J. Smart & Co. Contractors PLC Annual Report 2018

FY2018 Annual Report · J. Smart & Co. Contractors PLC

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J. SMART & CO. (CONTRACTORS) PLC

ANNUAL REPORT
AND
STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS
TO
31s t JULY 2018

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

DIRECTORS
DaviD W Smart, Chairman and Joint Managing Director
John r Smart, Joint Managing Director
alaSDair h roSS
Patricia Sweeney

COMPANY SECRETARY
Patricia Sweeney

REGISTERED OFFICE
28 cramonD roaD South,
eDinburgh,
eh4 6ab

SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
mcGowan anD comPany (contractorS) limiteD
cramonD real eState comPany limiteD
thomaS menzieS (builDerS) limiteD
concrete ProDuctS (KirKcalDy) limiteD
c. & w. aSSetS limiteD
Smart ServiceD officeS limiteD

REGISTRARS AND TRANSFER OFFICE
equiniti limiteD,
34 South gyle creScent,
South gyle buSineSS ParK,
eDinburgh,
eh12 9eb

BANKERS
banK of ScotlanD,
75 george Street,
eDinburgh,
eh2 3ew

AUDITOR
french Duncan lLP,
chartereD accountantS,
133 finnieSton Street,
glaSgow,
g3 8hb

SOLICITORS
anDerSon Strathern llP,
1 rutlanD court,
eDinburgh,
eh3 8ey

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the Company will be held at the Registered
Office, 28 Cramond Road South, Edinburgh on 20th December 2018 at 12 noon, for the following purposes:

1. To receive and consider the Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31st July 2018 and the Report of the Directors

and the Independent Auditor’s Report.

2. To approve the Directors’ Remuneration Report for the financial year ended 31st July 2018 as set out on pages 22 to

27 in the Annual Report.

3. To declare a Final Dividend of 2.21p per share.

4. To re-elect John R Smart as a Director, who retires in accordance with provision B.7.1 of the UK Corporate

Governance Code.

5. To re-elect French Duncan LLP as Auditor.

6. To authorise the Directors to determine the remuneration of the Auditor.

7. To authorise the Company, via a special resolution, for the purposes of section 701 of the Companies Act 2006 to make
market purchases (as defined in section 693(4) of the Companies Act 2006) of its ordinary shares of 2p each (ordinary
shares) provided that:
(a)

the Company does not purchase under this authority more than 10% of the nominal value of the Company’s issued
share capital at the date of this notice;
the minimum price which the Company may pay for each ordinary share is 2p (exclusive of expenses); and
the maximum price which the Company may pay for each ordinary share is the higher of:
(i)

105% (exclusive of expenses) of the average market value of the Company’s equity shares for the five
business days prior to the day the purchase is made according to the Daily Official List of the London
Stock Exchange; and
the higher of the price of the last independent trade and the highest current independent bid for an ordinary
share on the trading venue where the purchase is carried out.

(b)
(c)

(ii)

This authority is to apply until the end of the next Annual General Meeting (or, if earlier, until the close of business
on 13th February 2020) but the Company may enter into a contract to purchase ordinary shares which will or may be
completed or executed wholly or partly after this authority ends, the Company may purchase these ordinary shares
pursuant to any contract as if the authority had not ended. Under this authority any shares purchased by the Company will
be cancelled.

8. To transact any other business of an Annual General Meeting.

Explanatory notes providing information in relation to each of the proposed resolutions in this Notice of Meeting can be
found on the Company’s website www.jsmart.co.uk.

A member entitled to attend and vote at this Meeting is entitled to appoint one or more proxies to attend
and vote on a poll instead of him/her. A proxy need not be a member. Forms of proxy, if used, must be
lodged with the Registrars of the Company at least 48 hours before the time fixed for the Meeting. Forms of
proxy may also be lodged electronically by submitting a duly completed scanned copy of the proxy card to
proxy.votes@equiniti.com. You may not use the electronic address provided either in this Notice of Meeting or any
related documents (including the Form of Proxy) to communicate with the Company for any purpose other than that
expressly stated.

In accordance with section 311A of the Companies Act 2006, the contents of this Notice of Meeting, details of the total
number of shares in respect of which members are entitled to exercise voting rights at the Annual General Meeting
and, if applicable, any members’ statements, members’ resolutions or members’ matters of business received by the
Company after the date of this Notice will be available on the Company’s website.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

Pursuant to section 319A of the Companies Act 2006, the Company must cause to be answered at the Annual General
Meeting any question relating to the business being dealt with at the Annual General Meeting which is put by a member
attending the meeting, except in certain circumstances, including if it is undesirable in the interests of the Company or
the good order of the Meeting that the question be answered or if to do so would involve the disclosure of confidential
information.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Patricia Sweeney
Company Secretary

28 Cramond Road South,
Edinburgh
EH4 6AB

20th November 2018

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

CHAIRMAN’S REVIEW

ACCOUNTS

Headline Group profit for the year before tax, including an unrealised surplus in revalued property and a profit on
unforeseen sales in a joint venture company, was £5,253,000 compared with £4,037,000 last year

As forecast, underlying profit before tax for the year of £2,394,000 (including £460,000 profit from sales in a joint venture
company) was less than last year’s figure of £3,423,000 (including £613,000 profit from property sales). As before, our
view is that discounting the increase in the revaluation of the commercial property portfolio provides a truer reflection of
Group performance.

The Board is recommending a Final Dividend of 2.21p making a total of 3.16p which compares with 3.12p for the
previous year. After waivers by members holding over 50% of the shares, the Final Dividend will cost the Company no
more than £402,000.

TRADING ACTIVITIES

Group construction activities including private residential sales decreased by 51%. Own work capitalised decreased
by 28% and headline Group profit increased by 30%. If you disregard the unexpected property sales in a joint venture
company, headline Group profit would have increased by 19%. Underlying Group profit decreased by 30%. If you
disregard the unexpected property sales in a joint venture company, underlying Group profit would have decreased by
44%.

Turnover in contracting was less than last year and the loss increased. As forecast there were no private residential sales
this year. Sales in precast concrete manufacture have decreased and a substantial loss has been incurred.

The social housing contracts at Fleming Place, Edinburgh are now both complete. The social housing contract at
Ferrymuir, as predicted, did not commence in April 2018. Construction has now commenced at Ferrymuir, albeit after
the end of the financial year.

The build contract for the Affordable Housing at the West Bowling Green Street development did commence prior to the
end of the financial year.

Progress at the mixed development at West Bowling Green Street has been satisfactory and reservations for the private
residential sale element of the development have been encouraging. The first completions and private residential sales
should occur in the current financial year.

Through the joint venture company, Duff Street Limited, as alluded to above, an unanticipated profit was realised through
the sale of 15 no. private residential flats. These flats had been let to tenants for a number of years and following an off-
market approach from a prospective purchaser, it was agreed to sell the flats. The joint venture company will be wound
up in due course.

The occupancy levels at our industrial estates, across all size brackets, remain positive. Rental growth has continued
over the range of different sized industrial units and locations through lettings of new stock and re-lettings/rent review
settlements of existing stock.

The second phases at Inchwood Park, Bathgate and West Edinburgh Business Park, South Gyle are now complete. The
second phase at Inchwood Park is now 100% let and the second phase of West Edinburgh Business Park is 75% let.
The joint venture company, Gartcosh Estates LLP, has been formed and work has commenced on the first medium
sized industrial unit at Gartcosh, with completion in early 2019. Two other medium sized industrial units may follow at
Gartcosh, depending on the outcome of the letting of the first unit.

Whilst not quite as prolific as our industrial stock, the voids in our office properties have been reduced through new
lettings and prospects for further lettings look promising. The first serviced office suite at Links Place, Leith, Edinburgh
through our subsidiary company, Smart Serviced Offices Limited, is now fully let. A second suite at Links Place has been
converted to co-working space, and whilst letting in this suite has been slow, this and the serviced office operation has
continued to assist in attracting prospective tenants to the building.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

CHAIRMAN’S REVIEW (continued)

TRADING ACTIVITIES (continued)

The planning application for the third phase of industrial development at West Edinburgh Business Park has been
concluded positively and will be issued shortly. The planning application for a residential development at Rosyth has
been submitted, but will take time to be determined.

FUTURE PROSPECTS

Work in hand in contracting is less than last year. Whilst we have some potential site acquisitions and tender work on the
horizon in the Housing Association sector, it is by no means certain whether new contracting work will be secured this
financial year.

There will be private housing sales this year, and as mentioned above, the level of reservations at West Bowling Green
Street is promising. Property valuation levels, yet again, have continued to improve since last year. It is difficult to gauge,
due to the current political uncertainty, quite whether the confidence in the housing market and the commercial property
market will continue or at some point may stall.

At this stage it is difficult to make an informed forecast for the outcome for the current year, however it seems unlikely
that the underlying profit will improve.

20th November 2018

DaviD W Smart
Chairman

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS

31st JULY 2018

The Directors present their Annual Report and the audited financial statements of the Group for the year ended
31st July 2018.

STRATEGIC REPORT

The Companies Act 2006 requires the Directors to prepare a Strategic Report which presents a fair review of the business
during the year to 31st July 2018 and of the position of the Group at the end of the financial year. The Strategic Report
also includes a description of the principal risks and uncertainties faced by the Group. The Strategic Report can be found
on pages 11 to 16 and is incorporated into the Report of the Directors by reference.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The Company is required, as a premium listed company on the London Stock Exchange, to prepare a report on Corporate
Governance in accordance with the Financial Reporting Council’s UK Corporate Governance Code (the Code). The
information required by the Code and also the Disclosure and Transparency Rules and the Listing Rules can be found on
pages 18 to 21 and is incorporated into the Report of the Directors by reference.

RESULTS AND DIVIDENDS

The profit of the Group after tax for the year ended 31st July 2018 amounted to £4,851,000 (2017, £3,727,000).

During the year the Company paid on 20th December 2017 a final dividend for the year to 31st July 2017 of 2.17p per
share (2017, 2.15p) and paid on 1st June 2018 an interim dividend for the year to 31st July 2018 of 0.95p per share (2017,
0.95p).

The Directors recommend a proposed final dividend for the year of 2.21p per share, making a total for the year of 3.16p.
This final dividend is subject to approval by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting in December 2018 and has
not been included as a liability in these financial accounts. If this dividend is approved it will be paid to the members on
the share register of the Company at the close of business on 23rd November 2018. Dividend warrants will be posted on
27th December 2018.

DIRECTORS

The following were Directors of the Company during the financial year ended 31st July 2018:

−

David W Smart

John R Smart

Alasdair H Ross

Patricia Sweeney

Details of the Directors are given on page 17.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS (continued)

31st JULY 2018

APPOINTMENT AND REPLACEMENT OF DIRECTORS

The Company’s Articles of Association (the Company’s Articles) give the Directors the power to appoint or remove
any Director. Initial appointments must be approved by the Board of Directors but anyone so appointed must be
re-elected by ordinary resolution at the next Annual General Meeting of the Company. In accordance with the Company’s
Articles, Directors are not required to retire by rotation, however, in accordance with provision B.7.1 of the UK
Corporate Governance Code, with the exception of the Chairman, all Directors must retire and offer themselves for
re-election at the Annual General Meeting at least every three years.

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS

Details of Directors’ interests in the ordinary share capital of the Company are given in the Directors’ Remuneration
Report. There have been no changes in Directors’ interests between 31st July 2018 and 19th October 2018.

Other than the original employment contract received on joining the company, no Director has been issued with a
Director’s Service Contract on appointment as a director. No Director has a material interest in any contract to which the
Company or any Subsidiary Company was a party to during the year.

DIRECTORS’ POWERS

The Company’s Articles state that the Directors may exercise all of the powers of the Company which also includes the
right of the Directors to buy back the Company’s shares based on the authority given by the shareholders following the
passing of a special resolution at the Company’s 2017 Annual General Meeting.

INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS

In accordance with the Company’s Articles and to the extent permitted by law, Directors are granted an indemnity by the
Company in respect of liabilities incurred as a result of their office. The Directors are also indemnified against the cost
of defending any proceedings whether criminal or civil in which judgement is given in favour of the Director or in which
the Director is acquitted or the charge is found not proven. The Company has maintained Directors’ and Officers’ liability
insurance cover throughout the financial year.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS (continued)

31st JULY 2018

CAPITAL MANAGEMENT AND SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

The capital structure of the Company consists of issued share capital, reserves and retained earnings represented
predominantly by investment properties, working capital and cash.

The Company’s issued ordinary share capital as at 31st July 2018 comprises a single class of ordinary share of 2p each.
Details of the issued share capital are shown in note 22 to the Accounts.

At the Annual General Meeting in 2017 the Company was authorised by the shareholders to purchase, in the market, up
to 10% of the Company’s issued share capital, as permitted under the Company’s Articles. The purpose of the market
purchase is to enhance the earnings per share and/or the equity shareholders’ funds per share. The Directors are seeking
renewal of this authority at the 2018 Annual General Meeting.

During the year the Company made market purchases of 816,000 ordinary shares of 2p under the existing authority, for a
total consideration of £908,000. The shares purchased were subsequently cancelled, and represented less than 2% of the
Company’s issued share capital at the start of the financial year.

All members who hold ordinary shares are entitled to attend and vote at a General Meeting. On a show of hands at a
General Meeting every member present in person and every duly appointed proxy shall have one vote and on a poll, every
member present in person or by proxy shall have one vote for every ordinary share held or represented. The Company is
not aware of any agreements between shareholders that may result in restrictions on voting rights of shareholders. Rights
attached to ordinary shares may only be varied by special resolution at a General Meeting.

There are no specific restrictions on the transfer of securities in the Company, other than those imposed by prevailing
legislation and the requirements of the Listing Rules in respect of Company Directors. The Company is not aware of any
agreements between shareholders that may result in restrictions on the transfer of securities.

Details of substantial shareholders can be found in the Company’s Corporate Governance Report.

ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

The Company’s Articles can only be amended by a special resolution at a General Meeting. No amendments are proposed
to be made to the existing Company Articles at the 2018 Annual General Meeting.

CHANGE OF CONTROL

The Company is not party to any significant agreements which take effect, alter or terminate upon change of control of
the Company following a takeover bid. The Company does not have any agreements with any Director or employee that
would provide compensation for loss of office or employment, whether through resignation, purported redundancy or
otherwise resulting from a takeover bid.

POLITICAL DONATIONS AND POLITICAL EXPENDITURE

It is the policy of the Group not to make donations for political purposes to EU Political Parties or incur EU Political
Expenditure and accordingly neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries made donations or incurred such expenditure in
the year.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS (continued)

31st JULY 2018

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

The Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors’ Report) Regulation 2013 requires all quoted companies to
report the greenhouse gas emissions for which they are responsible and on any environmental matters which are material
to the company’s operations.

Carbon emissions and energy use:

Emissions from:
Combustion of fuel and operation of facilities
Electricity, heat, steam and cooling purchased for own use
.
Total emissions

.
.
.

Group’s chosen intensity measurement:
Emissions reported above normalised to per full time equivalent employee
Emissions reported above normalised to per £million of revenues

2018
Tonnes of CO2e

2017
Tonnes of CO2e

1,587
179
1,766

8.531
165.744

1,530
323
1,853

7.127
81.059

Changes in the total greenhouse gas emissions by the Group over the year are a result of the reduction in and nature of
construction activities undertaken in the year together with a reduction in vacant properties within the Group’s investment
property portfolio.

As previously stated the construction revenue of the Group has decreased significantly and given that our main construction
activity is our own private housing development and work done thereon is not reflected in revenue this distorts the
intensity measurement of emissions reported per £million of revenues. The decrease in numbers of full time equivalent
employees has also resulted in this intensity measurement increasing this year.

We have reported on all the emission sources required under the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors’
Report) Regulations 2013. These sources fall within our Statement of Accounts. We do not have responsibility for any
emission sources that are not included in our Statement of Accounts.

Our greenhouse gas emissions have been calculated using the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting
Standard (revised edition), data gathered to fulfil our requirements under these Regulations, and emission factors from
the UK Government’s GHG Conversion Factors for Company Reporting 2018. Emissions are calculated on the location
based methodology.

WASTE MANAGEMENT

We manage waste in accordance with the waste hierarchy and ensure compliance with all applicable environmental
legislation across all our operations. Construction waste is managed through site waste management plans which ensure
waste arising is minimised, reused or recycled. Waste reduction is considered at the building design stage and any waste
arising in construction is segregated either on site or off site. Where possible, waste is reused on site and waste to landfill
is minimised with preference given to recycling or energy recovery. Training is provided to all staff and subcontractors
and waste champions are assigned to each site to ensure compliance with our waste policies and procedures.

GOING CONCERN

The Group’s business activities, performance and principal risks and uncertainties are set out in the Strategic Report.

The Group has adequate financial resources and is not reliant on external funding, and the Directors believe that the
Group is well placed to manage its business risks successfully. After making enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable
expectation that the Company and Group have adequate financial resources to allow the Company and Group to continue
in operational existence for a period of at least twelve months from the date of approval of the financial statements and
therefore considers the adoption of the going concern basis as appropriate for the preparation of the Annual Report and
Statement of Accounts.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS (continued)

31st JULY 2018

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

It is not anticipated that the activities of the Company and its Subsidiaries, as described in the Strategic Report, will
substantially change in the immediate future with the exception of Concrete Products (Kirkcaldy) Limited as noted below
in post balance sheet events.

POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS

There have been no events occuring after the Balance Sheet date that the Directors consider should be brought to the
attention of the shareholders with the exception of Concrete Products (Kirkcaldy) Limited. Due to the substantial losses
made by this company in the current and previous years the Directors took the decision that the company should cease
to trade. This decision was made just prior to the date of approval of the accounts. In the year to 31st July 2018 this
company’s revenue amounted to £2,100,000 and it suffered a loss before tax of £466,000 which was after adjustments for
impairment of property, plant and equipment of £116,000 and write down of inventories of £121,000. The Group will
incur costs of cessation but at this time these costs cannot be quantified.

AUDITOR

The Company’s auditor, French Duncan LLP, has expressed willingness to continue in office. Resolutions to re-appoint
them as the Company’s auditor and to authorise the Directors to determine their remuneration will be proposed at the
Company’s forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

The Chairman’s Review on pages 4 and 5 and the Strategic Report on pages 11 to 16 have been prepared to provide
additional information to members of the Company to assess the Group’s strategy and the potential for the strategy to
succeed. It should not be relied on by any other party or for any other purpose.

This Annual Report and Statement of Accounts contain certain forward-looking statements relating to operations,
performance and financial status. By their nature, such statements 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, including both economic and
business risk factors that could cause actual results or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied
by these forward-looking statements. These statements are made by the Directors in good faith based on the information
available to them up to the time of their approval of this Report.

STATEMENT OF DISCLOSURE TO AUDITOR

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

20th November 2018

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Patricia Sweeney
Company Secretary

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

STRATEGIC REPORT

31st JULY 2018

The Directors present their Strategic Report of the Group for the year ended 31st July 2018.

The purpose of the Strategic Report is to provide the members of the Company with information to allow them to assess
how the Directors have performed their duty to promote the success of the Company and Group.

OUR BUSINESS MODEL, STRATEGY AND OBJECTIVES

The Company was established in 1947 and was listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1965.

The principal activities of the Group are building and civil engineering contracting, residential development for sale, the
development of industrial and commercial property for lease, the manufacture of hydraulically pressed concrete products,
and the provision of serviced office spaces. All the construction work involved in these activities is carried out by the
Company and its Subsidiaries. Sub-contracting is kept to a minimum. The main area of operations is the central belt of
Scotland.

The main construction activity undertaken by the Group is that of social housing for several housing associations and
registered social landlords predominately in the Edinburgh area and is undertaken by the Company, J. Smart & Co.
(Contractors) PLC.

The Group has a portfolio of self-financed industrial and commercial properties which are owned and managed by
subsidiary company, C. & W. Assets Limited. The investment properties are located throughout the central belt of
Scotland but primarily in the Edinburgh area, this being the area of the country we are familiar with and understand. Our
portfolio currently extends to more than 1,000,000 sq ft.

The Group has five other subsidiaries. Thomas Menzies (Builders) Limited carries out small to medium sized building
and civil engineering work for a variety of clients. McGowan and Company (Contractors) Limited provides plumbing
support to the main construction companies. Concrete Products (Kirkcaldy) Limited manufactures hydraulically pressed
concrete products sold to the trade. Cramond Real Estate Company Limited, is the investment holding company of the
Group and holds the Group’s equity investments and monies on bank deposits. Smart Serviced Offices Limited which
trades as Foxglove Offices provides serviced office spaces in Leith.

The Group also has interests in a number of Joint Venture Companies which were established for purposes of property
development.

The Group operates out of premises in Edinburgh and Kirkcaldy, with the centralised administration and finance function
being at the head office in Edinburgh. Full support is given by the company Directors and the finance staff to all Group
companies based at the two locations.

We maintain a core employee base which is beneficial to the growth and success of the Group due to the fact that they have
the expertise to ensure the construction activities of the Group are efficiently run, achieve high level of quality of work
and retain control over operations. Employees who manage the Group’s investment property portfolio are fully aware of
current market conditions and ensure that there is appropriate marketing of the Group’s investment property portfolio. We
employ our own maintenance team thereby ensuring that our investment property portfolio is always in good condition
and ready for let.

Our objectives are to identify and exploit promising business opportunities as they arise to the benefit of the Group, its
shareholders and employees without over extending Group resources. While endeavouring to complete all our operations
as efficiently and to as high a standard as possible we do not set ourselves general performance yardsticks or volumetric
targets.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

STRATEGIC REPORT (continued)

31st JULY 2018

OUR BUSINESS MODEL, STRATEGY AND OBJECTIVES (continued)

To achieve these objectives our strategy is to continue to maintain and develop the relationships we have with social housing
providers and develop relationships with new and existing partners to establish new areas of construction opportunities,
retain our core workforce and only use specialist subcontractors with proven track records in the Group to ensure work
quality. We will continue to build both our residential properties and investment property portfolio within the central belt
of Scotland, being the area of the country with which we are familiar. We will build up our resources to ensure the Group
has sufficient current working capital facilities and financing for future commercial and private residential developments.

In achieving our objectives we aim to generate value by creating long-term and sustainable returns for our shareholders
by growing our income and profits and increasing the value of our investment portfolio and the net assets of the Group.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Construction activities

Revenue
Operating loss

.
.

2018
£000)
12,502)
(1,854)

2017
£000
25,419)
(673)

As stated in last year’s financial statements turnover from construction activities has significantly reduced from the
previous year. This is due to the fact that our contracting work in the year was considerably lower than the previous
year. At the start of the year we were working on two social housing developments which completed by the year end and
commenced work on one new social housing development. We also commenced work on the industrial unit for our new
Joint Venture company by the end of the financial year.

We continue to work on our private housing development at West Bowling Green Street. The entire development is still
at the construction stage and no actual sales were concluded in the year.

In the year we completed work on two of our own industrial properties for the Group and no new self build construction
projects commenced in the year.

Given the construction activity as noted above and the resulting turnover generated this has had a significant impact on
the recoverability of fixed overheads. Also taking the loss provisions provided on current construction contracts this has
resulted in a loss being suffered in the year which has increased from that suffered in the previous year.

The Directors continue to monitor the progress of construction contracts with regards to costs incurred and the profitability
thereof. They also monitor the fixed overheads of the Group to ensure they are as minimal as possible.

Investment activities

Income from investment properties .
.
.
Profit on sale of investment properties
Net surplus on valuation of investment properties
.
Operating profit from investment properties

.
.

.
Income from available for sale financial assets
Profit on sale of available for sale financial assets .

Share of profits in Joint Ventures

.
.
.
.

.
.

.
.
.
.

.
.

.
.
.
.

.
.

.
.
.
.

.
.

2018
£000
6,352)
–)
2,859)
6,417)

2017
£000
6,090)
613)
614)
4,519)

43)
4)

32)
22)

463)

42)

.
.
.
.

.
.

.
.
.
.

.
.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

STRATEGIC REPORT (continued)

31st JULY 2018

PERFORMANCE REVIEW (continued)

Investment activities (continued)

Income from the Group’s investment properties continues to increase due to new industrial properties becoming available
for letting, a reduction in void properties and increased rental values across both our industrial and commercial properties.

The only movements in the Group’s investment property portfolio was the addition of industrial units at two of our
existing estates. The letting within these additional phases has been positive with one fully let and the other 75% let.
There were no disposals in the year.

Property valuations have increased again this year and the surplus thereon has significantly increased over that of the
previous year which in the main accounts for the increase in the operating profit earned this year.

There has been limited movement in the Group’s available for sale financial assets in that there were no additions to the
portfolio this year and the sales which did occur only generated a small profit. Income from the portfolio continues to
grow.

During the year one of the Joint Venture companies earned a significant profit arising from the sale of 15 properties which
it had in stock and had been previously renting to tenants. As a result, the share of profits earned from Joint Venture
companies this year were considerably higher than the previous year.

Group results and ﬁnancial position

Profit before tax
Net bank position
Net assets

.
.
.

2018
£000
5,253
11,776
96,593

2017
£000
4,037
20,269
93,858

The Group has again reported a profit before tax for the year and this is higher than that of the previous year. The profit
has been earned by the investment activities of the Group, the increase in which has covered the increased loss suffered
in the Group’s construction activities.

Our bank position, which comprises monies held on deposit, cash and cash equivalents and the netting of our bank
overdraft, has worsened this year and this is due to the fact that we are self funding our private housing development
at West Bowling Green Street, so until the properties are sold there will be no cash inflow from this development. The
first of these sales will occur in the current financial year. The decrease in the bank position has also been a result of the
reduced construction activity turnover and the continuing level of fixed overheads plus the monies paid for the purchase
of own shares and the dividends paid in the year.

The Group’s net assets are impacted by the profit earned in the year, the movement in the valuation of the Group’s
available for sale financial assets, the increase in the Group’s retirement benefit surplus which was mainly due to the
actuarial gain recognised in the year, net of the shares bought back in the year and the dividends paid to shareholders.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

STRATEGIC REPORT (continued)

31st JULY 2018

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Group’s financial instruments consist of bank balances and cash, available for sale financial assets, trade receivables
and trade payables. The main purpose of the financial instruments are to provide working capital for the Group’s continuing
activities and provide funding for future activities whether in construction or investment. Given the nature of the Group’s
financial instruments the main risk associated with these is credit risk, however this is minimised due to the fact that
exposure is spread over a number of counterparties and customers. The Group is not exposed to interest rate risk as it
does not have any net debt but it does suffer from fallen interest rates on the amount we can earn on monies on deposit.

TOTAL DIVIDEND

The Directors are recommending a final dividend of 2.21p per share which taken with the interim dividend of 0.95p
already paid in the year gives a total dividend for the year of 3.16p (2017, 3.12p), being an increase of 1% on the dividend
rate for 2017.

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

The Group is required to report the greenhouse gas emissions for which it is responsible and on any environmental matters
which are material to the Group’s operations. Details of our emissions for the year to 31st July 2018 are set out in the
Report of the Directors on page 9.

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

The principal risks and uncertainties faced by the Group and the mitigating factors taken by the Group against these risks
are detailed below. The principal risks noted below are not all of the risks faced by the Group but are those risks which
the Group perceives as those which could have a significant impact on the Group’s performance and future prospects.

Area of principal risk or uncertainty
and impact

By focusing external construction
activities in the social housing sector,
which
is a competitive market,
failure to win new contracts would
impact on our volume of work and
therefore the workforce required by
the Group.

availability

Decline in home buyer confidence
and
affordable
mortgages resulting in stalling of
private house sales.

Mitigating actions and controls

• Maintain long term relationships with social housing providers, resulting
from high standards of service, quality and post construction care thus
giving the Group an advantage over other builders when contracts are
awarded on criteria other than cost only.

• Identify potential build sites or include the provider within private housing
developments in relation to the element of affordable housing required.
• When workload is reduced workforce can be diverted to the Group’s own

commercial and private residential developments.

• Continue to acquire land for development for either private housing
developments or for resale to social housing providers as part of a construction
contract.

• Develop new areas of construction activities.
• Develop new joint venture opportunities.

• Providing a range of purchase assistance schemes to buyers.
• Building developments in popular residential areas.
• Building high quality specification homes with attention to detail which sets
them apart from other new build homes and therefore attractive to buyers.
• Building a range of homes within a development thus providing choice to

buyers.

• Providing sales incentives.
• Consider letting of homes at market rates until the market improves.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

STRATEGIC REPORT (continued)

31st JULY 2018

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES (continued)

Area of principal risk or uncertainty
and impact

Social housing sector and in general
is highly
the housing market
competitive with tight margins.

Reduction
in rental demand for
investment properties may result in a
fall in property valuations.

Reduction in demand for UK real
estate from investors may result in a
fall in valuations within our investment
property portfolio, this could result in
delays in investment decisions which
could impact on our activities.

Political events and policies result
in uncertainty until final decisions
have been made and the impact of
decisions are known, this could result
in delays in investment decisions
which could impact on our activities.

Reduction of financial resources.

Mitigating actions and controls

• We are an ‘all trades’ contractor who employs our own personnel in all
basic building trades who are supervised by site agents who are long serving
employees of the Group, who have been promoted through their trades, thus
ensuring control of labour costs on contracts.

• We have invested heavily in plant and the maintenance thereof and therefore
limit our costs on contracts by utilising own plant as opposed to incurring
higher costs of hiring plant.

• Subcontractors employed by the Group are specialists in their fields and in
the main subcontractors have previously been used by the Group therefore
quality of work and reliability is known. No labour only subcontractors are
employed.

• In house architectural technicians and surveyors provide pre-contract design
advice to resolve potential technical problems with the build and therefore
potential costs.

• Only commence speculative developments after careful assessment of the

market.

• Restricting our operations to the central belt of Scotland being the area of

the country with which we are familiar.

• Continually maintain and refurbish existing properties to retain existing

tenants and attract new tenants.

• Provide necessary financial incentives to retain existing tenants at end of

current leases and attract new tenants.

• The Directors regularly review the property market to ascertain if changes
in the overall market present specific risks or opportunities to the Group.
• Restricting our operations to the central belt of Scotland being the area of

the country with which we are familiar.

• Before any decisions are taken by the Directors in any area of the Group’s
activities the level of uncertainty and range of potential outcomes arising
from political events and policies are considered.

• Ensure resources are not over committed and only undertake commercial
and private housing developments after due consideration of the financial
impact on the Group financial resources.

• Build up resources to ensure the Group has sufficient finance for working
capital requirements and financing of commercial and private housing
developments.

• Spread cash reserves over several banks taking account of the strength of

the bank and interest rates attainable.

• Invest resources in equities also taking account of the security of the

investment and the yields attainable.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

STRATEGIC REPORT (continued)

31st JULY 2018

VIABILITY STATEMENT

The Directors have assessed the viability of the Group over a three year period to July 2021, taking account of the Group’s
current financial strength, business model and strategy. The Directors have also taken account of the principal risks and
uncertainties facing the Group and the actions being taken to mitigate these risks as described above.

The assessment period of three years has been chosen as the Directors consider this period to be appropriate as it fits well
with the Group’s development and investment property cycles.

The Group’s financial planning process consists of cash flow projections based on the current financial position and
assumptions on future developments and investment property acquisitions and disposals. As the Group is net debt free the
Directors are assessing the cash impact of their assumptions of future activity to ensure that this position is maintained.
The Directors vary their assumptions in terms of economic, investment and other factors to different scenarios to assess
the impact on the Group’s cash position. Even with these sensitivities applied the Group is net debt free.

Based on this assessment the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group will continue in operation and meet
its liabilities as they fall due over the period to July 2021.

EMPLOYEES

The Group recognises the contribution of the staff to the success of the Group. The Group operates with a core employee
base who in the main have been with the Group for a considerable length of time and have gained a significant knowledge
of the sectors the Group operates in and of the companies within the Group. Where appropriate the Group promotes from
within whether that be the Directors, staff or site employees. The Group recognises the importance of retaining its core
staff to ensure its future success.

The Group does not have a specific Human Rights policy but it does have policies on recruitment and retention of
employees and communication with employees which are aimed at ensuring employees are fairly treated during their
employment with the Group.

The Group is committed to providing equal opportunities in recruitment and employment, full and fair consideration is
given to all applicants for employment and to all existing employees for promotion. Where employees become disabled
during their employment and are unable to fulfil current duties they are offered suitable alternative employment within
the Group, if feasible.

It is the Group’s policy that there should be effective communication with employees at all levels, on matters which affect
their current jobs or future prospects and all Directors and senior staff members make themselves available to all staff
to discuss any matters of concern. In achieving this policy, the Directors are aware of the need to take account of the
practical and commercial considerations of the Group, and the needs of the employees.

A breakdown by gender of Directors, senior managers and all employees is given below:

Directors
Senior Managers
Total Employees

Male
3
1
194

Female
1
1
13

20th November 2018

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Patricia Sweeney
Company Secretary

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

DIRECTORS

David W Smart, Chairman and Joint Managing Director Aged 45
Joined the Company in 1998
Appointed Director in 2010
Appointed Chairman and Joint Managing Director in 2017

John R Smart, Joint Managing Director Aged 48
Joined the Company in 2002
Appointed Director in 2013
Appointed Joint Managing Director in 2017

Alasdair H Ross Aged 56
Joined the Company in 1989
Appointed Director in 2012

Patricia Sweeney Aged 49
Joined the Company in 2011
Appointed Director in 2017

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

31st JULY 2018

STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE

This statement details how your Company has applied the main and supporting principles of corporate governance as set
out in the Financial Reporting Council’s UK Corporate Governance Code issued in April 2016 (the Code). A copy of the
Code can be found on the Financial Reporting Council’s website, www.frc.org.uk.

The Board of Directors (the Board) is committed to the principles of openness, integrity and accountability in dealing with
the Company’s affairs and believes it has always acted with probity in the best interests of the Company, its employees
and shareholders without recourse to guidance or instruction from others and fully intends to continue to do so in the
future.

The Board recognises that as it has no non-executive Directors on the Board, no Nomination, Remuneration or Audit
Committees have been established and therefore the Company has not complied with any of the principles of the Code
relating to non-executive directors or the establishment and operations of these committees. Also, the Board recognises
that it has not fully complied with other principles of the Code relating to the division of responsibilities and evaluation
of the Board as a whole and the Directors individually. Details and explanations for all principles not complied with are
given below.

THE BOARD
The Company is led by the Board which comprises the executive management of the Company, being the Chairman
who is one of the two Joint Managing Directors and two other executive Directors, and thus maintains full control of the
Company, sets the strategic aims of the Company and ensures the Company has adequate financial and human resources
to meet its objectives. All the Directors worked for the Company prior to their appointments as Director and therefore
have the appropriate skills, experience and knowledge of the Company to ensure that the Board discharges its duties and
responsibilities effectively.

Decisions are taken by the Board quickly and effectively following ad hoc consultation among the Directors concerned
when any matter arises. Your Board takes the view that this direct and flexible approach is preferable to the more
cumbersome procedures prevalent in larger organisations and has made a considerable contribution to your Company’s
continuing success and ensures that this approach best serves the interests of the Company and its shareholders.

The Board held 2 formal Board Meetings in the year, which were attended by all Directors.

During the year the Directors also met regularly on an ad hoc basis to undertake the executive management of the
Company and take decisions on all material matters quickly and effectively thus exercising full direction and control of
the Company. Given the way in which the Board and Company operates there is no requirement for a formal schedule of
matters reserved for the Board’s decision.

The Chairman of the Company is also one of the Joint Managing Directors. Bearing in mind the size of the Company,
the Board sees no value in splitting the role of the Chairman and Managing Director, a policy which has served your
Company well over many years. The Chairman is responsible for the leadership of the Board, ensuring that all the
Directors receive accurate, timely and clear information on issues arising at formal and ad hoc Board meetings, setting
Board agendas and ensuring adequate time is given to discussion of the agenda points. The members of the Board have
complete freedom to seek independent professional advice, at the Company’s expense, when they feel it is appropriate to
do so. All Directors have access to the advice and services of the Company Secretary, who is responsible for ensuring that
Board procedures are followed and that applicable rules and regulations are complied with. All Directors openly express
their views and make a valuable contribution to the running of the Company.

Information regarding the Directors’ interests in ordinary shares of the Company is given in the Directors’ Remuneration
Report.

The Chairman is also responsible for ensuring effective communication with shareholders and ensuring that their views
and concerns are brought to the attention of the Board.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE (continued)

31st JULY 2018

THE BOARD (continued)

The Board considers that increasing the manning level of the Board by 50% by the appointment of two non-executive
Directors would increase costs and impose an additional administrative burden for no discernible benefit and, accordingly,
would serve no useful purpose. As a result of not appointing non-executive Directors, the Company has not established
Nomination, Remuneration or Audit Committees or identified an independent Director.

As the Company does not have a Nomination Committee, nominations for appointment of new Directors to the Board are
submitted by the Chairman for approval by the other members of the Board. As all the Directors of the Company were
long-serving employees of the Company at the date of appointment this ensures that the skills, experience and knowledge
are retained in the Company and onto the Board. Due regard is taken of the benefits of diversity, including gender on the
Board when appointments are made. No formal tailored induction upon joining the Board is considered necessary. As the
Directors are all full-time employees of the Company they are fully committed to the Company and are able to allocate
sufficient time to the Company in discharging their duties and responsibilities effectively. The Directors are encouraged
by the Board to receive any training they consider necessary to ensure they remain up-to-date with their skills, knowledge
and familiarity of the Company’s business and they remain aware of the risks associated with the Company and are also
aware of regulatory, legal, financial and other developments to enable them to fulfil their role effectively.

There is no formal system of performance evaluation of the Board or the Directors individually given the manner in which
the Board operates on a day to day basis.

The Company’s Articles of Association do not require that Directors retire by rotation, however, in accordance with
provision B.7.1 of the Code all Directors, with the exception of the Chairman, seek re-election at intervals of no more
than three years at the Annual General Meeting. Also in accordance with provision B.7.1 of the Code all new Directors
are subject to re-election at the first Annual General Meeting following their appointment.

As the Company does not have a Remuneration Committee, the Chairman is responsible for fixing the remuneration
packages of the Directors which are based on their performance and the scope of their duties and responsibilities. No
Director has a service contract with the Company other than their initial employment contract and accordingly periods
of notice and termination payments are structured in accordance with Employment Law. There is no scheme in place
for a Director to receive entitlement to share options nor are there any long term incentive schemes. Full details of the
Company’s remuneration policy are given in the Directors’ Remuneration Report.

FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS REPORTING
The Directors have sole responsibility for the preparation of the Annual Report and Statement of Accounts which taken
as a whole is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information necessary for the shareholders to assess the
Company’s performance, business model and strategy. The Directors are also solely responsible for the preparation of
the Interim Report and other price-sensitive public reports in a fair, balanced and understandable manner. The basis on
which the Company creates and preserves value over the long term is described in the business model within the Strategic
Report.

In order to ensure that the Company and Group have adequate resources to ensure the continuing operations of the
Company and Group for the foreseeable future the Directors consider current and future trading, investment property
acquisitions and cash requirements. The Directors take account of prevailing market conditions in all areas of the Group’s
activities and use their knowledge and experience relating to the Group’s investment property portfolio. The Directors’
opinion is that the Company and Group have adequate financial resources to allow the Company and Group to continue
in operational existence for the foreseeable future and therefore considers the adoption of the going concern basis as
appropriate for the preparation of the Accounts.

The Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities is set out on page 28.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE (continued)

31st JULY 2018

RISK MANAGEMENT AND INTERNAL CONTROL

The Board is responsible for and annually reviews the Group’s system of internal controls in relation to financial,
operational, compliance and risk management to ensure their continued effectiveness. The systems adopted by the Board
are designed to manage the risk of failure to achieve the Company’s business objectives as opposed to eliminate them
as any system of control can only provide reasonable but not absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss.
The Board, in accordance with the Code, has reviewed the effectiveness of the internal controls from the commencement
of the accounting period to the date of approval of the Annual Report and Statement of Accounts. No significant failings
or weaknesses have been identified in that period. There has also been a continual process of identification by the
Directors of key areas of risk within the Group and appropriate action taken to mitigate and monitor such risks. The
Directors confirm that they have carried out a robust assessment of the principal risks facing the Group, as detailed in the
Strategic Report, including those which threaten the business model, future performance, solvency and liquidity of the
Group.
The main features of the Group’s internal control and risk management systems in relation to the financial reporting
process are:
–

contracts, development projects, land purchases and acquisition of property, plant and equipment are
proceeded with after due consideration by the Directors;
monthly reports are prepared for each contract and development project for review by the Directors;
subsidiary Company reports are prepared for consideration by the Directors; and
treasury operations are carried out in accordance with policies and procedures already approved by
the Board.

−
−
−

AUDIT
As the Company does not have an Audit Committee, it is the responsibility of the Chairman and Company Secretary
on a continuing basis to consider how the financial reporting and internal control principles apply to the Company, to
maintain an appropriate relationship with the Group’s Auditor and to review the scope and results of the audit and its cost
effectiveness. The Board is responsible for setting the remuneration of the Auditor.

Currently there are no proposals to undertake a retendering of the Company’s external audit function. The Company’s
external auditor has held office since 1975 and there has been no audit tender since that appointment. The Board continues
to assess the independence and effectiveness of the external audit function to ensure the integrity of the audit role provided
by the current external auditor on behalf of the shareholders. The Board also takes into account the external auditor’s own
policies and procedures regarding their integrity and independence including their procedures for rotation of audit partner
and senior staff and the professional standards they have to adhere to. At this time the Board has concluded that there is
no requirement to place the external audit function out to tender.

Mandatory rotation of the external auditor has become effective for all public limited companies following implementation
of an EU ruling which has become part of Companies Act 2006 via Statutory Instrument: The Statutory Auditors and
Third Country Auditors Regulations 2016. Given that our current external auditor has held office for over 20 years we
will be required to appoint a new external auditor for the audit of the Group’s accounts for the year ending 31st July 2021.

In order to ensure the continued independence and objectivity of the Group’s Auditor, the Board has established policies
regarding the provision of non-audit services by the Auditor. In some cases, the nature of the non-audit advice may make
it more timely and cost effective to select the Group’s Auditor, who already have a good understanding of the Group. In
other circumstances the decisions on the allocation of work are made on the basis of competence and cost effectiveness.

The Board has considered and for the time being has concluded that an internal audit function is not necessary. The Board
will continue to review the need for such a function. As such there is no internal audit of the risks identified by the Board
and the controls established by the Board to mitigate and monitor these risks.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE (continued)

31st JULY 2018

SIGNIFICANT JUDGEMENTS, KEY ASSUMPTIONS AND ESTIMATES

Given that there is no Audit Committee, it is the responsibility of the Board as a whole to consider areas of the financial
statements where there are significant areas of judgement regarding estimates and assumptions, which in turn have a
significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements. In respect of the 2018 financial statements these
areas were:
−

Investment Property Valuations – the valuation of the investment property portfolio is completed by the Directors.
The valuation of the property portfolio is inherently subjective and requires significant judgements and
assumptions to be made. The Directors appoint external valuers to value a sample of properties in the
portfolio to provide a sense check on their valuation. The valuations are discussed with the Auditor.
Long-Term Contract Valuations and Provisions – the Directors consider contract performance to ensure
appropriate revenue recognition. Future revenue and contract performance are considered and loss provisions
determined where necessary. Both costs and revenues may require to be revised as future events unfold
and uncertainties are resolved which would have a direct impact on overall performance of these contracts.
Retirement Benefit Surplus – the valuation of the retirement benefit obligation is dependent upon a series of
assumptions which are determined after the Directors take expert advice from the Group’s Actuary. Changes in
these assumptions could have a material affect on the surplus disclosed in the financial statements.

−

The Board discusses fully all issues relevant to the above areas and obtains where possible information and advice from
external experts and our external Auditors and only when fully satisfied with the amounts associated with each area are
they incorporated into the financial statements.

RELATIONS WITH SHAREHOLDERS

The Board has in the past and will in the future continue to enter into dialogue with the shareholders wherever possible.
The Chairman is responsible for ensuring that the views and concerns of the shareholders are communicated to the Board.
The Chairman is also responsible for discussing governance and strategy matters with the shareholders.

As the Company has no non-executive Directors there is no opportunity for shareholders to meet with these Directors.

All shareholders have an opportunity at the Annual General Meeting to participate in questions and answers with the
Board on matters relating to the Company.

At the Annual General Meeting separate resolutions will be proposed on each substantially separate issue and the number
of proxy votes received for, against, and withheld for each resolution will be announced.

SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDERS

As at 31st July 2018 and 19th October 2018, excluding holdings of Directors, the Company has been notified of the
following holdings of substantial voting rights in respect of the issued share capital of the Company:

Octet Investments Limited
.
A J Whitehead

.
.

Number
1,872,400
2,292,745

%
4.3
5.2

20th November 2018

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Patricia Sweeney
Company Secretary

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

31st JULY 2018

ANNUAL STATEMENT

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I present the Directors’ Remuneration Report for the year ended 31st July 2018.

In addition to this statement the Report includes two other parts being the Policy Report and the Annual Report on
Remuneration, which have been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 and Schedule 8
of The Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) (Amendment) Regulations 2013. The
Report also meets the requirements of the UK Listing Authority’s Listing Rules and the Disclosure and Transparency
Rules.

The Policy Report has been developed taking account of the principles of the UK Corporate Governance Code 2016.

The shareholders approved the Policy at the 2017 Annual General Meeting and the policy was effective for three years
from that date.

The Annual Report on Remuneration will be subject to a vote at the 2018 Annual General Meeting. Our Auditor is
required to report to the shareholders on certain information contained in the Annual Report on Remuneration and that it
has been prepared in accordance with the Act and the Regulations. The information to be audited is appropriately marked.

There have been no substantial changes to Executive Directors’ remuneration in the year. Our policy continues to be to
provide remuneration packages that will retain and motivate the Directors to sustain the long term growth and value of
the Company.

20th November 2018

THE POLICY REPORT

DaviD w Smart
Chairman

As stated in the Corporate Governance Statement the Company does not appoint non-executive Directors and therefore the
Company does not have a Remuneration Committee to set the Executive Directors’ Remuneration Policy. The Chairman
fulfils the function of the Remuneration Committee.

The Company’s remuneration policy is to provide remuneration packages that will retain and motivate the Directors to
sustain the long term growth and value of the Company and is based on the scope of their duties and responsibilities.
The Directors are not entitled to any performance related remuneration, long term incentive schemes or share options.
The remuneration of the Directors is not performance related therefore no element of their remuneration is based on
performance measures.

The policy table below summarises the main components of Directors’ Remuneration:

ELEMENT

PURPOSE AND STRATEGY

OPERATION

BASE SALARY

To pay a fair salary commensurate with the
individual’s role, responsibilities and experience.

Reviewed annually in July taking account of the
individual’s role and experience and the salary
increases of employees throughout the Group as a
whole. No maximum level is set.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (continued)

31st JULY 2018

ELEMENT

PURPOSE AND STRATEGY

OPERATION

BENEFITS

To provide support to enable the Directors to carry out
their duties effectively.

PENSION

To provide appropriate levels of retirement benefits.

Benefits include cash in lieu of a company car and
private medical insurance. No maximum level is set
as the costs of providing benefits fluctuate over time;
however the costs are monitored to ensure they remain
reasonable.

Depending on when a Director first became an
employee of the Company will determine whether they
are members of the Company’s Defined Benefit Pension
Scheme or Defined Contribution Scheme.

Company contributions to the Defined Benefit Scheme
are currently 31.9% of base salary. Contribution levels
are set in agreement between the scheme trustees and
the Company and can therefore vary from time to time.

Company contributions to the Defined Contribution
Scheme are currently a minimum of 10% of base salary.

The Chairman retains the right to make minor amendments to the above policy, to take account of regulatory, tax,
legislative or administrative changes without obtaining shareholder approval for these amendments.

No share options or long term incentive schemes are operated by the Company.

Directors are entitled to claim relevant expenses incurred by them in respect of their duties.

There are no provisions for the recovery of sums paid to Directors or the withholding of the payment of any sums to
Directors.

As all remuneration of Directors is fixed remuneration there is no need to illustrate, via a bar chart, the expected values of
proposed remuneration as it does not contain any elements based on performance and therefore is not subject to change
based on either the Company’s or Director’s performance.

APPROACH TO RECRUITMENT OF DIRECTORS

The Company’s approach to appointing new Executive Directors is to appoint from within the Company. As such the
remuneration of the Director has already been set by the Company and the package held by the employee prior to
appointment as a Director will remain in place. Consideration will be made of the increased duties and responsibilities
that will apply post appointment as a Director and revision to their base salary may be made to reflect this.

SERVICE CONTRACTS AND POLICY ON CESSATION

No Director has a service contract with the Company, other than their initial employment contract and therefore periods
of notice and termination payments are structured in accordance with current Employment Law.

CONSIDERATION OF EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS ELSEWHERE IN COMPANY

The Chairman when considering the remuneration of the Executive Directors takes into account the remuneration
of employees across the Group as a whole. However, the Chairman does not consult directly with employees on the
remuneration of the Executive Directors but is mindful of salary increases which are applied across the Group as a whole.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (continued)

31st JULY 2018

CONSIDERATION OF SHAREHOLDER VIEWS

The Chairman considers all views and concerns he receives from shareholders especially at the Annual General Meeting
when shareholders have the opportunity to ask questions of the Board on all matters relating to the Company including
Directors’ Remuneration, or at any other time throughout the year.

Although no direct communication was held by the Chairman with major shareholders prior to shaping the Remuneration
Policy he believes that it is a responsible approach to remuneration and its policies in the past and for the future as
evidenced by the level of approval of the 2017 Directors’ Remuneration Report at the 2017 Annual General Meeting,
details of which are given in the Annual Report on Remuneration below.

ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION

The following provides details of how the remuneration policy was implemented in the year to 31st July 2018.

Single Total Figure of Remuneration for Executive Directors (Audited Information)
The following table presents the single figure for the total remuneration of each Executive Director for the year ended
31st July 2018 and the prior year:

Salary
£000

Taxable
Benefits
£000

.
.

90
.
.

.
.

6
.
.

.
.

6
.
.

.
.

96
.
.

.
.

96
.
.

.
.

53
.
.

.
.

88
.
.

.
.

–
79

110
107

110
26

–
7

10
10

10
2

Pension
£000

–
–

Total
£000

–
86

342 154
312
148

13
13

332
532

13
3

133
130

153
170

133
31

John M Smart
.
2018
20171
.

David W Smart
2018
2017

.
.

John R Smart
.
2018
.
2017

.
.

Alasdair H Ross 90
2018
2017

.
.

Patricia Sweeney
2018
20173

.
.

1. John M Smart retired as a Director on 27th April 2017.
2. Pension value represents the cash value of pension accrued over one year multiplied by 20 in line with new regulations with allowance for inflation and employee contributions.
3. Patricia Sweeney was appointed as a Director on 26th April 2017.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (continued)

31st JULY 2018

DIRECTORS’ PENSION ENTITLEMENTS (AUDITED INFORMATION)
David W Smart and Alasdair H Ross are members of the Company’s Defined Benefit Pension Scheme whilst
John R Smart and Patricia Sweeney are members of the Company’s Group Personal Pension Plan.

The Company’s Defined Benefit Pension Scheme was closed to new members in 2003. The normal date of retirement
based on the scheme rules is 65 and there is no automatic entitlement to early retirement. Contributions by the employer
under the scheme are 31.9% of pensionable salary.

Accrued pension
as at 31 July 2018
£000

Accrued pension
as at 31 July 2017
£000
32

David W Smart

Alasdair H Ross

SCHEME INTEREST AWARDS (AUDITED INFORMATION)
There were no scheme interests awarded in the year.

PAYMENTS TO PAST DIRECTORS (AUDITED INFORMATION)
No payments were made to past Directors in the year.

PAYMENTS FOR LOSS OF OFFICE (AUDITED INFORMATION)
No payments for loss of office were made to Directors in the year.

STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ SHAREHOLDING AND SHARE INTERESTS (AUDITED INFORMATION)
The Company has no policy that Directors are required to own shares in the Company, although all Directors are currently
shareholders of the Company.

The interests of the Directors in the ordinary shares of the Company, including beneficial interests, are shown in the table
below:

Beneficial holdings
(including interests of the Director’s connected persons)

31 July 2018

31 July 2017

.
David W Smart
John R Smart
.
Alasdair H Ross .
Patricia Sweeney .

.
.
.
.

12,268,500
12,268,500
100,000
50,000

11,863,500
11,863,500
100,000
50,000

There have been no changes in any Directors’ beneficial holdings between the year end and 19th October 2018.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (continued)

31st JULY 2018

PERFORMANCE GRAPH

The graph below shows a comparison of the total shareholder return for the Company’s shares for each of the last five
financial years against the total shareholder return for the companies comprised in the FTSE EPRA/NAREIT UK index
which the Company deems to be the most relevant to the Company as it includes companies in the same sector as the
Company.

The graph compares the value of £100 invested in J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC, including re-invested dividends.

Total Shareholder Return over the last ﬁve ﬁnancial years

200

150

100

J Smart & Co (Contractors) PLC

FTSE EPRA / NAREIT UK Index

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S TOTAL REMUNERATION

The following table details the Chief Executive Officer’s single figure of remuneration over the last five financial years:

2018
£000
154
86

David W Smart
John M Smart

2017
£000
148
115

2016
£000
166
115

2015
£000
165
119

2014
£000
207
133

GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S CHANGE IN REMUNERATION

The following table compares the change in remuneration of the Group Chief Executive Officer and that of the
remuneration of the Group’s salaried employees. This group of employees was chosen as it represents the most
comparable group.

Base salary
Taxable benefits

.
.

3 %
– %

5 %
– %

CEO
% change 2017-2018

Other employees
% change 2017-2018

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (continued)

31st JULY 2018

RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF SPEND ON PAY

The following table compares the total spend on remuneration of all employees of the Group, including Executive
Directors, and the total amounts paid in distributions to shareholders for the years to 31st July 2018 and 31st July 2017:

2018
£000

2017
£000

Difference in Difference as a
percentage
%

spend
£000

Remuneration of employees
Total distributions paid
(being dividends and share buy backs)

.
.

9,090
2,299

11,005 (1,915)
1,396 (903)

(17)
65)

IMPLEMENTATION OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REMUNERATION POLICY FOR 2019

After taking into consideration Group employees’ salary increases for the year to 31st July 2019, an increase of 3% of base
salary was awarded to all Directors.

Base salary from 1st July 2018
£

David W Smart
John R Smart
Alasdair H Ross
Patricia Sweeney

.
.
.
.

112,250
112,250
112,250
112,250

Base salary from 1st July 2017
£
109,250
109,250
109,250
109,250

CONSIDERATIONS BY THE DIRECTORS OF MATTERS RELATING TO DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

The Chairman is responsible for determining Directors’ Remuneration. No advice was sought in the year in considering
Directors’ Remuneration.

SUMMARY OF SHAREHOLDER VOTING AT THE 2017 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The 2017 Directors’ Remuneration Report was put to the shareholders for their approval at the 2017 Annual General
Meeting. The resolution was passed on a show of hands.

Details of the proxy votes lodged, including those at the discretion of the Chairman, are as follows:

.
.

.
.
For
.
.
Against
Total votes cast (excluding votes withheld)
Votes withheld
.
.
Total votes cast (including votes withheld)

.
.

.
.
.
.
.

Total number
of votes
26,388,480
–
26,388,480
703,700
27,092,180

.
.
.
.
.

% of votes cast

100
–
100

Votes withheld are not included in the proxy figures as they are not recognised as a vote in law.

20th November 2018

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Patricia Sweeney
Company Secretary

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

31st JULY 2018

STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES IN RESPECT OF THE ANNUAL REPORT AND STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the Group and Parent Company’s Statement of
Accounts 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 as adopted by the European Union (IFRS as adopted by the EU) and applicable law and have elected
to prepare the Parent Company financial statements on the same basis.

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

−

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

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

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

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Group
and Parent Company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Group
and Parent Company and enable them to ensure that its financial statements comply with 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 the Report of the Directors,
Strategic Report, Corporate Governance Statement and Directors’ Remuneration Report 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.

DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

Each of the Directors confirms 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 Report of the Directors and the Strategic Report include a fair review of the development and
performance of the business and the position of the Company and undertakings included in the
consolidation taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that
they face; and
the Annual Report and Statement of Accounts taken as a whole are fair, balanced and understandable
and provide the information necessary for the shareholders to assess the Group’s business model,
performance and strategy.

−

20th November 2018

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Patricia Sweeney
Company Secretary

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

31st JULY 2018

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF J. SMART & CO. (CONTRACTORS) PLC

OPINION

We have audited the financial statements of J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC for the year ended 31st July 2018 which
comprise the Consolidated Income Statement, the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated
and Company Statement of Changes in Equity, the Consolidated and Company Statement of Financial Position, the
Consolidated and Company Statement of Cash Flows and notes to the accounts, including a summary of significant
accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and
International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union (IFRS as adopted by EU) and, as regards
the Parent Company financial statements, as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006.
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
31st July 2018 and of the Group’s profit for the year then ended;
the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU;
the Parent Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU
and as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006; and
the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and, as
regards the Group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulations.

•
•

•

BASIS FOR OPINION

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our
responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial
statements section of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are
relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard as applied to listed public
interest entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe
that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

CONCLUSIONS RELATING TO PRINCIPAL RISKS, GOING CONCERN AND VIABILITY STATEMENT

We have nothing to report in respect of the following information in the Annual Report, in relation to which the ISAs (UK)
require us to report to you whether we have anything material to add or draw attention to:
•

the disclosures in the Annual Report set out on pages 14 and 15 that describe the principal risks and explain how they
are being managed or mitigated;
the Directors’ confirmation set out on page 20 in the Annual Report that they have carried out a robust assessment
of the principal risks facing the Group, including those that would threaten its business model, future performance,
solvency or liquidity;
the Directors’ statement, set out on page 9 in the financial statements, about whether the Directors considered it
appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements and the Directors’
identification of any material uncertainties to the Group and the Parent company’s ability to continue to do so over a
period of at least twelve months from the date of approval of the financial statements;

•

• whether the Directors’ statement relating to going concern required under the Listing Rules in accordance with

•

Listing Rule 9.8.6R(3) is materially inconsistent with our knowledge obtained in the audit; or
the Directors’ explanation set out on page 16 in the Annual Report as to how they have assessed the prospects of the
Group, over what period they have done so and why they consider that period to be appropriate, and their statement
as to whether they have a reasonable expectation that the Group will be able to continue in operation and meet its
liabilities as they fall due over the period of their assessment, including any related disclosures drawing attention to
any necessary qualifications or assumptions.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT (continued)

31st JULY 2018

CONCLUSIONS RELATING TO PRINCIPAL RISKS, GOING CONCERN AND VIABILITY STATEMENT (continued)

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

KEY AUDIT MATTERS

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

VALUATION OF THE INVESTMENT PROPERTY PORTFOLIO

As described in note 1 Accounting Policies and Estimation Techniques and note 13 Investment Properties the Group
carries investment properties at the Directors’ estimate of fair value. As at 31st July 2018 the Group held investment
properties of £69,532,000.

Judgement is required by the Directors in terms of the assessment of the individual nature of each property, its location,
expected future rental income, tenure and tenancy profiles, prevailing market yields and comparable market conditions.
The valuation of investment properties requires significant judgement by management. Any input inaccuracies or
unreasonable bases used in these assumptions could result in a material misstatement in the financial statements.

How we addressed the key audit matter

To obtain assurance over management’s assumptions applied in calculating the fair value of investment properties we
completed the following audit procedures among others:
•

testing the integrity of the information used by the Directors in completing the valuation including agreement on a
sample basis back to underlying leases;

• meeting with the Directors to challenge the valuation process, the performance of the portfolio and the significant

•

assumptions and critical judgement areas, including future income and yields; and
reviewing the results of a valuation completed by a third party valuer of a sample of the property portfolio, comparing
this to the Directors’ valuation and discussing the results with the Directors.

Based on our procedures, we noted no material exceptions and considered management’s key assumptions to be within
reasonable ranges.

CONTRACT ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

As described in note 1 Accounting Policies and Estimation Techniques, note 17 Trade and Other Receivables and note 19
Trade and Other Payables the Group carries amounts recoverable on contracts of £1,742,000 and contract loss provisions
of £659,000.

Judgement is required in preparing suitable estimates of the forecast costs and revenue on contracts. The Directors take
into account the estimated costs to complete and the percentage stage of completion of current contracts when determining
the recognition of profit or the requirement for a loss provision. An error in the contract outcome could result in a material
variance in the amount of profit or loss recognised to date and therefore also in the current period.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT (continued)

31st JULY 2018

KEY AUDIT MATTERS (continued)

CONTRACT ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES (continued)

How we addressed the key audit matter

substantive testing of contract revenues and costs;

To obtain assurance over management’s assumptions in calculating contract outcomes we completed the following audit
procedures among others:
•
• meeting with the Directors to challenge key judgements inherent in the forecast costs to complete that are crucial in
determining revenue and margin to be recognised and the identification of loss making contracts and the quantum of
loss provisions; and
performing site visits and reviewing contract terms for key contracts.

•

Overall based on these procedures, we are satisfied that contract balances are appropriately stated and that revenue and
contract results have been recorded appropriately.

PENSION SCHEME VALUATION

As described in note 1 Accounting Policies and Estimation Techniques and note 26 Retirement Benefit Obligations the
Group has a defined benefit pension plan in the UK. At 31st July 2018, the Group recorded a net retirement benefit asset of
£4,205,000, comprising scheme assets of £40,082,000, scheme liabilities of £32,497,000 and an asset ceiling adjustment
of £3,380,000.

The pension valuation is dependent on market conditions and key assumptions made, in particular, relating to investment
returns, discount rate, inflation expectations and life expectancy assumptions.

The setting of these assumptions is complex and requires the exercise of significant management judgement with the
support of third party actuaries. Any unreasonable bases used in these assumptions could result in a material misstatement
in the financial statements, refer to sensitivity analysis in note 26.

How we addressed the key audit matter

To obtain assurance over managements judgements in the determination of the pension scheme surplus we completed the
following audit procedures among others:
• we reviewed the key assumptions with management;
• we reviewed the key assumptions including the asset ceiling adjustment with the actuary;
• we benchmarked key assumptions against available empirical data;
• we reviewed the Directors assessment as to the recoverability of the pension surplus; and
• we also reviewed the disclosure of the pension scheme assumptions in the financial statements.

Based on our procedures, we noted no material exceptions and considered management’s key assumptions to be within
reasonable ranges.

OUR APPLICATION OF MATERIALITY

We apply the concept of materiality both in planning and performing our audit, and in evaluating the effect of misstatements
on our audit and on the financial statements. For the purposes of determining whether the financial statements are free from
material misstatement we define materiality as the magnitude of misstatements that makes it probable that the economic
decisions of a reasonably knowledgeable person relying on the financial statements would be changed or influenced.
The materiality for the Group financial statements as a whole was set at £571,000. This has been determined with
reference to a benchmark of Group total assets (of which it represents 0.5%) which we consider to be one of the principal
considerations for members of the Company in assessing the financial position of the Group. We also considered the
overall property portfolio valuation and the extent and significance of the construction business in concluding on the
appropriate level of materiality.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT (continued)

31st JULY 2018

OUR APPLICATION OF MATERIALITY (continued)

We agreed with the Board of Directors to report to it all corrected and uncorrected misstatements we identified through
our audit with a value in excess of £28,500, in addition to other audit misstatements below that threshold that we believe
warranted reporting on qualitative grounds.
There were no misstatements identified during the course of our audit that were individually, or in aggregate, considered
to be material in terms of their absolute monetary value or on qualitative grounds.

AN OVERVIEW OF THE SCOPE OF OUR AUDIT

The Group financial statements are a consolidation of the seven trading entities including the parent entity and the Group’s
four joint ventures. Except for two of the joint ventures all entities were audited to their own individual materiality levels.

In establishing the overall approach to the Group audit, we obtained an understanding of the Group and its environment,
including group-wide controls, and assessed the risks of material misstatement at the Group level. This assessment
determined the type of audit work required to enable us to conclude whether sufficient audit evidence had been obtained
as a basis for our opinion on the Group financial statements.

There were no changes in the scope of our audit during the year.

Our audit work at Group level on the three areas highlighted in the key audit matters is described above.

In addition we assessed that the main risk from either fraud or irregularity with respect to the Group financial statements
was the possibility of management override of controls.

In particular, we looked at where the Directors made subjective judgements, for example in respect of significant
accounting estimates that involved making assumptions and considering future events that are inherently uncertain. We
also addressed the risk of management override of internal controls, including evaluating whether there was evidence of
bias by the Directors that represented a risk of material misstatement due to fraud.

OTHER INFORMATION

The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report set out on pages 4 to 73 other than the
financial statements and our Auditor’s report thereon. The Directors are responsible for the other information. Our opinion
on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in
our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. In connection with our audit of the financial
statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so consider whether the other information is
materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be
materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required
to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other
information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of the other
information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT (continued)

31st JULY 2018

OTHER INFORMATION (continued)

In this context, we also have nothing to report in regard to our responsibility to specifically address the following items
in the other information and to report as uncorrected material misstatements of the other information where we conclude
that those items meet the following conditions:

• Fair, balanced and understandable - the statement given by the Directors on page 28 that they consider 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 business model, performance and strategy, is materially inconsistent
with our knowledge obtained in the audit; or

• Audit committee reporting - the explanation set out on page 20 as to why the Annual Report does not include a
section describing the work of the audit committee is materially inconsistent with our knowledge obtained in the
audit; or

• Directors’ statement of compliance with the UK Corporate Governance Code – the parts of the Directors’
statement, set out on page 18 to 21, required under the Listing Rules relating to the Company’s compliance with the
UK Corporate Governance Code containing provisions specified for review by the auditor in accordance with Listing
Rule 9.8.10R(2) do not properly disclose a departure from a relevant provision of the UK Corporate Governance
Code.

OPINION ON OTHER MATTERS PRESCRIBED BY THE COMPANIES ACT 2006

In our opinion, the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance
with the Companies Act 2006.

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
• The information given in the Report of the Directors’ and the Strategic Report for the financial year for which the
financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements and those reports have been prepared in
accordance with applicable legal requirements.

MATTERS ON WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT BY EXCEPTION

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and the Parent company and its environment obtained in the
course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in:
• The Report of the Directors’ or the Strategic Report; or
• The information about internal control and risk management systems in relation to financial reporting processes and

about share capital structures, given in compliance with rules 7.2.5 and 7.2.6 of the FCA Rules.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to
report to you if, in our opinion:
•

adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not
been received from branches not visited by us; or
the Parent company financial statements 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.

•

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT (continued)

31st JULY 2018

RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIRECTORS

As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities set out on page 28 the Directors are responsible for
the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal
control as the Directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

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

AUDITOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located in the Financial Reporting
Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

USE OF THIS REPORT

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

OTHER MATTERS WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO ADDRESS

We were appointed by the Directors to audit the financial statements for the year ending 31st July 1975 and subsequent
financial periods. The period of total uninterrupted engagement is 44 years, covering the years ending 31st July 1975 to
31st July 2018.

The non-audit services prohibited by the FRC’s Ethical Standard were not provided to the Group or the Parent Company
and we remain independent of the Group and the Parent company in conducting our audit.

Our audit opinion is consistent with the additional report to the Board.

133 Finnieston Street
Glasgow
G3 8HB
20th November 2018

antony J Sinclair
Senior Statutory Auditor
for and on behalf of FRENCH DUNCAN LLP
Statutory Auditor and Chartered Accountants

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
for the year ended 31st JULY 2018

Group construction activities
.
Less: Own construction work capitalised

REVENUE
Cost of sales

GROSS PROFIT

.
.

Other operating income .
Net operating expenses .

.
.

OPERATING PROFIT BEFORE PROFIT ON SALE AND NET SURPLUS
ON VALUATION OF INVESTMENT PROPERTIES .

Profit on sale of investment properties .
Net surplus on valuation of investment properties

.
.
OPERATING PROFIT
Share of profits in Joint Ventures
.
Income from available for sale financial assets
Profit on sale of available for sale financial assets
.
Finance income .

.
.

PROFIT BEFORE TAX

Taxation

PROFIT ATTRIBUTABLE TO EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS

EARNINGS PER SHARE – BASIC AND DILUTED

.
.

.
.
.
.
.

.
.

.
.
.
.
.

Notes

2018
£000

2017
£000

12,502
(1,847)

25,419
(2,559)

10,655
(8,118)

22,860
(19,406)

2,537

3,454

6,352
(7,185)

6,090
(6,925)

1,704

2,619)

–
2,859)

613
614)

5
14
6

4,563 3,846)
42
32
22

463
43
4

180 95

5,253 4,037

(402)

(310)

9 4,851 3,727

11 10.90p 8.26p

.
.

.
.
.
.
.

All activities in both the current and previous year relate to continuing operations.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
for the year ended 31st JULY 2018

2018
£000

2017
£000

4,851 3,727

104)
(13)

65)
–)

91)

65)

111)
(19)

(3,306)
(680)

92)

2,626)

183) 2,691)

5,034 6,418)

5,034

6,418)

PROFIT FOR THE YEAR

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Items that may be subsequently reclassified to Income Statement:
Fair value adjustment of available for sale financial assets
Tax adjustment on fair value reserve

.
.

TOTAL ITEMS WHICH MAY BE SUBSEQUENTLY
RECLASSIFIED TO INCOME STATEMENT .

.
.

Items that will not be subsequently reclassified to Income Statement:
.
Actuarial gain recognised in defined benefit pension scheme
.
.
Deferred taxation on actuarial gain

TOTAL ITEMS THAT WILL NOT BE SUBSEQUENTLY
RECLASSIFIED TO INCOME STATEMENT .

TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR, NET OF TAX

ATTRIBUTABLE TO EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
as at 31st JULY 2018

Capital
Share Redemption
Reserve
Capital
£000
£000

Fair Value
Reserve

Retained
Total
Earnings
£000 £000 £000

906

102 (56) 87,884

88,836

–

– 3,727 3,727
– – 65) 2,626) 2,691)

–

.
.

– – 65) 6,353) 6,418)

At 1st August 2016

.
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income
.
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
.
FOR THE YEAR

TRANSACTIONS WITH OWNERS, RECORDED DIRECTLY IN EQUITY
Shares purchased and cancelled
.
Transfer to Capital Redemption Reserve
.
Dividends

(10)
–
–

–
10
–

– (540)
– (10)
– (846)

(550)
–
(846)

TOTAL TRANSACTIONS WITH OWNERS .

(10)

–

(1,396)

At 31st July 2017 .

.
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income
.
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

.
.

896

112

92,841

93,858

–

–
– –

–
91)

4,851
92)

4,851
183)

FOR THE YEAR

–

91)

4,943

5,034

2,436
TRANSACTIONS WITH OWNERS, RECORDED DIRECTLY IN EQUITY
Shares purchased and cancelled
.
Transfer to Capital Redemption Reserve
.
Dividends

(16)
–
–

–
16
–

3,064

– (892)
(16)
–
(1,391)
–

(908)
–
(1,391)

TOTAL TRANSACTIONS WITH OWNERS .

(16)

–

(2,299)

At 31st July 2018 .

880

128

100)

95,485

96,593

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
as at 31st JULY 2018

Capital
Share Redemption
Reserve
£000

Capital
£000

Retained
Earnings
£000

Total
£000

906

102

8,998

10,006

At 1st August 2016

Loss for the year
Other comprehensive income

.
.

–
–

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR

– –

TRANSACTIONS WITH OWNERS, RECORDED DIRECTLY IN EQUITY
.
Shares purchased and cancelled
Transfer to Capital Redemption Reserve
.
Dividends

–

.
.
.

(10)

–
– 10
–

(410)
2,626)

2,216)

(410)
2,626)

2,216)

(540)
(10)
(846)

(550)
–
(846)

TOTAL TRANSACTIONS WITH OWNERS .

(10)

(1,396)

At 31st July 2017 .

Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income

.
.

. 896 112

9,818 10,826

.
.

– –
–

–

1,376)
92)

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR

–

1 ,468)

1,468)

TRANSACTIONS WITH OWNERS, RECORDED DIRECTLY IN EQUITY
Shares purchased and cancelled
.
Transfer to Capital Redemption Reserve
.
Dividends

(16)
–
–

.
.
.

–
16
–

(892)
(16)
(1,391)

(908)
–
(1,391)

TOTAL TRANSACTIONS WITH OWNERS .

. (16)

(2,299)

At 31st July 2018 .

. 880

128

8,987

9,995

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
as at 31st JULY 2018

NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Property, plant and equipment .
Investment properties
.
.
Investments in Joint Ventures
Available for sale financial assets
.
Trade and other receivables
.
Retirement benefit surplus
.
.
Deferred tax assets

CURRENT ASSETS
.
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Monies held on deposit
Cash and cash equivalents

TOTAL ASSETS

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
.
Deferred tax liabilities

CURRENT LIABILITIES
Trade and other payables
Corporation tax liability
.
Bank overdraft

TOTAL LIABILITIES

NET ASSETS

EQUITY
Called up share capital
Capital redemption reserve
Fair value reserve
Retained earnings

.
.

TOTAL EQUITY

.
.
.
.

.
.
.

.
.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.
.
.

.
.
.

.
.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.
.
.

.
.
.

.
.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.
.
.

.
.
.

.
.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.
.
.

.
.
.

.
.
.
.

Notes

12
13
14
15
17
26
21

16
17
18
18

.
.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.
.
.

.
.
.

.
.
.
.

2018
£000

1,308
69,532
68
1,099
857
4,205
94

2017
£000

1,431
64,799
305
1,000
–
3,862
58

77,163

71,455

8,807
4,540
48
23,586

2,881
5,723
2,536
26,524

36,981

37,664

114,144

109,119

1,995

1,923

3,580
118
11,858

4,385
162
8,791

15,556

13,338

17,551

15,261

96,593

93,858

880
128
100)
95,485

896
112
9)
92,841

96,593

93,858

The financial statements on pages 35 to 73 were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on
20th November 2018 and were signed on its behalf by:

DaviD w Smart
Director

Company Number SC025130

John r Smart
Director

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

COMPANY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
as at 31st JULY 2018

NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Property, plant and equipment .
.
Investments in Subsidiaries and Joint Ventures
.
Trade and other receivables
.
Retirement benefit surplus

.
.

CURRENT ASSETS
Inventories
.
Trade and other receivables
Current tax asset .
Cash and cash equivalents

TOTAL ASSETS

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
.
Deferred tax liabilities

CURRENT LIABILITIES
Trade and other payables
.
Bank overdraft

TOTAL LIABILITIES

NET ASSETS

EQUITY
Called up share capital
Capital redemption reserve
Retained earnings

TOTAL EQUITY

.
.
.
.

.
.

.
.
.

.
.
.
.

.
.

.
.
.

.
.
.
.

.
.

.
.
.

Notes

12
14
17
26

16
17

.
.
.
.

.
.

.
.
.

.
.
.
.

.
.

.
.
.

.
.
.
.

.
.

.
.
.

2018
£000

638
708
857
4,205

6,408

8,649
4,321
481
–

2017
£000

743
708
–
3,862

5,313

2,576
6,383
529
–

13,451

9,488

19,859

14,801

741

719

2,411
6,712

9,123

3,038
218

3,256

9,864

3,975

9,995

10,826

880
128
8,987

896
112
9,818

9,995

10,826

The financial statements on pages 35 to 73 were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue
on 20th November 2018 and were signed on its behalf by:

DaviD w Smart
Director

Company Number SC025130

John r Smart
Director

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
for the year ended 31st JULY 2018

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Tax paid

NET CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

.
.

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
.
Additions to property, plant and equipment
Additions to investment properties
.
Expenditure on own work capitalised - investment properties
.
.
.
Sale of property, plant and equipment .
.
.
Sale of investment properties
.
.
.
Purchase of available for sale financial assets
.
.
Proceeds of sale of available for sale financial assets
.
.
.
Decrease in monies held on deposit
.
.
Interest received
.
.
.
Dividend received from Joint Ventures .

.
.
.

NET CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of own shares .
.
Dividends paid

.
.

NET CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

.
.

(DECREASE)/INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR

.
.

Notes

2018
£000

2017
£000

. 23 (a) (4,306)

2,205

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.

(442)

(454)

(4,748)

1,751)

(454)
(27)
(1,847)
93
–
–)
(879)
2,488)
80
700

(487)
(20)
(2,559)
70
3,735
(674)
87
2,983)
86
–

1,042)

3,221)

(908)
(1,391)

(550)
(846)

(2,299)

(1,396)

(6,005)

3,576

. 23 (b)

17,733

14,157

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR

. 23 (b)

11,728

17,733

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

COMPANY STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
for the year ended 31st JULY 2018

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Tax received

NET CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Additions to property, plant and equipment
Sale of property, plant and equipment .
.
Interest received .
Dividend received from subsidiaries and Joint Ventures

.
.
.

NET CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of own shares .
.
Dividends paid

.
.

NET CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

.
.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR

Notes

2018)
£000)

2017)
£000)

. 24 (a)

(7,083)

(1,890)

.
.
.
.

.
.

252)

213)

(6,831)

(1,677)

(88)
20
4
2,700)

(122)
24)
5)
–)

2,636)

(93)

(908)
(1,391)

(550)
(846)

(2,299)

(1,396)

(6,494)

(3,166)

. 24 (b)

(218)

2,948)

. 24 (b)

(6,712)

(218)

.
.
.
.

.
.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

31st JULY 2018

ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATION TECHNIQUES

GENERAL INFORMATION
J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC which is the ultimate Parent Company of the J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC
Group is a public limited company registered in Scotland, incorporated in the United Kingdom and listed on the
London Stock Exchange.

STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE
The accounts are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and
the
International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) Interpretations endorsed by
European Union (EU) and with those parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under
IFRS.

STANDARDS, AMENDMENTS TO STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS EFFECTIVE IN THE YEAR TO 31st JULY 2018

The following new standards and amendments to standards and interpretations relevant to the Group have been
issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and are mandatory for the first time for the financial year
to 31st July 2018 but had no material impact on the financial statements:
• IAS 7 (amended): Statement of Cash Flows.
• IAS 12 (amended): Income Taxes.

NEW STANDARDS, AMENDMENTS TO STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS NOT YET APPLIED

The following new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations relevant to the Group have been issued
by the International Accounting Standards Board but are not yet effective for the Group at the date of these
financial statements, and have not been adopted early:
• IFRS 9: Financial Instruments (effective in the year ending 31st July 2019).
• IFRS 15: Revenue from Contracts with Customers (effective in the year ending 31st July 2019).
• IFRS 16: Leases (effective in the year ending 31st July 2020).
IFRS 9: Financial Instruments applies to the classification and measurement of financial assets and financial
liabilities, impairment provisioning and hedge accounting. The Directors do not anticipate that this standard will
have a material impact on reported results.
IFRS 15: Revenue from Contracts with Customers replaces IAS 11: Construction Contracts and IAS 18: Revenue
and sets out the criteria for revenue recognition with regards to performance obligations and this may have an
impact on the timing of revenue recognition by the Group. The Directors do not anticipate that this standard
will have an impact on revenue from customers in respect of construction contracts as the standard allows for
the recognition of revenue over time which is the Group’s current practice. It is also not anticipated that the
recognition of revenue from private house sales or sales of land will be impacted by the new standard. This
standard will not apply to rental income from our investment properties but will apply to service charge income
and other property related income and income from sale of investment properties. Based on the current year and
known future transactions relevant to our investment properties there will be no impact on the Group’s results.
IFRS16: Leases replaces IAS 17: Leases and requires the Group to incorporate a right of use asset and a
corresponding lease liability in the Statement of Financial Position. This standard will have an impact in respect
of ground leases on which it has built investment properties and also on equipment which it currently leases. The
standard will require the current operating lease charges, which are disclosed in Operating Profit to be replaced
by a depreciation charge on the right of use asset and there will also be an interest cost in relation to the lease
liability which will be recognised in Finance Costs. It is not anticipated that there will be a material impact on the
Income Statement arising from the application of the Standard. Based on the information currently available to
the Directors it is anticipated that the value of the right of use assets and the lease liability which will be brought
into the accounts will be in line with the discounted current future minimum lease payments as disclosed in these
financial statements. There will be no impact on the Group’s cash flows.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

31st JULY 2018

ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATION TECHNIQUES (continued)

BASIS OF PREPARATION
The accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis and under the historical cost convention except
where the measurement of balances at fair value is required as noted below for investment properties, available
for sale financial assets and assets held by the defined benefit pension scheme.
The accounting policies set out below have been consistently applied to all periods presented in these accounts.
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions concerning
the future that may affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and income and expenses. Management believes that the estimates and assumptions used in the
preparation of these accounts are reasonable. However, actual outcomes may differ from those anticipated.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS
INVESTMENT PROPERTIES
Investment properties are revalued annually by the Directors in accordance with the RICS Valuation Standards.
The valuations are subjective due to, among other factors, the individual nature of the property, its location and the
expected future rental income. As a result, the valuation of the Group’s investment property portfolio incorporated
into the financial statements is subject to a degree of uncertainty and is made on the basis of assumptions which
may prove to be inaccurate, particularly in periods of volatility or low transaction flow in the property market.
The assumptions used by the Directors are market standard assumptions in accordance with the RICS Valuation
Standards and include matters such as tenure and tenancy details, ground conditions of the properties and their
structural conditions, prevailing market yields and comparable market conditions. If any of the assumptions used
by the Directors prove to be incorrect this could result in the valuation of the Group’s investment property portfolio
differing from the valuation incorporated into the financial statements and the difference could have a material
effect on the financial statements.

LONG-TERM CONTRACT PROVISIONS
Judgement is required in the area of provisions for losses on long-term contracts. The Directors take into account
the estimated costs to complete and the percentage stage of completion of current contracts when determining the
provision for losses. The Directors consider adequate, but not excessive provisions have been made in this respect.

RETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATION
The valuation of the retirement benefit obligation is dependent upon a series of assumptions, mainly discount rates,
mortality rates, investment returns, salary inflation and the rate of pension increases, which are determined after
taking expert advice from the Group’s Actuary. If different assumptions were used then this could materially affect
the results disclosed in the financial statements. These are set out in note 26 to the Accounts.

BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION
The Group accounts consolidate the accounts of J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC and all of its Subsidiaries
made up to 31st July each year. Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Company. Control is assumed where the
Company has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its
activities.
Intra-group balances and any income or expenses arising from intra-group transactions are eliminated in
preparing the Group accounts.
No Income Statement is presented for the Parent Company as provided by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

31st JULY 2018

ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATION TECHNIQUES (continued)

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND GOODWILL
Subsidiaries acquired in the year are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. Identifiable
assets acquired and liabilities assumed are measured at their fair values at the acquisition date. The consideration
transferred for the acquisition is the fair value of the assets given, equity instruments issued and liabilities
incurred or assumed at the acquisition date. The excess of the cost of acquisition over the fair value of the
Group’s share of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill.

INVESTMENT IN JOINT VENTURES
Joint Ventures are those entities over which the Company has a 50% holding and exercises joint control
under a contractual arrangement. The results of Joint Venture undertakings are accounted for using the
equity method of accounting. Under this method the investment is initially recorded at cost and is subsequently
adjusted to reflect the Group’s share of the net profit or loss in the Joint Venture.
The Accounts of the Group’s Joint Ventures have been prepared in accordance with UK GAAP. The Group’s interest
in the assets and liabilities of the Joint Ventures have only been restated in accordance with International Financial
Reporting Standards where such restatement is considered material to an understanding of the Group’s interest.

CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
Group objectives in managing capital are to safeguard the interests of the Group to operate as a net
debt free going concern, of its employees to maintain wherever possible security of employment, remuneration
and retirement provisions and of its shareholders to maintain continuity of dividends and stability of share price.
The capital structure of the Group consists of issued share capital, reserves and retained earnings represented
predominantly by investment properties, working capital and cash.
These assets are purchased, managed and maintained by the Group’s management and employees, advised
where appropriate by independent outside professionals. Refer to pages 14 and 15 of this report for details of
relevant risk factors and management measures.
The Group has sufficient cash reserves and readily realisable assets available to meet its foreseeable commitments.

INVESTMENT PROPERTIES

Investment properties are properties, either owned by the Group or where the Group is a lessee under a finance lease,
which are held for long-term rental income or for capital appreciation or both. Also, properties held under operating
leases are accounted for as investment properties when the rest of the definition of an investment property is met.
Investment properties, whether completed or under development, are initially recognised at cost and revalued at the
Balance Sheet date to fair value as determined by the Directors in accordance with the RICS Valuation Standards.
Gains or losses arising from the changes in fair value are included in the Income Statement in the year in which
they arise. In accordance with IAS 40: Investment Property, as the Group uses the fair value model, no depreciation
is provided in respect of investment properties including integral plant.
Additions to investment properties consist of costs of a capital nature and, in the case of investment properties
under development, includes certain internal staff and associated costs directly attributable to the management of
the developments under construction.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Items of property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation.
Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying value or recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, only
when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Group and the cost of
them can be measured reliably. All other repairs and maintenance expenditure is charged to the Income Statement
as incurred.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

31st JULY 2018

ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATION TECHNIQUES (continued)

DEPRECIATION
Depreciation is provided on all items of property, plant and equipment, other than investment properties and
freehold land, at rates calculated to write off the cost of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:
Freehold buildings
Plant and machinery
Office furniture and fittings
Motor vehicles

- over 40 to 66 years
- 25% to 33 1⁄3% reducing balance
- 20% to 33 1⁄3% reducing balance
- 33 1⁄3% reducing balance

IMPAIRMENT REVIEWS
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Individual assets are grouped for impairment assessment purposes at the lowest level at which there are identifiable
cash inflows independent of the cash inflows of other groups of assets.

The Group assesses at each Balance Sheet date whether there is an indication that an asset may be impaired. If an
indication exists the Group makes an estimate of the recoverable amount of each asset group, being the higher of
its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use and is determined for an individual asset, unless the asset does not
generate cash inflows that are largely independent of those from other assets or groups of assets. An impairment
loss is recognised where the recoverable amount is lower than the carrying value of assets.

If there is an indication that previously recognised impairment losses may have decreased or no longer exist, a
reversal of the loss may be made. The carrying amount of the asset is increased to its recoverable amount only up
to the carrying amount that would have resulted, net of depreciation, had no impairment loss been recognised for
the asset in prior years.

Impairment losses and any subsequent reversals are recognised in the Income Statement.

INVENTORIES AND WORK IN PROGRESS
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Where necessary, provision is made to reduce
cost to no more than net realisable value after having regard to the nature, condition, and sales value of inventory.
Land held for development is included at the lower of cost and net realisable value.
Work in progress is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value.
Cost includes materials, on a first-in first-out basis and direct labour plus attributable overheads based on normal
operating activity, where applicable. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price less anticipated disposal
costs.
Variations and claims are included in Revenue where it is probable that the amount, which can be measured
reliably, will be recovered from the customer.

LONG-TERM CONTRACTS
Amounts recoverable on contracts which are included in debtors are stated at cost as defined above, plus attributable
profit to the extent that this is reasonably certain after making provision for maintenance costs, less any losses
incurred or foreseen in bringing contracts to completion, and less amounts received as progress payments.
For any contracts where receipts exceed the book value of work done, the excess is included in trade and other
payables as payments on account.

INCOME TAX
The charge for current UK corporation tax is based on results for the year as adjusted for items that are non-
assessable or disallowed and any adjustments for tax payable in respect of previous years. It is calculated using
rates that have been enacted or substantially enacted at the Balance Sheet date.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

31st JULY 2018

ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATION TECHNIQUES (continued)

DEFERRED TAXATION
Deferred tax is provided using the liability method in respect of temporary differences between the carrying value
of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of
taxable profit. Deferred tax is provided on all temporary differences. The measurement of deferred tax reflects the
tax consequences that would follow the manner in which the Group expects, at the end of the reporting period, to
recover or settle the carrying amounts of its assets and liabilities for Investment Properties that are measured at
fair value.
Deferred tax is determined using tax rates that have been enacted or substantially enacted by the Balance Sheet
date and are expected to apply when the deferred tax asset is realised or the deferred tax liability is settled. It is
recognised in the Income Statement except when it relates to items credited or charged directly to Equity, in which
case the deferred tax is also dealt with in Equity.
Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available
against which the temporary differences can be utilised.

PENSIONS
The Group operates a defined benefit pension scheme, which was closed to new members during the year
to 31st July 2003 and which requires contributions to be made to an administered fund.
The obligations of the scheme represent benefits accruing to employees and are measured at discounted
present value while scheme assets are measured at their fair value. The discount rate used is the yield on
AA credit rated corporate bonds that have maturity dates approximating to the terms of the Group’s obligations.
The calculation is performed by a qualified actuary using the projected unit credit method.
The operating and financial costs of such plans are recognised separately in the Income Statement, service
costs are spread systematically over the working lives of the employees concerned and financing costs are recognised
in the year in which they arise. Actuarial gains and losses are recognised immediately in the Consolidated Statement
of Comprehensive Income.
The Group also operates a defined contribution Group Personal Pension Plan for eligible employees. The plan is
externally administered and professionally managed. Contributions payable are expensed to the Income Statement
as incurred.

LEASES
Leases are classified according to the substance of the transaction. A lease that transfers substantially all
the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee is classified as a finance lease. All other leases are classified as
operating leases.

GROUP AS A LESSEE
In accordance with IAS 40: Investment Property, leases of investment property are assessed on a property
by property basis. Where future rentals are material, the properties are capitalised and treated as finance leases
in accordance with IAS 17: Leases, otherwise properties are classified as operating leases and rentals payable are
charged to the Income Statement on a straight line basis over the term of the lease.
Other leases are classified as operating leases and rentals payable are charged to the Income Statement on a straight
line basis over the term of the lease.

GROUP AS A LESSOR
Properties leased out under operating leases are included in investment property, with rental income recognised on
a straight line basis over the lease term.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

31st JULY 2018

ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATION TECHNIQUES (continued)

REVENUE
Revenue, which is stated net of value added tax, represents the invoiced value of goods sold, except in the case
of long-term contracts where revenue represents the amounts received and receivable for work done in the year.
The measurement and stage of completion of long-term contracts are based on valuations agreed with third party
surveyors.
Profits on long-term contracts are calculated in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and
do not relate directly to revenue. Profit on current contracts is only taken at a stage near enough to completion
for that profit to be reasonably certain after making provision for contingencies, whilst provision is made for all
losses incurred to the accounting date together with any further losses that are foreseen in bringing contracts to
completion. The value of construction work transferred to investment properties is excluded from revenue.
Revenue from investment properties comprises rental income, service charges, insurance receivable and other
recoveries, and is disclosed as other operating income in the Income Statement.
Rental income from investment property leased out under an operating lease is recognised in the Income Statement
on a straight line basis over the term of the lease.
Revenue from private housing sales is recognised when transactions are legally completed.
Revenue from private housing sales under shared equity scheme are accounted for at fair value.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised in the Group’s Statement of Financial Position when the
Group becomes a party to the contractual provision of the instrument. The principal treasury objective is to provide
sufficient liquidity to meet operational cash requirements. The Group operates controlled treasury policies which
are monitored by the Board to ensure that the needs of the Group are met as they arise.

AVAILABLE FOR SALE FINANCIAL ASSETS
Available for sale financial assets represent investments in quoted shares which are recognised at fair value at the
year end. The movement in fair value is transferred directly to Equity and shown in a separately designated Fair
Value Reserve.

TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES
Trade and other receivables are recognised at invoiced value less provisions for impairment. A provision for
impairment of trade receivables is established where there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to
collect all amounts due according to the terms of the receivables concerned.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in hand, deposits with banks and other short-term highly liquid
investments with original maturities of three months or less. For the Statement of Cash Flows, cash and cash
equivalents consist of cash and cash equivalents as defined above, net of outstanding bank overdrafts.

MONIES HELD ON DEPOSIT
Monies held on deposit with original maturity dates exceeding three months are disclosed separately in the
Statement of Financial Position. As these monies originated from investing activities any movements in the year
on these monies are disclosed under Investing Activities in the Statement of Cash Flows.

TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES
Trade and other payables are non-interest bearing and are recognised at invoiced amount.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

31st JULY 2018

ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATION TECHNIQUES (continued)

MEASUREMENT OF FAIR VALUES
A number of the Group’s accounting policies and disclosures require the measurement of fair values, for both
financial and non-financial assets and liabilities.

When measuring the fair value of an asset or a liability, the Group uses market observable data as far as possible.
Fair values are categorised into different levels in a fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used in the valuation
techniques as follows:
• Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
• Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either
directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices).
• Level 3: inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

If the inputs used to measure the fair value of an asset or a liability might be categorised in different levels of the
fair value hierarchy, then the fair value measurement is categorised in its entirety in the same level of the fair value
hierarchy as the lowest level input that is significant to the entire measurement.

The Group recognises transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy at the end of the reporting period during
which a change has occurred.

Further information about the assumptions made in measuring fair values is included in the following notes:
• Note 13 – Investment Properties;
• Note 15 – Available for Sale Financial Assets;
• Note 20 – Financial Instruments;
• Note 26 – Retirement Benefit Obligations.

DIVIDENDS
Final Dividends are recognised as a liability in the year in which they are approved by the Company’s shareholders.
Interim Dividends are recognised when they are paid.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

31st JULY 2018

SEGMENTAL INFORMATION

IFRS 8: Operating Segments requires operating segments to be identified on the basis of internal reporting about
components of the Group that are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker to allow the allocation
of resources to the segments and to assess their performance. The chief operating decision maker has been identified
as the Board of Directors.
All revenue arises from activities within the UK and therefore the Board of Directors does not consider the business
from a geographical perspective. The operating segments are based on activity and performance of an operating
segment is based on a measure of operating results.

External
Revenue

£000)

10,655)
6,352)

Internal
Revenue

£000)

1,847)
–)

Total
Revenue

£000)

12,502)
6,352)

Operating
Profit / (Loss)

2018)
£000)

(1,854)
6,417)

2017)
£000)

–)
–)

17,007)

1,847)

18,854)

4,563)

–)

2018
Construction activities
Investment activities

2017
Construction activities
Investment activities

.
.

22,860)
6,090)

2,559)
–)

25,419)
6,090)

28,950)

2,559)

31,509)

OPERATING PROFIT
.
Share of results of Joint Ventures
Finance and investment income

.
.
.

PROFIT ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES BEFORE TAX

.
.
.

–)
–)

–)

4,563
463
227)

5,253)

(673)
4,519)

3,846)

3,846)
42)
149)

4,037)

Internal revenue relates to own work capitalised, all other internal transactions are eliminated on consolidation.
The Group had sales from construction activities from two customers amounting to £2,600,000 (2017, sales from
construction activities from three customers amounting to £14,404,000).

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

31st JULY 2018

SEGMENTAL INFORMATION (continued)

OTHER SEGMENTAL INFORMATION

2018
Construction activities
Investment activities
Joint Ventures

.
.
.

Non-Current
Asset Additions Depreciation Impairment
£000 £000 £000

Segment

Segment
Assets Liabilities
£000

£000

.
.
.

. 338) 396 116)
. 1,990) 31) –
–) –) –)

22,218)
92,487)
68)

10,841)
7,339)
–)

Allocation of corporation tax debtor

114,773)

18,180)

(629)

114,144)

17,551)

2017
Construction activities
Investment activities
Joint Ventures

.
.
.

. 316) 388) –
. 2,750) 19) –
. –) –) –)

16,606)
92,790)
305)

4,797)
11,046)
–)

Allocation of corporation tax debtor

OTHER OPERATING INCOME

Rental income
Service charges and insurance receivable

Direct property costs

Net rental income

.
.

109,701)

15,843)

(582)

109,119)

15,261)

2018)
£000)

2017)
£000

5,791)
561)

5,515)
575)

6,352)

6,090)
(2,624) (2,653)

3,728)

3,437)

Direct property costs included £960,000 (2017, £1,258,000) in respect of investment properties that did not
generate rental income in the year.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

31st JULY 2018

STAFF COSTS AND DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

Staff costs during the year amounted to:
Wages, salaries and short term benefits.
.
.
Social security costs
.
Post-employment benefits

.
.

. .
. .
. .

.
.
.

The average weekly number of employees during the year was made up as follows:

Construction and related services.
Office and management .

Directors’ remuneration:

– Salaries and short term benefits
.
– Post-employment benefits

.
.

. .
. .

.
.

2018)
£000)

2017)
£000)

7,348)
813)
929)

9,032)
966)
1,007)

9,090)

11,005)

No.)

182)
25)

235)
25)

207)

260)

£000)
480)
83)

£000)
465)
72)

563)

537)

David W Smart and Alasdair H Ross are members of the Group’s defined benefit pension scheme.

John R Smart and Patricia Sweeney are members of the Group’s defined contribution Group Personal Pension Plan.

Key management is comprised solely of the Directors of the Company. Full details of Directors’ remuneration is
given in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 22 to 27.

OPERATING PROFIT

This is stated after charging/(crediting):
.
Cost of inventories recognised as an expense .
.
. .
Write down of inventories
. .
.
Staff costs (per note 4) .
.
. .
Hire of plant and machinery
. .
Contingent rents .
.
.
. .
Depreciation of owned assets
.
. .
Impairment of owned assets
Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment
.
Auditor remuneration and expenses – audit services .

.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

The audit fees for the Parent Company are £50,000 (2017, £50,000).

INCOME FROM INVESTMENTS

Dividend income from available for sale financial assets

FINANCE INCOME

)

Income:

Interest on short term deposits .
.

.
Other interest
.
.
Net interest income on retirement benefit obligations

.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.
.

1,466)
121)
9,090)
523)
110)
427)
116)
(59)

113)

2,044)
–)
11,005)
721)
83)
407)
–)
(39)
112)

43)

76)
4)
100)

79)
7)
9)

180)

95)

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

31st JULY 2018

TAXATION

UK Corporation Tax
Current tax on income for the year
Corporation tax under provided in previous years

Deferred taxation (note 21)

Current Tax Reconciliation
Profit on ordinary activities before tax .
.
Share of profits of Joint Ventures

.
.

Current tax at 19.00% (2017, 19.67%) .
Effects of:
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes
Non taxable income including revaluation surplus
Effect of indexation allowances on property sales
Effect of change in tax rate
.
Adjustments to corporation tax charge in respect of prior years

.
.
.
.

.
.

.
.
.
.
.

.
.

.
.
.
.
.

.
.

)

.
.

.
.
.
.
.

2018)
£000)

2017)
£000)

395)

472)
1)

398)

473)

(163)

402)

310)

5,253)
(463)

4,037)
(42)

4,790)

3,995)

910)

786)

16)
(527)
–)
–)
3)

34)
(127)
(185)
(199)
1)

402)

310)

The Finance (No.2) Act 2015, which received Royal Assent on 18th November 2015, reduced the UK corporation
tax rate to 19% for financial years commencing 1st April 2017 to 1st April 2019 and to 18% for financial years
commencing 1st April 2020. The Finance Act 2016, which received Royal Assent on 15th September 2016,
reduced the rate to 17% for financial years commencing 1st April 2020.

The effective corporation tax rate is 19.00% (2017, 19.67%) being the average rate applicable over the period.
Deferred tax provisions have been calculated using the 17% rate.

In addition to amounts charged to the Income Statement, a deferred tax charge of £19,000 (2017, £680,000)
relating to actuarial gains on the defined benefit pension scheme has been recognised directly to Equity. Also, a
deferred tax charge of £13,000 (2017, £nil) relating to the movement in fair value of available for sale financial
assets has been recognised directly to Equity.

The value of the deferred tax asset in respect of capital losses not recognised in the financial statements amounted
to £522,000 (2017, £774,000).

There are no income tax consequences attached to dividends paid or proposed by the Company to its shareholders.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

31st JULY 2018

PROFIT FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR

Dealt with in the accounts of the Parent Company
.
Retained by Subsidiary and Joint Venture Companies

.
.

)2018)
£000)

2017)
£000)

1,376)
3,475)

((410)
4,137

4,851)

3,727)

The Group uses underlying profit before tax as an alternative performance measure, which is the profit before tax
excluding net surplus or deficit on valuation of investment properties accounted for through the Income Statement.
As the net surplus or deficit on valuation of investment properties can fluctuate from year to year and is not a
realised surplus or loss by excluding this amount a truer reflection of actual Group performance is obtained.
Analysis of this alternative performance measure is as follows:

.
Profit before tax
Surplus on valuation of investment properties

.
.

10.

DIVIDENDS

2016 Final Dividend of 2.15p per share, after waivers
.
2017 Interim Dividend of 0.95p per share
.
2017 Final Dividend of 2.17p per share
.
2018 Interim Dividend of 0.95p per share

.
.
.

.
.

.
.
.
.

.
.

.
.
.
.

.
.

.
.
.
.

.
.

.
.
.
.

5,253)
(2,859)

(4,037)
(614)

2,394)

3,423)

)

–)
–)
968)
423)

418)
428)
–)
–)

1,391)

846)

The Board is proposing a Final Dividend of 2.21p per share (2017, 2.17p) which, after waivers, will cost the
Company no more than £402,000.

The proposed Final Dividend is subject to approval by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting and has not
been included as a liability in these financial statements.

11.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

Profit)
attributable)
to Equity)
shareholders)
£000)

Basic)
Earnings)
per share)

Year to 31st July 2018

Year to 31st July 2017

4,851)

10.90p

3,727)

8.26p

Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing the profit attributable to equity shareholders by the weighted
average number of shares in issue during the year.

The weighted average number of shares for the year to 31st July 2018 amounted to 44,495,000 (2017, 45,099,000).

There is no difference between basic and diluted earnings per share.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

31st JULY 2018

12.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

(a) GROUP

Land and
buildings
Freehold
£000

Plant,)
equipment)
and vehicles)
£000)

Total)
£000)

896
–
–

5,935)
454)
(435)

6,831)
454
(435)

896

5,954)

6,850)

572
19
28
–

4,828)
408)
88)
(401)

5,400)
427)
116)
(401)

619

4,923)

5,542)

277

1,031)

1,308)

896
–
–

5,920)
487)
(472)

6,816)
487)
(472)

896

5,935)

6,831)

553
19
–

4,881)
388)
(441)

5,434)
407)
(441)

572

4,828)

5,400)

324

1,107)

1,431)

.
.
.

.
.
.
.

.
.
.

.
.
.
.

.
.
.

.
.
.
.

.
.
.

.
.
.
.

.
.
.

.
.
.
.

.
.
.

.
.
.
.

.
.
.

Cost:
At 1st August 2017
Additions
Disposals

.
.

At 31st July 2018

.
.
.

Depreciation:
At 1st August 2017
.
Provided during year .
.
.

Disposals

Impairment

.
.

At 31st July 2018

Net book value:
At 31st July 2018

Cost:
At 1st August 2016
Additions
Disposals

.
.

At 31st July 2017

.
.
.

Depreciation:
At 1st August 2016
.
Provided during year .
.
Disposals

At 31st July 2017

Net book value:
At 31st July 2017

Included within Freehold Land and Buildings is land costing £13,000 (2017, £13,000) which is not depreciated.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

31st JULY 2018

12.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (continued)

(b) COMPANY

Land and)
buildings)

Plant,)
equipment)
Freehold) and vehicles)
£000)

£000)

Total)
£000)

.
.
.

361)
–)
–)

2,746)
88)
(140)

3,107)
88)
(140)

361)

2,694)

3,055)

120)
5)
–)

2,244)
177)
(129)

2,364)
182)
(129)

125)

2,292)

2,417)

236)

402)

638)

.
.
.

361)
–)
–)

2,729)
122)
(105)

3,090)
122)
(105)

.
.
.

361)

2,746)

3,107)

115)
5)
–)

120)

2,122)
214)
(92)

2,237)
219)
(92)

2,244)

2,364)

241)

502)

743)

Cost:
At 1st August 2017
Additions
Disposals

.
.

At 31st July 2018

.
.
.

Depreciation:
At 1st August 2017
.
Provided during year .
.
Disposals

At 31st July 2018
)
Net book value:
At 31st July 2018

Cost:
At 1st August 2016
Additions
Disposals

.
.

At 31st July 2017

.
.

Depreciation:
At 1st August 2016
.
Provided during year .
.
Disposals

At 31st July 2017

Net book value:
At 31st July 2017

.
.
.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

31st JULY 2018

13.

INVESTMENT PROPERTIES

Cost or valuation:
.
At 1st August 2017
Additions
.
Surplus on valuation

At 31st July 2018

Cost or valuation:
.
At 1st August 2016
.
Additions
Disposals
.
Surplus on valuation .

.
.

At 31st July 2017

.
.
.

.
.
.
.

.
.
.

.
.
.
.

.
.
.

.
.
.
.

.
.
.

.
.
.
.

.
.
.

.
.
.
.

.
.
.

.
.
.
.

Land and)
buildings)
Freehold)
£000)

Land and)
buildings)
Leasehold)
£000)

Total
£000)

55,444)
958)
2,021)

9,355)
916)
838)

64,799)
1,874)
2,859)

58,423)

11,109)

69,532)

56,630)
1,326)
(3,122)
610)

8,098)
1,253)
–)
4)

64,728)
2,579)
(3,122)
614)

55,444)

9,355)

64,799)

Valuation Process
The Group’s investment properties are valued by David W Smart, MRICS, who is a Director of the Parent Company,
on the basis of fair value, in accordance with the RICS Valuation – Global Standards 2017, incorporating the
International Valuations Standards, and RICS Professional Standards UK January 2014 (revised April 2015). As
in previous years, external valuers have reviewed a sample of the Group’s investment properties and provided
a report to the Group detailing the valuations they would have placed on the sample of investment properties
reviewed. The valuations prepared by the Director and the external valuers are compared to ensure that there are
no material variations between the valuations.

Investment properties, excluding ongoing developments, are valued using the investment method of valuation.
This approach involves applying capitalisation yields to current and estimated future rental streams and then
allowing for voids arising from vacancies and rent free periods and associated running costs. The capitalisation
yields and rental values are based on comparable property and leasing transactions in the market, using the valuers’
professional judgment and market observations. Other factors taken into account in the valuations include the
tenure of the property, tenancy details and ground and structural conditions.

In the case of ongoing developments, the approach applied is the residual method of valuation, which is the same as
the investment method, as described above, with a deduction for all costs necessary to complete the development,
together with a further allowance for remaining risk.

In accordance with IAS 40: Investment Property, net annual surpluses or deficits are taken to the Income Statement
and no depreciation is provided in respect of these properties.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

31st JULY 2018

13.

INVESTMENT PROPERTIES (continued)

The Group considers all of its investment properties fall within ‘Level 3’ of the fair value hierarchy as described
by IFRS 13: Fair Value Measurement. Level 3 valuations are those using inputs for the asset or liability that are
not based on observable market data. The main unobservable inputs relate to estimated rental value and equivalent
yield. There have been no transfers of properties in the fair value hierarchy in the financial year.

The table below summarises the key unobservable inputs used in the valuation of the Group’s investment properties
as at 31st July 2018:

Fair Value
at 31 July
2018
£000

15,965
53,567

Investment
Commercial
Industrial

Estimated Rental Value
£ per sq ft
Low Average High

9.00
4.00

12.00
6.50

15.00
9.00

Equivalent Yield
%
High

Low Average

7.4
7.1

10.2
7.5

11.5
8.7

The following table illustrates the impact of changes in the key unobservable inputs (in isolation) on the fair value
of the Group’s investment properties as at 31st July 2018:

Fair Value
at 31 July
2018
£000

15,965
53,567

5% change in estimated
rental value
Decrease
£000

Increase
£000

25bps change in equivalent
yield
Increase
£000

Decrease
£000

801
2,492

(801)
(2,492)

434
1,569

(414)
(1,479)

Investment
Commercial
Industrial

The Group had obligations of £nil (2017, £1,472,000) in respect of developments and repair costs of investment
properties at the Balance Sheet date.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

31st JULY 2018

14.

INVESTMENTS

Shares in Subsidiaries at Cost .
.
Joint Ventures

Group

2018
£000

2017
£000

Company

2018)
£000)

2017)
£000)

.
.

–
68

–
305

708)
–)

708)
– )

305

708)

(a) JOINT VENTURES
The Directors consider Duff Street Limited to be a material associate and the following table summarises the
financial information of that company as included in its own financial statements, adjusted for differences in
accounting policies:

2018)
£000)

20171
£000)

Current assets (including cash and cash equivalents of £283,000 (2017, £366,000))

283)

2,040)

Current liabilities (including current financial liabilities excluding trade
and other payables and provisions of £nil (2017, £1,470,000))

Net assets

Group’s share of net assets

Revenue

Other Operating Income

Profit and total comprehensive income

Group’s share of profit and total comprehensive income
Dividend received

.
.

(219)

(1,494)

64)

546)

32)

273)

2,800)

–)

80)

137)

919)

72)

460)
(700)
(240)

36)
–)

36)

The Group has interests in Other Joint Venture Companies but these are not considered to be material. The
aggregate financial information on these associates is as follows:

Aggregate carrying amount of individually immaterial associates .

Aggregate carrying amount of the Group’s share of:
.
Profit from continuing activities

Total comprehensive income

36)

32)

. 3)

The Group accounts for all Joint Ventures using the equity method of accounting.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

31st JULY 2018

14.

INVESTMENTS (continued)

(a) JOINT VENTURES (continued)

Name of Joint Venture
Northrigg Limited
Duff Street Limited
Invertiel Developments Limited
Gartcosh Estates LLP

Registered in and
Principal Country
of Operation
Scotland
Scotland
Scotland
Scotland

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC
Interest in Joint Venture’s Capital
50%
50%
50%
50%

Name of Joint Venture

Jointly managed with

Issued Share capital

Northrigg Limited

William Sanderson

Duff Street Limited

Kiltane Developments
Limited

Invertiel Developments
Limited

DKG Estates LLP

2 ordinary £1
shares split equally
into A & B shares
and ranking equally
in all respects

100 ordinary £1
shares split equally
into A & B shares
and ranking equally
in all respects

Issued shares held
by J. Smart & Co.
(Contractors) PLC

1 A Share

50 A Shares

Gartcosh Estates LLP

Fusion Assets Limited

Partnership Interest

50 A Shares

All of the Joint Venture companies were established for the purposes of property development and all have
accounting years ending on 31st July.

Prestonfield Development Company Limited an equal joint venture with Westerwood Limited was dissolved on
22nd August 2017.

Invertiel Developments Limited remains dormant.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

31st JULY 2018

14.

INVESTMENTS (continued)

(b) SUBSIDIARIES

At 1st August 2017 and 31st July 2018

2018)
£000)
708)

2017)
£000)
708)

At 31st July 2018 the Company held the entire issued share capital of the following companies, all of which are
registered in and operate in Scotland:

McGowan and Company (Contractors) Limited Plumbing contractors
Cramond Real Estate Company Limited
Thomas Menzies (Builders) Limited
Concrete Products (Kirkcaldy) Limited
C. & W. Assets Limited
Smart Serviced Offices Limited

Investment holding
Civil Engineering contractors
Manufacture of concrete building products
Property company
Serviced office space provider

15. AVAILABLE FOR SALE FINANCIAL ASSETS

Group

2018)
£000)

2017)
£000)

Listed investments

1,099)

1,000)

Fair value movement on shares held at 31st July 2018 before tax amounted to £104,000 (2017, £65,000).

There has been no impairment adjustment on available for sale financial assets in this or the previous year.

As the Group’s available for sale financial assets consisted entirely of equities of companies listed on quoted markets
then these fall within ‘Level 1’ of the fair value hierarchy as described by IFRS 13: Fair Value Measurement. Level
1 valuations are those using inputs which are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or
liabilities the Company can access at the year end date.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

31st JULY 2018

16.

INVENTORIES

Work in progress
.
.
Land held for development
Raw materials and consumables
.
Finished goods

.
.
.
.

CONTRACTS IN PROGRESS AT
THE BALANCE SHEET DATE:
Aggregate amount of costs incurred and
recognised profits less recognised losses to date
.
Retentions outstanding .
.
.
Advances received

.
.

Net value of contracts in progress

17.

TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

NON-CURRENT ASSETS:
Loan to Joint Venture companies

CURRENT ASSETS:
Trade receivables
.
Amounts owed by Subsidiaries .
Other receivables
.
Prepayments and accrued income
Amounts recoverable on contracts
Loans to Joint Venture companies

.
.
.
.
.
.

2018)
£000)
7,641)
972)
115)
79)

8,807)

Group

Company

2017)
£000)
172)
2,372)
156)
181)

2018)
£000)
7,641)
972)
36)
–)

2017)
£000)
172)
2,372)
32)
–)

2,881)

8,649)

2,576)

2,545)
3)
(2,437)

12,131)
318)
(12,203)

144)
3)
(147)

9,505)
318)
(10,001)

111)

246)

–)

(178)

857)

–)

857)

–)

1,913
–
471
238
1,742
176

4,540

2,146
–
327
371
1,781
1,098

419
1,900
52
143
1,631
176

591
2,841
224
272
1,357

1,098

5,723

4,321

6,383

.
.
.
.

.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.

Trade receivables are shown net of provision for doubtful debts of £23,000 (2017, £44,000).

The ageing of past due but not impaired trade debtors is as follows:

Less than 30 days
30 to 60 days
Greater than 60 days

.
.
.

1,191
703
19

1,913

1,471
632
43

382
30
7

560
31
–

2,146

419

591

Trade receivables and amounts recoverable on contracts includes £436,000 (2017, £570,000) in respect of
outstanding retentions.

The loans to Joint Venture companies (note 14(a)) are repayable on demand, with the exception of the loan to
Gartcosh Estates LLP. Given the expected future repayment profile this loan has been disclosed as due after one
year. The Group had charged interest on one loan to a Joint Venture Company at a rate of 1% above the Group’s
banker’s base rate. This loan was repaid in the year.

Amounts owed by subsidiaries are repayable on demand and are interest free.

The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other receivables approximates to their fair value.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

31st JULY 2018

18.

BANK

Cash and cash equivalents comprise the following:

Group

Cash at bank and on hand
.
Short term deposits

.
.

2018
£000
11,272
12,314

23,586

2017
£000
15,129
11,395

Company

2018
£000
–
–

2017
£000
–
–

26,524

–

Monies held on deposit of £48,000 (2017, £2,536,000) are held in bank accounts which have original maturity
dates exceeding three months and therefore do not meet the criteria of cash and cash equivalents as defined in
IAS 7: Statement of Cash Flows.

The bank has been granted guarantees and letters of offset by each member of the Group in favour of
the bank on account of all other members of the Group as a continuing security for all monies, obligations and
liabilities owing or incurred to the bank.

19.

TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Trade payables
.
Amounts owed to Subsidiaries .
Other taxes and social security costs
Other creditors and accruals

.
.
.
.

1,124
–
404
2,052

3,580

2,063
–
220
2,102

739
80
132
1,460

1,444
60
143
1,391

4,385

2,411

3,038

Included in Other creditors and accruals are contract loss provisions.

20.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Group’s financial instruments comprise of bank balances and cash, available for sale financial assets, trade
receivables and trade payables. The amounts presented in relation to trade receivables are net of allowances for
doubtful receivables.

The carrying amount of these assets approximates to their fair value.

CREDIT RISK

In relation to the Group’s financial assets, the Group has no significant concentration of credit risk, as exposure is
spread over a number of counterparties and customers.

There is no significant impairment loss recognised or significant receivables that are past due but not impaired.

The Group has assessed that there is no significant credit risk in relation to loans to Joint Venture companies given
the underlying value of the assets within these entities.

IFRS 7: Financial Instrument Disclosures requires a company to undertake a sensitivity analysis on its
financial instruments which are affected by changes in interest rates. The Group financial instruments
affected by interest rate fluctuations are bank deposits and bank overdrafts. Based on the Group’s net
position at the year end, a 1% increase or decrease in the interest rates would change the Group’s profit
before tax by approximately £164,000 and £76,000 respectively (2017, £183,000 and £79,000 respectively).

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

31st JULY 2018

21.

DEFERRED TAXATION

DEFERRED TAX ASSETS

GROUP

.
At 1st August 2016
Credited to Income Statement .

At 31st July 2017

Credited to Income Statement .

At 31st July 2018

.
.

Other

£000
41
17)

36)

94)

Deferred tax assets arising in respect of valuation surpluses on Investment Properties of £522,000 (2017, £774,000)
have not been recognised because it is not probable that relevant future taxable profits will be available against
which the Group can use the benefits therefrom.

DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES
GROUP

.
At 1st August 2016
.
Charged to Equity
Credited to Income Statement .

.
.

At 31st July 2017

.
.
.

Charged to Equity
Charged/(Credited) to Income Statement

At 31st July 2018

COMPANY

At 1st August 2016
Charged to Equity
Credited to Income Statement

.
.

At 31st July 2017

.
.
.

Charged to Equity
Charged/(Credited) to Income Statement

At 31st July 2018

.
.
.

.
.

.
.
.

.
.

Accelerated
Capital

Retirement
Benefit
Allowances Obligations
£000
£000

Fair

Other
Timing

Value Differences
£000
£000

Total
£000

55
–
. 1,328
–
. –) 680 ) –
. (114) (29) – (3)

1,389
680)
(146)

. 1,214 657

– 52

1,923

–
. – 19 )§§§§§§ 13
. 28) 39) – (27)

32)
40)

. 1,242

715

13 25

1,995

Accelerated Retirement Other

Capital Benefit Timing
Allowances Obligations Differences
£000 £000 £000
31 6 43
– (680) –
(10) (29) (2)

Total
£000

80
680)
(41)

21 657

41 719

–

19 –
(14) 39) (22)

19)
3)

7 715

19 741

.
.
.

.
.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

31st JULY 2018

22.

SHARE CAPITAL

Issued and fully paid ordinary shares of 2p each
.
At 1st August 2017
.
.
Purchased and cancelled

.
.

At 31st July 2018

2018

2017

Number

£000

Number

£000

.
.

44,804,000
(816,000)

896
(16)

45,304,000
(500,000)

906
(10)

43,988,000

880

44,804,000

896

During the year to 31st July 2018 the Company purchased for cancellation 816,000 ordinary shares of 2p each with
a nominal value of £16,000 for a consideration of £908,000.

All shareholders of ordinary shares have a right to receive dividends paid by the Company in accordance with their
shareholding. Each shareholder has the right to attend and vote at a General Meeting and each share attracts one
vote. There are no restrictions on the distribution of dividends or repayment of capital.

23. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(a) RECONCILIATION OF PROFIT BEFORE TAX TO CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

.
.

.
.
.
.

.
Profit before tax .
.
Share of profits from Joint Ventures
.
Depreciation
.
Impairment of assets
.
Unrealised valuation surplus on investment properties
.
Profit on sale of property, plant and equipment
.
Profit on sale of investment properties .
.
.
Profit on sale of available for sale financial assets
.
Change in retirement benefits
.
Interest received .
.
Change in inventories
.
Change in receivables – non-current
.
Change in receivables – current
.
.
Change in payables

.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.
.

.
.

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

(b) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS FOR STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
.
Cash and cash equivalents
.
.
Bank overdraft
.
.
Net position

.
.
.

.
.

2018
£000

5,253
(463)
427
116
(2,859)
(59)
–)
(4)
(232)
(80)
(5,926)
(857)
1,183)
(805)

2017
£000

4,037
(42)
407
–
(614)
(39)
(613)
(22)
(523)
(86)
(197)
–)
(646)
(749)

(4,306)

2,205

£000)
23,586
(11,858)
11,728

£000
26,524
(8,791)
17,733

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.
.

Cash and cash equivalents
.
Bank overdraft

Net funds

.
.

At 1st
August 2017
£000
26,524
(8,791)

Cash
Flow
£000
(2,938)
(3,067)

At 31st
July 2018
£000
23,586
(11,858)

17,733

(6,005)

11,728

.
.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

31st JULY 2018

24. NOTES TO THE COMPANY STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(a) RECONCILIATION OF PROFIT/(LOSS) BEFORE TAX TO CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

.
.

.
.
.

.
Profit/(loss) before tax
Depreciation
.
Profit on sale of property, plant and equipment
Dividend received from Subsidiaries and Joint Ventures
Change in retirement benefits
Interest received .
Change in inventories
Change in receivables – non-current
Change in receivables – current
Change in payables
.
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

.
.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.
.

.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

(b) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS FOR STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
.
Cash and cash equivalents
.
.
Bank overdraft

.
.

Cash and cash equivalents
.
Bank overdraft

.
.

2018
£000

2017
£000

1,175)
182
(9)
(2,700)
(232)
(4)
(6,073)
(857)
2,062)
(627)
(7,083)

((671)
219
(11)
–)
(523)
(5)
(170)
–)
((374)
(355)
(1,890)

–
(6,712)

–
(218)

(6,712) (218)

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.

At 1st
August 2017
£000
. 2,9 –
. (218)
(218)

Cash At 31st
Flow July 2018
£000 £000

(2,94–)
(6,494)
(6,494)

–
(6,712)

(6,712)

25.

FUTURE CAPITAL EXPENDITURE

There were no amounts of Capital Expenditure relating to Property, plant and equipment contracted for at 31st July
2018 or 31st July 2017.
The Group’s share of Capital Expenditure contracted for by its Joint Ventures as at 31st July 2018 amounted to
£658,000 (2017, £nil).

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

31st JULY 2018

26.

RETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS

The Group operates a defined benefit pension scheme for certain active and former employees of the Group. The
scheme was closed to new members in the year to 31st July 2003. The scheme is subject to the funding legislation
outlined in the Pensions Act 2004 together with documents issued by the Pensions Regulator and Guidance Notes
adopted by the Financial Reporting Council.

The scheme is administered by a separate Board of Trustees which is composed of employer nominated
representatives and member nominated Trustees and is a separate legal entity. The assets of the scheme are held
separately from the assets of the Group and are administered and managed professionally under the supervision
of the Trustees. The Trustees are required by law to act in the best interests of all classes of beneficiaries to the
scheme and are responsible for the investment policy and the day-to-day running of the scheme. The Trustees
are also responsible for jointly agreeing with the employer the level of contributions due to the Pension scheme.

The scheme provides qualifying employees with an annual pension based on final pensionable salary on attainment
of a normal retirement age of 65. Active members also benefit from life assurance cover. However the payment of
these benefits are at the discretion of the Trustees of the scheme.

The pension scheme’s independent qualified Actuary carries out a triennial valuation using the Projected Unit
Credit Method to determine the level of the scheme’s surplus or deficit. The last completed triennial valuation was
as at 31st October 2015 which revealed a surplus of £2,783,000, representing a funding level of 110%. Following
this latest triennial valuation the Group and the scheme Trustees agreed that employer contributions to the scheme
as from 31st October 2017 would increase from 27.8% to 31.9% and employee contributions are to remain at 3%.

There were no outstanding contributions at the year end.

The Group expects to pay a contribution of £549,000 during the financial year to 31st July 2019.

ASSUMPTIONS
The financial assumptions used to calculate scheme liabilities under IAS 19 (amended): Employee Benefits are:

.
.

.
.
Valuation method
.
Discount rate
.
.
.
Inflation rate - Retail price index
Inflation rate - Consumer price index .
.
Salary increases .
.
Pension increases

.
.

2018
Projected Unit
2.7%
3.2%
2.3%
3.2%
1.8% – 3.4%

.
.
.
.
.
.

2017
Projected Unit
2.5%
3.2%
2.3%
3.2%
1.8% – 3.4%

2016
Projected Unit
2.3%
2.6%
1.7%
2.6%
1.5% – 3.0%

The mortality assumptions imply the following expectations of years of life from age 65:

2016
21.8
23.7
22.8
24.9

.
.
.
.

2015
21.9
23.7
23.0
25.0

2014
21.9
23.9
23.2
25.4

Man currently aged 65 .
Woman currently aged 65
Man currently aged 45 .
Woman currently aged 45

.
.
.
.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

31st JULY 2018

26.

RETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS (continued)

SENSITIVITY TO KEY ASSUMPTIONS

The scheme exposes the Group to actuarial risks, such as interest rate risk, inflation risk, longevity risk and
investment risk. The key assumptions used for IAS 19 are discount rate, inflation rates and mortality. If different
assumptions were used then this could materially affect the results disclosed in the financial statements. Movements
in the key assumptions would have the following effect on the level of the deficit:

Change in assumption

Discount rate
Inflation rate
Mortality rate

.
Decrease of 0.25%
Increase of 0.25%
.
Increase in life expectancy of 1 year

.
.

Increase in scheme liabilities
2017
£000

2018
£000

.
.
.

1,078
297
1,193

1,199
322
1,265

The sensitivity information has been prepared using the same methodology as the calculation of the current year
scheme obligations.

BALANCE SHEET DISCLOSURES

The investments held by the scheme and the reconciliation of the scheme assets and liabilities to the Balance Sheet
were:

EQUITIES
UK
.
Overseas
Multi-asset diversified funds
Absolute return funds

.
.

BONDS
Government
Corporate

OTHER
Cash

.
.

.
.
.
.

.
.

Fair value of scheme assets
Present value of scheme liabilities

Asset ceiling adjustment
.
Scheme surplus
.
Deferred taxation
.
Net pension scheme surplus

.
.
.
.

Valuation
2017
£000

10,861
16,012
2,425
946

991
2,924

3,729

37,888
(34,026)
3,862
–)
3,862
(657)
3,205

Valuation
2016
£000

10,637
13,741
1,594
946

1,069
3,223

3,477

34,687
(34,654)
33
–)
33
(6)
27

.
.
.
.

.
.

.
.
.
.

Valuation
2018
£000

.
.
.
.

.
.

.
.
.
.

13,068
16,605
3,039
890

1,130
2,596

2,754

40,082
(32,497)
7,585
(3,380)
4,205
(715)
3,490

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

31st JULY 2018

26.

RETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS (continued)

The assets of the scheme are invested in funds managed by Standard Life Wealth, in direct investments via Speirs
& Jeffrey, in insurance policies with companies belonging to the Royal London Group and in bank accounts.
The assets do not include any directly owned ordinary shares issued by J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC. The
fair value of the assets of the pension scheme are determined based on publicly available market prices wherever
available.

2018
£000

2017
£000

(617)

(707)

935
(835)

791
(782)

100

34,026
617
835
(60)
43
(1,692)

(208)
(206)
(858)

34,654

707
782
(60)
44
(1,628)
(593)
(157)

277

32,497

34,026

The following amounts are incorporated into the financial statements

.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

Analysis of amounts charged to operating profit:
.
Service cost

Analysis of amounts charged to net finance income:
Interest income
Interest costs

.
.

.
.
.

Movement in present value of defined benefit obligations:
.
.
.
At 1st August 2017
.
.
.
Service cost
.
.
.
Interest cost
.
.
Charges paid
.
.
.
Employee contributions
.
.
.
Benefit payments
Actuarial movements due to scheme experiences
.
.
Actuarial movements due to changes in demographic assumptions .
.
Actuarial movements due to changes in financial assumptions

.
.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.

At 31st July 2018

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

31st JULY 2018

26.

RETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS (continued)

Movement in fair value of scheme assets:
.
.
At 1st August 2017
.
Interest income
.
.
Employer contributions .
.
Employee contributions .
.
.
Benefits paid
Charges paid
.
.
Return on plan assets excluding amount shown in interest income .

.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.

At 31st July 2018

Movement in scheme surplus:
.
.
At 1st August 2017
.
.
Current service cost
.
.
Contributions
Net finance income
.
.
Actuarial remeasurement of pension scheme liability
.
Effect of asset ceiling adjustment

.
.
.
.

At 31st July 2018

.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.

Analysis of the actuarial gain included in the statement of comprehensive income:
Return on scheme assets excluding amounts shown in interest income
Changes in assumptions underlying present value of scheme liabilities
Effect of asset ceiling adjustment

.
.
.

At 31st July 2018

2018
£000

2017
£000

37,888
935
749
43
(1,692)
(60)
2,219

34,687
791
1,221
44
(1,628)
(60)
2,833)

40,082

37,888

3,862
(617)
749
100
3,491)
(3,380)

33
(707)
1,221
9
3,306)
–)

4,205

3,862

2,219
1,272)
(3,380)

2,833)
473)
–)

111)

3,306)

The asset ceiling adjustment is incorporated to reflect the difference between the projected value of future
contributions compared with the pure surplus of the scheme, as under IAS 19 (amended): Employee Benefits the
maximum surplus that can be recognised is the value of future contributions.

History of experience gains and losses:
Return on scheme assets
Amount (£000)
.
Percentage of market value of scheme assets
Changes in assumptions underlying present value of
scheme liabilities

.
.

Amount (£000)
.
Percentage of market value of scheme liabilities .
Total amounts included in Consolidated Statement of
Comprehensive Income
Amount (£000)
.
Percentage of market value of scheme liabilities .

2018

2,219
5.5%

1,272
3.9%

2017

2016

2015

2014

2,833
7.5%

1,694
4.9%

802
2.5%

(743)
2.5%

473
1.4%

(3,950)
11.4%

(1,805) (1,050)
3.8%

6.0%

111
0.3%

3,306
9.7%

(2,256)
6.5%

(1,003) (1,793)
6.4%

3.3%

.
.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

31st JULY 2018

26.

RETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS (continued)

DEFINED CONTRIBUTION SCHEMES

In the year to 31st July 2003 the Group commenced operation of a defined contribution Group Personal Pension
Plan for eligible employees. The plan is externally administered and managed professionally by AEGON UK. The
net contribution to the plan for the year was £235,000 (2017, £212,000).

STAKEHOLDER SCHEMES

The Group has stakeholder pension arrangements for those employees not eligible for membership of either the
Defined Benefit or Defined Contribution schemes. The Group makes contributions to these schemes and has no
liability beyond these contributions. The contributions to these schemes in the year amounted to £51,000 (2017,
£62,000) and are expensed through the Income Statement as incurred.

MULTI EMPLOYER SCHEME

The Group is also a member of the multi-employer pension scheme, Plumbing & Mechanical Services (UK)
Industry Pension Scheme. The Group makes contributions to this scheme which in the year amounted to £17,000
(2017, £26,000) and are expensed through the Income Statement as incurred.

No provision has been made for amounts payable by the Group in respect of Section 75 pension liabilities relating
to the Group’s participation in this scheme given that, as at the date of these financial statements, any potential
liability has not yet been assessed.

27.

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

The Company and certain of its Subsidiaries have, in the normal course of business, entered into
counter-indemnities in respect of performance bonds relating to their contracts. As at 31st July 2018 these
amounted to £35,000.

28. OPERATING LEASE ARRANGEMENTS

GROUP – AS LESSEE
Future minimum lease payments payable under non-cancellable operating leases:

.
Within one year .
In two – five years exclusively .
.
After five years .

.
.
.

2018
£000
103
305

2017
£000
87
260
1,288 1,261

1,696

1,608

GROUP – AS LESSOR
Gross property rental income earned in the year amounted to £5,791,000 (2017, £5,515,000). At the Balance Sheet
date, the Group had contracted with its tenants for the following future minimum lease payments:

Within one year .
.
In two – five years exclusively .
.
After five years .

.
.
.

6,088
14,348
9,525

29,961

5,528
13,650
7,708

26,886

.
.
.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

31st JULY 2018

29.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

(a) SUBSIDIARIES
Transactions between the Company and its Subsidiaries, which are related parties of the Company, have been
eliminated on consolidation. Details of transactions between the Company and Subsidiaries are as follows:

SUBSIDIARY

2018
£000

2017
£000

Sale of goods
and services

2018
£000

2017
£000
Purchase of goods
and services

McGowan and Company (Contractors) Limited
Cramond Real Estate Company Limited
Thomas Menzies (Builders) Limited
.
Concrete Products (Kirkcaldy) Limited
.
.
C. & W. Assets Limited .
.
Smart Serviced Offices Limited

.
.
.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.

134
–
192
43
2,829
125

134
–
206
36
3,486
18

539
–
32
24
–
–

1,177
–
7
38
–
–

During the year the Company received a dividend of £2,000,000 (2017, £nil) from C. & W. Assets Limited.

SUBSIDIARY

Amounts owed
by Subsidiaries

Amounts owed
to Subsidiaries

McGowan and Company (Contractors) Limited
Cramond Real Estate Company Limited
Thomas Menzies (Builders) Limited
.
Concrete Products (Kirkcaldy) Limited
.
C. & W. Assets Limited .
.
.
Smart Serviced Offices Limited

.
.
.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.

–
–
–
17

–
–
24
–
1,883 2,587
230
440

78
–
2
–

59
–
–
1
– –
–

–

During the year the Company advanced a further £210,000 to its subsidiary Smart Serviced Offices Limited and as
at 31st July 2018 the total due from the subsidiary was £440,000. As at 31st July 2018 the Company has provided
in full against this debt. No other provision for bad or doubtful debts have been made against any other amounts
due from Subsidiary companies.

(b) JOINT VENTURE COMPANIES

Transactions between the Group and its Joint Venture Companies were the receipt of interest on a loan to one of
the joint venture companies of £4,000 (2017, £5,000), sale of materials and services of £151,000 (2017, £1,000)
and receipt of dividends of £700,000 (2017, £nil).
The Group was due £nil (2017, £2,000) in respect of the loan interest charged to one of the Joint Venture Companies
and £nil (2017, £2,000) in respect of sale of materials and services. During the year the Group was repaid £920,000
(2017, £nil) of outstanding loans to Joint Venture Companies and advanced £857,000 (2017, £1,000) to Joint
Venture Companies. During the year the Group wrote off a balance due from a Joint Venture company of £2,000
as this company is dormant and has no funds to repay the outstanding loan.
As at 31st July 2018 loans outstanding from Joint Venture Companies amounted to £1,033,000 (2017, £1,098,000).
The amounts outstanding are unsecured and will be settled for cash. No expense has been recognised in the year
for bad or doubtful debts in respect of the amounts owed by Joint Venture Companies.

J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

31st JULY 2018

29.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (continued)

David W Smart and John R Smart, throughout the year had material beneficial interests in Plean Precast Limited,
Sterling Precast Limited and The Roofing and Building Supply Co. Limited, which have interests in continuing
contracts for the purchase of materials and services from and for the sale of materials and services to the Group.

During the year to 31st July 2018 the Group purchased materials amounting to £241,000 (2017, £315,000) from
these companies and sold materials and services amounting to £53,000 (2017, £198,000) to these companies.

All transactions were at normal commercial rates.

As at 31st July 2018 the Group owed these companies £48,000 (2017, £51,000) and was owed £17,000 (2017,
£6,000).

(d) DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

The remuneration of the Directors, who are the only key management of the Company, is set out in note 4 to the
Accounts with further information contained in the audited part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report.

(e) DIRECTORS’ DIVIDENDS

During the year the Directors received dividends from the Company as follows:

.
David W Smart
John R Smart
.
Alasdair H Ross .
Patricia Sweeney .

.
.
.
.

(f) DIRECTORS’ TRANSACTIONS

2018
£000
374
374
3
2

The following Directors received goods and services from Group Companies in the year amounting to:
.
David W Smart
John R Smart
.
Alasdair H Ross .
Patricia Sweeney .

3
6
–
–

.
.
.
.

2017
£000
113
113
3
–

1
2
–
–

All transactions were at normal commercial rates.

(g) PENSION SCHEMES

Disclosures in relation to the pension schemes are included in note 26 to the Accounts.

During the year the Company paid fees and expenses on behalf of the defined benefit pension scheme amounting
to £203,000 (2017, £169,000).

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