £0.6m 
(2015: £0.6m) this results in a total tax credit of 
£0.5m (2015: charge of £4.2m). Whilst this credit 
represents a reported effective tax rate for the 

Hargreaves Services plcStrategic Report Group of 4.5% (2015: 16.4%), this rate is affected 
by a number of exceptional costs that are not 
tax deductible, including the write off of certain 
Tower balances and acquisition of Blackwell.

year of £1.2m (2015: £2.1m) have been offset by 
interest and expenses of £0.3m (2015: £0.3m) 
and a net re-measurement loss of £1.0m (2015: 
£2.1m).

Dividend
The Board is proposing a final dividend of 0.6p 
per share (2015: 20.0p), bringing the dividend 
for the full year to 2.3p per share (2015: 30.0p). 
Whilst this reflects a decrease of 92.3% in the 
total dividend for the year, this increases the 
dividend pay out ratio to 40% (2015: 31.9%)  
of underlying diluted earnings per share.  
The proposed final dividend will be paid on 
21 October 2016 to all shareholders on the 
register at the close of business on 
23 September 2016.

Share Buybacks
The Group has continued the programme  
of purchasing its own shares as a means of 
returning value to shareholders. In the year to 
31 May 2016 the Group purchased 175,000 
(2015: 1,053,072) shares for a total consideration 
of £0.6m (2015: £6.3m). The Group now holds 
1,228,072 of its own shares in treasury.

Pensions 
Our former deep mining operation at Maltby 
Colliery was a member of two industry wide 
defined benefit pension schemes. Whilst  
our operations at the mine have ceased,  
the obligation to fund the schemes remains  
within the Group, and the Directors remain 
committed to funding the schemes.

In addition to the two industry wide defined 
benefit pension schemes, Maltby Colliery also 
operates an unfunded concessionary fuel 
scheme. The combined liability of both 
elements as at 31 May 2016 is £5.7m, increased 
from £5.5m at 31 May 2015. Contributions in the 

In the prior year, the Group also maintained  
a concessionary fuel scheme for former 
employees of The Monckton Coke & Chemical 
Company Limited. As noted in the prior year 
Annual Report and Accounts, the scheme has 
ended and a final settlement was made in June 
2015. The Group has no further obligation in 
relation to this scheme.

Earnings per Share
Reported basic earnings per share from 
Continuing Operations decreased from 65.3p 
to a loss of 30.0p reflecting the impact of the 
reduced underlying profits and the exceptional 
costs. Underlying diluted earnings per share 
decreased by 94.0% from 93.9p to 5.6p. The 
weighted average diluted number of shares 
reduced slightly during the year from 33.1m to 
32.3m. The share buy-back programme, which 
was approved on 5 November 2014 resulted in 
the purchase of 1,228,072 shares as at 31 May 
2016, and therefore reduced the weighted 
average number of shares.

Net Debt
Net debt increased by £31.3m from £1.0m at 
31 May 2015 to £32.3m at 31 May 2016. The net 
debt figure has increased following the Group’s 
acquisition of Blackwell, as well as plant and 
mining asset investment.

Group net assets decreased from £148.5m at 
31 May 2015 to £131.4m at 31 May 2016. Gearing 
(measured as net debt compared with net 
assets) at the end of May 2016 was 24.6%, 
compared with 0.7% at 31 May 2015. 

Net cash flow from continuing operating 
activities before interest and tax generated a 
cash inflow of £20.2m during the year. This cash 
generation reflected positive EBITDA of £14.9m, 
despite the significant pressures faced across 
the group on profits. The cash impact of 
exceptional costs in the year, included within 
the £14.9m was £2.9m.

The movement within the Group’s working 
capital balances was a £5.3m inflow. 
Reductions in coking coal, coke and PCI coal, 
following the closure of Redcar Steelworks 
offset the impact of increased coal stocks in 
Scotland. The release of working capital was 
lower than expected in the last year due to  
the lack of demand last winter. The Group is 
confident that these stocks will be saleable 
during the coming year, although visibility  
of demand remains low. 

Interest payments included amounts of £3.0m 
in respect of the cash settlement of ineffective 
derivative financial instruments, for which the 
cost had been provided within the previous 
year’s Income Statement. 

Tax payments in the year included £6.3m in 
respect of a disclosable tax planning scheme 
implemented in 2011. An additional amount  
of £5.2m was paid in June 2016. Following  
this payment the Group has no further cash 
payment obligations in relation to the scheme. 
The Group and its advisors, KPMG are still 
confident that the scheme was sound and 
lawful. Should HMRC ultimately accept the 
Group’s view on how this arrangement should 
be treated for corporation tax purposes, the 
£11.5m of cash paid will be repaid by HMRC.  
As previously reported, no profit benefit was 
taken at the time the scheme was enacted.  

Movement in Net Debt

Item

EBITDA
Movement in working capital

Cash from operating activities before interest and tax
Interest payable
Taxation payable
Net capital expenditure
New finance leases
Business combinations
Dividends received
Dividends paid
Purchase of own shares
Discontinued cash flows

Total movement in cash and cash equivalents

2016 
£m

14.9
5.3

20.2
(4.0)
(6.7)
(13.5)
(3.5)
(13.7)
0.8
(6.9)
(0.6)
(3.4)

(31.3)

2015 
£m

46.1
22.9

69.0
(1.4)
(4.7)
(8.3)
(2.1)
26.9
2.2
(8.7)
(6.3)
1.2

67.8

17

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Financial StatementsDirectors’ ReportStrategic Report Financial Review continued

The change in structure of the bank 
facility has resulted in improved pricing, 
which has had a positive impact on the 
net finance expense for the year. The 
new structure was also designed to 
provide a greater degree of flexibility for 
the Group in financing working capital.

No provision has been made for approximately 
£1m of interest that would be payable should 
the planning scheme not be successful.

Net capital expenditure in the last financial year 
was £13.5m (2015: £8.3m) and includes disposal 
proceeds of £1.6m (2015: £2.9m). Gross cash on 
capital expenditure was £15.1m (2015: £11.2m) 
and related to investment of £8.5m to supplement 
our existing plant fleet and further investment 
in mine development assets across our Scottish 
operations of £3.0m to develop the House of 
Water site. The Group have also continued to 
invest in its property portfolio as assets are 
developed for future use or sale.

The acquisition of Blackwell resulted in an 
increase in net debt of £13.4m. This was made 
of cash payments to settle the acquisition 
consideration of £6.6m, an amount of £5.25m 
paid into escrow, net debt included in the 
acquisition balance sheet of £4.9m, less the 
£3.35m received in relation to the disposal  
of the head office property. Additionally, the 
Group also acquired Earls Gate Energy Centre 
Limited for net cash of £0.3m. 

In addition to the cash flows described above, 
the Group paid dividends totalling £6.9m, 
reflecting the prior year final dividend of 20.0p 
and the current year interim dividend of 1.7p. 
The Group have also purchased a number of 
shares as part of the share buy back 
programme for £0.6m (2015: £6.3m) and 
reduced the long term loans balance by  
£1.6m (2015: £53.9m).

Coal stocks are expected in to increase by 
around 100k tonnes in the first half of the 
current financial year before sales commence  
in earnest during next winter. The Group  
also expects to offer stocking deals to coal 
merchants of around £6m in the first half, in  
line with normal practice.

Capital Management and Bank Facilities
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. 

The Group’s current UK banking arrangements 
consists of a £70m borrowing base facility 
(“BBF”) and a £40m revolving credit facility 
(“RCF”). The arrangement was concluded with  
a three bank group comprising of HSBC, Lloyds 
and Barclays and is committed through to 
August 2018. The change in structure of the 
facility has resulted in improved pricing, which 
has had a positive impact on the net finance 
expense for the year. The new structure was 
also designed to provide a greater degree of 
flexibility for the Group in financing working 
capital. This was judged to be important given 
the reductions that were anticipated to occur 
with Group EBITDA. Although the Group’s RCF 
is subject to a Debt:EBITDA leverage covenant 
maximum of only 2:1, the Group’s BBF facility 
sits outside the leverage test and leverage test 
parameters as it is secured against the 
underlying working capital assets. 

18

As a result of this innovative arrangement the 
Group benefits from a flexible facility structure, 
and with the reduced need to finance significant 
coal stocks and plant assets, the Board does not 
foresee any covenant stress or pressure, in light 
of the reduced current profitability.

Summary of Net Debt 

Cash and cash 
equivalents
Interest bearing 
borrowings

Finance lease liabilities

Net Debt

2016 
£000

2015 
£000

(21,161)

(43,853)

37,593
15,906

32,338

32,772
12,049

968

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 August 2016

Hargreaves Services plcStrategic Report Statement on Risks Relating to the Group’s Business

This statement is an integral part of the Strategic Report.

Key Risks

Description

Mitigation

OPERATIONAL

Operational and Project 
Performance Risk

Ineffective and inefficient project management 
could lead to additional costs being incurred, 
which will affect the overall project performance 
and therefore the financial performance of the 
Group. Managing contract risk is essential, as there 
is a risk that the Group may commit to contractual 
terms and conditions that expose the Group to 
excessive financial risks and potential  
cost overruns.

• 

• 

• 

Policies and procedures in place for contract approval 
include bid approval models, peer review and Board 
approval of key contracts.
Experienced management teams in place for all service 
offerings with the relevant technical and industry knowledge.
Review of all contracts by internal legal support, involving 
external resource on material contractual commitments.

•  Monthly project performance reviews are undertaken 

involving finance, commercial and operational personnel. 

UK Housing Market Risk

Property Development

Planning

Whilst the Group has always been exposed to this 
type of risk, the acquisition of Blackwell increases 
our exposure to construction sector contracts and 
heightens this risk.

As the Property and Energy division gains more 
prominence within the Group, we will become 
more exposed to risks associated with the UK 
housing market. Demand for UK housing can have 
a marked impact on property and land valuations, 
which may affect the viability of sites.

The Group also now has a growing portfolio  
of property assets, the value of which will be 
dependent on successful development and 
commercial exploitation. These land assets  
present the risk of variations in the market  
value of property assets. Development projects, 
including those in the energy sector, are also 
subject to receiving appropriate permissions from 
the relevant planning and other regulatory bodies. 

Increased complexity, cost and delay in the 
planning process may slow down the project 
pipeline. Changes in Government or Government 
strategy towards planning policies could impact 
on the speed of the planning consent process  
or the value of sites.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

The Group’s policy is to only progress and develop land 
where it considers that significant value uplift will be 
deliverable, resulting in a focus on the land that is deemed  
to be of high quality and in prime locations. 
Although “Brexit” has raised some additional concerns over 
the UK property sector, the Group’s investment in Property 
and Energy is long term and should not be seriously affected 
by short term events, or economic cycles. 

The Group has developed a focussed in-house team with 
considerable expertise in this area, supported by external 
specialists where necessary.
The Group adopts a prudent approach to investment in 
development projects taking account of the costs and  
risks associated with each project on a case by case basis, 
with material investment decisions coming to the Board  
for approval.
Progress on projects is carefully monitored and continuing 
or further investment is regularly challenged.

The Group’s highly skilled in-house technical and planning 
teams monitor changes in the market and in the planning 
process and react accordingly to ensure that planning 
consents are achieved in the most cost-effective and timely 
manner, whilst ensuring a broad spread of developments 
remain in the planning system at any one time. 

•  Whilst the Group has sought to constrain and prioritise  
the number of projects being taken through planning,  
the portfolio does provide a good spread of different  
types of projects in different planning jurisdictions.

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 employs experienced management teams with  
the relevant technical and surface mining industry knowledge.
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.

19

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Financial StatementsDirectors’ ReportStrategic Report Statement on Risks Relating to the Group’s Business 
continued

Key Risks

Description

Mitigation

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 
has significantly reduced its activity levels around 
commodity trading, however a residual level of risk 
remains as a result of exposure to the continuing 
production activities at House of Water and Tower 
and through the need to liquidate legacy stocks.

Commercial 
Relationships

Political &  
Economic Risks

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. 

There is a potential impact on the Group from 
political, security and economic conditions both  
in the UK and globally. In the UK alone we operate 
across the energy, property and construction 
sectors, each of which is subject to risk of sporadic 
or cyclical economic or political turbulence. The UK 
energy sector in particular is subject to the risk of 
changes in political polices. We now have 
international operations in countries including 
South East Asia, South Africa and India, where 
political and economical risk can be magnified  
due to geographical constraints.

HEALTH, SAFETY & ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS

Health and Safety

Environmental

Recruitment and 
Retention of Key 
Executives and Skilled 
Employees

20

Any safety or environmental issue involving  
our employees, members of the public or third  
party partners could result in commercial and/or 
reputational damage to the Group. Our growing 
portfolio of property holdings also presents  
health and safety risks, in particular those  
related to unauthorised public access. Health  
and Safety incidents carry the risk of significant 
financial penalties.

Operations, if not properly managed, could result 
in environmental contamination with disruption of 
business, financial costs and loss of reputation. In 
particular, the processes used in the mining of coal 
present environmental risks which may affect not 
only our property but also property belonging to 
third parties. 

Key executives, senior management and skilled 
employees possess the industry knowledge and 
experience without which the strategic objectives 
may not be advanced. If the Group is unable to 
recruit or retain both key executives and skilled 
employees, this could adversely affect the Group 
both operationally and financially. 

• 

• 

• 

• 

The Group continues to seek, where possible to minimise 
price and foreign exchange risks through the use of 
fixed-price contracts, hedging instruments and “back-to-
back” purchase and sale agreements.
The Group has not hedged the value of current coal stocks 
in the face of significant uncertainty on market demand but 
closely monitors market prices. When a sale is contracted, 
steps will be taken to fix or hedge any price exposures. In 
the meantime the Group closely monitors the carrying value 
of surplus and unsold coal stocks to ensure they are 
appropriately valued.
The Group also carefully monitors the fuel requirements of 
any fixed price logistics or earthworks contracts seeking to 
ensure that the cost of fuel to support these contracts is also 
fixed through hedges.

The Group seeks to expand its commercial relationships  
to reduce its dependence on any one specific relationship, 
although the opportunities to do so in practice can be 
restricted, particularly as sectors such as coal-fired 
generation are reducing in size and number of participants.

•  Despite operating over a number of sectors, we are  
at risk of declining revenue and profit streams during 
economic downturns.

•  We carefully appraise the risks and capital requirements 
associated with any new contracts in the UK steel sector.

• 

•  We continue to be prudent in advancing any proposal for 
investment in the UK energy sector. The two EfW projects 
are both premised on the assumption that no Contract for 
Difference subsidy will be available.
A similar assumption is also made in regard to potential 
developments in the on-shore wind sector.
In light of the political, economic and foreign exchange risks 
surrounding South Africa at this time, the decision has been 
taken to pause any further deployment of capital. 
Investment in other foreign jurisdictions will only be made 
following careful appraisal by the Board.

• 

•  Health & Safety remains a priority consideration of all Group 

• 

• 

• 
• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

and subsidiary board meetings. 
Robust training, policies, procedures and monitoring are  
in operation. 
Internal Health & Safety Managers who conduct regular 
random inspections. 
Regular externally reviewed mock incidents.
Clear site signage stressing health and safety risk is 
provisioned across all our locations.
The provision of onsite security and/or fencing is made 
where it is deemed practical and measured.

Provision of clear guidance on the environmental standards 
we expect all our operations to achieve. 
Compliance with laws, regulations and industry best 
practice is a priority across the business.

The provision of remuneration and terms of employment 
that are competitive in the market.

Hargreaves Services plcStrategic Report Key Risks

Description

Mitigation

FINANCIAL 

Credit Risk

Interest Rate

Foreign Currency

Pension 

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.

By necessity the nature of the Group’s trading  
and Industrial Services relationships necessitate 
contract and credit exposures to individual 
customers that are material to the results of the 
Group, sometimes over a long tenor. Credit risk 
arises from the possibility that customers may  
not be able to pay their debts. As the Group has 
reduced the scale of its coal production and 
trading relationships, the relative materiality  
of some of these exposures  
has increased.

• 

• 

• 

• 

The Group periodically assesses the financial reliability  
of customers.
The Credit Control function closely monitors and chases  
any overdue debts and the majority of the Group’s trade 
receivables are due for payment within 45 days.
The Group remains vigilant to monitoring and controlling 
counterparty exposures that are material to the results  
of the Group. All such exposures are carefully considered 
before contractual commitments are made to take account 
of the risks presented by the contract or relationship, the 
returns available and the opportunities that are, or are not, 
available to mitigate that exposure.
The Group continues to carefully monitor its exposures and 
Management are mindful of the continuation of difficult 
trading conditions being experienced in a number of 
sectors, particularly the coal and steel markets.

The Group predominantly borrows in Sterling  
at floating rates. If interest rates rise the cost  
of borrowing for the Group will rise accordingly.  
As at 31 May 2016 £15.9m of the Group’s financial 
liabilities were at fixed rates (2015: £12.0m).

• 

•  Where appropriate the Group will use derivatives to generate 
the desired effective currency and interest rate exposure.
At current levels of debt and interest rates the Group’s 
exposure to changes in interest rates is not considered 
significant, particularly in light of the considerable amount 
of cash realisations expected over the coming period.

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. Transactional 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.

The Group operates a defined benefit pension 
scheme. Times of economic instability can have  
an impact on scheme asset values with the result 
that the reported pension deficit increases. 
Furthermore, the relationship between implied 
inflation and long-term gilt yields has a major 
impact on the pension deficit and the business  
has little control over those variables.

• 

• 

• 

• 
• 

• 

The translation risk is reduced by ensuring that net assets  
are financed where possible by borrowing in local currency.
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.

The Group seeks to engage with the Trustees to ensure  
that an optimal balance is struck between managing risk 
and volatility in asset values and seeking a reasonable long 
term return on the assets.
The Group operates a Trustee approved deficit recovery plan.
The scheme has been closed to new members since the 
acquisition of Maltby Colliery in 2007 and, following the 
closure of that operation in 2012 there are no active 
members or continuing service accrual.
The Group make use of high quality external experts for 
actuarial and investment advice.

21

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Financial StatementsDirectors’ ReportStrategic Report Board of Directors

David Morgan (aged 58)
Non-Executive Chairman

Gordon Banham (aged 52)
Group Chief Executive

Iain Cockburn (aged 51)
Group Finance Director

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 Nordgold S.E. 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.

David is a member of the Remuneration and 
Nominations Committees (Chairman).

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.

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, with Courtaulds PLC 
and GenRad Inc (now Terradyne). Prior to 
joining Hargreaves he was Finance Director  
and subsequently CEO and Finance Director  
of Knowledge Support Systems plc. Iain has 
worked in senior roles in a variety of industries 
and has significant experience around 
financing, acquisitions, joint ventures and 
financial structuring. He also brings significant 
international experience to the Group.

Kevin Dougan (aged 62)
Group Commercial Director

Peter Jones (aged 61)
Non-Executive Director

Nigel Halkes (aged 60)
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. 
Kevin is an expert in deep mining and has had 
significant experience in the earthworks sector. 
He is also one of the UK leading experts in 
heavy plant and has been and continues to be 
responsible for the Group’s significant heavy 
plant fleet.

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.

Peter is a member of the Audit, Remuneration 
(Chairman) and Nominations Committees.

Nigel was a partner at Ernst & Young for 25 years, 
rising to become Managing Partner of Markets 
for the UK and Ireland, responsible for the firm’s 
growth strategy, relationship with major clients 
and the business development function. He 
served some of the firm’s largest clients, 
including auditing British Coal in the period  
up to privatisation. He served three years as  
an elected member of the CBI London Council.  
He retired from Ernst & Young at the end of  
2013 to pursue a portfolio non-executive career 
spanning the public, private and charitable 
sectors. Nigel is currently a Non-Executive 
Director of Management Consulting Group plc 
and sits on the board of Visit England and the 
advisory board of the Victoria & Albert museum.

Nigel is a member of the Audit (Chairman), 
Remuneration and Nominations Committees.

22

Hargreaves Services plcDirectors’ Report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

Andrew Spence-Wolrich
Managing Director

Coal Distribution 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.

Logistics Division
Previously: Managing Director,  
The Spence-Wolrich Partnership; Business 
Director, Bulmers Transport Ltd; Commercial 
Manager, Hoyer GmbH.

Steve, a qualified Civil and Structural Engineer 
has developed a successful career working  
for leading companies in the construction 
materials industry. He has in excess of 30  
years’ experience in mineral extraction and 
associated sectors at senior operating level. 
Steve has been part of the Executive 
Management team at Hargreaves for over  
10 years developing and managing key  
areas of Group operations.

Julie has over 20 years’ experience in providing 
outsourced services to UK & International 
industry. She has been a member of the 
Executive Management Team for 4 years and 
has been with the company for over 9 years. 
Julie has personally overseen the development 
of the business in Asia in both Hong Kong and 
Malaysia, and, diversified the UK service offering 
away from coal fired power stations.

Andrew has led the Logistics business at 
Hargreaves for over 6 years and has 35 years’ 
experience in the sector. An MBA with a 
detailed knowledge of all aspects of logistics 
services and change management, he has 
implemented industry leading technology  
to improve safety, productivity and efficiency. 
Andrew is also the regional Chair for the Road 
Haulage Association.

23

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Financial StatementsStrategic Report Directors’ ReportDirectors’ Report

The Directors present their Directors’ Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 May 2016.

Principal Activities 
The principal activities of the Group are the provision of haulage services, waste transportation, mineral import, mining and processing, together  
with specialist earthworks 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 29 of the accounts. 

Proposed Dividend 
Following the payment of an interim dividend of 1.7p per share on 8 April 2016, the Directors recommend a final dividend for the year ended  
31 May 2016 of 0.6p per share to be paid on 21 October 2016 to shareholders on the register on 23 September 2016. The shares will be ex-dividend  
on 22 September 2016. 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 2016 for the Group were 26 days (2015: 20 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: 

David Morgan
Gordon Banham 
Iain Cockburn 
Kevin Dougan 
Peter Jones
Nigel Halkes (appointed 21 August 2015)
Tim Ross (resigned 8 October 2015)

The names and biographical details of the Directors at the date of this Directors’ Report appear on pages 22 and 23.

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.

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 31 to 33.

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:

David Morgan
Gordon Banham
Kevin Dougan
Iain Cockburn 
Peter Jones
Nigel Halkes

Class of share

Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary

Interest at  
end of year

Interest at 
beginning of year

30,000
2,478,466
118,272
7,680
10,000
5,000

–
2,273,466
118,272
7,680
–
n/a

Details of Directors’ emoluments are set out in the Remuneration Report on page 31.

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. 

24

Hargreaves Services plcDirectors’ ReportDirector

Iain Cockburn

Exercise price 
per share

Period during which  
option is exercisable

Number of  
options granted

–

June 2011 to June 2018

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.

Director

Iain Cockburn

Exercise price 
per share

Period during which 
option is exercisable

Number of 
options granted

–

June 2012 to June 2019

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.

Director

Iain Cockburn

Exercise price 
per share

Period during which 
option is exercisable

Number of 
options granted

–

June 2014 to September 2021 

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. The options 
partially vested at 41.71%. Iain Cockburn’s beneficial holding is therefore 7,086.

No options were granted under a Long-Term Incentive Plan in 2012, 2014 nor 2015. The options awarded under a Long-Term Incentive Plan in 2010 and 
2013 lapsed.

Director

Gordon Banham
Iain Cockburn
Kevin Dougan

Exercise price 
per share

Period during which 
option is exercisable

Number of 
options granted

–
–
–

October 2017 to May 2018
October 2017 to May 2018 
October 2017 to May 2018 

31,109 
20,642 
16,990 

These options were granted under Deferred Share Bonus Scheme A and are outstanding at the end of the year. The options are subject to conditions as 
outlined in Note 26.

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 Gordon Banham 
and Peter Jones. Gordon Banham and Peter Jones, being eligible, offer themselves for re-election. As previously announced, Tim Ross retired as 
Chairman and Non-Executive Director on 8 October 2015.

Significant Shareholdings
At 5 August 2016 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

Schroder Investment Management Ltd
Artemis Investment Management LLP
Fidelity Worldwide Investment (UK) Ltd
Shareholder Value Management AG
Gordon Banham
The NFU Mutual Insurance Society Limited
M & G Investment Management Ltd

Number of 
ordinary shares

% of issued 
share capital

5,850,616
3,576,397
3,208,568
2,970,123
2,478,466
1,460,000
1,320,444

18.33%
11.21%
10.05%
9.31%
7.77%
4.58%
4.14%

25

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Financial StatementsStrategic Report Directors’ ReportDirectors’ Report continued

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. 

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 7 October 2015. In accordance with the Company buy back policy 175,000 shares were purchased during the year. The Directors will seek authority 
to make market purchases of up to fifteen per cent of the Company’s own shares at the 2016 Annual General Meeting (full details are available in the 
2016 Notice of Annual General Meeting).

Approval to Issue Shares
The Directors will seek authority to allot up to a maximum aggregate nominal amount of £1,069,523 at the 2016 Annual General Meeting (full details are 
available in the 2016 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 26 on page 74.

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 August 2016

26

Hargreaves Services plcDirectors’ Report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 have 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 22 and 23.

During the year the Board comprised a Non-Executive Chairman, three Executive Directors, and three independent Non-Executive Directors. David 
Morgan was appointed Chairman with effect from 7 October 2015 upon Tim Ross’ retirement as Chairman and Non-Executive Director.

The Board 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
David Morgan
Gordon Banham 
Peter Jones
Iain Cockburn 
Kevin Dougan 
Nigel Halkes
Tim Ross (retired)

Board 

11 
11 attended
11 attended 
11 attended
11 attended 
10 attended 
9 attended
3 attended

Audit 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Nominations 
Committee

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

7
7 attended
n/a
7 attended
n/a
n/a
5 attended
4 attended

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

27

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Financial StatementsStrategic Report Directors’ ReportCorporate Governance continued

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. 

Remuneration Committee
The composition and work of the Remuneration Committee is described in the Remuneration Report found on page 31.

The Audit Committee and Independent Auditor
During the year the Audit Committee comprised the Non-Executive Directors, excluding the Chairman. Nigel Halkes replaced David Morgan as 
Chairman of the Committee on 7 October 2015. Nigel Halkes 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 Chairman, 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, paying particular attention to 
the accounting policies, judgements and estimates disclosed in Note 1 to the Financial Statements. 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 Group Whistle-Blowing Policy by which employees of the Group may, in confidence, raise concerns 
about possible financial or other improprieties, and the Anti-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 paid to the Independent auditor, 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 Committee also reviews its own effectiveness.

The Committee’s members are the independent Non-Executives. 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 31.

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.

28

Hargreaves Services plcDirectors’ Report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. Regular meetings attended by the 
Group Executive Management Team are held to review operational performance and assess the strategic development of each division.
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 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 Non-Executive Directors (following discussions with the other Directors) conducts 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.

29

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Financial StatementsStrategic Report Directors’ ReportCorporate Governance continued

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. 

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 2010 and 
awareness of the consequences of not adhering to Group policies.

The Group has taken the appropriate steps to comply with the provisions of the Market Abuse Regulation.

The Group has also taken the appropriate steps to comply with the Modern Slavery Act 2015. A copy of the Group’s Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking 
Policy Statement is found below.

  Modern slavery is a despicable form of organised crime in which people are exploited for criminal gain. It is inhumane, unethical and damaging to 
society, yet it remains an issue in corporate supply chains around the world. Hargreaves Services plc (“Hargreaves”) is committed to the eradication 
of slavery and human trafficking and this statement is made in compliance with section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. It sets out Hargreaves’ 
policy and the steps that Hargreaves is taking to prohibit any form of forced labour or slavery throughout its supply chain.

Hargreaves has six divisions: Coal Production and Distribution; Industrial Services; Logistics; Renewable Energy; Property; and Earthworks/Civil 
Engineering. It has operations across the globe and has approximately 2000 employees worldwide.

Hargreaves will not knowingly use forced labour, slavery or unlawful child labour in providing any of its services or products, nor will it accept 
services or products from suppliers that employ or utilise forced or unlawful child labour or any form of slavery.

This policy reflects Hargreaves’ commitment to acting ethically and with integrity in all its business relationships and to implementing and 
enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure slavery and human trafficking is not taking place anywhere in its supply chains.

Hargreaves has reviewed, and will continue to monitor, its policies and processes to ensure they meet both the legal and ethical standards required 
in its supply chain.

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 16.

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.

30

Hargreaves Services plcDirectors’ Report 
 
 
 
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 seven occasions during the year, were: 

Peter Jones 
David Morgan 
Nigel Halkes 
Tim Ross    

Chairman 

(appointed 21 August 2015)
(resigned 8 October 2015)

All members of the Committee are Independent Non-Executive Directors and are 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 Group targets set by the Committee. These 
being profit before tax, net debt and safety. 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 have traditionally been invited to participate in Long-Term Incentive Plans, whereby shares in the 
Group are awarded subject to performance criteria. The Group LTIP scheme was replaced by a deferred bonus scheme in 2014.

The Remuneration committee decided not to award LTIPs in the year ended 31 May 2016.

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, private medical insurance and permanent health insurance. 

31

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Financial StatementsStrategic Report Directors’ ReportRemuneration Report continued

Directors’ Remuneration for the Year to 31 May 2016

Salary/Fees 

Bonus in Cash

Benefits

Total

Pension

Gordon Banham
Iain Cockburn
Kevin Dougan
Tim Ross (resigned 
8 October 2015)

David Morgan
Peter Jones
Nigel Halkes (appointed 

21 August 2015)

2016 
£000

407
270
224

27
85
40

28

2015 
£000

452
300
247

65
55
40

–

Total

1,081

1,159

2016 
£000

–
–
–

–
–
–

–

–

2015 
£000

181
120
90

–
–
–

–

2016 
£000

45
27
25

–
–
–

–

2015 
£000

43
24
28

–
–
–

–

2016 
£000

452
297
249

27
85
40

28

2015 
£000

676
444
365

65
55
40

–

2016 
£000

113
75
–

–
–
–

–

2015 
£000

113
75
–

–
–
–

–

391

97

95

1,178

1,645

188

188

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 

Commencement of  
period of office 

2016/17 Salary (£)

Notice period

3 September 2013
3 September 2013
3 September 2013
3 September 2013
6 June 2014
21 August 2015

David Morgan 
Gordon Banham 
Kevin Dougan 
Iain Cockburn 
Peter Jones
Nigel Halkes

24 February 2012
1 October 2001 

Non-Executive Chairman 
Group Chief Executive 
Group Commercial Director  23 June 1997 
Group Finance Director 
Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director

8 October 2007 
6 June 2014
21 August 2015

100,000
452,119
224,473
300,000
40,000
40,000

6 months’ notice 
12 months’ notice 
12 months’ notice 
12 months’ notice 
n/a 
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 ten year savings-related share option scheme and was implemented in December 2005. This was not renewed in 2016.

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. 

32

Hargreaves Services plcDirectors’ Report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. No LTIP awards were granted in the year ended 31 May 2016. 

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 26. 

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. 

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. 

Deferred Bonus Scheme
A Deferred Bonus Scheme (“the Scheme”) was implemented in December 2014. The Scheme was introduced as a temporary replacement for the 
Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) for the year ended 31 May 2015. The Scheme was introduced as a one year scheme, with a focus on 
incentivising the Executive team during a transitional period for the Group.

The Scheme was designed to allow awards to be made to Executive Directors selected by the Remuneration Committee. The value of any award  
made under the Scheme was sixty percent of any bonus received under the Group Annual Bonus Scheme for the year ended 31 May 2015. This  
figure in turn was converted into shares using the mid closing price of a Hargreaves Services plc share on the day preceding the award.

By order of the Board 

Peter Jones
Non-Executive Director
8 August 2016

33

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Financial StatementsStrategic Report Directors’ Report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 their 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; 
• 
• 

state whether they have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU; and 
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group and the parent company will 
continue 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. 

34

Hargreaves Services plcDirectors’ Report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 2016, set out on pages 36 to 83. 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 34, 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 2016 and of the Group’s 
loss 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 August 2016

35

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Directors’ ReportStrategic Report Financial StatementsConsolidated Statement of Profit and Loss  
and Other Comprehensive Income 
for year ended 31 May 2016

Continuing operations

Revenue 
Cost of sales 

Gross profit 
Other operating income 
Administrative expenses 

Operating (loss)/profit

Analysed as:
Operating profit (before exceptional costs)

Exceptional costs – Cost of sales
Exceptional costs – Administrative expenses

Exceptional costs

Operating (loss)/profit (after exceptional costs)

Financial income 
Financial expenses 
Unrealised fair value gains and losses on derivative financial instruments

Share of (loss)/profit in associates and joint ventures (net of tax) 

(Loss)/profit before tax 
Income tax credit/(expense)

(Loss)/profit for the year from continuing operations

Discontinued operations
Loss for the year from discontinued operations

(Loss)/profit for the year

Other comprehensive income/(expense)
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss
Remeasurements of 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 (expense)/ income for the year 

Note

1,2 

4
5

6
6

9
9
6

16

11

10

25
11

11

2016 
£000 

340,665
(299,764)

40,901
265
(48,339)

2015 
£000

662,161
(588,390)

73,771
733
(45,560)

(7,173)

28,944

5,205

38,074

(3,473)
(8,905)

(12,378)

(7,173)

1,153
(2,785)
–

(1,792)

(10,597)
1,082

–
(9,130)

(9,130)

28,944

1,152
(3,617)
(3,080)

1,504

24,903
(3,554)

(9,515)

21,349

(940)

(779)

(10,455)

20,570

(1,098)
181

149
1,119
(40)

(1,733)
368

(1,766)
(4,769)
862

311

(7,038)

(10,144)

13,532

36

Hargreaves Services plcFinancial Statements(Loss)/profit attributable to: 
Equity holders of the Company 
Non-controlling interest 

(Loss)/profit for the year 

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

Total comprehensive (expense)/income 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
Basic underlying earnings per share from continuing operations (pence)
Diluted underlying earnings per share continuing operations (pence)

Note

2016 
£000 

(10,498)
43

2015 
£000

20,454
116

(10,455)

20,570

(10,187)
43

13,416
116

(10,144)

13,532

(32.96)
(32.96)
(30.01)
(30.01)

5.70
5.63

62.91
61.88
65.31
64.24

95.41
93.85

12
12
12
12

37

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Directors’ ReportStrategic Report Financial Statements13 
14
15
16 
16 
19 

10
20 
17
21 
22 

23 
25 
27 
18 

23 
24 

27
18 

Note

Group

2016 
£000

2015  
£000

57,144
5,126
9,472
5,963
–
2,512

Company

2016  
£000

–
–
–
4,984
40,123
185

2015  
£000

–
–
–
4,984
32,902
123

68,095
5,126
9,475
1,043
–
3,207

86,946

80,217

45,292

38,009

5,040
46,983
32
117,310
21,161

5,040
57,803
1,088
108,750
43,853

–
–
–
218,873
–

–
–
–
545,063
19,906

190,526

216,534

218,873

564,969

277,472

296,751

264,165

602,978

(46,098)
(5,699)
(4,189)
(66)

(7,165)
(5,516)
(5,762)
(1,308)

(37,593)
–
–
–

–
–
–
(1,308)

(56,052)

(19,751)

(37, 593)

(1,308)

(7,401)
(75,096)
(6,271)
(867)
(430)

(37,656)
(73,078)
(13,414)
–
(4,351)

(3,895)
(116,877)
–
–
(268)

(32,772)
(456,401)
–
–
(224)

(90,065)

(128,499)

(121,040)

(489,397)

(146,117)

(148,250)

(158,633)

(490,705)

131,355

148,501

105,532

112,273

Balance Sheets 
at 31 May 2016

Non-current assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Investment property
Intangible assets 
Investments in associates and joint ventures 
Investments in subsidiary undertakings 
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 

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

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

38

Hargreaves Services plcFinancial Statements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

28 

28
28
28
28
28

Group

2016 
£000

3,314
73,955
211
(3,582)
1,022
(62)
1,530
54,582

2015  
£000

3,314
73,955
211
(3,731)
1,022
(1,141)
1,530
72,999

Company

2016  
£000

3,314
73,955
–
–
1,022
(268)
1,530
25,979

2015  
£000

3,314
73,955
–
–
1,022
(466)
1,530
32,918

130,970

148,159

105,532

112,273

385

342

–

–

131,355

148,501

105,532

112,273

These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 8 August 2016 and were signed on its behalf by:

Gordon Banham 
Director

Iain Cockburn 
Director

Registered Number: 4952865

39

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Directors’ ReportStrategic Report Financial StatementsStatements of Changes in Equity
for year ended 31 May 2016

Group 

Balance at 1 June 2014
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 

Remeasurements of defined benefit 

pension plans

Tax recognised on other  
comprehensive income 

Total other comprehensive expense

Total comprehensive (expense)/income 

for the year 

Transactions with owners recorded 

directly in equity 

Issue of shares 

Equity settled share-based  
payment transactions 

Dividends paid
Purchase of own shares

Total contributions by and  
distributions to owners 

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

3,309

73,952

(1,965)

2,766

211

1,530

1,022

69,073

149,898

226

150,124

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

5

–

–
–

5

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

3

–

–
–

3

–

(1,766)

–

–

–

–

–

(4,769)

–

862

(1,766)

(3,907)

(1,766)

(3,907)

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

20,454

20,454

116

20,570

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

(1,766)

(4,769)

(1,733)

(1,733)

368

1,230

(1,365)

(7,038)

–

–

–

–

–

(1,766)

(4,769)

(1,733)

1,230

(7,038)

19,089

13,416

116

13,532

–

8

(89)

(89)

(8,744)
(6,330)

(8,744)
(6,330)

(15,163)

(15,155)

–

–

–
–

–

8

(89)

(8,744)
(6,330)

(15,155)

Balance at 31 May 2015 

3,314

73,955

(3,731)

(1,141)

211

1,530

1,022

72,999

148,159

342

148,501

40

Hargreaves Services plcFinancial StatementsGroup 

Balance at 1 June 2015
Total comprehensive income  

for the year 
Loss for the year 
Other comprehensive  
income/(expense)

Foreign exchange translation 

differences 

Effective portion of changes in fair  

value of cash flow hedges 

Remeasurements of defined benefit 

pension plans

Tax recognised on other  
comprehensive income 

Total other comprehensive (expense) 

Total comprehensive income/(expense) 

for the year 

Transactions with owners recorded 

directly in equity

Equity settled share-based  
payment transactions 

Dividends paid
Purchase of own shares

Total contributions by and  
distributions to owners 

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

3,314

73,955

(3,731)

(1,141)

211

1,530

1,022

72,999

148,159

342

148,501

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

149

–

–

–

–

1,119

–

(40)

149

1,079

149

1,079

–

–
–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

(10,498)

(10,498)

43

(10,455)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

149

1,119

(1,098)

(1,098)

181

(917)

141

311

–

–

–

–

–

149

1,119

(1,098)

141

311

(11,415)

(10,187)

43

(10,144)

520

520

(6,924)
(598)

(6,924)
(598)

(7,002)

(7,002)

–

–
–

–

520

(6,924)
(598)

(7,002)

Balance at 31 May 2016

3,314

73,955

(3,582)

(62)

211

1,530

1,022

54,582

130,970

385

131,355

41

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Directors’ ReportStrategic Report Financial StatementsStatements of Changes in Equity
for year ended 31 May 2016 continued

Company

Balance at 1 June 2014
Total comprehensive income for the year 
Profit for the year 
Other comprehensive expense
Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges

Total comprehensive income for the year 

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

Total transactions with owners 

Share 
capital 
£000

3,309

Share 
premium 
£000

73,952

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 
£000

1,530

Merger 
reserve 
£000

1,022

–

–

–

5
–
–
–

5

–

–

–

3
–
–
–

3

–

–

–

–
–
–
–

–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–

–

Hedging 
reserve 
£000

Retained 
earnings  
£000

Total  
parent  
equity 
£000

–

–

(466)

(466)

–
–
–
–

–

47,656

127,469

425

–

425

425

(466)

(41)

–
(89)
(8,744)
(6,330)

8
(89)
(8,744)
(6,330)

(15,163)

(15,155)

Balance at 31 May 2015

3,314

73,955

1,530

1,022

(466)

32,918

112,273

Balance at 1 June 2015

3,314

73,955

1,530

1,022

(466)

32,918

112,273

Total comprehensive income for the year
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income
Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges

Total comprehensive income for the year 

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

Total contributions by and distributions to owners

–

–

–

–
–
–
–

–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–

–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–

–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–

–

–

198

198

–
–
–
–

–

63

–

63

63

198

261

–
520
(6,924)
(598)

–
520
(6,924)
(598)

(7,002)

(7,002)

Balance at 31 May 2016

3,314

73,955

1,530

1,022

(268)

25,979

105,532

42

Hargreaves Services plcFinancial StatementsCash Flow Statements 
for year ended 31 May 2016

Cash flows from operating activities 
(Loss)/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 joint ventures (net of tax) 
Impairment of investment in joint venture
Profit on sale of property, plant and equipment 
Profit on disposal of subsidiaries
Equity settled share-based payment expenses 
Income tax (credit)/expense 
Loss/(gain) on derivative financial instruments 
Translation of non-controlling interest and investments

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 

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

Note

Group

2016 
£000

2015 
£000

(9,515)

21,349

9,261
–
7,263
1,026
–
1,632
1,792
4,302
(265)
–
520
(1,082)
–
(5)

14,929
15,541
10,696
(21,775)
754

20,145
(4,011)
(6,702)

9,432
(3,156)

10,009
10,078
8,901
5,567
–
2,465
(1,504)
–
(733)
(16,253)
(123)
3,554
3,080
(298)

46,092
37,627
11,257
(22,666)
(3,334)

68,976
(1,362)
(4,716)

62,898
1,055

Company

2016 
£000

63

–
–
–
–
(839)
(128)
–
–
–
–
–
(1,098)
(1,066)
–

(3,068)
–
327,257
(339,554)
–

(15,365)
(52)
–

(15,417)
–

2015 
£000

425

–
–
–
–
(2,153)
1,011
–
–
–
–
–
(490)
1,105
–

(102)
–
55,458
25,881
–

81,237
(430)
–

80,807
–

Net cash from operating activities

6,276

63,953

(15,417)

80,807

Cash flows from investing activities 
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 
Dividends received 
Disposal of subsidiaries
Acquisition of subsidiaries (net of cash acquired)
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 
Payment of other loan balances
Dividends paid 
Purchase of own shares
Proceeds from/(repayment of) Group banking facilities

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

1,613
839
–
(4,110)
(15,075)

(16,733)
–

(16,733)

–
(6,591)
(2,890)
(6,924)
(598)
5,000

(12,003)
(282)

2,927
2,153
24,807
(637)
(11,263)

17,987
1,677

19,664

8
(5,636)
–
(8,744)
(6,330)
(48,000)

(68,702)
(1,578)

–
839
–
(6,701)
–

(5,862)
–

(5,862)

–
–

(6,924)
(598)
5,000

(2,522)
–

–
2,153
364
(779)
–

1,738
–

1,738

8
–

(8,744)
(6,330)
(48,000)

(63,066)
–

13

28

28

23

Net cash from financing activities 

(12,285)

(70,280)

(2,522)

(63,066)

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

(22,742)
43,853
50

13,337
30,768
(252)

(23,801)
19,906
–

19,479
427
–

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 May 

22 

21,161

43,853

(3,895)

19,906

43

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Directors’ ReportStrategic Report Financial StatementsNotes 
(forming part of the financial statements) 

1  Accounting Policies 
Hargreaves Services plc (the “Company”) is a company incorporated and domiciled 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 joint ventures. 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: 

• 
• 
• 
• 

Amendments to IAS 19: Defined Benefit Plans: Employee Contributions 
Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2010–2012 Cycle 
Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2011–2013 Cycle 
IFRIC Interpretation 21 Levies 

None of the 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, assets held for sale and other property assets

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. Other property assets are assessed on the basis 
of the strategy for each asset and the estimated net proceeds arising.

b)  Mining production and profitability 

The Group has a significant surface mining business primarily comprising 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 continues to be 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 27) 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 provisions are 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 may 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 
obligations under these schemes is dependent on a number of long-term assumptions including the discount rate, inflation rate and mortality 
rates. 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 in respect of 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 probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the asset can be utilised.

44

Hargreaves Services plcFinancial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1  Accounting Policies continued
Accounting Estimates and Judgements continued
g)  Revenue and margin recognition on construction contracts

The Group’s revenue and margin recognition policies in respect of construction contracts  require forecasts to be made in respect of the outcomes 
of long-term contracts and services. These forecasts require assessments and judgements to be made, not least in respect of estimated contract 
costs and project scope changes. Use of the percentage of completion method also requires the Group to estimate the contract work performed 
to date as a proportion of the total contract work to be performed. Differences arising from unforeseen changes or events as the contract 
progresses may be reflected in future years. 

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 6. The financial position of the Group, its cash flows, liquidity position and borrowing facilities are described in  
the Financial Review on pages 16 to 18. In addition, Note 29 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 challenging trading conditions. 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 August 2016.

Basis of Consolidation 
Subsidiaries 
Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. The Group controls an entity when it is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its 
involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. In assessing control, the Group takes into 
consideration potential voting rights that are currently exercisable. 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 statements 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 interests even if doing so causes 
the non-controlling interests to have a deficit balance.

Change in Subsidiary Ownership and Loss of Control
Changes in the Group’s interest in a subsidiary that do not result in a loss of control are accounted for as equity transactions.

Where the Group loses control of a subsidiary, the assets and liabilities are derecognised along with any related non-controlling interest and other 
components of equity. Any resulting gain or loss is recognised in profit or loss. Any interest retained in the former subsidiary is measured at fair value 
when control is lost.

Joint Arrangements
A joint arrangement is an arrangement over which the Group and one or more third parties have joint control. These joint arrangements are in turn 
classified as:

• 
• 

Joint ventures – whereby the Group has rights to the net assets of the arrangement, rather than rights to its assets and obligations for its liabilities; and
Joint operations – whereby the Group has rights to the assets and obligations for the liabilities relating to the arrangement.

Associates
Associates are those entities in which the Group has significant influence, but not control, over the financial and operating policies. Significant influence 
is presumed to exist when the Group holds between 20 and 50 percent of the voting power of another entity. 

Application of the Equity Method to Associates and Joint Ventures
Associates and joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method (equity accounted investees) and are initially recognised at cost. The Group’s 
investment includes goodwill identified on acquisition, net of any accumulated impairment losses. The consolidated financial statements include the 
Group’s share of the total comprehensive income and equity movements of equity accounted investees, from the date that significant influence or joint 
control commences, until the date that significant influence or joint control ceases. When the Group’s share of losses exceeds its interest in an equity 
accounted 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.

Transactions Eliminated on Consolidation
Intra-group balances and transactions, and any unrealised income and expenses arising from intra-group transactions, are eliminated. Unrealised gains 
arising from transactions with equity-accounted investees are eliminated against the investment to the extent of the Group’s interest in the investee. 
Unrealised losses are eliminated in the same way as unrealised gains, but only to the extent that there is no evidence of impairment. 

45

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Directors’ ReportStrategic Report Financial Statements 
Notes 
(forming part of the financial statements) continued

1  Accounting Policies continued
Basis of Consolidation continued
Separate Parent Company Financial Statements
In the parent company financial statements, all investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures, and associates are carried at cost less impairment.

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 Pounds 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 are 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. 

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. 

46

Hargreaves Services plcFinancial Statements1  Accounting Policies continued
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 economic lives, they are accounted for as separate items of property, plant and equipment. 

Mine development costs associated with 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 economic 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 
Investment properties 

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

Mining Assets
Surface mine development  –  units of coal production
–  units of coal production
Restoration asset 
–  units of coal production from the specific box cut to which the associated stripping asset relates 
Stripping activity asset 

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 the necessary planning permission and consents, licences and permits required to operate the site; 
drilling, pumping, 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 in 
order to gain access 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 directly associated 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. 

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. 

47

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Directors’ ReportStrategic Report Financial StatementsNotes 
(forming part of the financial statements) continued

1  Accounting Policies continued
Business Combinations continued
Acquisitions on or After 1 June 2010 continued
On a transaction-by-transaction basis, the Group elects to measure non-controlling interests, which have both present ownership interests and are 
entitled to a proportionate share of net assets of the acquiree in the event of liquidation, 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. All other non-controlling interests are measured at their fair 
value 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 is 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. 

Investment Property
Investment properties are properties which are held either to earn rental income, or for capital appreciation, or for both. Investment properties are 
stated at cost less accumulated depreciation.

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. 

Properties Held for Development and Resale
Properties held for development and resale are included within inventories on the basis that their carrying value will be recovered principally through 
sale in the ordinary course of business, rather than through continuing use within the Group. These assets are not available for immediate sale and will 
be subject to further development before being available for sale. Properties held for development and resale are shown in the financial statements  
at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost represents the acquisition price including legal and other professional costs associated with the 
acquisition together with subsequent development costs net of amounts transferred to cost of sales. Net realisable value is the expected net sales 
proceeds of the developed property.

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. 

48

Hargreaves Services plcFinancial Statements1  Accounting Policies continued
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. 

Investments 
Investments in joint ventures, 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. The scheme in respect of The Monckton Coke & Chemical Company Limited was 
settled in full during the year, however, the scheme in respect of Maltby Colliery Limited remains.

In addition, following the acquisition of Maltby Colliery, the Group is a member of two additional pension schemes providing benefits based on final 
pensionable pay. The assets of the schemes 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, remeasurement gains and losses. 

The additional defined benefit pension schemes are funded retirement benefit schemes. 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, remeasurement gains and losses. 

Defined Contribution Pension Plans 
The Group operates a Group defined contribution 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. 

Shares purchased by the Group are deducted from retained earnings at the total consideration paid or payable.

49

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Directors’ ReportStrategic Report Financial StatementsNotes 
(forming part of the financial statements) continued

1  Accounting Policies continued
Employee Benefits continued
Simplification Costs
During the previous year the Group undertook a “Simplification Programme” whereby significant changes were made to the Group’s business model. 
The net costs arising from these changes, to the extent that they were material by size and/or nature, were separately disclosed as Simplification costs 
(representing exceptional administrative expenses and unrealised fair value gains and losses on derivative financial instruments), to enable a reader  
of the accounts to understand the impact of the programme on the Group’s performance.

Exceptional Items
Exceptional items are defined as items of income and expenditure which are material and unusual in nature and which are considered to be of such 
significance that they require separate disclosure on the face of the Income Statement. Any future movement on items previously classified as 
exceptional will also be classified as exceptional.

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.

Construction Contract Revenue
When the outcome of individual contracts can be estimated reliably, contract revenue and costs are recognised as revenue and expenses respectively 
by reference to the stage of completion at the reporting date. Costs are recognised as incurred, and revenue is recognised using the percentage of 
completion method. The stage of completion of a contract is assessed by reference to completion of a physical proportion of the contract work. 
Revenue includes the initial amount agreed in the contract plus any variations in contracted work, to the extent that it is probable that they will result  
in revenue and can be measured reliably. Provision is made for all known or expected losses on an individual contract as soon as they are foreseen.

Construction Contract Debtors
Construction contract debtors represent the gross unbilled amount for contract work performed to date. It is measured at cost plus profit recognised to 
date (see the construction contract revenue accounting policy) less a provision for foreseeable losses and less progress billings. Variations are included 
in contract revenue when they are reliably measurable and it is probable that the customer will approve the variation itself and the revenue arising from 
the variation. Claims are included in contract revenue only when they are reliably measurable and negotiations have reached an advanced stage such 
that it is probable that the customer will accept the claim. Cost includes all expenditure related directly to specific projects and an allocation of fixed 
and variable overheads incurred in the Group’s contract activities based on normal operating capacity.

Construction contract debtors are presented as part of trade and other receivables in the balance sheet. If payments received from customers exceed 
the income recognised, then the difference is presented as deferred income in the balance sheet.

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 inception date 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 economic 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
Where the Group also acts as lessor and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership have passed to the lessee, the Group derecognises the 
related equipment and recognises a receivable for the minimum lease payments discounted at a rate which reflects a constant periodic rate of return 
over the life of the lease. 

50

Hargreaves Services plcFinancial Statements1  Accounting Policies continued
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 net interest on the defined 
benefit pension scheme liability. This is determined by applying the discount rate used to measure the defined benefit obligation at the beginning of 
the year to the net defined benefit asset/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 payment 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. 

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 Group’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. 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.

Restoration provisions are 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. They are not expected to have a material effect on the financial statements: 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Amendments to IAS 27: Equity Method in Separate Financial Statements 
Amendments to IAS 1: Disclosure Initiative
Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2012–2014 Cycle 
Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 38: Clarification of Acceptable Methods of Depreciation and Amortisation 
Amendments to IFRS 11: Accounting for Acquisitions of Interests in Joint Operations 
Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 41: Bearer Plants 

51

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Directors’ ReportStrategic Report Financial StatementsNotes 
(forming part of the financial statements) continued

2  Segmental Information 
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 Coal Distribution, Industrial Services, Logistics and Specialist Earthworks. Specialist Earthworks has 
been identified as a new operating segment following the acquisition of Blackwell during the year ended 31 May 2016. A short description of these 
sectors is as follows:

• 

• 
• 
• 

Coal Distribution: Provides coal, coke, minerals, smokeless fuel and biomass products to a range of industrial, wholesale and public sector  
energy consumers.
Industrial Services: Provides quality assured contract management services to clients in materials handling and a wide range of other industrial sectors.
Logistics: Provides bulk logistics to customers across the UK.
Specialist Earthworks: Provides earth moving, civil engineering and infrastructure services across the UK.

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

Transactions between divisions are carried out at rates that do not give a competitive advantage to a particular division of the Group.

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 (loss)/profit, which is reconciled to (loss)/profit before tax in the tables below: 

Industrial  
Services 
2016 
£000

83,512
(2,333)

81,179

3,297
(256)
–
(211)

Logistics 
2016 
£000

54,512
(4,680)

49,832

1,173
–
–
(356)

Specialist 
Earthworks 
2016 
£000

31,338
(5)

Total  
Services 
£000

169,362
(7,018)

Coal  
Distribution 
2016 
£000

Total  
2016 
£000

179,316
(995)

348,678
(8,013)

31,333

162,344

178,321

340,665

1,076
–
–
(71)

5,546
(256)
–
(638)

(921)
(328)
(628)
(994)

2,830

817

1,005

4,652

(2,871)

(2,411)

2,172

37,816
(20,755)

17,061
–

(2,674)

4,573

23,095
(12,178)

10,917
–

(1,013)

–

42,789
(30,662)

12,127
–

(6,098)

6,745

103,700
(63,595)

40,105
–

(12,860)

11,969

162,520
(46,760)

115,760
1,043

17,061

10,917

12,127

40,105

116,803

4,625
(584)
(628)
(1,632)

1,781

(12,378)

(10,597)

(18,958)

18,714

266,220
(110,355)

155,865
1,043

156,908
(25,553)

131,355

Revenue
Total revenue
Inter-segment revenue

Revenue from external customers

Underlying operating profit/(loss)
Amortisation of intangibles
Taxation on associates and joint ventures
Net financing costs

Profit/(loss) before taxation (pre-

exceptional)

Exceptional costs

Loss before taxation

Depreciation charge

Capital expenditure

Net assets
Segment assets
Segment liabilities

Segment net assets
Associates and joint ventures

Segment net assets including share of 

associates and joint ventures

Unallocated net assets

Total net assets

52

Hargreaves Services plcFinancial Statements2  Segmental Information continued
Unallocated net assets include goodwill and intangibles (£9.5m), Group banking facilities liability (£37.6m), cash and cash equivalents (£4.5m liability), 
derivative financial instruments (£0.4m liability), deferred tax asset (£3.2m) and other corporate items (£4.2m). 

Revenue
Total revenue
Inter-segment revenue

Revenue from external customers

Underlying operating profit
Loss on Biomass conversion project
Amortisation of intangibles
Taxation on associates and joint ventures
Net financing costs

Profit before taxation (pre-simplification)

Simplification costs
Unrealised fair value gains and losses on derivative 

financial instruments

Profit before taxation

Depreciation charge

Capital expenditure

Net assets
Segment assets
Segment liabilities

Segment net assets
Associates and joint ventures

Industrial  
Services 
2015 
£000

127,769
(6,840)

120,929

5,660
(2,400)
–
–
(609)

2,651

(3,427)

397

46,012
(23,150)

22,862
–

Logistics 
2015 
£000

68,309
(11,693)

56,616

2,267
–
–
–
(421)

1,846

(2,411)

1,864

17,111
(10,649)

6,462
–

Segment net assets including share of 

associates and joint ventures

22,862

6,462

Unallocated net assets

Total net assets

Specialist 
Earthworks 
2015 
£000

Total Services 
£000

Coal Production  
& Distribution 
2015 
£000

Total 
2015 
£000

–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–

–

–

–
–

–
–

–

196,078
(18,533)

485,948
(1,332)

682,026
(19,865)

177,545

484,616

662,161

7,927
(2,400)
–
–
(1,030)

4,497

34,828
–
(143)
(634)
(1,435)

32,616

(5,838)

2,261

63,123
(33,799)

29,324
–

(13,120)

11,163

186,300
(67,929)

118,371
5,963

29,324

124,334

42,755
(2,400)
(143)
(634)
(2,465)

37,113

(9,130)

(3,080)

24,903

(18,958)

13,424

249,423
(101,728)

147,695
5,963

153,658
(5,157)

148,501

Unallocated net assets include goodwill and intangibles (£9.5m), revolving credit facility (£32.8m), cash and cash equivalent (£19.8m) derivative financial 
instruments (£4.6m), deferred tax asset (£2.9m) and other corporate items (£1.2m). 

Information About Key Customers 
Included in revenue is an amount of £12,751,000 (2015: £95,236,000) arising from sales to the Group’s largest customer, relating to the Coal Distribution division. 

The following table analyses revenue by significant category: 

Sale of goods
Rendering of services
Construction contracts

Geographical Information 

Revenue 
Non-current assets 

2016 
£000

178,321
131,011
31,333

340,665

2015 
£000

484,616
177,545
–

662,161

2016

UK  
£000

326,128
85,758

Overseas  
£000

14,537
1,188

2015

UK  
£000

649,816
79,889

Overseas  
£000

12,345
328

53

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Directors’ ReportStrategic Report Financial StatementsNotes 
(forming part of the financial statements) continued

3  Acquisition of Subsidiaries
Current Year
Acquisition of CA Blackwell Group Limited
On 11 January 2016, the Group acquired 100% share capital of CA Blackwell Group Limited. The principal activity of the company is that of bulk 
earthmoving and civil engineering.

In the five months to 31 May 2016, CA Blackwell Group Limited contributed profit after tax of £857k to the consolidated loss after tax for the year.

ASSETS
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment

Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables

Net identifiable assets and liabilities

Net purchase consideration 

Goodwill on consolidation

Satisfied by:
Consideration paid

Recognised values on 
acquisition  
£000

13,379

4,794
16,028
4,663

25,485

(33,088)

5,776

6,600

824

6,600

£5,250,000 is held in escrow pending certain performance measurements. The fair value of this contingent payment is estimated at £5,250,000.

Acquisition of Earls Gate Energy Centre Limited
In November 2015, the Group acquired 100% of the share capital of Earls Gate Energy Centre Limited. The principal activity of the company is the 
development of a replacement Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Plant at Earls Gate Business Park, Grangemouth. The fair value of the assets and 
liabilities at the date of acquisition was a net liability position of £66,000. The acquisition price of £317,000 was settled in cash. The company had net 
cash at acquisition of £44,000.

Prior Year
Acquisition of Algol Recycling Services (Pty) Limited
On 9 December 2014, the Group acquired 100% of the share capital of Hargreaves South Africa (Pty) Limited (formerly Algol Recycling Services (Pty) 
Limited). The principal activity of the company is that of metal recovery and handling in the manufacturing of steel.

54

Hargreaves Services plcFinancial Statements3  Acquisition of Subsidiaries continued
Prior Year continued
Acquisition of Algol Recycling Services (Pty) Limited continued

Recognised values on 
acquisition  
£000

ASSETS
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Intangible assets – Customer contracts

Current assets
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

LIABILITIES
Non-current liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Long term loans

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables

Net identifiable assets and liabilities

Net purchase consideration 

Satisfied by:
Consideration paid

4  Other Operating Income 

Net gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment 

5  Expenses and Auditor’s Remuneration 
Included in (loss)/profit are the following: 

Amortisation of intangibles 
Impairment of goodwill
Impairment of other intangibles
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

* Includes impairment of £2,000k (2015: nil) in respect of other receivables due from Tower Colliery Limited 

Auditor’s 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 
Taxation compliance services 
Other tax advisory services 
Other assurance services 
All other services 

2016 
£000

265

2016  
£000

399
187
440
4,242
2,062
–
5,579
3,682
7,263

2016  
£000

30

224
6
36
145
90

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. 

1,210
–
1,234

171
228

(160)
(1,160)

(744)

779

779

779

2015 
£000

733

2015  
£000

143
5,424
–
1,024
–
10,078
5,872
4,185
8,901

2015  
£000

30

169
55
21
227
64

55

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Directors’ ReportStrategic Report Financial StatementsNotes 
(forming part of the financial statements) continued

6  Exceptional costs
The Group incurred a number of exceptional costs in the year as it continues to adapt and restructure away from thermal coal.

Impairment of investment and other assets relating to the Tower project
Redundancy and related site closure cost at Redcar Steelworks
Redundancy and related site closure costs in Industrial Services
Cost associated with early closure of certain mining operations
Cost attributable to the acquisition of Blackwell
Redundancy costs from central overhead cost reduction programme
Gain on disposal of Imperial Tankers
Impact of closure of Monckton coke works
Impact of closure of tyre recycling operation (MR&R)
Restructuring costs
Write off of mining assets
Other simplification costs including one-off transaction costs

Unrealised fair value gains and losses on derivative financial instruments

2016  
£000

(4,743)
(1,559)
(1,091)
(4,033)
(679)
(273)
–
–
–
–
–
–

(12,378)
–

2015  
£000

–
–
–
–
–
–
16,253
(16,951)
(2,776)
(1,380)
(1,187)
(3,089)

(9,130)
(3,080)

Total

(12,378)

(12,210)

Included in the above £12.4m charge (2015: £12.2m) is £nil (2015: £2.1m) relating to management time in dealing with the overall simplification 
programme, asset impairment/write offs of £4.7m (2015: £7.5m), goodwill impairment of £0.4m (2015: £5.4m) and legal and professional fees of £2.3m.

7  Staff Numbers and Costs 
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 and senior management
Traffic and administration
Production, maintenance and drivers

The aggregate payroll costs of these persons were as follows: 

Wages and salaries 
Share-based payments (see Note 26) 
Social security costs 
Contributions to defined contribution plans (see Note 25) 
Current service costs of defined benefit plans (see Note 25) 

8  Directors’ Remuneration 

Directors’ emoluments 
Company contributions to money purchase pension plans 

Number of employees 
Group

2016

31
470
1,604

2,105

Group

2016 
£000

81,504
520
7,013
1,654
174

90,865

2016  
£000

1,178
188

2015

29
528
2,168

2,725

2015 
£000

98,938
(89)
8,891
1,817
145

109,702

2015  
£000

1,645
188

The aggregate of emoluments and amounts receivable under long-term incentive schemes of the highest paid Director was £452,000 (2015: £676,000), 
and company pension contributions of £113,000 (2015: £113,000) were made to a money purchase scheme on his behalf. 

56

Hargreaves Services plcFinancial Statements8  Directors’ Remuneration continued

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 

2016

2015

2
–

–

3

2
–

2

3

Number of options 

At start of year 

At end of year

Exercise price 
pence

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

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

50,484
819
18,798
81,115

31,109
–
18,798
86,418

9  Finance Income and Expense 
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 

10   Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale
All discontinued results are attributable to equity holders.

2016 
£000

31
1,122

1,153

2,785
–

2,785

–
–
–
–

2015 
£000

85
1,067

1,152

3,392
225

3,617

The Group’s discontinued operations made a loss of £0.9m (2015: loss of £0.8m) after tax during the year. These losses relate to residual events arising 
from the closure of Maltby Colliery and 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” in a prior period.

Administrative expenses

Operating loss

Net finance expense

Loss before tax of discontinued operations

Taxation

Current tax (charge)/credit
Deferred tax (charge)/credit

Loss for the year from discontinued operations

2016  
£000

(552)

(552)

(189)

(741)

(105)
(94)

(199)
(940)

2015 
£000

(1,541)

(1,541)

(843)

(2,384)

1,083
522

1,605
(779)

57

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Directors’ ReportStrategic Report Financial StatementsNotes 
(forming part of the financial statements) continued

10   Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale continued
The major classes of assets directly attributable to the discontinued operations are:

Assets Held for Sale

Property, plant and equipment

11    Taxation 
Recognised in the Income Statement

Current tax (credit)/expense 
Current year 
Adjustments for prior years 

Current tax (credit)/expense 

Deferred tax credit 

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

Deferred tax credit 

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

Total tax (credit)/expense from continuing operations 
Tax expense/(credit) from discontinued operations

Total tax (credit)/expense

Recognised in Other Comprehensive Income 

Deferred tax (expense)/income
Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges 
Remeasurements of defined benefit pension plans 

Reconciliation of Effective Tax Rate 

(Loss)/profit for the year from continuing operations 
Total tax (credit)/expense (including tax on equity accounted investees) 

(Loss)/profit excluding taxation from continuing operations 

2016  
Rate

2016 
£000

(9,515)
(454)

(9,969)

2016 
£000

5,040

2016 
£000

213
(738)

(525)

(831)
(128)
402

(557)

(1,082)
628

(454)
199

(255)

2016 
£000

(40)
181

141

2015 
Rate

Tax using the UK corporation tax rate of 20.0% (2015: 20.83%) 

20.0%

(1,994)

20.8%

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

(2.8%)
(3.9%)
(6.4%)
(4.2%)
1.9%

276
389
644
417
(186)

0.4%
–
(5.4%)
0.4%
0.2%

2015 
£000

5,040

2015 
£000

5,777
(107)

5,670

(2,262)
56
90

(2,116)

3,554
634

4,188
(1,605)

2,583

2015 
£000

862
368

1,230

2015  
£000

21,349
4,188

25,537

5,319

95
–
(1,376)
90
60

Effective tax rate and total tax (credit)/expense

4.6%

(454)

16.4%

4,188

The UK corporation tax rate reduced to 20% on 1 April 2015, giving an effective base rate of 20% (2015: 20.83%). 

58

Hargreaves Services plcFinancial Statements11    Taxation continued
Factors That May Affect Future Current and Total Tax Charges 
Reductions in the UK corporation tax rate from 23% to 21% (effective from 1 April 2014) and 20% (effective from 1 April 2015) were substantively enacted 
on 2 July 2013. Further reductions to 19% (effective from 1 April 2017) and to 18% (effective from 1 April 2020) were substantively enacted on 26 October 
2015. A reduction to 17% has been announced but has not been substantively enacted. This will reduce the Group’s current tax charge accordingly. The 
deferred tax balances at 31 May 2016 has been calculated based on the rate of 18% substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.

12   Earnings per Share 

Ordinary Shares
Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share

2016

2015

Continuing and 
discontinued

Continuing

Discontinued

Continuing and 
discontinued

Continuing

Discontinued

(32.96)p
(32.96)p

(30.01)p
(30.01)p

(2.95)p
(2.95)p

62.91p
61.88p

65.31p
64.24p

(2.40)p
(2.40)p

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

2016

2015

Continuing and 
discontinued

Continuing

Discontinued

Continuing and 
discontinued

Continuing

Discontinued

(Loss)/profit for the year attributable to equity 

holders (£000)

Weighted average number of shares
Basic earnings per share

(10,498)
31,851,053
(32.96)p

(9,558)
31,851,053
(30.01)p

(940)
31,851,053
(2.95)p

20,454
32,511,083
62.91p

21,233
32,511,083
65.31p

(779)
32,511,083
(2.40)p

The calculation of weighted average number of shares includes the effect of own shares held of 1,228,072 (2015: 1,053,072). The calculation of diluted 
earnings per share is based on the (loss)/profit 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 400,444 (2015: 540,262)); effect on earnings per 
ordinary share is nil p (2015: 1.03p). Effect on continuing earnings per ordinary share is nil p (2015: 1.07p). The effect on earnings per ordinary share  
and continuing earnings per ordinary share is nil p in the year due to the loss reported.

2016

2015

Continuing and 
discontinued

Continuing

Discontinued

Continuing and 
discontinued

Continuing

Discontinued

(Loss)/profit for the year attributable to equity 

holders (£000)

Weighted average number of shares
Diluted earnings per share

(10,498)
32,251,497
(32.96)p

(9,558)
32,251,497
(30.01)p

(940)
32,251,497
(2.95)p

20,454
33,051,345
61.88p

21,233
33,051,345
64.24p

(779)
33,051,345
(2.40)p

Continuing underlying basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated on the diluted weighted average number of shares of 32,251,497 (2015: 
33,051,345) and on underlying (loss)/profit after tax, as reconciled below:

(Loss)/profit for the year attributable to equity holders from continuing operations
Amortisation/impairment of intangibles/goodwill
Exceptional items
Loss on Biomass conversion project settlement
Tax effect of above items

Underlying Profit after Tax from Continuing Operations

2016  
£000

(9,558)
584
12,378
–
(1,587)

1,817

2015 
£000

21,233
143
12,210
2,400
(4,967)

31,019

59

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Directors’ ReportStrategic Report Financial StatementsNotes 
(forming part of the financial statements) continued

13   Property, Plant and Equipment 
Group 

Freehold land and 
buildings and 
leasehold 
improvements  
£000

Furniture and 
equipment  
£000

Motor 
vehicles and 
plant  
£000

Fixtures and 
fittings  
£000

Cost 
Balance at 1 June 2014 
Other acquisitions
Disposals
Acquisitions through business combinations
Disposals on sale of subsidiaries
Effect of movements in foreign exchange

23,755
304
(334)
–
(132)
(6)

6,204
514
(65)
8
(206)
8

84,208
5,377
(7,013)
1,380
(16,508)
(40)

Balance at 31 May 2015 

23,587

6,463

67,404

Balance at 1 June 2015
Other acquisitions
Disposals
Acquisitions through business combinations
Effect of movements in foreign exchange

23,587
5,783
(3,872)
4,298
(7)

6,463
363
(98)
50
10

67,404
9,518
(18,120)
9,417
(416)

Balance at 31 May 2016

29,789

6,788

67,803

Depreciation and impairment
Balance at 1 June 2014
Depreciation charge for the year
Impairment losses
Disposals
Acquisitions through business combinations
Disposals on sale of subsidiaries
Effect of movements in foreign exchange

3,612
333
4,034
(79)
–
(43)
(3)

4,763
481
–
(60)
2
(183)
(2)

35,546
9,193
6,044
(5,108)
191
(10,081)
(18)

Balance at 31 May 2015

7,854

5,001

35,767

Balance at 1 June 2015
Depreciation charge for the year
Disposals
Effect of movements in foreign exchange

Balance at 31 May 2016

7,854
228
(522)
4

7,564

5,001
484
(98)
21

5,408

35,767
8,483
(16,707)
(194)

27,349

Net book value 
At 1 June 2014

20,143

1,441

48,662

At 31 May 2015 and 1 June 2015

15,733

1,462

31,637

At 31 May 2016

22,225

1,380

40,454

The Company has no property, plant and equipment. 

576
6
(145)
18
–
–

455

455
3
–
6
(4)

460

416
50
–
(116)
3
–
(1)

352

352
66
–
(1)

417

160

103

43

Mining assets  
£000

Total  
£000

12,770
7,223
–
–
–
–

127,513
13,424
(7,557)
1,406
(16,846)
(38)

19,993

117,902

19,993
3,047
(18,552)
–
–

4,488

2,883
8,901
–
–
–
–
–

117,902
18,714
(40,642)
13,771
(417)

109,328

47,220
18,958
10,078
(5,363)
196
(10,307)
(24)

11,784

60,758

11,784
7,263
(18,552)
–

495

60,758
16,524
(35,879)
(170)

41,233

9,887

80,293

8,209

57,144

3,993

68,095

Leased Plant and Machinery 
At 31 May 2016 the net carrying amount of leased plant and machinery was £21,865,000 (2015: £16,052,000). The leased equipment secures lease 
obligations (see Note 23). 

Security 
The Group’s property, plant and equipment is used to secure some of its interest-bearing loans and borrowings (see Note 23). 

60

Hargreaves Services plcFinancial Statements14   Investment Property 

At cost

Balance at 31 May
Transfer from inventories – Properties held for development

Balance at 31 May

Group

2016  
£000

5,126
–

5,126

2015  
£000 

–
5,126

5,126

Company

2016  
£000

–
–

–

2015  
£000 

–
– 

–

The directors do not believe there is a material difference between the fair value and carrying value of the investment property at the year end.

15   Intangible Assets 
Group 

Cost 
Balance at 1 June 2014 
Additions
Disposal of subsidiary

Goodwill  
£000

22,320
–
(3,884)

Customer  
contracts  
£000

14,229
1,234
(2,032)

Supply  
contracts  
£000

Other  
intangibles  
£000

8,148
–
–

1,015
–
–

Total  
£000

45,712
1,234
(5,916)

Balance at 31 May 2015

18,436

13,431

8,148

1,015

41,030

Balance at 1 June 2015
Additions
Exchange movements

18,436
1,207
27

13,431
–
(223)

8,148
–
–

1,015
–
–

41,030
1,207
(196)

Balance at 31 May 2016

19,670

13,208

8,148

1,015

42,041

Amortisation and impairment 
Balance at 1 June 2014 
Amortisation for the year 
Impairment
Disposal of subsidiary
Exchange movements

Balance at 31 May 2015

Balance at 1 June 2015
Amortisation for the year 
Impairment
Exchange movements

Balance at 31 May 2016

Net book value
At 31 May 2014

At 31 May 2015 and 1 June 2015

At 31 May 2016

5,258
–
5,424
–
57

14,229
–
–
(2,032)
55

8,148
–
–
–
–

10,739

12,252

8,148

10,739
–
187
–

12,252
256
–
(18)

8,148
–
–
–

276
143
–
–
–

419

419
143
440
–

27,911
143
5,424
(2,032)
112

31,558

31,558
399
627
(18)

10,926

12,490

8,148

1,002

32,566

17,062

–

7,697

1,179

8,744

718

–

–

–

739

596

13

17,801

9,472

9,475

The supply contracts were being amortised over the weighted average expected life of the contracts, of 60 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, £2,540,000 of the customer contracts were being amortised over 36 months, and £1,011,000 of the customer contracts are being amortised 
over 48 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. 

61

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Directors’ ReportStrategic Report Financial StatementsNotes 
(forming part of the financial statements) continued

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

Other administrative expenses 

2016  
£000

1,026

2015  
£000

143

Impairment Testing 
During the year, as a result of the decision taken to shorten the mine life at the Tower project and run to maximise cash following Aberthaw ceasing to 
buy Welsh coal after the end of the current contract the intangible asset attributed to the Tower exclusivity contract has been fully impaired, resulting in 
a charge of £440,000.

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

Hargreaves Industrial Services Limited
Coal 4 Energy Limited/Maxibrite Limited 
CA Blackwell Group Limited
Earls Gate Energy Centre Limited 
Other 

Goodwill

2016  
£000

1,252
6,140
824
383
145

8,744

2015  
£000

1,252
6,140
–
–
305

7,697

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

2016

5 years
2%
9%

2015

5 years
2%
9%

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 9% (2015: 9%) 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 reassessed if the initial 9% 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. 

62

Hargreaves Services plcFinancial Statements16   Investments in Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint Ventures
The Group and Company have the following investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures: 

Company 
Subsidiary undertakings 
Hargreaves (UK) Limited 
Hargreaves Industrial Services Limited
Forward Sound Limited 
Hargreaves Services (HK) Limited 
Hargreaves Surface Mining Limited
Hargreaves Technical Resources Limited
Hargreaves Carbon Products Europe Limited
Hargreaves Maltby Limited
Hargreaves Services (Westfield) Limited
Hargreaves Services (Castlebridge) Limited
Hargreaves Services (Blindwells) Limited
Hargreaves Services Forestry Limited
Hargreaves Services Wind Farm  

(Damside) Limited

Hargreaves Services Wind Farm  

(Broken Cross) Limited

Hargreaves Services Wind Farm  

(Glentaggart) Limited

Hargreaves Services Wind Farm  

(House of Water) Limited

Hargreaves Services Wind Farm  

(Chalmerston) Limited

Hargreaves South Africa (Pty) Limited
Hargreaves Mining India Private Limited
Hargreaves Energy Projects Limited
Hargreaves Services (Muir Dean) Limited
CA Blackwell Group Limited

Nature of business

Holding company 
Contract management service 
Holding company 
Holding company 
Coal mining
Contract management service
Sale of carbon-based materials
Holding company
Property holding
Property holding
Property holding
Property holding
Property holding

Property holding

Property holding

Property holding

Property holding

Steel
Mining services
Holding company
Property holding
Holding company

Dormant companies
Coal 4 Energy Limited
Hargreaves (Bulk Liquid Transport) Limited
R Hanson & Son Limited
Hargreaves ESOT Trustee Limited
Hargreaves Services Australia Limited
Redcar Steel & Coal Company Limited
Hargreaves Europe Limited

Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant

Joint ventures and associate undertakings
Mir Trade Services Limited 

Import and sale of carbon- 

based materials 

Hargreaves Services Europe Limited 

Import and sale of carbon- 

based materials 

Group 
Subsidiary undertakings 
Hargreaves (UK) Services Limited 

The Monckton Coke & Chemical  

Company Limited 
Maltby Colliery Limited 
Hargreaves Engineering & Contracts Limited 
Maxibrite Limited 

RocFuel Limited 
RocPower Limited 
Hargreaves Carbon Products NV 

Haulage, mineral import  

and processing 
Manufacture of coke 

Coal mining 
UK 
Engineering maintenance services  UK 
UK 
Smokeless fuel briquette 

manufacturing 

Renewable energy solutions 
Renewable energy solutions 
Import and sale of carbon- 

based materials 

UK 
UK 
Belgium 

Country of 
incorporation

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

UK

UK

UK

UK

South Africa
India
UK
UK
UK

UK
UK
UK
UK
UK
UK
UK

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

Ownership

Class of shares held

2016

2015

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

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

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%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

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

50%

86%

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%
–
–
–

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

50%

86%

100%

100%

100%
100%
85.2%

50.1%
85%
100%

63

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Directors’ ReportStrategic Report Financial StatementsNotes 
(forming part of the financial statements) continued

16   Investments in Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint Ventures continued

Ownership

Hargreaves Industrial Services (HK) Limited 
Mekol NV
OCCW (St Ninians) Limited
Earls Gate Energy Centre Limited
OCCW (Duncanziemere) Limited
OCCW (Chalmerston) Limited
OCCW (Netherton) Limited
OCCW (Damside) Limited
CA Blackwell (Contracts) Limited
HBR Limited
Geofirma Soils Engineering Limited
Renaissance Land Regeneration Limited
Renaissance Land (D20) Limited
Renaissance Land Management Limited
Renaissance (Padiham) Limited

Nature of business

Contract management service 
Port facilities
Coal working
Renewable energy solutions
Coal working
Coal working
Coal working
Coal working
Civil engineering
Land remediation
Soil stabilisation
Holding company
Property holding
Property holding
Property holding

Joint ventures and associate undertakings
Tower Regeneration Limited 
Tower Regeneration Leasing Limited
517EPA Limited
Hargreaves Raw Material Services GmbH 

Coal mining 
Lease of heavy plant
Dormant
Import and sale of carbon- 

based materials 

Country of 
incorporation

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

UK 
UK
UK
Germany 

Class of shares held

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

Ordinary 
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary 

Hargreaves Carbon Products Polska Sp. z o.o. 

Sale of carbon-based materials 

Poland 

Ordinary 

Dormant companies
Hargreaves Metallurgical Supplies Limited
Hargreaves Waste Services Limited
R&A Fuels Limited
Hargreaves Mineral Services Limited
Squire Distribution Services Limited
Hargreaves Transport Limited
Hargreaves Industrial Dormant Limited
GR Wardle & Son Limited
Hargreaves Transport Services Limited
Hargreaves Environmental Services Limited
DWL Engineering Services Limited
Coalite Limited
SCCL (Option Co) Limited
Eastgate Materials Handling Limited 
Norton Wind Energy Limited
Premier Lime and Stone Company
CA Blackwell (Plant) Limited

Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant 
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant

UK
UK
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

2016

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

50%
50%
50%
86%

86%

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
85.2%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

2015

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

50%
50%
50%
86%

86%

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
85.2%
100%
100%
–
–
–

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

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 2016 
was a loss of £1,792,000 (2015: profit of £1,504,000). 

Associates and Joint Ventures
Carrying amount of equity accounted investees:

Group 

At 1 June 2015
Dividends received by the Group
Exchange differences
Group’s share of total comprehensive income
Impairment of investment

At 31 May 2016

64

Tower 
Regeneration 
Limited  
£000

Hargreaves Raw 
Material Services 
GmbH  
£000

Interests in 
immaterial 
associate 
undertakings 
£000

Interests in 
immaterial joint 
ventures  
£000

5,181
–
–
(2,940)
(2,241)

–

765
(802)
33
1,132
–

1,128

(124)
–
(25)
16
–

(133)

141
(37)
5
–
(61)

48

Total  
£000

5,963
(839)
13
(1,792)
(2,302)

1,043

Hargreaves Services plcFinancial Statements16   Investments in Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint Ventures continued
Associates and Joint Ventures continued

Voting rights

Cash & cash equivalents
Other current assets

Total current assets
Non-current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities

Net assets (100%)

Revenue
Depreciation
Other expenses
Interest income
Interest expense

(Loss)/profit before tax from continuing operations
Income tax expense
Post tax (loss)/profit from continuing operations (100%)

Tower Regeneration Limited

Hargreaves Raw Material Services GmbH

2016

50%

–
24,065

24,065
15,742
(12,815)
(20,586)

6,406

35,996
(9,834)
(31,836)
75
(2,801)

(8,400)
–
(8,400)

2015

50%

1,455
24,652

26,107
19,807
(12,810)
(18,298)

14,806

50,955
(9,701)
(35,313)
17
(1,743)

4,215
(894)
3,321

2016

49%

–
30,816

30,816
102
(29,606)
–

1,312

88,993
(35)
(86,424)
31
(516)

2,049
(730)
1,319

2015

49%

5,083
29,407

34,490
115
(32,934)
–

1,671

64,077
(36)
(62,761)
332
(814)

798
(271)
527

The total financial liabilities included in current liabilities is: Tower Regeneration Limited £1,039k (2015: £nil); Hargreaves Raw Material Services GmbH 
£15,566k (2015: £28,091k).

Group Composition
Management have considered the level of control of each of its individual Joint Venture arrangements and associate investments and are satisfied that 
the Group does not have control, either through voting rights or other circumstances, of any of these arrangements. Tower Regeneration Limited is a 
Joint Venture between the Group and a third party. The Group is entitled to 35% of the profits from the operation. The strategic business decisions of 
the Joint Venture are taken by both the Group and the third party equally, this is reflected in the equal representation on the board of each investing 
party and further the ownership of voting rights is split 50:50 between both parties.

Hargreaves Raw Materials Services GmbH (HRMS), is the Group’s only material associate investment. The Group is entitled to 86% of the profits on the 
operation, however the Group does not exert control on the business. The Group holds 49% of the voting rights, with the remainder being held by  
the HRMS management team, and has one of the four Directors. The Group does not have the power to change these arrangements. A shareholder 
agreement is in place to provide the Group with safeguards designed to protect its investment; however, the key strategic decisions affecting the 
operation and its results are not taken by the Group. In the event of a dispute between the Group and the operation which could not be resolved,  
the operation would be subject to an orderly wind down. Whilst the voting rights demonstrate significant influence, the Group does not control the 
operation and therefore management have treated the investment as an associate.

The Group also has a non-material interest in the following companies: Tower Regeneration Leasing Limited, MIR Trade Services Limited, Hargreaves 
Services Europe Limited and Hargreaves Carbon Products Polska Sp. z o.o.

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 2016, was £2 (31 May 2015: £2). Fair value is deemed to be negligible given the scale of the related restoration liabilities existing within these entities.

Company 

Shares at cost and net book value 
At 1 June 2014
Disposals
Acquisitions
Capital contribution arising on share options 

At 31 May 2015

At 1 June 2015
Acquisitions
Capital contribution arising on share options 

At 31 May 2016

Group 
undertakings  
£000

Joint ventures  
£000

32,574
(362)
779
(89)

5,027
(43)
–
–

Total  
£000

37,601
(405)
779
(89)

32,902

4,984

37,886

32,902
6,701
520

4,984
–
–

37,886
6,701
520

40,123

4,984

45,107

65

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Directors’ ReportStrategic Report Financial StatementsNotes 
(forming part of the financial statements) continued

17   Other Financial Assets 

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 

18   Other Financial Liabilities 

Non-current 
Interest rate swaps designated as fair value through hedging reserve 
Interest rate swaps designated as fair value through profit or loss
Other derivatives designated as fair value through hedging reserve 

Current 
Interest rate swaps designated as fair value through hedging reserve
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 

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

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

Tax (assets)/liabilities

Group 

2016  
£000

32
–
–

32

Group 

2016 
£000

–
–
66

66

Group 

2016  
£000

268
25
–
137

430

Assets 

2016  
£000

–
(84)
(1,008)
(106)
(893)
(1,102)
(71)

2015  
£000

5
377
706

1,088

2015  
£000

1,129
179
–

1,308

2015  
£000

–
197
1
4,153

4,351

2015  
£000

–
(607)
(1,103)
(147)
(942)
(17)
(76)

(3,264)

(2,892)

Company

2016  
£000

2015  
£000

–
–
–

–

Company

2016  
£000

–
–
–

–

Company

2016  
£000

268
–
–
–

268

Liabilities

2016  
£000

57
–
–
–
–
–
–

57

–
–
–

–

2015  
£000

1,129
179
–

1,308

2015  
£000

–
–
–
224

224

2015  
£000

380
–
–
–
–
–
–

380

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. 

66

Hargreaves Services plcFinancial Statements19   Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities continued
Group continued
Movement in Deferred Tax During the Year 

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

31 May 2015 
£000

Acquisition of 
subsidiaries 
£000

Recognised in 
income 
£000

Recognised in 
equity 
£000

31 May 2016 
£000

380
(607)
(1,103)
(147)
(942)
(17)
(76)

(2,512)

(36)
–
–
–
–
(55)
–

(91)

(287)
483
276
41
49
(1,030)
5

(463)

–
40
(181)
–
–
–
–

(141)

57
(84)
(1,008)
(106)
(893)
(1,102)
(71)

(3,207)

31 May 2014  
£000

Recognised in 
income 
£000

Recognised in 
equity  
£000

31 May 2015  
£000

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

(3,926)
(358)
427
146
333
–
(76)

–
(862)
(368)
–
–
–
–

380
(607)
(1,103)
(147)
(942)
(17)
(76)

2,172

(3,454)

(1,230)

(2,512)

Included within the £3,454k above is an amount of £816k relating to the sale of Imperial Tankers.

The amount recognised in income includes £94,000 deferred tax charge (2015: £522,000 deferred tax charge) in relation to discontinued operations, see 
Note 10.

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

Share-based payments 
Temporary timing difference

Tax assets 
Net of tax liabilities 

Net tax assets 

Movement in Deferred Tax During the Year 

Share-based payments 
Temporary timing difference

Assets 

2016  
£000

(123)
(62)

(185)
–

(185)

2015  
£000

(123)
–

(123)
–

(123)

Liabilities

2016  
£000

2015  
£000

–
–

–
–

–

–
–

–
–

–

At 31 May 2014 and 
at 31 May 2015 
£000

Recognised in 
income  
£000

Recognised in 
equity  
£000

31 May 2016  
£000

(123) 
–

(123)

–
(62)

(62)

–
–

–

(123)
(62)

(185)

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

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

The deferred tax asset at 31 May 2016 has been calculated based on the rate of 18% substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.

67

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Directors’ ReportStrategic Report Financial StatementsNotes 
(forming part of the financial statements) continued

20   Inventories 

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

Group 

2016  
£000

2,569
7,632
32,552
4,230

2015  
£000

3,607
830
49,964
3,402

46,983

57,803

Company

2016  
£000

2015  
£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 £4,242,000 (2015: £1,024,000). The reversal of write-downs amounted to £nil  
(2015: £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. 

21   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 
Construction contract receivables
Prepayments and accrued income 
Corporation tax 

Group 

2016  
£000

43,583
–

31,805
14,661
7,248
20,013
–

2015  
£000

35,391
–

24,750
17,313
–
31,296
–

Company

2016  
£000

–
201,113

10,579
5,528
–
–
1,653

2015  
£000 

–
537,837

4,597
2,012
–
–
617

117,310

108,750

218,873

545,063

Included within trade and other receivables is £nil (2015: £nil) for the Group and £nil (2015: £nil) for the Company expected to be recovered in more than 
12 months. Included within Other receivables is an amount of £5.25m (2015: £nil) in relation to monies held in escrow following the completion of the 
acquisition of CA Blackwell Group Limited.

At 31 May 2016 aggregate costs incurred under open construction contracts and recognised profits, net of recognised losses, amounted to 
£207,308,000 (2015: £nil).

Progress billings and advances received from customers under open construction contracts amounted to £196,336,000 (2015: £nil).

Advances for which related work has not started, and billings in excess of costs incurred and recognised profits are presented as deferred income and 
amounted to £243,000 (2015: £nil) at 31 May 2016.

At 31 May 2016 trade receivables include retentions of £4,375,000 (2015: £nil) relating to construction contracts in progress.

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 2016 trade receivables are shown net of an allowance for bad debts of £356,000 (2015: £981,000) arising from the ordinary course of business, 
as follows:

Group 
Balance at 1 June 
Assumed upon acquisition of subsidiaries
Provided during the year 
Reversed
Utilised during the year 

Balance at 31 May 

2016  
£000

981
23
62
(675)
(35)

356

2015  
£000

125
–
981
–
(125)

981

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. 

68

Hargreaves Services plcFinancial Statements21   Trade and Other Receivables continued
The ageing of trade receivables at the balance sheet date was: 

31 May 2016:

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

31 May 2015:

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

Gross trade 
receivables  
£000

Doubtful debt  
£000

Net trade 
receivables  
£000 

34,553
7,572
1,542
272

43,939

–
–
(84)
(272)

(356)

34,553
7,572
1,458
–

43,583

Gross trade 
receivables  
£000

Doubtful debt  
£000

Net trade 
receivables  
£000 

30,572
5,250
550
–

36,372

–
(431)
(550)
–

(981)

30,572
4,819
–
–

35,391

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

The Group’s most significant trade receivable at 31 May 2016 is Tata Chemicals Europe Limited which accounts for £3,025,499 of the trade receivables 
carrying amount at 31 May 2016 within the Coal Distribution segment (2015: Uskmouth Power Company Limited £5,416,650).

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

UK 
European customers 
Other regions 

2016  
£000 

40,912
339
2,332

43,583

2015  
£000

35,149
44
198

35,391

Further details on the Group’s exposure to credit and currency risks and impairment losses related to trade receivables are disclosed in Note 29. 

22   Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents per Balance Sheet
Bank overdrafts per Balance Sheet

Cash and cash equivalents per Cash Flow Statement

Group 

2016  
£000

21,161
–

21,161

2015  
£000

43,853
–

43,853

Company

2016  
£000

–
(3,895)

(3,895)

2015  
£000 

19,906
–

19,906

Included in cash and cash equivalents above is £569,675 (2015: £823,839) in respect of cash which is ring-fenced for settlement of restoration works in 
the Scottish mining business and £647,654 in respect of cash which is ring-fenced for settlement of subsidence liabilities in relation to Maltby Colliery.

The Group’s exposure to credit and currency risk related to cash and cash equivalents is disclosed in Note 29. 

69

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Directors’ ReportStrategic Report Financial StatementsNotes 
(forming part of the financial statements) continued

23   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 29. 

Non-current liabilities 
Finance lease liabilities 
Borrowing base facility
Revolving credit facility 

Current liabilities 
Current portion of finance lease liabilities 
Revolving credit facility

Group 

2016  
£000 

8,505
33,000
4,593

46,098

2015  
£000 

7,165
–
–

7,165

7,401
–

4,884
32,772

7,401

37,656

Company

2016  
£000 

2015  
£000 

–
33,000
4,593

37,593

–
–

–

–
–
–

–

–
32,772

32,772

Bank overdraft 

–

–

3,895

–

Terms and Debt Repayment Schedule 

Finance lease liabilities 
Borrowing base facility
Revolving credit facility 

Currency

Sterling 
Sterling 
Sterling 

Nominal interest rate

Year of maturity

2.0% – 4.8%
LIBOR + 1.5% 
LIBOR + 1.6% 

2016–2019
2018
2018 

7,401

37,656

3,895

32,772

Face value  
2016  
£000

15,906
33,000
5,000

Carrying 
amount  
2016  
£000

15,906
33,000
4,593

Face value  
2015  
£000

12,049
–
33,000

Carrying 
amount  
2015  
£000

12,049
–
32,772

53,906

53,499

45,049

44,821

In July 2015, the Group completed a new 37 month multi bank committed facility consisting of a £70m borrowing base facility and a £40m revolving 
credit facility. This facility is secured by a debenture over the Group’s assets.

In accordance with the presentation requirements of IAS32 and IAS39, 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.

Finance Lease Liabilities 
Finance lease liabilities are payable as follows: 

Group

Less than one year 
Between one and five years 

Minimum lease 
payments 2016  
£000

7,837
8,854

16,691

Interest 2016  
£000

Principal 2016  
£000

436
349

785

7,401
8,505

15,906

Minimum lease 
payments 2015  
£000

5,255
7,612

12,867

Interest 2015  
£000

Principal 2015  
£000

371
447

818

4,884
7,165

12,049

70

Hargreaves Services plcFinancial Statements24   Trade and Other Payables 

Current 
Trade payables 
Trade payables due to Group undertakings 
Trade payables due to undertakings in which the Group/Company has a 

participating interest 

Other trade payables 
Non-trade payables and accrued expenses 

Group 

2016  
£000 

31,438
–

455
2,219
40,984

75,096

2015  
£000 

32,211
–

940
6,233
33,694

73,078

Company

2016  
£000 

2015  
£000 

–
116,779

–
456,169

11
39
48

–
39
193

116,877

456,401

No amounts included within trade and other payables for the Group or Company are expected to be settled in more than 12 months (2015: £nil). 

25   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 £1,654,310 (2015: £1,816,734). 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.

During the existence of the scheme, the Group provided for concessionary fuel retirement benefits, for the current members of the scheme, payable  
at retirement on attaining the age of 65. The amounts payable were determined in the employee terms and conditions and were subject to a qualifying 
period of service. The costs of the concessionary fuel benefits were determined by a qualified actuary on the basis of triennial valuations. The latest full 
actuarial valuation was carried out on 31 December 2012 and updated for IAS 19 purposes to 31 May 2016. 

Concessionary fuel is an unfunded retirement benefit and as such there were no assets in the scheme. The scheme was settled in full by cash 
settlement during the year and therefore there is no remaining liability outstanding at the year end.

Present value of unfunded defined benefit obligations

Movements in Present Value of Defined Benefit Obligation 

At beginning of year 
Current service cost 
Benefits paid 
Other finance cost 
Remeasurement loss/(gain)

At the end of the year 

Expense Recognised in the Income Statement 

Current service cost 
Interest expense on defined benefit obligation 

The expense is recognised in the following line items in the Income Statement: 

Administrative expenses 
Finance expense 

2016  
£000 

–

2016  
£000 

15
–
(101)
–
86

–

2016  
£000 

–
–

–

2016  
£000 

–
–

–

2015  
£000 

15

2015  
£000 

411
8
(30)
18
(392)

15

2015  
£000 

8
18

26

2015  
£000 

8
18

26

71

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Directors’ ReportStrategic Report Financial StatementsNotes 
(forming part of the financial statements) continued

25   Pension Schemes and Other Retirement Benefits continued
Defined Benefit Plans continued
Remeasurement gains and (losses) recognised directly in equity in the Statement of Other 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 

2016  
£000 

453
(86)

367

2016

n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

2015  
£000 

61
392

453

2015

65 years 
2.5%
2.45%
3.5%
3.45%

The assumptions used by the actuary were 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 were based on standard actuarial mortality tables included 
an allowance for future improvements in longevity. The assumptions were equivalent to expecting a 65 year old to live for a number of years as follows: 

Current pensioner aged 65: n/a (2015: 20.0 years (male), 22.2 years (female))
Future retiree upon reaching 65: n/a (2015: 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)

2016  
£000 

n/a

n/a

2015  
£000 

–

–

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 2012 and was updated for IAS 19 purposes to 31 May 2016 by a 
qualified independent actuary. 

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

Deficit in the schemes – Pension liability 

Movements in Present Value of Defined Benefit Obligation 

At the beginning of the year 
Interest cost 
Remeasurement (gains)/losses:
– Changes in demographic assumptions
– Changes in financial assumptions
– Experience
Benefits paid 
Obligation acquired 

At the end of the year

72

2016  
£000 

(1,764)
(45,281)
41,346

2015  
£000 

(1,528)
(45,820)
41,847

(5,699)

(5,501)

2016  
£000 

47,348
1,639

(311)
217
(878)
(970)
–

2015  
£000 

41,174
1,764

(26)
5,330
(44)
(978)
128

47,045

47,348

Hargreaves Services plcFinancial Statements25   Pension Schemes and Other Retirement Benefits continued
Sensitivity Analysis continued
Movements in the Fair Value of Plan Assets 

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 
Net interest on plan assets
Remeasurement (loss)/gain
Employer contributions 
Benefits paid 
Expenses paid
Plan assets acquired 

Fair value of plan assets at end of year 

Expense Recognised in the Income Statement 

Expenses paid from plan
Interest expense on net defined benefit pension plans 

The expense is recognised in the following line items in the Income Statement: 

In discontinued operations

Administrative expenses 
Finance expense 

2016  
£000 

41,847
1,465
(1,984)
1,162
(970)
(174)
–

2015  
£000 

36,005
1,557
3,135
2,137
(978)
(137)
128

41,346

41,847

2016  
£000 

174
174

348

2016  
£000

174
174

348

2015  
£000 

137
176

313

2015  
£000 

137
176

313

Remeasurement gains and (losses) recognised directly in equity in the Statement of Other Comprehensive Income since 26 February 2007:

Cumulative amount at 1 June 
Recognised in the year 

Cumulative amount at 31 May 

2016  
£000 

(4,599)
(1,012)

2015  
£000 

(2,474)
(2,125)

(5,611)

(4,599)

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, were:

Equities and hedge funds 
Corporate bonds 
Property 
Alternative investment mandate 
Other – cash 

The major assumptions used in this valuation were: 

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

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.

Fair value at 2016  
£000 

Fair value at 2015  
£000 

21,080
14,445
2,528
3,289
4

22,003
14,073
2,372
3,291
108

41,346

41,847

2016 

–
3.25%
3.20%
3.35%
3.25%

2015 

–
3.45%
3.30%
3.50%
3.45%

73

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Directors’ ReportStrategic Report Financial StatementsNotes 
(forming part of the financial statements) continued

25   Pension Schemes and Other Retirement Benefits continued
Scheme Assets continued
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: 21.8 years (male), 25.7 years (female) (2015: 22.0 years (male), 25.8 years (female))
Future retiree upon reaching 60: 22.4 years (male), 26.5 years (female) (2015: 22.6 years (male), 26.6 years (female))

IWCSSS 
Current pensioner aged 60: 24.4 years (male), 26.9 years (female) (2015: 24.6 years (male), 27.1 years (female))
Future retiree upon reaching 60: 25.0 years (male), 27.6 years (female) (2015: 25.1 years (male), 27.8 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% increase)

Inflation (1% increase)

Discount rate (1% decrease)

Inflation (1% decrease)

2016  
£000 

(7,662)

8,015

2016  
£000 

9,918

(7,405)

2015  
£000 

(7,900)

8,000

2015  
£000 

10,300

(7,300)

The Group expects to contribute approximately £1,259,000 to its defined benefit plans in the next financial year. 

26   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. In addition, a deferred bonus scheme was 
implemented as a temporary replacement for the Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) for the year ended 31 May 2015. No new employee share 
schemes have been implemented in the year ended 31 May 2016.

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

Contractual life

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

September 2006
June 2008

Senior employees  96,572 
Senior employees 128,621

Long-Term Incentive Plan 3 

June 2009

Senior employees 193,658

Long-Term Incentive Plan 5 

September 2011

Senior employees 134,626

Savings-Related Share Option Scheme 7 April 2012
Savings-Related Share Option Scheme 8 April 2013 
Long-Term Incentive Plan 6

October 2013

167,715 
All employees 
All employees 
134,986 
Senior employees 192,098

Savings-Related Share Option Scheme 9 April 2014
Deferred bonus scheme B (50%)
Deferred bonus scheme B (50%)

March 2015
March 2015

All employees
140,346
Senior employees 112,213
Senior employees 112,213

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 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
3 years’ service
4 years’ service

11 years 
3.5 years

3.5 years

3.5 years

3.5 years
3.5 years 
3.5 years

3.5 years
3 years
4 years

74

Hargreaves Services plcFinancial Statements26   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 
Lapsed during the year 
Exercised during the year 

Outstanding at the end of the year 

2016  
Weighted average 
exercise price

2016  
Number of 
options

2015  
Weighted average 
exercise price

820p
860p
–

133,858
(80,779)
–

760p

53,079

813p
808p
825p

820p

2015  
Number of 
options

334,630
(200,335)
(437)

133,858

Exercisable at the end of the year 

793p

23,520

1,098p

29,022

The options outstanding at 31 May 2016 have an exercise price in the range of 733p to 793p and have a weighted average contractual life of one year. 

There were no options exercised during the year. The options exercised during the previous year had a weighted average market value of 791p. 

Long-Term Incentive Plans

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

Outstanding at the end of the year 

Exercisable at the end of the year 

2016  
Weighted average 
exercise price

2016  
Number of 
options

2015  
Weighted average 
exercise price

15p
–
–

55p

55p

292,699
(192,098)
–

100,601

100,601

10p
–
–

15p

32p

2015  
Number of 
options

567,363
(87,058)
(187,606)

292,699

100,601

The options outstanding at 31 May 2016 have an exercise price in the range of £nil to 393.5p and have a weighted average contractual life of no years  
as all options are now exercisable. 

There were no options exercised during the year. The options exercised during the previous year had a weighted average market value of 591p. 

Deferred Bonus Scheme

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 

2016  
Weighted average 
exercise price

2016  
Number of 
options

2015  
Weighted average 
exercise price

–
–
–
–

–

–

346,956
–
(78,389)
–

268,567

–

–
–
–
–

–

–

2015  
Number of 
options

–
346,956
–
–

346,956

–

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. 

There were no options granted during the year. The fair value per option granted and the assumptions used in these calculation for the options granted 
in the previous year are as follows:

2015

Deferred Bonus 
Scheme B (50%)

Deferred Bonus 
Scheme B (50%)

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

442p
–
470p
20%
3 years
2%
5.8%

Volatility was calculated with reference to the Group’s daily share price volatility. The average share price in the year was 274p (2015: 609p). 

442p
–
470p
20%
4 years
2%
5.8%

75

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Directors’ ReportStrategic Report Financial StatementsNotes 
(forming part of the financial statements) continued

26   Employee Share Schemes continued
Long-Term Incentive Plans and Deferred Bonus Schemes
The costs charged/(credited) to the Income Statement relating to share-based payments were as follows: 

Share options granted in 2012 
Share options granted in 2013
Share options granted in 2014
Share options granted in 2015

27   Provisions 

Group 

Balance at 31 May 2015
Provisions made during the year 
Provisions utilised during the year 
Provisions reversed

Balance at 31 May 2016

2016  
£000 

–
113
133
274

520

Surface  
mining  
restoration  
£000

Monckton 
ground water 
contamination  
£000

Maltby  
restoration  
£000

Maltby  
subsidence 
provision  
£000

2,226
4,143
(2,913)
–

1,708
–
(1,529)
–

3,456

179

892
–
–
(117)

775

936
–
–
(290)

646

2015  
£000 

(357)
136
(175)
307

(89)

Total  
£000

5,762
4,143
(4,442)
(407)

5,056

Included within the Maltby and Surface mining restoration provision is an amount of £867,000 (2015: £nil) that is expected to be utilised in the next 12 months.

Provisions comprise: 

1  A £3,456,000 restoration provision, which relates to the surface mining obligation to restore the sites once mining operation is completed.
2  A £179,000 ground and groundwater contamination provision which relates to Monckton’s obligation to address ground and groundwater 

contamination at its site now that the site is closed.

3  A £775,000 restoration provision which relates to Maltby Colliery’s obligation to restore the site now that coal mining has been completed. 
4  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. 

The Company has no provisions. 

28   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 
31,910,684 (2015: 32,085,684) Ordinary Shares of 10p each (excluding own shares held)
Own shares held of 10p each 1,228,072 (2015: 1,053,072)

Ordinary Shares

2016  
Number

33,138,756
–

2015  
Number

33,087,413
51,343

33,138,756

33,138,756

2016  
£000 

3,191
123

3,314

2015  
£000 

3,209
105

3,314

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.

As at the year end the Group held 1,228,072 within Treasury shares, representing own shares purchased as part of the Group’s share buyback 
programme. These shares have a market value of £2.2m at 31 May 2016 and were purchased for an aggregate consideration of £6.9m. 

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. 

76

Hargreaves Services plcFinancial Statements28   Capital and Reserves continued
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. 

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 (20.0p per share (2015: 16.7p))
Interim dividends paid in respect of the current year (1.7p per share (2015: 10.0p))

Proposed dividend (0.6p per share (2015: 20.0p))

The proposed dividend has not been included in liabilities as it was not approved before the year end. 

2016 
£000 

6,382
542

6,924

191

2015  
£000 

5,534
3,210

8,744

6,417

29   Financial Instruments 
The Group’s and Company’s principal financial instruments comprise short-term receivables and payables, bank loans and overdrafts, 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 2016 and 2015 all of the interest rate swaps, the forward exchange contracts and the commodity contracts are considered to be Level 2 and  
the options to acquire subsidiaries Level 3 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. 

The fair values of the options has been determined based upon the fair value of the assets and liabilities of the entities.

(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 £75,388,000 (2015: £60,141,000) being the total of the carrying amount of trade receivables and amounts due from undertakings in 
which the Group has a participating interest. 

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 21. 

77

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Directors’ ReportStrategic Report Financial StatementsNotes 
(forming part of the financial statements) continued

29   Financial Instruments continued
(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. The Group finances 
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. 

The following are the contractual maturities of financial liabilities, including estimated interest payments and excluding the effect of netting agreements: 

Group 

Non-derivative financial 

liabilities

Finance lease liabilities 
Trade and other payables* 
Invoice discounting facility 
Group banking facilities 

Derivative financial 

liabilities

Interest rate swaps used  

for hedging 

Forward exchange contracts 

used for hedging: 

Outflow 
Commodity contracts: 
Outflow 

Carrying 
amount  
£000

Contractual 
cash flow  
£000

1 year or 
less  
£000

2016

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

2015

1 to <2 
years  
£000

2 to <5 
years  
£000

5 years 
and over 
£000

15,906 16,691
7,837
75,096 75,096 75,096
–
–

–
37,593 37,593

–

3,397
5,457
–
–
–
–
– 37,593

268

268

268

25

25

25

–

–

203

203

137

66

–

–

–

129,091 129,876 83,363

5,523 40,990

–
–
–
–

–

–

–

–

12,049
73,078
(7,347)
32,772

12,867
73,078
(7,347)
32,772

5,255
73,078
(7,347)
32,772

4,130
–
–
–

3,482
–
–
–

1,308

1,308

–

198

198

198

4,153

4,153

4,153

–

–

–

1,308

–

–

116,211

117,029

108,109

4,130

4,790

–
–
–
–

–

–

–

–

* Excludes derivatives (shown separately). 

Company 

Carrying 
amount  
£000

Contractual 
cash flow  
£000

1 year or 
less  
£000

Non-derivative financial 

liabilities

2016

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

2015

1 to <2 
years  
£000

2 to <5 
years  
£000

5 years 
and over  
£000

Trade and other payables
Group banking facilities 

116,877 116,877 116,877
–
37,593 37,593

–
–
– 37,593

–
–

456,401
32,772

456,401  456,401 
32,772
32,772

Derivative financial 

liabilities 

Interest rate swaps used  

for hedging 

Forward exchange contracts 

used for hedging: 

Outflow 

268

268

268

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

154,738 154,738 117,145

– 37,593

–

–

–

1,308

1,308

–

224

224

224

490,705

490,705 489,397

–
–

–

–

–

–
–

1,308

–

1,308

–
–

–

–

–

(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 is to reduce this exposure 
through interest rate swaps. 

78

Hargreaves Services plcFinancial Statements 
29   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 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 2016

Cash and cash equivalents 
Trade receivables 
Trade receivables due from undertakings in which  

the Group has a participating interest 

Trade payables 
Trade payables due to undertakings in which the  

Group has a participating interest

Other trade payables 
Group banking facilities 

Balance sheet exposure 
Contracted future sales
Contracted future purchases

Gross exposure
Forward exchange contracts 

Net exposure 

31 May 2015

Cash and cash equivalents 
Invoice discounting facility 
Trade receivables 
Trade receivables due from undertakings in which  

the Company has a participating interest 

Trade payables 
Trade payables due to undertakings in which the  

Company has a participating interest

Other trade payables 
Revolving credit facility 

Balance sheet exposure 
Contracted future sales
Contracted future purchases

Gross exposure
Forward exchange contracts 

Net exposure 

Sterling  
£000 

19,461
41,088

31,805
(30,050)

(455)
(2,137)
(37,593)

22,119

Sterling  
£000 

31,950
7,347
35,091

22,360
(29,594)

(940)
(6,203)
(32,772)

27,239

US Dollar  
£000 

Hong Kong 
Dollar  
£000 

South African 
Rand 
£000 

Euro  
£000 

161
205

–
(221)

–
–
–

145
136
(513)

(232)
383

103
–

–
(421)

–
–
–

(318)
929
(1,333)

(722)
409

329
2,191

–
(659)

–
–
–

1,861
–
–

1,861
(1,259)

151

(313)

602

Indian 
Rupee 
£000

855
85

Total  
£000 

21,161
43,583

–
(6)

31,805
(31,438)

–
(57)
–

(455)
(2,219)
(37,593)

877
–
–

877
–

24,844
1,065
(1,846)

1,944
(467)

877

1,477

252
14

–
(81)

–
(25)
–

160
–
–

160
–

160

Euro  
£000 

US Dollar  
£000 

Hong Kong 
Dollar  
£000 

South African 
Rand 
£000 

Indian 
Rupee 
£000

1,729
–
44

2,390
(23)

–
–
–

4,140
–
–

4,140
5,821

2,326
–
58

–
(2,491)

–
–
–

(107)
3,596
–

3,489
(11,055)

356
–
–

–
–

–
(44)
–

312
–
–

312
(1,165)

9,961

(7,566)

(853)

145
–
198

–
(89)

–
14
–

268
–
–

268
–

268

–
–
–

–
(14)

–
–
–

(14)
–
–

(14)
–

(14)

Total  
£000 

36,506
7,347
35,391

24,750
(32,211)

(940)
(6,233)
(32,772)

31,838
3,596
–

8,195
(6,399)

1,796

79

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Directors’ ReportStrategic Report Financial StatementsNotes 
(forming part of the financial statements) continued

29   Financial Instruments continued
(d) Market 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 2016 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 2015. 

€
$
HKD 
ZAR
INR

Equity

Profit or loss

2016  
£000

(14)
28
(55)
(15)
(80)

2015  
£000 

(906)
688
78
(23)
1

2016  
£000 

(14)
28
(55)
(15)
(80)

2015  
£000

(906)
688
78
(23)
1

A 10% strengthening of the above currencies against the pound Sterling at 31 May 2016 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 

2016  
£000

–
(15,906)

2015  
£000 

–
(12,049)

(15,906)

(12,049)

Company

2016  
£000 

–
–

–

2015  
£000

–
–

–

21,161
(37,593)

43,853
(32,772)

–
(41,488)

19,906
(32,772)

(16,432)

11,081

(41,488)

(12,866)

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 2015. 

Group 

Company

2016  
£000

103

2015  
£000 

503

2016  
£000 

(2)

2015  
£000

287

Profit or loss 
Increase/(decrease) 

80

Hargreaves Services plcFinancial Statements29   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: 

2016 Expected cash flows

2015 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

Interest rate swaps: 
Assets 
Liabilities
Forward exchange 

contracts: 

Assets
Liabilities
Commodity contracts: 
Assets 
Liabilities

–
(268)

32
(25)

–
(203)

–
(268)

32
(25)

–
(137)

(464)

(398)

–
–

–
–

–
(66)

(66)

–
–

–
–

–
–

–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–

–
(1,308)

377
(198)

706 
(4,153)

–
–

377
(198)

706
(4,153)

(4,576)

(3,268)

–
–

–
–

–
–

–

–
(1,308)

–
–

–
–

(1,308)

–
–

–
–

–
–

–

(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, depreciation and amortisation 
(“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 
five times, representing an average pay out ratio of 30.9%. 

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. 

30   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 

2016  
£000

11,494
5,477
18

2015 
£000 

12,028
13,268
817

16,989

26,113

Company

2016 
£000 

–
–
–

–

2015 
£000

–
–
–

–

Group 
During the year £13,594,000 was recognised as an expense in the income statement in respect of operating leases (2015: £19,508,775). 

Company 
During the year £nil was recognised as an expense in the income statement in respect of operating leases (2015: £nil). 

31   Capital Commitments 
Group 
As at 31 May 2016, the Group was committed to contracts to purchase property, plant and equipment for £nil (2015: £nil). 

81

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Directors’ ReportStrategic Report Financial StatementsNotes 
(forming part of the financial statements) continued

32   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 £nil (2015: £nil). 

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.

33   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 joint ventures (Note 16) and its Directors. 

Group 
Other Related Party Transactions 

Joint ventures 
Tower Regeneration Limited 
Tower Regeneration Leasing Limited 
Mir Trade Services Limited
Associate undertakings
Hargreaves Services Europe Limited
Hargreaves Raw Materials Services GmbH

Joint ventures 
Tower Regeneration Limited 
Associate undertakings
Hargreaves Raw Materials Services GmbH

Joint ventures 
Tower Regeneration Limited 
Tower Regeneration Leasing Limited 
Mir Trade Services Limited
Associate undertakings
Hargreaves Raw Materials Services GmbH
Hargreaves Services Europe Limited
Hargreaves Carbon Products Polska Sp. z o.o.

Sales to 

2016  
£000

28,612
–
–

–
7,215

2015  
£000 

35,754
–
125

(419)
1,312

Purchases from

2016  
£000 

466
4,575
–

2
–

2015  
£000

–
4,934
1,102

–
–

35,827

36,772

5,043

6,036

Interest received from

Interest paid to

2016  
£000 

2015  
£000

2016  
£000

1,060

186

1,246

2015  
£000 

857

210

1,067

–

–

–

Receivables outstanding 

Payables outstanding

2016  
£000

2015  
£000 

22,367
60
–

9,096
–
282

23,064
–
1

2,114
40
378

31,805

25,597

2016  
£000 

–
441
–

10
4
–

455

–

–

–

2015  
£000

–
479
–

–
–
–

479

Transactions with Key Management Personnel 
The Board of 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 8. In addition to this, the element of the share-based payment (credit)/charge for the year that relates to key 
management personnel is £24,000 (2015: £557,000) and the social security costs is £163,000 (2015: £227,000). There are no other post-employment or 
other long-term benefits. 

82

Hargreaves Services plcFinancial Statements33   Related Parties continued
Company 
Other Related Party Transactions 

Joint ventures 
Tower Regeneration Limited 
Mir Trade Services Limited 

Subsidiaries 
Joint ventures

Sales to 

2016  
£000

–
–

–

2015  
£000 

143
–

143

Purchases from

2016  
£000 

2015  
£000

–
–

–

–
–

–

Receivables outstanding 

Payables outstanding

2016  
£000

201,113
10,579

2015  
£000 

537,837
4,597

2016  
£000 

116,790
48

2015  
£000

456,169
–

211,692

542,434

116,838

456,169

83

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Directors’ ReportStrategic Report Financial Statements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 The Solarium, Durham Cathedral, The College, Durham, DH1 3EH on 
5 October 2016 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 8 will be proposed as ordinary resolutions and resolution 9 as a 
special resolution. 

1.  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 2016. 

2.  To approve the Directors’ Corporate Governance and Remuneration Reports for the year ended 31 May 2016. 
3.  To declare a final dividend for the year ended 31 May 2016 of 0.6 pence per ordinary share to bring the dividend for the year ended 31 May 2016 to a 

total of 2.3 pence per ordinary share. 

4.  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. 

5.  To re-appoint Peter Jones as a Director of the Company in accordance with article 34 of the Company’s articles of association, who offers himself for 

re-appointment.

6.  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.

7.  To authorise the Directors to agree the remuneration of the auditor. 
8.  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): 
8.1  up to an aggregate nominal value of £1,063,689 (representing approximately one-third of the total ordinary share capital in issue as at the date 

of this notice); and 

8.2 comprising equity securities (within the meaning of section 560 of the Act) up to an aggregate nominal amount of £2,127,379 (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 8 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  
8 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 8 revoked but without prejudice to any allotment or grant of Rights made or entered into 
prior to the date of this resolution 8. For the purposes of this resolution 8, 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. 

9.  That, subject to and conditional upon the passing of resolution 8 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: 
9.1  pursuant to the authority conferred upon them by resolution 8.1 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: 
9.1.1  in connection with or pursuant to an offer of such securities by way of a pre-emptive offer (as defined below); and 
9.1.2  (otherwise than pursuant to sub-paragraph 9.1.1 above) up to an aggregate nominal value of £319,107 (representing approximately 10%  

of the total ordinary share capital in issue); and 

9.2 pursuant to the authority conferred upon them by resolution 8.2, 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 9 has expired. 

For the purpose of this resolution 9: 
(a)  rights issue has the meaning given in resolution 8; and
(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. 

84

Hargreaves Services plcFinancial Statements 
Special Business 
To consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolution as a special resolution. 

10.  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: 
10.1   the maximum aggregate number of Ordinary Shares authorised to be purchased by the Company pursuant to this resolution 10 is 4,786,603 

(representing approximately fifteen per cent of the number of Ordinary Shares in issue); and 

10.2  the minimum price which may be paid for each of those Ordinary Shares (exclusive of expenses) is 10 pence; and 
10.3   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) the price stipulated by Commission-adopted 
Regulatory Technical Standards pursuant to Article 5(6) of the Market Abuse Regulation.

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 10 which 
contract would or might be executed wholly or partially after the expiration of this authority as if the authority conferred by this resolution 10 had 
not expired.

30 August 2016
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 

85

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Directors’ ReportStrategic Report Financial Statements 
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 October 2016 (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. 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. 

3.  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 October 2016. 

4.  The return of a completed proxy form, other such instrument or any CREST Proxy Instruction (as described in paragraph 9 below) will not prevent  

5. 

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. 

6.  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. 

7. 

  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 October 2016. 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. 

8.  CREST members who wish to appoint a proxy or proxies through the CREST electronic proxy appointment service may do so by using the 

9. 

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 October 2016. 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 

Regulations 2001 (as amended). 

12.  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 26 August 2016 (being the last business day prior to the publication of this Notice) the Company’s issued share capital consists of 31,910,684 

ordinary shares, carrying one vote each. Therefore, the total voting rights in the Company as at 26 August 2016 are 31,910,684.

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. 

86

Hargreaves Services plcFinancial Statements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. Resolution 10 is proposed as a special resolution. This means that for that resolution 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 2016 to the meeting as required by law. These reports and statements are set out on pages 24 to 83  
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 2016 which is set out in full on pages 31 to 33  
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: Final Dividend
The Board proposes a final dividend of 0.6 pence per share. If the meeting approves resolution 3, the final dividend will be paid on 21 October 2016 to 
shareholders on the register of members on 23 September 2016. 

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, 
must retire. Directors due to retire by rotation are those longest in office since their last re-election or re-appointment. A retiring Director is eligible for 
re-appointment. Gordon Banham and Peter Jones are both offering themselves for re-appointment.

Brief biographical details of Gordon Banham and Peter Jones are set out on page 22 of this document. 

Resolutions 6 and 7: Appointment and Remuneration of Auditor
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 6 proposes their re-appointment and, in accordance with standard practice, 
resolution 7 proposes that their remuneration be fixed by the Directors.

Resolution 8: Renewal of Board’s Authority to Allot Shares 
Resolution 8.1 grants the Directors authority to allot relevant ordinary shares up to an aggregate nominal amount of £1,063,689 being approximately 
one-third of the Company’s issued ordinary share capital.

In line with guidance issued by the Association of British Insurers, resolution 8.2 grants the Directors authority to allot ordinary shares in connection with 
a rights issue up to an aggregate nominal amount of £2,127,379 (representing 21,273,789 ordinary shares of 10 pence each), as reduced by the nominal 
amount of any shares issued under resolution 8.1. This amount, before any such reduction, represents approximately two-thirds of the Company’s issued 
ordinary share capital. Under a rights issue, ordinary shareholders are invited to subscribe for further ordinary shares in proportion (as near as is practicable) 
to their holdings of shares in the Company and, if they accept the invitation, their holding of shares is not diluted (and if they decline the offer then they 
can sell their “rights” in the market for value).

Guidelines issued by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) provide that an authority for directors to allot new shares up to an amount equal to 
one-third of the existing share capital, such as that granted by resolution 8.1, will be regarded as routine. The ABI guidelines also state that an authority 
for directors to allot a further amount equal to one-third of the existing issued share capital, such as that granted by resolution 8.2, will also be regarded 
as routine as long as that additional authorisation applies only to fully pre-emptive rights issues. 

It is not the Directors’ current intention to exercise either such authorities. The authorities granted by resolution 8 replace the existing authorities to allot shares.

Resolution 9: Disapplication of Pre-emption Rights
This resolution grants the Directors authority to allot shares equivalent to 10 per cent of the issued ordinary share capital for cash (as distinct from 
non-cash consideration) without first offering them to existing shareholders in proportion to their existing shareholdings. The resolution also allows the 
Directors to make pre-emptive offers (such as rights issues) to shareholders without following certain detailed procedures in company law. This replaces 
the existing authority to disapply pre-emption rights and expires at the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company. 

The Pre-Emption Group’s Statement of Principles (the “PEG Principles”) recommend that boards of directors should not seek authority to issue more than 
5 per cent of the issued share capital of a company for cash on a non-pre-emptive basis. The PEG Principles are designed for officially listed companies, 
rather than AIM companies, and the National Association of Pension Funds has confirmed that AIM companies should be permitted to take an authority 
to allot up to 10 per cent of issued share capital for cash on a non pre-emptive basis (which the Company has done each year since joining AIM). 

87

Annual Report and Accounts 2016Directors’ ReportStrategic Report Financial StatementsNotice of Annual General Meeting – Hargreaves Services plc 
continued

Resolution 10: Purchase of Own Shares 
Resolution 10 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 2016 Company 
financial year end, whichever is the sooner, up to a total of 4,786,603 ordinary shares. This represents approximately 15% of the issued ordinary share 
capital. 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 in the Commission-adopted Regulatory Technical Standards pursuant 
to Article 5(6) of the Market Abuse Regulation (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. 175,000 shares were purchased since the last Annual General Meeting of which all are held in Treasury.

The Directors will consider making use of the renewed authorities pursuant to resolution 10 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.

88

Hargreaves Services plcFinancial Statements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

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

Investor Information

Company Secretary
Andrew Robertson 

Independent Auditor 
KPMG LLP 
Quayside House 
110 Quayside 
Newcastle upon Tyne 
NE1 3DX 

Bankers 
HSBC
4th Floor
City Point
29 King Street
Leeds
LS1 2HL

Barclays
Barclays House
5 St Ann’s Street
Quayside
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 3DX 

Lloyds Banking Group
1st Floor Black Horse House
91 Sandyford Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE99 1JW

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