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Intertek Group
Annual Report 2014

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FY2014 Annual Report · Intertek Group
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Annual report 2014

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

A global partner 
for customer quality

From auditing and inspection, to testing, training, advisory, 
quality assurance and certification, Intertek adds value to 
customers’ products, assets and processes. We help our 
customers meet end users’ expectations for safety, 
sustainability, performance, integrity and desirability  
in virtually any market worldwide.

Contents

Read our CEO’s review

Read our Operating reviews

4

 “Intertek continued to 
deliver on its strategic 
priorities in 2014, as we 
aligned our businesses 
to deliver stronger 
performance.”

20

Read our strategy and business model

Read our Sustainability and CSR report

7

M a r k e t   sales growth

gic acquisiti o

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Growth drivers

Global ne t w o r

k

Cash genera t i o n

35

Total Shareholder Returns

For more information on KPIs

Read our financial statements

10

Dividend per share2 (pence)

76

2014

2013

2012

49.1

46.0

41.0

INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

77

Consolidated income statement

For the year ended 31 December 2014
Revenue 
Operating costs
Group operating profit
Finance income
Finance expense
Net financing costs

Profit before income tax
Income tax expense
Profit for the year

Attributable to:
  Equity holders of the Company
  Non-controlling interest
Profit for the year

Earnings per share**
Basic 
Diluted 

Adjusted
 results 
£m
2,093.3
(1,768.9)
324.4
1.8
(26.0) 
(24.2)

Separately
 Disclosed 
Items* 
£m
–
(47.8)
(47.8)
–
(0.2)
(0.2)

300.2
(72.0)
228.2

214.1
14.1
228.2

(48.0)
10.2
(37.8)

(37.8)
–
(37.8)

Total
2014 
£m
2,093.3
(1,816.7)
276.6
1.8
(26.2)
(24.4)

252.2
(61.8)
190.4

176.3
14.1
190.4

109.5p
108.6p

Notes
2

2
14
14

6
2

20

7
7

Adjusted
 results 
£m
2,184.4
(1,841.8)
342.6
1.5
(29.2)
(27.7)

314.9
(72.4)
242.5

226.0
16.5
242.5

Separately
 Disclosed 
Items* 
£m
–
(32.6)
(32.6)
–
(0.5)
(0.5)

(33.1)
7.6
(25.5)

(25.5)
–
(25.5)

Total
2013 
£m
2,184.4
(1,874.4)
310.0
1.5
(29.7)
(28.2)

281.8
(64.8)
217.0

200.5
16.5
217.0

124.4p
123.0p

*  See note 3.
** Earnings per share on the adjusted results is disclosed in note 7.

Cautionary statement
This Annual Report contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results, operations 
and business of Intertek Group plc. These statements and forecasts involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events 
and depend upon circumstances that will occur in the future. There are a number of factors that could cause actual results  
or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements and forecasts. 
Nothing in this Annual Report should be construed as a profit forecast.

S
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OVERVIEW 
IFC  Intertek at a glance
Financial highlights
1 

STRATEGIC REPORT 
2  Chairman’s statement
4  Chief Executive Officer’s review 
6  Our markets
7  Our strategy and business model
10  KPIs – Measuring our strategy
11  Principal risks and uncertainties 
18 
20  Operating reviews
30  Financial review 
35  Sustainability and CSR

Intertek Executive Management Team

DIRECTORS’ REPORT 
42  Chairman’s introduction
44  Corporate governance 
46  Board of Directors
58  Remuneration report 
72  Other statutory information 
75  Statement of Directors’ responsibilities

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
76  Contents
77  Consolidated primary statements
82  Notes to the financial statements
118   Intertek Group plc Company  
balance sheet and notes

OTHER
122  Independent Auditor’s Report
125  Shareholder and corporate information
126  Global Reporting Initiative Index

Connect with us online

intertek.com/investors/report-and-accounts 

twitter.com/intertek 

youtube.com/IntertekGroup

>

 
 
 
 
 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Intertek at a glance

Intertek is a leading quality solutions provider to industries worldwide. Our experts 
enable businesses to perform and innovate, help keep cities running, assist governments 
in finding efficiencies and bring untold benefits to millions of people.

Revenue by region

Our global operations

Americas

EMEA

Asia Pacific
Americas

EMEA

Asia Pacific

We provide services across the globe,  
in over 100 countries.
35%

34%

35%

34%

31%

31%

For more detail, refer to the Operating Review  p22

COMMODITIES

Key business areas
• Cargo
• Analytical Assessment
• Government & Trade Services
• Minerals

We provide inspection and analytical 
assessment services to petroleum 

and mining clients on a global basis. 26%

of revenue

For more detail, refer to the Operating Review  p28

CHEMICALS & PHARMACEUTICALS

Key business areas
• Chemicals &  

Pharmaceuticals

• Health, Environmental  
& Regulatory Services

Our advanced lab testing and expert 
consultancy services help support 
R&D and production activities across 
multiple industries.

8%

of revenue

For more detail, refer to the Operating Review  p20

INDUSTRY & ASSURANCE

Key business areas
• Industry Services
• Business Assurance
• Food & Agriculture Services

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We provide a diverse range of 
services to clients across a broad 
range of industries including energy, 
food and agriculture.

31%

of revenue

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What we do for 
our customers

We help our customers to 
meet end users’ expectations 
for safety, sustainability, 
performance, integrity and 
desirability in virtually any 
market worldwide.

AUDITING
Our global network of  
more than 1,000 expert 
auditors delivers innovative, 
customised auditing solutions 
virtually everywhere our 
clients do business.

CERTIFICATION
Offering a broad range  
of certification and 
accreditation marks  
accepted around the  
world, these represent 
Intertek’s mark of quality.

INSPECTION
Independent observation  
of activities and products, 
carried out by trained 
professionals, helps clients  
to manage risk along the 
supply chain.

TESTING & ANALYSIS
Ensuring a product meets  
the defined performance  
and safety standards gives  
the end user confidence in  
its safety and performance.

TRAINING
Our customised training 
programmes address a  
broad range of subjects,  
and can be delivered online, 
on-site, or at an Intertek  
office around the world.

OUTSOURCING
By sourcing support, we help 
our clients replace overhead 
and high fixed costs with 
lower and more efficient 
variable costs, reducing 
capital investment needs and 
improving their bottom line. 

CONSULTANCY
We help clients comply  
with regulatory mandates 
and gain competitive 
advantage by improving 
short-term and long-term 
performance of their business 
and supply chains.

C h e m i c a l s   &
P h a r m a c e u t i c a l s

e r a ls

M in

8%

CHEMICALS & 
PHARMACEUTICALS

17%

COMMERCIAL 
& ELECTRICAL

26%

COMMODITIES

GROUP REVENUE

£2,093.3m

 Global scale, local knowledge

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CONSUMER 
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31%

INDUSTRY 
& ASSURANCE

Agriculture
Food &

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We work with over 200,000 customers  
ranging from the smallest business to the  
largest conglomerate, delivering customised 
commercial and compliance solutions that  
cater to individual client requirements,  
virtually everywhere they do business.

For more detail, refer to the Operating Review  p24

CONSUMER GOODS

Key business areas
• Softlines
• Hardlines
• Product Intelligence
• Auditing

We provide services to the textiles, toys, 

footwear, hardlines and retail industries. 18%

of revenue

For more detail, refer to the Operating Review  p26

COMMERCIAL & ELECTRICAL

Key business areas
• Electrical & Wireless
• Transportation  
Technologies

• Building Products

Our accredited facilities provide 
a comprehensive scope of safety, 
performance and quality testing  
and certification services.

 17%

of revenue

>

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

OVERVIEW

1

Financial highlights

Business growth in 2014 impacted  
by currency and revenue headwinds
• Revenue down 4%

Strong five year compound annual 
growth record
• Revenue up 11%

• Organic revenue4 down 1%

• Adjusted operating profit1 down 5%

• Adjusted operating margin1 of 15.5%

• Adjusted operating profit1 up 9%

• Adjusted diluted EPS1 up 10%

• Dividend per share2 up 15%

2014

Revenue (£m) 

(4)%

2014

2013

Adjusted diluted EPS1 (pence) 

2,093

2,184

(5)%

2014

2013

Adjusted operating profit1 (£m) 

Statutory diluted EPS5 (pence) 

(5)%

2014

2013

Five year trend

Revenue (£m) 

+11%

CAGR3

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

324

343

(12)%

2014

2013

Adjusted diluted EPS1 (pence) 

2,093

2,184

2,054

1,749

1,374

+10%

CAGR3

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

Adjusted operating profit (£m) 

Dividend per share2 (pence) 

+9%

CAGR3

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

+15%

CAGR3

324

343

335

281

227

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

132.1

138.6

108.8

123.0

132.1

138.6

131.2

107.2

89.4

49.1

46.0

41.0

33.7

28.1

1.   Adjusted operating profit, adjusted operating margin and adjusted diluted earnings per share (‘EPS’) are stated before Separately Disclosed Items, which are described in note 3 to the 

financial statements.

2.  Dividend per share for 2014 is based on the interim dividend paid of 16.0p (2013: 15.0p) plus the proposed final dividend of 33.1p (2013: 31.0p).
3.  CAGR represents the compound annual growth rate from 2010 to 2014. 
4.   Growth at constant exchange rates compares both 2014 and 2013 at the average exchange rates for 2014. Organic revenue excludes acquisitions and disposals in the past two years. 
5.  Statutory basic EPS decreased 12.0% to 109.5p in 2014 (2013: 124.4p). 

>

 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2

Strategic report

Chairman’s statement

 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

STRATEGIC REPORT

3

 “Intertek helps connect its 
customers to quality across 
their supply chains around  
the world.”

SIR DAVID REID
Chairman

With our 38,000 people, and more than 
1,000 laboratories and offices, we work  
in over 100 countries as a global partner  
to support our customers’ needs across 
their global supply chains to meet end 
users’ expectations for safety, sustainability, 
performance, integrity and desirability. 
As trade patterns change, supply chains lengthen and emerging 
economies grow, we help our customers adapt to these shifting 
dynamics. Whether it is helping them understand local 
regulations, ensuring the quality of their products, assets  
and processes in their chosen markets, or working with them  
to enter new markets, Intertek is a trusted partner that helps 
connect our customers to quality across global supply chains.

Our customers range from multinationals to small operators, 
and our priority is to meet their needs – large or small.  
Our strategies allow us to combine their evolving needs  
and expectations, with our knowledge of changing market 
dynamics, to help them navigate these changes. We work 
closely with our customers to deliver a level of quality that  
is valued by them, every time.

RESULTS
In 2014, the Group generated revenue of £2,093m, a decrease 
of 4% over the prior year. Excluding acquisitions, revenue 
decreased 1% at constant exchange rates. Operating profit  
was £277m, down 11% over the prior year. Adjusted operating 
profit decreased to £324m, down 5%, and our adjusted 
operating margin was 15.5%. Excluding acquisitions and 
disposals, adjusted operating profit was down 1% at constant 
exchange rates. 

The operating results in 2014 reflected variable market 
conditions in some businesses and industries we serve. Solid 
growth in the majority of our businesses and industries was 
offset primarily by weakness in the minerals and oil and gas 
infrastructure sectors, which impacted upon the Group’s 
growth rate during the year.

EARNINGS AND RETURNS TO SHAREHOLDERS
The Board continues to focus on Total Shareholder Returns 
(‘TSR’) through a combination of dividends and investment  
in the business where the return is in excess of the Group’s cost 
of capital. The share price decreased by 26% in the year, with 
significant negative foreign exchange effects and weaker top-
line sales growth from certain end-markets. However, over the 
past three and five years, the Group has delivered TSR of 20% 
and 102% respectively.

The Group’s strategy includes both organic and acquisition-
related investment to drive sustained growth and shareholder 
value across the longer term. 

Notwithstanding the negative impact of currency on Earnings 
per Share (‘EPS’) growth, the Board has a progressive dividend 
policy seeking to grow dividend per share annually in a 
sustainable way whilst maintaining a minimum cover of 2.5.  
An interim dividend of 16.0p per share (2013: 15.0p) was paid 
to shareholders on 14 October 2014. The Directors will propose 
a final dividend of 33.1p per share at the Annual General 
Meeting which will make a full year dividend of 49.1p per share 
(2013: 46.0p), an increase of 7%.

The final dividend will be paid on 5 June 2015 for those 
shareholders on the register on 22 May 2015.

Basic earnings per share were 109.5p, down 12% over  
the prior year and adjusted diluted earnings per share  
were 132.1p, down 5%.

CASH FLOW AND INVESTMENT
Intertek continues to maintain a strong financial profile, 
operating with a cash generative business model, low capital 
intensity and robust balance sheet. In 2014, the Group 
generated good cash flow, with adjusted cash flow from 
operations of £404m, an increase of 2% on the prior year. The 
Group invested £110m in new laboratories and equipment in 
the year which represents 5.2% of total revenue (2013: £145m, 
6.6%) and in line with our five year average of 5.4%. These 
investments were made in areas of strong business growth 
opportunities, in order to grow our services and maintain value 
creation for our shareholders. 

<

ACQUISITIONS 
In 2014, Intertek acquired three new companies to add 
complementary capabilities to our global offering and value-
enhancing services to customers. We acquired International 
Inspection Services Limited (‘INSPEC’), a non-destructive testing 
company supporting the oil and gas sector for £40m, and two 
other businesses for a total cash consideration of £3m: the 
analytical division of QPS Bioserve, a food and agricultural 
analytical testing business in Southern India; and ScanBi 
Diagnostics in Sweden providing analysis to the agriculture, 
food and feed industries. Further details are in the Operating 
Review by division and in note 10 to the financial statements. 

With our strong financial position we will continue to make 
advantageous bolt-on acquisitions and to evaluate strategic 
acquisition opportunities to increase shareholder value.

THE BOARD AND MANAGEMENT
On 1 October 2014 we welcomed Edward Leigh to the Board 
as Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer, succeeding 
Lloyd Pitchford. We thank Lloyd for his significant contribution 
over his four and a half years with the Group. In September 
2014, we announced that from 16 May 2015, André Lacroix will 
succeed Wolfhart Hauser as Chief Executive Officer and join the 
Board. André is an experienced and successful Chief Executive 
and has been Inchcape Group’s Chief Executive since 2005. He 
will lead our experienced team in Intertek’s continued focus on 
strategic priorities, commitment to customers and employees 
and positioning itself for long-term, sustainable growth.

After ten years as CEO, Wolfhart Hauser will retire after the 
AGM on 15 May 2015. He will remain available in an advisory 
capacity until the end of 2015. During his tenure, the Group’s 
market capitalisation has grown by over three times to £3.8bn 
demonstrating his leadership and the performance of the  
team. I am joined by all of the Board in thanking him for his 
outstanding leadership. At the May AGM, Christopher Knight, 
who has served as Chairman of the Remuneration Committee 
and Non-Executive Director will retire, and the Board thanks 
him for his service.

The Board is committed to the highest standards of corporate 
governance. In line with the Corporate Governance Code and 
the 2011 Davies Report, the Board is committed to achieving  
a Board composition which includes, and makes the best use  
of, differences in culture, gender, skills, background, regional 
and industry experience as well as other qualities. The Board’s 
Diversity Policy can be found on the Company’s website.

SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainable business practices are an inherent part of Intertek’s 
operations and we make a significant contribution to improving 
the quality of our customers’ products, processes, and assets 
across multiple dimensions. These include: improving safety, 
reliability and durability, social responsibility, reducing 
environmental impact in production, packaging and operations, 
and assuring supply chains around the globe.

We have continued to develop our metrics around our impact 
on climate change. Some of our own Greenhouse Gas (‘GHG’)
emissions relate to our offices and operations through the work 
we do for clients. More specifically these include testing of 
fuels, inspection of processes and products and the certification 
of consumer products or other equipment. It is also important 
to note that we help our customers reduce their GHG emissions 
as a part of our commercial offering.

We remain focused on the health and safety (‘H&S’) of our 
employees and appointed a Group leader for H&S in 2014. 
Given the varied nature of our employees’ roles, and the 
different operating environments, we have robust policies in 
place to ensure staff welfare remains of utmost importance. 

INTEGRITY
The integrity and ethical conduct of our employees is central  
to our values as an organisation and the independent quality 
solutions that we deliver. Our integrity is critical to our 
customers and to the success of our businesses. It underpins 
everything we do. 

We continually review our performance against our robust 
ethical policies and control procedures. These policies and 
procedures help us ensure that good business ethics are 
embedded across the Group. In 2014 we revised and 
implemented our new Code of Ethics which better 
communicates and incorporates the different elements of  
our approach to our many internal and external stakeholders. 

Further details on this and other aspects of our ethical 
compliance in 2014 can be viewed in the Sustainability  
and CSR report on pages 35 to 41.

OUR PEOPLE 
Intertek’s strategies and initiatives are achieved through the 
commitment and expertise of our employees and experienced 
leadership team. We are proud to be a growth employer, 
through creating new jobs and our commitment to the 
development of our people. We have deep levels of expertise 
both geographically and across our business lines, provided  
by chemists, engineers, consultants, biologists, inspectors, 
geologists and auditors, amongst others.

As part of our people strategy, we create an environment 
where our talented employees can deliver against our global 
customer requirements and feel connected within the 
Company. We continue to focus on talent development, 
training, reward and recognition and the development  
of future leaders by ensuring they have appropriate people  
skills to grow our business. 

The Board extends its thanks to all of our employees for their 
continued focus on our strategic priorities in 2014 which has 
allowed the Group to lay foundations for further success into 
the future.

OUTLOOK 
The Group continues to implement its clear strategy in 
delivering global quality solutions in markets with strong 
structural growth drivers. This, together with a strong 
leadership team, skilled management and a sound financial 
position, means that Intertek remains able to capture 
opportunities to deliver resilient growth and performance even 
in times of economic uncertainty. Despite current challenges 
the Board is confident of delivering further growth and 
sustained returns to shareholders over the longer term.

SIR DAVID REID
Chairman 

>

STRATEGIC REPORT INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

4 Strategic report

 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

STRATEGIC REPORT

5

Chief Executive Officer’s review

 “Intertek continued to deliver on 
its strategic priorities in 2014, 
as we aligned our businesses to 
deliver stronger performance.”

WOLFHART HAUSER
Chief Executive Officer

Intertek continued to deliver on its strategic 
priorities in 2014. Despite continuing 
headwinds in certain business areas, we 
saw good growth in many businesses. 
REFLECTIONS ON THE YEAR 
It has been a year of continuing headwinds in certain business 
areas, which has offset the good growth experienced in the 
majority of our businesses. This can be seen in our divisions 
with the combination of good growth in our product related 
activities, and more challenging conditions in our minerals  
and oil and gas capex related businesses. 

We saw very good growth rates within emerging markets, 
which account for 38% of the total revenue. Revenue growth 
in more established markets remained solid and in-line with 
historical averages. Revenue growth in some parts of Europe 
remains weak in response to more challenging economic 
conditions across the region. 

To address market weakness and align our businesses, capital 
and management focus to growth markets, we have continued 
to restructure and actively manage our diverse portfolio of 
businesses in 2014. During the year, we closed and restructured 
a number of underperforming operations. We also exited 
certain low-value contracts in our Industry & Assurance division 
which reduced the Group’s growth rate in 2014, but which  
will free up capital and management time that we can invest  
in exciting growth and value enhancing areas elsewhere.

DIVERSIFIED GLOBAL PORTFOLIO
Intertek operates a diversified portfolio of services with a global 
platform across more than 15 different industries, each with 
different growth drivers. We operate across all major industry 
sectors from consumer products to minerals, IT to chemicals, 
energy infrastructure to food, agriculture to pharmaceuticals. 
Geographically we operate along the supply chain in each 
industry, which leads us to operate in over 100 countries. 

The demand for quality by our customers is driven by new 
technologies, end user preferences, supply chain changes and 
regulations, all of which vary between industries. Being such  
a diversified portfolio of businesses provides Intertek with some 
resilience from exposure to only one or two key growth drivers. 

Organisationally we continue to focus our growth strategies  
on our key global business lines, whilst delivering operational 
excellence on a country basis. This ensures we are connecting 
with our customers on a global level, while building our 
capabilities and network at a local level. 

OUR MISSION AND STRATEGY 
Our mission is to make it easier for our customers to achieve 
quality across their supply chains. Our local knowledge, 
combined with our global network and connected expertise, 
makes the difference for our customers who operate  
in an ever more competitive marketplace.

Our strategy allows us to drive long-term growth in our 
business, constantly adapting to the changing marketplace  
for quality solutions, and meeting the needs of our customers.

Delivery of the strategy is supported by the Group’s business 
model which is detailed on pages 7 to 9.

THE MARKET FOR QUALITY 
We operate in a marketplace where companies are demanding 
quality solutions to drive business growth, gain competitive 
edge, and deliver the highest level of safety standards across 
their products and processes. 

These organisations are looking for a trusted partner whom 
they can rely upon to deliver global safety standards while 
bringing local market knowledge and expertise. We work with 
each organisation to deliver individual quality solutions which 
can range from safety and performance, to integrity, desirability 
and sustainability. The demand for quality services is also 
influenced by changing macro-economic trends, developments 
in new and emerging markets and customer needs for 
increased safety and quality.

We maintain a balanced regional revenue profile with around  
a third of our revenue generated evenly in each of Europe, 
Middle East and Africa, Americas and Asia Pacific. 

All of these factors are leading to an increased demand for our 
services and we will continue to invest in our capabilities and 
our network to help them achieve these quality standards.

<

OUR CUSTOMERS
At Intertek we support customers ranging from small local 
producers to large conglomerates across the globe within a 
wide range of industries. Our expertise and global connectivity 
to be able to support them in over 100 countries is increasingly 
important to our global customers. They look to us as a partner 
who can follow them into the many different markets they 
operate. It is this, our relationship and customer service 
commitment, and emphasis on adding value, that differentiates 
us from local testing companies. 

Our priority to our customers is to understand and meet their 
evolving needs and expectations. We support and guide our 
customers across complex and ever-changing aspects of local 
and global regulation and quality trading standards. Wherever 
our customers choose to do business, we are on hand with our 
extensive range of services. Whether this is a smaller company 
operating in a local market with unique local needs or a large 
multinational seeking support on a global basis, we are their 
trusted partner.

Our customers increasingly want more than just delivering 
quality standards or meeting regulatory requirements.  
They are under pressure to increase their competitive edge 
through increased efficiency, time to market and reducing 
costs. By leading with great quality services, we enable our 
customers to develop and grow their businesses in smarter  
and more efficient ways.

EVOLVING CAPABILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES
As technology changes and new industries emerge, we are 
constantly innovating our service offering to meet the needs of 
our customers. The scope of what our customers ask us to test 
for, and the capabilities we can deliver, are constantly evolving. 

In 2014 we continued to see a trend in global markets where 
our customers are shifting supply chains to new and emerging 
markets and countries. Within both emerging and developed 
markets, there is scope for Intertek to deliver a wider range of 
services and capabilities. 

For example, this year in the US we have expanded our 
capabilities in our building products business into 
complementary new areas such as building sciences and field 
testing. Through these techniques we are helping customers 
respond to emerging trends regarding building envelope 
commissioning, environmental, and on-site testing. These 
added capabilities allow us to go farther downstream adding 
more value to both our core business and to our core 
customers.

In emerging markets, our mix of work continues to evolve 
reflecting the new market opportunities that are unfolding  
as their national economies develop and the increasing quality 
demands from a rapidly expanding middle-class. A decade ago 
64% of our revenue in China was related to the Consumer 
Goods division services and two product types: Toys & Textiles. 
Today this is just 46%, and we now operate in 17 business lines 
in China, from Toys to Transport, Chemicals to Clothing, 
Pharmaceuticals to Petrochemicals.

We are excited by the commitment that China’s AQSIQ  
and Premier Li have made this year to develop the country’s 
quality testing market and believe this will be a positive 
development for the global testing industry. Intertek is well 
positioned to support the government and industry partners in 
this ‘Quality Era’ of Chinese economic and social development, 
having provided testing and certification services in China for 
over two decades.

We continue to open new facilities in regions where our clients 
are increasing their activities in sourcing new goods, producing 
new technologies or extracting and developing new resources. 

As well as investing organically, in 2014 the Group made  
a series of acquisitions to expand the services we can offer. 
These comprised INSPEC, a non-destructive testing company 
supporting the oil and gas sector, the analytical division of QPS 
Bioserve in India and ScanBi Diagnostics, a Swedish company 
providing analysis to the agriculture, food and feed industries.

LEADERSHIP
This year we announced my intended retirement as Chief 
Executive Officer effective on 15 May 2015. I am proud of the 
development of the Company over the last decade and excited 
for Intertek’s future. André Lacroix will join the company  
as CEO on 16 May 2015 and brings an impressive background  
and valuable skills for Intertek in its stage of development.  
I wish to congratulate Edward Leigh on his promotion  
to our Executive Team, taking over as CFO from Lloyd Pitchford 
in October after 18 months with the company and a smooth 
transitionary period. 

I would like to thank our people for their hard work this year, 
and over the past decade. In particular I am grateful for the 
commitment and talent of our senior leadership team who 
deliver the Company’s performance day-in and day-out. It is 
their knowledge and expertise of our key end-markets and 
global customers that drive our strategy and how we execute 
our business within our many different global operations.

GOING FORWARD
Reflecting back on the last 30 years in the industry, I have seen 
how our activities have helped improve the health and safety  
of people, prevent accidents and support a new level of 
technology that helps improve quality of life. Indeed the 
industry plays an important social role. Looking further ahead, 
our strategic choice of portfolio positions Intertek to benefit 
from attractive long-term structural growth drivers. Expanding 
middle-classes, the demand for quality in emerging markets, 
increasing regulation and product variety have been our 
important growth drivers for many years. These will remain 
important in the future. Our energy products and infrastructure 
businesses enable Intertek to take advantage of the long-term 
growth in energy demand. Through these strategic choices and 
long-term trends, Intertek is well placed to deliver mid-single 
digit organic revenue growth supplemented by growth from 
acquisitions over the coming years.

WOLFHART HAUSER
Chief Executive Officer

>

STRATEGIC REPORT INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

7

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

6

Strategic report

Our markets

Intertek operates in the global ‘Quality’ industry assessing the  
products and commodities bought or sold by our customers against  
a wide range of safety, regulatory and performance standards, to help 
our customers achieve their “quality” goals and improve their products, 
assets and processes.

The quality industry has a number of different growth drivers

Composition of World GDP, 2010

Our markets

Emerging and developing economic 
and local market demands
As emerging markets develop, global 
brands look to enter these markets to 
achieve growth, while local brands focus 
on improving their product offering to 
compete against these new entrants. 
Both these forces drive demand for 
services within the industry.

Increasing regulations
Quality, safety and environmental 
regulations and industry standards 
continue to expand and change across 
companies and cultures.

Energy sector growth & development
Global demand for energy is driving 
increased development and trading of 
energy resources and infrastructure.

New technologies, variety, brand & 
product development
Companies are constantly challenged to 
develop new products and technologies, 
to create new markets, increase sales and 
to respond to diverse end-user demands.

6%
1%

19%

22%

4%

4%

28%

3%
4%
9%

Composition of World GDP, 2030

3%
1%

11%

15%

4%

8%

4%

7%

44%

3%

Africa
Developing Asia
Central & Eastern Europe
Commonwealth of 
Independent States
Latin America

Middle East
North America
Western Europe
Australia & 
New Zealand
Japan

Source:  Citi Investment Research and Analysis.  
Note:  GDP measured in 2009 PPP USD.

Energy Outlook 2035

Oil

Gas

Coal

Nuclear

Hydro

Renewables*

* Includes biofuels
   Source: BP 2015

18.0

15.0

12.0

l

t
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e
a
v
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u
q
e

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9.0

6.0

3.0

0.0

1990

2013

2035

Our customers

Consumer quality demands
Consumers in developed economies trust 
brands and companies that perform and 
deliver products with consistent quality. 
Consumers in emerging markets are 
increasingly demanding higher levels  
of quality across a diverse range of 
criteria, creating new markets for local 
and international brands.

Supply chain complexity
Our customers create products and 
infrastructure using suppliers and 
components across multiple countries  
as they seek to gain cost and strategic 
advantages. This strategy also increases 
risk, with provenance across the supply 
chain being an area of focus. The quality 
industry benefits from the growth in 
global trade, with increased shipments  
of commodities, materials and products 
resulting in the need for increased testing 
across the supply chain.

Evolution of outsourcing  
and consulting
As companies have outsourced non-core 
activities such as quality and safety 
related services, participants in the 
quality industry have assumed 
responsibility for providing these services, 
which has helped expand the size of the 
overall market.

Brand promotion & protection
Branding is an important means  
of differentiation for companies in a 
crowded marketplace. The development 
and promotion of these brands takes  
a significant investment, and there  
is ongoing effort to protect this 
investment over time.

Our strategy and business model

The market drivers in our customers‘ industries create 
opportunities for us to provide services and to grow our business.

How we create value
We create value in a number of ways  
for our investors, our customers  
and our people as a result of our 
strategic priorities.

Our customers benefit from a business 
with global reach, but a local focus, 
which is continually developing  
additional services and supported  
by the best people. 

We promote opportunities for our people 
through the ability to upskill through our 

training programmes and global people 
development opportunities.

Through a combination of the above,  
we drive real value for our investors by 
focusing on long-term growth through 
organic investment and acquisition 
supported by operational excellence.

M a r k e t   sales growth

gic acquisiti o

e
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a
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t
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C
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a
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O

Growth drivers

Global ne t w o r

k

Cash genera t i o n

Total Shareholder Returns

STRATEGIC REPORTSTRATEGIC REPORT INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014<> 
 
 
 
 
 
8

Strategic report

 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

STRATEGIC REPORT

9

How we create value

Industry services

Refer to case study on 
page 21.

Electrical

Refer to divisional 
overview on page 26.

Building Products

Refer to divisional 
overview on page 26.

Cargo

Refer to case study on 
page 23.

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Food & Agriculture Services

Refer to divisional 
overview on page 20.

How we run our business

OUR BUSINESS  
MODEL 

OUR STRATEGIC  
PRIORITIES 

MARKET SALES GROWTH

LEADING POSITIONS  
IN CORE INDUSTRIES

GLOBAL NETWORK

GLOBAL NETWORK  
& SERVICE EXPANSION

Transportation Technologies

Refer to case study on 
page 27.

Softlines 

Refer to case study on 
page 25.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2014
See Chairman and CEO’s reports on pages 2 and 
4, and Operating reviews on pages 20 to 29

KPIs 
See principal KPIs on page 10

PLANS FOR 2015 
See Chairman and CEO’s reports  
on pages 2 and 4

RISKS 
See Principal risks and  
uncertainties on page 11

• Leading positions in Softlines, Hardlines  

and Transportation Technologies

• Diversification into services for operating 
expenditure in the oil and gas industry
• Added incremental services to portfolio 

• Additional accreditations achieved in 2014 include 

ISO 22301, ISO 55001 and EDGE

• New market offerings
• Three acquisitions in Industry & Assurance

• Divisional and business line growth
• Key country growth

•  Further geographic expansion  

in key markets

• Continued portfolio development  

across all business lines

• Cyclical risk
• Loss or abuse of accreditation
• Harm to the Group’s 

reputation

• Divisional mix
• Geographic mix

• Expanding service offerings and global 

reach through organic investment

• Political risk
• Financial irregularity risk
• Labour and human rights

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS  
& SERVICE

•  Superior Supplier Quality Award in the US
• Contractor Safety Awards (from a global customer)
• Supplier of the Year in Norway

• Customer satisfaction
• Turnaround times
• Claims value

• Global Account Management 

programme development

• Enhancements to customer business 
intelligence tools and technologies

STRATEGIC ACQUISITIONS

INDUSTRY CONSOLIDATION & 
TARGETED ACQUISITIONS

OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

PROCESS EFFICIENCY

PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT

INVESTING IN PEOPLE

• Acquisition of INSPEC in UAE to enhance our global 

capabilities in Non-Destructive Testing

• Acquisition of ScanBi Diagnostics and the analytical 

division of QPS Bioserve India to enhance our 
capabilities in Food & Agriculture Services

• Continuation of global Shared Service Centre  

(‘SSC‘) strategy – two new SSCs opened in Manila  
and Johannesburg

• Restructuring initiatives to streamline business 

processes and respond quickly to declining businesses

• Internal development and promotion
• Over 250 people participated in Management 

Development programmes or academies
• 130,000 training courses completed by  

17,000 employees

• Return on Invested Capital (‘ROIC’)
• Internal rate of return

•  Expansion of service offerings and 
global reach through acquisitions

• Cash flow from operations
• Revenue per employee by division
• Operating profit per employee  

by division

• Continuation of global SSC strategy
• Continuing roll-out of global general 

ledger and Chart of Accounts

• Country operational excellence focus

• Environment and  
climate change

• IT system risk

• Engagement scores
• Number of people per division
• Male:Female mix
• Number of training courses completed
• Health & Safety metrics

• CEO departure – successful recruitment

• Key staff reliance
• Business ethics and bribery  

and corruption

• Operational Health & Safety

• Key staff reliance
• Harm to the Group’s 

reputation

• Loss or abuse of accreditation
• Major claims

• Financial irregularity risk
• Key staff reliance
• IT systems risk

 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014<> INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

10 Strategic report

 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

11

KPIs – Measuring our strategy

Principal risks and uncertainties

In overview for 2014, several headwinds impacted the Group’s financial performance 
including currency movements and impacts in Minerals and Industry Services.  
With this backdrop, the Group held operating margins relatively stable, improved 
cashflow and increased dividend to shareholders.

This section sets out a description of the principal risks and uncertainties 
that could have a material adverse effect on the Group’s strategy, 
performance, results, financial condition and reputation.

The Group uses a variety of key performance indicators (‘KPIs’) to monitor performance and measure the financial impact  
of the Group’s strategy. Non-financial KPIs are shown in the Sustainability and CSR report on pages 35 to 41.

Revenue (£m)

Revenue growth measures how well  
the Group is expanding its business. 
The decline includes negative  
currency impact.

Organic revenue at constant 
exchange rates3 (£m)

Excluding currency movements and 
acquisitions, revenue growth was 
slightly down.

Adjusted operating profit1 (£m)

Measures profitability of the Group.  
The decline includes negative  
currency impact.

(4.2)%

2014

2013

2012

(0.6)%

2014

2013

2,093

2,184

2,054

2,016

2,029

(5.3)%#

2014

2013

2012

324

343

335

Organic adjusted operating profit at 
constant exchange rates1,3 (£m)

Measures profitability of the Group 
excluding acquisitions.

Adjusted operating margin1 (%)

Margin measures profitability as a 
proportion of revenue.

Adjusted cashflow from operations1 
(£m)

Shows the ability of the Group to turn 
profit into cash. Good cash generation.

(1.4)%

2014

2013

(20)bps

+2.4%

314

318

2014

2013

2012

15.5%

15.7%

16.3%

2014

2013

2012

Adjusted diluted earnings per share1 
(pence)

A key measure of value creation for  
the Board.

Dividend per share2 (pence)

Return on invested capital (%)

Dividend per share measures returns 
provided to shareholders.

Measures how effectively the  
Group generates profit from its  
invested capital.

(4.7)%#

2014

2013

2012

+6.7%

(11.4)%#

132.1

138.6

131.2

2014

2013

2012

49.1

46.0

41.0

2014

2013

2012

404

394

345

16.3

18.4

19.4

#.  Return on Invested Capital, and, when re-calculated using 2013 exchange rates, adjusted operating profit and adjusted diluted earnings per share, form the basis for Executive Director  

remuneration as described in more detail on pages 65 to 66.

1.   Adjusted operating profit, adjusted operating margin, adjusted cash flow from operations and adjusted diluted earnings per share are stated before Separately Disclosed Items,  

which are described in note 3 to the financial statements.

2.   Dividend per share is based on the interim dividend of 16.0p (2013: 15.0p) plus the proposed final dividend of 33.1p (2013: 31.0p).
3.   Growth at constant exchange rates compares both 2014 and 2013 at the average exchange rates for 2014. Organic revenue excludes acquisitions and disposals in the past two years.

RISK FRAMEWORK
The Board has overall responsibility for the establishment and 
oversight of the Group’s risk management framework which  
is described in the Directors’ Report on pages 42 to 56.

The Head of Internal Audit and the Head of Legal, who report 
to the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Executive Officer 
respectively, have accountability for reporting the key risks that 
the Group faces, the controls and assurance processes in place 
and any mitigating actions or controls. Both roles report to the 
Audit & Risk Committee, attend its meetings and meet with 
individual members each year as required. 

Risks are formally identified and recorded in a risk register  
for each business line and support function. The risk register  
is updated at least twice each year and is used to plan the 
Group’s internal audit and risk strategy. In addition to the risk 
register, all senior executives and their direct reports are 
required to complete an annual return to confirm that 
management controls have been effectively applied during  
the year. The return covers operations, compliance, risk 
management and finance.

The Risk Control and Assurance Committee (‘RCA’), comprising 
senior Intertek executives, complements the work of the  
Audit & Risk Committee. The RCA oversees the development  
of the internal control framework, reviews the risk matrices  
and risk management procedures, monitors issues and  
provides guidance to management. The RCA makes 
recommendations to the Intertek Executive Management  
Team and develops the Group’s integrated responses  
to changes in the regulatory environment.

PRINCIPAL RISKS 
The Group is affected by a number of risk factors, some of 
which, including macroeconomic and industry specific cyclical 
risks, are outside the Group’s control. Some risks are particular 
to Intertek’s operations. The principal risks of which the Group 
is aware are detailed below including a commentary on how 
the Group mitigates these risks. These risks and uncertainties 
do not appear in any particular order of potential materiality  
or probability of occurrence.

In addition, Intertek has the ambition of being good for 
business, people and the planet as set out as its mission  
vis-à-vis Sustainability and CSR (see pages 35 to 41).  
As a part of the process of achieving its mission, a stakeholder 
engagement exercise was undertaken to identify the most 
important environmental and social risks. This involved 
collecting qualitative data of interactions with clients, investors, 
suppliers, management, employees and other stakeholders. 
Stakeholders contributing information are chosen by a 
combination of their importance to business reputation,  
growth and profitability and availability of information.  
After the risks were identified a materiality assessment was 
completed, involving managers from around the business  
to prioritise the topics in relation to what was most important 
for the business. Three topics emerged as the most  
important to Intertek from this exercise and are included  
on the following pages.

There may be other risks that are currently unknown  
or regarded as immaterial which could turn out to be  
material. Any of these risks could have the potential to impact 
the performance of the Group, its assets, liquidity, capital 
resources and its reputation.

<

>

STRATEGIC REPORTSTRATEGIC REPORT 
12

Strategic report

Principal risks and uncertainties continued

 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

STRATEGIC REPORT

13

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Associated strategic priorities

Leading positions in core industries 

Customer relationships & service 

Investing in people

Industry consolidation & targeted acquisitions

Global network & service expansion

Process efficiency

L

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CONTEXT

POSSIBLE IMPACT

MITIGATION

2014 UPDATE

Operational

PRINCIPAL RISK

HARM TO THE GROUP’S 
REPUTATION

L

C

Please refer to page 8

The Group relies on its reputation  
to maintain and grow its business. 
Adverse litigation, ethical breaches 
and operational failures have the 
potential to damage its reputation. 
There is also a risk that poor 
performance of services leads  
to a loss of confidence in the Group’s 
standards and reputation for quality 
and safety service excellence.

• Failure to meet financial  

performance expectations.

• Exposure to material legal claims, 

associated costs and wasted 
management time. 
• Share price may fall.
• Loss of existing or new business.

LOSS OR ABUSE OF ACCREDITATION 
LEADING TO LOSS OF BUSINESS

L

C

Please refer to page 8

The Group relies on being awarded 
and retaining appropriate 
accreditations and affiliations around 
the world in order to provide its 
certification services. 

Illegal use of Intertek marks by others 
abuses the accreditation process and 
risks negative perceptions of Intertek.

• Loss of business in the relevant 
industry and damage to the  
Group’s reputation.

• Risk Management Framework and associated controls and assurance processes, 

• This risk remains stable compared 

including contractual review and liability caps where appropriate.

to 2013.

• Quality Management Systems; adherence to these is regularly audited and reviewed 

by external parties, including accreditation bodies.

• Code of Ethics which is communicated to all staff, who undergo regular training. 
• Whistle-blowing programme, monitored by the Audit & Risk Committee, where 

staff are encouraged to report, without risk, any fraudulent or other activity likely  
to adversely affect the reputation of the Group. 

• Zero-tolerance policy with regard to any inappropriate behaviour by any individual 

employed by the Group, or acting on the Group’s behalf.

• Media comments with regard to Group activities are centrally reviewed  

so that senior management can, where necessary, take appropriate action  
on a timely basis.

• Relationship management and communication with external stakeholders.

• The Group continues to robustly 
defend claims where they are 
without merit, as well as investing 
in staff development, quality 
systems and standard processes to 
prevent operational failures. 

• Quality assurance procedures and controls embedded in the operations  

• This risk remains stable compared 

to ensure that the Group holds and maintains the necessary accreditations  
and that the required operational standards are applied. 

• Operations are regularly subjected to audit and review by external parties  
including accreditation bodies, governments, trade affiliations, retailers, 
manufacturers and clients.

• Accreditation is usually held at an industry, country or site level and loss  
of accreditation will not mean loss of accreditation across the Group.

to 2013.

• The Group regularly refines its 
quality assurance procedures. 

• While illegal use of Intertek marks 
is a growing problem, the Group 
continues to work with Regulatory 
and Government bodies to identify 
and take swift action where false 
marks are identified. 

• This risk remains stable compared 

to 2013.

• Further senior managers within 
Intertek have been through the 
Intertek Executive Academy in the 
last year, taking the number of 
participants to 71 since 2012.

• This risk remains stable compared 

to 2013.

• There was one work related  

fatality in the year, compared  
to two in 2013.

KEY STAFF RELIANCE AND DEPTH 
OF MANAGEMENT

C

IP

I

Please refer to page 8

The Group operates in specialised 
sectors and needs to attract and 
retain employees with relevant 
experience and knowledge in order  
to take advantage of all growth 
opportunities. 

• Reduced ability to  
compete effectively.

• Increased recruitment costs.
• Loss of talent to competitors  

and lost market share.

• HR strategy policies and systems.
• Development and reward programme to retain and motivate employees.
• Succession planning to ensure effective continuation of leadership and expertise.
• Employee surveys.
• Intertek Executive Academy to develop the next generation of global leadership.

OPERATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

IP

C

Please refer to page 8

Many employees undertake work 
which could be hazardous. Not having 
a good record of safety can damage 
trust with clients and employees.

• Injury to employees and others.
• Loss of customers.
• Damage to trust and reputation.

• Quality management and associated controls.
• Avoiding fatalities, accidents and hazardous situations is paramount. It is expected 
that Intertek employees will operate to the highest standards of health and safety 
at all times and there are controls in place to reduce incidents.

<>STRATEGIC REPORT INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 201414 Strategic report

Principal risks and uncertainties continued

 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

STRATEGIC REPORT

15

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Associated strategic priorities

Leading positions in core industries 

Customer relationships & service 

Investing in people

Industry consolidation & targeted acquisitions

Global network & service expansion

Process efficiency

L

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2014 UPDATE

• This represents an increasing risk 
compared to 2013, as pockets of 
social and political unrest continue 
around the globe. Our work with 
Russian customers is subject to 
continuous review to ensure 
compliance with EU sanctions 
relating to Ukraine. 

to 2013.

• The Group continues to improve  
its data collection to understand 
and help mitigate energy usage 
and reduce its CO2e emissions.

• This risk remains stable compared 

to 2013.

CONTEXT

POSSIBLE IMPACT

MITIGATION

• Monitoring of any incidents of political or social unrest and taking  

mitigating action.

• Operations across many industries and countries diversifies the risk profile  

of the Group.

• The Group utilises internal and external experts to keep abreast of tax  

and other legislation. 

Operational

PRINCIPAL RISK

POLITICAL RISK

G

Please refer to page 8

ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE 
CHANGE

P

Please refer to page 8

The Group operates in over 100 
countries including some where 
political instability can result in 
disruption to operations and the 
suspension, change or termination  
of contracts at short notice. 

The Group receives tax incentives  
in certain jurisdictions, resulting  
in a lower tax charge to the income 
statement. There is no guarantee  
that these reduced rates will continue 
to be applicable in the future.

Intertek operates many laboratories 
and offices which create greenhouse 
gas emissions and waste, and 
consume water.

• Reduction in opportunities in a 

particular geography. 

• Changes to terms of contracts.
• Reduction or confiscation of Group 

assets, potentially without 
reasonable recompense; or increase 
in the Group’s effective tax rate.

• Failure to manage and control 

emissions and waste impacts the 
environment and our communities, 
as well as the Group’s reputation.  
In addition, failure to manage the 
business’ environmental impact 
could result in remediation costs.

• Tracking energy usage and emissions to manage the business’  

• This risk remains stable compared 

environmental impact is important for remaining compliant, controlling  
costs, controlling environmental externalities and satisfying customers’  
supply chain governance requirements.

LABOUR AND HUMAN RIGHTS

L G

Please refer to page 8

Operating in high risk countries 
known to have poor labour  
and human rights’ records. 

• Loss of employees.
• Loss of business.
• Damaged reputation.

• Respect for human rights is enshrined in regulation in most jurisdictions where 
Intertek operates and underpins the Group’s Labour and Human Rights policy.  
This is important for compliance, employee relations and employer legitimacy,  
and is linked to competitiveness in terms of having engaged employees and 
demonstrating to clients that this is important for running a good business.

CYCLICAL RISK

L G I

Please refer to page 8

IT SYSTEMS RISK

L

I

P

Please refer to page 8

• A sustained downturn in the 
economic cycle can result in  
a lower return on invested capital,  
as revenue and margin levels  
come under pressure.

All businesses are subject to cycles, 
with supply and demand fluctuating 
for economic or other factors over 
time. During times of cyclical strength 
this can place the business under 
pressure to meet peaks in demand 
whilst maintaining quality standards, 
whilst in cyclical downturns there  
is a requirement to restructure  
the business.

The Group is dependent on IT systems 
for principal business processes. The 
failure of one of these systems could 
cause significant operational 
disruption and loss of revenue.

• Damage to reputation leading to loss 

of business and media attention.

• Cost to rectify.
• Loss of systems and data impacts the 
ability to perform services and earn 
revenue in an efficient manner.

• The Group has a diversified service offering to a wide range of industries and 

• This represents an increasing risk 

geographies. This reduces the risk of a downturn in any one sector or region having 
a material impact on the long-term viability of the Group. Where a downturn does 
occur, the Group seeks to reduce, where possible, the cost base whilst retaining its 
core capability to take advantage of the cyclical upturn when it comes.

• Information systems policy and governance structure.
• Disaster recovery and business continuity plans that are constantly tested  

and improved to minimise the impact if a failure does occur.

• Global Information Security policies in place.
• Internal and external audit testing.

compared to 2013.

• The Group’s results are impacted 

by the lower levels of capital 
expenditure in the energy sector, 
driven by lower oil prices, but 
partially offset by the diverse 
nature of the Group and its ability 
to flex the cost base. 

• This risk remains stable compared 

to 2013.

• While the Group’s reliance on IT 
grows, the implementation of 
regional data centres and 
supporting expertise ensures robust 
platforms and recovery processes 
are in place. 

<>STRATEGIC REPORT INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 201416 Strategic report

Principal risks and uncertainties continued

 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

STRATEGIC REPORT

17

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Associated strategic priorities

Leading positions in core industries 

Customer relationships & service 

Investing in people

Industry consolidation & targeted acquisitions

Global network & service expansion

Process efficiency

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Legal and Regulatory

PRINCIPAL RISK

MAJOR CLAIMS

L

C

Please refer to page 8

BUSINESS ETHICS AND BRIBERY 
AND CORRUPTION

G IP

Please refer to page 8

CONTEXT

POSSIBLE IMPACT

MITIGATION

2014 UPDATE

• Financial impact (fines by  
regulators, suspension of 
accreditation, compensation).

• Loss of business  

(contract termination).
• Criminal and civil action.
• Damaged reputation.

The Group is involved in claims where 
an event is found or is perceived to be 
caused by the negligence of the 
Group. It could subject the Group to 
claims for personal injury or property 
damage by customers, sub-
contractors, employees or members  
of the public which could lead to the 
payment of damages and result  
in reputational damage which could  
in turn lead to a loss of business. 
There is a risk that a legal dispute 
could adversely affect the reputation 
of the Group and result in significant 
financial loss.

• Effective Quality Management Systems and assurance procedures and controls, 

• This risk remains stable compared 

including contractual review and liability caps where appropriate. 

to 2013.

• All significant incidents that could potentially result in a claim against the Group  

are immediately reported to compliance officers and logged in an incident database 
so that they can be properly managed. The Group Head of Legal reports any 
significant claims to the Audit & Risk Committee. External legal counsel is appointed 
where appropriate.

• Crisis management policy in place.
• Seeking contractual protection from loss or insurance cover for loss where possible.

• Additional compliance personnel 
have been employed in the year  
to increase the bandwidth available 
to manage contract reviews and 
assist the wider legal framework.
• Ongoing training and education  
in respect of contractual liabilities 
being assumed.

I

S
T
R
A
T
E
G
C
R
E
P
O
R
T

The Group operates in countries 
which are recognised to have higher 
bribery and corruption risks.

• Legal action and fines against  

the Group.

• Debarment from being able to 

• Code of Ethics and training, risk assessments, Audit & Risk Committee review, 

• This risk remains stable compared 

whistle-blowing policy and policies and systems.

to 2013.

• The Group employs local people in each country who are aware of local legal  

• Ongoing annual confirmations 

participate in tenders.

• Loss of reputation.
• Media activity.

and regulatory requirements. There are also extensive internal compliance and audit 
systems to facilitate compliance. Expert advice is taken in areas where regulations 
are uncertain. 

• The Group continues to dedicate resources to ensure compliance with the UK 

Bribery Act and all other anti-bribery legislation.

ensure that staff verify compliance 
with the Code of Ethics.
• Internal Audit samples that 
contractors have signed the 
Group’s Code.

• During 2014, 256 HR and non-

compliance issues were reported 
through the whistleblowing hotline 
and other routes. All were 
investigated with 31 substantiated 
and corrective action taken.

Financial

FINANCIAL 
IRREGULARITY RISK

G

I

Please refer to page 8

The Group could suffer financial loss 
either through misappropriation of 
assets or the misrepresentation of 
financial results.

• Corresponding loss of value and 

reputation could result in funding 
being withdrawn or provided at 
higher interest rates. 

• Negative market sentiment could 
impact the Group’s share price.

• The Group has financial and management controls in place to ensure that the 

• This risk remains stable compared 

Group’s assets are protected from major financial risks. 

to 2013.

• A detailed system of financial reporting is in place to ensure that monthly financial 
results are thoroughly reviewed. The Group also operates a rigorous programme  
of internal audits and management reviews. Independent external auditors review 
the Group’s half year results and audit the Group’s annual financial statements.

• The Group continues to build a 

shared service centre infrastructure 
to ensure appropriate skilled 
personnel review actual and 
forecast results, as well as improve 
segregation of duties. 

<> INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014 
 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

18 Strategic report

 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

19

The day-to-day 
management of the  
Group is undertaken  
by the Intertek Executive 
Management Team.

WOLFHART HAUSER
Chief Executive Officer
Appointed to the Board as Chief 
Executive Officer in March 2005 after 
serving as a Non-Executive Director since 
November 2002. Wolfhart was previously 
Chief Executive Officer and President  
of TÜV Süddeutschland AG for four  
years and Chief Executive Officer of  
TÜV Product Services for 10 years. 
Starting his career with various research 
activities, he went on to establish and 
lead a broad range of successful 
international service industry businesses. 
He has held several non-executive board 
director and chairman roles in a variety  
of technology companies.

ANN-MICHELE BOWLIN
Chief Information Officer
Joined Intertek in 2009. Ann-Michele 
was appointed Chief Information Officer 
in September 2010. She joined Intertek 
from Ernst & Young consulting where  
she led shared services transformation 
programmes in industries including  
oil & gas, manufacturing and services. 
Prior to Ernst & Young, she held 
leadership and operations roles in 
technology, manufacturing and services.

JAY GUTIERREZ
Executive Vice President, 
Commodities 
Joined Intertek in 1997. Until the end  
of 2014, Jay had responsibility for the 
Commodities division. Previously, he was 
Vice President for the Oil, Chemical & 
Agri division in the Americas. Jay has 
decided to retire from Intertek, later in 
2015, and handed his responsibility for 
the Cargo & Analytical Assessment 
businesses to Manfred Klepacz during 
the course of 2014.

JONATHAN LAWRENCE
Group Vice President,  
Human Resources
Joined Intertek in 2005. Jonathan has 
responsibility for Human Resources. He 
also directs Sustainability, Health & Safety 
and internal communications. Jonathan 
joined Intertek from Bureau Veritas 
where he was Group Vice President 
Human Resources. Prior to moving into 
business services in the TIC sector, 
Jonathan held HR, Quality Management 
and operations roles in the automotive, 
chemicals and general manufacturing 
sectors, starting his career as a Chartered 
Engineer in the machinery industry.

GREGG TIEMANN
Executive Vice President, 
Consumer Goods,  
Commercial & Electrical
Joined Intertek in 1993. Gregg has 
responsibility for the Consumer Goods 
and Commercial & Electrical divisions. 
Prior to assuming his current role, Gregg 
was President of Intertek’s Commercial  
& Electrical division, having started as 
General Manager of the Los Angeles 
laboratory in 1993. Before joining 
Intertek, Gregg worked in sales and 
marketing for the software industry.

EDWARD LEIGH 
Chief Financial Officer
Joined Intertek in 2013. Appointed  
to the Board as Chief Financial Officer  
in October 2014. Edward is responsible 
for the Group’s global Finance, Tax, 
Treasury, Internal Audit and Company 
Secretariat functions. Edward joined 
Intertek from Dixons Retail Plc, where he 
held several senior financial management 
positions. Prior to that he held a variety 
of commercial finance roles at Procter  
& Gamble. He has over twenty years’ 
experience in driving financial 
transformation and business performance 
programmes. Edward is a Chartered 
Management Accountant.

STEFAN BUTZ
Executive Vice President,  
Industry & Assurance, 
Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals
Joined Intertek in 2008. Stefan 
has responsibility for the Industry 
& Assurance and Chemicals & 
Pharmaceuticals divisions. He joined 
Intertek from TÜV SÜD, where  
he held the position of CEO Americas, 
with an earlier role as Head of  
Corporate Development. Prior to this 
he was a Strategy Consultant with 
Accenture Germany.

MANFRED KLEPACZ
Executive Vice President,  
Cargo & Analytical Assessment
Joined Intertek in 2014. Manfred has 
responsibility for the Global Cargo & 
Analytical Assessment businesses. 
Manfred has a long international career 
in the chemicals and industrial products 
sectors and was most recently Chief 
Executive of Al Rajhi Industrial Holdings 
based in Saudi Arabia. He has previously 
held international roles in general 
management and business development 
with the LyondellBasell and BASF groups 
in the USA, Singapore and Australia.

JULIA THOMAS
Vice President, 
Corporate Development
Joined Intertek in 2013. Julia has 
responsibility for Intertek’s acquisition 
and disposal activities, and oversees 
Group Marketing. Before joining  
Intertek, Julia spent 12 years in 
investment banking with J.P. Morgan 
Cazenove and Rothschild, focusing 
primarily on mergers and acquisitions.

<

>

STRATEGIC REPORTIntertek Executive Management TeamSTRATEGIC REPORT20

Strategic report – Operating review

Industry & Assurance

 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

21

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

State-of-the-art 
equipment is being 
used to inspect key 
components used in 
aircraft manufacture.

Case study: Non-Destructive Testing
New immersion ultrasonic 
equipment at Intertek

Intertek has invested significantly in non-
destructive testing capabilities with new 
state-of-the-art immersion ultrasonic 
techniques and equipment, demonstrating 
our on-going commitment to providing  
a competitive service to aerospace clients.

As part of the Company’s expansion of its 
ultrasonic testing services, new equipment 
is being used to inspect the rectilinear discs 
used in aircraft manufacture. This utilises 
the latest technology in fully automated 
inspection systems and provides excellent 
resolution, allowing for real-time post-scan 
data processing.

For many years Intertek has been using 
immersion ultrasonic testing to inspect 
components for aerospace companies  
and their supply chain. Our non-destructive 
testing capabilities can detect flaws or 
irregularities in components to the most 
stringent inspection standards in compliance 
with Civil Aviation Authority and Federal 
Aviation Administration regulations. 

The Industry & Assurance division with good growth in Food, Agriculture and Business 
Assurance, has been impacted by the decision to exit low value contracts and lower 
levels of capital expenditure from the oil and gas industry.

INDUSTRY & ASSURANCE IN BRIEF
Key business lines
Industry Services  
Business Assurance 
Food & Agriculture Services

Our services
Asset Integrity Management 
Exploration & Production 
Technical Inspection 
Auditing 
Certification 
Consulting 
Training 
Staffing

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 2014

Change
at actual
rates

£m

Change 
at
constant
rates

Revenue

642.9

(9.4)% (2.8)%

Adjusted operating profit

64.5 (21.5)% (14.5)%

Adjusted operating margin 10.0% (160)bps (140)bps

Revenue – at actual rates (£m)

(9.4)%

2014

2013

Average employees

+11.8%

2014

2013

Revenue by key business

14%

15%

642.9

709.3

9,690

8,668

71%

Industry Services

Business Assurance

Food & Agriculture

OUR PERFORMANCE IN 2014
Total revenue was £642.9m, down 3% at 
constant exchange rates. This was primarily 
due to our decision to exit certain low value 
contracts, which negatively impacted the 
division’s revenue by 6%, as well as delays 
to the commencement of planned oil and 
gas infrastructure capital project work by 
our customers. At actual exchange rates 
revenue was 9% lower. 

Total adjusted operating profit at constant 
rates was 15% lower to £64.5m with  
a 140 basis point reduction in margin.  
At actual rates operating profit was 22% 
lower. The reduction in underlying margin 
is due to the revenue decline in our 
Industry Services business.

The largest proportion of the Industry & 
Assurance division is our Industry Services 
business which provides services to the 
energy infrastructure sector encompassing 
our Technical Inspection, Technical Staffing, 
Asset Integrity, Consulting & Training and 
Exploration & Production services. In 2014, 
we experienced customers delaying the 
commencement of planned oil and gas 
capital projects work which affected our 
Technical Inspection and Technical Staffing 
services. Revenue was also reduced by 
£40m from our strategic decision at the 
end of 2013 to exit certain low-value 
Technical Staffing service contracts. 

We have begun to expand our Industry 
Services activities into processing, power, 
infrastructure, aerospace and other utility 
industries, as well as into oil and gas 
maintenance driven services in order to 
balance our leading position and exposure 
in the oil and gas capital projects market. 
We saw solid growth in 2014 in our 
business lines which predominantly  
support the maintenance of our customers’ 
infrastructure from their operational 
expenditure (‘opex’) and where 
environmental and integrity concerns 
related to infrastructure also remain  
high on the public agenda. 

Looking into 2015, we anticipate that 
further reductions in planned energy 
capital expenditure by our customers in 
response to the current low oil price will 
continue to impact revenue. However we 
expect that, as oil markets recover and  
we diversify our infrastructure services, 

the long-term increase in energy demand 
will drive revenue growth in Intertek’s 
services in these markets.

In April, Intertek acquired INSPEC.  
This business supplements Intertek’s 
acquisition of GXT in the US in 2013,  
and the acquisition in 2012 of NDT Services 
in the UK to create three key regional hubs 
as we develop our global opex services 
offering around NDT. The Australian-based 
NDT business of AIS was acquired in 
February 2015 for £6.5m in furtherance  
of this strategy.

Our Business Assurance business line grew 
strongly in the year with good demand  
for second-party auditing services from 
multinational corporations. We launched 
new services in 2014 including ISO 22301 
Business Continuity; ISO 55001 Asset 
Integrity Management; EDGE Certification 
(Economic Dividend for Gender Equality); 
and Private Security Certification. Growing 
consumer demand, as well as increasing 
environmental regulations in developed 
and emerging markets, are placing  
an increasing emphasis on quality 
environmental and energy management 
systems for our customers, so that supply 
chain traceability exists.

Growing consumer demand for quality  
and safety in developing and developed 
economies, increasing regulations, and 
public food scandals, are all driving growth 
in the food testing market. Good growth  
in Food services during the year was driven 
by expansion of food safety needs and 
labelling in Germany, Taiwan and China. 
New EU food labelling regulations 
commenced and the US FDA introduced  
a proposal for new nutritional labelling 
requirements. Our Agriculture business 
grew strongly with good harvests in North 
America and expanding customer 
demands in South America. We expect 
these trends to support good growth  
in our Food & Agriculture and Business 
Assurance business lines going forward.

We continued to invest in expanding  
our global food services capabilities, and 
completed two bolt-on acquisitions for  
a total consideration of £3.3m in the year, 
and £3m organic investment in food labs.

STRATEGIC REPORTSTRATEGIC REPORT INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014<>22

Strategic report – Operating review

Commodities

 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

23

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Commodities division has grown revenue and margin in its 
Cargo business line, broadly offsetting the weaker conditions in the 
Minerals business.

COMMODITIES IN BRIEF
Key business lines
Cargo  
Analytical Assessment  
Government & Trade Services 
Minerals

Our services
Analytical assessment 
Certification 
Inspection 
Consulting

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 2014

Change
at actual
rates

£m

Change 
at
constant
rates

Revenue

542.4

(7.5)% (0.5)%

Adjusted operating profit

65.5

(6.4)% (0.2)%

Adjusted operating margin 12.1% 20bps

10bps

Revenue – at actual rates (£m)

(7.5)%

2014

2013

Average employees

(0.2)%

2014

2013

Revenue by key business

13%

15%

542.4

586.6

10,252

10,268

72%

Cargo & Analytical Assessment

Minerals

Government & Trade Services

OUR PERFORMANCE IN 2014
Total revenue was £542.4m, down  
1% at constant exchange rates, primarily  
due to the decline in Minerals revenues 
following the global slowdown in the 
sector and the impact of the Indonesian 
export ban in early 2014. At actual 
exchange rates total revenue was  
8% lower. 

Total adjusted operating profit at 
constant rates was £65.5m, flat versus 
prior year, with a 10 basis point increase 
in margin supported by restructuring 
activities. Total adjusted operating profit 
was down 6% at actual rates. 

Demand for our oil and gas Cargo and 
Analytical Assessment inspection and 
testing business lines is driven by the 
end-demand for these products, as we 
test and verify the downstream trade  
and transport of a wide range of raw  
and processed products. Revenue grew 
in 2014 with the strongest growth in the 
Middle East while Europe remained flat. 
A weakening oil price in 2014 has not 
affected the business as our work is 
driven by throughput of downstream 
volumes which remained positive. By 
restructuring our activities in Europe we 
increased the business lines’ margin in 
2014. Further planned restructuring  
in 2015 will ensure this business remains 
aligned to shifting refining and trade 
flow patterns by our customers. 

The increasing focus on environmental 
testing in some emerging markets driven 
by regulation, combined with the growth 
in Liquefied Natural Gas (‘LNG’) and 
unconventional (shale gas) testing and 
calibration-based work, has meant that 
Intertek is investing in new data-based 
technologies and increased use of 
automation in our laboratories, such  
as in Colombia. We see opportunities  
this year to increase our outsourced 
laboratory work for oil customers and 
refineries looking to manage costs in 
response to oil price pressures. Intertek 
has a leading track record in outsourced 
services and is well placed to assist 
customers with shorter test turnaround 
times and higher levels of knowledge 
and test quality. 

Revenue in our Minerals business line is 
driven by clients’ exploration, production 
and trading activity of mineral ores 
around the Pacific Rim, which declined  
in 2014. This was due to the continuing 
reduction in exploration activity by our 
customers and the effects of the 
introduction of an ore export ban  
in Indonesia in 2014. We have focused 
on aligning our global footprint to the 
changing minerals markets through an 
extensive restructuring during 2014.  
We closed a number of Minerals sites, 
exited businesses in India and Brazil  
and reduced our employee base 
significantly. Our production-related 
testing services grew in 2014.  
This was primarily in the iron ore sector, 
as we developed our mine-site services 
and capabilities; however this did not 
offset the other declines.

Revenue growth in our Government & 
Trade Services (‘GTS‘) business was lower 
in 2014 due to the reduction in scope of 
our Conformity Assessment Programme 
with Saudi Arabia as reported in last 
year’s Annual Report. In the final quarter 
of 2014 we saw the business return to 
good growth after annualising this effect 
which commenced in the fourth quarter 
of 2013. During 2014 we commenced 
restructuring of our GTS sales operations 
to support growth and operational 
efficiency with Regional Operations 
Centres in Manila and Johannesburg.  
We also created a new organisational 
model to better align the business to 
future growth opportunities. These 
activities supported an improved 
operating margin in the second half  
of 2014. Looking forward we see  
many countries in Africa improving  
their conformity assessment structures 
which creates further opportunities  
for our services.

Case study: Crude Oil Rail Car Services
Intertek expands crude-by-
rail testing capabilities

Intertek provides a range of physical 
property testing services required to comply 
with a United States Government order 
mandating proper testing and classification 
of crude oil before the oil is loaded onto 
railcar shipments for delivery to oil terminals 
and refineries. 

As per the Department of Transportation’s 
(‘DOT’) Emergency Order, the crude oil tests 
conducted determine key crude oil physical 
properties, including initial boiling point, 
flash point, vapour pressure, and hydrogen 
sulfide content, among other factors.

Intertek provides the appropriate testing 
services, and offers guidance regarding the 
DOT Order. Testing helps to ensure that 
crude oil for shipment by rail has been 
classified, described, and packaged in 
accordance with the appropriate Hazardous 
Materials Regulations. In addition, we 
provide liquid meter proving and witnessing 
services in the shale fields.

Intertek is equipped 
with the specified steel 
and aluminium test 
specimens required  
for United Nations’ 
corrosion testing.

STRATEGIC REPORTSTRATEGIC REPORT INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014<>24

Strategic report – Operating review

Consumer Goods

 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

25

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Consumer Goods division has continued to grow well,  
with strong growth in emerging markets. 

CONSUMER GOODS IN BRIEF
Key business lines
Softlines  
Hardlines  
Product Intelligence 
Auditing

Our services
Testing 
Inspection 
Certification 
Auditing 
Advisory services 
Quality Assurance 
Hazardous substance testing

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 2014

Change
at actual
rates

Change 
at
constant
rates

(1.6)% 4.4%

0.2% 6.1%

£m

375.3

124.8

Revenue

Adjusted operating profit

Adjusted operating margin 33.3% 60bps

60bps

Revenue – at actual rates (£m)

(1.6)%

2014

2013

Average employees

+3.7%

2014

2013

Revenue by key business

1%

4%

34%

375.3

381.3

10,789

10,409

61%

Softlines

Hardlines

Product Intelligence

Auditing

OUR PERFORMANCE IN 2014
Total revenue was £375.3m, up 4%  
at constant exchange rates. At actual 
exchange rates total revenue was  
2% lower. 

Total adjusted operating profit was 
£124.8m, up 6% at constant exchange 
rates with 60 basis points of margin 
improvement, reflecting the completion 
of prior year investment in Tradegood 
and good growth in the higher margin 
Textiles business line. Total adjusted 
operating profit was flat at actual 
exchange rates. 

Our Softlines revenues grew strongly  
in 2014 with good performances across 
all geographic regions in response to 
market demand and as new organic 
capacity expansion came on-line.  
Growth was strongest in emerging 
softlines sourcing markets, such as India, 
Vietnam and Bangladesh, where 
increasing numbers of Western retailers 
are asking Intertek to support them as 
they continue to diversify their sourcing 
from China to optimise their costs. 
During the year we expanded our leather 
and footwear testing facilities in India 
and chemical testing capacity in other 
Asian countries and Mexico. The fabric 
manufacturing market remains healthy in 
China where Intertek supports customers 
in evaluating the fabric before it is 
shipped to garment manufacturing 
countries. Chemical testing of textiles 
remains in demand by our customers. 
Regulations in the US and industry 
initiatives are driving greater scrutiny  
of the presence of hazardous chemicals 
in clothing and the environmental impact 
of the supply chain. 

Luxury softlines brands continue to  
see emerging markets as a growth area 
for both production and for sales. Several 
countries have exacting technical 
regulations or import regulations which 
require testing to be conducted prior  
to import, such as the SNI clothing mark 
(Indonesian National Standard). 
Meanwhile the quality of domestic 
softlines brands is improving as they  
aim to compete with global brands  
on design, quality and price and this  
is helping to expand the market for 
Intertek’s services. Various states in the 

US further developed their chemical 
regulations which are creating customer 
demand for additional evaluations of 
softlines and other products.

Revenue growth in Hardlines was flat  
in 2014, primarily from lower demand  
for European Union toy standard EN 71 
testing in the second half which had 
experienced strong growth since May 
2013 when the new regulations were 
introduced. China and Hong Kong were 
the most affected geographies. Looking 
ahead, markets such as India, Mexico, 
Vietnam and Turkey, are showing good 
growth potential as we expect the 
sourcing trend in hardlines product 
categories to diversify away from China 
to alternate manufacturing countries. 
Most emerging markets are requiring 
higher quality products across a range  
of categories for the domestic market  
as a result of consumer expectations  
and we expect this trend to also support 
growth in our business. 

Our Product Intelligence services for 
retailers include product benchmark 
testing and consultation services that 
focus on product performance 
improvement. These services help 
customers to design better, safer 
products and to reduce the incidence  
of defects and returns from the outset  
of the product development process.  
This market developed positively in 2014 
with more North American retailers 
developing ‘own-label’ products and 
seeking third-party support. In addition, 
retailers are outsourcing the monitoring 
of product defects and returns to better 
identify product categories with inherent 
quality issues, while others are seeking 
outsourced personnel to fill quality 
control oversight functions on  
sourced products. 

Looking forward we consider that 
customers’ shifting sourcing patterns, 
product variety, increasing chemical 
regulations and import standards and  
the demand for higher quality products 
and regulatory developments in Western 
and developing markets will drive good 
growth in demand for our Consumer 
Goods business lines.

Case study: Textiles & Apparel
Intertek launches first ever 
mobile textile testing lab

Intertek launched the first ever textile 
testing lab on wheels in Mumbai, serving 
retailers, brands and manufacturers of  
adult apparel, childrens’ apparel, fashion 
accessories and household textiles to ensure 
that their products meet safety, regulatory, 
quality and performance standards. 

This is a unique concept that helps our retail 
customers realise testing cost efficiencies 
and also provide access to quality testing of 
their products at their doorstep. The home-
delivered support helps manufacturers 
improve competencies and also enhance 
acceptability with global brands.

This is a unique 
concept that helps our 
retail customers realise 
testing cost efficiencies.

Case study: Hardlines
Intertek opens first toy 
testing laboratory in India

Intertek expanded its toy testing capabilities 
in India with the opening of an NABL*-
accredited laboratory in Gurgaon, to 
support toy retailers, brands and 
manufacturers, in meeting stringent 
regulatory standards and requirements 
established by the industry and reducing 
risks caused by defective toys.

Additional services include design 
evaluation, mock-up sample studies, initial 
product specification analysis, and product 
review; all of which help determine possible 
risk factors before a client’s product is 
placed on store shelves and into the hands 
of consumers.

*  National Accreditation Board for Testing  

and Calibration Laboratories.

STRATEGIC REPORTSTRATEGIC REPORT INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014<>26

Strategic report – Operating review

Commercial & Electrical

 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

27

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Commercial & Electrical division has grown revenue strongly 
with good growth across Electrical, Transportation Technologies 
and Building Products.

COMMERCIAL & ELECTRICAL 
IN BRIEF
Key business lines
Electrical & Wireless 
Transportation Technologies  
Building Products

Our services
Safety testing 
Performance testing 
Certification 
Consulting

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 2014

Change
at actual
rates

£m

Change 
at
constant
rates

Revenue

359.6

6.3% 13.9%

Adjusted operating profit

51.0

3.4% 10.4%

Adjusted operating margin 14.2% (40)bps (40)bps

Revenue – at actual rates (£m)

+6.3%

2014

2013

Average employees

+12.1%

2014

2013

Revenue by key business

19%

13%

359.6

338.4

5,442

4,853

68%

Electrical & Wireless

Building Products

Transportation Technologies

OUR PERFORMANCE IN 2014
Total revenue was £359.6m, up 14%  
at constant exchange rates, driven by 
strong growth in the Transportation 
Technologies business line and the 2013 
acquisition of ATI in Building Products.  
At actual exchange rates revenue growth 
was 6%. 

Total adjusted operating profit was 
£51.0m, up 10% at constant exchange 
rates with the total adjusted operating 
margin decreasing 40 basis points  
at constant exchange rates. Total 
adjusted operating profit was up 3%  
at actual rates.

Revenue growth in the Electrical business 
line was driven by demand for 
performance testing of new technologies 
being produced in China, Hong Kong, 
South Korea and the UK. The business 
line’s margin in 2014 was below the prior 
year following new laboratory 
investments made in 2013 which are 
building to full utilisation.

Key customers are more concerned than 
ever with supply chain integrity, especially 
those who rely on multiple Original 
Design Manufacturers. Intertek supports 
this integrity by reducing overall risk for 
customers through a process of 
qualifying suppliers, validating 
component choices and benchmarking 
options within the supply chain. With 
their quickly expanding infrastructure, 
the Middle East and India have become  
a strategic imperative to many of our 
customers, while demand in Latin 
America for both safe and energy 
efficient products has steadily  
increased alongside the increase  
in local regulations.

Wireless revenue declined in 2014 due  
to the ending of a global customer 
contract in the first half of the year which 
also impacted the business’ margin. 
Demand for mobile device testing as  
a whole remained very strong driven  
by North America and global customers’ 
product variety developments and 
performance testing needs. 

In Transportation Technologies revenue 
grew strongly in 2014. Further 
investment in the US has expanded 
capacity to meet new 2017 industry 
standards and increasingly complex 
engine technologies. US Environmental 
Protection Agency regulations are also 
driving customers to research and assess 
new component and vehicle performance 
towards the delivery of lower emissions 
and fuel economy standards that will 
take effect in future. 

In 2014 we completed the successful 
integration of ATI which has helped 
increase Building Products revenue  
in North America. The business line  
is expanding its global footprint into 
China as the emerging middle-class  
is demanding an increase in safety  
and security in their buildings and 
building owners have an increased  
desire to have longer lasting and more 
energy efficient buildings. 

Looking ahead, regulatory and industry 
standards for wireless products are 
evolving to include new technologies, 
such as Voice Over LTE (VoLTE), wearable 
products and Smart Grid technology. 
Customers are developing a wider range 
of internet-enabled products and 
technologies to connect products to each 
other, to consumers, to homes, to the 
Smart Grid, also known as ‘The Internet 
of Things’. Emerging markets are 
adopting and enforcing the existing 
requirements of more mature markets. 
Global brands are balancing the need for 
quality and reliability with the cost of 
speed to market, while new entrants are 
gaining market share through low cost 
devices. Performance testing and 
benchmarking for devices and software 
applications provides invaluable 
information to manufacturers and 
retailers who want to ensure a quality 
user experience as well as protect their 
brands. All of these developments 
provide Intertek with the opportunity  
for long-term revenue growth.

Case study: Transportation Technologies
PLUGLESS L2 system is first 
of its kind to receive ETL 
certification

The PLUGLESS L2 System, manufactured  
by Evatran, is the first wireless electric 
vehicle (‘EV’) charging system to carry  
the prestigious ETL certification mark.

The system is available for both the 
Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf vehicles,  
and has been in use with trial partners, 
including Google, Hertz and Duke Energy, 
for more than two years, logging over 
16,000 charging hours without a single 
safety incident.

The system charges the EV as quickly as  
a plug-in Level 2 (240v) station, allowing 
the driver to continue using all standard  
EV charging features such as charge timers 
and remote status checks, and even allows 
the driver to continue plugging-in where 
wireless charging is not available.

Consumers can see the ETL certification 
mark on the PLUGLESS L2 system and  
feel confident that the product has met  
the relevant safety standards and performs 
as promised.

We certified the first 
advanced wireless 
charging technology 
for electric vehicles. 

ETL Certification mark

The history of the ETL Mark 
began when Thomas Edison 
founded the first electrical 
testing laboratory in 1896, 
soon after to be named 
Electrical Testing Laboratory 
(‘ETL’), to evaluate the 
quality and safety of his  
own inventions. Today, 
billions of ETL Marks appear 
on products across the globe 
as evidence of compliance  
to product safety standards, 
including household 
appliances, consumer 
electronics, medical  
devices, life safety and 
security products, among 
many others.

STRATEGIC REPORTSTRATEGIC REPORT INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014<>28

Strategic report – Operating review

 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

29

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals

The Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals division had good growth in the 
Middle East, China and India, and benefited from restructuring 
carried out within Europe.

Looking forward, regulations in the 
Middle East, India and China are 
expanding the demand for regulatory 
support services and analytical testing  
for Intertek in the pharmaceuticals and 
cosmetic sectors. Counterfeit products 
are an increasing challenge for our 
customers operating in these regions  
and countries, particularly where there  
is growth in demand for premium quality 
products and brands. In addition, 
consumers in mature and, increasingly, 
emerging markets demand safe 
chemicals that are used daily in their 
living environment. This means that 
Intertek’s customers are extremely 
focused on providing transparency in 
their supply chain in relation to product 
chemical management and knowledge, 
which in turn drives an increased need 
for information exchange and compliance 
services that Intertek can offer.

International cosmetics companies are 
being asked more and more to develop 
products centrally, but to manufacture 
and deploy locally. This leads to an 
increasingly decentralised need for 
testing services and regulatory 
compliance review of ingredients, which 
Intertek provides through its extensive 
service portfolio.

OUR PERFORMANCE IN 2014
Total revenue was £173.1m, up 6% at 
constant exchange rates. At actual rates 
total revenue was up 3%.

Total adjusted operating profit was 
£18.6m, up 18% at constant exchange 
rates with a 110bps increase in margin  
on the prior year primarily due to 
restructuring activities and the 
contribution from the acquisition of 
Melbourn Scientific in 2013. Total 
adjusted operating profit at actual  
rates increased by 12%. 

The business delivered improved growth 
in 2014 as some of the benefits of the 
restructuring programme, which began 
in 2013 to address the weak trading 
conditions in Europe, were realised. 
Growth was driven primarily by the 
improved performance of the 
Pharmaceuticals business in Europe and 
in India. Further restructuring activities 
were undertaken in the Netherlands in 
2014 to address declines in the chemicals 
market caused by demand in this global 
business shifting to new geographies. In 
the US, demand for lubricant testing was 
strong following the commencement  
of a new regulatory standard. 

In China the government signalled its 
intention in 2014 for international testing 
companies to increase their participation 
in the domestic testing market. Intertek 
received an accreditation for our lab in 
Shanghai to test cosmetic and beauty 
products destined for the Chinese market 
to the applicable national standard 
during the year.

CHEMICALS & PHARMACEUTICALS 
IN BRIEF
Key business lines 
Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals 
Health, Environmental  
& Regulatory Services 

Our services
Testing & analysis 
Inspection 
Auditing 
Certification 
Consulting and regulatory support

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 2014

Change
at actual
rates

£m

Change 
at
constant
rates

Revenue

173.1

2.5% 5.7%

Adjusted operating profit

18.6 12.0% 18.1%

Adjusted operating margin 10.7% 90bps 110bps

Revenue – at actual rates (£m)

+2.5%

2014

2013

Average employees

+1.5%

2014

2013

Revenue by key business

14%

173.1

168.8

1,745

1,719

86%

Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals

Health, Environmental and Regulatory Services

Case study: Pharmaceutical Services
Supporting advanced 
biologic medicine 
development

Over the past decade there has been a 
rapid growth of the biopharmaceutical 
market. Biologics, or biopharmaceuticals 
are derived from a biotechnology process 
and are deployed in the treatment of life 
threatening and debilitating diseases.  
To support the growing needs from this 
market we have continued to invest and 
expand our bioanalytical capabilities 
supporting our clients’ clinical  
development programmes. 

Building on our existing US centre of 
excellence, which itself has undergone 
considerable expansion and key 
recruitment, we established a European 
bioanalytical centre for clinical and  
pre-clinical immunogenicity and 
pharmacokinetic studies.

With over 20 years’ experience in 
conducting regulated Good Laboratory 
Practice compliant bioanalytical studies, 
bringing large molecule bioanalytical 
capability to Intertek’s European network  
of laboratories enables us to be more 
responsive to the needs of our clients  
who increasingly seek global service 
support from regional locations. This  
will help to meet many challenges that  
our clients face in relation to the 
development of biologic medicines.

Intertek provides expert pharmaceutical 
development and manufacturing support 
services spanning analysis, bioanalysis, 
formulation development, regulatory 
consultancy, auditing and supply chain 
management solutions from its network  
of offices and regulatory laboratories  
across the globe.

Case study: Scientific and Regulatory 
Consultancy Services
Intertek helps bring first 
natural carbohydrate 
control ingredient to market

Intertek assisted PharmaChem Laboratories 
Inc. in achieving Generally Recognised  
As Safe (‘GRAS’) status for their product 
“Phase 2 Starch Blocker” a white kidney 
bean extract. In a market where innovation 
is essential, understanding global regulatory 
compliance and achieving timely market 
approval is of upmost importance. In order 
to introduce a new food ingredient to  
the US marketplace under the Federal  
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the 
ingredient must be shown to be generally 
recognised as safe under the conditions  
of its intended use.

Phase 2 is the first natural carbohydrate 
control ingredient claiming to support 
weight loss that has been successfully 
Notified to the US FDA. This provides 
PharmaChem with the first to market  
GRAS advantage that is needed to 
successfully market their product in the 
United States. Intertek experts successfully 
minimize client risk through their broad 
expertise and depth of knowledge of 
toxicology, product safety, and risk 
assessment principles, as well as the 
regulatory approval processes that govern 
products across a vast range of industries  
in jurisdictions around the world.

We have continued  
to invest and expand 
our bioanalytical 
capabilities supporting 
our clients’ clinical 
development 
programmes. 

STRATEGIC REPORTSTRATEGIC REPORT INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014<>30

Strategic report

Financial review

 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

31

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The underlying performance of the business, by division, is shown in the table below:

 “The Group’s overall financial 
position remains robust, 
supported by strong cash 
performance and targeted cost 
restructuring programmes.”

EDWARD LEIGH
Chief Financial Officer

Good revenue performance across the 
Group was impacted by currency and 
specific business headwinds in Minerals 
and Industry Services. A focus on 
profitability and margin protection 
delivered EPS up 3% at constant currency. 
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT COMMENTARY 
Revenue for the year was £2,093m, down 4.2% (up 2.3%  
at constant exchange rates), driven by organic revenue decline 
of 0.6% at constant exchange rates.

The Group’s adjusted operating profit was £324.4m, down 
5.3% on the prior year (up 1.2% at constant exchange rates). 
The Group’s total operating profit for the year was £276.6m, 
down 10.8% on the prior year as a result of further 
restructuring costs.

The adjusted operating margin was 15.5% compared with 
15.7% in the prior year, due to the Minerals and Industry 
Services businesses, partially offset by the benefits being 
delivered from restructuring activities across the Group.

The Industry & Assurance division with good growth in Food, 
Agriculture and Business Assurance has been impacted by the 
decision to exit low value contracts and lower levels of capital 
expenditure from the oil and gas industry.

The Commodities division has grown revenue and margin  
in its Cargo business line, broadly offsetting the weaker 
conditions in the Minerals business.

The Consumer Goods division has continued to grow well,  
with strong growth in emerging markets.

The Commercial & Electrical division has grown revenue 
strongly with good growth across Electrical, Transportation 
Technologies and Building Products.

The Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals division had good growth  
in the Middle East, China and India, and benefited from 
restructuring carried out within Europe.

Financial highlights 2014

Constant rates
+2%

+1%

+3%

Actual 
(4)% 

Revenue down to £2,093m

(5)% 

Adjusted operating profit down to £324m

(5)% 

Adjusted diluted EPS

+7%

Dividend per share

£43m

Acquisitions

£110m

Organic investment spend

+41%

Free cash flow

+2%

Adjusted cash from operations

Results for the year

Key financials
Revenue
Adjusted Group operating profit
Adjusted diluted EPS
Adjusted cash flow from operations
Dividends paid in the year

2014
£m
2,093.3
324.4
132.1p
403.7
75.5

2013
£m
2,184.4
342.6
138.6p
394.1
69.4

Industry & Assurance
Commodities
Consumer Goods
Commercial & Electrical
Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals

Net financing costs
Adjusted profit before income tax
Income tax expense
Adjusted profit for the year
Adjusted diluted EPS

Current year performance

Revenue (£m)

(4)%

2014

2013

Adjusted operating profit

Revenue

Change at
actual rates
%
(9.4)
(7.5)
(1.6)
6.3
2.5
(4.2)

Change at
constant
rates
%
(2.8)
(0.5)
4.4
13.9
5.7
2.3

2014
£m
642.9
542.4
375.3
359.6
173.1
2,093.3

Notes
2
2
2
2
2

14

6

7

2014
£m
64.5
65.5
124.8
51.0
18.6
324.4
(24.2)
300.2
(72.0)
228.2
132.1p

Change at
actual rates
%
(21.5)
(6.4)
0.2
3.4
12.0
(5.3)
12.6
(4.7)
0.5
(5.9)
(4.7)

Adjusted operating profit1 (£m) 

(5)%

2,093

2,184

2014

2013

Adjusted diluted EPS1 (pence)

Dividend per share (pence)

(5)%

2014

2013

132.1

138.6

+7%

2014

2013

Five year performance

Adjusted diluted EPS1 (pence)

Dividend per share4 (pence)

+10%

CAGR3

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

+15%

CAGR3

132.1

138.6

131.2

107.2

89.4

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

1.   Presentation of results: To provide readers with a clear and consistent presentation of the underlying operating performance of the Group’s business, the figures discussed in this review are 
presented before Separately Disclosed Items (see note 3 of the financial statements). A reconciliation between Adjusted operating profit and Profit for the year is set out in note 2 to the 
financial statements.

2.  Organic growth excludes the results of acquisitions and disposals made in 2014 and 2013.
3.  CAGR represents the compound annual growth rate from 2010 to 2014. 
4.  Dividend per share for 2014 is based on the interim dividend paid of 16.0p (2013: 15.0p) plus the proposed final dividend of 33.1p (2013: 31.0p).

Change at
constant
rates
%
(14.5)
(0.2)
6.1
10.4
18.1
1.2

2.5

1.2
2.6

324

343

49.1

46.0

49.1

46.0

41.0

33.7

28.1

STRATEGIC REPORTSTRATEGIC REPORT INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014<> 
 
 
 
 
 
32

Strategic report

Financial Review continued

 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

33

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NET FINANCING COSTS
The Group had an adjusted net financing cost of £24m (2013: 
£28m) in the year. This comprised £2m (2013: £2m) of finance 
income and £26m (2013: £30m) of finance expense. The total 
interest charge included £0.2m (2013: £0.5m) related to 
Separately Disclosed Items.

DIVIDEND
The Board recommends a full year dividend of 49.1p per share, 
an increase of 6.7%. This recommendation reflects the Group’s 
significant growth prospects, strong financial position and the 
Board’s confidence in the Group’s structural growth drivers into 
the future.

SEPARATELY DISCLOSED ITEMS (‘SDIs’)
A number of items are separately disclosed in the financial 
statements as exclusion of these items provides readers with  
a clear and consistent presentation of the underlying operating 
performance of the Group’s business.

When applicable, these SDIs include amortisation of acquisition 
intangibles, impairment of goodwill and other assets, the profit 
or loss on disposals of businesses or other significant fixed 
assets, costs of acquiring and integrating acquisitions, the cost 
of any fundamental restructuring of a business, material claims 
and settlements, significant recycling of amounts from equity  
to the income statement and unrealised market gains/losses  
on financial assets/liabilities.

SDIs
Operating costs:
Amortisation of acquisition intangibles
Acquisition costs
Restructuring costs
Gain on disposal of investments
Total operating costs

2014
£m

(20.8)
(3.5)
(23.5)
–
(47.8)

2013
£m

(22.5)
(1.5)
(8.8)
0.2
(32.6)

In 2014, the amortisation of acquisition intangibles was £21m 
(2013: £23m). This reduction is a result of certain intangibles 
becoming fully amortised in the year; most notably from the 
Moody International acquisition made in 2011. Acquisition  
costs of £3.5m (2013: £1.5m) relate to costs in active, successful 
or aborted acquisitions. Further details on restructuring are 
provided at the end of this review.

TAX
The Group effective tax rate on adjusted profit before income 
tax was 24.0% (2013: 23.0%). The global nature of the Group 
means that the Group’s exposure to income tax needs to be 
managed across a large number of fiscal regimes. The Group’s 
goal is to efficiently manage its tax affairs whilst fulfilling its 
responsibilities to the countries in which it operates. The statutory 
tax charge, including the impact of SDIs, of £62m (2013: £65m), 
equates to an effective rate of 24.5% (2013: 23.0%) and the 
cash tax on adjusted results is 22.5% (2013: 25.7%).

EARNINGS PER SHARE
The Group delivered adjusted diluted earnings per share 
(‘EPS’) of 132.1p (2013: 138.6p). Diluted EPS after SDIs  
was 108.8p (2013: 123.0p) per share, and basic EPS  
was 109.5p (2013: 124.4p).

The full year dividend of 49.1p represents a total cost of 
£78.8m or 37% of adjusted profit attributable to shareholders 
of the Group for 2014 (2013: £74.2m and 33%). The dividend  
is covered 2.7 times by earnings (2013: 3.0 times), based  
on adjusted diluted earnings per share divided by dividend  
per share.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
The Group uses a variety of key performance indicators (‘KPIs’) 
to monitor the financial performance of the Group and 
operating divisions. These metrics are disclosed on page 10. 

The rate of return on invested capital (‘ROIC’) measures  
the efficiency of Group investments. This is a key measure  
to assess the efficiency of investment decisions and is also an 
important criteria in the decision making process when projects 
are competing for limited funds. ROIC in 2014 was 16%  
(2013: 18%). On a proforma basis (including annualised  
results for acquisitions) ROIC would also be 16%. Adjusting  
for movements in foreign exchange, ROIC would be 18%.

ACQUISITIONS AND INVESTMENT
The Group’s strategy is to invest both organically and by 
acquiring complementary businesses, enabling it to take 
advantage of the strong long-term structural growth drivers in 
the quality industry and continually offer the latest technologies 
and services in the locations demanded by clients.

ACQUISITIONS
The Group made three acquisitions in the year, with a purchase 
price of £43.1m (net of cash acquired, £40.2m).

In February 2014, the Group acquired INSPEC for £39.8m 
(£37.1m net of cash acquired), a non-destructive testing 
company, supporting the oil and gas sector, based in UAE  
and Oman. 

In October 2014, the Group acquired the food testing 
laboratory and business from QPS Bioserve India PVT.  
Ltd (‘QPS’), and in November 2014, acquired ScanBi  
Diagnostics (‘ScanBi’), a Swedish based agriculture and food 
analytics company with subsidiaries in Sweden and Canada,  
for a combined purchase price of £3.3m (£3.1m net of  
cash acquired).

These acquisitions provide valuable additional service lines and 
new geographic locations for the Group, and will help drive 
profitable revenue growth. The more significant acquisition, 
INSPEC, is in the strategically important area of non-destructive 
testing, where the Group sees good growth opportunities for 
expansion beyond the capital investment cycle.

ORGANIC INVESTMENT
The Group also invested £110m (2013: £145m) organically  
on the latest technology in new laboratories, capital equipment 
and other facilities. This investment represented 5.2% of 
revenue (2013: 6.6%) which was a decrease on the prior year  
in part due to the completion of IT platform investments in 
2013. Key investments included laboratories in China & the  
US (Transportation Technologies), Sweden (Electrical & 
Wireless), UAE and Australia (Cargo and Minerals) and 
Bangladesh and Thailand (Textiles).

CASH FLOW AND NET DEBT
The Group relies on a combination of debt and internal cash 
resources to fund its investment plans. One of the key metrics 
for measuring the ability of the business to generate cash is 
cash flow from operations. Due to the cash payments 
associated with the SDIs, and to provide a complete picture of 
the underlying performance of the Group, adjusted cash flow 
from operations is shown below to illustrate the cash generated 
by the Group: 

Cash flow from operations
Add back: cashflow relating 
to SDIs
Adjusted cash flow from 
operations

2014
£m
386.8

2013
£m
378.6

Change
%
2%

16.9

15.5

403.7

394.1

2%

The components of free cash flow are summarised below:

Free cash flow
Adjusted operating profit
Add back: depreciation and 
amortisation
Movement in working capital and 
provisions
Net capital expenditure
Other*
Free cash flow

2014
£m
324.4

2013
£m
342.6

76.3

70.9

(5.0)
(108.5)
(102.4)
184.8

(30.9)
(140.2)
(111.8)
130.6

* Other includes exceptionals, interest paid/received, tax and non-cash items.

Five year trend – adjusted cash flow from operations (£m) 

10% 2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

403.7

394.1

345.4

314.8

276.7

NET DEBT
Net debt has increased from £618m at 31 December 2013  
to £634m at 31 December 2014 principally as a result of cash 
repayments of borrowings offset by adverse exchange impacts.

In the year, the Group drew on facilities it had in place at  
31 December 2013, including two bilateral term loan facilities. 
In addition, it issued US$110m of senior notes in July 2014 
which were drawn in four tranches in the second half of the 
year. The Group has a well balanced loan portfolio with a 
maturity profile as shown below, to enable the funding  
of future growth opportunities.

Borrowings by maturity profile

50%

Less than two years

Two to five years

Over five years

23%

27%

Under existing facilities the Group has available debt headroom 
of £391m at 31 December 2014. The components of net debt 
at 31 December 2014 are outlined below:

1 January
2014
£m
116.4
(734.6)
(618.2)

Cashflow
£m
2.9
27.5
30.4

Exchange
adjustments
£m
0.2
(45.9)
(45.7)

31 December
2014
£m
119.5
(753.0)
(633.5)

Cash
Borrowings
Total net debt

To ensure the Group is not exposed to income statement 
volatility in relation to foreign currency translation on its debt, 
the Group ensures that any foreign currency borrowings are 
matched to the value of its overseas assets in that currency  
(an ‘effective’ hedge).

The Group borrows primarily in US dollars and any currency 
translation exposures on the borrowings are offset by the 
currency translation on the US dollar overseas assets of the 
Group. The composition of the Group’s gross borrowings  
in 2014, analysed by currency is as follows:

Borrowings by currency

4%

USD

GBP

Other

1%

95%

STRATEGIC REPORTSTRATEGIC REPORT INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014<>34 Strategic report

Financial Review continued

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INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

35

Sustainability and CSR

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOREIGN CURRENCY MOVEMENTS
The Group transacts in over 80 currencies, and revenue and 
profit are impacted by currency fluctuations. However, the 
diversification of the Group’s revenue base provides a partial 
dilution to this exposure.

At constant exchange rates, revenue grew 2.3% (actual 
exchange rates decline of 4.2%) and adjusted operating profit 
grew 1.2% (actual exchange rates decline of 5.3%).

The exchange rates used to translate the statement of financial 
position and the income statement into sterling for the five 
most material currencies are shown below:

Value of £1
US dollar
Euro
Chinese renminbi
Hong Kong dollar
Australian dollar

Statement of financial
position rates
2013
1.65
1.20
10.06
12.78
1.86

2014
1.55
1.28
9.65
12.04
1.91

Income
statement rates
2013
1.56
1.18
9.68
12.12
1.62

2014
1.65
1.24
10.15
12.80
1.83

The Industry & Assurance division’s restructure was largely 
focused on Europe, with the exiting of low value contracts 
combined with the drive for operational shared service centres 
enabling smaller operations to be streamlined. 

Commodities restructuring focused on the global Minerals 
business, following further depressed commodities prices,  
as well as Cargo in the US and Europe.

Consumer Goods and Commercial & Electrical divisions 
restructured activity in China, the Middle East, Americas  
and Europe. 

Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals restructuring focused on Europe, 
as sections of our customer base have restructured and/or 
moved away from the region.

IMPAIRMENT
The annual testing for impairment of non-current assets of 
the Group’s cash generating units (‘CGUs’) was completed  
with no resulting requirement for impairment. Details of  
the sensitivity testing performed are set out in note 9 to the 
financial statements.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The consolidated financial statements are prepared in 
accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU. Details of  
the Group’s significant accounting policies are shown  
in note 1 to the financial statements.

EDWARD LEIGH
Chief Financial Officer

RESTRUCTURING
The Group has undertaken a comprehensive review of its 
portfolio to identify businesses, locations and services which 
were underperforming or non-strategic. The actions that  
have been undertaken as a result of this include closing 
businesses, writing down assets and making redundancies,  
and have resulted in an additional £23.5m in restructuring  
costs being recognised.

This further restructuring will address weakness in certain 
businesses within the Commodities and Chemicals & 
Pharmaceuticals divisions, as well as the effects of the lower oil 
prices impacting demand in Industry Services. In addition, the 
restructuring is addressing cost improvement opportunities that 
have been identified across the wider Group. Initiatives taken 
include consolidating regional administrative sites for process 
and operational efficiency; closing underperforming businesses; 
and reducing overheads. Geographically, Europe and the 
Americas continued to be a focus within our restructuring 
programme accounting for just over 50% and 25% of the 
current year expenditure respectively. None of the disposals  
or closures were classified as discontinued activities.

The costs in 2014 by division were as follows:

Restructuring
Industry & Assurance
Commodities
Consumer Goods
Commercial & Electrical
Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals
Central and support functions
Total

Spend 
£m
3.9
7.0
1.2
3.0
5.0
3.4
23.5

While plans were made and notified during 2014, the timing  
of these actions depends on each business putting in place 
plans to ensure that customer service is not detrimentally 
impacted, as well as addressing the consultation process that  
is required in a number of jurisdictions in which we operate.

 “Our employees are helping 
companies around the world 
to develop products that are 
used safely by millions of 
people every day.”

At the heart of our corporate mission  
and values lies our commitment to our 
customers, people, communities, 
environment and investors.
We help our clients to ensure the quality and safety of their 
products, assets and processes; to protect their brands and 
enable their success in the global marketplace.

Our employees are helping companies around the world  
to develop products that are used safely by millions of people 
every day and in all our communications with employees,  
we emphasise the value of the work they are doing for 
business, people and the planet as a whole.

Our people have a wide range of skills but share common 
values of integrity, honesty and respect for others. This is 
demonstrated by the many charitable and community activities 
our colleagues engage in – just a few examples of which are 
highlighted in this report.

We now employ more than 38,000 people around the world – 
an increase of 4% over the previous year. We take the safety  
of our employees and all those affected by our operations very 
seriously and are constantly improving the way we monitor our 
health and safety performance and the management of H&S 
globally at Intertek. While I am pleased to report a reduction  
in lost time injuries compared with 2013, we remain focused  
on educating our people in this area, with a view to achieving 
our goal of zero lost time injuries.

Throughout this report, you can read how our services are 
helping customers to manage their operations and produce 
products and services in a sustainable and ethical manner. In 
our own operations, we continue to improve our processes for 
collecting and monitoring our emissions data which for 2014, 

WOLFHART HAUSER
Chief Executive Officer

show a reduction in our CO2e emissions per employee over  
the previous year. The Group’s improved disclosure score in  
the Carbon Disclosure Project is a further validation of our 
improved data collection, details of which are on page 39.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our employees 
for their continued hard work in helping Intertek achieve this 
great progress towards our sustainability targets.

WOLFHART HAUSER
Chief Executive Officer

 For more detail

36  Our business 

How we are making a positive contribution to  
the planet through our work for clients.

37  Our people  

Our commitment to the welfare and development  
of our people.

39  Our environment  

Taking responsibility for our impact on the environment.

40  Our communities  

Giving back to the communities touched by our business.

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Sustainability and CSR continued

 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

STRATEGIC REPORT

37

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Our business
Intertek helps many of the world’s largest multinational 
corporations and best-known brands to improve the social, 
ethical and environmental impact of their products, services 
and supply chains.

In March 2014, Intertek held the 14th Ethical Sourcing Forum 
for leading organisations to address emerging supply chain 
trends and challenges. The ES Forum, themed ‘20 Years of CSR 
Transparency: Then and Now’, focused on how social media is 
transforming the face of corporate social responsibility as 
citizens worldwide have unprecedented access to information 
on the behaviour of corporations.

SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES THROUGH OUR WORK
In Hong Kong, Intertek has been sponsoring the leading fashion 
brand Kate Spade & Company, on a programme that supports 
a group of more than 150 artisans in Masoro, Rwanda, whose 
skills have become the foundation of a new business that is 
reshaping the community’s quality of life. Intertek’s Centre  
of New Technology is providing its expert testing services  
to support this programme, on a pro bono basis, to help  
these artisans build a trusted, successful brand.

In 2014 Intertek was awarded a contract with the Portland 
Development Commission (‘PDC’), in Oregon, USA, to perform 
testing and certification for clean technology products. The 
PDC and the City of Portland were awarded federal funding  
to assist in the integration of clean technology as part of an 
initiative to accelerate innovation and production, and thereby 
stimulate job growth in the region. Intertek will be the sole 
testing provider for local manufacturers of products relating  
to clean technologies such as batteries, electric vehicles, 
lighting, green buildings, energy efficiency and solar power.

PROTECTING CITIZENS AGAINST COUNTERFEIT GOODS
Intertek is a member of The Certification Industry Against 
Counterfeiting (‘CIAC’), an international network of certification 
organisations committed to stopping the worldwide 
proliferation of products bearing counterfeit certification marks 
that may endanger public health and safety. As part of CIAC, 
Intertek actively participates in Operation Overshock, a strategic 
and coordinated effort between INTERPOL and its certification 
industry partners, to detect and dismantle transnational and 
organised counterfeiting networks.

Since 2011, Intertek has progressively gained international 
recognition in the field of anti-counterfeit medicines through  
its activities in Switzerland, the Philippines, Mozambique and 
the UAE. The Intertek lab in Basel, Switzerland was instrumental 
in bringing a resolution to the fake medicine crisis in 2012 at 
the Punjab Institute of Cardiology hospital in the Lahore region, 
which claimed the lives of over 120 heart patients who had 
been treated with counterfeit antihypertensive medicines. 
Intertek worked closely with the government of Punjab  
to rapidly identify and withdraw the suspect drugs among 
commonly used products such as Isotab (isosorbide nitrate), 
Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium), Cardiovastin (simvastatin),  
Alfagril (clopidogrel), Concort (amlodipine) or Soloprin (aspirin).

This work, and our subsequent activity in the field of  
anti-counterfeit medicines led to the Intertek lab in Basel, 
Switzerland being added, in October 2014, to the World Health 
Organisation list of Prequalified Quality Control Laboratories 
considered acceptable for use by United Nations agencies.

IMPROVING NUTRITION FOR PEOPLE WORLDWIDE
The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (‘GAIN’) was 
launched in 2002 to focus on finding and delivering solutions 
for the complex problem of malnutrition. Through food 
fortification and other strategies, GAIN delivers affordable 
nutritious foods to 811 million people in more than 40 countries 
and aims to reach 1 billion people by 2015. The GAIN Premix 
Facility (‘GPF’), founded in 2009, helps food fortification 
projects to access a more cost-effective way of procuring high 
quality vitamin and mineral premix. 

Intertek has been a key partner with GAIN since the launch  
of GPF, auditing potential blenders and suppliers and checking 
that they meet minimum standards. To ensure the premix 
contains the correct level of micronutrients to be of benefit  
to people’s health and to maintain quality throughout the 
supply chain, Intertek also assists with analytical services and 
checks samples from every order a customer places with the 
GPF. Globally, premix sourced by the GPF in partnership with 
Intertek has helped to improve the health of 150 million people 
over the past year.

HELPING BUSINESSES TO REDUCE THEIR FOOTPRINT
Intertek works with a number of organisations to analyse the 
environmental impact of their products and services. In 2014, 
we completed a project for a German chemical company which 
supplies glycerin (an ingredient used in many personal care 
products) in bulk containers. These containers are usually 
thrown away after one use but the company introduced  
a return and refill system. Intertek’s analysis revealed that this 
reduces their packaging by 86% and achieves a 68% reduction 
in their carbon footprint. This independent verification of the 
benefits encouraged the company’s customers and others  
in its supply chain to accept this innovation.

We are currently working with a leading manufacturer  
of PET plastic (polyethylene terephthalate) to analyse the  
carbon footprint of its new production plant in Belgium. 
Intertek measures the electricity and gas the new factory takes 
to produce one tonne of PET, the quantities of raw materials 
required and the emissions and wastes that result. This is then 
compared to existing data from the top PET producers in 
Europe, enabling us to verify that the new factory achieves a 
lower carbon footprint per tonne of PET than existing factories, 
due to its new design efficiencies.

STEWARDSHIP AND GOVERNANCE
Intertek’s Board of Directors oversees and is responsible for the 
Group’s strategy, performance and risk management (see pages 
42 to 56). The Board acknowledges the importance of diversity 
in the boardroom as a driver of good governance. As at 31 
December 2014, the Board’s composition was 20% female  
and 80% male and for the senior leadership group (121 
people), 23% female and 77% male. To read more about  
our Board diversity see page 57.

Sustainability and CSR are integrated into Intertek through 
policy deployment. Our operations and support functions  
are responsible for identifying and evaluating risks applicable  
to their areas of the business and the design and operation  
of suitable internal controls (see ‘Principal Risks’ on pages  
11 to 17). The Board has overall accountability for Intertek’s 
sustainability and CSR, with Group-wide strategy and 
implementation being the responsibility of the Group Vice 
President, Human Resources.

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Our people 
More than 20,400 employees responded to our 2013 global 
employee survey and their feedback indicated that overall 
engagement had increased by 2% on the previous year.  
During 2014 we continued to focus on the three main areas 
that our people felt most strongly about: clarity of our strategy, 
social and environmental responsibility, and performance 
management and reward. Our sector business line leaders  
have been provided with toolkits to help them communicate 
and embed their local strategy. Our management teams have 
analysed their local feedback to identify specific areas for 
improvement in their countries. This has led to a number of 
new employee initiatives including focus groups, improved 
workplace environmental practices, mentoring and community 
projects, and sports, social and recreation clubs. In the UK,  
we are piloting a network of Corporate Social Responsibility 
Champions to coordinate our environmental and charitable 
activities in the region. 

ATTRACTING AND RETAINING TALENT
Our aim is to attract, select, and promote the best available 
people who engage in and share the mission and values of 
Intertek. Prospective employees are sourced through a variety 
of channels, depending on the location and role, in compliance 
with local regulations for fair recruitment practices and equal 
opportunities. Jobs at Intertek are advertised via our website 
(intertek.com/careers), recruitment agencies, social media,  
print advertisements, professional bodies and associations,  
and schools, colleges and universities. Where possible, we fill 
vacancies from within the Company first, in order to offer 
people career growth and progress within the Group. Intertek 
is an Equal Opportunities Employer and all qualified applicants 
are considered for employment regardless of race, colour, 
religion, physical ability, gender or national origin.

INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY
Intertek’s employment policies and practices operate within  
a framework which reflects a culture of merit where decisions 
are based on the individual’s ability to perform in relation to the 
needs of the business. These policies complement and conform 
to local and national laws, regulations and codes of practice. 
We act to apply all employment policies and practices, including 
recruitment, promotion, reward, working conditions and 
performance management related policies, in a way that is 
informed, fair and objective. As such, our inclusion and diversity 
policy acts to eliminate discrimination so that our employees  
are treated fairly and feel respected and included in our 
workplaces. We are committed to maintaining high standards 
of fairness, respect and safety and adhere to the principles  
of the UN Convention on Human Rights and the International 
Labour Organisation’s core conventions.

INVESTING IN OUR PEOPLE 
Training helps us to strengthen the most important pillar of  
our organisation – our employees. We encourage our people  
to grow within Intertek by learning new skills to help them 
advance their careers, contribute to social mobility and deliver 
the best possible service to our customers. 

Our goal is to ensure that all potential leaders of Intertek are 
provided with appropriate people skills to grow our business, 
hire and retain the best people and provide career growth  
for future leadership positions. Our talent mapping process  
is critical to the future success of our organisation to meet 
business strategy growth needs. 

The Intertek Executive Academy, which was established in  
2012 to develop our next generation of global leadership for 
our future business growth, has to date seen 71 participants 
develop their careers. More than half of those have 
subsequently moved into more senior leadership positions.

Further progress was also made during the year with country 
level schemes such as:

• The launch of our UK Management Development Programme. 
The 10-month course has so far welcomed 69 participants 
with the first cohort due to complete the Programme in  
March 2015.

• In Hong Kong, around 100 managers and supervisors are 

currently taking part in a three-year programme to develop 
our future talent pool in the country and several workshops 
have been held during the year on subjects such as project 
management and consultative marketing.

• In China, we have training programmes to develop our people 
at all levels, including our Induction Camp, Knowledge Centre, 
and long-term senior leadership development programmes 
with international business schools. Intertek has been voted as 
one of the ‘100 Best HRM companies’ in China in the annual 
HRM survey initiated by 51Job.com for a seventh year running.

In 2014, Intertek offered over 1,300 online training courses to 
26,000 employees in 68 different countries. Of these, 400 were 
developed through collaboration with internal subject-matter 
experts across the various Intertek businesses. During the year 
over 130,000 online courses were completed by 17,000 
employees and since implementation, over 340,000 courses 
have been completed.

PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
One of our primary business objectives is to help our customers 
meet quality standards for virtually any market in the world and 
protect them against risk by ensuring compliance with local, 
national and international laws. The accuracy and validity of 
reports and certificates that we provide to our customers and 
maintaining the trust and confidence of our customers, their 
customers and others impacted by our work, are therefore of 
utmost importance to us.

All those working for or on behalf of Intertek are required  
to sign our Code of Ethics upon joining the Company or before 
commencing work on our behalf, confirming acceptance of  
the high standards expected of them in all business dealings. 
The Code requires that employees act with integrity and in an 
open, honest, ethical and socially responsible manner. It is the 
responsibility of each Intertek employee or person acting on 
Intertek’s behalf to understand and apply the Intertek Code  
of Ethics in their own job role, their part of the business and 
location. All employees are required to complete our Code  
of Ethics training course annually.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

38 Strategic report

Sustainability and CSR continued

Intertek is committed to maintaining a culture where issues  
of integrity and professional ethics can be raised and discussed 
openly and has a strict policy of zero-tolerance regarding 
breaches of compliance policy. We have a well-publicised 
hotline for all employees, contractors and others representing 
Intertek, to enable confidential reporting of suspected 
misconduct or breaches of the Code.

During 2014 there were 31 hotline reports of non-compliance 
which were substantiated claims requiring remedial action. 
Reports of non-compliance are closely monitored and the  
Audit & Risk Committee periodically reviews the outcomes  
of the hotline and compliance reports on behalf of the Board.

Intertek total workforce by gender

64%

Male

Female

36%

At 31 December 2014 Intertek employed 38,407 people,  
an increase of 4% over the previous year.

HEALTH & SAFETY
Intertek considers the health, safety and welfare of its 
employees, clients and third parties connected with its business 
to be of paramount importance. The Company’s aim is to 
achieve zero lost time injuries and Intertek is committed to the 
continuous review and improvement of its health and safety 
performance. All employees are given training on health and 
safety matters, including emergency response procedures and 
intervention and reporting of accidents, incidents and near 
misses. Where relevant, all employees and contractors are 
provided with personal protection equipment when performing 
work for the Company.

Lines of communication for health and safety matters exist  
at every Intertek location globally. This includes a dedicated fire 
warden, first-aider and health and safety representative. These 
representatives enable us to not only investigate incidents and 
prescribe preventive and corrective actions but also disseminate 
safety information through toolbox talks and continual 
improvement programmes.

During 2014 we achieved a 16% reduction in lost time injuries 
and medical treatment injuries. One fatality was recorded in 
Burkina Faso in West Africa. This happened when the employee 
was struck by a vehicle while undertaking a work-related 
errand. In response to this incident, an awareness campaign 
about pedestrian road safety was communicated to all 
employees in the region.

Female:Male by region

Americas

Asia

EMEA

8,921

6,448

2,473

19,292

11,151

8,141

10,194

6,972

3,222

Male

Female

Occupational fatalities
Lost time injuries rate*
Medical treatment  
injuries rate*

2014
1
0.25

0.34

2013
2
0.34

0.36

2012
1
0.43

0.38

*  Rates refer to the number of lost-time injuries and medical treatment injuries occurring per 
200,000 hours worked. A lost-time injury is an accident which resulted in the employee 
being unable to work for more than four consecutive days.

We have continued to strengthen the process for reporting 
information relating to accidents, incidents and near misses 
through developing an online reporting tool, which is expected 
to be implemented in early 2015. The resultant insights will be 
shared globally to help reduce our accident rates and also 
increase efficiency in our operations globally.

Intertek’s gender diversity reflects the industries and 
qualification profiles typical of individuals working in the 
countries and business lines in which we operate. 

Revenue and headcount

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

Revenue (£m)

Headcount

2,093
38,407
2,184
36,864
2,054
34,882
1,749
31,712
1,374
27,044

Total number of Intertek employees over the last five years in 
relation to revenue shows continuing growth in employment.

Intertek employees in São Paulo, Brazil learn how to operate  
fire-fighting equipment.

Our environment 
Intertek performs a vital role in helping its clients to sustain  
the environment and tackle climate change. Equally, within 
Intertek’s own operations, there are controls in place to 
minimise the Group’s impact on the environment through 
utilising renewable sources of energy, reducing energy 
consumption in our buildings and facilities, implementing 
‘green’ waste management practices, minimising business 
travel, carbon offsetting and operating quality management 
systems. To support this effort, our Environmental and Climate 
Change Policy is implemented through country management, 
to ensure compliance with local guidelines and regulations.

For 2014, Intertek’s electricity consumption was reported to be 
241,900 MWh (6.30 MWh per employee) and gas consumption 
was reported to be 101,471 MWh (2.64 MWh per employee).

In 2013, Intertek developed its Greenhouse Gas (‘GHG’) 
emissions accounting and reporting to include all Intertek 
operations worldwide. In 2014 we focused on improving the 
quality of information captured and determining how this data 
can add value to the business. More details are given below. 
The levels of GHG emissions have been calculated using the 
guidelines of the GHG protocol and DEFRA and relate to the 
reporting period 1 October 2013 to 30 September 2014.

CO2e1 emissions from activities for which Intertek is responsible 
include:

Scope 1

Scope 2 

the combustion of fuel
operation of facilities
purchase of electricity,  
heat or steam 

Outside of 
Scopes
Total emissions

Intensity ratios
2014
2013

CO2e per employee2 
CO2e per employee2

GHG Emissions
(tonnes of CO2e)1
48,921
11,230

142,510

607
203,268

5.29
5.75

1.  CO2e – Carbon dioxide equivalent. 
2.   GHG emissions under the Kyoto protocol include fuel testing, fuel consumption and 

mileage, use of fire extinguishers, release of refrigerants and coolants, nitrous oxide usage, 
steam and heat co-generation and steam import, in addition to electricity and gas 
consumption.

In order to provide a more complete picture of our global GHG 
emissions, actual data was compiled for all our major operating 
countries and for the smaller sites that were unable to provide 
data, some figures were extrapolated. Extrapolation was based 
on equivalent activity data (electricity and gas consumption) of 
a single employee and then multiplied by the number of people 
at that site. Actual data was used for minor contributions such 
as fugitive emissions (refrigerant and coolant leaks). Where sites 
provided data covering only part of the year, figures were 
extrapolated linearly to cover the full year.

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As for Scope 3 emissions (indirect GHG emissions from sources 
not owned or directly controlled by Intertek but which relate to 
our activities) Intertek sites continue, where possible, to reduce 
waste going to landfill, recycle and reduce water consumption. 
This year, our site in Perth, Australia was recognised for its 
contribution to tackling the challenge of water scarcity (see 
inset). We are also committed to utilising our in-house 
teleconferencing facilities to reduce our travel emissions. 

As a further validation of Intertek’s commitment to tackling 
climate change across the business, in 2014 Intertek in Japan 
was awarded the ‘S-Ranking’ from the Tokyo Metropolitan 
Government for the second year running. The Tokyo 
Government assesses Conformity Assessment Bodies (‘CABs’), 
of which Intertek is one, on their GHG emissions. It then 
publishes the results on its website so that organisations can 
consider this ranking when selecting a CAB to work with.  
Only eight out of 40 CABs achieved the S-rank grade.

Intertek also participates in waste reduction and recycling 
activities and programmes with non-profit organisations  
in Hong Kong. In 2014 Intertek received the ’Low Carbon 
Operation Programme’ label from the World Wildlife Fund  
and the ‘Green Office’ award from the World Green 
Organisation, which encourages and audits businesses’ 
environmental initiatives. 

Intertek’s Minerals facility in Perth, Australia, was recognised 
for its outstanding water saving efforts by the Western 
Australian Government as part of its Water Efficiency 
Management Programme. The site was able to reduce  
its usage by utilising water previously sent to waste as a  
by-product of deionized water production. Intertek received 
both Platinum and Champion Awards (the Champion 
Awards are presented to businesses achieving Platinum  
or Gold for two consecutive years).

From left: Mia Davies, WA Water Minister, Rob Chapman Intertek Operations 
Manager Western Australia and Water Corporation CEO, Sue Murphy.

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CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

40 Strategic report

Sustainability and CSR continued

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BETTER DATA 
Improved data collection has enabled us to identify 
opportunities to increase internal efficiencies. A good example 
of this is the introduction of our LENS smart meter energy 
saving system at our Geelen site in the Netherlands (the biggest 
energy user in our European operations) where significant 
energy efficiencies have already been achieved. As our GHG 
emissions accounting develops further, we expect further good 
practice to emerge to further consolidate our commitment to 
tackling climate change.

STANDARDS 
Many Intertek sites are certified to ISO 14001. This 
environmental management system supports the continuous 
improvement of energy consumption and waste and water 
management, helping to reduce the impact of risk to the 
environment, control costs and improve environmental 
performance. As part of Intertek’s environmental management 
system, there are strict controls in place to manage the 
handling, storage and disposal of harmful and hazardous 
substances to minimise the risk of their release into the 
environment. Intertek employees are fully trained in the safe 
handling of such substances and are provided with appropriate 
equipment and clothing to protect themselves and reduce the 
risk to the environment. A critical element of enabling 
continuous improvement is the reporting of all incidents which 
all employees are required to do.

COMMUNICATION 
General good practice and sustainability initiatives in Intertek 
are communicated to all our employees. Increasingly, Intertek 
sites are introducing ‘green teams’ that seek innovative ways  
to engage people into projects that support the delivery of 
Intertek’s sustainability strategy. All employees are made  
aware of Intertek’s Sustainability and CSR policy, of which  
the environment is an important element.

Our communities
The communities in which we live and work are important  
to us and as an organisation, we are mindful of giving back to  
our neighbourhoods. Intertek’s involvement in local community 
or charitable causes is determined at a local level by our 
Country Managers, who support and encourage employee 
participation. Many of our employees also contribute their 
personal time to volunteering and fundraising for charity.

Some of the activities in which Intertek and its employees 
participated during 2014 included:

• A co-operation agreement with Llamada Solidaria, a NGO  
in Spain that helps investigate new treatments for adults  
and children with rare or complex diseases.

• In addition to annual donations to the Children with Leukemia 

Foundation, employees in Turkey raised £455 for families 
affected by the coal mine disaster in Soma, Manisa, in May.

• On 18 July, Intertek employees in South Africa celebrated 
Mandela Day by taking part in a number of community 
volunteering activities to carry forward Nelson Mandela’s 
vision of democracy, freedom, equality, diversity, 
reconciliation, and respect.

• Intertek employees in the US took part in the Hood to Coast 
Relay, a 199 mile race that starts from the foot of Mount 
Hood, the tallest peak in Oregon and ends at the Pacific 
Ocean. The race, which involved 20,000 participants from  
all 50 US states, raised over US$500,000 for cancer research, 
treatment and support services.

• Some of the many events which took place at Intertek 

locations in Canada were an aeroplane pull in Hamilton,  
which raised CAN$800 for MacMaster Hospital’s kids’  
charity ‘MacKids’, and CAN$3,250 in company and employee 
donations to the Club des petits déjeuners de Montreal-Est,  
a charity that funds local community projects and enables 
access to healthy food for children and teenagers.

• In China, Intertek experts held seminars and lectures 

throughout the year for senior citizens on the subject of food 
safety, food allergies and home safety. They also provided 
seminars for parents and community residents, covering safety 
aspects of toys, food and cosmetics and held educational 
seminars for students at our Electrical lab in Shanghai.
• In Chile, Intertek held careers seminars for students of  

Santo Tomas College, provided internships to students of  
a local technical college in co-operation with the Liguria 
Investment Enterprise, and donated reagents to the  
chemistry lab of a local school.

• Across Australia and the Solomon Islands, our businesses and 
employees raised more than AUS$1,800 through a number  
of charitable events during the year, including ‘Movember’,  
the moustache-growing fundraising event.

• Intertek continued its work with the Leatherhead Hub in the 
UK, to share skills and resources in support of students and 
staff of local schools. Employees across the UK also took part 
in events to raise funds for local charities and donated to local 
food banks.

• Intertek employees in Germany donated around €8,500  

to various charities and supported the Christmas campaign 
‘Geschenk mit Herz’ (‘A heartfelt gift’), sponsored by 
Humedica, a Kaufbeuren-based charity organisation. 
Volunteers assembled thousands of parcels containing gifts, 
learning and teaching materials, food and toys for 
disadvantaged children who live in regions affected by crisis 
and war.

• In India, Intertek commissioned a mural, created largely from 
recycled material, to adorn the wall of the main entrance to 
One Intertek House in New Delhi. The mural was created by  
a local village artisan through Art Kommune, a renowned art 
platform that supports artisans from all over the world.
• Intertek experts in Japan discussed renewable energy and 

other topics as part of an ‘Environment Experience Festival’  
for seven local schools in Chuo-ku, Tokyo. The event, which 
received 1,500 visitors, was to raise young people’s awareness 
of environmental issues through interactive experiences.

• One hundred Intertek employees in Jakarta donated 30 litres 

of blood to the Pelang Merah (Indonesian Red Cross). 

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Intertek employees in Jakarta donate blood to the Indonesian Red Cross. 

Sustainability and CSR

Intertek’s Sustainability and CSR report was developed with reference to  
Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) G3.1 guidelines, which provide a recommended framework 
and indicators for reporting. A table outlining the GRI standard disclosures is provided at 
the end of this document. All data used for performance indicators is representative of the 
Group, unless stated otherwise.

The Strategic Report was approved by the Board on  
27 February 2015.

By order of the Board.

The mural outside Intertek’s office in New Delhi, created by a local village 
artisan from recycled materials.

Intertek employees in Hamilton, Ontario, participate in the annual Miracle Plane 
Pull for the McMaster Children’s Hospital.

Employees in Germany volunteer to help Humedica’s Christmas Campaign

• In Hong Kong, our people took part in many events 

throughout the year, including blood donations, charity 
fundraising, supporting the Ronald McDonald children’s care 
home, elderly care and youth development programmes.  
The Hong Kong Red Cross awarded Intertek with the ‘Caring 
Company’ logo for the third consecutive year in 2014.

WOLFHART HAUSER
Chief Executive Officer

<

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Directors’ report

Chairman’s introduction

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DIRECTORS’ REPORT

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DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  For more detail on Corporate Governance

42  CHAIRMAN’S INTRODUCTION
43 

 Compliance with the UK Corporate  
Governance Code
44  Corporate Governance
46  Board of Directors
48  Leadership
49  Effectiveness
52  Audit & Risk Committee
57  Nomination Committee
58  Remuneration Report
72  Other statutory information
75 

 Statement of Directors’ responsibilities

COMPLIANCE WITH THE  
UK CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CODE

The Board is required to report on the operations of the Company 
by reference to the 2012 UK Corporate Governance Code (the 
‘Code’), which sets out standards of good practice in relation to 
board leadership and effectiveness, remuneration, accountability 
and relations with shareholders.

A copy of the Code is available from the UK Financial  
Reporting Council at www.frc.org.uk. 

Throughout the year ended 31 December 2014, the Company 
applied all of the principles, and complied with each of the 
provisions set out in sections A to E of the Code. Overleaf is an 
overview of the Company’s compliance with the Code, which 
should be read in conjunction with the adjoining Corporate 
Governance Report.

A fuller explanation of our compliance with the Code is set out on the 

Company’s website at www.intertek.com/investors/governance

More information about the role and activity of the  
Nomination Committee during the year is detailed on page 57.

The evaluation and performance review of the Board,  
its Committees and each Director was undertaken internally  
this year and I am pleased to confirm that the conclusion  
of the evaluation was that the Board and its Committees 
continue to operate effectively. Each Director makes a 
significant contribution to debate and discussion in a collegial 
and open way that facilitates the constructive review of 
performance and the agreed operation and strategy of the 
Group. Following the outcome of the evaluation, each Director 
will be recommended for re-election as a Director of the 
Company at the 2015 Annual General Meeting apart from 
Wolfhart Hauser who is retiring after serving as Chief Executive 
Officer for over ten years and Christopher Knight who is 
stepping down from the Board after serving as a Non-Executive 
Director for nine years. As per the Code, the evaluation at the 
end of 2015 will be externally facilitated. More information on 
the outcome of the internal evaluation is described on page 49.

During the year, Christopher Knight as Chairman of the 
Remuneration Committee and I engaged with our top 
shareholders respectively on remuneration and corporate 
governance and the views of our shareholders were shared 
with the Board. 

I am interested in hearing the views of our shareholders  
and ensuring that the Board take these into account when 
considering the strategic direction of the Group. More 
information about our engagement with shareholders  
is outlined on page 51.

As part of our Governance we are constantly reviewing our  
risk and assurance processes. In the year we have re-assessed 
our risk mitigation strategies and introduced improved methods 
of assurance to provide clear evidence to the Board that 
processes are in place and operating as outlined in the Audit  
& Risk Committee Report on page 52.

A key role for me as Chairman is ensuring that we continually 
strive to have high standards of corporate governance whilst 
ensuring that the right controls are in place to provide the 
Board with the appropriate level of oversight and assurance.

The following report provides more information on how this  
is achieved and outlines our governance approach.

SIR DAVID REID
Chairman

SIR DAVID REID
Chairman

DEAR SHAREHOLDER 
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present the Corporate 
Governance Report for the year ended 31 December 2014 
and to confirm that we have complied with all the provisions 
set out in the 2012 UK Corporate Governance Code (the 
‘Code’). The Board believes that good governance is key  
to the long-term success of the Group and we shall continue  
to pursue the “comply or explain” approach. Corporate 
Governance lies at the heart of our Company as compliance 
and integrity form part of the foundations upon which  
our values and mission as a Company are based. The Board 
continues to be committed to improving the governance 
framework and the need to demonstrate to shareholders  
that the Company is properly governed in order to support  
the delivery of our strategic and business goals.

As Chairman, it is important that I ensure the Board has  
the right combination of skills and experience to provide  
the entrepreneurial leadership of the Company to ensure  
the continued growth and success of the Group. In making  
any board appointments, the Nomination Committee is careful  
to ensure that it is presented with, and considers, a broad range 
of candidates. As mentioned in my report last year, a key focus 
of the Nomination Committee was on succession planning  
and this continued to be a top priority for 2014. I am pleased  
to report that during the year, the Board announced that  
André Lacroix would join the Group as Chief Executive Officer 
in May 2015 and that Edward Leigh, the former Group Financial 
Controller, had been promoted to the role of Chief Financial 
Officer. Both have a very successful track record and their 
appointments will strengthen the Board’s diversity across  
a range of measures, including skills, experience and nationality, 
which will help bring new perspectives to our discussions  
and decision making. These appointments demonstrate  
our continued commitment to developing people within 
Intertek and our aim to introduce proven talent as part  
of our growth strategy.

DIRECTORS’ REPORT INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014<>44
44

Directors’ report

Corporate governance

 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

45
45

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

COMPLIANCE WITH THE UK CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CODE

COMPLIANCE WITH THE UK CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CODE

For the year ended 31 December 2014, the Company has complied with the principles and provisions of the 2012  
UK Corporate Governance Code (the ‘Code’). A full version of the Code can be found on the Financial Reporting 
Council’s website at www.frc.org.uk

B.7 

Re-election of Directors

A. LEADERSHIP

A.1 

The Board’s role

A.2  A clear division  

of responsibilities 

A.3 

Role of the Chairman

A.4 

Role of the  
Non-Executive Directors

The Board meets formally on a regular basis in order to formulate 
Intertek’s strategy and commercial objectives and to review the 
Company’s performance and strategy against set objectives, 
whilst ensuring the necessary finances and human resources  
are in place. There is a clear schedule of matters reserved for  
the Board as detailed on our website at www.intertek.com.

The Company has both a Chairman, who is responsible  
for the leadership and effectiveness of the Board and  
a Chief Executive Officer who is responsible for leading the  
day-to-day management of the Company within the strategy  
set by the Board.

The Chairman sets the agendas for the meetings, manages  
the meeting timetable and facilitates open and constructive 
dialogue during the meetings. 

The Non-Executive Directors actively engage and monitor 
performance and help to develop proposals on strategy.  
They are responsible for determining the remuneration of  
the Executive Directors and have a prime role in appointing 
Executive Directors and in succession planning.

B. EFFECTIVENESS

B.1 

The Board’s composition The composition of the Board is reviewed regularly by the 

B.2 

Board appointments

B.3 

Commitment

B.4 

Training and  
development

B.5 

  Information and  
support

Nomination Committee to ensure that there is an appropriate 
mix of skills, experience, independence, knowledge, gender  
and other qualities.

The appointment of new Directors to the Board is led by the 
Nomination Committee. The appointment process is clear, 
rigorous and transparent. Further details of the appointments 
undertaken during the year and succession planning can be 
found on page 57. 

The time commitments of Non-Executive Directors are defined 
on appointment and regularly evaluated. In practice, the time 
commitments go beyond those set out in the letters of 
appointment. The Chairman gives consideration to new 
directorships that may impact existing time commitments.

A comprehensive induction programme is in place for all new 
Directors. The Chairman reviews and discusses training and 
development requirements with each of the Non-Executive 
Directors. Directors attend relevant training as necessary to 
update their knowledge.

The Chairman, in conjunction with the Group Company 
Secretary, ensures that all Board members receive timely, 
accurate and effective information using the latest technology.

B.6 

Board, Director and  
Committee evaluation

An internally facilitated evaluation was undertaken during  
2014 and is described on pages 49 to 50. The next externally 
facilitated evaluation will be held at the end of 2015. 

C. ACCOUNTABILITY

C.1 

Financial and 
business reporting 

C.2 

Risk management  
and internal control 
systems

All Directors were subject to shareholder re-election or election 
at the 2014 Annual General Meeting (‘AGM’), as will be the  
case at the 2015 AGM, with the exception of Christopher Knight 
and Wolfhart Hauser who are retiring. The Directors’ biographies 
are available on pages 46 and 47.

The Annual Report and Accounts sets out the performance  
of the Company, the business model, strategy and the risks  
and uncertainties relating to the Company. The Board have 
arrangements in place to ensure that the Report and Accounts 
present a fair, balanced and understandable assessment of the 
Company’s position and prospects.

The Board sets the Company's risk appetite to achieve its 
strategic objectives and annually reviews the effectiveness of  
the Company's risk management and internal control systems. 
The activities of the Audit & Risk Committee, which assist the 
Board with its responsibilities in relation to risk setting and 
management, are set out on page 53. 

C.3 

Role and responsibilities 
of the Audit & Risk 
Committee

The Board has delegated a number of responsibilities to  
the Audit & Risk Committee, which has oversight of the risk 
management framework on behalf of the Board. The Chairman 
of the Committee provides regular reports to the Board.

D. REMUNERATION

D.1 

The level and 
elements of 
remuneration

D.2  Development of 

remuneration policy 
and packages

E.  RELATIONS WITH 
SHAREHOLDERS

E.1 

Shareholder engagement 
and dialogue

E.2 

Constructive use  
of the AGM

The levels of remuneration of the Executive Directors, and  
how this promotes the long-term success of the Company 
together with an alignment of interests between the Directors 
and shareholders by linking reward to performance,  
are explained in the Directors’ Remuneration Report  
on pages 58 to 71.

The activities of the Remuneration Committee, and the way  
in which it sets executive remuneration, are set out in the 
Directors' Remuneration Report on pages 58 to 71. No director 
is involved in setting his or her own remuneration.

The Board seeks to actively engage with both institutional  
and retail shareholders. Details of the shareholder engagement 
programme are set out on page 51. 

The Board values the AGM as an important opportunity to 
engage with shareholders. Attendees at the AGM have the 
opportunity to put questions to the Board and to speak to 
individual Directors following the formal business of the meeting. 

Compliance with the Code

A fuller explanation of our Compliance with  

the Code can be found on our website at  

www.intertek.com.

DIRECTORS’ REPORT INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014<> 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

47

46

Directors’ report

Board of Directors

Committees: 

Nomination 

Audit & Risk 

Remuneration 

N

A

R

N

SIR DAVID REID 
Chairman
Appointed to the Board in December 2011 
and became Chairman in January 2012.  
Sir David Reid retired as Non-Executive 
Chairman of Tesco PLC in November 2011 
after serving in that role since April 2004. 
Prior to that he was Deputy Chairman of 
Tesco PLC and had served on the Tesco 
Board since 1985. David is Chairman of the 
charity Whizz-Kidz. In February 2012 he was 
appointed a member of the Global Senior 
Advisory Board of Jefferies International 
Limited, a global securities and investment 
banking group. He was formerly the Senior 
Independent Non-Executive Director of 
Reed Elsevier Group PLC, Chairman of  
Kwik-Fit Group Ltd, Non-Executive Director 
at Greenalls Group Plc (now De Vere Group), 
Legal & General Group Plc and Westbury 
plc. In November 2010, Sir David was 
appointed a member of the Prime Minister’s 
Business Ambassadors Network.

WOLFHART HAUSER
Chief Executive Officer
Appointed to the Board as Chief Executive 
Officer in March 2005 after serving as a 
Non-Executive Director since November 
2002. Wolfhart Hauser was previously  
Chief Executive Officer and President of TÜV 
Süddeutschland AG for four years and Chief 
Executive Officer of TÜV Product Services 
for ten years. Starting his career with various 
research activities he went on to establish 
and lead a broad range of successful 
international service industry businesses.  
He has held several non-executive board 
director and chairman roles in a variety  
of technology companies. He was a Non-
Executive Director of Logica plc until August 
2012. He is currently a Non-Executive 
Director and Chairman of the Remuneration 

<

Committee of Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed 
Elsevier NV, and on 14 January 2015 was 
appointed a Non-Executive Director of 
Associated British Foods plc.

EDWARD LEIGH
Chief Financial Officer
Appointed to the Board as Chief Financial 
Officer in October 2014. Prior to joining 
Intertek, Edward spent nine years at Dixons 
Retail Plc, where he held several senior 
financial management positions, including 
Divisional & Corporate Development 
Finance Director, UK & Ireland CFO and 
Group Financial Controller. From 1995 to 
2004 Edward held commercial financial 
leadership roles at Procter & Gamble Co. 
covering the UK and international markets.

N A  

EDWARD ASTLE 
Non-Executive Director
Appointed to the Board as a Non-Executive 
Director in September 2009. Until July 
2013, he was Pro Rector (Enterprise)  
at Imperial College London where he  
had overseen the university’s relationships 
with industry, and led business 
development opportunities in the UK  
and internationally. Edward was an 
Executive Director of National Grid plc  
from 2001 to 2008, a Managing Director  
at the BICC Group from 1997 to 1999 and 
an Executive and Regional Director at Cable 
& Wireless plc from 1989 to 1997. 
Previously he held senior business strategy 
positions in the UK and France. He is a 
member of the BT Equality of Access Board, 
a member of the Governing Board of the 
University of Manchester and Vice Chair  
of the Shannon Trust.

R

ALAN BROWN 
Non-Executive Director
Appointed to the Board as a Non-Executive 
Director in April 2011. He is currently Group 
Chief Executive Officer of ASCO Global,  
an international oilfield support services 
business and a Non-Executive Director to 
the Home Office. Alan was Chief Executive 
Officer of Rentokil Initial plc for five years 
until October 2013. He spent 25 years  
at Unilever PLC where he rose through  
a variety of finance roles in the UK and 
Europe and then general management in 
Taiwan and China. His last four years were 
as Executive Chairman of Unilever China. 
Following this, Alan returned to the UK  
as Chief Financial Officer at Imperial 
Chemical Industries PLC taking a leading 
role in the divestment of the company.

R

DAME LOUISE MAKIN 
Non-Executive Director
Appointed to the Board as a Non-Executive 
Director in July 2012. She is currently Chief 
Executive Officer of BTG plc, a growing 
international specialist healthcare company, 
a position she has held since 2004. Before 
joining BTG, Louise was at Baxter 
Healthcare from 2000, holding the roles  
of Vice President, Strategy & Business 
Development Europe, and from 2001, 
President of the Biopharmaceuticals division 
of Baxter Healthcare, where she was 
responsible for Europe, Africa and the 
Middle East. Prior to her time at Baxter, she 
was Director of Global Ceramics at English 
China Clay, and in her earlier career, held  
a variety of roles at ICI between 1985 and 
1998. Louise is a Trustee of The Outward 
Bound Trust and was previously a Non-
Executive Director of Premier Foods plc.

MARK WILLIAMS
Non-Executive Director
Appointed to the Board as a Non-Executive 
Director in September 2013. Until February 
2013, Dr. Mark Williams worked for over  
33 years at Royal Dutch Shell Plc (‘Shell’), 
including more than 21 years in Shell’s 
Exploration & Production and midstream 
businesses in the US, serving most recently 
as Downstream Director and a member of 
the Executive Committee of Shell, where  
he was one of the top three operating 
executives responsible for all strategic, 
capital, and operational matters. Mark  
has held Board positions on non-profit  
and industry Boards and is currently 
Chairman of Hess Corporation in the US.

N A R

CHRISTOPHER KNIGHT 
Non-Executive Director
Appointed to the Board as a Non-Executive 
Director in March 2006. He was an 
investment banker for nearly 30 years,  
for much of that time with Morgan  
Grenfell and Deutsche Bank. He is a 
Chartered Accountant and has extensive 
corporate finance experience gained during 
his banking career in London, New York  
and Hong Kong. He is Chairman of Brooks 
Macdonald Group plc, Senior Independent 
Non-Executive Director of Powerflute  
Oyj and a Trustee of the Churches 
Conservation Trust.

N A

MICHAEL WAREING CMG 
Senior Independent  
Non-Executive Director
Appointed to the Board as a Non-Executive 
Director in April 2011. He is currently the 
Senior Independent Director and Audit 
Committee Chairman at Cobham plc and 
was previously a Non-Executive Director and 
Audit Committee Chairman at Wolseley plc. 
Michael was appointed as the Economic 
Development Adviser to the Government  
of Afghanistan in August 2011. He has 
major international and board level 
knowledge gained during an extensive 
global career up to senior partner level at 
KPMG, where his last position was as 
International Chief Executive Officer, which 
he occupied for four years until 2009. He 
was previously the Prime Minister’s Special 
Envoy for Reconstruction in Southern Iraq.

A

LENA WILSON 
Non-Executive Director
Appointed to the Board as a Non-Executive 
Director in July 2012. She is currently Chief 
Executive Officer of Scottish Enterprise, 
Scotland’s national economic development 
agency, a member of Scotland’s Financial 
Services Advisory Board and Chair of 
Scotland’s Energy Jobs Taskforce. Prior  
to this, she was Chief Executive Officer  
of Scottish Development International 
(Scotland’s international trade and 
investment arm) and Chief Operating 
Officer, Scottish Enterprise. Lena was  
also a Senior Advisor to The World Bank  
in Washington DC on private sector 
development for developing countries.  
Lena is a member of the University of 
Strathclyde’s Business Advisory Board, and 
an Ambassador for the Prince and Princess 
of Wales Hospice and the Edinburgh 
Military Tattoo. She served on the Board  
of the Prince’s Scottish Youth Business  
Trust for 10 years as well as numerous arts, 
culture, business and sport organisations.

>

DIRECTORS’ REPORT48

Directors’ report

Corporate governance continued

Leadership
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board is collectively responsible for providing 
entrepreneurial leadership of the Company to ensure that  
the strategic aims and financial performance are delivered 
within a prudent framework of control systems. It spends  
time reviewing the following key activities:

• Strategy;
• Growth and development;
• Oversight of performance;
• Corporate governance; and
• Increasing long-term shareholder value.

The Board also reviews and approves the method and approach 
to risk management and internal control systems and the 
Group’s risk register. The overall powers of Directors are  
set out in the Company’s Articles of Association, which are 
available on the Company’s website and may be amended by 
special resolution of the shareholders. The Board may exercise 
all powers conferred on it by the Articles in accordance with  
the Companies Act 2006 and other applicable legislation.

The Board has ultimate responsibility for the management, 
strategic direction and performance of the Group. There is  
a clear division of responsibility between the running of  
the Board and the executive responsibility for running the 
Company’s business. The Board Approval Matrix outlines the 
matters that are specifically reserved for the Board. The Board 
also delegates certain responsibilities to management and this  
is governed by the Authorities Cascade which is regularly 
reviewed and updated to meet business needs.

BOARD COMPOSITION
The Board consists of the Chairman, two Executive Directors 
and seven Non-Executive Directors. Biographical details of 
individual Directors are set out on pages 46 and 47. All 
Directors served throughout the year apart from Edward Leigh 
who was appointed Chief Financial Officer on 1 October 2014 
following the resignation of Lloyd Pitchford. 

ROLE OF THE CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
There is a clear division of responsibilities between the 
Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer, and these 
responsibilities have been formalised in writing. The Chairman, 
Sir David Reid, is responsible for the leadership and governance 
of the Board ensuring its effectiveness, setting agendas, 
ensuring that the Directors receive accurate, timely and clear 
information and that there is effective communication with 
shareholders. He facilitates the effective contribution to the 
Board of the Non-Executive Directors in particular ensuring 
constructive relationships between the Executive and Non-
Executive Directors.

The Chief Executive Officer, Wolfhart Hauser, is responsible  
for the day-to-day operation of the business in line with the 
strategy and commercial objectives agreed by the Board.  
He is also responsible for promoting and conducting the affairs 
of the Company with the highest standards of ethics, integrity 
and corporate governance. The Chief Executive Officer leads 
the Executive Management Team, details of which, are set  
out on pages 18 and 19.

 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

49

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SENIOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR
The Senior Independent Director is Michael Wareing.  
In addition to his responsibilities as a Non-Executive Director,  
he provides a sounding board for the Chairman and is 
responsible for leading the Directors’ review of the Chairman’s 
performance. He is available to meet with shareholders who 
feel they are unable to raise issues through the usual channels 
of the Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief 
Financial Officer.

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
The Company’s Non-Executive Directors provide a strong, 
independent and external insight to the Board’s proceedings 
and bring with them a wealth of experience and knowledge 
from other business sectors and industries. The Letters of 
Appointment of the Non-Executive Directors, as well as the 
Service Agreements of Executive Directors, are available for 
inspection at the Company’s registered office and at the AGM. 

GROUP COMPANY SECRETARY
The Group Company Secretary is responsible for ensuring that 
correct Board and governance procedures are followed and 
advises the Board on all corporate governance related matters. 
The Group Company Secretary acts as Secretary to the Board 
and its principal Committees, and her advice and services are 
available to all Directors.

All Directors are entitled to obtain independent professional 
advice, at the Group’s expense, in the performance of their 
duties as Directors. No such advice was sought during the year.

The Company has granted an indemnity, to the extent 
permitted by law, to each of the Directors and the Group 
Company Secretary. Directors’ and officers’ liability insurance  
is in place. 

DIRECTORS’ CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
All Directors have a duty under the Companies Act 2006  
to avoid conflicts of interests and to disclose any outside 
appointments. The Board has a formal system to deal with 
conflicts of Directors’ interests. The Directors are advised  
of the process for dealing with conflicts of interests upon 
appointment and they are reminded of this obligation  
at subsequent Board meetings.

Any authorised decisions are reviewed on an annual basis  
or when a new Director is appointed, or if a new potential 
conflict arises. The Conflicts Register is maintained by the 
Group Company Secretary and is reviewed annually by the 
Board. Directors abstain from voting when there is a vote  
to approve their own reported conflicts. In 2014, this process 
operated effectively.

Effectiveness
BOARD MEETINGS
During 2014, there were seven scheduled Board meetings.  
A table of Directors’ attendance at Board meetings during  
the year is set out below. Details of the Directors’ Committee 
attendance are set out in their respective reports.

Board Memb ership and Meeting Attendance

Board Members

Number of meetings held in 2014

Sir David Reid 
Chairman
Wolfhart Hauser
Chief Executive Officer
Lloyd Pitchford
Chief Financial Officer  
(until 30 September 2014)
Edward Leigh
Chief Financial Officer  
(appointed 1 October 2014)
Edward Astle
Non-Executive Director
Alan Brown
Non-Executive Director
Christopher Knight
Non-Executive Director
Dame Louise Makin
Non-Executive Director
Michael Wareing 
Senior Independent 
Non-Executive Director
Mark Williams 
Non-Executive Director
Lena Wilson
Non-Executive Director

Eligible to attend
7

Attendance
7

7

5

2

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

61

42

2

7

7

63

7

64

7

7

In addition to the scheduled meetings, the Board also met at short notice on a quorate basis. 
1.   Wolfhart Hauser was unable to attend one meeting due to an unavoidable business 

commitment.

2.   Lloyd Pitchford was unable to attend one meeting due to an unavoidable  

family commitment.

3.  Christopher Knight was unable to attend one meeting due to illness.
4.  Michael Wareing was unable to attend one meeting due to illness.

BOARD ACTIVITY DURING THE YEAR 
During the year, the Board has considered the following matters:

• Group strategy and commercial objectives;
• 2015 annual business budget;
• Full year results, Annual Report and half year results  

and related announcements;

• Acquisitions;
• Governance, risk and internal controls;
• Significant capital expenditure and material contracts;
• Dividend policy; 
• Tax and treasury policies; 
• Talent mapping and succession planning; and
• Health and safety.

The Non-Executive Directors receive monthly Business 
Performance Reports and information which enables them  
to review the performance of the Group and management 
against the agreed strategy, budget objectives and prior period 
performance. As well as the above, during the year the Board 
also receive updates on debt financing, market reports, share 
trading reports, analysts’ forecasts, litigation reports, final and 
interim dividend recommendations, road show and investor 
feedback, interim management statements, announcements 
and a wide range of other issues.

During the year, there was a strategy session held off-site 
within the UK to focus on strategic opportunities and conduct 
reviews on key areas of the business.

Board visit to United Arab Emirates (UAE)
In October 2014, the Board visited the Intertek operations  
in the UAE, which provided an excellent opportunity for  
the Board to meet with local management and to visit sites.  
The local management team presented on the drivers of  
the local operations and businesses and opportunities in the 
region. There was also time for informal interaction between 
the Board and senior management after the meetings.

BOARD DEVELOPMENT
There is a formal induction programme which is tailored to 
meet the needs of new Directors which is managed by the 
Chairman and the Group Company Secretary. During the 
programme, new Directors meet with senior members of 
management and receive orientation from the relevant senior 
executives in relation to each of the business lines and other 
functions to ensure that they gain a deeper understanding and 
knowledge of the business. They receive information about the 
business operations, internal audit activities, Group risks and 
management processes and procedures. 

During the year the Directors were kept up-to-date with 
information about Intertek’s business and there is an on-going 
programme of information dissemination. It is important that 
the Directors have an appreciation of our business both in the 
UK and overseas and during the year there were presentations 
from senior management to the Board and meetings have been 
held on regional strategy to increase the understanding of 
operations, opportunities and risks. Directors are regularly 
updated as necessary on various statutory obligations and 
corporate governance matters.

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
During the year, the Board engaged in a performance 
evaluation led by the Chairman with the support of the  
Group Company Secretary comprising a series of detailed 
questionnaires which provide the framework for the evaluation. 
There are questionnaires for each of the following: the Board, 
each Committee and for each Director and the Chairman. 
Responses to the questionnaire were collated and the output 
was used by the Chairman in his one-to-one interviews with 
each Director. 

DIRECTORS’ REPORT INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014<>50

Directors’ report

Corporate governance continued

 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

51

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Annual General Meeting (‘AGM’) 
This year the AGM will be held on 15 May 2015 in the  
Park Room at the Westbury Hotel, Conduit Street, London, 
W1S 2FY. The AGM provides the opportunity for all 
shareholders to develop their understanding of the Company’s 
strategy and operations, to ask questions of the full Board on 
the matters put to the meeting, including the Annual Report 
and Accounts. All Board members attend the AGM and, in 
particular, the Chairmen of the Audit & Risk, Nomination and 
Remuneration Committees are available to answer questions. 
The Company proposes a resolution on each separate issue  
and does not combine resolutions inappropriately. The Notice 
of the AGM (‘Notice’) is sent to shareholders by 
e-communications or by post. 

A copy of the Notice is available on the Company’s website,  
at www.intertek.com.

The Board evaluation focused on any current hot topics or 
issues as well as the key subjects set out below:

Key topics in the Board evaluation questionnaire

• Board composition and diversity
• Strategy and review
• Board performance
• Board processes and information
• Board expertise
• Internal controls and risk management oversight
• Senior management and succession planning
• Engagement with shareholders

The results of the evaluation were considered by the Board  
at its meeting in January 2015 with no significant issues being 
highlighted. The review clearly indicated that the Board and 
each of its Committees continue to work efficiently and 
effectively, and that the contribution and commitment of  
each Director, and their interaction with each other, is well 
developed. As a result of the evaluation, the Board agreed  
to continue to focus more time on:

• people capability, talent mapping and succession planning; 

and

• health and safety policies, frameworks and reporting.

The Board also agreed to:

• revisit the acquisition strategy;
• increase the focus on emerging trends and potential impact 

on the business; and

• undertake a deep dive session on risk as well as the review 

and approval of the Group Risk Register.

As part of the evaluation process, the Directors, led by the 
Senior Independent Director, conducted a performance review 
of the Chairman. The Board has confirmed that the contribution 
of each of the Directors continues to be effective and 
recommends that shareholders should be supportive of their 
election or re-election to the Board. The Board will continue  
to review its procedures, effectiveness and development during 
the year ahead, and the Chairman will use the output of the 
most recent Board evaluation in his individual meetings with 
Directors during the year. In 2012, the performance evaluation 
of the Board and its Committees was facilitated by an 
independent third party firm. The Board plans to conduct  
a further externally facilitated evaluation in 2015.

GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK AND BOARD COMMITTEES
The Group has a clear Governance Framework, as set  
out in the diagram in the next column which explains  
how authority is delegated from the Board.

The principal Board Committees comprise the Audit  
& Risk Committee, the Nomination Committee and  
the Remuneration Committee.

Each of the Board’s Committees has received delegated 
authority to carry out the business defined in its Terms of 
Reference. The Board is satisfied that the Terms of Reference  
for each of these Committees reflect current best practice and 
satisfy the terms of the Code. The Terms of Reference for these 
principle Committees are available on the Company’s website 
at www.intertek.com.

At each Board Meeting, the Chairman of each Committee 
provides the Board with a brief summary of the work carried 
out by their Committee, if any, between Board meetings and 
makes recommendations to the Board for approval. Further 
information on the responsibilities and activities of each of  
the Committees can be found on pages 52 to 56 (Audit & Risk 
Committee), page 57 (Nomination Committee) and on pages  
58 to 71 (Remuneration Committee).

Intertek Group plc Shareholders

Intertek Board of Directors

Audit & Risk
Committee

Nomination
Committee

Remuneration
Committee

Investment
Committee

Executive
Management
Team

Risk Control
and Assurance
Committee

Divisional & Country
Management

Support Functions

Risks

Controls

 Board Committees
 Operational Committees 

OPERATIONAL COMMITTEES
Executive Management Team
The Executive Management Team (‘EMT’), which comprises  
the Executive Directors, the senior Group and Executive  
Vice-Presidents and other senior management, meet regularly 
to discuss and decide business and operational issues.  
The biographical details of the EMT can be found on  
pages 18 and 19.

Investment Committee
The Investment Committee is responsible for reviewing 
significant contracts, leases and acquisitions; undertaking  
post investment appraisal reviews; and overseeing capital 
expenditure and investments as defined in the Authorities 
Cascade and forms part of the Intertek Corporate Governance 
Framework. The membership of the Investment Committee 
consists of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial 
Officer with the Group Vice President, Human Resources in 
attendance. The Committee is serviced by the Group Company 
Secretary or her representative. 

Risk Control and Assurance Committee (‘RCA’) 
There are two key elements to the work of the Committee:

1.  to oversee the development and improvement of the Group’s 
risk management, internal controls and assurance framework 
and the related procedures and systems; and

2.  to oversee the operation and implementation of the 

procedures and systems identified.

The RCA is comprised of the Chief Financial Officer, Group 
Company Secretary, Chief Information Officer, Group Vice-
President, Human Resources, Group Financial Controller, Head 
of Legal, and Head of Internal Audit. The Committee met five 
times during 2014.

More information on the RCA is available in the Audit & Risk 
Committee report on page 55.

RELATIONSHIP WITH SHAREHOLDERS 
Shareholder engagement
The views and opinions of our shareholders are important  
to the Company and we maintain an ongoing engagement 
programme for major shareholders. Our largest shareholders 
are invited annually to meet with the Chairman to share their 
views. In 2014 we invited shareholders holding more than  
40% of the share register collectively to these meetings  
which were held in early 2015. 

The engagement programme is run by the Head of Investor 
Relations, and this includes road-shows, site visits, 
presentations, and briefings. Examples of some of the key 
events in our Investor Relations Calendar are shown in the  
next column. In 2014 we held over 350 separate meetings with 
investors. Feedback from investors is provided to the Board by 
our brokers and the Head of Investor Relations. The Chairman 
and the Senior Independent Director are available to meet with 
shareholders. The other Non-Executive Directors are also 
available to meet with institutional shareholders to discuss any 
matters relating to the Company. The Company’s website has 
an investors section which includes a wealth of information that 
may be of interest to our shareholders and investors.

Investor Relations Calendar

January
March

April

May

June

August

September

October

November

December

Governance Roadshow
Annual Results Roadshows

Investor Site Visit 
Testing, Inspection & Assurance 
Conference
Annual General Meeting 
Interim Management Statement

Global Business Services Conference

Interim Results Roadshows

European Support Services Conference 
UK Large Cap Conference

 Testing, Inspection & Assurance 
Conference

Interim Management Statement 
Private Wealth Management Roadshow 
Investor Site Visits
Senior Management Thematic Lunch 
European Business Services Conference

DIRECTORS’ REPORT INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014<>52 Directors’ report

Audit & Risk Committee

 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

53

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP AND MEETING ATTENDANCE
Membership and attendance at meetings of the Committee 
during the year was as follows:

Committee members

Number of meetings held in 2014 

Michael Wareing
(Committee Chairman) 
Edward Astle
Christopher Knight
Lena Wilson

Eligible to attend
5

Attendance 
5

5
5
5

5
41
5

1.  Christopher Knight was unable to attend one meeting due to illness.

Throughout 2014, the composition of the Committee was  
in compliance with the UK Corporate Governance Code (the 
‘Code’). As required by the Code, Michael Wareing has recent 
and relevant financial experience as he was formerly the Chief 
Executive Officer of KPMG International until his retirement in 
September 2009 and also in 2014 chaired the Audit Committee 
at both Cobham plc and Wolseley plc. Edward Astle and 
Christopher Knight both have relevant financial experience  
as detailed in their biographies on pages 46 and 47.

All of the Committee members are considered to be 
independent in accordance with the Code criteria. New 
Committee members receive an appropriate induction, 
consisting of the review of the Terms of Reference, previous 
Committee meeting papers, information on the Company’s 
financial and operational risks and also have access to senior 
operational staff and the Group’s internal and external auditors.

The business of the Committee is linked to the Group’s financial 
calendar of events and the timetable for the annual audit.  
At the invitation of the Committee, the Chairman, Chief 
Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Group Financial 
Controller, Head of Legal, the Head of Internal Audit and the 
audit partner and audit lead from KPMG attended all meetings. 
Other senior executives were invited to attend the Committee 
meetings and give presentations as highlighted in the table on 
page 53. The terms of reference of the Committee are available 
on the Company’s website at www.intertek.com. 

Michael Wareing – Chairman of the Audit & Risk Committee

DEAR SHAREHOLDER
On behalf of the Board, the Audit & Risk Committee 
(‘Committee’) has a pivotal role in scrutinising the conduct  
of the business, its management and auditors to protect the 
interests of shareholders. In order to do this, the Committee 
reviews the integrity of the financial statements ensuring that 
the judgements made by management are appropriate and 
monitors the external auditors to ensure that they remain 
independent and objective and the audit continues to be 
effective. As part of this process, the Committee also ensures 
that the Annual Report and Accounts contain the necessary 
information to enable shareholders to assess the Company’s 
performance, business model and strategy. It also includes the 
oversight of the Group’s internal controls and risk management 
systems with the aim of ensuring that the risks that could 
impact the business and therefore shareholder value are 
managed. Therefore, I am pleased to present the Audit & Risk 
Committee Report for the year ended 31 December 2014 
which outlines these activities and the responsibilities  
of the Committee in more detail. 

As part of the Committee’s programme of increasing its 
understanding of the business it received presentations during 
the year from Business line leaders to present an overview of 
the inherent risk issues and how they are managed, and from 
Regional Chief Financial Officers providing an overview of the 
function, governance and controls that are in place within their 
regions. The Committee also ensures that it has separate 
meetings with the Chief Financial Officer, Head of Legal, Head 
of Internal Audit and the external auditor without management 
present to provide a forum for any issues to be raised. 

Finally, an annual evaluation of the performance of the 
Committee was conducted, and it was shown that the 
Committee is able and effective in discharging its duties  
in accordance with its Terms of Reference and the requirements 
of the UK Corporate Governance Code. The Committee will 
continue to work to deliver its role as part of the assurance  
and governance framework.

SIGNIFICANT ISSUES CONSIDERED BY THE COMMITTEE
In preparation for each year end, the Committee reviews  
the significant accounting policies, estimates and judgements  
to be applied in the financial statements and discusses their 
application with management. The external auditor also 
considers the appropriateness of these assessments as part of 
the external audit. In accordance with the Code, the external 
auditor prepares a report for the Committee on both the half 
year and full year results, which summarises the approach to 
key risks in the external audit and highlights any issues arising 
out of their work on those risks, or any other work undertaken 
on the audit. During the year, the Committee reviewed and 
considered the following areas of judgement to be exercised  
in the application of the accounting policies:

Claims
From time to time the Group is involved in various claims  
and lawsuits incidental to the ordinary course of business.  
The Committee considered the claims provision which reflects 
the estimates of amounts payable in connection with identified 
claims from customers, former employees and others. The 
Committee noted that once claims have been notified the 
finance teams liaise with the business to determine whether  
a provision is required, based on IAS 37 ‘Provisions, Contingent 
liabilities and Contingent assets‘ (‘IAS 37‘). The level of 
provision is subsequently reviewed on a regular basis with  
the Head of Legal, taking into account the advice of external 
legal counsel. The Head of Legal briefs the Committee at  
every meeting on the latest status of key claims and the level  
of provision. The Committee, following assurance from 
management and review of the report presented by the 
external auditor, considered and agreed that the claims 
provision was appropriate given the size, status and number  
of claims reported during the year.

Taxation 
The determination of profits subject to tax is calculated 
according to complex laws and regulations, the interpretation 
and application of which can be uncertain. In addition, deferred 
tax assets and liabilities require judgement in determining the 
amounts to be recognised, with consideration given to the 
timing and level of future taxable income. The main areas  
of judgement in the Group tax calculation are the expected 
central tax provisions for the full year and the recognition  
of the UK deferred tax asset. Twice a year, the Committee 
receives a report from management providing an evaluation  
of existing risks and tax provisions which is reviewed and 
challenged by the Committee. The Committee also considered 
reports presented by the external auditor before determining 
that the levels of provisioning were appropriate.

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ROLE AND ACTIVITY OF THE COMMITTEE
The Committee is authorised by the Board to review  
the effectiveness of the Company’s financial reporting and 
internal controls and risk management systems together with 
procedures for the identification, assessment and reporting  
of key risks. A summary of the key matters considered by  
the Committee during 2014 is set out below:

Audit & Risk Committee agenda items 2014

Feb May Jul  Sep Nov
•
•

Financial statements and reports
Full year results 2013
Annual Report and Accounts 2013
Management highlights  
memorandum
Going concern assessment
Fair, balanced and understandable 
assessment
Significant accounting policies
Half year results 2014

•

•

•

External audit
Audit strategy & plan 2014
Audit fee proposal 2014
Engagement letter
Non-audit fees review of policy,  
spend and cap
Update on non-audit fees
Update on audit strategy & plan
KPMG highlights/review memorandum •
KPMG effectiveness
Letter of representation to the auditors
External audit tender proposal

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•
•

•
•

Internal audit

2015 audit plan
Internal audit reports
Internal audit effectiveness

Governance, risk and assurance

Risk management strategy
Group risk register
Compliance and operational risk
Key claims report
Code of Ethics and hotline 
roll-out update
Update on the development and 
effectiveness of key anti-bribery and 
corruption initiatives in China
Inherent risk assessment including 
presentation from Industry Services
UK Corporate Governance Code

Other

Presentation by Business Line Leaders  
and Regional Chief Financial Officer
Group-wide finance transformation 
update

•

•

•

•
•
•

•

•

•

•
•

•
•
•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•
•
•
•

•

•

•

•

•

 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014<> 
54 Directors’ report

Audit & Risk Committee continued

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INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

55

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Restructuring
In reviewing the provision for restructuring, details of which 
are contained in the financial review on page 34 and in note 
13, the Committee reviewed details of each of the activities 
pursued as part of the restructuring to ensure that the 
appropriate level of provision is put in place. The Committee 
also sought confirmation from the external auditor that the 
restructuring plan met the criteria for recognising a provision 
under IAS 37 before determining that the provision was 
appropriate. 

Impairment
The Group’s strategy includes acquisition-led growth to 
generate new services and expand into new locations. These 
acquisitions, being in the service sector, generate significant 
goodwill that benefits the Group as a whole and specifically  
the business to which the acquisition relates. Goodwill, 
aggregated at the business line level, must be tested annually 
for impairment under IAS 36 ‘Impairment‘ (‘IAS 36‘), or when 
there are indicators of impairment. These indicators include 
poor performance compared to budget. The Committee 
reviewed and challenged the impairment consideration and 
calculations prepared by management, considering the trading 
assumptions, the discount rates used as well as the sensitivities 
included by management, details of which are contained  
in note 9. The Committee also took into account the work 
undertaken by the external auditor in respect of impairment 
and is satisfied that no impairment of goodwill is required. 

Accounts receivable and accrued income
The Group takes a balanced approach to provisioning of 
accounts receivable balances and the Group provisioning policy 
is to provide 25% of balances six to 12 months old and 100% 
of balances greater than one year old. Where there are specific 
circumstances, central adjustments may be made to material 
individual items based on reviews by the Group Financial 
Controller and Regional Chief Financial Officers. The Group 
 also has potential exposure within accrued income, particularly 
on long-term contracts within the Technical Inspection 
business. The Committee reviewed and challenged the update 
from management at year end on the approach taken to the 
provisioning and took into account the opinion of the external 
auditor. The Committee after due consideration agreed that  
the current provisioning policy adopted by management is 
appropriate to the Group’s circumstances. 

FAIR, BALANCED AND UNDERSTANDABLE ASSESSMENT
One of the key intentions of the Annual Report and Accounts  
is that it gives a fair, balanced and understandable view of the 
Group’s position and prospects, as well as providing the 
necessary information for readers of the Annual Report and 
Accounts to assess the Group’s performance for 2014, its 
business model and its strategy, in order that the Committee 
can explicitly state that view. In justifying this statement, the 
Audit & Risk Committee has considered the robust process  
that underpins it, which includes:

• Clear guidance and instruction given to all contributors, 

including at business line level;

• Revisions as a result of regulatory requirements were 

monitored on a regular basis;

• Pre year-end discussions held with the external auditor  

in advance of the year-end reporting process;

• Pre year-end input provided by senior management  

and corporate functions;

• A verification process dealing with the factual content  

of the reports to ensure accuracy and consistency;

• Comprehensive review by the senior management team  

to ensure overall consistency and balance;

• Review conducted by external advisors and the external 
auditor on best practice with regard to the content and 
structure of the Annual Report and Accounts;

• Review and consideration of the Annual Report and Accounts 

by the Audit & Risk Committee; and
• Final sign-off provided by the Board.

The Committee received a report following the process 
undertaken to ensure compliance with the Code together  
with ensuring robust challenge of judgemental statements  
to ensure that they were reasonable within the context of the 
Report.  This enabled the Committee, and then the Board,  
to confirm that the 2014 Annual Report and Accounts, taken  
as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and provides 
the information necessary for shareholders to assess the  
Company’s performance, business model and strategy.   

EXTERNAL AUDITORS
The Committee monitors the relationship with the external 
auditors, KPMG, including the provision of any non-audit 
services. It also seeks to ensure the continued independence 
and objectivity of the external auditor. The Committee discusses 
any fees paid to KPMG for non-audit work and the reasons why 
they were appointed for such work. During the year, KPMG 
met with the members of the Committee without any 
management being present. In the interests of independence 
and objectivity, the engagement audit partner is rotated every 
five years unless there are exceptional circumstances in which 
case the Committee may approve up to a further two years. 

KPMG has been the Company’s external auditors since the 
management buy-out from Inchcape in 1996 (17 years) and 
since then the Group has not formally tendered the external 
audit. However, the Committee has continued to keep under 
review and discussed the requirement contained in the UK 
Corporate Governance Code to put the external audit contract 
out to tender at least every ten years and also considered the 
subsequent proposals of both the Competition & Markets 
Authority and the European Commission. In November 2014, 
the Committee agreed to start the process for the formal 
tender of the external audit with the intention of selecting  
a new external auditor to be appointed for the year ending  
31 December 2016 following the completion of the 2015  
year end process and recommending their appointment  
at the Company’s 2016 Annual General Meeting.

EFFECTIVENESS OF EXTERNAL AUDIT
The Committee conducts an annual review of the performance 
of the external auditor. In order for the Committee to be able 
to assess the effectiveness of the audit, a process has been 
developed which involves the external auditor presenting  
its approach to maintaining audit quality annually to the 
Committee and a questionnaire being circulated to those within 
Intertek who were involved in the audit process seeking their 
views on the service provided as to adequacy of planning, 
resources, fieldwork and quality of reporting. Following  
the feedback received from the internal review, and having 
reviewed the performance of the external auditor, the 
Committee has recommended to the Board a resolution  

to re-appoint KPMG as the external auditor. The Board has 
accepted the recommendation and agreed that the resolution 
be included in the Notice of the 2015 Annual General Meeting.

AUDIT AND NON-AUDIT FEES
One of the main responsibilities of the Committee is to ensure 
the continued independence and objectivity of the Group’s 
external auditors. The Company has set out a policy on the 
provision of non-audit work by the external auditors to make 
sure that the auditors’ independence is safeguarded. The 
external auditors are precluded from engaging in any non-audit 
work that would compromise their independence or violate any 
laws or regulations affecting their appointment as auditors  
or would lead a reasonable and informed third party to regard 
the objectives of the proposed non-audit service as being 
inconsistent with the objectives of the audit. The Committee 
annually reviews and approves the framework of permitted 
non-audit services taking into account any changes in 
legislation and best practice. An annual cap for non-audit 
services is presented to the Committee for approval, with  
caps assigned to each category, compared to spend in the 
previous two years and prior approval is required for all items 
over an agreed level. A report is presented to the Committee 
twice a year showing year to date spend against each category 
of the annual cap previously approved by the Committee. 

A summary of the fees paid for non-audit fees is set out  
in the table below and further information is contained in  
note 4 to the financial statements on page 87:

Auditor fee breakdown
Total non-audit fees
Audit fee
% of audit fee

2014
£m
0.6
2.3
26%

2013
£m
0.7
2.1
33%

INTERNAL CONTROL AND RISK MANAGEMENT
The Board is responsible for establishing and maintaining the 
Group’s system of internal control and risk management and 
for reviewing its effectiveness. This manages and helps mitigate 
the risk of failure to achieve business objectives and can provide 
reasonable assurance against material misstatement or loss. 
Risk management and internal controls are embedded in the 
running of each business line, country and support function. 
The risk register process follows the global organisation, and 
risk registers are produced for each business line and support 
function and then consolidated at Group level. The time 
commitment and breadth of data gathering in completing the 
risk registers have been expanded and this year risk registers 
have also been produced for the largest 20 countries following 
risk discussions with country managers. The country risk 
registers have not been used to feed into the Group Risk 
Register as they are country specific but will serve as a useful 
indicator to see whether Group-wide risks are replicated at a 
country level. This has helped to validate the previous process 
and no significant changes were made to the Group Risk 
Register. The Committee reviews the Group Risk Register twice 
a year and presents the register to the Board for final approval 
in December.

We have implemented a verification programme to check that 
all the statements made in the Annual Report and Accounts  
are accurate and the verification files for this process have been 
prepared. Intertek’s Manual of Accounting Policies and 
Procedures is issued to all finance staff and gives instructions 
and guidance on all aspects of accounting and reporting that 
apply to the Group. The Intertek Core Control Framework is  
a key Group-wide framework that provides an easy reference  
to the core elements of the Group’s Governance Framework.  
It includes those mandatory policies applying across the Group 
in all locations and provides a single place where each 
employee has easy access to mandatory policies. During the 
year, this was reviewed and refreshed to reflect the changes  
in the risk and governance environments.

Group Core Control Framework

Mission & Strategy

Group Policies

Approved by the Board
Mission Statement
Group Strategy
Focus on Customer 
& Shareholders

Approved by Executive 
Management
RCA review new policies
Mandatory Across 
the Group
Dedicated Policy Owners
Change Control Process

Business Line Policies 
Support Function 
Policies

Approved by Strategy 
Unit COO
Non-Mandatory 
at Group Level
Business Line Policies 
(Technical)
Support Function 
Policies (Non-Technical)

Any material breaches of the Group’s systems of internal  
and risk management controls that are identified by the 
Group’s control review procedures are reported to the 
Committee and corrective action is taken. The Committee 
endeavours to ensure that the Group has in place the most 
appropriate and effective controls, checks, systems, and risk 
management techniques so as to be in line with best practice. 
The control environment within the Group is further 
strengthened by two internal Committees. The Risk Control  
and Assurance Committee (‘RCA’) has the remit of overseeing 
the development of the internal control and an Investment 
Committee (‘IC’) is in place with the remit of reviewing and 
approving material expenditure and other key actions 
throughout the business within certain limits as outlined in the 
Board Approval Matrix. Further information on the membership 
and remit of the RCA and IC is on pages 50 and 51.

INTERNAL CONTROLS AND REPORTING
In order to provide assurance that controls and policies are 
being followed, a process of self-assessment and hierarchical 
reporting has been established which provides a documented 
trail of accountability. These procedures are applied across 
Group operations and support functions and provide for 
continuing assurances to be given at increasingly higher  
levels of management and finally, to the Board. This process  
is facilitated by Company Secretariat using an on-line 
questionnaire which also provides assurance as to the operation 
and validity of the system of internal control and risk 
management. Planned corrective actions are monitored  
for timely completion.

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INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

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Nomination Committee

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Committee can confirm that it reviewed the Group’s 
internal controls and risk management systems and concluded 
that there was a sound and effective control environment in 
place across the Group during 2014 and up to the date upon 
which these financial statements were approved. No material 
weaknesses had been identified.

AUDIT AND RISK STRATEGY
The Audit and Risk Strategy was presented to the Committee 
during the year. The strategy has focused on ensuring that the 
programme is annually strengthened and enhanced to reflect 
the size and global reach of the Intertek Group. The Group has 
a programme of training and on-line courses for compliance 
matters, covering topics such as health and safety, anti-bribery, 
and integrity. The Group has a zero-tolerance policy to any 
bribery. Every employee is required to sign a zero-tolerance 
document confirming their understanding that any breaches  
of the Group’s Code of Ethics will result in disciplinary action 
that may include summary dismissal. Each year as part of the 
appraisal process every employee is asked to confirm their 
understanding of and adherence to the Code of Ethics. 

As highlighted last year, our Code of Ethics was reviewed  
and updated this year to simplify and consolidate Intertek’s 
approach to compliance and has reinforced the Intertek 
Compliance principles in respect of integrity, conflicts of 
interest, confidentiality, anti-bribery and fair marketing and 
strengthened our approach to protecting our environment.  
The Code of Ethics is available on the Group’s website.  
An on-line training program has been developed for the  
new Code of Ethics that will be rolled out to employees  
during 2015. The Code of Ethics had also been translated  
into 28 languages, which covers the Group’s employees.

CONFIDENTIAL HOTLINE
Intertek is committed to maintaining a culture where issues  
of integrity and professional ethics can be raised and discussed 
openly. A new global hotline system was put in place during 
2014 which is operated by an independent third party. This 
provides a web-based system, which has been translated into 
24 languages, for the confidential reporting of any suspected  
or real breaches in compliance by any employee, contractor, 
customer or other stakeholder. There is also a telephone hotline 
where calls are answered 24/7 by trained specialists. This 
underpins the ethics programme and also helps the business 
protect itself against any unethical behaviour. The details of the 
hotline have been communicated to staff through the Group’s 
main intranet page and by posters at Intertek locations. All 
reports are investigated thoroughly, with action taken when 
required. Reports of significant matters raised on the hotlines 
are also provided to the Committee, if appropriate. Detailed 
statistics about such issues are provided to each meeting of  
the Committee. Reports are made of resolutions for all matters 
together with information about any employees who have  
left the Group due to wrong-doing.

INTERNAL AUDIT
As part of its annual programme, the Committee reviewed  
the effectiveness of the Group Internal Audit function and 
considered findings from Internal Audit as part of its annual 
programme of reviews. Reports from Internal Audit to the 
Committee included assurance on the Group’s internal controls 
and risk management systems, findings and follow-ups from 
the audit of businesses, functions and processes and the annual 

plan of Internal Audit. The annual plan of action for Internal 
Audit is reviewed and approved by the Committee. Where 
there is not the internal expertise to perform a specialised audit, 
a third party auditor with the requisite skills will be appointed 
to undertake the audit, the findings of which are reported  
to the Committee. An external review of the effectiveness of 
the Internal Audit function will be undertaken during 2015.

QUALITY ASSURANCE AUDITS
The Company carries out quality assurance audits across  
the Group and the findings are reported to management.  
Each business line has at least one compliance officer who 
undertakes investigations of issues that arise either from  
quality assurance audits or from other sources, such as routine 
compliance questions. As part of our quality assurance and 
assessments, internal quality audits are undertaken. Reports  
of significant findings are presented to the Committee  
which monitors and reviews the effectiveness of the  
internal audit function.

PRIORITIES FOR 2015
The priorities for the Committee over the next 12 months  
are as follows:

• continue to support the efforts of the external auditor and  
the Internal Audit and Risk Management functions with 
respect to the ongoing development of the Group’s total 
assurance and risk management framework;

• prepare for and implement any relevant changes in the 

corporate governance and regulatory arena; 

• continue to monitor the impact of external economic factors 
on the business of the Group and its financial position; and

• progress the external audit tender process.

GOING CONCERN
Current guidance requires that the Directors make  
an assessment that the Group has adequate resources 
to continue in operation for the foreseeable future, being  
at least 12 months from the date of signing the annual report, 
in order to conclude on the going concern assumption.

Management has provided the Directors with an assessment 
of the levels of facilities expected to be available to the  
Group, based on levels of cash held, Group Treasury funding 
projections, and Group financial projections for a period 
to 31 December 2017. All the current borrowing facilities 
are expected to be available at 31 December 2015, except  
for £90m, and at 31 March 2016, except for £129m.

In making this assessment, management has considered  
the covenants attached to the Group’s borrowing facilities  
and performed downside scenarios on the Group’s financial 
projections of 10% and 20% reduction in EBITDA forecast. 
Even in these circumstances, there is significant headroom  
on the debt covenants.

After making diligent enquiries the Directors have a reasonable 
expectation based upon current financial projections and bank 
facilities available, that the Group has adequate resources to 
continue in operation for the foreseeable future. Accordingly 
they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing  
the Group’s financial statements.

Sir David Reid – Chairman of the Nomination Committee

DEAR SHAREHOLDER
During the year, the particular area of focus and business  
for the Nomination Committee (‘Committee’) was on the 
implementation and successful completion of succession 
planning for the roles of the Chief Executive Officer and  
Chief Financial Officer. Extensive work was undertaken and  
a formal, rigorous and transparent procedure was followed  
by the Committee on the search for two new executive  
board directors. At the end of the process, the Board, upon  
the unanimous recommendations of the Committee,  
approved the following:

• With effect from 1 October 2014, the internal appointment  
of Edward Leigh as Chief Financial Officer, previously the 
Group Financial Controller, following the resignation of Lloyd 
Pitchford; and

• With effect from 16 May 2015, the external appointment  
of André Lacroix as Chief Executive Officer, currently Chief 
Executive Officer of Inchcape plc, upon the retirement of 
Wolfhart Hauser.

The main role of the Committee continues to be in ensuring 
that the composition of the Board retains the right balance of 
skills, experience, industry and technical knowledge to provide 
the quality of leadership necessary to implement the strategy 
and achieve the strategic objectives necessary for the long-term 
success of the Company. The structure of the Board is evaluated 
every year bearing in mind the need to refresh and review the 
skills necessary as the Company evolves and the business 
changes. We will continue to monitor the diversity of the Board 
and our objective will be to always appoint, from a wide range 
of backgrounds and experience, the best candidate for the role.

The Terms of Reference of the Committee are available on  
the Company’s website at www.intertek.com. I will be available 
at the forthcoming AGM to answer any questions on the work  
of the Committee during the year.

COMMITTEE MEMB ERSHIP AND MEETING ATTENDANCE
Membership and attendance at meetings of the Committee 
during the year was as follows:

Other attendees at Committee meetings include the Chief  
Executive Officer, Group Vice President, Human Resources, Group 
Company Secretary and appropriate external advisors as necessary

THE ACTIVITY OF THE COMMITTEE
During the year, the Committee spent a significant amount of 
time overseeing the processes which lead to the announcement 
of André Lacroix being appointed as Chief Executive Officer in 
2015 and Edward Leigh as Chief Financial Officer in 2014. In both 
searches, the Committee considered the experience, competency 
and personal qualities that would be required for these positions 
in order to create detailed role specifications, candidate profiles 
and a timetable to ensure an orderly and efficient process.  
The external search firm, Egon Zehnder, was used to assist with 
the identification of suitable candidates for the Chief Executive 
Officer role and then subsequently for calibration, benchmarking 
and referencing of candidates. Spencer Stuart was used for the 
benchmarking of internal candidates for the Chief Financial 
Officer role. The consultants used for both appointments have  
no other connection with the Company.

After a rigorous and transparent selection process involving a 
number of candidates for both roles, which included interviews 
being held with all Directors, André Lacroix and Edward Leigh 
were deemed to be the most suitable candidates based on merit, 
against objective criteria and taking into account their skills and 
experience together with the Committee having due regard for 
the benefits of diversity on the Board, including gender.

Also during 2014, the Board, upon the recommendation of  
the Committee, took the decision to reappoint Alan Brown, Sir 
David Reid and Michael Wareing as Non-Executive Directors of 
the Company for a further three years. Where the reappointment 
of a member of the Committee is being discussed, they are 
precluded from any involvement in the discussions and the 
Senior Independent Director chaired the Committee when  
the reappointment of the Chairman was discussed.

DIVERSITY ON THE BOARD
The Board has endorsed the recommendations made by Lord 
Davies of Abersoch in his report issued in 2011 on “Women on 
Boards” and its policy of diversity is available on our website at 
www.intertek.com. The Committee is committed to achieving  
a Board which includes and makes the best use of differences 
in culture, gender, skills, background, regional and industry 
experience as well as other qualities. All of these factors are 
considered by the Committee in determining the composition 
of the Board as outlined above. The Company has already  
made significant progress towards achieving Lord Davies’ 
recommendation and an analysis of the diversity of the Board 
by gender as at 31 December 2014 is provided below:

Board of Directors

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Female

80%

Committee members

Number of meetings held in 2014

20%

Sir David Reid
(Committee Chairman) 
Edward Astle
Christopher Knight
Michael Wareing

Eligible to attend
6

Attendance
6

6
6
6

51
6
52

1.  Edward Astle was unable to attend one meeting due to a prior commitment.
2.  Michael Wareing was unable to attend one meeting due to illness.

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Directors’ report

Remuneration report

 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

59

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

We believe that a significant proportion of remuneration  
for senior executives should be related to performance,  
with part of that remuneration being deferred in the form  
of shares and subject to continued employment and longer-
term performance. We also believe that share-based 
remuneration should form a significant element of senior 
executives’ compensation so there is a strong link to the 
sustained future success of the Group. 

The Committee considers shareholder feedback received  
in relation to the AGM each year at a meeting following  
the AGM. This feedback, plus any additional feedback received 
during any meetings from time to time, is then considered  
as part of the Company’s annual review of remuneration policy. 

In addition, the Committee will seek to engage directly with 
major shareholders and their representative bodies should  
any material changes be proposed to the remuneration policy. 
Details of votes cast for and against the resolution to approve 
last year’s remuneration policy and report and any matters 
discussed with shareholders during the year are set out  
in the Annual Report on Remuneration.

When determining salaries and other elements of remuneration 
for our executives we take account of general pay movement 
and employment conditions throughout the Group, as well  
as the relevant general markets. This is achieved by reviewing 
detailed information for four of the areas (mainland China,  
the US, UK and Hong Kong) in which the Group employs  
the greatest number of people. The Company has not formally 
consulted with its employees on the design of its senior 
executive remuneration policy. The Committee will keep  
this under review.

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Directors’ Remuneration  
Policy Report
The Directors’ Remuneration Policy Report was approved by 
binding vote at the AGM on 16 May 2014 and the Committee 
is proposing no change for 2015. The Policy set out on pages 
59 to 62 is included here only for information. 

POLICY OVERVIEW
We continue to focus on ensuring that our remuneration policy 
is appropriate for the nature, size and complexity of the Group, 
encourages our employees in the development of their careers 
and is directed to deliver continued profitable growth.

Our remuneration strategy is to:

• align and recognise the individual’s contribution to help  

us succeed in achieving our strategy and long-term  
business goals;

• attract, engage, motivate and retain the best available 
• people by positioning total pay and benefits to be competitive 

in the relevant market and in line with the ability of the 
business to pay;

• reward people equitably for the size of their responsibilities 

and performance; and

• engage motivated high performers and, through variable 
bonus schemes and long-term incentive plans, share the 
Group’s success with those who build and lead Intertek  
as a world class business and encourage them to increase 
shareholder value.

Each year the Committee approves the overall reward strategy 
for the Group and considers the individual remuneration of  
the Executive Directors and certain senior executives. 

The Committee reviews the balance between base salary and 
performance-related remuneration against the key objectives 
and targets so as to ensure performance is appropriately 
rewarded. This also ensures outcomes are a fair reflection  
of the underlying performance of the Group.

As a global service business, our success is critically dependent 
on the performance and retention of our key people around 
the world. Employment costs represent the major element  
of Group operating costs. As a global Group our pay 
arrangements take into account both local and international 
markets and we operate a global Remuneration Policy 
Framework to achieve our reward strategy, with each operation 
retaining the freedom to navigate within that framework  
to find the best local solution.

Our peer groups for the majority of our employees consist of 
international industrial or business service organisations and 
similar-sized businesses. For our more senior executives we base 
our remuneration comparisons on a blend of factors, including 
sector, job complexity, location, responsibilities and 
performance, whilst recognising the Company is listed  
in the UK.

DEAR SHAREHOLDER
2014 was a challenging year for Intertek as external trading 
conditions remained tough. The general slowdown in growth  
in global trade led to challenges across many of our markets, 
exacerbated later in the year by the effects of sharply reduced 
oil prices.

As a result, our 2014 results did not reach the levels of the 
stretching targets we set ourselves and this was reflected in the 
overall reward to the executive directors and the wider group  
of global executives. The annual bonus payments to the CEO 
and CFO represented 38.4%of their maximum opportunities 
and the 2012 long-term incentive plan (LTIP) vested at 25.2%. 

At the 2014 AGM, shareholders approved our Remuneration 
Policy which set out a new remuneration structure for executive 
directors. The new structure separates the determination  
of LTIP granting levels from the results of the annual bonus,  
a change suggested by several of our investors during recent 
feedback. We were pleased with the high level of support  
for both our policy and remuneration report. The associated 
changes to our pay structures were implemented successfully  
in 2014 for the executive directors and other senior executives.

During 2014, the Committee considered the arrangements for 
the retirement of the current Chief Executive Officer, Wolfhart 
Hauser, and for the appointment of the new Chief Executive, 
André Lacroix. Dr Hauser will step down as Chief Executive at 
the AGM and remain as an employee until the end of 2015 to 
conduct a smooth handover to Mr Lacroix. During this time, he 
will receive his normal salary but no bonus. Details of these 
arrangements are set out on page 64.

André Lacroix will take over as Chief Executive Officer following  
the AGM. On joining, his salary will be £895,000. All aspects  
of his remuneration package are within the policy approved  
by shareholders. In order to compensate Mr Lacroix for awards 
he lost when leaving his previous employer, we agreed to buy 
out these awards on a basis of their potential value adjusted to 
reflect the performance conditions that were attached to them. 
This results in a large buy-out package but, we believe, one that 
is reasonable given the awards being replaced; moreover, the 
Committee and the Board strongly believe it is in shareholders’ 
interest to secure a candidate of André Lacroix’s experience and 

CHRISTOPHER KNIGHT
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

calibre to lead Intertek in its next stage of development. Details 
of his package including the buy-out are set out on page 64.

In the course of the year, Edward Leigh was promoted to the 
position of CFO and appointed to the Board. Mr Leigh’s new 
salary was set at £360,000 which was some way below the 
market, with the intention that it would be reviewed at the end 
of the year subject to performance. Having confirmed that he 
has successfully settled into his new role and is performing well, 
the Committee increased his salary to £400,000 with effect 
from April 2015. All other elements of Edward Leigh’s package, 
set out on page 64, are within our approved policy.

Edward Leigh replaced Lloyd Pitchford, who resigned in 
September 2014. The Committee considered Mr Pitchford’s 
leaving arrangements; he received no pay in lieu of notice  
and both his annual and long-term incentives were forfeited.

The Remuneration Committee continues to keep the 
remuneration structures for the Group under review, to ensure 
they continue to support our strategic goals in the context of  
a rapidly evolving sector and the changing landscape of global 
trade and recognising that there continues to be a scarcity  
of international talent experienced in the sector. We strive  
to ensure our reward policies and practices support our  
growth plans and are aligned with the long-term interests  
of shareholders. That said, no changes to our policy are 
proposed for 2015.

Yours sincerely,

CHRISTOPHER KNIGHT
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

The elements specifically required to be audited within  
the shaded sections of pages 65 to 68 have been audited  
by KPMG Audit Plc in compliance with the requirements  
of the Regulations.

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Directors’ report

Remuneration report continued

 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

61

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SUMMARY OF THE REMUNERATION POLICY FOR DIRECTORS
The following table sets out the key aspects of the remuneration policy for Directors:

Element  
of pay

Purpose and link  
to strategy

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance measures

Base salary

To attract and retain 
high performing 
Executive Directors to 
lead the Group.

The Committee reviews salaries  
annually, taking account of the scale of 
responsibilities, the individual’s experience 
and performance.

Whilst the Committee takes benchmarking 
information into account, its decisions 
are based primarily on the performance  
of the individual concerned against the 
above factors to ensure that there is no 
unjustified upward ratchet in base salary.

There is no prescribed maximum annual 
increase. The Committee is guided by 
the general increase for the employee 
population but on occasions may need 
to recognise other factors including 
development in role, change in 
responsibility and/or variance to market 
levels of remuneration.

Individual performance is  
taken into account when  
salary levels are reviewed.

Benefits

To provide 
competitive benefits 
to ensure the well-
being of employees.

Benefits include annual medicals, life 
assurance cover of four times base 
salary, allowances in lieu of a company 
car or other benefits and private  
medical insurance. 

The total value of these benefits  
will not exceed 12% of salary.

Up to 30% of salary.

For 2014, maximum 230% of salary for 
the CEO and 200% of salary for the CFO.

For 2015 onwards, up to 200% of salary 
for all Executive Directors.

The Committee has the ability to  
reduce bonus payments if it believes 
that short-term performance has been 
achieved at the expense of the Group’s 
long-term future success. The Committee 
can adjust upwards the bonus outturn 
(up to the maximum set out above)  
to recognise very exceptional 
circumstances or to recognise that 
circumstances have occurred which 
were beyond the direct responsibility  
of the executive and the executive has 
managed and mitigated the impact  
of any loss.

Up to 250% of salary.

Pension

To provide 
competitive 
retirement benefits.

Annual 
Incentive Plan 
(‘AIP’)

To drive and 
recognise annual 
performance against 
targets which are a 
mix of business and 
personal objectives.

Directors can elect to join the Company’s 
defined contribution pension scheme, 
receive pension contributions into their 
personal pension plan or receive a cash 
sum in lieu of pension contributions.

50% paid in cash and 50% deferred  
into shares which will vest after a period 
of three years subject to continued 
employment.

Targets are reviewed each year and are  
a balanced set of measures designed  
to be challenging.

Not pensionable.

Clawback provisions apply.

Annual grant of conditional shares 
which vest after three years, subject  
to Company performance and continued 
employment. The shares will also be 
subject to a six-month holding period 
after vesting.

Accrued dividends during the vesting 
period to be paid in cash or shares at 
vesting, to the extent that shares vest.  

Long-Term 
Incentive Plan 
(‘LTIP’)

To retain and reward 
Executive Directors 
for the delivery of 
long-term 
performance.

To support the 
continuity of the 
leadership of the 
business.

To provide long-term 
alignment of 
executives’ interests 
with shareholders  
by linking rewards  
to Intertek’s 
performance.

n/a

n/a

The majority of the annual 
bonus will be subject to  
Group financial measures  
and no more than 20%  
of the bonus will be subject  
to personal performance 
measures.

The stretch targets, when  
met, reward exceptional 
achievement and contribution. 
The minimum is zero.

LTIP awards are subject to 
performance conditions based 
on Earning Per Share (‘EPS’) 
growth and relative Total 
Shareholder Return (‘TSR’).  
At least a quarter of each 
award will be based on each  
of these measures.

25% of an award will vest  
for achieving threshold 
performance, increasing  
pro rata to full vesting for  
the achievement of stretch 
performance targets. Awards 
under the TSR element of  
the LTIP are also subject to  
the satisfaction of a  
financial underpin.

Share 
ownership 
guidelines

To increase alignment 
between executives 
and shareholders.

Non-Executive 
Directors’ fees

To attract and retain 
high calibre Non-
Executive Directors 
through the provision 
of market competitive 
fees.

Executive Directors are required to retain 
any vested shares (net of tax) under the 
Group’s share plans until the guideline  
is met.

The guideline must be met within  
five years of appointment.

Fees are paid mostly in cash, with  
10% of fees paid in the form of shares.

Fees are determined based on the 
responsibility and time committed to  
the Group’s affairs and appropriate 
market comparisons.

No other benefits are provided, other 
than to the Chairman, who receives a 
car allowance of £25,000 per annum.

n/a

n/a

CEO: 200% of salary.

CFO: 150% of salary.

As for the Executive Directors, there  
is no prescribed maximum annual 
increase. The Committee is guided by 
the general increase for the employee 
population but on occasions may need 
to recognise other factors including 
change in responsibility and/or variance 
to market levels of remuneration.

SELECTION OF PERFORMANCE METRICS
The annual bonus is based on performance against a mix of financial measures and personal performance. The mix of financial 
measures is aligned to the Group’s Key Performance Indicators (‘KPIs’) and is reviewed each year by the Remuneration Committee 
to ensure that they remain appropriate to reflect the priorities for the business in the year ahead. A sliding scale of targets is set  
for each KPI to encourage continuous improvement and challenge the delivery of stretch performance. 

The LTIP is based on EPS growth and TSR performance. EPS is a measure of the Group’s overall financial success and TSR provides 
an external assessment of the Company’s performance against the market. It also aligns the rewards received by executives with 
the returns received by shareholders. A sliding scale of challenging performance targets is set for each measure. The Committee 
reviews the choice of performance measures and the appropriateness of the performance targets prior to each LTIP grant. The 
Committee reserves the discretion to set different targets for future awards, without consulting with shareholders, providing that, 
in the opinion of the Committee, the new targets are no less challenging in light of the circumstances at the time than those used 
previously. The targets for awards granted under this remuneration policy are set out in the Annual Remuneration Report.

There are no material differences in the structure of remuneration arrangements for the Executive Directors and the general 
employee population, aside from quantum and participation rates in incentive schemes.

REMUNERATION SCENARIOS FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
The charts below illustrate how the Executive Directors’ remuneration packages vary at different levels of performance under  
the ongoing policy, which will apply in 2015 for both the CEO and CFO: 

Value of remuneration packages at different levels of performance 

£’000

4,500

4,000

3,500

3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

£4,265,475

43%

34%

£2,624,550

35%

28%

£983,625

100%

37%

23%

LTIP award
Bonus
Base salary, benefits and pension  

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£1,300,546

31%

31%

38%

£500,546

100%

£2,100,546

38%

38%

24%

Minimum

On-target

Maximum

Minimum

On-target

Maximum

Wolfhart Hauser, Chief Executive Officer

Edward Leigh, Chief Financial Officer

Points relating to the above table: 
1.  Salary levels are based on those applying on 1 April 2015.
2.  The value of taxable benefits is based on the cost of supplying those benefits (as disclosed) for the year ended 31 December 2014.
3.  The value of pension receivable by the CEO and CFO in 2015 is taken to be 25% of salary and 20% of salary respectively.
4.  The on-target level of bonus is taken to be 50% of the maximum bonus opportunity.
5.  The on-target level of the LTIP is taken to be 50% of the face value of the award at grant.
6.  Share price movement and dividend accrual have not been incorporated into the values shown above.

APPROACH TO RECRUITMENT AND PROMOTIONS
The remuneration package for a new Executive Director – base salary, benefits, pension, annual bonus and long-term incentive 
awards – would be set in accordance with the terms of the Company’s prevailing approved remuneration policy at the time  
of appointment. The Committee may set the base salary at a value to reflect the calibre, experience and earnings potential of a 
candidate, subject to the Committee’s judgement that the level of remuneration is in the Company’s best interest. In addition, the 
Committee may offer additional cash and/or share-based elements to take account of remuneration relinquished when leaving the 
former employer when it considers these to be in the best interests of the Company (and therefore shareholders). Any such awards 
would reflect the nature, time horizons and performance requirements attaching to the remuneration it is intended to replace.

For external and internal appointments, the Committee may agree that the Company will meet certain relocation expenses and 
continuing allowances as appropriate. Additionally, in the case of any Executive Director being recruited from overseas, or being 
recruited by the Company to relocate overseas to perform their duties, the Committee may offer expatriate benefits on an 
ongoing basis subject to their aggregate value to the individual not exceeding 50% of salary per annum.

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Directors’ report

Remuneration report continued

For an internal Executive Director appointment, any variable pay 
element awarded in respect of the prior role may be allowed  
to pay out according to its terms, adjusted as relevant to take 
into account the appointment. In addition, any other ongoing 
remuneration obligations existing prior to appointment  
may continue. 

SERVICE CONTRACTS FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
The service agreements of the Executive Directors are not  
fixed-term and are terminable by either the Company or the 
Director on 12 months’ notice and make provision, at the 
Board’s discretion, for early termination by way of payment of 
salary (and for the CFO, also pension contributions) in lieu of  
12 months’ notice. In calculating the amount payable to a 
Director on termination of employment, the Board would  
take into account the commercial interests of the Company  
and apply usual common law and contractual principles.  
The service contracts are available for inspection at the 
Company’s registered office.

The Committee reviews the contractual terms for new  
Executive Directors to ensure these reflect best practice.  
In summary, the contractual provisions are:

Provision
Notice period
Termination payment

Remuneration entitlements

Change of control

Detailed Terms
12 months
Common law and contractual 
principles apply
A bonus may be payable  
(pro rata where relevant)  
and outstanding share awards 
may vest (see below)
No Executive Director’s contract 
contains provisions or 
additional payments in respect 
of change of control

The annual bonus may be payable with respect to the period  
of the financial year served. Any share-based entitlements 
granted to an Executive Director under the Company’s share 
plans will be determined based on the relevant plan rules. 

The default treatment under the LTIP is that any outstanding 
awards lapse on cessation of employment. However, in certain 
prescribed circumstances, such as death, ill-health, disability, 
retirement or other circumstances at the discretion of the 
Committee, ‘good leaver’ status may be applied. For good 
leavers, awards will normally vest on the original vesting date, 
subject to the satisfaction of the relevant performance 
conditions at that time and reduced pro rata to reflect the 
proportion of the performance period actually served. However, 
the Committee has discretion to determine that awards vest  
at an earlier date and/or to disapply time pro-rating, although  
it is envisaged that this would only be applied in exceptional 
circumstances. Any such incidents, where discretion is applied 
by the Committee, will be disclosed in the following Annual 
Report on Remuneration.

The default treatment for deferred bonus awards is that  
any outstanding awards lapse on cessation of employment. 
However, in certain ‘good leaver’ circumstances (as described 
under the LTIP above), awards will vest in full.

 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

63

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

In determining whether an executive should be treated as  
a good leaver or not, the Committee will take into account  
the reasons for their departure. 

LETTERS OF APPOINTMENT FOR NON-EXECUTIVE 
DIRECTORS
The letter of appointment for each Non-Executive Director 
states that they are appointed for an initial period of three years 
and all appointments are terminable by one month’s notice on 
either side. At the end of the initial period and after rigorous 
review the appointment may be renewed for a further period, 
usually three years, if the Company and the Director agree  
and subject to annual re-election at the AGM. Each letter  
of appointment states that if the Company were to terminate  
the appointment, the Director would not be entitled to  
any compensation for loss of office. 

The table below sets out the terms for all current members  
of the Board.

Sir David Reid

Edward Astle

Alan Brown

Christopher Knight

Notice Period/ 
unexpired term as 
at 31 December 2014
One month/ 
35 months 

One month/ 
8 months 

One month/ 
27 months 

One month/
3 months 

Date of 
Appointment
1 December 2011
Reappointed:  
1 December 2014
1 September 2009
Reappointed:  
1 September 2012
15 April 2011
Reappointed:  
15 April 2014
30 March 2006
Reappointed:  
30 March 2009
Reappointed:  
30 March 2012

Dame Louise Makin 1 July 2012

One month/ 
6 months 
One month/ 
27 months 

Michael Wareing

Mark Williams 

15 April 2011
Reappointed:  
15 April 2014
1 September 2013 One month/ 

Lena Wilson

1 July 2012

20 months 
One month/ 
6 months

LEGACY ARRANGEMENTS
For avoidance of doubt, through this approved Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy Report, authority is given to the Company 
to honour any commitments entered into with current or 
former Directors (such as the vesting of past share awards)  
that have been disclosed to and approved by shareholders  
in previous Remuneration Reports. Details of any payments  
to former Directors will be set out in the Annual Report  
on Remuneration as they arise.

Annual Report on Remuneration
COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP AND MEETING ATTENDANCE
Membership and attendance at meetings of the Committee 
during the year was as follows:

Committee members 

Number of meetings held in 2014

Christopher Knight 
(Committee Chairman)
Alan Brown
Dame Louise Makin

Eligible to attend
7

Attendance
7

7
7

7
7

The Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer 
and the Group Vice President, Human Resources may, by 
invitation, attend the Committee meetings, except when their 
own remuneration is discussed. No Director is involved in 
determining his or her own remuneration. None of the 
Committee members has had any personal financial interest, 
except as shareholders, in the matters decided. The Company 
Secretary acts as Secretary to the Committee.

THE ROLE OF THE COMMITTEE
On behalf of the Board, the Committee:

• determines the Company’s policy on the remuneration of the 

Chairman, the Executive Directors and Senior Executives;

• determines the remuneration packages of the above, including 

any compensation on termination of office;

• reviews the remuneration arrangements for the wider 
employee population and considers issues relating to 
remuneration that may have a significant impact on the 
Group;

• provides advice to, and consults with, the Chief Executive 
Officer on major policy issues affecting the remuneration  
of other executives; and 

• keeps remuneration policy under review in the light of 

regulatory and best practice developments and shareholder 
expectations. Due regard is given to the interests of 
shareholders and the requirements of the Listing Rules and 
associated guidance. The terms of reference of the Committee 
are available on our website at www.intertek.com. 

THE ACTIVITY OF THE COMMITTEE
The Committee met seven times and considered: 

• the 2014 Reward Strategy; 
• the salary for senior management and the determination  

of the bonus payments for 2013;

• the TSR and EPS performance results for the 2011 – 2014 

share plan award cycles; 

• the 2014 bonus targets and performance measures;
• the protocol for dealing with good leavers under the  

share plans;

• Share Plan awards for 2014 – 2017 and TSR and EPS 

performance criteria;

• the feedback from shareholders and corporate governance 

organisations with respect to changes to executive 
remuneration and incentive schemes and the 2014  
AGM votes; 

• the remuneration proposals for the new CEO, CFO  

and other new senior employees;

• the departure terms for senior executives;
• the remuneration advisors; and
• the review of the Directors Remuneration Report to ensure 
compliance with Remuneration Reporting Regulations. 

ADVISORS 
To ensure that the Group’s remuneration practices drive and 
support achievement of strategies and are market competitive, 
the Committee obtains advice from various independent sources. 

During 2014, the Committee received advice on remuneration 
matters from New Bridge Street (‘NBS’), a trading name of Aon 
plc, which provided no other services to the Committee during 
the year under review. NBS is a member of the Remuneration 
Consultants Group and adheres to the Voluntary Code of 
Conduct in relation to executive remuneration consulting in the 
UK. The Committee took independent advice on UK pension 
matters from Premier Pensions Management Limited (‘PPM’). 
During 2013, PPM’s associate company provided additional 
Financial Conduct Authority (‘FCA’) regulated services in respect 
of UK pension and employee matters.

In addition, the Company received advice from Allen & Overy 
LLP (‘A&O’) on the proposed changes to the 2011 LTIP rules.

NBS and PPM were both appointed by the Committee. Due to 
the worldwide operations of the Group, advisors are selected 
on their particular expertise both at a local and global level.

The fees paid to NBS for providing advice in relation to 
executive remuneration over the financial year under review 
were £64,308. The fees paid to PPM for providing advice on  
UK pension matters were £10,272. The fees paid to A&O for 
providing advice in relation to the proposed changes to the 
2011 LTIP rules were £26,077.

EXTERNAL APPOINTMENTS
The Company recognises that, during their employment with 
the Company, Executive Directors may be invited to become 
non-executive directors of other companies and that such 
duties can broaden their experience and knowledge. Executive 
Directors may, with the written consent of the Company, 
accept such appointments outside the Company, and the policy 
is that any fees may be retained by the Director. 

Wolfhart Hauser was appointed as a Non-Executive Director  
of Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV in April 2013. His 
earnings for this appointment during 2014, which he retained, 
were £90,720. 

STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDER VOTING
At the 2014 AGM, a resolution was proposed to shareholders 
to approve the Directors’ Remuneration Policy and the 
Remuneration Report for the year ended 31 December 2013. 
These resolutions received the following votes from 
shareholders: 

I

D
R
E
C
T
O
R
S
’

R
E
P
O
R
T

2014 AGM Votes

In favour
Against
Total 
Withheld 

Remuneration
Policy 

Remuneration
Report

120,096,565  98.36% 119,048,431  97.09%
2.91%
122,097,392  100.00% 122,616,470 100.00%

2,000,827

3,568,039

 1.64%

864,763

345,276

The changes to the annual bonus and LTIP arrangements for 
the Executive Directors were approved at the 2014 AGM.

 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014<> 
 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

65

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

64

Directors’ report

Remuneration report continued

RESIGNATION AND APPOINTMENT  
OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
Resignation of Chief Financial Officer: Lloyd Pitchford 
resigned from his role as the Chief Financial Officer on  
30 September 2014. The Remuneration Committee determined 
that on his resignation, and in compliance with the Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy, Lloyd Pitchford would lose any entitlement 
to annual bonus for 2014 and that all unvested shares  
would lapse.

Appointment of new Chief Financial Officer: Edward Leigh 
was promoted and appointed to the role of Chief Financial 
Officer with effect from 1 October 2014; it was determined 
that his remuneration on taking up the role would be a base 
salary of £360,000, 20% pension allowance and £15,000  
car allowance, in addition to his existing private health 
insurance membership.

Resignation of Chief Executive Officer: on 30 September 
2014 Wolfhart Hauser announced his intention to retire from 
the position of Chief Executive Officer on 15 May 2015; he will 
continue as an employee until 31 December 2015, with no 
change to his terms and conditions. 

New Chief Executive Officer: André Lacroix will be joining 
the Company as Chief Executive Officer on 16 May 2015.  
His remuneration arrangements on appointment will be  
within the defined structure and limits of the Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy approved by shareholders at the 2014 
AGM. On appointment, he will receive a salary of £895,000,  
a pension allowance of 30% of salary, and standard benefits 
commensurate with his position. He will be eligible to be 
considered for a discretionary bonus of up to 200% of salary 
with half of any bonus paid being deferred into shares which 
will vest three years later. His bonus in 2015 will be subject to 
the normal structure and limits, with the payment adjusted  
pro rata for the proportion of the year from his date of 
appointment. He will also be eligible to participate in the 
Intertek LTIP and it is anticipated that an award over shares 
equal to 250% of his salary will be made in 2015.

To compensate André Lacroix for the loss of payments that 
would have been made to him by Inchcape plc under its annual 
and long-term incentive plans if he had not resigned, the 
Company will make several awards and payments to him.  
In determining the level of compensatory awards, the Company 
has taken account of the value of the awards forfeited as  
well as the performance hurdles attached to them.  
The compensatory awards include:

• A payment of no more than £560,000 in respect of bonus for 
2015, with the amount payable being reduced by the award  
(if any) earned in 2015 by André Lacroix under the Company’s 
bonus. Payment will be made at the same time and in the 
same mix of cash and shares as the 2015 bonus; and

• In respect of forfeited Inchcape plc long-term incentive awards 
that would have vested in 2016 and beyond, the Company  
will grant an award over 183,149 Intertek Group plc shares, 
vesting in two equal parts, one 12 months from grant and one 
24 months from grant, with no performance conditions other 
than continued service.

The Company has also agreed to make compensatory payments 
to André Lacroix in respect of payments and awards that would 
have been made in 2015 by Inchcape plc but are not paid  
due to his leaving. At the date of approval by the Board  
of this Annual Report and Accounts, the details and amounts  
of these additional compensatory payments was unknown  
and dependent on factors which were not able to be 
determined by the Company.

After the date of approval by the Board of the Annual Report and Accounts on 27 February 2015, information 
became available to the Company which enabled the additional compensatory payments to André Lacroix  
to be accurately determined. In the light of this information, it was determined that the payments and awards 
set out above were sufficient to fully compensate André Lacroix for the payments and awards he lost as a result 
of leaving Inchcape plc.

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION EARNED IN 2014
The table below summarises Directors’ remuneration received in 2014 and the prior year for comparison. 

Base salary
or fees
£’000

Benefits1
£’000

Pension
£’000

Annual
 bonus4
£’000

Long-term
incentives
£’000

Other
£’000

Executive Directors
Wolfhart Hauser

Edward Leigh3
Lloyd Pitchford8

Non-Executive Directors
Edward Astle

Alan Brown

Christopher Knight

Dame Louise Makin

Sir David Reid

Michael Wareing

Mark Williams

Lena Wilson

2014
2013
2014
2014
2013

2014
2013
2014
2013
2014
2013
2014
2013
2014
2013
2014
2013
2014
2013
2014
2013

725
709
90
341
445

71
69
66
64
86
83
66
64
320
315
93
90
58
16
68
617

72
72
5
18
25

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
25
25
–
–
–
–
–
–

1812
177
189
76
89

644
639
69
–
305

3745
1,5986
–5
–
8026

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Total
£’000

1,996
3,195
182
435
1,666

71
69
66
64
86
83
66
64
345
340
93
90
58
16
68
617

I

D
R
E
C
T
O
R
S
’

R
E
P
O
R
T

1.   Benefits include allowances in lieu of company car, annual medicals, life assurance and private medical insurance. With respect to the Non-Executive Directors, other than Sir David Reid, who 

receives a car allowance of £25,000 per annum, no other benefits are provided.
2.  Pension contributions for Wolfhart Hauser were made into his personal scheme.
3.  Information for Edward Leigh is for remuneration from 1 October on his appointment as CFO.
4.  This relates to the payment of the annual bonus and Deferred Bonus Share Award for the year ended 31 December 2014. Further details of this payment are set out on the following pages.
5.  This relates to the vesting of the 2012 LTIP award and, as the shares will vest in March 2015, the value shown is based on the average share price for the last quarter of 2014 (£24.75); this  
  will be updated to actual value vested in the 2015 Report. The performance period for this award ended on 31 December 2014. 
6.  This figure has been updated to show the actual value of the vested 2011 LTIP award based on the share price of £30.59 as the 2013 Report included figures based on the share price for the  

final quarter of 2013 (£31.45).

7.   Amended figure correcting the misstated figure of £75,000 reported in the previous year’s Report. Lena Wilson was elected as member of the Audit & Risk Committee from 1 September 

2013 and received a pro-rated amount in that year.

8.  Information for Lloyd Pitchford reflects his remuneration for the period up to 30 September 2014, the loss of bonus entitlement for 2014 and also the lapsing of all outstanding share awards.
9.  The pension contributions for Edward Leigh include the sum of £9,900 which was paid into the Intertek Group Personal Pension Plan, which is a defined contribution scheme.

ANNUAL BONUS
The annual bonus for the 2014 financial year was based on performance against adjusted diluted EPS growth, adjusted operating 
profit growth, cash conversion, return on invested capital and general contribution. Performance against the financial targets is set 
out below:

Financial Measures
Adjusted diluted EPS growth1
Adjusted operating profit growth1
Operating cash flow % of adjusted operating profit1
Return on invested capital
Total 

1.  Calculated using constant 2013 exchange rates.

Target
% Weighting
50%
145.5p
25% £367.7m
73.0%
15%
10%
18.3%
100%

Actual % Achieved
26.4%
9.4%
100%
0.0%

142.4p
£347.3m
91.3%
16.3%

% Weighted
achievement
13.2%
2.3%
15.0%
0%
30.5%

General Contribution is a qualitative award taking into account the overall personal contribution of the executive to developing  
the strategy for the Group, ensuring sustainability, team building and leadership. In the increasing challenging trading 
circumstances of 2014 Dr Wolfhart Hauser delivered strong results with judicious strategic focus, restructuring and acquisitions  
to continue the profitable performance of the Group. In addition, under his leadership the Group has continued to strengthen  
the quality and mix of senior global leadership. For these reasons the Board awarded 70% achievement of this qualitative  
personal performance part of the 2014 bonus. CFO Edward Leigh made a strong transition into his new role as an active 
contributor to strategic direction and continued to strengthen financial management across Intertek. He was also awarded  
70% for his qualitative personal performance.

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DIRECTORS’ REPORT

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OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The combined bonus outturn for both the financial and General Contribution elements is as follows:

Wolfhart Hauser1
Edward Leigh2

Financial targets

General Contribution

Total

Maximum
% of salary
184%
160%

Actual
% of salary
56.1%
48.8%

Maximum
% of salary
46.0%
40.0%

Actual
% of salary
32.2%
28.0%

Maximum
% of salary
230.0%
200.0%

Actual
% of salary
88.3%
76.8%

The annual bonus outturn in cash and shares is as follows:

Wolfhart Hauser1
Edward Leigh2

Payable
in cash
£
321,926
34,560

Share
Award
£
321,926
34,560

Performance
Shares Award
£
–
800,0003

1.  As a result of his resignation as a Director on 16 May 2015 and ceasing employment with Intertek on 31 December 2015, it was determined that no LTIP would be awarded.
2.  Values shown for Edward Leigh reflect the period from his appointment on 1 October to 31 December.
3.  See page 71: Annual Bonus and LTIP awards to be granted later in 2015.

The Remuneration Committee has the discretion to adjust the final bonus outcome downwards if it considers short-term 
performance has been achieved at the expense of long-term future success. The Committee may also adjust the final bonus 
outcome upwards to recognise exceptional circumstances that were beyond the direct responsibility of the executive and the 
executive has managed and mitigated the impact of any loss. The Committee did not exercise any discretion in respect of the 
above bonus outturn.

Both the cash and share elements of the bonus are subject to clawback. Overpayments may be reclaimed in the event of 
performance achievements being found to be significantly misstated.

VESTING OF LTIP AWARDS
The LTIP award granted on 6 March 2012 is based on performance for the three-year period ended 31 December 2014. 
The performance conditions attached to this award and actual performance against these conditions is as follows:

Metric
Earnings Per Share

Total Shareholder Return

Total vesting

Performance condition
Annualised fully diluted, adjusted EPS 
growth, calculated on the basis of foreign 
exchange rates adopted at the start of the 
performance cycle
Relative TSR performance against the 
FTSE 31 – 130 (excluding banks and 
investment trusts)

Threshold
 target
6%

Stretch 
target
16%

Actual
 performance
9.6%

Vesting 
level
50.4%

Median

Upper 
quartile

Below 
median1

1.  TSR performance calculation was calculated by NBS; Intertek was ranked 62nd of the 89 members of the comparator group of companies.

The LTIP awards granted on 6 March 2012 to the Executive Directors were as follows:

Executive Director
Wolfhart Hauser
Lloyd Pitchford3
Total vesting

Number 
of shares
at grant
57,392
28,496

Number of 
shares based 
on accrued 
dividends
2,517
536

Total number 
of shares 
59,909
29,032

Number
of shares
to lapse
44,812
29,032

Number
of shares
to vest1
15,097
–

1.  The 2012 award includes accrual of dividends paid and payable during the vesting period.
2.   The estimated value of the vested shares is based on the average share price during the three months to 31 December 2014 (£24.75). These shares will vest on the third anniversary of grant, 

subject to continued employment.

3.  Following his resignation from the Board these awards lapsed on 30 September 2014.

0%

25.2%

Estimated

value2 

£
373,652
–
373,652

LTIP AWARDS GRANTED DURING THE YEAR
The following performance awards were granted to the Executive Directors on 10 March 2014:

Wolfhart Hauser

Lloyd Pitchford

Type of award
Performance 
Awards
Performance 
Awards

Basis of 
award
granted
200%
of salary 
166% 
of salary

Share price
at date
of grant
£30.41

Number
of shares
over which 
award was 
granted
46,991

Face value of
award 
£’000
1,429

% of face
value that 
would vest 
at threshold 
performance
25%

£30.41

29,535

898

25%

Vesting
determined by 
performance 
over
Three 
years to 31 
December 
2017

SHARE PLAN AWARDS
The table below shows the Directors’ interests in the Intertek share plans:

Type 
of 
Award 

31 December 
2013
Number
of shares

Granted in
2014
Number
of shares

Award 
price1
£

Dividend
accrued in
20147

Vested in
2014
Number
of shares

Lapsed in
2014
Number
of shares

31 December
2014
Number
of shares

Date of
vesting

Wolfhart Hauser
2011

2012

2013

2014

Total
Edward Leigh
2013

2014

Total
Lloyd Pitchford3
2011

2012

2013

2014

Total

Share
Performance
Share
Performance
Dividend8
Share
Performance
Dividend8
Deferred 
Share Award
LTIP Shares
Dividend8

Share
Performance
Dividend8
Deferred 
Share Award
LTIP Shares
Dividend8

Share
Performance
Share
Performance
Dividend8
Share
Performance
Dividend8
Deferred 
Share Award
LTIP Shares
Dividend8

31,938
63,876
28,6964
57,3924
2,319
20,6895
41,3785
841
–

–
–
247,129

1,7555
1,7555
46
–

–
–
3,556

16,034
32,068
14,2484
28,4964
1,151
10,8085
21,6165
439
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
10,5076

46,9916
–
57,498

–
–
–
1,3316

6,5766
–
7,907

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
5,0806

–
–
124,860 

29,5356
–
34,615

18.986
18.986
23.24
23.24
–
33.528
33.528
–
30.41

30.41
–

33.528
33.528
–
30.41

30.41
–

18.986
18.986
23.24
23.24
–
33.528
33.528
–
30.41

30.41
–

–
–
–
–
1,456
–
–
1,050
–

–
971
3,477

–
–
60
–

–
133
193

–
–
–
–
457
–
–
347
–

31,9382
52,2502
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
84,188

–
–
–
–

–
–
–

16,034
26,231
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
11,626
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
11,626

–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–
5,837
14,248
28,496
1,608
10,808
21,616
786
5,080

–
369
1,173

–
–
42,265

29,535
369
118,383

– March 2014
–

28,696 March 2015
57,392
3,775

20,689 March 2016
41,378
1,891

10,507 March 2017

I

D
R
E
C
T
O
R
S
’

R
E
P
O
R
T

46,991
971
212,290

1,755 March 2016
1,755
106

1,331 March 2017

6,576
133
11,656

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

1.   Awards made are based on a share price obtained by averaging the closing share prices for the five dealing days before the date of grant. 
2.   Awards vested on 10 March 2014, on which date the closing market price of shares was £30.5931 having been granted on 8 March 2011 on which date the closing market price was £18.986. 
3.   Following his resignation from the Board, all outstanding share awards lapsed on 30 September 2014.
4.   Awards will vest on 6 March 2015, subject to performance and continued employment, having been granted on 6 March 2012 on which date the closing market price was £22.62. 50% of 
awards are subject to EPS and 50% are subject to relative TSR. The EPS threshold level was set at 6% per annum and the upper target at 16% per annum. Under the TSR condition, the 
Company’s TSR ranking is measured relative to the FTSE index members 31 to 130 (excluding banks and investment trusts).

5.   Awards will vest on 5 March 2016, subject to performance and continued employment, having been granted on 5 March 2013 on which date the closing market price was £34.40. Details of  

the performance conditions are set out above.

6.   Awards will vest on 10 March 2017, subject to performance and continued employment, having been granted on 10 March 2014 on which date the closing market price was £30.49. Details  

of the performance conditions are set out above. 

7.  The dividend shares are accrued on the date the dividend is paid and determined using the closing market price of the shares on that date.
8.  The dividend accruals relate to share awards made in lieu of not receiving cash dividends during the vesting period.

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DIRECTORS’ REPORT

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OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS IN ORDINARY SHARES
The interests of the Directors in the shares of the Company as at the year end, or date of resignation, are set out below. Save  
as stated in this report, during the course of the year, no Director nor any member of his or her immediate family had any other 
interest in the ordinary share capital of the Company or any of its subsidiaries.

Wolfhart Hauser
Edward Leigh 
Lloyd Pitchford1
Edward Astle
Alan Brown
Christopher Knight
Dame Louise Makin
Sir David Reid
Michael Wareing
Mark Williams
Lena Wilson

Beneficially
owned at 
31 December
2013 or on
appointment
145,777
–
37,156
1,032
1,198
7,406
154
1,214
3,396
–
154

Beneficially
owned at
31 December
2014 or on
resignation
139,777
1,000
37,156
1,220
1,370
7,601
342
2,192
3,578
2,172
326

Outstanding
LTIP
Performance
Awards
145,761
8,331
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Outstanding
LTIP Share
Awards/
Deferred
Bonus
59,892
3,086
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Outstanding
Share Award
dividends
6,637
239
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Shareholding
as a % of
salary2
448%
6%
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

Shareholding
requirement
met?
Yes
No3
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

1.  Resigned 30 September 2014. 
2.  Based on a share price of £23.34 as at 31 December 2014.
3.  Appointed 1 October 2014.

No changes in the above Directors’ interests have taken place between 31 December 2014 and the date of this report.

PAYMENTS TO PAST DIRECTORS 
No payments were made to past Executive Directors during the year ended 31 December 2014.

PAYMENTS FOR LOSS OF OFFICE 
No payments were made in respect of loss of office during the year ended 31 December 2014.

Lloyd Pitchford resigned from the Board on 30 September 2014. He was paid his basic salary and benefits up to the close of 
business on 30 September 2014 and received no bonus for 2014. On 10 March 2014, his previous 2011 LTIP awards vested but  
all other unvested awards lapsed as at the date of leaving the Company in accordance with policy. He received no compensation 
payment for loss of office or any other payment in connection with his departure. 

PERCENTAGE CHANGE IN REMUNERATION LEVELS 
The table below shows the movement in salary, benefits and annual bonus for the CEO between the 2013 and 2014 financial 
years, compared to that for the average UK employee.

RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF THE SPEND ON PAY
The table below shows the movement in spend on staff costs between the 2013 and 2014 financial years, compared to dividends.

Staff costs*
Dividends

* Staff costs are shown at actual rates, which include a 6.5% negative foreign exchange impact.

2014
£m
921.5
75.5

2013
£m
958.7
69.4

% change
(3.9)%
8.8%

PERFORMANCE GRAPH AND CEO PAY
The graph below shows the TSR in respect of the Company over the last five financial years, compared with the TSR for the FTSE 
100 Index. TSR, reflecting the change in the value of a share and dividends paid, can be represented by the value of a notional 
£100 invested at the beginning of a period and its change over that period.

TSR performance

Intertek Group v FTSE 100

£

500

450

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

Intertek Group
FTSE 100

I

D
R
E
C
T
O
R
S
’

R
E
P
O
R
T

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

The total remuneration figures for the CEO during each of the last six financial years are shown in the table below. Consistent  
with the calculation methodology for the single figure for total remuneration, the total remuneration figure includes the total 
annual bonus and LTIP Share Award based on that year’s performance and LTIP Performance Awards based on the three-year 
performance period ending in the relevant year. The annual bonus payout and LTIP Performance Award vesting level as a 
percentage of the maximum opportunity are also shown for each of these years.

Chief Executive Officer
Average pay based on Intertek’s UK employees 

Salary
2.3%
3.7%

Benefits 
0%
7.4%

Bonus
0.8%
(1.1)%

Total remuneration £’000
Annual bonus (%)
LTIP vesting (%)

1.  The total remuneration figure for 2013 has been updated to include the actual value of the vested 2011 LTIP share award.

2009
2,451
100
100

2010
3,164
96.6
100

Year ended 31 December

2011
4,554
92.3
100

2012
5,298
83.1
100

2013
3,1951
34.6
81.8

2014
1,996
38.4
25.2

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OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CEO TOTAL REMUNERATION
The graph below shows the total remuneration of the CEO over the six year period from 2009 to 2014.

CEO total remuneration figure

LTIP (share price increase)2
LTIP (award element)1

Annual Bonus
Pension

Benefits
Salary

£’000

6,000

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

20143

1.  LTIP (award element) shows the proportion of the LTIP value received which resulted from the share price on award date.
2.  LTIP (share price increase) shows the proportion of the LTIP value received which resulted from increase in the share price over the vesting period.
3.  The LTIP element of the 2014 total remuneration figure is modelled using the average share price during the three months to 31 December 2014.

THE IMPACT OF SHARE PRICE ON THE VALUE OF THE CEO’S LTIP AWARD
The table below shows the change in share price from the date of award to the vesting of performance shares for the 2010 to 
2014 financial years.

2010
2011
2012
2013
2014

LTIP award
share price
£
9.150
8.342
13.332
18.986
23.24 

LTIP vesting
share price
£
19.06
24.34
34.37
30.59
24.751

Share price
change 
over the
 performance
period
108.3%
191.8%
157.8%
61.1%
6.5%

1.  The value shown for the 2014 vesting share price is the average price during the three months to 31 December 2014; this will be updated to actual vesting share price in the 2015 Report.

REMUNERATION DECISIONS TAKEN IN RESPECT OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2015
Base salary
Applying the remuneration policy, the Committee determined that there would be no change to the base salary of Wolfhart 
Hauser. The Committee considered the base salary of Edward Leigh with reference to his performance and considered that 
performance, taken in conjunction with the continuing growth and financial success of the Group, justified the increase.  
The Executive Directors’ salaries are:

Wolfhart Hauser
Edward Leigh1

1. The 2014 base salary for Edward Leigh is shown as the annual salary awarded on taking up the role of CFO on 1 October 2014

Base salary 
from 
1 April 2014
£’000
729
360

Base salary
from 
1 April 2015
£’000
729
400

% increase
0%
11.1%

Annual bonus and LTIP awards to be granted in 2015
For 2015, the annual bonus opportunity expressed as a percentage of base salary will be 200% for the incoming CEO and the 
CFO. The annual bonus will continue to be based against EPS growth (40%), operating profit growth (20%), cash conversion 
(12%), ROIC (8%) and personal contribution (20%). The Committee has chosen not to disclose, in advance, the performance 
targets for the forthcoming year as these include items which the Committee considers commercially sensitive. Full retrospective 
disclosure of the targets and performance against them will be seen in next year’s Annual Remuneration Report.

For 2015, the LTIP opportunity for the CEO and CFO will be 250% and 200% of salary respectively. The Remuneration Committee 
has decided to defer fixing the performance targets to be applied to these awards until the new Chief Executive Officer has joined 
the Company. Once determined, details of the conditions will be set out in the regulatory disclosure which announces the granting 
of awards to the Executive Directors. This is likely to be after the half-year results in August.

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ FEES
As detailed in the remuneration policy, fees for the Non-Executive Directors are determined by the Board, based on the 
responsibility and time committed to the Group’s affairs and appropriate market comparisons. Individual Non-Executive Directors 
do not take part in discussions regarding their own fees. A summary of current fees is as follows:

Board membership
Chairman
Non-Executive Director
Senior Independent Non-Executive Director
Committee membership 
Chairman Audit & Risk Committee
Chairman Remuneration Committee
Chairman Nomination Committee
Member Audit & Risk Committee
Member Remuneration Committee
Member Nomination Committee

2014
£’000

2015
£’000

320
58
12

20
15
–
10
7.5
2.5

320
58
12

20
15
–
10
7.5
2.5

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Pursuant to the policy of aligning Directors’ interests with those of shareholders, a proportion of the fees due to the Non-Executive 
Directors is used each year to purchase shares in the Company. 

Approval of the Directors’ Remuneration Report
The Directors’ Remuneration Report, including both the Directors’ Remuneration Policy Report and Annual Remuneration Report, 
was approved by the Board on 27 February 2015.

CHRISTOPHER KNIGHT
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

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72 Directors’ report

 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

73

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Other statutory information

In accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 
2006 (‘Act’) and the Disclosure Rules and Transparency Rules 
(‘DTR’) of the Financial Conduct Authority (‘FCA’), the following 
section describes the matters that are required for inclusion  
in the Directors’ Report and were approved by the Board.

Further details of matters required to be included in the 
Directors’ Report that are incorporated by reference into this 
report are set out below.

DIRECTORS
The Directors who held office during the year are set out 
below:

Director

Sir David Reid

Position

Chairman

Wolfhart Hauser

Chief Executive Officer

Lloyd Pitchford

Edward Leigh

Chief Financial Officer 
(resigned 30 September 2014)

Chief Financial Officer 
(appointed 1 October 2014)

Edward Astle

Non-Executive Director

Alan Brown

Non-Executive Director

Christopher Knight

Non-Executive Director

Dame Louise Makin

Non-Executive Director

Michael Wareing

Non-Executive Senior  
Independent Director

Mark Williams

Non-Executive Director

Lena Wilson

Non-Executive Director

The biographies of the Directors at the date of this report are 
set out on pages 46 and 47. 

The Company’s Articles of Association contain provisions 
relating to the retirement, election and re-election of Directors 
but, in accordance with best practice, all continuing Directors 
will stand for election or re-election at the Annual General 
Meeting (‘AGM’).

DIRECTORS’ POWERS AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
The Directors are responsible for the strategic management  
of the Company and their powers to do so are determined  
by the provisions of the Act and the Company’s Articles of 
Association. The Articles of Association set out the internal 
regulation of the Company and cover such matters as the  
rights of shareholders, the appointment or removal of Directors 
and the conduct of the Board and general meetings. Copies  
are available upon request from the Group Company Secretary 
and are available at the Company’s AGM. Further powers are 
granted by members in general meeting and those currently  
in place are set out in detail within the appropriate section  
of this report.

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS
Other than employment contracts, none of the Directors  
of the Company had a personal interest in any business 
transactions of the Company or its subsidiaries. The terms  
of the Directors’ service contracts and the Directors’ interests  
in the shares and share awards of the Company, in respect of 
which transactions are notifiable to the Company under Rule  
3 of the Disclosure Rules and Transparency Rules of the FCA  
are disclosed in the Remuneration report on pages 58 to 71.

DIRECTORS’ INDEMNITIES
The Board believes that it is in the best interests of the Group to 
attract and retain the services of the most able and experienced 
directors by offering competitive terms of engagement, 
including the granting of indemnities on terms consistent with 
the applicable statutory provisions. In accordance with the 
Articles of Association, the Company has executed deed polls 
of indemnity for the benefit of Directors of the Company. 

These provisions which are deemed to be qualifying third-party 
indemnity provisions (as defined by section 234 of the Act), 
were in force during the financial year ended 31 December 
2014, for the benefit of the Directors and, at the date of this 
report, remain in force in relation to certain losses and liabilities 
which they may incur (or have incurred) in connection with their 
duties, powers or office.

DIVIDEND
The Directors are recommending a final dividend of 33.1p per 
ordinary share (2013: 31.0p) making a full year dividend of 
49.1p per ordinary share (2013: 46.0p) which will, if approved 
at the AGM, be paid on 5 June 2015 to shareholders on the 
register at close of business on 22 May 2015. 

SHARE CAPITAL
The issued share capital of the Company, and details of the 
movements in the Company’s share capital during the year,  
are shown in note 15 to the financial statements. 

The holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends 
when declared, to receive the Company’s Annual Report and 
Accounts, to attend and speak at general meetings of the 
Company, to appoint proxies and exercise voting rights. A 
waiver of dividend exists in respect of 610,720 shares held by 
the Intertek Group Employee Share Ownership Trust (‘Trust’)  
as at 31 December 2014. Details of the shares purchased by the 
Trust during the year are outlined within note 15 to the financial 
statements. There are no restrictions on the transfer of ordinary 
shares in the Company.

The rights attached to shares in the Company are provided by 
the Articles of Association, which may be amended or replaced 
by means of a special resolution of the Company in a General 
Meeting. The Directors’ powers are conferred on them by UK 
legislation and by the Company’s Articles of Association.

No ordinary shares carry any special rights with regard to 
control of the Company and there are no restrictions on voting 
rights except that a shareholder has no right to vote in respect 
of a share unless all sums due in respect of that share are fully 
paid. There are no arrangements known to the Company by 
which financial rights carried by any shares in the Company are 
held by a person other than the holders of the shares, nor are 
there any arrangements between holders of securities that may 
result in restrictions on the transfer of securities or on voting 
rights known to the Company. All issued shares are fully paid.

Shares are admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange 
and may be traded through the CREST system.

ALLOTMENT OF SHARES
At the AGM held in 2014 the shareholders generally and 
unconditionally authorised the Directors to allot relevant 
securities up to approximately two-thirds of the nominal 
amount of issued share capital. It is the Directors’ intention  
to seek renewal of this authority in line with guidance issued  
by The Investment Association. The resolution will be set out  
in the Notice of AGM.

Also at the AGM in 2014 the Directors were empowered  
by the shareholders to allot equity securities, up to 5% of the 
Company’s issued share capital, for cash under section 570 
 of the Act. It is intended that this authority be renewed,  
up to 5%, at the forthcoming AGM.

PURCHASE OF OWN SHARES
Shareholders also approved the authority for the Company  
to buy back up to 10% of its own ordinary shares by market 
purchase until the conclusion of the AGM to be held this year. 
The Directors will seek to renew this authority for up to 10%  
of the Company’s issued share capital at the forthcoming AGM. 
This power will only be exercised if the Directors are satisfied 
that any purchase will increase the earnings per share of the 
ordinary share capital in issue after the purchase and 
accordingly, that the purchase is in the interests of 
shareholders. The Directors will also give careful consideration 
to gearing levels of the Company and its general financial 
position. Any shares purchased in this way may be held in 
treasury which, the Directors believe, will provide the Company 
with flexibility in the management of its share capital. Where 
treasury shares are used to satisfy share options or awards,  
they will be classed as new issue shares for the purpose of  
the 10% limit on the number of shares that may be issued  
over a ten-year period under our relevant share plan rules.

MATERIAL INTERESTS IN SHARES
Up to 20 February 2015, the following disclosures of major 
holdings of voting rights have been made (and have not been 
amended or withdrawn) to the Company pursuant to the 
requirements of Rule 5 of the Disclosure Rules and Transparency 
Rules of the FCA:

SIGNIFICANT AGREEMENTS – CHANGE OF CONTROL
The Company is not a party to significant agreements which 
take effect, alter or terminate upon a change of control 
following a takeover bid apart from a number of credit facilities 
with banks together with certain senior notes issued by the 
Company. The total amount owing under such credit facilities 
and senior note agreements as at 31 December 2014 is shown 
in note 14 to the financial statements. These agreements 
contain clauses such that, in the event of a change of control, 
the Company can offer to or must repay all such borrowings 
together with accrued interest, fees and other sums owing  
as required by the individual agreements.

The rules of the Company’s incentive plans contain clauses 
relating to a change of control resulting from a takeover and  
in such an event awards would vest subject to the satisfaction 
of any associated performance criteria.

EMPLOYMENT
Information about the Group’s employees, employment  
of disabled persons and employment practices is contained 
within the Sustainability and CSR report on pages 35 to 41. 
Information on employee share schemes appears in note  
17 to the financial statements. 

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
Details regarding the Group’s greenhouse gas emissions are 
given in the Sustainability and CSR report on pages 35 to 41. 

POLITICAL DONATIONS
At the AGM in 2014 shareholders passed a resolution,  
on a precautionary basis, to authorise the Company to make 
donations to EU political organisations and to incur EU political 
expenditure (as such terms are defined in the Act) not 
exceeding £90,000. During the year the Group did not  
make any political donations (2013: £nil). It is the Company’s 
policy not, directly or through any subsidiary, to make what  
are commonly regarded as donations to any political party. 
However, at the forthcoming AGM of the Company, 
shareholders’ approval will again be sought to authorise  
the Group to make political donations and/or incur political 
expenditure (as such terms are defined in sections 362 to  
379 of the Act). Further information is contained in the  
Notice of AGM. 

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At date of notification

Number
of shares

% of issued
share capital

BRANCHES
The Company, through various subsidiaries has established 
branches in a number of different countries in which the 
business operates.

8,079,411

4,708,500

8,024,521

5.01

2.92

4.97

Shareholder

BlackRock, Inc

The Capital Group  
Companies, Inc 

Marathon Asset  
Management, LLP

Morgan Stanley Investment 
Management Incorporated 

7,899,942

4.90

 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014<> 
74 Directors’ report

Other Statutory Information continued

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INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

75

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Details about the Group’s use of financial instruments are outlined in note 14 to the financial statements.

AUDITORS
The auditors, KPMG Audit Plc, have indicated their willingness to continue in office and a resolution that they be reappointed  
will be proposed at the forthcoming AGM in accordance with section 489 of the Act.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The Notice convening the AGM, to be held on 15 May 2015, will be available for download from the Company’s corporate website 
at www.intertek.com/investors. The Notice will detail the business to be conducted at the meeting and include information 
concerning the deadlines for submitting proxy forms and in relation to voting rights.

STATEMENT OF DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION TO AUDITORS
The Directors who held office at the date of approval of this Directors’ Report confirm that, so far as they are aware, there  
is no relevant audit information of which the Company’s auditors are unaware and each Director has taken all the  
steps that he or she ought to have taken as a Director of the Company to make himself or herself aware of any relevant audit 
information and to establish that the Company’s auditors are aware of that information.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS AND COMPLIANCE WITH LISTING RULE (‘LR’) 9.8.4 R
The Board has prepared a Strategic Report (pages 2 to 41) which provides an overview of the development and performance  
of the Company’s business during the year ended 31 December 2014 and its position at the end of that year, and which covers 
likely future developments in the business of the Company and Group.

For the purposes of compliance with DTR 4.1.5 R(2) and DTR 4.1.8 R, the required content of the ‘Management Report’ can  
be found in the Strategic Report and this Directors’ Report (pages 42 to 75), including the sections of the Annual Report  
and Accounts incorporated by reference.

For the purposes of LR 9.8.4C R, the information required to be disclosed by LR 9.8.4 R can be found in the following locations:

Topic

Amount of interest capitalised

Any information required by LR 9.2.18 R (Publication of unaudited financial 
information)

Details of long-term incentive schemes

Waiver of emoluments by a director

Waiver of future emoluments by a director

Non pre-emptive issues of equity for cash

Information required by (7) above for any unlisted major subsidiary undertaking 
of the Company 

Company participation in a placing by a listed subsidiary

Location

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

Any contracts of significance

Other statutory information (page 73)

Any contracts for the provision of services by a controlling shareholder

Not applicable

Shareholder waivers of dividends

Shareholder waivers of future dividends

Agreements with controlling shareholders

Other statutory information (page 72)

Other statutory information (page 72)

Not applicable

RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT OF THE DIRECTORS  
IN RESPECT OF THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT
Each of the Directors, whose name and functions are listed on 
pages 46 and 47, confirm that to the best of their knowledge:

• the financial statements, prepared in accordance with the 
applicable set of accounting standards, give a true and fair 
view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or 
loss of the Company and the undertakings included in the 
consolidation taken as a whole;

• the Directors’ Report includes a fair review of the development 

and performance of the business and the position of the 
Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation 
taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal 
risks and uncertainties that they face; and

• the Company’s 2014 Annual Report and Accounts, taken as a 
whole, is fair, balanced and understandable, and provides the 
information necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s 
position and performance, business model and strategy.

The Directors’ Report comprising pages 42 to 75 and the Group 
Strategic Report comprising pages 2 to 41 have been approved 
by the Board and signed on its behalf by:

WOLFHART HAUSER
Chief Executive Officer

27 February 2015

Registered Office 
25 Savile Row 
London 
W1S 2ES

Registered Number: 4267576

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STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES  
IN RESPECT OF THE ANNUAL REPORT AND THE  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report 
and the Group and Parent Company financial statements in 
accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare Group and 
Parent Company financial statements for each financial year. 
Under that law they are required to prepare the Group financial 
statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards (‘IFRSs’) as adopted by the EU and applicable law and 
have elected to prepare the Parent Company financial 
statements in accordance with UK Accounting Standards.

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

• select suitable accounting policies and then apply  

them consistently;

• make judgements and estimates that are reasonable  

and prudent;

• for the Group financial statements, state whether they have 

been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU;

• for the Parent Company financial statements, state whether 
applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, 
subject to any material departures disclosed and explained  
in the Parent Company financial statements; and

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

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting 
records that are sufficient to show and explain the Parent 
Company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy 
at any time the financial position of the Parent Company and 
enable them to ensure that its financial statements comply with 
the Companies Act 2006. They have general responsibility for 
taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard 
the assets of the Group and to prevent and detect fraud and 
other irregularities.

Under applicable law and regulations, the Directors are also 
responsible for preparing a Strategic Report, Directors’ Report, 
Directors’ Remuneration Report and Corporate Governance 
Statement that complies with that law and those regulations.

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

 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014<> 
76 Financial Statements

Financial statements

Contents 
77  Consolidated income statement
78   Consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income
79   Consolidated statement  
of financial position
80    Consolidated statement  
of changes in equity
81   Consolidated statement  

of cash flows

82   Notes to the financial statements
118  Intertek Group plc Company balance sheet

 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

77

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the financial statements

Note

Significant accounting policies

Separately Disclosed Items
Expenses and auditor’s remuneration
Employees
Taxation
Earnings per ordinary share
Property, plant and equipment

82  1 
84  2  Operating segments and presentation of results
86  3 
87  4 
88  5 
88  6 
92  7 
92  8 
94  9  Goodwill and other intangible assets
98  10  Acquisitions
99  11  Trade and other receivables
100 12  Trade and other payables
100 13  Provisions
101  14  Borrowings and financial instruments
108 15  Capital and reserves
109 16  Employee benefits
114  17  Share schemes
115  18  Subsequent events
115  19  Capital management
116  20  Non-controlling interest
116  21  Related parties
117  22  Contingent liabilities
117  23  Principal subsidiary undertakings

Consolidated income statement

For the year ended 31 December 2014
Revenue 
Operating costs
Group operating profit
Finance income
Finance expense
Net financing costs

Profit before income tax
Income tax expense
Profit for the year

Attributable to:
  Equity holders of the Company
  Non-controlling interest
Profit for the year

Adjusted
 results 
£m
2,093.3
(1,768.9)
324.4
1.8
(26.0) 
(24.2)

Separately
 Disclosed 
Items* 
£m
–
(47.8)
(47.8)
–
(0.2)
(0.2)

300.2
(72.0)
228.2

214.1
14.1
228.2

(48.0)
10.2
(37.8)

(37.8)
–
(37.8)

Notes
2

2
14
14

6
2

20

Earnings per share**
Basic 
Diluted 
*  See note 3.
** Earnings per share on the adjusted results is disclosed in note 7.

7
7

Total
2014 
£m
2,093.3
(1,816.7)
276.6
1.8
(26.2)
(24.4)

252.2
(61.8)
190.4

176.3
14.1
190.4

109.5p
108.8p

Adjusted
 results 
£m
2,184.4
(1,841.8)
342.6
1.5
(29.2)
(27.7)

314.9
(72.4)
242.5

226.0
16.5
242.5

Separately
 Disclosed 
Items* 
£m
–
(32.6)
(32.6)
–
(0.5)
(0.5)

(33.1)
7.6
(25.5)

(25.5)
–
(25.5)

Total
2013 
£m
2,184.4
(1,874.4)
310.0
1.5
(29.7)
(28.2)

281.8
(64.8)
217.0

200.5
16.5
217.0

124.4p
123.0p

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78 Financial Statements

 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

79

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

Consolidated statement of financial position

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 December 2014
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income
Remeasurements on defined benefit pension schemes
Income tax recognised in other comprehensive income
Items that will never be reclassified to profit or loss
Foreign exchange translation differences of foreign operations
Net exchange (loss)/gain on hedges of net investments in foreign operations
Gain/(loss) on fair value of cash flow hedges
Tax on items that are or may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss
Items that are or may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss
Total other comprehensive expense for the year
Total comprehensive income for the year

Total comprehensive income for the year attributable to:
  Equity holders of the Company
  Non-controlling interest
Total comprehensive income for the year

Notes
2

16
6

14
14
14
6

20

2014
£m
190.4

(12.9)
(0.1)
(13.0)
31.9
(42.9)
0.2
(7.8)
(18.6)
(31.6)
158.8

144.0
14.8
158.8

2013
£m
217.0

5.2
(0.9)
4.3
(48.9)
16.7
(0.2)
5.1
(27.3)
(23.0)
194.0

178.9
15.1
194.0

As at 31 December 2014
Assets
Property, plant and equipment
Goodwill
Other intangible assets
Investments in associates
Deferred tax assets
Total non-current assets 
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Current tax receivable
Total current assets

Total assets

Liabilities
Interest bearing loans and borrowings
Current taxes payable
Trade and other payables
Provisions
Total current liabilities
Interest bearing loans and borrowings
Deferred tax liabilities
Net pension liabilities
Other payables
Provisions
Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets 

Equity
Share capital
Share premium 
Other reserves
Retained earnings
Total equity attributable to equity holders of the Company 
Non-controlling interest

Total equity

Notes

2014
£m

2013
£m

8
9
9

6

11
14

14

12
13

14
6
16
12
13

15

20

363.3
779.9
174.9
1.4
24.6
1,344.1
14.7
526.5
119.5
14.1
674.8

337.1
736.8
170.5
1.4
28.3
1,274.1
12.2
510.9
116.4
16.5
656.0

2,018.9

1,930.1

(89.8)
(53.4)
(301.8)
(23.4)
(468.4)
(663.2)
(35.2)
(25.3)
(16.1)
(4.0)
(743.8)

(15.4)
(57.9)
(304.6)
(22.0)
(399.9)
(719.2)
(34.1)
(13.1)
(4.7)
(2.4)
(773.5)

(1,212.2)

(1,173.4)

806.7

756.7

1.6
257.8
(25.9)
547.1
780.6
26.1

1.6
257.8
(14.2)
487.4
732.6
24.1

806.7

756.7

F
I
N
A
N
C
A
L

I

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

The financial statements on pages 77 to 117 were approved by the Board on 27 February 2015 and were signed on its behalf by:

WOLFHART HAUSER 
Director   

EDWARD LEIGH
Director

 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014<> 
 
 
 
80 Financial Statements

 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

81

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

Consolidated statement of cash flows

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 December 2014
At 1 January 2013
Total comprehensive income  
for the year
Profit
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income  
for the year
Transactions with owners of the 
company recognised directly in equity
Contributions by and distributions  
to the owners of the company
Dividends paid
Issue of shares
Purchase of own shares
Tax paid on share awards vested**
Purchase of non-controlling interest
Equity-settled transactions
Income tax on equity-settled transactions
Total contributions by and distributions 
to the owners of the company
At 31 December 2013

Attributable to equity holders of the Company

Other reserves

Share 
capital
£m
1.6

Share
 premium 
£m
257.4

Translation
 reserve
£m
10.2

Retained
 earnings*
£m
354.0

Other 
£m
6.4

Total 
before 
non-
controlling
 interest 
£m
629.6

Non-
controlling 
interest
£m
25.3

Total 
equity
£m
654.9

Notes

–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–

–

–
0.4
–
–
–
–
–

–
(30.8)

(30.8)

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

15
15
15

20
17
6

200.5
9.2

200.5
(21.6)

16.5
(1.4)

217.0
(23.0)

209.7

178.9

15.1

194.0

(69.4)
–
(9.1)
(7.6)
(1.9)
10.9
0.8

(69.4)
0.4
(9.1)
(7.6)
(1.9)
10.9
0.8

(14.4)
–
–
–
(1.9)
–
–

(83.8)
0.4
(9.1)
(7.6)
(3.8)
10.9
0.8

–
1.6

0.4
257.8

–
(20.6)

–
6.4

(76.3)
487.4

(75.9)
732.6

(16.3)
24.1

(92.2)
756.7

–

–
–

–
–

1.6

6.4

–
–

257.8

487.4

(20.6)

732.6

–
(11.7)

176.3
(20.6)

176.3
(32.3)

At 1 January 2014
Total comprehensive income  
for the year
Profit
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income  
for the year
Transactions with owners of the 
company recognised directly in equity
Contributions by and distributions  
to the owners of the company
Dividends paid
Purchase of own shares
Tax paid on share awards vested**
Equity-settled transactions
Income tax on equity-settled transactions
Total contributions by and distributions 
to the owners of the company
At 31 December 2014
*   After £244.1m for goodwill written off to retained earnings as at 1 January 2004 in relation to subsidiaries acquired prior to 31 December 1997.  

(75.5)
(20.6)
(6.8)
7.6
(0.7)

(75.5)
(20.6)
(6.8)
7.6
(0.7)

(96.0)
780.6

–
(32.3)

(96.0)
547.1

–
257.8

–
6.4

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–
1.6

144.0

15
15

17
6

155.7

(11.7)

–

–

24.1

756.7

14.1
0.7

190.4
(31.6)

14.8

158.8

(12.8)
–
–
–
–

(88.3)
(20.6)
(6.8)
7.6
(0.7)

(12.8)
26.1

(108.8)
806.7

For the year ended 31 December 2014
Cash flows from operating activities
Profit for the year
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charge
Amortisation of software
Amortisation of acquisition intangibles
Equity-settled transactions
Net financing costs
Income tax expense
Loss on disposal of property, plant, equipment and software
Operating cash flows before changes in working capital and operating provisions
Change in inventories
Change in trade and other receivables
Change in trade and other payables
Change in provisions
Special contributions into pension schemes
Cash generated from operations
Interest and other finance expense paid
Income taxes paid
Net cash flows generated from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, equipment and software
Interest received
Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired
Consideration paid in respect of prior year acquisitions
Purchase of non-controlling interest
Purchase of associate
Acquisition of property, plant, equipment and software 
Net cash flows used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from the issue of share capital
Purchase of own shares
Tax paid on share awards vested
Drawdown of borrowings
Repayment of borrowings
Dividends paid to non-controlling interest
Equity dividends paid
Net cash flow used in financing activities

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash held
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 

Notes

2014
£m

2013
£m

2

8
9
9
17
14
6

16

10
13
20

8,9

15
15

20
15

14
14
14
14

190.4

217.0

69.0
7.3
20.8
7.6
24.4
61.8
0.4
381.7
(2.1)
(2.6)
8.8
1.9
(0.9)
386.8
(27.9)
(67.4)
291.5

1.0
1.8
(40.2)
(0.3)
–
–
(109.5)
(147.2)

–
(20.6)
(6.8)
103.8
(129.5)
(12.8)
(75.5)
(141.4)

2.9
116.4
0.2
119.5

65.7
5.2
22.5
10.9
28.2
64.8
0.6
414.9
(0.1)
(16.9)
(15.0)
(4.3)
–
378.6
(28.5)
(80.9)
269.2

4.6
1.6
(108.1)
(0.2)
(1.9)
(1.0)
(144.8)
(249.8)

0.4
(9.1)
(7.6)
77.4
(42.1)
(14.4)
(69.4)
(64.8)

(45.4)
166.5
(4.7)
116.4

F
I
N
A
N
C
A
L

I

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

This figure has not been restated as permitted by IFRS 1.

** The tax paid on share awards vested is related to settlement of the tax obligation by the Group via the sale of a portion of the equity-settled shares.

The notes on pages 82 to 117 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Cash outflow relating to Separately Disclosed Items was £16.9m for year ended 31 December 2014 (2013: £15.5m).

 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014<> 
82

 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

83

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the financial statements

1 Significant accounting policies
BASIS OF PREPARATION
Accounting policies applicable to more than one section of the financial statements are shown below. Where accounting policies 
relate to a specific note in the financial statements, they are set out within that note, to provide readers of the financial statements 
with a more useful layout to the financial information presented.

Statement of compliance
Intertek Group plc is a company incorporated and domiciled in the UK.

The Group financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2014 consolidate those of the Company and its 
subsidiaries (together referred to as the Group) and include the Group’s interest in associates. The Group financial statements have 
been prepared and approved by the Directors in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU 
(‘IFRSs’). The Parent Company financial statements present information about the Company as a separate entity and not about its 
Group. The Company has elected to prepare its Parent Company financial statements in accordance with UK GAAP; these are 
presented on pages 118 to 121.

IFRS’s announced but not yet effective
The following IFRS’s have been announced (yet to be EU Endorsed ) but are not yet effective in the preparation of these financial 
statements. Their adoption is not expected to have a material effect on the financial statements unless otherwise indicated;

Clarification of Acceptable Methods of Depreciation and Amortisation (effective 1 January 2016).

Annual Improvements to IFRS’s – 2012-2014 Cycle (effective 1 January 2016).

IFRS 15 Revenue from contracts with customers (effective 1 January 2017).

Measurement convention
The financial statements are prepared on the historical cost basis except as discussed in the relevant accounting policies.

Functional and presentation currency
These consolidated financial statements are presented in sterling, which is the Company’s functional currency. All information 
presented in sterling has been rounded to the nearest £0.1m.

Changes in accounting policies
The accounting policies set out in these financial statements have been applied consistently to all years presented.

A number of new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations are effective for annual periods beginning  
on or after 1 January 2014 but do not have a significant effect on the consolidated financial statements of the Group.

Going concern
The Board has reviewed forecasts, including forecasts adjusted for significantly worse economic conditions. The Board has also 
reviewed the Group’s funding requirements and the available debt facilities. As a result of these reviews the Board remains 
satisfied with the Group’s funding and liquidity position and believe that the Group is well placed to manage its business risks 
successfully. In addition, on the basis of its forecasts, both base case and stressed, and available facilities, which are described 
in note 14, the Board has concluded that the going concern basis of preparation continues to be appropriate.

BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION
Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are those entities controlled by the Group. Control exists when the Group has power to direct the relevant activities, 
exposure to variable returns from the investee and the ability to use its power over the investee to affect the amount of investor 
returns. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control 
commences until the date that control ceases. 

For purchases of non-controlling interest in subsidiaries, the difference between the cost of the additional interest in the subsidiary 
and the non-controlling interest’s share of the assets and liabilities reflected in the consolidated statement of financial position 
at the date of acquisition, is reflected directly in shareholders’ equity. 

Transactions eliminated on consolidation
Intra-group balances and transactions, and any unrealised gains and losses or income and expenses arising from intra-group 
transactions, are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements. Unrealised losses are eliminated in the same way 
as unrealised gains, but only to the extent that there is no evidence of impairment.

FOREIGN CURRENCY
Foreign currency transactions
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated to the respective functional currencies of Group entities at the foreign exchange 
rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities (for example cash, trade receivables, trade payables) 
denominated in foreign currencies at the reporting date are translated at the foreign exchange rate ruling at that date. Foreign 
exchange differences arising on translation are generally recognised in the income statement. Non-monetary assets and liabilities 
that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction.

For the policy on hedging of foreign currency transactions see note 14.

1 Significant accounting policies (continued)
Foreign operations
The assets and liabilities of foreign operations, including goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on acquisition, are translated 
to sterling at foreign exchange rates ruling at the reporting date.

The income and expenses of foreign operations are translated into sterling at cumulative average rates of exchange during the 
year. Exchange differences arising from the translation of foreign operations are taken directly to equity in the translation reserve. 
They are released to the income statement upon disposal. For the policy on net investment hedging see note 14.

The most significant currencies for the Group were translated at the following exchange rates:

Value of £1 
US dollar
Euro
Chinese renminbi
Hong Kong dollar
Australian dollar

Assets and liabilities
Actual rates

Income and expenses
Cumulative average rates

31 Dec 2014
1.55
1.28
9.65
12.04
1.91

31 Dec 2013
1.65
1.20
10.06
12.78
1.86

2014
1.65
1.24
10.15
12.80
1.83

2013
1.56
1.18
9.68
12.12
1.62

USE OF JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRSs requires management to make judgements and estimates that 
affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results 
may differ from these estimates. Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting 
estimates are recognised in the year in which the estimates are revised and in any future years affected.

JUDGEMENTS
In applying the Group’s accounting policies, management has applied judgement in the following areas that have a significant 
impact on the amounts recognised in the financial statements.

Income tax
The tax on profits is determined according to complex tax laws and regulations. Where the effect of these laws and regulations 
is unclear, judgements are used in determining the liability for the tax to be paid; see note 6.

Deferred tax
Deferred tax assets and liabilities require management judgement in determining the amounts to be recognised, with 
consideration given to the timing and level of future taxable income; see note 6.

Basis of consolidation
Judgement is applied when determining if the Group controls a subsidiary or associate. In assessing control, the Group considers 
whether it has power over the investee to affect the amount of investor returns; see page 82 ‘Basis of consolidation’ policy.

Intangible assets
When the Group makes an acquisition, management determines whether any intangible assets should be recognised separately 
from goodwill; see note 9.

Restructuring
In making a provision for restructuring, management has based its estimate of future costs on the specific circumstances of each 
local and regional restructuring plan, including estimated costs and timing of completion.

ESTIMATES
Discussed below are key assumptions concerning the future, and other key sources of estimation at the reporting date, that have 
a risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities within the next financial year.

Claims
In making provision for claims, management bases its estimate on the circumstances relating to each specific event, internal and 
external legal advice, knowledge of the industries and markets, prevailing commercial terms and legal precedents; see note 13.

Impairment of goodwill
The Group determines on an annual basis whether goodwill is impaired. This requires an estimation of the future cash flows  
of the cash generating units to which the goodwill is allocated; see note 9.

Contingent consideration
When the Group acquires businesses, the total consideration may consist of an amount paid on completion plus further amounts 
payable on agreed post completion dates. These further amounts are contingent on the acquired business meeting agreed 
performance targets. At the date of acquisition, the Group reviews the profit and cash forecasts for the acquired business and 
estimates the amount of contingent consideration that is likely to be due; see note 13.

Financial StatementsFINANCIAL STATEMENTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTS INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014<>84

 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

85

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the financial statements continued

1 Significant accounting policies (continued)
Employee post-retirement benefit obligations
For material defined benefit plans, the actuarial valuation includes assumptions such as discount rates, return on assets,  
salary progression and mortality rates; see note 16.

Recoverability of trade receivables
Trade receivables are reflected net of an estimated provision for impairment losses. This provision considers the past payment 
history and the length of time that the debt has remained unpaid; see note 11.

Accounting policies relating to a specific note in the financial statements are set out within that note as follows: 

Revenue 
Separately Disclosed Items
Taxation
Property, plant and equipment
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Trade and other receivables
Trade and other payables
Provisions
Borrowings and financial instruments
Capital and reserves
Employee benefits
Share schemes
Non-controlling interest 

Note
2
3
6
8
9
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
20

2 Operating segments and presentation of results
ACCOUNTING POLICY
Revenue
Revenue represents the total amount receivable for services rendered, excluding sales related taxes and intra-group transactions.

Revenue from services rendered on short-term projects is generally recognised in the income statement when the relevant service 
is completed, usually when the report of findings is issued.

On long-term projects the Group records transactions as sales on the basis of value of work done, with the corresponding amount 
being included in trade receivables if the customer has been invoiced or in accrued income if billing has yet to be completed.  
Long-term projects consist of two main types: a) time incurred is billed at agreed rates on a periodic basis, such as monthly; or b) 
staged payment invoicing occurs, requiring an assessment of percentage completion, based on services provided and revenue 
accrued accordingly. Expenses are recharged to clients where permitted by the contract.

2 Operating segments and presentation of results (continued)
Commodities – provides independent cargo inspection, analytical assessment, calibration and related research and technical 
services to the world’s petroleum, mining, minerals and biofuels industries. The division also provides services to governments 
and regulatory bodies to support trade activities that help the flow of goods across borders.

Consumer Goods – the division is a market leading provider of services to the textiles, toys, footwear, hardlines, food and retail 
industries. As a partner to retailers, manufacturers and distributors it offers expertise on issues ranging from restricted hazardous 
substances and sustainability, to supply chain security and legislation relating to environmental, ethical and trade security issues. 
Services include testing, inspection, auditing, advisory services, quality assurance and hazardous substance testing.

Commercial & Electrical – the global network of accredited facilities provides manufacturers and retailers with the most 
comprehensive scope of safety, performance and quality testing and certification services. The division supports customers in 
a wide range of industries including home appliances, consumer electronics, lighting, medical, building, industrial and HVAC/R 
(heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration), information and communications technology, renewable energy and 
transportation technologies.

Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals – serving a wide range of industries including chemical, pharmaceutical, oil and gas, and 
automotive and aerospace, the division offers advanced laboratory measurement and expert consultancy related technical support 
services and sustainability solutions. It has an established track record of success in laboratory outsourcing with many large, 
internationally recognised companies and the division’s technical experts also support internal technical development.

The results of these divisions for the year ended 31 December 2014 are shown below:

Year ended 31 December 2014 

Revenue
from
 external
 customers
£m
642.9
542.4
375.3
359.6
173.1
2,093.3

Depreciation
 and
 software
amortisation*
£m
(10.4)
(21.7)
(11.3)
(21.4)
(4.9)
(69.7)

Industry & Assurance
Commodities
Consumer Goods
Commercial & Electrical
Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals
Total
Group operating profit
Net financing costs
Profit before income tax
Income tax expense
Profit for the year
*  Depreciation and software amortisation of £76.3m (2013: £70.9m) includes unallocated charges of £6.6m (2013: £5.8m).

Adjusted
 operating
 profit
£m
64.5
65.5
124.8
51.0
18.6
324.4
324.4
 (24.2)
300.2
(72.0)
228.2

Separately
 Disclosed
 Items 
£m
(22.4)
(10.5)
(2.4)
(5.6)
(6.9)
(47.8)
(47.8)
(0.2)
(48.0)
10.2
(37.8)

Separately
 Disclosed
 Items 
£m
(17.7)
(9.2)
(2.0)
(2.3)
(1.4)
(32.6)
(32.6)
(0.5)
(33.1)
7.6
(25.5)

Operating
 profit
£m
42.1
55.0
122.4
45.4
11.7
276.6
276.6
(24.4)
252.2
(61.8)
190.4

Operating
 profit
£m
64.5
60.8
122.5
47.0
15.2
310.0
310.0
(28.2)
281.8
(64.8)
217.0

Payments received in advance from customers are recognised in deferred income where services have not yet been rendered.

Year ended 31 December 2013

OPERATING SEGMENTS
The Group is organised into business lines, which are the Group’s operating segments and are reported to the CEO, the chief 
operating decision maker. These operating segments are aggregated into the five divisions, which are the Group’s reportable 
segments based on similar nature of the products and services, and type of customer. The five divisions, each of which offer 
services to different industries and are managed separately, are: Industry & Assurance; Commodities; Consumer Goods; 
Commercial & Electrical and Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals. The costs of the corporate head office and other costs which  
are not controlled by the five divisions are allocated appropriately.

Inter-segment pricing is determined on an arm’s length basis. There is no significant seasonality in the Group’s operations.

Segment results include items directly attributable to a segment as well as those that can be allocated on a reasonable basis. 
The performance of the segments is assessed based on adjusted operating profit which is stated before Separately Disclosed Items. 
A reconciliation to operating profit by division, and Group profit for the year is included overleaf.

Principal activities are as follows:

Industry & Assurance – using in-depth knowledge of the oil, gas, nuclear, power, renewable energy, construction, food, 
chemical and agricultural industries, the division provides a diverse range of services to help customers meet global quality 
standards. These include asset integrity management, exploration and production support, consulting, training and third-party 
management systems auditing. The division also provides certification services, second-party supplier auditing, sustainability  
data verification and process performance analysis.

Industry & Assurance
Commodities
Consumer Goods
Commercial & Electrical
Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals
Total
Group operating profit
Net financing costs
Profit before income tax
Income tax expense
Profit for the year

Revenue 
from
 external
 customers
£m
709.3
586.6
381.3
338.4
168.8
2,184.4

Depreciation
 and
 software
amortisation*
£m
(8.4)
(23.0)
(11.0)
(18.1)
(4.6)
(65.1)

Adjusted
 operating
 profit
£m
82.2
70.0
124.5
49.3
16.6
342.6
342.6
(27.7)
314.9
(72.4)
242.5

Financial StatementsFINANCIAL STATEMENTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTS INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014<>86

 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

87

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the financial statements continued

2 Operating segments and presentation of results (continued)
GEOGRAPHIC SEGMENTS
Although the Group is managed through a divisional structure, which operates on a global basis, under the requirements of IFRS 8 
the Group must disclose any specific countries that are important to the Group’s performance. The Group considers the following 
to be the material countries in which it operates; Australia, China (including Hong Kong), the United Kingdom and the United States.

In presenting information on the basis of geographic segments, segment revenue is based on the location of the entity generating 
that revenue. Segment assets are based on the geographical location of the assets.

China (including Hong Kong)
Australia
Other
Total Asia Pacific
United States
Other
Total Americas
United Kingdom
Other
Total Europe, Middle East and Africa
Unallocated
Total

Revenue from external 
customers

Non-current assets

 2014
£m
389.6
84.7
256.9
731.2
541.5
164.9
706.4
179.9
475.8
655.7
–
2,093.3

 2013
£m
397.2
100.1
272.5
769.8
529.3
175.1
704.4
190.1
520.1
710.2
–
2,184.4

2014
£m
48.9
62.7
58.6
170.2
590.3
36.8
627.1
384.5
151.4
535.9
10.9
1,344.1

2013
£m
41.8
64.2
53.4
159.4
520.9
32.4
553.3
406.0
148.2
554.2
7.2
1,274.1

MAJOR CUSTOMERS
No revenue from any individual customer exceeded 10% of total Group revenue in 2013 or 2014.

3 Separately Disclosed Items
ACCOUNTING POLICY
Adjusted results
In order to present the performance of the Group in a clear, consistent and comparable format, certain items are disclosed 
separately on the face of the income statement.

Separately Disclosed Items are items which by their nature or size, in the opinion of the Directors, should be excluded from 
the adjusted result to provide readers with a clear and consistent view of the business performance of the Group and its 
operating divisions.

When applicable, these items include amortisation of acquisition intangibles, impairment of goodwill and other assets, the profit 
or loss on disposals of businesses or other significant fixed assets, costs of acquiring and integrating acquisitions, the cost of any 
fundamental restructuring of a business, material claims and settlements, significant recycling of amounts from equity to the 
income statement and unrealised gains/losses on financial assets/liabilities.

3 Separately Disclosed Items (continued)
SEPARATELY DISCLOSED ITEMS
The Separately Disclosed Items are described in the table below:

Operating costs:
Amortisation of acquisition intangibles
Acquisition costs
Restructuring costs
Gain on disposal of investment in associates
Total operating costs
Net financing costs
Total before income tax
Income tax credit on Separately Disclosed Items
Total

(a)
(b)
(c)

2014
£m

(20.8)
(3.5)
(23.5)
–
(47.8)
(0.2)
(48.0)
10.2
(37.8)

2013
£m

(22.5)
(1.5)
(8.8)
0.2
(32.6)
(0.5)
(33.1)
7.6
(25.5)

(a)   Of the amortisation of acquisition intangibles in the current year, £13.3m (2013: £15.6m) relates to the customer contracts 

and customer relationships acquired with the purchase of Moody International Limited (‘Moody’) in 2011.

(b)   Acquisition costs comprise £1.3m (2013: £0.4m) for transaction costs in respect of current year acquisitions, and £2.2m  

in respect of prior years acquisitions (2013: £1.1m).

(c)   Restructuring costs relate to asset write-offs and staff redundancies in certain regions in which the Group operates. 

4 Expenses and auditor’s remuneration
An analysis of operating costs by nature is outlined below:

Employee costs
Depreciation and software amortisation
Other expenses
Total

Certain expenses are outlined below, including fees paid to the auditors of the Group: 

Included in profit for the year are the following expenses:
Property rentals
Lease and hire charges – fixtures, fittings and equipment
Depreciation and software amortisation
Loss on disposal of property, fixtures, fittings, equipment and software

Auditor’s remuneration: 
Audit of these financial statements
Amounts receivable by the auditors and their associates in respect of: 
  Audit of financial statements of subsidiaries pursuant to legislation
  Total audit fees payable pursuant to legislation
  Taxation compliance services 
  Taxation advisory services
  Other
Total

2014
£m

2013
£m

921.5
76.3
818.9
1,816.7

958.7
70.9
844.8
1,874.4

2014
£m

59.2
15.2
76.3
0.4

0.4

1.9
2.3
0.3
0.1
0.2
2.9

2013
£m

57.6
16.3
70.9
0.6

0.4

1.7
2.1
0.4
0.1
0.2
2.8

The auditors and their associates were paid £16,000 (2013: £15,000) in respect of the audit of Group pension schemes.

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OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the financial statements continued

5 Employees
Total employee costs are shown below: 

Employee costs 
Wages and salaries
Equity-settled transactions
Social security costs
Pension costs (note 16)
Total employee costs

2014
£m
785.0
7.6
91.8
37.1
921.5

Details of the remuneration of the Directors are set out in the Remuneration Report. Details of pension arrangements and 
equity-settled transactions are set out in notes 16 and 17 respectively. 

Average number of employees by division
Industry & Assurance
Commodities
Consumer Goods
Commercial & Electrical
Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals
Central
Total average number for the year ended 31 December
Total actual number at 31 December

2014
9,690
10,252
10,789
5,442
1,745
244
38,162
38,407

2013
£m
818.9
10.9
92.3
36.6
958.7

2013
8,668
10,268
10,409
4,853
1,719
257
36,174
36,864

6 Taxation
ACCOUNTING POLICY
Income tax for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognised in the same primary statement as the 
accounting transaction to which it relates.

Current tax
Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted  
at the reporting date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.

The Group recognises liabilities for anticipated tax issues based on estimates of the additional taxes that are likely to become  
due. Amounts are accrued based on management’s interpretation of specific tax law and the likelihood of settlement. Where  
the outcome of discussions with tax authorities is different from the amount initially recorded, this difference will impact the tax 
provisions in the period the determination is made.

Deferred tax
Deferred tax is provided using the balance sheet liability method, providing for temporary differences between the carrying 
amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes, except for:

•   initial recognition of goodwill;
•  the initial recognition of assets or liabilities in a transaction that is not a business combination and that affects neither 

accounting nor taxable profit; and

•  differences relating to investments in subsidiaries, branches, associates and interest in joint ventures, the reversal of which 
is under the control of the Group and where it is probable that the difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of realisation or settlement of the carrying amount of 
assets and liabilities, using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date, for the periods 
when the asset is realised or the liability is settled. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset if there is a legally enforceable right 
to offset current tax liabilities and assets and they relate to income taxes levied by the same tax authority on the same taxable 
entity, or on different taxable entities which intend to settle current tax liabilities and assets on a net basis or their tax assets and 
liabilities will be realised simultaneously.

A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which 
the temporary difference 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 profits will be available to allow all or part of the deferred 
tax asset to be utilised.

Any additional income taxes that arise from the distribution of dividends are recognised at the same time as the liability to pay  
the related dividend.

6 Taxation (continued)
TAX EXPENSE
The Group operates across many different tax jurisdictions. Income and profits are earned and taxed in the individual countries 
in which they occur.

The income tax expense for the profit before tax for the year end 31 December 2014 is £61.8m (2013: £64.8m). The Group’s 
consolidated effective tax rate for the year ended 31 December 2014 is 24.5% (2013: 23.0%).

The income tax expense for the adjusted profit before tax for the year ended 31 December 2014 is £72.0m (2013: £72.4m). 
The Group’s adjusted consolidated effective tax rate for the 12 months ended 31 December 2014 is 24.0% (2013: 23.0%).

Differences between the consolidated effective tax rate of 24.5% and the notional statutory UK rate of 21.5% include, but are  
not limited to; the mix of profits, the effect of tax rates in foreign jurisdictions, non-deductible expenses, the effect of utilised  
tax losses and under/over provisions in previous periods.

The Group receives tax incentives in certain jurisdictions, resulting in a lower tax charge to the income statement. Without these 
incentives the adjusted effective tax rate would be 27.1% (2013: 25.4%). There is no guarantee that these reduced rates will 
continue to be applicable in future years (see note 22).

Tax charge
The total income tax charge, comprising the current tax charge and the movement in deferred tax, recognised in the income 
statement is analysed as follows:

Current tax charge for the period
Adjustments relating to prior year liabilities
Current tax
Deferred tax movement related to current year
Deferred tax movement related to prior year
Deferred tax movement
Total tax in income statement

Tax on adjusted result
Tax on Separately Disclosed Items
Total tax in income statement

2014
£m
65.1
–
65.1
(6.3)
3.0
(3.3)
61.8

72.0
(10.2)
61.8

2013
£m
69.7
(3.1)
66.6
(10.0)
8.2
(1.8)
64.8

72.4
(7.6)
64.8

Reconciliation of effective tax rate
The following table provides a reconciliation of the UK statutory corporation tax rate to the effective tax rate of the Group on 
profit before taxation.

Profit before taxation
Notional tax charge at UK standard rate 21.50% (2013: 23.25%)
Differences in overseas tax rates
Tax on dividends
Non-deductible expenses
Tax exempt income
Movement in unrecognised deferred tax
Adjustments in respect of prior years
Other
Total tax in income statement

2014
£m
252.2
54.2
(5.6)
7.5
6.8
(6.7)
4.0
3.0
(1.4)
61.8

2013
£m
281.8
65.5
(6.5)
4.6
9.0
(4.2)
–
(1.7)
(1.9)
64.8

During 2010, the UK Government announced a phased reduction in the main UK corporation tax rate from 28% to 24% over a 
period of four years from 1 April 2011. Further reductions to the UK corporation tax rate were announced in subsequent years, to 
reduce the corporation tax rate to 20% from 1 April 2015. The reduction in the UK corporation tax rates to 21% from 1 April 2014 
and to 20% from 1 April 2015 was substantively enacted in July 2013. 

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OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the financial statements continued

6 Taxation (continued)
Income tax recognised in other comprehensive income (‘OCI’)
As noted in the accounting policy, tax is recognised in the same place as the relevant accounting charge. The income tax 
recognised on items recorded in other comprehensive income is shown below:

Before tax
2014
£m

Tax charge
2014
£m

Net of tax
2014
£m

Before tax
2013
£m

Tax credit
2013
£m

Net of tax
2013
£m

Foreign exchange translation differences of 
foreign operations
Net exchange (loss)/gain on hedges of net 
investments in foreign operations
Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges 
transferred to profit or loss
Remeasurements on defined benefit pension 
schemes
Deferred tax assets recognised in other 
comprehensive income
Total other comprehensive income for the year

31.9

(42.9)

0.2

(12.9)

–
(23.7)

–

–

–

(0.1)

(7.8)
(7.9)

31.9

(48.9)

(42.9)

16.7

0.2

(13.0)

(7.8)
(31.6)

(0.2)

5.2

–
(27.2)

–

–

–

(0.9)

5.1
4.2

(48.9)

16.7

(0.2)

4.3

5.1
(23.0)

Income tax recognised directly in equity
As noted in the accounting policy, tax is recognised in the same place as the relevant accounting charge. The income tax on items 
recognised in equity is shown below:

Equity-settled transactions

Before tax
2014
£m
7.6

Tax charge
2014
£m
(0.7)

Net of tax
2014
£m
6.9

Before tax
2013
£m
10.9

Tax credit
2013
£m
0.8

Net of tax
2013
£m
11.7

DEFERRED TAX
Recognised deferred tax assets and liabilities
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following: 

Assets
2013
£m
0.8
8.6
0.9
6.8
25.6
9.9
52.6

Liabilities 
2014
£m
(51.2)
(3.3)
–
–
(3.7)
–
(58.2)

Liabilities 
2013
£m
(52.2)
(4.3)
–
–
(1.9)
–
(58.4)

Intangible assets
Property, fixtures, fittings and equipment
Pensions
Equity-settled transactions
Provisions and other temporary differences
Tax value of losses
Total
As shown on balance sheet:
Deferred tax assets*
Deferred tax liabilities*
Total
*   The deferred tax by category shown above is not netted off within companies or jurisdictions. The balance sheet shows the net position within companies 

24.6
(35.2)
(10.6)

or jurisdictions. The difference between the two asset and liability totals is £23.0m, but the net liability of £10.6m is the same in both cases. 

Net
2014
£m
(50.6)
2.4
1.0
4.6
28.5
3.5
(10.6)

Assets
2014
£m
0.6
5.7
1.0
4.6
32.2
3.5
47.6

Net
2013
£m
(51.4)
4.3
0.9
6.8
23.7
9.9
(5.8)

28.3
(34.1)
(5.8)

6 Taxation (continued)
Movements in deferred tax temporary differences during the year
The movement in the year in deferred tax assets and liabilities is shown below:

Intangible assets
Property, fixtures, fittings and equipment
Pensions
Equity-settled transactions
Provisions and other temporary differences
Tax value of losses
Total

Intangible assets
Property, fixtures, fittings and equipment
Pensions
Equity-settled transactions
Provisions and other temporary differences
Tax value of losses
Total

1 January 
2014
£m
(51.4)
4.3
0.9
6.8
23.7
9.9
(5.8)

Exchange
 adjustments
£m
(2.2)
0.9
–
–
1.4
(0.4)
(0.3)

Acquisitions
£m
(0.1)
–
–
–
–
–
(0.1)

1 January 
2013
£m
(51.6)
2.7
1.5
4.9
27.8
10.2
(4.5)

Exchange
 adjustments
£m
1.6
0.1
–
–
(1.1)
(0.8)
(0.2)

Acquisitions
£m
(4.5)
(2.0)
–
–
0.4
0.1
(6.0)

Recognised 
in income
 statement
£m
3.3
(2.8)
0.2
(0.2)
3.4
(0.6)
3.3

Recognised 
in income
 statement
£m
3.1
3.5
0.3
2.0
(3.4)
(3.7)
1.8

Recognised 
in equity 
and OCI
£m
(0.2)
–
(0.1)
(2.0)
–
(5.4)
(7.7)

Recognised 
in equity 
and OCI
£m
–
–
(0.9)
(0.1)
–
4.1
3.1

31 December
 2014
£m
(50.6)
2.4
1.0
4.6
28.5
3.5
(10.6)

31 December
 2013
£m
(51.4)
4.3
0.9
6.8
23.7
9.9
(5.8)

UNRECOGNISED DEFERRED TAX ASSETS
Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of the items shown below. The numbers shown are the gross temporary 
differences, and to calculate the potential deferred tax asset it is necessary to multiply these by the tax rates in each case:

Property, fixtures, fittings and equipment
Pensions
Equity-settled transactions
Provisions and other temporary differences
Tax losses
Total

2014
£m
24.2
19.2
0.5
21.9
67.4
133.2

2013
£m
9.1
8.8
3.2
22.7
31.1
74.9

Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of these items because it is not probable that future taxable profits will be 
available in certain jurisdictions against which the Group can utilise the benefits from them.

There is a temporary difference of £214.6m (2013: £192.7m) which relates to unremitted post-acquisition overseas earnings. 
No deferred tax is provided on this amount as the distribution of these retained earnings is under the control of the Group and 
there is no intention to either repatriate from or sell the associated subsidiaries in the foreseeable future.

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OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the financial statements continued

7 Earnings per ordinary share
The calculation of earnings per ordinary share is based on profit attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company and the 
weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year.

In addition to the earnings per share required by IAS 33: Earnings Per Share, an adjusted earnings per share has also been 
calculated and is based on earnings excluding the effect of amortisation of acquisition intangibles, goodwill impairment and other 
Separately Disclosed Items. It has been calculated to allow shareholders a better understanding of the trading performance of the 
Group. Details of the adjusted earnings per share are set out below:

8 Property, plant and equipment (continued)
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
The property, plant and equipment employed by the business is analysed below: 

Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders 
Separately Disclosed Items after tax (note 3)
Adjusted earnings 
Number of shares (millions)
Basic weighted average number of ordinary shares 
Potentially dilutive share awards
Diluted weighted average number of shares 

Basic earnings per share
Potentially dilutive share awards 
Diluted earnings per share

Adjusted basic earnings per share 
Potentially dilutive share awards 
Adjusted diluted earnings per share 

2014
£m
176.3
37.8
214.1

161.0
1.1
162.1

109.5p
(0.7)p
108.8p

133.0p
(0.9)p
132.1p

2013
£m
200.5
25.5
226.0

161.2
1.9
163.1

124.4p
(1.4)p
123.0p

140.2p
(1.6)p
138.6p

8 Property, plant and equipment
ACCOUNTING POLICY
Property, plant and equipment
Owned assets
Items of property, plant and equipment are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. 
Cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the asset.

Leased assets
Leases in which the Group assumes substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as finance leases. Where  
land and buildings are held under finance leases, the accounting treatment of the land is considered separately from that of the 
buildings. Leased assets acquired by way of finance leases are stated at an amount equal to the lower of their fair value and the 
present value of the minimum lease payments at inception of the lease, less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.

Other leases are operating leases
These leased assets are not recognised in the Group’s statement of financial position. 

Depreciation
Depreciation is charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of items of property, plant 
and equipment. Leased assets are depreciated over the shorter of the expected lease term and their useful lives. Land is not 
depreciated.

The estimated useful lives are as follows:

Freehold buildings and long leasehold buildings
Short leasehold buildings
Fixtures, fittings, plant and equipment 

50 years
Term of lease 
3 to 10 years

Depreciation methods, residual values and the useful lives of assets are reassessed at each reporting date.

Impairment
Non-financial assets
The carrying amounts of the Group’s non-financial assets, other than inventories and deferred tax assets, are reviewed  
at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists,  
then the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated to determine the level of any impairment.

Cost
At 1 January 2013
Exchange adjustments
Additions
Disposals
Businesses acquired (note 10) 
At 31 December 2013
Depreciation
At 1 January 2013
Exchange adjustments
Charge for the year
Disposals
At 31 December 2013
Net book value at 31 December 2013

Cost
At 1 January 2014
Exchange adjustments
Additions
Impairments
Disposals
Transfer to assets held for resale
Businesses acquired (note 10) 
At 31 December 2014
Depreciation
At 1 January 2014
Exchange adjustments
Charge for the year
Impairments
Disposals
Transfer to assets held for resale
At 31 December 2014
Net book value at 31 December 2014

Fixtures, fittings, plant and equipment include assets in the course of construction of £27.3m at 31 December 2014 (2013: £24.4m), 
mainly comprising laboratories under construction. These assets will not be depreciated until they are available for use.

The net book value of land and buildings comprised:

Freehold
Long leasehold
Short leasehold
Total

2014
£m
47.7
2.3
4.4
54.4

2013
£m
49.2
2.6
2.0
53.8

Fixtures,
fittings,
plant and
equipment
£m

Land and
buildings
£m

62.9
(3.5)
8.6
(0.9)
0.6
67.7

12.7
(0.7)
2.6
(0.7)
13.9
53.8

67.7
(0.7)
3.9
–
(0.2)
–
–
70.7

13.9
(0.3)
2.8
–
(0.1)
–
16.3
54.4

616.2
(34.3)
104.8
(17.1)
10.5
680.1

364.3
(18.5)
63.1
(12.1)
396.8
283.3

680.1
12.5
86.1
(0.7)
(13.4)
(1.2)
3.4
766.8

396.8
7.9
66.2
(0.4)
(12.1)
(0.5)
457.9
308.9

Total
£m

679.1
(37.8)
113.4
(18.0)
11.1
747.8

377.0
(19.2)
65.7
(12.8)
410.7
337.1

747.8
11.8
90.0
(0.7)
(13.6)
(1.2)
3.4
837.5

410.7
7.6
69.0
(0.4)
(12.2)
(0.5)
474.2
363.3

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OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the financial statements continued

8 Property, plant and equipment (continued)
Commitments
Operating lease payments
Payments made under operating leases are recognised in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the expected term  
of the lease. Lease incentives received are recognised in the income statement as an integral part of the total lease expense over 
the term of the lease.

At 31 December, the Group had future unprovided commitments under non-cancellable operating leases due as follows:

Within one year
In the second to fifth years inclusive
Over five years
Total

Land and
 buildings
2014
£m
50.8
85.3
47.8
183.9

Other
2014
£m
7.9
5.5
–
13.4

Total
2014
£m
58.7
90.8
47.8
197.3

Land and
 buildings
2013
£m
64.7
66.8
37.9
169.4

Other
2013
£m
5.9
5.9
–
11.8

Total
2013
£m
70.6
72.7
37.9
181.2

The Group leases various laboratories, testing and inspection sites, administrative offices and equipment under lease agreements 
which have varying terms, escalation clauses and renewal rights.

Contracts for capital expenditure which are not provided in the financial statements amounted to £6.2m (2013: £9.1m).

9 Goodwill and other intangible assets
ACCOUNTING POLICY
Goodwill
Goodwill arises on the acquisition of businesses. Goodwill represents the difference between the cost of acquisition and the 
Group’s interest in the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired. 

Goodwill is stated at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is allocated to cash generating units (‘CGUs’) 
and is not amortised but is tested annually for impairment.

Acquisitions on or after 1 January 2010
From 1 January 2010, the Group has prospectively applied IFRS 3 ‘Business Combinations (revised 2008)’. 

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method at the acquisition date, which is the date on which  
control is obtained.

The Group measures goodwill as the fair value of the consideration transferred less the net recognised amount (generally fair 
value) of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed, all measured as of the acquisition date.

Costs related to the acquisition, other than those associated with the issue of debt or equity securities, are expensed as incurred. 
Costs relating to acquisitions are shown in Separately Disclosed Items.

Any contingent consideration payable is recognised at fair value at the acquisition date with subsequent changes recognised 
in profit or loss.

If at the reporting date the fair values of the acquiree’s identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities can only be 
established provisionally, then these values are used. Adjustments to the fair values can be made within 12 months of the 
acquisition date and are taken as adjustments to goodwill.

Acquisitions between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2009
For acquisitions between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2009, goodwill represents the excess of the cost of the acquisition 
over the Group’s interest in the recognised amount (generally fair value) of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent 
liabilities of the acquiree. 

Transaction costs, other than those associated with the issue of debt or equity securities, that the Group incurred in connection 
with business combinations were capitalised as part of the cost of the acquisition.

The Group has taken advantage of the exemption permitted by IFRS 1 and has not restated goodwill on acquisitions prior to 
1 January 2004, the date of transition to IFRS. In respect of acquisitions prior to 1 January 2004, goodwill represents the amount 
recognised under the Group’s previous accounting framework.

9 Goodwill and other intangible assets (continued)
Other intangible assets
When the Group makes an acquisition, management review the business and assets acquired to determine whether any intangible 
assets should be recognised separately from goodwill. If, based on management’s judgement, such an asset is identified, then it is 
valued by discounting the probable future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset, over the estimated life of the asset. 
Where there is uncertainty over the amount of economic benefit and the useful life, this is factored into the calculation.

Intangible assets arising on acquisitions and computer software are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated 
impairment losses. Identifiable intangibles are those which can be sold separately or which arise from legal rights regardless of 
whether those rights are separable, and which have finite useful lives.

Amortisation is charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives. The estimated useful lives 
are as follows:

Computer software 
Customer relationships
Know-how 
Licences
Covenants not to compete 

Up to 7 years
Up to 10 years 
Up to 5 years 
Contractual life 
Contractual life

Impairment
Goodwill is not subject to amortisation and is tested annually for impairment and when circumstances indicate that the carrying 
value may be impaired.

Other intangible assets are subject to amortisation and are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances 
indicate that the amount carried in the statement of financial position may be less than its recoverable amount.

Any impairment is recognised in the income statement. Impairment is determined for goodwill by assessing the recoverable 
amount of each asset or group of assets (‘cash generating unit’ or ‘CGU’) to which the goodwill relates. A CGU represents an  
asset grouping at the lowest level for which there are separately identifiable cash flows.

The recoverable amount of an asset or a CGU is the greater of its fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in 
use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market 
assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. The estimation process is complex due to the inherent 
risks and uncertainties and if different estimates were used this could materially change the projected value of the cash flows. 
An impairment loss in respect of goodwill is not reversed. 

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97

Notes to the financial statements continued

9 Goodwill and other intangible assets (continued)
INTANGIBLES
The intangibles employed by the business are analysed below:

9 Goodwill and other intangible assets (continued)
The total carrying amount of goodwill by operating segment is as follows, which is also used for the disclosure of the Group’s 
impairment review:

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Cost
At 1 January 2013
Exchange adjustments
Additions
Disposals
Businesses acquired (note 10)
At 31 December 2013
Amortisation and impairment losses
At 1 January 2013
Exchange adjustments
Charge for the year
Disposal
At 31 December 2013
Net book value at 31 December 2013

Cost
At 1 January 2014
Exchange adjustments
Additions
Disposals
Businesses acquired (note 10)
At 31 December 2014
Amortisation and impairment losses
At 1 January 2014
Exchange adjustments
Charge for the year
Disposals
At 31 December 2014
Net book value at 31 December 2014

Other intangible assets

Goodwill
£m

Customer
relationships
£m

Licences
£m

Other
 acquisition
 intangibles
£m

Computer
 software
£m

685.3
(25.7)
–
(3.1)
93.9
750.4

16.8
(0.1)
–
(3.1)
13.6
736.8

750.4
17.5
–
–
24.9
792.8

13.6
(0.7)
–
–
12.9
779.9

209.4
(3.3)
–
(0.8)
15.5
220.8

83.1
(2.6)
21.3
– 
101.8
119.0

220.8
3.9
–
–
7.6
232.3

101.8
1.9
20.3
–
124.0
108.3

8.1
(0.2)
–
–
–
7.9

6.8
(0.2)
0.6
–
7.2
0.7

7.9
0.2
–
–
–
8.1

7.2
0.3
0.2
–
7.7
0.4

16.7
–
–
–
–
16.7

14.9
–
0.6
–
15.5
1.2

16.7
0.4
–
–
–
17.1

15.5
0.4
0.3
–
16.2
0.9

49.2
(2.4)
31.4
–
–
78.2

24.1
(0.7)
5.2
–
28.6
49.6

78.2
5.4
19.5
(0.1)
–
103.0

28.6
1.9
7.3
(0.1)
37.7
65.3

Total
£m

283.4
(5.9)
31.4
(0.8)
15.5
323.6

128.9
(3.5)
27.7
–
153.1
170.5

323.6
9.9
19.5
(0.1)
7.6
360.5

153.1
4.5
28.1
(0.1)
185.6
174.9

The other acquisition intangibles of £0.9m (2013: £1.2m) consist of covenants not to compete, know-how and guaranteed income. 
The average remaining amortisation period for customer relationships is six years (2013: seven years).

Computer software net book value of £65.3m at 31 December 2014 (2013: £49.6m) includes software in construction of £35.5m 
(2013: £28.0m).

Goodwill arising from acquisitions in the current and prior year has been allocated to reportable segments as follows: 

Industry & Assurance
Consumer Goods
Commercial & Electrical
Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals
At 31 December 

2014
£m
24.9
–
–
–
24.9

2013
£m
33.2
5.0
48.3
7.4
93.9

2013
£m
432.6
3.7
3.0
15.4
19.1
0.2
47.2
3.3
8.2
2.7
41.5
12.3
49.5
98.1
736.8

2014
£m
467.4
3.6
3.1
17.7
18.5
0.2
46.9
3.5
7.5
2.6
43.0
13.0
52.4
100.5
779.9

Industry Services
Exploration & Production
Business Assurance
Food & Agriculture Services
Cargo & Analytical Assessment
Government & Trade Services
Minerals
Softlines
Hardlines
Product Intelligence
Electrical & Wireless
Transportation Technologies
Building Products
Chemicals & Pharma/Health, Environmental & Regulatory
Net book value at 31 December*
*    All goodwill is recorded in local currency. Additions during the year are converted at the exchange rate on the date of the transaction and the goodwill at the end 

of the year is stated at closing exchange rates.

Impairment review
In order to determine whether impairments are required, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of each operating segment, 
or ‘CGU’ which is then disclosed by reportable segment. The calculation is based on projecting future cash flows over a five-year 
period and using a terminal value to incorporate expectations of growth thereafter. A discount factor is applied to obtain a value  
in use which is the recoverable amount.

Key assumptions
The key assumptions include the rate of revenue and profit growth within each of the territories and business lines in which the 
Group operates. These are based on the Group’s approved budget and plan. The long-term growth rate is also key since it is used 
in the perpetuity calculations. Finally, the discount rate used to bring the cash flow back to a present value varies depending on  
the location of the operation and the nature of the operations. The estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present 
value using a discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset.

The calculation of the value in use is sensitive to long-term growth rates and discount rates. Long-term growth rates predict 
growth beyond the Group’s planning cycle, and range from 2.5% to 4.5% (2013: 2.1% to 3.5%). The higher long-term  
growth rates reflect the weighting of a CGU’s operations within China. The discount rate for each CGU reflects the Group’s 
weighted average cost of capital adjusted for the risks specific to the CGU. Discount rates ranged from 9.1% to 12.7%  
(2013: 10.1% to 13.4%).

Sensitivity analysis
None of the reasonable downside sensitivity scenarios on key assumptions would cause the carrying amount of each CGU  
to exceed its recoverable amount, with the exception of Industry Services. The sensitivities modelled by management include:

i) 

 Assuming revenues decline each year by 1% in 2016 to 2018 from the 2015 budgeted revenues, with margins increasing  
with base assumptions.

ii) 

 Assuming zero growth in operating profit margins in 2015 to 2018 with revenues increasing per base assumptions. 

iii)  Assuming an increase in the discount rates used by 1%.

Management considers that the likelihood of any or all of the above scenarios occurring is low. 

In relation to Industry Services, which has limited headroom in the base case scenario, using a long-term growth rate of 2.75%, 
the carrying amount of the CGU would exceed its recoverable amount if revenues grew by a compound annual growth rate of less 
than 4% over the next four years; if operating profit margins declined 0.04% each year on forecasted margins of 11% on average 
over the next four years; or if the discount rates used increased by 0.07% from 9.5%.

Financial StatementsFINANCIAL STATEMENTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTS INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014<>98

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99

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the financial statements continued

10 Acquisitions
ACQUISITIONS IN 2014
During the year, the Group acquired three companies as set out below. 

Date
28 February 2014 

Company
International Inspection Services Ltd 
Other

£m Business

37.1 Industry & Assurance
3.1 Industry & Assurance

Total

40.2

Investment 
value

Country
UAE

Percentage
acquired %
100%

Goodwill
arising
£m
21.9
3.0
24.9

The purchase price of these three acquisitions totals £43.1m, with cash and debt assumed of £2.9m. 

In the prior year, the Group acquired seven companies.

The net assets acquired and fair value adjustments are set out in the following table:

Total
Property, plant and equipment
Goodwill
Other intangible assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Trade and other payables
Provisions for liabilities and charges
Deferred tax liabilities
Net assets acquired
Cash outflow (net of cash and debt assumed)
Contingent consideration
Total consideration

Book value
 prior to
 acquisition
£m
3.3
–
–
0.3
12.3
(3.4)
–
–
12.5

2014

Fair value
 adjustments
£m 
0.1
24.9
7.6
(0.3)
(3.5)
(1.0)
–
(0.1)
27.7

Fair value 
to Group on
 acquisition
£m
3.4
24.9
7.6
–
8.8
(4.4)
–
(0.1)
40.2
40.2
–
40.2

Book value
 prior to
 acquisition
£m
11.1
–
–
0.3
13.7
(17.8)
–
(1.5)
5.8

2013

Fair value
 adjustments
£m 
–
93.9
15.5
–
(0.5)
(1.1)
(0.6)
(4.5)
102.7

Fair value 
to Group on
 acquisition
£m
11.1
93.9
15.5
0.3
13.2
(18.9)
(0.6)
(6.0)
108.5
108.1
0.4
108.5

Goodwill
The total goodwill arising on acquisitions made during 2014 was £24.9m. There was no change to goodwill in respect of prior 
years’ acquisitions. 

The goodwill arising represents the value of the assembled workforce and the benefits the Company expects to gain from 
increasing its presence in the relevant sectors in which the acquired businesses operate. 

Consideration paid
The total cash consideration paid for the acquisitions in the year was £43.1m (2013: £121.7m). Including cash and debt acquired  
of £2.9m, the purchase price was £40.2m.

Contribution of acquisitions to revenue and profits
In total the acquisitions made during 2014 contributed revenues of £12.9m and a net loss after tax of £0.4m from their respective 
dates of acquisition to 31 December 2014.

The Group revenue and profit after tax for the year ended 31 December 2014 would have been £2,097.5m and £190.5m 
respectively if all the acquisitions were assumed to have been made on 1 January 2014.

11 Trade and other receivables
ACCOUNTING POLICY
Trade receivables are recognised initially at the value of the invoice sent to the customer and subsequently at the amounts 
considered recoverable (amortised cost).

Estimates are used in determining the level of receivables that will not, in the opinion of the Directors, be collected. Based on 
historic default rates, reflecting the track record of payments by the Group’s customers, the Group believes that no impairment 
allowance is necessary in respect of trade receivables which are less than six months outstanding, unless there are specific 
circumstances such as the bankruptcy of a customer which would render the trade receivable irrecoverable.

The Group provides fully for all trade receivables over 12 months old as these are considered likely to be irrecoverable, and 25%  
of balances six to twelve months old. Where recovery is in doubt, a provision is made against the specific trade receivable until 
such time as the Group believes the amount to be irrecoverable. At that time the trade receivable is written off.

TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES
Trade and other receivables are analysed below:

Trade receivables
Other receivables
Prepayments and accrued income
Fixed assets held for resale 
Total trade and other receivables

2014
£m
368.1
60.0
97.7
0.7
526.5

2013
£m
358.5
65.4
87.0
–
510.9

Trade receivables are shown net of an allowance for impairment losses of £18.3m (2013: £16.6m) and are all expected to be 
recovered within 12 months. Impairment on trade receivables charged as part of operating costs was £8.4m (2013: £6.6m).

There is no material difference between the above amounts for trade and other receivables and their fair value, due to their 
short-term duration. There is no concentration of credit risk with respect to trade receivables as the Group has a large number 
of customers who are internationally dispersed.

The ageing of trade receivables at the reporting date was as follows:

Under 3 months
Between 3 and 6 months
Between 6 and 12 months
Over 12 months
Gross trade receivables
Allowance for impairment
Trade receivables, net of allowance

2014
£m
302.4
46.9
24.5
12.6
386.4
(18.3)
368.1

2013
£m
307.3
39.4
18.9
9.5
375.1
(16.6)
358.5

Included in trade receivables under three months of £302.4m (2013: £307.3m) are trade receivables of £164.7m (2013: £170.1m) 
which are not yet due for payment under the Group’s standard terms and conditions of sale.

The movement in the allowance for impairment in respect of trade receivables during the year was as follows:

Impairment allowance for doubtful trade receivables
At 1 January
Exchange differences
Acquisitions
Cash recovered
Impairment loss recognised
Receivables written off
At 31 December

There were no material individual impairments of trade receivables.

2014
£m
16.6
0.3
2.0
(0.4)
4.6
(4.8)
18.3

2013
£m
16.7
(0.9)
0.5
(0.6)
6.6
(5.7)
16.6

Financial StatementsFINANCIAL STATEMENTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTS INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014<>100

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CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the financial statements continued

12 Trade and other payables
ACCOUNTING POLICY
Trade payables are recognised at the value of the invoice received from a supplier. The carrying value of trade payables  
is considered approximate to fair value.

TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES
Trade and other payables are analysed below:

Trade payables
Other payables
Accruals and deferred income
Total trade and other payables

Current
2014
£m
42.5
33.0
226.3
301.8

Current
2013
£m
48.2
40.9
215.5
304.6

Non-current
2014
£m
–
9.1
7.0
16.1

Non-current
2013
£m
–
–
4.7
4.7

The Group’s exposure to liquidity risk related to trade payables is disclosed in note 14.

13 Provisions
ACCOUNTING POLICY
A provision is recognised in the balance sheet when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation that can be estimated 
reliably as a result of a past event, and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation.

PROVISIONS

At 1 January 2014
Exchange adjustments
Provided in the year:

in respect of prior year acquisitions

Released during the year
Utilised during the year
At 31 December 2014
Included in:
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
At 31 December 2014

Contingent
consideration
£m
3.1
(0.2)
–
1.8
(0.4)
(0.3)
4.0

–
4.0
4.0

Claims
£m
9.7
0.1
7.0
–
(3.9)
(6.1)
6.8

6.8
–
6.8

Other
£m
11.6
0.1
24.1
–
(2.0)
(17.2)
16.6

16.6
–
16.6

Total
£m
24.4
–
31.1
1.8
(6.3)
(23.6)
27.4

23.4
4.0
27.4

The Group is involved in various claims and lawsuits incidental to the ordinary course of its business. The outcome of such litigation 
and the timing of any potential liability cannot be readily foreseen, as it is often subject to legal proceedings. Based on information 
currently available, the Directors consider that the cost to the Group of an unfavourable outcome arising from such litigation is 
unlikely to have a materially adverse effect on the financial position of the Group in the foreseeable future.

The provision for claims of £6.8m (2013: £9.7m) represents an estimate of the amounts payable in connection with identified 
claims from customers, former employees and other plaintiffs and associated legal costs. The timing of the cash outflow relating 
to the provisions is uncertain but is likely to be within one year. Details of contingent liabilities in respect of claims are set out in 
note 22.

The other provision of £16.6m (2013: £11.6m) includes restructuring provisions. The timing of the cash outflow is uncertain  
but is likely to be within one year.

14 Borrowings and financial instruments
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Accounting policy
Net financing costs
Net financing costs comprise interest expense on borrowings, facility fees, interest receivable on funds invested, net foreign 
exchange gains or losses, interest income and expense relating to pension assets and liabilities and gains and losses on hedging 
instruments that are recognised in the income statement. Interest income and interest expense are recognised as they accrue 
using the effective interest rate method.

Loans and receivables
Loans and receivables comprise trade and other receivables. Loans and receivables are recognised initially at fair value and 
subsequently at amortised cost less impairment losses (including bad debt provision).

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and call deposits. Bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and form  
an integral part of the Group’s cash management are included as a component of cash and cash equivalents for the purpose  
of the statement of cash flows. Net debt comprises borrowings less cash and cash equivalents.

Non-derivative financial liabilities
Trade and other payables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently at their amortised cost.

Interest-bearing borrowings are initially recognised at fair value less transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, interest-
bearing borrowings are stated at amortised cost with any difference between cost and redemption value being recognised  
in the income statement over the period of the borrowings on an effective interest basis.

Derivative financial instruments
The Group uses derivative financial instruments, including interest rate swaps and forward exchange contracts, to hedge 
economically its exposure to foreign exchange and interest rate risks arising from operational, financing and investment activities. 
In accordance with its treasury policy, the Group does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.

Derivative financial instruments are recognised initially and subsequently at fair value; attributable transaction costs are recognised 
in profit or loss when incurred. The gain or loss on re-measurement to fair value at each period end is recognised immediately  
in the income statement except where derivatives qualify for hedge accounting.

The fair value of interest rate swaps is the estimated amount that the Group would receive or pay to terminate the swap at the 
balance sheet date.

The fair value of forward exchange contracts is their quoted market price at the balance sheet date, being the present value  
of the difference between the quoted forward price and the exercise price of the contract.

Hedging
Hedge of monetary assets and liabilities
Where a derivative financial instrument is used economically to hedge the foreign exchange exposure of a recognised monetary 
asset or liability, no hedge accounting is applied and any gain or loss on the hedging instrument is recognised in the income 
statement in the same caption as the foreign exchange on the related item.

Hedge of net investment in a foreign operation
The portion of the gain or loss on an instrument designated as a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation that  
is determined to be an effective hedge, is recognised directly in equity in the translation reserve. The ineffective portion  
is recognised immediately in the income statement.

The Group has external borrowings denominated in foreign currencies which are used to hedge the net investment  
in its foreign operations.

Financial StatementsFINANCIAL STATEMENTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTS INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014<> 
102

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103

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the financial statements continued

14 Borrowings and financial instruments (continued)
Impairment
A financial asset is assessed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any objective evidence that it is impaired. 
A financial asset is considered to be impaired if objective evidence indicates that one or more events have had a negative effect 
on the estimated future cash flows of that asset.

Net financing costs
Net financing costs are shown below:

Recognised in income statement
Finance income
Interest on bank balances
Total finance income
Finance expense
Interest on borrowings
Net pension interest cost (note 16)
Foreign exchange differences on revaluation of net monetary assets and liabilities
Facility fees and other*
Total finance expense*
Net financing costs*
*  Includes £0.2m (2013: £0.5m) relating to SDIs.

Recognised directly in other comprehensive income 
Foreign exchange translation differences of foreign operations
Net exchange (loss)/gain on hedges of net investment in foreign operations
Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges
Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges transferred to profit or loss
Finance expense recognised directly in other comprehensive income, net of tax 

Attributable to:
Equity holders of the Company
Non-controlling interest
Finance expense recognised directly in other comprehensive income, net of tax 
Recognised in:
Translation reserve and non-controlling interest
Retained earnings
Finance expense recognised directly in other comprehensive income, net of tax

2014
£m

1.8
1.8

(26.7)
(0.5)
2.5
(1.5)
(26.2)
(24.4)

2014
£m
31.9
(42.9)
(0.1)
0.3
(10.8)

(11.5)
0.7
(10.8)

(11.0)
0.2
(10.8)

2013
£m

1.5
1.5

(26.0)
(0.5)
(1.7)
(1.5)
(29.7)
(28.2)

2013
£m
(48.9)
16.7
(0.3)
0.1
(32.4)

(31.0)
(1.4)
(32.4)

(32.2)
(0.2)
(32.4)

14 Borrowings and financial instruments (continued)
Analysis of net debt
The components of net debt are outlined below:

Cash
Borrowings:
Revolving credit facility US$800m 2019
Bilateral multi-currency facility 2016
Bilateral term loan facilities US$40m 2015
Bilateral term loan facilities US$60m 2016
Senior notes US$25m 2014 
Senior notes US$100m 2015 
Senior notes US$75m 2016 
Senior notes US$100m 2017 
Senior notes US$20m 2019
Senior notes US$150m 2020 
Senior notes US$15m 2021
Senior notes US$140m 2022
Senior notes US$40m 2023
Senior notes US$125m 2024
Senior notes US$40m 2025
Senior notes US$75m 2026
Other*
Total borrowings
Total net debt
*  Other borrowings of £0.7m (2013: £0.9m) and facility fees.

Cash
Borrowings:
Revolving credit facility US$600m 2016
Bilateral multi-currency facility 2016
Bilateral term loan facilities
Senior notes US$25m 2014 
Senior notes US$100m 2015 
Senior notes US$75m 2016 
Senior notes US$100m 2017 
Senior notes US$20m 2019
Senior notes US$150m 2020 
Senior notes US$140m 2022
Senior notes US$40m 2023
Senior notes US$105m 2024
Senior notes US$40m 2025
Other*
Total borrowings
Total net debt

1 January 
2014
£m
116.4

Cash flow
£m
2.9

Exchange
 adjustments
£m
0.2

31 December 
2014
£m
119.5

(191.7)
(37.3)
(12.1)
(12.1)
(15.1)
(60.7)
(45.5)
(60.7)
(12.1)
(91.0)
–
(84.9)
(24.3)
(63.7)
(24.3)
–
0.9
(734.6)
(618.2)

78.2
36.1
(12.1)
(24.1)
15.1
–
–
–
–
–
(8.7)
–
–
(11.7)
–
(47.1)
1.8
27.5
30.4

(10.6)
1.2
(1.6)
(2.4)
–
(3.7)
(2.8)
(3.7)
(0.8)
(5.7)
(1.0)
(5.3)
(1.5)
(5.2)
(1.5)
(1.2)
(0.1)
(45.9)
(45.7)

(124.1)
–
(25.8)
(38.6)
–
(64.4)
(48.3)
(64.4)
(12.9)
(96.7)
(9.7)
(90.2)
(25.8)
(80.6)
(25.8)
(48.3)
2.6
(753.0)
(633.5)

1 January 
2013
£m
166.5

Cash flow
£m
(45.4)

Exchange
 adjustments
£m
(4.7)

31 December 
2013
£m
116.4

(235.5)
(38.3)
–
(15.5)
(62.2)
(46.7)
(62.2)
(12.4)
(93.3)
(87.1)
–
(65.4)
–
1.4
(717.2)
(550.7)

41.7
0.4
(25.2)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(25.8)
–
(25.8)
(0.6)
(35.3)
(80.7)

2.1
0.6
1.0
0.4
1.5
1.2
1.5
0.3
2.3
2.2
1.5
1.7
1.5
0.1
17.9
13.2

(191.7)
(37.3)
(24.2)
(15.1)
(60.7)
(45.5)
(60.7)
(12.1)
(91.0)
(84.9)
(24.3)
(63.7)
(24.3)
0.9
(734.6)
(618.2)

Financial StatementsFINANCIAL STATEMENTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTS INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014<>104

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INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

105

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the financial statements continued

14 Borrowings and financial instruments (continued)
Borrowings
Borrowings are split into current and non-current as outlined below:

Senior term loans and notes
Other borrowings 
Total borrowings

Analysis of debt
Debt falling due:
In one year or less
Between one and two years
Between two and five years
Over five years
Total borrowings

Current
2014
£m
89.1
0.7
89.8

Current
2013
£m
14.5
0.9
15.4

Non-current
2014
£m
663.2
–
663.2

Non-current
2013
£m
719.2
–
719.2

2014
£m

89.8
86.4
199.9
376.9
753.0

2013
£m

15.4
84.3
334.8
300.1
734.6

Description of borrowings
Total undrawn committed borrowing facilities as at 31 December 2014 were £391m (2013: £175m).

US$800m revolving credit facility
The Group’s principal bank facility comprises a US$800m multi-currency revolving credit facility which was increased on 31 July 
2014 from US$600m. The facility was also extended to June 2019 with an option to extend for a further two years subject to the 
agreement of lenders. Advances under the facility bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR, or their local currency equivalent, plus  
a margin, depending on the Group’s leverage. Drawings under this facility at 31 December 2014 were £124.1m (2013: £191.7m).

Bilateral multi-currency facility
In December 2010 the Group signed a multi-currency facility available to March 2016. The facility comprised of a £30m multi-
currency revolver facility and a €12m term loan facility. The £30m multi-currency revolver facility was cancelled in July 2014 and 
the €12m term loan facility was cancelled in December 2014. Drawings under these facilities were £37.3m at 31 December 2013.

Bilateral term loan facility 1
On 21 December 2012 the Group signed a US$20m bilateral term loan which was increased on 4 April 2014 to US$40m.  
The maturity of this facility is December 2015. Advances under this facility bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus a margin 
depending on the Group’s leverage. Drawings under this facility at 31 December 2014 were £25.8m (2013: £12.1m).

Bilateral term loan facility 2
On 21 December 2012 the Group signed a US$20m bilateral term loan which was increased on 4 April 2014 to US$60m.  
The extended maturity of this facility is March 2016. Advances under this facility bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus a 
margin, depending on the Group’s leverage. Drawings under this facility at 31 December 2014 were £38.6m (2013: £12.1m). 

Private placement bonds
In June 2008 the Group issued US$100m of senior notes. The notes are repayable on 26 June 2015 and pay a fixed annual interest 
rate of 5.54%.

In December 2008 the Group issued US$100m of senior notes. These notes were issued in two tranches with US$25m repayable 
on 21 January 2014 at a fixed annual interest rate of 7.5% and US$75m repayable on 10 June 2016 at a fixed annual interest rate 
of 8.0%.

In December 2010 the Group issued US$250m of senior notes. These notes were issued in two tranches with US$100m repayable 
on 15 December 2017 at a fixed annual interest rate of 3.2% and US$150m repayable on 15 December 2020 at a fixed annual 
interest rate of 3.91%.

In October 2011 the Group issued US$265m of senior notes. These notes were issued in three tranches with US$20m repayable  
on 18 January 2019 at a fixed annual interest rate of 3.0%, US$140m repayable on 18 January 2022 at a fixed annual interest rate 
of 3.75% and US$105m repayable on 18 January 2024 at a fixed annual interest rate of 3.85%.

14 Borrowings and financial instruments (continued)
In February 2013 the Group issued US$80m of senior notes. These notes were issued in two tranches with US$40m repayable on 
14 February 2023 at a fixed annual interest rate of 3.10% and US$40m repayable on 14 February 2025 at a fixed annual interest 
rate of 3.25%.

In July 2014 the Group issued US$110m of senior notes. These notes were issued in four tranches with US$15m repayable on  
31 July 2021 at a fixed annual interest rate of 3.37%, US$20m repayable on 31 July 2024 at a fixed annual interest rate of 3.86%, 
US$60m repayable on 31 October 2026 at a fixed annual interest rate of 4.05% and US$15m repayable on 31 December 2026  
at a fixed annual interest rate of 4.10%.

FINANCIAL RISKS
Details of the Group’s treasury controls, exposures and the policies and processes for managing capital and credit, liquidity, 
interest rate and currency risk are set out below and in the Directors’ Report – Financial Review that starts on page 30.

Credit risk
Exposure to credit risk
Credit risks arise mainly from the possibility that customers may not be able to settle their obligations as agreed. The Group 
monitors the creditworthiness of customers on an ongoing basis. The Group’s credit risk is diversified due to the large number 
of entities, industries and regions that make up the Group’s customer base.

The carrying amount of financial assets represents the maximum credit exposure. At the reporting date this was as follows:

Trade receivables, net of allowance (note 11)
Cash and cash equivalents
Total

2014
£m
368.1
119.5
487.6

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

Asia Pacific
Americas
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Total

2014
£m
101.4
123.6
143.1
368.1

2013
£m
358.5
116.4
474.9

2013
£m
97.1
107.7
153.7
358.5

Counterparty risk
Cash and cash equivalents and available borrowing facilities are at risk in the event that the counterparty is not able to meet 
its obligations in regards to the cash held or facilities available to the Group. The Group also enters into transactions with 
counterparties in relation to derivative financial instruments. If the counterparty was not able to meet its obligations, the Group 
may be exposed to additional foreign currency or interest rate risk.

The Group, wherever possible, enters into arrangements with counterparties who have robust credit standing, which the Group 
defines as a financial institution with a credit rating of at least A-. The Group has existing banking relationships with a number 
of ‘relationship banks’ that meet this criterion, and seeks to use their services wherever possible while avoiding excessive 
concentration of credit risk. Given the diverse geographic nature of the Group’s activities, it is not always possible to use a 
relationship bank. Therefore the Group has set limits on the level of deposits to be held at non-relationship banks to minimise  
the risk to the Group. It is also Group policy to remit any excess funds from local entities back to Intertek Group Treasury  
in the UK. Given the controls in place, and based on a current assessment of our banking relationships, management does  
not expect any counterparty to fail to meet its obligations.

Financial StatementsFINANCIAL STATEMENTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTS INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014<>106

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107

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the financial statements continued

14 Borrowings and financial instruments (continued)
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its obligations as and when they fall due. The Group’s policy is to:

•  ensure sufficient liquidity is available to Group companies in the amounts, currencies and locations required to support the 

Group’s operations;

•  ensure the Group has adequate available sources of funding to protect against unforeseen internal and external events; and
•   avoid excess liquidity which restricts growth and impacts the cost of financing.

To ensure this policy is met, the Group monitors cash balances on a daily basis, projects cash requirements on a rolling basis 
and funds itself using debt instruments with a range of maturities.

The following are the contractual cash flows of financial liabilities/(assets) including interest (for floating rate instruments, interest 
payments are based on the interest rate at 31 December 2014):

2014
Non-derivative financial liabilities
Senior term loans and notes
Other loans
Trade payables (note 12)

Derivative financial liabilities/(assets)
Forward exchange contracts:
  Outflow
Inflow

Total

2013
Non-derivative financial liabilities
Senior term loans and notes
Other loans
Trade payables (note 12)

Derivative financial liabilities/(assets)
Forward exchange contracts:
  Outflow
Inflow

Total

Carrying
 amount
£m

Contractual
 cash flows
£m

Six months 
or less
£m

6-12 
months
£m

1-2 years
£m

2-5 years
£m

More than 
five years
£m

752.3
0.7
42.5
795.5

990.5
0.7
42.3
1,033.5

13.2
–
42.1
55.3

–
(4.1)
(4.1)
791.4

368.5
(372.6)
(4.1)
1,029.4

368.5
(372.6)
(4.1)
51.2

103.4
0.7
0.2
104.3

–
–
–
104.3

320.4
–
–
320.4

–
–
–
320.4

197.2
–
–
197.2

–
–
–
197.2

356.3
–
–
356.3

–
–
–
356.3

Carrying
 amount
£m

Contractual
 cash flows
£m

Six months 
or less
£m

6-12 
months
£m

1-2 years
£m

2-5 years
£m

More than 
five years
£m

733.7
0.9
48.2
782.8

2.5
–
2.5
785.3

851.3
0.9
48.2
900.4

27.2
–
44.6
71.8

239.3
(236.8)
2.5
902.9

218.7
(216.2)
2.5
74.3

12.1
0.9
3.6
16.6

20.6
(20.6)
–
16.6

152.3
–
–
152.3

–
–
–
152.3

443.7
–
–
443.7

–
–
–
443.7

216.0
–
–
216.0

–
–
–
216.0

Interest rate risk
The Group’s objective is to manage the risk to the business from movements in interest rates, and to provide stability and 
predictability of the near term (12 month horizon) interest expense. Under the Group’s Treasury policy, management may fix the 
interest rates on up to 80% of the Group’s debt portfolio for the period of the current and succeeding financial year. The Group’s 
debt portfolio beyond this period is to be managed within the range of a 30% – 70% fixed to floating rate ratio. To do this the 
Group uses hedging instruments where considered appropriate. 

Sensitivity
At 31 December 2014, it is estimated that the impact on variable rate net debt of a general increase of 3% in interest rates would 
be a decrease in the Group’s profit before tax of approximately £6.0m (2013: £4.2m). This analysis assumes all other variables 
remain constant.

Foreign currency risk
The Group’s objective in managing foreign currency risk is to safeguard the Group’s financial assets from economic loss due to 
fluctuations in foreign currencies, and to protect margins on cross currency contracts and operations. To achieve this, the Group’s 
policy is to hedge its foreign currency exposures where appropriate.

14 Borrowings and financial instruments (continued)
The net assets of foreign subsidiaries represent a significant portion of the Group’s shareholders’ funds and a substantial 
percentage of the Group’s revenue and operating costs are incurred in currencies other than sterling. Because of the high 
proportion of international activity, the Group’s profit is exposed to exchange rate fluctuations. Two types of risk arise as a result: 
(i) translation risk, that is, the risk of adverse currency fluctuations in the translation of foreign currency operations and foreign 
assets and liabilities into sterling and (ii) transaction risk, that is, the risk that currency fluctuations will have a negative effect on 
the value of the Group’s commercial cash flows in various currencies.

The foreign currency profiles of cash, trade receivables and payables subject to translation risk and transaction risk, at the reporting 
date were as follows:

2014
Cash
Trade receivables (note 11)
Trade payables (note 12)

2013
Cash
Trade receivables (note 11)
Trade payables (note 12)

Carrying
 amount 
£m
119.5
368.1
42.5

Sterling 
£m
12.8
39.7
4.6

US dollar 
£m
7.9
98.1
7.0

Chinese
 renminbi 
£m
25.3
36.0
4.6

Hong Kong
 dollar 
£m
2.4
10.3
1.6

116.4
358.5
48.2

8.5
52.4
 6.1

17.8
94.3
9.5

29.3
34.5
2.6

3.1
9.2
2.2

Euro 
£m
4.6
37.5
9.8

4.8
39.3
10.0

Other 
currencies 
£m
66.5
146.5
14.9

52.9
128.8
17.8 

RECOGNISED ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
Changes in the fair value of forward foreign exchange contracts that economically hedge monetary assets and liabilities  
in foreign currencies and for which no hedge accounting is applied are recognised in the income statement.

HEDGE OF NET INVESTMENT IN FOREIGN SUBSIDIARIES
The Group’s foreign currency denominated loans are designated as a hedge of the Group’s investment in its respective 
subsidiaries. The carrying amount of these loans at 31 December 2014 was £752.3m (2013: £717.5m).

A foreign exchange loss of £42.9m (2013: gain £16.7m) was recognised in the translation reserve in equity on translation  
of these loans to sterling.

SENSITIVITY
It is estimated that a general increase of 10% in the value of sterling against the US dollar (the main currency impacting the Group) 
would have decreased the Group’s profit before tax for 2014 by approximately £15.2m (2013: £16.6m). This analysis assumes  
all other variables remain constant.

FAIR VALUES
The table below sets out a comparison of the book values and corresponding fair values of all the Group’s financial instruments 
by class.

Book value
2014
£m

Fair value
2014
£m

Book value
2013
£m

Fair value
2013
£m

Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade receivables (note 11)
Forward exchange contracts*
Total financial assets
Financial liabilities
740.2
Interest bearing loans and borrowings*
48.2
Trade payables (note 12)
2.5
Forward exchange contracts*
790.9
Total financial liabilities
*  Interest bearing loans and borrowing, and derivative liabilities are categorised as Level 2 under which the fair value is measured using inputs other than quoted prices 

790.6
42.5
–
833.1

753.0
42.5
–
795.5

734.6
48.2
2.5
785.3

116.4
358.5
–
474.9

116.4
358.5
–
474.9

119.5
368.1
4.1
491.7

119.5
368.1
4.1
491.7

observable for the liability, either directly or indirectly.

Financial StatementsFINANCIAL STATEMENTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTS INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014<> 
 
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CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the financial statements continued

15 Capital and reserves
ACCOUNTING POLICY
Dividends
Interim dividends are recognised as a movement in equity when they are paid. Final dividends are reported as a movement  
in equity in the year in which they are approved by the shareholders.

Own shares held by the Employee Share Ownership Trust (‘ESOT’)
Transactions of the Group sponsored ESOT are included in the Group financial statements. In particular, the Trust’s purchases  
of shares in the Company are debited directly in equity to retained earnings.

Share capital

Group and Company
Allotted, called up and fully paid:
Ordinary shares of 1p each at start of year
Share options exercised
Share awards
Ordinary shares of 1p each at end of year
Shares classified in shareholders’ funds

2014
Number

161,361,777
–
–
161,361,777

2014
£m

1.6
–
–
1.6
1.6

2013
£m

1.6
–
–
1.6
1.6

The holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends and are entitled to vote at general meetings of the Company. 

During the year, all share options vesting were settled via the ESOT and as a result the Company issued nil (2013: 70,009) ordinary 
shares in respect of the share options exercised, for consideration of £nil (2013: £0.4m) settled in cash and issued nil (2013: 
484,265) shares under the Intertek 2011 Long Term Incentive Plan for £nil consideration.

Purchase of own shares for trust
During the year ended 31 December 2014, the Company financed the purchase of 705,537 (2013: 300,000) of its own shares  
with an aggregate nominal value of £7,055 (2013: £3,000) for £20.6m (2013: £9.1m) which was charged to retained earnings  
in equity and was held by the ESOT. This trust is managed and controlled by an independent offshore trustee. During the year, 
418,556 shares were utilised to satisfy the vesting of share awards and share options (note 17). At 31 December 2014, the ESOT 
held 610,720 shares (2013: 323,739 shares) with an aggregate nominal value of £6,107 (2013: £3,237). The associated cash out 
flow of £20.6m (2013: £9.1m) has been presented as a financing cash flow.

Dividends
Amounts recognised as distributions to equity holders:
Final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2012
Interim dividend for the year ended 31 December 2013
Final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2013
Interim dividend for the year ended 31 December 2014
Dividends paid

2014
£m

–
–
49.9
25.6
75.5

2014
Pence per
 share

–
–
31.0
16.0
47.0

2013
£m

45.2
24.2
–
–
69.4

2013
Pence per
 share

28.0
15.0
–
–
43.0

After the reporting date, the Directors proposed a final dividend of 33.1p per share in respect of the year ended 31 December 
2014, which is expected to amount to £53.2m. This dividend is subject to approval by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting 
and therefore, in accordance with IAS 10: Events after the reporting date, it has not been included as a liability in these financial 
statements. If approved, the final dividend will be paid to shareholders on 5 June 2015.

RESERVES
Translation reserve
The translation reserve comprises foreign currency differences arising from the translation of the financial statements of foreign 
operations as well as the translation of liabilities that hedge the Group’s net investment in foreign operations.

Hedging reserve
The hedging reserve comprises the effective portion of the cumulative net change in the fair value of the cash flow hedging 
instruments related to hedged transactions that have not yet occurred.

Other
This relates to a merger difference that arose in 2002 on the conversion of share warrants into share capital.

16 Employee benefits
ACCOUNTING POLICY
Pension schemes
Defined contribution plans
A defined contribution plan is a post-employment benefit plan under which an entity pays fixed contributions into  
a separate entity and will have no legal or constructive obligation to pay further amounts. Obligations for contributions  
to defined contribution pension plans are recognised as an employee benefit expense in the income statement as incurred.

Defined benefit plans
A defined benefit plan is a post-employment benefit plan other than a defined contribution plan.

The Group’s net obligation in respect of material defined benefit pension plans is calculated separately for each plan by  
estimating the amount of future benefit that employees have earned in return for their service in the current and prior years;  
that benefit is discounted to determine its present value. The fair value of any plan assets are deducted.

In calculating the defined benefit deficit, the discount rate is the yield at the reporting date on AA credit-rated bonds that  
have maturity dates approximating the terms of the Group’s obligations and that are denominated in the same currency  
in which the benefits are expected to be paid. The calculation is performed annually by a qualified actuary using the  
Projected Unit credit method. 

The increase in the present value of the liabilities expected to arise from the employees’ services in the accounting period  
is charged to the operating profit in the income statement. The expected return on the schemes’ assets and the interest  
on the present value of the schemes’ liabilities, during the accounting period, are shown as finance income and finance  
expense respectively.

The Group operates a number of pension schemes throughout the world. In most locations, these are defined contribution 
arrangements. However, there are significant defined benefit schemes in the United Kingdom, Hong Kong and Switzerland. 
The United Kingdom and Hong Kong schemes are funded schemes, with assets held in separate trustee administered funds  
and the Switzerland scheme is an insured scheme. The schemes in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong were closed to new 
entrants in 2002 and 2000, respectively. Other funded defined benefit schemes are not considered to be material and are 
therefore accounted for as if they were defined contribution schemes.

The Group recognises all actuarial remeasurements in each year in equity through the consolidated statement of  
comprehensive income.

In June 2011, the International Accounting Standards Board issued revisions to IAS 19 Employee Benefits (‘IAS 19’) that  
provide changes in the recognition, presentation and disclosure of post-employment benefits. The Group has adopted  
the revised accounting standard from 1 January 2013.

TOTAL PENSION COST
The total pension cost included in operating profit for the Group was:

Defined contribution schemes
Defined benefit schemes – current service cost and administration expenses
Pension cost included in operating profit (note 5)

2014
£m
(34.3)
(2.8)
(37.1)

2013
£m
(33.6)
(3.0)
(36.6)

The pension cost for the defined benefit schemes was assessed in accordance with the advice of qualified actuaries.  
The last full triennial actuarial valuation of The Intertek Pension Scheme in the United Kingdom (‘United Kingdom Scheme’)  
was carried out as at 1 April 2013, and for accounting purposes has been updated to 31 December 2014 for IAS 19 purposes.  
The last full actuarial valuation of the Hong Kong scheme was carried out as at 31 December 2013, for local accounting purposes 
but this has been updated to 31 December 2014 for IAS 19 purposes. The Swiss scheme was actuarially valued for IAS 19  
purposes at 31 December 2013 and for accounting purposes has been updated to 31 December 2014 for IAS 19 purposes.  
The average duration of the schemes are 20 years, 10 years and 15 years for the United Kingdom, Hong Kong and Switzerland 
schemes respectively.

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111

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the financial statements continued

16 Employee benefits (continued)
DEFINED BENEFIT SCHEMES
The cost of defined benefit schemes
The amounts recognised in the income statement were as follows: 

Current service cost
Scheme administration expenses
Net pension interest cost (note 14)*
Total charge
*  Pension interest costs related to the prior year are reported on a net basis.

2014
£m
(2.6)
(0.2)
(0.5)
(3.3)

2013
£m
(2.8)
(0.2)
(0.5)
(3.5)

The current service cost and scheme administration expenses are included in operating costs in the income statement and pension 
interest cost and interest income are included in net financing costs.

Included in Other Comprehensive Income:

Remeasurements arising from:
  Demographic assumptions
  Financial assumptions
  Experience adjustment
  Asset valuation
Effect of movements in exchange rates
Merger of Group scheme
Other
Total

2014
£m

(0.3)
(14.1)
(1.2)
3.1
–
–
(0.4)
(12.9)

2013
£m

(1.1)
(0.8)
(0.9)
8.0
0.6
(0.4)
(0.2)
5.2

Company contributions
The Company assessed the triennial actuarial valuation and its impact on the scheme funding plan in 2015 and future years.  
In 2015 the Group expects to make normal contributions of £1.3m (2014: £1.2m) and a special contribution of £2.8m (2014: 
£0.9m) to the United Kingdom scheme. The next triennial valuation is due to take place as at 1 April 2016. As this Scheme  
has more than 100 members, interim actuarial reports are required as at 1 April 2014 and 1 April 2015. 

The Hong Kong scheme has an annual actuarial valuation, identifying the funding requirements for 2015. 

Pension liability for defined benefit schemes
The amounts recognised in the statement of financial position for defined benefit schemes were as follows:

Fair value of scheme assets
Present value of funded defined benefit obligations
Deficit in schemes

United
 Kingdom
 Scheme
£m
87.8
(107.0)
(19.2)

Hong Kong
 Scheme
£m
18.0
(21.5)
(3.5)

Switzerland
Scheme
£m
14.3
(16.9)
(2.6)

Total
£m
120.1
(145.4)
(25.3)

16 Employee benefits (continued)
The fair value changes in the scheme assets are shown below: 

Fair value of scheme assets at 1 January
Interest income
Normal contributions by the employer
Special contributions by the employer
Contributions by scheme participants
Benefits paid
Effect of exchange rate changes on overseas schemes
Remeasurements
Merger of Group scheme
Fair value of scheme assets at 31 December

2014
£m
113.3
4.4
1.7
0.9
0.7
(4.4)
0.4
3.1
–
120.1

2013
£m
104.6
3.8
2.0
–
0.6
(6.6)
(0.4)
8.0
1.3
113.3

ASSET ALLOCATION:
Investment statements were provided by the Investment Managers which showed that, as at 31 December 2014 the invested 
assets of the United Kingdom Scheme totalled £87.8m (2013: £82.0m) and of the Hong Kong Scheme totalled £18.0m broken 
down as follows:

United Kingdom Scheme

Hong Kong Scheme

Asset class
UK Equities
Overseas Equities
Property
Corporate Bonds
Absolute Return Fund*
Liability Driven Investment**
Cash
Total
*   The Absolute Return Fund aims to provide positive investment returns in all conditions over the medium to long-term. The investment managers have a wide 
investment remit and look to exploit market inefficiencies through active allocation to a diverse range of market positions. The Fund uses a combination of 
traditional assets and investment strategies based on derivatives and is able to take long and short-term positions in markets.

**  The LDI Fund provides the hedge against adverse movements in inflation and interest rates. It seeks to match the sensitivity of the Scheme’s liability cash flow 

to changes in interest rates and inflation; it is invested in gilts, swaps, futures, repo contracts and money market instruments.

The United Kingdom Scheme had bank account assets of £0.2m as at 31 December 2014 (2013: £0.2m).

All unvested assets of the United Kingdom and Hong Kong Schemes are unquoted. The Switzerland Scheme is fully insured 
therefore there are no invested assets.

2014
£m
22.9
22.8
1.5
14.8
17.1
2.8
5.9
87.8

2014
£m
11.5
–
–
6.2
–
–
0.3
18.0

2013
£m
22.2
22.2
1.2
12.2
16.2
2.1
5.9
82.0

2013
£m
10.5
–
–
5.3
–
–
0.3
16.1

Financial StatementsFINANCIAL STATEMENTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTS INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014<>112

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OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the financial statements continued

16 Employee benefits (continued)
Changes in the present value of the defined benefit obligations were as follows:

Defined benefit obligations at 1 January
Current service cost
Interest cost
Contributions by scheme participants
Benefits paid
Effect of exchange rate changes on overseas schemes
Remeasurements
Merger of Group scheme
Defined benefit obligations at 31 December

Principal actuarial assumptions:

Discount rate
Inflation rate (based on CPI)
Rate of salary increases
Rate of pension increases:
CPI subject to a maximum of 5% p.a 
Increases subject to a maximum of 2.5% p.a

2014
£m
126.4
2.6
4.9
0.7
(4.4)
(0.4)
15.6
–
145.4

2013
£m
121.6
3.0
4.3
0.6
(6.6)
(1.0)
2.8
1.7
126.4

 United Kingdom Scheme
2013
%
4.5
2.7
3.5

2014
%
3.6
2.3
3.1

 Hong Kong Scheme
2013
%
2.4
n/a
4.0

2014
%
1.9
n/a
4.0

 Switzerland Scheme
2013
%
2.3
0.0
1.5

2014
%
1.5
n/a
1.0

2.3
1.9

2.7
2.0

n/a
n/a

n/a
n/a

n/a
n/a

n/a
n/a

The retirement arrangement in Hong Kong pays a lump sum to members instead of a pension and the Switzerland Scheme is an insured plan.

Life expectancy assumptions at year end for:

Male aged 40
Male aged 65
Female aged 40
Female aged 65
*   The retirement arrangement in Hong Kong pays a lump sum to members instead of a pension at the point of retirement. Since the amount of the lump sum is not 

related to the life expectancy of the member, the post-retirement mortality is not a relevant assumption for the Hong Kong Scheme.

 The table above shows, for the United Kingdom Scheme, the number of years a male or female is expected to live, assuming they were aged either 40 or 65 at 
31 December. The mortality tables adopted in both 2014 and 2013 for the United Kingdom Scheme are the S1PA projected by year of birth, based on the CMI 2013 
mortality projection model with a 1.25% long-term annual rate for future improvements. For the Switzerland Scheme, the mortality table adopted for both 2014 
and 2013 is the BVG 2010, an industry standard in Switzerland which is based on statistical evidence of major Switzerland pension funds.

 Hong Kong Scheme*
2013
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

2014
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

 Switzerland Scheme
2013
41.6
18.9
44.6
21.4

2014
41.6
18.9
44.6
21.4

 United Kingdom Scheme
2013
46.9
22.1
48.9
24.3

2014
47.0
22.2
49.0
24.4

16 Employee benefits (continued)
SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS
The table below sets out the sensitivity on the United Kingdom and Hong Kong pension assets and liabilities as at 31 December 
2014 of the two main assumptions:

Change in assumptions
No change
0.25% rise in discount rate
0.25% fall in discount rate
0.25% rise in inflation
0.25% fall in inflation

UK Scheme

Hong Kong Scheme

Increase/ 
(decrease) 
in deficit
£m
–
(5.8)
5.9
2.9
(2.9)

Liabilities
£m
21.5
20.9
22.0
21.5
21.5

Increase/ 
(decrease) 
in deficit
£m
–
(0.6)
0.5
–
–

Liabilities
£m
107.0
101.2
112.9
109.9
104.1

The United Kingdom Scheme is also subject to the mortality assumption. If the mortality tables used are rated down one year/
rated up one year, the value placed on the liabilities increases/decreases by £2.9m and (£2.8m) respectively.

FUNDING ARRANGEMENTS 
United Kingdom Scheme
The trustees use the Projected Unit credit method with a three year control period. Currently the scheme members pay contributions 
at the rate of 8.5% of salary. The employer pays contributions of 16.4% of salary, plus £0.2m per year to fund scheme expenses, 
and is due to make an additional contribution of £2.8m in 2015 to reduce the deficit disclosed by the 2013 valuation.

Hong Kong Scheme
The Trustees use the Attained Age funding method. The last actuarial valuation was as at 31 December 2013. Scheme members 
do not contribute to the scheme. The employer pays contributions of 8.5% of salaries including 0.6% in respect of 
scheme expenses.

Funding Risks
The main risks for the Schemes are:

Investment return risk: 

Investment matching risk: 

Longevity risk: 

If the assets underperform the returns assumed in setting the funding targets then additional 
contributions may be required at subsequent valuations.
The Schemes invest significantly in equities, whereas the funding targets are closely related to 
the returns on bonds. If equities fall in value relative to the matching asset of bonds, additional 
contributions may be required.
If future improvements in longevity exceed the assumptions made for Scheme funding then 
additional contributions may be required.

Role of Third Parties
The United Kingdom Scheme is managed by Trustees on behalf of its members. The Trustees take advice from appropriate third 
parties including investment advisors, actuaries and lawyers as necessary.

Financial StatementsFINANCIAL STATEMENTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTS INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014<> 
 
 
114

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INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

115

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the financial statements continued

17 Share schemes
ACCOUNTING POLICY
Share-based payment transactions
The share-based compensation plans operated by the Group allow employees to acquire shares of the Company. The fair value 
of the employee services, received in exchange for the grant of share options or shares, is measured at the grant date and is 
recognised as an expense with a corresponding increase in equity. The charge is calculated using the Monte Carlo method and 
expensed to the income statement over the vesting period of the relevant award. The charge for the share options and for the 
Share Awards is adjusted to reflect expected and actual levels of vesting for service conditions. The expense of the Performance 
Awards (previously Matching Awards) is calculated using the Black Scholes method and is adjusted for the probability of EPS 
performance conditions being achieved.

The Group has taken advantage of the provisions of IFRS 1: First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards, 
and has recognised an expense only in respect of share options and awards granted since 7 November 2002.

SHARE OPTION SCHEMES
The Company established a share option scheme for senior management in March 1997. The maximum number of options that 
can be granted under the scheme have been allocated and that scheme has been discontinued. In May 2002, the Intertek Group 
plc 2002 Share Option Plan (‘2002 Plan’) and the Intertek Group plc 2002 Approved Share Option Plan (‘Approved Plan’) were 
established for employees to be granted share options at the discretion of the Remuneration Committee. These plans have also 
been discontinued and the last grants under these plans were made in September 2005.

The number and weighted average exercise prices of share options are as follows:

At beginning of year
Exercised
Forfeited
Outstanding options at end of year
Exercisable at end of year

 2014

 2013

Weighted
 average
 exercise
 price
710p
646p
612p
778p
778p

Number of
 options
86,917
(38,067)
(4,564)
44,286
44,286

Weighted
 average
 exercise
 price
656p
598p
548p
710p
710p

Number of
 options
162,740
(70,009)
(5,814)
86,917
86,917

The weighted average share price of the Company at the date of exercise of share options was 2,944p (2013: 3,249p).  
The options outstanding at the year end have an exercise price of 778p and a weighted average contractual life of 0.3 years.

The outstanding options at 31 December 2014 are exercisable as follows:

Option Scheme
2002 Plan
Approved Plan
Total

Number of
 options
 outstanding
42,630
1,656
44,286

Exercise
 price 
per share
778.0p
778.0p

Exercisable between

7 April 2008
7 April 2008

7 April 2015
7 April 2015

17 Share schemes (continued)
Share Plans
The Deferred Bonus Plan 2005 was replaced in 2011 with the Intertek 2011 Long Term Incentive Plan. Share Awards (previously 
Deferred Awards) and Performance Awards (previously Matching Awards) have been granted under this plan. The first awards 
were granted on 7 April 2006. The awards under these plans vest three years after grant date, subject to fulfilment of the 
performance conditions.

Share 
Awards
Outstanding Awards
1,168,317
At beginning of year
Granted*
285,807
Vested**
(423,418)
(31,427)
Forfeited
999,279
At end of year
*  Includes 2,459 Share Awards (2013: 3,535) and 3,223 Performance Awards (2013: 2,325) granted in respect of dividend accruals.
**  Of the 579,939 awards vested in 2014, nil were satisfied by the issue of shares and 380,489 by the transfer of shares from the ESOT (see note 15).  

Total 
awards
1,712,608
576,709
(579,939)
(208,722)
1,500,656

Share 
Awards
999,279
264,520
(352,482)
(59,941)
851,376

2014
Performance 
Awards
713,329
312,189
(227,457)
(148,781)
649,280

2013
Performance 
Awards
860,557
181,770
(296,110)
(32,888)
713,329

Total 
awards
2,028,874
467,577
(719,528)
(64,315)
1,712,608

The balance of 199,450 awards represented a tax liability of £6.8m which was settled in cash by the Group, of which £6.3m was settled by the Company.

Equity-settled transactions
During the year ended 31 December 2014, the Group recognised an expense of £7.6m (2013: £10.9m). The fair values and the 
assumptions used in their calculations are set out below:

Awards

Year shares awarded
Fair value at measurement date (pence)
Share price (pence)
Expected volatility
Risk free interest rate
Time to maturity (years)
*  The fair values and assumptions are also the same for the EPS element of the Performance Awards.

Share
 Awards*
2014
3,046
3,046
n/a
n/a
3

Performance
Awards TSR
element
2014
1,633
3,046
20.5%
1.0%
3

Share
 Awards*
2013
3,440
3,440
n/a
n/a
3

Performance 
Awards TSR
element
2013
1,945
3,440
23.4%
0.4%
3

Share
 Awards*
2012
2,262
2,262
n/a
n/a
3

Performance 
Awards TSR
element
2012
1,299
2,262
25.2%
0.5%
3

The expected volatility is based on the historical volatility, adjusted for any expected changes to future volatility due to publicly 
available information.

All Share Awards are granted under a service condition. Such condition is not taken into account in the fair value measurement  
at grant date. The Performance Awards (TSR element) are granted under a performance related market condition and as a result 
this condition is taken into account in the fair value measurement at grant date.

18 Subsequent events
ACQUISITIONS SUBSEQUENT TO THE BALANCE SHEET DATE
On 3 February 2015 the Group acquired for £6.5m Adelaide Inspection Services Pty Ltd (‘AIS’), an Australian-based  
business providing non-destructive testing (NDT) and associated services to the power generation, construction, oil,  
gas and mining industries.

19 Capital management
The Directors determine the appropriate capital structure of Intertek; specifically how much capital is raised from shareholders 
(equity) and how much is borrowed from financial institutions (debt) in order to finance the Group’s activities. These activities 
include ongoing operations as well as acquisitions as described in note 10.

The Group’s policy is to maintain a robust capital base (including cash and debt) to ensure the market and key stakeholders 
retain confidence in the capital profile. Debt capital is monitored by Group Treasury assessing the liquidity buffer on a short 
and longer-term basis as discussed in note 14.

The Group uses key performance indicators (KPIs), including return on invested capital and adjusted diluted earnings per share  
to monitor the capital position of the Group to ensure it is being utilised effectively.

The dividend policy also forms part of the Board’s capital management policy, and the Board ensures there is appropriate earnings 
cover for the dividend proposed at both the interim and year end.

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117

Notes to the financial statements continued

20 Non-controlling interest
ACCOUNTING POLICY
Acquisitions of non-controlling interests are accounted for as transactions with owners in their capacity as owners and therefore 
no goodwill is recognised as a result of such transactions. 

22 Contingent liabilities

Guarantees, letters of credit and performance bonds

2014
£m
24.3

2013
£m
16.1

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST
An analysis of the movement in non-controlling interest is shown below:

At 1 January
Exchange adjustments
Share of profit for the year
Dividends paid to non-controlling interest
Purchase of non-controlling interest
At 31 December

21 Related parties
IDENTITY OF RELATED PARTIES
The Group has a related party relationship with its key management.

2014
£m
24.1
0.7
14.1
(12.8)
–
26.1

2013
£m
25.3
(1.4)
16.5
(14.4)
(1.9)
24.1

Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries and between subsidiaries have been eliminated on consolidation and are 
not discussed in this note.

TRANSACTIONS WITH KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL
Key management personnel compensation, including the Group’s Directors, is shown in the table below:

Short-term benefits
Post-employment benefits
Equity-settled transactions
Total

2014
£m
5.8
0.4
2.0
8.2

2013
£m
4.7
0.4
2.8
7.9

More detailed information concerning Directors’ remuneration, shareholdings, pension entitlements, share options and other  
long-term incentive plans is shown in the audited part of the Remuneration Report.

Apart from the above, no member of key management had a personal interest in any business transactions of the Group.

LITIGATION
The Group is involved in various claims and lawsuits incidental to the ordinary course of its business, including claims for damages, 
negligence and commercial disputes regarding inspection and testing, and disputes with employees and former employees. 
The Group is not currently party to any legal proceedings other than ordinary litigation incidental to the conduct of business. 
The Group maintains appropriate insurance cover to provide protection from the small number of significant claims it is subject 
to from time-to-time.

TAX
The Group operates in more than 100 countries and is subject to a wide range of complex tax laws and regulations. At any point 
in time it is normal for there to be a number of open years in any particular territory which may be subject to enquiry by local 
authorities. In some jurisdictions the Group receives tax incentives which are subject to renewal and review and reduce the amount 
of tax payable. Where the effect of the laws and regulations is unclear, estimates are used in determining the liability for the tax 
to be paid on past profits which are recognised in the financial statements. The Group considers the estimates, assumptions 
and judgements to be reasonable but this can involve complex issues which may take a number of years to resolve. The final 
determination of prior year tax liabilities could be different from the estimates reflected in these financial statements. In addition, 
the Group benefits from tax incentives which are subject to renewal and review.

23 Principal subsidiary undertakings
As permitted by Section 410 (1) of the Companies Act 2006, only the principal subsidiaries whose results or financial position, 
in the opinion of the Directors, principally affect the figures of the Group in 2014 and 2013 have been shown below. A full list 
of subsidiaries will be attached to the Company’s next Annual Return filed with the Registrar of Companies. All the subsidiaries 
shown were consolidated at 31 December 2014.

Company name
Intertek Testing Services Shenzhen Ltd
Intertek Testing Services Ltd Shanghai
Intertek USA Inc
Intertek Testing Services NA Inc
Intertek Testing Services Holdings Limited
Intertek Finance plc
Intertek Testing Services Hong Kong Ltd
Testing Holdings USA Inc
Intertek USD Finance Ltd
Intertek Holdings Limited 
Labtest Hong Kong Ltd
Intertek Technical Services Inc
Intertek Holdings Nederland B.V.
Intertek Group plc
RCG Moody International Limited

Country of incorporation  
and principal place of operation
China
China
USA
USA
England
England
Hong Kong
USA
England
England
Hong Kong
USA
Netherlands
England
England

Activity
Trading
Trading
Trading
Trading
Holding
Finance
Trading
Holding
Finance
Holding
Trading
Trading
Holding
Finance
Holding

Percentage of ordinary  
shares held in 2014 and 2013
Company
–
–
–
–
100
–
–
–
–
100
–
–
–
100
–

Group
100
85
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

Financial StatementsFINANCIAL STATEMENTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTS INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014<>118

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119

Intertek Group plc Company balance sheet

Notes to the Company financial statements

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As at 31 December 2014
Fixed assets
Investments in subsidiary undertakings

Current assets
Debtors due after more than one year
Debtors due within one year

Cash at bank and in hand

Creditors due within one year
Overdraft and loans
Other creditors

Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Net assets

Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
Share premium 
Profit and loss account
Shareholders’ funds 

Notes

2014
£m

2013
£m

(d)

300.9

301.2

(e) 

(f)
(f)
(f)

153.4
32.6
186.0
–
186.0

(3.6)
(15.6)
(19.2)
166.8
467.7
467.7

1.6
257.8
208.3
467.7

171.3
11.4
182.7
0.3
183.0

–
(7.2)
(7.2)
175.8
477.0
477.0

1.6
257.8
217.6
477.0

The financial statements on pages 118 to 121 were approved by the Board on 27 February 2015 and were signed on its behalf by:

WOLFHART HAUSER 
Director   

EDWARD LEIGH
Director

(A) ACCOUNTING POLICIES – COMPANY
The following accounting policies have been applied consistently in dealing with items which are considered material in relation 
to the Company’s financial statements.

Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable United Kingdom Accounting Standards and under 
the historical cost accounting rules.

Under Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 the Company is exempt from the requirement to present its own profit and 
loss account.

The Company is exempt from the requirement to prepare a cash flow statement on the grounds that it is included in the 
consolidated financial statements which it has prepared.

Foreign currencies
Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded using the rate of exchange ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets 
and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rates of exchange prevailing at the balance sheet date. 
All foreign exchange differences are taken to the profit and loss account.

Taxation
The charge for taxation is based on the profit for the year and takes into account taxation deferred because of timing differences 
between the treatment of certain items for taxation and accounting purposes.

Deferred tax is recognised, without discounting, in respect of all timing differences between the treatment of certain items for 
taxation and accounting purposes, which have arisen but not reversed by the balance sheet date, except as otherwise required by 
FRS 19. Deferred tax assets in respect of timing differences are only recognised to the extent that it is more likely than not there 
will be sufficient taxable profits to offset the future reversal of these timing differences.

Dividends on shares presented within shareholders’ funds
Dividend income is recognised in profit or loss on the date that the Company’s right to receive payment is established.

Dividends unpaid at the balance sheet date are only recognised as a liability at that date to the extent that they are appropriately 
authorised and are no longer at the discretion of the Company. Unpaid dividends that do not meet these criteria are disclosed  
in the notes to the financial statements.

Investments in subsidiaries
Investments in subsidiaries are stated at cost less any provisions for impairment.

Intercompany financial guarantees
When the Company enters into financial guarantee contracts to guarantee the indebtedness of other companies in the Group, 
the Company considers these to be insurance arrangements and accounts for them as such. In this respect the Company treats 
the guarantee contract as a contingent liability, until such time as it becomes probable that the Company will be required to make 
a payment under the guarantee.

Share-based payments
Intertek Group plc runs a share ownership programme that allows Group employees to acquire shares in the Company.  
Details of the share schemes are given in note 17 of the Group financial statements.

The fair value of options and Share Awards granted to employees of the Company is recognised as an employee expense with 
a corresponding increase in equity. As the Company has no employees, there is no recognition of an employee expense nor  
the corresponding increase in equity. However, the Company grants options and awards over its own shares to the employees  
of its subsidiaries and therefore the Company recognises an increase in the cost of investment in its subsidiaries, equivalent to  
the equity-settled share-based payment charge recognised in respect of employees of the subsidiaries, with the corresponding 
credit being recognised directly in equity.

The fair value is measured at grant date and is spread over the period during which the employee becomes unconditionally entitled 
to the options. The fair value granted is measured using the Monte Carlo model. This method, in calculating the fair value, takes 
into account various factors including the expected volatility of the shares, the dividend yield and the risk free interest rate.

The fair value of shares granted under the Intertek 2011 Long Term Incentive Plan is also measured using the Monte Carlo model 
and is spread over the period during which the employee becomes unconditionally entitled to the shares.

Financial StatementsFINANCIAL STATEMENTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTS INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014<> 
 
 
 
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INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

121

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Company financial statements continued

(B) PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT
Amounts paid to the Company’s auditor and their associates in respect of services to the Company, other than the audit of the 
Company’s financial statements, have not been disclosed as the information is required instead to be disclosed on a consolidated 
basis. The Company does not have any employees.

Details of the remuneration of the Directors are set out in the Remuneration Report.

(C) DIVIDENDS
The aggregate amount of dividends comprises:

Final dividend paid in respect of prior year but not recognised as a liability in that year
Interim dividends paid in respect of the current year
Aggregate amount of dividends paid in the financial year

2014
£m
49.9
25.6
75.5

2013
£m
45.2
24.2
69.4

The aggregate amount of dividends proposed and recognised as liabilities as at 31 December 2014 is £nil (2013: £nil). The 
aggregate amount of dividends proposed and not recognised as liabilities as at 31 December 2014 is £53.2m (2013: £50.0m).

(D) INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARY UNDERTAKINGS

Cost and net book value
At 1 January
Additions due to share-based payments
Recharges of share-based payments to subsidiaries
At 31 December 

2014
£m

301.2
7.6
(7.9)
300.9

2013
£m

297.8
10.9
(7.5)
301.2

The Company has granted options over its own shares and made Share Awards to the employees of its direct and indirectly-
owned subsidiaries, and as such, the Company recognises an increase in the cost of investment in subsidiaries of £7.6m (2013: 
£10.9m). Details of the principal operating subsidiaries are set out in note 23 to the Group financial statements.

The Company had three direct subsidiary undertakings at 31 December 2014; Intertek Testing Services Holdings Limited and 
Intertek Holdings Limited, both of which are holding companies, are incorporated in the United Kingdom and registered in 
England and Wales, and Intertek Luxembourg S.a.r.l., incorporated in Luxembourg. All interests are in the ordinary share capital 
and all are wholly owned. In the opinion of the Directors, the value of the investments in subsidiary undertakings is not less than 
the amount at which the investments are stated in the balance sheet.

There is no impairment to the carrying value of these investments.

(E) DEBTORS DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR

Amounts owed by Group undertakings

2014
£m
153.4

2013
£m
171.3

The amounts owed by Group undertakings represent long-term loans due in two to five years, which carry interest based on the 
denomination of the borrowing currency.

(F) RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENTS IN SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS

At 1 January 2013
Profit for the financial year
Dividends paid
Credit in relation to share-based payments
Tax paid on share awards vesting
Purchase of own shares
Shares issued
At 31 December 2013
Profit for the financial year
Dividends paid
Credit in relation to share-based payments
Tax paid on share awards vesting
Purchase of own shares
At 31 December 2014

Share 
capital
£m
1.6
–
–
–
–
–
–
1.6
–
–
–
–
–
1.6

Share 
premium
£m
257.4
–
–
–
–
–
0.4
257.8
–
–
–
–
–
257.8

Profit 
and loss
£m
100.3
192.2
(69.4)
10.9
(7.3)
(9.1)
–
217.6
85.5
(75.5)
7.6
(6.3)
(20.6)
208.3

Total
£m
359.3
192.2
(69.4)
10.9
(7.3)
(9.1)
0.4
477.0
85.5
(75.5)
7.6
(6.3)
(20.6)
467.7

Details of share capital are set out in note 15 and details of share-based payments are set out in note 17 to the Group 
financial statements.

A profit and loss account for Intertek Group plc has not been presented as permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006. 
The profit for the financial year, before dividends paid to shareholders of £75.5m (2013: £69.4m), was £85.5m (2013: £192.2m) 
which was mainly in respect of dividends received from subsidiaries.

The Group settled in cash the tax element of the share awards vested in March 2014 amounting to £6.8m of which the Company 
settled £6.3m (2013: £7.3m). 

During the year ended 31 December 2014, the Company purchased, through its Employee Benefit Trust, 705,537 (2013: 300,000) 
of its own shares with an aggregate nominal value of £7,055 (2013: £3,000) for £20.6m (2013: £9.1m) which was charged to profit 
and loss in equity.

(G) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Details of related party transactions are set out in note 21 of the Group financial statements.

(H) CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
The Company is a member of a group of UK companies that are part of a composite banking cross guarantee arrangement.  
This is a joint and several guarantee given by all members of the Intertek UK cash pool, guaranteeing the total gross liability 
position of the pool which was £29.5m at 31 December 2014 (2013: £16.1m).

From time-to-time, in the normal course of business, the Company may give guarantees in respect of certain liabilities  
of subsidiary undertakings.

(I) POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS
Details of post balance sheet events relevant to the Company and the Group are given in note 18 of the Group  
financial statements.

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123

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor’s Report to the 
members of Intertek Group plc only

OPINIONS AND CONCLUSIONS ARISING FROM OUR AUDIT
1  Our opinion on the financial statements is unmodified
We have audited the financial statements of Intertek Group  
plc for the year ended 31 December 2014 set out on pages  
77 to 121. In our opinion: 

•   the financial statements give a true and fair view of the  

state of the Group’s and of the Parent Company’s affairs  
as at 31 December 2014 and of the Group’s profit for the 
year then ended; 

•   the Group financial statements have been properly prepared 

in accordance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards as adopted by the European Union; 

•  the parent Company financial statements have been properly 
prepared in accordance with UK Accounting Standards; and 
•  the financial statements have been prepared in accordance 
with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and, as 
regards the Group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS 
Regulation. 

2  Our assessment of risks of material misstatement
In arriving at our audit opinion above on the financial 
statements the risks of material misstatement that had the 
greatest effect on our audit were as follows:

Completeness and estimated amount of the customer 
claims provision (£6.8m): 

Refer to page 53 (Audit & Risk Committee Report), page  
83 (accounting policy) and page 100 (financial disclosures).

The risk – The Group is involved in various claims and lawsuits 
incidental to the ordinary course of its business. The omission 
of one or more significant claims from the customer claims 
provision and the judgement involved in estimating the 
amounts included for an individual claim is considered a key 
audit risk. The large number of subsidiaries and geographically 
diverse operations of the Group increases the risk that a claim  
is not identified. For the various customer claims identified and 
reported across the Group, the determination of the required 
provision amount, if any, is inherently subjective due to the 
range of potential outcomes and the uncertainty around  
its resolution. 

Our response – Our audit procedures included, among others: 
challenging the completeness of the Group’s monitoring  
of claims by assessing the process by which claims across  
the Group are reported and collated for the Group Claims 
Summary; assessing the completeness of claims reported  
by local management for inclusion in the Group’s Claims 
Summary, based on a comparison with claims identified at a 
subsidiary level and our assessment of the historical accuracy  
of the Group in identifying claims and including them on the 
Claims Summary; obtaining formal confirmations from the 
Group’s lawyers that the Group has engaged with in respect  
of key claims in the last 24 months, in order to assess the status 
of any legal claims which the Group is dealing with and 
whether all potential exposures have been identified; and, 
challenging the key assumptions made by the Directors of the 

Group in calculating the provision based on our assessment  
of the historical accuracy of the Group’s estimates and 
assumptions in previous periods. We also assessed the 
adequacy of the Group’s related disclosures in notes 13 and 22. 

Valuation of current tax and deferred tax balances, and 
impact on the income tax expense (Deferred tax liability 
£35.2m. Deferred tax asset £24.6m): 

Refer to page 53 (Audit & Risk Committee Report), page 83 
(accounting policy) and pages 88 to 91 (financial disclosures).

The risk – The Group operates in numerous tax jurisdictions 
across the world. As a result the tax charge on profits is 
determined according to a variety of sometimes complex tax 
laws and regulations. In addition, the recognition of deferred 
tax assets can be complex due to the judgements and estimates 
required in forecasting future taxable profits across these 
jurisdictions. Where the effect of these laws and regulations  
is unclear, judgements are used in determining the liability for 
the tax to be paid. The related deferred tax assets and liabilities 
require judgement in determining the amounts to be 
recognised, with consideration required to be given to  
the timing and level of future taxable income. 

Our response – Our audit procedures included, among others, 
using our own tax specialists, in the UK, USA and China, to 
assist us in assessing and challenging the assumptions and 
judgements made by the Directors of the Group and in 
assessing specific local tax issues. In assessing the Directors’ 
assumptions in determining provisions for transfer pricing and 
other exposures, we have used both our own tax specialists’ 
knowledge of recent tax cases and, where available, external 
data on the pattern of recent local tax settlements. In assessing 
the level of deferred tax balances recognised in the statement 
of financial position we compared the assumptions used in 
respect of future taxable income to the Group’s long-term 
forecasts for the relevant countries. We challenged the Group’s 
long-term forecasts by evaluating the assumptions and 
methodologies used by the Group. In particular, we considered 
the assumptions relating to the forecast revenue growth and 
profit margins in the relevant countries using externally derived 
data and our own assessments in relation to key inputs.  
We also assessed the adequacy of the Group’s related 
disclosures in Note 6. 

Carrying value of goodwill and other intangible  
assets (£954.8m)

Refer to page 54 (Audit & Risk Committee Report), page 83 
(accounting policy), and pages 94 to 97 (financial disclosures). 

The risk – The Group has significant goodwill and other 
intangible assets arising from acquisitions of businesses  
in a wide range of geographical locations. These assets are 
reviewed, either on a stand-alone basis or as part of a wider 
cash-generating unit (CGU) for impairment using a value in use 
calculation. The value in use calculation is based on forecasting 
and discounting future cash flows, both of which require a high 
level of judgment. The assessment of future profitability is 

The Group audit team instructed component auditors as to  
the significant areas to be covered, including the relevant risks 
detailed above and the information to be reported back. The 
Group audit team approved the component materialities, which 
ranged from £0.1m to £4.5m having regard to the mix of size 
and risk profile of the Group across the components. The audits 
and specified risk-focused audit procedures for group reporting 
purposes were performed by component auditors with the rest 
of the work being performed by the Group audit team. The 
Group audit team visited four locations in the year: UK, US, 
China and Hong Kong. Telephone meetings were also held  
with these component auditors and certain others that were 
not physically visited. At these meetings, the findings reported 
to the Group audit team were discussed in more detail, and  
any further work required by the Group audit team was then 
performed by the component auditor. 

4   Our opinion on other matters prescribed by the 

Companies Act 2006 is unmodified

In our opinion: 

•  the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be  

audited has been properly prepared in accordance with  
the Companies Act 2006; and 

•  the information given in the Strategic Report and the 
Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the  
financial statements are prepared is consistent with  
the financial statements.

dependent on many factors impacting the Group’s different 
CGUs, including the timing of the recovery in the oil & gas 
sector and the impact of cost savings from the current year 
restructuring and further committed restructuring plans, 
explained on page 20. The discount rates that are calculated  
for the individual CGUs include specific risk premiums that have 
to be determined by management. The decline in current year 
performance in some of the CGUs and the short term outlook 
results in the outcome of the impairment tests over certain 
CGUs being particularly sensitive to management’s forecasting 
assumptions which has increased the risk from the prior year.

Our response – We challenge the key assumptions such  
as earnings and cashflow forecasts used in the value in use 
calculation for each CGU tested, and the terminal value and 
discount rate assumptions used by management by comparing 
earnings forecasts with approved budgets used within the 
business for other purposes; comparing the results of the 
discounted cash flows against the Group’s market capitalisation 
to determine if there were any significant differences that 
required further examination; and applying sensitivities in 
determining whether the Group’s assessment was reasonable. 
We used our own Corporate Finance specialists to assist us in 
assessing the discount rates applied to the forecast cash flows 
and compared the earnings forecasts to external market data 
such as analyst reports. We also assessed the adequacy of the 
Group’s disclosures in Note 9.

3   Our application of materiality and an overview of the 

scope of our audit

The materiality for the Group financial statements as a whole 
was set at £16.5m, determined with reference to a benchmark 
of Group profit before tax, of which it represents 6.5%. 

We report to the Audit & Risk Committee any corrected  
and uncorrected identified misstatements in excess of £1.0m,  
in addition to other identified misstatements that warranted 
reporting on qualitative grounds. 

Of the Group’s 46 reporting components, we subjected 32  
to audits for group reporting purposes, and 1 to specified  
risk-focused audit procedures. The latter was not individually 
financially significant such as to require an audit for group 
reporting purposes, but did present specific individual risks  
that needed to be covered. These procedures covered 81%  
of Group revenue, 79% of Group profit before tax and 78%  
of Group total assets. For the remaining components, we 
performed analysis at an aggregated level to re-examine our 
assessment that there were no significant risks of material 
misstatement within these.

OtherOTHEROTHER INFORMATION INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014<>124

 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

125

Independent Auditor’s Report to the members  
of Intertek Group plc only continued

Shareholder and corporate information

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SCOPE OF REPORT AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities 
Statement set out on page 75, the Directors are responsible  
for the preparation of the financial statements and for being 
satisfied that they give a true and fair view. A description  
of the scope of an audit of financial statements is provided on 
the Financial Reporting Council’s website at www.frc.org.uk/
auditscopeukprivate. This report is made solely to the 
Company’s members as a body and is subject to important 
explanations and disclaimers regarding our responsibilities, 
published on our website at www.kpmg.com/uk/
auditscopeukco2014a, which are incorporated into  
this report as if set out in full and should be read to provide  
an understanding of the purpose of this report, the work  
we have undertaken and the basis of our opinions.

STEPHEN WARDELL
(Senior Statutory Auditor)  
for and on behalf of KPMG Audit Plc, Statutory Auditor 

Chartered Accountants 
15 Canada Square 
London E14 5GL

27 February 2015

5   We have nothing to report in respect of the matters 
on which we are required to report by exception 
Under ISAs (UK and Ireland) we are required to report to you  
if, based on the knowledge we acquired during our audit,  
we have identified other information in the annual report that 
contains a material inconsistency with either that knowledge  
or the financial statements, a material misstatement of fact,  
or that is otherwise misleading. 

In particular, we are required to report to you if: 

•  we have identified material inconsistencies between the 

knowledge we acquired during our audit and the Directors’ 
statement that they consider that the Annual Report and 
financial statements taken as a whole is fair, balanced and 
understandable and provides the information necessary for 
shareholders to assess the group’s performance, business 
model and strategy; or

•  the Audit & Risk Committee Report does not appropriately 
address matters communicated by us to the Audit & Risk 
Committee.

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to 
you if, in our opinion: 

•  adequate accounting records have not been kept by the 
Parent Company, or returns adequate for our audit have  
not been received from branches not visited by us; or 
•  the Parent Company financial statements and the part of  
the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited are not  
in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or 

•  certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified  

by law are not made; or

•   we have not received all the information and explanations  

we require for our audit.

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review:

•  the Directors’ statement, set out on page 56, in relation  

to going concern; and 

•  the part of the Corporate Governance Statement on pages 
44 to 45, relating to the Company’s compliance with the  
ten provisions of the 2012 UK Corporate Governance Code 
specified for our review.

We have nothing to report in respect of the above responsibilities.

SHAREHOLDERS’ ENQUIRIES
Any shareholder with enquiries relating to their shareholding 
should, in the first instance, contact our Registrars, Equiniti 
using the address on this page. 

ELECTRONIC SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS
Shareholders who would prefer to view documentation 
electronically can elect to receive automatic notification by 
email each time the Company distributes documents, instead 
of receiving a paper version of such documents. Registering 
for electronic communication is very straightforward and can 
be done via Shareview, at www.shareview.co.uk. Shareview  
is Equiniti’s suite of online services that helps shareholders  
to manage their holdings and gives access to a wide range  
of useful information. 

There is no fee for using this service and you will automatically 
receive confirmation that a request has been registered. Should 
you wish to change your mind or request a paper version of any 
documents in the future, you may do so by contacting the 
Registrar by email or by post. 

The facility also allows shareholders to view their holding 
details, submit a proxy vote for shareholder meetings, complete 
a change of address and provide dividend mandates online. 
Shareholders can also find out what to do if a share certificate 
is lost, as well as download forms in respect of changes of 
address, dividend mandates and share transfers. 

SHAREGIFT
If you have a small shareholding which is uneconomical to sell, 
you may want to consider donating it to ShareGift. The Orr 
Mackintosh Foundation operates this charity share donation 
scheme. Details of the scheme are available from:

ShareGift at www.sharegift.org 
T: +44 20 7930 3737

SHARE PRICE INFORMATION
Information on the Company’s share price is available from  
the investor pages of www.intertek.com

FINANCIAL CALENDAR
Financial year end 
Results announced 
Annual General Meeting 
Ex-dividend date for final dividend 
Record date for final dividend 
Final dividend payable 
Interim results announced 
Ex-dividend date for interim dividend 
Record date for interim dividend 
Interim dividend payable 

31 December 2014
2 March 2015
15 May 2015
21 May 2015
22 May 2015
5 June 2015
3 August 2015
1 October 2015
2 October 2015
13 October 2015

All future dates are indicative and subject to change.

INVESTOR RELATIONS
E: investor@intertek.com
T: +44 (0)20 7396 3400

REGISTRARS
Equiniti
Aspect House
Spencer Road
Lancing
West Sussex BN99 6DA
T: 0871 384 2653 (UK)*
T: +44 121 415 7047 (outside UK)

*   Calls to this number cost 8p per minute plus network extras; other providers’ 

costs may vary. Lines open 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.

AUDITORS
KPMG Audit Plc
15 Canada Square
London E14 5GL
T: +44 (0)20 7311 1000

BROKERS
J.P.Morgan Cazenove
25 Bank Street
Canary Wharf
London E14 5JP
T: +44 (0)20 7742 4000

Goldman Sachs International
Peterborough Court
133 Fleet Street
London EC4A 2BB
T: +44 (0)20 7774 1000

REGISTERED OFFICE
Intertek Group plc
25 Savile Row
London W1S 2ES
T: +44 (0)20 7396 3400
F: +44 (0)20 7396 3480
www.intertek.com

Registered number: 4267576

ISIN: GB0031638363

London Stock Exchange
Support Services
FTSE 100
Symbol: ITRK

OtherOTHEROTHER INFORMATION INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014<>126

Other

Global Reporting Initiative Index

Profile disclosures
Strategy & analysis
1
Statement from the most senior decision-maker of the organisation
1.1
2
Organisational profile
2.1 Name of the organisation

2.2

Primary brands, products, and/or services

2.3 Operational structure of the organisation, including main divisions

Location of organisation’s headquarters

2.4
2.5 Number of countries where the organisation operates

2.6 Nature of ownership and legal form
2.7 Markets served (including geographic breakdown, sectors served,  

2.8

2.9

and types of customers/beneficiaries)
Scale of the reporting organisation

Significant changes during the reporting period regarding size,  
structure or ownership

Report parameters
Reporting period 

2.10 Awards received in the reporting period
3
3.1
3.2 Date of most recent previous report
3.3
3.4 Contact point for questions regarding the report or its contents
3.5

Process for defining report content

Reporting cycle

3.6

Boundary of the report

Limitations on the scope or boundary of the report
Basis for reporting on joint ventures, subsidiaries and other entities

3.7
3.8
3.10 Re-statements of information provided in earlier reports
3.11 Significant changes from previous reporting periods in the scope,  

boundary or measurement methods applied in the report

3.12 GRI Content Index
4
4.1 Governance structure of the organisation, including committees under  

Governance, commitments and engagement

the highest governance body
Independence of the Chair of the highest governance body

4.2

4.3 Details of the organisation’s unitary board structure, if applicable
4.4 Mechanisms for shareholders and employees to provide 

recommendations or direction to the highest governance body

4.14 List of stakeholder groups engaged by the organisation

4.15 Basis for identification and selection of stakeholders with whom to 

engage

 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014

127

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Inclusion Location

Comments

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔
✔

✔
✔

✔

✔

✔

✔
✔
✔
✔
✔

✔

✔
✔
✔
✔

✔

✔

✔

✔
✔

✔

✔

p. 4 and 5

Intertek  
at a glance
Intertek  
at a glance
Intertek  
at a glance
p. 125
Intertek  
at a glance
p. 125
Intertek  
at a glance
Intertek  
at a glance
p. 73

p. 8 and 39

–
–
–
p. 125
p. 54

p. 117

p. 82
p. 82
N/A
N/A

No significant changes to report

1 January – 31 December 2014
2013 Annual Report
Annual

Fair, balanced and 
understandable process
Note 23 to the financial 
statements

p. 126  
and 127 

GRI Content Index

p. 42 to 57 Directors’ Report

p. 48 

Board balance and 
independence

p. 48 to 51
p. 37 and 51 Employee survey, AGM

Intertek  
at a glance  
p. 2 to 5

and 51
p. 6 to 9,  
11 to 17

Chairman’s and CEO’s 
statements
Relationships with shareholders
Underpinned by business model, 
strategy and risk management

Performance indicators
EC1 Direct economic value generated and distributed
EC3 Coverage of the organisation’s defined benefit plan obligations

Inclusion Location
✔
✔

EC7 Procedures for local hiring and proportion of senior management hired  
from the local community at significant level of the organisation

EN3 Direct energy consumption by primary energy source
EN4 Indirect energy consumption by primary source
EN5 Energy saved due to conversation and efficiency improvements

P

✔
✔
P

EN6 Initiatives to provide energy efficient or renewable energy based products 
P

and services, and reductions in energy requirements as a result of these 
initiatives 

EN7 Initiatives to reduce indirect energy consumption and reductions achieved P

p. 39

✔
EN16 Total direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions by weight
EN18 Initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reductions achieved
P
HR4 Total number of incidents of discrimination and corrective actions taken P

p. 39
p. 39
p. 37

LA1 Total workforce by employment type, employment contract and region

P

p. 38

LA5 Minimum notice period(s) regarding significant operational changes,  

including whether it is specified in collective agreements 

LA7 Rates of injury, occupational diseases, lost days and absenteeism,  

and number of work-related fatalities

LA11 Programs for skills management and lifelong learning that support the  
continued employability of employees assist them in managing career 
endings

LA13 Composition of governance bodies and breakdown of employees per 
category according to gender, age group and minority group 
membership

SO1 Percentage of operations with implemented local community 

engagement,  
impact assessments, and development programs

✔

✔

P

P

P

–

p. 38

p. 37

p. 38,  
46 to 47

Comments

p. 37

p. 76 to 117
p. 109 to 113 Note 16 to the financial 
statement
Description of employment 
policies and practices
Our environment
Our environment
Description of activities 
undertaken
Description of some of the 
services provided to clients

p. 39
p. 39
p. 39

p. 36

Description of some of the 
initiatives undertaken in 
reporting period
Our environment
Some initiatives identified
Description of employment 
policies and practices
Data exists on number of 
employees by global region
Minimum notice periods, where 
applicable, are governed by local 
law
Data on rates of injuries  
and work-related fatalities
Number of courses and number 
of courses undertaken by 
employees
Intertek total workforce by gender
Board of Directors

p. 40 to 41 Description of activities 
undertaken

SO3 Percentage of employees trained in organisation’s anti-corruption policies  

✔

p. 37 to 38 Professional conduct

and procedures

SO4 Actions taken in response to incidents of corruption
SO6 Total value of financial and in-kind contributions to political parties,  

✔
✔

p. 37 to 38 Professional conduct
‘Political Donations’
p. 73

politicians, and related institutions by country

‘P’ indicates partial reporting. The above index indicates the section references for the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) requirements and supports our alignment  
to a level ‘C’ of reporting. Some requirements include references to our governance and organisational structure which are included throughout the Annual  
Report content.

OtherOTHEROTHER INFORMATION INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014<>CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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 INTERTEK GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014<>Intertek Group plc
25 Savile Row
London
W1S 2ES
United Kingdom
t: +44 20 7396 3400
f: +44 20 7396 3480
e: info@intertek.com
www.intertek.com

Offering a broad range of certification and accreditation marks accepted in markets around the world. 
Intertek’s mark of quality.

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