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Horizon Gold Limited
Annual Report 2017

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FY2017 Annual Report · Horizon Gold Limited
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Hornby PLC

3rd Floor,  

The Gateway,  

Innovation Way

Discovery Park,  

Sandwich

Kent

CT13 9FF

www.hornby.com

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7

ANNUAL  
REPORT AND  
ACCOUNTS 2017

5213HH-Hornby_PLC_Annual_Report_2017.Indd   1

05/06/2017   14:18

 
 
 
 
 
 
Hornby PLC

The Group’s principal business is the development, 
production and supply of toy and hobby products 
for a global market, through a series of heritage 
brands. The Group distributes its products through a 
network of hobby specialists, multiple retailers and 
through its own website in the UK and overseas.

Overview
01  Highlights 2017
02  At a Glance
04  Product Journey
06  Strategy

Strategic report
08  Chairman’s statement
10  Chief Executive’s report
14  Operating and financial review  

of the year

17  Our Key Performance Indicators (‘KPIs’)

Governance
19  Directors and Corporate Information
20  Directors’ Report
25   Independent Auditors’ Report to the 

Members of Hornby PLC

Financial statements
27  Group and Company Statements  

of Comprehensive Income

28   Group and Company Statements  

of Financial Position

29  Group and Company statements  

of Changes in Equity

30  Group and Company Cash Flow 

Statement

31   Notes to the Financial Statements
61  Notice of Annual General Meeting 

(Unaudited)

64  Shareholders’ Information Service

Hornby PLC  Annual Report and Accounts 2017 

Highlights 2017

“ I am pleased with the progress we have made over the past year to deliver on  
the Turnaround Plan, the first stage of which has now been completed.  

We have delivered on the commitments we made a year ago and have made  
the necessary structural changes to the business. Having returned the Group to  
a sound financial footing, we are now in a position to focus on the next stage  
of the Turnaround Plan, which will see Hornby progress back to profitability  
and positive cash generation.”

Steve Cooke, Chief Executive

Revenue  
(2016: £55.8m)

£47.4m

Operating loss  
(2016: £(13.1)m loss)

£(9.2)m

Reported loss before taxation 
(2016: £(13.5)m loss)

£(9.5)m

Underlying1 loss before taxation 
(2016: £(5.7)m loss)

Reported loss after taxation  
(2016: £(13.7)m loss)

Reported loss per share  
(2016: (27.87)p loss)

£(6.3)m

£(9.7)m

(12.65)p

Underlying basic loss per share 
(2016: (13.02)p basic earnings)

Net cash  
(2016: £7.2m net debt)

(9.26)p

£1.5m

1  Underlying figures are before amortisation of intangibles (brand names and customer lists) and net unrealised foreign 

exchange movements on intercompany loans and exceptional items.

01

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
At a Glance

The Group operates across five product categories in the toy and hobby market 
for scale models. Our products are distributed through the following channels: 
UK Independent specialists, UK National retailers, our European businesses in 
Spain, France, Germany and Italy, via export with our international distributors 
and through Hornby Inc. in the USA. Other channels include Hornby’s internet 
and retail operations.

Model rail

Revenue

£22m

Key channels

UK Independents  38%

Europe 

UK Nationals 

7%

Other 

29%

19%

Export 

7%

High-quality scale locomotives, coaches 
and wagons for the model rail enthusiast. 
Hornby is the main UK model rail brand, 
with Hornby Railroad as an affordable  
entry level range. Hornby Skaledale is a 
range of 1:76 scale buildings. Hornby train 
sets also provide the perfect introduction to  
the world of model railways. 

International model rail brands produce 
locomotives, coaches, wagons and 
accessories and include the Rivarossi,  
Jouef and Electrotren brands in HO 
scale and Arnold in N scale.

Slot car

Revenue

£12m

Scalextric is the classic model slot car 
racing system. The range includes 1:32 
scale cars as well as 1:64 scale Micro-
Scalextric for the younger enthusiast.  
The Sets are supported by a range of 
accessories allowing the layout to be 
expanded and the racing experience is 
enhanced through App Race Control (ARC), 
which uses a mobile app to simulate real 
racing conditions. A range of solo cars 
allows the enthusiast to collect their favourite 
slot car models.

Key channels

UK Independents  11%

Europe 

UK Nationals 

39%

USA 

Export 

14%

Other 

5%

14%

17%

02

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017 Plastic modelling

Specialist paints

Revenue

£6m

Injection plastic moulded kits in various 
scales from 1:24 to 1:72. The Airfix  
range includes models of varying levels  
of difficulty, from starter kits for those new  
to the hobby to classic kits for the more 
experienced modeller. Gift Sets make  
the perfect present. Airfix Quickbuild  
are scale models made from moulded, 
lock-together blocks.

Key channels

UK Independents  21%

Europe 

UK Nationals 

23%

USA 

Export 

22%

Other 

Collectable models

Revenue

£4m

9%

11%

14%

Corgi produce die-cast scale model vehicles 
including 1:43 scale cars in the Vanguard 
range, 1:72 scale military aircraft in the 
Aviation Archive range, a range of 1:50 
scale ‘Hauliers of Renown’ as well as 
famous cars from TV and film.

Key channels

UK Independents  38%

Premiums 

UK Nationals 

9%

USA 

Export 

7%

Other 

10%

7%

29%

Revenue

£2m

Strongly associated with model-making,  
the Humbrol range encompasses enamel 
and acrylic paints as well as thinners, 
solvents, weathering products and 
accessories to provide the modeller with 
everything they need to complete a model.

Key channels

UK Independents  36%

Export 

UK Nationals 

18%

Other 

27%

19%

03

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017Product Journey

01. Research

The product journey starts at least two years 
in advance of a product being released. 
Our researchers gather customer and 
consumer feedback on products and they 
also review competitor releases to identify 
gaps in the product range. They use their 
depth of knowledge, intuition and trends in 
the market to develop a balanced, highly-
desirable proposed range covering different 
eras, subject matters and items of interest.

06. Consumer

We engage with our consumers through 
the major hobby shows held throughout 
the year. This is an important and key 
time to receive feedback from our 
consumers on new products and the 
service Hornby provides. Our social 
media team also provide insight into new 
product developments via our blogs; 
The Engine Shed, Test Track, Aerodrome 
and Die-Cast Diaries. We also work 
closely with the key hobby magazines, 
providing test products and development 
insights to help consumers keep abreast 
of new and exciting developments. 

04

02. Selection

Product ideas are then filtered to assess 
their feasibility, which may be influenced 
by the availability of design and source 
information and whether a product licence 
is required and available. A financial 
assessment is then undertaken to evaluate 
the investment in new tooling, which will 
be underpinned by sales forecasts based 
on historic knowledge and experience.

We also have dedicated brand 
websites, which as well as listing the 
product ranges they list a significant 
amount of help and advice in the form of 
manuals, services sheets and guidance 
on spares and servicing. The website 
resource is supported by the Customer 
Service team, who are available to 
provide advice by phone and email.

Finally, the Hornby Visitor Centre in 
Margate displays the rich history of the 
Company and its brands, and is a fun 
day out for all the family with large train 
layouts and a chance to experience  
the fun of Scalextric.

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017 03. Design

Once selected, the new product will be 
designed using our in-house CAD 
capabilities. The CAD drawings are 
developed from manufacturers’ original 
drawings or from a laser scan and survey. 
This allows a detailed and accurate  
CAD design to be developed. Product 
variants of models are developed, which 
help to maximise the return on new  
tooling investment.

05. Distribution

Once completed, the product is shipped  
to the UK, spending around six weeks in 
transit, before being held at the Group’s 
outsourced warehouse in Hersden, Kent. 
Some products are delivered direct to the 
customer from Hong Kong. The finished 
products are distributed via a network of 
Independent retailers, by National and 
International customers as well as direct 
to consumers through the Hornby internet.  
A team of sales executives support our 
customers with regular meetings and visits.

04. Manufacture

Once the design is finalised, the product 
is produced by our network of specialist 
vendors in China, India and the UK. The 
tooling to produce the models is developed 
from the CAD drawings. Once the tooling 
is manufactured, pre-production samples 
are produced in small volumes to test the 
accuracy of the tooling and to check the fit 
and function of the components. Following 
pre-production, a fully decorated sample 
is produced, which is used for licensor 
approval if relevant and is then used to 
ensure the production meets the required 
standard. Our quality control team will then 
inspect products at source on the production 
line to ensure they are to the requisite quality.

05

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategy

In June 2016 we outlined the Turnaround Plan with the stated aim of 
returning the business to sustainable profit and positive cash generation. 
We are pleased with the progress made over the past year with improving 
the focus on our customers and consumers, with the organisational  
changes made and with the actions to strengthen the balance sheet.

2016–2018

Turnaround plan

• Focused product ranges
• Maintain key brands
• Refine channel strategy  
and exit concessions

• Reduce business scale and cost
• Streamline European operating model
• Establish leadership team

• Careful management of stock
• Realise property assets

Strategic priority

Customer  
focus

Organisational 
change

Strengthen 
balance sheet

06

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017 2016–2017

Progress

2016–2018

Priorities

• Product lines reduced to c.1,400  

(from 2,400 in 2015)

• Brands supported by £1.8 million  
of capital investment in new tooling

• Concessions substantially exited
• Improved relationships with UK Independent 

and National retailers

• Building on the strong profitability of  

the Hornby and Airfix brands
• Improving Scalextric performance
• Growing our European and US businesses
• Further improving our customer service
• Maximise the return from our brands 

through selective licensing agreements 

• Reduce business scale and cost
• European operations and product 
development centralised in the UK

• Deliver further efficiencies from ongoing  

cost reduction

• Stock reduced to £9.7 million at  

• Continued careful management of stock 

31 March 2017 (2016: £13.6 million)

and working capital

• Spanish and Margate properties  
sold realising £3.3 million in cash

• Group delivered in line with Plan and 
Board’s expectations for 2016–17

07

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017Chairman’s Statement

The Strategic Report comprises the Chairman’s 
Statement, the Chief Executive’s Report,  
the Operating and Financial Review of the  
Year and Our Key Performance Indicators (‘KPIs’).

Delivering the Turnaround Plan
The last 12 months was a period of 
significant change for Hornby. Following  
the trading challenges of 2015–16, we 
embarked upon a two-year Turnaround  
Plan to transform the business, supported  
by our shareholders through £8 million of 
new equity and by our bankers with a  
£10 million refinancing of the bank  
facilities in July 2016. The objective of the 
Turnaround Plan is to return the Group to  
a position of operational cash generation 
for the 2017–18 financial year. 2016–17 
was expected to be a year of transition, 
executing the main elements of structural 
change envisaged by the Turnaround Plan. 

I am pleased with the considerable  
progress made against the Plan over the 
past year and, as such, we believe that we 
have completed the first stage. We have 
returned the business to a sound financial 
footing and have laid the foundations for 
the business to progress to profitability  
and positive cash generation on a 
sustainable basis. 

Getting closer to our customers  
and consumers
We have established stronger relationships 
with our customers and consumers. We 
have resumed attendance at consumer 
shows to raise the profile of our brands 
whilst getting closer to consumers to receive 
their feedback on our progress. We have 
engaged more closely with our network of 
Independent customers, which is essential to 
the success of the business, including 
roadshows launching our product range for 
2017. We have also begun to increase the 
quantity and quality of interaction with our 
National multiple retailers.

08

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017 •  Revenue of £47.4 million (2016: £55.8 million)
•  Underlying loss before taxation1 of £6.3 million (2016: £5.7 million loss) 
•  Reported loss before tax of £9.5 million (2016: £13.5 million loss)
•  Reported loss after tax of £9.7 million (2016: £13.7 million loss)
•  Exceptional items of £3.3 million (2016: £7.9 million), including costs 
relating to the restructuring of the business, refinancing and a profit on 
the sale of the Margate and Spanish properties

•  Net cash at 31 March 2017: £1.5 million (2016: £7.2 million net debt)

1  Stated before amortisation of intangibles (brand names and customer lists) and net unrealised foreign exchange movements on intercompany loans and exceptional 

items. See Operating and Financial Review on page 15 for details.

Financial stability
Strengthening the Group’s financial  
position was a key strategic priority of  
the Turnaround Plan. Good progress has 
been achieved through the sale of 
properties in Spain and Margate, which 
raised £3.3 million. Stock management  
was critical and we have achieved a 
year-on-year reduction of £4.0 million  
to £9.7 million.

People
I would like to take the opportunity to 
thank our employees for their hard work 
and commitment during a difficult time 
for the business. They have continued 
to develop and deliver great products 
for our customers and consumers during 
a period of significant change.

Board changes
On 17 October 2016, we announced that 
David Mulligan had been appointed Group 
Finance Director on a permanent basis. 

On 22 December 2016, we announced 
that Martin George was appointed as a 
Non-Executive Director. Martin has 
extensive experience in marketing and 
commercial roles. He was recently Chief 
Commercial Officer of The Post Office 
Limited, as well as Chairman of Grays 
International Limited. He was previously 
Non-Executive Director at Thorntons plc, 
Group Development Director and Group 
Marketing Director at BUPA and 
Commercial Director at British Airways. 

Charlie Caminada stepped down from the 
Board on 22 December 2016. Charlie was 
on the Board for three years, during which 
time he helped to steer the business through 
a period of major change, including two 
successful refinancings. Charlie also acted 
as Interim Executive Sales Director for six 
months earlier this year. I would like to thank 
Charlie once again for the significant 
contribution he has made to Hornby.

Shareholder engagement
We will hold our AGM in September 2017, 
providing shareholders with an excellent 
opportunity to hear more about our progress 
with the Turnaround Plan. 

With the first stage of our Turnaround Plan 
complete, the Board is now focusing on the 
delivery of the second stage in 2017–18, 
further details of which are detailed in the 
Chief Executive’s Report. As a Board, we 
are confident that we have established a 
firm platform for growing shareholder value 
and returning Hornby to a more stable and 
sustainable trading performance.

On behalf of the Board

Roger Canham
Executive Chairman
21 June 2017

09

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017Chief Executive’s Report

2016–17 was a year of transition for the Hornby 
Group. In June 2016, we set out the Turnaround Plan 
with the stated aim of returning the business to 
sustainable profit and positive cash generation over  
a two-year period. I am pleased with the progress  
we have made over the past year in delivering the 
changes that we committed to as part of the Plan. 

To recap, the key elements of the first phase 
of the Turnaround Plan were as follows:
•  Reduce business scale and costs
•  Maintain key UK brands
•  Streamline European operating model 

and brands

•  Focused product ranges
•  Refine sales channels strategy and 

substantially exit concessions

•  Careful management of stock down to 

an appropriate level

In addition, we have put significant effort 
into improving our relationships with our 
customers and consumers. Now the first 
stage of the Turnaround Plan is completed, 
the focus for the current year turns to moving 
the business to sustainable profit and cash 
generation by:
•  Building on the strong profitability of the 
Hornby, Airfix and Humbrol brands
•  Improving Scalextric’s performance
•  Growing our European and US 

businesses

•  Further improving our customer service
•  Delivering further efficiencies from 

ongoing cost reduction

•  Maximising the return from our brands 
through selective licensing agreements 

The financial performance for last year was 
in line with the Board’s expectations and 
those of the Turnaround Plan. Revenue of 
£47.4 million (2016: £55.8 million) reduced 
by 15%. However, this was expected as we 
rationalised the business. The operating loss 
before exceptionals of £5.9 million (2016: 
£5.3 million loss) reflected the transition and 
significant organisational changes delivered 
over the past year.

10

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017 Net cash at 31 March 2017 was  
£1.5 million (2016: net debt of £7.2 million). 
This reflects the steps we have taken to 
strengthen the financial position of the 
Group by raising £8.0 million additional 
equity (£7.5 million net proceeds), reducing 
stock levels to a more normal level  
(£4.0 million cash inflow), the sale of the 
Margate and Spanish properties (raised 
£3.3 million) and other improvements to 
working capital (excluding stock) of 
£2.5 million. These cash inflows have been 
offset by the cash impact of underlying 
operating losses and exceptional items 
incurred during the year.

First stage of Turnaround Plan completed
The first stage of Hornby’s turnaround is now 
completed and the results of this series of 
initiatives are in line with the Board’s plan 
and expectations. The Group has 
restructured its UK and European operations, 
resulting in structural improvements to the 
cost base of around £4 million, and has 
re-engaged with its core independent 
retailer base as part of a repositioned sales 
channel strategy. The product range has 
been rationalised and refocused, which  
has allowed Hornby to reduce capital 
expenditure and improve working capital.

Reduce business scale and costs
Our aim was to reduce activity levels in 
order to secure a return to profitability  
by focusing on the most profitable and 
cash-generative product lines and activities. 
We have made significant structural 
changes to the UK and European businesses 
over the past year, resulting in the planned 
reduction in the scale of the business.

Maintain key UK brands
Brand strength is at the heart of Hornby and 
our plan for the Group. As a result, we have 
retained our iconic UK brands (Hornby, 
Scalextric, Airfix, Humbrol and Corgi) by 
continuing to invest and develop new 
product lines. This was supported by around 
£2.0 million of capital investment this 
financial year (2016: £4.6 million) into new 
product tooling (£1.7 million) and enhancing 
our operational IT systems (£0.2 million). 

Central to the strength of our brands was  
an increased focus on improving customer 
service to Hornby’s core hobby customers 
through the Independent sales channel.  
We spent considerable time visiting and 
listening to our customers. We believe that 
we have gone some way to addressing 
their concerns and we have committed to 
improving the relationships we have with 
them. As part of this commitment Hornby 
reduced the level of promotional activity 
direct to consumers via the internet and  
its own retail operations, with the aim of 
helping our independent retailers improve 
their businesses.

Streamlined European operating model 
and brands
The European business is focusing on its 
most profitable International model rail 
brands and this resulted in full-year revenue 
from our international operations falling by 
£3.9 million, or 39% over the course of this 
financial year, in line with our plans as we 
transferred management functions to the UK. 
The process to centralise the European 
operations and product development in the 
UK was completed as planned. 

11

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017Chief Executive’s Report continued

Process improvement
During the past year, we reviewed our  
core business processes and sought to 
strengthen them in several areas, including 
decision-making around new product 
development, product scheduling and  
sales forecasting. We have continued to 
enhance our ERP system, which is driving 
improvements in the quality of data 
provision in the business.

People and performance
We have worked to ensure that Company 
objectives and newly created values have 
been cascaded down to teams and 
individuals to provide the necessary 
framework to ensure that all colleagues  
are aligned to deliver the Turnaround Plan.

Property update
On 13 June 2016, the Group disposed  
of its building in Spain for consideration  
of £1.0 million. On 28 February 2017,  
the Group completed the sale of its site  
at Margate for a consideration of  
£2.25 million. The gain on disposal from 
the sale of these properties of £1.5 million 
was treated as an exceptional item, and 
£2.25 million of the proceeds was used to 
repay bank borrowings, in accordance  
with our banking agreement.

Immediate strategic priorities
The key priority for the immediate future is to 
move the business to sustainable profit and 
cash generation by the following key steps.

Building on the strong profitability of the 
Hornby, Airfix and Humbrol Brands
Hornby, Airfix and Humbrol are three of  
our most profitable brands, which are 
particularly strong in serving our important 
hobby customers. There are significant 
opportunities to further improve the 
performance of these brands by continuing 
to improve execution, recovering lost market 
share, increasing margin and improving the 
brands’ appeal to new customers. 

Improving Scalextric’s performance
The Scalextric brand primarily delivers  
slot car sets to consumers through multiple 
retailers and as such is a relatively low 
margin business. There are significant 
opportunities to improve Scalextric margins 
and to carefully grow volumes through 
improved innovation and marketing support.

Growing our European and US businesses
Now that fixed costs have been reduced  
by streamlining our European operations  
we are in a position to invest capital 
expenditure in new product tooling in  
order to deliver profitable growth in our 
high-margin model train business across  
the Jouef, Arnold and Rivarossi brands.

The US business has up to now not 
featured in the Turnaround Plan as it 
was not loss making. This business 
mostly distributes Scalextric, Airfix and 
Humbrol products, and is now embarking 
on a delivery of a profitable growth 
strategy under the leadership of a 
newly recruited Managing Director. 

Focused product range
The number of individual product lines  
was reduced by approximately 40%  
during 2016–17, resulting in the active 
management of approximately 1,400 
profitable product lines in the 2017–18 
financial year. We remain on track to 
deliver this streamlined product range  
over the coming year. 

Refine channel strategy and exit 
concessions
We have exited from most of the Group’s 
concession arrangements because of the 
poor historical returns from trading through 
this channel. 

Careful management of stock
We reduced the level of stock progressively 
over the course of 2016–17 whilst being 
very careful to avoid disruption to underlying 
sales through existing channels. Stock at 
March 2017 was £9.7 million (2016: 
£13.6 million), with the reduction resulting 
from addressing historical stock issues and 
the exit from concessions.

Other developments
As well as delivering the Turnaround Plan, 
we have made progress across several 
important areas of the business over the  
last year.

Impact of exchange rates
The Group purchases goods in US Dollars 
and sells in Pounds Sterling, Euros and US 
Dollars and is therefore exposed to 
exchange rate fluctuations. Significant 
fluctuations in exchange rates, particularly 
following the Brexit vote in June, could have 
a material effect on the Group’s future 
results. The Group continues to hedge its 
currency exposures through forward 
currency purchases using fixed rate and 
participating forward contracts up to twelve 
months ahead. This provided some price 
protection for the short-term impacts of 
Sterling revaluation, but we have needed to 
raise prices to cover increased product costs 
over the longer term.

12

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017 Further improving our customer service
During stage one of the turnaround we 
re-engaged with our Independent retailers, 
improved relationships with National 
multiple retailers and increased our level  
of contact with hobby consumers through 
consumer shows. Continuing to prioritise 
improved customer service is a core part  
of our strategy.

We have also stopped using our brand 
websites to compete with our important 
retail customers and will increasingly use  
the brand websites to provide information, 
support and advice to both retail customers 
and consumers.

Further efficiencies from ongoing  
cost reduction
We will continue to build on the cost 
reductions delivered through structural 
changes made in the Group last year.  
A key area of strategic focus is reducing 
product costs in constant purchasing 
currency terms. We will achieve this by 
giving our suppliers greater visibility on our 
future production plans and thereby helping 
them plan more effectively and reduce 
costs. In addition, we are introducing a 
programme of continuous improvement to 
drive further reduction in operating costs.

Maximising return from iconic brands
We will build the profile of our iconic 
brands by the use of selective licensing 
agreements into new product categories 
and markets.

Brand performance
Over the last year we have continued to 
release new products across all our brands. 
Hornby saw the release of a limited-edition 
Anniversary Pack of the Class 43 British Rail 
Intercity 125 High Speed Train celebrating 
40 years of the iconic train. 

Corgi released a range of classic James 
Bond models, whilst a newly tooled Electric 
Lightning in 1:48 scale has been well 
received by enthusiasts making it the first 
addition of a cold war jet in this size. Other 
notable releases included the Ride with 
Pride bus and a large selection of classic 
cars, including a stunning Sunbeam, which 
was launched at the Classic Motor Show in 
Birmingham alongside the full-size car.

Scalextric introduced a number of new  
sets to its range including, the popular 
supercars set Total Speed and Track Day 
ARC Air set with supercars McLaren P1  
and Jaguar C-X75, as well as the Le Mans 
prototype set ahead of the world-famous 
endurance race in 2017. My First Scalextric 
set continued to be a key product for 
recruiting young racers. This year also marks 
Scalextric’s 60th Anniversary, celebrated by 
the release of seven special edition cars. 

Airfix added to its range of military aircraft, 
including the long-awaited Handley Page 
Victor B.2 in 1:72 scale, which was 
manufactured in the UK. Airfix QUICK 
BUILD also expanded, with the newly 
moulded VW Campervan, which has 
proven popular with VW enthusiasts and 
children alike.

Across our International train brands, we 
paid tribute to one of the biggest and  
most popular express passenger steam 
locomotives in France, Jouef’s version of the 
‘241P’. Other notable releases included the 
‘Class ‘95’ steamer in TT scale in Germany, 
Arnold’s ‘277’ Spanish electric locomotive 
in N scale and Rivarossi’s Grand Comfort 
coaches in Italy.

Outlook for 2017–18 and current trading
The outlook for the medium term has 
improved now the first stage of the 
Turnaround Plan has been completed. Much 
remains to be done to return the business  
to sustainable profit and positive cash 
generation but we are confident that the 
changes delivered last year will underpin 
the progress we plan to make.

At this early stage in the year we remain on 
track to achieve the Board’s expectations for 
the year and we are confident we have the 
right plans in place to deliver shareholder 
value in the medium term.

Steve Cooke
Chief Executive
21 June 2017

13

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017Operating and Financial Review of the Year

Financial Review

Revenue

Gross profit

Gross profit margin

Reported loss before tax

Underlying loss before tax1

Reported loss after tax

Basic loss per share

Underlying basic loss per share1

Net cash/(debt)

2017 

2016 

£47.4m

£18.2m

38%

£55.8m

£21.8m

39%

£(9.5)m £(13.5)m

£(6.3)m

£(5.7)m

£(9.7)m £(13.7)m

(12.65)p

(27.87)p

(9.26)p

(13.02)p

£1.5m

£(7.2)m

1  Stated before amortisation of intangibles (brands and customer lists), net unrealised foreign exchange  

movements on intercompany loans and exceptional items.

Performance
Consolidated revenue for the year ended 
31 March 2017 was £47.4 million, a 
decrease of 15% compared to the previous 
year’s £55.8 million, as we reduced the 
scale of the business in line with the 
Turnaround Plan. Gross profit margin was 
slightly lower, as expected, at 38% (2016: 
39%) from the planned stock reduction of 
discontinued product lines and the closure 
of concessions as a distribution channel. 

Overheads reduced year-on-year by 
11% as a result of the measures taken 
in the Turnaround Plan. UK distribution 
costs reduced slightly despite the larger 
volume of products being handled through 
Hersden, following the European logistics 
reorganisation, offset by lower R&D costs 
reflecting the lower level of new product 
development going forwards as the number 
of products is reduced. Sales and marketing 
costs reduced by £2.2 million year-on-year 
due to lower spend on TV advertising, the 
substantial exit from concessions leading 
to a reduction in concession commissions 
and an overall fall in activity due to the 
reduced scale of the business. Admin 
costs were £1.1 million lower, reflecting 
the structural changes made as part of 
the Turnaround Plan. Other operating 
expenses in the year of £0.4 million (2016: 
£0.7 million) include foreign exchange 
gains and losses and the amortisation of 
certain intangible assets (brand names 
and customer lists). Foreign exchange 
gains on trading transactions in the year 
totalled £0.3 million compared with gains 
of £0.8 million in the previous year. 

The underlying loss before taxation is 
shown to present a clearer view of the 
trading performance of the business. 
Management identified the following 
non-trivial adjustments, whose inclusion in 
earnings could distort underlying trading 
performance: net foreign exchange 
(gains)/losses on intercompany loans 
which are dependent on exchange rates 
from time to time and can be volatile and 
amortisation of intangibles which result 
from historical acquisitions. Additionally, 
exceptional items including restructuring 
costs and impairments to goodwill add 
volatility and these are one-off items and 
therefore have also been added back in 
calculating underlying loss before taxation.

14

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017 Loss before taxation

Net foreign exchange impact on intercompany loans

Amortisation of intangibles

Exceptional items:

Restructuring costs

Implementation of new ERP system

Refinancing costs

Profit on disposal of property

Impairment of property, plant and equipment – tooling

Impairment of goodwill

Underlying loss before taxation

3,889

–

944

(1,530)

–

–

993

1,174

762

(223)

1,158

3,990

(6,272)

(5,683)

Pre-tax loss before net foreign exchange 
movements on intercompany loans, 
amortisation of intangible brands, 
restructuring costs, implementation of 
the new ERP system, refinancing costs, 
profit on disposal of property, impairment 
of tooling and impairment of goodwill 
(hereafter referred to as underlying 
loss before taxation) was £6.3 million 
(2016: loss of £5.7 million). The basic 
loss per share calculated on underlying 
loss before taxation (hereafter referred 
to as underlying basic loss per share) 
was (9.26)p (2016: (13.02)p). 

A total of £3.2 million (2016: £7.8 million) 
of costs shown in the table above have 
been identified as outside our definition 
of the measure of underlying profit. These 
costs in the year included the net foreign 
exchange impact on intercompany loans 
(gain of £0.4 million), amortisation of 

intangibles (£0.3 million) and exceptional 
items totalling £3.3 million. Of this total 
£0.1 million gain (2016: £5.1 million 
cost including impairment of goodwill 
and impairment of tooling) was the 
amortisation of intangible assets and 
the revaluation of intercompany loans, 
all of which are non-cash costs.

The exceptional items totalling  
£3.3 million (2016: £7.9 million) include 
restructuring costs (£3.9 million) relating 
to the streamlining of the European 
operations, reorganisation in the UK and 
the costs of running the Margate site 
during the period it was held for sale, 
costs relating to the 2016 equity issue 
and bank refinancing (£0.9 million) less 
the profit on the sale of the Margate 
and Spanish properties (£1.5 million). 

Group

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

(9,509)

(13,532)

(410)

344

(389)

384

Reported pre-tax loss was £9.5 million 
(2016: loss of £13.5 million) and reported 
basic loss per share was (12.61)p (2016: 
(27.87)p loss per share). The income tax 
charge for the year £0.2 million (2016: 
£0.2 million charge) arises mainly due to 
tax charge arising in Hornby Italy. 

Segmental analysis
Domestic third-party sales by the UK 
business fell by 11% in the year as 
business scale and costs were reduced.
The underlying loss of £4.8 million, 
compared to £2.1 million underlying loss 
last year, reflects the transition of the UK 
business with the major structural changes 
undertaken over the past year impacting 
upon underlying trading. Sales by the 
European businesses fell by 39% in the 
year and generated an underlying loss of 
£1.1 million as the business was streamlined 
and many functions and activity were 
transferred to the UK. The US business’ 
sales grew by 14% on translation but were 
flat on a constant currency basis. The 
underlying trading loss of £0.3 million in 
the US was impacted by stock reduction 
and addressing ageing stock issues. 

Statement of Financial Position
Property plant and equipment reduced  
year-on-year to £5.7 million from  
£7.2 million as depreciation of £3.0 million 
outweighed capital additions of 
£1.8 million, with disposals having a net 
impact of £0.4 million. Group inventories 
reduced significantly during the year due 
to the focus on stock reduction as part of 
the Turnaround Plan from £13.6 million to 
£9.7 million. Trade and other receivables 
reduced by 30% due to improved working 

15

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
Operating and Financial Review of the Year 
continued

Going concern
The Group has in place a £7.75 million 
banking facility with the Group’s bankers 
through to December 2019 and available 
net cash of £1.5 million at 31 March 2017. 

The Group has prepared trading, and 
cash flow forecasts for a period of two 
years, which have been reviewed and 
approved by the Board. On the basis 
of these forecasts, its existing bank 
facility and after detailed review of 
trading, financial position and cash flow 
models, the Directors have a reasonable 
expectation that the Group has adequate 
resources to continue in operational 
existence for the foreseeable future. For 
these reasons, they continue to adopt 
the going concern basis of accounting in 
preparing the annual financial statements. 

As is customary, the facility is subject to 
financial covenants, which the Group must 
comply with and which are to be tested 
quarterly. For the duration of the transition 
period of the Group’s new business plan 
through to December 2017, such financial 
covenants comprise a minimum EBITDA test 
and a current asset (stock and receivables) 
to net debt test. Thereafter, the financial 
covenants comprise customary leverage 
and interest cover financial covenants.

Net cash at 31 March 2017 was  
£1.5 million compared with net debt of 
£7.2 million at 31 March 2016 giving 
undrawn facilities and available cash 
of £9.2 million at 31 March 2017.

Property update
On 13 June 2016, the Group disposed  
of its building in Spain for consideration  
of £1.0 million. The gain on disposal  
of £0.6 million was treated as an 
exceptional item.

On 28 February 2017, the Group 
completed the sale of its site at Margate  
for a consideration of £2.25 million.  
The gain on disposal from the sale of 
£0.9 million was treated as an exceptional 
item. The Group signed a leaseback of  
part of the site for the Hornby Visitors  
Centre and retail outlet. 

capital management and due to the 
settlement of some large sales orders which 
were fulfilled just before the previous year 
end. Trade and other payables reduced 
by £0.7 million largely due to the reduced 
size of the business. The net effect of 
these factors was a reduction in working 
capital requirements of £7.0 million (a 
reduction of 37%). Overall investment in 
new tooling, new intangible computer 
software and other capital expenditure 
was £2.0 million (2016: £4.6 million).

Dividend
As the Company continues to deliver on its 
Turnaround Plan the decision has again 
been taken not to pay a dividend (2016: 
nil). The Board continues to keep the 
dividend policy under review.

Financing and capital structure
A Placing and Open Offer of 29,629,630 
new ordinary shares at a price of 
27p each, raising £7.5 million net of 
costs, was completed on 8 July 2016 
with the funds being used to allow the 
business to pay down existing debt 
and to invest in the Turnaround Plan.

Borrowings in the year ended 31 March 
2017 peaked towards the start of the  
year under the previous bank facility at 
£8.6 million. Since July 2016 the Company 
has operated within its new facility limit 
of £10 million, which stepped down to 
£7.75 million on 1 March 2017 following 
the sale of the Margate property.

The revolving credit facility of £7.75 million 
is in place until 31 December 2019 and 
is available for trading working capital 
and capital expenditure needs through to 
such date. The new facility has a margin 
of 3.5% over LIBOR and is subject to 
commitment and utilisation fees dependent 
on the level of drawings under the facility. 

16

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017  
Our Key Performance Indicators (‘KPIs’)

The Directors are of the opinion that the 
financial KPIs are revenues, gross margins, 
underlying (loss)/profit before tax, (loss)/
earnings per share and cash generation, the 
information for which is available in these 
financial statements and summarised on the 
financial highlights section earlier in this 
report. In monitoring the progress of delivery 
of the Turnaround Plan, management has put 
in place additional KPIs, such as the level of 
overhead savings and the amount of stock 

reduction achieved, to monitor progress on 
the key elements of the plan, which are 
considered fundamental to performance 
during the transition period. The Board 
monitors progress against plan on a regular 
basis, adjusting future objectives annually in 
line with current circumstances.

Identification of principal risks  
and uncertainties
The Board has the primary responsibility for 

identifying the major risks facing the Group 
and developing appropriate policies to 
manage those risks. The Board completes 
an annual risk assessment programme in 
order to identify the major risks and has 
reviewed and determined any mitigating 
actions required as set out below. The risk 
assessment has been completed in the 
context of the overall strategic objectives 
and the Turnaround Plan of the Group 
which has been set out on pages 10 to 13.

Principal risks and uncertainties

Risk

Description

Impact/sensitivity

Mitigation/comment

Market 
conditions

New business 
plan

The Group has competition in the 
model railway, slot racing, model 
kits, die cast and paint markets. 
Failure to recruit new customers, 
loss of market share to increased 
competitor activity or alternative 
hobbies would have a negative 
impact on the Group’s results. Failure 
to evolve and innovate products 
may lead to brands becoming less 
relevant in the marketplace.

New business plan may not fully 
achieve the aims of returning the 
Group to positive cash generation 
in 2017–18.

The Group performance is 
impacted by the actions of 
competitors and changes in the 
wider retail landscape.

In many of our markets the Group enjoys a 
strong market position due to the continued 
development of our brands. Production of 
high-quality products which customers want is 
a key mitigating factor.

The Group has developed clear targets and 
has cost-saving contingencies in the plan 
being actioned to put the necessary resources 
in place to deliver the aims of the plan.

The reduction in business scale 
and costs, the reduction of the 
product lines, the requisite level 
of stock reduction, headcount 
reductions and/or the conversion 
of concession sales currently 
anticipated is not achieved and the 
Group does not achieve sustainable 
profit and cash generation.

Hobby market

Overall decline in the hobby 
market could lead to greater levels 
of competition in the medium term, 
which could have a negative 
impact on the Group’s results.

Failing interest in traditional 
hobbies may impact our core 
Independent and National retailers 
and have a consequent impact 
upon the Group’s performance.

In many of our markets the Group enjoys a 
strong market position due to the continued 
development of our brands. Brands are 
extremely important in the model sector 
with market entry costs being prohibitive. 
In the short-term there is an opportunity to 
regain market share lost through previous 
underperformance.

Exchange rates

The Group purchases goods in 
US Dollars and sells in Pounds 
Sterling, Euros and US Dollars and 
is therefore exposed to exchange 
rate fluctuations.

Significant fluctuations in exchange 
rates to which the Group is 
exposed could have a material 
adverse effect on the Group’s future 
results. In particular, the negative 
impact on Sterling of Brexit and the 
continuing uncertainties will make 
the US Dollar purchase of its goods 
more expensive.

The Group continues to hedge short-term 
exposures by establishing forward currency 
purchases using fixed rate and participating 
forward contracts up to twelve months ahead. 
It is deemed impractical to hedge exchange 
rate movements beyond that period. The 
Group has also sought to pass on the impact 
of exchange rate movements to customers 
through increased prices.

17

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017Our Key Performance Indicators (‘KPIs’) continued

Risk

Description

Impact/sensitivity

Mitigation/comment

Supply chain

The Group's products are 
manufactured by specialist labour 
in China and India. 

Capital 
allocation

New tooling is important to support 
the manufacturing of new products. 

The Group does not have 
exclusive arrangements with its 
suppliers and there is a risk that 
competition for manufacturing 
capacity could lead to delays 
in introducing new products or 
servicing existing demand.

The risk is that the Group has 
insufficient capital to fund new 
tooling or invests ineffectively 
in the wrong products.

Product 
compliance

The Group’s products are subject 
to compliance with toy safety 
legislation around the world.

Liquidity

Insufficient financing to meet the 
needs of the business.

Failure to comply could lead to a 
product recall, resulting in damage 
to Company and brand reputation, 
along with an adverse impact on 
the Group’s results.

Without the appropriate level of 
financing it would be increasingly 
difficult to execute the Group’s 
business plans.

System and 
cyber risk

The Group continues to invest in 
the development of its website and 
implemented a new ERP system in 
2015. 

This exposes the business to greater 
risk of financial loss, disruption or 
damage to the reputation of an 
organisation from a failure of its 
information technology systems.

Talent and skills

Recruitment, development and 
retention of talented people are 
key to the success of any business.

The Group fails to retain the 
necessary skills and talent to 
deliver the Group's plans.

The Group is continuing to develop  
and review its vendor portfolio. A 26-step 
critical path analysis tool has been developed 
to monitor the whole manufacturing process  
in order to identify and deal with issues as 
they arise.

The new business plan significantly reduced 
the number of product lines and refocused the 
business on profitable lines which generate 
higher gross margins. This process will be 
underpinned by a robust capital allocation 
process aligned to brand strategies and brand 
delivery targets.

Robust internal processes and procedures, 
active monitoring of proposed legislation and 
involvement in policy debate and lobbying of 
the relevant authorities.

The Group has an undrawn revolving credit 
facility of £7.75 million expiring December 
2019. The Group’s policy on liquidity risk is to 
maintain adequate facilities to meet the future 
needs of the business.

The Group has invested significant time and 
cost in the new website and ERP system in the 
last three years. The Group has dedicated 
web and ERP teams to monitor and maintain 
the Group’s systems and holds appropriate 
insurance policies to minimise material risk.

Implementation of a new performance 
appraisal process to identify and manage 
skills and talent requirements. Competitive 
remuneration and training help with retention 
of employees.

Main control procedures
Management establishes control policies 
and procedures in response to each of 
the key risks identified. Control procedures 
operate to ensure the integrity of the Group’s 
financial statements, and are designed 
to meet the Group’s requirements and 
manage both financial and operational 
risks identified in each area of the business. 
Control procedures are documented where 

appropriate and reviewed by management 
and the Board on an ongoing basis to 
ensure control weaknesses are mitigated.

are updated monthly and quarterly. 
Performance against budget is monitored 
and where any significant deviations are 
identified appropriate action is taken. 

The Group operates a comprehensive 
annual planning and budgeting system. 
The annual plans and budgets are 
approved by the Board. The Board 
reviews the management accounts at its 
monthly meetings and financial forecasts 

David Mulligan
Group Finance Director
21 June 2017 

18

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017 Directors and Corporate Information

Left to right: David Adams, Martin George, Roger Canham, Steve Cooke and David Mulligan

Directors 
Roger Canham
Executive Chairman 

Steve Cooke
Chief Executive

David Mulligan
Group Finance Director

David Adams
Non-Executive Director

Martin George
Non-Executive Director

Company Secretary
David Mulligan

Registered office
3rd Floor The Gateway
Innovation Way
Discovery Park
Sandwich 
Kent CT13 9FF

Company Registered Number
Registered in England Number: 01547390

Independent Auditors
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors
The Portland Building
25 High Street
Crawley
West Sussex RH10 1BG

Solicitors
Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP
Adelaide House
London Bridge
London EC4R 9HA

Principal Bankers
Barclays Bank PLC
9 St George’s Street
Canterbury
Kent CT1 2JX

Financial Advisers and Brokers
Numis Securities Limited
The London Stock Exchange Building
10 Paternoster Square
London EC4M 7LT

Registrars and Transfer Agents
Capita Registrars Limited
The Registry
34 Beckenham Road
Beckenham
Kent BR3 4TU

19

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirector’s Report

The Directors present their Annual Report together with the audited 
consolidated and Company financial statements for the year ended 
31 March 2017. 

The Group’s business review, along with future developments and 
the principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group, is included in 
the Strategic Report.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES
The Company is a holding company registered (and domiciled)  
in England Reg. No. 01547390 with a Spanish branch and has  
six operating subsidiaries: Hornby Hobbies Limited in the UK  
with a branch in Hong Kong, Hornby America Inc. in the US, 
Hornby Espan˜a S.A. in Spain, Hornby Italia s.r.l in Italy,  
Hornby France S.A.S in France and Hornby Deutschland GmbH  
in Germany. Hornby PLC is a public limited company which is  
listed on the Alternative Investment Market (‘AIM’), and incorporated 
and operating in the UK. Its registered office is set out on 19.

The Group is principally engaged in the development, design, 
sourcing and distribution of hobby and interactive products.

RESULTS AND DIVIDENDS
The results for the year ended 31 March 2017 are set out in the 
Group Statement of Comprehensive Income on page 27. Revenue 
for the year was £47.4 million compared to £55.8 million last year. 
The loss for the year attributable to equity holders amounted to 
£9.8 million (2016: £13.7 million loss). The position of the Group 
and Company is set out in the Group and Company Statements of 
Financial Position on page 28. Future developments are set out 
within the Chief Executive Officer’s Report within the outlook 
paragraph on page 13.

No interim dividend was declared in the year (2016: £nil) and the 
Directors do not recommend a final dividend (2016: £nil).

Going concern
The Group has in place a £7.75 million banking facility with the 
Group’s bankers through to December 2019 and available net cash 
of £1.5 million at 31 March 2017. 

The Group has prepared trading and cash flow forecasts for a 
period of two years, which have been reviewed and approved by 
the Board. On the basis of these forecasts, its existing bank facility 
and after detailed review of trading, financial position and cash 
flow models, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the 
Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence 
for the foreseeable future. For these reasons, they continue to adopt 
the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the annual 
financial statements. 

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The Board considers that research and development into products 
continues to play an important role in the Group’s success. R&D 
costs of £1.2 million (see note 4) incurred in the year have been 
charged to the Statement of Comprehensive Income and all of these 
costs relate to research costs.

DIRECTORS
The persons who were Directors during the year and up to the date 
of signing the financial statements are listed below:

Steve Cooke, aged 51, joined the Board on 13 July 2015 as 
Finance Director and on 26 April 2016 was appointed Chief 
Executive. Steve has significant financial and general management 
experience in both PLC and private environments. Previously, 
he was Finance Director at LSL Property Services PLC, COO 
at Bestinvest, CFO at Mapeley and CFO at Energis, where he 
was part of the successful turnaround team. Having qualified 
with Coopers & Lybrand, Steve was a strategy consultant with 
OC&C before spending time in senior financial and general 
management roles at Sainsbury’s, Homebase and B&Q.

David Mulligan, aged 47, was appointed to the Board on  
25 May 2016. David was formerly Group Finance Director at 
construction and regeneration company Morgan Sindall Group plc. 
More recently he was Municipal FD at Renewi plc. Prior to this he 
worked at Smiths Group plc and trained as a chartered accountant 
at Ernst & Young.

Roger Canham, aged 51, was appointed to the board on 
7 November 2012 and became Chairman on 1 February 2013. 
Roger has been Chairman of Phoenix Asset Management Partners 
Limited (‘Phoenix’) since 2009 and also owns and manages a 
number of property development companies. Roger was recently 
Chairman of CPP Group until May 2016. Prior to that, he was a 
Non-Executive Director of Goshawk Insurance Holdings PLC  
from 2007 until the business was acquired in 2008, and a  
Director of Brake Bros Limited for a year following its acquisition of 
W. Pauley & Co Limited in 2002. Mr Canham joined W. Pauley 
& Co Limited in 1990 and became Managing Director in 1996.

David Adams, aged 62, was appointed a Non-Executive  
Director on 9 January 2014. David’s current Plc appointments  
are; Chairman of Conviviality Plc, Non-Executive Director at 
Halfords Plc, Fever Tree Drinks Plc, Elegant Hotels Plc and Thinksmart 
Plc. David chairs the Audit Committees at Halfords, Fever Tree Drinks 
and Thinksmart, and the Remuneration Committee at Elegant Hotels. 
Prior to this David was CFO and Deputy CEO at House of Fraser 
and Executive Chairman at Jessops and has held a number of 
Non-Executive roles in retail and consumer businesses. In addition, 
he is a Trustee of Walk the Walk, a breast cancer charity.

20

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017 Martin George, aged 54, was appointed as a Non-Executive 
Director on 22 December 2016. Martin has extensive experience in 
marketing and commercial roles and is currently Chairman of Grays 
International Limited. He was previously Chief Commercial Officer  
of The Post Office Limited, Non-Executive Director at Thorntons plc, 
Group Development Director and Group Marketing Director at 
BUPA and Commercial Director at British Airways. 

Charlie Caminada, aged 57, was appointed to the Board on 
9 January 2014. Charlie resigned on 22 December 2016.

The interests of the Directors in the shares of the Company and  
in options granted over such shares are disclosed on pages 23  
and 24 of this Report.

DIRECTORS’ INDEMNITIES
The Company maintained liability insurance for its Directors and 
officers during the financial year and up to the date of approval of 
the Annual Report and Accounts. The Company has also provided 
an indemnity for its Directors and the secretary, which is a qualifying 
third-party indemnity provision for the purposes of the Companies 
Act 2006.

SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDINGS
The Company has been notified that at close of business on  
16 June 2017 the following parties were interested in 3% or more  
of the Company’s ordinary share capital.

Shareholder

Phoenix Asset Management Partners 

Limited

New Pistoia Income Limited

Ruffer LLP

Downing LLP

Artemis Fund Managers Limited

Hargreave Hale

Number of 
ordinary shares

Percentage 
held

29,022,877

17,641,141

11,158,989

5,529,714

3,000,000

2,840,595

34.31

20.86

13.19

6.54

3.55

3.36

STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and 
the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and 
regulation.

In preparing the financial statements, the Directors are required to:
•  select suitable accounting policies and then apply them 

consistently;

•  state whether applicable IFRSs as adopted by the European 

Union have been followed, subject to any material departures 
disclosed and explained in the financial statements;

•  make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable 

and prudent; and

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

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting 
records that are sufficient to show and explain the Group’s and 
Company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at 
any time the financial position of the Group and Company and 
enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the 
Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the Group financial 
statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

The Directors are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the 
Group and Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the 
prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of  
the Company’s website. Legislation in the UK governing the 
preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ 
from legislation in other jurisdictions.

The Directors consider that the annual report and accounts, taken  
as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the 
information necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s and 
Company’s performance, business model and strategy.

Each of the Directors, whose names and functions are listed in the 
Directors’ Report, confirm that, to the best of their knowledge:
•  the Group and Company financial statements, which have been 
prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European 
Union, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial 
position and loss of the Group and loss of the Company; and

•  the Chief Executive’s Report includes a fair review of the 

development and performance of the business and the position 
of the Group and Company, together with a description of the 
principal risks and uncertainties that it faces. 

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements 
for each financial year. Under that law the Directors have prepared 
the Group and Company financial statements in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRSs’) as adopted by  
the European Union. 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 
Company and of the profit or loss of the Group and Company for  
that period. 

In the case of each Director in office at the date the Directors’ Report 
is approved:
•  so far as the Director is aware, there is no relevant audit 

information of which the Group’s and Company’s auditors are 
unaware; and

•  they have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as a 

Director in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit 
information and to establish that the Group’s and Company’s 
auditors are aware of that information. 

21

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirector’s Report continued

•  To regularly review all our employment practices and procedures 

to ensure fairness;

•  Breaches of our equality policy are regarded as misconduct  

and may lead to disciplinary proceedings; and

•  These policies will be monitored and reviewed on a  

regular basis.

The Group places importance on the contributions made by all 
employees to the progress of the Group and aims to keep them 
informed via formal and informal meetings. One of the Company’s 
incentive schemes includes share scheme options for Directors and 
senior management, further details of which are covered on page 23.

SHARE CAPITAL
The share capital of the Company comprises ordinary shares of 1p 
each. Each share carries the right to one vote at general meetings of 
the Company. The issued share capital of the Company, together 
with movements in the Company’s issued share capital, is shown in 
note 21.

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
During the year the Board retendered the audit engagement 
following the retirement by rotation of the Senior Statutory  
Auditor. Following a market review and presentations from three 
audit firms, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP were reappointed as  
the Company’s auditors. A resolution to reappoint the auditors, 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, will be proposed at the forthcoming 
Annual General Meeting. 

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 
The Annual General Meeting is to be scheduled for early 
September 2017. A notice of the Annual General Meeting will be 
sent out to shareholders separately to this Annual Report and 
Accounts. 

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION
Executive Directors’ base salaries are reviewed annually by the 
Committee taking into account the responsibilities, skills and 
experience of each individual, pay and employment conditions 
within the Company and salary levels within listed companies of a 
similar size. 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Group’s financial instruments, other than derivatives, comprise 
borrowings, cash and liquid resources, and various items, such as 
trade receivables, trade payables etc. that arise directly from its 
operations. The Group’s financial liabilities comprise borrowings, 
trade payables, other payables and finance leases. The main 
purpose of the Group’s borrowings is to provide finance for the 
Group’s operations. The Group has financial assets comprising cash 
and trade and other receivables.

The Group also enters into derivatives transactions (principally 
forward foreign currency contracts). The purpose of such 
transactions is to manage the currency risks arising from 
the Group’s operations. It is, and has been throughout the 
period under review, the Group’s policy that no speculative 
trading in financial instruments shall be undertaken.

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT
The financial risk is managed by the Group and more information 
on this can be found within the Notes to the Financial Statements  
on page 36.

PERSONNEL POLICIES
Hornby is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging 
diversity amongst our workforce. Our aim is that our workforce will 
be truly representative of all sections of society and each employee 
feels respected and able to give of their best.

To that end the purpose of personnel policies are to provide equality 
and fairness for all in our employment and not to discriminate on 
grounds of gender, marital status, race, ethnic origin, colour, 
nationality, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, religion or 
age. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.

All employees, whether part-time, full-time or temporary, are treated 
fairly and with respect. Selection for employment, promotion, 
training or any other benefit is on the basis of aptitude and ability. 
All employees are helped and encouraged to develop their full 
potential and the talents and resources of the workforce are fully 
utilised to maximise the efficiency of the organisation.

Our commitments are:
•  To create an environment in which individual differences and the 

contributions of all our staff are recognised and valued;
•  Every employee is entitled to a working environment that 

promotes dignity and respect to all. No form of intimidation, 
bullying or harassment is tolerated;

•  Training, development and progression opportunities are 

available to all staff;

•  Equality in the workplace is good management practice and 

makes sound business sense;

22

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017 The following table summarises the total salary and pension contributions received by Directors for 2016–17 and 2015–16 in line with the 
Companies Act 2006 requirement:

AUDITED

Year ended 31 March 2017

Year ended 31 March 2016

S Cooke (Appointed 10 June 2015)

D Mulligan (Appointed 26 May 2016)

R Canham

D Adams

M George (Joined 22 December 2016)

C Caminada (Resigned 22 December 2016)

R Ames (Resigned 12 February 2016)

N Stone (Resigned 10 June 2015)

Basic salary, 
allowances  
and fees 
£’000

Pension  
contributions  

£’000

283

184

100

40

11

1061

–

–

51

18

–

–

–

–

–

–

Total salary  
and pension 
contributions  

£’000

482

267

100

40

11

106

–

–

Bonus 
£’000

148

65

–

–

–

–

–

–

Total

724

69

213

1,006

Basic salary, 
allowances  
and fees  
£’000

Pension  
contributions  

£’000

170

–

100

40

–

40
3732
1483

871

32

–

–

–

–

–

53

21

106

Total salary  
and pension  
contributions  

£’000

202

–

100

40

–

40

426

169

977

1  From 1 April 2016 C Caminada received a salary of £144,000 per annum until 30 September 2016 when he returned to his non-executive role and associated salary of 

£40,000 per annum until his resignation. Additionally, included within the basic salary and fees is compensation for loss of office totalling £20,000.
Included within the basic salary and fees is compensation for loss of office totalling £96,000
Included within the basic salary and fees is compensation for loss of office totalling £36,000

2 
3 

Performance Share Plan (‘PSP’) awards outstanding
At 31 March 2017, outstanding awards to Directors under the PSP were as follows:

Director

S Cooke

Award date

Vesting date

Market price at 
award date

At 1 April 2016

Awarded during 
year 

Lapsed 
during year

Vested  

during year

At 31 March 
2017

Aug 2015

Aug 2018

105.0p

190,476

–

Dec 2016

Mar 2019

R Canham

July 2013

July 2016

D Mulligan

Dec 2016

Dec 2016

Mar 2019

Mar 2019

29.0p

81.5p

29.0p

29.0p

For the 2013 awards the outstanding awards lapsed during  
the year.

For the 2015 awards, 40% of an award is subject to a TSR 
condition and 60% is subject to an EPS performance condition, both 
of which are measured over a period of three financial years. For 
the TSR condition, 25% of this part of the award will vest if Hornby’s 
TSR is equal to the TSR of the median company of the constituents of 
the FTSE Small Cap (struck at the date of grant), with full vesting for 
top quartile performance, with a sliding scale operating between 
these points. For the EPS part of the award, 25% vests for average 
annual underlying EPS growth of RPI+3% per annum, with full vesting 
for average annual EPS growth of RPI+12% per annum. A sliding 
scale operates between these points.

–

2,136,752

122,699

–

122,699

–

–

190,476

–
– 2,136,752
–

–

–

–

170,940

598,290

–

–

–

–

170,940

598,290

For the 2016 awards, the award is subject to a TSR condition 
which are measured over a period of three financial years from 
1 April 2016 to 31 March 2019. For the TSR condition, 25% of 
the award will vest if Hornby’s TSR is equal to 15% compound 
annual growth each year, 75% vesting for 25% compound 
annual growth each year, with full vesting for 35% compound 
annual growth each year, with a sliding scale operating between 
these points. Additionally, for the award to vest, in the year 
ending 31 March 2019 operating cash flow has to be positive 
and profit before tax has to equal or exceed £1.5 million. 

23

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017Director’s Report continued

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS
Interests in shares
In addition to their interests in shares in the Performance Share Plan, 
the interests of the Directors in the shares of the Company at 
31 March 2017 were:

Executive Directors

S Cooke

D Mulligan

Non-Executive Directors

R Canham

D Adams

M George

At 31 March 
2017 
number

At 31 March 
2016  

number

–

N/A

97,000

–

40,000

22,500

40,000

10,000

–

N/A

All the interests detailed above are beneficial. Apart from the 
interests disclosed above no Directors were interested at any time 
in the year in the share capital of any other Group company. 
Roger Canham is also the chairman of Phoenix Asset Management 
Partners Limited, who hold a substantial shareholding in Hornby PLC.

On behalf of the Board

David Mulligan
Group Finance Director
3rd Floor The Gateway
Innovation Way
Discovery Park
Sandwich 
Kent CT13 9FF
21 June 2017

Benefits and pension
Policies concerning benefits, including the Group’s company car 
policy, are reviewed periodically. Currently, benefits in kind 
comprise motor cars or a travel allowance and private health cover, 
both of which are non-performance-related. The Executive Directors 
and senior managers are members of defined contribution pension 
schemes and annual contributions are calculated by reference to 
base salaries, with neither annual bonuses nor awards under the 
share incentive schemes taken into account in calculating the 
amounts due. The contribution level continues to be 20% of base 
salary for Executive Directors, which can be taken as a cash 
allowance as an alternative.

Executive Directors’ service contracts 
The Executive Directors do not have fixed-period contracts.

Payments to past Directors, policy on payment of loss of office 
and termination payments
Payments totalling £287,540 were made to Richard Ames under his 
settlement agreement during the year up until August 2017. There 
were no other payments to past Directors made during the year. 
Notice periods are set under individual service contracts but the 
Company has a policy for Executive Director of a notice period of 
nine months to be given by the Company and of six months to be 
given by the individual. The compensation for loss of office is based 
upon the respective service contracts and the components are 
based on the base salary of the Director. Any outstanding awards 
under the Company’s PSP share scheme are subject to good leaver 
provisions under the scheme’s rules. Under certain circumstances 
and subject to certain criteria the Remuneration Committee has 
the power to determine the vesting of any outstanding awards.

24

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017 Independent Auditors’ Report to the Members  
of Hornby PLC

REPORT ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
Our opinion
In our opinion, Hornby PLC’s Group financial statements and 
Company financial statements (the ‘financial statements‘):
•  give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the 

Company’s affairs as at 31 March 2017 and of the Group’s and 
the Company’s loss and cash flows for the year then ended;
•  have been properly prepared in accordance with International 

Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRSs’) as adopted by the 
European Union; and

•  have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the 

Companies Act 2006.

In addition, in light of the knowledge and understanding of the 
Group, the Company and their environment obtained in the course  
of the audit, we are required to report if we have identified any 
material misstatements in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ 
Report. We have nothing to report in this respect.

Other matters on which we are required to report by exception
Adequacy of accounting records and information and 
explanations received 
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, 
in our opinion:
•  we have not received all the information and explanations we 

require for our audit; or

What we have audited
The financial statements, included within the Annual Report  
(the ‘Annual Report’), comprise:
•  the Group and Company Statements of Financial Position as at 

•  adequate accounting records have not been kept by the 

Company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been 
received from branches not visited by us; or

•  the Company financial statements are not in agreement with the 

31 March 2017;

accounting records and returns.

•  the Group and Company Statements of Comprehensive Income 

for the year then ended;

We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.

•  the Group and Company Cash Flow Statements for the year then 

ended;

•  the Group and Company Statements of Changes in Equity for the 

year then ended; and

•  the Notes to the Financial Statements, which include a summary 

of significant accounting policies and other explanatory 
information.

Certain required disclosures have been presented elsewhere in the 
Annual Report, rather than in the Notes to the Financial Statements. 
These are cross-referenced from the financial statements and are 
identified as audited.

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the 
preparation of the financial statements is IFRSs as adopted by the 
European Union, and applicable law.

In applying the financial reporting framework, the Directors have 
made a number of subjective judgements, for example in respect of 
significant accounting estimates. In making such estimates, they have 
made assumptions and considered future events.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies  
Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of  
the audit:
•  the information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ 

Report for the financial year for which the financial statements are 
prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
•  the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report have been 

prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Directors’ remuneration
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, 
in our opinion, certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration 
specified by law are not made. We have no exceptions to report 
arising from this responsibility. 

Responsibilities for the financial statements and the audit
Our responsibilities and those of the Directors
As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities, 
the Directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial 
statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view.

Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the financial 
statements in accordance with applicable law and International 
Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) (‘ISAs (UK and Ireland)’). 
Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices 
Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.

This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and only 
for the Company’s members as a body in accordance with Chapter 
3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and for no other purpose. 
We do not, in giving these opinions, accept or assume responsibility 
for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is 
shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly 
agreed by our prior consent in writing.

25

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSIndependent Auditors’ Report to the Members  
of Hornby PLC continued

What an audit of financial statements involves
We conducted our audit in accordance with ISAs (UK and Ireland). 
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and 
disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give reasonable 
assurance that the financial statements are free from material 
misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This includes an 
assessment of: 
•  whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Group’s 
and the Company’s circumstances and have been consistently 
applied and adequately disclosed; 

•  the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by 

the Directors; and

•  the overall presentation of the financial statements. 

We primarily focus our work in these areas by assessing the 
Directors’ judgements against available evidence, forming our own 
judgements, and evaluating the disclosures in the financial 
statements.

We test and examine information, using sampling and other auditing 
techniques, to the extent we consider necessary to provide a 
reasonable basis for us to draw conclusions. We obtain audit 
evidence through testing the effectiveness of controls, substantive 
procedures or a combination of both. 

In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information in 
the Annual Report to identify material inconsistencies with the 
audited financial statements and to identify any information that is 
apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent 
with, the knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing the 
audit. If we become aware of any apparent material misstatements 
or inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report. With 
respect to the Strategic Report and Directors’ Report, we consider 
whether those reports include the disclosures required by applicable 
legal requirements.

Graham Lambert (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors
Gatwick
21 June 2017

26

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017 Group and Company Statements of 
Comprehensive Income 
for the Year Ended 31 March 2017 

Revenue
Cost of sales

Gross profit
Distribution costs
Selling and marketing costs
Administrative expenses
Other operating expenses

Operating Loss before exceptional items
Exceptional items
Operating loss 
Finance income
Finance costs
Net finance expense

Loss before taxation
Income tax (charge)/credit

Loss for the year after taxation
Other comprehensive income
Items that may be subsequently reclassified to profit or loss:
Cash flow hedges, net of tax
Currency translation differences
Other comprehensive expense for the year, net of tax

Total comprehensive loss for the year

Loss per ordinary share
Basic
Diluted

All results relate to continuing operations.

The notes on pages 31 to 60 form part of these accounts.

Note

2

2
3
3
3

4
5

Group

Company

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

47,420
(29,270)

18,150
(8,419)
(10,294)
(5,680)
358

(5,885)
(3,303)
(9,188)
5
(326)
(321)

(9,509)
(157)

(9,666)

55,757
(33,992)

21,765
(8,441)
(12,472)
(6,814)
692

(5,270)
(7,854)
(13,124)
21
(429)
(408)

(13,532)
(182)

(13,714)

1,370
–

1,370
–
–
(1,264)
–

106
(5,801)
(5,695)
175
(205)
(30)

(5,725)
100

(5,625)

1,453
–

1,453
–
–
(1,001)
49

501
(9,511)
(9,010)
174
(181)
(7)

(9,017)
(68)

(9,085)

(452)
15
(437)

20
(127)
(107)

–
(390)
(390)

–
(401)
(401)

(10,103)

(13,821)

(6,015)

(9,486)

7
7

(12.65)p
(12.65)p

(27.87)p
(27.87)p

27

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017Group and Company Statements  
of Financial Position 
as at 31 March 2017

Assets
Non-current assets
Goodwill
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investments
Deferred tax assets

Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Derivative financial instruments
Current tax assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Property, plant and equipment held for sale

Liabilities 
Current liabilities
Borrowings
Trade and other payables
Derivative financial instruments
Provisions
Current tax liabilities

Net current assets
Non-current liabilities 
Borrowings
Deferred tax liabilities

Net assets
Equity attributable to owners of the parent
Share capital
Share premium
Capital redemption reserve
Translation reserve
Hedging reserve
Other reserves
Retained earnings/(accumulated losses)

Total equity

Group

Company

Note

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

8
9
10
11
20

12
13
19
17
14
10

18
15
19
16
17

18
20

21

23
23
23
23

4,554
4,214
5,683
–
1,974
16,425

9,680
9,246
120
50
1,580
–
20,676

(82)
(6,664)
(190)
(196)
(212)

(7,344)
13,332

4,516
4,777
7,192
–
1,991
18,476

13,637
13,192
394
213
677
1,462
29,575

(7,883)
(7,363)
(12)
(446)
–

–
–
–
22,657
–
22,657

–
24,109
–
50
6
–
24,165

–
–
–
28,398
–
28,398

–
15,329
–
–
1
1,069
16,399

–
(27)
–
–
–

–
(94)
–
–
(39)

(15,704)
13,871

(27)
24,138

(133)
16,266

–
(94)

(94)

–
(211)

(211)

(5,518)
–

(5,518)

(4,902)
(100)

(5,002)

29,663

32,136

41,277

39,662

846
27,445
55
(1,371)
(70)
1,688
1,070

550
20,205
55
(1,386)
382
1,688
10,642

846
27,445
55
(1,144)
–
19,145
(5,070)

550
20,205
55
(754)
–
19,145
461

29,663

32,136

41,277

39,662

The notes on page 31 to 60 form part of these accounts. The financial statements on pages 27 to 60 were approved by the Board of 
Directors on 21 June 2017 and were signed on its behalf by: 

D Mulligan
Director
Registered Company Number: 01547390

28

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017 Group and Company Statements  
of Changes in Equity
for the Year Ended 31 March 2017 

Group

Balance at 1 April 2015
Loss for the year
Other comprehensive (expense)/income for 

the year

Total comprehensive income for the year
Transactions with owners
Net proceeds from issue of ordinary shares
Share-based payments (note 22)
Total transactions with owners

Balance at 31 March 2016 and 1 April 2016

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

the year

Total comprehensive (loss)/income for  

the year

Transactions with owners
Net proceeds from issue of ordinary shares
Share-based payments (note 22)
Total transactions with owners

Balance at 31 March 2017

Share  
capital  
£’000

392
–

–
–

158
–
158

550

–

–

–

296
–
296

846

Share  
premium 
£’000

6,180
–

–
–

14,025
–
14,025

20,205

–

–

–

7,240
–
7,240

Capital 
redemption 
reserve  
£’000

55
–

–
–

–
–
–

Translation 
reserve  
£’000

(1,259)
–

(127)
(127)

–
–
–

55

(1,386)

–

–

–

–
–
–

–

15

15

–
–
–

Hedging 
reserve  
£’000

362
–

20
20

–
–
–

382

–

(452)

(452)

–
–
–

Other  
reserves 
£’000

1,688
–

Retained 
earnings 
£’000

Total  
equity  
£’000

24,338
(13,714)

31,756
(13,714)

–
(13,714)

(107)
(13,821)

–
18
18

14,183
18
14,201

32,136

1,688

10,642

–
–

–
–
–

–

–

–

–
–
–

(9,666)

(9,666)

–

(437)

(9,666)

(10,103)

–
94
94

7,536
94
7,630

27,445

55

(1,371)

(70)

1,688

1,070

29,663

Retained earnings includes £nil at 31 March 2017 (2016: £553,000) which is not distributable and relates to a 1986 revaluation of land 
and buildings. 

Company

Balance at 1 April 2015
Loss for the year
Other comprehensive expense for the year
Total comprehensive expense for the year
Transactions with owners
Net proceeds from issue of ordinary shares
Share-based payments
Total transactions with owners

Balance at 31 March 2016 and 1 April 2016

Loss for the year
Other comprehensive expense for the year
Total comprehensive loss for the year
Transactions with owners
Net proceeds from issue of ordinary shares
Share-based payments
Total transactions with owners

Balance at 31 March 2017

The notes on page 31 to 60 form part of these accounts.

Share  
capital  
£’000

392 
–
–
–

158 
–
158 

550 

–
–
–

296 
–
296 

846 

Share  
premium  
£’000

6,180 
–
–
–

14,025 
–
14,025 

20,205 

–
–
–

7,240 
–
7,240 

Capital 
redemption 
reserve  
£’000

Translation 
reserve  
£’000

55 
–
–
–

–
–
–

55 

–
–
–

–
–
–

(353)
–
(401)
(401)

–
–
–

(754)

–
(390)
(390)

–
–
–

Other  
reserves  
£’000

19,145 
–
–
–

Retained 
earnings 
£’000

9,528 
(9,085)
–
(9,085)

Total  
equity  
£’000

34,947 
(9,085)
(401)
(9,486)

–
–
–

–
18 
18 

14,183 
18 
14,201 

19,145 

461 

39,662 

–
–
–

–
–
–

(5,625)
–
(5,625)

–
94 
94 

(5,625)
(390)
(6,015)

7,536 
94 
7,630 

27,445 

55 

(1,144)

19,145 

(5,070)

41,277 

29

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group and Company Cash Flow Statement
for the Year Ended 31 March 2017

Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from/(used in) operations
Interest paid
Tax received/(paid)

Net cash (used in)/generated from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of intangible assets
Interest received

Net cash generated from/(used in) investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares
Repayments of loans
Share issue costs
Advances to subsidiary undertakings
Repayments to subsidiary undertakings
Net cash generated from/(used in) financing activities

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash, cash equivalents and bank overdrafts at beginning of the year
Effect of exchange rate movements

Cash, cash equivalents and bank overdrafts at end of year

Cash, cash equivalents and bank overdrafts consist of:
Cash and cash equivalents
Bank overdrafts

Cash, cash equivalents and bank overdrafts at end of year

Note

28

10
9

14
18

Group

Company

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

91
(326)
118

(117)

3,338
(1,756)
(226)
5

1,361

8,000
(188)
(464)
–
–
7,348

8,592
(7,029)
(65)

1,498

1,580
(82)

1,498

(9,632)
(429)
204

(9,857)

349
(3,221)
(1,341)
21

(4,192)

15,000
(35)
(817)
–
–
14,148

99
(7,247)
119

(7,029)

677
(7,706)

(7,029)

(1,080)
(205)
(89)

(1,374)

2,248
–
–
175

2,423

8,000
–
(464)
(8,580)
–
(1,044)

294
(181)
31

144

342
–
–
174

516

15,000
–
(817)
(14,843)
–
(660)

5
1
–

6

6
–

6

–
1
–

1

1
–

1

30

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017 Notes to the Financial Statements

1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Accounting policies for the year ended 31 March 2017
The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been 
consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

Basis of preparation
The financial information for the year ended 31 March 2017 has been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards (‘IFRS’) as adopted by the European Union (‘EU’), IFRS Interpretations Committee (‘IFRS-IC’) interpretations and with those parts of 
the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. The consolidated Group and Parent Company financial statements 
have been prepared on a going concern basis and under the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial 
assets and liabilities (including derivative instruments) at fair value through profit or loss. However, with regards to the Group, see below for 
details of material uncertainty. 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts 
of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting 
period. Although these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of the amount, event or actions, actual results ultimately may 
differ from those estimates.

Going concern
The Group has in place a £7.75 million banking facility with the Group’s bankers through to December 2019 and available net cash of 
£1.5 million at 31 March 2017. 

The Group has prepared trading and cash flow forecasts for a period of two years, which have been reviewed and approved by the Board. 
On the basis of these forecasts, its existing bank facility and after detailed review of trading, financial position and cash flow models, the 
Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable 
future. For these reasons, they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the annual financial statements. 

Basis of consolidation
Subsidiaries are all entities over which the Group has the power to govern the financial and operating policies generally accompanying a 
shareholding of more than one-half of the voting rights. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the 
Group. They are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases.

The purchase method of accounting is used to account for the acquisition of subsidiaries by the Group. The cost of an acquisition is 
measured as the fair value of the assets given, equity instruments issued and liabilities incurred or assumed at the date of exchange, plus 
costs directly attributable to the acquisition. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business 
combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date, irrespective of the extent of any non-controlling interest. The 
excess of the cost of acquisition over the fair value of the Group’s share of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill.

Intercompany transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between Group companies are eliminated. Unrealised losses are 
also eliminated but considered an impairment indicator of the asset concerned. Accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed 
where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Group.

Adoption of new and revised standards 
There are no standards, amendments to standards or interpretations that are both mandatory for the first time for the financial year ended 
31 March 2017 and that have a material impact on the Group’s results.

The Group did not early adopt any standard, interpretation, or amendments published by the IASB and endorsed by the EU for which the 
mandatory application date is on or after 1 January 2016.

31

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017Notes to the Financial Statements continued

1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued
The following new standards, interpretations, and amendments to standards and interpretations have been issued, subject to the EU 
endorsement, but are not effective for the financial year beginning on or after 1 January 2014 and have not yet been early adopted  
by the Group:

IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’
IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’
IFRS 16 ‘Leases’
IAS 7 ‘Statement of cash flows’
IAS 12 ‘Income Tax’
Amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28 ‘Sale or Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate  

or Joint Venture’

Amendments to IAS 1 ‘Presentation of Financial Statements’
Amendments to IAS 27 ‘Equity Method in Separate Financial Statements’

Effective date for periods 
beginning on or after

1 January 2018
1 January 2018
1 January 2019
1 January 2017
1 January 2017

1 January 2016
1 January 2016
1 January 2016

IFRS 16 will replace the current guidance under IAS 17 and will have a significant impact on the accounting by lessees in particular. Under  
IAS 17, lessees were required to make a distinction between a finance lease (on balance sheet) and an operating lease (off balance sheet). 
IFRS 16 will require lessees to recognise a lease liability reflecting future lease payments and a ‘right-of-use asset’ for virtually all lease contracts. 
The adoption of IFRS 16 will have a material effect on the Hornby PLC financial statements by grossing up assets and liabilities by approximately 
£1 million; this will have an immaterial impact on the Statement of Comprehensive Income and no impact on the Group’s cash flow.

Revenue recognition 
Revenue is measured at the fair value of the sale of goods net of value added tax, rebates and discounts, royalty income and after 
eliminating sales within the Group.

Revenue is recognised as follows: 
(a)   Sale of goods 

Sales of goods are recognised when a Group entity has delivered products to the customer. The customer is either a trade customer or 
the consumer when sold through Hornby concessions in various retail outlets, or via the internet. 

(b)   Royalty income 

Royalty income is recognised on an accruals basis in accordance with the substance of the relevant agreements. 

(c)   Sales returns  

The Group establishes a sales returns provision at the period end that reduces revenue in anticipation of customer returns of goods sold in 
the period.

(d)   Hornby Visitor Centre  

Revenue is generated from the ticket and product sales at our Visitor Centre in Margate and recognised at the point of sale. 

Dividend income in the Company is recognised upon receipt. Management fees are recognised in the Company on an accruals basis in 
relation to costs incurred on behalf of subsidiary companies.

Exceptional items 
Where items of income and expense included in the statement of comprehensive income are considered to be material and exceptional in 
nature, separate disclosure of their nature and amount is provided in the financial statements. These items are classified as exceptional items. 
The Group considers the size and nature of an item both individually and when aggregated with similar items when considering whether it is 
material, for example impairment of intangible assets or restructuring costs.

Operating segments
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker. The chief 
operating decision-maker, who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments, has been 
identified as the Board of the Company that makes strategic decisions.

Operating profit of each reporting segment includes revenue and expenses directly attributable to or able to be allocated on a reasonable basis. 
Segment assets and liabilities are those operating assets and liabilities directly attributable to or that can be allocated on a reasonable basis.

Business combinations
Goodwill arising on a business combination before and after 1 April 2004, the date of transition to IFRS, is not subject to amortisation but 
tested for impairment on an annual basis. Intangible assets, excluding goodwill, arising on a business combination subsequent to 1 April 
2004, are separately identified and valued, and subject to amortisation over their estimated economic lives. 

32

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017 Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the Group’s share of the net identifiable assets of the 
acquired subsidiary at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is tested annually for impairment and carried at cost less accumulated impairment 
losses. Impairment losses on goodwill are not reversed. Gains and losses on the disposal of an entity include the carrying amount of goodwill 
relating to the entity sold. Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units for the purpose of impairment testing. The allocation is made to those 
cash-generating units or groups of cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the business combination in which the goodwill 
arose identified according to operating segment. Goodwill is recorded in the currency of the cash generating unit to which it is allocated.

Intangibles
(a)   Brand names 

Brand names, acquired as part of a business combination, are capitalised at fair value as at the date of acquisition. They are carried at 
their fair value less accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses. Amortisation is calculated using the straight-line 
method to allocate the fair value of brand names over their estimated economic life of 15–20 years. Brand names have been valued on 
a ‘relief from royalty’ basis.

(b)   Customer lists  

Customer lists, acquired as part of a business combination, are capitalised at fair value as at the date of acquisition. They are carried at 
their fair value less accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses. Amortisation is calculated using the straight-line 
method to allocate the fair value of customer relationships over their estimated economic life of ten years. Customer lists have been 
valued according to discounted incremental operating profit expected to be generated from each of them over their useful lives.

(c)   Computer software 

Computer software expenditure is capitalised at the value at the date of acquisition and depreciated over a useful economic life of  
4–6 years.

Property, plant and equipment
Land and buildings are shown at cost less accumulated depreciation. Assets revalued prior to the transition to IFRS use this valuation as 
deemed cost at this date. Other property, plant and equipment are shown at historical cost less accumulated depreciation. Cost includes the 
original purchase price of the asset and the costs attributable to bringing the asset to its working condition for its intended use.

Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost or valuation of each asset, on a straight-line basis (with the exception of tools 
and moulds) over its expected useful life to its residual value, as follows:

Freehold buildings 
Plant and equipment  
Motor vehicles 

– 30 to 50 years
– 5 to 10 years
– 4 years

Freehold land is not depreciated.

Tools and moulds are depreciated at varying rates in line with the related estimated product sales on an item-by-item basis up to a maximum 
of four years.

Impairment of non-current assets
Assets that have an indefinite useful life, for example goodwill, are not subject to amortisation and are tested annually for impairment. Assets 
that are subject to amortisation are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may 
not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset’s carrying value exceeds its recoverable amount, 
which is considered to be the higher of its value in use and fair value less costs to sell. In order to assess impairment, assets are grouped into 
the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows (cash-generating units). Cash flows used to assess impairment are 
discounted using appropriate rates taking into account the cost of equity and any risks relevant to those assets. 

Investments
In the Company’s financial statements, investments in subsidiary undertakings are stated at cost less any impairment. Investments revalued 
using the equity method of valuation prior to the transition to IFRS use this valuation as deemed cost at this date. Dividend income is shown 
separately in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.

Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is predominantly determined using the first-in, first-out (‘FIFO’) method. 
Alternative methods may be used when proven to generate no material difference. The cost of finished goods and work in progress 
comprises raw materials, direct labour, other direct costs and related production overheads (based on normal operating capacity).

Net realisable value is based on anticipated selling price less further costs expected to be incurred to completion and disposal. Provisions 
are made against those stocks considered to be obsolete or excess to requirements on an item-by-item basis.

33

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued
The replacement cost, based upon latest invoice prices before the balance sheet date, is considered to be higher than the balance sheet 
value of inventories at the year end due to price rises and exchange fluctuations. It is not considered practicable to provide an accurate 
estimate of the difference at the year end date.

Assets held for sale
Individual, formerly non-current assets, which are expected to be sold within the next twelve months, are measured at the lower of their 
carrying amount at the time they are reclassified and selling price less further costs expected to be incurred to disposal.

Trade receivables
Trade receivables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost less provision for impairment. A provision 
for impairment is established when there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the 
original terms of receivables. The amount of the provision is recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.

Financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised in the Group and Company Statements of Financial Position when the Group or 
Company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. 

Financial liabilities and equity
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into.

An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the Group and Company after deducting all of its 
liabilities. Equity instruments issued by the Group and Company are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.

Sales returns provisions 
Provisions for sales returns are recognised when the Group has a constructive obligation as a result of a past event. Provisions for sales returns 
are measured at the present value of the expenditure expected to be required to settle the obligation. 

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents for the purpose of the cash flow statement includes cash in hand, deposits at banks, other liquid investments with 
original maturities of three months or less and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts or loans where there is no right of set off are shown within 
borrowings in current or non-current liabilities on the balance sheet as appropriate.

Borrowing costs
Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently carried at amortised cost; any 
difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value is recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income 
over the period of the borrowings using the effective interest method.

Fees paid on the establishment of loan facilities are recognised as transaction costs of the loan to the extent that it is probable that some or 
all of the facility will be drawn down. In this case, the fee is deferred until the draw-down occurs and subsequently amortised over the life of 
the facility. To the extent that there is no evidence that it is probable that some or all of the facility will be drawn down, the fee is capitalised 
as a prepayment for liquidity services and amortised over the period of the facility to which it relates.

Trade payables
Trade payables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Taxation including deferred tax
Corporation tax, where payable, is provided on taxable profits at the current rate.

The taxation liabilities of certain Group undertakings are reduced wholly or in part by the surrender of losses by fellow Group undertakings. 

Deferred tax is provided on all temporary differences at the balance sheet date between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their 
carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes.

Deferred tax assets are recognised for all deductible temporary differences, carry-forward of unused tax assets and unused tax losses, to the 
extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences, and the carry-forward of 
unused tax assets and unused tax losses can be utilised. The carrying amount of deferred income tax assets is reviewed at each balance 
sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the 
deferred income tax asset to be utilised.

34

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017 Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current tax 
liabilities, and when the deferred income tax assets and liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either the 
taxable entity or different taxable entities where there is an intention to settle the balances on a net basis.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the year when the asset is realised or the 
liability is settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. Tax relating 
to items recognised directly in equity is recognised in equity and not in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.

Provisions
Liabilities and provisions are recognised when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events and it is 
more likely than not that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation and the amount has been reliably estimated. The 
expense relating to any liability or provision is presented in the Statement of Comprehensive Income net of any reimbursement but only if 
reimbursement is virtually certain and will be settled simultaneously.

Provisions are measured at the present value of management’s best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the present obligation at the 
balance sheet date. If material, provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows of the Group at rates that reflect 
current market assessments of the time value of money.

Share-based payment
Hornby PLC operates two share-based payment plans:
•  Share Option Scheme
•  Performance Share Plan

The Group issues equity-settled share-based payments to certain employees. Equity-settled share-based payments are measured at fair value 
(excluding the effect of non-market-based vesting conditions) at the date of grant. The fair value determined at the grant date of the equity-
settled share-based payments is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the Group’s estimate of shares that will 
eventually vest and adjusted for the effect of non-market-based vesting conditions.

The grant by the Company of options over its equity instruments to the employees of subsidiary undertakings in the Company is treated as a 
capital contribution. The fair value of employee services received, measured by reference to the grant date fair value, is recognised over the 
vesting period as an increase to investment in subsidiary undertakings, with a corresponding credit to equity.

Share Option Scheme
Fair value is measured by use of the Black-Scholes Stochastic model. The expected life used in the models has been adjusted, based on 
management’s best estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions and behavioural considerations.

Performance Share Plan
Awards are granted to Executive Directors in shares worth 100% of salary, with lower levels of grant for less senior executives.

The Performance Share Plan (‘PSP’) incorporates a two and a half year performance condition based on Total Shareholder Return (‘TSR’) 
applying to the award respectively and vesting on the two and a half year anniversary of grant as appropriate. The method applied in 
estimating the fair value of the ‘PSP’ awards is the Black-Scholes Stochastic model.

The TSR fair value is spread over the vesting period of the shares and recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income in the 
appropriate year.

Employee benefit costs
During the year the Group operated a defined contribution money purchase pension scheme under which it pays contributions based upon a 
percentage of the members’ basic salary. The scheme is administered by trustees either appointed by the Company or elected by the 
members (to constitute one-third minimum).

Contributions to defined contribution pension schemes are charged to the Statement of Comprehensive Income according to the year in 
which they are payable.

Further information on pension costs and the scheme arrangements is provided in note 24.

Share capital and share premium
Ordinary shares issued are shown as share capital at nominal value. The premium received on the sale of shares in excess of the nominal 
value is shown as share premium within total equity.

35

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017Notes to the Financial Statements continued

1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued
Leases
The Group enters into operating leases only. Leases classed as operating leases are expensed on a straight-line basis to the Statement of 
Comprehensive Income over the lease term.

Financial risk management
Financial risk factors
The Group’s operations expose it to a variety of financial risks that include the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, market 
interest rates, credit risk and its liquidity position. The Group has in place a risk management programme that seeks to limit adverse effects on 
the financial performance of the Group by using foreign currency financial instruments. In addition, other instruments are used to manage the 
Group’s interest rate exposure.

(a)   Foreign exchange risk 

The Group is exposed to foreign exchange risks against Sterling primarily on transactions in US Dollars. It enters into forward currency 
contracts to hedge the cash flows of its product sourcing operation (i.e. it buys US Dollars forwards in exchange for Sterling) and looks 
forward six–twelve months on a rolling basis at forecasted purchase volumes. The policy framework requires hedging between 70% and 
100% of anticipated import purchases that are denominated in US Dollars. The Company has granted Euro-denominated intercompany 
loans to subsidiary companies that are translated to Sterling at statutory period ends thereby creating exchange gains or losses. The 
loans to the subsidiaries, Hornby Deutschland GmbH, Hornby Italia s.r.l and Hornby France S.A.S are classified as long-term loans and 
therefore the exchange gains and losses on consolidation are reclassified to the translation reserve in Other Comprehensive Income as 
per IAS 21. The loan to the branch in Spain is classified as a long-term loan, however repayable on a shorter timescale than those of the 
other subsidiaries and therefore the exchange gains or losses are taken to Statement of Comprehensive Income.

(b)   Interest rate risk 

The Group finances its operations through a mixture of retained profits and bank borrowings. The Group borrows, principally in Sterling, 
at floating rates of interest to meet short-term funding requirements. At the year end the Group’s borrowings comprised a revolving credit 
facility, bank overdrafts and a fixed-term loan agreement. 

(c)   Credit risk 

The Group manages its credit risk through a combination of internal credit management policies and procedures.

(d)   Liquidity risk 

At 31 March 2017 the Group had a revolving credit facility of £7.75 million (2016: £10.0 million) expiring in December 2019 (2016: 
August 2019). Borrowings in the year ended 31 March 2017 peaked at £8.6 million. The funding needs are determined by monitoring 
forecast and actual cash flows. The Group regularly monitors its performance against its banking covenants to ensure compliance. 

Derivative financial instruments
To manage exposure to foreign currency risk, the Group uses foreign currency forward contracts, also known as derivative financial 
instruments.

Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured at their fair 
value. The Group documents at the inception of the transaction the relationship between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as 
its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. The Group also documents its assessment, both at 
hedge inception and on an ongoing basis, of whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting 
changes in fair values of the hedged items.

(a)   Cash flow hedge  

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges are recognised in 
Other Comprehensive Income. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognised immediately in the Statement of 
Comprehensive Income within operating expenses. 

Amounts accumulated in Other Comprehensive Income are recycled in the Statement of Comprehensive Income in the periods when the 
hedged item affects profit or loss (for instance when the forecast purchase that is hedged takes place). The gain or loss relating to the 
effective portion of forward foreign exchange contracts hedging import purchases is recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive 
Income within ‘cost of sales’. However, when the forecast transaction that is hedged results in the recognition of a non-financial asset (for 
example, inventory) the gains and losses previously deferred in the Other Comprehensive Income are transferred from Other 
Comprehensive Income and included in the initial measurement of the cost of the asset. The deferred amounts are ultimately recognised in 
cost of goods sold in the case of inventory.  

When a hedging instrument expires or is sold, or when a hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, any cumulative gain 
or loss existing in equity at that time remains in equity and is recognised in income when the forecast transaction is ultimately recognised 
in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. When a forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss is 
immediately transferred to the Statement of Comprehensive Income. 

36

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017  
 
(b)   Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting 

Certain derivative instruments are not considered effective and do not qualify for hedge accounting. Such derivatives are classified at fair 
value through the Statement of Comprehensive Income, and changes in the fair value of derivative instruments that do not qualify for 
hedge accounting are recognised immediately in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.

Fair value estimation
The fair values of short-term deposits, loans and overdrafts with a maturity of less than one year are assumed to approximate to their  
book values.

The fair values of the derivative financial instruments used for hedging purposes are disclosed in note 19.

Foreign currency
Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are recorded in the relevant functional currency at the exchange rates ruling at the date of the 
transaction. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from such transactions are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income, 
except when deferred and disclosed in Other Comprehensive Income as qualifying cash flow hedges. Monetary assets and liabilities 
denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rates ruling at the balance sheet date and any exchange differences are 
taken to the Statement of Comprehensive Income.

Foreign exchange gains/losses recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income relating to foreign currency loans and other foreign 
exchange adjustments are included within operating profit.

On consolidation, the Statement of Comprehensive Income and cash flows of foreign subsidiaries are translated into Sterling using average 
rates that existed during the accounting period. The balance sheets of foreign subsidiaries are translated into Sterling at the rates of exchange 
ruling at the balance sheet date. Gains or losses arising on the translation of opening and closing net assets are recognised in Other 
Comprehensive Income.

Dividend distribution
Final dividends are recorded in the Statement of Changes in Equity in the period in which they are approved by the Company’s 
shareholders. Interim dividends are recorded in the period in which they are approved and paid.

Critical judgements in applying the accounting policies
The Group makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the 
related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that may have an element of risk causing an adjustment to the carrying amounts of 
assets and liabilities within the next financial year include provisions for stock obsolescence, customer returns, doubtful debts, impairment 
reviews, fair values of share-based payments, fair values of derivatives and recoverability of deferred tax assets. All of the above are 
estimated with reference to historical data, expectation of future events and reviewed regularly.

Whenever there is a substantiated risk that an item of stock’s sellable value may be lower than its actual stock value, a provision for the 
difference between the two values is made. Management review the stock holdings on a regular basis and consider where a provision for 
excess or obsolete stock should be made based on expected demand for the stock and its condition.

The provision for sales returns is based on historic returns data applied to sales for the current year and this provision is reviewed by 
management on an ongoing basis.

Specific debtors are provided for when there is significant doubt that a repayment of debt will be fulfilled considering specific knowledge of 
the customer and sales terms of the debt outstanding.

The critical areas of judgement applied within the impairment reviews conducted include the weighted average cost of capital used in 
discounting the cash flows of the cash-generating units, the assessment of the initial growth rate used, the growth rate in perpetuity of the cash 
flows and the forecast operating profits of the cash-generating units. The judgements used within this assessment are set out within note 8. 

The critical areas of judgement used in the share-based payment charge for the year include the assessment of the fair value of the option 
along with the expected volatility and option term. These are based on historical data where this is available and best estimates where 
historical data is not available. Further details in relation to share-based payments are given in note 22.

The deferred tax assets are assessed based on the current trading performance, expected future cash flows in the specific countries and the 
nature of the tax base. 

The fair value of the financial derivatives is determined by the mark to market value at the year end date. 

37

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017Notes to the Financial Statements continued

2. SEGMENTAL REPORTING 
Management has determined the operating segments based on the reports reviewed by the Board (chief operating decision-maker) that are 
used to make strategic decisions.

The Board considers the business from a geographic perspective. Geographically, management considers the performance in the UK, USA, 
Spain, Italy and the rest of Europe.

Although the USA segment does not meet the quantitative thresholds required by IFRS 8, management has concluded that this segment should 
be reported, as it is closely monitored by the Board as it is outside Europe.

The Company is a holding company operating in the UK with its results given in the Company Statement of Comprehensive Income on  
page 27 and its assets and liabilities given in the Company Statement of Financial Position on page 28. Other Company information is 
provided in the other notes to the accounts.

Year ended 31 March 2017

Revenue  

– External
– Other segments

Operating loss
Finance cost  

– External
– Other segments

Finance income  – External

– Other segments

Loss before taxation

Taxation

Loss for the year

Segment assets
Less intercompany receivables
Add tax assets

Total assets

Segment liabilities
Less intercompany payables
Add tax liabilities

Total liabilities

Other segment items
Capital expenditure
Depreciation
Net foreign exchange on  

intercompany loans

Amortisation of intangible assets
Impairment of goodwill
Share-based payment

UK  

£’000

USA  

£’000

Spain  
£’000

Italy  

£’000

Rest of Europe 
£’000

37,720
6,956
(11,864)
5
594
(324)
(175)

(11,764)

100

(11,664)

47,277
(17,027)
2,024

32,274

17,966
(12,329)
94

5,731

1,834
2,810

410
728
–
110

3,519
–
(323)
–
–
–
–

(323)

(2)

1,071
–
2,037
–
–
(2)
(205)

1,830

(5)

(325)

1,825

1,605
(65)
–

1,540

2,189
(2,126)
–

63

20
20

–
–
–
–

6,137
(5,884)
–

253

4,552
(4,396)
–

156

91
54

–
–
–
–

1,622
–
534
–
–
–
(145)

389

(218)

171

3,858
(3,280)
–

578

4,544
(4,296)
212

460

37
149

–
80
–
–

3,488
–
428
–
–
–
(69)

359

(32)

327

5,950
(3,495)
–

2,455

7,803
(6,775)
–

1,028

–
3

–
8
–
–

Total 
reportable 
segments 
£’000

47,420
6,956
(9,188)
5
594
(326)
(594)

(9,509)

(157)

(9,666)

64,827
(29,751)
2,024

37,100

37,054
(29,922)
306

7,438

1,982
3,036

410
816
–
110

Intra- 
Group  
£’000

–
(6,956)
–
–
(594)
–
594

–

–

–

–
–
–

–

 (29,922)
29,922
–

–

–
–

–
–
–
–

Group  
£’000

47,420
–
(9,188)
5
–
(326)
–

(9,509)

(157)

(9,666)

64,827
(29,751)
2,024

37,100

7,132
–
306

7,438

1,982
3,036

410
816
–
110

All transactions between Group companies are on normal commercial terms.

38

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended 31 March 2016

Revenue  

– External
– Other segments

Operating loss
Finance cost  

– External
– Other segments

Finance income  – External

– Other segments

Loss before taxation

Taxation

Loss for the year

Segment assets
Less intercompany receivables
Add tax assets

Total assets

Segment liabilities
Less intercompany payables
Add tax liabilities

Total liabilities

Other segment items
Capital expenditure
Depreciation
Net foreign exchange on intercompany 
loans
Amortisation of intangible assets
Impairment of goodwill

Share-based payment

UK  

£’000

USA  

£’000

Spain  
£’000

Italy  

£’000

Rest of Europe 
£’000

42,562
6,534
(3,801)
(379)
(175)
21
542

(3,792)

(182)

(3,974)

55,604
(20,918)
1,752

36,438

14,036
–
207

14,243

3,393
2,447

389
603
–

18

3,080
–
(4)
–
–
–
–

(4)

–

(4)

1,704
(53)
–

1,651

1,923
(1,774)
–

149

13
21

–
–
–

–

2,470
2,250
(7,214)
(38)
(181)
–
–

(7,433)

–

(7,433)

5,088
(720)
–

 4,368

11,141
(10,635)
4

510

1,113
1,059

–
–
3,990

–

3,673
(1,051)
157

2,779

4,414
(4,026)
–

388

39
162

–
71
–

–

All transactions between Group companies are on normal commercial terms.

3. FINANCE COSTS

Finance costs:
Interest expense on bank borrowings
Interest expense on intercompany borrowings

Finance income:
Bank interest
Interest income on intercompany loans

Net finance costs

Total 
reportable 
segments 
£’000

55,757
10,302
(13,124)
(429)
(542)
21
542

Intra-  
Group  
£’000

–
(10,302)
–
–
542
–
(542)

–

–

–

2,275
696
(528)
(3)
(130)
–
–

5,370
822
(1,577)
(9)
(56)
–
–

(661)

(1,642)

(13,532)

–

–

(182)

(661)

(1,642)

(13,714)

Group  
£’000 

55,757
_
(13,124)
(429)
–
21
–

(13,532)

(182)

(13,714)

45,847
–
2,204

3,696
(1,176)
295

69,765
(23,918)
2,204

(23,918)
23,918
–

2,815

48,051

–

48,051

5,799
(5,174)
–

37,313
(21,609)
211

(21,609)
21,609
–

625

15,915

4
16

–
49
–

–

4,562
3,705

389
723
3,990

18

–

_
–

–
–
–

–

15,704
–
211

15,915

4,562
3,705

389
723
3,990

18

Group

Company

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

(326)
–

(326)

5
–

5

(429)
–

(429)

21
–

21

(321)

(408)

–
(205)

(205)

–
175

175

(30)

–
(181)

(181)

–
174

174

(7)

39

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

4. LOSS BEFORE TAXATION

The following items have been included in arriving at loss before taxation:
Staff costs (note 24)
Inventories:
– Cost of inventories recognised as an expense (included in cost of sales)
– Stock provision
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment:
– Owned assets
Profit on disposal of fixed assets
Other operating lease rentals payable:
– Plant and machinery
– Property
Repairs and maintenance expenditure on property, plant and equipment
Research and development expenditure
Foreign exchange (gains)/losses:
– On trading transactions and ineffective hedges
Impairment of trade receivables
Share-based payment charge/(credit)

Other operating expenses/(income):
– Foreign exchange on trading transactions
– Net impact of foreign exchange on intercompany loans
– Movement on fair value of ineffective hedge
– Amortisation of intangible assets – brands

Exceptional items comprise:
– Restructuring costs 
– Implementation of ERP system
– Refinancing
– Profit on disposal of property
– Impairment of property, plant and equipment
– Impairment of goodwill 
– Impairment of investment

Group

Company

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

10,587

11,010

1,452

1,147

23,339
(646)

26,808
(895)

3,036
1,439

92
719
86
1,154

–
486
110

(292)
(410)
–
344

3,705
193

125
1,058
171
1,760

(135)
163
18

(822)
(389)
135
384

–
–

–
926

–
–
–
–

–
–
76

–
–
–
–

–
–

19
223

–
–
–
–

–
–
(48)

–
–
–
–

Group

Company

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

3,889
–
944
(1,530)
–
–
–

3,303

993
1,174
762
(223)
1,158
3,990
–

7,854

761
–
191
(926)
–
–
5,775

5,801

–
–
191
(223)
–
–
9,543

9,511

The exceptional items totalling £3,303,000 (2016: £7,854,000) include restructuring costs (£3,889,000) relating to the streamlining of the 
European operations, redundancy costs, professional fees, reorganisation in the UK and the costs of running the Margate site, costs relating 
to the 2016 equity issue and bank refinancing (£944,000) less the profit on the sale of the Margate and Spanish properties (£1,530,000).

The Company’s exceptional items include £5,775,000 (2016: £9,543,000) in respect of impairment charges against investments in 
overseas subsidiaries following the restructuring.

40

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017 Services provided by the Company’s auditors and network firms
During the year the Group (including its overseas subsidiaries) obtained the following services from the Company’s auditors and network firms 
as detailed below:

Group

Company

Fees payable to the Company’s auditors for the audit of Parent Company and  

consolidated accounts

Fees payable to the Company’s auditors and its associates for other services:
– The auditing of accounts of the Company’s subsidiaries 
– Audit-related assurance services
– Tax advisory services
– Tax compliance services 
– Other advisory work

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

50

62
5
–
–
95

103

10

39
5
19
1
–

–
–
–
–
–

212

167

10

15

39
–
–
–
–

54

In the current financial year the level of non-audit fees was within the 1:1 ratio to audit fees as per Audit Committee policy. Other advisory 
work relates to the raising of equity in 2016.

5. INCOME TAX CHARGE/(CREDIT)
Analysis of tax charge/(credit) in the year

Current tax
– UK taxation
adjustments in respect of prior years
– overseas taxation
adjustments in respect of prior years

Deferred tax (note 20)
– current year
– overseas taxation
– adjustments in respect of prior years
– effect of tax rate change on opening balance

Total tax charge/(credit) to the loss before tax

Group

Company

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

–
–
212
45

257

(199)
–
–
99

(100)

157

–
(43)
(8)
–

(51)

(569)
348
255
199

233

182

–
–
–
–

–

(94)
–
–
(6)

(100)

(100)

89
–
–
–

89

(3)
–
(7)
(11)

(21)

68

41

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017Notes to the Financial Statements continued

5. INCOME TAX CHARGE/(CREDIT) continued
The tax for the year differs to the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 20%. Any differences are explained below:

Loss before taxation
Loss on ordinary activities multiplied by rate of  
corporation tax in UK of 20% (2016: 20%)

Effects of:
Adjustments to tax in respect of prior years
Permanent timing differences
Difference on overseas rates of tax
Deferred tax not recognised
Remeasurement of deferred tax
– change in UK tax rate to 17% (2016:18%)

Total taxation

Group

Company

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

(9,509)

(13,532)

(5,725)

(9,017)

(1,902)

(2,706)

(1,145)

(1,803)

45
83
(110)
1,942

99

157

212
1,208
(486)
1,755

199

182

–
868
–
183

(6)

(100)

(7)
1,889
–
–

(11)

68

The Company’s profits for this accounting year are taxed at an effective rate of 20%. The UK corporation tax rate is due to decrease further 
to 19% on 1 April 2017 and 17% on 1 April 2020. 

UK deferred tax balances have been restated in these accounts and carried forward at a rate of 17%, being the current rate substantively 
enacted for periods from 1 April 2020 onwards. 

Unrecognised deferred tax relates primarily to overseas subsidiaries and is not recognised due to lack of confidence in future profits from 
overseas subsidiaries. More detail can be found in Note 20.

6. DIVIDENDS
No interim or final dividends were paid in relation to the year ended 31 March 2016 and no interim dividend has been paid in relation to 
the year ended 31 March 2017. The Directors are not proposing a final dividend in respect of the financial year ended 31 March 2017.

7. LOSS PER SHARE
Basic loss per share is calculated by dividing the loss attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary 
shares outstanding during the year, excluding those held in the employee share trust (note 22) which are treated as cancelled.

For diluted loss per share, the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue is adjusted to assume conversion of all dilutive potential 
ordinary shares that have satisfied the appropriate performance criteria at 31 March 2017. For the year ended 31 March 2017, there was 
no difference in the weighted average number of shares used for basic and diluted net loss per ordinary because their inclusion would be 
anti-dilutive.

42

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017  
Reconciliations of the loss and weighted average number of shares used in the calculations are set out below.

Reported
Basic loss per share
Loss attributable to ordinary shareholders

Effect of dilutive securities
Options

Diluted loss per share

Underlying
Loss attributable to ordinary shareholders
Amortisation of intangibles
Restructuring costs 
Implementation of new ERP system
Refinancing
Profit on disposal of property
Impairment of PPE – tooling
Impairment of goodwill 
Net foreign exchange translation adjustments

Underlying basic loss/EPS

Underlying diluted loss/EPS

2017

Weighted 
average 
number of 
shares 
’000

(Loss)/
earnings 
£’000

Per-share 
amount  
pence

(Loss)/ 
earnings 
£’000

2016

Weighted 
average 
number of 
shares  
’000

Per-share 
amount  
pence

(9,666)

76,384

(12.65)

(13,714)

49,200

(27.87)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(9,666)

76,384

(12.65)

(13,714)

49,200

(27.87)

(9,666)
275
3,111
–
755
(1,223)
–
–
(328)

76,384
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

(7,076)

76,384

(7,076)

76,384

(12.65)
0.36
4.07
–
0.99
(1.6)
–
–
(0.43)

(9.26)

(9.26)

(13,714)
307
794
939
610
(178)
1,158
3,990
(311)

49,200
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

(6,405)

49,200

(6,405)

49,200

(27.87)
0.62
1.61
1.91
1.24
(0.36)
2.36
8.11
(0.64)

(13.02)

(13.02)

The above numbers used to calculate the EPS for the year ended 31 March 2017 and 31 March 2016 have been tax effected at the rate  
of 20% respectively with the exception of Hornby Spain where the net deferred tax asset associated with the impairment in 2016 has not 
been recognised.

43

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

8. GOODWILL

Group

Cost
At 1 April 2016
Exchange adjustments

At 31 March 2017

Aggregate impairment
At 1 April 2016
Charge for the year
Exchange adjustments

At 31 March 2017

Net book amount at 31 March 2017

Cost
At 1 April 2015
Exchange adjustments

At 31 March 2016

Aggregate impairment
At 1 April 2015
Charge for the year
Exchange adjustments

At 31 March 2016

Net book amount at 31 March 2016
Net book amount at 31 March 2015

The Company has no goodwill. 

£’000

13,007
38

13,045

8,491
–
–

8,491

4,554

12,973
34

13,007

4,509
3,990
(8)

8,491

4,516
8,464

The goodwill has been allocated to cash-generating units and a summary of carrying amounts of goodwill by geographical segment 
(representing cash-generating units) at 31 March 2017 is as follows:

Group

At 31 March 2017

At 31 March 2016

UK  

£’000

3,992

3,992

USA  

£’000

France  
£’000

Germany  
£’000

10

8

358

337

194

179

Total  

£’000

4,554

4,516

Goodwill allocated to the above cash-generating units of the Group has been measured based on benefits each geographical segment is 
expected to gain from the business combination.

Impairment tests for goodwill
Management reviews the business performance based on geography. Budgeted revenue was based on expected levels of activity given 
results to date, together with expected economic and market conditions. Budgeted operating profit was calculated based upon 
management’s expectation of operating costs appropriate to the business as reflected in the new business plan. 

The relative risk adjusted (or ‘beta’) discount rate applied reflects the risk inherent in hobby based product companies. In determining this 
discount rate, management has applied an adjustment for risk of such companies in the industry on average determined using the betas of 
comparable hobby based product companies. The forecasts are based on approved budgets for the year ending 31 March 2018 and the 
three-year business plan for the year ending 31 March 2021. Cash flows beyond the four-year period are extrapolated using an estimated 
4% year-on-year growth rate. The cash flows were discounted using a pre-tax discount rate of 13% (2016: 13%) which management believes 
is appropriate for all territories. 

44

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017  
 
 
 
The key assumptions used for value-in-use calculations for the year ended 31 March 2017 are as follows:

Group

EDITDA1
Growth rate to perpetuity2

UK 
(Corgi)

38.9%
1.0%

UK  
(Airfix and 
Humbrol)

35.6%
1.0%

France

37.4%
1.0%

Spain

n/a
n/a

Italy

n/a
n/a

Germany

40.7%
1.0%

The key assumptions used for value-in-use calculations for the year ended 31 March 2016 are as follows:

Group

Gross Margin1
Growth rate to perpetuity2

UK 
(Corgi)

46.2%
1.0%

UK  
(Airfix and 
Humbrol)

46.2%
1.0%

France

59.7%
1.0%

Spain

59.7%
1.0%

Italy

Germany

59.7%
1.0%

59.7%
1.0%

1.  Budgeted contribution: Corgi and Airfix/Humbrol # Budgeted EBITDA: France and Germany.
2.  Weighted average growth rate used to extrapolate cash flows beyond the budget period.

These assumptions have been used for the analysis of each CGU within the operating segments.

For the UK CGU, the recoverable amount calculated based on value-in-use exceeded carrying value by £9.0 million. A reduction in EBITDA 
to respectively 59% for Corgi and 43% for Airix/Humbrol, or a rise in discount rate to respectively 23% for Corgi and 44% for Airfix/
Humbrol would remove the remaining headroom.

For the France CGU, the recoverable amount calculated based on value in use exceeded carrying value by £975k. A reduction in EBITDA to 
28%, or a rise in discount rate to 40% would remove the remaining headroom.

For the Germany CGU, the recoverable amount calculated based on value in use exceeded carrying value by £662k. A reduction in 
EBITDA to 45%, or a rise in discount rate to 27% would remove the remaining headroom. 

9. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Group

Intangible assets
Cost
At 1 April 2016
Additions
Exchange adjustments

At 31 March 2017

Accumulated amortisation
At 1 April 2016
Charge for the year
Exchange adjustments

At 31 March 2017

Net book amount at 31 March 2017

Brand names 
£’000

Customer lists 
£’000

Computer 
software 
£’000

Total  

£’000

4,813
–
101

4,914

2,203
249
74

2,526

2,388

1,405
–
10

1,415

1,228
95
10

1,333

2,329
226
–

2,555

339
472
–

811

82

1,744

8,547
226
111

8,884

3,770
816
84

4,670

4,214

45

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

9. INTANGIBLE ASSETS continued

Group

Intangible assets
Cost
At 1 April 2015
Additions
Exchange adjustments

At 31 March 2016

Accumulated amortisation
At 1 April 2015
Charge for the year
Exchange adjustments

At 31 March 2016

Net book amount at 31 March 2016
Net book amount at 31 March 2015

Brand names 
£’000

Customer lists 
£’000

Computer 
Software 
£’000

Total  

£’000

4,683
–
130

4,813

1,897
263
43

2,203

2,610
2,786

1,372
–
33

1,405

1,075
121
32

1,228

177
297

988
1,341
–

2,329

–
339
–

339

1,990
988

7,043
1,341
163

8,547

2,972
723
75

3,770

4,777
4,071

All amortisation charges in the year have been charged in other operating expenses. The Company held no intangible assets.

10. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Group

Cost
At 1 April 2016
Exchange adjustments
Additions at cost
Disposals

At 31 March 2017

Accumulated depreciation
At 1 April 2016
Exchange adjustments
Charge for the year
Disposals

At 31 March 2017

Net book amount at 31 March 2017

Plant and 
equipment 
£’000

Motor  
vehicles 
£’000

Tools and 
moulds  
£’000

Total  

£’000

6,806
51
57
(2,032)

4,882

5,536
34
337
(1,616)

4,291

591

194
4
–
–

198

194
1
1
–

196

2

58,801
1,172
1,699
–

61,672

52,879
1,005
2,698
–

56,582

5,090

65,801
1,227
1,756
(2,032)

66,752

58,609
1,040
3,036
(1,616)

61,069

5,683

Depreciation is charged in the Group’s Statement of Comprehensive Income within Administrative expenses.

46

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group

Cost
At 1 April 2015
Exchange adjustments
Additions at cost
Transfer to current assets held for sale
Disposals

At 31 March 2016

Accumulated depreciation
At 1 April 2015
Exchange adjustments
Charge for the year
Transfer to current assets held for sale
Impairment
Disposals

At 31 March 2016

Net book amount at 31 March 2016

Net book amount at 31 March 2015

Freehold land 
and buildings 
£’000

Plant and 
equipment 
£’000

Motor 
 vehicles 
£’000

Tools and 
moulds  
£’000

Total  

£’000

2,952
47
–
(2,999)
–

–

1,371
47
32
(1,450)
–
–

–

–

1,581

6,598
88
395
–
(275)

6,806

5,156
75
544
–
–
(239)

5,536

1,270

1,442

239
6
–
–
(51)

194

230
7
–
–
–
(43)

194

–

9

55,039
1,030
2,826
–
(94)

64,828
1,171
3,221
(2,999)
(420)

58,801

65,801

47,811
882
3,129
–
1,158
(101)

54,568
1,011
3,705
(1,450)
1,158
(383)

52,879

58,609

5,922

7,228

7,192

10,260

The impairment charge in the previous year relates to tooling held in Hornby Espan˜a S.A. and Hornby Hobbies Limited, which management 
no longer intend to use in the medium-term operations of the business.

The Group holds no finance leases (2015: none).

Company

Cost

At 1 April 2016 and at 31 March 2017

Accumulated depreciation
At 1 April 2016
Charge for the year

At 31 March 2017

Net book amount at 31 March 2017

Company

Cost
At 1 April 2015 
Transfer to current assets held for sale
Net book amount at 31 March 2016

Accumulated depreciation
At 1 April 2015
Charge for the year
Transfer to current assets held for sale
At 31 March 2016

Net book amount at 31 March 2016

Net book amount at 31 March 2015

Plant and 
equipment 
£’000

Total  

£’000

4

4
–

4

–

4

4
–

4

–

Freehold land 
and buildings 
£’000

Plant and 
equipment 
£’000

Total  

£’000

2,428
(2,428)
–

1,221
19
(1,240)
–

–

1,207

4
–
4

4
–
–
4

–

–

2,432
(2,428)
4

1,225
19
(1,240)
4

–

1,207

47

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017Notes to the Financial Statements continued

10. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT continued
The Company does not hold any assets under finance leases. Freehold land amounting to £nil (2016: £786,000) has not been 
depreciated.

Property, plant and equipment held for sale
At 31 March 2016 the Group had a clear intention to sell the land and buildings held by the Company and by its subsidiary Hornby Espan˜a 
S.A. These assets were reclassified as current assets under IFRS 5. During the year to 31 March 2017 the Group sold the land and buildings 
held for sale for net proceeds of £3,297,000 giving a gain of £1,813,000 compared to the net book value of £1,483,000 at 31 March 
2016. This gain has been treated as an exceptional item. 

11. INVESTMENTS
Company
The movements in the net book value of interests in subsidiary undertakings are as follows:

At 1 April 2016
Capital contribution relating to share-based payment
Net increase in loans to subsidiary undertaking
Impairment of investment in subsidiary undertakings

At 31 March 2017

At 1 April 2015
Capital contribution relating to share-based payment
Net increase in loans to subsidiary undertaking
Impairment of investment in subsidiary undertakings

At 31 March 2016

Interests in 
subsidiary 
undertakings 
at valuation 
£’000

Loans to 
subsidiary 
undertakings 
at cost  
£’000

4,834
–
–

Total  

£’000

28,398
34
–
(5,775)

4,834

22,657

4,171
–
663
–

37,326
(48)
663
(9,543)

23,564
34
–
(5,775)

17,823

33,155
(48)
–
(9,543)

23,564

4,834

28,398

Interest was charged on loans to subsidiary undertakings at Sterling three-month LIBOR + 3.6%.

Loans are unsecured and exceed five years’ maturity.

The impairment of investments in the year relates to a write down to the investments held in Italy, France Spain and UK. 

Group subsidiary undertakings
Details of the subsidiaries of the Group are set out below. Hornby Hobbies Limited is engaged in the development, design, sourcing and 
distribution of models. Hornby America Inc., Hornby Italia s.r.l., Hornby France S.A.S, Hornby España S.A. and Hornby Deutschland GmbH 
are distributors of models. Hornby Industries Limited and H&M (Systems) Limited are dormant companies.

Country of incorporation, registration and business

Proportion of nominal value of 
issued shares held

Description  

of shares held

Group %

Company %

Hornby Hobbies Limited
Hornby America Inc.
Hornby España S.A.
Hornby Italia s.r.l.
Hornby France S.A.S.
Hornby Deutschland GmbH Oeslauer StraBe 36, 96472, Rodental, Germany
Hornby Industries Limited
H&M (Systems) Limited

Discovery Park, Sandwich, Kent CT13 9FF, UK
Ordinary shares
Ordinary shares
3900 Industry Dr E, Fife, WA 98424, USA
C/Federico Chueca, S/N, E28806 ALCALA DE HENARES Spain Ordinary shares
Ordinary shares
Viale dei Caduti, 52/A6 25030 Castel Mella (Brescia), Italy
Ordinary shares
31 Bis rue des Longs Pres, 92100 Boulogne, Billancourt, France
Ordinary shares
Ordinary shares
Ordinary shares

Discovery Park, Sandwich, Kent CT13 9FF, UK
Discovery Park, Sandwich, Kent CT13 9FF, UK

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

48

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017  
12. INVENTORIES

Work in progress
Finished goods

Movements on the Group provision for impairment of inventory is as follows: 

At 1 April
Provision for inventory impairment
Inventory written-off during the year
Exchange adjustments

At 31 March

13. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Current:
Trade receivables
Less: provision for impairment of receivables
Trade receivables – net
Other receivables
Prepayments
Amounts owed by subsidiary undertaking

Group

Company

2017  
£’000

–
9,680

9,680

2016  
£’000

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

57
13,580

13,637

–
–

–

2017  
£’000

1,442
(234)
(423)
11 

–
–

–

2016  
£’000

706
774
(45)
7

796

1,442

Group

Company

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

8,884
(1,026)
7,858
803
585
–

12,303
(540)
11,763
103
1,326
–

9,246

13,192

–
–
–
–
48
24,061

24,109

–
–
–
–
74
15,255

15,329

Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables are limited due to the Group’s customer base being large and unrelated and 
therefore the provision for receivables impairments are deemed adequate. 

Gross trade receivables can be analysed as follows:

Fully performing
Past due
Fully impaired

Trade receivables

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

4,823
3,035
1,026

8,884

9,939
1,824
540

12,303

As of 31 March 2017, trade receivables of £3,035,000 (2016: £1,824,000) were past due but not impaired. These relate to a number of 
independent customers for whom there is no recent history of default. The ageing analysis of these trade receivables is as follows:

1–120 days
>120 days

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

2,257
778

3,035

1,451
373

1,824

As of 31 March 2017, trade receivables of £1,026,000 (2016: £540,000) were impaired and provided for. The amount of provision was 
£1,026,000 (2016: £540,000) as of 31 March 2017.

Significant financial difficulties of the customer, probability that the customer will enter bankruptcy or financial reorganisation are considered 
indications that the trade receivable is impaired.

49

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017Notes to the Financial Statements continued

13. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES continued
The ageing of these receivables, based on due date, is as follows:

1–120 days
> 120 days

Movements on the Group provision for impairment of trade receivables is as follows:

At 1 April
Provision for receivables impairment
Receivables written-off during the year as uncollectible
Exchange adjustments

At 31 March

2017  
£’000

233
793

1,026

2017  
£’000

540
450
(53)
89

1,026

2016  
£’000

57
483

540

2016  
£’000

375
163
(23)
25

540

The (release)/charge relating to the movement in provision has been included in ‘Administrative expenses’ in the Statement of Comprehensive 
Income.

The carrying amounts of the Group and Company trade and other receivables and amounts owed by subsidiary undertaking are 
denominated in the following currencies:

Group

Company

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

–
5,440
2,628
593
–

8,661

–
7,648
3,907
311
–

11,866

24,061
–
–
–
–

24,061

15,255
–
–
–
–

15,255

Group

Company

2017  
£’000

1,580

2016  
£’000

677

2017  
£’000

6

2016  
£’000

1

Group

Company

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

3,212
677
655
2,120

6,664

5,306
797
564
696

7,363

–
4
–
23

27

–
14
–
80

94

Sterling Intercompany
Sterling
Euro
US Dollar
HK Dollar

14. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash at bank and in hand

15. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

Current:
Trade payables 
Other taxes and social security
Other payables
Accruals 

50

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017  
16. PROVISIONS

Sales returns
At 1 April
Charge to Statement of Comprehensive Income
Utilised in the year

At 31 March

Group

Company

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

446
811
(1,061)

196

255
784
(593)

446

–
–
–

–

–
–
–

–

Provision is made for future sales returns based on historical trends. The provision is expected to be utilised within one year from the balance 
sheet date.

17. CURRENT TAX ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Current tax assets
UK corporation tax recoverable
Overseas corporation tax recoverable

Current tax liabilities
UK corporation tax liability
Overseas corporation tax liability

18. BORROWINGS

Secured borrowing at amortised cost
Bank overdrafts
Bank loan
Loan from subsidiary undertakings

Total borrowings
Amount due for settlement within twelve months
Amount due for settlement after twelve months

Group

Company

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

50
–

50

–
212

212

168
45

213

–
–

–

50
–

50

–
–

–

–
–

–

39
–

39

Group

Company

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

82
–
–

82

82
–

82

7,706
177
–

7,883

7,883
–

7,883

–
–
5,518

5,518

–
5,518

5,518

–
–
4,902

4,902

–
4,902

4,902

The Company borrowings are denominated in Sterling. All intercompany borrowings are formalised by way of loan agreements. The loans 
can be repaid at any time, however the Company has received confirmation from its subsidiary that they will not require payment within the 
next twelve months.

51

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

18. BORROWINGS continued
Analysis of borrowings by currency:

Group

31 March 2017
Bank overdrafts
Bank loan

31 March 2016
Bank overdrafts
Bank loan

Sterling  
£’000

Euros  

£’000

Total  

£’000

82
–

82

7,704
–

7,704

–
–

–

2
177

179

82
–

82

7,706
177

7,883

The principal features of the Group’s borrowings are as follows:

At 31 March 2017 the Group had a revolving credit facility of £7,750,000 expiring December 2019 and the future interest rates on this 
facility are LIBOR + 3.5%.

The average effective interest rate on bank overdrafts approximated 3.95% (2016: 3.4%) per annum and is determined based on 3.5% 
(2016: 2.9%) above three-month LIBOR. 

Net cash at bank and bank overdrafts of £1,498,000 (2016: £7,206,000) are with financial institutions with a credit rating of A2 per 
Moody’s rating agency.

Undrawn borrowing facilities
At 31 March 2017, the Group had available £7,668,000 (2016: £2,971,000) of undrawn committed borrowing facilities in respect of 
which all conditions precedent had been met. 

19. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 
The Group’s policies and strategies in relation to risk and financial instruments are detailed in note 1. 

Group

Carrying values of derivative financial instruments 
Forward foreign currency contracts – cash flow hedges

Assets

Liabilities

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

120

394

(190)

(12)

The hedged forecast transactions denominated in foreign currency are expected to occur at various dates during the next twelve months. 
Gains and losses recognised in reserves on forward foreign exchange contracts as of 31 March 2017 are recognised in the Statement of 
Comprehensive Income first in the period or periods during which the hedged forecast transaction affects the Statement of Comprehensive 
Income, which is within twelve months from the balance sheet date. 

At 31 March 2016 the gross value of forward currency contracts was as follows:

US Dollar

2017  
’000

2016  
’000

12,718

11,800

The total net fair value above for forward foreign currency contracts comprises £70,000 liability (2016: £382,000 asset) of which £70,000 
net liability (2016: £382,000 asset) represents an effective hedge at 31 March 2017 and therefore debited to Other Comprehensive 
Income in accordance with IAS 39. 

In accordance with IAS 39, the Group has reviewed all contracts for embedded derivatives that are required to be separately accounted for 
if they do not meet certain requirements set out in the standard. No embedded derivatives have been identified.

The Company has no derivative financial instruments.

52

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017 Fair values of non-derivative financial assets and liabilities
For the Group and the Company, as at 31 March 2017 and 31 March 2016, there is no difference between the carrying amount and fair 
value of each of the following classes of financial assets and liabilities, principally due to their short maturity: trade and other receivables, 
cash at bank and in hand, trade and other payables and current borrowings. Bank deposits attract interest within 1.0% of the ruling market 
rate. There is no significant difference between the fair value and carrying amount of non-current borrowings as the impact of discounting is 
not significant.

Maturity of financial liabilities

Group

Less than one year
Between one and two years
Between two and five years
More than five years

Less than one year
Between one and two years
Between two and five years
More than five years

Company

More than five years (note 18)

Bank loan  

£’000

Overdraft  
facilities  
£’000

Accounts  
payable and  
accruals  
£’000

–
–
–
–

–

82
–
–
–

82

6,664
–
–
–

6,664

Bank loan  
£’000

Overdraft  
facilities  
£’000

Accounts  
payable and  
accruals  
£’000

177
–
–
–

177

7,706
–
–
–

7,706

7,363
–
–
–

2017  
Total  

£’000

6,746
–
–
–

6,746

2016  
Total  

£’000

15,246
–
–
–

7,363 

15,246

2017 
Intercompany 
debt  

2016 
Intercompany 
debt  

£’000

5,518

£’000

4,902

Hierarchy of financial instruments 
The following tables present the Group’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value at 31 March 2017 and 31 March 2016. The 
table analyses financial instruments carried at fair value, by valuation method. The different levels have been defined as follows:
•  Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1).
•  Inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (that is, as prices) or 

indirectly (that is, derived from prices) (Level 2).

•  Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (that is, unobservable inputs) (Level 3).

There were no transfers or reclassifications between Levels within the year. Level 2 hedging derivatives comprise forward foreign exchange 
contracts and have been fair valued using forward exchange rates that are quoted in an active market. The effects of discounting are 
generally insignificant for Level 2 derivatives. 

The fair value of the following financial assets and liabilities approximate their carrying amount: Trade and other receivables, other current 
financial assets, cash and cash equivalents (excluding bank overdrafts), trade and other payables.

53

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

19. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS continued
Financial Instruments

Assets
Trading derivatives
Derivatives used for hedging
Available-for-sale financial assets

Total assets as at 31 March 2017

Liabilities
Interest rate swap
Derivatives used for hedging

Total liabilities at 31 March 2017

Assets
Trading derivatives
Derivatives used for hedging
Available-for-sale financial assets

Total assets as at 31 March 2016

Liabilities
Interest rate swap
Derivatives used for hedging

Total liabilities at 31 March 2016

Level 1  
£’000

Level 2  
£’000

Level 3  
£’000

Total  

£’000

–
–
–

–

–
–

–

–
120
–

120

–
(190)

(190)

–
–
–

–

–
–

–

–
120
–

120

–
(190)

(190)

Level 1  
£’000

Level 2  
£’000

Level 3  
£’000

Total  

£’000

–
–
–

–

–
–

–

–
394
–

394

–
(12)

(12)

–
–
–

–

–
–

–

–
394
–

394

–
(12)

(12)

Interest rate sensitivity
The Group is exposed to interest rate risk as the Group borrows funds at both fixed and floating interest rates. The exposure to these 
borrowings varies during the year due to the seasonal nature of cash flows relating to sales.

In order to measure risk, floating rate borrowings and the expected interest costs are forecast on a monthly basis and compared to budget 
using management’s expectations of a reasonably possible change in interest rates.

The effect on both income and equity based on exposure to borrowings at the balance sheet date for a 1.0% increase in interest rates is 
£41,000 (2016: £83,000) before tax. A 1% fall in interest rates gives the same but opposite effect. 1% is considered an appropriate 
benchmark given the minimum level of movement in the UK interest rate over recent years and expectation over the next financial year.

Foreign currency sensitivity
The Group is primarily exposed to fluctuations in US Dollars and Euros. The following table details how the Group’s income and equity would 
increase on a before tax basis, given a 10% revaluation in the respective currencies against Sterling and in accordance with IFRS 7 all other 
variables remaining constant. A 10% devaluation in the value of Sterling would have the opposite effect. The 10% change represents a 
reasonably possible change in the specified foreign exchange rates in relation to Sterling.

US Dollars
Euros

54

Comprehensive income and 
equity sensitivity

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

3,349
1,163

4,512

995
1,067

2,062

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017 Capital risk management
The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern in order to provide 
returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital.

In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may adjust the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, return capital to 
shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets to reduce debt.

The Group monitors capital on the basis of the gearing ratio. The ratio is calculated as net (cash)/debt divided by total capital. Net debt is 
calculated as total borrowings as shown in the consolidated balance sheet less cash and cash equivalents. Total capital is calculated as 
‘equity’ as shown in the balance sheet plus net debt.

Total borrowings (note 18)
Less:
Total cash and cash equivalents (note 14)

Net (cash)/debt
Total equity

Total capital

Gearing

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

82

7,883

(1,580)

(1,498)
29,663

28,165

(677)

7,206
32,136

39,342

(5%)

18%

20. DEFERRED TAX
Deferred tax is calculated in full on temporary differences under the liability method.

The movement on the deferred tax account is as shown below:

At 1 April
Credit/(charge) to Statement of Comprehensive Income (note 5) –  

origination and reversal of temporary differences

Exchange adjustments

At 31 March

Group

Company

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

(1,780)

(1,968)

(100)
–

233
(45)

(1,880)

(1,780)

2017  
£’000

100

(100)
–

–

2016  
£’000

121

(21)
–

100

Deferred tax assets have been recognised in respect of UK timing differences only. Temporary differences giving rise to deferred tax assets 
have been recognised in the UK where it is probable that those assets will be recovered.

No deferred tax is provided for tax liabilities which would arise on the distribution of profits retained by overseas subsidiaries because there 
is currently no intention that such profits will be remitted. 

The movements in deferred tax assets and liabilities during the year are shown below. 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are only offset where there is a legally enforceable right of offset. 

55

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017Notes to the Financial Statements continued

20. DEFERRED TAX continued

Deferred tax liabilities

At 1 April 2016
Credit to Statement of Comprehensive 

Income

Transferred from deferred tax assets

At 31 March 2017

At 1 April 2015
Credit to Statement of Comprehensive 

Income

Transferred from deferred tax assets

At 31 March 2016

Group 

Accelerated 
capital 
allowances 
£’000

Acquisition 
intangibles 
£’000

Revaluation 
£’000

Other 
including 
accelerated 
capital 
allowances 
£’000

100

(100)
–

–

114

(14)
–

100

–

–
–

–

7

(7)
–

–

111

(17)

94

–

–
111

111

–

–
–

–

10

(10)
–

–

Company

Accelerated 
capital 
allowances 
£’000

–

–
–

–

7

(7)
–

–

Total 
£’000

211

(117)
–

94

131

(31)
111

211

Revaluation 
£’000

100

(100)
–

–

114

(14)
–

100

Group

Company

Deferred tax assets

At 1 April 2016
Charge to Statement of Comprehensive Income
Foreign exchange
Transferred to deferred tax liabilities

At 31 March 2017

At 1 April 2015
Charge/(Credit) to Statement of Comprehensive Income
Foreign exchange
Transferred to deferred tax liabilities

At 31 March 2016

Net deferred tax (asset)/liability
At 31 March 2017

At 31 March 2016

Group

Deferred tax comprises:
Depreciation in excess of capital allowances
Other temporary differences – UK
Other temporary differences – overseas

Deferred tax asset

Short-term 
incentive plan 
£’000

Acquisition 
intangibles 
£’000

–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–

–

(161)
272
–
(111)

–

Other  
£’000

(1,991)
17
–
–

(1,974)

(1,938)
(8)
(45)
–

(1,991)

Total  

£’000

Short-term 
incentive plan 
£’000

(1,991)
17
–
–

(1,974)

(2,099)
264
(45)
(111)

(1,991)

(1,880)

(1,780)

–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–

–

–

–

2017

2016

Recognised 
£’000

Not 
recognised 
£’000

Recognised 
£’000

Not 
recognised 
£’000

(1,901)
21
–

(71)
(1,510)
(2,537)

(1,404)
(376)
–

–
–
(2,644)

(1,880)

(4,118)

(1,780)

(2,644)

The UK deferred tax asset not recognised of £1,581,000 primarily relates to unrecognised losses in Hornby Hobbies Limited of £8,179,000 
(2016: £141,000) (potential deferred tax asset of £1,400,000) and Hornby PLC of £633,000 (potential deferred tax asset of £108,000). It 
also relates to a potential deferred tax asset in respect of accelerated capital allowances of £71,000 and a potential deferred tax asset in 
respect of short-term timing differences of £12,000.

56

Total 
£’000

100

(100)
–

–

121

(21)
–

100

Total 
£’000

–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–

–

–

100

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017  
The deferred tax asset not recognised in respect of overseas losses carried forward of £2,537,000 relates to losses carried forward of 
£1,462,000 in respect of Hornby Espan˜a S.A. (potential deferred tax asset of £365,000), £1,886,000 in respect of Hornby France S.A.S. 
(potential deferred tax asset of £629,000), £1,719,000 in respect of Hornby Deutschland GmbH (potential deferred tax asset of £548,000) 
and £3,566,000 in respect of Hornby Italia s.r.l. (potential deferred tax asset of £995,000).

Given the streamlining of the European operations during the year no deferred tax has been recognised on the losses incurred as there is not 
a high degree of certainty that they will be recovered in the future.

Company

Deferred tax comprises:
Accelerated capital allowances
Other timing differences

Deferred tax (asset)/liability

21. SHARE CAPITAL
Group and Company
Allotted, issued and fully paid:

Ordinary shares of 1p each

At 1 April
Issue of ordinary shares
At 31 March

2017

2016

Recognised 
£’000

Not 
recognised 
£’000

Recognised 
£’000

Not 
recognised 
£’000

–
–

–

–
(108)

(108)

–
100

100

–
–

–

2017

2016

Number of shares

£’000

Number of shares

54,953,574
29,629,630
84,583,204

550
296
846

39,164,100
15,789,474
54,953,574

£’000

392
158
550

On 11 July 2016 the Company issued 29,629,630 ordinary 1p shares for 27p per share, totalling £8,000,000. At 31 March 2017 there 
were no options granted under the Company’s share option schemes which remained outstanding.

22. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS
Hornby PLC operates two share-based payment plans – Share Option Scheme (‘SOS’) and Performance Share Plan (‘PSP’).

SOS awards
The SOS awards were a reward of share options to Executive Directors and senior management in previous years. 

Activity relating to share options for the years ended 31 March 2017 and 31 March 2016 was as follows:

Outstanding at 1 April
Exercised
Lapsed
Outstanding at 31 March

2017

2016

Weighted 
average 
exercise price

Number

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

Number

150,000
–
(150,000)
–

Weighted 
average 
exercise price

201.0p
–
201.0p
–

No options were exercised within the financial year (2016: nil).

Performance Share Plan
All Performance Share Plan (‘PSP’) awards outstanding at 31 March 2017 vest only if performance conditions are met. Awards granted under 
the PSP must be exercised within one year of the relevant award vesting date.

The Group operates the PSP for Executive Directors and senior executives. Awards under the scheme are granted in the form of a nil-priced 
option, and are satisfied using market-purchased shares.

The 2017 awards vest in full or in part dependent on the satisfaction of specified performance targets. 100% of the award vests dependent 
on TSR performance over a two and a half-year performance period, relative to the Net Return Index determined at the time of the award.

57

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017Notes to the Financial Statements continued

22. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS continued
All plans are subject to continued employment. To the extent that such shares in the above plans are awarded to employees below fair value, 
a charge calculated in accordance with IFRS 2 ‘Share-based Payment’ is included within other operating expenses in the Statement of 
Comprehensive Income. This charge for the Group amounts to £110,000, of which £94,000 has been taken to reserves and £16,000 to 
accruals representing the National Insurance due, and the charge for the Company amounted to £76,000 in the year ended 31 March 
2017 (2016: £18,000 charge for the Group amount and the credit for the Company amounted to £47,000). 

The following table summarises the key assumptions used for grants during the year:

Fair value (p)
Options pricing model used
Share price at grant date (p)
Exercise price (p)
Expected volatility (%) 
Risk-free rate (%)
Expected option term (years)
Expected dividends (per year, %)

1  Assumptions for TSR component only.

2017 PSP1

2016 PSP1

11.13p
Black-Scholes (Stochastic)
29.0p
nil
58.0%
n/a
2.5
0%

68.61p
Black-Scholes (Stochastic)
68.0p
nil
32.4%
n/a
3
0%

Assumptions on expected volatility and expected option term have been made on the basis of historical data, wherever available, for the 
period corresponding with the vesting period of the option. Best estimates have been used where historical data is not available in this 
respect.

23. RESERVES
Capital redemption reserve
This reserve records the nominal value of shares repurchased by the Company.

Translation reserve
The translation reserve represents the foreign exchange movements arising from the translation of financial statements in foreign currencies.

Hedging reserve
The hedging reserve comprises the effective portion of changes in the fair value of forward foreign exchange contracts that have not yet 
occurred.

Other reserves
This reserve represents historic negative goodwill arising prior to the transition to IFRS.

24. EMPLOYEES AND DIRECTORS

Staff costs for the year:
Wages and salaries
Share-based payments (note 22)
Social security costs
Other pension costs (note 25)
Redundancy and compensation for loss of office

Group

Company

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

8,541
94
911
442
599

8,559 
18 
1,090 
555 
788 

871
76
104
74
327

834 
(48)
121 
107 
133 

10,587

11,010 

1,452

1,147 

The redundancy costs form part of the restructuring costs in the year classified as exceptional items.

58

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017  
 
Average monthly number of people (including Executive Directors) employed by the Group:

Operations
Sales, marketing and distribution
Administration

Key management compensation:

Salaries and short-term employee benefits
Share-based payments
Other pension costs
Redundancy and compensation for loss of office

Group

Company

2017  

Number

2016  

Number

2017  

Number

2016  

Number

60
100
30

190

47 
139 
44 

230 

–
–
3

3

1 
1 
5 

7

Group

2017  
£’000

1,688
110
118
241

2,157

2016  
£’000

1,780
18 
172 
544 

2,514 

Company

2017  
£’000

917
76
69
20

2016  
£’000

839 
(48)
107 
133 

1,082

1,031 

Key management comprise the individuals involved in major strategic decision making and includes all Group and subsidiary Directors.

A detailed numerical analysis of Directors’ remuneration and share options showing the highest paid Director, number of Directors  
accruing benefits under money purchase pension schemes is included in the Directors’ Report on page 23 and forms part of these  
financial statements.

25. PENSION COMMITMENTS
The Group operates a defined contribution pension scheme by way of a Stakeholder Group Personal Pension Plan set up through the Friends 
Provident Insurance Group.

Alexander Forbes International is appointed as Independent Financial Adviser to work in liaison with the Company.

The level of contributions to the Group Personal Pension Plan for current members is fixed by the Company.

The Group pension cost for the year was £442,000 (2016: £555,000) representing the actual contributions payable in the year and 
certain scheme administration costs. The Company pension cost for the year was £74,000 (2016: £107,000). No contributions were 
outstanding at the year end of 31 March 2017.

26. FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS

Group

At 31 March capital commitments were:
Contracted for but not provided

The commitments relate to the acquisition of property, plant and equipment.

The Company does not have any capital commitments.

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

412

414

Contingent Liabilities
The Company and its subsidiary undertakings are, from time to time, parties to legal proceedings and claims, which arise in the ordinary 
course of business. The Directors do not anticipate that the outcome of these proceedings and claims, either individually or in aggregate, will 
have a material adverse effect upon the Group’s financial position.

59

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017Notes to the Financial Statements continued

27. OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS
The total of future minimum lease payments in respect of non-cancellable property, plant and motor vehicle operating leases falling due are 
as follows:

Group

Not later than one year
Later than one year but not more than five years
More than five years

Land and Buildings

Other

Total

2017  
£’000

657
1,238
166

2,061

2016  
£’000

375
920
259

1,554

2017  
£’000

82
123
–

205

2016  
£’000

96
168
–

264

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

739
1,362
166

2,267

472
1,087
259

1,818

The distribution arm of the business continues to be outsourced to a third party company, DS Logistics. The initial agreement with DS Logistics 
was for five years from August 2014 and approximate costs under the contract if it were to be terminated early are approximately £1 million 
a year for the remainder of the term.

28. GROUP AND COMPANY CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Loss before taxation
Interest payable
Interest receivable
Amortisation of intangible assets
Impairment of goodwill
Impairment of investment
Depreciation
Impairment of tooling
Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Share-based payments
Loss on financial derivatives
(Decrease)/increase in provisions
Decrease/(increase) in inventories
Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables 
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables
Decrease in derivative financial instruments

Cash generated from/(used in) operations

Group

Company

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

2017  
£’000

2016  
£’000

(9,509)
326
(5)
816
–
–
3,036
–
(1,439)
94
–
(250)
4,311
4,335
(1,624)
–

(13,532)
429
(21)
 723
3,990
–
3,705
1,158
(193)
18
135
191
(650)
(2,351)
(3,212)
(22)

91

(9,632)

(5,725)
205
(175)
–
–
5,775
–
–
(1,179)
60
–
–
–
26
(67)
–

(1,080)

(9,017)
181
(174)
–
–
9,543
19
–
(223)
(48)
–
–
–
(62)
75
–

294

29. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
B Ahir is our Managing Director of Hornby Hobbies Asia and a Director of Hornby Hobbies Limited, a subsidiary of Hornby PLC. 28One,  
not to be confused with companies of a similar name, owned by B Ahir has provided ongoing support to manage product delivery for which 
Hornby Hobbies has paid £206,000 (2016: £176,000) in relation to these services in the year. No payments remained outstanding to 
28One as at 31 March 2017. Hornby Hobbies Limited continues to use these services on an ongoing basis.

There were no other contracts with the Company or any of its subsidiaries existing during or at the end of the financial year in which a 
Director of the Company or any of its subsidiaries was interested. There are no other related-party transactions.

The Company received management fees from subsidiaries of £1,369,000 (2016: £1,316,000), interest of £175,000 (2016: £174,000) 
and dividends from subsidiaries of £nil (2016: £ nil) and incurred interest of £205,000 (2016: £181,000) on intercompany borrowings. It 
also received a rental income of £nil (2016: £450,000).

30. EVENTS AFTER THE END OF THE REPORTING PERIOD
No significant events have occurred between the date of the Statement of Financial Position and the date of signing of these accounts.

60

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017  
Notice of Annual General Meeting (Unaudited)

If you have sold or otherwise transferred all of your ordinary shares in Hornby Plc, please forward this document as soon as possible to the 
purchaser or transferee, or to the stockbroker, bank or other agent through or to whom the sale or transfer was effected for transmission to the 
purchaser or transferee of your ordinary shares.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Notice is hereby given that the thirty-sixth Annual General Meeting of Hornby Plc (the ‘Company’) will be held at the offices of Berwin 
Leighton Paisner LLP, Adelaide House, London Bridge, London, EC4R 9HA on Wednesday, 6 September 2017 at 11.00 a.m. for the 
following purposes:

To consider and, if thought fit, to pass the following resolutions, of which numbers 1 to 8 (inclusive) will be proposed as ordinary resolutions 
and numbers 9 and 10 as special resolutions.

ORDINARY RESOLUTIONS
1.  To receive and adopt the Company’s Annual Report and Accounts for the financial year ended 31 March 2017 together with the Report 

of the Directors and Auditors. 

2.  To approve the Directors’ Remuneration, as set out within the Directors’ Report on pages 22 to 24 of the Company’s Annual Report and 

Accounts, for the financial year ended 31 March 2017. 

3.  To re-elect Martin George as a Director of the Company. 

4.  To re-elect David Adams as a Director of the Company. 

5.  To re-elect James Wilson as a Director of the Company. 

6.  To reappoint PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the retiring auditors, as auditors of the Company to hold office from the conclusion of the 

Annual General Meeting to the conclusion of the next meeting at which accounts are laid before the Company. 

7.  To authorise the Directors to agree the auditors’ remuneration. 

8.  THAT, in place of the equivalent authority given to the Directors at the last Annual General Meeting (but without prejudice to the 

continuing authority of the Directors to allot shares pursuant to an offer or agreement made by the Company before the expiry of the 
authority pursuant to which such offer or agreement was made), the Directors be generally and unconditionally authorised in accordance 
with section 551 of the Companies Act 2006 (the ‘Act’) to allot shares in the Company or grant rights to subscribe for or to convert any 
security into shares in the Company up to a maximum aggregate nominal amount of £281,944.01, provided that this authority shall 
expire at the conclusion of the Company’s next Annual General Meeting following the date of the passing of the resolution, but so that 
the Company may, before the expiry of such period, make an offer or agreement which would or might require shares to be allotted or 
rights to subscribe for or convert securities into shares to be granted after the expiry of such period and the Directors may allot shares or 
grant rights to subscribe for or convert securities into shares pursuant to such an offer or agreement as if this authority had not expired.

61

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017Notice of Annual General Meeting (Unaudited)
continued

SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS
9.  THAT, subject to and conditional on the passing of resolution 8, the Directors be empowered, pursuant to section 570 of the Act, to allot 
equity securities (within the meaning of section 560 of the Act) for cash pursuant to the authority conferred by resolution 8 as if section 
561(1) of the Act did not apply to any such allotment, provided that this power shall be limited to the allotment of equity securities:

(a)  in connection with an offer of such securities by way of Rights Issue (defined below); 
(b)  otherwise than pursuant to resolution 9(a) above up to an aggregate nominal amount of £42,291.60; and
(c)  in addition to the amount in paragraph 9(b) above, the allotment of equity securities for cash up to an aggregate nominal amount of 
£42,291.60, provided that any allotment of equity securities under this paragraph 9(c) shall only be used in connection with an 
acquisition or specified capital investment,

and that this authority shall expire at the conclusion of the Company’s next Annual General Meeting following the date of the passing of 
the resolution, save that 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 as if 
this power had not expired.

This power applies in relation to a sale of treasury shares as if all references in this resolution to an allotment included any such sale and 
in the first paragraph of the resolution the words ‘pursuant to the authority conferred by resolution 8’ were omitted in relation to such sale.

In this resolution, ‘Rights Issue’ means an offer of equity securities open for acceptance for a period fixed by the Directors to holders of 
ordinary shares in the capital of the Company on the register on a record date fixed by the Directors in proportion as nearly as may be 
to the respective numbers of ordinary shares held by them, but subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors may 
deem necessary or expedient to deal with any treasury shares, fractional entitlements or legal or practical issues arising under the laws 
of, or the requirements of any recognised regulatory body or any stock exchange in any territory or any other matter.

10. THAT the Company be generally and unconditionally authorised to make market purchases (within the meaning of section 693(4) of the 
Act) of ordinary shares on such terms as the Directors think fit, and where such shares are held as treasury shares, the Company may use 
them for the purposes set out in section 727 of the Act, including for the purpose of its employee share schemes, provided that:

(a)  the maximum number of ordinary shares hereby authorised to be purchased is 8,458,320;
(b)  the minimum price, exclusive of any expenses, which may be paid for an ordinary share is 1 pence;
(c)  the maximum price, exclusive of any expenses, which may be paid for each ordinary share is an amount equal to the higher of:

ii.  (105%, of the average of the middle market quotations for an ordinary share, as derived from the London Stock Exchange Daily 

Official List, for the five business days immediately preceding the day on which the ordinary share is contracted to be purchased; 
and

iii. the amount equal to the higher of the price of the last independent trade of an ordinary share and the highest current independent 

bid for an ordinary share as derived from the London Stock Exchange trading service SETS; and

(d)  the authority hereby conferred shall, unless previously revoked or varied, expire at the conclusion of the Company’s next Annual 

General Meeting following the date of the passing of this resolution, or, if earlier, on the expiry of 18 months from the date of the 
passing of this resolution (except in relation to the purchase of ordinary shares, the contract for which was concluded before the 
expiry of this authority and which will or may be executed wholly or partly after such expiry).

By order of the Board

D Mulligan
Company Secretary
Dated: 11 August 2017
Registered office: 3rd Floor, The Gateway, Innovation Way, Discovery Park, Sandwich, Kent, CT13 9FF
Registered in England and Wales with number 01547390

62

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017  
 
 
NOTES (UNAUDITED)
1.  Only holders of ordinary shares, or their duly appointed representatives, are entitled to attend, vote and speak at the AGM. A member 
so entitled may appoint (a) proxy/(ies), who need not be (a) member(s), to attend, speak and vote on his/her behalf. A member may 
appoint more than one proxy, provided that each proxy is appointed to exercise the rights attached to a different share or shares held by 
him/her. A form of proxy is enclosed with this Notice and instructions for its completion are set out on the form.

2.  Proxies may only be appointed by completing and returning the form of proxy enclosed with this Notice to the Company’s Registrars, 

Capita Asset Services PXS1, 34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 4TU.

3.  To be valid a proxy appointment and any power of attorney or other authority, if any, under which it is signed or a duly certified copy of 
such power of attorney must reach the office of the Company’s Registrars not less than 48 hours (excluding any part of a day which is 
not a working day) before the time fixed for the AGM or any adjournment thereof. Therefore, the form of proxy must be received by the 
Company’s Registrars by 11.00 a.m. on 4 September 2017.

4.  Return of the form of proxy will not preclude a member from attending the AGM and voting in person. A vote withheld option is provided 
on the form of proxy to enable you to instruct your proxy to abstain on any particular resolution. However, it should be noted that a 
‘vote withheld’ is not a vote in law and will not be counted in the calculation of the proportion of votes ‘For’ and ‘Against’ a resolution. 
If you select ‘Discretionary’ or fail to select any of the options, your proxy can vote as he or she chooses or can decide not to vote. Your 
proxy can also do this on any other resolution that is put to the AGM. A shareholder must inform the Company’s registrars in writing of 
any termination of the authority of a proxy.

5.  The Company, pursuant to Regulation 41 of the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001, specifies that only those shareholders on the 
register of members of the Company as at close of business on 4 September 2017 (or, if the AGM is adjourned, shareholders on the 
register of members not later than 48 hours (excluding any part of a day which is not a working day) before the time fixed for the 
adjourned meeting) are entitled to attend and/or vote at the AGM (or any adjournment thereof) in respect of the number of shares 
registered in their name at that time. Subsequent changes to the register of securities shall be disregarded in determining the rights of any 
person to attend and vote at the AGM (or any adjournment thereof).

6.  Any corporation which is a member can appoint one or more corporate representatives who may exercise on its behalf all of its powers 

as a member provided that they do not do so in relation to the same shares.

7. 

In order to facilitate voting by corporate representatives at the AGM, arrangements will be put in place at the meeting so that (i) if a 
corporate member has appointed the Chairman of the meeting as its corporate representative with instructions to vote on a poll in 
accordance with the directions of all of the other corporate representatives for that member at the meeting, then on a poll those 
corporate representatives will give voting directions to the Chairman and the Chairman will vote (or withhold a vote) as corporate 
representative in accordance with those directions; and (ii) if more than one corporate representative for the same corporate member 
attends the meeting but the corporate member has not appointed the Chairman of the meeting as its corporate representative, a 
designated corporate representative will be nominated, from those corporate representatives who attend, who will vote on a poll  
and the other corporate representatives will give voting directions to that designated corporate representative. Corporate members are 
referred to the guidance issued by the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators on proxies and corporate representatives – 
http://www.icsa.org.uk/ for further details of this procedure. The guidance includes a sample form of representation letter if the 
Chairman is being appointed as described in (i) above.

8.  You may not use any electronic address provided in this Notice or in any related documents (including the form of proxy) to communicate 

with the Company for any purposes other than those expressly stated.

63

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017Shareholders’ Information Service

Hornby welcomes contact with its shareholders.

If you have questions or enquiries about the Group or its products, please contact:

D Mulligan
Group Finance Director
Hornby PLC
3rd Floor, The Gateway
Innovation Way
Discovery Park
Sandwich 
Kent CT13 9FF
www.hornby.com

64

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2017 Hornby PLC
3rd Floor,  
The Gateway,  
Innovation Way
Discovery Park,  
Sandwich
Kent
CT13 9FF
www.hornby.com

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