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JD Sports Fashion

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FY2008 Annual Report · JD Sports Fashion
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ANNUAL 
REPORT 
AND 
ACCOUNTS 
2008

Contents

Summary of Key Performance Indicators 

Chairman’s Statement  

Financial and Risk Review  

Property and Stores Review 

Corporate and Social Responsibility 

The Board  

Directors’ Report  

Corporate Governance  

Directors’ Report on Remuneration and Related Matters 

Directors’ Responsibility Statement 

Independent Auditor’s Report  

Consolidated Income Statement  

Group and Company Statement of Recognised Income and Expense  

Group and Company Balance Sheets 

Group and Company Cash Flow Statements  

Notes to The Financial Statements  

Five Year Record  

Financial Calendar  

Shareholder Information  

Head Office  

02

04

10

15

16

21

22

26

31

41

42

45

45

46

47

48

78

79

79

79

1

SUMMARY 
OF KEY 
PERFORMANCE 
iNDiCATORS

53 weeks to 
02 February 2008 
£000 

52 weeks to  
27 January 2007 
£000

Revenue 
Gross profit % 
Operating profit (before net financing costs, exceptional items  
and share of results of joint venture) 
Profit before tax and exceptional items 
Exceptional items 
Operating profit 
Profit before tax 
Basic earnings per ordinary share 
Adjusted basic earnings per ordinary share 
Total dividend payable per ordinary share 
Net cash at end of year 

592,240 
49.2% 

44,019 
43,407 
(8,404) 
35,615 
35,003 
48.79p 
57.05p 
8.50p 
11,752 

530,581 
47.5% 

27,301 
25,066 
(7,799) 
19,502 
17,267 
21.52p 
36.41p 
7.20p 
10,932

BUSiNESS HigHLigHTS
•  Total revenue increased by 11.6% in the year and by 11.1% on a like for like basis (Sports Fascias 11.3%; 

Fashion Fascias (excluding Bank) 7.6%)

• Gross margin improved from 47.5% to 49.2% 
•  Group profit before tax and exceptional items up 73% to £43.4 million (2007: £25.1 million)
•  Positive net cash position maintained at £11.7 million (2007: £10.9 million) after acquisitions, investments  

and associated asset purchases in the year totalling £31.3 million and net capital expenditure of £21.0 million  
(2007: £5.2 million)

• Exceptional items of £8.4 million from the continuing store portfolio rationalisation

REVENUE (£M)

NET (DEBT)/CASH (£M)

592.2

530.6

490.3

458.1 471.7

PROFIT BEFORE TAX AND 
EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS (£M)

43.4

2004 2005 2006 2007

2008

2007

2008

2004

2005

2006 2007

2008

25.1

16.6

12.9

10.9

11.8

6.0

2004 2005 2006

(13.2)

(30.8)

(51.0)

2

3

 
 
   
   
CHAiRMAN’S 
STATEMENT

iNTRODUCTiON 
The 53 weeks ended 02 February 2008 have been a further period of very 
substantial progress for the Group with excellent organic sales growth 
and margin enhancement. We have improved our profit before tax and 
exceptional items by 73% in the year to £43.4 million (2007: £25.1 million). 
This follows on from a 51% increase last year.

Group profit before tax has increased by 103% in the year to £35.0 million 
(2007: £17.3 million) and Group profit after tax has increased by 127% to 
£23.6 million (2007: £10.4 million).

Group operating profit (before exceptional items) for the year was up 61%  
to £44.0 million (2007: £27.3 million) and comprises a Sports Fascias profit  
of £45.6 million (2007: £29.7 million) and a Fashion Fascias loss of £1.6 
million (2007: loss of £2.4 million).

ACQUiSiTiONS 
On 07 December 2007 the Group significantly increased the Fashion 
Fascias store base with the addition of 49 Bank Fashion stores through 
the acquisition of Bank Stores Holdings Limited (‘Bank’) for a total cash 
cost (including fees and repayment of debt) of £18.6 million. Bank made 
a positive contribution to the operating profit of the Fashion Fascias in the 
second half of the year of £434,000, helped by Christmas trading.

The Group also made two smaller strategic stake acquisitions in other 
businesses in the second half. 49% of Focus Brands Limited, a designing, 
licensing, and sourcing wholesaler, was acquired at a cost of £3.0 million 
(including fees and loans of £2.5 million made to the business) on 03 
December 2007. This deal was part of a package in which the Sergio 
Tacchini sub-licensed UK brand rights were also acquired directly by JD  
as well as a freehold property in St Albans which continues to be occupied 
by Focus at an arm’s length rent. The results of Focus for the short  
post-acquisition period are presented as ‘Share of results of joint venture’.

Additionally, on 07 November 2007, 51% of Topgrade Sportswear Limited 
was acquired for a consideration of £1.2 million (including fees). We took 
the decision to acquire this wholesaler of end-of-line stock because of 
its buying strength and trading knowledge, which were considered a 
foundation for further business development. The results of this business 
had no material impact on the Group results for the 53 weeks ended 02 
February 2008.

SPORTS FASCiAS 
The Sports Fascias’ turnover increased by 10.5% during the period to 
£544.4 million (2007: £492.8 million) with like for like sales for the year 
up 11.3%. Gross margin rose to 49.9% (2007: 47.6%) as a result of 
continuing growth in own brand sales. 

The performance of our principal Sports Fascias, JD and Size, has been 
very strong during the last year as a result of the current management 
team’s consistent strategy over the last four years of eliminating under 

4

performing stores, improving gross margins and reducing terminal 
stocks. The performance of the buying, merchandising and own brand 
departments has been excellent. 

In addition, the Group has conducted an ambitious programme of store 
development with 13 new store openings and 28 store refurbishments.  
This programme will continue through most of 2008 and represents 
the most substantial refurbishment programme the Group has ever 
undertaken. These store refurbishments often result in full store closures for 
a number of weeks but we expect this to be justified by the subsequent 
performance. We have also made our most significant investment to date 
in merchandising systems and training during the year. 

FASHiON FASCiAS  
The Fashion Fascias now have two separately managed young branded 
fashion businesses trading as Scotts and Bank.

The Scotts Fascia rationalisation has continued throughout the past  
year with under performing stores continuing to be eliminated and the 
remaining ATH- and AV stores being converted to the Scotts Fascia.  
There is now only one ATH- store remaining in the 38 store portfolio.  
The Open Fascia no longer trades following the disposal of Glasgow  
Open in September 2007.

In spite of a positive like for like sales performance in Scotts of 7.6% for 
the year, turnover for this business declined to £34.5 million (2007: £37.7 
million) as a result of the store disposal programme. Six under performing 
stores were closed in the year. Losses were borne in most of these stores 
before they were disposed of, meaning that the results suffered from 
the early year losses, and did not benefit from the normal anticipated 
Christmas trading period profit in the year. Gross margin declined to 44.0% 
(2007: 46.3%), principally as a result of a clearance of stock following 
both the closure of Glasgow Open and a substantial change in the 
management team mid year. Like for like sales and margin performance 
have been encouraging so far this year. 

Last year we noted that the young branded fashion sector remained 
competitive and that we believed the Fashion Fascias would only deliver 
profit to the Group when its major property issues were resolved.  
The disposals within Scotts this year represent significant steps towards 
this goal. We are now very focussed on improving the buying and 
merchandising decisions to deliver results from this Fascia. The head  
office of Scotts was transferred to the Group’s offices in Bury in April and 
we believe that this move will further assist this objective.

The acquisition of Bank gives the Group the opportunity to develop our 
presence in the young aspirational fashion sector and consequently 
provide a platform for growth through rollout. However, in advance of any 
rollout, the management team will need to ensure that the store model and 
brand offer can produce appropriate returns from such expansion. We also 
expect the head office of Bank to move into the Group’s offices in Bury in 
May 2008.

gROUP PERFORMANCE 
Revenue 
Total revenue increased by 11.6% in the year to £592.2 million (2007: 
£530.6 million) as a result of the Group’s positive like for like sales 
performance of 11.1% (excluding the acquired Bank stores), combined 
with the turnover from the acquisitions made in the year and a full year 
effect from the ex Hargreaves Airport stores. 

Gross margin  
We are pleased with the progress made in enhancing Group gross  
margin from 47.5% to 49.2%. Further progress on gross margin will 
be much more difficult to achieve because the scope both for stock 
management improvement and expansion of own brand penetration is 
now much reduced. 

Overheads  
Selling and distribution overheads (excluding exceptionals), which include 
all store costs, have been well contained with an increase of 6% against a 
sales increase of 12% but normal administrative overheads have increased 
to £25.8 million from £17.4 million. This latter increase includes provision 
for £4 million of a £5 million loyalty and retention package for the Executive 
Chairman, designed to ensure that he stays with the business for at least 
another two years. £3 million of this was paid in March 2008 and the final 
two payments of £1 million each will be made in March 2009 and March 
2010, 50% of each further payment being dependent on performance. 
Further details of this and of LTIP schemes which will incentivise retention 
and performance for the wider executive management team will be 
published in the Remuneration Report and the Shareholder Circular to be 
sent to shareholders shortly. The LTIP schemes will require shareholder 
approval. The administrative overheads also include substantial increases 
in systems consultancy and merchandising training associated with 
improvements in merchandise planning and stock management.

Operating profits and results 
Operating profit before net financing costs, exceptional items and share 
of results of joint ventures increased by £16.7 million to £44.0 million 
(2007: £27.3 million) which represents a 61% increase on last year. Group 
operating margin (before net financing costs, exceptional items and share 
of results of joint venture) has therefore increased to 7.4% (2007: 5.1%).

Although exceptional items increased slightly to £8.4 million (2007: £7.8 
million), Group operating profit after exceptional items but before share of 
results of joint ventures and net financing costs rose sharply from £19.5 
million to £35.6 million.

The exceptional items comprise:                                          

Lease variation costs 
Impairment of fixed assets in under performing stores 
Loss on disposal of fixed assets 
Total exceptional charge 

£m
2.9 
2.5 
3.0
8.4

The lease variation costs were incurred in negotiating break options 
in onerous leases for stores in Liverpool, Gateshead Metrocentre and 
Glasgow Open. The impairment charge is on a further seven Sports stores 
and seven Fashion stores which are earmarked for disposal if suitable 
deals can be negotiated.

Debt reduction and working capital    
Net financing costs are down from £2.2 million to £0.5 million as a result of 
continuing core debt reduction.

Year end net cash of £11.7 million represented a £0.8 million improvement 
on the position at January 2007 (£10.9 million). This net cash balance 
has been achieved after expenditure on acquisitions, investments and 
associated asset purchases in the year totalling £31.3 million and net 
capital expenditure of £21.0 million (2007: £5.2 million). Gross capital 
expenditure was £19.8 million (2007: £14.1 million) being £18.9 million in 
the Sports Fascias and £0.9 million in the Fashion Fascias. The capital 
expenditure in the year included £7.8 million on new stores and £10.2 
million on refurbishments. Investment in the store portfolio is likely to 
increase in the current year with three new Sports Fascias stores already 
having been opened since the year end. 

Excluding the impact from acquisitions, stocks were reduced in the year  
by a further £0.9 million. The other major element of our working capital 
that has changed significantly has been trade and other payables within 
current liabilities which have increased by £21.5 million to £80.4 million.  
The acquisitions have contributed £13.4 million of this increase. Suppliers 
continue to be paid to agreed terms and settlement discounts are taken. 

STORE PORTFOLiO 
We have continued working hard to rationalise our store portfolio and it 
is pleasing to be reporting further substantial progress this year. We have 
closed a further 36 under performing stores during the period with three 
further stores in the Sports Fascias having been closed since the year end. 
This programme is now much closer to completion although we continue 
to find that new developments render older locations redundant whether or 
not we take new stores in those developments.

During the year, store numbers moved as follows:

Sports Fascias 
Start of year 
New stores 
Closures 
Close of year 

Fashion Fascias 
Start of year 
Acquisition Of Bank Fashion 
Closures 
Close of year 

Units 
362 
13 
(30) 
345 

Units 
44 
49 
(6) 
87 

‘000 sq ft
1,098 
45 
(54)
1,089

‘000 sq ft
117 
106 
(32)
191

5

 
 
CHAiRMAN’S 
STATEMENT (CONTiNUED)

DiViDENDS AND EARNiNgS PER  
ORDiNARY SHARE 
The Board proposes paying a final dividend of 6.00p (2007: 4.80p) 
bringing the total dividend payable for the year to 8.50p (2007: 7.20p)  
per ordinary share. The proposed final dividend will be paid on 04 August 
2008 to all shareholders on the register at 09 May 2008. The final dividend 
has been increased by 25% with total dividends payable for the year 
increased by 18%.

The adjusted earnings per ordinary share before exceptional items were 
57.05p (2007: 36.41p).

The basic earnings per ordinary share were 48.79p (2007: 21.52p).

CURRENT TRADiNg AND OUTLOOK 
Given the weather and the timing of Easter, trading since the year end has 
been encouraging with like for like sales for the Sports Fascias for the 10 
weeks ended 12 April 2008 up 4.0%. The Fashion Fascias have also had 
an encouraging start to the year with like for like sales for the same 10 
week period up 4.9%. The Group like for like sales for this 10 week period 
are therefore up 4.2%.

In the current year, the Group is operating against exceptionally strong 
comparatives. Additionally, the Focus and Topgrade investments are 
not expected to produce returns in the next two years, other than of a 
defensive nature. The Group’s recent strong performance with regards  
to like for like sales and gross margins means that further improvement  
in these areas is becoming more challenging. Furthermore, despite recent 
and current performance, the current economic climate and outlook 
dictates a note of prudence. The Board is therefore cautious about the 
extent of future growth in earnings.

EMPLOYEES 
The Group’s excellent results would not have been possible without  
the support of a dedicated and large workforce for which the Board  
are very grateful. We are committed to continue increasing training and  
other support to enhance both their career prospects and our own 
customer service.  

Peter Cowgill 
Executive Chairman 
15 April 2008

6

7

‘This has been a 
further period of very 
substantial progress 
for the Group with 
excellent organic sales 
growth and margin 
enhancement.’

8

9

FiNANCiAL 
AND RiSK 
REViEW

iNTRODUCTiON 
Profit before tax increased substantially in the year from £17.3 million to 
£35.0 million. This improvement has been achieved through:
• Strong organic sales growth
• Higher gross margin
•  Improved store cost ratios aided by the disposal of under  

performing stores

•  A reduction in net financing costs from the continuing reduction in  

core debt 

The Group has maintained its positive net cash position at the year end 
after acquisitions, investments and associated asset purchases in the  
year totalling £31.3 million and an increase in gross capital expenditure 
from £14.1 million to £19.8 million.

TAxATiON 
The effective rate of tax on profit has decreased from 39.8% to 32.6%. 
This decrease is principally due to the fact that certain depreciation 
charges and the impairment of the goodwill in RD Scott Limited within 
the exceptional items in the prior year did not qualify for any form of tax 
relief. However, the tax charge remains above the standard rate because 
of a high rate of disallowable expenditure within the costs of the property 
rationalisation programme. 

EARNiNgS PER SHARE 
The basic earnings per share have increased from 21.52p to 48.79p. 
However, we believe that the more appropriate measure of our earnings 
performance is the adjusted basic earnings per share which excludes the 
post tax effect of exceptional items except those pertaining to the gain or 
loss on the disposal of non-current assets. The adjusted basic earnings 
per share rose by 57% from 36.41p to 57.05p.

NET CASH
The year end net cash position has increased by £0.8 million to £11.7 
million after acquisitions, investments and associated asset purchases 
in the year totalling £31.3 million and an increase of £5.7 million in gross 
capital expenditure to £19.8 million. The significant improvement in the 
Group’s financial position over the four year period since the current 
management team came together in early 2004, has enabled the Group 
to invest in appropriate opportunities, whether they be connected with the 
current store base or strategic acquisitions. 

The improvement in the Group’s cash position over the period has enabled 
it to benefit from lower net financing costs with the net charge in the year 
reducing from £2.2 million to £0.5 million.

TREASURY FACiLiTiES
A £70.0 million bank syndicated facility was agreed in October 2006.  
This facility is entirely revolver based and contains no fixed repayment 
element. We believe that a revolving facility with monthly drawdowns of 
debt is best suited to the business given the cyclical nature of the cash 
flows, particularly with regard to the trading peak at Christmas and the 
quarterly store rent payments. This facility has been used to fund the 
acquisitions and other investments in the year with no other facilities put in 
place. This facility expires in October 2011.

Interest rate hedging has not been put in place on the new facility. We are 
mindful of the potential volatility in the base rate but, given that we do not 
drawdown on the facility at certain times of the year, we do not feel that a 
long term interest rate hedge is necessary. However, we recognise that this 
position may change and it is one that we review regularly along with the 
level of our facility requirements.

The Group’s principal foreign exchange exposure continues to be on the 
sourcing of own brand merchandise from the Far East which usually has 
to be paid for in US Dollars. We set a buying rate at the start of the buying 
season (typically six to nine months before the product actually starts to 
appear in the stores) and we then lock into rates at or above this rate 
through appropriate foreign exchange instruments. Cover is in place for  
the anticipated stock buys in the current financial year.

RiSK FACTORS
Any business undertaking will involve some risk with many risk factors 
common to any business no matter what sector it operates in. However, 
the Directors consider that certain key risks and uncertainties are more 
specific to the Group and the markets in which its businesses operate.  
An assessment of such factors is set out below:

Damage to Reputation of Brands
The Group is heavily dependent on the brands which it sells being 
desirable to the customer. As such, we are exposed to events or 
circumstances which may or may not be under our control which  
could give rise to liability claims and/or reputational damage. 

The net cash position has benefited from the continuing tight controls over 
stocks. Creditors continue to be paid to terms to maximise settlement 
discounts with our period end creditor days being 33 (2007: 32).

We work with our suppliers to ensure that the product which we source 
from them satisfies the increasingly stringent laws and regulations 
governing issues of health and safety, packaging and labelling, pollution 
and other environmental factors.

10

FiNANCiAL 
AND RiSK 
REViEW (CONTiNUED)

Property Developments
The retail landscape has seen significant changes in recent years with 
a number of new retail developments either already opened or in the 
pipeline. As such, the Group is exposed where it has committed itself  
to a long term lease in a location which, as a result of the opening of 
another retail scheme, is no longer attractive to the customer and so 
suffers reduced footfall. Wherever possible, we ensure that new leases are 
taken for a period no longer than 10 years thus our exposure is reduced 
and our flexibility increased in the event of a competing development. 

When the Group is made aware of a new development, a review is 
performed to establish the possible impact on the existing stores and to 
consider whether an exit strategy is needed. Where possible we try and 
work with the relevant landlords to agree a surrender although this is not 
always possible. Where a surrender is not possible, we seek to either 
assign the lease to another retailer or attract a sub tenant. In many cases 
this necessitates the payment of an incentive to the other retailer. Assigning 
the lease or finding a sub tenant are not without risk because if the other 
retailer fails then the liability reverts to the main headlease.

Seasonality
The Group’s business is highly seasonal. Historically, the Group’s most 
important trading period in terms of sales, profitability and cash flow has 
been the Christmas season. Lower than expected performance in this 
period may have an adverse impact on results for the full year which may 
result in excess inventories which are difficult to liquidate.

DiViDENDS
A final cash dividend of 6.00p per share is proposed which represents an 
increase of 25% on the final dividend from the prior year. The dividend for 
the year is therefore 8.50p which is an increase of 18% on the prior year. 

Brian Small
Group Finance Director
15 April 2008

13

PROPERTY 
AND STORES 
REViEW

The ongoing rationalisation of the property portfolio has resulted in the 
closure of 36 under performing stores in the period (30 Sports Fascia 
stores and 6 Fashion Fascia stores) as we continue to drive the efficiency 
of the store base upwards. A further three Sports Fascia stores have 
closed in the current period. The rationalisation programme is now much 
closer to completion although we continue to find that new developments 
render older locations redundant whether or not we take new stores in 
those developments.

New stores are taken when suitable opportunities occur with a total of 
13 new stores opened in the period (all in the Sports Fascias). Five of the 
new stores (including two in the Republic of Ireland) were in new locations 
whilst the other eight stores were replacements and extentions of existing 
space. The opening of 13 new stores represents a significant increase in 
investment in the property portfolio compared to previous years and this 
increased investment in new space is likely to continue in the current year 
with three new Sports Fascia stores already having been opened.

There has also been an increase in the investment in the existing portfolio 
with 28 stores being refurbished in the period. These refurbishments 
included the following major works:
• Major refurbishment at the flagship JD store on Oxford Street in London
• Conversion of two ex Hargreaves Airport stores in Gatwick Airport to JD
• Conversion of five legacy Ath- stores to the Scotts fascia

As with new stores, there is increased investment planned on the existing 
portfolio and it is likely that we will refit in excess of 40 stores in the current 
period. This programme of refurbishments represents the most substantial 
refurbishment programme that the Group has ever undertaken. These 
store refurbishments often result in full store closures for a number of 
weeks but we expect this to be justified by the subsequent performance.

The acquisition of Bank Stores Holdings Limited (‘Bank’) gave the Group 
a further 49 stores and 106,000 sq ft of retail space. Bank has been 
included within the performance of our Fashion Division although we plan 
to maintain Scotts and Bank as two separate fascias. The acquisition 
of Bank gives the Group the opportunity to develop our presence in the 
young aspirational fashion sector and consequently provide a platform 
for growth through rollout. However, in advance of any rollout, the 
management team will need to ensure that the store model and brand 
offer can produce appropriate returns from such expansion.

The store portfolio at 02 February 2008 and 27 January 2007 can be 
analysed as follows: 

Sports Fascias                      No. of Stores                   Retail (000 sq ft)
2007
1,001 
20 
44 
13 
20 
1,098

JD 
Size 
First Sport 
Nike 
Other Fascias 
Total 

2007 
304  
14 
17 
8 
19 
362 

2008 
1,013 
19 
36 
10 
11 
1,089 

2008 
303 
13 
12 
7 
10 
345 

Fashion Fascias                   No. of Stores                  Retail (000 sq ft)
2007
- 
75 
3 
16 
23
117

Bank 
Scotts 
Lacoste (i) 
Ath 
Other Fascias (ii) 
Total 

2008 
104 
80 
4 
3 
- 
191 

2007 
- 
34 
2 
6 
2 
44 

2008 
47 
36 
3 
1 
- 
87 

Group Total 

432 

406 

1,280 

1,215

(i) Includes two stores from the acquisition of Bank 
(ii)  Included Glasgow Open department store (21,700 sq ft) which was 

closed in September 2007

15

            
 
 
 
 
CORPORATE 
AND SOCiAL 
RESPONSiBiLiTY

fire alarms and gas compliance. Where appropriate, these files also contain 
the details of any surveys for Asbestos Containing Materials (‘ACMs’) and 
whether any baselines have been established for the management of 
potential ACMs.

ENViRONMENTAL 
The Group recognises the importance of protecting our environment for 
future generations and is committed to carrying out its activities with due 
consideration for the environmental impacts of its operations particularly  
with regards to:
• Ensuring efficient use of energy and other materials
• Minimising waste with recycling wherever possible
• Ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and codes of best practice 

Energy 
It is the Group’s aim to give customers an enjoyable retail experience  
with goods presented in an environment that is both well lit and has an 
ambient temperature. However, the Group accepts that all the businesses 
within the Group must be responsible in their energy usage and associated 
carbon emissions. 

The Group has now employed a dedicated Energy Manager who is 
introducing a Carbon Management Programme (‘CMP’) with the aim of 
reducing energy usage across the Group. We have also engaged the 
services of independent qualified consultants from Inenco Group Limited to 
assist in this process.

This CMP will provide the Group with the necessary base data on 
CO2 emissions to enable it to operate effectively in the new emissions 
trading scheme introduced as part of the statutory Carbon Reduction 
Commitment (‘CRC’). Although the introductory phase of the CRC does 
not start until January 2010 we are working on this issue now to ensure 
a smooth transition. The Group is committed to invest the necessary 
resources in this area with the following works planned for 2008:
•  The introduction of smart meters for electricity in at least 150 of the 

largest energy using stores. Taking into account the fact that we can 
receive accurate and timely usage data in 60 stores already then this 
programme of works will mean that this usage data will be available  
for approximately half of the store base but a higher proportion of the 
actual cost

•  The introduction of Building Management Systems in new store 

developments and major refurbishments to minimise the usage of energy 
outside of trading hours

The Group recognises that it has a social responsibility to ensure 
its business is carried out in a way that ensures high standards of 
environmental and human behaviour. With the help and co-operation of 
all employees, the Group endeavours to comply with all relevant laws in 
order to meet that duty and responsibility wherever it operates. The major 
contributions of the Group in this respect are detailed below.

EMPLOYMENT  
The Group is a large equal opportunities employer and a large training 
organisation providing direct employment and career development to 
thousands of people across the UK and Republic of Ireland. The Group 
employs large numbers of school leavers and university graduates and 
participates regularly in work experience schemes with schools and 
colleges across the country.

The Group is committed to promoting policies which are designed to 
ensure that employees and those who seek to work for the Group are 
treated equally regardless of sex, marital status, creed, colour, race or 
ethnic origin. 

The Group gives full and fair consideration to applications for 
employment by people who are disabled, to continue wherever possible 
the employment of staff who become disabled and to provide equal 
opportunities for the career development of disabled employees. It is also 
the Group’s policy to provide opportunities for the large number of people 
seeking flexible or part-time hours.

The number and geographical dispersion of the Group’s operating 
locations make it difficult, but essential, to communicate effectively with 
employees. Communication with retail staff is primarily achieved through 
the management in the regional and area operational structures although 
we have introduced regular newsletters and intranet updates for staff 
in the last year. Formal communications informing all employees of the 
performance of the Group are issued on a regular basis by the Group’s 
Human Resources Department in the form of ‘Team Briefs’.

HEALTH AND SAFETY 
The Group acknowledges that it has a responsibility to provide a safe 
and healthy environment for all its employees, customers, contractors 
and other visitors. The Group therefore employs a dedicated Health and 
Safety Officer who co-ordinates all training in this area, carries out risk 
assessments and ensures that safe working practices and equipment are 
used throughout the Group.

Each retail unit has its own individually prepared health and safety file which 
is made available to those who need information to assist in maintenance, 
alterations, construction or demolition work. These individual files 
document the satisfactory testing of electrical circuits, emergency lighting, 

16

CORPORATE 
AND SOCiAL 
RESPONSiBiLiTY (CONTiNUED)

gENERAL SOCiAL RESPONSiBiLiTY 
The Group seeks to be involved in the community where it can make an 
appropriate contribution from its resources and skill base. Examples of  
this include:
• Sponsorship of the Manchester Versus Cancer concert 
• Sponsorship of the 2008 Multiple Sclerosis Society MS Life Conference 
• Sponsorship and donations of kit to local junior sports clubs

COMPLiANCE WiTH COMPANiES ACT 2006
The Group will report on significant environmental issues in its 2009 Annual 
Report using appropriate KPIs. There are already appropriate KPIs in the 
business to report on the recycling of waste. These KPIs will be expanded 
in the 2009 report by the inclusion of data on energy usage and carbon 
emissions.

Recycling 
Wherever possible, cardboard (the major packaging constituent) is taken 
back to the distribution centres. The cardboard is then baled and passed 
to recycling businesses for reprocessing. During the year, the Group 
increased its recycling of cardboard to 176.6 tonnes (2007: 113.5 tonnes).

The Group also continues to recycle paper wherever possible.  
This recycling is split into two elements:
•  General paper waste is collected by a recycling business with 90.0  

tonnes recycled in the year (2007: 89.6 tonnes)

•  Confidential paper waste is shredded on collection by a recycling 
business. This business provides a ‘Certificate Of Environmental 
Accomplishment’ which states that the shredded paper, which was 
collected in the year, was the equivalent of 497 trees

Plastic Bags
Approximately 40% of the bags issued by the Group are high quality 
drawstring bags which are generally reused by customers many times. 
However, the Group is aware of the environmental impact from plastic 
bags and to minimise the effects from the Group’s bags we have recently 
made the following environmentally responsible changes:
• The bags are now made from 33% recycled material
•  The bags now contain an oxo-biodegradable additive which means that 

they degrade totally over a very short life span

In addition, the Group uses paper based bags rather than plastic bags in 
its stores in the Republic of Ireland. 

ETHiCAL LABOUR CONSiDERATiONS 
The Group seeks to provide its customers with high quality and value 
merchandise from manufacturers who can demonstrate compliance 
with internationally accepted good practice in terms of employment and 
environmental policies.

The Group cares about the labour standards in its global supply chain and 
expects its suppliers to have similar ethical concerns. The Group’s buyers 
inspect the working conditions wherever possible during their visits to the 
factories of suppliers and source manufacturers. However, on occasions it 
is not possible to visit the factories directly and we have to rely on the good 
faith of our suppliers who, through our own supplier contract, are required 
to agree to our policy on ‘Employment Standards For Suppliers’

19

THE BOARD

PETER COWgiLL 
Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Nominations Committee  
aged 55

Peter was appointed Executive Chairman in March 2004. He was 
previously Finance Director of the Group until his resignation in June 
2001. Since then he has been a partner in Cowgill Holloway Chartered 
Accountants. He is a Non-Executive Director of a number of private 
companies and Non-Executive Chairman of United Carpets Plc and Air 
Music & Media Group Plc.

BARRY BOWN 
Chief Executive aged 47 

Barry joined the Board in 2000 and has been with The John David Group 
Plc since 1984. He held the positions of Head of Retail, Head of Buying 
and Merchandising and Chief Operating Officer prior to his appointment as 
Chief Executive in 2000.

BRiAN SMALL 
Finance Director aged 51 

Brian was appointed Finance Director and Company Secretary in January 
2004. Immediately prior to his appointment, he was Operations Finance 
Director at Intercare Group Plc and has also been Finance Director of a 
number of other companies. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant with 
Price Waterhouse in 1981.

COLiN ARCHER 
Non-Executive Director, Chairman of Audit and Remuneration 
Committees and member of the Nominations Committee aged 66 

Colin was appointed a Non-Executive Director in November 2001.  
He has over 40 years experience in the banking and financial arenas,  
having previously been Assistant Corporate Director with Barclays Bank 
Plc. He is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers. 

CHRiS BiRD 
Non-Executive Director, member of Audit, Remuneration and 
Nominations Committees aged 45 

Chris was appointed to the Board in May 2003. He is a marketing 
specialist with his own public relations and marketing agency. Chris has 20 
years media experience in newspapers, commercial radio and sport.

21

 
 
 
 
DiRECTORS’
REPORT

The Directors present their annual report and the audited financial 
statements for the 53 week period ended 02 February 2008.

PRiNCiPAL ACTiViTiES AND BUSiNESS REViEW 
The principal activity of the Group continues to be the retail of sports and  
leisure wear. 

A review of the business, providing a comprehensive analysis of the main 
trends and factors likely to affect the development, performance and 
position of the business, including environmental, employee, social and 
community issues together with the Group’s Key Performance Indicators 
and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties facing the 
business is detailed on pages 02 to 19 as follows:
•  Summary of Key Performance Indicators (page 02) 
•  Chairman’s Statement (pages 04 to 06) 
•  Financial and Risk Review (pages 10 to 13) 
•  Property and Stores Review (page 15) 
•  Corporate and Social Responsibility (pages 16 to 19)

RESULTS 
Revenue for the 53 week period ended 02 February 2008 was £592.2 
million and profit before tax £35.0 million compared with £530.6 million and 
£17.3 million respectively in the previous financial year. The Consolidated 
Income Statement is set out on page 45.

PROPOSED DiViDEND 
The Directors recommend a final dividend of 6.00p per ordinary share  
(2007: 4.80p), which together with the interim dividend of 2.50p per 
ordinary share (2007: 2.40p) makes the total dividend payable for the year 
8.50p (2007: 7.20p).

If approved at the next Annual General Meeting, the dividend will be paid 
on 04 August 2008 to shareholders on the register at the close of business 
on 09 May 2008.

DiRECTORS 
The names of the current directors of the Company and their biographical 
details are given on page 21. Mr B Small and Mr C Bird retire by rotation at 
the next Annual General Meeting and are eligible for re-election.

STRUCTURE OF SHARE CAPiTAL
As at 02 February 2008, the Company’s authorised share capital of 
£3,107,500 comprised 62,150,000 ordinary shares of 5p each. 

As at 02 February 2008, the Company’s issued share capital of 
£2,413,171 comprised 48,263,434 ordinary shares of 5p each.

RigHTS AND OBLigATiONS OF  
ORDiNARY SHARES
On a show of hands at a general meeting, every holder of ordinary shares 
present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote, shall have one vote 
and on a poll, every member present in person or by proxy and entitled 
to vote, shall have one vote for every ordinary share held. Subject to the 
relevant statutory provisions, and the Company’s Articles of Association, 
holders of ordinary shares are entitled to a divided where declared or paid 
out of profits available for such purposes. Subject to the relevant statutory 
provisions and the Company’s Articles of Association, on a return of capital 
on a winding-up, holders of ordinary shares are entitled to participate in 
such a return equally in proportion to their shareholding.

RESTRiCTiONS ON TRANSFER OF SECURiTiES 
The restrictions on the transfer of shares in the Company are as follows:
•   The Board may, in its absolute discretion, refuse to register any transfer 
of shares, which are not fully paid up (but not so as to prevent dealings 
in listed shares from taking place)

•   The Board may also refuse to register any transfer of shares unless it is 
in respect of only one class of share and it is lodged at the place where 
the register of members is kept, accompanied by a relevant certificate or 
such other evidence as the Board may reasonably require to show the 
right of the transferor to make the transfer

•   The Board may refuse to register an allotment or transfer of shares in 

favour of more than four persons jointly 

•   Certain restrictions may from time to time, be imposed by laws and 

regulations (for example, insider trading laws)

•   Restrictions may be imposed pursuant to the Listing Rules of the 

Financial Services Authority whereby certain of the Group’s employees 
require the Company’s approval to deal in shares

The Company is not aware of any arrangement between its shareholders 
that may result in restrictions on the transfer of shares and/or voting rights.

DiRECTORS’ iNTERESTS 
The interests of the Directors who held office at 02 February 2008 and their 
immediate families in the Company’s shares are shown below: 

                                                                Ordinary shares of 5p each 
02 February 2008  27 January 2007
380,263
5,676
-
8,850
394,789

410,263 
5,676 
13,750 
18,850 
448,539 

P Cowgill 
B Bown 
B Small 
C Archer 

With the exception of the interests in the Company’s shares held by  
B Bown and his immediate family, all of the holdings shown above 
represent beneficial interests.

There has been no change in Directors’ interests since the period-end.

SUBSTANTiAL iNTERESTS iN SHARE CAPiTAL 
As at 15 April 2008, the Company has been advised by the following 
companies of notifiable interests in its ordinary share capital:  

Number of 
ordinary shares 
27,566,256 
Pentland Group Plc 
5,930,255 
Sports World International Ltd 
5,665,173 
Aberforth Partners 
AXA Rosenberg 
2,011,172 
Legal & General Investment Management  1,559,821 

%
57.12 
12.29 
11.74  
4.17 
3.23

POWERS OF THE DiRECTORS
The Directors are responsible for the management of the business of 
the Company and may exercise all powers of the Company subject to 
applicable legislation and regulation and the Memorandum and Articles  
of Association.

A resolution will be put forward at the 2008 AGM to give the Directors 
authority to buy back ordinary shares up to a maximum of 10% of the 
total issued ordinary share capital of the Company. Any shares purchased 
under such authority would be cancelled. 

RESTRiCTiONS ON VOTiNg DEADLiNES
The notice of any general meeting shall specify the deadline for exercising 
voting rights and appointing a proxy or proxies to vote in relation to 
resolutions to be proposed at the general meeting.

APPOiNTMENT AND REPLACEMENT  
OF DiRECTORS
The Company may by ordinary resolution appoint a person who is willing 
to act to be a director, either to fill a vacancy or as an addition to the 
existing Board. Any director so appointed shall hold office only until the 
dissolution of the first AGM of the Company following appointment unless 
they are re-elected during such meeting.

At each AGM of the Company, any director who was elected or last 
re-elected at or before the AGM held in the third calendar year before  
the then current calendar year must retire by rotation and such further 
Directors must retire by rotation so that in total not less than one-third  
of the Directors retire by rotation each year. A retiring director is eligible  
for re-election.  

The number of directors at any point in time shall not be less than two.

AMENDMENT OF THE COMPANY’S ARTiCLES 
OF ASSOCiATiON 
The Companies Articles of Association may only be amended by a special 
resolution at a general meeting of shareholders.

At the 2008 AGM, a special resolution will be put to shareholders 
proposing amendments to the existing Articles of Association primarily  
to accommodate the provisions of the Companies Act 2006.

CHANgE OF CONTROL –  
SigNiFiCANT AgREEMENTS
In the event of a change of control of the Company, the Company and 
the lenders of the £70.0 million bank syndicated facility shall enter into 
negotiations to determine how to continue the facility. If no agreement 
is reached within 20 business days of the date of change in control, 
the lenders may, by giving not less than 10 business days notice to the 
Company, cancel the facility and declare all outstanding loans, together 
with accrued interest and all other amounts accrued, immediately due  
and payable.

EMPLOYEES 
The Group is committed to promote equal opportunities in employment 
regardless of employees’ or potential employees’ sex, marital status,  
creed, colour, race, ethnic origin or disability. This commitment applies  
in respect of all terms and conditions of employment. Recruitment, 
promotion and the availability of training are based on the suitability of any 
applicant and full and fair consideration is always given to disabled persons 
in such circumstances. 

Should an employee become disabled during his or her employment 
by the Group, every effort is made to continue employment and training 
within their existing capacity wherever practicable, or failing that, in some 
alternative suitable capacity.

The Group has continued throughout the year to provide employees  
with relevant information and to seek their views on matters of common 
concern. Priority is given to ensuring that employees are aware of all  
significant matters affecting the Group’s performance and of any significant 
organisational changes. 

DONATiONS 
During the period the Group made charitable donations of £21,700  
(2007: £8,200). No political donations were made in the period (2007: £nil). 

22

23

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
DiRECTORS’
REPORT (CONTiNUED)

CREDiTORS PAYMENT POLiCY 
For all trade creditors, it is the Group’s policy to: 
•  Agree the terms of payment at the start of business with the supplier 
•  Ensure that suppliers are aware of the terms of payment 
•  Pay in accordance with its contractual and other legal obligations 

The average number of days taken to pay trade creditors by the Group  
at the period end was 33 (2007: 32). 

The Group does not follow any code or statement on payment practice.

AUDiTOR 
In accordance with Section 384 of the Companies Act 1985, a resolution 
is to be proposed at the Annual General Meeting for the re-appointment  
of KPMG Audit Plc as auditor of the Company. 

DiSCLOSURE OF iNFORMATiON TO THE 
AUDiTOR 
Each person who is a director at the date of approval of this report  
confirms that:
•   So far as he is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which  

the Company’s auditor is unaware

•   Each director has taken all the steps that he ought to have taken as a 
director to make himself aware of any relevant audit information and to 
establish that the Company’s auditor is aware of that information 

ANNUAL gENERAL MEETiNg 
Notice of the Annual General Meeting to be held at 1.00pm on 26 
June 2008 at Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, Bury, Lancashire BL9 8RR 
incorporating explanatory notes of the resolutions to be proposed at the 
meeting is enclosed. A Form of Proxy is also enclosed.

By order of the Board of Directors

B Small  
Secretary  
15 April 2008  

Hollinsbrook Way 
Pilsworth, Bury 
Lancashire BL9 8RR

24

25

CORPORATE
gOVERNANCE

The Group recognises the importance of corporate governance and 
supports the principles of corporate governance set out in Section 1 of the 
July 2003 FRC Combined Code on Corporate Governance (‘the Code’). 

The Board has adopted core values and group standards which set 
out the behaviours expected of staff in their dealings with shareholders, 
customers, colleagues, suppliers and other stakeholders of the Group. 
One of the core values communicated within the Group is a belief that  
the highest standard of integrity is essential in business. 

Remuneration Committee 
The Remuneration Committee currently comprises the two independent  
non-executive directors, Mr C Archer (Chairman) and Mr C Bird. The Board 
sets the terms of reference for the Remuneration Committee.

The Committee’s principal duties are to assist the Board in determining 
the Group’s policy on executive directors’ remuneration and to determine 
specific individual remuneration packages for senior executives, including 
the executive directors, on behalf of the Board. During the process, 
individual performance is assessed.

The Group has complied throughout the year with the provisions  
of the Code.

The Committee met once during the year.

BOARD COMPOSiTiON, MEETiNgS  
AND COMMiTTEES
The Board of Directors carries the ultimate responsibility for the conduct  
of the business. 

The Board consists of two non-executive directors, both of whom are 
independent under the Code, and three executive directors. Brief profiles 
of each director and their positions are set out on page 21.

It is the Board’s view that all directors are able to bring independent 
judgement to bear on Board matters and individual directors possess  
a wide variety of skills and experience. The composition of the Board 
is kept under review and changes are made when appropriate and in 
the best interests of the Group. There have been no changes to the 
membership of the Board since the last Annual Report was published. 

Mr C Archer is the recognised senior independent non-executive director.  
The Board believes that the two non-executives have provided ample 
guidance to and control over the three executive directors in a demanding 
period for a small capitalisation listed Group. 

None of the Directors have served for more than three years without 
having been re-elected by the shareholders. The Board held eight Board 
Meetings in the year including those convened to discuss and sanction  
the acquisitions in the period and to approve the Annual Report and 
Accounts. Board papers including reports from the Chief Executive and 
Group Finance Director as well as reports from the Operations, Property 
and Loss Control Directors (who are not on the main Board but who 
attend the meetings as required) are circulated in advance of each meeting. 

All of the Directors have access to the Company Secretary and a 
procedure exists for directors, in the furtherance of their duties, to take 
independent professional advice if necessary, at the Group’s expense. 

The three principal Board Committees to which responsibilities are  
delegated are as follows: 

Halliwell Consulting were retained through the year to advise the 
Committee on senior remuneration policy. 

Audit Committee 
The Audit Committee currently comprises the two independent non-
executive directors, Mr C Archer (Chairman) and Mr C Bird. The Board 
sets the terms of reference for the Audit Committee. The Committee’s 
principal duties are to review published financial statements, monitor 
financial accounting procedures and policies and to review the 
appointment and fees of the auditor.  

The Audit Committee met three times in the year with the Auditor attending 
each meeting. 

In the year the Audit Committee discharged its responsibilities by: 
•  Reviewing the Group’s draft financial statements and interim results  
  statement prior to Board approval and reviewing the external auditor’s  
  detailed reports thereon 
•   Reviewing the Group’s pre-close Christmas trading update 

announcement prior to release

•  Reviewing the appropriateness of the Group’s accounting policies 
•   Reviewing regularly the potential impact on the Group’s financial 

statements of certain matters such as impairments of fixed asset  
values and proposed International Accounting Standards

•   Reviewing and approving the audit fee and reviewing non-audit fees 

payable to the Group’s external auditor. In reviewing the non-audit fees, 
the Committee also considers the independence of the external auditor 
and whether its engagement to supply non-audit services is appropriate
•   Reviewing the external auditor’s plan for the audit of the Group’s financial 

statements, key risks of misstatement in the financial statements, 
confirmations of auditor independence and the proposed audit fee,  
and approving the terms of engagement for the audit

The Audit Committee also monitors the Group’s whistle blowing 
procedures ensuring that appropriate arrangements are in place 
for employees to be able to raise matters of possible impropriety in 
confidence, with suitable subsequent follow-up action. An alternative 
reporting channel exists whereby perceived wrongdoing may be reported 
via telephone, anonymously if necessary.

Nomination Committee 
The Nomination Committee currently comprises the Chairman and the 
independent non-executive directors. The Nomination Committee has  
not been required to meet in the period.

Board And Committee Attendance 
The attendance record of individual directors at Board and committee 
meetings is detailed below:

iNTERNAL CONTROL AND AUDiT 
Following publication of ‘Internal Control: Guidance for Directors on the 
Combined Code’ (the Turnbull guidance), the Board confirms that there is 
an ongoing process for identifying, evaluating and managing the significant 
risks faced by the Group. This process has been in place for the year 
under review and up to the date of approval of the annual report and 
accounts, and is regularly reviewed by the Board and accords with the 
Turnbull guidance.

Board   Remuneration 

Audit 
Committee   Committee

Number of meetings 
in year 

P Cowgill  
B Bown  
B Small  
C Archer  
C Bird  

Meetings 

8  

8  
7  
8 
8  
8  

1  

1  
- 
1  
1  
1  

3

3 
- 
3 
3 
3

P Cowgill and B Small attended all the committee meetings at the 
invitation of the non-executive directors.

DiRECTORS’ REMUNERATiON 
The Directors’ Report on Remuneration and Related Matters is set out on 
pages 31 to 38.

DiRECTORS’ RESPONSiBiLiTiES 
General
The Board’s main roles are to create value to shareholders, to provide 
entrepreneurial leadership of the Group, to approve the Group’s strategic 
objectives and to ensure that the necessary financial and other resources 
are made available to enable them to meet those objectives. 

Specific
The specific responsibilities reserved to the Board include:  
•   Setting Group strategy and approving an annual budget and medium-

term projections 

•  Reviewing operational and financial performance
•  Approving major acquisitions, divestments and capital expenditure 
•  Reviewing the Group’s systems of internal control and risk management  
•   Ensuring that appropriate management development and succession 

plans are in place 

•   Reviewing the environmental and health and safety performance of  

the Group 

•   Approving appointments to the Board of Directors and of the  

Company Secretary 

•    Approving policies relating to directors’ remuneration and the severance 

of directors’ contracts 

•   Ensuring that a satisfactory dialogue takes place with shareholders

The Directors are responsible for the Group’s system of internal 
controls and monitoring their effectiveness. However, such a system is 
designed to manage rather than eliminate the risk of failure to achieve 
business objectives, and can only provide reasonable and not absolute 
assurance against material misstatement. The Directors have established 
an organisation structure with clear operating procedures, lines of 
responsibility, delegated authority to executive management and a 
comprehensive financial reporting process. In particular there are clear 
procedures for the following: 
•   Identification and monitoring of the business risks facing the Group,  
with  major risks identified and reported to the Audit Committee and  
the Board

•  Capital investment, with detailed appraisal and authorisation procedures 
•   Prompt preparation of comprehensive monthly management accounts 
providing relevant, reliable and up-to-date information. These allow for 
comparison with budget and previous year’s results. Significant variances 
from approved budgets are investigated as appropriate

•   Preparation of comprehensive annual profit and cash flow budgets 

allowing  management to monitor business activities and major risks and 
the progress towards financial objectives in the short and medium term

•   Monitoring of store procedures and the reporting and resolution of 

suspected fraudulent activities 

•   Reconciliation and checking of all cash and stock balances and 

investigation of any material differences

The Board has reviewed the effectiveness of internal controls by reviewing 
reports covering the testing of internal controls. In establishing the system 
of internal control the Directors have regard to the materiality of relevant 
risks, the likelihood of a loss being incurred and costs of control. It follows, 
therefore, that the system of internal control can only provide a reasonable, 
and not absolute, assurance against the risk of material misstatement  
or loss.

The scope of internal audit work performed is determined by the Board  
in conjunction with the Loss Control Director who reports directly to the  
Board every month. The primary focus has continued to be on security 
and minimisation of unauthorized losses in the business using a team of 
appropriately experienced employees. 

The Board has decided not to employ a full time internal audit function  
as there is a robust control environment and culture in the business.  
On this basis, the costs of such a function are not considered to be either 
necessary or justified. 

26

27

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CORPORATE
gOVERNANCE (CONTiNUED)

The responsibility for internal control procedures with joint ventures rests 
with the senior management of those operations. The Company monitors 
its investments and exerts influence through Board representation.

SHAREHOLDER RELATiONS 
In fulfilment of the Chairman’s obligations under the new Combined Code, 
the Chairman gives feedback to the Board on issues raised by major 
shareholders. This is supplemented by twice yearly formal feedback to the 
Board on meetings between management, analysts and investors which 
seeks to convey the financial market’s perception of the Group. 

External brokers’ reports on the Group are also circulated to all directors.  
In addition, the non-executive directors attend results presentations  
and analyst and institutional investor meetings whenever possible.  
The Annual General Meeting (‘AGM’) is normally attended by all directors, 
and shareholders are invited to ask questions during the meeting and to 
meet with directors after the formal proceedings have ended. At the AGM 
the level of proxies lodged on each resolution is announced to the meeting 
after the show of hands for that resolution.

The Group has frequent discussions with larger shareholders on a range 
of issues affecting its performance. These include meetings following the 
announcement of the annual results with the Group’s largest shareholders 
on an individual basis. In addition, the Group responds to individual ad 
hoc requests for discussions from significant shareholders. The senior 
independent non-executive director is available to shareholders if they  
have concerns which the normal channels of Chairman, Chief Executive  
or Group Finance Director have failed to resolve or for which such contact 
is inappropriate.  

All major shareholders are given the opportunity to meet any new  
non-executive directors on appointment. 

gOiNg CONCERN 
After making enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that 
the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for 
the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going 
concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

28

29

DiRECTORS’ REPORT 
ON REMUNERATiON 
AND RELATED MATTERS

This report sets out the remuneration policy operated by the Group in 
respect of the executive directors, together with disclosures on directors’ 
remuneration required by The Directors’ Remuneration Report Regulations 
2002 (‘the Regulations’). The Auditor is required to report on the ‘auditable’ 
part of this Report and to state whether, in their opinion, that part of the 
Report has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies  
Act 1985 (as amended by the Regulations). The Report is therefore divided 
into separate sections for audited and unaudited information.

The Committee conducted a full review of its remuneration policy in 
conjunction with Halliwell Consulting in March 2007. The conclusions  
from this review were: 
• Base salaries should be competitive
•  The maximum annual bonus will be 100% of salary based on  

the achievement of pre-determined profit targets in line with market 
expectations although the Committee would retain the discretion to  
pay bonuses above this level for exceptional performance

•  A new cash-based long-term incentive arrangement will be put to 

The Board have reviewed the Group’s compliance with the Combined 
Code (‘the Code’) on remuneration related matters.  It is the opinion of the 
Board that the Group complied with all remuneration related aspects of the 
Code during the year.

shareholders for approval to ensure that management are locked in and 
are appropriately rewarded for creating long-term value going forward. 
Details of this arrangement will be set out in a shareholder circular for 
approval at the Annual General Meeting to be held on 26 June 2008

The Report will be put to shareholders for approval at the Annual General 
Meeting on 26 June 2008.

UNAUDiTED iNFORMATiON

REMUNERATiON COMMiTTEE
The Remuneration Committee (the ‘Committee’) comprises both 
independent Non Executive Directors, being Chris Bird and myself as 
Chairman of the Committee.

The Committee assists the Board in determining the Group’s policy on 
executive directors’ remuneration and determines the specific remuneration 
packages for senior executives, including the executive directors, on behalf 
of the Board.  When the Committee is considering matters concerning key 
executives below Board level advice is sought from the executive directors. 

The Committee also received wholly independent advice on executive 
compensation and incentives from Halliwell Consulting during the  
period. Halliwell Consulting provided no other services to the Company  
in the period.

The Committee is formally constituted with written Terms of Reference, 
a copy of which is available to shareholders by writing to the Company 
Secretary.

The Committee has met once during the last year with each member 
attending the meeting.

POLiCY
The policy of the Committee is to attract, motivate and retain executives 
of the necessary calibre required to execute the Group’s business strategy 
and enhance shareholder value.

The Committee has also agreed a separate cash-based Special  
Retention Payment for the Executive Chairman, which has been designed 
to ensure that he stays with the business for at least another two years.  
The maximum amount payable under this package is £5 million with 
payments as follows:
•  £3 million was paid in March 2008
•   £1 million will be payable in March 2009 and also in March 2010 with 

each payment based on:
- 50% for the retention of his services in the preceding financial year
-  50% for the achievement of pre-determined profit targets in line with  
market expectations

The Committee recognises that the Executive Chairman has been 
instrumental in the turnaround in the Group’s financial performance  
since his appointment to the role in March 2004. Accordingly, the 
Committee believe that it is in the interests of shareholders that his  
services be retained.

COMPONENTS OF REMUNERATiON
The main components of the current remuneration package are:

Base Salary
The policy of the Committee is to set base salaries for the Executive 
Directors around the median or lower quartile when compared to UK 
quoted retailers with similar corporate attributes to those of the Group.  

Factors taken into account by the Committee when determining base 
salary levels are:
•   Objective research based on a review of the remuneration in comparable 

retail companies carried out by Halliwell Consulting

•   The performance of the individual executive director and their 

contribution to the performance of the business

•   Experience and responsibilities of each executive director
•   Pay and conditions throughout the Group

31

 
 
DiRECTORS’ REPORT 
ON REMUNERATiON 
AND RELATED MATTERS 

(CONTiNUED)

In line with the remuneration policy, the salaries of the Executive Directors 
are reviewed annually. For the Executive Chairman, the salary reflects  
his personal contribution to the turnaround and strategic development of 
the Company and the related time commitment.  For the Chief Executive 
and Finance Director the salary takes into account their performance,  
the market and continued development in their respective roles.

Executive Chairman are secured in the short to medium term. To this 
end, the Committee has introduced a Special Retention Payment for 
the Executive Chairman to ensure that he is retained to focus on driving 
shareholder value for the foreseeable future. The structure of the payment 
was discussed with the Company’s principal shareholders and they are 
fully supportive.

With effect from 1 April 2008, the salaries for the Executive Directors have 
been increased as follows:

Executive 
Director 
Peter Cowgill 
Barry Bown 
Brian Small 

Previous Salary  New Salary 

£385,000 
£275,000 
£170,000 

£398,475 
£284,625 
£175,950 

Position against 
Comparator Group
Median
Lower Quartile
Lower Quartile

Whilst these salary rises are below the median level of salary rises at 
comparable retail companies in the UK, the Committee felt it appropriate 
that they should be in line with the wider salary rises throughout the Group. 

Annual Bonus
The level of payout for annual bonus is now based on the achievement 
of challenging absolute EPS targets (rather than adjusted EPS) with the 
bonus calculated (in bands) by reference to the percentage by which the 
earnings per ordinary share exceeds the earnings per ordinary share for 
the preceding financial period. The Committee reviews these targets at the 
beginning of the financial year to ensure that they remain challenging and 
are appropriate to the current market conditions and position of the Group.  

Whilst the normal maximum bonus potential is 100% of salary,  
the Remuneration Committee retains the discretion to pay bonuses  
above that level for exceptional performance. 

For the period ended 02 February 2008, the Company achieved absolute 
earnings per ordinary share growth of over 125% which was significantly 
ahead of market expectations at the start of the year and which, in the 
opinion of the Remuneration Committee, merited the payment, to all 
executive directors, of a bonus of 120% of current basic salary.

This is in line with shareholder expectations that higher levels of payout 
should be commensurate with increasing levels of performance.

Special Retention Payment
The Company has recently faced a real retention risk in relation to the 
Executive Chairman. It is the strong belief of the Committee that it is  
crucial to the continued growth of the Company that the services of the 

32

                                                                 Paid / Payable 

March 2008   March 2009   March 2010  
Total
£000 
£000
4,000
500 
500 (ii)  1,000
5,000

£000 
3,000 
- 
3,000 

£000 
500 
500 (i) 

1,000 

1,000 

Retention element  
Performance element 
Total 

(i) Based on performance in the period ending 31 January 2009
(ii) Based on performance in the period ending 30 January 2010

The amounts shown above are non-pensionable.

The retention element of £4 million has been recognised in full in the 
Consolidated Income Statement for the period ended 02 February 2008.  

The performance related element will be payable on the achievement  
of pre-determined profit targets in line with market expectations.  
This element of the cost has not been recognised in the Consolidated 
Income Statement for the period ended 02 February 2008. The cost will 
be recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement in the financial year 
to which the performance relates if the applicable target for that period has  
been achieved.

Cash Based Long Term Incentive Plan
In 2005 the Company had proposed to introduce an equity-based  
long-term incentive plan, which received support from institutional 
shareholders through advance consultation, but the actual resolution was 
withdrawn following the purchase of a majority shareholding by Pentland 
Group Plc.

This has meant that although the Group has performed well over the last 
few years the Executives responsible for delivering that performance have 
not had any significant share in the value that they have created.

In May 2007 the Company made special bonus payments to the 
Executives in recognition of the Group’s performance since 2004, which 
went some way towards redressing the overall remuneration imbalance. 
However, these payments still bore no real correlation to the actual value 
that had been created for shareholders over that period, and perhaps 
more importantly, still left the Executives without any long-term incentive 
plan in place.

 
 
 
 
 
 
DiRECTORS’ REPORT 
ON REMUNERATiON 
AND RELATED MATTERS 

(CONTiNUED)

The Committee is therefore proposing to introduce The John David Group 
plc 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan (‘LTIP’) in order to:
•   Provide the Committee with the necessary mechanism with which  
to retain the Executives who are critical to driving shareholder value

•   Provide the Executives with the opportunity to earn competitive rewards 
which has, until now, been severely restricted by the absence of any 
long-term incentive plan

•   Align the Executives’ interests more closely with those of  

the shareholders

An amount of £833,000 has been recognised in the Consolidated Income 
Statement for the period ended 02 February 2008, being one-third of the 
1st award payable. This is consistent with the vesting profile of a three year 
performance period had an award been made in 2007.

Full details of the LTIP will be set out in a shareholder circular for 
shareholder approval at the Annual General Meeting to be held on 26 June 
2008. Any payments made under the scheme will be non-pensionable.

•   Focus the Executives on sustaining and improving the long-term  

financial performance of the Group and reward them appropriately  
for doing so

•   Ensure a more appropriate balance in the Executives’ compensation 

Other Benefits
The Company makes contributions into individual personal pension 
schemes for Mr B Bown and Mr B Small at a defined percentage of salary, 
excluding bonus and other forms of remuneration.

between fixed and performance elements

The proposed LTIP consists of two separate awards that pay out in cash 
after two and three years respectively, subject to continued employment 
and meeting stretching performance targets which drive the creation 
of shareholder value. The Committee gave considerable thought as to 
whether the awards should pay out in cash or shares and decided that 
given the current shareholder structure and the lack of a large free float, 
the delivery mechanism should be in cash.

The following table outlines the proposed structure of the LTIP:

Other benefits vary from director to director and include entitlement to 
a fully expensed car, private health care for the executive director and 
immediate family and life assurance to provide cover equal to four times 
the executive director’s salary. Car benefits have been calculated in 
accordance with HM Revenue and Customs’ scale charges.

The Committee actively reviews the levels of benefit received to ensure that 
they remain competitive in the UK quoted environment.

Performance to 
Payable 
Amount Payable: 
Peter Cowgill 
Barry Bown 
Brian Small 
Other Key Executives 

1st Award 
30 January 2010 
March 2010 

2nd Award
29 January 2011
March 2011

SERViCE CONTRACTS
Details of the contracts currently in place for executive directors are  
as follows:

£400,000 
£350,000 
£250,000 
£1,500,000 
£2,500,000 

£450,000
£393,750
£281,250
£1,625,000
£2,750,000

Date Of Contract  Notice Period 
(Months) 
12 
12 
12 

Barry Bown  10 December 2001 
10 March 2004 
Brian Small 
16 March 2004 
Peter Cowgill 

Unexpired Term

Rolling 12 months
Rolling 12 months
Rolling 12 months

The 1st award would be paid out in March 2010 subject to the Group 
achieving average headline earnings* of £40 million over the three year 
period ending 30 January 2010.

The 2nd award would be paid out in March 2011 subject to the Group 
achieving average headline earnings* of £44 million (40% of payout)  
and £48 million (100% of payout) over the three year period ending 29 
January 2011.

Each service contract includes provision for compensation commitments 
in the event of early termination. For Mr P Cowgill and Mr B Small these 
commitments do not exceed one year’s salary and benefits. For Mr B 
Bown the agreement provides for compensation to be paid to him  
upon termination of appointment of a sum equivalent to 12 months’  
salary plus £170,000 (net of PAYE and NIC) plus an amount equal to the 
value over 12 months of the benefits to which he was entitled at the date 
of termination.

*Headline earnings are defined as profit before tax and exceptional items.

Each service contract expires upon the director reaching the age of 65 
(subject to re-election by shareholders).

34

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DiRECTORS’ REPORT 
ON REMUNERATiON 
AND RELATED MATTERS 

(CONTiNUED)

Figure 1: Total Shareholders Return from 31st January 2003

2003

2005

2004

2006

2007

2008

FTSE All Share General Retailers Index
The John David Group plc

Figure 2: Total Shareholders Return from 31st January 2004

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

FTSE All Share General Retailers Index
The John David Group plc

180

160

140

120

%

100

80

60

40

20

0

%

150

125

100

100

75

50

25

0

The Committee consider these levels of compensation appropriate in light 
of the levels of basic salary provided and prevailing market conditions.

In the event of gross misconduct, the Company may terminate the service 
contract of an executive director immediately and with no liability to make 
further payments other than in respect of amounts accrued at the date  
of termination.

Directors retiring by rotation at the next Annual General Meeting are shown 
in the directors’ report on page 22.

During the year, Peter Cowgill served as a Non-Executive Director 
elsewhere and has retained earnings of £67,900 in respect of this service.

NON-ExECUTiVE DiRECTORS
The Non-Executive Directors have entered into letters of appointment with 
the Company for a fixed period of 12 months which are renewable by the 
Board and the non-executive director, and are terminable by the  
non-executive director or Company on not less than three months’ notice.

Their remuneration is determined by the Board taking into account the 
scope and nature of their duties and market rates. The Non-Executive 
Directors do not participate in the Company’s incentive arrangements and 
no pension contributions are made in respect of them. Details of the fees 
are set out in the audited information on page 38. 

TOTAL SHAREHOLDER RETURN
Figure 1 shows the Total Shareholder Return (‘TSR’) of the Group in 
comparison to the FTSE All Share General Retailers Index over the past 
five years. The Committee consider the FTSE All Share General Retailers 
Index a relevant index for total shareholder return comparison disclosure 
required under the Regulations as the index represents the broad range of 
UK quoted retailers.

TSR is calculated for each financial year end relative to the base date of 31 
January 2003 by taking the percentage change of the market price over 
the relevant period, re-investing any dividends at the ex-dividend rate.

Figure 2 illustrates the TSR of the Company from 31 January 2004 as this 
illustrates the return generated by the current management team relative to 
the FTSE All Share General Retailers Index.

36

DiRECTORS’ REPORT 
ON REMUNERATiON 
AND RELATED MATTERS 

(CONTiNUED)

AUDiTED iNFORMATiON
Individual Directors’ emoluments
Directors’ salaries and benefits charged in the period to 02 February  
2008 are set out below together with comparatives for the period to 27  
January 2007.

Salary 
and fees 
£000 
354 
263 
165 
35 
26 
843 

Benefits 
excluding 
pensions 
£000 
3 
4 
17 
- 
- 
24 

Annual
performance 
related 
bonus 
£000 
462 
330 
204 
- 
- 
996 

Special 
retention 
payment 
£000 
4,000* 
- 
- 
- 
- 
4,000 

2008 
Total 
£000 
4,819 
597 
386 
35 
26 
5,863 

2007 
Total 
£000 
1,423 
1,036 
694 
34 
25 
3,212 

2008 
Pension 
total 
£000 
- 
21 
20 
- 
- 
41 

2007
Pension
costs
£000
-
16
16
-
-
32

P Cowgill 
B Bown 
B Small 
C Archer 
C Bird 

*Includes £500,000 payable in March 2009 and £500,000 payable in  
March 2010.

The pension contributions represent amounts payable to defined  
contribution pension schemes.

Cash Based Long Term Incentive Plan
In addition, the following amounts have been provided as at 02 February  
2008 in respect of the proposed LTIP. The amounts recognised represent  
one third of the amount proposed for the 1st award based on Group  
performance in the first year of the three year vesting period. The 1st award, 
if approved, will be payable in March 2010 subject to the Group meeting  
the performance conditions as detailed on page 34.

2008
£000
133
117
83
333

P Cowgill 
B Bown 
B Small 

On behalf of the Remuneration Committee

Colin Archer 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee 
15 April 2008

38

39

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DiRECTORS’ 
RESPONSiBiLiTY 
STATEMENT

RESPONSiBiLiTiES OF DiRECTORS
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the 
Group and Parent Company financial statements in accordance with 
applicable law and regulations.

RESPONSiBiLiTY STATEMENT
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:
•  the financial statements, prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted 

by the EU, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial 
position and profit of the Parent Company and Group; and 

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 IFRSs as adopted by the EU and applicable law and have elected  
to prepare the Parent Company financial statements on the same basis.

•  the management report, comprising the chairman’s statement, financial 

and risk review, property and stores review and directors’ report, includes 
a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the 
position of the Parent Company and Group, together with a description 
of the principal risk and uncertainties that they face.

By order of the Board 

Brian Small
Group Finance Director
15 April 2008

The Group and Parent Company financial statements are required by law 
and IFRSs as adopted by the EU to present fairly the financial position of 
the Group and the Parent Company and the performance for that period; 
the Companies Act 1985 provides in relation to such financial statements 
that references in the relevant part of that Act to financial statements giving 
a true and fair view are references to their achieving a fair presentation.

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 judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent 
•  State whether they have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as 

adopted by the EU

•   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 proper accounting records that 
disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the 
Parent Company and enable them to ensure that its financial statements 
comply with the Companies Act 1985. They have general responsibility for 
taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets  
of the Group and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.

Under applicable law and regulations, the Directors are also responsible  
for preparing a Directors’ Report, Directors’ Remuneration Report  
and Corporate Governance Statement that comply 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 web site. 
Legislation in the UK governing the preparation and dissemination of 
financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

41

iNDEPENDENT 
AUDiTOR’S REPORT 
TO THE MEMBERS 
OF THE JOHN DAViD 
gROUP PLC

We have audited the Group and Parent Company financial statements 
(the ‘financial statements’) of The John David Group Plc for the 53 week 
period ended 02 February 2008 which comprise the Consolidated Income 
Statement, the Group and Parent Company Balance Sheets, the Group 
and Parent Company Cash Flow Statements, the Group and Parent 
Company Statements of Recognised Income and Expense, and the 
related notes. These financial statements have been prepared under  
the accounting policies set out therein. We have also audited the 
information in the Directors’ Remuneration Report that is described  
as having been audited.

This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body, in 
accordance with section 235 of the Companies Act 1985. Our audit work 
has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company’s members 
those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and 
for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not 
accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and 
the Company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report,  
or for the opinions we have formed.

RESPECTiVE RESPONSiBiLiTiES OF 
DiRECTORS AND AUDiTOR 
The Directors’ responsibilities for preparing the Annual Report, the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report and the financial statements in 
accordance with applicable law and International Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the EU are set out in the Statement  
of Directors’ Responsibilities on page 41.

Our responsibility is to audit the financial statements and the part of the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited in accordance with relevant 
legal and regulatory requirements and International Standards on Auditing  
(UK and Ireland).

We report to you our opinion as to whether the financial statements give 
a true and fair view and whether the financial statements and the part of 
the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited have been properly 
prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 1985 and, as regards  
the Group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. We also 
report to you whether in our opinion the information given in the Directors’ 
Report is consistent with the financial statements. The information given 
in the Directors’ Report includes that specific information presented in the 
Summary of Key Performance Indicators, Chairman’s Statement, Financial 
and Risk Review, Property and Stores Review and Corporate and Social 

42

Responsibility pages that is cross-referenced from the Principal Activities 
and Business Review section of the Directors’ Report.

In addition we report to you if, in our opinion, the Company has not kept 
proper accounting records, if we have not received all the information and 
explanations we require for our audit, or if information specified by law 
regarding directors’ remuneration and other transactions is not disclosed. 

We review whether the Corporate Governance Statement reflects the 
Company’s compliance with the nine provisions of the 2006 Combined 
Code specified for our review by the Listing Rules of the Financial Services 
Authority, and we report if it does not. We are not required to consider 
whether the Board’s statements on internal control cover all risks and 
controls, or form an opinion on the effectiveness of the Group’s corporate 
governance procedures or its risk and control procedures.

We read the other information contained in the Annual Report and 
consider whether it is consistent with the audited financial statements. 
We consider the implications for our report if we become aware of any 
apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the financial 
statements. Our responsibilities do not extend to any other information.

BASiS OF AUDiT OPiNiON 
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on 
Auditing (UK and Ireland) issued by the Auditing Practices Board. An audit 
includes examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts 
and disclosures in the financial statements and the part of the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report to be audited. It also includes an assessment of 
the significant estimates and judgments made by the Directors in the 
preparation of the financial statements, and of whether the accounting 
policies are appropriate to the Group’s and Company’s circumstances, 
consistently applied and adequately disclosed.

We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information 
and explanations which we considered necessary in order to provide  
us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the financial 
statements and the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to  
be audited are free from material misstatement, whether caused by  
fraud or other irregularity or error. In forming our opinion we also  
evaluated the overall adequacy of the presentation of information in the 
financial statements and the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to 
be audited.

OPiNiON 
In our opinion:
•  the Group financial statements give a true and fair view, in accordance 
with IFRSs as adopted by the EU, of the state of the Group’s affairs as  
at 02 February 2008 and of its profit for the period then ended; 

•  the Parent company financial statements give a true and fair view, in 

accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU as applied in accordance 
with the provisions of the Companies Act 1985, of the state of the Parent 
Company’s affairs as at 02 February 2008;

•  the financial statements and the part of the Directors’ Remuneration 

Report to be audited have been properly prepared in accordance with 
the Companies Act 1985 and, as regards the Group financial statements, 
Article 4 of the IAS Regulation; and

•  the information given in the Directors’ Report is consistent with the  

financial statements.

KPMG Audit Plc  
Chartered Accountants  
Registered Auditor 
Preston 
15 April 2008

43

 
CONSOLiDATED iNCOME STATEMENT

FOR THE 53 WEEKS ENDED 02 FEBRUARY 2008

53 weeks to 
02 February 2008 
Continuing 
Operations  
£000 

53 weeks to 
02 February 2008 
Continuing 
Operations 
£000 

52 weeks to 
27January 2007 
Continuing 
Operations 
£000 

52 weeks to
27 January 2007
Continuing
Operations
£000

Note 

(222,720) 
(8,404) 

(25,774) 
- 

REVENUE 
Cost of sales 

GROSS PROFIT 
Selling and distribution expenses - normal 
Selling and distribution expenses - exceptional 
Selling and distribution expenses 
Administrative expenses - normal 
Administrative expenses - exceptional 
Administrative expenses 
Other operating income 

OPERATING PROFIT 

    Before exceptional items  
Exceptional items 

OPERATING PROFIT 
Share of results of joint venture 
Financial income 
Financial expenses 

PROFIT BEFORE TAX 
Income tax expense 

PROFIT FOR THE PERIOD  

Attributable to equity holders of the parent 
Attributable to minority interest 

Basic earnings per ordinary share 

Diluted earnings per ordinary share 

4 

4 

4 

15 
7 
8 

3 
9 

10 

10 

592,240 
(300,813) 

291,427 

(231,124) 

(25,774) 
1,086 

35,615 

44,019 
(8,404) 

35,615 
(145) 
297 
(764) 

35,003 
(11,416) 

23,587 

23,549 
38 

48.79p 

48.79p 

(209,270) 
(3,799) 

(17,409) 
(4,000)  

 -

 -

530,581 
(278,331)

252,250 

(213,069) 

(21,409) 
1,730

19,502

27,301 
(7,799) 

19,502 

177 
(2,412)

17,267 
(6,879)

10,388

10,388  

21.52p

21.52p

STATEMENT OF RECOgNiSED 
iNCOME AND ExPENSE

FOR THE 53 WEEKS ENDED 02 FEBRUARY 2008

gROUP
The Group has no recognised gains or losses during the current or previous period other than the results reported above.

COMPANY
The Company has no recognised gains or losses during the current or previous period other than the results reported in note 25.

44

45

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BALANCE SHEETS

AS AT 02 FEBRUARY 2008

CASH FLOW STATEMENTS

FOR THE 53 WEEKS ENDED 02 FEBRUARY 2008

GROUP 

COMPANY 

As at 
02 February 2008 
£000 

As at 
27 January 2007 
£000 

As at 
02 February 2008 
£000 

As at
27 January 2007
£000

Note 

GROUP 

COMPANY

53 weeks to 
02 February 2008 
£000 

52 weeks to 
27 January 2007 
£000 

53 weeks to 
02 February 2008 
£000 

52 weeks to
27 January 2007
£000

Note 

ASSETS 
 Intangible assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Other receivables 
Investment property 
Equity accounted investment in joint venture 
Investments 

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS 

Inventories 
Trade and other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents 

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 

TOTAL ASSETS 

LIABILITIES
Interest bearing loans and borrowings 
Trade and other payables 
Provisions 
Income tax liabilities 

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 

Interest bearing loans and borrowings 
Other payables 
Provisions 
Deferred tax liabilities 

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 

TOTAL LIABILITIES 

TOTAL ASSETS LESS TOTAL LIABILITIES 

CAPITAL AND RESERVES 
Issued ordinary share capital 
Share premium 
Retained earnings 

TOTAL EQUITY  

Attributable to equity holders of the parent 
Attributable to minority interest 

TOTAL EQUITY 

11 
12 
14 
13 
15 
16 

17 
18 
19 

20 
22 
23 

20 
22 
23 
24 

25 
25 
25 

41,371 
53,622 
5,025 
4,151 
360 
- 

104,529 

58,669 
15,899 
11,969 

86,537 

20,562 
41,919 
2,753 
- 
- 
- 

65,234 

51,469 
13,012 
11,230 

75,711 

22,164 
39,678 
4,801 
4,151 
- 
5,298 

76,092 

45,172 
47,809 
9,343 

102,324 

17,945 
36,739 
2,592 
-
- 
3,470

60,746

47,109 
22,325 
11,425

80,859

191,066 

140,945 

178,416 

141,605

(134) 
(80,389) 
(1,893) 
(9,147) 

(106) 
(58,849) 
(2,130) 
(3,477) 

(83) 
(62,177) 
(1,438) 
(8,485) 

(95) 
(54,838) 
(1,531) 
(3,477)

(91,563) 

(64,562) 

(72,183) 

(59,941)

(83) 
(11,839) 
(4,726) 
(46) 

(192) 
(8,189) 
(4,829) 
(1,571) 

(83) 
(17,939) 
(3,351) 
(310) 

(192) 
(14,588) 
(1,707) 
(1,490)

(16,694) 

(14,781) 

(21,683) 

(17,977)

(108,257) 

(79,343) 

(93,866) 

(77,918)

82,809 

61,602 

84,550 

63,687

2,413 
10,823 
69,573 

82,809 

81,627 
1,182 

82,809 

2,413 
10,823 
48,366 

61,602 

61,602 
- 

61,602 

2,413 
10,823 
71,314 

84,550 

84,550 
- 

84,550 

2,413 
10,823 
50,451

63,687

63,687
-

63,687

These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 15 April 2008 and were signed on its behalf by:
B Bown 
B Small 
Directors 

25 
15 
9 
8 
7 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 
Profit for the period 
Share of results of joint venture 
Income tax expense 
Financial expenses 
Financial income 
Depreciation and amortisation of non-current assets 
Impairment of non-current assets 
Loss/(profit) on disposal of non-current assets 
Decrease in inventories 
Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables 
Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables and provisions   
Interest paid 
Income taxes paid 

4 

NET CASH FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Interest received 
Proceeds from sale of non-current assets 
Proceeds from group asset transfer 
Disposal costs of non-current assets 
Acquisition of intangible assets 
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 
Acquisition of investment property 
Acquisition of non-current other receivables 
Cash consideration of acquisitions net of cash acquired 
Investment in joint venture 
Amounts loaned to joint venture 

11 
12 
13 

11 
15 

23,587 
145 
11,416 
764 
(297) 
12,421 
2,535 
3,015 
2,955 
1,396 
6,877 
(764) 
(7,619) 

56,431 

297 
1,257 
- 
(2,432) 
(4,279) 
(19,407) 
(4,160) 
(389) 
(1,135) 
(505) 
(2,479) 

10,388 
- 
6,879 
2,412 
(177) 
11,888 
5,482 
(1,491) 
5,299 
(475) 
1,488 
(2,412) 
(1,712) 

37,569 

177 
11,099 
- 
(2,188) 
- 
(13,665) 
- 
(434) 
(5,000) 
- 
- 

24,387 
- -
11,605 
887 
(320) 
10,848 
1,499 
2,766 
1,109 
(24,660) 
11,805 
(887) 
(7,777) 

12,210 

7,217 
2,336 
(149) 
11,230 
4,842 
(2,138) 
4,662 
509 
(1,259) 
(2,336) 
(1,712)

31,262 

35,412

320 
1,168 
2,339 
(2,123) 
(4,279) -
(18,284) 
(4,160) -
(373) 
(1,323) 
(505) -
(2,479) 

149 
11,099 
-

(1,668) 

(11,046) 

(339) 
(5,000)

-

NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES 

(33,232) 

(10,011) 

(29,699) 

(6,805)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES 
Repayment of interest bearing loans and borrowings 
Payment of finance lease and similar hire purchase contracts 
Dividends paid 

(18,917) 
(19) 
(3,524) 

(22,000) 
(285) 
(3,379) 

NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES 

(22,460) 

(25,664) 

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 

29 

739 

1,894 

(121) 
- -
(3,524) 

(3,645) 

(2,082) 

(22,000) 

(3,379)

(25,379)

3,228

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT  
THE BEGINNING OF THE PERIOD 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS  
AT THE END OF THE PERIOD 

29 

29 

11,230 

9,336 

11,425 

8,197

11,969 

11,230 

9,343 

11,425

46

47

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FiNANCiAL STATEMENTS

NOTES TO THE FiNANCiAL STATEMENTS

(CONTiNUED)  

1. SigNiFiCANT ACCOUNTiNg POLiCiES

1. SigNiFiCANT ACCOUNTiNg POLiCiES (CONTiNUED) 

The John David Group Plc (the 'Company') is a company incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom. The financial statements for the 53 week 
period ended 02 February 2008 represent those of the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the 'Group'). The Parent Company financial 
statements present information about the Company as a separate entity and not about its group.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 
I. 

 Owned assets 
Items of property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.

The financial statements were authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 15 April 2008.

 Where parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful economic lives, they are accounted for as separate items.

BASIS OF PREPARATION 
European Union (‘EU LAW’) law (IAS Regulation EC 1606/2002) requires that the financial statements of the Group are prepared and approved in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU (‘adopted IFRSs’). The financial statements have been prepared on 
the basis of the requirements of adopted IFRSs that are endorsed by the EU and effective at 02 February 2008.

The Company has chosen to present its own results under adopted IFRSs and by publishing the Company financial statements here, with the Group 
financial statements, the Company is taking advantage of the exemption in s230 of the Companies Act 1985 not to present its individual income 
statement and related notes.

The Group has adopted the disclosure requirements of IFRS 7 ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosures’ and the amendment to IAS 1 ‘Presentation of Financial 
Statements: Capital Disclosures’ in the current year financial statements. Full comparative figures are presented. The adoption of these standards has 
not led to any changes in the Group’s accounting policies and has not had any impact on the Consolidated Income Statement or Group and Company 
Balance Sheets. 

The following adopted IFRSs, which will have an impact for the Group, were available for early adoption but have not been applied in these  
financial statements:
• 

 IFRS8 'Operating Segments' applicable for financial periods commencing on or after 01 January 2009. This requires that entities adopt the 
'management approach' to reporting the financial performance of its operating segments. It is concerned with disclosures only and, as such,  
will have no impact on the Consolidated Income Statement or Group and Company Balance Sheets

All other standards and interpretations that are available for early adoption have no impact for the Group.

The financial statements are presented in pounds sterling, rounded to the nearest thousand.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified for financial assets and liabilities (including derivative 
instruments) at fair value through the Consolidated Income Statement.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with adopted IFRSs requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that 
affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. The estimates and associated assumptions are 
based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis 
of making the judgements about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from 
these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the 
estimate is revised and in any future periods affected. 

The accounting policies set out below have unless otherwise stated been applied consistently to all periods present in these financial statements and have 
been applied consistently by all Group entities.

BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION 
I. 

 Subsidiaries Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. Control exists when the Group has the power to govern the financial and operating 
policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. In assessing control, potential voting rights that presently are exercisable are taken into 
account.  
The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that 
control ceases. Minority interests in the net assets of consolidated subsidiaries are identified separately from the equity attributable to holders of the 
parent. Minority interests consist of the amount of those interests at the date that control commences and the minority's share of changes in equity 
subsequent to that date.

II.   Joint ventures 

Joint ventures are entities over which the Group has joint control based on a contractual arrangement. The results and assets and liabilities of joint 
ventures are incorporated in the consolidated financial statements using the equity method of accounting. Investments in joint ventures are carried in 
the balance sheet at cost and adjusted for post-acquisition changes in the Group's share of the net assets. Losses of the joint venture in excess of 
the Group's interest in it are not recognised.

III.   Transactions eliminated on consolidation 

Intragroup balances and any unrealised income and expenses arising from intragroup transactions, are eliminated in preparing the consolidated 
financial statements.

II.   Leased assets 

Assets funded through finance leases and similar hire purchase contracts are capitalised as property, plant and equipment where the Group assumes 
substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership. Upon initial recognition, the leased asset is measured at the lower of its fair value and the 
present value of the minimum lease payments. Future installments under such leases, net of financing costs, are included within interest bearing loans 
and borrowings. Rental payments are apportioned between the finance element, which is included in finance costs, and the capital element which 
reduces the outstanding obligation for future installments so as to give a constant charge on the outstanding obligation. 

 All other leases are accounted for as operating leases and the rental charges are charged to the Consolidated Income Statement on a straight line 
basis over the life of the lease.

 Legal fees and other costs associated with the acquisition of a leasehold interest are capitalised as other receivables within non-current assets.  
These costs are amortised over the life of the lease.

 Lease incentives are credited to the Consolidated Income Statement on a straight line basis over the life of the lease.

III.   Depreciation Depreciation is charged to the Consolidated Income Statement over the estimated useful lives of each part of an item of property, plant 

and equipment. The estimated useful economic lives are as follows:

• Long leasehold properties 
• Improvements to short leasehold properties   
• Computer equipment 
• Fixtures and fittings 
• Motor vehicles 

  2% per annum on a straight line basis 
life of lease on a straight line basis 
  3 - 6 years on a straight line basis 
  7 - 10 years, or length of lease if shorter, on a straight line basis 
  25% per annum on a reducing balance basis

INVESTMENT PROPERTY 
Investment property, which is property held to earn rentals, is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Investment property is 
depreciated over a period of 50 years on a straight-line basis, with the exception of freehold land, which is not depreciated. The Group has elected not to 
revalue investment property annually but to disclose the fair value in the consolidated financial statements.

The fair value is based on an external valuation prepared by persons having the appropriate professional qualification and experience.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS 
I. 

 Goodwill 
All business combinations are accounted for by applying the purchase method. Goodwill represents amounts arising on acquisition of subsidiaries. In 
respect of business acquisitions that have occurred since 01 February 2004, goodwill represents the difference between the cost of the acquisition 
and the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of the acquiree.

 In respect of acquisitions prior to this date, goodwill is included on the basis of its deemed cost, which represents the amount recorded under 
previous GAAP. The classification and accounting treatment of business combinations that occurred prior to 01 February 2004 has not been 
reconsidered in preparing the Group’s opening adopted IFRS balance sheet at 01 February 2004.

 Goodwill is stated at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units (CGUs) and is tested annually for 
impairment. The CGUs used are the store portfolios acquired through acquisitions. The recoverable amount is compared to the carrying amount of 
the CGU including goodwill. The recoverable amount of a CGU is determined based on value-in-use calculations. 

  Negative goodwill arising on an acquisition is recognised immediately in the Consolidated Income Statement.

II.   Other intangible assets 

Other intangible assets represent brand licences and purchased fascia names. Brand licences are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation  
and impairment losses. Amortisation of brand licences is charged to the Consolidated Income Statement over the term to the licence expiry on a 
straight-line basis.

 Separately identifiable fascia names acquired on acquisition are initially stated at fair value and thereafter at cost less accumulated amortisation and 
impairment losses. The useful economic life of each purchased fascia name is considered separately. Where the Directors believe that there is no 
foreseeable limit to the period over which the asset is expected to generate a net cash flow, the specific fascia name is not amortised but is subject to 
annual impairment reviews. 

INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARY UNDERTAKINGS AND JOINT VENTURES 
In the Company’s accounts all investments in subsidiary undertakings and joint ventures are stated at cost less provisions for impairment losses.

INVENTORIES 
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is based on the weighted average principle. Provisions are made for 
obsolescence, mark downs and shrinkage.

48

49

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FiNANCiAL STATEMENTS

(CONTiNUED)

NOTES TO THE FiNANCiAL STATEMENTS

(CONTiNUED)

1. SigNiFiCANT ACCOUNTiNg POLiCiES (CONTiNUED)

1. SigNiFiCANT ACCOUNTiNg POLiCiES (CONTiNUED) 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised on the Group’s balance sheet when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the 
instrument. Financial assets are derecognised when the contractual rights to the cashflows from the financial assets expire or are transferred. Financial 
liabilities are derecognised when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expires.

TRADE RECEIVABLES 
Trade receivables are recognised at amortised cost less impairment losses. A provision for the impairment of trade receivables is established when there 
is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms. Significant financial difficulties of the debtor, 
probability that the debtor will enter bankruptcy or financial reorganisation and default or delinquency in payments are considered indicators that the trade 
receivable is impaired. The movement in the provision is recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement. 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and call deposits with an original maturity of three months or less. Bank overdrafts that are repayable 
on demand are included as a component of cash and cash equivalents for the purpose of the Statement of Cash Flows, as these are used as an integral 
part of the Group’s cash management.

NET DEBT / INTEREST BEARING BORROWINGS 
Net debt consists of cash and cash equivalents together with other borrowings from bank loans, other loans, loan notes, finance leases and similar hire 
purchase contracts.

Interest-bearing borrowings are recognised initially at fair value less attributable transaction costs. Following the initial recognition, interest-bearing 
borrowings are stated at amortised cost with any difference between cost and redemption value being recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement 
over the period of the borrowings on an effective interest basis.

TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES 
Trade and other payables are non-interest bearing and are stated at their cost.

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION 
Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the exchange rate prevailing on the date of the transaction.

Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rate of exchange at the balance sheet date.  
Exchange differences in monetary items are recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement. 

Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rate at the date  
of the transaction.

EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS 
Items that are material in size, unusual or infrequent in nature are included within operating profit and disclosed separately as exceptional items in the 
Consolidated Income Statement. 

The separate reporting of exceptional items, which are presented as exceptional within the relevant category in the Consolidated Income Statement, helps 
provide an indication of the Group’s underlying business performance. The principal items which will be included as exceptional items are:

 •  Loss/(profit) on the disposal of non-current assets 
•  Provision for rentals on onerous property leases 
Impairment of property, plant and equipment 
• 
Impairment of non-current other receivables 
• 
• 
Impairment of intangible assets 
•  The cost of significant restructuring and incremental integration costs following acquisition 

FINANCIAL INCOME 
Financial income comprises interest receivable on funds invested. Financial income is recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement on an effective 
interest method.

FINANCIAL EXPENSES 
Financial expenses comprise interest payable on interest-bearing loans and borrowings. Financial expenses are recognised in the Consolidated Income 
Statement on an effective interest method.

INCOME TAX EXPENSE 
Tax on the profit or loss for the year comprises current and deferred tax.

I. 

 Current income tax 
Current income tax expense is calculated using the tax rates which have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date, adjusted 
for any tax paid in respect of prior years.

II.   Deferred taxation 

Deferred tax is provided using the balance sheet liability method, providing for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and 
liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. The following temporary differences are not provided for:

 •  Goodwill not deductible for tax purposes  
•  The initial recognition of assets or liabilities that affect neither accounting nor taxable profit 
•  Differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent that they will probably not reverse in the foreseeable future

On consolidation, the assets and liabilities of the Group's overseas operations are translated into sterling at the rate of exchange at the balance sheet 
date. Income and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate for the accounting period. 

 The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected realisation or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities, using tax rates 
enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS  
The Group uses derivative financial instruments to hedge its exposure to foreign exchange and interest rate risks arising from operational, financing 
and investment activities. In accordance with its treasury policy, the Group does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. 
However, derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are accounted for as trading instruments.

Derivative financial instruments are recognised initially at fair value and remeasured at each period end. The gain or loss on remeasurement to fair value is 
recognised immediately in the Consolidated Income Statement. However, where derivatives qualify for hedge accounting, recognition of any resultant gain 
or loss depends on the nature of the item being hedged.

Interest rate swaps are recognised at fair value in the balance sheet with movements in fair value recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement for 
the period. The fair value of interest rate swaps is the estimated amount that the Group would receive or pay to terminate the swap at the balance sheet 
date, taking into account current interest rates and the respective risk profiles of the swap counterparties.

HEDGING 
 Hedge of monetary assets and liabilities 
Where a derivative financial instrument is used to hedge the foreign exchange exposure of a recognised monetary asset or liability, no hedge accounting is 
applied and any gain or loss on the hedging instrument is recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement. 

PROVISIONS 
A provision is recognised in the balance sheet when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, it is more likely 
than not that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and the obligation can be estimated reliably.

Within the onerous lease provision, management have provided against the minimum contractual lease cost less potential sublease income for vacant 
stores. For loss making trading stores, provision is made to the extent that the lease is deemed to be onerous. 

REVENUE  
Revenue represents the amounts receivable by the Group for goods supplied to customers net of discounts, returns and VAT. Revenue is recognised 
when goods are sold and title has passed. 

 A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the asset can be 
utilised. Deferred tax assets are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realised.

IMPAIRMENT 
The carrying amounts of the Group’s assets other than inventories and deferred tax assets are reviewed annually to determine whether there is any 
indication of impairment. An impairment review is performed on individual cash generating units (CGUs) being individual stores or a collection of stores 
where the cash flows are not independent. If any such impairment exists then the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated. Impairment losses are 
recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement.

Impairment losses in respect of goodwill are not reversed.

PENSIONS 
The Group operates defined contribution pension schemes, the assets of which are held separately from those of the Group in independently 
administered funds. Obligations for contributions to the defined contribution schemes are recognised as an expense in the Consolidated Income 
Statement when incurred.

50

51

 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FiNANCiAL STATEMENTS

(CONTiNUED) 

NOTES TO THE FiNANCiAL STATEMENTS

(CONTiNUED)

1. SigNiFiCANT ACCOUNTiNg POLiCiES (CONTiNUED) 

2. 

SEgMENTAL ANALYSiS

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with adopted IFRSs requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that 
affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. The estimates and associated assumptions are 
based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis 
of making the judgements about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from 
these estimates. The estimates and assumptions which have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and 
liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below:

I. 

 Impairment of goodwill 
The Group is required to test whether goodwill has suffered any impairment. The recoverable amounts of cash generating units have been determined 
based on value-in-use calculations. The use of this method requires the estimation of future cash flows expected to arise from the continuing 
operation of the cash generating unit and the choice of a suitable discount rate in order to calculate the present value. Actual outcomes could  
vary significantly from these estimates.

II.   Impairment of property, plant and equipment and non-current other receivables 

Property, plant and equipment and non-current other receivables are reviewed for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the 
carrying amount of an asset or a cash generating unit is not recoverable. The carrying value is determined based on their fair value as supported by a 
management valuation less costs to sell.

III.   Impairment of other intangible assets with indefinite lives 

The Group is required to test whether other intangible assets with an indefinite useful economic life have suffered any impairment. The recoverable 
amount of these assets is based on the estimation of future sales and the choice of a suitable royalty and discount rate in order to calculate the 
present value. Actual outcomes could vary significantly from these estimates. 

IV.   Provisions to write inventories down to net realisable value 

The Group makes provisions for obsolescence, mark downs and shrinkage based on historical experiences and management estimates of future 
events. Actual outcomes could vary significantly from these estimates.

V. 

 Onerous property lease provisions 
The Group makes a provision for onerous property leases on specific stores based on the anticipated future cash outflows relating to the contractual 
lease cost less potential sublease income. The estimation of sublease income is based on historical experience and knowledge of the retail property 
market in the area around each specific property.

  The Group manages its business activities through two Divisions - Sport and Fashion. Revenue and costs, for the 53 weeks ended 02 
February 2008, are readily identifiable for each segment.

The Divisional results for the 53 weeks to 02 February 2008 are as follows:

INCOME STATEMENT 

Revenue 

 Operating profit/(loss) before financing and exceptional items  
Exceptional items 

Operating profit/(loss) 
Share of results of joint venture 
Financial income 
Financial expenses 

Profit before tax 
Income tax expense 

Profit for the period 

Sport 
£000 

544,372 

45,615 
(8,574) 

37,041 

Fashion 
£000 

47,868 

(1,596) 
170 

(1,426) 

Total
£000

592,240

44,019 
(8,404)

35,615 
(145)
297 
(764)

35,003 
(11,416)

23,587

 The Board consider that the share of results of joint venture and net funding costs are cross divisional in nature and cannot be allocated 
between the Divisions on a meaningful basis.

BALANCE SHEET 

Total assets 

Total liabilities 

Sport 
£000 

127,546 

(80,450) 

Fashion 
£000 

47,260 

(18,614) 

Unallocated 
£000 

16,260 

(9,193) 

Total
£000

191,066

(108,257)

 Unallocated assets and liabilities relate to items which are cross divisional including interest in joint venture, tax, elements of goodwill and  
bank debt. 

OTHER SEGMENT INFORMATION 

 Capital expenditure: 
 Property, plant and equipment 
Investment property 
Non-current other receivables 
Goodwill on acquisition 
Other intangible assets 

 Depreciation, amortisation and impairments: 
Depreciation and amortisation of non-current assets 
Impairment of non-current assets 

The comparative divisional results for the 52 weeks to 27 January 2007 are as follows:

INCOME STATEMENT 

Revenue 

 Operating profit/(loss) before financing and exceptional items 
Exceptional items 

Operating profit/(loss) 
 Financial income 
Financial expenses 

Profit before tax 
Income tax expense 

Profit for the period 

Sport 
£000 

18,491 
4,160 
373 
- 
4,279 

10,918 
1,500 

Sport 
£000 

492,833 

29,658 
(4,786) 

24,872 

Fashion 
£000 

916 
- 
16 
11,109 
5,481 

1,503 
1,035 

Total
£000

19,407
4,160 
389 
11,109
9,760

12,421 
2,535

Fashion 
£000 

Total
£000

37,748 

530,581

(2,357) 
(3,013) 

(5,370) 

27,301 
(7,799)

19,502 
177 
(2,412)

17,267 
(6,879)

10,388

 The Board consider that net funding costs are cross divisional in nature and cannot be allocated between the Divisions on a meaningful basis.

52

53

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FiNANCiAL STATEMENTS

(CONTiNUED)

NOTES TO THE FiNANCiAL STATEMENTS

(CONTiNUED)

2. 

SEgMENTAL ANALYSiS (CONTiNUED)

4. 

 ExCEPTiONAL iTEMS

BALANCE SHEET 

Total assets 

Total liabilities 

Sport 
£000 

110,792 

(54,650) 

Fashion 
£000 

14,253 

(19,645) 

Unallocated 
£000 

15,900 

(5,048) 

Unallocated assets and liabilities relate to items which are cross divisional including tax, elements of goodwill and bank debt.

OTHER SEGMENT INFORMATION 

 Capital expenditure: 
 Property, plant and equipment 
 Non-current other receivables 
Goodwill on acquisition 

Depreciation, amortisation and impairments: 
Depreciation and amortisation of non-current assets 
Impairment of non-current assets 

Sport 
£000 

11,045 
339 
4,045 

10,625 
2,840 

Fashion 
£000 

2,620 
95 
- 

1,263 
2,642 

Total
£000

140,945

(79,343)

Total
£000

13,665 
434 
4,045

11,888 
5,482

The operations and assets of the Group are located almost entirely in the United Kingdom. Accordingly, no geographical analysis is presented.

 Loss/(profit) on disposal of non-current assets 
Provision for rentals on onerous property leases  
Impairment of property, plant and equipment  
Lease variation costs (i) 

 Selling and distribution expenses - exceptional 

 Impairments of intangible assets  

Administrative expenses - exceptional 

Note  

23 
12 

11 

53 weeks to 
02 February 2008 
£000 

52 weeks to
27 January 2007
£000

3,015 
- 
2,535 
2,854 

8,404 

- 

- 

8,404 

(1,491) 
1,558 
1,482 
2,250

3,799

4,000

4,000

7,799

(i) Lease variation costs represent the costs of varying onerous leases to create a break option.

5. 

 REMUNERATiON OF DiRECTORS

3. 

PROFiT BEFORE TAx 

53 weeks to 
02 February 2008 
£000 

52 weeks to
27 January 2007
£000

 Directors’ emoluments: 
As non-executive directors 
As executive directors 
Pension contributions 

53 weeks to 
02 February 2008 
£000 

52 weeks to
27 January 2007
£000

61 
6,135 
41 

6,237 

58
3,154 
32

3,244

 The remuneration of the executive directors includes retention payments totalling £4,000,000 (2007: special bonuses totalling £2,000,000) and 
provision for future LTIP payments of £333,000 (2007: £nil). Further information on directors’ emoluments is shown in the Directors' Report on 
Remuneration and Related Matters on page 38.

6. 

 STAFF NUMBERS AND COSTS

 GROUP 
The average number of persons employed by the Group (including directors) during the period, analysed by category, was as follows:

 Sales and distribution 
Administration 

Full time equivalents 

2008 

8,359 
268 

8,627 

4,951 

2007

8,678 
246

8,924

4,841

 PROFIT BEFORE TAX IS STATED  
AFTER CHARGING:  
Auditor’s remuneration: 

Fees payable to the Company's auditor for the audit of the Company's annual accounts 
Fees payable to the Company's auditor and its associates for other services: 

The audit of the Company's subsidiaries pursuant to legislation 
Other services pursuant to legislation 
Tax services  
All other services 

Depreciation and amortisation of non-current assets: 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 

Owned 
Held under finance lease and similar hire purchase contracts 

Depreciation of investment property - owned 
Amortisation of intangible assets 
Amortisation and other amounts written off non-current other receivables - owned 

Impairments of non-current assets: 

Property, plant and equipment (see note 4) 
Intangible assets (see note 4) 

Rentals payable under non-cancellable operating leases for: 

Land and buildings 
Other - plant and equipment 
Rentals payable to the Administrator to occupy Allsports properties 

Provision to write down inventories to net realisable value 
Foreign exchange loss recognised 

 AFTER CREDITING OTHER OPERATING INCOME: 
Rents receivable and other income from property 
Foreign exchange gain recognised 

106 

42 
51 
27 
20 

11,674 
155 
9 -
60 -
523 

2,535 
- 

67,332 
923 
- 
216 
- 

1,087 
525 -

75 

15 
20 
54 
22 

11,272 
179 

437 

1,482 
4,000 

63,579 
988 
2,402 
4,916 
28

1,730

 In addition, fees of £40,000 (2007: £30,000) were incurred and paid by Pentland Group Plc (see note 32) in relation to the non-coterminous 
audit of the Group for the purpose of inclusion in their consolidated financial statements.The Group also incurred fees of £35,000 in respect of 
tax and accounting advice provided by the Company's auditor, which is included in the cost of acquisitions in the period (see note 11).

Non-current other receivables comprises legal fees and other costs associated with the acquisition of leasehold interests (see note 14).

54

55

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FiNANCiAL STATEMENTS

(CONTiNUED)

NOTES TO THE FiNANCiAL STATEMENTS

(CONTiNUED)

6. 

 STAFF NUMBERS AND COSTS (CONTiNUED)

  The aggregate payroll costs of these persons were as follows:

9. 

 iNCOME TAx ExPENSE

 Wages and salaries 
Social security costs 
Other pension costs (see note 28) 

53 weeks to 
02 February 2008 
£000  

52 weeks to
27 January 2007
£000

83,890 
5,601 
374 

89,865 

76,247 
4,703 
300

81,250

 In the opinion of the Board, the key management as defined under IAS24 'Related Party Disclosures' are the five executive and non-executive 
Directors (2007: five). Full disclosure of the directors' remuneration is given in the Directors' Report on Remuneration and Related Matters on  
page 38. 

 COMPANY 
The average number of persons employed by the Company (including directors) during the period, analysed by category, was as follows:

CURRENT TAX 
 UK corporation tax at 30% (2007: 30%) 
Adjustment relating to prior periods 

Total current tax charge   

DEFERRED TAX 
 Deferred tax (origination and reversal of temporary differences) 
Adjustment relating to prior periods 

Total deferred tax credit (see note 24) 

Income tax expense 

RECONCILIATION OF INCOME TAX EXPENSE

53 weeks to 
02 February 2008 
£000 

52 weeks to
27 January 2007
£000

13,229 
(251) 

12,978 

(544) 
(1,018) 

(1,562) 

11,416 

6,637 
288

6,925

641 
(687)

(46)

6,879

53 weeks to 
02 February 2008 
£000 

52 weeks to
27 January 2007
£000

 Sales and distribution 
Administration 

Full time equivalents 

The aggregate payroll costs of these persons were as follows:

 Wages and salaries 
Social security costs 
Other pension costs 

7. 

 FiNANCiAL iNCOME 

Bank interest 
Other interest 

8. 

 FiNANCiAL ExPENSES

 On bank loans and overdrafts 
Finance charges payable in respect of finance lease and similar hire purchase contracts 
Other loans 

2008 

7,723 
248 

7,971 

4,553 

2007

8,392 
231

8,623

4,677

53 weeks to 
02 February 2008 
£000 

52 weeks to
27 January 2007
£000

77,186 
5,169 
351 

82,706 

70,464 
4,530 
299

75,293

53 weeks to 
02 February 2008 
£000 

52 weeks to
27 January 2007
£000

278 
19 

297 

139 
38

177

53 weeks to 
02 February 2008 
£000 

52 weeks to
27 January 2007
£000

758 
6 
- 6

764 

2,364 
42 

2,412

 Profit before tax multiplied by the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 30% (2007: 30%) 
Effects of: 

Expenses not deductible 
Income not taxable 
Depreciation and impairment of non-qualifying non-current assets 
Loss on disposal of non-qualifying non-current assets 
Non qualifying impairment of investment (see note 16) 
Reduction in future tax rate 
Effect of overseas tax rates 
Other differences 
Adjustments to tax charge in respect of earlier periods 

Income tax expense 

10,501 

306 
- 
1,451 
586 
- 
3 
(161) 
(1) 
(1,269) 

11,416 

5,180 

364 
(28) 
1,090 
141 
600 
-
-
(69) 
(399)

6,879

 The adjustment relating to prior periods represents a reduction in the provision for rolled-over chargeable gains which were eliminated by  
capital losses.

10.   EARNiNgS PER ORDiNARY SHARE

BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER ORDINARY SHARE 
 The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share at 02 February 2008 is based on the profit for the period attributable to equity 
holders of the parent of £23,549,000 (2007: £10,388,000) and a weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the 53 weeks 
ended 02 February 2008 of 48,263,434 (2007: 48,263,434), calculated as follows:

 Issued ordinary shares at beginning and end of period 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares during the period - basic and diluted 

53 weeks to 
02 February 2008 

52 weeks to
27 January 2007

48,263,434 

48,263,434 

48,263,434

48,263,434

56

57

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FiNANCiAL STATEMENTS

(CONTiNUED) 

NOTES TO THE FiNANCiAL STATEMENTS

(CONTiNUED) 

10.   EARNiNgS PER ORDiNARY SHARE (CONTiNUED)

11. 

   iNTANgiBLE ASSETS (CONTiNUED)

ADJUSTED BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER ORDINARY SHARE 
 Adjusted basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share has been based on the profit for the period attributable to equity holders of the parent 
for each financial period but excluding the post tax effect of certain exceptional items. The Directors consider that this gives a more meaningful 
measure of the underlying performance of the Group.

Profit for the period attributable to equity holders of the parent 
Exceptional items excluding loss/profit on disposal of non-current assets 
Tax relating to exceptional items 

Note 

4 

Profit for the period attributable to equity holders of the parent excluding exceptional items 

Adjusted basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share 

53 weeks to 
02 February 2008 
£000 

52 weeks to
27 January 2007
£000

23,549 
5,389 
(1,405) 

27,533 

57.05p 

10,388 
9,290 
(2,107)

17,571

36.41p

11. 

   iNTANgiBLE ASSETS

GROUP

 COST OR VALUATION 
At 28 January 2006 
Acquisitions 

At 27 January 2007 
Acquisitions 

At 02 February 2008 

 AMORTISATION AND IMPAIRMENT 
At 28 January 2006 
Impairment 

At 27 January 2007 
Charge for the period 

At 02 February 2008 

NET BOOK VALUE 
At 02 February 2008 

At 27 January 2007 

At 28 January 2006  

Goodwill 
£000 

Brand Licence 
£000 

Fascia Name 
£000 

Total
£000

21,724 
4,045 

25,769 
11,109 

36,878 

1,207 
4,000 

5,207 
- 

5,207 

31,671 

20,562 

20,517 

- 
- 

- 
4,279 

4,279 

- 
- 

- 
60 

60 

- 
- 

- 
5,481 

21,724 
4,045

25,769 
20,869

5,481 

46,638

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 

1,207 
4,000

5,207
60

5,267

4,219 

5,481 

41,371

- 

- 

- 

- 

20,562

20,517

 Goodwill as at 28 January 2006, was restated in accordance with IFRS 3 'Business Combinations' to reflect fair value adjustments made on 
the acquisition of Allsports during the hindsight period.

 The brand licence acquired in the period comprises an amount of £4,279,000 for a sub-licence to use the Sergio Tacchini brand in the UK until 
2019. This amount is being amortised on a straight-line basis over the licence period. Amortisation of this intangible is included within cost of 
sales in the Consolidated Income Statement.

 The fascia name acquired in the period of £5,481,000 represents the fair value of the ‘Bank’ fascia name acquired as part of the acquisition  
of Bank Stores Holdings Limited and its subsidiaries. The ‘Bank’ fascia name is not being amortised as management consider this asset  
to have an indefinite useful economic life. Factors considered by the Board in determining that the useful life of the Bank fascia name is 
indefinite include:
•  The strength of the Bank fascia name in the branded fashion sector
•  The history of the fascia name and that of similar assets in the retail sector
•  The commitment of the Group to continue to operate Bank stores separately for the foreseeable future

COMPANY

 COST OR VALUATION 
At 28 January 2006 
Acquisitions 

At 27 January 2007 
Acquisitions 

At 02 February 2008 

 AMORTISATION AND IMPAIRMENT 
At 28 January 2006 
Impairment 

At 27 January 2007 
Charge for the period 

At 02 February 2008 

NET BOOK VALUE 
At 02 February 2008 

At 27 January 2007 

At 28 January 2006  

Goodwill 
£000 

Brand Licence 
£000 

Total
£000

15,900 
4,045 

19,945 
- 

19,945 

- 
2,000 

2,000 
- 

2,000 

17,945 

17,945 

15,900 

- 
- 

- 
4,279 

4,279 

- 
- 

- 
60 

60 

4,219 

- 

- 

15,900 
4,045

19,945 
4,279

24,224

- 
2,000

2,000
60

2,060

22,164

17,945

15,900

ACQUISITION OF TOPGRADE SPORTSWEAR LIMITED
 On 07 November 2007, the Group acquired a 51% share of Topgrade Sportswear Limited for a cash consideration of £1,020,000  
together with associated fees of £168,475. Topgrade Sportswear Limited is a wholesaler of sports and fashion related footwear, apparel  
and accessories.

The goodwill calculation is summarised below:

Acquiree’s net assets at the acquisition date: 
Property, plant & equipment 
Inventories 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Trade and other receivables 
Interest bearing loans and borrowings 
Trade and other payables 
Deferred tax liabilities 

Net identifiable assets 

Minority interest 

Goodwill on acquisition 

Consideration paid – satisfied in cash 

Book and 
provisional 
fair value
£000

191 
2,005 
189 
1,115 
(59) 
(1,072)
(37)

2,332

(1,144)

-

1,188

 In accordance with IFRS3 ‘ Business Combinations’, the initial accounting on this acquisition will be completed within 12 months from the  
date of acquisition.

 In the period after acquisition to 02 February 2008, Topgrade Sportswear Limited generated turnover of £2,598,000 and an operating profit  
of £126,000.

58

59

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FiNANCiAL STATEMENTS

(CONTiNUED) 

NOTES TO THE FiNANCiAL STATEMENTS

(CONTiNUED) 

11. 

iNTANgiBLE ASSETS (CONTiNUED) 

11. 

iNTANgiBLE ASSETS (CONTiNUED)  

ACQUISITION OF BANK STORES HOLDINGS LIMITED
 On 07 December 2007, the Group acquired the entire share capital of Bank Stores Holdings Limited for a cash consideration of £1 together 
with associated fees of £135,015. Bank is a retailer of branded mens and womens fashion footwear, apparel and accessories with 49 retail 
outlets across the UK.  

The goodwill calculation is summarised below:

IMPAIRMENT TESTS FOR GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS WITH INDEFINITE LIVES
 Cash generating units containing goodwill 
Goodwill is allocated to the Group’s cash generating units (CGUs) and tested annually for impairment. The CGUs used are the store portfolios 
acquired through acquisitions. The recoverable amount is compared to the carrying amount of the CGU including goodwill. The recoverable 
amount of a CGU is determined based on value-in-use calculations. The CGUs for which the carrying amount of goodwill is deemed significant 
are shown below:

Hargreaves airports store portfolio 
 Allsports store portfolio 
RD Scott store portfolio 
First Sport store portfolio 
Bank store portfolio 

 GROUP 

COMPANY

2008 
£000 

2,045 
924 
2,617 
14,976 
11,109 

31,671 

2007 
£000 

2,045 
924 
2,617 
14,976 
- 

20,562 

2008 
£000 

2,045 
924 
- -
14,976 
- -

17,945 

2007
£000

2,045 
924 

14,976 

17,945

 Based on the value-in-use calculations performed at 02 February 2008, no impairment charges have been recognised in the Consolidated 
Income Statement in the period.

The key assumptions used for value-in-use calculations are set out below:

• 

• 

• 
• 

 In relation to the Allsports store portfolio, RD Scott store portfolio, Bank store portfolio and First Sport store portfolio, the cash flow 
projections are based on actual operating results, together with financial forecasts and strategy plans approved by the Board covering a five 
year period. These forecasts and plans are based on both past performance and expectations for future market development. Cash flows 
beyond this five year period are extrapolated using a growth rate of 2.0% (2007: 2.0%) which is a prudent estimate of the growth based on 
past experience
 In relation to the Hargreaves airports store portfolio, the cash flow projections are based on actual operating results together with financial 
forecasts and strategy plans for individual stores for the periods to the end of the individual concession agreements. No assumption has 
been made on agreements being extended except where those extensions were agreed before 02 February 2008
 The discount rate of 9.0% (2007: 9.0%) is pre-tax and reflects the specific risks and costs of capital of the Group
 The Board believe that any foreseeable possible change in these assumptions would not cause the aggregate carrying amount to exceed 
the recoverable amount

 Intangible assets with indefinite lives
 Intangible assets with indefinite lives are tested annually for impairment by comparing the recoverable amount of fascia names to their carrying 
value. The recoverable value of individual fascia names is determined based on a ‘royalty relief’ method of valuation, which takes projected 
future sales, applies a royalty rate to them and discounts the projected future post tax royalties, to arrive at a net present value. The Group has 
used a discount rate of 12.5% to reflect current market assessments of the time value of money and risks specific to the asset, for which the 
future cash flow estimates have not been adjusted.  Projected future sales are based on financial forecasts approved by the Board covering a 
five-year period. Subsequent sales projections assume annual growth of 5% for a further five years and 0% growth thereafter.

Acquiree’s net liabilities at the acquisition date: 
Intangible assets 
Property, plant & equipment 
Inventories 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Trade and other receivables 
Interest bearing loans and borrowings 
Trade and other payables 
Provisions 
Income tax liabilities 

Net identifiable liabilities 

Goodwill on acquisition 

Consideration paid – satisfied in cash 

Book value 
£000 

Fair value 
adjustments 
£000 

Provisional
fair value
£000

- 
10,856 
9,562 
- 
3,169 
(18,796) 
(14,629) 
(127) 
- 

(9,965) 

5,481 
(2,428) 
(1,411) 
- 
- 
- 
(1,285) 
(990) 
(376) 

(1,009) 

5,481  
8,427 
8,151 
- 
3,169 
(18,796) 
(15,913) 
(1,117) 
(376)

(10,974)

11,109

135

 On the same date, and as part of the sale and purchase agreement, the Company transferred a further £18,499,999 to Bank Stores Holdings 
Limited, to enable it to settle the remaining balances due on its interest bearing bank loans and loan notes.

 The Board believe that the excess of consideration paid over net identifiable liabilities is best considered as goodwill on acquisition, representing 
non-contractual customer loyalty, employee expertise and anticipated future operating synergies. The ‘Bank’ trademark and fascia has been 
valued using the 'royalty relief' method of valuation, which takes projected future sales, applies a royalty rate to them and discounts the 
projected future post tax royalties, to arrive at a net present value. This amount is included within acquired intangible assets. It is the intention of 
the Group to continue to trade under the Bank fascia for the foreseeable future.

 The acquiree's net liabilities in the table above, exclude any deferred tax asset in respect of tax losses of £1,447,000 as at the acquisition date 
as it is not probable that these losses can be utilised against future profits. 

 In accordance with IFRS3 ‘Business Combinations’, the initial accounting on this acquisition will be completed within 12 months from the date 
of the acquisition. 

 In the period after acquisition to 02 February 2008, the stores generated revenue of £13,333,000 and an operating profit of £434,000. 

 If the acquisitions of Bank Stores Holdings Limited and Topgrade Sportswear Limited had been completed on 28 January 2007, Group 
revenues and operating profits would have been £639,245,000 and £33,850,000 respectively.

 PRIOR PERIOD ACQUISITION
 On 23 June 2006, the Group acquired the trade and certain assets of 14 stores in Airport locations from Hargreaves (Sports) Limited for a cash 
consideration of £5,000,000. The goodwill calculation is summarised below:

 Acquiree’s net assets at the acquisition date: 
 Property, plant and equipment 
Inventories 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Trade and other payables 

Net identifiable assets/(liabilities) 

Goodwill capitalised 

Consideration paid - satisfied in cash 

Book value at 
23 June 2006 
£000 

Fair value 
adjustment 
£000 

Fair value at
 27 January 2007
£000

520 
600 
2 
- 

1,122 

3,878 

5,000 

(147) 
- 
- 
(20) 

(167) 

167 

- 

373 
600 
2 
(20)

955

4,045

5,000

 The £4,045,000 initial goodwill arising from this trade and asset purchase was impaired by £2,000,000 at 27 January 2007 to reflect 
disappointing trade since acquisition. 

60

61

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FiNANCiAL STATEMENTS

(CONTiNUED)

NOTES TO THE FiNANCiAL STATEMENTS

(CONTiNUED)

12. 

 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUiPMENT

12. 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUiPMENT (CONTiNUED)

GROUP 

Long leasehold 
properties 
£000  

Improvements to
short leasehold 
properties 
£000  

Computer 
equipment 
£000 

Fixtures and
fittings 
£000 

 Motor vehicles 
£000 

Total
£000

 COMPANY 

Long leasehold 
properties 
£000  

Improvements to
short leasehold 
properties 
£000  

Computer 
equipment 
£000 

Fixtures and

fittings  Motor vehicles 
£000 

£000 

Total
£000

 COST 
At 28 January 2006  
Additions 
Disposals 
On acquisition of  
trade and assets 

At 27 January 2007  
Additions 
Disposals 
On acquisition of subsidiaries  

At 02 February 2008 

4,445 
- 
(4,445) 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

 DEPRECIATION AND IMPAIRMENT 
At 28 January 2006  
Charge for period 
Impairments 
Disposals 

685 
73 
- 
(758) 

 At 27 January 2007 
Charge for period 
Impairments 
Disposals 

At 02 February 2008 

NET BOOK VALUE 
At 02 February 2008 

 At 27 January 2007 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

At 28 January 2006 

3,760 

16,283 
475 
(2,962) 

- 

13,796 
1,504 
(2,341) 
784 

13,743 

10,639 
957 
111 
(2,936) 

8,771 
1,026 
112 
(1,876) 

8,033 

5,710 

5,025 

5,644 

9,258 
1,528 
(2,502) 

- 

8,284 
1,585 
(290) 
114 

9,693 

6,568 
1,451 
4 
(2,391) 

5,632 
1,360 
20 
(276) 

6,736 

2,957 

2,652 

2,690 

87,449 
11,634 
(16,256) 

373 

83,200 
16,173 
(8,609) 
7,631 

98,395 

50,748 
8,923 
1,367 
(11,979) 

49,059 
9,403 
2,403 
(7,195) 

53,670 

44,725 

34,141 

36,701 

555 
28 
(344) 

- 

239 
145 
(176) 
89 

117,990 
13,665 
(26,509) 

373

105,519 
19,407 
(11,416) 
8,618

297 

122,128

310 
47 
- 
(219) 

138 
40 
- 
(111) 

68,950 
11,451 
1,482 
(18,283)

63,600 
11,829 
2,535 
(9,458)

67 

68,506

230 

101 

245 

53,622

41,919

49,040

 Included in the net book value of computer equipment is £62,000 (2007: £91,000), fixtures and fittings £481,000 (2007: £735,000) and  
motor vehicles £41,000 (2007: £1,000) in respect of assets held under finance leases and similar hire purchase contracts. Depreciation for  
the period on these assets was £29,000 (2007: £35,000), £120,000 (2007: £142,000) and £6,000 (2007: £2,000), respectively. The maturity  
of obligations under finance lease and similar hire purchase contracts is included in note 20.

 Impairment charges of £2,535,000 (2007: £1,482,000) relate to all classes of property, plant and equipment in cash generating units which are 
loss making and where it is considered that the position can not be recovered as a result of a continuing deterioration in the  performance in the 
particular store. The cash generating units represent individual stores, or a collection of stores where the cash flows are not independent, with 
the loss based on the specific revenue streams and costs attributable to those cash generating units.  No allocation of central overhead has 
been made in calculating this loss. Assets in impaired stores are written down fully except  where a reasonable estimate may be made of their 
recoverable value, calculated by reference to their fair value as supported by a management valuation less costs to sell.

 COST 
At 28 January 2006  
Additions 
Disposals 
On acquisition of 
trade and assets 
 Transfers to other  
group companies 

At 27 January 2007  
Additions 
Disposals 
Transfers to other  
group companies 

 At 02 February 2008 

 DEPRECIATION AND IMPAIRMENT 
At 28 January 2006 
Charge for period 
Impairments 
Disposals 
Transfers to other  
group companies 

At 27 January 2007 
Charge for period 
Impairments 
Disposals 
Transfers to other  
group companies 

At 02 February 2008 

  NET BOOK VALUE 
At 02 February 2008 

At 27 January 2007 

At 28 January 2006  

3,760 

4,445 
- 
(4,445) 

- 

- 

- 
- 
- 

- 

- 

685 
73 
- 
(758) 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

16,230 
247 
(2,955) 

- 

(723) 

12,799 
1,377 
(1,935) 

(431) 

11,810 

10,750 
933 
55 
(2,902) 

(688) 

8,148 
922 
76 
(1,484) 

(55) 

7,607 

4,203 

4,651 

5,480 

8,794 
1,414 
(2,437) 

- 

(96) 

7,675 
1,517 
(228) 

(40) 

8,924 

6,439 
1,355 
4 
(2,335) 

(79) 

5,384 
1,121 
1 
(219) 

(34) 

6,253 

2,671 

2,291 

2,355 

84,186 
9,374 
(15,212) 

373 

(3,047) 

75,674 
15,278 
(7,273) 

(2,276) 

81,403 

50,358 
8,414 
783 
(11,062) 

(2,524) 

45,969 
8,242 
1,422 
(5,900) 

(1,011) 

48,722 

32,681 

29,705 

33,828 

559 
11 
(329) 

- 

- 

241 
112 
(164) 

114,214 
11,046 
(25,378) 

373

(3,866)

96,389 
18,284 
(9,600) 

- 

(2,747)

189 

102,326

317 
43 
- 
(211) 

- 

149 
28 
- 
(111) 

- 

66 

123 

92 

242 

68,549 
10,818 
842 
(17,268) 

(3,291)

59,650 
10,313 
1,499 
(7,714)

(1,100)

62,648

39,678

36,739

45,665

62

63

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FiNANCiAL STATEMENTS

(CONTiNUED) 

NOTES TO THE FiNANCiAL STATEMENTS

(CONTiNUED) 

13. 

iNVESTMENT PROPERTY

15.  

 iNTEREST iN JOiNT VENTURES

 COST 
At 28 January 2006 and 27 January 2007  
Additions 

At 02 February 2008 

 DEPRECIATION AND IMPAIRMENT 
At 28 January 2006 and 27 January 2007 
Charge for period 

At 02 February 2008 

 NET BOOK VALUE 
At 02 February 2008 

At 28 January 2006 and 27 January 2007 

GROUPGGROUP AND COMPANY
£000

-
4,160

4,160

- 
9

9

4,151

-

Based on an external valuation, the fair value of investment property as at 02 February 2008 was £4,160,000.

14. 

OTHER NON-CURRENT RECEiVABLES

Loan notes receivable from joint venture 
Other receivables 

  GROUP 

 COMPANY

2008 
£000 

2,479 
2,546 

5,025 

  2007 
  £000 

- 
  2,753 

  2,753 

2008 
£000 

2,479 
2,322 

4,801 

  2007
  £000

 -
  2,592

  2,592

 The loan notes receivable from the joint venture earn interest at bank base lending rates plus a margin of 1.5% and are repayable in full over a 
five-year period ending in December 2012. The first repayment is due to be made in July 2011 of an amount equal to that which would have 
been repaid cumulatively to July 2011 had repayments been made in equal quarterly instalments over the full five-year period and will include 
accrued interest at that time. The remaining balance will be paid in equal quarterly instalments to December 2012.

 The Board do not consider there to be any significant credit risk in respect of the loan notes receivable from the joint venture as at 02  
February 2008.

Other receivables represent lease premia, legal fees and other costs associated with the acquisition of leasehold interests.

 Impairment losses of £86,000 (2007: £nil) have been recognised on specific cash generating units which are loss making. The methodology 
behind identifying loss making cash generating units is explained in note 12.

 On 03 December 2007, the Group acquired 49% of the issued share capital of Focus Brands Limited for an initial cash consideration of 
£49,000 together with associated fees of £456,000. Focus Brands Limited is a jointly controlled entity set up for the purposes of acquiring 
Focus Group Holdings Limited and its subsidiary companies ('Focus Group'), which are involved in the design, sourcing and distribution of 
branded and own brand footwear, apparel and accessories. Focus Brands Limited is jointly controlled with the former shareholders of Focus 
Group Holdings Limited. 

  Deferred consideration may be payable to the vendors in the event that the profit before amortisation and after tax of the Focus Group  
exceeds certain thresholds in the period to 31 January 2013. The maximum total deferred consideration that could be payable to the 
vendors is approximately £12.4 million. As at 02 February 2008, the Board do not consider it probable that further consideration will be paid. 
Accordingly, no further liability has been recognised as at the balance sheet date.

The results and assets and liabilities of the Focus Group are incorporated in the consolidated financial statements using the equity method  
of accounting. The interest in the joint venture in the Group's balance sheet is based on the share of the net assets, which are as follows:

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

Total net assets 

02 February 2008  
£000 

27 January 2007
£000

592 -
9,778 -
(4,381) -
(5,629) -

360 -

 The amount included in the Consolidated Income Statement for the period ended 02 February 2008 in relation to joint ventures is as follows:

£000 

Revenue 

Loss before tax 
Tax 

Loss after tax 

53 weeks to 
02 February 2008 
£000 

52 weeks to
27 January 2007
£000

3,142 -

(207) -
62 -

(145) -

As at 02 February 2008, the Group had loan notes receivable from Focus Brands Limited to the value of £2,479,000 (2007: £nil). 

16.  

iNVESTMENTS

COMPANY 

COST 
At 28 January 2006 
Additions 

At 27 January 2007 
Additions 

At 02 February 2008 

IMPAIRMENT
At 28 January 2006 
Impairments 

At 27 January 2007 and 02 February 2008 

NET BOOK VALUE  

At 02 February 2008 

At 27 January 2007 

At 28 January 2006 

Investments
£000

4,470 
1,000

5,470
1,828

7,298

-
(2,000)

(2,000)

5,298

3,470

4,470

 The addition to investments in the year comprises £1,323,000 on the acquisition of Bank Stores Holdings Limited (100% owned) and Topgrade 
Sportswear Limited (51% owned - see note 11) and £505,000 on the investment in Focus Brands Limited (49% owned joint venture - see note 
15). A full list of subsidiaries and jointly controlled entities is shown in Note 33. 

64

65

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FiNANCiAL STATEMENTS

(CONTiNUED) 

NOTES TO THE FiNANCiAL STATEMENTS

(CONTiNUED)

17. 

iNVENTORiES

19. 

CASH AND CASH EQUiVALENTS

Finished goods and goods for resale 

58,669 

51,469 

45,172 

47,109

 Bank balances and cash floats 

11,969 

11,230 

9,343 

11,425

 The cost of inventories recognised as expenses and included in cost of sales for the 53 weeks ended 02 February 2008 was £303,092,000  
(2007: £280,078,000). 

20. 

iNTEREST BEARiNg LOANS AND BORROWiNgS

  GROUP 

2008 
£000 

  2007 
  £000 

 COMPANY

2008 
£000 

  2007
  £000

  GROUP 

2008 
£000 

  2007 
  £000 

 COMPANY

2008 
£000 

  2007
  £000

18. 

 TRADE AND OTHER RECEiVABLES

  GROUP 

2008 
£000 

  2007 
  £000 

 COMPANY

2008 
£000 

  2007
  £000

CURRENT LIABILITIES 
Obligations under finance leases and similar hire purchase contracts 
Loan notes 

CURRENT ASSETS 
 Trade receivables 
Other receivables 
Prepayments and accrued income 
Amounts owed by other Group companies 

The ageing of trade receivables is detailed below:

GROUP 

Not past due - 60 days 
Past 60 days 

GROUP  COMPANY 

Not past due - 60 days 
Past 60 days 

Gross 
£000 

1,951 
426 

2,377 

Gross 
£000 

584 
40 

624 

2008 
Provision 
£000 

- 
(142) 

(142) 

2008 
Provision 
£000 

- 
(6) 

(6) 

2,235 
167 
13,497 
- 

15,899 

Net 
£000 

1,951 
284 

2,235 

Net 
£000 

584 
34 

618 

477 
86 
12,449 
- 

13,012 

Gross 
£000 

469 
14 

483 

Gross 
£000 

469 
14 

483 

618 
5 -
10,657 
36,529 

477 

10,610 
11,238

47,809 

22,325

2007
Provision 
£000 

- 
(6) 

(6) 

2007
Provision 
£000 

- 
(6) 

(6) 

Net
£000

469 
8

477

Net
£000

469 
8

477

 The Board consider that the carrying amount of trade and other receivables approximate their fair value. Concentrations of credit risk with 
respect to trade receivables are limited due to the majority of the Group’s customer base being large and unrelated. Therefore, no further  
credit risk provision is required in excess of the normal provision for impairment losses, which has been calculated following individual 
assessments of credit quality based on historic default rates and knowledge of debtor insolvency or other credit risk. Movement on this 
provision is shown below:

At 28 January 2006 
Utilised 

At 27 January 2007 
On acquisition of subsidiaries 

At 02 February 2008 

GROUP 
£000 

COMPANY
£000

72 
(66) 

6 
136 

142 

72
(66)

6
-

6

  GROUP 

2008 
£000 

  2007 
  £000 

 COMPANY

2008 
£000 

  2007
  £000

51 
83 

134 

83 

11 
95 

106 

192 

- 
83 

83 

83 

- 
95

95

192

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 
Loan notes 

The following note provides information about the contractual terms of the Group and Company’s interest bearing loans and borrowings.

For more information about the Group and Company’s exposure to interest rate risk, see note 21.

BANK FACILITIES 
 The Group has a £70,000,000 revolving facility which expires on 18 October 2011. Under this facility, a maximum of 10 drawdowns may be 
outstanding at any time with drawdowns made for a period of one, two, three or six months with interest currently payable at a rate of LIBOR 
plus a margin of 0.75% (2007: 0.95%). The commitment fee on the undrawn element of the facility is 45% of the applicable margin rate.

At 02 February 2008, there were no amounts drawdown on this facility (2007: £nil).

FINANCE LEASES AND SIMILAR HIRE PURCHASE CONTRACTS 
The maturity of obligations under finance leases and similar hire purchase contracts is as follows:

 Within one year 

  GROUP 

 COMPANY

2008 
£000 

51 

  2007 
  £000 

11 

  2007
  £000

2008 
£000 

- -

 Amounts owed under finance leases and similar hire purchase contracts are secured on the assets to which they relate with interest charged at 
rates of 10% to 21%. No new finance leases or similar hire purchase contracts were entered into in the period. All of the agreements in place 
as at 02 February 2008 were entered into by Topgrade Sportswear Limited prior to its acquisition by the Company on 07 November 2007.

 Future minimum lease payments under finance leases and similar hire purchase contracts together with the value of the principle are as follows: 

GROUP 

  Minimum lease  
payments 
2008 
£000 

Interest 
2008 
£000 

  Minimum lease
  payments 
2007 
£000 

Principal 
2008 
£000 

Interest 
2007 
£000 

Principal
2007
£000

 Within one year 

60 

(9) 

51 

12 

(1) 

11

LOAN NOTES 
The maturity of the loan notes is as follows:

  GROUP 

 COMPANY

2008 
£000 

83 
83 
- 

166 

  2007 
  £000 

95 
96 
96 

 287 

2008 
£000 

83 
83 
- 

166 

2007
£000

95 
96 
96

287

The other classes within trade and other receivables do not contain impaired assets.

 Included within prepayments and accrued income for the Group and Company is £217,000 (2007: £259,000) in relation to deferred costs 
incurred in setting up the current bank facility (see note 20).

Within one year 
 Between one and two years 
Between two and five years 

66

67

The loan notes do not carry interest and are redeemable at par in two equal annual installments commencing 29 December 2008. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FiNANCiAL STATEMENTS

(CONTiNUED)

NOTES TO THE FiNANCiAL STATEMENTS

(CONTiNUED)

21. 

FiNANCiAL iNSTRUMENTS

 21. 

FiNANCiAL iNSTRUMENTS (CONTiNUED)

 FINANCIAL ASSETS 
The Group’s financial assets are all categorised as loans and receivables. Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed 
or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. The Group’s loans and receivables comprise ‘Trade and other receivables’, 
‘Cash and cash equivalents’ and ‘Loan notes receivable from joint venture’ included within ‘Other non-current receivables’ in the balance sheet. 

 Cash and cash equivalents comprise short-term cash deposits with major United Kingdom and European clearing banks and earn floating 
rates of interest based upon bank base rates or rates linked to LIBOR. The currency profile of cash and cash equivalents is shown below:

GROUP 

Bank balances and cash floats 

 Sterling 
Euros 
US Dollars 

COMPANY 

Bank balances and cash floats 

 Sterling 
Euros 
US Dollars 

2008 
£000 

11,969 

6,218 
5,067 
684 

11,969 

2008 
£000 

9,343 

3,833 
4,826 
684 

9,343 

2007
£000

11,230

10,523 
464 
243

11,230

2007
£000

11,425

10,718 
464 
243

11,425

 Other financial assets are all denominated in sterling.

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES
 The Group’s financial liabilities are all categorised as other financial liabilities. Other financial liabilities are measured at amortised cost.  
The Group’s other financial liabilities comprise ‘Interest bearing loans and borrowings’ and ‘Trade and other payables’.

 RISK MANAGEMENT
 The Group’s operations expose it to a variety of financial risks that include the effects of changes in exchange rates, interest rates, credit risk 
and its liquidity position. The Group manages these risks through the use of derivative instruments, which are reviewed on a regular basis. 
Derivative instruments are not entered into for speculative purposes.

Interest rate risk 
 The Group finances its operations by a mixture of retained profits and bank borrowings. Other than a small proportion of finance lease 
borrowing at fixed interest rates, the Group’s borrowings are at floating rates, partially hedged by floating rate interest on deposits, reflecting  
the seasonality of its cash flow.

 Interest rate risk therefore arises from bank borrowings. The Board regularly reviews the interest rate risk of the Group and uses interest rate 
swaps to minimise exposure to interest rate fluctuations where appropriate. Given that the facility is not drawndown at certain times of the year, 
the Board did not consider that an interest rate swap on the floating rate facility was necessary as at 02 February 2008. The net fair value of 
swap liabilities at 02 February 2008 was £nil (2007: £5,000).

 The Group has potential bank floating rate financial liabilities on the £70,000,000 revolving credit facility, although there were no drawdowns 
from this facility at 02 February 2008 (2007: £nil). When drawdowns are made, the Group is exposed to cash flow interest risk with interest paid 
on its bank floating rate liabilities at a rate of LIBOR plus a margin of 0.75% (2007: 0.95%).

 The Group pays interest on its finance leases and similar hire purchase contracts at market interest rates. Although the rates vary between 
agreements, the rates on each individual agreement are fixed for the whole term with the interest range being between 10% to 21% (see  
note 20).

 A change of 1% in the average interest rates during the year, applied to the average net cash/debt position of the Group during the period, 
would change profit before tax by £6,000 (2007: £252,000). This assumes that all other variables remain unchanged.

Foreign currency risk
 The Group is exposed to foreign currency risk on sales and purchases that are denominated in a currency other than pound sterling. The 
currencies giving rise to this risk are the Euro and U.S. Dollar with sales made in Euros and purchases made in both Euros and U.S. Dollars 
(principal exposure). To protect its foreign currency position, the Group sets a buying rate for the purchase of goods in U.S. dollars at the start 
of the buying season (typically six to nine months before the product actually starts to appear in the stores) and then enters into a number of 
Euro/Dollar and Sterling/Dollar options whereby the minimum exchange rate on the purchase of dollars is guaranteed.

 As at 02 February 2008, options have been entered into to protect approximately 70% of the U.S. Dollar requirement for the period to July 
2008, which represents the end of the spring/summer buying season. The balance of the U.S. Dollar requirement for the spring/summer buying 
season will be satisfied at spot rates. Hegde accounting is not applied.

 As at 02 February 2008, the fair value of these instruments was a liability of £347,000 (2007: £40,000) which has been included within  
current liabilities.

 A 10% strengthening of sterling relative to the Euro and the U.S. Dollar as at the balance sheet date would have reduced profit before tax 
by £523,000 (2007: £68,000). A 10% weakening of sterling relative to the Euro and the U.S. Dollar as at the balance sheet date would have 
increased profit before tax by £575,000 (2007: £80,000). These figures assume that all other variables remain unchanged.

 Credit risk
 Investments of cash surpluses, borrowings and derivative instruments are made through major United Kingdom and European clearing banks, 
which must meet minimum credit ratings as required by the Board.

 All customers who wish to trade on credit terms are subject to credit verification procedures. Receivable balances are monitored on an ongoing 
basis and provision is made for impairment where amounts are not thought to be recoverable (see note 18).

Liquidity risk
 The Group manages its cash and borrowing requirement to minimise net interest expense, whilst ensuring that the Group has sufficient liquid 
resources to meet the operating needs of the business. The forecast cash and borrowing profile of the Group is monitored on an ongoing 
basis, to ensure that adequate headroom remains under committed borrowing facilities.

 All of the Groups financial liabilities as at 02 February 2008 and 27 January 2007 have a contractual maturity date falling within a period of one 
year from the balance sheet date.

As at 02 February 2008, there are undrawn committed facilities with a maturity profile as follows:

Expiring in more than three years but no more than four years 
Expiring in more than four years but no more than five years 

The commitment fee on these facilities is 0.34% (2007: 0.43%). 

FAIR VALUES 
The fair values together with the carrying amounts shown in the balance sheet are as follows: 

2008 
£000 

70,000 -
- 

70,000 

2007
£000

70,000

70,000

 Trade and other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Finance lease and similar hire purchase contracts  
Loan notes 
Trade and other payables - current 
Trade and other payables - non-current 

Unrecognised gains  

The comparatives at 27 January 2007 are as follows: 

 Trade and other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Finance lease and similar hire purchase contracts  
Loan notes 
Interest rate swap liabilities 
Trade and other payables - current 
Trade and other payables - non-current 

Unrecognised gains  

Note 

18 
19 
20 
20 
22 
22 

Note 

18 
19 
20 
20 

22 
22 

GROUP 

COMPANY

 Carrying amount 

2008 
£000 

15,899 
11,969 
(51) 
(166) 
(80,389) 
(11,839) 

(64,577) 

Fair value 
2008 
£000 

Carrying amount 
2008 
£000 

Fair value
2008
£000

15,899 
11,969 
(51) 
(152) 
(80,389) 
(11,839) 

(64,563) 

14 

47,809 
9,343 
- 
(166) 
(62,177) 
(17,939) 

47,809 
9,343 
- 
(152) 
(62,177) 
(17,939)

(23,130) 

(23,116)

14

GROUP 

COMPANY

 Carrying amount 

2007 
£000 

13,012 
11,230 
(11) 
(287) 
- 
(58,849) 
(8,189) 

(43,094) 

Fair value 
2007 
£000 

Carrying amount 
2007 
£000 

Fair value
2007
£000

13,012 
11,230 
(11) 
(257) 
(5) 
(58,849) 
(8,189) 

22,325 
11,425 
- 
(287) 
- 
(54,838) 
(14,588) 

22,325 
11,425 
- 
(257) 
(5) 
(54,838) 
(14,588)

(43,069)  

(35,963) 

(35,938)

25 

25

 In the opinion of the Board, the fair value of the Groups financial assets and liabilities as at 02 February 2008 and 27 January 2007 are not 
considered materially different to that of the book value. On this basis, the carrying amounts have not been adjusted for the fair values.

68

69

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FiNANCiAL STATEMENTS

(CONTiNUED)

NOTES TO THE FiNANCiAL STATEMENTS

(CONTiNUED) 

21. 

FiNANCiAL iNSTRUMENTS (CONTiNUED)

ESTIMATION OF FAIR VALUES 
The major methods and assumptions used in estimating the fair values of financial instruments reflected in the table are as follows:

 Finance lease and similar hire purchase contracts  
The fair value is estimated as the present value of future cash flows, discounted at market rates for homogeneous lease agreements  
(7% - 10%). The estimated fair value reflects changes in interest rates.

 Loan notes 
The loan notes have been discounted at a rate of 6.0% (2007: 5.5%).

 Interest rate swap liabilities on unsecured bank loan 
The fair value of the interest rate swap liabilities on the previous term loan facility is calculated on the discounted expected future interest  
cash flows.

 Trade and other receivables/payables 
For trade and other receivables/payables (as adjusted for the fair value of the foreign exchange contracts), the notional amount is deemed  
to reflect the fair value.

22. 

TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

 CURRENT LIABILITIES 
Trade payables 
Other payables and accrued expenses 
Other tax and social security costs 

 NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 
Other payables and accrued expenses 
Amounts payable to other group companies 

23. 

 PROViSiONS

 GROUP 

 COMPANY

2008 
£000 

  2007 
  £000 

2008 
£000 

  2007
  £000

33,818 
36,349 
10,222 

80,389 

11,839 
- 

11,839 

 26,937 
 20,555 
 11,357 

26,018 
28,963 
7,196 

  25,052 
  19,137 
  10,649

 58,849 

62,177 

  54,838

  8,189 
- 

11,357 
6,582 

8,006 
6,582

  8,189 

17,939 

  14,588

 Provisions relate to costs on onerous property leases and represent anticipated minimum contractual lease costs less potential sublease 
income for vacant properties. For loss making trading stores, provision is made to the extent that the lease is deemed to be onerous. The 
provisions are discounted where the effect is material. The discount rate used is 9.0% (2007: 9.0%) (see note 11).

24. 

DEFERRED TAx ASSETS AND LiABiLiTiES

 RECOGNISED DEFERRED TAX ASSETS AND LIABILITIES 
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following:

GROUP 

Assets 2008 
£000 

Assets 2007 
£000 

Liabilities 2008 
£000 

Liabilities 2007 
£000 

Net 2008  Net 2007
£000

£000 

 Property, plant and equipment 
Chargeable gains 
held over/rolled over 
Lease variations 
General accruals 

- 

- 
(603) 
(830) 

Tax (assets)/liabilities 

(1,433) 

- 

- 
(588) 
(50) 

(638) 

1,147 

332 
- 
- 

1,479 

1,049 

1,160 
- 
- 

2,209 

1,147 

1,049 

332 
(603) 
(830) 

1,160 
(588) 
(50)

46 

 1,571

MOVEMENT IN DEFERRED TAX DURING THE PERIOD

GROUP 

Balance at 28 January 2006 
Recognised in income 

Balance at 27 January 2007  
On acquisition 
Recognised in income 

Balance at 02 February 2008 

Property, plant 
and equipment 

Chargeable 
gains held over/ 
 rolled over  

Lease variations 
and other items  

Tax losses 

Total

2,045 
(996) 

1,049 
37 
61 

1,147 

- 
1,160 

1,160 
- 
(828) 

332 

(328) 
(310) 

(638) 
- 
(795) 

(1,433) 

(100) 
100 

- 
- 
- 

- 

1,617 
(46)

1,571 
37
(1,562)

46

 RECOGNISED DEFERRED TAX ASSETS AND LIABILITIES 
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following: 

COMPANY 

Assets 2008 
£000 

Assets 2007 
£000 

Liabilities 2008 
£000 

Liabilities 2007 
£000 

Net 2008  Net 2007
£000

£000 

Property, plant and equipment 
Chargeable gains 
held over/rolled over 
Lease variations 
General accruals 

 Tax (assets)/liabilities 

- 

- 
(470) 
(830) 

(1,300) 

- 

- 
(588) 
(50) 

(638) 

1,278 

332 
- 
- 

1,610 

968 

1,160 
- 
- 

2,128 

1,278 

968 

332 
(470) 
(830) 

310 

1,160 
(588) 
(50)

1,490

GROUP  

 Balance at 27 January 2007 
Provisions created during the period 
Provisions acquired in the period 
Provisions released during the period 
Provisions utilised during the period 

Balance at 02 February 2008 

COMPANY 

 Balance at 27 January 2007 
Provisions created during the period 
Provisions released during the period 
Provisions utilised during the period 

Balance at 02 February 2008 

Current 
£000 

Non-current 
£000 

Total
£000

2,130 
1,995 
144 
(899) 
(1,477) 

1,893 

4,829 
1,516 
993 
(2,612) 
- 

6,959 
3,511 
1,137 
(3,511) 
(1,477)

4,726 

6,619

Current 
£000 

Non-current 
£000 

Total
£000

1,531 
1,636 
(785) 
(944) 

1,438 

1,707 
1,644 
- 
- 

3,238 
3,280 
(785) 
(944)

3,351 

4,789

MOVEMENT IN DEFERRED TAX DURING THE PERIOD

COMPANY 

Property, plant 
and equipment 

Chargeable 
gains held over/ 
rolled over 

Lease variations 
and other items 

 Balance at 28 January 2006 
Recognised in income 

Balance at 27 January 2007 
Recognised in income 

Balance at 02 February 2008 

25. 

CAPiTAL AND RESERVES

ISSUED ORDINARY SHARE CAPITAL

GROUP AND COMPANY 

At 27 January 2007 and 02 February 2008 

1,951 
(983) 

968 
310 

1,278 

- 
1,160 

1,160 
(828) 

332 

Total

1,656 
(166)

1,490 
(1,180)

(295) 
(343) 

(638) 
(662) 

(1,300) 

310

Number of  
ordinary shares  
thousands 

48,263 

Ordinary
share capital
£000

2,413

70

71

The total number of authorised ordinary shares was 62,150,000 (2007: 62,150,000) with a par value of 5p per share (2007: 5p per share).  
All issued shares are fully paid.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FiNANCiAL STATEMENTS

(CONTiNUED)

NOTES TO THE FiNANCiAL STATEMENTS

(CONTiNUED) 

25. 

CAPiTAL AND RESERVES (CONTiNUED) 

RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENT IN CAPITAL AND RESERVES 

GROUP 

Balance at 28 January 2006 
Total recognised income and expense 
Dividends to shareholders (see note 26) 

Balance at 27 January 2007 
Minority interest on acquisition 
Total recognised income and expense 
Dividends to shareholders (see note 26) 

Balance at 02 February 2008 

Ordinary  
share capital 
£000 

2,413 
- 
- 

2,413 
- 
- 
- 

2,413 

RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENT IN CAPITAL AND RESERVES

COMPANY 

Balance at 28 January 2006 
Total recognised income and expense 
Dividends to shareholders (see note 26) 

Balance at 27 January 2007 
Total recognised income and expense 
Dividends to shareholders (see note 26) 

Balance at 02 February 2008 

Share 
premium 
£000 

10,823 
- 
- 

10,823 
- 
- 
- 

10,823 

Ordinary 
share capital 
£000 

2,413 
- 
- 

2,413 
- 
- 

2,413 

Retained 
earnings 
£000 

41,357 
10,388 
(3,379) 

48,366 
- 
23,549 
(3,524) 

68,391 

Share 
premium 
£000 

10,823 
- 
- 

10,823 
- 
- 

10,823 

Minority 
interest 
£000 

- 
- 
- 

- 
1,144 
38 
- 

1,182 

Retained 
earnings 
£000 

41,620 
12,210 
(3,379) 

50,451 
24,387 
(3,524) 

71,314 

Total
equity
£000

54,593 
10,388 
(3,379)

61,602 
1,144 
23,587 
(3,524)

82,809

Total
equity
£000

54,856 
12,210 
(3,379)

63,687 
24,387 
(3,524)

84,550

 The capital structure of the Group consists of equity attributable to equity holders of the parent, comprising issued share capital, share 
premium and retained earnings. The Board’s policy is to maintain a strong capital base so as to maintain investor, creditor and market 
confidence and to sustain future development of the business. There were no changes to the Group’s approach to capital management during 
the period.

Full disclosure on the rights attached to shares is provided in the Directors' Report on page 22.

26. 

 DiViDENDS

 After the balance sheet date the following dividends were proposed by the Directors. The dividends were not provided for at the balance  
sheet date.

6.00p per ordinary share (2007: 4.80p) 

53 weeks to 
02 February 2008 
£000 

52 weeks to
27 January 2007
£000

2,896 

2,317

27. 

 COMMiTMENTS

 GROUP 
(i) Capital commitments 
During the period ended 02 February 2008 the Group entered into contracts to purchase property, plant and equipment as follows:

Contracted 

02 February 2008 
£000 

27 January 2007
£000

4,072 

2,320

These commitments are expected to be settled in the following financial period.

 (ii) Operating lease commitments 
The Group leases various retail outlets, offices, warehouses, plant and equipment under non-cancellable operating lease agreements.  
The leases have varying terms, escalation clauses and renewal rights.

Undiscounted total future minimum rentals payable under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

 Within one year 
Later than one year and not later than five years 
After five years 

Land and 
buildings 
2008 
£000 

74,072 
271,984 
294,301 

640,357 

Plant and 
equipment 
2008 
£000 

818 
820 
- 

1,638 

Land and 
 buildings 
2007 
£000 

57,615 
213,055 
262,148 

532,818 

Plant and 
equipment
2007
£000

828 
154 
-

982

 The future minimum rentals payable on land and buildings represent the base rents that are due on each property. Certain properties have 
rents which are partly dependent on turnover levels in the individual store concerned.

 (iii) Sublease receipts 
 The Group subleases various retail outlets under non-cancellable operating lease agreements. The leases have varying terms, escalation 
clauses and  renewal rights. The total future minimum operating sublease receipts expected to be received at 02 February 2008 are as follows:

 Within one year 
Later than one year and not later than five years 
After five years 

2008 
£000 

614 
2,293 
3,794 

6,701 

2007
£000

156 
621 
394

1,171

 COMPANY 
(i) Capital commitments 
During the period ended 02 February 2008 the Company entered into contracts to purchase property, plant and equipment as follows:

Contracted 

02 February 2008  27 January 2007
£000

£000 

3,730 

2,070

 DIVIDENDS ON ISSUED ORDINARY SHARE CAPITAL 

These commitments are expected to be settled in the following financial period.

 Final dividend of 4.80p (2007: 4.60p) per qualifying ordinary share paid in respect of prior period,  
but not recognised as a liability in that period 
Interim dividend of 2.50p (2007: 2.40p) per qualifying ordinary share paid in respect of current period 

53 weeks to 
02 February 2008 
£000 

52 weeks to
27 January 2007
£000

2,317 
1,207 

3,524 

2,221 
1,158

3,379

(ii) Operating lease commitments 
 The Company leases various retail outlets, offices, warehouses, plant and equipment under non-cancellable operating lease agreements.  
The leases have varying terms, escalation clauses and renewal rights.

Undiscounted total future minimum rentals payable under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

 Within one year 
Later than one year and not later than five years 
Later than one year and not later than five years 

Land and 
buildings 
2008 
£000 

52,322 
187,095 
188,675 

428,092 

Plant and  
equipment 
2008 
£000 

598 
592 
- 

1,190 

Land and 
buildings 
2007 
£000 

51,801 
192,244 
228,628 

472,673 

Plant and
equipment
2007
£000

798 
113 
-

911

72

73

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FiNANCiAL STATEMENTS

(CONTiNUED)

NOTES TO THE FiNANCiAL STATEMENTS

(CONTiNUED)

27. 

 COMMiTMENTS (CONTiNUED)

(iii) Sublease receipts 
 The Company subleases various retail outlets under non-cancellable operating lease agreements. The leases have varying terms, escalation 
clauses and renewal rights. The total future minimum operating sublease receipts expected to be received at 02 February 2008 are as follows:

30. 

 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTiONS AND BALANCES

 Transactions and balances with related parties during the period were as follows:

 RELATED PARTY - PENTLAND GROUP PLC 
Pentland Group Plc owns 57% of the issued ordinary share capital of The John David Group Plc.

 Within one year 
Later than one year and not later than five years 
Later than one year and not later than five years 

2008 
£000 

535 
1,994 
3,414 

5,943 

2007
£000

156
621 
394

1,171

28. 

 PENSiON SCHEMES

 The Group only operates defined contribution pension schemes. The pension charge for the period represents contributions payable by  
the Group of £333,000 (2007: £268,000) in respect of employees, and £41,000 (2007: £32,000) in respect of directors. The amount owed  
to the schemes at the period end was £42,000 (2007: £38,000).

29. 

 ANALYSiS OF NET CASH

GROUP 

 Cash at bank and in hand 

 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 

 Interest bearing loans and borrowings: 
Current 
Loan notes 
Finance leases and similar hire purchase contracts 

COMPANY 

 Cash at bank and in hand 

 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 

 Interest bearing loans and borrowings: 
Loan notes 

At 27 January  
2007 
£000 

On acquisition 
of subsidiary 
£000 

Cash flow 
£000 

At 02 February
2008
£000

11,230 

11,230 

- 
(287) 
(11) 

10,932 

189 

189 

(18,796) 
- 
(59) 

(18,666) 

550 

550 

18,796 
121 
19 

19,486 

11,969

11,969

- 
(166) 
(51)

11,752

At 27 January  
2007 
£000 

Cash flow 
£000 

At 02 February
2008
£000

11,425 

11,425 

(2,082) 

(2,082) 

(287) 

121 

11,138 

(1,961) 

9,343

9,343

(166)

9,177

GROUP 

Concession fee income 
Purchases of inventory for retail  
Other income 

 Payments (gross including VAT) 
Receipts (gross including VAT) 

Value of 
transactions 
2008 
£000 

(147) 
(26,238) 
203 

(30,897) 
239 

(Payable) 
/receivable at 
period end 
2008 
£000 

Value of 
transactions 
2007 
£000 

(Payable)
/receivable at
period end
2007
£000

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

(504) 
(26,333) 
64 

(29,588) 
76 

- 
- 
-

- 
-

Trade payables (gross including VAT) 

- 

(1,574) 

- 

(2,573)

 RELATED PARTY - PENTLAND GROUP PLC 

COMPANY 

Value of 
transactions 
2008 
£000 

(Payable) 
 /receivable at 
period end 
2008 
£000 

Value of 
transactions 
2007 
£000 

(Payable)
 /receivable at
period end
2007
£000

 Concession fee income 
Purchase of inventory for retail 
Other income 

  Payments (gross including VAT) 
Receipts (gross including VAT) 

- 
(23,930) 
157 

(27,953) 
184 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

Trade payables (gross including VAT) 

- 

(1,315) 

(504) 
(24,461) 
64 

(26,975) 
76 

(2,281) 

- 
- 
-

- 
-

-

Unless otherwise stated the amounts above are stated net of VAT. 

RELATED PARTY - ATHLEISURE LIMITED

COMPANY 

Value of 
transactions 
2008 
£000 

(Payable) 
 /receivable at 
period end 
2008 
£000 

Value of 
transactions 
2007 
£000 

(Payable)
 /receivable at
period end
2007
£000

Amounts owed to The John David Group Plc 

- 

6,638 

- 

6,638

 RELATED PARTY - RD SCOTT LIMITED

COMPANY 

Purchase of inventory 

Intercompany balance capitalised into share capital 
Store assets legally transferred to RD Scott Limited 
Income tax group relief 

Amounts owed to The John David Group Plc 

Value of 
transactions 
2008 
£000 

(Payable) 
 /receivable at 
period end 
2008 
£000 

Value of 
transactions 
2007 
£000 

(Payable)
 /receivable at
period end
2007
£000

- 

- 
- 
537 

- 

- 

- 
- 
- 

9,245 

(8,360) 

1,000 
1,709 
134 

- 

-

- 
- 
-

4,600

 On 12 October 2006, £1,000,000 of the intercompany balance due from RD Scott Limited was converted into share capital with 500 ordinary 
shares of £1 each allotted at this time. On 25 November 2006, the Company legally transferred the trade and assets of 25 stores to RD Scott 
Limited. The consideration equated to the book value of the assets at this time.

74

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NOTES TO THE FiNANCiAL STATEMENTS

(CONTiNUED)

NOTES TO THE FiNANCiAL STATEMENTS

(CONTiNUED) 

30. 

 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTiONS AND BALANCES (CONTiNUED)

RELATED PARTY - JOHN DAVID SPORTS FASHION (IRELAND) LIMITED

COMPANY 

Value of 
transactions 
2008 
£000 

(Payable) 
 /receivable at 
period end 
2008 
£000 

Value of 
transactions 
2007 
£000 

(Payable)
 /receivable at
period end
2007
£000

Sale of inventory 
Other income 

Store assets legally transferred to 
John David Sports Fashion (Ireland) Limited 

1,725 
514 

2,339 

- 
- 

- 

Amounts owed to The John David Group Plc 

- 

2,136 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 
-

-

-

 On 26 November 2007, the Company legally transferred the trade and assets of 5 stores to John David Sports Fashion (Ireland) Limited.  
The consideration equated to the book value of the assets at this time.

RELATED PARTY - FOCUS BRANDS LIMITED

GROUP 

 Purchase of inventory 
Rental income 
Interest income 

Payments (gross including VAT) 

Trade payables (gross including VAT) 
Loan notes receivable 

COMPANY 

 Purchase of inventory 
Rental income 
 Interest income 

Payments (gross including VAT) 

Trade payables (gross including VAT) 
 Loan notes receivable 

Value of 
transactions 
2008 
£000 

(Payable) 
 /receivable at 
period end 
2008 
£000 

Value of 
transactions 
2007 
£000 

(Payable)
 /receivable at
period end
2007
£000

(714) 
54 
28 

(1,475) 

- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 

(123) 
2,479 

- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

-
-
-

-

-
-

Value of 
transactions 
2008 
£000 

(Payable) 
 /receivable at 
period end 
2008 
£000 

Value of 
transactions 
2007 
£000 

(Payable)
/receivable at
period end
2007
£000

(708) 
54 
28 

(1,448) 

- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 

(124) 
2,479 

- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 
- 
-

-

- 
-

31.  

CONTiNgENT LiABiLiTY
 The Group has provided a guarantee on an interest bearing loan of £6,500,000 in Focus Brands Limited. This guarantee has been provided in 
conjunction with the other shareholders on a several basis with each shareholder guaranteeing the loan in line with their relative shareholding. 
As at 02 February 2008, the Group and Company's contingent liability on this loan was £3,185,000 (2007: £nil).

32. 

ULTiMATE PARENT COMPANY

 The Company is a subsidiary undertaking of Pentland Group Plc which is also the ultimate parent company. Pentland Group Plc is incorporated 
in England and Wales.

 The largest group in which the results of the Company are consolidated is that headed by Pentland Group Plc. The results of Pentland Group 
Plc maybe obtained from Companies House, Crown Way, Cardiff, CF14 3UZ.

 The Company has taken advantage of the exemption in s230 of the Companies Act 1985 not to present its individual income statement and 
related notes. The total recognised income and expense for the parent included in these consolidated financial statements is £24,387,000 
(2007: £12,210,000). The consolidated financial statements of The John David Group Plc are available to the public and may be obtained from 
The Company Secretary, The John David Group Plc, Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, Bury, BL9 8RR or online at www.thejohndavidgroup.com.

33. 

 PRiNCiPAL SUBSiDiARY UNDERTAKiNgS AND JOiNTLY CONTROLLED ENTiTiES

 The following companies were the principal subsidiary undertakings and jointly controlled entities of The John David Group Plc at 02  
February 2008. 

Place of registration 

Nature of business 
and operation 

Ownership 
interest 

Voting rights
interest

NAME OF SUBSIDIARY

John David Sports Fashion 
(Ireland) Limited  
John David Sports Limited 
JD Sports Fashion Group Limited  
JD Sports Limited 
Athleisure Limited 
First Sport Limited* 
Allsports Retail Limited*  
Allsports.co.uk Limited*  
The Sports Shop (Fife) Limited*  
Jog Shop Limited* 
RD Scott Limited 
Bank Stores Holdings Limited 
Bank Stores Financing Limited*  
Bank Fashion Limited*  
Hoss Ventures Limited* 
Hallco 1521 Limited 
Topgrade Sportswear Limited* 
Hallco 1531 Limited*  
Topgrade Trading Limited* 

Ireland 
UK 
UK  
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 

NAME OF JOINTLY CONTROLLED ENTITY

Retailer of sports clothing and footwear  
Dormant  
Dormant  
Dormant 
Intermediate holding company 
Dormant  
Dormant  
Dormant 
Dormant 
Dormant 
Retailer of fashion clothing and footwear 
Intermediate holding company 
Intermediate holding company 
Retailer of fashion clothing and footwear 
Dormant 
Intermediate holding company 
Wholesaler of sports clothing and footwear 
Dormant 
Dormant 

100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
51% 
51% 
51% 
51% 

100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
51% 
51% 
51% 
51%

The figures highlighted above for 2008 are based on the period post acquisition from 03 December 2007 to 02 February 2008. 

Focus Brands Limited 

UK   

Wholesaler of sports clothing and footwear 

49% 

50%

RELATED PARTY - BANK STORES HOLDINGS LIMITED

COMPANY 

Value of 
transactions 
2008 
£000 

(Payable) 
 /receivable at 
period end 
2008 
£000 

Value of 
transactions 
2007 
£000 

(Payable)
 /receivable at
period end
2007
£000

Amounts owed to The John David Group Plc 

- 

18,510 

- 

-

 The figures highlighted above for 2008 are based on the period post acquisition from 07 December 2007 to 02 February 2008.

 There have been no transactions in the year (2007: £nil) and there are no balances outstanding (2007: £nil) with the other subsidiary 
undertakings of the Company, as listed in note 33.

*Indirect holding of the Company.

76

77

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FiVE YEAR RECORD

CONSOLiDATED iNCOME STATEMENTS

     PREPARED UNDER UK GAAP   

Year ended 
31 January 2004 
£000 

52 weeks to 
29 January 2005 
£000 

52 weeks to 
29 January 2005 
£000 

52 weeks to 
28 January 2006 
£000 

 PREPARED UNDER ADOPTED IFRSs
52 weeks to 

53 weeks to
27 January 2007  02 February 2008
£000

£000 

REVENUE 
Cost of sales 

458,073 
(249,379) 

471,656 
(256,504) 

471,656 
(256,504) 

490,288 
(263,608) 

530,581 
(278,331) 

592,240 
(300,813)

208,694 

215,152 

215,152 

226,680 

252,250 

291,427 

(186,117) 

(185,437) 

(186,230) 

(192,730) 

(209,270) 

(222,720) 

(1,366) 

(7,987) 

(8,603) 

(11,206) 

(3,799) 

(8,404)

(187,483) 

(193,424) 

(194,833) 

(203,936) 

(213,069) 

(231,124)

(13,503) 

(13,589) 

(12,777) 

(15,438) 

(17,409) 

(25,774) 

Administrative expenses 

(14,115) 

(14,325) 

(612) 

(736) 

(736) 

(13,513) 

953 

7,759 

17,098 
(9,339) 
- 

7,759 
- 

7,759 
- 
304 
(4,461) 

3,602 
(1,341) 

2,261 

2,261 
- 

(1,777) 

(17,215) 

1,609 

7,138 

20,121 
(12,983) 
- 

7,138 
- 

7,138 
- 
230 
(3,718) 

3,650 
(1,302) 

2,348 

2,348 
- 

(4,000) 

(21,409) 

1,730 

19,502 

27,301 
(7,799) 

19,502 
- 

19,502 
- 
177 
(2,412) 

17,267 
(6,879) 

10,388 

10,388 
- 

-

(25,774)

1,086

35,615

44,019 
(8,404) 

-

35,615 
-

35,615 
(145)
297 
(764)

35,003 
(11,416)

23,587

23,549
38

953 

8,356 

17,891 
(8,723) 
(812) 

8,356 
(1,569) 

6,787 
- 
304 
(4,461) 

2,630 
(1,293) 

1,337 

1,337 
- 

GROSS PROFIT 
Selling and distribution  
expenses - normal 
Selling and distribution  
expenses - exceptional 

Selling and distribution  
expenses 

Administrative expenses  
- normal 
Administrative expenses  
- exceptional 

Other operating income 

OPERATING PROFIT 

  Before exceptional items  
  and goodwill amortisation  
  Exceptional items 
  Goodwill amortisation 

OPERATING PROFIT 
Loss on disposal of fixed assets 

638 

7,734 

10,498 
(1,978) 
(786) 

7,734 
(1,095) 

OPERATING PROFIT  
BEFORE FINANCING AND SHARE  
OF RESULTS OF JOINT VENTURE  6,639 
- 
Share of results of joint venture 
100 
Financial income 
(4,634) 
Financial expenses 

2,105 
(1,457) 

648 

648 
- 

PROFIT BEFORE TAX 
Income tax expense 

PROFIT FOR THE PERIOD  

Attributable to equity holders  
of the parent 
Attributable to minority interest 

BASIC EARNINGS PER  
ORDINARY SHARE 

ADJUSTED BASIC EARNINGS  
PER ORDINARY SHARE (I) 

DIVIDENDS PER  
ORDINARY SHARE (II) 

1.39p 

2.85p 

4.81p 

4.92p 

21.52p 

48.79p

6.21p 

18.39p 

18.62p 

25.32p 

36.41p 

57.05p

6.50p 

6.60p 

6.60p 

6.90p 

7.20p 

8.50p

(i) Adjusted basic earnings per ordinary share is based on earnings before certain exceptional items and amortisation (see note 10). 
(ii) Represents dividends declared for the year. Under Adopted IFRSs dividends are only accrued when approved.

FiNANCiAL CALENDAR

FINAL RESULTS ANNOUNCED 

FINAL DIVIDEND RECORD DATE 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PUBLISHED 

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 

FINAL DIVIDEND PAYABLE 

INTERIM RESULTS ANNOUNCED 

PERIOD END (52 WEEKS) 

FINAL RESULTS ANNOUNCED 

15 APRIL 2008

09 MAY 2008

MAY 2008

26 JUNE 2008

04 AUGUST 2008

SEPTEMBER 2008

31 JANUARY 2009

APRIL 2009

SHAREHOLDER iNFORMATiON

Registered Office
The John David Group Plc 
Hollinsbrook Way 
Pilsworth 
Bury 
Lancashire BL9 8RR

Company number
Registered in England  
and Wales,  
number 1888425

Financial advisers  
and stockbrokers
Investec 
2 Gresham Street 
London EC2V 7QP

Financial public relations
Hogarth Partnership Limited 
No 1 London Bridge 
London SE2 9BG

Principal bankers
Barclays Bank Plc 
43 High Street 
Sutton 
Surrey SM1 1DR

Registrars
Equiniti Limited 
Aspect House 
Spencer Road 
Lancing 
West Sussex BN99 6DA

Solicitors
DLA Piper UK LLP 
Princes Exchange 
Princes Square 
Leeds LS1 4BY

Auditor
KPMG Audit Plc 
Edward VII Quay 
Navigation Way 
Ashton-on-Ribble 
Preston 
Lancashire PR2 2YF

HEAD OFFiCE

The John David Group Plc
Hollinsbrook Way 
Pilsworth 
Bury 
Lancashire BL9 8RR 

Telephone 0870 873 0333 
Facsimile 0161 767 1001

CORPORATE WEBSITE 
www.thejohndavidgroup.com

TRADING WEBSITES 
www.jdsports.co.uk 
www.size-online.co.uk 
www.scottsonline.co.uk

OTHER WEBSITES
www.bankfashion.co.uk

The Board wishes to express its thanks to the marketing department for the in-house production of this Annual Report and Accounts.

78

79