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Horizon Gold Limited
Annual Report 2018

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FY2018 Annual Report · Horizon Gold Limited
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Hornby PLC

3rd Floor 

The Gateway 

Innovation Way 

Discovery Park  

Sandwich

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8

ANNUAL REPORT  
AND ACCOUNTS 2018

www.hornby.com

 
 
 
 
 
 
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 its own website in the UK and overseas.

Contents
01  Highlights 2018
02  Executive Chairman’s Report
06  Operating and Financial Review  

of the Year

11  Directors and Corporate Information
12  Directors’ Report
17 

Independent Auditors’ Report to the 
Members of Hornby PLC

22  Group and Company Statements  

of Comprehensive Income

23  Group and Company Statements  

of Financial Position

24  Group and Company Statements  

of Changes in Equity

25  Group and Company Cash Flow 

Statements

26  Notes to the Financial Statements
58  Shareholders’ Information Service

Hornby PLC  Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

Highlights 2018

“ In the first seven months that I have been at Hornby, we have assessed our position 
and confronted the reality of the situation in which we find ourselves. Tough 
decisions have now been taken and we are currently laying down the foundations 
for our future success. There is a new energy in the business and I am excited  
with our plans as we re-engage across both domestic and international markets 
with these well-loved brands.”

Lyndon Davies, Chief Executive

Revenue  
(2017: £47.4m)

£35.7m

Operating loss  
(2017: £(9.2)m loss)

£(9.9)m

Reported loss before taxation 
(2017: £(9.5)m loss)

£(10.1)m

Underlying1 loss before taxation 
(2017: £(6.3)m loss)

Reported loss after taxation  
(2017: £(9.7)m loss)

Reported loss per share  
(2017: (12.65)p loss)

£(7.6)m

£(9.9)m

(10.13)p

Underlying basic loss per share 
(2017: (9.26)p basic loss)

Net cash  
(2017: £1.5m)

(8.05)p

£3.9m

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

exchange movements on intercompany loans, goodwill impairments and exceptional items.

01

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018Executive Chairman’s Report

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

02

As I write this message to you I have been 
a Hornby employee for seven months, but I 
have both worked for and adjacent to the 
brands you own for 40 years. I started on 
the production line at the old Corgi factory 
in Wales when I was 16 and have been in 
the industry ever since.

I do not wish to dwell on the mistakes of the 
past, but please do not think I take them 
lightly. I have drawn on all my experience in 
assessing Hornby’s current position and 
formulating my views on the future direction. 
I have a great deal of passion for these 
iconic brands and it has pained me to see 
them fall from grace. You, as shareholders, 
have had to bear the brunt of it, and so I do 
not feel the need to reopen those wounds 
you know so well.

My team and I are fully committed to 
developing a sustainable business that builds 
on our heritage. My job is to look forward 
and deliver the results for you. This report is 
an opportunity for me to give you an honest 
and humble account of our progress. We 
need to return this Group to profitability and 
I need to explain how we intend to do it.

The first step is understanding. The next step 
is fixing the basic issues once they are 
understood. The final step is to get us back 
to profitability with a logical and measured 
strategy that does not imperil the balance 
sheet. In doing these things we will build 
long-term shareholder value in a sustainable 
way. Some of our brands have lasted for 
more than 100 years and it is my view that 
they should thrive for at least 100 more.

The business model
What we do is simple, but not easy. We 
have an office in Sandwich where most of 
our hard-working staff come to work every 
day. We also have a logistics hub 
approximately ten miles away in Hersden 
which most of our product will pass through 
on the way to both retailers and sometimes 
directly to customers via our own website. 
Before Sandwich and Hersden, we had all 
our operations (including manufacturing 
many years ago) in Margate, but we have 
now sold this building and retain only the 
Hornby Visitor Centre where we showcase 
the wonderful heritage of our brands.

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018 through this cycle of investment is an 
extremely important part of the process of 
protecting and enhancing shareholder value.

If we order too much of an item that nobody 
wants, we tie cash up in inventory which 
means we don’t have the cash available  
to deploy into new and exciting models for 
the following year. If we order too little,  
then we don’t maximise the profitability  
and therefore shareholder value. It requires 
great coordination and deep expertise 
across engineering, development, marketing 
and sales to make sure this engine ticks  
over smoothly.

This challenge is made even more difficult 
by the seasonal element to our business. 
We are lucky enough to have customers 
that see our products as worthy of a gift to 
a friend or family member over the 
Christmas period. The final three months of 
the calendar year tend to be very busy for 
us from a sales perspective and so we have 
to coordinate the investment in inventory so 
that it can satisfy this peak in demand.

This cycle of development, manufacturing, 
marketing and distribution is our business 
engine. We have some wonderful talent in 
the Group but the engine as a whole doesn’t 
perform optimally. Based on my in-depth 
knowledge of this industry and following an 
initial review, many trips to trade shows, 
retailers, suppliers, manufacturers and other 
important partners all over the world, I have 
now developed the understanding and have 
taken the first steps towards fixing the engine.

The strategy
Over the last few years our competitors 
have gained strength in the marketplace. 
They are stronger and smarter than ever, 
and we must give ourselves every 
opportunity to compete successfully with 
them. In this situation, it is important that our 
competitors (who I am more than aware 
read our reports in detail) are not able to 
pick out, copy and better the moves we 
make to delight our customers. As a result, 
I will look to discuss some of the steps we 
have already taken to fix the engine here, 
instead of plotting out the battle plan for our 
competition to follow.

Over the years we have acquired a diverse 
portfolio of market-leading international 
brands. These brands are supported by 
similarly hard-working staff at offices in Italy, 
France, Spain and Germany. Further afield, 
we have a warehouse and office in 
Washington, USA.

We aspire to design high-quality models 
and accessories for the toy and hobby 
markets which are not necessarily low 
priced but provide great value for money. 
Most of the research and development for 
our product occurs in the UK, but the 
manufacturing is predominantly executed in 
China and India, in conjunction with the 
engineers and support staff at our satellite 
office in Hong Kong.

The design and delivery cycles of our 
products are quite long, sometimes up to 
two or three years between inception and 
delivery to the UK. Our customers tend to 
be quite particular about what they want 
and so it takes time to make sure that they 
will be acceptable to them.

The challenge is then to make sure we 
market our products in such a way as to 
make them desirable. It is also important to 
choose the correct retail partners and 
communication channels that help us 
cultivate a loyal following of collectors and 
fans from all age ranges.

Knowing the right products to produce and 
how many of each product to order requires 
an in-depth knowledge of the individual 
brands, the history, the competitive 
landscape and the various customer bases. 
We have to order all the products up front 
and wait for them to arrive to truly see how 
they sell through. We must take risks in this 
process and there is an element of 
uncertainty. Managing the cash flows 

03

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018Executive Chairman’s Report continued

In order to do this, we needed to remove 
the financial straitjacket. We have worked 
with our lenders and shareholders over the 
last six months to restructure the balance 
sheet and have started the new financial 
year with a structure that will allow us to 
hold the line. We will be able to sell our 
carefully curated and desirable models/
accessories at the price that optimises the 
brand values over the long term and 
cultivates trust with our customers and  
retail partners.

2. Supply chain
We are working to improve the infrastructure 
in our overseas supply chain to make it 
function more efficiently. We must guarantee 
that we get the right amount of product to 
the market at the right time and at the right 
cost. When this works efficiently we will 
greatly improve our sales performance.

We have a lack of new product arriving in 
the UK and therefore can’t meet the 
demand. This is because of two main 
reasons:

– Order quantities were very low per item 
because of cash constraints and a lack of 
understanding about which designs would 
sell better than others.

– Not only were orders placed late, but the 
vitally important technical specifications 
were also supplied late to our 
manufacturers.

Manufacturers are like sharks – they survive 
and thrive by moving at pace. We must 
keep them busy. If we don’t, they will look 
elsewhere for orders, which is what they 
did, further delaying production of our 
products.

After the delays in submitting orders and 
specifications last year, the situation was 
similar to trying to book a table at a 
restaurant at the last minute. As you might 
expect, most of the restaurants were 
unavailable, so we desperately rang around 
and booked the best available table we 
could find.

We then arrived late with less people in the 
party than we’d promised, we didn’t order 

1. Discounting
From the description of the business model 
above, hopefully you can see how a 
business like ours can run into cash flow 
problems. If we have debt repayments to 
make and we order too much stock, then 
the cash that is tied up in the slow-selling 
stock can create a liquidity problem. This 
can sometimes force us to hastily liquidate 
stock at a discount to pay the bills.

Discounting is a very difficult thing to do 
without materially affecting the perception of 
a brand or product. Many brand owners, 
not just in the toy and hobby sector, have 
fallen victim to choosing discounting to pay 
bills or to chase arbitrary sales targets, 
instead of thinking more about the longer-
term impact on the brand.

Let us take the collector segment of our 
customers as an example to illustrate this. If 
a collector eagerly awaits the launch of the 
latest locomotive and snaps it up at full 
price on release day, the likely reason he or 
she will do this is because they anticipate it 
will be a desirable item to have, will sell out 
and will become a store of value over the 
long term as collectors fight over the few 
hundred that remain in circulation. If this 
collector then sees the item on sale for half 
price a few months after release, not only 
do they become disillusioned because the 
scarcity value and desirability seems to not 
be there, but also, they probably won’t buy 
other products from that brand at the time of 
release again and will just wait for the 
inevitable discounts. If you keep following 
this discounting strategy, you will become 
more and more reliant on lower and lower 
prices after every round. You end up never 
selling anything at the prices you assumed 
when you made tooling investment and the 

economics of the business are impaired 
because the trust is gone in the brand.  
If you destroy the trust in the brand and 
collectors no longer see the products  
as a store of value, they will switch to a 
collectible that does satisfy their desire.

The discounting has also impacted the trust 
our retailers have in us too. If you take our 
independent retailers who generally do a 
great job of cultivating the hobby on our 
behalf, these are small businesses who have 
to choose their stock carefully because they 
have limited balance sheets to fund it. If we 
sell them a box of Airfix Sea Harriers at full 
wholesale price and then sell them at half 
price on a website, these retailers will not 
be able to compete on price without taking 
a loss on the item. The best they can do is 
sit on the stock until we have sold out. It 
makes life very difficult for them and it 
certainly makes them think about wanting  
to buy items at full price from us. It has 
pushed some of them to buy from 
competitors instead.

In both anecdotes, the sales figure the 
Group would report to you would be higher 
than otherwise, but the value of the brands 
over the long term would have reduced. 
Discounting is a strategy that wins sales in 
the short term, but history would suggest that 
the extra sales today does not compensate 
for the long-term loss of trust in the brands.

The first thing we have done is remove the 
discounting, which has had the effect of 
initially reducing sales. The strategy has 
been welcomed by our retail partners and 
customers, but this is just the beginning. We 
are only at the start of the long process of 
rebuilding trust.

04

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018 all of the meals, forgot to tell the kitchen 
how we wanted our steaks cooked, 
changed our mind on the side dishes and 
then complained when we found the 
restaurant was closing and there was no 
time for a dessert.

The solution here is to pull forward the 
planning deadlines by six months and 
choose the right manufacturing partners for 
the long run. Considering the complexity of 
our design and ordering cycles it will take 
time, but the aim is for the new schedule to 
be fully operational and firing on all 
cylinders for the financial year ending 
31 March 2020.

3. Knowledge and experience
The skills required to produce the correct 
products in the right quantities needs 
decades of knowledge and experience of 
what the business has done before, what 
competitors have done before, what has 
worked, what hasn’t worked and the 
understanding of why in all these scenarios.

We don’t sell toothpaste. Our customers 
don’t return once every couple of weeks for 
a new tube without thinking about it. It is 
difficult to generalise because the customer 
base for each brand is unique, but on the 
whole we have discerning customers who 
require only very specific models for their 
layouts, collections, gifts or playrooms. If a 
product sells well in a particular year, it 
doesn’t necessarily mean the same one will 
sell well the next year. We are on a constant 
treadmill of innovation and this needs highly 
specialised and in-depth knowledge and 
experience for each of the brands.

Initially, I brought Simon Kohler and Tim 
Mulhall with me to help manage this 
turnaround. Simon alone spent 35 years 
with the Group during Hornby’s most 
profitable years, before parting ways under 
a previous regime. Tim has a wealth of 
experience in this industry, bringing in 
knowledge of the international markets. All 
three of us together have over 100 years of 
directly applicable experience. This was a 
good start, but I realised we needed more. 
In 2018, we will take on more people who 
combined will add another 100 years of 
experience. These roles span all the major 
functions including sales, marketing, 
purchasing and operations.

This concerted effort to fill the Group with 
people who have decades of directly 
applicable experience to our rather esoteric 
markets is not limited to outside hires (or 
re-hires). Allowing the right internal talent to 
rise up and giving them a voice has started 
to yield great results too. Several existing 
employees with years of experience have 
been returned to their positions that they 
held during our most successful years.

We are assembling a team of experts who 
understand the customers and the markets in 
which each of the brands operate. We also 
have many stars moving through the ranks 
who now feel empowered to get on with 
rebuilding these brands and learn from  
the more experienced members. It’s still  
only day one and we are rebuilding the 
foundations, but the early impact on morale 
and motivation is encouraging.

4. Costs
As I mentioned above, we have good 
visibility into the costs that we will need to 
incur to operate throughout the year. The 
challenge is to make enough gross profit to 
cover our operating costs and have some 
net profit left over for shareholders and/or 
future investment. In the simplest terms; there 
are two levers we can pull. We can sell 
more, and we can reduce our costs.

As it currently stands, we need to sell more 
product if we are to cover our costs. We 
have reset the business to a more 
sustainable level of sales without 
discounting. This has been painful in the 
short term from a profitability perspective; 
however, it is the right thing to do to ensure 
the business has a future. We aim to rebuild 
sales as the trust returns to our brands, but 
we are also working tirelessly to do more 
while spending less.

In the last announcement, we told you of the 
ongoing operational expenditure we had 
saved. We have found additional savings 
since the January update, and these savings 
are being found while improving service 
levels and product delivery schedules.  
We are instilling a culture of frugality which 
means we are doing more with less.  
This will be a key part of getting us back  
to profitability.

Outlook
As I said above, we don’t want to give too 
much away to our competitors, but I can tell 
you that the changes to the strategy and the 
way we deal with our customers, suppliers, 
retailers and manufacturing partners has 
already yielded many opportunities to save 
cost, sell more and increase gross margins.

Dominant national retailers who were only  
a distant memory to the business have 
proactively re-engaged now the discounting 
has stopped. Licensors of important 
trademarks are engaging with us again  
and wanting to broaden ranges and 
partnerships. Previously lost talent is coming 
back to the Group and morale is starting to 
improve in our staff who will be the real 
champions of this turnaround.

Whilst there are green shoots starting to 
appear for the future, at the time of writing 
this, we have only been in place for seven 
months. The long design cycles mean that 
we have a largely inherited line plan for 
products being delivered this year. 
Nonetheless, we are at work doing the best 
with what we have as we seek to return the 
Group to profitability.

On behalf of the Board

Lyndon Davies
18 June 2018

05

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018Operating and Financial Review of the Year

Financial review

Revenue

Gross profit

Gross profit margin

Overheads

Exceptionals

Reported loss before tax

Underlying loss before tax1

Reported loss after tax

Basic loss per share

Underlying basic loss per share1

Net cash

Undrawn facilities

2018

2017 

£35.7m

£13.8m

39%

£47.4m

£18.2m

38%

£21.3m

£24.0m

£2.3m

£(10.1)m

£(7.6)m

£(9.9)m

£3.3m

£(9.5)m

£(6.3)m

£(9.7)m

(10.13)p

(12.65)p

(8.05)p

£3.9m

£6.0m

(9.26)p

£1.5m

£7.7m

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

on intercompany loans, goodwill impairments and exceptional items.

Performance on a statutory basis
Consolidated revenue for the year ended 
31 March 2018 was £35.7 million, a 
decrease of 25% compared to the previous 
year’s £47.4 million as the previous 
management team’s strategy of reducing 
stock lines and closing European operations 
took full effect. This strategy was reviewed 
in October 2017 and moves are underway 
to reverse these previous decisions. Gross 
profit margin was slightly higher, at 39% 
(2017: 38%) due to cessation of stock 
discounting post October 2017.

Overheads reduced year-on-year by 11% 
from £24.0 million to £21.3 million as a 
result of measures taken post October 2017 
when the senior management and the 
Board were restructured. UK distribution 
costs reduced due to the smaller volume of 
products being handled through Hersden 
due to reduction in sales volume. Sales and 
marketing costs reduced by £2.6 million 
year-on-year due to the transfer of all  
trading from European subsidiaries to  
the UK, enabling the reduction of sales  
and marketing spend in each continental 
European location. The exit from 
concessions reduced concession 
commissions. Administration costs were 
£0.3 million higher, largely due to increased 
depreciation on the writing down of B2B 
and B2C website investments as we create 
websites more suited to our customers’ 
needs. Other operating expenses in the 
year of £0.4 million (2017: £0.4 million 
income) include foreign exchange costs and 
the amortisation of certain intangible assets 
(brand names and customer lists).

Exceptional costs totalling £2.3 million 
(2017: £3.3 million) include £1.8 million 
relating to the restructuring of the UK 
business and Board changes, £0.4 million 
costs associated with the EGM 
(‘Extraordinary General Meeting’) and 
mandatory offer and costs relating to the 
2017 equity issue and bank refinancing 
(£0.1 million).

06

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018 Performance on an underlying basis
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 items, whose 
inclusion in performance distorts underlying trading performance: net foreign exchange 
(gains)/losses on intercompany loans which are dependent on exchange rate fluctuations 
and can be volatile, and the amortisation of intangibles which result from historical 
acquisitions. Additionally, exceptional items including restructuring costs are one-off items 
and therefore have also been added back in calculating underlying loss before taxation.

Statutory loss before taxation

Net foreign exchange impact on intercompany loans

Amortisation of intangibles – brands and customer lists

Exceptional items:

Restructuring costs

EGM and mandatory offer

Refinancing costs

Profit on disposal of property

Underlying loss before taxation

Group

2018 
£’000

2017  
£’000

(10,066)

(9,509)

(114)

314

(410)

344

1,823

399

70

–

3,889

–

944

(1,530)

(7,574)

(6,272)

The underlying loss before taxation above 
was £7.6 million (2017: loss of 
£6.3 million). 

The basic loss per share calculated on 
underlying loss before taxation (hereafter 
referred to as underlying basic loss per 
share) was (8.05)p (2017: (9.26)p).

The income tax credit for the year is  
£0.2 million (2017: £0.2 million charge).

Reported pre-tax loss was £10.1 million 
(2017: loss of £9.5 million) and reported 
basic loss per share was (10.13)p (2017: 
(12.65)p loss per share).

Segmental analysis
Third-party sales by the UK business of 
£28.5 million fell by 24% in the year as a 
result of reduced investment in tooling and 
uncertainty in the customer base regarding 
discounting. The loss before taxation of 
£9.0 million compared to £11.8 million loss 
last year reflects the continued reduction in 
overheads during the latter part of the year.

Sales by the European businesses of  
£4.7 million fell by 24% in the year, 
reflecting the year’s reduced product range 
and previous lack of investment in new 
product for the European market. The loss 
before tax was £0.6 million.

Sales in the US business of £2.5 million 
reduced by 30% on translation and by 20% 
on a constant currency basis. The trading 
loss of £0.5 million in the US was a result of 
lack of investment at Group level in product 
suitable for the US market.

Statement of financial position
Property, plant and equipment decreased 
year-on-year to £4.5 million from  
£5.7 million as depreciation of £2.8 million 
outweighed capital additions of  
£1.6 million. Group inventories increased 
slightly during the year due to the cessation 
of discounting as part of the New Business 
Plan from £9.7 million to £10.0 million. 
Trade and other receivables reduced by 
36% due to reduced sales and improved 
sales ledger management. Trade and other 
payables reduced by £2.4 million largely 
due to the reduced size of the business.  
The net effect of these factors was a 
reduction in working capital of £1.0 million 
(a reduction of 38%). Overall investment in 
new tooling, new intangible computer 
software and other capital expenditure was 
£1.8 million (2017: £2.0 million).

Dividend
The Group has begun its New Business 
Plan under the new management team led 
by Lyndon Davies and so the decision has 
again been taken not to pay a dividend 
(2017: £nil). The Board continues to keep 
the dividend policy under review.

07

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018Operating and Financial Review of the Year 
continued

Financing and capital structure
A Placing and Open Offer of 40,677,968 
new ordinary shares at a price of 29.5 
pence each, raising £11.5 million net of 
costs, was completed on 7 December 2017 
with the funds being used to allow the 
business to pay down debt at that point in 
time of £7.4 million, acquire 49% of LCD 
Enterprises Limited for £1.6 million and invest 
in the New Business Plan.

Borrowings in the year ended 31 March 
2018 peaked towards the end of 2017 
under the previous Barclays Bank facility at 
£7.4 million. Since December 2017, the 
Company has operated without needing to 
utilise its new Barclays Bank facility, which 
has a limit of £6 million.

Net cash at 31 March 2018 was £3.9 
million compared to net cash of £1.5 million 
at 31 March 2017, giving undrawn facilities 
and available cash of £9.9 million at 
31 March 2018.

Post the year end, the Group has moved its 
financing requirements away from Barclays. 
On 5 June 2018 the Group entered an 
Asset Based Lending (‘ABL’) facility of up to 
£12.0 million with PNC Credit Limited 
through to June 2023. The PNC covenants 
are customary operational and financial 
covenants applied on a monthly basis. In 
addition, the Group entered a committed 
£6.0 million loan facility with The Phoenix 
UK Fund (the Group’s largest shareholder)  
if it should be required, which is a three-
year rolling facility.

08

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018 Our Key Performance Indicators (‘KPIs’)

Our Key Performance Indicators (‘KPIs’)
The Directors are of the opinion that the 
financial KPIs are revenues, gross margins, 
underlying (loss)/profit before tax and (loss)/
earnings per share, the information for which 
is available in these financial statements and 
summarised in the financial highlights section 
earlier in this report. 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 New Business Plan of the Group.

Principal risks and uncertainties

Risk

Description

Impact/sensitivity

Mitigation/comment

Market 
conditions

The 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.

The New Business Plan may not 
fully achieve the aims of returning 
the Group to positive cash 
generation in 2020–21.

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

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

The increase in business scale 
and reduction of costs and the 
re-conversion of concession 
sales currently anticipated is not 
achieved and the Group does not 
achieve sustainable profit and cash 
generation.

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.

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.

Falling interest in traditional 
hobbies may impact our core 
independent and national retailers 
and have a consequent impact 
upon the Group’s performance.

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.

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.

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. 

09

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018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 production 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 the 
key to the success of any business.

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

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 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.

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 

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 Group has its own facilities in China 
where its tooling is secured and managed.

The New Business Plan includes significant 
capital expenditure to fund suitable products 
to underpin the implementation of the New 
Business Plan strategy of the Group. 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 a £12.0 million ABL facility 
and a £6.0 million revolving loan facility with 
Phoenix Asset Management Partners. 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.

New management team to encourage and 
empower employees. Key lost talent has 
been re-acquired and brought back into the 
Company.

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

Kirstie Gould
Chief Finance Officer
18 June 2018

10

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018 Directors and Corporate Information

Directors 
Lyndon Davies
Executive Chairman and Chief Executive

Kirstie Gould
Chief Finance Officer

James Wilson
Non-Executive Director

Martin George
Non-Executive Director

John Stansfield
Non-Executive Director

Company Secretary
Kirstie Gould

The full details of all Directors who served in the year ended 
31 March 2018 can be found on page 13.

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
Taylor Wessing LLP
5 New Street Square
London EC4A 3TW

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

Financial advisers and brokers
Liberum Capital Limited
Ropemaker Place
25 Ropemaker Street
London EC2Y 9LY

Registrars and transfer agents
Link Asset Services
The Registry
34 Beckenham Road
Beckenham
Kent BR3 4TU

11

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ Report

The Directors present their Annual Report together with the audited 
consolidated and Company financial statements for the year ended 
31 March 2018. 

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

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES
The Company is a holding company, limited by shares, registered 
(and domiciled) in England Reg. No. 01547390 with a Spanish 
branch and has six operating subsidiaries: Hornby Hobbies Limited 
in the United Kingdom with a branch in Hong Kong, Hornby 
America Inc. in the US, Hornby España 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 United Kingdom.

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 2018 are set out in the 
Group Statement of Comprehensive Income. Revenue for the year 
was £35.7 million compared to £47.4 million last year. The loss for 
the year attributable to equity holders amounted to £9.9 million 
(2017: £9.7 million loss). The position of the Group and Company is 
set out in the Group and Company Statements of Financial Position. 
Future developments are set out within the Executive Chairman’s Report.

No interim dividend was declared in the year (2017: £nil) and the 
Directors do not recommend a final dividend (2017: £nil).

EVENTS AFTER THE END OF THE REPORTING PERIOD
On 5 June 2018, the Group entered into a £12.0 million Asset 
Based Lending agreement with PNC Credit Limited for five years 
ending June 2023. In addition, Phoenix Asset Management Partners 
Limited, the majority shareholder, has provided an additional  
£6.0 million of loan to further fund the turnaround as part of the 
New Business Plan. Further details are given in Note 30.

GOING CONCERN
On 5 June 2018, the Group entered into a £12.0 million Asset 
Based Lending (‘ABL’) facility with PNC Credit Limited through to June 
2023. The PNC covenants are customary operational and financial 
covenants applied on a monthly basis. In addition, the Group 
entered a committed £6.0 million loan facility with Phoenix Asset 
Management Partners Limited (the Group’s largest shareholder) if it 
should be required, which is a three-year rolling facility.

The Group has prepared trading and cash flow forecasts for a  
period of three years, which have been reviewed and approved by 
the Board. On the basis of these forecasts, the facilities with PNC 
Credit Limited and Phoenix, and after a detailed review of trading, 
financial position and cash flow models, the Directors have a 

reasonable expectation that the Group and Company have adequate 
resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable 
future. For these reasons, they continue to adopt the going concern 
basis 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 £1.0 million (see note 4) incurred in the year have been 
charged to the Statement of Comprehensive Income as these costs 
of all relate to research costs.

DIRECTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS
During 2017 there was much change at the Group. The initial 
catalyst was an approach by the second-largest shareholder, ROY 
Nominees Limited, to call a general meeting for the purposes of 
considering ordinary resolutions to remove Roger Canham from 
office as a Director of the Company and to appoint a ROY 
Nominees representative as a Director.

Irrevocable commitments were received from more than 50% of 
shareholders to vote against the resolution, and so the meeting was 
adjourned, and Roger Canham remained as a Director.

Following the publication of the Group’s final results in June 2017,  
it was announced that the funds controlled by Phoenix Asset 
Management Partners (‘The Concert Party’) had acquired a further 
20% of the shares outstanding from ROY Nominees Limited. The City 
Code on Takeovers and Mergers rules required The Concert Party  
to submit a formal bid for the rest of the shares outstanding, and as 
a member of the Phoenix Concert Party, Roger Canham decided  
to step down from the Board.

The Hornby Board considered the offer and deemed it to 
undervalue the prospects of the Group. The Board recommended 
that shareholders reject the offer.

In July, the offer closed and the final level of acceptances elevated 
the Phoenix stake to 71.5% of the shares outstanding. Shortly after 
the offer closed, the Board appointed James Wilson, a partner at 
Phoenix Asset Management Partners, as a Non-Executive Director.

In September, it was mutually agreed that Steve Cooke would step 
down as CEO. Shortly after this it was announced that Lyndon 
Davies, a highly experienced model and hobby professional, would 
join the Group as CEO. Lyndon also brought with him Simon Kohler 
and Tim Mulhall as operational consultants. Simon Kohler is a  
highly respected industry veteran in the model and hobby industry, 
having spent 35 years with Hornby, and Tim Mulhall specialises in 
building routes to market and strategic sales development. Lyndon, 
Simon and Tim combined have over 100 years of experience  
in the industry.

In the interim results announcement in November, the Board  
outlined a disappointing performance in the first half, a new strategy 
to maximise the value of the brands and a capital raise to  

12

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018 address both the underperformance and provide funds for 
additional investment.

The Board also announced the acquisition of a 49% stake in LCD 
Enterprises, the parent company of the Oxford Diecast model and 
hobby brand. Lyndon Davies, the current Group CEO, is the ultimate 
owner of LCD Enterprises.

The Placing and Open Offer announced with the interim results was 
concluded and the Phoenix stake increased to 74.66% of the shares 
outstanding of the Group.

Towards the end of the year, there were further Board changes. On 
31 December, David Adams (Interim Chairman) and David Mulligan 
(CFO) stepped down.

Kirstie Gould replaced David Mulligan as CFO. Kirstie has spent 
over two years with Hornby and has stepped up from her previous 
role as a consultant in the finance department. Kirstie qualified as a 
chartered accountant with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in 1997 and 
since then has held senior management and directorship roles 
across a number of high-growth SME firms.

John Stansfield also joined the Board as a Non-Executive Director. 
John is a qualified accountant and previously spent 31 years with 
the Group, completing twelve years as Group Finance Director.

Lyndon Davies, the CEO of the Group, became Interim Executive 
Chairman and CEO until the search for an Independent Non-
Executive Chairman is completed.

The potential conflict with Lyndon Davies being CEO (and Interim 
Chairman) of Hornby PLC and majority shareholder of LCD Limited is 
mitigated by the fact that the Board is comprised of four other 
Directors and the Company is ultimately controlled by the major 
shareholder, Phoenix Asset Management Partners Limited. The Board 
intends to introduce a list of matters which require consideration of 
the Board to ensure conflicts of interest, if any, can be managed.

The Directors who served during the year up to the date of signing 
the financial statements were:

L Davies (Appointed 5 October 2017)
K Gould (Appointed 4 January 2018)
J Wilson (Appointed 1 August 2017)
J Stansfield (Appointed 4 January 2018)
S Cooke (Resigned 3 October 2017)
D Mulligan (Resigned 31 December 2017)
M George (Appointed 22 December 2016)
R Canham (Resigned 21 June 2017)
D Adams (Resigned 31 December 2017)

an indemnity for its Directors and the Company 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 12 June 
2018 the following parties were interested in 3% or more of the 
Company’s ordinary share capital.

Shareholder

Phoenix Asset Management

Artemis Fund Managers Limited

Number of 
ordinary shares

Percentage 
held

93,524,498

18,242,460

74.66

14.56

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

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 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 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.

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.

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 

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

13

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ Report continued

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 and 
Company’s performance, business model and strategy.

Each of the Directors, whose names and functions are listed in 
Annual Report and Accounts 2018, 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 Directors’ 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.

To that end, the purpose of personnel policies is 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 

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 

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

•  training, development and progression opportunities are 

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

available to all staff;

•  equality in the workplace is good management practice and 

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

makes sound business sense;

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

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.

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 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. 

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
A resolution to re-appoint 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 late September 
2018. 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 
Remuneration 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. 

14

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018 The following table summarises the total salary and pension contributions received by Directors for 2017–18 and 2016–17 in line with the 
Companies Act 2006 requirement:

AUDITED

Year ended 31 March 2018

Year ended 31 March 2017

L Davies (Appointed 5 October 2017)

K Gould (Appointed 4 January 2018)

J Wilson (Appointed 1 August 2017)

J Stansfield (Appointed 4 January 2018)

S Cooke1,4 (Resigned 3 October 2017)

D Mulligan2 (Resigned 31 December 2017)

M George (Appointed 22 December 2016)

R Canham3 (Resigned 21 June 2017)

D Adams (Resigned 31 December 2017)

C Caminada (Resigned 22 December 2016)

Basic salary, 
allowances 
and fees  
£’000

Pension 
contributions  

£’000

100

34

–

9

3651

2182

49

253

49

–

–

6

–

–

38

26

–

–

–

–

Total salary 
and pension 
contributions  

£’000

100

40

–

9

4034

244

49

25

49

–

Total

849

70

919

1  – Excluded from within this amount is compensation for loss of office totalling £155,652.
2  – Excluded from this amount is compensation for loss of office totalling £174,697.
3  – Excluded from this amount is compensation for loss of office totalling £25,000.
4  – Highest paid Director.

Performance Share Plan (‘PSP’) awards outstanding (Audited)
At 31 March 2018, outstanding awards to Directors under the PSP were as follows:

Basic salary, 
allowances 
and fees  
£’000

Pension 
contributions  

£’000

Total salary 
and pension 
contributions  

£’000

Bonus  
£’000

–

–

–

–

283

184

11

100

40

106

724

–

–

–

–

51

18

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

148

65

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

482

267

11

100

40

106

69

213

1,006

Director

S Cooke

R Canham

D Mulligan

Award date

Vesting date

Market price at 
award date

At 1 April 2017

Awarded 
during year 

Lapsed 
during year

Vested  

during year

At 31 March 
2018

Aug 2015

Aug 2018

105.0p

190,476

Dec 2016

Mar 2019

Dec 2016

Mar 2019

Dec 2016

Mar 2019

29.0p

29.0p

29.0p

2,136,752

170,940

598,290

–

–

–

–

190,476

–

1,914,209 222,543

153,137

535,978

17,803

62,312

–

–

–

–

For the 2015 awards, the outstanding awards lapsed during the year.

For the 2016 awards, these partially vested on 23 June 2017 when there was a change in control and Phoenix Asset Management Partners 
Limited became the majority shareholder, and the rest lapsed.

Future incentive schemes are currently being formalised for the new management team.

15

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018Directors’ Report continued

Benefits and pension (Unaudited)
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. 

Executive Directors’ service contracts (Unaudited)
Executive Directors do not have fixed period contracts.

Payments to past Directors, policy on payment for loss of office 
and termination payments (Audited)
Payments to past Directors totalled £355,349, made up of payments 
to Steve Cooke (£155,652), David Mulligan (£174,697) and Roger 
Canham (£25,000) under their respective settlement agreements. 
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 Directors 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.

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS
Interests in shares (Audited)
In addition to their interests in shares in the Performance Share Plans, 
the interests of the Directors in the shares of the Company at 
31 March 2018 and 31 March 2017 were:

Executive Directors

L Davies

K Gould

Non-Executive Directors

M George

J Wilson

J Stansfield

At 31 March 
2018 
number

At 31 March 
2017  

number

–

–

–

–

64,052

N/A

N/A

–

N/A

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. James 
Wilson is also a partner at Phoenix Asset Management Partners 
Limited who hold a substantial shareholding in Hornby PLC.

On behalf of the Board

Kirstie Gould
Chief Finance Officer
3rd Floor, The Gateway
Innovation Way
Discovery Park
Sandwich 
Kent CT13 9FF

18 June 2018

16

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018 Independent Auditors’ Report to the Members  
of Hornby PLC

REPORT ON THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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 2018 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 IFRSs as 

adopted by the European Union; and

•  have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the 

Companies Act 2006.

We have audited the financial statements, included within the Annual 
Report and Accounts 2018 (the ‘Annual Report’), which comprise: the 
Group and Company statements of financial position as at 31 March 
2018; the Group and Company statements of comprehensive income, 
the Group and Company statements of changes in equity, and the 
Group and Company cash flow statements for the year then ended; 
and the notes to the financial statements, which include a description 
of the significant accounting policies.
Our audit approach
Overview

Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards 
on Auditing (UK) (‘ISAs (UK)’) and applicable law. Our responsibilities 
under ISAs (UK) are further described in the Auditors’ responsibilities 
for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We 
believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and 
appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Independence
We remained independent of the Group in accordance with the 
ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial 
statements in the UK, which includes the Financial Reporting 
Council’s (FRC’s) Ethical Standard, as applicable to listed entities, 
and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance 
with these requirements.

•  Overall Group materiality: £400,000 (2017: £350,000), based on approximately 5% of underlying loss 

before tax.

•  Overall Company materiality: £320,000 (2017: £315,000), based on 1% of total assets, restricted so 

that it does not exceed Group materiality

•  We performed an audit of the complete financial information of two full scope components, being Hornby 
PLC and Hornby Hobbies Limited. We also performed desktop reviews over the European sales offices 
and US trading subsidiary, and audited the consolidation including consolidation adjustments.

•  Our full scope components provided coverage of 93% of Group revenue (2017: 84%), and 85% of Group 
underlying loss before tax (2017: 66%), increasing to 100% coverage for both revenue and underlying 
loss before tax when review and consolidation procedures are included.

•  All entities are managed from one central location in the UK. All audit work was undertaken by the UK 

engagement team.

•  Going concern (Group and Company).
•  Impairment of goodwill, investments and intangibles (Group and Company).
•  Recording of revenue (Group).
•  Royalty provision (Group).
•  Inventory provisioning (Group).
•  Classification of exceptional items (Group and Company).

The scope of our audit
As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality and 
assessed the risks of material misstatement in the financial 
statements. In particular, we looked at where the Directors made 
subjective judgements, for example in respect of significant 
accounting estimates that involved making assumptions and 
considering future events that are inherently uncertain. 

As in all of our audits we also addressed the risk of management 
override of internal controls, including evaluating whether there was 
evidence of bias by the Directors that represented a risk of material 
misstatement due to fraud. 

Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in the auditors’ professional 
judgement, were of most significance in the audit of the financial 
statements of the current period and include the most significant 
assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) 
identified by the auditors, including those which had the greatest 
effect on: the overall audit strategy; the allocation of resources in the 
audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team. These 
matters, and any comments we make on the results of our 
procedures thereon, were addressed in the context of our audit of 
the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion 
thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these 
matters. This is not a complete list of all risks identified by our audit.

17

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSIndependent Auditors’ Report to the Members  
of Hornby PLC continued

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Going concern
Refer to note 1 within the Notes to the Financial Statements for 
further information.

Due to the recent trading performance of the Group, there is a risk  
of the Group and Company being unable to continue as a going 
concern.

The Group had forecast that it would breach bank covenants 
associated with a £6 million revolving credit facility at 31 March 
2018. These covenants were formerly waived and so no covenant 
breach occurred. The Group has refinanced these borrowings with a 
£12 million asset based facility and £6 million drawdown facility.

The Directors have prepared a cash flow model to 31 March 2021 
which incorporates the strategy of the new CEO, and the expected 
impact of the strategy on trading results including revenue growth, 
margin improvement and cost savings. This model shows that there is 
cash headroom throughout the forecast period, covenants associated 
with the new financing agreements will not be breached, and 
indicates that the Group will be able to continue as a going 
concern.

Group and Company

Impairment of goodwill, investments and intangibles
Refer to note 8, note 9 and note 11 within the Notes to the Financial 
Statements for further information.

The Group has £4.6 million of goodwill (31 March 2017:  
£4.6 million) and £2.2 million of intangible assets (31 March 2017: 
£2.5 million) relating to brand names and customer lists. Hornby PLC 
also holds an investment in subsidiaries of £23.3 million (31 March 
2017: £22.7 million) in the Company financial statements.

Recovery of these amounts is dependent on future cash flows 
associated with the respective asset and there is a risk that if these 
cash flows do not meet the Group’s expectations then assets might 
be impaired.

Group and Company

We have tested the cash flow model for mathematical accuracy. 
We have discussed the key assumptions in the cash flow model with 
the Directors and assessed the reasonableness of each assumption, 
noting that forecast improvements in gross margin are important 
factors in delivering the plan. We have performed sensitivity analysis 
to assess whether a reasonably possible change in a key assumption 
would result in a need for further financing. We have reviewed the 
covenants within the new financing agreements and ensured that 
these are not breached based on the cash flow model. We have 
also reviewed the post-year end performance of the Group.

Please see our conclusion within the ‘Conclusions relating to going 
concern’ section.

We have reviewed the Directors’ impairment assessments for 
goodwill, investments and intangibles for reasonableness.

We have considered the Directors’ assessments, which contain a 
number of judgements and estimates including growth in profit 
margins, and use assumptions for long-term growth rates and 
discount rates.

We assessed the mathematical accuracy of the Directors’ cash flow 
model and agreed the underlying forecasts to Board-approved 
budgets and assessed how these budgets were compiled. With the 
support of our valuations experts, we assessed the terminal growth 
rates and discount rates applied by the Directors to third party 
information and applied our independent view of more appropriate 
rates to the Directors’ forecast.

We challenged the Directors as to the appropriateness of the level 
of aggregation of each cash generating unit (‘CGU’) and the 
independence of cash flows from other assets. We considered the 
reliability of the Directors’ historical forecasting for revenue, profit and 
cash conversion by comparing budgeted results to actual 
performance. As a result of our work, we determined that it was 
appropriate that no impairment charge was recognised for goodwill 
and intangible assets in the Group financial statements and that 
appropriate disclosures had been made.

The Directors identified that an impairment charge of £1.0 million 
should be recognised in respect of investments in the Hornby PLC 
financial statements.

18

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018 Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Recording of revenue
Refer to note 1 within the Notes to the Financial Statements for 
further information.

The Group has recorded £35.7 million of revenue (2017: £47.4 
million). There is a risk that revenue may be fraudulently recorded 
and may not exist.

Group

Royalty provision
Refer to note 1 within the Notes to the Financial Statements for 
further information.

The Group has recorded a royalty provision of £0.7 million as at 
31 March 2018 (31 March 2017: £0.2 million). This includes 
amounts in relation to royalties for the sale of licensed goods. We 
focused on this area as it is a material provision and there is 
judgement in assessing the amount of the provision.

Group

Inventory provisioning
Refer to note 12 within the Notes to the Financial Statements for 
further information.

The Group held £10.0 million of inventory as at 31 March 2018 
(31 March 2017: £9.7 million). The nature of the Group’s business 
model is to supply toy and hobby products to the global market 
through a series of brands. There is a risk that aged inventory may 
be difficult to sell. The completeness of the inventory provision is an 
area of focus for the audit.

Group

Classification of exceptional items
Refer to note 4 within the Notes to the Financial Statements for 
further information.

The Group has recorded exceptional items of £2.3 million 
(31 March 2017: £3.3 million) and the Company has recorded 
exceptional items of £1.9 million (31 March 2017: £5.8 million). 
These items are considered to be one-off and exceptional in nature. 
We focused on this area because the classification of items as 
exceptional requires judgement.

Group and Company

We reviewed the revenue recognition policy and found the policy to 
be appropriate and consistent with the prior year. For Hornby 
Hobbies Limited, representing 93% of revenue, we performed a 
walkthrough of the revenue process to understand how revenue is 
recognised and performed detailed testing by selecting a sample of 
transactions and agreed them to despatch notes and cash receipts 
to gain assurance over the occurrence of revenue. This was 
supported by testing a sample of items to price lists and discount 
agreements, testing a sample of manual journals to supporting 
documentation and testing sales close to the year end to shipping 
documentation. We performed analytical procedures on sales for 
the other territories. Our work did not identify any exceptions.

We obtained an understanding of the methodology used by the 
Group for determining royalty accruals in relation to the sale of 
licensed goods. We reconciled the value used for sales of licensed 
goods in the calculations back to sales in the year and tested  
a sample of royalty percentages used to a sample of contacts.  
We tested payments made during the year to bank statements  
and considered the Directors’ ability to estimate the amount in the 
prior year.

In relation to ongoing discussions with suppliers, we assessed the 
most likely outcome of these discussions.

No issues arose from our work to suggest that the provision was 
materially misstated.

We obtained an understanding of the methodology used in the 
inventory provision and agreed the values used in the calculation to 
the general ledger. For a sample of stock lines, we tested the ageing 
and that they had been appropriately categorised for the purposes 
of calculating the provision. We then recomputed the inventory 
provision based on the provisioning methodology, reviewed the 
completeness of the provision by assessing aged unprovided 
inventory balances against the sales plan, and performed some 
sensitivity analysis to assess whether there was a risk of material 
misstatement in the provision.

Nothing arose from our work to suggest that the provisions recorded 
were materially misstated.

We discussed with the Directors and understood the events in the 
year which were considered to be exceptional. We considered 
whether the classification of items was consistent with the Group’s 
accounting policy and treatment in prior years. We tested a sample 
of items to third party support, and challenged the Directors on 
whether it might be more appropriate to reflect the costs in the 
underlying results. We considered whether the Group has taken a 
balanced approach to this area, and reviewed for potential one-off 
items of income which would require treatment consistent with  
one-off items of cost.

Our testing did not identify any costs that had been inappropriately 
classified.

19

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSIndependent Auditors’ Report to the Members  
of Hornby PLC continued

How we tailored the audit scope
We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed 
enough work to be able to give an opinion on the financial 
statements as a whole, taking into account the structure of the Group 
and the Company, the accounting processes and controls, and the 
industry in which they operate.

The Group’s business model is to supply toy and hobby products  
to the global market through a series of brands. The majority of 
operations are performed within the UK trading subsidiary, Hornby 
Hobbies Limited. There is also a trading company in the US and 
sales offices in France, Germany, Italy and Spain. All entities are 
managed from one central location in the UK. The scope of our 
audit includes a full scope audit of the financial information of 
Hornby PLC and Hornby Hobbies Limited. Analytical review 
procedures have been performed on the US company and 

European sales offices. We have also audited consolidation entries. 
All audit work was performed by the UK audit team.

Materiality
The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of 
materiality. We set certain quantitative thresholds for materiality. 
These, together with qualitative considerations, helped us to 
determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and extent 
of our audit procedures on the individual financial statement line 
items and disclosures and in evaluating the effect of misstatements, 
both individually and in aggregate, on the financial statements  
as a whole. 

Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for 
the financial statements as a whole as follows:

Overall materiality

£400,000 (2017: £350,000).

£320,000 (2017: £315,000).

Group financial statements

Company financial statements

How we determined it

Approximately 5% of underlying loss before tax. 1% of total assets, restricted so that it does not 

Rationale for benchmark applied

Based on the benchmarks used in the Annual 
Report, underlying loss before tax is the primary 
measure used by the shareholders in assessing 
the performance of the Group, and is a 
generally accepted auditing benchmark on the 
basis that the exceptional items are non-
recurring and do not reflect the underlying 
performance of the business.

exceed Group materiality.

The Company is primarily a holding company 
and we consider that total assets is the most 
appropriate benchmark for assessing materiality.

For each component in the scope of our Group audit, we allocated 
a materiality that is less than our overall Group materiality. The 
range of materiality allocated across components was between 
£320,000 and £380,000. 

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to  
them misstatements identified during our audit above £12,500 
(Group audit) (2017: £12,500) and £12,500 (Company audit) 
(2017: £12,500) as well as misstatements below those amounts  
that, in our view, warranted reporting for qualitative reasons.

Conclusions relating to going concern
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in 
relation to which ISAs (UK) require us to report to you when: 
•  the Directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in  
the preparation of the financial statements is not appropriate; or 
•  the Directors have not disclosed in the financial statements any 
identified material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt 
about the Group’s and Company’s ability to continue to adopt 
the going concern basis of accounting for a period of at least 
twelve months from the date when the financial statements are 
authorised for issue.

However, because not all future events or conditions can be 
predicted, this statement is not a guarantee as to the Group’s and 
Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

Reporting on other information 
The other information comprises all of the information in the Annual 
Report other than the financial statements and our auditors’ report 
thereon. The Directors are responsible for the other information.  
Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other 
information and, accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion 
or, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in this report, any 
form of assurance thereon. 

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our 
responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, 
consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent  
with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit, 
or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify  
an apparent material inconsistency or material misstatement, we  
are required to perform procedures to conclude whether there  
is a material misstatement of the financial statements or a material 
misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have 

20

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018 A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the 
financial statements is located on the FRC’s website at:  
www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms  
part of our auditors’ report.

Use of this report
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.

OTHER REQUIRED REPORTING
Companies Act 2006 exception reporting
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

•  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

•  certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law 

are not made; or

•  the Company financial statements are not in agreement with the 

accounting records and returns. 

We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility. 

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

18 June 2018

performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this 
other information, we are required to report that fact. We have 
nothing to report based on these responsibilities.

With respect to the Strategic Report and Directors’ Report, we also 
considered whether the disclosures required by the UK Companies 
Act 2006 have been included. 

Based on the responsibilities described above and our work 
undertaken in the course of the audit, ISAs (UK) require us also to 
report certain opinions and matters as described below.

Strategic Report and Directors’ Report
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the 
audit, the information given in the Strategic Report and Directors’ 
Report for the year ended 31 March 2018 is consistent with the 
financial statements and has been prepared in accordance with 
applicable legal requirements. 

In light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and 
Company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit, 
we did not identify any material misstatements in the Strategic Report 
and Directors’ Report. 

Responsibilities for the financial statements and the audit
Responsibilities of the Directors for the financial statements
As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities 
set out on page 13, the Directors are responsible for the preparation 
of the financial statements in accordance with the applicable 
framework and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. 
The Directors are also responsible for such internal control as they 
determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial 
statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to 
fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the Directors are responsible 
for assessing the Group’s and the Company’s ability to continue as a 
going concern, disclosing as applicable, matters related to going 
concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the 
Directors either intend to liquidate the Group or the Company or to 
cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the 
financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, 
whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditors’ report  
that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of 
assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in 
accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement 
when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are 
considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could 
reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users 
taken on the basis of these financial statements. 

21

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGroup and Company Statements of 
Comprehensive Income 
for the Year Ended 31 March 2018 

Revenue
Cost of sales

Gross profit
Distribution costs
Selling and marketing costs
Administrative expenses
Other operating (expenses)/gains

Operating (loss)/profit before exceptional items
Exceptional items
Operating loss 
Finance income
Finance costs
Net finance expense
Share of profit of investments accounted for using the equity method

Loss before taxation
Income tax credit/(charge)

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 (losses)/gains
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 26 to 57 form part of these accounts.

Group

Company

Note

2

4

2
3
3
3

4
5

2018 
£’000

35,651 
(21,900)

13,751
(7,224)
(7,647)
(6,021)
(437)

(7,578)
(2,292)
(9,870)
7
(218)
(211)
15

(10,066)
212

(9,854)

2017 
£’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)

2018 
£’000

1,493 
–

1,493
–
–
(1,416)
–

77
(1,889)
(1,812)
175
(216)
(41)
15

(1,838)
 –

(1,838)

2017 
£’000

1,370
–

1,370
–
–
(1,264)
–

106
(5,801)
(5,695)
175
(205)
(30)
–

(5,725)
100

(5,625)

(353)
(54)
(407)

(452)
15
(437)

–
(76)
(76)

–
(390)
(390)

(10,261)

(10,103)

(1,914)

(6,015)

7
7

(10.13)p
(10.13)p

(12.65)p
(12.65)p

22

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group and Company Statements  
of Financial Position 
as at 31 March 2018

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

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

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

8
9
10
11
20

12
13
19
17
14

18
15
19
16
17

18
20

21

23
23
23
23

4,564
3,368
4,489
1,615
2,030

4,554
4,214
5,683
–
1,974

–
–
–
23,300
– 

16,066

16,425

23,300

10,030
5,949
–
–
3,878

19,857

9,680
9,246
120
50
1,580

20,676

–
33,529
–
–
4

33,533

–
–
–
22,657
–

22,657

–
24,109
–
50
6

24,165

–
(4,312)
(423)
(174)
–

(4,909)

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

(7,344)

–
(159)
–
–
–

(159)

–
(27)
–
–
–

(27)

14,948

13,332

33,374

24,138

–
(150)

(150)

–
(94)

(94)

(5,849)
–

(5,849)

(5,518)
–

(5,518)

30,864

29,663

50,825

41,277

1,253
38,587
55
(1,425)
(423)
1,688
(8,871)

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

1,253
38,587
55
(1,220)
–
19,145
(6,995)

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

30,864

29,663

50,825

41,277

The Company made a total comprehensive loss for the year of £1,914,000 (2017: £6,015,000).

The notes on pages 26 to 57 form part of these accounts. The financial statements on pages 24 to 58 were approved by the Board of 
Directors on 18 June 2018 and were signed on its behalf by:

K Gould
Director
Registered Company Number: 01547390

23

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group and Company Statements  
of Changes in Equity
for the Year Ended 31 March 2018 

Group

Balance at 1 April 2016
Loss for the year
Other comprehensive income/(expense) for 

the year

Total comprehensive expense 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 and 1 April 2017

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 (note 22)
Total transactions with owners

Share 
capital 
£’000

550
–

Share 
premium 
£’000

20,205
–

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 
£’000

55
–

Translation 
reserve 
£’000

(1,386)
–

–
–

296
–
296

846

–
–
–

407
–
407

–
–

7,240
–
7,240

27,445

–
–
–

11,142
–
11,142

–
–

–
–
–

15
15

–
–
–

55

(1,371)

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
(54)
(54)

–
–
–

Hedging 
reserve 
£’000

382
–

(452)
(452)

–
–
–

(70)

–
(353)
(353)

–
–
–

Retained 
earnings/
(accumulated 
losses) 
£’000

10,642
(9,666)

Other 
reserves 
£’000

1,688
–

Total 
equity 
£’000

32,136
(9,666)

–
–

–
–
–

–
(9,666)

(437)
(10,103)

–
94
94

7,536
94
7,630

1,688

1,070

29,663

–
–
–

–
–
–

(9,854)
–
(9,854)

(9,854)
(407)
(10,261)

–
(87)
(87)

11,549
(87)
11,462

Balance at 31 March 2018

1,253

38,587

55

(1,425)

(423)

1,688

(8,871)

30,864

Company

Balance at 1 April 2016
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 2017 and 1 April 2017

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

Share 
premium 
£’000

20,205
–
–
–

7,240 
–
7,240 

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 
£’000

55
–
–
–

–
–
–

Translation 
reserve 
£’000

(754)
–
(390)
(390)

Other 
reserves 
£’000

19,145
–
–
–

Retained 
earnings/
(accumulated 
losses) 
£’000

461
(5,625)
–
(5,625)

Total 
equity 
£’000

39,662
(5,625)
(390)
(6,015)

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
94 
94 

7,536 
94 
7,630 

27,445 

55 

(1,144)

19,145 

(5,070)

41,277 

–
–
–

11,142
–
11,142

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
(76)
(76)

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

(1,838)
–
(1,838)

(1,838)
(76)
(1,914)

–
(87)
(87)

11,549
(87)
11,462

Share 
capital 
£’000

550
–
–
–

296 
–
296 

846 

–
–
–

407
–
407

Balance at 31 March 2018

1,253

38,587

55

(1,220)

19,145

(6,995)

50,825

The notes on pages 26 to 57 form part of these accounts.

24

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018 Group and Company Cash Flow Statements
for the Year Ended 31 March 2018

Cash flows from operating activities
Cash (used in)/generated from operations
Interest paid
Tax received/(paid)
Repayments of loans and cash-settled share-based payments

Net cash (used in)/generated from operating activities

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

Net cash (used in)/generated from investing activities

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

Net increase/(decrease) 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

The notes on pages 26 to 57 form part of these accounts.

Note

28

11

10
9

14
18

Group

Company

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

(5,489)
(218)
50
(136)

(5,793)

(1,600)
4
(1,648)
(146)
7

(3,383)

12,000
(451)
–
11,549

2,373
1,498
7

3,878

3,878
–

3,878

91
(326)
118
(188)

(305)

–
3,338
(1,756)
(226)
5

1,361

8,000
(464)
–
7,536

8,592
(7,029)
(65)

1,498

1,580
(82)

1,498

(640)
(198)
50
(136)

(924)

(1,600)
–
–
–
175

(1,425)

12,000
(451)
(9,202)
2,347

(2)
6
–

4

4
–

4

(1,080)
(205)
(89)
–

(1,374)

–
2,248
–
–
175

2,423

8,000
(464)
(8,580)
(1,044)

5
1
–

6

6
–

6

25

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018Notes to the Financial Statements

1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Accounting policies for the year ended 31 March 2018
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 2018 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.

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 £12 million banking facility with PNC Credit Limited through to June 2023 and available net cash of £3.9 million 
at 31 March 2018. In addition, the Group has a rolling three-year £6 million loan facility available with its main shareholder, Phoenix Asset 
Management Partners Limited.

The Group has prepared trading and cash flow forecasts for a period of three years, which have been reviewed and approved by the 
Board. On the basis of these forecasts, the facilities described above and after detailed review of trading, financial position and cash flow 
models, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group and Company have 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 de-consolidated 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 
A number of new standards and amendments to standards and interpretations will be effective for future annual periods beginning after 
1 January 2018 and, therefore, have not been applied in preparing these consolidated financial statements. The expected impact of IFRS 9 
‘Financial Instruments’, IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’ and IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ on the consolidated financial statements of the 
Group is disclosed below.

IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’
IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ was issued in July 2014 to replace IAS 39 “Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement” and has been 
endorsed by the EU. The standard is effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018 and will be adopted by the 
Group on 1 April 2018.

IFRS 9 will impact the classification and measurement of the Group’s financial instruments and will require certain additional disclosures.  
The primary changes relate to the assessment of hedging arrangements and provisioning for potential future credit losses on financial assets; 
the Group is continuing to analyse the impact of these changes which are not currently considered likely to have any major impact on the 
Group’s current accounting treatment or hedging activities. Management has concluded an initial assessment and the impact is not material.

26

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018 IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’ 
IFRS 15 is effective for periods commencing on or after 1 January 2018. The standard was endorsed by the EU during 2016. The Group has 
not adopted this standard early. IFRS 15 changes how and when revenue is recognised from contracts with customers. The Group will be 
required to identify all contracts it has with customers in order to determine whether, how much and when, revenue is recognised. The Group 
has not identified any revenue streams that will be impacted by the new standard. The Group plans to adopt IFRS 15 in its consolidated 
financial statements for the year ending 31 March 2019. Management has concluded an initial assessment and the impact is not material.

IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ 
IFRS 16 is effective for periods commencing on or after 1 January 2019. The standard was endorsed by the EU during 2017. The Group 
does not plan to adopt this standard early. IFRS 16 eliminates the classification of leases as either operating leases or finance leases.  
The Group will be required to recognise all leases with a term of more than twelve months as a right-of-use lease asset on its balance sheet. 
The Group will also recognise a financial liability representing its obligation to make future lease payments. The Group has conducted an 
initial quantification of the impact of adopting the standard, based on its existing lease contracts. The most significant impact is in respect of 
its various office and warehouse premises. The impact using the modified retrospective approach is expected to be the recognition of a lease 
liability of £1.9 million, with a corresponding right-of-use asset.

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. 

27

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued
Associate with equity accounting
The investment in December 2017 in 49% of LCD Enterprises Limited is included in these accounts using the equity method.

Associates are all entities over which the Group has significant influence but not control, generally accompanying a shareholding of between 
20% and 50% of the voting rights. Investments in associates are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Under the equity 
method, the investment is initially recognised at cost, and the carrying amount is increased or decreased to recognise the investor’s share of 
the profit or loss of the investee after the date of acquisition. The Group’s investment in associates includes goodwill identified on acquisition.

If the ownership interest in an associate is reduced but significant influence is retained, only a proportionate share of the amounts previously 
recognised in other comprehensive income is reclassified to profit and loss where appropriate.

The Group’s share of post-acquisition profit or loss is recognised in the income statement, and its share of post-acquisition movements in other 
comprehensive income is recognised in other comprehensive income with a corresponding adjustment to the carrying amount of the 
investment. When the Group’s share of losses in an associate equals or exceeds its interest in the associate, including any other unsecured 
receivables, the Group does not recognise further losses, unless it has incurred legal or constructive obligations or made payments on behalf 
of the associate.

The Group determines at each reporting date whether there is any objective evidence that the investment in the associate is impaired. If this is 
the case, the Group calculates the amount of impairment as the difference between the recoverable amount of the associate and its carrying 
value and recognises the amount adjacent to ‘share of profit/(loss) of associates’ in the income statement.

Gains resulting from upstream and downstream transactions between the Group and its associate are recognised in the Group’s financial 
statements only to the extent of unrelated investors’ interests in the associates. Unrealised losses are eliminated unless the transaction provides 
evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred. Any dilution gains and losses arising in investments in associates are recognised in the 
income statement.

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 CGUs for the purpose of impairment testing. The allocation is made to those CGUs or groups of CGUs 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 CGU to which it is allocated.

Intangibles
Other intangibles include brands, customer lists and computer software. They are recognised initially at fair value determined in accordance 
with appropriate valuation methodologies, and subjected to amortisation and annual impairment reviews, as follows:

(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 four  

to six years.

28

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018 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:

Plant and equipment 
Motor vehicles 

– 5 to 10 years
– 4 years

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 (CGUs). 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.

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.

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

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 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.

29

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018Notes to the Financial Statements continued

1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued
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.

Taxations, 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.

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.

Share-based payment
The Group operates the PSP (‘Performance Share Plan’) 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 PSP awards that were outstanding at 31 March 2017 only vested if performance conditions were met. Awards granted under the PSP 
must be exercised within one year of the relevant award vesting date. There were no awards outstanding at 31 March 2018.

On 23 June 2017, Phoenix UK Fund Limited put forward a mandatory unconditional cash offer by Phoenix UK Fund for the Hornby shares not 
already held by members of the Phoenix Concert Party. As part of the rules of the PSP scheme, this automatically caused the 2016-17 PSP 
awards to vest. Following on from the change of ownership, and due to the subsequent changes to the Board, no PSP awards have been 
made in 2018. All the remaining PSP awards have now either vested as a result of the takeover offer or have lapsed.

30

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018 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 25.

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.

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 Dollar forwards in exchange for Sterling) and looks 
forward six to 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 the 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 2018 the Group had a credit facility of £6 million (2017: £7.75 million) expiring in December 2019 (2017: December 

2019). Borrowings in the year ended 31 March 2018 peaked at £7.4 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.

31

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued
  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. 

(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’s estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including 
expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

Critical accounting estimates and assumptions:
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 have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of 
assets and liabilities within the next financial year are addressed below.

(a) Impairment of goodwill, intangibles and investments

The Group tests annually whether any goodwill, investment or intangible asset has suffered any impairment. The recoverable amounts of 
CGUs have been determined based on value-in-use calculations. The critical areas of estimation applied within the impairment reviews 
conducted include the weighted average cost of capital used in discounting the cash flows of the CGUs, the forecast margin growth rate, 
the growth rate in perpetuity of the cash flows and the forecast operating profits of the CGUs. The judgements used within this assessment 
are set out within note 8.

32

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018  
Other estimates and assumptions:
(a) Inventory provision
  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.

(b) Debtors provision
  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.

(c)  Fair value of derivatives

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

(d) Sales provision

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.

(e) Provisions for royalty payments

The provision for royalty payments is based on an estimate of royalty payments due as a percentage of total sales. This estimate is 
checked on a regular basis for accuracy and from 1 April 2018 the provisions will be calculated by the ERP system based on actual  
sales of licensed product at the point of sale.

Critical judgements in applying the Group’s accounting policies:
(a) Recognition of deferred tax on losses
  Deferred tax assets are recognised for deductible temporary differences, carry-forward of unused tax assets and unused tax losses,  
to the extent that it is probable that the 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 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.

(b) Going concern

The Directors apply judgement to assess whether it is appropriate for the Group to be reported as a going concern by considering the 
business activities and the Group’s principal risks and uncertainties. Details of the consideration made are included within the Directors’ 
Report (page 12) and the basis of preparation (page 28).

  A number of assumptions and estimates are involved in arriving at this judgement, including management’s projections of future trading 

performance and expectations of the external economic environment.

Other judgements in applying the Group’s accounting policies:
(a) Equity accounting for LCD Enterprises Limited
  Associates are all entities over which the Group has significant influence but not control, generally accompanying a shareholding of 

between 20% and 50% of the voting rights. Investments in associates are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Under the 
equity method, the investment is initially recognised at cost, and the carrying amount is increased or decreased to recognise the Group’s 
share of the change in net assets of LCD Enterprises Limited since the date of the acquisition.

33

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018 
 
 
 
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 
22 and its assets and liabilities given in the Company Statement of Financial Position on page 23. Other Company information is provided in 
the other notes to the accounts.

Italy 
£’000

Rest of Europe 
£’000

Total 
reportable 
segments 
£’000

35,651
1,326
(9,870)
7
746
(218)
(746)

Intra-Group 
£’000

–
(1,326)
–
–
(746)
–
746

2,635
–
(123)
–
–
–
(74)

1,118
–
(1)
–
128
–
(153)

–

(26)

–

(26)

3,433
(3,640)
(65)

(272)

4,148
(4,066)
–

–

15

(197)

(10,066)

(187)

(384)

4,655
(3,799)
45

212

(9,854)

63,799
(30,086)
2,210

901

35,923

6,702
(6,578)
–

34,818
(30,085)
326

82

124

5,059

–
7

–
–
–

–
12

–
–
–

1,648
2,821

114
992
(87)

Group 
£’000

35,651
0
(9,870)
7
–
(218)
–

15

(10,066)

212

(9,854)

63,799
(30,086)
2,210

35,923

34,818
(30,085)
326

5,059

1,648
2,821

114
992
(87)

–

–

–

–

–
–
–

–

–
–
–

–

–
–

–
–
–

Year ended 31 March 2018

Revenue  

Operating loss
Finance cost  

– External
– Other segments

– External
– Other segments

Finance income   – External

– Other segments

Share of profit of investments accounted for 

using the equity method

(Loss)/profit before taxation

Taxation

(Loss)/profit 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
Share-based payment

UK 
£’000

28,497
1,326
(9,084)
7
618
(218)
(303)

USA 
£’000

2,461
–
(538)
–
–
–
–

15

–

(8,965)

(538)

400

(8,565)

48,573
(16,691)
2,230

34,112

17,145
(12,769)
326

4,702

1,619
2,767

114
992
(87)

–

(538)

1,072
(55)
–

1,017

2,080
(2,017)
–

63

29
12

–
–
–

Spain 
£’000

940
–
(124)
–
–
–
(216)

–

(340)

(1)

(341)

6,066
(5,901)
–

165

4,743
(4,655)
–

88

–
23

–
–
–

All transactions between Group companies are on normal commercial terms.

34

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018    
   
   
Year ended 31 March 2017

Revenue  

Operating loss
Finance cost  

– External
– Other segments

– External
– Other segments

Finance income   – External

– Other segments

(Loss)/profit before taxation

Taxation

(Loss)/profit 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

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
–
94

USA 
£’000

3,519
–
(323)
–
–
–
–

(323)

(2)

Spain 
£’000

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

–
–
–
–

Italy 
£’000

Rest of Europe 
£’000

1,622
–
534
–
–
–
(145)

389

(218)

171

3,858
(3,280)
–

3,488
–
428
–
–
–
(69)

359

(32)

327

5,950
(3,495)
–

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

578

2,455

37,100

4,544
(4,296)
212

460

7,803
(6,775)
–

1,028

37,054
(29,922)
306

7,438

37
149

–
80
–
–

–
3

–
8
–
–

1,982
3,036

410
816
–
94

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
–
94

All transactions between Group companies are on normal commercial terms.

3. NET FINANCE EXPENSE

Group

Company

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

Finance income:
Bank interest
Interest income on intercompany loans

2018 
£’000

(218)
–

(218)

7
–

7

2017 
£’000

(326)
–

(326)

5
–

5

Net finance expense

(211)

(321)

2018 
£’000

– 
(216)

(216)

– 
175

175

(41)

2017 
£’000

–
(205)

(205)

–
175

175

(30)

35

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018   
   
   
 
 
 
 
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
(Loss)/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:
Impairment of trade receivables
Share-based payment (credit)/charge

Other operating expenses/(income):
– Foreign exchange on trading transactions
– Net impact of foreign exchange on intercompany loans
– Amortisation of intangible assets – brands and customer lists

Exceptional items comprise:
– Restructuring costs 
– Refinancing
– Profit on disposal of property
– Costs of EGM and mandatory offer
– Impairment of investment

Group

Company

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

8,994

10,587

1,443

1,452

17,252
(44)

23,339
(646)

2,821
(9)

3,036
1,439

88
717
114
994

432
(87)

221
(114)
314

92
719
86
1,154

486
110

(292)
(410)
344

–
–

–
–

–
–
–
–

–
202

–
–
–

–
–

–
926

–
–
–
–

–
76

–
–
–

Group

Company

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

1,823
70
–
399
–

2,292

3,889
944
(1,530)
–
–

3,303

536
–
–
381
972

1,889

761
191
(926)
–
5,775

5,801

The exceptional items totalling £2,292,000 (2017: £3,303,000) include restructuring costs relating to redundancy costs and professional 
fees, relating to the ongoing reorganisation in the UK, and additionally in the prior year the costs of running the Margate site. In addition, 
there are costs relating to the 2017 equity issue and bank refinancing, plus fees relating to the EGM and the Phoenix mandatory offer  
for shares.

The Company’s exceptional items include £972,000 (2017: £5,775,000) in respect of impairment charges against investments in the 
Spanish, Italian and German subsidiaries following the restructuring of the senior management team and the associated forecasts.

36

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018  
 
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 the 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
– Other advisory work

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

55

44
5
–

50

62
5
95

104

212

10

–
–
–

10

10

–
–
–

10

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 the year to 31 March 2017.

5. INCOME TAX (CREDIT)/CHARGE
Analysis of tax (credit)/charge 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 (credit)/charge to the loss before tax

Group

Company

2018 
£’000

–
–
–
(212)
(212)

–
–
–
–

–

(212)

2017 
£’000

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

–
–
212
45
257

(199)
–
–
99

(100)

157

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–

(94)
–
–
(6)

(100)

(100)

37

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018Notes to the Financial Statements continued

5. INCOME TAX (CREDIT)/CHARGE continued
The tax for the year differs to the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 19%. Any differences are explained below:

Loss before taxation
Loss on ordinary activities multiplied by rate of  
Corporation tax in UK of 19% (2017: 20%)

Effects of:
Adjustments to tax in respect of prior years
Permanent differences
Difference on overseas rates of tax
Deferred tax not recognised
Remeasurement of deferred tax
– Change in UK tax rate to 17% (2017: 17%)

Total taxation

Group

Company

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

(10,066)

(9,509)

(1,838)

(5,725)

(1,913)

(1,902)

(349)

(1,145)

(212)
(19)
(131)
2,063

–

(212)

45
83
(110)
1,942

99

157

–
205
–
144

–

–

–
868
–
183

(6)

(100)

The Company’s profits for this accounting year are taxed at an effective rate of 19%. The UK corporation tax rate is due to decrease further 
to 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 to UK and overseas subsidiaries and is not recognised due the Directors taking the view that it would be 
inappropriate to recognise further deferred tax assets relating to losses until taxable profits are being delivered by the Group. 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 2017 and no interim dividend has been paid in relation to 
the year ended 31 March 2018. The Directors are not proposing a final dividend in respect of the financial year ended 31 March 2018.

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 2018. For the year ended 31 March 2018, 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.

38

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018 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 
Extraordinary General Meeting and mandatory offer
Refinancing
Profit on disposal of property
Net foreign exchange translation adjustments

Underlying basic loss/EPS

Underlying diluted loss/EPS

2018

Weighted 
average 
number of 
shares 
’000s

(Loss)/
earnings 
£’000

Per-share 
amount 
pence

(Loss)/ 
earnings 
£’000

2017

Weighted 
average 
number of 
shares 
’000s

Per-share 
amount 
pence

(9,854)

97,288

(10.13)

(9,666)

76,384

(12.65)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(9,854)

97,288

(10.13)

(9,666)

76,384

(12.65)

(9,854)
254
1,477
323
57
–
(93)

(7,836)

97,288
–
–
–
–
–
–

97,288

(7,836)

97,288

(10.13)
0.26
1.52
0.33
0.06
–
(0.10)

(8.05)

(8.05)

(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)

The above numbers used to calculate the EPS for the year ended 31 March 2018 and 31 March 2017 have been tax effected at the rates 
of 19% and 20% respectively.

39

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

8. GOODWILL

Group

Cost
At 1 April 2017
Exchange adjustments

At 31 March 2018

Aggregate impairment

At 1 April 2017
Charge for the year
Exchange adjustments

At 31 March 2018

Net book amount at 31 March 2018

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

Net book amount at 31 March 2016

The Company has no goodwill. 

£’000

13,045
10

13,055

8,491
–
–

8,491

4,564

13,007
38

13,045

8,491

–
–

8,491
4,554

4,516

The goodwill has been allocated to CGUs and a summary of carrying amounts of goodwill by geographical segment (representing CGUs) 
at 31 March 2018 and 31 March 2017 is as follows:

Group

At 31 March 2018

At 31 March 2017

UK 
£’000

3,992

3,992

USA 
£’000

9

10

France 
£’000

365

358

Germany 
£’000

198

194

Total 
£’000

4,564

4,554

Goodwill allocated to the above CGUs 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 2019/
three-year business plan for the year ending 31 March 2021. Cash flows beyond the three-year period are extrapolated using an estimated 
2% year-on-year growth rate. The cash flows were discounted using a pre-tax discount rate of 10.9% (2017: 13%) which management 
believes is appropriate for all territories.

40

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018  
 
 
The key assumptions used for value-in-use calculations for the year ended 31 March 2018 are as follows:

Group

Gross margin1
Growth rate to perpetuity2

UK 
(Corgi)

61.1%
2.0%

UK 
(Airfix & 
Humbrol)

63.3%
2.0%

France

62.2%
2.0%

Spain

n/a
n/a

Italy

n/a
n/a

Germany

56.9%
2.0%

1.  Average of the variable yearly gross margins used over the period 2018–19 to 2022–23.
2.  Weighted average growth rate used to extrapolate cash flows beyond the budget period.

The key assumptions used for value-in-use calculations for the year ended 31 March 2017 are as follows:

Group

EBITDA1
Growth rate to perpetuity3

UK 
(Corgi)

38.9%1
1.0%

UK 
(Airfix & 
Humbrol)

35.6%1
1.0%

France

37.4%2
1.0%

Spain

n/a
n/a

Italy

n/a
n/a

Germany

40.7%2
1.0%

1.  Budgeted contribution: Corgi and Airfix/Humbrol.
2.  Budgeted EBITDA: France and Germany.
3.  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 £14.7 million. A reduction of the 
average gross margin to respectively 56.0% for Corgi and 51.7% for Airfix/Humbrol, or a rise in discount rate to respectively 16.6% for 
Corgi and 51.9% 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 £11.7 million. A reduction of the 
average gross margin to 13.5%, or a rise in discount rate to 220.4%, would remove the remaining headroom.

For the Germany CGU, the recoverable amount calculated based on value in use exceeded carrying value by £9.2 million. A reduction of 
the average gross margin to 15.6%, or a rise in discount rate to 290.7%, would remove the remaining headroom.

9. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Group

Intangible assets
Cost
At 1 April 2017
Additions

At 31 March 2018

Accumulated amortisation
At 1 April 2017
Charge for the year

At 31 March 2018

Net book amount at 31 March 2018

Brand names 
£’000

Customer lists 
£’000

Computer 
software 
£’000

Total 
£’000

4,914
–

4,914

2,526
232

2,758

2,156

1,415
– 

1,415

1,333
82

1,415

–

2,555
146

2,701

811
678

1,489

1,212

8,884
146

9,030

4,670
992

5,662

3,368

41

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

9. INTANGIBLE ASSETS continued

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

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 2017
Exchange adjustments
Additions at cost
Disposals

At 31 March 2018

Accumulated depreciation
At 1 April 2017
Exchange adjustments
Charge for the year
Disposals

At 31 March 2018

Net book amount at 31 March 2018

Plant and 
equipment 
£’000

Motor 
vehicles
£’000

Tools and 
moulds
£’000

Total 
£’000

4,882
(14)
57
(3,358)

1,567

4,291
(8)
237
(3,345)

1,175

392

198
(4)
–
(160)

61,672
–
1,591
(11)

66,752
(18)
1,648
(3,529)

34

63,252

64,853

196
(2)
–
(160)

34

–

56,582
–
2,584
(11)

61,069
(10)
2,821
(3,516)

59,155

60,364

4,097

4,489

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

42

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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

Net book amount at 31 March 2016

The Company does not hold any assets. 

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

At 1 April 2017
Acquisition of 49% of LCD Enterprises
Share of profit of investments accounted for using the equity method

At 31 March 2018

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

At 1 April 2017
Acquisition of 49% of LCD Enterprises
Share of profit of investments accounted for using the equity method
Impairment of investment in subsidiary undertakings

At 31 March 2018

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

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

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

1,270

194
4
–
–

198

194
1
1
–

196

2

–

58,801
1,172
1,699
–

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

61,672

66,752

52,879
1,005
2,698
–

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

56,582

61,069

5,090

5,922

5,683

7,192

Interests in 
subsidiary 
undertakings 
at valuation 
£’000

–
1,600
15

1,615

Total 
£’000

22,657
1,600
15
(972)

23,300

28,398
34
–
(5,775)

22,657

43

Interests in 
subsidiary 
undertakings 
at valuation 
£’000

Loans to 
subsidiary 
undertakings 
at cost 
£’000

17,823
1,600
15
(972)

18,466

23,564
34
–
(5,775)

17,823

4,834
–
–
–

4,834

4,834
–
–
–

4,834

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

11. INVESTMENTS continued
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, Germany and Spain. The impairment testing 
performed is on the same basis as the goodwill impairment tests disclosed in note 8.

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. All subsidiaries are held directly by 
Hornby PLC.

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 Strasse 36, 96472, Rodental, Germany
Hornby Industries Limited
H&M (Systems) Limited

Ordinary shares
Discovery Park, Sandwich, Kent CT13 9FF, UK
3900 Industry Dr E, Fife, WA 98424, USA
Ordinary shares
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

The Group also holds a direct investment in LCD Enterprises Limited, holding 49% of ordinary shares. This investment is accounted for as an 
associate and is a trading company registered at Unit 6, 119 Ystrad Road, Fforestfach, Swansea, Wales, SA5 4JB.

12. INVENTORIES

Finished goods

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

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

At 31 March

Group

Company

2018 
£’000

10,030

10,030

2017 
£’000

9,680

9,680

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

–

–

2018
 £’000

796
505
(340)
(3)

958

–

–

2017
£’000

1,442
(234)
(423)
11 

796

44

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018 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

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

5,931
(1,458)
4,473
358
1,118
–

5,949

8,884
(1,026)
7,858
803
585
–

9,246

–
–
–
–
9
33,520

33,529

–
–
–
–
48
24,061

24,109

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 is deemed adequate.

Gross trade receivables can be analysed as follows:

Fully performing
Past due
Fully impaired

Trade receivables

2018 
£’000

3,131
1,342
1,458

5,931

2017 
£’000

4,823
3,035
1,026

8,884

As of 31 March 2018, trade receivables of £1,342,000 (2017: £3,035,000) 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

2018 
£’000

1,077
265

1,342

2017 
£’000

2,257
778

3,035

As of 31 March 2018, trade receivables of £1,458,000 (2017: £1,026,000) were impaired and provided for in full.

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.

The ageing of these receivables, based on due date, is as follows:

1–120 days
>120 days

2018 
£’000

356
1,102

1,458

2017 
£’000

233
793

1,026

45

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

13. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES continued
Movements on the Group provision for impairment of trade receivables are as follows:

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

At 31 March

2018 
£’000

1,026
473
(31)
(10)

1,458

2017 
£’000

540
450
(53)
89

1,026

The 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, except prepayments and amounts owed by subsidiary 
undertakings, are denominated in the following currencies:

Group

Company

2018 
£’000

–
3,764
934
133
–

4,831

2017 
£’000

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

–
5,440
2,628
593
–

8,661

33,520
–
–
–
–

33,520

24,061
–
–
–
–

24,061

Group

Company

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

3,878

1,580 

2018 
£’000

4

2017 
£’000

6

Group

Company

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

2,245
226
51
1,790

4,312

3,212
677
655
2,120

6,664

–
12
–
146

158

–
4
–
23

27

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 

46

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018  
 
 
 
16. PROVISIONS

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

At 31 March

Group

Company

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

196
636
(658)

174

446
811
(1,061)

196

–
–
–

–

–
–
–

–

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
Loan from subsidiary undertakings

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

Group

Company

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

–
–

–

–
–

–

50
–

50

–
212

212

–
–

–

–
–

–

50
–

50

–
–

–

Group

Company

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

–
–

–

–
–

–

82
–

82

82
–

82

–
5,849 

5,849 

– 
5,849 

5,849 

–
5,518

5,518

–
5,518

5,518

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.

47

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

18. BORROWINGS continued
Analysis of borrowings by currency:

Group

31 March 2018
Bank overdrafts

31 March 2017
Bank overdrafts

Sterling
£’000

Euros
£’000

Total
£’000

–
–

82
82

–
–

–
–

–
–

82
82

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

At 31 March 2018, the Group had a revolving credit facility of £6,000,000 expiring December 2019 and the future interest rates on this 
facility are Libor +3.5%.

The average effective interest rate on bank overdrafts in place during the year to 31 March 2018 approximated 3.95% (2017: 3.95%) per 
annum and is determined based on 3.5% (2017: 3.5%) above three-month Libor.

Net cash at bank and bank overdrafts of £3,878,000 (2017: £1,498,000) are with financial institutions with a credit rating of A2 per 
Moody’s rating agency.

Undrawn borrowing facilities
At 31 March 2018, the Group had available £6,000,000 (2017: £7,668,000) of undrawn committed borrowing facilities in respect of 
which all conditions precedent had been met. 

Change in facilities
On 5 June 2018, the Group signed a £12 million Asset Based Lending facility with PNC Credit Limited (ending June 2023) and a £6 million 
loan facility with Phoenix Asset Management Partners Limited (initial term of three years and then rolling annually).

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

Assets

Liabilities

Group

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

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

–

120

(423)

(190)

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 2018 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 2018 and 31 March 2017, the gross value of forward currency contracts was as follows:

US Dollar

2018 
’000

2017 
’000

13,916

12,718

The net fair value for the forward foreign currency contracts is a liability of £423,000 (2017: £70,000 liability) of which £423,000 net 
liability (2017: £70,000 net liability) represents an effective hedge at 31 March 2018 and has therefore been 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.

48

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair values of non-derivative financial assets and liabilities
For the Group and the Company, as at 31 March 2018 and 31 March 2017, 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

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)

Accounts 
payable 
and accruals 
£’000s

4,312
–
–
–

4,312

2018
Total 
£’000

4,312
–
–
–

4,312

2018 
Intercompany 
debt 
£’000

2017 
Intercompany 
debt 
£’000

5,849

5,518

Hierarchy of financial instruments 
The following tables present the Group’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value at 31 March 2018 and 31 March 2017. 
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.

49

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

19. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS continued
Financial instruments

Assets
Derivatives used for hedging

Total assets as at 31 March 2018

Liabilities
Derivatives used for hedging

Total liabilities at 31 March 2018

Assets
Derivatives used for hedging

Total assets as at 31 March 2017

Liabilities
Derivatives used for hedging

Total liabilities at 31 March 2017

Level 1 
£’000

Level 2 
£’000

Level 3 
£’000

Total 
£’000

–

–

–

–

Level 1 
£’000

–

–

–

–

–

–

(423)

(423)

Level 2 
£’000

120

120

(190)

(190)

–

–

–

–

Level 3 
£’000

–

–

–

–

–

–

(423)

(423)

Total 
£’000

120

120

(190)

(190)

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% increase in interest rates is 
£3,000 (2017: £41,000) 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 given 
the minimum level of movement in the UK interest rate over recent years and expectation over the next financial year.

Foreign currency sensitivity in respect of financial instruments
The Group is primarily exposed to fluctuations in US Dollars and the Euro. 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

Comprehensive income and 
equity sensitivity

2018 
£’000

1,356
964

2,320

2017 
£’000

1,308
1,163

2,471

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.

50

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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

2018 
£’000

–

2017 
£’000

82

(3,878)

(1,580)

(3,878)
30,864

(1,498)
29,663

26,986

28,165

(14%)

(5%)

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
Charge to Statement of Comprehensive Income (note 5)  

– origination and reversal of temporary differences

At 31 March

Group

Company

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

2018 
£’000

(1,880)

(1,780)

–

(100)

(1,880)

(1,880)

–

–

–

2017 
£’000

100

(100)

–

Deferred tax assets have been recognised in respect of certain 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.

Deferred tax liabilities

At 1 April 2017
Charge to Statement of Comprehensive Income

At 31 March 2018

At 1 April 2016
Credit to Statement of Comprehensive Income

At 31 March 2017

Revaluation 
£’000

Acquisition 
intangibles 
£’000

–
–

–

100
(100)

–

94
56

150

111
(17)

94

51

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

20. DEFERRED TAX continued

Deferred tax assets

At 1 April 2017

Credit to Statement of Comprehensive Income

At 31 March 2018

At 1 April 2016

Charge to Statement of Comprehensive Income

At 31 March 2017

Net deferred tax liability/(asset)

At 31 March 2018

At 31 March 2017

Group

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

Deferred tax asset

Acquisition 
intangibles 
£’000

Group

Other 
£’000

Company

Total 
£’000

Short-term 
incentive plan 
£’000

Total 
£’000

–

–

–

–

–

–

(1,974)

(1,974)

(56)

(56)

(2,030)

(2,030)

(1,991)

(1,991)

17

17

(1,974)

(1,974)

150

94

(2,030)

(1,880)

(1,974)

(1,880)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2018

2017

Recognised 
£’000

Not 
recognised 
£’000

Recognised 
£’000

Not 
recognised 
£’000

(1,891)
11
–

(514)
(2,539)
(2,797)

(1,901)
21
–

(1,880)

(5,850)

(1,880)

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

(4,118)

The UK deferred tax asset not recognised of £3,053,000 primarily relates to unrecognised losses in Hornby Hobbies Limited of 
£13,746,000 (potential deferred tax asset of £2,337,000) and Hornby PLC of £1,190,000 (potential deferred tax asset of £202,000).  
It also relates to a potential deferred tax asset in respect of accelerated capital allowances of £514,000.

The deferred tax asset not recognised in respect of overseas losses carried forward of £2,797,000 relates to losses carried forward of 
£1,569,000 in respect of Hornby España SA (potential deferred tax asset of £392,000), £2,351,000 in respect of Hornby France SAS 
(potential deferred tax asset of £784,000), £1,850,000 in respect of Hornby Deutschland GmbH (potential deferred tax asset of 
£590,000), £3,734,000 in respect of Hornby Italia srl (potential deferred tax asset of £896,000) and £538,000 in respect of Hornby 
America Inc (potential deferred tax asset of £135,000).

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

These unrecognised assets relate to tax losses carried forward in Hornby PLC.

2018

2017

Recognised 
£’000

Not 
recognised 
£’000

Recognised 
£’000

Not 
recognised 
£’000

–
–

–

–
(202)

(202)

–
–

–

–
(108)

(108)

52

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018 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

2018

Number of shares

£’000

84,583,204
40,677,968
125,261,172

846
407
 1,253 

2017

Number of shares

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

£’000

550
296
846

On 7 December 2017, the Company issued 40,677,968 ordinary 1 pence shares for 29.5 pence per share, for net proceeds totalling 
£12,000,000. At 31 March 2018 there were no options granted under the Company’s share option schemes which remained outstanding.

22. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS (‘PSP’)
Hornby PLC operates one share-based payment plan – the Performance Share Plan (‘PSP’).

Performance Share Plan
The Group operates the Performance Share Plan (‘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.

PSP awards outstanding only vest if performance conditions are met. Awards granted under the PSP must be exercised within one year of the 
relevant award vesting date.

On 23 June 2017 Phoenix UK Fund Limited put forward a mandatory unconditional cash offer for the Hornby shares not already held by 
members of the Phoenix Concert Party. As part of the rules of the PSP scheme, this automatically caused the 2016-17 PSP awards to vest. 
Following on from the change of ownership and due to the subsequent changes to the Board no PSP awards have been made in 2018.  
All the remaining PSP awards have now either vested as a result of the takeover offer or have lapsed.

There are no awards outstanding at 31 March 2018.

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 credit for the Group amounts to £95,000, of which £87,000 has been taken to reserves and £9,000 to 
accruals, representing the corresponding credit of National Insurance, and the charge for the Company amounted to £202,000 in the year 
ended 31 March 2018 (2017: £110,000 charge for the Group and the charge for the Company amounted to £16,000).

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.

2018
PSP1

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

2017
PSP1

11.13p
Black-Scholes (Stochastic)
29.0p
nil
58.00%
n/a
2.5
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.

53

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018Notes to the Financial Statements continued

22. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS (‘PSP’) continued
At 31 March 2018, outstanding awards to Directors under the Performance Share Plan were as follows:

Award date

Vesting date

Market price 
at award date

At 1 April 
2017

Awarded 
during year

Lapsed during 
year

Vested during 
year

At 31 March 
2018

S Cooke

R Canham
D Mulligan

Aug-15
Dec-16
Dec-16
Dec-16

Aug-18
Mar-19
Mar-19
Mar-19

105.0p

190,476
29.0p 2,136,752
29.0p
170,940
29.0p 598,290

For the 2015 awards, the outstanding awards lapsed during the year.

190,476

–
–
– 1,914,209 222,543
17,803
–
62,312
–

153,157
535,978

–
–
–
–

For the 2016 awards, the award is subject to a TSR condition which is 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. 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

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

6,935
(87)
707
357
1,082

8,541
94
911
442
599

615
202
90
71
388

871
76
104
74
327

8,994

 10,587 

1,366

1,452 

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

Average monthly number of people (including Executive Directors) employed by the Group:

Operations
Sales, marketing and distribution
Administration

54

Group

Company

2018 
Number

2017 
Number

2018 
Number

2017 
Number

61
70
32

163

60
100
30

190

–
–
3

3

–
–
3

3

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018  
 
 
 
Key management compensation:

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

Group

Company

2018 
£’000

1,423
(87)
97
683

2,116

2017 
£’000

1,688
110
118
241

2,157

2018 
£’000

720
202
71
330

2017 
£’000

917
76
69
20

1,323

1,082

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 and number of Directors 
accruing benefits under money purchase pension schemes, is included in the Directors’ Report on page 15 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 Group.

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

The Group pension cost for the year was £357,000 (2017: £442,000) representing the actual contributions payable in the year and certain 
scheme administration costs. The Company pension cost for the year was £71,000 (2017: £74,000). No contributions were outstanding at 
the year end of 31 March 2018.

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.

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

921

412

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.

55

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018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

2018
£’000

681
1,175 
107

1,963 

2017 
£’000

657
1,238
166

2,061 

2018 
£’000

87
80
–

167 

2017 
£’000

82
123
–

205 

2018 
£’000

768 
1,255 
107 

2,130 

2017 
£’000

739
1,362
166

2,267

In addition to the above, the distribution activities of the business are outsourced to a third party company, DS Logistics. The initial agreement 
with DS Logistics was for five years to August 2019. This has recently been extended to August 2021. The costs under the contract are 
approximately £2.4 million a year (2017: £2.9 million).

28. CASH (USED IN)/GENERATED FROM OPERATIONS

Loss before taxation
Interest payable
Interest receivable
Share of profit of associate
Amortisation of intangible assets
Impairment of investment
Depreciation
Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Share-based payments credit (non-cash)
Share-based payments (cash)
Decrease in provisions
(Increase)/decrease in inventories
Decrease in trade and other receivables
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables

Cash (used in)/generated from operating activities

Group

Company

2018 
£’000

(10,066)
218
(7)
(15)
992
–
2,821
9
(87)
136
(21)
(490)
3,396
(2,375)

(5,489)

2017 
£’000

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

91

2018 
£’000

(1,838)
198
(175)
(15)
–
972
–
–
(87)
136
–
–
37
132

(640)

2017 
£’000

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

(1,080)

56

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018  
29. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
Bharat Ahir was Managing Director of Hornby Hobbies Asia and a Director of Hornby Hobbies Limited, a subsidiary of Hornby PLC.  
28One Limited, owned by Bharat Ahir, has provided ongoing support to manage product delivery, for which Hornby Hobbies Limited has 
paid £271,000 (2017: £206,000) in relation to these services in the year. No payments remained outstanding to 28One Limited as at 
31 March 2018. Hornby Hobbies Limited no longer uses these services.

Lyndon Davies joined the Group as CEO on 5 October 2017. Hornby Hobbies Limited subsequently purchased £4,346 of stock from 
Oxford Diecast Limited, a company which is wholly owned by LCD Enterprises Limited, a company which Lyndon Davies owns a controlling 
51% share in. Hornby PLC purchased a 49% stake in LCD Enterprises Limited on 7 December 2017. Lyndon Davies remains a Director of 
Oxford Diecast Limited.

Phoenix Asset Management Partners, who own the majority shareholding in Hornby PLC, have also provided a funding facility to the Group 
after the financial year end; please see note 30 below.

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 £1,493,000 (2017: £1,369,000), interest of £175,000 (2017: £175,000) 
and dividends from subsidiaries of £nil (2017: £nil) and incurred interest of £216,000 (2017: £205,000) on intercompany borrowings.

30. EVENTS AFTER THE END OF THE REPORTING PERIOD
On 5 June 2018, the Group entered into a £12 million Asset Based Lending agreement with PNC Credit Limited for five years ending June 
2023. In addition, Phoenix Asset Management Partners Limited, the majority shareholder, has provided an additional £6 million facility 
to further fund the turnaround as part of the New Business Plan. Further details are given in note 18.

No other significant events have occurred between the end of the reporting period and the date of signature of the Annual Report and Accounts.

57

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018Shareholders’ Information Service

Hornby welcomes contact with its shareholders.

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

K Gould
Chief Finance Officer
Hornby PLC
3rd Floor, The Gateway
Innovation Way
Discovery Park
Sandwich
Kent CT13 9FF
www.hornby.com

58

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018 Notes

59

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSHornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018Notes

60

Hornby PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2018 Hornby PLC
3rd Floor 
The Gateway 
Innovation Way 
Discovery Park  
Sandwich
Kent CT13 9FF

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ANNUAL REPORT  

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www.hornby.com