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John Menzies plc

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FY2015 Annual Report · John Menzies plc
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J O H N   M ENZI E S   PLC 
AN N UAL   REP O RT   AN D   ACCO U NTS  2015

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T U R N OV E R

£1,993.3m

(2014: £1,999.9m) 

U N D E R LY I N G   P R O F I T   
B E F O R E   TA X

£38.2m

(2014: £44.6m)

P R O F I T   B E F O R E   TA X

£18.2m

(2014: £25.7m)

D I V I D E N D   P E R   S H A R E

16.8p

(2014:  16.2p)

O P E R AT I N G   C A S H   F LOW

£64.8m

(2014: £74.0 m)

E M P LOY E E S

25,600

C O U N T R I E S   I N   W H I C H   W E   O P E R AT E 

31

A I R C R A F T   T U R N S

1.2m

D E L I V E RY   U N I T S

110m

C A R G O   TO N N E S   H A N D L E D

1.7m

C O N T E N T S 

Strategic Report

02  AT   A   G L A N C E
0 4  C H A I R M A N ’ S   S TAT E M E N T
0 6   O U R   M A R K E T S
0 8  O U R   B U S I N E S S   M O D E L   A N D   S T R AT E GY
10  S T R AT E GY   AT   A   G L A N C E
12  O U R   S T R AT E GY   I N   AC T I O N
20    K E Y   P E R F O R M A N C E   I N D I C ATO R S
22   R I S K   M A N AG E M E N T
26  B U S I N E S S   R E V I E W S
32  F I N A N C I A L   R E V I E W
36 

 R E S O U R C E S ,  R E L AT I O N S H I P S   
A N D   R E S P O N S I B I L I T I E S

Governance Reports

Financial Statements

42  C H A I R M A N ’ S   I N T R O D U C T I O N
4 4  B OA R D   O F   D I R E C TO R S
4 6  C O R P O R AT E   G OV E R N A N C E   S TAT E M E N T
51  N O M I N AT I O N   C O M M I T T E E   R E P O R T
53  AU D I T   C O M M I T T E E   R E P O R T
58  R E M U N E R AT I O N   C O M M I T T E E   R E P O R T
76  D I R E C TO R S’  R E P O R T
81  D I R E C TO R S’  R E S P O N S I B I L I T I E S

91 

I N D E P E N D E N T   AU D I TO R ’ S   R E P O R T

82 
89  G R O U P   I N C O M E   S TAT E M E N T
 G R O U P   S TAT E M E N T   O F 
9 0 
C O M P R E H E N S I V E   I N C O M E
 G R O U P   A N D   C O M PA N Y   
B A L A N C E   S H E E T S
 G R O U P   A N D   C O M PA N Y   S TAT E M E N T   
O F   C H A N G E S   I N   E Q U I T Y
 G R O U P   A N D   C O M PA N Y   S TAT E M E N T 
O F   C A S H   F LO W S

9 4 

92 

95  N OT E S   TO   T H E   AC C O U N T S
13 4  F I V E   Y E A R   S U M M A R Y
135   L I S T   O F   A L L   S U B S I D I A R Y,   
J O I N T   V E N T U R E   A N D   
A S S O C I AT E   U N D E R TA K I N G S

Shareholder Information

14 0    N OT I C E   O F   A N N UA L   

G E N E R A L   M E E T I N G
147   G E N E R A L   I N F O R M AT I O N

W H O W E A R E

O U R  G R OW T H M A R K E T S

John Menzies plc is a time-critical logistics and support 
specialist. In 31 countries around the world our 
employees provide market-leading service to meet our 
customers’ needs. Wherever you find a Menzies logo, 
you’ll find people delivering around the clock, against 
the clock.

With both global air travel and the UK e-commerce 
parcel market forecast to continue expanding, our 
Operating Divisions are well placed to take advantage 
of market opportunities and deliver growth. 

W H AT W E D O

O U R P H I LO S O P H Y

Our Operating Divisions provide services to the 
international airline sector and, within the UK, 
to the print media, travel and parcel markets. 

In every sphere of our operations, we trade in delivery: 
whether we are bringing parcels to retail, passengers 
to aircraft or cargo from one side of the world to the 
other, our core skills of scheduling, storage and 
transport management are the driving force behind 
our service offer.

Our customers expect a service tailored to their needs, 
performed by experts and timed to fit seamlessly into 
their schedules. We believe that by concentrating on 
doing our work the right way, every day, we can stand 
out in the minds of those customers – and form lasting 
partnerships to our mutual benefit.

01

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONAT A G L AN CE

A GLOBAL BUSINESS

In 31 countries around the world our employees deliver market-leading 
service to meet our customers’ needs. Wherever you find a Menzies logo, 
you’ll find people delivering around the clock, against the clock.

C I N C I N N ATI
Our Cincinnati station, established after a 
contract award by United Airlines in 2015, 
is an excellent example of ground handling 
service provision. Operating under our North 
American Simplicity brand, the local team 
delivered over 1,200 aircraft turns between 
October and December for United’s 
narrow-bodied, regional jet fleet with 
over 6,000 turns estimated in 2016. 

   Read more about  
Ground Handling on page 26

G RO U N D HAN D LI N G

EMPLOYEES – 19,000

Providing a best-in-class service 
at 140 airports across the globe, 
this business supports millions 
of passengers every year from 
the check-in desk to the runway, 
on behalf of our airline customers.

02

I N V E R N E SS
Following the acquisition of AJG Parcels in 
mid-2015, our Inverness depot became the 
first example of how we plan to do business in 
the future. The facility operates our traditional 
print media pack and distribution overnight, 
transitioning to parcel sortation and delivery 
during daylight hours. Inverness distributed 
over 1 million parcels of print products 
in 2015.

LO G I STI CS

EMPLOYEES – 3,600

Providing final mile delivery  
for approximately 110 million 
delivery units each year and  
serving customers in the press, 
travel and parcel-logistics sectors, 
this business operates one of the 
largest overnight logistics  
networks in the United Kingdom. 

   Read more about  
Logistics on page 28

   Read more about  
Cargo Handling on page 27

CARGO HAN D LI N G

EMPLOYEES – 2,500

At 33 stations around the world, 
this business works to move clients’ 
perishable, high value goods on and 
off aircraft in a tightly-timed fashion. 
The business also offers access to 
warehousing and trucking facilities 
which help convey consignments  
to the next step in the supply chain.

S Y D N E Y
Our Sydney cargo operation serves 17 airline 
partners across 3 cargo terminals, managing 
an annual throughput of approximately 
90,000 tonnes. In December 2015 we began 
handling the prestigious All Nippon Airways 
contract representing their re-introduction  
to the Australian market following a 30 year 
absence. Menzies Aviation was the first 
operator in the Australian market to be 
awarded the Enhanced Air Cargo Examination 
Notice by the OTS, certifying our business to 
examine cargo to US Customs standards.

03

 STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONJOHN MENZIES PLCANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2015CHAI R MAN ’ S STATEM ENT

A CHALLENGING YEAR

Iain Napier
Chairman

2015 was a challenging year for the 
Group with operational issues at 
London Gatwick suppressing profits.

The Group’s turnover was £1,993.3m 
(2014: £1,999.9m). Underlying profit 
before tax fell to £38.2m (2014: £44.6m) 
as a result of the decline in profitability 
in the Aviation Division. The decline in 
underlying profit before tax had a 
consequential impact on our underlying 
earnings per share which decreased to 
42.7p (2014: 49.2p). Profit before tax 
was £18.2m (2014: £25.7m).

On a constant currency basis Group 
turnover was up 1% to £2,029.3m 
(2014: £1,999.9m) with underlying 
operating profit £5.0m lower as 
expected at £46.0m (2014: £51.0m).

Our updated strategy for both Divisions 
is now embedded, however, and we are 
making good progress towards our 
stated objectives.

Outside of the UK, the Aviation 
business continued to make progress, 
particularly in cargo handling and North 
American ground handling. Menzies 
Distribution performed strongly, 
whereby print media decline was fully  
mitigated and our expansion into the 

e-commerce fulfilment market gained 
real traction with the acquisitions of 
AJG Parcels Limited and Oban Express 
Parcel Service Limited together with a 
number of new contract wins.

We supplement this key objective with 
a culture of disciplined financial decision-
making, smart contracting and a talent 
management policy which delivers the 
best people for our business.

The Board is confident that we have 
strategies available to us in both of  
our Operating Divisions capable of 
delivering growth. We continue to 
evaluate the optimum structure for  
the Group to potentially further 
enhance shareholder value.

Governance
The Board regularly reviews processes 
and performance across the Group to 
ensure an appropriate framework 
exists within which the highest 
standards of governance can be upheld 
at all times. As a diverse and global 
Group strong governance is at the core 
of everything we do and is a pillar that 
underpins our daily activities.

Our key objective every day is for the safe 
and secure delivery of services. During 
2015 we created a central Risk function 
with dedicated resource in place to 
ensure the delivery of our policies and 
programmes in the key areas of safety, 
security, audit and compliance.

Board Changes
Our Board structure currently has 
7 directors comprising 2 Executive 
Directors, 3 independent Non-Executive 
Directors, 1 non-independent  
Non-Executive Director and myself as 
Chairman. Our Non-Executive Directors 
have wide-ranging backgrounds across 
the aviation, logistics, consumer 
products and financial sectors. 

Ian Harley stepped down from the 
Board at the Company’s AGM in May 
2015 and Octavia Morley, who had 
completed 9 years as a Director,  
left the Board in December 2015.  
A recruitment process was undertaken 
which led to the appointment of two 
Non-Executive Directors during 2015 
- David Garman, who has a wealth of 
experience in the logistics industry, and 
Geoff Eaton, who has had an extensive 
Executive career and brings excellent 
experience of B2C and international 
business. Both were appointed to the 
Board on 1 June 2015 with David 

becoming our Senior Independent 
Director and Geoff being appointed 
Chairman of the Remuneration 
Committee. Additionally, Jeremy 
Stafford resigned from the position of 
Chief Executive Officer and Director  
of the Company in January 2016.

I believe we have a balanced and 
diverse Board with the appropriate 
range of skills, knowledge and 
experience to allow us to effectively 
and efficiently discharge our duties  
and responsibilities. The Board sets the 
tone and culture for our business and 
therefore the overall performance  
of the Group and I consider the Board 
well-placed to provide overall 
governance, leadership and direction  
in 2016 and beyond.

Employees
Across the Group we have over 25,600 
employees, working in 31 countries, and 
each of them makes a difference as we 
deliver our services to our customers.

They operate in many different 
environments at all times of the day: 
they are all integral in the delivery of 
our safety and security standards  
and it is their vigilance which allows 
Menzies to deliver high standards  
of service to our customers. 

We are a people business and we 
will continue to invest in this precious 
resource. It is our people who deliver the 
service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 
Their passion and dedication help win 
and retain contracts from our customers 
and enable the Group to grow. 

I would like to thank them for doing 
a tremendous job.

Iain Napier
Chairman 
7 March 2016

An Integrated Approach

Below we summarise the key elements that lead to the creation  
and protection of sustainable value. Our focused and integrated 
approach has already delivered tangible returns for stakeholders.

Our Vision
We are dedicated to beating the clock for the benefit of our customers: 
delivering services which are tailored to their needs, performed by 
experts and fitted seamlessly into the time-critical window for  
their businesses.

Our Business Model
We employ our people and infrastructure, in line with a suite of key 
controls, to complete a pipeline of work secured by our contracts and 
thereby generate profit.

  Read more on page 8 

Our strategy

Customer 
ethos

Emerging
opportunities

Optimised 
investment

Diversified 
offer

Growth 
agenda

  Read more on page 10 

Key Performance Indicators
We monitor a shortlist of critical metrics to ensure that our performance 
achieves the required standards.

  Read more on page 20

Resources, Relationships and Responsibilities
We recognise the impact our activities have on the environment, the 
communities in which we operate and the wider society around us –  
and operate accordingly.

  Read more on page 36 

Risk Management
Risk and uncertainty have the potential to hinder our progress toward  
the Group’s strategic objectives. We focus on mitigating those risks,  
to provide reasonable – although not absolute – assurance against 
material risks.

  Read more on page 24 

04

05

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONJOHN MENZIES PLCANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2015O U R MAR K E TS

MARKETS OVERVIEW

Our Aviation and Distribution Divisions operate in distinct,  
but related markets.

Each is related by a common theme: the importance of service  
excellence, delivered within a time-critical window.

Ground Handling Market
The ground handling market serves the 
logistical needs of airline customers 
across the world. Service providers 
range from in-house organisations 
maintained by airlines to outsourced 
providers such as Menzies Aviation. 
Ground handlers undertake the 
essential processes required to ‘turn’ 
aircraft, an industry term that covers 
conveying passengers from planes 
after arrival; offloading luggage and 
cargo; performing supporting tasks 
such as recharging of on-board 
batteries; reloading new baggage, 
cargo and passengers; and towing 
or pushing the planes into a position 
from which they can take off again. 
These fundamental activities must 
be carried out against tight deadlines 
and to exacting safety standards.

Critical support services, such as the 
operation of check-in desks, gates and 
passenger lounges, are also provided by 
ground handling businesses, including 
Menzies Aviation.

The market continues to grow and 
develop, driven by the increasing 
numbers of aircraft entering service 
to satisfy growing passenger demand.

In 2015 approximately 33 million turns 
were carried out globally, of which an 
estimated 10 million were outsourced 
by the airlines. By 2020 there are 
expected to be approximately 46 
million aircraft turns, of which around 
20 million will be outsourced.

Independent ground handlers’ position 
in the market is strengthening as 
competitive pressures drive airlines 
to outsource their ground operations.

A combination of general growth in the 
air passenger market, expected to be 
4.9% per annum according to Boeing’s 
Current Market Outlook 2015-2034; 
particular growth amongst low-cost 
carriers, for whom outsourced ground 
handling is central to their business 
model; and a general trend towards 
increased outsourcing amongst 
full-service airlines is expected to 

World traffic varies by market

Revenue passenger kilometres (billions)

Annual growth (%)

Within Asia 

Within China

Within North America

Within Europe

Middle East-Asia 

Europe-Asia 

North Atlantic

Within Latin America

Transpacific

2014 traffic

Added traffic 2015–2034

6.2

6.2

2.4

3.3

7.2

5.1

3.0

6.6

4.4

4.9

World traffic growth: 4.9%

World GDP growth: 3.1%

CIS–International

4.2

North America-Latin America

Europe-Latin America

Africa-Europe

5.0

4.7

Source: Boeing Current Market Outlook 2015–2034

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000

3,500

maintain this pressure over the medium 
to long term. Operating in an airport 
environment brings with it related security 
and control issues, including certification, 
training and security vetting. This, 
combined with initial investment in 
equipment at each station, substantial 
insurance cover levels, ISAGO (IATA Safety 
Audit programme for Ground Operations) 
standards and reputation, creates 
significant barriers for potential new 
entrants into the market.

Print Media Supply Chain
The UK print media supply chain is 
structured around the production of 
newspapers and consumer magazines 
by publishers who then deliver the 
products to wholesalers – such as 
Menzies Distribution – for consolidation 
and distribution to retail outlets. This 
process is highly time-sensitive given 
the short shelf-life of news product. 

Wholesalers operate long-term 
contracts with both the publishers of 
newspapers and consumer magazines 
and each individual retailer who sells 
the final printed copy. This intermediary 
role places far greater demands on the 
wholesalers than a traditional ‘niche’ 
delivery role would and has required 
significant investment in network 
coverage, transportation efficiencies 
and IT to keep pace with the demands 
of the industry. 

The print media sector is estimated to 
be worth c£2.6bn, split roughly 
two-thirds news and one-third 
magazines, and it has been in structural 
decline for decades as consumers have 
increasingly switched to other forms of 
media. Consequently, the market has 
consolidated over recent years to the 
position where today there are two 
main distribution providers covering 
the UK market, investing in technology 
and network scale to ensure they can 
provide the time-critical service which 
the industry requires. 

Reduction of the wholesalers’ fixed 
and variable cost bases is constant 
within the industry. By concentrating 
on quality of service, process efficiency 
and economies of scale, wholesalers 
can maximise profitability in the face 
of declining sales. Consolidation of 
existing networks and maximisation of 
assets such as automated packing lines 
are crucial to protecting earnings. 

Both the high levels of investment 
required (in an appropriate depot 
network and transport fleet) and the 
exclusivity of publisher distribution 
contracts (which are negotiated in a  
5 year cycle) present high barriers 
to entry for potential competitors.

Cargo Handling Market 
The air cargo market is driven by 
demand to deliver high value, time-
sensitive cargo across the globe. 

Companies choose to fly high value 
items where delivery within a tight 
time window is worth the additional 
cost of air transportation over land or 
sea transportation. Less than 1% of 
international trade by volume, but 
35% by value, travels by air. 

Cargo-only flights account for around 
2.6% of total aircraft movements. 
Approximately 110m tonnes of cargo 
are transported annually by air around 
the world. 

There is significant market 
concentration around the world’s 
emerging markets, with nearly 50%  
of the cargo tonnes passing through 
the Middle East and South East Asia. 
According to Boeing’s Current Market 
Outlook 2015-2034, air cargo traffic is 
forecast to grow 4.7% annually over 
the next two decades.

Cargo handling requires significant 
investment in infrastructure and 
equipment which, when coupled with 
the necessity of approval by the 
appropriate regional regulator, creates 
a substantial barrier to entry. 

robustly and maintain their 
competitiveness. Neutral consolidation 
services, such as that provided by 
Menzies’ parcel offering in the North 
and West of Scotland, provide an 
opportunity to solve the carriers’ 
collective challenges. 

The Menzies offering has been well 
received because it meets certain key 
criteria: it is supported by an established, 
cost-effective network; it has the 
required specialty in time-critical 
delivery; and it is perceived as neutral, 
rather than competing or affiliated with 
any of the major carriers. The challenge 
of replicating these conditions acts as a 
barrier to entry for other consolidators. 

The parcel market in the UK is worth 
around £9.2bn per year and is growing 
at over 5% per year (according to 
IBISWorld UK).

In the case of a business such as 
Menzies Aviation, which has a 
widespread, existing station network 
in place to support ground handling 
activity, offering a cargo handling 
service from those stations is an 
attractive way of maximising return 
on existing investment and growing 
an additional revenue stream.

UK Parcel Market
The UK parcel delivery market has 
undergone significant change in the 
last decade, moving from a behind- 
the-scenes industry to a consumer-led 
business where the major carriers are 
household brands – which can largely 
be attributed to the growth of 
internet shopping, particularly on 
mobile devices. 

Relentless demand for improved and 
faster service at reduced costs, backed 
by rapid volume growth, has challenged 
the traditional parcel carrier market. 
It has responded with impressive 
investment in infrastructure, innovation 
in the delivery offer and focus on 
consumer engagement. 

The key parcel carriers have now 
realised that working with partner 
businesses in their most challenging 
areas will help them perform more 

UK Parcel Market 2014–2020: Published Reports 
Normalised to include B2C, B2B, C2B & C2C

B2C – Business to consumer
B2B – Business to business
C2B – Consumer to business 
C2C – Consumer to consumer

s
n
o

i
l
l
i

M
–
s
t
i
n
u

g
n
i
r
e
v

i
l

e
D

3,500

3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

1,876

1,988

1,772

2,083

2,183

1,577

1,676

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Mintel

Barclays

IMRG

PWC

Average

Royal Mail/Triangle

Source: Beveridge Associates

06

07

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONJOHN MENZIES PLCANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2015 
 
 
O U R BUSI N E SS M O D EL AN D STR ATEGY

HOW WE DELIVER VALUE

John Menzies plc provides support services in fast-moving, time-critical 
markets. We believe that shareholder value emerges from great customer 
experiences, delivered by a team passionate about what it does. It is this 
simple ethos which informs our approach to doing business.

Our Strategy 
Our strategy aims to optimise our returns on existing 
investments, whilst opening pathways to new growth.

   Read more on page 10

Customer 
ethos
Our customers will 
favour partners who 
most closely understand 
and support their 
businesses, so we focus 
on deepening our 
relationships with them. 

Emerging
opportunities
Our markets do not 
stand still so we pay 
close attention to their 
respective landscapes 
in order to capitalise 
on opportunities as 
they arise.

Optimised  
investment
Deploying our 
resources in the areas 
of greatest opportunity, 
and pressing them to 
deliver the best 
possible return, is 
crucial to the creation 
of shareholder value. 

Diversified  
offer
A diverse service 
offering opens the 
door to a greater share 
of each customer’s 
spending and 
potentially to entirely 
new customer 
constituencies. 

Growth  
agenda
Investing the outputs 
of a strongly cash-
generative business 
into new opportunities 
drives the Company’s 
future growth. 

BUSI N E SS M O D EL

What we do 
In 31 countries around the world our employees 
deliver market-leading service to meet our customers’ 
needs through our two core Operating Divisions. 
Wherever you find a Menzies logo, you’ll find 
people delivering around the clock,   
against the clock. 

Same way, every day

Key Activities
The value we deliver to our shareholders ultimately emerges from the key activities in which we specialise.

Teamwork

Safety 
and Security

Key
activities

Ground handling
A set of critical support services 
which support the businesses of 
our airline customers, including 
the handling of passengers and 
baggage and the towing of planes. 

Logistics
The picking, packing, cross-docking 
and delivery of 110 million packages 
annually for the UK’s print media, 
travel and parcel sectors. 

Cargo handling
The movement of perishable/high 
value goods on and off aircraft, 
alongside the warehousing and 
transportation of these goods on 
behalf of our airline customers.

How we do it 
We use the people, locations and 
transport at our disposal to complete 
a stable pipeline of work secured by our 
contracts. As we put those resources 
to work, we manage them in line with 
first-class standards of safety, service 
and operational process, all controlled 
through a detailed corporate 
governance framework.

Integrity

S UST AINA BLE
VALUE

Passion

Key
 controls

Our
resources

Reliability

Innovation

Delivering Value

Employees
We offer varied careers 
in dynamic environments 
which keeps our 
employees engaged 
and delivering results. 

Customers
We work in partnership 
with our customers to 
ensure that our service 
offering is the correct one 
to help them meet their 
own business challenges. 

Shareholders
We maintain clear oversight 
of our business, making 
certain that our business 
decisions generate real 
value for our shareholders. 

Key Controls
We manage our key resources in line with measured 
standards on safety, security and service, established 
operating process and governance policies.

Our Resources 
Each of our business streams delivers for our customers 
by utilising the skills of our team and the capabilities of 
our infrastructure.

Safety
Our detailed standards, 
driven by our expert 
safety teams, provide clear 
frameworks for safe 
operations across the 
Menzies Group. 

Service
Driven by a business-wide 
focus on key accounts, 
we target and monitor the 

Protecting and 
Measuring Value

service performance of all 
our operations. 

Process design
Our central teams develop 
and enforce standard 
protocols across all our 
activities, ensuring that 
we consistently work 
‘the Menzies way’. 

People
We have a workforce of 
over 25,600 highly trained 
employees who drive 
our productivity. 

Locations
Our established 
infrastructure gives us the 
reach to serve customers 
from more than 146 
locations on 6 continents.

Contracts
Agreements which typically 
run for 3 to 5 years provide 
our businesses with a secure 
pipeline of activity. 

Transport network
Our dedicated fleet of 
delivery vans and airside 
vehicles drives around 
135,500 miles each day, 
operating within exceptionally 
tight deadlines. 

Governance 
A clear structure of 
corporate guidelines uphold 
our standards, ensuring that 
we operate effectively and in 
compliance with regulation. 

KPIs
We monitor a shortlist of 
critical metrics to ensure 
that our performance 
achieves the standards 
required by our customers. 

Risks
We maintain a register of 
key risks to our business 
which we work to mitigate 
through our strategic plans 
and operational processes. 

   Read more on page 46

   Read more on page 20

   Read more on page 22

08

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONJOHN MENZIES PLCANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2015STR ATEGY AT A G L AN CE

ONE STR ATEGIC VISION   
ACROSS THE BUSINESS

The Group employs a shared strategic philosophy founded  
on five central concepts across its Operating Divisions.

Whilst this philosophy translates into a range of priorities within  
the respective business streams, the underpinning elements are  
drawn from the same central vision of how to best deliver success  
for the Company and its shareholders.

Our Investment Case
Both our Divisions are strongly 
positioned to take advantage of 
market opportunities and deliver 
growth.

Whilst the landscape of the print 
media and UK parcel market has 
altered in recent years, Menzies 
Distribution is well-placed to take 
advantage of the opportunities 
afforded by working in both sectors. 
Our current operational and IT 
network, alongside our property and 
vehicle asset base, give the business 
substantial presence and capacity to 
grow in daylight hours; by offering

neutral consolidation solutions in our 
existing territories, we can increase 
our asset utilisation and provide a 
compelling proposition to parcel 
carrier networks.

In Aviation we are a key international 
player with a strong reputation in 
both service and safety. We will use 
these credentials to win new 
contracts at existing and new airports 
and to strengthen existing customer 
relationships. We will concentrate on 
airlines and airports where station 
and regional density can be achieved 
to ensure we deliver sustainable 
margins for our shareholders. 

We will also seek to expand 
acquisitively where the market 
dynamics are strong and the deal is 
earnings-enhancing.

By operating these two distinct, 
robust businesses, each with strong 
cash flows, the Group is well-placed 
to provide shareholders with both 
stability and growth.

 Customer ethos

We believe that by dedicating ourselves to 
the ideal of partnership with our customers, 
building ever deeper and better informed 
relationships, we contribute to the most 
productive service experience for them and 
the greatest chance of long-term prosperity 
for our businesses.

In both Aviation and Distribution, this manifests 
as the same priority: ‘Focus on key customers’. 
We direct the Divisions to nurture and deepen 
their relationships with their most important 
partners, understanding their needs and 
outlook in as much detail as possible. 

With such insight we can design and deliver 
services tailored to help them succeed and 
by consistently, innovatively supporting their 
success, we enhance the value and lifespan 
of our partnership.

 Emerging opportunities
Understanding the shape of the future is a vital 
quality in delivering long-term earnings for the 
Company. By keeping a close watch on the 
market sectors and geographies with greatest 
potential for development, we maximise 
the chance of participating in tomorrow’s 
growth areas. 

In Aviation this informs the ‘Expand in 
emerging markets’ priority. We invest time and 
expertise in those areas which promise to yield 
rapid air-traffic expansion over the next 
decade, such as the Middle East and Asia, so 
that we are best placed to benefit from that 
prospective trend. 

In Distribution this manifests as the ‘Grow 
neutral parcel business’ priority. 
The continuing growth of online shopping 
in the UK points to a future in which an 
ever-greater volume of parcel traffic is 

traversing the country each day; as the 
major parcel networks look for greater 
capacity and cost-efficiency within their 
networks, we expect the demand for neutral 
consolidation to grow, particularly in 
those hard-to-serve areas where our 
infrastructure is most developed.

 Optimised investment

We strive to invest as wisely as possible across 
the full suite of our operations, ensuring both 
that our resources are directed to the areas 
which will yield greatest return and that 
we extract the greatest possible value from 
their deployment. 

In Aviation this underpins the ‘Re-focus 
geographical investment’ priority. We take a 
disciplined approach to assessing the impact 
of our spending, prioritising those markets with 
the highest growth potential and drawing our 
resources away from areas which do not 
perform strongly enough. 

In Distribution this translates as the ‘Cost and 
network optimisation’ priority. The Division has 
a proven track record of consolidating the 
network year-on-year, driving better returns 
and outpacing a historic decline in its core 
market. We intend to continue playing to this 
strength even as the Division shifts onto 
a growth footing in the parcel market.

 Diversified offer

This principle recognises the inherent strength 
of a diversified offer, which opens the door 
both to generating more revenue from our 
existing customers and the acquisition of 
entirely new customer groups. 

In Aviation it is captured in the ‘Accelerate 
complementary services’ priority. We have 
dedicated resources within the Division to the 
development of new ancillary service offers 

and their roll-out across our global network, 
a programme through which we aim to 
cement customer relationships and improve 
our overall earnings at each location. 

In Distribution the related priority is ‘Expand 
Menzies Response’, a reference to the business 
stream which deals with the storage and 
fulfilment-on-demand of our clients’ 
products. Just as we expect parcel traffic to 
rise as online shopping expands, so we anticipate 
a parallel increase in businesses seeking 
a fulfilment solution for their digital orders. 
Equipping Menzies Response to handle a greater 
share of that market, whilst introducing our 
capabilities to new and growing customers, 
forms an important part of our development 
plans over the next decade.

 Growth agenda

The Company is positioned well in two growth 
markets and ensuring that we are able to take 
advantage of the opportunities which they 
present is a central priority for us. We aim to 
generate a strong cash flow which materially 
enhances our ability to invest for the future. 

In Aviation this drives our ‘Pursue hubs and 
bases’ priority. We believe that the outsourcing 
of ground handling duties at dense, 
strategically important locations by major 
airlines presents the biggest opportunity to 
grow our earnings in the industry and we will 
channel our investment appropriately. 

In Distribution it emerges in our ‘Sustain cash 
generation’ priority. Maintaining a highly 
cash-generative Distribution Division will fuel 
our investment both in the hub and base 
airports of our Aviation Division and the parcel/
fulfilment logistics opportunities which 
emerge in the UK.

Our strategic approach has 5 
consistent facets across both  
of our Operating Divisions.

LO G I S TI C S   P R I O R I TI E S
LO G I S TI C S   P R I O R I TI E S

S T R AT EGY
S T R AT EGY

Focus on key customers
Focus on key customers

Customer
Customer

ethos
ethos

AV I AT I O N   P R I O R I TI E S
AV I AT I O N   P R I O R I TI E S

Focus on key customers
Focus on key customers

Grow neutral parcel business
Grow neutral parcel business

Emerging
Emerging

opportunities
opportunities

Expand in emerging markets
Expand in emerging markets

Cost and network optimisation
Cost and network optimisation

Optimised
Optimised

investment
investment

Re-focus geographical investment
Re-focus geographical investment

Expand Menzies Response
Expand Menzies Response

Diversified
Diversified

offer
offer

Accelerate complementary services
Accelerate complementary services

Sustain cash generation
Sustain cash generation

Growth
Growth

agenda
agenda

Pursue hubs and bases
Pursue hubs and bases

10

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONJOHN MENZIES PLCANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2015 
O U R STR ATEGY I N ACTI O N

A NEW   
INTERNATIONAL   
CONTR ACT

DEEPENED PARTNERSHIP WITH NORWEGIAN 
AIR SHUT TLE AT COPENHAGEN AND OSLO

In 2015 Menzies Aviation deepened its existing partnership with Norwegian 
Air Shuttle (“Norwegian”) by agreeing a new 7 year contract. The deal saw us 
continue to provide services at Gothenburg, whilst taking on Norwegian’s 
business in Oslo and Copenhagen. 

This contract led us to open a new station in Copenhagen and to upscale our 
Oslo operation significantly but was especially notable for the confidence 
shown by Norwegian in our capabilities. Menzies Aviation now handles 
52,000 turns annually for Norwegian, which equates to 46% of its traffic 
in its home market of Scandinavia.

“ W E’ V E B EEN I M PR ESS ED 
W ITH TH E Q UA LIT Y, 
CO N SI STEN CY A N D COST-
EFFI CI EN CY O F M ENZI ES 
AV I ATI O N ’ S S ERV I C E 
TH RO U G H O U T TH E Y E A RS 
O F O U R PA RTN ERS H I P. TH E 
STR EN GTH O F TH AT O FFER 
M A D E IT E A S Y TO TRUST 
TH EM W ITH S O M E O F O U R 
K E Y N O R D I C LO C ATI O N S , 
A N D W E’ R E H A PPY TO 
H AV E R E AC H ED TH I S 
M I LESTO N E AG R EEM ENT.”

Bjorn Erik Barman-Jenssen 
SVP Ground Operations,  
In-flight Services & Cargo 
Norwegian Air Shuttle

46%

7

OF NORWEGIAN’S 
GROUND HANDLING 
IN SCANDINAVIA 

YEAR CONTRACT 
AGAINST AN 
INDUSTRY 
STANDARD OF 
3 YEARS

Oslo

DELIVERING OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES 

Denmark

Copenhagen

Customer ethos
Investment in our relationship with 
a customer like Norwegian is crucial 
to securing agreements of this strategic 
importance and longevity.

Growth agenda 
Oslo is Norwegian’s home base and key 
hub airport within Europe. Winning a contract 
to serve the airline there is a hallmark 
achievement in our growth strategy 
of pursuing hub and base airports.

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O U R STR ATEGY I N ACTI O N

DELIVERING OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

Wakefield

United
Kingdom

Optimised investment 
Wakefield now handles magazine supplies 
for approximately 9,000 customers 
from a single site, maximising our return 
on property and packing equipment.

Growth agenda 
The economies of scale realised at Wakefield 
will help us sustain the cash-generative 
nature of our logistics business, supporting 
the Group’s development.

“ TH E S C A LE O F TH E WA K EFI ELD   
O PER ATI O N A N D TH E TA S K O F B U I LD I N G   
IT I S U N LI K E A N Y TH I N G TH AT H A S CO M E B EFO R E 
IT I N TH E U K N E WS W H O LESA LI N G M A R K E T.   
TH E CO M M ITM ENT O F TH E D RI V ERS , M A N AG ERS 
A N D STA FF I M E T O N A R EC ENT V I SIT,   
A N D TH E PRO C ESS ES PU T I N PL AC E BY TH E 
LO C A L TE A M , A R E PL AY I N G A SI G N I FI C A NT   
RO LE I N TH E S ERV I C E I M PROV EM ENT S S EEN   
BY M Y R E A D ERS I N TH E PA ST FE W M O NTH S .”

Chris Gamm
Editor, Retail Newsagent

CREATING A 
MAGAZINE   
SUPER HUB

NEW LEVEL OF EFFICIENCY AT 
OUR L ARGEST FACILIT Y 

In September 2015 Menzies Distribution completed the consolidation 
of its magazine packing process across the North of England into  
a single ‘super hub’ facility based in Wakefield. 

Hub depots in Chester, Preston, Sheffield and York transferred their 
management functions, daytime packing activities and responsibility for 
spoke branches into Wakefield over a period of 3 months, in the process 
becoming spokes themselves. The new Wakefield facility now handles 
4.2 million magazine copies per week.

Whilst hub depots would previously act as packing centres for major 
conurbations, feeding magazine parcels to their spokes, our new generation 
of super hubs serve entire regions; supplies for our entire UK territory are 
packed from just 3 locations.

4.2m

186,900 

MAGAZINE COPIES 
PACKED WEEKLY IN 
WAKEFIELD  

MILES DRIVEN 
WEEKLY BETWEEN 
WAKEFIELD AND 
ITS SPOKES

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONO U R STR ATEGY I N ACTI O N

DELIVERING OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

Australia

Brisbane

Perth

New Zealand

Auckland

Focus on  
key customers 
Cementing our relationships with key 
customers and agreeing multi-station deals 
is a key part of our growth strategy. 

BUILDING GLOBAL 
PARTNERSHIPS

NINE AIRPORT DEAL VINDICATES 
INVESTMENT IN CUSTOMER REL ATIONSHIPS

In August 2015, Menzies Aviation secured a substantial renewal of 
its cargo business with Thai Airways, bringing together 9 airport 
locations in a co-ordinated deal. Renewals of 3 years were agreed for 
London Heathrow, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Macau, with 5 
contracts extended through to 2019 in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, 
Perth and Auckland. 

The extensions in Oceania were part of a wider strategy of securing 
cargo business in this region on a longer term basis, whilst the 
renewal at London Heathrow will see Menzies working in 
partnership with Thai Airways to handle increased cargo volumes 
due to a significant enhancement in flight capacity.

59,000

10%

PROJECTED ANNUAL 
CARGO TONNAGE 
WITH THAI

OF THAI’S TOTAL 
GLOBAL CARGO 
TONNAGE

“ W E H AV E AWA R D ED M ENZI ES 
C A RG O H A N D LI N G 
CO NTR ACT S FO R 9 
M A J O R AI R P O RT S A N D OTH ER 
O FFLI N E STATI O N S , BA S ED 
O N TH EI R CO N SI STENT 
PER FO R M A N C E AG AI N ST TH AI 
STA N DA R D S ERV I C E LE V EL 
AG R EEM ENT S OV ER 
S E V ER A L Y E A RS .”

Sanguan Haisoke
Director, Thai Cargo

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  J O H N M E N Z I E S P LC

A N N UA L   R E P O R T   A N D   AC C O U N T S  2015

17

 
 
 
 
 
O U R STR ATEGY I N ACTI O N

DELIVERING OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

Denver

United States of America

Customer ethos
Our relationship with United, a key 
customer in the USA, will be an 
important element of our future 
in the region.

Growth agenda
Denver is an archetypal example 
of the regional hubs we are targeting 
for future growth.

“ I ’ M I N C R ED I B LY PRO U D O F TH E WAY O U R TE A M 
H A S TAC K LED TH I S H U G E C H A LLEN G E – A N D O F 
TH E SU CC ESS IT H A S AC H I E V ED.”

Forsyth Black
Managing Director and President  
of Menzies Aviation

DEMONSTRATING 
HUB 
CAPABILITIES

FAST, SMOOTH 
IMPLEMENTATION AT DENVER 
SHOWS OFF OUR STRENGTHS

2015 marked the first full year of operation at our hub airport operation 
in Denver and a notable success for our team in the Americas 
who established, stabilised and began delivering exceptional service 
for our customer, United Airlines, within a tight timeframe.

 Our contract commenced in December 2014 and throughout 2015 Menzies 
Aviation handled 81,000 aircraft turns at Denver on United’s behalf. 

 Measured against the performance of United’s previous ground handling 
service in 2014, our team reduced aircraft damage incidents by 60%, enabling 
the airline to deliver an improved service experience to more than 3 million 
passengers who travelled with them through Denver in 2015.

 Our performance in Denver underlines the offer Menzies Aviation 
presents to major airlines in the United States: a sophisticated, efficient, 
quick-to-implement alternative to traditional ground handling models 
at their pivotal hub airports.

81,000

AIRCRAFT 
TURNAROUNDS IN 
DENVER

450

EMPLOYEES

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONK E Y PER FO R MAN CE I N D I CATO RS

HOW WE MEASURE OUR DELIVERY

We measure and track our performance against a set of key performance 
indicators (“KPIs”) relevant to our core activities. A diverse range of statistics 
has been selected to ensure that a balanced view of our operations  
and their success can be formed.

Improvement on last year

Decline against last year

OPERATIONAL DELIVERY

Ensuring excellence
We seek to operate safely and securely, 
maintaining a consistently high quality 
of service and skilled workforce. Our 
operational KPIs track the extent to 
which we have met this goal.

SAFETY & SECURITY

Employee injuries per 100  
full time equivalents

Aircraft damage per 1,000 turns 

Employee turnover 

Employee hours per  
turn – Aviation

On time performance – 
Distribution

PEOPLE & INTEGRITY

EFFICIENCY PROCESSES & CONTROLS

CUSTOMER SERVICE

0.28

2014: 0.15 
2013: 0.18 

0.06

2014: 0.05 
2013: 0.05 

Why we measure this
Employees are our greatest asset and deliver our 
industry-leading service. We operate in areas with 
heavy machinery and must ensure that training is 
appropriate to keep injuries to a minimum.

Why we measure this
Aircraft damage per 1,000 turns underpins our 
quality service provider reputation and ensures we 
maintain an industry leading position in safety 
and service delivery. Insurance costs are also 
monitored and controlled.

44.2%

2014: 49.7% 
2013: 39. 3% 

27.6 hours

2014: 28.8 hour s 
2013: 29.6 hour s 

96.5%

2014: 97.1% 
2013: 97.6% 

Why we measure this
We strive to employ the right people with the 
right skills. We train and develop our staff and 
therefore monitor employee turnover as a key 
determinant in the investment we make in them. 
Regional and seasonal variations exist as we 
operate in many different countries and this KPI 
is also measured on a country-by-country basis.

Why we measure this
Narrow-bodied aircraft account for over 85% of 
all aircraft turns within Aviation – and the average 
number of employee hours invested to perform 
each one is a critical measure of how efficiently 
we operate.

Why we measure this
This measurement allows us to measure retail 
delivery times and is a KPI within publisher 
contracts. It is also essential that we ensure 
product is with retailers on time in order that 
sales are not missed.

MEASURING OUR GROWTH DRIVERS AND DELIVERING FUTURE VALUE

Delivering profitable growth
We aim to consistently grow the scale 
and profitability of our Operating 
Divisions. These metrics give the 
clearest visibility of our success 
in this area. 

Aircraft turnarounds 

Aviation turnover growth 

Operating margin – Aviation 

Contract renewal rate – Aviation 

Total shareholder return 
(“TSR”) v FTSE250 over 3 years

1,190,370 turns

2014: 1,100,789 turns 
2013: 954,924 turns 

6%

2014: 9% 
2013: 5% 

Why we measure this
Ground handling is a growing, dynamic 
marketplace. We monitor aircraft turns to ensure 
Aviation is growing both on a like-for-like 
and absolute basis.

Why we measure this
We are committed to growing our Aviation 
Division. Absolute revenue growth within 
the Division is therefore a key metric.

3.1%

2014: 4.1% 
2013: 5.2% 

79.1%

2014: 72.6% 
2013: 89.1% 

-82%

2014: -50% 
2013: +33% 

Why we measure this
A standard measurement demonstrating our 
ability to turn our revenue into profit, encompassing 
our efficiency, controls and value generation.

Why we measure this
We measure the rate of contracts that we 
successfully tender for and renew. This is a key 
sign of how satisfied our customers are with 
the levels of service and price that we are able 
to provide.

Why we measure this
TSR is the most commonly used measurement of 
value generated for shareholders, capturing both 
capital and dividend growth.

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONJOHN MENZIES PLCANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2015RISK MANAG EM ENT

Risk Management Framework 

A FUNDAMENTAL   
PART OF OUR STR ATEGY

Risk identification, evaluation and mitigation are key to our success  
and the promotion of long-term shareholder value.

Developing the 
Viability Statement
In developing our Viability 
Statement it was determined 
that a 3 year period should be used, 
reflecting the typical lifespan of 
outstanding customer contracts and 
consistent with the period of the 
Group’s business planning process. 
Management has reviewed the key 
risks and considered which of these 
might threaten the Group’s viability. 

In association with representatives 
from the Finance, Risk, IT, Insurance, 
Operations and Legal functions, 
an exercise was undertaken to 
estimate the financial impact of 
plausible but unlikely downside 
scenarios associated with these 
risks. This was modelled over the  
3 year period. It was determined 
that none of the risks, both 
individually or in combination, would 
compromise the Group’s viability. 
As set out in the Audit Committee 
Report on pages 53 to 57 of this 
Annual Report and Accounts 2015 
the Directors reviewed and 
discussed this approach.

Identifying and Managing Risk 
The Board has a proactive approach 
to recognising and mitigating risk. Its 
aim is to protect our employees and 
customers whilst safeguarding the 
interests of the Company and its 
shareholders. Both our Operating 
Divisions function in fast-moving, 
time-critical environments and risk 
identification and mitigation are key 
to our success. 

During 2015 a central Risk function, 
encompassing Health and Safety, 
Insurance, Security and Audit and 
Compliance, was formed. The Board 
recognised the need for a higher  
profile Risk function independent of  
the Operating Divisions as it looked 
to take our risk management approach 
to a new level. This centralisation of 
existing, disparate functions has led 
to a more standardised approach and 
raised the profile of risk throughout the 
Group. As a direct consequence the risk 
appetite of the Group has an increased 
level of scrutiny and all investment and 
operational decisions have risk profiling 
at their core. This allows the Board to 
have a risk-based approach to all 
financial investment applications.

The Group has policies and procedures 
in place to ensure that risks are properly 
identified, evaluated and managed 
at the appropriate level within the 
Divisions. The identification of risk and 
opportunities, the development of 
action plans to manage the risks and 
maximise the opportunities, and 
continual monitoring of progress against 
agreed KPIs are both integral parts of 
the business process and core activities 
throughout the Group.

Principal Risks 
and Uncertainties
The table on pages 24 and 25 of 
this Annual Report and Accounts 
2015 details the principal risks 
and uncertainties which faced the 
Group at the end of 2015 and which 

22

continue to do so. These have 
been subject to robust assessment 
and review. They do not comprise all 
of the risks which the Group may face 
nor are they listed in order of priority. 
Comprehensive risk registers are 
compiled by the central Risk team, 
reviewed on a six-monthly basis by 
the Audit Committee and reported 
to the Board. The risks are viewed 
objectively during each review and 
scores amended accordingly to 
take account of factors such as 
external threat, changes to operating 
environments and major change 
projects. The risk landscape is designed 
to be a key business tool to allow 
informed decisions to be made whilst 
taking cognisance of the risks which 
may exist.

In accordance with the provisions of 
the UK Corporate Governance Code 
(September 2014), the Board has taken 
into consideration the principal risks 
in the context of determining whether 
to adopt the going concern basis of 
accounting and in assessing the 
prospects of the Company for the 
purpose of preparing its Viability 
Statement. The Going Concern and 
Viability Statements can be found 
on pages 34 and 35 of the Strategic 
Report contained within this Annual 
Report and Accounts 2015.

The Group faces a number of 
operational risks on an ongoing basis 
such as security and safety together 
with wider risks such as litigation, 
environmental and reputational. Our risk 
profile continues to evolve and we strive 
to constantly improve our risk processes 
and functions. All risks disclosed in our 
previous Annual Reports and Accounts 
can be found on the Company’s website 
at www.johnmenziesplc.com. It is 
important to highlight that certain 
of these risks remain and continue 
to be monitored closely. 

3RD

Third line 
of defence

Independent
assurance

2ND

Second line 
of defence

Oversight

Inherent risk

1ST

First line 
of defence

Control, design &
implementation

Approaches to Risk

Our shareholder value
based approach 

‘Top down’ approach 
where coverage is driven by 
issues that directly impact 
shareholder value, with clear 
and explicit linkage to our 
strategic objectives

Internal Audit

Compliance

Risk

Management Controls

Residual risk

k
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Identify shareholder value creating activities

Understanding enterprise risks
(strategic, financial, operational & governance)

Evaluate impact to shareholder value

Audit plan

Evaluate impact of risks within audit universe

Identify risks 
(financial, operations & compliance)

Define audit universe
(e.g. geography, business unit etc.)

Traditional approach

Traditional ‘bottom up’ 
approach based on stakeholder 
interviews and analysis. Focus 
is on coverage of identified 
risk areas, geography and 
business operations

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RISK MANAG EM ENT

KE Y RISKS

Risk and uncertainty have the potential to hinder progress toward the 
Group’s strategic objectives. We focus on mitigating those risks, to provide 
reasonable – although not absolute – assurance against material risks.

The table below profiles those risks which the Board believes most 
significant, together with the activity which we undertake to mitigate them.

R I S K   A N D   D E S C R I P T I O N

I M PACT

M I T I G AT I N G   FACTO R S

R I S K   A N D   D E S C R I P T I O N

I M PACT

M I T I G AT I N G   FACTO R S

C H A N G I N G   C O N S U M E R   B E H AV I O U R
The  risk  associated  with  changing 
consumer behaviour and digital media 
prolifer ation  reduces  demand  for 
Menzies Distribution ser vices.

Changing consumer behaviour could 
lead  to  an  acceleration  of  top  line 
decline  a s  fewer  newspapers  and 
magazines are sold while individuals 
adapt the way they consume media.

A  focus  on  cos t  and  productivity  ef ficiency  within  the 
core business. 

New revenue opportunities from hand-to-hand distribution 
and ancillary services are developed to diversify our logistics 
of fering.

I N C R E A S E D   L A B O U R   C O S T S
Our businesses rely on our people. 

Wage inflation is prominent in many 
of the territories in which we operate. 
There  are  a  number  of  initiatives  in 
the UK and other countries to improve 
w a ge s  w h i c h  c o u l d 
i m p a c t  o u r 
businesses.

An  inabilit y  to  pa ss  on  s tatutor y 
increa ses  to  our  customers  could 
materially  impact  prof itability  e.g. 
the UK national living wage.

Contract s with customers increa singly contain clauses 
w h i c h  s p e c i f y  s t a t u t o r y  w a g e  i n c r e a s e s .  We  a l s o 
continue to evolve our operating model to optimise our 
cos t ba se.

P R I C E   O P T I M I S AT I O N   I N   C O N T R AC T   R E N E WA L S/C O N T R AC T   T E N D E R I N G
Failure to negotiate existing contracts 
at acceptable rates or to successfully 
win  new  contracts  on  terms  which 
achieve the Group’s internal rate of 
retur n  a n d  r isk  prof ile  thresh old 
criteria.

There  is  a  strategic  analysis  of  all  options  at  the  time 
contracts  in  both  Aviation  and  Distribution  are  due  for 
renewal. We constantly evolve the operational model to 
ensure an optimum cost base is maintained. The majority 
of current wholesale news contracts were renegotiated 
during 2013 and secured through to 2019 and beyond.

Inability to renegotiate key existing 
contract s  could  materially  af fect 
operations and profitability.

E M P LOY E E   T R A I N I N G 
The  r isk  that  employees  are  not 
trained  or  re-trained  to  mandated 
l eve l s  t o  a d e q u a t e l y  c a r r y  o u t 
standard operating procedures.

Inadequate  deliver y  of  training  and 
recurrent training results in the risk 
of employee injury, poor productivity, 
p o o r  c u s to m e r  s e r v i c e  a n d  t h e 
likelihood  of  a  vehicle  or  aircraf t 
damage incident.

A focus on training through increased resource and training 
deliver y  specialists.  An  increase  in  standard  e-learning 
packages  which  allow  ef ficient  deliver y  of  training  and 
ease  of  record-keeping.  We  now  also  include  training 
compliance  a s  par t  of  the  monthly  self-cer tif ication 
process. Training is also one of the key pillars in our ‘8 Pillar’ 
audit programme.

G LO B A L   AC T   O F   T E R R O R I S M
The risk that a global terrorism event 
could  materially  af fect  the  airline 
industr y and the number of aircraf t 
flights is significantly reduced for a 
period of time. 

A  global  act  of  terrorism  could  lead 
to  a  significant  loss  in  revenue  as 
flights  would  be  grounded  and  air 
cargo would not be transpor ted.

Ground handling cost base is flexible and could be flexed 
to assist in mitigating the expected financial impact.

S E C U R I T Y   B R E AC H
The risk that a serious security breach 
or  incident  occurs  that  is  directly 
attributable to the actions of one of 
our employees or the failure of related 
processes or training.

The  impac t  of  a  serious  securi t y 
r e l a t e d  
i n c i d e n t   c o u l d   a f f e c t 
the  Group’s  reputation,  operational 
p e r f o r m a n c e   a n d   u l t i m a t e l y 
financial per formance.

The Group works closely with airport authorities. Rigorous 
checking and vetting of all employees takes place.

Central  suppor t  is  provided  to  all  stations  to  ensure 
consistency, utilising the M.O.R.S.E. intranet-based safety 
and security monitoring system which provides consistent 
and regular repor ting.

H E A LT H   &  S A F E T Y
T h e   r i s k   o f   f a i l i n g   t o   p r o v i d e 
employees with appropriate training 
and  a  safe  working  environment , 
together  with  a  risk  that  the  Group 
fails to comply with relevant health 
and safety legislation.

The  impact  of  a  health  and  safety 
failure  could  have  an  impact  on  the 
G r o u p ’s  r e p u t a t i o n ,  o p e r a t i o n a l 
p e r f o r m a n c e  
f i n a n c i a l 
per formance.

a n d  

Safety is the number one value across the Group. Dedicated 
health and safety teams exist throughout the business. 
Detailed  health  and  safety  repor t s  are  discussed  at 
Operating Boards and these are the first agenda item at 
Board meetings of John Menzies plc. Continual analysis 
of  accidents  allows  trends  to  be  identified  and  prompt 
action taken.

A D H E R E N C E   T O   S TA N DA R D   O P E R AT I N G   P R O C E D U R E S
Within  Aviation  the  adherence  to 
i n t e r n a l  
s t a n d a r d   o p e r a t i n g 
procedures and airline regulations is 
vital  to  ensuring  aircraf t  damage  is 
kept to a minimum.

A poor safety record could result in 
increased operating costs including 
punitive and compensator y charges 
together  with  increased  insurance 
rates. Ultimately it could result in the 
loss of customer contracts.

Industr y leading safety systems are utilised. Our internal 
M.O.R.S.E.  system  is  at  the  hear t  of  all  our  operations. 
Safety and security are the number one priority at ever y 
station and are never compromised.

A  serious  IT  outa ge  for  a  limited 
period  of  time  could  have  both  an 
operational and reputational impact. 

I T   S Y S T E M S ’  R O B U S T N E S S
Sophisticated IT systems are at the 
core  of  all  our  businesses  driving 
ef ficiency.  System  downtime  could 
lead to operational issues and delays 
to customers. External vulnerability 
to attack is a growing worldwide issue 
l e a d  t o  e r ro n e o u s 
w h i c h  c o u l d 
information entering our processing 
systems  or  commercial  data  being 
a c c e s s e d   w i t h o u t   p e r m i s s i o n . 
Aviation  and  Distribution  operate 
their  own  IT  platforms,  with  each 
platform critical to the running of the 
Division. 

I N A D E Q UAT E   H U M A N   R E S O U R C E S
As the Group expands it is impor tant 
that  suf ficiently  trained  and  skilled 
staf f  are  available  to  fill  positions 
and  lead  that  expansion  at  local 
levels.  We  rely  on  having  the  right 
people with the right skills in the right 
place at the right time. 

T h e  o p e r a t i o n a l  a n d 
l e a d e r s h i p 
impact  of  failing  to  have  suf ficient 
p e o p le ,  o r  a  s t rea m  of  t r a i n e d , 
q u a l i f i e d   p e o p l e  
i d e n t i f i e d   a s 
potential  future  business  leaders, 
could result in increased costs, lack 
of ef ficiency and a failure to deliver 
on any of the key strategic objectives 
of the Group. 

The risk that the Group does not have 
adequate  succession  plans  in  place 
for key management roles or is unable 
to retain key employees due to a lack 
o f   a p p r o p r i a t e   d e v e l o p m e n t a l 
oppor tunities.

Our brand loyalty could be impacted 
and a competitive disadvantage could 
a r ise  i f  we  a re  una b le  to  ret a in 
internal  candidates  to  occupy  key 
roles as they become available or we 
lose individuals with the requisite in 
depth knowledge and exper tise and 
due to a lack of career opportunities.

H e i g h te n e d  s e c u r i t y  h a s  b e e n  p rov i d e d  w i t h  t h e 
outsourcing of our physical hardware data centres during 
2015. New plans to mitigate cyber-attacks have been put 
in place through our Project Watertight initiative. Disaster 
recover y plans exist and are reviewed periodically.

Succession  plans  across  the  Group  exist  and  the  Board 
annually reviews such plans for senior management and 
Executive Directors. Structured development programmes 
are in place which are aimed at identifying and developing 
key employees and salaries and benefits are benchmarked 
to ensure they remain competitive with market standards.

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONJOHN MENZIES PLCANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2015 
 
BUSI N E SS R E VI E WS

FOCUSED   
ON PROGRESS

Overview:  
Ground Handling
Our ground handling operation 
is a global provider of passenger 
and ramp services to airlines and 
a major force in the international 
ground handling industry.

Operating at 140 stations in 
31 countries and supported by a 
worldwide team of approximately 
19,000 people, we serve over 500 
airline customers whilst handling 
around 1.2 million flights per annum. 
Within the North American market 
we also operate under the Simplicity 
USA brand, a proposition tailored to 
the needs of the region’s narrow-
bodied aircraft operators. 

The Menzies team supports millions 
of passengers each year on behalf 
of our airline customers, from the 
check-in desk to the runway. 
With a menu which includes issuing 
tickets, handling baggage, boarding 
passengers and towing planes, we 
aim to be the partner of choice for the 
world’s leading airlines.

1.2m

T U R N S   A N N UA L LY

140

G R O U N D   H A N D L I N G 
S TAT I O N S   WO R L DW I D E

2015 Highlights
• Focus on operational excellence 

throughout 2015 has driven 
standardisation and increased 
productivity in our ground 
handling business.

• Our relationship with United Airlines 
was strengthened with the award of 
base airports in Cincinnati, Lubbock 
and Tucson.

• Successfully started a new 7 year 

contract with Norwegian Air Shuttle 
at their home hub airport in Oslo and 
their base operation in Copenhagen.

Ground Handling
Aviation growth was underpinned by 
strong cargo volumes and the positive 
effect of ground handling hub wins in 
North America and Scandinavia in the 
last 15 months. Constant currency 
turnover was up 6% to £782.9m,  
while underlying operating profit was 
£6.0m lower at £24.2m reflecting the 
operational issues at London Gatwick 
and prior year contract losses in  
South Africa.

Outside of the UK the ground handling 
business continued to expand. 
Contracts were won and key hub 
operations, where increased scale 
drives higher returns, all performed well.

Overall we handled 1.2 million flight 
movements in 2015, up 5% on a 
like-for-like basis. Over 500,000

movements were in the Americas 
where the year-on-year increase was 
20% reflecting the new hub contracts 
won in late 2014 and continued  
organic expansion.

Net ground handling contract wins 
totalled 53, adding some £48m of 
annualised revenue which was less 
than experienced in 2014 and will 
therefore drive earnings growth in 2016 
to be more weighted to the second half.

The biggest gain was Norwegian Air 
Shuttle’s hub in Oslo and its major base 
in Copenhagen. Both operations 
started in April 2015 and have been 
successful. Since 2011 we have grown 
our relationship with Norwegian and 
now handle some 52,000 flights in 11 
locations. Our relationship with United 
Airlines in the USA was expanded in 

2015 with the award of new base 
operations in Lubbock, Cincinnati, 
Tucson and Wichita. These wins are the 
result of an excellent performance at 
United’s hub operation in Denver. In 
2016, we will handle some 126,000 
flights for United from 34 locations.

Securing our existing customers 
remains our primary objective and  
key renewals during 2015 included 
Singapore Airlines across 4 locations in 
Oceania and the Star Alliance airlines 
and Qantas at London Heathrow. 

The Qantas renewal underpins the 
recovery at Heathrow with revenues 
secured through to late 2017 and 
beyond. Overall we renewed 40 ground 
handling contracts securing £71m of 
annualised revenue.

In the UK significant issues were 
encountered at London Gatwick where 
increased labour costs, incurred in 
order to maintain contractual service 
levels, resulted in £6m of lost earnings. 
The contractual position has now been 
resolved and we do not anticipate any 
further issues. Within the rest of the UK 
service levels are being improved 
through operational excellence 
programmes that have been put in 
place to ensure a return to standards 
delivered elsewhere in the network.

The opportunities pipeline remains 
strong in ground handling and with a 
developed commercial approach in 
place we are confident that we will 
make further progress in 2016. Our 
priority will be to continue to focus  
on adding scale customers that allow 

us to achieve station density and  
drive earnings growth. In addition,  
we will continue to focus on service 
delivery that is underpinned by robust 
IT systems and programmes of  
continued improvement.

Cargo Handling
Our cargo business had another  
strong year with continuing margin 
improvement. Our recent focus on 
delivering service in markets that are 
not over supplied and where sensible 
returns can be generated is proving 
successful. Whilst the portfolio is 
performing well we continue to  
review our options at certain locations 
where the market dynamics are  
less favourable.

The contracts secured in late 2014  
with KLM/Air France in Canada 
performed well, as did our US locations 
with Los Angeles in particular having a 
strong year. Overall we handled some 
1.7 million tonnes of cargo, an increase  
of 3% on the previous year.

During 2015 we were net winners  
of 8 cargo handling contracts and 
renewed a further 28 which  represents 
£34m of annual revenue. The largest 
renewal was with Thai Airways across 
5 locations in Australia and New 
Zealand. We further strengthened our 
good relationship with Thai Airways, 
renewing our contract at London 
Heathrow until 2018.

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONJOHN MENZIES PLCANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2015BUSI N E SS R E VI E WS

F O C U S ED O N P R O G R E SS CO N T I N U ED

110m

U N I T S   D E L I V E R E D   A N N UA L LY

135,500

M I L E S   D R I V E N   E V E RY   DAY

2015 Highlights
• Volume decline within print media 

business fully mitigated.

• Diversification into e-commerce 
fulfilment market has gained 
traction, with two acquisitions 
completed.

• Completion of branch rationalisation 

optimises physical structure for 
the future. 

Overview:  
Logistics
Menzies Distribution operates 
logistics and fulfilment services 
across the UK from a network 
of 4 large hubs and 29 smaller 
spoke depots. 

A team of over 3,500 people and 
a fleet of approximately 1,600 
vehicles are employed 364 days 
a year to deliver our hallmark 
time-critical delivery services. 

Our traditional clients originate 
in the print distribution supply chain 
and remain core to the business; 
in recent years, however, we have 
diversified our operations to serve 
the fast-growing e-commerce sector, 
acting as a neutral consolidator 
for the UK’s major parcel networks 
and a collection service for e-retail 
exporters. Allied to our online 
fulfilment business, Menzies 
Response, these evolving portfolios 
and capabilities place us in a strong 
position to benefit from the growth 
of digital shopping.

The Oceania region is our strongest 
cargo foothold and was extended by 
the gain of Virgin Australia’s business.

This win is our first in the Australian 
domestic cargo market and from 
October 2015 we now handle Virgin 
Australia in 4 locations.

In Continental Europe we are 
experiencing reduced cargo volumes as 
freighter planes decline in Amsterdam, 
creating a headwind for 2016.

Elsewhere in cargo handling we are 
seeing a move by the international 
carriers to develop more global 
relationships. Our position as a global 
player who consistently drives 
innovation in systems and safety 
ensures we are well placed to prosper 

from such initiatives. During 2015  
and after an extensive audit process, 
we were pleased to secure preferred 
supplier status with both Cathay 
Pacific and Etihad. As we move into 
2016 we are in a good position to 
develop these relationships.

AMI, our global cargo consolidation  
and forwarding company, continues  
to perform well. The North American 
and South Pacific regions in particular 
have led the business in extending the 
traditional airfreight wholesale model 
to include the growing international 
e-commerce traffic.

The broadening of our complementary 
services continues to be a focus. 
Progress was made through increased 
de-icing activities in Europe and line 

maintenance facilities in New Zealand. 
We will continue to review our options 
and expand where appropriate into 
these typically higher margin activities.

Logistics 
Distribution outperformed 
Management’s expectations in 2015, 
with underlying operating profit 
increasing to £25.1m (2014: £24.0m). 
This trading performance benefited 
from impressive cost savings which 
offset the impact of World Cup stickers 
in 2014 and the decline in print media 
revenue. The network rationalisation 
programme has been completed and 
delivered to schedule, supporting 
future cost saving plans.

Sales of newspapers during the period 
were 3% down on an absolute and a 

like-for-like basis. We benefited from 
cover price increases in the second 
quarter and from successful contract 
wins which led to the introduction  
of newspapers and magazines to  
new retailers.

Sales declines of 4% across magazine 
categories on an absolute and a 
like-for-like basis were an improvement 
on 2014 helped by price increases, new 
launches, tie-ins to successful movies 
and one-off events such as the birth of 
the Royal baby and the general election 
in the UK.

Our network rationalisation 
programme has been successful and 
was delivered on time and on budget. 
The current footprint now represents  
a step change in how we conduct our 

business. From 3 super hubs (Linwood, 
Wakefield and Maidstone) some 
25,000 magazine and newspaper 
customers are served. Magazines 
centrally packed are then trunked  
to our satellite network of spoke 
branches where they are married  
with the overnight newspaper 
operations and delivered on time  
to retailers 364 days a year.

Our gradual expansion into the UK 
parcel market, primarily as a neutral 
consolidator, continues successfully.
During 2015 we acquired AJG Parcels 
Limited (“AJG”) for £7.5m. AJG handles 
around 2 million parcels per annum in 
the Scottish Highlands and Islands. 
Following this we acquired Oban 
Express Parcel Service Limited, 

a complementary business to AJG, and 
since the year end have also acquired 
Thistle Couriers Limited, an Aberdeen-
based parcel business that handles 
over 1,000 parcels per day. All 3 
businesses now form Menzies Parcels 
which employs some 240 employees 
and handles over 2.8 million parcels per 
annum. Menzies Parcels is establishing 
a niche in the growing UK e-commerce 
fulfilment market and we will look to 
build our position going forward.

Our trucking business expanded  
during 2015 with new contracts,  
most significantly from wnDirect,  
Card Factory, WHSmith and B2C 
Europe. wnDirect, as an example, is  
an international e-commerce delivery 
business and we have been appointed 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONJOHN MENZIES PLCANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2015BUSI N E SS R E VI E WS

F O C U S ED O N P R O G R E SS CO N T I N U ED

1.7m

TO N N E S   O F   C A R G O 
H A N D L E D   A N N UA L LY

486,000 

C U S TO M E R   B O O K I N G S   
I N  2015 

2015 Highlights
• Continued strong performance 

driving margin growth.

• Emergence of global relationships 

strengthens the business 
order book. 

• Key contract win secured in Oceania 

and new facilities in Canada.

Overview:  
Cargo Handling
Our cargo handling operation runs 
33 facilities around the world which 
receive daily deliveries of goods 
perishable or valuable enough to 
warrant transport by air. 

We accept these supplies, break them 
down and assemble them into cargo 
shipments ready to be loaded onto 
aircraft; we store shipments until 
their despatch; and we transfer them 
to and from the aircraft on which 
they travel. 

In our cargo forwarding business, 
Air Menzies International (“AMI”), 
we offer a different service: neutral 
air-freight wholesaling. 

AMI does not offer freight-forwarding 
services directly to shippers and 
hence it does not compete with its 
customers for their shipper business. 
Rather, AMI works with the world’s 
airlines and integrators to purchase 
and sub-retail space in aircraft holds, 
allowing customers to benefit from 
AMI’s buying power, its ability to 
consolidate multiple shipments 
and airlines’ latest spot rates.

to collect packaged orders from its 
retail customers and deliver these to 
processing centres in Derbyshire and 
Kent. These contract gains represent 
further steps to utilise our existing 
property and vehicle assets during 
daylight hours using our proven 
track record for a fast and effective 
logistics solution.

The new UK national living wage 
legislation commences from April 2016 
and mostly affects our Distribution 
business. The additional cost in 2016  
is estimated to be £2.5m and we 
expect to substantially mitigate this 
increase with a number of improvement 
initiatives. This cost increase headwind 
is likely to prevail thereafter.

Group Operational 
Improvements
As our marketplace evolves we  
are committed to remaining at the 
forefront of innovation and safety. 
During 2015 we commenced a 
programme to upgrade our platforms 
to ensure our business is ready for the 
next stage of growth. Standardisation 
and consistency are the fundamentals 
to success and to ensure these 
fundamentals are achieved, we have 
consolidated a number of Divisional 
functions such as IT, Human Resources, 
Safety and Security and Audit and 
Compliance into the centre. This move, 
whilst also giving the benefit of cost 
optimisation, has also allowed a 
common strategy to be followed.

Within our IT function we have 
completed the outsourcing of our IT 
data centres at both Divisions, moving 
to a single Group solution with SunGard 
which is working well. Within Aviation 
we have invested in systems to ensure 
our teams have all the necessary tools 
to deliver high quality and efficient 
service to our customers. An investment 
in WorkBridge, a real-time management 
system, will allow our operators to  
run stations at the optimum level, with 
the flexible allocation of staff to suit 
flight timetables and to react to 
off-schedule activity.

We have also invested in our customer 
offering with a new central Commercial 
function which allows us to target our 
key customers in a more structured 

increase our footprint as a neutral 
consolidator in the growing parcel 
and fulfilment markets.

We continue to execute against our 
strategy and remain confident in 
delivering long-term shareholder value.

and global way. We believe this 
investment will pay back as we deepen 
customer relationships and ultimately 
win more contracts.

Outlook
The Group continues to progress, with 
focus on both growth and reshaping 
the existing business. Since the 2015 
year end we have completed the 
acquisition of Renaissance Aviation 
Limited, the sole provider of ground and 
cargo handling services to a number  
of international airlines in Bermuda and 
Thistle Couriers, as detailed previously. 
The profile of recent new business wins 
and our improving pipeline in Aviation 
indicates a greater second half 
weighting than usual.

We continue to anticipate opportunities 
arising from the aviation services 
market in North America. In line  
with our strategy, we will pursue 
opportunities that drive additional 
revenue streams from complementary 
services. Across the business we will 
continue to seek both organic and 
acquisition opportunities as we look  
to build scale in our growth markets.

We are well placed to benefit from 
future cost efficiencies as the 
rationalisation of our Distribution 
network delivers to plan although the 
implementation of the UK national 
living wage will represent a challenge 
for the business. We will continue to 
pursue e-commerce opportunities to 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONJOHN MENZIES PLCANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2015FI NAN CIAL R E VI E W

CREATING A ROBUST PL ATFORM

Paula Bell
Chief Financial Officer

Distribution outperformed 
Management’s expectations in the 
year, with underlying operating profit 
increasing to £25.1m (2014: £24.0m). 
This trading performance benefitted 
from impressive cost savings which 
offset the impact of World Cup stickers 
in 2014 and the decline in print media 
revenue. The network rationalisation 
programme has been completed and 
delivered to schedule, supporting 
future cost saving plans.

Finance Cost
The net underlying finance charge in 
the year was £6.5m (2014: £6.4m). The 
level of cost reflects similar year on 
year levels of debt and effective rates 
of interest.

Exceptional and Other Items
Rationalisation costs of £3.5m in the 
year substantially related to the 
completion of our planned programme 
to streamline Distribution’s network 
and operations. The costs to develop 
our strategic plans and to restructure 
the organisation have been £1.7m; and 
we incurred £0.6m of acquisition 
related  exceptional costs. Non-cash 
costs of £4.7m were incurred in May 
2015 relating to the impairment of 
assets after being unsuccessful in 
renewing our ground handling 
operating licences in Spain. 

Taxation and Earnings Per Share
As a multinational business the Group 
is liable for taxation in multiple 
jurisdictions around the world. Our 
underlying tax charge for the year was 
£12.2m (2014: £14.4m), representing 
an effective underlying tax rate of 32% 
(2014: 32%). 

Underlying earnings per share 
were 42.7p (2014: 49.2p), directly 
impacted by the reduction in profits. 
Earnings per share were 16.5p 
(2014: 22.7p) additionally affected 
by non-recurring items.

Defined Benefit Pension Scheme
As at 31 December 2015, the  
Scheme showed a deficit of £43.4m 
(2014: £59.0m) a decrease of £15.6m, 
largely reflecting ongoing employer 
contributions and an increase in the 
discount rate applied to the scheme 
liabilities. The Trustee’s latest triennial 
actuarial valuation was completed at 
31 March 2015 and the Trustee and the 
Company have agreed a long-term 
funding plan which results in additional 
annual contributions of £10.7m rising 
up to 2025 with the higher of inflation 
and change in dividends, the latter only 
when exceeding 2013’s level. This 
represents an annual cash saving of 
around £1m compared with the 
previous arrangement.

Cash Flow and Investment
Investments in the year included £9.9m 
for the earn-out payment relating to 
the Orbital Marketing Services Group 
and initial investments of £6.8m for 
the acquisitions of AJG Parcels and 
Oban Express. Operating cash flow was 
£64.8m (2014: £74.0m). Working 
capital management has been very 
strong again in 2015 and remains a key 
focus for the business. Free cash flow 
at £31.7m was £1.7m higher than 2014. 
Net capital expenditure totalled 
£20.3m (2014: £30.1m).

Treasury
The Group continues to operate on a 
strong financial footing. We benefit 
from a robust balance sheet built from 
strong operating cash flows across our 
Divisions. At the end of the year net 
debt was £123.2m (2014: £110.9m), 
reflecting £16.8m spend on 
acquisitions. 

Our net debt to EBITDA ratio was 1.8 
times and interest cover was 8.8 times 
at 31 December 2015, well within our 
covenanted levels. Furthermore, we 
have £64.3m of undrawn committed 
bank facilities.

The majority of Menzies Aviation’s 
stations are located outside the UK 
and operate in currencies other than 

Reshaping for Growth
Creating a solid platform to grow our 
business has been a key focus in the 
year. Another year of impressive 
cash conversion at 110%, maintains 
a strong balance sheet. Our 
rationalised Distribution network 
programme concluded in the year 
has driven good cost savings. A new 
operational excellence agenda for 
Aviation is underway.

+6% 

I N C R E A S E I N U N D ER LY I N G 
AV I ATI O N T U R N OV ER

During 2015 we performed a strategic 
refresh of both our Divisions, Aviation 
and Distribution. Much progress has 
been made and in particular with our 
plans to diversify away from 
distribution of newsprint, which has 
declining volumes, into the growing 
e-commerce logistical delivery market.

Acquisitions to support growth in this 
new market included AJG Parcels 
Limited and Oban Express Parcel 
Service Limited during 2015 and, in 
early 2016, a further acquisition of 
Thistle Couriers Limited has been 
completed, providing opportunity for 
scaling our services in hard to reach 
areas. This strong progress has been 
offset disappointingly by operational 
challenges in Aviation at London 
Gatwick which have now been resolved. 
The impact was material and reduced 
Aviation and therefore Group earnings. 
The remainder of the global network 
has progressed and delivered to plan, 
with particularly strong growth in North 
America resulting from hub and base 
wins which are performing well.

The Group’s turnover was £1,993.3m 
(2014: £1,999.9m). Underlying profit 
before tax fell to £38.2m (2014: 
£44.6m) largely as a result of the 
decline in profitability in Aviation. The 
decline in underlying profit before tax 
had a consequential impact on our 
underlying earnings per share which 
decreased to 42.7p (2014: 49.2p). Profit 
before tax was £18.2m (2014: £25.7m).  

On a constant currency basis Group 
turnover was up 1% at £2,029.3m 
(2014: £1,999.9m) with underlying 
operating profit £5.0m lower as 
expected at £46.0m (2014: £51.0m).

Implementation of the Group’s strategy 
is on track as we look to simutaneously 
drive growth and reshape the business.

Growth in Aviation was underpinned by 
strong cargo volumes and the positive 
effect of ground handling hub wins in 
North America and Scandinavia in the 
last 15 months. Turnover was up 6% to 
£782.9m, while underlying operating 
profit was £6.0m lower at £24.2m 
reflecting the operational issues at 
London Gatwick and prior year 
contract losses in South Africa.

Strong performances at our recently established 
hub stations in North America have been a highlight 
for Aviation.

32

33

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONJOHN MENZIES PLCANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2015FI NAN CIAL R E VI E W

C R E AT I N G A R O B U S T P L AT F O R M CO N T I N U ED

Cash Flow

Underlying operating profit
Depreciation
Dividends from associates and joint ventures
Working capital
Net pension movement
Non-cash items
Operating cash flow
Net capital expenditure
Net interest paid
Tax paid
Free cash flow
Equity and non-controlling interest dividends paid
Additional pension payment
Net acquisitions
Cash spend on exceptional items
Net spend on shares
Total movement
Opening net debt
Currency translation
Closing net debt

2015 
£m

44.9
21.0
6.5
(2.2)
(0.3)
(5.1)
64.8
(20.3)
(5.1)
(7.7)
31.7
(8.0)
(11.6)
(16.0)
(8.5)
–
(12.4)
(110.9)
0.1
(123.2)

2014 
£m

51.0 
20.2 
6.4 
2.0
(0.6)
(5.0)
74.0 
(30.1)
(5.7)
(8.2)
30.0 
(17.1)
(11.4)
(2.2)
(5.2)
(0.9)
(6.8)
(103.5)
(0.6) 
(110.9)

+6%

I N C R E A S E I N FR EE C A S H FLOW

Sterling. The Group attempts to 
minimise the volatility of transactional 
foreign exchange as far as possible by 
using foreign exchange forward 
contracts. The translation of profits 
from overseas trading entities is not 
hedged and as a result the movement 
of exchange rates directly affects the 
Group’s reported results. In the year, 
adverse movements in other European 
currencies and the Australian dollar 
were partly offset by a favourable 
movement in the US dollar.

Going Concern
The Group’s business activities are set 
out on pages 2 and 3 and the principal 
risks impacting these activities are set 
out on pages 24 and 25. The Group’s 
financial position and cash flows are 
set out on pages 91 to 94 along with an 
analysis of its borrowings in Note 23 on 
page 131. As regards going concern, 

the Directors have considered market 
and gearing risks. Sensitivities to capital 
and liquidity risks are set out in Note 17 
on pages 126 to 127 of this report.

The Group updates trading forecasts 
covering a forward 12-month period on 
a regular basis and cash flow forecasts 
show that the Group is capable of 
operating within its committed 
banking facilities and related financial 
covenants for the foreseeable future.

The Directors, who have reviewed the 
budgets, forecasts and sensitivities 
for the coming year, consider that the 
Group has adequate financial resources 
to enable it to continue in operational 
existence for the foreseeable future. 
Accordingly, the Directors believe that 
it is appropriate to continue to adopt 
the going concern basis for preparing 
the financial statements.

Our acquisitions of AJG Parcels and Oban Express have 
established a strong foothold in the UK parcel market.

Viability Statement 
In accordance with provision C.2.2 of 
the UK Corporate Governance Code 
(September 2014), the Directors have 
assessed the prospects of the Group 
over a period of 3 years. The Directors 
believe this period to be appropriate 
because the average length of the 
Group’s customer contracts is 
approximately 3 years and the Group’s 
planning cycle covers a 3 year period. 

As detailed on pages 22 to 25 of this 
Annual Report and Accounts 2015, the 
Board monitors and assesses the risks 
and uncertainties faced by the Group. 
This includes a consideration of the 
principal risks and material uncertainties 
facing the Group, including those that 
would threaten its business model, 
future performance or solvency. During 
2015 this process included a detailed 
strategic review of both Aviation and 
Distribution and a detailed 3 year 
planning process.

For the purpose of assessing the 
Group’s viability, the Directors focused 
their attention on the principal risks 
that are critical to the Group’s success. 
These are risks concerned with 
changing consumer behaviour, 
increasing employee costs, contract 
renewals, contract tendering, global 
act of terrorism, security breach and 
adherence to standard operating 
procedures. Each risk and its impact 
and mitigation is set on on pages 24 
and 25 of this Annual Report and 
Accounts 2015.

Other than in the event of a 
catastrophic large aircraft incident over 
a populated area, none of the plausible 
events in isolation or in combination 
would prevent the Group from 
continuing to operate and meet its 
liabilities as they fall due over the 
period of assessment of 3 years.  
In the case of such a catastrophic 
aircraft incident, the Group would  

seek to manage the timeframe in 
which any liabilities arose in order  
to continue in operation.

As a result, the Board confirms that  
it has a reasonable expectation that 
the Group will be able to continue in 
operation and meet its liabilities as 
they fall due over the period of 
assessment of 3 years.

Dividend
The Board wishes to follow a 
progressive policy to increase dividends 
over time. Accordingly, the Board has 
proposed a final dividend of 11.8p per 
share which is payable on 1 July 2016 
to all shareholders on the Company’s 
Register of Members at 27 May 2016. 
The total (paid and proposed) dividend 
for the year is 16.8p per ordinary share 
up 4% from last year (2014: 16.2p  
per share).

34

35

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONJOHN MENZIES PLCANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2015R E SO U RCE S , R EL ATI O NSH I PS AN D R E SP O NSI B I LITI E S

RECOGNISING OUR RESPONSIBILITIES

We recognise the impact our activities have on the environment, the 
communities in which we operate and the wider society around us. Operating 
in a socially responsible manner is central to our corporate culture.

Gender Diversity:

The Group’s framework of policies and 
guidelines sets clear standards to ensure 
that we conduct ethical, responsible and 
sound business activities. 

Operating in a socially responsible 
manner is important to us and our 
stakeholders and is central to our 
S.P.I.R.I.T. values-based culture.

John Menzies plc is included in the 
FTSE4Good Index for socially 
responsible investment. Companies in 
the FTSE4Good Index have met 
stringent environmental, social and 
governance criteria, and are positioned 
to capitalise on the benefits of 
responsible business practice.

Our Corporate Social Responsibility 
Report is published on our website and 
this details the CSR practices, 
strategies and policies which we have 
in place across our Operating Divisions. 

In managing our business responsibly 
we have five key areas of focus:

Risk Management
Good health, safety and security 
management practices are integral to 
both employee welfare and to the 
success of the Group. We continually 
review our procedures and training to 
develop working methods which 
minimise risks related to accidents and  
incidents occurring. We consider this 
the responsible thing to do as well as 
best business practice: delays arising 
from incidents increase costs and 
cause disruption for ourselves and 
our customers.

Within this area we aim to :

• ensure the health and safety  

of our people at work;

• minimise security risks; and

• focus on audit and compliance.

36

Our approach
As detailed on page 22 of this Annual 
Report and Accounts 2015, an 
integrated Risk function was introduced 
during 2015, comprising experts who 
operate independently to drive high 
standards of health, safety, security 
and quality across the Group. 

Our 8 Pillar audit approach and SMART 
(Standard Menzies Audit Reporting 
Tool) inspection programmes have 
been rolled out across both Divisions 
promoting increased transparency, high 
standards and quality service. The 
Health and Safety team has built a 
robust safety structure of individuals 
with complete focus on safety risks. 
The Security function has been given 
heightened prominence within the 
Group, with trained experts having 
been recruited to raise awareness of 
risks and to encourage the adoption of 
risk-conscious behaviour within the 
Menzies workplace. Our heightened 
focus on Insurance is intended to 
minimise costs by promoting accurate 
claims reporting.

2015 highlights
• The SMART operational inspection 

application has been rolled out across 
both Divisions, allowing any user to 
submit a basic audit of activities they 
observe. 2015 saw 1 ramp inspection 
every 3 minutes, 1 cargo inspection 
every hour and 1 Distribution 
warehouse inspection every day.

• Despite significant changes to 

the branch infrastructure within 
Distribution, the Division has seen 
a near 56% reduction in serious 
incidents due to an increased focus 
on the area, including the introduction 
of M.O.R.S.E. reporting.

• In Aviation a total of 18 stations have 

now achieved IATA (ISAGO) 
registration, an international safety 
audit program recognised by our 
customers, airport regulators and 
the Aviation industry.

W E H AV E A TOTA L O F

18

I ATA R EG I STER ED G RO U N D 
H A N D LI N G STATI O N S

What is M.O.R.S.E.?
The M.O.R.S.E safety programme 
(Menzies Operating Responsibly, 
Safely and Effectively) is an industry 
leading Safety Management System 
designed to promote safety culture, 
prevent accidents and incidents and 
ensure that, in all our operations 
around the world, safety and 
security come first. 

A key aspect of the M.O.R.S.E. 
programme is communication 
and awareness of our Standard 
Operating Procedures which are 
disseminated through our training 
programmes and reinforced 
with awareness messaging in 
various media.

Employees

  Male 
  Female 

17,353
8,253

Decision Makers

  Male 
  Female 

281
113

Board of Directors

  Male 
  Female 

5
2

Our People
We recognise that our employees  
are the single greatest driver of our 
success and our employment policies 
are designed to attract, retain and 
motivate quality staff. We are proud  
to have a diverse workforce which 
broadens the base of experience  
from which we draw, recruiting and 
promoting on the basis of ability. 

We expect our leaders to foster an 
open culture, based on the Group’s 
S.P.I.R.I.T. values. Training has been 
provided to give guidance on ethical 
business practices and professional 
conduct with all our stakeholder 
groups, including customers, suppliers 
and employees.

Within this area we aim to:

• provide training and development 

opportunities;

• reward and incentivise employees; 

and

• uphold human rights responsibilities.

Our approach
Attract the right people: we set out  
to recruit individuals with the talent 
and results-driven attitude to meet  
the high standards of performance  
which our customers expect. Robust 
systems ensure that we select the  
best candidates to join our teams, 
whilst upholding our principles of 
respect for all people, equal 
opportunities and dignity at work. 

Reward and incentivise employees:  
we provide competitive and attractive 
employment packages which 
encourage the best to join us. 

Provide training and development 
opportunities: we offer high quality, 
specific training and development 
which motivates employees, ensures 
high standards and supports our 
business requirements. 

Communicate and consult with 
employees: we operate internal 
communication programmes which 
ensure that all employees throughout 
the Group are kept informed about   
Group activities. 

What is S.P.I.R.I.T.?
S.P.I.R.I.T. is our corporate values 
framework which lays out the 
shared beliefs and standards under 
which we operate. The framework 
is composed of Safety and Security, 
Passion, Innovation, Reliability, 
Integrity and Teamwork.

Uphold human rights: we operate in 
accordance with the Universal 
Declaration of Human Rights and 
consistently strive to promote human 
rights through our employment policies 
and practices.

2015 highlights
• 2015 saw the implementation of 
eArcu, our new Recruitment and 
Applicant Tracking tool which enables 
us to provide a consistent and 
seamless candidate experience whilst 
driving efficiencies within recruitment 
teams. 2016 will see increased 
functionality and a continued 
worldwide roll-out across the Group.

• The Group invested in a new Talent 
Management Performance System 
which provides increased 
functionality for Talent Management 
processes, including Performance, 
Development and Succession. This 
platform is expected to enable 
consistent and transparent 
identification, development and 
nurturing of talent across the Group.

• Full consideration is given to equality 

legislation and an analysis of the 
gender split of our employees can 
be found on the left of this page.

37

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONJOHN MENZIES PLCANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2015R E SO U RCE S , R EL ATI O NSH I PS AN D R E SP O NSI B I LITI E S

R ECO G N I S I N G O U R R E S P O N S I B I LI T I E S CO N T I N U ED

D U RI N G 2015 TH E C A R B O N 
TRUST C ERTI FI ED A

4.1%

A BS O LU TE R ED U CTI O N   
I N D I STRI B U TI O N ’ S C A R B O N 
FO OTPRI NT SI N C E 2012.

Our Environmental Impact
It is our philosophy that what is 
good for the environment is also 
good for our businesses and we aim 
to operate accordingly at all times. We 
remain committed to minimising the 
impact which our businesses have 
on the environment. We also recognise 
that each of our businesses impact the 
environment in different ways and we 
have sought to develop policies and 
best practices which address each of 
these including monitoring and auditing 
processes, systems for data collection 
and analysis, methods to identify 
environmental risks and the introduction 
of energy efficient technology.

Within this area we aim to:

• comply with applicable legislation;

• identify, assess and manage risks; and

• promote energy efficient practices 

throughout our operations.

“This blue van is green”
Our London Microdelivery 
Specialist, JYL Hand to Hand, 
operates 2 electric vehicles. In 
addition to exemption from the 
congestion charge, the vehicles 
boast a running cost per mile of 
2.25p and an emissions rating of 
0 when in operation.

Emissions Reporting
Pursuant to the Climate Change Act 
2008 and the Companies Act 2006 
(Strategic Report and Directors’ Report) 
Regulations 2013 (the “Regulations”), 
we are required to report on the 
greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions for 
which we are responsible. Under the 
GHG reporting regime, we must report 
on all material emissions of the 6 Kyoto 
gases from direct sources and from 
purchased electricity, heat, steam and 
cooling and in the form of tonnes of 
carbon dioxide equivalent (“CO2e”). 
This Emissions Reporting section is 
incorporated by reference into the 
Directors’ Report contained on pages 
76 to 80 of this Annual Report and 
Accounts 2015. Whilst there is no 
prescribed methodology under the 
Regulations, it is important that we 
use robust and accepted methods for 
effective emissions management and 
transparency in reporting. We therefore 
calculate our carbon footprint annually 
using the latest emissions factors, 
collating data on a quarterly basis. 
The period covered is 1 January 2015 
to 31 December 2015 and we calculate 
Scope 1 and 2 emissions:

38

• buildings-related energy (electricity 

and gas); and

• vehicle and equipment fuel 

consumption.

Significant effort has been made to 
improve data accuracy during 2015 and 
report all global emissions. Our data 
and methodology have been audited 
and independently verified by Carbon 
Footprint Ltd (“Carbon Footprint”). 
Overall findings are that the emissions 
factors, methodology and calculation 
are sound. Carbon Footprint has also 
recommended some measures to 
make the process more efficient going 

forward, including the use of a global 
software tool for uploading and sharing 
data, which will help standardise the 
process and which is something which 
we will give due and careful consideration 
to in 2016. We are also required to 
report our carbon and energy emissions 
under other mandatory reporting 
initiatives. Specifically, we participate in 
the following UK Government-led carbon 
and energy management programmes:

• the Carbon Reduction Commitment 
Energy Efficiency Scheme (the “CRC 
Scheme”); and

• the Energy Savings Opportunity 

Scheme (“ESOS”).

Measure

2015 Global tonnes of CO2e
Group 
Total

Aviation 
Division

Distribution 
Division

2015 UK tonnes of CO2e
UK 
Total

Aviation 
Division

Distribution 
Division

2014 UK 
tonnes of 
CO2e

Total

Combustion of fossil fuels

61,719

43,527

18,192

27,179

8,987

18,192

23,805

Electricity purchased 
for own use

19,553

13,806

5,747

7,469

1,722

5,747

8,460

Total

81,272

57,333

23,939

34,648

10,709

23,939

32,265

Intensity Ratios (tonnes 
of CO2e) 

Per £000's turnover 

Per aircraft turnaround

Per £000's turnover 
Group total

0.079

0.048

0.019

0.019

0.072

0.035

0.011

0.031

0.017

0.035

0.025

0.068

0.041

Our approach
Each Division has outlined applicable 
environmental policies which take 
into account the different ways in 
which their operations impact 
the environment. 

This year Menzies Distribution received 
its fourth consecutive Carbon Trust 
Standard award in recognition of the 
sustained reduction in the Division’s 
carbon footprint. The Carbon Trust 
Standard is awarded to organisations 
which measure, manage and reduce 
their carbon footprint and the award 
recognises Distribution’s efforts to-date 
as well as our continued commitment.

While Distribution accounts for the 
largest part of the Group’s usage of  
carbon producing fuels in the UK, 
Aviation is also focused on reducing the 
carbon emissions arising from the 
tonnes and turns handled at each 

business unit throughout the network. 
Since April 2015 environmental 
awareness training has been provided 
to Senior Management throughout the 
Group as well as inductions for frontline 
personnel. In addition, processes to 
mitigate environmental risks have also 
been integrated into day-to-day tasks.

2015 highlights
• In 2015 we reached a milestone 
of 4 consecutive Carbon Trust 
Standard accreditations.

• Distribution achieved a 4.1% absolute 
reduction in its carbon footprint since 
the first Carbon Trust certification in 
2012 despite a growth in activity 
since that point.

• The vehicle telemetry programme, 
introduced in 2014, has contributed 
to a 6% reduction in fuel consumption.

CRC Scheme
The CRC Scheme is a UK mandatory 
emissions trading scheme which 
first came into force in April 2010 
and  which is aimed at improving 
energy efficiency and cutting carbon 
dioxide (“CO2”) emissions in large public 
and private sector organisations. 
Under the applicable legislation, we 
report annual energy use for our UK 
operations and we have found that 
this has been valuable for our GHG 
reporting submission.

Although the CRC Scheme is currently 
under Government review, our workplans 
continue to remain underway to submit 
our annual compliance report to the 
CRC Registry by 31 July 2016.

ESOS
ESOS has been in force since July  
2014 and is also a mandatory energy 
assessment scheme for organisations 
in the UK which meet the qualification 
criteria of a ‘large undertaking’. It requires 
larger companies and non-public sector 
organisations in the UK to carry out 
mandatory energy saving assessments 
and participants must calculate their 
total energy consumption (“TEC”), carry 

out energy audits and identify where 
energy savings can be made. Where 
several undertakings are part of a 
corporate group they must comply 
with ESOS as a single participant. 
John Menzies plc is therefore the 
relevant ESOS participant as the 
highest parent undertaking in 
the Group.

Carbon Footprint was appointed our 
ESOS Lead Assessor and undertook  
our assessment for the relevant 
compliance period i.e. 1 January 2014 
to 31 December 2014. This involved 
identifying areas of significant energy 
consumption which account for at least 
90% of our TEC (the remaining 10%, 
the de minimis energy use, does not 
require to be subject to an ESOS audit) 
and extensive auditing of our buildings 
and transport energy, covering both 
the Distribution and Aviation Divisions. 
Our ESOS assessment was completed 
and compliance notified to the 
Environment Agency before the original 
compliance date of 5 December 2015.

Carbon Footprint identified a number 
of opportunities amounting to over 
20% of total energy (including buildings 

Carbon Trust Standard
With 4 consecutive awards, 
Menzies Distribution is one of 
50 organisations which have been 
making continuous reductions 
year-on-year and achieved the 
Carbon Trust Standard more than 3 
times. The standard recognises the 
Division’s efforts to-date as well as 
our future commitment to reduce 
our carbon impact.

and direct transport related energy). 
We will consider the implementation 
of suitable opportunities in this regard 
as part of an ongoing process.

ESOS 

Compliant

carbon 
footprint

TM

We are also seeking to reduce our 
overall environmental and sustainability 
impact through a number of voluntary 
measures such as:

• Energy Policy implementation 

across the Group;

• granular energy monitoring – day 
plus 1 measuring and reducing our 
energy consumption across our 
buildings and fuel; and

• corporate social responsibility 

initiatives.

39

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONJOHN MENZIES PLCANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2015R E SO U RCE S , R EL ATI O NSH I PS AN D R E SP O NSI B I LITI E S

R ECO G N I S I N G O U R R E S P O N S I B I LI T I E S CO N T I N U ED

Investing in Future Generations
With a history stretching back to 
1833, John Menzies plc recognises 
both the importance of passing 
responsibilities from one generation 
to the next and also our responsibility 
to prepare subsequent generations for 
growth and success, whilst addressing 
the inequality which may affect 
their opportunities.

In 2015 the Company donated £45,000 
to causes which support children’s 
education, development and wellbeing 
across our areas of operation.

One such organisation was Room to 
Read, a global organisation aimed at 
transforming the lives of millions of 
children in low-income countries by 
focusing on literacy and gender 
equality in education.

Room to Read works to develop 
literacy skills and the ‘habit of reading’  
and has benefited 10 million children 
across 17,500 communities in Asia and 
Africa, with the charity aiming to reach 
15 million children by 2020.

Our Social Contribution
As a business, John Menzies plc is 
keenly aware of our community 
obligations, within the countries and 
localities in which we operate.

Within this area we aim to:

• build relations with local communities;

• make charitable contributions that 

matter to our people; and 

• invest in local people and industries.

Our approach
Each year the plc Board sets a budget 
for charitable activities and allocates 
the expenditure throughout the 
communities we work in.

The Company’s Charities Fund provides 
significant levels of support to a small 
number of charities nominated by each 
Operating Division and based on the 
following selection criteria:

• efficiency: be involved with charities 

which are lean enough for our 
donation to make an impact and not 
be absorbed in administrative costs;

• integrity: make donations on a needs 

basis rather than taste basis; and

• effectiveness: support charities which 

have specific aims and are able to 
demonstrate how our contribution 
will benefit their cause.

Nominations are considered for 
charitable organisations suggested by 
each Division and donations must 
adhere to our Ethics Policy. 

In addition to the Charities Fund, 
employees are actively encouraged 
to support causes through the 
Community Fund, attendance at 
events and the Payroll Giving Scheme 
which allows for tax efficient donations 
to be made to charities. The John 
Maxwell Menzies Community Fund 

Linwood Charity Walk
Several employees at Distribution’s 
Linwood branch endured a 96 mile 
trek across the Scottish Highlands 
and raised over £4,700 for the British 
Heart Foundation. 

Our team in the West of Scotland 
was inspired to donate to the British 
Heart Foundation after colleagues, 
friends and family were directly 
impacted by heart disease.

Operating with Integrity 
Integrity is fundamental to the way in 
which Menzies does business, wherever 
we operate in the world. We believe we 
have a duty to foster a culture in which 
integrity and responsible and ethical 
values are at the core of all our 
activities and decisions. 

Whistleblowing, anti-corruption 
and bribery
Operating on a global scale, it is 
essential that our policies regarding 
fraud, corruption and bribery are clearly 
understood by all of our employees. 
We actively ensure that procedures  
are in place to minimise risk. 

We have a zero tolerance position 
in relation to corruption. Anyone 
representing the Group is expected 
to conduct themselves with integrity, 
impartiality and honesty.

We seek to develop a culture where 
inappropriate behaviour at all levels 
is challenged. Our employees are 
encouraged to report genuine concerns 
about malpractice, illegal acts or 
failures, without fear of reprisal, 
victimisation or risk to job security. 

The Strategic Report on pages 2 to 41 
of the Annual Report and Accounts 
2015 has been approved by the Board 
of Directors in accordance with the 
Companies Act 2006 (Strategic 
Report and Directors’ Report) 
Regulations 2013.

John Geddes
Group Company Secretary
7 March 2016

Community Support
We’re proud to play a part in the 
community life of our employees, 
where small contributions can make 
a big difference – and have 
important impacts.

With the help of sponsorship from 
the John Maxwell Menzies 
Community Fund, Hutchison Vale 
U16s, an Edinburgh-based youth 
football team, won three trophies in 
2015 and successfully reached the 
final of the Scottish Youth FA Cup.

makes individual cash awards of up  
to £350 per employee, or £700 per 
team of employees, undertaking a 
charitable or community project. 
During 2015 over £10,000 was donated 
via this Fund.

2015 highlights
• During 2015 the Company donated 

£100,000 to charities; £45,000 of this 
total was dedicated to supporting 
children’s education, development and 
wellbeing in our areas of operation.

• A team of employees at our 

Distribution Linwood branch walked 
96 miles along the West Highland 
Way to raise £4,700 for the British 
Heart Foundation. 

We are committed to conducting 
business fairly, honestly and in 
compliance with all applicable laws 
and ethical standards.

Within this area we aim to:

• operate with the highest standards 

of integrity; and

• ensure all our actions are conducted 
in accordance with all applicable 
legislative requirements.

Our approach
As a Group we have a number of 
fundamental principles and values 
which we believe are the foundation 
of sound and fair business practice. 
These are detailed in the Group’s 
Ethics Policy.

Built upon this foundation, our 
compliance programme reflects these 
beliefs and clearly guides our 
employees to act with integrity. 

Supply chain
Our relationship with our customers 
and suppliers is important to us. Both 
our Operating Divisions rely on 
long-term working relationships as one 
of the core pillars of their business 
strategy – for Menzies Distribution this 
could be a lifelong arrangement with a 
newsagent and for Menzies Aviation 
agreements covering a number of years 
at many airports. 

Airports and airlines operate on an 
international platform and expect all 
their suppliers to operate to acceptable 
standards worldwide. We share this 
commitment to high standards and 
work with our partners to ensure that 
we deliver high standards throughout 
our supply chain. 

4 0

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONJOHN MENZIES PLCANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2015CHAI R MAN ’ S I NTRO D U CTI O N

STRONG AND 
EFFECTIVE OVERSIGHT

Iain Napier
Chairman

Leadership
As Chairman of the Board of John 
Menzies plc I have the responsibility of 
ensuring that the Board functions fully 
and effectively and remains committed 
to its key responsibility of promoting 
long-term shareholder value. In 
discharging this commitment I must 
lead the Board in both challenging our 
Executive Team as it seeks to promote 
and deliver the Group’s strategy and 
guiding it to deliver enhanced and 
sustainable shareholder returns. 

2015 proved to be an active period of 
transition for the Group with progress 
continuing to be made against its 
strategic objectives. Customer 
relationships continued to deepen and 
evolve and a number of initiatives were 
rolled-out which sought to improve 
both efficiency and standardisation. 
Whilst the Group operates within 
two distinct operating sectors, the 
Distribution market and the Aviation 
market, there continues to be many 
shared processes and our Executive 
Team continues with the exercise of 
identifying and realising these 

synergies. Considering more broadly 
the Group’s geographical investment 
and service offerings, the Board is, as 
previously announced, continuing to 
keep under review the strategic and 
organisational options available to 
the Group as it continues to build 
operational excellence throughout 
the network and re-shape into areas 
where higher shareholder returns 
can be sustained.

As a diverse and global organisation 
strong governance is at the core of 
everything which we do and is a pillar 
which underpins all our daily activities 
– it is critical to ensuring that our 
businesses operate within the 
parameters expected not only by the 
Board but also by our stakeholders. 
I can confirm that the Board remains 
committed to ensuring that a rigorous 
and robust corporate governance 
framework is in place which is reviewed 
regularly against governance, 
regulatory and legal developments. 

In accordance with the Financial 
Conduct Authority’s Listing Rules we 
are required to report on how we have 

complied with the main principles of 
the UK Corporate Governance Code 
(September 2014) (the “Code”) which 
we fully endorse. I am pleased to report 
that the Board considers that we have 
complied with all relevant provisions  
of the Code for the financial year  
ended 31 December 2015 and 
continue to do so.

Board Structure
As I have noted earlier, Octavia Morley 
stood down from the Board at the end 
of 2015 following the completion of  
9 years as a Non-Executive Director 
whilst Ian Harley resigned for health 
reasons following the Company’s AGM 
in May. The Nomination Committee is 
tasked with keeping the structure of 
the Board and succession plans for it 
under constant review and must seek 
to ensure that it is refreshed and 
strengthened as and when required. 
Following a recruitment programme 
to identify suitable replacement 
independent Non-Executive Directors, 
we were pleased to announce the 
appointments of David Garman and 
Geoff Eaton in June 2015 whose 

42

which arise. Robust operating 
procedures are in place and the Board 
has challenged the Executive Team to 
ensure that it has sufficient resource 
dedicated to internal control and the 
implementation of good governance 
across the businesses. The Board 
believes that this is key to the 
successful delivery of the Group’s 
strategy and enhanced and sustainable 
shareholder returns.

Iain Napier
Chairman 
7 March 2016

excellent experience we believe will be 
a valuable addition to the Board as we 
continue to pursue our strategic goals.

Jeremy Stafford also resigned from the 
Board in January 2016. Following a 
review of our Board structure and the 
current landscapes within which our 
businesses operate, it was decided that 
it would be appropriate to change the 
internal structure and appoint Forsyth 
Black, previously Managing Director of 
Menzies Distribution, to the Board in 
his new role as Managing Director of 
Menzies Aviation. Forsyth has been 
with the Group for almost 16 years, 
predominantly in senior Aviation roles 
where latterly he was Senior Vice-
President of Africa, the Middle East 
and India. With his extensive and 
relevant experience we are confident 
that he will drive forward the ongoing 
implementation of our Aviation 
strategy. Together with Paula Bell, our 
Chief Financial Officer, we now have 
two Executive Directors on our Board. 

The Board will continue to review the 
performance of the Executive Directors 
and the merits of the current structure. 
Should a change of operating structure 
be considered desirable we will act 
accordingly at the appropriate time.

Whilst I agree entirely with the principles 
of diversity in the Boardroom, I also 
believe in recruiting the right person for 
the job, with an acknowledgement that 
a diverse range of skills, backgrounds 
and abilities can only enhance our 
overall performance. I am pleased that 
we have recruited on the basis of merit 
and ability rather than to fill any quotas.

The Board must lead the Group and set 
the culture of the organisation and I am 
proud of the S.P.I.R.I.T. values (for 
further details see page 37 of this 
Annual Report and Accounts 2015) 
which we have adopted and embrace.

Conclusion
As I have said before, I believe in 
transparency in how we conduct our 
businesses, from operating an open 
culture at Board meetings, where 
discussion and comment is encouraged, 
all the way down to the grassroots 
of our operations. During 2015 and at 
the beginning of 2016, we refreshed  
the Board composition and structure 
and I am pleased with the controls and 
direction which we currently have in 
place. I believe the Board is well-placed 
and balanced to provide overall 
governance, leadership and direction 
whilst possessing the requisite qualities 
to allow it to ably respond to challenges 

Composition of the Board

  Executive Director 

Independent 

  Non-Executive Director 
  Non-Independent 
  Non-Executive Director 
  Chairman 

2

3

1
1

Length of tenure 
(Non-Executive Directors)

  0–3 years 
  4–6 years 
  7–9 years 
  More than 9 years 

3
0
1
1

Board by gender

  Executive – male 
  Executive – female 
  Non-Executive – male 
  Non-Executive – female 

1
1
4
1

43

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2015JOHN MENZIES PLC 
BOAR D O F D I R ECTO RS

DIRECTORS’ BIOGR APHIES

Forsyth Black
E X E C U T I V E   D I R E C TO R   
P R E S I D E N T  &  M A N AG I N G 
D I R E C TO R   O F   M E N Z I E S 
AV I AT I O N 

Forsyth is President and Managing 
Director of Menzies Aviation and 
was appointed to the Board in 
January 2016. He has been with 
the Group for almost 16 years, 
during which time he has occupied 
predominantly senior Aviation 
roles. Forsyth served as Senior 
Vice-President of Africa, the 
Middle East and India and latterly 
was Managing Director of Menzies 
Distribution. In this role he 
achieved a return to growth, 
overseeing a successful network 
rationalisation programme 
together with entry into the 
growing e-commerce logistics 
market. Forsyth has a strong track 
record in commercial, managerial 
and business development roles, 
having previously led the inception 
and development of Menzies 
Aviation in India and Africa.

Dermot Jenkinson
N O N - E X E C U T I V E   
D I R E C TO R 

Dermot was appointed to the 
Board in 1986 and held various 
Executive responsibilities before 
assuming a Non-Executive role 
within the Company in 1999, the 
same year he founded beCogent 
Limited. Dermot was Executive 
Chairman of beCogent, a contact 
centre and related consultancy 
business, until 2010 when 
the business was sold to 
Teleperformance SA. He founded 
Ascensos Limited, a follow-on to 
beCogent, in 2013. Dermot’s 
contribution to the Board stems 
from the breadth of knowledge 
gained from both his experiences 
within the Company and through 
a wide range of executive 
management roles. 

OT H E R   A P P O I N T M E N T S
Executive Chairman 
of Ascensos Limited  
Vice-Chairman of Scottish 
Friendly Assurance Society 

Iain Napier
C H A I R M A N 

Paula Bell
E X E C U T I V E   D I R E C TO R 
C H I E F   F I N A N C I A L   O F F I C E R 

Iain was appointed as a  
Non-Executive Director of the 
Company in September 2008 and 
became Chairman in May 2010. 
Iain is a chartered management 
accountant and has had 
significant Board exposure 
on an international level.

Iain has wide experience across 
many industries having been Chief 
Executive Officer of Bass Leisure 
and Bass International Brewers 
following which he was Vice 
President UK and Ireland for 
Interbrew SA until August 2001. 
Prior to his time on the Bass Board, 
Iain spent 12 years with Ford 
Motor Company across multiple 
roles. Iain served as Group Chief 
Executive Officer of Taylor 
Wimpey plc between 2001 and 
2006.  He became a Non-
Executive Director of Imperial 
Brands plc (formerly Imperial 
Tobacco Group plc) in 2000, 
serving as Chairman between 
2007 and 2014. He is currently 
Chairman of McBride plc and is 
also a Non-Executive Director of 
Molson Coors Brewing Company 
and of William Grant & Sons 
Holdings Limited.

OT H E R   A P P O I N T M E N T S
Chairman of McBride plc 
Non-Executive Director of the 
Molson Coors Brewing Company 
Non-Executive Director of William 
Grant & Sons Holdings Limited

Paula joined the Company as Chief 
Financial Officer in June 2013 
having previously served as Group 
Finance Director of Ricardo plc 
from 2006 where she played a key 
role in the strategic diversification 
and growth of the business, driving 
strong cost and cash management 
and shareholder value creation. 
Paula was previously with BAA plc 
where she held the position of 
Finance and Property Director for 
Gatwick Airport and prior to that 
she was Director of Finance at 
AWG plc. Over a 10 year period at 
Rolls-Royce plc Paula was Finance 
Director for large-scale divisions 
before becoming Business 
Development Director for their 
international energy Transmission 
and Distribution Group where 
she led on strategy, sales and 
marketing and an extensive 
merger and acquisition 
programme in emerging territories. 
Paula is a Fellow of the Chartered 
Institute of Management 
Accountants and is Non-Executive 
Director and Chairman of the Audit 
Committee of Laird plc since 
March 2012. 

OT H E R   A P P O I N T M E N T S
Non-Executive Director and 
Chairman of the Audit Committee 
of Laird plc

Silla Maizey
N O N - E X E C U T I V E   
D I R E C TO R 

David Garman
N O N - E X E C U T I V E   D I R E C TO R 
S E N I O R   I N D E P E N D E N T 
D I R E C TO R

Geoff Eaton
N O N - E X E C U T I V E   
D I R E C TO R

John Geddes
G R O U P   C O M PA N Y 
S E C R E TA RY 

Silla was appointed as a Non-
Executive Director of the Company 
in May 2014 having enjoyed an 
Executive career at British Airways 
where she worked in a number of 
different functions. Most recently 
Silla served as Managing Director 
of London Gatwick but previously 
was involved in Finance, 
Procurement, Corporate 
Responsibility and Customer 
Services. Silla is also Chair of 
NHS Business Services Authority. 
In September 2015 Silla was 
appointed Non-Executive Director 
of the Crown Commercial Service, 
a Government Executive agency 
responsible for centralised 
procurement for Government 
departments and the wider 
public sector. Silla is a qualified 
accountant.

OT H E R   A P P O I N T M E N T S
Chair of NHS Business 
Services Authority  
Non-Executive Director of the 
Crown Commercial Service

David was appointed as a 
Non-Executive Director of 
the Company with effect from 
1 June 2015. He has a broad 
range of industrial experience 
including an Executive career 
which included the position of 
Chief Executive at TDG plc, the 
European contract logistics 
and supply chain management 
business, prior to which he was 
an Executive Director with 
Associated British Foods and 
United Biscuits. David is a director 
of several private companies 
and has held non-executive 
directorships at St Modwen 
Properties plc, Kewill plc and 
Carillion plc within the last 
five years. 

OT H E R   A P P O I N T M E N T S
David is a director of several  
private companies  
Non-Executive Director of Troy 
Income & Growth Trust plc

Geoff was appointed as a Non-
Executive Director of the Company 
with effect from 1 June 2015. 
Geoff has had an extensive 
Executive career including the 
positions of Chief Operating 
Officer at Premier Foods plc and 
Chief Executive Officer at Uniq plc. 
He has experience in diverse 
corporate cultures and has 
extensive business to business 
experience in both Europe and the 
USA. Geoff is currently Executive 
Chairman of New England 
Seafood International Limited. 
Geoff is a chartered accountant.

OT H E R   A P P O I N T M E N T S
Executive Chairman of 
New England Seafood 
International Limited

John is a Chartered Secretary 
who was appointed Group 
Company Secretary in 2006. He 
first joined the Group in 1997 and 
held various senior positions within 
it prior to his current appointment. 
Within his role, John is also 
responsible for the Group Risk and 
Insurance functions. John’s career 
includes Company Secretariat 
posts at both Bank of Scotland plc 
and Guinness plc. John is a board 
member of the Airport Services 
Association, an industry body 
which brings together the world’s 
major ground handling service 
providers and suppliers.

OT H E R   A P P O I N T M E N T S
Board member of Airport Services 
Association

4 4

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONJOHN MENZIES PLCANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2015 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CO R P O R ATE GOVER NAN CE STATEM ENT

CORPOR ATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

The Board remains committed to the principles of good corporate governance 
as it continues to advance the Group’s strategy. The Financial Reporting 
Council’s UK Corporate Governance Code (September 2014) (the “Code”) is 
an integral part of our values and we continue to follow the good practice 
which it recommends. The Board considers that the Company has been 
compliant with the provisions set out in the Code throughout 2015. 

The Board believes that the Annual Report and Accounts 2015 are, when 
taken as a whole, fair, balanced and understandable, providing shareholders 
with the requisite information to assess the Company’s performance, 
business model and strategy.

Code Principles
A summary of the key corporate governance practices of the 
Company are as follows:

Leadership
Responsibilities of the Board
The principal responsibility of the Board is to ensure the 
Company’s long-term success by collectively directing the 
Company’s affairs within the parameters of the Company’s 
internal control framework whilst identifying and managing 
the interests of its internal and external stakeholders. In 
seeking to ensure the prosperity of the Company, the Board 
assumes responsibility for the overall strategy of the Group 
whilst considering and approving, if considered appropriate, 
potential acquisitions and disposals, financial statements 
and major non-recurring projects and capital expenditure. 
In addition to consideration of significant operational and 
financial matters, the Board also addresses corporate 
governance and social responsibility issues together with 
challenges arising in areas as diverse as health and safety, 
employment and the environment. In effecting their 
responsibilities as members of the Board, the Directors of 
the Company remain cognisant of their statutory obligation 
to act in a manner which they consider, in good faith, would 
be most likely to promote the success of the Company for 
the benefit of its shareholders as a whole. 

To ensure the effective discharge of its responsibilities,  
the Board gathers on a regular basis and during 2015  
met 8 times (as set out on page 47 of this Annual Report  
and Accounts 2015). It has a formal schedule of matters 
specifically reserved for its decision, as set out in the  
Group’s Corporate Governance Manual, and is made  
up of 7 Directors comprising:

• the Chairman;

• 2 Executive Directors;

• 3 independent Non-Executive Directors; and

• 1 non-independent Non-Executive Director.

Biographies for each of these Directors can be found 
on pages 44 and 45 of this Annual Report and 
Accounts 2015.

Following Jeremy Stafford’s resignation in January 2016, the 
Board structure was reviewed. Forsyth Black was appointed 
Managing Director for Menzies Aviation and an Executive 
Director of the Company; the Operations Director of Menzies 
Distribution was also appointed Interim Managing Director 
of that Division. Both will work alongside the existing Chief 
Financial Officer. Each Executive Director has clearly defined 
duties and responsibilities which, having been agreed by the 
Board, are regularly reviewed with the Chairman.

Role of Board Members
Chairman
The Chairman performs a Non-Executive role which is 
clearly defined and which is distinct from other Board 
positions. His function is to lead the Board in strategic 
discussions and, in accordance with the Code, to ensure 
that accurate, clear and timely information is available to 
all Directors. The Chairman is available to the Executive 
Directors to discuss any concerns or issues which may arise 
and seeks to ensure that risk and long-term shareholder 
value remain a key focus for the Executive Directors. In 
conducting Board meetings, the Chairman is aware that 
sufficient time needs to be available for the discussion of 
agenda items (with particular reference to strategic issues), 
whilst fostering an atmosphere which encourages active 
participation by and discussion between all Executive and 
Non-Executive Directors. 

Non-Executive Directors
Non-Executive Directors are appointed for an initial term  
of 3 years and, in accordance with the Code, are required  
to constructively challenge both the performance of 
management and information presented to them whilst 
contributing to the strategic development of the Company. 
They are expected to satisfy themselves on the integrity of 
financial information and be comfortable that the Group’s 
systems of internal financial controls and risk management 
are rigorous and robust.

Following the resignation of Ian Harley in May 2015, the 
Board appointed David Garman as Senior Independent 
Director with effect from 1 August 2015. David is expected 
to make himself available to the Company’s shareholders, 

46

and other stakeholders where required, should any 
issues or concerns arise and where discussions with 
the Chairman and/or the Executive Directors are not 
considered appropriate. 

Executive Directors
The role of the Executive Directors is to develop and 
implement on a daily basis the overall Group strategy which 
has been agreed by the Board. They are expected to report 
regularly to the Board on any issues which arise within the 
Group and present their proposed resolutions when 
problems occur. 

Board Committees
The Board also delegates specific responsibilities to the Board 
Committees detailed in the table below. These Committees 
have defined Terms of Reference and information of an 
appropriate quality is issued to them in a timely manner to 
assist in the performance of their duties. It is the Board’s 
policy that all independent Non-Executive Directors should 
contribute to the membership of its Committees. 

Our Board Committees comprise solely independent 
Non-Executive Directors, with the Audit Committee and 
Remuneration Committee having 3 members and the 
Nomination Committee 4 members. The Chairs of the Audit 
and Remuneration Committees are chosen from Directors 
who are considered independent under the terms of the 
Code, whilst the Chairman of the Nomination Committee  
is also Chairman of the Board. 

Additionally, the Board has also delegated operational and 
strategy implementation matters to the Company’s 
Executive Committee which comprises the Business Leaders 
of Menzies Aviation and Menzies Distribution. 

Effectiveness
Composition of the Board
The Board recognises that, in accordance with the Code, 
it, together with its Committees, must have the appropriate 
balance of skills, knowledge of the Company and experience 
to ensure they can effectively discharge their duties and 
responsibilities. All Directors are expected to act in a way 
which they consider, in good faith, would be most likely to 
promote the success of the Company for the benefit of its 
shareholders as a whole whilst exercising their judgement 
independently from the influences of others. Whilst the 
Board is of the view that the current balance between 
Executive and Non-Executive Directors is appropriate, 
its composition is reviewed annually and particular regard 
is had to the length of tenure of each Director to ensure 
there are identified candidates when it is considered the 
Board requires to be refreshed.

As indicated in the Annual Report and Accounts 2014, it 
was the Board’s intention to identify suitable Non-Executive 
Directors to replace Ian Harley and Octavia Morley when 
they stepped down during 2015. A recruitment process was 
undertaken, following the procedure detailed on page 52  
of this Annual Report and Accounts 2015, which led to the 
appointment of David Garman and Geoff Eaton as Non-
Executive Directors of the Company. These appointments, 
together with that of Forsyth Black in January 2016, are 
viewed as further strengthening the breadth of knowledge 
and experience on the Board whilst assisting in the support 
and development of the Company’s strategy.

Board and Committee meetings and attendance in 2015

Meetings
I Napier
P Bell
D Jenkinson

S Maizey
D Garman
G Eaton
Former Directors
I Harley
O Morley
J Stafford

Appointed/(resigned)

–
–
–

–
June 2015
June 2015

May 2015
December 2015
January 2016

Board

8
8/8
8/8
8/8

8/8
5/5
5/5

1/3
8/8
8/8

Audit 
Committee

Remuneration
 Committee

Nomination 
Committee

3
–
–
–

3/3
2/2
2/2

0/1
2/2
–

5
–
–
–

5/5
2/2
2/2

0/2
3/3
–

1
1/1
–
–

1/1
–
–

–
1/1
–

47

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONJOHN MENZIES PLCANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2015CO R P O R ATE GOVER NAN CE STATEM ENT

CO R P O R AT E G OV ER N A N C E S TAT EM EN T CO N T I N U ED

Independence
In addition to the Chairman who was considered to  
satisfy the independence criteria set out in the Code  
upon appointment, 3 of the Non-Executive Directors are 
considered independent (i.e. Silla Maizey, Geoff Eaton and 
David Garman). Having been on the Board since 1985, 
initially as an Executive Director and latterly as a Non-
Executive Director, Dermot Jenkinson is not considered 
independent under the Code. Dermot is, however,  
regarded as contributing effectively to the Board by 
providing a breadth of skills and experience from his 
knowledge of the Company and from his background  
in business and general management. 

Throughout 2015 and since the end of the financial year 
ending 31 December 2012, all of the Directors on each of the 
Board Committees have been independent in compliance 
with the Code.

Succession planning and Board recruitment
The Board is aware that it is essential to have a suitable 
succession plan in place in the event Board members either 
move on or retire and, accordingly, reviews its succession 
plans on an annual basis. The Board also reviews the 
composition of each of the Board Committees to ensure 
a suitable rotation of Directors occurs.

With regard to the replacement of any Executive Director, 
the Board has tasked the Nomination Committee with both 
reviewing potential internal candidates and nominating 
suitable external candidates as and when such a position 
arises. Additionally, each of the Business Leadership teams 
has a responsibility to ensure that talented individuals within 
the Group are nurtured and given every opportunity to 
develop their skills, such that they might progress their 
career within the organisation. 

To ensure a smooth transition of Chairmanship when 
required, the Nomination Committee continues to have 
responsibility for ensuring that there is a suitable candidate 
on the Board or, alternatively, that a suitable candidate is 
identified externally. Where required, the Nomination 
Committee will also engage with external recruitment 
agencies to identify suitable candidates for both Executive 
and Non-Executive positions. 

Nomination process
As detailed above, the Nomination Committee is tasked 
with identifying and nominating candidates to the Board 
when a position is identified. It operates under formal and 
transparent Terms of Reference and further details of its 
activities can be found on pages 51 and 52 of this Annual 
Report and Accounts 2015. The Nomination Committee 
regularly reviews the structure, size and composition 
(including the skills, knowledge and experience) required 
of the Board as against its current position and makes 
recommendations to the Board taking into account: 

• the results of any Board evaluation process;

• the total number of Directors; 

• the balance of Executive and Non-Executive Directors 

and the independent quota of the latter; and

• the need to ensure appropriate collective knowledge and 

experience, the length of service of the Directors and 
diversity factors (including skills mix, regional and industry 
experience and gender).

The Nomination Committee gives full consideration to 
succession planning for Directors, both Non-Executive and 
Executive, and other Senior Executives in the Company in 
the course of its work, taking into account the challenges 
and opportunities facing the Company and determining 
what skills and expertise will therefore be required on the 
Board in the future. Before any appointment is made by the 
Board, the Nomination Committee evaluates the balance of 
skills, knowledge and experience currently on the Board and, 
in light of this evaluation, prepares a detailed description of 
the role and capabilities required for a particular 
appointment. In identifying suitable candidates the 
Nomination Committee shall: 

• use open advertising or the services of independent 

external advisers to facilitate the search; 

• consider candidates from a wide range of backgrounds;

• ensure recruitment is undertaken in accordance with the 

Company’s Equal Opportunities and Dignity at Work 
policies; and 

• consider candidates on merit and against objective criteria, 

ensuring that potential appointees have sufficient time 
available to devote to the position.

Diversity
The Board fully supports diversity and recognises the 
benefits which diverse viewpoints can bring to key decision-
making processes. The Board is committed to developing 
and encouraging both members of the Board and all Group 
employees to achieve their full potential, irrespective of 
gender, race or sexuality. It remains the Board’s intention 
to always be cognisant of the benefits which derive from 
a diverse Board when considering any future appointments. 
Notwithstanding this, however, the Board does not believe 
that setting a quota is the most appropriate means by which 
to achieve a balanced Board and all appointments will be 
made on merit against objective criteria. 

Training and development
The Board believes that regularly updating the knowledge 
and skills of the Board is vital to its proper and effective 
functioning and to the attainment of the Company’s 
objectives. The Group Company Secretary is responsible for 
ensuring that regular updates are provided to the Board in 
respect of regulatory, legislative and governance changes, 
applicable reporting requirements and relevant market 
practices. The annual Board evaluation process is used to 
identify any training requirements or areas of weakness and 
the Group Company Secretary works with the Chairman to 
provide the requisite training, either to the Board as a whole 
or on an individual basis as required.

Induction 
Upon appointment Directors participate in a structured 
induction programme to provide familiarity with the business 
of the Group. The programme is tailored to the individual 
needs of each new Director and its objective is to ensure 
that any new Director receives a focused and appropriate 
induction which will assist them in fulfilling their role both 
on the Board and on any Board Committee to which they 
are appointed. Additionally, each new Director spends time 
with the Executive Team to understand the strategic goals 
and objectives of the Group and discussions will take place 
around current issues affecting the Group and in respect  
of operational items. 

Thereafter a new Director will meet with the Management 
teams in the businesses and in the Group’s Head Office and 
will undertake various site visits to understand how the 
Divisions operate and how the various parts of the Group 
interact. A new Director will also participate in structured 
meetings with the Chairman and Non-Executive Directors 
to ensure they are familiar with the Board, its structures and 
the operating responsibilities associated with the position to 
which they have been appointed. Following the site visits and 
meetings, the new Director will then have the opportunity to 
discuss whether they have any further training requirements 
with the Group Company Secretary and also whether they 
would like to arrange any meetings with the Company’s 
major shareholders. This programme was followed for Geoff 
Eaton and David Garman who joined during 2015.

The Board is also committed to developing talent throughout 
the Group and provides appropriate training, support and 
development to those employees identified as displaying 
potential as and when considered appropriate.

Information and support
All Directors, including Non-Executive Directors, have 
access to independent professional advice at the Company’s 
expense where they consider it necessary to discharge their 
responsibilities as Directors of the Company. This advice 
is arranged via the Group Company Secretary who must 
make himself available to all Directors to provide advice  
and assistance where required. Additionally, the Board 
Committees are supported by external professional advisers 
who provide additional information and undertake work 
on behalf of the relevant Committee independent of the 
Company management structure. The Group Company 
Secretary is responsible to each Committee for ensuring  
that sufficient resources are available to it to fully and 
effectively perform its duties together with ensuring 
compliance with Board procedures and the Group’s 
Corporate Governance Manual. Directors are also 
encouraged to visit operations and to undertake such 
activities and training as is appropriate or may be required  
or desirable in order to carry out their duties.

Board papers are circulated one week prior to all Board 
meetings to ensure that Directors have sufficient time to 
familiarise themselves with the items for discussion. The 
Company uses electronic packs to ensure quick and secure 
communication of papers to each Director. As part of the 
annual Board evaluation process, Directors are asked to 
confirm whether they are happy with the quality and range 
of papers provided to them and whether they consider they 
are presented with sufficient information upon which to 
base their decisions.

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NOMINATION COMMIT TEE REPORT

Board performance evaluation
The Board is supportive of the principles and provisions  
of the Code in respect of Board performance evaluation  
and its policy is to conduct rigorous internal performance 
evaluations of its own performance and that of its 
Committees and individual Directors on an annual basis. 
External consultants are used to refresh the process at least 
every 3 years with the last evaluation being undertaken by 
an independent external consultant in the final quarter 
of 2014. 

During 2015, the review was conducted by the Group 
Company Secretary. Each Director completed a detailed 
questionnaire and the collated results were reviewed 
collectively by the Board. In addition, the Chairman held 
an interview with each member of the Board to discuss 
any issues personal to them. Succession planning and 
risk profiling were noted as areas of focus but overall the 
review concluded that the Board functions effectively.

Re-election of Directors
In accordance with the provisions of the Code, all incumbent 
Directors are subject to annual re-election by the Company’s 
shareholders. All other Directors are subject to election by 
shareholders at the first AGM following their appointment 
and annual re-election thereafter.  

Accountability
Risk and assurance
A key function of the Board is to provide assurance that the 
internal controls and operation of the Group are sufficient 
and working. During 2015 the Board regularly reviewed the 
processes whereby risks are identified, evaluated and 
managed. The Group’s internal audit programme and risk 
management processes were also reviewed and updated 
and the Board continues to keep under continual review the 
effectiveness of the Group’s system of internal control and 
risk management.

Further details of our risk management strategy can be 
found on pages 22 and 23 of this Annual Report and 
Accounts 2015.

Board activity
The Board’s activities are structured to enable the Directors 
to fulfil their role, with particular reference to strategy, 
monitoring, assurance and succession. The diagram below 
details the main areas of focus by the Board during 2015:

Iain Napier
Nomination Committee 
Chairman

SUC C E S S I O N   A N D

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Relations with Shareholders
Dialogue
The Board has responsibility for communicating with 
the Company’s shareholders and has developed a 
comprehensive programme to ensure that effective 
communication with shareholders, analysts and the 
financial press is maintained throughout each financial year. 
Through its annual and interim reports, results and other 
announcements and the dissemination of information via 
the Company’s website at www.johnmenziesplc.com, the 
Board seeks to present its strategy and performance in 
an objective and balanced manner. 

Shareholders are invited to ask questions during the 
forthcoming AGM and also to meet with the Directors after 
the formal business of the AGM has concluded. The Chair of 
each of the Board Committees will be available to answer 
questions from any shareholder at the AGM. Full details of 
proxy votes cast on each resolution will be made available to 
shareholders attending the AGM and, in keeping with best 
practice, will be uploaded onto the Company’s website 
following the AGM. 

Directors are, at any time, able to request additional 
meetings with major shareholders and any such meetings 
will be arranged via the Group Company Secretary. At each 
Board meeting the Board receives an update report both on 
these meetings and on analyst meetings and/or analyst 
reports. The Chairman and Senior Independent Director are 
also available for the Company’s shareholders to contact at 
any time.

Committee Members

Name

I Napier

S Maizey 

D Garman (Appointed August 2015)

G Eaton (Appointed August 2015)

O Morley (Resigned December 2015)

I Harley (Resigned May 2015)

Position

Chairman

Member

Member

Member

Past Member

Past Member

Nomination Committee
The Terms of Reference of the Nomination Committee, 
a copy of which are available on the Company’s website, 
are modelled closely on those set out in the UK Corporate 
Governance Code (September 2014) (the “Code”). The 
principal responsibility of the Nomination Committee is to 
ensure that, collectively and at any given time, the members 
of the Board possess the necessary balance of knowledge, 
skills and experience to support and develop the strategy 
of the Company. In seeking to achieve this, the Nomination 
Committee will recommend new Board appointments as and 
when considered appropriate and will ensure that appropriate 
succession planning procedures are in place. In accordance 
with our Terms of Reference, I, as the Chairman of the 
Nomination Committee, report our conclusions to the Board 
and it is the Board as a whole which is responsible for making 
new appointments to the Board on our recommendation.

Composition
The Nomination Committee is chaired by me, the Chairman 
of the Company, and comprises solely independent Non-
Executive Directors. During 2015 both Ian Harley and 
Octavia Morley resigned as members of the Nomination 
Committee and were replaced by David Garman and Geoff 
Eaton. The Group Company Secretary continues to act as 
Secretary to the Nomination Committee pursuant to its 
Terms of Reference and it remains the case that Executive 
Directors may, by invitation, attend Nomination Committee 
meetings to discuss specific agenda items.

Role and Responsibilities 
As noted above, the Nomination Committee operates under 
formal and transparent Terms of Reference and is essentially 
tasked with identifying and recommending candidates to 
the Board when a position is identified or becomes available. 
The Nomination Committee’s main duties are, as set out in 
its Terms of Reference, to: 

• Evaluate: to evaluate, before making a recommendation to 
the Board, the balance of skills, knowledge and experience 
on the Board and, in light of this evaluation, prepare 
a description of the role and capabilities required for 
a particular appointment.

• Succession planning: to ensure that appropriate plans are 

in place at all times for orderly succession of Board members, 
taking into account the challenges and opportunities facing 
the Company and what skills and expertise may therefore 
be required on the Board in the future.

• Review leadership and structure: to review annually: 

(i) the structure, size and composition (including the skills, 
knowledge and experience) of the Board and its Committees 
and make recommendations to the Board with regard to 
any changes; and (ii) the leadership needs of the organisation, 
both Executive and Non-Executive, with a view to ensuring 
the continued ability of the organisation to compete 
effectively in the marketplace. 

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N O M I NATI O N CO M M IT TEE R EP O RT

AU D IT CO M M IT TEE R EP O RT

N O M I N AT I O N CO M M I T T EE R EP O RT CO N T I N U ED

AUDIT COMMIT TEE REPORT

Objectives for 2016
It is the Nomination Committee’s intention to continue 
to review the composition and structure of the Board, 
ensuring that the Company is at all times structured to 
deliver its strategy and to compete effectively in the 
marketplaces within which it operates. During 2016 
the Nomination Committee will also continue to closely 
monitor the structure, membership and succession plans 
of its Committees and, more generally, the leadership 
requirements of our businesses, making recommendations 
to the Board where considered appropriate. Additionally 
and in accordance with the Nomination Committee’s 
Terms of Reference, I will liaise with the Chairman of 
the Remuneration Committee in relation to the service 
contract and remuneration package to be offered to 
any proposed Executive Director or Managing Director.

On behalf of the Board

Iain Napier
Chairman of the Nomination Committee
7 March 2016

Main Activities in 2015
During 2015 the Nomination Committee met once. Meeting 
attendance is set out on the table on page 47 of this Annual 
Report and Accounts 2015.

A key focus of the Nomination Committee was, as 
indicated in the Annual Report and Accounts 2014, the 
appointment of Non-Executive Directors following the 
impending resignations of Ian Harley and Octavia Morley 
(which took place in May 2015 and December 2015 
respectively). The Nomination Committee appointed 
independent recruitment consultants, Korn Ferry and Hanson 
Green, to assist in identifying suitable candidates for these 
roles before undertaking a rigorous interview and reference 
process. The outcome of this process was the appointment 
of David Garman and Geoff Eaton as Non-Executive Directors. 
Both appointments were with effect from 1 June 2015, with 
David also being appointed as Senior Independent Director 
with effect from 1 August 2015. These appointments are 
viewed as further strengthening the breadth of knowledge 
and experience on the Board whilst assisting in the support 
and development of the Company’s strategy.

In undertaking this Board member recruitment, the 
Nomination Committee used the appointment process 
outlined in the Corporate Governance Statement on page 
48 of this Annual Report and Accounts 2015. The balance of 
skills, knowledge and experience of the Board was evaluated 
and the Nomination Committee developed the requisite 
appointment specification. Additionally and as also noted  
in the Annual Report and Accounts 2014, the Nomination 
Committee reviewed succession plans for both the Board 
and, more generally, for senior business leaders within the 
Group whilst also liaising with the Remuneration Committee 
in relation to any service contract and remuneration package 
being offered to a proposed Executive Director or Managing 
Director of the Group. 

Silla Maizey
Audit Committee Chairman

Board Members

Name

S Maizey

D Garman (appointed August 2015)

G Eaton (appointed August 2015)

O Morley (resigned August 2015)

Position

Chairman

Member

Member

Past Member

The Audit Committee provides effective oversight and 
governance over the financial integrity of the Group’s 
financial reporting to ensure that the interests of the 
Company’s shareholders are protected at all times. The Audit 
Committee assesses the quality of the internal and external 
audit processes and ensures that the risks which our 
businesses face are being effectively managed.

It is vitally important that we operate a culture where 
the very best controls environment exists throughout 
our global operations.

The Audit Committee will continue to review and update our 
activities in line with new legislation but also as the nature 
of our operating businesses evolve.

Silla Maizey assumed the position as Chairman of the Audit 
Committee following the Company’s AGM in May 2015 when 
Ian Harley stepped down as a Director of the Company. In 
August 2015 David Garman and Geoff Eaton joined the Audit 
Committee with Octavia Morley stepping down in August 
2015. The composition of the Audit Committee meets with 
the requirements of the UK Corporate Governance Code 
(September 2014) (the “Code”) but, in line with good 
practice, membership is reviewed annually. 

Role and Responsibilities
The Audit Committee assists the Board in the execution 
of its responsibilities for corporate governance and internal 
control and has adopted Terms of Reference modelled on 
those set out in the Code. The Group’s Chief Financial Officer, 
Group Company Secretary and certain senior financial 
executives (as appropriate), together with representatives 
from the internal and external audit teams, attended each 
meeting of the Audit Committee. It is a requirement that at 
least one Audit Committee member has suitable financial 
experience and both Silla Maizey and Geoff Eaton who are 
accountants, qualified and chartered respectively, have been 
identified as meeting this requirement.

A copy of the Audit Committee’s Terms of Reference is available 
on the Company’s website.

The Audit Committee has delegated authority from the 
Board for ensuring adherence to the Code provisions and 
related guidance.

Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the Audit Committee include:

• reviewing the financial results announcements and 

financial statements and reviewing significant judgments 
and estimates contained within them;

• advising the Board on whether the Company’s annual 
report and accounts are, when taken as a whole, fair, 
balanced and understandable and provide the information 
necessary for shareholders to assess the Company’s 
performance, business model and strategy;

• ensuring compliance with applicable accounting standards 
and reviewing the appropriateness of accounting policies 
and practices in place;

• reviewing the Company’s internal financial controls and 

the effectiveness of the internal audit function;

• reviewing the Group’s policies and practices concerning 

business conduct, ethics and integrity, fraud and  
whistle-blowing; and

• overseeing all aspects of the relationship with the external 
auditors, including their appointment, the audit process, 
the supply of non-audit services and monitoring their 
effectiveness and independence.

The Audit Committee also exists to ensure that the interests 
of shareholders are protected and does so by ensuring the 
integrity of the published financial statements are rigorously 
reviewed and that the Company has undertaken an effective 
and full audit process each financial year. This external audit 
process is currently undertaken by Ernst & Young LLP (“EY”).

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AU D I T CO M M I T T EE R EP O RT CO N T I N U ED

Review of Audit Committee Meetings
As scheduled, the Audit Committee met 3 times during 
2015. Meeting attendance is set out in the table  
on page 47 of this Annual Report and Accounts 2015.

The Audit Committee Chairman provides a full report of its 
activities, findings and recommendations to the Board after 
each meeting.

During each financial year the Audit Committee Chairman 
generally follows a formal agenda structure for each of the 
meetings which are planned. The agenda is reviewed at the 
start of each year by the Committee Chairman and the 
Group Company Secretary and they consider the inclusion of 
any items over and above the standard items that the Audit 
Committee may wish to review.

Normally the Chairman of the Board and Chief Financial 
Officer, together with the external auditor, are given notice 
of all Audit Committee meetings and may be invited to 
attend and speak at any meeting. The external auditor has 
the opportunity to meet with the Audit Committee without 
any Executive Directors present whenever necessary.

The Audit Committee has the authority to seek any 
information it requires from any employee of the Company 
and believes it has received sufficient, reliable information 
from Management to enable it to fulfil its responsibilities 
during 2015. The Audit Committee can take such 
independent professional advice as it considers necessary. 

Main activities in 2015
• The Audit Committee formally reviewed and 

recommended the Company’s Annual Report and Accounts 
2015 (including the Statements on Internal Control and the 
work of the Audit Committee) and associated business 
review together with the Interim Results announcements 
made by the Company. This aspect of its work focused on 
key accounting policies, estimates and judgements, including 
significant or unusual transactions or changes to these. 
In doing so the Audit Committee reviewed the reports of 
Management and the controls assurance (internal audit) 
provider and took into account the views of the 
external auditors.

• The Audit Committee reviewed the work of Management 
which involved assessing key risks at Group and Divisional 
level according to their significance, likelihood and impact, 
as well as the Group’s exposure to and management of 
these risks. The Risk Register and evaluation of risk 
constantly evolves and the Audit Committee was satisfied 
that Management had appropriate risk management 
strategies and systems in place to address the Group’s key 
business risks.

• The Audit Committee reviewed and adopted an updated 
internal audit plan, increasing the level of audits at both 
the operational and controls levels. Following a review of 
the operational processes within the Distribution Division, 
an updated controls assurance programme has been 
developed to reflect the key operational risks identified.

• The Audit Committee approved a revised internal audit 

programme to provide standardisation across all operating 
units in the Group and supervised the roll-out of a monthly 
operational self-certification process.

• The Audit Committee reviewed the progress made 

following the creation of a new central Risk function which 
now applies standardised processes and policies across 
the Group in the key areas of safety, security, audit 
and compliance. This included a detailed look at safety 
processes, systems and procedures across the 
Aviation Division.

• The Audit Committee also reviewed the objectivity 

and independence of the external auditors.

• Recent revisions to the Code introduced an additional 
requirement for the Board to consider the period over 
which it is able to conclude that the Group will remain 
viable having taken into account the impact of severe but 
plausible downside risks. At its meeting in August 2015, the 
Audit Committee considered and provided input into the 
Group’s principal risks and the key control mechanisms in 
place to mitigate those risks. At its meeting in December 
2015, it thereafter reviewed the results of Management’s 
modelling of scenarios related to these risks and the impact 
on the Group’s liquidity and solvency.

In addition to its standard agenda, the Audit Committee 
welcomes presentations from both Divisions on key areas of 
focus. The Audit Committee is keen to continue to be kept 
updated on key risk areas of safety, security and financial 
control and ad-hoc presentations are planned during 2016.

The primary areas of judgement considered by the 
Audit Committee in relation to the Accounts for 2015  
and how these were addressed are as follows:

Goodwill and intangible assets
The review for impairment of goodwill and intangible assets 
is based on cash flow projections to calculate a value in use 
for each area based on forecasts prepared by each Division. 
The achievability of the forecast is a risk, given inherent 
uncertainty within any financial projection. 

The Audit Committee evaluated a paper from Management 
on the methodology of the impairment assessment and the 
results of that assessment. Key assumptions were reviewed, 
including discount rates, business risk factors and cash flow 
projections based on the most recent budget and strategic 
reviews. Actions and factors likely to influence levels of 
impairment were noted and the view of the external auditor 
was sought in relation to the appropriateness of the approach 
and outcome. Taking into account the documentation 
presented, we were satisfied with the approach and 
judgements taken. 

Pension accounting
The assumptions assumed in the calculation for scheme 
liabilities and asset returns are underpinned by a range  
of judgements. Assumptions were prepared by external 
actuaries and reviewed and approved by Management  
and the external auditors, ensuring that they were aligned  
to prevailing economic indicators. Changes in assumptions 
were then summarised for the Audit Committee and 
included an increase in mortality rates. We were satisfied 
with the approach and judgements taken.

Exceptional and other items
The Audit Committee considered the appropriateness of 
the measure of underlying profits and the classification and 
transparency of items separately disclosed as exceptional 
and other items. It was satisfied that the measure of 
underlying profits provided a reasonable view of the 
underlying performance of the Group and that there  
was transparent disclosure of items shown separately 
as exceptional and other items.

Revenue recognition
The Audit Committee has confirmed that the Group has 
appropriately recognised revenues in accordance with 
its contractual obligations during the period, paying 
attention to expected returns.

Taxation
Provisioning for current and deferred tax liabilities and 
assets requires the exercising of judgement. The Audit 
Committee addressed this through the receipt of a range 
of reports from Management, who has also established a 
separate Tax Committee to deal with such requests (see 
further detail below). The Audit Committee challenged 
the appropriateness of Management’s views including 
the extent to which these are supported by appropriate 
external advice. 

Provisions
The Audit Committee has challenged Management’s 
assumptions used in determining whether provisions 
are appropriate in relation to onerous property leases. 

External group audit
EY is the appointed external auditor to the Company. They 
were appointed in 2009 after a full tender process. The lead 
audit partner changed to James Nisbet during 2015. This 
change resulted from the previous lead audit partner, Annie 
Graham, being on maternity leave during part of 2015. There 
are no contractual obligations in place that restrict the Audit 
Committee in their choice of external audit provider.

The Audit Committee reviews and approves the audit plan, 
as well as the findings of the external auditor from its audit 
of the Company’s annual financial statements.

It is vitally important that the Audit Committee believes its 
appointed external auditor undertakes a full and effective 
audit. Their performance is reviewed annually. In undertaking 
the review the Chairman of the Audit Committee seeks 
views from fellow Committee members, the Chief Financial 
Officer and also a wide range of senior management who 
were exposed to the audit process. The outputs from the 
audit provider are also reviewed for accuracy, clarity and  
also to ensure that they reflect the level of detail undertaken 
during the audit.

As part of its review of the effectiveness of the external 
auditor, the Audit Committee keeps under review its 
objectivity and independence and the nature and extent of 
the non-audit services that it provides. These services have 
historically included dealing with the Group’s tax affairs 
where their knowledge of the Group’s business processes 
and controls makes them best placed to undertake this work 
cost-effectively on the Group’s behalf. The work undertaken 
for the Group by the audit team is handled by a different 
partner from the tax and other non-audit services and is 
managed separately.

During 2015, audit fees amounted to £1.0m, whilst non-
audit fees to EY amounted to £0.9m. The Audit Committee 
regularly reviews the remuneration received by the external 
auditor for audit services, audit-related services and 
non-audit work. These reviews are to ensure a balance of 
objectivity, value for money and compliance with their 
duties. The outcome of these reviews was that performance 
of the relevant non-audit work by our auditors was the most 
cost-effective way of conducting our business and that no 
conflicts of interest existed between such audit and 
non-audit work. These reviews enable the Audit Committee 
to confirm that we continue to receive an efficient, effective 
and independent audit service.

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During 2015 the Risk Register process evolved further. 
Risks are now categorised into 14 areas with key identified 
risks, both financial and non-financial (the latter including 
environmental, social and governance risks), reviewed by the 
Board as well as the Executive Committee on an ongoing 
basis. A formal six-monthly review of risks and controls 
takes place, supported by the Group’s controls assurance 
provider. The Executive Committee also reviews each 
Division’s performance, strategy and risk management. 
Annual compliance statements on internal control are 
certified by each Division and, where appropriate, the Group 
Finance function. Details of the key risks identified through 
this exercise are included on pages 24 and 25 of this Annual 
Report and Accounts 2015.

A Treasury Review Committee (“TRC”) meets monthly 
to review the adequacy of the Group’s facilities against 
potential utilisation and commitments, as well as to 
monitor and manage the Group’s exposure to interest rate 
and currency movements. All minutes and matters arising 
from the TRC are included in the main Board papers. 

A Tax Committee meets quarterly to assess the impact 
of any tax changes which may affect the Group in any of the 
jurisdictions in which it operates.

Further details on how the Board manages business risks 
are shown on pages 22 and 23 of this Annual Report and 
Accounts 2015.

All non-audit work is put out to tender and non-audit fees 
paid to EY are approved by the Chief Financial Officer, who 
reports any significant payments or awards of work to the 
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee believes that the 
level and scope of these non-audit services does not impair 
the objectivity of the external auditors.

A change in the applicable EU regulations regarding non-
audit fees means that, for listed companies, from mid-2016 
there is a restriction on the level of fees which an external 
auditor can charge in relation to non-audit services. As a 
result we have undertaken a detailed review of our audit and 
tax services and this is likely to result in a change to our tax 
advisers in the second half of 2016.

Following a review held at the conclusion of the 2015 audit 
the Audit Committee was satisfied that EY provided an 
effective audit and remains independent and objective.

Internal Control and Risk Management
A key factor in the Group’s approach to internal control is the 
recognition of the need for risk awareness and the ownership 
of risk management by Executives at all levels. The Group 
operates an Executive Committee which reviews the risk 
programmes and internal audit outcomes and ensures that 
all actions are implemented. A Statement of Group policies 
and procedures (the “Statement”) sets out the responsibilities 
of the Executive Committee, including authority levels, 
reporting disciplines and responsibility for risk management 
and internal control.

Each Operating Division has also adopted a Corporate 
Governance Manual detailing its controls in implementing 
the policies and procedures set out in the Statement. Certain 
activities, including treasury, taxation, insurance, pension and 
legal matters are controlled centrally with reports reviewed 
by the Board as appropriate.

Internal Audit
The Audit Committee reviewed the Group’s internal control 
structure, approved the scope of work and fees for the 
controls assurance provider and debated whether the 
internal audit function should be brought in-house. It 
concluded that due to the complexity of the Group’s business 
and the international nature of the Aviation business, the 
internal audit function was best served by continuing to be 
delivered in conjunction with Deloitte LLP (“Deloitte”), given 
their global spread and resources, with operational audits 
supported by the internal operational standards and 
compliance teams.

It has been agreed to retain external consultants, who are 
aviation audit specialists, to provide a greater detail of 
operational audits and they will work throughout 2016 with 
the internal audit teams to provide a comprehensive audit 
programme for the Aviation Division. During 2015, Aviation 
and Marine Services Inc. completed a full review of aviation 
operations and action plans are in place to implement a 
number of their recommendations. The work to be 
undertaken by Deloitte will focus on financial controls and 
business management, whilst internal auditors working in 
each Division will undertake an increased number of 
operational branch and station audits to supplement the 
work undertaken by Deloitte.

In accordance with the Financial Reporting Council’s 
Guidance on Risk Management, Internal Control and Related 
Financial and Business Reporting (September 2014), the 
Directors are responsible for the Group’s system of internal 
control which covers financial, operational and compliance 
controls together with risk management. The system has 
been in place throughout 2015 and up until the date of this 
Annual Report and Accounts 2015, except that it did not 
apply to the Group’s material joint ventures.

Findings from the internal audit programme (on financial and 
key non-financial risks) and areas identified for improvement 
are reviewed by the Audit Committee and prioritised for action 
by Management. The Audit Committee reviews follow-up 
reports from Management to ensure that any weaknesses 
identified in internal audit reports submitted to it are fully 
addressed and that improved procedures are adopted.

The use of our standard accounting manual by Finance 
teams throughout the Group ensures that transactions 
and balances are recognised and measured in accordance 
with prescribed accounting policies and that information 
is appropriately reviewed and reconciled as part of the 
reporting process. The use of a standard reporting tool by 
all entities in the Group ensures that information is gathered 
and presented in a consistent way which facilitates the 
production of the consolidated financial statements.

Whilst no system can provide absolute guarantee and 
protection against material loss, the system is designed 
to give the Directors reasonable assurance that problems 
can be identified promptly and remedial action taken as 
appropriate. The Directors, through the Board’s review of 
risk and the work of the Audit Committee, have reviewed 
the effectiveness of the system of internal control for the 
accounting period under review and consider that it accords 
with guidance.

On behalf of the Board

Silla Maizey
Chairman of the Audit Committee
7 March 2016

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REMUNER ATION COMMIT TEE REPORT

Geoff Eaton
Remuneration Committee Chairman

Committee Members

Name

G Eaton (Appointed August 2015)

S Maizey

D Garman (Appointed August 2015)

I Harley (Resigned May 2015)

O Morley (Resigned August 2015)

Position

Chairman

Member

Member

Past Member

Past Member

Statement by Geoff Eaton,  
Remuneration Committee Chairman
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to introduce the 
Company’s Remuneration Report for the financial year 
ended 31 December 2015. This Report details the 
remuneration policy for the Company’s Executive and 
Non-Executive Directors and provides details of their 
remuneration for 2015.

The Remuneration Committee was chaired by Octavia Morley 
until the end of August 2015. I was appointed Chairman 
of the Remuneration Committee with effect from 
1 September 2015. Octavia had been Chairman of the 
Remuneration Committee since May 2010 and I would 
like to take this opportunity to thank her for her 
contribution to the Remuneration Committee over her 
period in tenure. Like Octavia, I consider it essential that 
Executive remuneration be fair, balanced and reflective of 
the general markets and environments in which we operate.

The Remuneration Policy which the Company has adopted 
is designed to both reflect the strategic objectives of the 
Company and to drive long-term shareholder value. We 
continue to operate within this Remuneration Policy which 
was approved by the Company’s shareholders at its AGM  
on 16 May 2014 and no changes are proposed at this time. 

Board Changes
Having completed 9 years as a Non-Executive Director, 
Octavia Morley left the Board in December 2015 whilst 
Ian Harley stepped down from his role as a Non-Executive 
Director, due to ill-health, following the Company’s AGM in 
May 2015. Following the appointment of external 
recruitment advisers to assist in identifying suitable 
candidates and a rigorous interview and reference process, 
the Nomination Committee recommended the appointment 
of David Garman and myself as Non-Executive Directors, 
appointed with effect from 1 June 2015 and with 
remuneration packages in line with the Company’s 
Remuneration Policy. No member of the Remuneration 
Committee participates in discussions regarding their own 
remuneration. 

Since the end of 2015, Jeremy Stafford resigned his  
position as Chief Executive Officer and Director of the 
Company. Following a subsequent meeting of the Board  
his employment was terminated.

Forsyth Black was appointed Managing Director of Menzies 
Aviation and an Executive Director of the Company on  
13 January 2016 with a salary of £300,000. He is entitled to 
a maximum annual bonus of 100% of salary and a maximum 
annual share award equal to 100% of salary under the 
Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan. Forsyth has been  
with the Group for almost 16 years predominantly in senior 
Aviation roles, where latterly he was Senior Vice-President  
of Africa, the Middle East and India, and most recently as 
head of the Distribution Division.

Share Plans
At the Company’s AGM in May 2015 shareholders approved 
the updated rules of the Company’s Long Term Incentive 
Plan (the “LTIP”) and the Share Matching Plan (the “SMP”), 
both of which include current best practice features 
including clawback and malus provisions for all future 
awards. Shareholders also approved the 2015 Notional 
Incentive Plan (the “NIP”) which is intended to operate for 
employees below Board level. As the NIP does not form part 
of the approved Remuneration Policy, NIP awards cannot be 
made to Executive Directors.

2015 LTIP Awards 
As disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report and Accounts 
2014, the 2015 LTIP awards are based on relative Total 
Shareholder Return (“TSR”) and Group Earnings Before 
Interest, Taxation, Depreciation and Amortisation (“EBITDA”). 
2016 LTIP awards to Executive Directors will be based on 
TSR as this is considered the most appropriate target for 
rewarding delivery of long-term shareholder value.

Remuneration Outcomes
The Remuneration Committee has reviewed 2016 base 
salary levels for Executive Directors and has determined that 
with effect from 1 May 2016 Paula Bell will receive a salary 
increase of 2%. This is in line with the salary increases for 
other Group employees. There will be no salary increase  
for Forsyth Black following his recent appointment.

The 2013 LTIP and Bonus Co-Investment Plan (the “BCIP”) 
awards were assessed by the Remuneration Committee 
based on performance to 31 December 2015. The 
Remuneration Committee determined that the relevant 
performance measures were not met and such awards will 
lapse following the Company’s final results announcement 
on 8 March 2016. Further details are provided on pages 69 
and 70 of this Annual Report and Accounts 2015.

As before, in our continuing drive for transparency and full 
disclosure we will continue to publish the performance 
targets relating to the annual bonus plan following the end  
of the performance period. With regard to any LTIP of the 
Company any element of the performance criteria which is 
not based on Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) or TSR will also be 
disclosed at the end of the performance period.

Geoff Eaton
Remuneration Committee Chairman
7 March 2016

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DIRECTORS’ REMUNER ATION

Section 1 – Directors’ Remuneration: Principles
This section of the Remuneration Report sets out a summary of the Company’s Remuneration Policy in respect of its 
Directors. The Remuneration Policy, including the summary table, the recruitment policy and the policy for payments 
to outgoing Directors, was approved by the Company’s shareholders at its AGM on 16 May 2014. The Remuneration Policy 
has been developed to ensure that the Company is well placed to attract, retain and motivate Directors with the ability and 

experience necessary to run the Company successfully, whilst also aligning Executive remuneration with the experience 
of its shareholders. The clawback and malus policy remains as previously included in the Company’s Annual Report and 
Accounts 2014.

The Company’s Remuneration Policy is available on its website at: www.johnmenziesplc.com.

P U R P O S E   A N D   L I N K 
TO   S T R AT EGY

O P ER AT I O N

1 B A S I C   S A L A RY

Attract and retain high performing individuals 
reflecting market value of role and Executive’s 
skills and experience.

Normally reviewed annually.

Salaries for 2016 will be:

•  P Bell: £325,686

•  F Black: £300,000

The Remuneration Committee takes into consideration a number of factors when 
setting salaries including (but not limited to):

•  the size and scope of the individual’s responsibilities;

•  the individual’s skills, experience and performance;

•  typical salary levels for comparable roles at appropriate comparator companies; 

•  pay and conditions elsewhere in the Company; and

•  inflation in the relevant market.

M A X I M U M   O P P O RT U N I T Y

P ER F O R M A N C E   M E T R I C S

None, although individual and Company performance are 
factors taken into account when setting salaries.

There is no maximum opportunity. Salary increases will normally  
be in line with the average increase awarded in the wider  
employee population. 

Higher increases may be made in certain circumstances, at the 
Remuneration Committee’s discretion. For example, this may include 
(but is not limited to):

•  increase in the scope and/or responsibility of the individual’s role;

•  development of the individual within the role;

•  corporate events such as a significant acquisition or Group 

restructuring which impacts the scope of role; and

•  where it is considered necessary for the retention of an Executive  

or to reflect significant changes in market practice.

2 A N N UA L   B O N U S

Incentivise delivery of Group and individual 
objectives and enhance performance.

D E F E R R E D   B O N U S   I N   S H A R E S
Encourages a longer-term focus which is aligned 
to shareholders and discourages inappropriate 
risk-taking.

B O N U S   C O - I N V E S T M E N T   P L A N   
(“ B C I P ”)/ S H A R E   M AT C H I N G 
P L A N  (“ S M P ”) 
Deferred bonus in shares encourages a longer 
term focus which is aligned to shareholders and 
discourages inappropriate risk-taking.

Long-term performance measures incentivise 
performance over the medium and long term.

The BCIP has been replaced by the SMP for 
awards to be made in 2016 and onwards.

The annual bonus is paid in cash and shares, based on the Remuneration 
Committee’s assessment of performance during the financial year in question.

Maximum annual award is 100% of salary.

20% of any award is paid in deferred shares with such shares having dividend 
entitlements.

The Remuneration Committee may clawback bonus awards for a period of 3  
years after the end of the relevant bonus year in the event of the misstatement  
of accounts that materially increased the amount of bonus paid or misconduct  
by an employee which has or could have led to their employment being  
summarily terminated.

The Remuneration Committee may increase the level of deferral at any time.

Directors can voluntarily invest up to 40% of any cash bonus awarded after 
deduction of tax to acquire contributory shares. It is the amount of the gross 
bonus invested which determines the number of qualifying shares.

Matching shares are awarded based on the number of qualifying shares.

All measures and targets are reviewed annually and set  
at the start of each financial year.

The measures will include relevant Group and/or Divisional 
financial measures and may include performance against  
Key Results Areas (“KRAs”) or other strategic measures  
as appropriate.

At least 70% of the bonus will be based on performance 
against financial measures.

Directors can voluntarily invest up to 40% (on a gross basis) of any 
cash bonus received.

Performance criteria are reviewed and set at the start  
of each award.

Investments are matched at a maximum of 1:1 with shares that vest 
dependent on performance.

Vesting of shares is dependent on the attainment of performance criteria.

The maximum opportunity is 32% of salary.

Matching shares usually vest over 3 years.

Matching awards may incorporate the value of dividends over the 
performance period.

3 LO N G -T E R M   I N C E N T I V E   P L A N 

(“ LT I P ”)
To incentivise value creation over the medium  
and long term.

Awards under the LTIP may be in the form of a conditional right to acquire shares 
or an option to acquire shares.

Vesting of shares is dependent on the attainment of performance criteria over  
a period of at least 3 years.

Maximum annual grant value is 100% of salary.

To reward the execution of the Company’s 
strategy.

To encourage longer-term thinking and planning.

To align the interests of shareholders and 
Directors.

Matching awards will vest based on Group EPS performance.

No more than 25% of the award vests on the attainment  
of threshold target.

Performance criteria are reviewed and set at the start of  
each award, using one or more of relative TSR, Group EPS 
performance, Return on Capital Employed or any other Group 
financial measure and divisional performance measures.

No more than 25% of the award vests on the attainment  
of threshold target.

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D I R ECTO R S’ R EM U N ER AT I O N CO N T I N U ED

P U R P O S E   A N D   L I N K 
TO   S T R AT EGY

O P ER AT I O N

4 P E N S I O N

To provide market levels of pension provision.

Directors appointed from 2013 onwards participate in a money purchase pension 
scheme or cash equivalent.

5 B E N E F I T S

To provide market levels of benefits provision.

Executive Directors receive benefits which typically may include, but are not 
limited to, private health insurance, life assurance, ill-health insurance protection 
and a Company car allowance. Other benefits may be operated through salary 
sacrifice. The Remuneration Committee may introduce or remove benefits 
offered to individuals if it considers it appropriate.  

Where Executive Directors are required to relocate, the Remuneration 
Committee may, if considered appropriate, offer additional relocation 
or expatriate benefits.

C O M PA N Y   S H A R E S AV E   S C H E M E
This provides the Company’s UK employees with 
an interest in the performance of its shares.

Accumulated savings may be used to exercise an option to acquire shares  
in the Company.

The option price of such shares may be discounted by up to the HMRC approved 
level (currently 20%).

S H A R E H O L D I N G   G U I D E L I N E S
To align the Executive Directors with the 
long-term interests of shareholders.

   Shareholding guidelines for Executive Directors are 200% of salary (built up                                                                                                                                               
   over time). Details of how these operate are set out each year in the Company’s                                                                                                                                        
   Remuneration Report.

C H A I R M A N   A N D   
N O N - E X E C U T I V E   
D I R E C TO R   F E E S
To attract Non-Executive Directors of sufficient 
skills and experience to fulfil the role.

The fees for Non-Executive Directors comprise a basic payment plus additional 
payments for being Chairman of a Committee, a Committee member or for 
being the Senior Independent Director. Differential fee levels may be paid  
for Non-Executive Directors depending on the skills, experience, nationality, 
and responsibilities of the individual.

The Chairman is eligible for a single fee for all services to the Company. 

Non-Executive Directors are not eligible to participate in any Company  
incentive plans.

Non-Executives Directors’ fees are reviewed periodically by the Board with 
reference to external benchmarking. 

M A X I M U M   O P P O RT U N I T Y

P ER F O R M A N C E   M E T R I C S

Directors appointed from 2013 onwards receive a pension contribution 
of up to 20% of salary.

None.

The Remuneration Committee may determine that Executive Directors 
may receive a cash supplement of up to 20% of salary in lieu of pension.

The car allowance is currently £13,361.

None.

As the cost of providing other benefits, including health insurance  
and life assurance, may vary from year to year, it is not considered 
practical to define a maximum level for these or any other benefits.

The level of any relocation benefits, allowances and expenses will 
depend on the specific circumstances.

There is no overall maximum level of benefits.

Monthly contribution of up to the HMRC approved limit over a 3  
or 5 year period.

None.

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R EM U N ER ATI O N CO M M IT TEE R EP O RT

D I R ECTO R S’ R EM U N ER AT I O N CO N T I N U ED

1. Clawback and Malus 
As advised in the Annual Report and Accounts 2014, the Remuneration Committee reviewed its clawback and malus policy 
during 2014 to ensure it remained consistent with best practice in the market. Accordingly, awards granted during 2015 
onwards to Executive Directors will be subject to the following terms:

• Cash and deferred bonuses may be clawed back for a period of 3 years after the end of the relevant bonus year in the event 
of the misstatement of accounts that materially increased the amount of bonus paid or misconduct by an employee which 
has or could have led to their employment being summarily terminated.

• Matching deferred bonus awards and LTIP awards may be clawed back after vesting where the Company is required to 

restate its accounts to a material extent; the Board becomes aware of any material wrongdoing on the part of the employee 
that would have entitled the Company to terminate the employee’s employment; or any other reason the Remuneration 
Committee includes in the relevant terms at the time an award is made. The clawback period will be set by the 
Remuneration Committee.

2. Recruitment Policy
In determining appropriate remuneration arrangements on hiring a new Executive Director, the Remuneration Committee 
will take into consideration all relevant factors including, but not limited to, the role, the remuneration being forfeited and the 
jurisdiction the candidate was recruited from. The Remuneration Committee is mindful of the need to avoid paying more than 
is necessary on recruitment.

Salary should be set to take into account role and responsibilities. For interim positions a cash supplement may be paid rather 
than salary (e.g. a Non-Executive Director taking on an Executive function on a short-term basis).

The Remuneration Committee may make awards on hiring an external candidate to ‘buyout’ remuneration arrangements 
forfeited on leaving a previous employer. In doing so the Remuneration Committee will take account of relevant factors 
including any performance conditions attached to these awards, the form in which they were granted (e.g. cash or shares) 
and the time over which they would have vested. The key principle should be that buyout awards should not be more 
valuable than those forfeited.

Normally the maximum variable remuneration (excluding buyouts) would be in line with the Remuneration Policy table 
above, comprising a maximum of 232% of salary (i.e. 100% annual bonus, 100% LTIP and 32% BCIP/SMP). The Remuneration 
Committee retains the flexibility to determine that for the first year of appointment any annual bonus award will be subject 
to such conditions as it may determine. Against that background, where there is the potential that a new Executive Director 
could have different roles and responsibilities to those currently appointed, such responsibilities may need to be reflected in 
that Executive Director’s remuneration arrangements. Taking this into account the Remuneration Committee may, for the 
first year, make an additional performance related incentive award of up to 50% of salary. The form of any award would be 
determined at the time. The overall maximum is therefore 282% of salary.

Where an Executive Director is appointed from within the organisation, the normal policy of the Company is that any  
legacy arrangements should be honoured in line with the original terms and conditions. Similarly, if an Executive Director  
is appointed following the Company’s acquisition of, or merger with, another company, legacy terms and conditions should  
be honoured.

In the event of the appointment of a new Non-Executive Director, remuneration arrangements will be in line with those 
detailed in the Remuneration Policy table above.

3. Service Contracts and Letters of Appointment 
The Executive Directors have service contracts with the Company as detailed below. The Company’s practice on notice 
periods is that they should be for a period of 6 months for both the Executive and the Company. The Remuneration 
Committee considers that these notice periods are reasonable and in the interests of shareholders, having due regard  
to prevailing market conditions and practice among companies of comparable size.

Executive Director

Paula Bell
Forsyth Black

Date of service contract

Notice period

10/06/2013
13/01/2016

Terminable on 52 weeks’ notice
Terminable on 26 weeks’ notice

All Executive Directors’ service contracts and Non-Executive Directors’ letters of appointment are available for inspection  
at the Company’s registered office in Edinburgh.

The Chairman and each of the Non-Executive Directors have letters of appointment. The letters of appointment do not 
contain any contractual entitlement to a termination payment and these Directors can be removed in accordance with  
the Company’s Articles of Association. The Chairman and all Non-Executive Directors are subject to annual re-election.

4. Payments to Outgoing Directors
(i)  Executive Directors will be entitled to receive their basic salary and contractual benefits for any notice period. The Company 
may, in its absolute discretion, elect to terminate an Executive Director’s employment by making a payment in lieu of notice  
of the individual’s salary for that period. The Remuneration Committee may structure any such payments in such a way as it 
deems appropriate taking into account the circumstances of departure. Any payments of compensation will be subject to 
negotiation and the Remuneration Policy includes consideration of appropriate mitigation, including phasing of payments.  
In particular circumstances, the Company has a right to terminate immediately without payment.

(ii)  In the event of a Director’s departure, any outstanding share awards will be treated in accordance with the rules of the 

relevant Plan. The following principles apply for the treatment of remuneration elements following loss of office of a Director:

Annual bonus

Deferred bonus shares

BCIP/SMP

There is no automatic entitlement to annual bonus. Taking into account the circumstances 
of leaving, the Remuneration Committee may award a bonus in respect of performance 
in the relevant financial year with appropriate consideration of time pro-rating.

Deferred bonus shares are required to be transferred back to the Company (or the Director 
to pay the market value of such shares to the Company) in circumstances of resignation or 
dismissal. In other circumstances the deferred bonus shares would normally be retained 
by the Director.

If a Director ceases office or employment with the Company any unvested awards will lapse 
unless the individual is a good leaver.

Good leavers are those participants who leave by reason of death, injury, ill-health, disability, 
retirement, redundancy, the transfer of the individual’s employing company or business out 
of the Group or such other circumstances as the Remuneration Committee may determine. 
This discretion will not be exercised where the individual is dismissed for misconduct. For 
good leavers awards will vest subject to the Remuneration Committee’s assessment of the 
extent to which the performance targets have been met and, unless the Remuneration 
Committee determines otherwise, time pro-rating by reference to the proportion of the 
performance period elapsed. 

Under the BCIP, on death the matching ratio shall be one to one unless the Remuneration 
Committee determines that it should apply a lower ratio taking into account the particular 
circumstances, the time elapsed in the performance period and the extent to which the 
performance targets are likely to be achieved. Under the SMP, on death time pro-rating 
by reference to the proportion of the performance period elapsed shall apply unless the 
Remuneration Committee determines that it would be fairer to apply a substantially higher 
or lower matching ratio taking into account the particular circumstances, the time elapsed 
in the performance period and the extent to which the performance targets are likely to 
be achieved.

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONJOHN MENZIES PLCANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2015R EM U N ER ATI O N CO M M IT TEE R EP O RT

R EM U N ER ATI O N CO M M IT TEE R EP O RT

D I R ECTO R S’ R EM U N ER AT I O N CO N T I N U ED

ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNER ATION

LTIP

If a Director ceases office or employment with the Company any unvested awards will lapse 
unless the individual is a good leaver.

Good leavers are those participants who leave by reason of injury, disability, retirement  
(with the agreement of the employing company), redundancy, the transfer of the individual’s 
employing company or business out of the Group or such other circumstances as the 
Remuneration Committee may determine. This discretion will not be exercised where the 
individual is dismissed for misconduct. Awards will vest on the normal vesting date subject  
to performance to the end of the relevant performance period and time pro-rating.

If the participant dies, awards will normally vest as soon as practical on a time-apportioned 
basis and subject to the Remuneration Committee’s assessment of the likelihood that the 
performance condition will be met in the ordinary course of events.

Pension

The Director will be eligible to receive the standard contribution to the defined contribution 
pension plan, or cash equivalent, during the notice period.

Company Sharesave Scheme

Leavers will be treated in accordance with the rules of the approved Plan.

Benefits

The Company may make a contribution towards reasonable legal fees incurred in relation  
to any agreement to cease employment.

Buyout awards and additional  
recruitment awards

The Remuneration Committee should determine the leaving terms for any such award  
at the time of grant.

In the event of a change of control or winding-up of the Company, the treatment of share awards will be in accordance with 
the rules of the relevant Plan which, in summary, are as follows: 

• LTIP awards may vest upon change of control taking into account the Remuneration Committee’s assessment of the extent 

to which the performance targets have been met and the proportion of the performance period that has elapsed. 

• BCIP/SMP awards may vest upon change of control and winding-up subject to the Remuneration Committee’s assessment 

of the extent to which the performance targets have been met and, unless the Remuneration Committee determines 
otherwise, time pro-rating by reference to the proportion of the performance period elapsed. 

Section 2 – Annual Report on Remuneration
Total remuneration received for the year ended 31 December 2015
The table below provides a single figure of remuneration for each member of the Board, broken down into each element  
of pay and compared to the previous year. 

Ian Harley and Octavia Morley stepped down from the Board on 15 May 2015 and 18 December 2015 respectively. David 
Garman and Geoff Eaton were appointed on 1 June 2015.

The table below and points 1 to 8 are subject to audit by the Company’s auditors.

Base salary/fee
 £’000

Benefits1
£’000

Annual bonus
£’000

Bonus
Co-Investment
Plan
£’000

Long-term
Incentive Plans
£’000

Total
Long-term
incentives
£’000

Pension
£’000

Total
remuneration
£’000

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

Executive Directors
319 316
P Bell
Non-Executive Directors
188 186
I Napier
40
D Jenkinson
26
S Maizey
D Garman3
–
G Eaton3
–
Former Directors
J Stafford2
I Harley3
O Morley3

400
20
45

40
45
27
26

99
51
45

15

15

–
–
–
–
–

13
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

3
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

155

–
–
–
–
–

45
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

64

63 398 549

–
–
–
–
–

80
–
–

– 188 186
40
–
40
26
–
45
–
–
27
–
–
26

20 493 167
51
20
45
45

–
–

Notes:
1. 

2. 
3. 

 Benefits offered to Executive Directors include a car allowance and health insurance. Details of the pension arrangements for each of the Directors are 
included on page 71 of this Annual Report and Accounts 2015.
Jeremy Stafford stood down from the Board of the Company in January 2016.
 Salary has been pro-rated to reflect the resignation dates for Ian Harley and Octavia Morley from and the appointments of David Garman and  
Geoff Eaton to the Board of the Company. 

1. Base Salary
Salaries of Executive Directors and other Company staff are reviewed annually. The current salaries for Executive Directors 
are set out below and are usually updated annually on 1 May. It has been determined that the salary of Paula Bell will be 
increased by 2% on 1 May 2016. As his appointment to the Board was on 13 January 2016, it was not considered appropriate 
to review Forsyth Black’s salary. When determining Executive Director remuneration, the Remuneration Committee takes 
account of pay and employment conditions in the Company as a whole.

P Bell
F Black1

2014 salary

2015 salary

2016 salary

% increase for 2016

£319,300
–

£319,300
–

£325,686
£300,000

2%
–

Note:
1.  Forsyth Black was appointed as Managing Director of Menzies Aviation and an Executive Director on 13 January 2016.

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A N N UA L R EP O RT O N R EM U N ER AT I O N CO N T I N U ED

2. Non-Executive Directors’ Fees
For 2015 the fees policy for Non-Executive Directors was: 

Basic payment
Committee Chairmanship
Committee membership 
Senior Independent Director
Group Chairman

Fee level

£40,000
£6,000
£2,500
£6,000
£182,800

Directors receive one fee either for Committee Chairmanship or Committee membership, irrespective of the number of 
Committees on which they serve.

The fees paid to Non-Executive Directors in respect of each of the positions detailed above are reviewed annually. 
They were reviewed in March 2016 and it was agreed that no changes would be made in 2016.

3. Annual Bonus Scheme
The Executive Directors participate in a discretionary bonus scheme which is subject to the achievement of challenging 
Group, Divisional and personal targets designed to encourage excellent performance. Targets are set by the Remuneration 
Committee at the start of the relevant performance period taking into account market expectations at that time. Bonus 
payments are non-pensionable.

2015 awards included in the single figure
For 2015 bonuses were calculated as follows:

Name

Measure

Threshold target

Stretch target

Performance
achieved

Weighting
(% of salary)

Overall
 achieved

J Stafford Group Underlying Profit 
before Tax4 
Group Cash Conversion 
KRAs
Group Underlying Profit 
before Tax4 
Group Cash Conversion
KRAs

P Bell

£42m
96%
–

£42m
96%
–

£46m
100%
–

£46m
100%
–

£39.3m
110%
–

£39.3m
110%
–

70%
10%
20%

70%
10%
20%

0%
100%3
75%

0%
100%3
80%

Cash value
of award
£’000

£0

£0 

Notes:
1.  The specific KRA targets are considered to be commercially sensitive, and it is not considered appropriate to disclose them.
2.  20% of all bonus awards are deferred in the Company’s shares for 3 years to December 2019. 
3. 

 Given the overall performance of the Group the Remuneration Committee exercised its discretion, as allowed under the Bonus Scheme Rules, 
and resolved that no bonus payments be made despite the Group Cash Conversion target being attained.
 Calculated in accordance with the Bonus Scheme Rules.

4. 

4. Bonus Co-Investment Plan/Share Matching Plan
Under the BCIP and, for 2016 and onwards, under the SMP, Executive Directors are invited to invest up to 40% of any annual 
cash bonus into the BCIP/SMP.

2013 awards included in the single figure
Awards made in March 2013 were on a 1:1 matching basis. 25% of the matching shares on these awards is due to be paid  
if the threshold level (EPS growth exceeds the Retail Price Index (“RPI”) by 3%) is achieved, rising on a straight-line basis to 
100% paid at or above stretch targets (EPS growth exceeds RPI by 6%). Any dividends accrued on shares which vest is paid  
in cash on vesting. 

The performance period for awards made in 2013 ended on 31 December 2015. The per annum growth in EPS for the 
Company over the performance period of the award was below the threshold level and accordingly the awards will lapse. 

2015 awards
For March 2015 awards in respect of the BCIP, performance measures and targets were set as follows: 

Group performance criteria

Threshold target (25% vesting)

Stretch target (100% vesting)

EPS v Consumer Price Index (“CPI”)

CPI + 0% 

CPI + 3%

Details of 2015 awards are shown in the table headed ‘Scheme Interests Awarded During 2015’ on page 71 of this Annual 
Report and Accounts 2015.

Operation of policy for 2016 awards
The performance measures for 2016 awards under the SMP will be as follows:

Group performance criteria

Threshold target (25% vesting)

Stretch target (100% vesting)

EPS v CPI

EPS growth equals CPI growth

EPS growth exceeds CPI growth by 3%

Outstanding awards are shown below: 

Name

J Stafford1
P Bell

31 December
2014

Granted
during year

Market price
of award

Vested
during year

Lapsed
during year

Gain/(loss)
£’000

31 December
2015

Performance Period

–
2,841
9,509

3,959
–
–

375.8p
646.5p
652.0p

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

3,959
2,841
9,509

1/1/2015 – 31/12/2017
1/1/2014 – 31/12/2016
1/1/2015 – 31/12/2017

Note:
1.  All outstanding awards for Jeremy Stafford lapsed at the end of his service period in January 2016.

Operation of policy for 2016 awards
The performance measures used for 2016 annual bonus awards will be on the same basis as the above. Performance 
targets will be disclosed retrospectively as the Board considers that the disclosure of prospective targets would be 
commercially sensitive.

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5. Long-Term Incentive Plan
Under the LTIP all awards are subject to a 3 year performance period with appropriate targets.

As disclosed in the Annual Report and Accounts 2014, the LTIP awards awarded during 2015 were based on relative TSR  
and EBITDA performance. The LTIP targets are designed to align the interests of the Executive Directors with those of the 
Company’s shareholders and to promote a long term interest in the success of the Group. 

The performance criteria are set at threshold and stretch level. At threshold, 25% of an LTIP award will vest, increasing  
on a straight-line basis to 100% for stretch or greater achievement.

2013 LTIP awards included in the single figure
LTIP awards made to Executive Directors during the financial year ending 31 December 2013 are detailed below. As the 
performance criteria has not been achieved, these awards shall lapse following the Company’s final results announcement 
on 8 March 2016.

P Bell

Shares
granted

Criteria

37,439

TSR v
FTSE250

Threshold
target

TSR = 
FTSE250
median

Stretch
target

TSR > 
FTSE250
+30%

EPS v RPI RPI + 3% p.a.

RPI + 8% p.a.

Attainment

Weighting

Shares
vesting

Performance period

0%

0%

50%

50%

0    1/1/2013-31/12/2015

2015 LTIP awards
For March 2015 LTIP awards, performance measures and targets were as follows: 

Group performance criteria

Weighting 

Threshold target (25% vesting)

Stretch target (100% vesting)

TSR

EBITDA

50%

50%

TSR equals the FTSE250
median result
Measure to be disclosed
retrospectively at the end of
the performance period

TSR equals the FTSE250
median result plus 30%
Measure to be disclosed
retrospectively at the end of
the performance period

As disclosure of the Group EBITDA targets could be considered a profits forecast and is viewed by the Remuneration 
Committee to be both price and commercially sensitive, the Remuneration Committee has decided that it will 
retrospectively disclose the threshold and stretch targets for an LTIP award in its Report following the end of the relevant 
performance period. Details of the 2015 LTIP awards are shown in the table headed ‘Scheme Interests Awarded During 2015’ 
on page 71 of this Annual Report and Accounts 2015.

Operation of policy for 2016 awards
The performance measures for 2016 LTIP awards will be as follows: 

Group performance criteria

Weighting

Threshold target (25% vesting)

Stretch target (100% vesting)

TSR

100%

Outstanding awards as at 31 December 2015 are shown below: 

TSR equals the FTSE 
SmallCap median

TSR equals the FTSE SmallCap
median result plus 30%

Name

P Bell

31 December
2014

37,4391
40,817
–

Former Director
J Stafford2

52,631
–

Granted
during year

–
–
82,935

–
103,896

Market price
of award 

Vested
during year

Lapsed
during year

Gain/(loss)
£’000

31 December
2015

Performance period

–
654p
385p

570p
385p

–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–

–
–

37,439
40,817
82,935

1/1/2013-31/12/2015
1/1/2014-31/12/2016
1/1/2015-31/12/2017

52,631
103,896

1/1/2014-31/12/2016

1/1/2015-31/12/2017

Notes:
1.  As the performance criteria has not been achieved, this award shall lapse following the Company’s final results announcement on 8 March 2016.
2.  All outstanding awards for Jeremy Stafford lapsed at the end of his service period in January 2016.

6. Scheme Interests Awarded During 2015

P Bell

Type of interest

LTIP – 
conditional shares

Save As You Earn

Former Director
J Stafford1 LTIP – 

conditional shares
BCIP – 
conditional shares

Basis
on which
award made

100% 
of salary

Maximum
number
of shares
awarded

Share price
on date
of grant
of option

Face value
of shares (£)

% Vesting
at threshold

Performance
period end

82,935

£3.85 £319,300

n/a

678

£3.50

£2,373

25%

n/a

31/12/2017

31/11/2018

100% 
of salary
1:1 match on 
deferred bonus

103,896

£3.85 £400,000

25%

31/12/2017

3,959

£3.76

£14,886

25%

31/12/2018

Notes:
1.  All outstanding awards for Jeremy Stafford lapsed at the end of his service period in January 2016.
2.  The exercise price for shares granted under the BCIP and LTIP is zero.
3.  The exercise price for shares granted under the Save As You Earn scheme is the share price at the date of grant discounted by 20%.

LTIP and BCIP/SMP awards are subject to performance conditions and the value delivered on vesting depends on 
performance against pre-defined targets over the relevant period and changes in the Company’s share price between  
grant and vesting.

The face value of awards is calculated using the share price on the date of grant. The face value of the Save As You Earn 
is calculated using the share option price under the Sharesave Scheme in the relevant year.

7. Total Pension Entitlements
Scheme benefits/cash payments in lieu of pension contributions
Paula Bell does not participate in the Menzies Pension Fund. She is entitled to join the Money Purchase Pension Scheme 
which provides Company contributions equivalent to 20% of salary or to elect to receive an equivalent cash payment. 
Paula Bell recieves a cash payment equivalent to 20% of her salary in lieu of any pension contribution. 

Forsyth Black is a member of the Menzies Pension Fund and accrues 1/60th of his pensionable salary (subject to the 
‘scheme earnings cap’) for each year of pensionable service.

Jeremy Stafford did not participate in the Menzies Pension Fund during 2015. He was entitled to join the Money Purchase 
Pension Scheme but elected to receive a cash payment equivalent to 20% of his salary in lieu of any pension contributions.

Unfunded arrangement
The total of the transfer values for unfunded pension entitlements, held on the Company’s Balance Sheet at 31 December 
2015 for former Directors, calculated on an IAS 19 basis, totalled £1,529,597 (2014: £1,485,220), from which annual pensions 
of £63,815 were paid to former Directors (2014: £62,290).

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8. Directors’ Shareholdings and Share Interests
Executive Directors are expected to build a shareholding in the Company of 200% of salary. Executive Directors are given  
a period of time to build their shareholding.

The following table shows Directors’ shareholdings and share interests as at 31 December 2015 together with share options 
exercised during 2015:

Paula Bell
Iain Napier
Dermot Jenkinson – Beneficial

– Non-beneficial

Silla Maizey
David Garman
Geoff Eaton
Former Directors
Ian Harley
Octavia Morley
Jeremy Stafford

Number of shares
owned (including
connected persons)
including deferred
shares

Unvested conditional
shares subject to
performance
conditions
(LTIP and BCIP
awards)

Unvested
options over
shares subject
to savings
contracts
(SAYE)

Vested options
exercised
during 2015

17,519
15,360
1,801,443
2,432,860
1,500
10,000
–

6,000
–
19,920

173,541
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
160,486

1,896
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

Details of unvested share awards (excluding details included elsewhere in this Annual Report and Accounts 2015)  
are as follows: 

2013 and 2014
LTIP awards 

Performance measured using a combination of some or all of the following measures:

• Relative TSR vs FTSE 250, with 25% vesting for median performance and 100% vesting  

for median performance +30%.

• Group EPS growth targets of RPI +3% p.a. for 25% vesting and RPI +8% p.a. for  
100% vesting (2013) and Group EBIT growth targets (targets to be disclosed  
retrospectively) (2014).

• Divisional financial results for Aviation or Distribution (targets to be  

disclosed retrospectively).

2015 LTIP awards

Performance measured using a combination of some or all of the following measures:

2013 BCIP awards

2014 BCIP awards

2015 BCIP awards

• Relative TSR vs FTSE 250, with 25% vesting for median performance and 100% vesting  

for median performance +30%.

• Group EBITDA growth targets (targets to be disclosed retrospectively).
Performance measured against Group EPS growth targets of RPI +3% p.a. for 25% vesting  
and RPI +6% p.a. for 100% vesting.
Performance measured against Group EPS growth targets of RPI +0% p.a. for 25% vesting  
and RPI +3% p.a. for 100% vesting.
Performance measured against Group EPS v CPI with growth targets of CPI +0% p.a.  
for 25% vesting and CPI +3% p.a. for 100% vesting.

9. Six Year Historical TSR Performance and Executive Director Pay
The following graph compares the Company’s TSR for the 6 years to December 2015 with the equivalent performance of the 
FTSE250 Index. The Remuneration Committee considers that, given the scale and global spread of the Group’s activities, the 
most appropriate comparison is with this Index.

400

300

200

100

0

Dec-2009

Dec-2010

Dec-2011

Dec-2012

Dec-2013

Dec-2014

Dec-2015

John Menzies plc        FTSE 250

The Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Report) Regulations 2008 (the “Regulations”) require 
companies to show the total remuneration of any director who undertakes the role of Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”)  
in each of the last 5 years. As the Company’s Executive structure did not include the role of CEO prior to October 2014,  
the following table shows the required figures for the highest paid Director in each year:

Highest paid Director in the year 

2010 Dollman

2011 Dollman

2012 Dollman

2013 Smyth

Role

Total remuneration (£’000)
Annual bonus award  
(% of maximum)
Long-term incentive  
vesting (% of maximum)

Group Finance
Director

Group Finance
Director

Group Finance
Director

MD, Menzies
Aviation

750

3,578

1,735

1,203

725

74%

74%

63%

 40% 

100%

100%

46%

84%

–

–

January to
October
2014 Smyth

MD, Menzies
Aviation 

October to
December
2014 Stafford

2015 Stafford

CEO

99

45%

n/a

CEO

400

–

–

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10. Percentage Change in Remuneration
The Regulations also require companies to show the annual change base salary, benefits and annual bonus for any  
director undertaking the role of CEO during the financial year in question together with the average change for all 
Group employees and the table below details this information. However, given the geographical spread of the Company’s 
business and the different rates of wage inflation which exist, the average for Group employees for comparison with  
the CEO is based on the total UK employee base.

CEO
Average for Group employees

Base salary
(% change)

0%
 +2%

Benefits
(% change)

0% 
0%

Annual bonus
(% change)

–100%
+3%

11. Relative Importance of Spend on Pay
The total spend on employee remuneration at the Company during 2015 is reflected in the following table:

Group employee remuneration costs:
Dividend distribution
Share buyback

£506.7m
£8.0m
£0m

12. The Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee determines the remuneration of the Chairman and the Executive Directors (Tier 1) and the 
next level of Senior Executives (Tier 2) on behalf of the Board. It has formal Terms of Reference set by the Board which are 
modelled on the 2010 UK Corporate Governance Code and which are displayed on the Company’s website.

During 2015 the following Non-Executive Directors were members of the Remuneration Committee: 

Name

G Eaton (Appointed September 2015)
D Garman (Appointed August 2015)
S Maizey 
O Morley (Resigned August 2015)
I Harley (Resigned May 2015)

Position

Attendance

Chairman
Member
Member
Past Member
Past Chairman /Member

2/2
2/2
5/5
3/3
0/2

Advisers to the Remuneration Committee
During 2015 the Remuneration Committee was advised by remuneration consultants from Deloitte LLP. Total fees in relation 
to Executive remuneration consulting were £11,950. Deloitte also provided advice in relation to controls assurance.

Deloitte was appointed by the Remuneration Committee. Deloitte is a member of the Remuneration Consultants’ Group  
and, as such, voluntarily operates under the Code of Conduct in relation to Executive Remuneration Consulting in the United 
Kingdom. Each year the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee agrees the protocols under which Deloitte shall provide 
advice to support independence. The Remuneration Committee is satisfied that the advice which it has received from 
Deloitte has been objective and independent.

In addition, legal advice was sought by the Remuneration Committee from Maclay Murray & Spens LLP, the Company’s 
solicitors, where considered appropriate.

Paula Bell, in her role as Chief Financial Officer, and John Geddes, Group Company Secretary, also provided internal support 
and guidance to the Remuneration Committee where appropriate. They are, however, specifically excluded from any matters 
concerning the details of their own remuneration. Members of the Remuneration Committee have no personal financial 
interest (other than as shareholders) in the matters to be decided by the Remuneration Committee and no day-to-day 
involvement in the running of the business of the Group. 

13. 2015 Annual General Meeting
The table below provides the results of the remuneration resolutions which were tabled at the Company’s AGM in 2015:

Resolution

Votes 
for

%age

Votes 
against

%age

Votes 
total

Votes
withheld

2014 Directors’ Remuneration Report
21,434,923
Adoption of 2015 Long Term Incentive Plan 27,130,549
28,040,554
Adoption of 2015 Notional Incentive Plan
26,052,024
Adoption of 2015 Share Matching Plan

73.56% 7,703,418
76.90% 8,150,669
78.09% 7,866,071
77.36% 7,626,355

26.44% 29,138,341 15,347,194
23.10% 35,281,218 9,200,752
21.91% 35,906,625 8,578,911
22.64% 33,678,379 10,807,157

A resolution to approve this Remuneration Report will be tabled at the forthcoming AGM of the Company. The Chairman 
of the Remuneration Committee will be available to answer questions from the Company’s shareholders on this 
Remuneration Report. 

14. External Appointments
The Board recognises the benefits to the individual and to the Company of involvement by Executive Directors as Non-
Executive Directors on the boards of other companies. Prior to accepting an invitation to become a Non-Executive Director 
of another company, an Executive Director must receive approval from the Chairman of the Company. This approval will not 
be denied where the Chairman is confident that the appointment in question will not interfere with the Director’s ability to 
perform their duties for the Company nor provide a conflict of interest. Executive Directors are entitled to retain any fees 
received under such appointments. 

During 2015, Paula Bell continued an external Non-Executive appointment with Laird plc for which she received fees of 
£55,500 (2014: £51,000).

On behalf of the Board

Geoff Eaton
Remuneration Committee Chairman
7 March 2016

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DIRECTORS’ REPORT

for the financial year ended 31 December 2015

D I R ECTO RS’ R EP O RT

D I R ECTO R S’ R EP O RT CO N T I N U ED

The following sections provide information on those items which require to be included in this Directors’ Report, pursuant 
to the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the “2006 Act”), the Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups 
(Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 (as amended by the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors’ Report) 
Regulations 2013) (the “2013 Regulations”) and the Financial Conduct Authority’s Listing Rules. Some items are incorporated 
by reference into this Directors’ Report, as detailed below.

Directors
The Directors who served during 2015 are shown in the table below together with Forsyth Black who was appointed as a 
Director on 13 January 2016. As previously intimated would be the case, Ian Harley stood down for health reasons on 15 May 
2015 whilst Octavia Morley, having served as a Director for 9 years, stood down on 18 December 2015. Further details of 
those Directors who were in office at the end of 2015 are included on pages 44 and 45 of this Annual Report and Accounts 
2015. All of these Directors held office throughout 2015 with the exception of Geoff Eaton and David Garman, who were 
both appointed with effect from 1 June 2015.

Current and former Directors’ interests in the ordinary shares of the Company were as follows:

Name

Iain Napier

Paula Bell

Position

Chairman

Chief Financial 
Officer

Forsyth Black

President & 
Managing Director 
of Menzies Aviation

Appointed/resigned

Appointed September 2008 Beneficial

31 December
2015

15,360

31 December
2014

12,955

Appointed June 2013

Beneficial

17,519

12,519

Appointed January 2016

Beneficial

4,196

n/a

Dermot Jenkinson  Non-Executive 

Appointed December 1985 Beneficial

Appointed May 2014

Non-beneficial
Beneficial

1,801,443
2,432,860
1,500

1,885,860
2,747,860
1,500

Silla Maizey

David Garman

Geoff Eaton

Former Directors:
Ian Harley

Octavia Morley

Jeremy Stafford

Director
Non-Executive 
Director
Non-Executive 
Director
Non-Executive 
Director

Senior Independent 
Director
Non-Executive 
Director
Chief Executive 
Officer

Appointed June 2015

Beneficial

10,000

Appointed June 2015

–

Resigned May 2015

Beneficial

Resigned December 2015

–

–

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

6,000

–

Resigned January 2016

Beneficial

19,920

11,751

There have been no subsequent changes to these interests as at 7 March 2016.

No Director had any material interest in any contract, other than a service contract as set out on page 65 of this 
Annual Report and Accounts 2015.

Substantial Shareholdings
In addition to the Directors’ interests set out above, the Company had been notified of the following interests of 3% or more 
in its issued ordinary shares of £0.25 (the “Ordinary Shares”) as at 31 December 2015 and 7 March 2016:

Name

Kabouter Management
DC Thomson & Co Ltd
Lakestreet Capital Partners
Premier Asset Management
WM Thomson

Number of
Ordinary Shares
as at
7 March
2016

6,870,753
5,118,711
4,317,434
2,525,666
1,885,400

Percentage of
issued Ordinary
Shares

11.20%
8.34%
7.04%
4.12%
3.07%

Number of
Ordinary Shares
as at
31 December
2015

6,769,146
5,118,711
4,302,218
2,369,332
1,885,400

Percentage of
issued Ordinary
Shares

11.03%
8.34%
7.01%
3.86%
3.07%

Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance
In accordance with the 2006 Act and the Company’s Articles 
of Association (the “Articles”), the Company has arranged 
qualifying third party indemnities against financial exposure 
which the Directors may incur in the course of their 
professional duties for the Company. Equivalent qualifying 
third party indemnities were, and remain, in force for the 
benefit of those Directors who stood down from the 
Board during 2015. In addition to these indemnities, the 
Company places Directors’ and Officers’ liability insurance 
cover for each Director.

Dividends
The Directors recommend the payment of a final dividend of  
11.8p per Ordinary Share (2014: 8.1p), payable on 1 July 
2016 to shareholders on the Company’s Register of Members 
as at the close of business on 27 May 2016. The shares will 
be quoted as ex-dividend on 26 May 2016. This final dividend, 
together with the interim dividend of 5.0p per Ordinary Share 
(2014: 8.1p) paid on 20 November 2015, makes a total 
dividend of 16.8p per Ordinary Share for the 2015 financial 
year.

Political Donations
In accordance with its policy, the Group did not give any 
money for political purposes nor did it make any donations to 
political organisations or independent candidates or incur any 
political expenditure during 2015. 

Financial Risk Management Objectives 
and Policies
The financial risk management objectives and policies, 
including the policy for hedging each major type of 
forecasted transaction for which hedge accounting is 
used, are detailed in Note 17 of the Notes to the Accounts 
contained in this Annual Report and Accounts 2015 
which information is incorporated by reference into this 
Directors’ Report.

Exposure to Risk
The risk exposure of the Group, including the exposure to 
price risk, credit risk, liquidity risk and cash flow risk, is 
included in Note 17 of the Notes to the Accounts contained 
in this Annual Report and Accounts 2015, which information 
is incorporated by reference into this Directors’ Report.

Financial Instruments
Details of the use of financial instruments and financial risk 
management are included in Note 17 of the Notes to the 
Accounts contained in this Annual Report and Accounts 
2015, which details are incorporated by reference into this 
Directors’ Report.

Employee Involvement
Details of how the Company involves its employees in its 
business are contained in the Strategic Report section of 
this Annual Report and Accounts 2015 (pages 36 to 41), 
which details are incorporated by reference into this 
Directors’ Report.

Post Balance Sheet Events
There have been no important financial events affecting the 
Company (or any subsidiaries included in its consolidation) 
since the end of 2015.

Outlook
An indication of the likely future developments in the 
business of the Company (and its subsidiaries) is included 
in the Strategic Report section of this Annual Report and 
Accounts 2015 (pages 8 to 31), which details are 
incorporated by reference into this Directors’ Report.

Research
The Company is not actively involved in research activities.

Geographical Spread
The Company operates in 31 countries worldwide 
and details of this geographical spread can be found on 
pages 2 and 3 of this Annual Report and Accounts 2015, 
which details are incorporated by reference into this 
Directors’ Report.

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Employment Policies
Policies regarding the hiring, continuing employment and 
training, career development and promotion opportunities, 
for all employees both in the UK and worldwide, together 
with reports on employee involvement and representation, 
are contained in the Resources, Relationships and 
Responsibilities section of this Annual Report and Accounts 
2015 (pages 36 to 41), which details are incorporated by 
reference into this Directors’ Report.

At the end of 2015 the split of male to female employees in 
the Group was:

Name

Directors

Decision makers

All employees

Male

5

281

17,353

Female

2

113

8,253

Policy and Practice on Payment of Creditors
The Group does not operate a standard code in respect of 
payments to suppliers. Each operating business is responsible 
for agreeing the terms and conditions under which business 
transactions with its suppliers are conducted, including the 
terms of payment. It is Group policy that payments to 
suppliers are made in accordance with the agreed terms 
provided that the supplier has performed in accordance 
with all relevant terms and conditions. At the end of 2015 
the amount owed to trade creditors by the Group function 
was equivalent to 32.4 days (2014: 31.3 days) of purchases 
from suppliers.

Audit Information
So far as the Directors in office at the date of the signing of 
this Directors’ Report are aware, having made the requisite 
enquiries, there is no relevant audit information in terms  
of which the Company’s auditors are unaware and each 
Director has taken all reasonable steps to make themselves 
aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that 
the auditors are aware of that information. Resolutions to 
re-appoint Ernst & Young LLP as auditors of the Company 
and to authorise the Board to set their remuneration will be 
proposed at the Company’s forthcoming AGM.

Share Capital and Structure
The Company has two classes of shares: the Ordinary  
Shares of £0.25 each and preference shares of £1.00 each  
(the “Preference Shares”). As at 31 December 2015 the 
Company had an issued share capital of £16,820,370, 
comprising 1,394,587 Preference Shares and 61,703,133 
Ordinary Shares. Of these 61,703,133 Ordinary Shares, 
345,176 were held as treasury shares. In December 2015 the 
Company purchased 12,425 Ordinary Shares to be held in 
Treasury. It is the Company’s policy that shares held  
in Treasury are to be used for the satisfaction of share  
plan awards. 

During 2015 the Company did not purchase any of its own 
shares for cancellation. 

No shares in the capital of the Company can be allotted at 
a discount nor can they be allotted except as paid up both 
in regard to nominal amount and premium to the minimum 
extent permitted by the 2006 Act.

Articles of Association
Transfer of shares
There are no restrictions on the transfer of shares in the 
Company other than as contained in the Articles. Subject  
to the Articles, the Admission and Disclosure Standards of 
the London Stock Exchange and any requirements of the 
FCA, the Directors may refuse to register a transfer of a 
certificated share which is not fully paid provided that this 
power will not be exercised so as to disturb the market in  
the Company’s shares.

Voting rights
Deadlines for exercising voting rights and appointing a proxy 
or proxies to vote on the resolutions to be considered at the 
Company’s forthcoming AGM are specified in the Notes to 
the Notice of AGM. Every ordinary shareholder present in 
person or by proxy at a general meeting of the Company 
shall, on a show of hands, have one vote unless, in the case 
of the latter, he has been appointed by more than one 
shareholder and has received instructions to vote both in 
favour of and against the same Resolution in which case he 
will have one vote against that Resolution and one vote for. 
On a poll, every shareholder of the Company present in 
person or by proxy at a general meeting of the Company 
shall have one vote for every share which they hold and, if 
the holders of the Preference Shares have the right to vote 
on any resolution, each such holder shall have one vote for 
every Preference Share which they hold.

The holders of the Preference Shares shall have no right to 
receive notice of or attend or vote at any general meeting 
of the Company unless either:

(i)  at the date of the notice convening the meeting the 

dividend payable on such Preference Shares or a part 
thereof is 6 months or more in arrears; or

(ii)  the business of the meeting includes the consideration of 
a resolution for reducing the capital of or winding-up the 
Company or for altering the objects of the Company as 
stated in its Articles or for the sale of the undertaking 
of the Company or any substantial part thereof or any 
resolution altering or abrogating any of the special rights 
or privileges attaching to the Preference Shares, in which 
circumstances the holders of the Preference Shares shall 
have the right to vote on any such resolution.

The Company is not aware of any arrangement by which, 
with the Company’s co-operation, financial rights carried by 
its shares are held by persons other than the holders of its 
Ordinary Shares or Preference Shares. The Company is not 
aware of any agreement between holders of its shares which 
may result in restrictions on the transfer of its shares or on 
voting rights attaching thereto.

Allotment and Issue of Shares
The Directors are, by shareholder resolution passed at the 
AGM of the Company on 15 May 2015 (the “2015 AGM”), 
generally and unconditionally authorised to exercise all the 
powers of the Company to allot shares in the Company and 
to grant rights to subscribe for, or to convert any security 
into, shares in the Company, up to an aggregate nominal 
amount of £5,108,013. The Directors are also empowered to 
allot equity securities (within the meaning of section 560 of 
the 2006 Act) of the Company for cash on a non pre-emptive 
basis. This power is limited to: 

(i)  any allotment where equity securities have been offered 
to holders of equity securities in proportion (as nearly as 
may be) to their then holdings of such securities; and 

(ii)  any other allotment of equity securities up to an aggregate 

nominal value of £10,216,026. 

Such authority and power will expire at the Company’s 
forthcoming AGM unless previously revoked, varied or renewed. 
It is proposed that such authority and power be renewed by 
shareholder resolutions at this AGM but without prejudice 
to the exercise of any such authority and power prior to the 
date of such Resolutions.

Purchase of Own Shares
The Company is, by shareholder resolution passed at the 
2015 AGM, authorised to purchase up to 6,129,616 of its 
Ordinary Shares at a maximum price which is equal to the 
higher of: 

(i)  an amount equal to 105% of the average of the middle 
market quotations for such Ordinary Shares as derived 
from the London Stock Exchange Daily Official List for 
the five business days immediately prior to the date of 
conclusion of the contract for any such purchase; and 

(ii)  the amount stipulated by Article 5(1) of the EU Buy-Back 
and Stabilisation Regulation 2003 (being the higher of 
the price of the last independent trade and the highest 
current independent bid for an Ordinary Share on the 
trading venues where the market purchases by the 
Company will be carried out) and at a minimum price  
of £0.25 per Ordinary Share. 

The Company is also, by shareholder resolution passed at the 
2015 AGM, authorised to purchase up to 1,394,587 of its 
Preference Shares at a maximum price which is equal to the 
higher of: 

(i)  an amount equal to 110% of the average of the middle 

market quotations for such Preference Shares as derived 
from the London Stock Exchange Daily Official List for 
the five business days immediately prior to the date of 
conclusion of the contract for any such purchase; and 

(ii)  the amount stipulated by Article 5(1) of the EU Buy-Back 
and Stabilisation Regulation 2003 (being the higher of 
the price of the last independent trade and the highest 
current independent bid for a Preference Share on the 
trading venues where the market purchases by the 
Company will be carried out) and at a minimum price 
of £1.00 per Preference Share. 

These authorities will expire at the Company’s forthcoming 
AGM when it is proposed that they be renewed but 
without prejudice to the exercise of any such authorities 
prior to the date of such resolutions being put to the 
Company’s shareholders.

Appointment of Directors
Directors may be appointed by the Company by an ordinary 
resolution of its shareholders. The Board may appoint a 
Director either to fill a vacancy or as an additional Director 
and any Director so appointed shall hold office only until the 
next AGM of the Company following such appointment and 
shall then be eligible for re-appointment. If not re-appointed 
at such AGM, such a Director will vacate office at its 
conclusion except where a resolution is passed to appoint 
someone in his or her place (other than with effect from a 
time later than the conclusion of the AGM) or a resolution for 
his or her reappointment is put to the AGM and lost (in either 
which case the retirement takes effect from the passing of 
the relevant resolution). An appropriate induction is provided 
by the Company for all new Directors and ongoing training is 
provided as and when it may be required, with Directors 
being provided with documentation on the Company and its 
activities on a regular basis. A Director is not required to hold 
shares in the capital of the Company.

Retirement of Directors
In accordance with best practice principles, all of the Directors 
of the Company shall retire at each AGM of the Company. 

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D I R ECTO R S’ R EP O RT CO N T I N U ED

D I R ECTO RS’ R E SP O NSI B I LITI E S

DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

Directors’ Powers
The business of the Company shall be managed by the 
Board which may exercise all the powers of the Company, 
whether relating to the management of its business or 
otherwise, subject to any restrictions contained in the 
Articles which detail the specific powers of the Directors. 
Copies of the Articles may be obtained from the Group 
Company Secretary or from the Company’s website at 
www.johnmenziesplc.com.

The Articles can only be amended by a special resolution 
of the Company’s shareholders in general meeting.

Significant Agreements – Change of Control
The Group’s operating businesses have agreements in place 
with suppliers and customers, some of which contain 
change of control clauses giving rights to these suppliers and 
customers on a takeover bid for the Company. A change of 
control of the Company following a takeover bid may cause 
a number of other agreements to which the Company or 
its subsidiaries are party, such as banking arrangements, 
property leases and licence agreements, to take effect, alter 
or terminate. Additionally, the Directors’ service agreements 
and employee share plans would be similarly affected on 
a change of control.

Emissions Reporting
The information required to be included in this Directors’ 
Report pursuant to the 2013 Regulations in respect of 
greenhouse gas emissions is included in the Resources, 
Relationships and Responsibilities section of this Annual 
Report and Accounts 2015 on pages 38 and 39, which 
information is incorporated by reference into this  
Directors’ Report.

Annual General Meeting
Notice of the Company’s forthcoming AGM is contained 
at the end of this document.

Approved and issued by the Board of Directors on 
7 March 2016.

John Geddes
Group Company Secretary 
7 March 2016

The Directors believe that the Annual Report and 
Accounts 2015, when taken as a whole, are fair, balanced 
and understandable.

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

Directors’ Statement pursuant to the Disclosure 
Rules and Transparency Rules
Each of the Directors confirms that to the best of their 
knowledge and belief: 

• the financial statements, prepared in accordance with 
IFRSs, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, 
financial position and profit of the Group as a whole; and

• the Strategic Report contained in the Annual Report and 
Accounts 2015 includes a fair review of the development 
and performance of the business and the position of the 
Group as a whole, together with a description of the 
principal risks and uncertainties that they face.

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Company’s 
Annual Report, Remuneration Report and its financial 
statements in accordance with applicable law and 
regulations. Company law requires the Directors to prepare 
such financial statements for each financial year. Under 
company law the Directors must not approve the financial 
statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true 
and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company. The 
Directors have prepared the Group and Parent Company 
financial statements in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”) as adopted by 
the European Union.

In preparing those financial statements the Directors are 
required to:

• select suitable accounting policies in accordance with IAS 8 
Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and 
Errors, and then apply them consistently;

• present information, including accounting policies, in a 

manner that provides relevant, reliable, comparable and 
understandable information;

• provide additional disclosures when compliance with the 

specific requirements in IFRSs is insufficient to enable users 
to understand the impact of particular transactions, other 
events and conditions on the Group’s financial position and 
financial performance; and

• state that the Group has complied with IFRSs, subject to 
any material departures disclosed and explained in the 
financial statements.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting 
records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company’s 
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any 
time the financial position of the Company and of the Group 
and enable them to ensure that the financial statements 
comply with the Companies Act 2006 and Article 4 of the IAS 
Regulation. They are also responsible for safeguarding the 
assets of the Company and of the Group and hence for 
taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection 
of fraud and other irregularities. 

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INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE 
MEMBERS OF JOHN MENZIES PLC

Our Opinion on the Financial Statements
In our opinion:

• John Menzies plc’s Group financial statements and parent company financial statements (the “financial statements”) give a 

true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the parent company’s affairs as at 31 December 2015 and of the 
Group’s profit for the year then ended;

Our Assessment of Risk of Material Misstatement 
We identified the risks of material misstatement described below as those that had the greatest effect on our overall audit 
strategy, the allocation of resources in the audit and the direction of the efforts of the audit team. In addressing these risks, 
we have performed the procedures below which were designed in the context of the financial statements as a whole and, 
consequently, we do not express any opinion on these individual areas.

• the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting 

Risk

Our response to the risk

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

• the parent company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the 

European Union as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006; and

• the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006, and, as 

regards the Group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

What We Have Audited
John Menzies plc’s financial statements comprise:

Group

Parent company

Group Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2015

Company Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2015

Group Income Statement for the year then ended

Group Statement of Comprehensive Income for the  
year then ended

Group Statement of Changes in Equity as at  
31 December 2015

Group Statement of Cash Flows for the year then ended
Related Notes 1 to 27 to the accounts

Company Statement of Changes in Equity as 
at 31 December 2015
Company Statement of Cash Flows for the  
year then ended

Related Notes 1 to 27 to the accounts

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and IFRSs as adopted by the 
European Union and, as regards the parent company financial statements, as applied in accordance with the provisions of the 
Companies Act 2006.

Overview of Our Audit Approach

Risks of material misstatement

• Assessment of the carrying value of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite life.

• Assessment of the valuation of defined benefit pension scheme assets and liabilities.

• Risk that items are inconsistently (or inappropriately) classified as ‘exceptional and other 

items’.

• Risk of misstatement due to management override, fraud and error specifically 

around revenue recognition.

Audit scope

• We performed an audit of the complete financial information of four components 

and audit procedures on specific balances for a further 30 components.

• The components where we performed full or specific audit procedures accounted 

for 74% of adjusted profit before tax (“PBT”) and 90% of revenue.

Materiality

• Overall Group materiality of £1.5m which represents 5% of adjusted PBT.

Assessment of the carrying value of 
goodwill and intangible assets with 
indefinite life (£108.3m, 2014: £116.1m)

We obtained management’s impairment 
assessment and examined the calculation 
methodology and sources for key assumptions. 

Refer to the Audit Committee Report  
(page 53); accounting policies (page 97);  
and Note 11 of the consolidated financial 
statements (page 114).

We focused on this area because the 
assessment of the carrying value of these 
assets is inherently subjective due to the 
judgement involved in estimating future 
cash flows and in calculating the discount 
rate to apply to these cash flows.

Assessment of the valuation of defined 
benefit pension scheme assets and 
liabilities (£43.4m, 2014: £59.0m)

Refer to the Audit Committee Report (page 
53); accounting policies (page 97); and Note 
4 of the consolidated financial statements 
(page 104).

We focused on this area because the Group 
is exposed to significant pension fund 
movements, over which it has limited 
control as the quantum of a surplus/deficit 
depends on the successful investment 
policy as well as the selection of underlying 
assumptions. Significant judgement is 
required to determine the assumptions for 
future salary and pension increases, 
discount rate, inflation, investment returns 
and member longevity, resulting in the risk 
that liabilities are misstated.

We corroborated the key assumptions, being the 
cash flows, growth assumptions and discount rates 
utilising our valuations specialists to assist.

We performed sensitivity analysis over significant 
assumptions used in the models to ascertain the 
point at which an impairment would be triggered 
and considered the likelihood of such a change.

We read the disclosure in the financial statements  
in respect of management’s impairment testing  
to confirm these are consistent with the conclusions 
of our audit work and meet the disclosure 
requirements of the relevant accounting standards.

We reviewed the scheme rules to ensure our 
understanding is current.

We tested the input data used by the actuary  
to company records.

We evaluated the key actuarial assumptions with 
the assistance of our specialists to determine if 
these were within an acceptable range.

We verified a sample of assets for existence through 
third party confirmations and for valuation using 
market valuations where available.

We read the disclosure in the financial statements  
in respect of pensions to consider whether these  
are consistent with the conclusions of our audit  
work and meet the disclosure requirements of 
the relevant accounting standards.

What we concluded to the 
Audit Committee

We have concluded 
that the goodwill and 
intangible assets with 
indefinite life balances 
are materially correct.

We have concluded 
that the pension 
liability is materially 
correct and that 
management’s 
judgements in relation 
to underlying actuarial 
assumptions were 
appropriate.

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Risk

Our response to the risk

Risk that items are inconsistently  
(or inappropriately) classified as  
‘exceptional and other items’  
(£10.7m, 2014: £9.7m)

We assessed the appropriateness of items classified 
as ‘exceptional and other items’ and recalculated the 
adjustments to ensure that they were in accordance 
with the Group’s policy as disclosed in Note 1.

Refer to the Audit Committee Report  
(page 53); accounting policies (page 100);  
and Note 5 of the consolidated financial 
statements (page 109).

We assessed whether the disclosures within the 
financial statements and related narrative reporting 
provide sufficient detail for the reader to understand 
the nature of these charges.

What we concluded to the 
Audit Committee
We have concluded  
that management’s 
judgements in relation  
to the identification  
of ‘exceptional and other 
items’ were appropriate.

We focused on this because the decision to 
classify items of expenditure as exceptional, 
or items of income as underlying, is  
inherently judgemental and is considered 
material in the context of the Group’s 
financial statements due to the presentation 
of underlying and non-underlying results on 
the face of the Group Income Statement.
Risk of misstatement due to management 
override, fraud and error specifically around 
revenue recognition

Refer to the Audit Committee Report  
(page 53); accounting policies (page 96);  
and Note 2 of the consolidated financial 
statements (page 100).

We focused on the application of 
contractual rates within Aviation 
recognising the ongoing contract churn  
in this area and the level of returns in the 
Distribution business due to the level of 
judgement being applied.

We challenged whether any significant items  
within underlying PBT, especially items of income, 
would have been more appropriately classified as 
‘exceptional and other items’ in accordance with  
the Group’s policy as disclosed in Note 1.

We tested controls over revenue recognition with a 
focus on those related to measurement and timing 
of revenue recognition.

At certain locations we employed data  
analysis techniques to correlate sales through  
to cash receipts.

We performed detailed testing of a sample of sales 
and accrued income to ensure that revenue had 
been appropriately recognised in line with the 
underlying contract terms. 

We tested the level of returns of newspapers and 
magazines and assessed the impact of expected 
post balance sheet returns on revenues recognised 
in the year.

We performed cut-off testing around the period end.

We obtained support for individually unusual and/or 
material revenue journals.

These procedures were supplemented with 
analytical review procedures and enquiry  
of management.

The risks identified above are substantially the same as those identified last year.

We concluded that 
revenue recognised in 
the year is materially 
correct on the basis of 
procedures performed 
both at Group and 
by component audit 
teams.

The Scope of Our Audit 
Our assessment of audit risk, our evaluation of materiality 
and our allocation of performance materiality determine our 
audit scope for each entity within the Group. Taken together, 
this enables us to form an opinion on the consolidated 
financial statements. We take into account size, risk profile, 
the organisation of the Group and effectiveness of Group-
wide controls, changes in the business environment and 
other factors such as recent internal audit results when 
assessing the level of work to be performed at each entity.

The Group audit risk in relation to the carrying value of 
goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite life, the 
valuation of defined benefit pension scheme assets and 
liabilities and the risk that items are inconsistently (or 
inappropriately) classified as ‘exceptional and other items’ 
was subject to audit procedures by the primary team on 
the entire amount. The Group risk of misstatement due to 
management override, fraud and error specifically around 
revenue recognition was subject to audit procedures at 
each of the full and specific scope locations with revenue.

In assessing the risk of material misstatement to the Group 
financial statements, and to ensure we had adequate 
quantitative coverage of significant accounts in the financial 
statements, of the 101 reporting components of the Group, 
excluding the parent entity, we selected 34 components 
covering entities within the UK, USA, Australia, Netherlands, 
Spain, Czech Republic, South Africa, Mexico, Dominican 
Republic, India and Macau, which represent the principal 
business units within the Group.

Of the 34 components selected, we performed an audit  
of the complete financial information of four components  
(“full scope components”) which were selected based  
on their size or risk characteristics. For the remaining 
30 components (“specific scope components”), we 
performed audit procedures on specific accounts within 
each component that we considered had the potential 
for the greatest impact on the significant accounts in the 
Group financial statements either because of the size of 
these accounts or their risk profile. 

The reporting components where we performed audit 
procedures accounted for 129% (2014: 62%) of the Group’s 
adjusted PBT measure used to calculate materiality which 
combined with the parent entity and consolidation 
adjustments which were net negative to adjusted PBT of 
55% (2014: 29%), over which the Group team performed 
procedures, resulted in the calculated total overall 
percentage coverage of 74% (2014: 77%). The reporting 
components where we performed audit procedures 
accounted for 90% (2014: 91%) of the Group’s revenue. 

For the current year, the full scope components contributed 
66% (2014: 44%) of the Group’s adjusted PBT measure used 
to calculate materiality and 68% (2014: 68%) of the Group’s 
revenue. The Group’s adjusted PBT coverage from full scope 
components of 67% represents three locations having a 
positive contribution of 95% offset by one component 
having a negative contribution of 29%.

The specific scope components contributed 63% (2014: 
62%) of the Group’s adjusted PBT measure used to calculate 
materiality and 22% (2014: 23%) of the Group’s revenue. 
The audit scope of these components may not have included 
testing of all significant accounts of the component but will 
have contributed to the coverage of significant accounts 
tested for the Group.

Of the remaining 67 components that together represent 
26% of the Group’s adjusted PBT, none is individually greater 
than 5% of the Group’s adjusted PBT. For these components, 
we performed other procedures, including analytical review, 
intercompany eliminations and obtaining audit evidence to 
respond to any potential risks of material misstatement to 
the Group financial statements.

Changes from the Prior Year 
To ensure sufficient coverage and to add a degree of 
unpredictability to the audit, one component was raised 
from specific to full scope, four components were raised 
from residual to specific scope and three components were 
reduced from specific to residual scope. The overall 
reduction in the calculated total overall percentage coverage 
of the adjusted PBT measure to 74% is primarily attributable 
to increased losses in one component.

Involvement with Component Teams 
In establishing our overall approach to the Group audit, we 
determined the type of work that needed to be undertaken 
at each of the components by us, as the primary audit 
engagement team, or by component auditors from other 
EY global network firms operating under our instruction. 
Of the four full scope components, audit procedures were 
performed on two of these directly by the primary audit 
team and two by a component audit team. Of the 30 
specific scope components, audit procedures were 
performed on 16 of these directly by the primary audit team. 
For the 14 specific scope components, where the work was 
performed by component auditors, we determined the 
involvement that we, as the primary team, needed to have 
with each component team to enable us to determine that 
sufficient audit evidence had been obtained as a basis for 
our opinion on the Group as a whole. 

During the current year’s audit cycle, a visit was undertaken 
by the primary audit team to the component team in the 
Dominican Republic being one of the two full scope locations 
outside the UK. This visit involved discussing the audit 
approach with the component team and considering any 
issues arising. The primary team interacted regularly with 
all component teams through emails and teleconferencing 
where appropriate during various stages of the audit, 
reviewed key working papers and were responsible for the 
scope and direction of the audit process. This, together with 

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the additional procedures performed at Group level, gave 
us appropriate evidence for our opinion on the Group 
financial statements.

Reporting threshold
An amount below which identified misstatements are 
considered as being clearly trivial.

Our Application of Materiality 
We apply the concept of materiality in planning and 
performing the audit, in evaluating the effect of identified 
misstatements on the audit and in forming our audit opinion. 

Materiality
The magnitude of an omission or misstatement that, 
individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be 
expected to influence the economic decisions of the users  
of the financial statements. Materiality provides a basis for 
determining the nature and extent of our audit procedures.

We determined materiality for the Group to be £1.5m 
(2014: £2.2m), which is 5% of adjusted PBT (2014: 5%)  
of £29.0m (2014: £42.1m) being reported PBT of £18.2m  
(2014: £25.7m) adjusted for exceptional items and net 
impairment losses of £10.7m (2014: £9.2m), contract 
amortisation of £Nil (2014: £7.2m) and share of tax on joint 
ventures and associates of £Nil (2014: £2.0m). We believe 
that adjusted PBT provides us with a consistent measure 
of underlying year on year performance as it excludes the 
impact of non-recurring items. 

During the course of our audit, we reassessed initial 
materiality and reduced it to reflect the impact of the 
November trading update. We also took the view that 
contract amortisation and joint ventures taxation should  
not be adjusted for.

Performance materiality
The application of materiality at the individual account 
or balance level. It is set at an amount to reduce to an 
appropriately low level the probability that the aggregate 
of uncorrected and undetected misstatements exceeds 
materiality.

On the basis of our risk assessments, together with our 
assessment of the Group’s overall control environment,  
our judgement was that performance materiality was 75% 
(2014: 75%) of our planning materiality, namely £1.1m  
(2014: £1.7m). We have set performance materiality at this 
percentage due to historical experience with the Company 
demonstrating an effective control environment and low 
history of misstatements.

Audit work at component locations for the purpose of 
obtaining audit coverage over significant financial statement 
accounts is undertaken based on a percentage of total 
performance materiality. The performance materiality set 
for each component is based on the relative scale and risk of 
the component to the Group as a whole and our assessment 
of the risk of misstatement at that component. In the current 
year, the range of performance materiality allocated to 
components was £0.2m to £0.9m (2014: £0.3m to £1.1m). 

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report 
to them all uncorrected audit differences in excess of 
£100,000 (2014: £160,000), as well as differences below 
that threshold that, in our view, warranted reporting on 
qualitative grounds. 

We evaluate any uncorrected misstatements against both 
the quantitative measures of materiality discussed above 
and in light of other relevant qualitative considerations in 
forming our opinion.

Scope of the Audit of the Financial Statements
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts  
and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to  
give reasonable assurance that the financial statements  
are free from material misstatement, whether caused by 
fraud or error. This includes an assessment of: whether the 
accounting policies are appropriate to the Group’s and the 
parent company’s circumstances and have been consistently 
applied and adequately disclosed; the reasonableness of 
significant accounting estimates made by the Directors;  
and the overall presentation of the financial statements.  
In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial 
information in the annual report to identify material 
inconsistencies with the audited financial statements  
and to identify any information that is apparently materially 
incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, the 
knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing the 
audit. If we become aware of any apparent material 
misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the 
implications for our report.

Respective Responsibilities of Directors 
and Auditor
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities 
Statement set out on page 81, the Directors are responsible 
for the preparation of the financial statements and for being 
satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility 
is to audit and express an opinion on the financial statements 
in accordance with applicable law and International 
Standards on Auditing  (“ISAs”) (UK and Ireland). Those 
standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices 
Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.

This report is made solely to the Company’s members,  
as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the 
Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken 
so that we might state to the Company’s 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. 

Opinion on Other Matters Prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion:

• the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the 

Companies Act 2006; 

• the information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the financial 

statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

• the information given in the Corporate Governance Statement set out on pages 46 to 57 with respect to internal control 
and risk management systems in relation to financial reporting processes and about share capital structures is consistent 
with the financial statements.

Matters on which We are Required to Report by Exception

ISAs (UK and Ireland) 
reporting

We are required to report to you if, in our opinion, financial and non-
financial information in the annual report is: 

We have no exceptions  
to report.

• materially inconsistent with the information in the audited  

financial statements; or

• apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent 

with, our knowledge of the Group acquired in the course of performing 
our audit; or 

• otherwise misleading. 

In particular, we are required to report whether we have identified any 
inconsistencies between our knowledge acquired in the course of 
performing the audit and the Directors’ Statement that they consider the 
Annual Report and Accounts taken as a whole is fair, balanced and 
understandable and provides the information necessary for shareholders 
to assess the entity’s performance, business model and strategy; and 
whether the annual report appropriately addresses those matters that 
we communicated to the Audit Committee that we consider should have 
been disclosed.
We are required to report to you if, in our opinion:

• adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent 

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

• the parent company financial statements and the part of the Directors’ 

Remuneration Report to be audited are not in agreement with the 
accounting records and returns; or

• certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law are not 

made; or

• we have not received all the information and explanations we require  

for our audit; or

• a Corporate Governance Statement has not been prepared 

by the Company.

We are required to review:

• the Directors’ Statement in relation to going concern, set out on page 

34 and longer-term viability, set out on page 35; and

• the part of the Corporate Governance Statement relating to the 
Company’s compliance with the provisions of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code specified for our review.

We have no exceptions  
to report.

We have no exceptions  
to report.

Companies Act 2006 
reporting

Listing Rules review 
requirements 

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I N D EP EN D EN T AU D I TO R ’ S R EP O RT TO T H E M EM B ER S O F J O H N M ENZI E S P LC CO N T I N U ED

GROUP INCOME STATEMENT

for the year ended 31 December 2015 (year ended 31 December 2014)

Statement on the Directors’ Assessment of the Principal Risks that Would Threaten the Solvency  
or Liquidity of the Entity

ISAs (UK and Ireland) 
reporting

We are required to give a statement as to whether we have anything 
material to add or to draw attention to in relation to:

• the Directors’ confirmation in the annual report that they have carried 

We have nothing  
material to add or  
to draw attention to.

out a robust assessment of the principal risks facing the entity, including 
those that would threaten its business model, future performance, 
solvency or liquidity;

• the disclosures in the annual report that describe those risks and explain 

how they are being managed or mitigated;

• the Directors’ Statement in the financial statements about whether 
they considered it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of 
accounting in preparing them, and their identification of any material 
uncertainties to the entity’s ability to continue to do so over a period  
of at least 12 months from the date of approval of the financial 
statements; and

• the Directors’ explanation in the annual report as to how they have 
assessed the prospects of the entity, over what period they have  
done so and why they consider that period to be appropriate, and their 
statement as to whether they have a reasonable expectation that the 
entity will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as  
they fall due over the period of their assessment, including any related 
disclosures drawing attention to any necessary qualifications or 
assumptions.

Signed on 7 March 2016 for and on behalf of Ernst & Young LLP, Statutory Auditor, Glasgow by: 

James Nisbet 
Senior Statutory Auditor

Notes: 
The maintenance and integrity of the John Menzies plc web site is the responsibility of the Directors; the work carried out by the auditors does not involve 
consideration of these matters and, accordingly, the auditors accept no responsibility for any changes that may have occurred to the financial statements 
since they were initially presented on the web site.

Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Revenue
Net operating costs
Operating profit
Share of post-tax results of 
joint ventures and associates
Operating profit after joint 
ventures and associates
Analysed as:
Underlying operating profit* 
Non-recurring items – rationalisation 
and acquisition related items
Non-recurring items – impairment 
charges
Contract amortisation
Share of interest on joint ventures 
and associates
Share of tax on joint ventures 
and associates
Operating profit after joint ventures 
and associates
Finance income
Finance charges
Other finance charge – pensions
Profit before taxation
Taxation
Profit for the year

Attributable to equity shareholders
Attributable to non-controlling interests

Earnings per ordinary share
Basic
Diluted

Before
exceptional and
other items
£m

Exceptional and 
other items
£m

Before
exceptional and
other items
£m

2015
£m

Exceptional and
other items
£m

1,899.2 
(1,862.8)
36.4 

–
(17.6)
(17.6)

1,899.2
(1,880.4)
18.8 

1,902.9 
(1,861.0)
41.9 

–
(16.4)
(16.4)

Notes

2
3

2014
£m

1,902.9 
(1,877.4)
25.5 

8.5 

(1.5)

7.0 

9.1 

(1.5)

7.6 

2 

44.9 

(19.1)

25.8 

51.0 

(17.9)

33.1 

44.9 

–

44.9 

51.0 

–

51.0 

5

5
5

7
7
4

8

10

–

–
–

–

–

44.9 
0.8 
(5.6)
(1.9)
38.2 
(12.2)
26.0 

26.2 
(0.2)
26.0 

(5.8)

(4.7)
(7.1)

0.7 

(5.8)

(4.7)
(7.1)

0.7 

(2.2)

(2.2)

(19.1)
–
(0.9)
–
(20.0)
3.9 
(16.1)

(16.1)
–
(16.1)

25.8
0.8
(6.5)
(1.9)
18.2
(8.3)
9.9 

10.1
(0.2)
9.9

–

–
–

–

–

51.0 
0.7 
(5.4)
(1.7)
44.6 
(14.4)
30.2 

30.1 
0.1 
30.2 

(6.0)

(3.2)
(7.2)

0.5 

(2.0)

(17.9)
–
(1.0)
–
(18.9)
2.7 
(16.2)

(16.2)
–
(16.2)

(6.0)

(3.2)
(7.2)

0.5 

(2.0)

33.1 
0.7 
(6.4)
(1.7)
25.7 
(11.7)
14.0 

13.9 
0.1 
14.0 

42.7p 
42.7p 

(26.2)p
(26.3)p

16.5p 
16.4p 

49.2p 
49.0p 

(26.5)p
(26.4)p

22.7p 
22.6p 

*  Underlying operating profit adjusts for non-recurring exceptional items, impairment charges associated with goodwill, joint venture assets and other 
intangibles, contract amortisation and the Group’s share of interest and tax on joint ventures and associates to provide an appreciation of the impact 
of those items on operating profit.

88

89

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONJOHN MENZIES PLCANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2015FI NAN CIAL STATEM ENTS

FI NAN CIAL STATEM ENTS

GROUP STATEMENT OF 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

for the year ended 31 December 2015 (year ended 31 December 2014)

GROUP AND COMPANY BAL ANCE SHEETS

as at 31 December 2015 (31 December 2014)

Profit for the year
Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
Actuarial gain/(loss) on defined benefit pensions
Actuarial loss on unfunded pension arrangements
Income tax effect
Impact of rate change on deferred tax

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
Movement on cash flow hedges
Movement on net investment hedges
Income tax effect
Exchange loss on translation of foreign operations
Income tax effect of exchange loss on foreign operations
Other comprehensive loss for the year (net of tax) 
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year 

Attributable to equity shareholders
Attributable to non-controlling interests

Notes

4

17
17

2015
£m

9.9 

5.6 
–
(1.1)
(0.9)

(0.1)
(1.5)
0.3
(3.9)
0.6
(1.0)
8.9 

8.9
–
8.9

2014
£m

14.0 

(23.5)
(0.1)
4.7 
–

– 
(3.7)
0.8 
(0.5)
–
(22.3)
(8.3)

(8.4)
0.1 
(8.3)

9 0

Notes

Group

2015
£m

2014
£m

Company

2015
£m

2014
£m

ASSETS
Non-current assets
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investments accounted using the equity method
Investments in subsidiaries
Deferred tax assets

Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Derivative financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents

LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Borrowings
Derivative financial liabilities
Trade and other payables
Current income tax liabilities
Provisions

Net current assets/(liabilities)
Total assets less current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings
Other payables
Deferred tax liabilities
Provisions
Retirement benefit obligation

Net assets
Shareholders’ equity
Ordinary shares
Share premium account
Treasury shares
Other reserves
Retained earnings
Capital redemption reserve
Total shareholders’ equity
Non-controlling interest in equity
Total equity

11
12
13
13
14

15
17

17
17
16

20

17
16
14
20
4

21

108.3 
114.4 
26.4 
– 
12.2 
261.3

14.7 
201.9 
0.6 
34.1 
251.3 

(3.4)
(2.3)
(217.3)
(10.0)
(4.9)
(237.9)
13.4
274.7

(152.2)
(3.5)
(1.5)
(2.9)
(43.4)
(203.5)
71.2

15.4 
20.4 
(1.8)
(21.6)
35.6 
21.6 
69.6 
1.6 
71.2

116.1 
120.1 
27.8 
– 
12.0 
276.0 

12.9 
186.6 
1.9 
32.8 
234.2 

(3.3)
(2.0)
(215.8)
(9.0)
(3.8)
(233.9)
0.3 
276.3 

(140.3)
(4.0)
–
(3.3)
(59.0)
(206.6)
69.7 

15.4 
20.3 
(2.0)
(16.8)
29.5 
21.6 
68.0 
1.7 
69.7 

– 
24.4 
– 
291.0 
2.8 
318.2 

– 
288.1 
0.6 
0.8 
289.5 

(2.9)
(2.3)
(310.3)
– 
– 
(315.5)
(26.0)
292.2 

(152.2)
(5.0)
–
– 
(43.4)
(200.6)
91.6 

15.4 
20.4 
(1.8)
(0.9)
36.9 
21.6 
91.6
– 
91.6

The accounts were approved by the Board of Directors on 7 March 2016 and signed on its behalf by:

Iain Napier 
Chairman 

Company No: SC34970

  Paula Bell
  Chief Financial Officer

– 
25.1 
– 
290.5 
6.5 
322.1 

– 
271.6 
1.9 
1.0 
274.5 

(3.2)
(2.0)
(311.0)
– 
– 
(316.2)
(41.7)
280.4 

(140.2)
(4.9)
–
– 
(59.0)
(204.1)
76.3 

15.4 
20.3 
(2.0)
(0.8)
21.8 
21.6 
76.3 
– 
76.3 

91

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONJOHN MENZIES PLCANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2015FI NAN CIAL STATEM ENTS

GROUP AND COMPANY STATEMENT 
OF CHANGES IN EQUIT Y

as at 31 December 2015 (31 December 2014)

Ordinary
shares
£m

Share
premium
account
£m

Treasury
shares
£m

Cash flow
hedge
reserve
£m

Translation
reserve
£m

Retained
earnings
£m

Capital
redemption
reserve
£m

Total
shareholders’
equity
£m

Non-
controlling
equity
£m

Total
equity
£m

Ordinary
shares
£m

Share
premium
account
£m

Treasury
shares
£m

Cash flow
hedge
reserve
£m

Translation
reserve
£m

Retained
earnings
£m

Capital
redemption
reserve
£m

Total
shareholders’
equity
£m

Non-
controlling
equity
£m

Group
At 31 December 2014
Profit/(loss) for the year
Other comprehensive  
(loss)/income
Total comprehensive 
(loss)/ income
New share capital issued
Share-based payments
Dividends paid
Repurchase of own shares
Disposal of own shares
At 31 December 2015

At 31 December 2013
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive loss
Total comprehensive 
(loss)/ income
New share capital issued
Share-based payments
Income tax effect of 
share-based payments
Subsidiaries acquired 
(Note 25)
Dividends paid
Repurchase of own shares
Disposal of own shares
At 31 December 2014

15.4 
– 

20.3 
– 

(2.0)
– 

(0.8)
– 

(16.0)
– 

29.5 
10.1 

21.6 
– 

68.0 
10.1 

1.7 
(0.2)

69.7 
9.9

– 

– 

– 

(0.1)

(4.7)

3.6

– 

(1.2)

0.2

(1.0)

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
15.4 

15.4 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
15.4 

– 
0.1 
– 
– 
– 
– 
20.4 

20.2 
– 
– 

– 
0.1 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
20.3 

– 
– 
– 
– 
(0.1)
0.3
(1.8)

(3.3)
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
(1.0)
2.3 
(2.0)

(0.1)
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(0.9)

(0.8)
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
(0.8)

(4.7)
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(20.7)

(12.6)
– 
(3.4)

(3.4)
– 
– 

13.7
– 
0.5 
(8.0)
– 
(0.1)
35.6

55.3 
13.9 
(18.9)

(5.0)
– 
0.6 

– 

(0.6)

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
21.6 

21.6 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

8.9
0.1 
0.5 
(8.0)
(0.1)
0.2
69.6

95.8 
13.9 
(22.3)

(8.4)
0.1 
0.6 

– 
– 
– 
(0.1)
– 
– 
1.6 

0.5 
0.1 
– 

0.1 
– 
– 

8.9
0.1
0.5 
(8.1)
(0.1)
0.2
71.2

96.3 
14.0 
(22.3)

(8.3)
0.1 
0.6 

(0.6)

– 

(0.6)

– 
– 
– 
– 
(16.0)

(1.7)
(16.8)
– 
(2.3)
29.5 

– 
– 
– 
– 
21.6 

(1.7)
(16.8)
(1.0)
– 
68.0 

1.4 
(0.3)
– 
– 
1.7 

(0.3)
(17.1)
(1.0)
– 
69.7 

Company
At 31 December 2014
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive  
(loss)/income
Total comprehensive 
(loss)/income
New share capital issued 
Share-based payments
Dividends paid
Repurchase of own shares
Disposal of own shares
At 31 December 2015

At 31 December 2013
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive loss
Total comprehensive 
income
New share capital issued
Share-based payments
Dividends paid
Repurchase of own shares
Disposal of own shares
At 31 December 2014

15.4 
– 

20.3 
– 

(2.0)
– 

(0.8)
– 

– 

– 

– 

(0.1)

– 
–
– 
– 
– 
– 
15.4 

15.4 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
15.4 

– 
0.1
– 
– 
– 
– 
20.4

20.2 
– 
– 

– 
0.1 
– 
– 
– 
– 
20.3 

– 
–
– 
– 
(0.1)
0.3 
(1.8)

(3.3)
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
(1.0)
2.3 
(2.0)

(0.1)
–
– 
– 
– 
– 
(0.9)

(0.8)
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(0.8)

– 
– 

– 

– 
–
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

21.8 
19.1

21.6 
– 

76.3 
19.1

3.6

– 

3.5

22.7
–
0.5
(8.0)
– 
(0.1)
36.9

23.9 
35.3 
(18.9)

16.4 
– 
0.6 
(16.8)
– 
(2.3)
21.8 

– 
–
– 
– 
– 
– 
21.6 

21.6 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
21.6 

22.6
0.1
0.5
(8.0)
(0.1)
0.2
91.6

77.0 
35.3 
(18.9)

16.4 
0.1 
0.6 
(16.8)
(1.0)
– 
76.3 

– 
– 

– 

– 
–
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

Total
equity
£m

76.3 
19.1

3.5

22.6
0.1
0.5
(8.0)
(0.1)
0.2
91.6

77.0 
35.3 
(18.9)

16.4 
0.1 
0.6 
(16.8)
(1.0)
– 
76.3 

92

93

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONJOHN MENZIES PLCANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2015FI NAN CIAL STATEM ENTS

FI NAN CIAL STATEM ENTS

GROUP AND COMPANY STATEMENT 
OF CASH FLOWS

for the year ended 31 December 2015 (year ended 31 December 2014)

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
Interest received
Interest paid
Tax (paid)/received
Net cash flow from operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisitions 
Cash acquired with subsidiaries
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Intangible asset additions
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds on redemption of joint venture preference shares
Dividends received from equity accounted investments
Net cash flow used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issue of ordinary share capital
Purchase of own shares
Repayment of borrowings
Proceeds from borrowings
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
Dividends paid to ordinary shareholders
Net amounts repaid by subsidiaries
Net cash flow from/(used in) financing activities
Increase/(decrease) in net cash and cash equivalents
Effects of exchange rate movements
Opening net cash and cash equivalents
Closing net cash and cash equivalents*

Notes

22

25
25

23
23

9

23

23

*  Net cash and cash equivalents include cash at bank and in hand and bank overdrafts.

Group

2015
£m

35.9 
0.8 
(5.9)
(7.7)
23.1 

(15.1)
1.3 
(22.2)
(2.6)
4.5 
0.8
6.5
(26.8)

0.1 
(0.1)
(0.4)
15.3 
– 
(8.0)
– 
6.9 
3.2 
(1.5)
32.2 
33.9 

2014
£m

51.0 
0.7 
(6.4)
(8.2)
37.1 

(2.2)
– 
(28.1)
(3.0)
1.0 
–
6.4 
(25.9)

0.1 
(1.0)
(46.3)
52.9 
(0.3)
(16.8)
– 
(11.4)
(0.2)
(0.9)
33.3 
32.2 

Company

2015
£m

(15.6)
– 
(4.6)
0.6 
(19.6)

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
–
– 
– 

0.1 
(0.1)
– 
15.3
– 
(8.0)
12.1 
19.4 
(0.2)
– 
1.0 
0.8

2014
£m

(14.6)
– 
(5.8)
0.3 
(20.1)

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
–
– 
– 

0.1 
(1.0)
(46.2)
52.9 
– 
(16.8)
31.4 
20.4 
0.3 
– 
0.7 
1.0 

The consolidated accounts of the Group for the year ended 
31 December 2015 were approved and authorised for issue 
in accordance with a resolution of the Directors on 7 March 
2016. John Menzies plc is a limited company incorporated 
in Scotland and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.

1. Accounting Policies
A summary of the more significant accounting policies, 
which have been consistently applied, is set out below.

Basis of preparation
The consolidated accounts, which have been prepared 
under the historical cost convention and in accordance with 
EU Endorsed International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRS), IFRIC interpretations and the Companies Act 2006 
applicable to companies reporting under IFRS, incorporate 
the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, joint 
ventures and associates from the effective date of 
acquisition or to the date of deemed disposal.

As permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 
no Income Statement is presented by the Company.

New accounting standards and amendments 
affecting the Group
Several new standards and amendments are applicable 
for the first time in 2015. However, they do not impact the 
annual consolidated financial statements of the Group.

Standards and amendments to standards that have been 
issued but are not effective for 2015 and have not been early 
adopted are:

• Amendments to IAS 27: Equity Method in Separate 

Financial Statements – effective date 1 January 2016

• Amendments to IAS 1: Disclosure Initiative –  

effective date 1 January 2016

• IFRS 9 Financial Instruments* – effective date 

1 January 2018

• IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers* – 

effective date 1 January 2018

• Annual Improvements to IFRSs – 2012 to 2014 cycle* – 

effective date 1 January 2016

• Amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28: Sale or Contribution 

of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or 
Joint Venture* – effective date 1 January 2016

• IAS 27 (amendment) Separate Financial Statements: Equity 
Method in Separate Financial Statements* – effective date 
1 January 2016

• Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 38: Clarification of 

Acceptable Methods of Depreciation and Amortisation* 
– effective date 1 January 2016

• Amendments to IFRS 11: Accounting for Acquisitions 

of Interests in Joint Operations* – effective date 
1 January 2016

• IFRS 16 Leases – effective date 1 January 2019

• Amendment to IAS 7: Disclosure Initiative* – effective date 

1 January 2017

• Amendment to IAS 12: Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets 

for Unrealised Losses* – effective date 1 January 2017

* Not yet adopted for use in the European Union. 

The above standards and amendments will be adopted 
in accordance with their effective dates and have not been 
adopted in these financial statements. 

For standards with a future effective date, the Directors 
are in the process of assessing the likely impact and look 
to finalisation of the standards before formalising their view. 

Basis of consolidation 
The consolidated accounts of the Group include the 
assets, liabilities and results of the Company and subsidiary 
undertakings in which John Menzies plc has a controlling 
interest, using accounts drawn up to 31 December except 
where entities have non-coterminous year ends. In such 
cases, the information is based on the accounting period 
of these entities and is adjusted for material changes up to 
31 December. Accordingly, the information consolidated is 
deemed to cover the same period for all entities throughout 
the Group. 

Control is achieved when the Group is exposed, or has rights, 
to variable returns from its involvement with the investee 
and has the ability to affect those returns through its power 
over the investee. Specifically, the Group controls an 
investee if, and only if, the Group has all of the following: 
power over the investee (i.e. existing rights that give it 
the current ability to direct the relevant activities of the 
investee); exposure, or rights, to variable returns from its 
involvement with the investee; and the ability to use its 
power over the investee to affect its returns. 

Generally, there is a presumption that a majority of voting 
rights results in control. To support this presumption and 
when the Group has less than a majority of the voting, or 
similar, rights of an investee, it considers all relevant facts 
and circumstances in assessing whether it has power over an                                     
investee, including: the contractual arrangement(s) with the 
other vote holder(s) of the investee, rights arising from other 
contractual arrangements, and the Group’s voting rights and 
potential voting rights. 

The Group reassesses whether or not it controls an investee 
if facts and circumstances indicate that there are changes to 
one or more of the three elements of control. Consolidation 
of a subsidiary begins when the Group obtains control over 
the subsidiary and ceases when the Group loses control of 
the subsidiary. Assets, liabilities, income and expenses of 
a subsidiary acquired or disposed of during the year are 
included in the consolidated financial statements from the 
date the Group obtains control until the date the Group 
ceases to control the subsidiary. 

94

95

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONJOHN MENZIES PLCANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2015FI NAN CIAL STATEM ENTS

N OT E S TO T H E ACCO U N T S CO N T I N U ED

1. Accounting Policies continued 
Profit or loss and each component of other comprehensive 
income are attributed to the equity holders of the parent 
of the Group and to the non-controlling interests, even if 
this results in the non-controlling interest having a deficit 
balance. When necessary, adjustments are made to the 
financial statements of subsidiaries to bring their accounting 
policies into line with the Group’s accounting policies. All 
intragroup assets and liabilities, equity, income, expenses 
and cash flows relating to transactions between members 
of the Group are eliminated in full on consolidation. 

A change in the ownership interest of a subsidiary, without 
a loss of control, is accounted for as an equity transaction. If 
the Group loses control over a subsidiary, it derecognises the 
related assets (including goodwill), liabilities, non-controlling 
interest and other components of equity while any resultant 
gain or loss is recognised in the Income Statement. Any 
investment retained is recognised at fair value. 

Joint ventures and associates 
A joint venture is a type of joint arrangement whereby the 
parties that have joint control of the arrangement have rights 
to the net assets of the joint venture. Joint control is the 
contractually agreed sharing of control of an arrangement, 
which exists only when decisions about the relevant activities 
require unanimous consent of the parties sharing control. 

An associate is an entity over which the Group has significant 
influence. Significant influence is the power to participate in 
the financial and operating policy decisions of the investee, 
but is not control or joint control over those policies. 

The considerations made in determining significant influence 
or joint control are similar to those necessary to determine 
control over subsidiaries. 

The Group’s investments in its associates and joint ventures 
are accounted for using the equity method. Under the equity 
method, the investment in an associate or a joint venture is 
initially recognised at cost. The carrying amount of the 
investment is adjusted to recognise changes in the Group’s 
share of net assets of the associate or joint venture since the 
acquisition date. Goodwill relating to the associate or joint 
venture is included in the carrying amount of the investment 
and is not tested for impairment individually. 

The Income Statement reflects the Group’s share of the 
results of operations of the associate or joint venture. Any 
change in other comprehensive income of those investees 
is presented as part of the Group’s other comprehensive 
income. In addition, when there has been a change 
recognised directly in the equity of the associate or joint 
venture, the Group recognises its share of any changes, when 
applicable, in the Statement of Changes in Equity. Unrealised 
gains and losses resulting from transactions between the 
Group and the associate or joint venture are eliminated to 
the extent of the interest in the associate or joint venture. 

The aggregate of the Group’s share of profit or loss of an 
associate and a joint venture is shown on the face of the 

96

Income Statement outside operating profit and represents 
profit or loss after tax and non-controlling interests in the 
associate or joint venture. 

After application of the equity method, the Group 
determines whether it is necessary to recognise an 
impairment loss on its investment in its associate or joint 
venture. At each reporting date, the Group determines 
whether there is objective evidence that the investment 
in the associate or joint venture is impaired. If there is such 
evidence, the Group calculates the amount of impairment 
as the difference between the recoverable amount of the 
associate or joint venture and its carrying value, and then 
recognises the loss within the share of the profit of an 
associate and a joint venture in the Income Statement. 

Upon loss of significant influence over the associate or joint 
control over the joint venture, the Group measures and 
recognises any retained investment at its fair value. Any 
difference between the carrying amount of the associate or 
joint venture upon loss of significant influence or joint control 
and the fair value of the retained investment and proceeds 
from disposal is recognised in the Income Statement. 

Menzies Bobba Ground Handling Services Private Ltd is 51% 
owned, Menzies Aviation Bobba (Bangalore) Private Ltd and 
Hyderabad Menzies Air Cargo Private Ltd are 49% owned 
and Menzies Macau Airport Services Ltd is 29% owned. 
They are treated as joint ventures in the Group accounts 
because the parties to each of the ventures work together 
with equal powers to control the entities. Each venturer in 
the respective entity retains the power of veto, and overall 
key strategic, operational and financial decisions require the 
consent of all parties. 

The financial statements of each associate or joint venture 
are prepared for the same reporting period as the Group. The 
Indian joint ventures have a statutory year end of 31 March. 
Worldwide Magazine Distribution Ltd has a statutory year 
end of 30 April. Where necessary, adjustments are made to 
bring the accounting policies in line with those of the Group. 

Revenue 
In the Distribution business, revenue is recognised on the 
despatched value of goods sold, excluding value-added tax. 
Product is sold to retailers on a sale or return basis. Revenue 
for goods supplied with a right of return is stated net of the 
value of any returns. 

In the Aviation business, cargo handling and forwarding 
revenue is recognised at the point of departure for exports 
and at the point that the goods are ready for despatch for 
imports. Other ramp, passenger and aviation related services 
income is recognised at the time the service is provided in 
accordance with the terms of the relevant contract. Revenue 
excludes value-added and sales taxes and charges collected 
on behalf of customers. 

Property, plant and equipment 
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost, including 
acquisition expenses, less accumulated depreciation. 
Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis at the 
following rates: 

temporary difference can be controlled and it is probable 
that the temporary difference will not reverse in the 
foreseeable future. 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. 

Freehold and long leasehold properties – over 50 years or 
the remaining lease term if shorter 
Short leasehold properties – over the remaining lease term 
Plant and equipment – over the estimated life of the asset 
between 3 and 20 years. 

Current and deferred tax is recognised in the Income 
Statement except if it relates to an item recognised directly 
in equity or in other comprehensive income, in which case it 
is recognised directly in equity or in the Statement of 
Comprehensive Income respectively. 

Inventories 
Inventories, being goods for resale and consumables, are 
stated at the lower of purchase cost and net realisable value. 

Pensions 
The operating and financing costs of pensions are charged 
to the Income Statement in the period in which they arise 
and are recognised separately. The costs of past service 
benefit enhancements, settlements and curtailments are 
also recognised in the period in which they arise. The 
difference between actual and expected returns on assets 
during the year, including changes in actuarial assumptions, 
is recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. 
Pension costs are assessed in accordance with the advice 
of qualified actuaries. 

With regard to defined contribution schemes, the Income 
Statement charge represents contributions made. 

Taxation 
Current tax is the amount of tax payable or recoverable in 
respect of the taxable profit or loss for the period. 

Deferred tax is provided in full, using the liability method, 
on temporary differences between the carrying amount 
of an asset or liability in the Balance Sheet and its tax base. 
Deferred tax arising from the initial recognition of an asset or 
liability in a transaction, other than a business combination, 
that at the time of the transaction affects neither 
accounting nor taxable profit or loss, is not recognised. 
Deferred tax liabilities represent tax payable in future 
periods in respect of taxable temporary differences. 
Deferred tax assets represent tax recoverable in future 
periods in respect of deductible temporary differences, 
the carry forward of unused tax losses and the carry 
forward of unused tax credits. 

Deferred tax is determined using the tax rates and tax laws 
that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the 
balance sheet date and are expected to apply when the 
deferred tax asset is realised or the deferred tax liability is 
settled. Deferred tax is provided on temporary differences 
arising on investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures and 
associates, except where the timing of the reversal of the 

Intangible assets 
Goodwill 
Business combinations since 1 January 2010 have been and 
continue to be accounted for using the acquisition method. 
The cost of an acquisition is measured as the aggregate of 
the consideration transferred, measured at the acquisition 
date fair value, and the amount of any non-controlling 
interest in the acquiree. Acquisition costs incurred are 
expensed and included in exceptional items. 

Goodwill arising on acquisitions before 26 December 2004 
(the date of transition to IFRS) has been retained at the 
previous UK GAAP amounts subject to being tested for 
impairment at that date. 

Goodwill acquired is recognised as an asset and 
reviewed for impairment at least annually by assessing 
the recoverable amount of each Cash-Generating Unit to 
which the goodwill relates. When the recoverable amount 
of the Cash-Generating Unit is less than the carrying 
amount, an impairment loss is recognised. Any impairment is 
recognised in the Income Statement. 

Goodwill arising on the acquisition of joint ventures 
and associates is included within the carrying value of the 
investment. 

Contracts 
The fair value attributed to contracts at the point of 
acquisition is determined by discounting the expected future 
cash flows to be generated from that asset at the relevant 
risk-adjusted weighted average cost of capital for the Group. 
This amount is included in intangible assets as contracts. 
Separate values are not attributed to internally-generated 
customer relationships. 

Contract amortisation is business-stream dependent. In the 
Distribution business, capitalised publisher contracts are not 
amortised due to the very long-term nature of the business. 
These contracts are tested annually for impairment using 
similar criteria to the goodwill test. In the Aviation business 
and core non-publisher contracts in the Distribution 
business, contracts are amortised on a straight-line basis 
over ten years as this period is the minimum time-frame 
management considers when assessing businesses for 
acquisition. Certain other contracts are amortised over the 
remaining life of the contract. 

97

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONJOHN MENZIES PLCANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2015FI NAN CIAL STATEM ENTS

N OT E S TO T H E ACCO U N T S CO N T I N U ED

1. Accounting Policies continued 
Computer software 
Costs associated with developing or maintaining computer 
software programs are recognised as an expense as 
incurred. Costs that are directly attributable to the 
production of identifiable and unique software products 
controlled by the Group, and that will probably generate 
economic benefits exceeding costs beyond one year, are 
recognised as intangible assets. These direct costs include 
the costs of software development employees. Computer 
software assets are amortised over their estimated useful 
lives, usually three to five years. 

Leases 
Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms 
of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards 
of ownership to the lessee. All other leases are classified as 
operating leases. 

Assets acquired under finance leases are capitalised in the 
Balance Sheet at their fair value or, if lower, at the present 
value of the minimum lease payments, each determined at 
the inception of the lease. The corresponding liability to the 
lessor is recorded in the Balance Sheet as a finance lease 
obligation. The lease payments are apportioned between 
finance charges to the Income Statement and a reduction 
of the lease obligations. 

Rental payments under operating leases are charged  
to the Income Statement on a straight-line basis over  
the applicable lease periods. 

Trade receivables 
If there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able 
to collect all of the amounts due under the original terms 
of an invoice, a provision on the respective trade receivable 
is recognised. In such an instance the carrying value of the 
receivable is reduced with the amount of the loss recognised 
in the Income Statement. 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents in the Balance Sheet comprise 
cash at bank and in hand and short-term deposits with an 
original maturity of three months or less. Bank overdrafts 
are shown within borrowings in current liabilities in the 
Balance Sheet. 

Foreign currencies 
Foreign currency assets and liabilities of the Group are 
translated at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance 
sheet date. The trading results of overseas subsidiaries, 
joint ventures and associates are translated at the average 
exchange rate ruling during the year, with the exchange 
difference between average rates and the rates ruling at 
the balance sheet date being taken to reserves. 

Any differences arising on the translation of the opening 
net investment, including goodwill, in overseas subsidiaries, 
joint ventures and associates, and of applicable foreign 
currency loans, are dealt with as adjustments to reserves. 

98

All other exchange differences are dealt with in the 
Income Statement. 

Derivative financial instruments and  
hedging activities 
The Group uses forward contracts as derivatives to hedge 
the risk arising from the retranslation of foreign currency 
denominated items. 

The Group has derivatives that are designated as hedges 
of overseas net investments in foreign entities (net 
investment hedges) and derivatives that are designated as 
hedges of the exchange risk arising from the retranslation of 
highly probable forecast revenue denominated in non-local 
currency of some of its overseas operations (cash flow 
hedges). 

Derivative contracts entered into by the Group are expected 
to continue to be highly effective until they expire. The 
effectiveness of these contracts is monitored during the 
year. As a result, all derivatives have been recorded using 
hedge accounting, which is explained below. 

All derivatives are measured at fair value, which is calculated 
as the present value of all future cash flows from the 
derivative discounted at prevailing market rates. 

Changes in the fair value of the effective portion of net 
investment hedges are recorded in equity and are only 
recycled to the Income Statement on disposal of the 
overseas net investment. 

Changes in the fair value of the effective portion of cash flow 
hedges are recorded in equity until such time as the forecast 
transaction occurs, at which time they are recycled to the 
Income Statement. If the occurrence of the transaction 
results in a non-financial asset or liability, then amounts 
recycled from equity are included in the cost of the non-
financial asset or liability. If the forecast transaction remains 
probable but ceases to be highly probable then, from that 
point, changes in fair value are recorded in the Income 
Statement within finance costs. Similarly, if the forecast 
transaction ceases to be probable then the entire fair value 
recorded in equity and future changes in fair value are posted 
to the Income Statement within finance costs. 

For assets and liabilities that are recognised in the financial 
statements on a recurring basis, the Group determines 
whether transfers have occurred between levels in the 
hierarchy by reassessing categorisation (based on the lowest 
level input that is significant to the fair value measurement 
as a whole) at the end of each reporting period. 

Provisions 
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present 
legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event 
and it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying 
economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation 
and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the 
obligation. 

Share capital 
Ordinary shares are classed as equity. Where the Company 
purchases its own shares the consideration paid, including 
any directly attributable incremental costs, is deducted 
from the equity attributable to the Company’s equity 
holders until the shares are cancelled, reissued or  
disposed of. 

Impairment 
Impairment testing is carried out on any assets that show 
indications of impairment and annually on goodwill and 
intangibles that are not subject to amortisation. This testing 
involves exercising management judgement about future 
cash flows and other events which are by their nature 
uncertain. See Note 11 for further details. 

Share-based payments 
Equity-settled share-based payments are measured at fair 
value at the date of grant and recognised as an expense over 
the vesting period. The amount recognised as an expense is 
adjusted to reflect the actual number of share options that 
vest unless the options do not vest as a result of a failure to 
satisfy market conditions. Fair value is measured by use of 
a relevant pricing model. 

Estimates and judgements 
The preparation of the consolidated accounts requires 
management to make judgements, estimates and 
assumptions that affect the application of accounting 
policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, 
income and expenses. These estimates will, by definition, 
seldom equal the related actual results particularly given 
changes in economic conditions and the level of uncertainty 
regarding their duration and severity. 

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 most important 
estimates and judgements are set out below. 

Joint ventures and associates 
Judgement is required to determine when the Group 
has joint control over an arrangement, which requires an 
assessment of the relevant activities and when the decisions 
in relation to those activities require unanimous consent. 
The Group has determined that the relevant activities for its 
joint arrangements are those relating to the operating and 
capital decisions of the arrangement, including the approval 
of the annual capital and operating expenditure budgets 
for the joint arrangement, as required by the joint venture 
agreements applicable to the entity’s joint arrangements. 

Intangible assets 
On the acquisition of a business it is necessary to attribute 
fair values to any intangible assets acquired, provided they 
meet the criteria to be recognised. The fair values of these 
intangible assets are dependent on estimates of attributable 
future revenues, margins and cash flows, as well as 
appropriate discount rates. In addition, the allocation of 
useful lives to acquired intangible assets requires the 
application of judgement based on available information 
and management expectations at the time of recognition. 
See Note 11 for further details. 

Retirement benefits 
The assumptions underlying the calculation of retirement 
benefits are important and based on independent advice. 
Changes in these assumptions could have a material impact 
on the measurement of the Group’s retirement benefit 
obligation. See Note 4 for further details. 

Income taxes 
The Group is subject to income tax in numerous jurisdictions 
and significant judgement is required in determining the 
provision for tax. There are many transactions and 
calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is 
uncertain. The Group recognises provisions for tax based on 
estimates of the taxes that are likely to become due. Where 
the final tax outcome is different from the amounts that 
were initially recorded, such differences will impact the 
current income tax and deferred tax provisions in the period 
in which such determination is made. See Notes 8 and 14 
for further details. 

The Group has in place a limited number of intragroup 
finance arrangements that are subject to enquiry by the 
relevant tax authority. The Group does not recognise 
potential benefits from such arrangements to its effective 
tax rate until the agreement of the relevant tax authority is 
considered resonably certain and therefore an appropriate 
provision is held until that point.

Provisions 
The Group exercises judgement in determining whether 
provisions are required in relation to onerous property 
leases. Judgement is necessary in assessing the likelihood 
of whether or not an alternative use can be found for these 
properties or a suitable tenant can be found in order to cover 
the cost of the lease. This likelihood will vary depending on 
the size, location and type of property. See Note 20 for 
further details. 

Revenue recognition 
Judgement must be exercised to ensure that revenue is 
recognised in accordance with contractual terms, including 
in relation to the level of expected returns. 

99

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONJOHN MENZIES PLCANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2015FI NAN CIAL STATEM ENTS

N OT E S TO T H E ACCO U N T S CO N T I N U ED

Underlying operating cash flow is free cash flow  before net 
capital expnenditure, net interest paid and  taxation. 

Cash conversion is underlying operating cash flow less 
replacement capital expenditure and interest divided by 
underlying profit before taxation.

Interest cover is EBITA divided by external interest charge. 
EBITA is underlying operating profit plus computer software 
amortisation. External interest charge excludes the net 
finance income or charge related to pensions.

2. Segment Information
For management purposes the Group is organised into 
two operating divisions: Distribution and Aviation. The 
two divisions are organised and managed separately based 
upon their key markets. The Distribution segment provides 
newspaper and magazine distribution services along with 
marketing and logistics services across the UK and Ireland. 
The Aviation segment provides cargo and passenger ground 
handling services across the world. 

The information presented to the Board for the purpose 
of resource allocation and assessment of segment 
performance is focused on the performance of each division 
as a whole but also contains performance information on a 
number of operating segments within the Aviation division. 
The Board assesses the performance of the operating 
segments based on a measure of adjusted segment result 
before exceptional items and intangible amortisation. 
Net finance income and expenditure are not allocated 
to segments as this activity is managed by the central 
treasury function. 

Segment information is presented in respect of the Group’s 
reportable segments together with additional geographic 
and Balance Sheet information. Transfer prices between 
segments are set on an arm’s-length basis.

 1. Accounting Policies continued
Exceptional items 
Exceptional items are those material items which, by virtue of 
their size or incidence, are presented separately in the Income 
Statement to enable a full understanding of the Group’s 
financial performance. These exclude certain elements of 
intangible asset impairment and amortisation, which are also 
presented separately in the Income Statement.

Transactions which may give rise to exceptional items 
include restructuring of business activities (in terms of 
rationalisation costs and onerous lease provisions), gains 
or losses on the disposal of businesses and acquisition                                
transaction and other related costs including changes in 
deferred consideration. 

Dividend distributions 
Final ordinary dividends are recognised as liabilities in the 
accounts in the period in which the dividends are approved 
by the Company’s shareholders. 

Financial risk factors 
The Group is exposed to financial risks: liquidity risk, interest 
rate fluctuations, foreign exchange exposures and credit risk. 
See Note 17 for further details. 

Definitions and non-GAAP measures used by 
management 
Management believes that the following non-GAAP or 
adjusted measures provide a useful comparison of business 
performance and reflect the way in which the business is 
controlled: 

Turnover includes revenue from subsidiaries and the Group’s 
share of revenue from joint ventures and associates. 

Underlying operating profit adjusts for non-recurring 
exceptional items, impairment charges associated with 
goodwill, joint venture assets and other intangibles, contract 
amortisation and the Group’s share of interest and tax on 
joint ventures and associates to provide an appreciation of 
the impact of those items on operating profit. 

Underlying profit before taxation is defined as underlying 
operating profit less net finance charges. 

Underlying earnings per share is profit after taxation and 
non-controlling interest, but before intangible amortisation 
and impairment and exceptional items, divided by the 
weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue. 

Free cash flow is defined as the cash generated after net 
capital expenditure, interest and taxation, before special 
pension contributions, acquisitions, disposals, cash spend on 
exceptional items, ordinary dividends and net spend on 
shares. 

Business segment information

Revenue

Pre-exceptional operating profit/(loss)

Distribution
Aviation
Ground Handling
Cargo Handling
Cargo Forwarding

Corporate

Joint ventures and associates

2015
£m

2014
£m

1,244.0 

1,261.3 

490.0 
146.8 
112.5 
749.3 
– 
1,993.3 
(94.1)
1,899.2 

470.6 
149.4 
118.6 
738.6 
– 
1,999.9 
(97.0)
1,902.9 

2015
£m

25.1

4.1 
14.7 
4.3 
23.1 
(3.3)
44.9 
– 
44.9 

A reconciliation of segment pre-exceptional operating profit/(loss) to profit before tax is provided below.

Notes

Distribution
£m

2015
Operating profit/(loss)
Share of post-tax results of joint ventures and associates
Operating profit/(loss) after joint ventures and associates
Net finance expense
Profit before taxation

Analysed as:
Pre-exceptional operating profit/(loss)*
Rationalisation and acquisition related items
Net impairment loss
Contract amortisation 
Share of interest on joint ventures and associates
Share of tax on joint ventures and associates
Operating profit/(loss) after joint ventures and associates

5
5
11

2014

Operating profit/(loss)
Share of post-tax results of joint ventures and associates
Operating profit/(loss) after joint ventures and associates
Net finance expense
Profit before taxation

Analysed as:
Pre-exceptional operating profit/(loss)*
Rationalisation and acquisition related costs

Net impairment loss
Contract amortisation 
Share of interest on joint ventures and associates
Share of tax on joint ventures and associates
Operating profit/(loss) after joint ventures and associates

5

5
11

Aviation
£m

7.0
5.4
12.4

Corporate
£m

(5.0)
– 
(5.0)

23.1
(0.2)
(4.7)
(4.6)
0.7 
(1.9)
12.4

(3.3)
(1.7)
– 
– 
– 
– 
(5.0)

16.8 
1.6
18.4

25.1 
(3.9)
– 
(2.5)
– 
(0.3)
18.4

14.5 
1.5 
16.0 

24.0 
(6.0)

– 
(1.6)
– 
(0.4)
16.0 

14.2 
6.1 
20.3 

30.2 
– 

(3.2)
(5.6)
0.5 
(1.6)
20.3 

(3.2)
– 
(3.2)

(3.2)
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
(3.2)

Notes

Distribution
£m

Aviation
£m

Corporate
£m

2014
£m

24.0 

12.0 
13.8 
4.4 
30.2 
(3.2)
51.0 
– 
51.0 

Group
£m

18.8
7.0
25.8
(7.6)
18.2 

44.9
(5.8)
(4.7)
(7.1)
0.7 
(2.2)
25.8 

Group
£m

25.5 
7.6 
33.1 
(7.4)
25.7 

51.0 
(6.0)

(3.2)
(7.2)
0.5 
(2.0)
33.1 

10 0

101

*  Pre-exceptional operating profit/(loss) is defined as operating profit/(loss) excluding intangible amortisation as shown in Note 5 and exceptional items but 

including the pre-tax share of results from joint ventures and associates.

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONJOHN MENZIES PLCANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2015FI NAN CIAL STATEM ENTS

N OT E S TO T H E ACCO U N T S CO N T I N U ED

2. Segment Information continued

2015
Segment assets
Unallocated assets
Total assets

Segment liabilities
Unallocated liabilities
Total liabilities

Segment net assets/(liabilities)
Unallocated net liabilities
Net assets

2014

Segment assets
Unallocated assets
Total assets

Segment liabilities
Unallocated liabilities
Total liabilities

Segment net assets/(liabilities)
Unallocated net liabilities
Net assets

Distribution
£m

199.7 

Aviation
£m

264.8

Corporate
£m

1.9

(116.7)

(93.6)

(20.6)

83.0

171.2

(18.7)

Distribution
£m

186.1 

Aviation
£m

275.8 

Corporate
£m

3.5 

(116.3)

(94.3)

(18.5)

69.8 

181.5 

(15.0)

Group
£m

466.4
46.2
512.6

(230.9)
(210.5)
(441.4)

235.5 
(164.3)
71.2 

Group
£m

465.4 
44.8 
510.2 

(229.1)
(211.4)
(440.5)

236.3 
(166.6)
69.7 

Unallocated assets comprise deferred tax assets, cash and cash equivalents. Unallocated liabilities comprise retirement 
benefit obligation, borrowings, current income tax liabilities and deferred tax liabilities.

2015
Capital expenditure – property, plant and equipment
Capital expenditure – intangible assets
Depreciation
Amortisation of intangible assets
Impairment of intangible assets
Loss/(gain) on disposal of property, plant and equipment

2014

Capital expenditure – property, plant and equipment
Capital expenditure – intangible assets
Depreciation
Amortisation of intangible assets
Impairment of intangible assets
Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment

Distribution
£m

4.4 
2.1
4.6
4.8
– 
0.4

Distribution
£m

2.3 
2.2 
4.2 
4.0 
–
– 

Aviation
£m

16.4
0.5
15.7
5.8
4.0
(1.0)

Aviation
£m

25.8 
0.8 
15.3 
6.9 
3.6
(0.2) 

Corporate
£m

– 
– 
0.7
– 
– 
– 

Corporate
£m

– 
– 
0.7 
– 
–
– 

Group
£m

20.8
2.6
21.0
10.6 
4.0
(0.6)

Group
£m

28.1 
3.0 
20.2 
10.9 
3.6
(0.2) 

102

Geographic information

Revenue

Non-current assets

UK
Continental Europe
USA
Rest of world

3. Net Operating Costs

Goods for resale and other operating charges
Employment costs
Intangible assets amortisation
Depreciation
Exceptional items 
Net impairment loss

2015
£m

1,363.1 
171.2 
140.3 
224.6 
1,899.2 

2014
£m

1,391.8 
161.2 
116.6 
233.3 
1,902.9 

Notes

4
11
12
5
5

2015
£m

110.2 
37.3 
36.8 
64.8 
249.1 

2015
£m

1,331.6 
506.7 
10.6 
21.0 
5.8 
4.7
1,880.4 

2014
£m

109.5 
44.7 
35.9 
73.9 
264.0 

2014
£m

1,348.1 
489.0 
10.9 
20.2 
6.0 
3.2 
1,877.4 

The comparative now shows the net impairment loss of £3.2m separately from goods for resale and other operating charges.

Other operating charges include:

Operating leases and hire charges - plant and equipment
Rent of properties
Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Currency translation gain

2015
£m

27.5 
31.8 
(0.6) 
– 

2014
£m

28.3 
31.4 
(0.2) 
(0.2) 

During the year, the Group (including its overseas subsidiaries) obtained the following services from the Group’s auditors 
at costs as detailed below.

Audit services:
Audit of the Company and consolidated accounts
Audit of the Company’s subsidiaries pursuant to legislation
Non-audit services:
Tax compliance
Tax advisory

2015
£m

0.3 
0.7 

0.5 
0.4 

2014
£m

0.3 
0.7 

0.5 
0.4 

103

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONJOHN MENZIES PLCANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2015FI NAN CIAL STATEM ENTS

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4. Employees

Wages and salaries
Share-based payments
Social security costs

Pension charge 

The average number of people employed during the year was:

Distribution 
Aviation 
Corporate

2015
£m

451.9 
0.5 
40.5 
492.9 
13.8 
506.7 

2015

3,387 
21,737 
31 
 25,155 

2014
£m

434.8 
0.6 
39.0 
474.4 
14.6 
489.0 

2014

3,500 
20,916 
27 
 24,443 

The above includes 16,893 people employed outside the UK (2014: 15,761).

Pension schemes
The principal Group-funded defined benefit scheme in the UK is the Menzies Pension Fund (“Fund”) to which employees 
contribute. The charge to the Income Statement is assessed in accordance with independent actuarial advice from Hymans 
Robertson LLP (“the Actuary”) using the projected unit method. Certain Group subsidiaries participate in a number of pension 
schemes which are of a defined contribution nature and some of which operate overseas. The Income Statement charge for 
defined contribution schemes represents the contributions payable.

The pension charge to operating profit in the Income Statement is:

Menzies Pension Fund
Other schemes

2015
£m

2.2 
11.6 
13.8 

2014
£m

2.1 
12.5 
14.6 

Fund financial assumptions and information
The Actuary undertook a valuation of the Fund as at 31 December 2015 (2014: 31 December 2014) under IAS 19. In deriving 
the results the Actuary used the projected unit method and the following financial assumptions:

Rate of increase in salaries
Rate of increase in pensions (prior to 1 May 2006)
Rate of increase in pensions (from 1 May 2006 to 1 June 2010)
Rate of increase in pensions (after 1 June 2010)
Price inflation
Discount rate

2015
%

3.0
3.5
2.1
1.0
3.0
4.0

2014
% 

3.0 
3.5 
2.0 
1.0 
3.0 
3.7 

Assumptions regarding future mortality experience are set based on advice that uses published statistics and experience 
in the business. 

The average life expectancy of a pensioner retiring at 65 on the balance sheet date is:

Male
Female

The average life expectancy of a pensioner retiring at 65, 20 years after the balance sheet date is:

Male
Female

Further information regarding the membership of the Fund is:

2015
Years

22.2
23.7

2015
Years

23.8
25.0

2014
Years 

20.9
22.5

2014
Years 

21.7
23.7

2015
Active members
Deferred members
Pensioners

2014
Active members
Deferred members
Pensioners

Number

Liability split

Average liability 
duration (years)

 445 
 3,353 
 2,138 
5,936 

 499 
 3,623 
 2,206 
6,328 

16%
34%
50%
100%

24%
32%
44%
100%

 21.8 
 21.0 
 11.9 
16.5 

 24.8 
 22.6 
 12.8 
18.8 

104

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4. Employees continued
Fair value of Fund assets and liabilities

Equities
Bonds
Investment funds
Property
Other
Total value of assets
Defined benefit obligation
Recognised in Balance Sheet
Related deferred tax asset (Note 14)
Net pension liabilities 

Quoted
£m

127.4 
130.8 
1.8 
4.1 
10.3 
274.4 

2015

Unquoted
£m

Total value at
31 December
£m

0.3
– 
4.0 
24.4 
9.3 
38.0 

127.7 
130.8 
5.8 
28.5 
19.6 
312.4 
(355.8)
(43.4)
7.8 
(35.6)

Quoted
£m

114.7 
110.6 
4.2 
0.4 
5.4 
235.3 

Changes in assumptions compared with actuarial assumptions for the value of liabilities are:

0.5% decrease in discount rate
1 year increase in life expectancy
0.5% decrease in salary increases
0.5% decrease in inflation

Note

(i)

2015
£m

386.5 
366.5 
355.8 
334.4 

(i)  Active members’ benefits, once accrued, revalue at CPI capped at 1% p.a. and so changes in the level of salary increase do not affect the past service 

liability value.

The sensitivities disclosed were calculated using approximate methods taking into account the duration of the Fund’s 
liabilities. In relation to sensitivities, the Company recognises actuarial gains and losses immediately through the re-
measurement of the net defined benefit liability.

Pension expense                                                                                                                                                                                                   
The components of pension expense are:

Amounts charged/(credited) to operating profit are:
Current service cost
Administrative costs
Effect of settlements
Total service cost

Amounts included in finance costs are:
Interest cost on defined benefit obligation
Interest income on Fund assets
Net finance charge

2015
£m

2.0 
1.3 
(1.1)
2.2 

13.4 
(11.5)
1.9 

2014
£m

1.8 
1.1 
(0.8)
2.1 

14.7 
(13.0)
1.7 

Pension expense

4.1 

3.8 

11.7 
2.8 
12.0 
23.0 
28.1 
77.6 

126.4 
113.4 
16.2 
23.4 
33.5 
312.9 
(371.9)
(59.0)
11.8 
(47.2)

2014
£m

408.5 
383.1 
371.9 
342.8 

The amounts recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income are:

2014

Unquoted
£m

Total value at
31 December
£m

Returns on assets excluding amounts included in net interest
Changes in financial assumptions
Actuarial gain/(loss)

2015
£m

(4.9) 
10.5
5.6

2014
£m

18.8 
(42.3)
(23.5)

Changes in Fund assets and defined benefit obligation                                                                                                                                      
The change in scheme assets during the year is:

Fair value of assets at start of year
Interest income 
Company contributions
Employee contributions
Effect of settlements
Benefits and expenses paid
Returns on assets excluding amounts included in net interest
Fair value of assets at end of year

The actual return on scheme assets was a gain of £6.6m (2014: £31.8m).

The change in defined benefit obligation during the year is:

Defined benefit obligation at start of year
Total service cost
Interest cost
Effect of settlements
Employee contributions
Benefits and expenses paid
Changes in financial assumptions
Defined benefit obligation at end of year

2015
£m

312.9 
11.5 
14.1 
0.7 
(2.2)
(19.7)
(4.9)
312.4 

£m

371.9 
3.3 
13.4 
(3.3)
0.7 
(19.7)
(10.5)
355.8 

2014
£m

282.0 
13.0 
14.1 
0.8 
(1.8)
(14.0)
18.8 
312.9 

£m

327.8 
2.9 
14.7 
(2.6)
0.8 
(14.0)
42.3 
371.9 

106

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4. Employees continued
Benefits, regulatory framework and governance of the Fund
The Fund is a registered defined benefit career average revalued earnings scheme subject to the UK regulatory framework for 
pensions, including the Scheme Specific Funding requirements. The Fund is operated under trust and as such, the Trustee of 
the Fund is responsible for operating the Fund and it has a statutory responsibility to act in accordance with the Fund’s Trust 
Deed and Rules, in the best interest of the beneficiaries of the Fund, and UK legislation including trust law. The Trustee and 
the Company have the joint power to set the contributions that are paid to the Fund.

Risks
The nature of the Fund exposes the Company to the risk of paying unanticipated additional contributions to the Fund in times 
of adverse experience. 

The most financially significant risks are likely to be: members living for longer than expected; higher than expected actual 
inflation and salary increase experience; lower than expected investment returns; and the risk that movements in the value 
of the Fund’s liabilities are not met by corresponding movements in the value of the Fund’s assets.

The sensitivity analysis disclosed above is intended to provide an indication of the impact on the value of the Fund’s liabilities 
of the risks highlighted. 

Asset-liability matching strategies 
Neither the Fund nor the Company uses asset-liability matching strategies. The Trustee’s current investment strategy, 
having consulted with the Company, is to invest the vast majority of the Fund’s assets in a mix of equities and bonds, in order 
to strike a balance between maximising the returns on the Fund’s assets and minimising the risks associated with lower than 
expected returns on the Fund’s assets.

The Trustee has implemented a de-risking process such that the Fund’s assets are gradually switched out of equities and 
into bonds as funding improves. This should lead to better matching of assets and liabilities as the Fund matures whilst 
at the same time locking in favourable asset performance. The Trustee is required to regularly review its investment strategy 
in light of the revised term and nature of the Fund’s liabilities and will be next considering this as part of its 2018 valuation 
exercise. The current benchmark is to hold 70% in growth assets such as equities and 30% in bonds including index-linked 
and fixed-interest Government bonds and corporate bonds.

Funding arrangements and funding policy that affect future contributions
The triennial valuation process in which the Trustee and the Company agree the long term funding strategy has been 
concluded and a Schedule of Contributions dated 4 March 2016 has been agreed. The Schedule of Contributions sets out  
the additional contributions required to meet the funding shortfall between the value of the Fund’s assets and liabilities.  
The additional contributions have been agreed as being nine annual contributions of £10.7m per annum rising with the higher 
of RPI or the annual percentage change in dividends and beginning in the year ended 31 March 2017 and continuing to the 
year ended 31 March 2025. The impact of changes in dividends would only apply when dividends paid are at least at the level 
of those paid in 2013.

In total, the Company expects to contribute around £13m to the Fund during the year to 31 December 2016.

Other information
Small settlements have occurred over the year. There have been no other Fund amendments or curtailments.

108

5. Exceptional and Other Items
Exceptional items included in operating profit

Rationalisation costs 
Acquisition related earn-out adjustment
Acquisition related costs
Management restructure and strategic review

Notes

(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)

2015
£m

(3.5)
(0.2)
(0.4)
(1.7)
(5.8)

2014
£m

(3.7)
(2.3)
– 
– 
(6.0)

(i)  Costs of rationalising excess capacity in the Distribution business comprised redundancy £1.2m (2014: £1.8m), property £0.1m (2014: £1.1m) and other 

related restructuring costs £2.0m (2014: £0.8m). Restructuring costs of £0.2m (2014: £Nil) were incurred in the Aviation segment in Spain.

(ii)  Relates to two acquisitions in the Distribution division, Fore Partnership and Orbital Marketing Services Group. There was a £0.7m increase in relation to 

Fore Partnership, reflecting an underlying increase in profits of that business, offset by the contingent consideration for Orbital Marketing Services Group 
being settled for £9.9m, £0.5m lower than expected at 31 December 2014. In the prior year a charge of £2.3m was incurred reflecting the increased profit 
of this business.

(iii)  Relates largely to the acquisition of AJG Parcels Ltd in June 2015 and Oban Express Parcel Service Ltd in November 2015.
(iv)  Redundancy (£1.0m) and advisory costs (£0.7m) relating to the work performed to reshape the senior management team and review the strategic 
direction of the business in order to prioritise the opportunities for growth as set out in the Strategic Report of this Annual Report and Accounts. 

Exceptional items included in finance charges

Unwind discount 

(i)  Relating to deferred consideration and onerous lease provisions.

Note

(i) 

Intangible assets amortisation and impairment included in operating profit

Contract amortisation 
Net impairment loss

Notes

(i)
(ii)

2015
£m

(0.2)

2015
£m

(7.1)
(4.7)
(11.8)

2014
£m

(0.5)

2014
£m

(7.2)
(3.2)
(10.4)

(i)  Contracts capitalised as intangible assets on the acquisition of businesses.
(ii)  Following the loss of licences in the Aviation segment in Spain an impairment charge of £4.7m has been recognised representing a write-off of intangible 
assets of £4.0m and other associated assets of £0.7m. In the year ended 31 December 2014, a net impairment loss of £3.2m resulted from the loss of 
existing and expected business in Colombia which comprised impairment charges of £3.6m in relation to customer contracts, £0.8m redundancy and 
associated costs and a £1.2m credit for contingent consideration no longer expected to be incurred.

The taxation effect of the exceptional items is a net credit of £1.7m (2014: net credit of £0.7m). This credit relates to the 
impairment of intangible assets in Spain (£0.8m), rationalisations costs in Distribution (£0.6m) and the management 
restructure and strategic review (£0.3m). 

6. Directors’ Emoluments 
Emoluments paid to the Directors of John Menzies plc are:

Salary/fees
Bonus
Pension salary supplement

Gains made on the exercise of Long Term Incentive Plan awards

Further details of the Directors’ remuneration are disclosed in the Directors’ Remuneration Report.

2015
£m

1.1 
–
0.2
1.3 

–

 2014
£m 

1.2 
0.3 
0.2 
1.7 

0.6

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7. Finance Costs 

Finance income
Bank deposits

Finance charges
Bank loans and overdrafts
Preference dividends

Net finance costs

8. Taxation
Analysis of tax charge in Income Statement

Current tax
UK corporation tax on profits for the year
Overseas tax
Adjustments to prior years’ liabilities
Total current tax

Deferred tax
Origination and reversal of temporary differences
Adjustments to prior years’ liabilities

Retirement benefit obligation
Total deferred tax
Tax on profit on ordinary activities

Current and deferred tax related to items charged/(credited) outside Income Statement 

Deferred tax on actuarial gain/(loss) on retirement benefit obligation
Impact of UK rate change
Deferred tax on share-based payments
Current tax on net exchange adjustments
Deferred tax on net exchange adjustments
Tax charge/(credit) reported outside profit or loss

2015
£m

0.8 

(5.5)
(0.1)
(5.6)

(4.8)

2015
£m

0.1
8.9
0.1 
9.1 

(2.6)
(0.2) 
(2.8)
2.0 
(0.8) 
8.3 

2015
£m

1.1
0.9 
–
(0.9)
–
1.1

2014
£m

0.7 

(5.3)
(0.1)
(5.4)

(4.7)

2014
£m

(0.4)
10.1
0.2 
9.9 

(0.3)
– 
(0.3)
2.1 
1.8 
11.7 

2014
£m

(4.7)
– 
0.6 
(0.2)
(0.6)
(4.9)

Reconciliation of effective tax rate                                                                                                                                                                             
The reconciliation between the tax charge and product of accounting profit multiplied by the Group’s domestic tax rate is:

Profit before tax

Profit before tax multiplied by standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 20.25% (2014: 21.5%)
Non-deductible expenses including intangible amortisation
Depreciation on non-qualifying assets
Unrelieved overseas losses
Deferred tax assets written off
Deferred tax asset recognised on overseas losses carried forward
Deferred tax liability recognised on undistributed reserves of overseas subsidiaries
Exceptional items
Utilisation of previously unrecognised losses 
Higher tax rates on overseas earnings
Share of joint venture and associate post-tax result included in profit before tax 
Adjustments to prior years’ liabilities
At the effective corporation tax rate of 45.6% (2014: 45.5%)

The main rate of UK corporation tax was reduced from 21% to 20% from 1 April 2015. 

2015
£m

18.2 

3.7 
3.1 
0.4 
1.5 
0.1 
(2.0)
1.2
0.4 
(0.3)
1.9 
(1.6)
(0.1) 
8.3 

2014
£m

25.7 

5.5 
1.5 
0.4 
2.0 
0.4 
–
–
1.4 
(0.2)
2.0 
(1.5)
0.2 
11.7 

The Finance Act (No 2) 2015, which was substantively enacted on 26 October 2015, includes legislation reducing the main 
rate of corporation tax from 20% to 18%. This decrease is to be phased in with a reduction to 19% effective from 1 April 
2017 and a reduction to 18% effective from 1 April 2020. As the reductions in the main rate of corporation tax were 
substantively enacted at the Balance Sheet date, and reduce the tax rate applying when temporary differences reverse on or 
after 1 January 2017, it could have the effect of reducing the UK deferred tax assets and liabilities depending upon the timing 
of the reversal of the temporary differences. As most of the temporary differences reversing on or after 1 January 2017 
relate to the UK pension deficit which has arisen predominantly due to actuarial gains/losses taken to other comprehensive 
income the reduction in the deferred tax asset has been debited to other comprehensive income and therefore has not had 
an effect on the effective tax rate or on profit for the year.

Factors that may affect future tax charges
The Group has estimated tax losses carried forward which arose in subsidiary companies operating in the undernoted 
jurisdictions and are available for offset against future profits of those subsidiaries. Deferred tax assets have not been 
recognised in respect of these losses as they have arisen in subsidiaries where it is not probable that future taxable profits 
will be available against which such assets could be utilised.

Colombia
Germany
Netherlands
Norway

South Africa
Sweden
USA

2015
Losses
£m

2.6
17.8
3.6
11.9

5.1
3.3
37.1

2014
Losses
£m

2.2
19.3 
3.6 
11.1 

Expiry

Carry forward indefinitely
Carry forward indefinitely
Carry forward for 5 years
Carry forward indefinitely

3.2 
2.9 

Carry forward indefinitely
Carry forward indefinitely
42.0  Carry forward for up to 20 years

The Group has capital losses in the UK of approximately £10.4m (2014: £10.4m) that are available for offset against future 
taxable gains arising in the UK. No deferred tax asset has been recognised in respect of these losses.

110

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9. Dividends
Dividends paid on equity shares

Ordinary

Interim paid in respect of 2015, 5.0p per share
Final paid in respect of 2014, 8.1p per share
Interim paid in respect of 2014, 8.1p per share
Final paid in respect of 2013, 18.8p per share
Paid in respect of performance share plans

2015
£m

3.0
5.0 
– 
– 
–
8.0

2014
£m

– 
– 
5.0 
11.5 
0.3 
16.8 

Dividends of £Nil were waived on Treasury shares (2014: £0.1m).

The Directors are proposing a final dividend in respect of the year to 31 December 2015 of 11.8p per ordinary share, which 
will absorb an estimated £7.2m of shareholders’ funds. Payment will be made on 1 July 2016 to shareholders on the register 
at the close of business on 27 May 2016.

Treasury shares
Ordinary shares are held for employee share schemes. At 31 December 2015 the Company held 345,176 (2014: 366,409) 
ordinary shares with a market value of £1.4m (2014: £1.3m).

10. Earnings Per Share

Basic

Underlying(i)

Operating profit
Share of post-tax results of joint ventures and associates
add back: exceptional items

intangible amortisation and impairment 
share of interest on joint ventures and associates
share of tax on joint ventures and associates

Net finance costs 
Profit before taxation
Taxation
Exceptional tax
Non-controlling interests
Earnings for the year

Basic
Earnings per ordinary share (pence)
Diluted earnings per ordinary share (pence)

Underlying
Earnings per ordinary share (pence)
Diluted earnings per ordinary share (pence)

Number of ordinary shares in issue 
Weighted average (million)
Diluted weighted average (million)

Notes

5
5

(i)

2015
£m

18.8 
7.0 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(7.6)
18.2 
(8.3)
– 
0.2
10.1 

2014
£m

25.5 
7.6 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(7.4)
25.7 
(11.7)
– 
(0.1)
13.9 

16.5p 
16.4p 

22.7p 
22.6p 

 61.3 
 61.4 

 61.2 
 61.4 

2015
£m

18.8 
7.0 
5.8 
11.8 
(0.7)
2.2 
(6.7)
38.2 
(8.3)
(3.9)
0.2 
26.2 

2014
£m

25.5 
7.6 
6.0 
10.4 
(0.5)
2.0 
(6.4)
44.6 
(11.7)
(2.7)
(0.1)
30.1 

42.7p 
42.7p 

49.2p 
49.0p 

(i)  Underlying earnings are presented as an additional performance measure and are stated before exceptional items and intangible amortisation 

and impairment.

The weighted average number of fully paid shares in issue during the year excludes those held by the employee share trusts. 
The diluted weighted average is calculated by adjusting for all outstanding share options that are potentially dilutive, that is 
where the exercise price is less than the average market price of the shares during the year.

112

113

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N OT E S TO T H E ACCO U N T S CO N T I N U ED

11. Intangible Assets

Cost
At 31 December 2014
Acquisitions (Note 25)
Additions
Disposals
Currency translation
At 31 December 2015

Amortisation and impairment
At 31 December 2014
Amortisation charge
Released on disposal
Impairment (Note 5)
Currency translation
At 31 December 2015

Net book value
At 31 December 2015
At 31 December 2014

Cost
At 31 December 2013
Acquisitions (Note 25)
Additions
Disposals
Currency translation
At 31 December 2014

Amortisation and impairment
At 31 December 2013
Amortisation charge
Released on disposal
Impairment (Note 5)
Currency translation
At 31 December 2014

Net book value
At 31 December 2014
At 31 December 2013

Goodwill
£m

Contracts
£m

Computer
software
£m

59.5 
4.2 
– 
– 
0.9
64.6

10.9 
– 
– 
– 
1.4
12.3

52.3 
48.6 

90.8 
1.7 
– 
– 
(0.9)
91.6

34.9 
7.1
– 
4.0
0.1
46.1

45.5
55.9 

30.4 
– 
2.6
(0.5)
– 
32.5

18.8 
3.5
(0.3)
– 
– 
22.0

10.5
11.6 

Goodwill
£m

Contracts
£m

Computer
software
£m

57.0 
1.3 
– 
– 
1.2 
59.5 

9.5 
– 
– 
– 
1.4 
10.9 

48.6 
47.5 

91.5 
0.7 
– 
– 
(1.4)
90.8 

24.6 
7.2 
– 
3.6 
(0.5)
34.9 

55.9 
66.9 

27.6 
– 
3.0 
(0.2)
– 
30.4 

15.2 
3.7 
(0.1)
– 
– 
18.8 

11.6 
12.4 

Total
£m

180.7 
5.9
2.6
(0.5)
– 
188.7

64.6 
10.6
(0.3)
4.0
1.5
80.4

108.3
116.1 

Total
£m

176.1 
2.0 
3.0 
(0.2)
(0.2)
180.7 

49.3 
10.9 
(0.1)
3.6 
0.9 
64.6 

116.1 
126.8 

Goodwill acquired through business combinations and intangible assets with indefinite lives has been allocated at acquisition 
to Cash-Generating Units (CGUs) that are expected to benefit from the business combination. The carrying amount of the 
goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives has been allocated to the operating units as per the table below.

Distribution
Core distribution
EM News Distribution (NI) Ltd
Parcels
Other
Aviation
Netherlands cargo
North American cargo
Australasia
AMI South Africa 
Scandinavia
Ogden worldwide
Other

Pre-tax discount 
rate used in 
impairment review

2015

Goodwill
£m

Contracts
£m

Pre-tax discount 
rate used in 
impairment review

Goodwill
£m

Contracts
£m

2014

9%
9%
9%
n/a

9%
9.4%
10%
12%
8%
10%
9%-13%

7.3 
– 
4.2
– 

6.9 
8.5 
5.4 
1.6 
2.7 
9.9 
5.8 
52.3 

12.9 
3.1 
–
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
16.0 

8%
8%
n/a
8%

9%
10%
10%
11%
8%
9.5%
8%-11%

7.3 
– 
–
– 

7.3 
8.0 
5.7 
2.0 
2.7 
9.4 
6.2 
48.6 

12.9 
3.1 
–
3.0 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
19.0 

Contracts of £3.0m in 2014 have been amortised with effect from 1 January 2015 and are therefore no longer disclosed above. 

The Group tests goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives annually for impairment, or more frequently if there are 
indications that these might be impaired. The basis of these impairment tests including key assumptions are set out below.

The recoverable amounts of the CGUs are determined from value in use calculations. These calculations use future cash 
flow projections based on financial forecasts approved by management. The key assumptions for these forecasts are 
those regarding revenue growth, net margin, capital expenditure and the level of working capital required to support trading, 
which management estimates based on past experience and expectations of future changes in the market. 

The value in use calculations use a post-tax discount rate assumption in a range from 6% to 9% (2014: 6% to 8%) based on 
the Group’s weighted average post-tax cost of capital and having considered the uncertainty risk attributable to individual 
CGUs. The equivalent pre-tax discount rate is a range from 8% to 13% (2014: 8% to 11%) as shown on the table above. 
The pre-tax rate has been applied to pre-tax cash flows.

Distribution
Distribution publisher contracts are not amortised due to the very long-term nature of the business in the UK. The Group 
distributes to approximately 45% of the UK retail market and has only one major competitor. In such circumstances the 
Board considers that there is no foreseeable limit to the period over which the contracts are expected to generate cash 
flows and have been determined to have an indefinite life. These contracts are tested annually for impairment using the 
criteria outlined above. 

Value in use calculations are based on Board approved budgets and plans for a three year period and extrapolated for a 
further two year period. This reflects management’s specific business expectations for 2019 and 2020. Growth rates in the 
cash flows beyond the three year period have been assumed to be -2% to Nil% (2014: -3% to 10%). Net margin assumptions 
are based on historic experience.

Base case forecasts show significant headroom above carrying value for each CGU. Sensitivity analysis has been undertaken 
for each CGU to assess the impact of any reasonably possible change in key assumptions. There is no reasonably possible 
change that would cause the carrying values to exceed recoverable amounts.

As set out in Note 5, the impairment of intangible contract assets of £4.0m relates to the Aviation business in Spain where 
the asset was fully impaired. In the prior year an impairment of £3.6m was incurred in the Aviation business in Colombia.

114

115

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N OT E S TO T H E ACCO U N T S CO N T I N U ED

11. Intangible Assets continued
Distribution core non-publisher contracts are amortised on a straight-line basis over ten years as this period is the minimum 
time-frame management considers when assessing businesses for acquisition. The carrying value of Distribution non-
publisher contracts is £14.3m (2014: £12.1m) and the average remaining amortisation period is six years (2014: eight years).

Aviation
Aviation contracts are amortised on a straight-line basis over ten years as this period is the minimum time-frame 
management considers when assessing businesses for acquisition. The carrying value of Aviation contracts is £15.1m 
(2014: £24.8m) and the average remaining amortisation period is three years (2014: four years).

Value in use calculations are based on Board approved budgets and plans for a three year period and extrapolated for further 
two year period. Growth rates in the cash flows beyond the three year period have been assumed to be Nil% (2014: Nil%). 
Net margin assumptions are based on historic experience. 

Base case forecasts show significant headroom above carrying value for each CGU. Sensitivity analysis has been undertaken 
for each CGU to assess the impact of any reasonably possible change in key assumptions. For all significant CGUs there is no 
reasonably possible change that would cause the carrying values to exceed recoverable amounts.

12. Property, Plant and Equipment

Group

Freehold
property
£m

Leasehold
property
£m

Plant and
equipment
£m

Cost
At 31 December 2014
Acquisitions (Note 25)
Additions
Disposals
Currency translation
At 31 December 2015

Depreciation
At 31 December 2014
Charge for the year
Disposals
Currency translation
At 31 December 2015

Net book value
At 31 December 2015
At 31 December 2014

35.0 
– 
– 
(0.2)
– 
34.8 

11.0 
0.7 
– 
– 
11.7 

23.1 
24.0 

35.9 
– 
1.1 
(0.9)
(0.5)
35.6 

23.4 
2.0 
(0.7)
(0.4)
24.3 

11.3
12.5 

Total
£m

289.2 
1.3 
20.8
(15.9)
(7.7)
287.7 

169.1 
21.0
(12.0)
(4.8)
173.3 

Company

Freehold
property
£m

32.6 
– 
– 
– 
– 
32.6 

7.5 
0.7 
– 
– 
8.2

218.3 
1.3 
19.7
(14.8)
(7.2)
217.3 

134.7 
18.3 
(11.3)
(4.4)
137.3 

80.0
83.6 

114.4
120.1 

24.4
25.1 

Cost
At 31 December 2013
Acquisitions (Note 25)
Additions
Disposals
Currency translation
At 31 December 2014

Depreciation
At 31 December 2013
Charge for the year
Disposals
Currency translation
At 31 December 2014

Net book value
At 31 December 2014
At 31 December 2013

13. Investments

2015

Net book value
At 31 December 2014
Share of profits after tax
Dividends received during the year
Redemption of preference shares
Currency translation
At 31 December 2015

2014

Net book value 
At 31 December 2013
Share of profits after tax
Dividends received during the year
Other
Currency translation
At 31 December 2014

Group

Freehold
property
£m

Leasehold
property
£m

Plant and
equipment
£m

Total
£m

269.4 
1.1 
28.1 
(4.3)
(5.1)
289.2 

155.1 
20.2 
(3.5)
(2.7)
169.1 

Company

Freehold
property
£m

32.6 
– 
– 
– 
– 
32.6 

6.8 
0.7 
– 
– 
7.5 

198.3 
1.1 
27.0 
(4.0)
(4.1)
218.3 

122.7 
17.5 
(3.2)
(2.3)
134.7 

83.6 
75.6 

120.1 
114.3 

25.1 
25.8 

35.0 
– 
– 
– 
– 
35.0 

10.3 
0.7 
– 
– 
11.0 

24.0 
24.7 

36.1 
– 
1.1 
(0.3)
(1.0)
35.9 

22.1 
2.0 
(0.3)
(0.4)
23.4 

12.5 
14.0 

Group

Company

Interest in
joint 
ventures
£m

Interest in
associates
£m

27.3 
7.0 
(7.5)
(0.8)
0.1 
26.1 

Interest in 
joint
ventures
£m

25.7 
7.5 
(6.4)
(0.2)
0.7 
27.3 

0.3 
– 
– 
– 
(0.2)
0.1 

Group

Interest in 
associates
£m

0.4 
0.1 
– 
– 
(0.2)
0.3 

Other
£m

0.2 
– 
– 
– 
– 
0.2 

Other
£m

0.2 
– 
– 
– 
– 
0.2 

Total
£m

Subsidiaries
£m

27.8 
7.0 
(7.5)
(0.8)
(0.1) 
26.4 

290.5 
– 
– 
– 
0.5 
291.0

Company

Total
£m

Subsidiaries
£m

26.3 
7.6 
(6.4)
(0.2)
0.5 
27.8 

290.1 
– 
– 
– 
0.4 
290.5 

116

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EM News 
Distribution 
(NI)
Ltd
£m

Menzies
Bobba
Ground Handling 
Services 
Private Ltd
£m

UK

India

Note

13. Investments continued
Material joint ventures

2015
Country of incorporation
Statutory year end

Business activity
Interest held – ordinary shares
Interest held – preference shares
Group’s share of total comprehensive income
Group’s share of net assets

Summarised Balance Sheet 
Current assets
Non-current assets
Current liabilities
Net assets

(i)

(i) Includes cash and cash equivalents

Reconciliation of net assets to carrying value
Net assets
Partners’ share of net assets
Unpaid dividends
Carrying amount of the investment

Summarised Income Statement
Revenue
Depreciation and amortisation
Other operating costs
Interest income
Income tax
Profit from continuing operations
Comprehensive income for the year
Group’s share of total comprehensive income

Group’s carrying amount of the investment
At 31 December 2014
Group’s share of total comprehensive income
Dividends received during the year
Redemption of preference shares
Currency translation
At 31 December 2015

118

31 December

Distribution of
newspapers and
magazines in
Northern Ireland

50%
0%
78%
69%

9.7 
1.0 
(5.6)
5.1 

0.1 

5.1 
(1.6)
– 
3.5 

61.9 
(0.2)
(59.6)
– 
(0.3)
1.8 
1.8 
1.4 

3.5 
1.4 
(1.4)
–
– 
3.5 

31 March

Ramp and
passenger
services in
Hyderabad

51%
0%
51%
47%

4.6 
0.5 
(0.5)
4.6 

3.4 

4.6 
(2.5)
3.2 
5.3 

2.4 
(0.3)
(2.0)
0.3 
(0.2)
0.2 
0.2 
0.1 

6.3 
0.1 
(0.4)
(0.8)
0.1 
5.3 

Menzies Aviation 
Bobba
(Bangalore)
Private Ltd
£m

Hyderabad
Menzies
Air Cargo
Private Ltd
£m

Menzies
Macau Airport 
Services Ltd
£m

India

31 March

Cargo
handling
services in
Bangalore

49%
100%
49%
76%

11.8 
5.0 
(4.2)
12.6 

8.4 

12.6 
(3.0)
– 
9.6 

10.1 
(0.7)
(4.5)
0.8 
(1.7)
4.0 
4.0 
2.0

10.0 
2.0 
(2.3)
–
0.1 
9.6 

India

Macau

31 March

31 December

Cargo
handling
services in
Hyderabad

49%
100%
49%
58%

6.8 
2.0 
(1.5)
7.3 

3.2 

7.3 
(3.1)
– 
4.2 

8.2 
(0.2)
(4.8)
0.3 
(1.0)
2.5 
2.5 
1.2 

3.9 
1.2 
(0.9)
–
– 
4.2

Ramp, passenger
and cargo handling
in Macau

29%
0%
29%
29%

8.9 
5.5 
(4.8)
9.6 

2.8 

9.6 
(6.7)
– 
2.9 

28.1 
(0.8)
(19.6)
– 
(0.9)
6.8 
6.8 
2.0 

3.1 
2.0 
(2.5)
–
0.3 
2.9 

2014

Note

Interest held – ordinary shares
Interest held – preference shares
Group’s share of total comprehensive income
Group’s share of net assets

Summarised Balance Sheet 
Current assets
Non-current assets
Current liabilities
Net assets

(i)

(i) Includes cash and cash equivalents

Reconciliation of net assets to carrying value
Net assets
Partners’ share of net assets
Unpaid dividends
Carrying amount of the investment

Summarised Income Statement
Revenue
Depreciation and amortisation
Other operating costs
Interest income
Income tax
Profit from continuing operations
Comprehensive income for the year
Group’s share of total comprehensive income

Group’s carrying amount of the investment
At 31 December 2013
Group’s share of total comprehensive income
Dividends received during the year
Currency translation
At 31 December 2014

EM News 
Distribution 
(NI)
Ltd
£m

Menzies
Bobba
Ground Handling 
Services 
Private Ltd
£m

Menzies Aviation 
Bobba
(Bangalore)
Private Ltd
£m

50%
0%
78%
67%

9.2 
1.2 
(5.2)
5.2 

0.1 

5.2 
(1.7)
– 
3.5 

65.3 
(0.2)
(62.9)
– 
(0.5)
1.7 
1.7 
1.3 

5.3 
1.3 
(3.1)
– 
3.5 

51%
100%
51%
47%

49%
100%
49%
76%

5.2 
0.8 
(0.2)
5.8 

4.0 

5.8 
(3.1)
3.6 
6.3 

2.6 
(0.3)
(1.7)
0.3 
(0.1)
0.8 
0.8 
0.4 

5.6 
0.4 
– 
0.3 
6.3 

10.4 
5.4 
(2.7)
13.1 

8.0 

13.1 
(3.1)
– 
10.0 

9.6 
(0.7)
(3.4)
0.5 
(1.5)
4.5 
4.5 
2.2 

9.1 
2.2 
(1.6)
0.3 
10.0 

Group’s individually immaterial joint ventures and associates

Carrying amount of interests in joint ventures and associates

Share of profit from continuing operations
Currency translation
Total comprehensive income

Hyderabad
Menzies
Air Cargo
Private Ltd
£m

49%
100%
49%
58%

5.7 
1.8 
(0.8)
6.7 

2.1 

6.7 
(2.8)
– 
3.9 

7.1 
(0.2)
(4.2)
0.2 
(0.8)
2.1 
2.1 
1.0 

3.4 
1.0 
(0.7)
0.2 
3.9 

2015
£m

0.7

0.3 
(0.4)
(0.1) 

Menzies
Macau Airport 
Services Ltd
£m

29%
0%
29%
29%

11.8 
3.4 
(4.4)
10.8 

2.0 

10.8 
(7.7)
– 
3.1 

24.0 
(1.2)
(14.6)
– 
(0.3)
7.9 
7.9 
2.3 

1.7 
2.3 
(0.9)
– 
3.1 

2014
£m

0.8 

0.4 
(0.3)
0.1 

119

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N OT E S TO T H E ACCO U N T S CO N T I N U ED

14. Deferred Tax Assets

Deferred tax assets
Retirement benefit obligation
Share-based payments
Tax losses
Other temporary differences

Deferred tax liabilities
Overseas tax on unremitted earnings
Other overseas temporary differences
Accelerated capital allowances and other temporary differences
Other UK temporary differences

Recognised in Balance Sheet
Deferred tax asset
Deferred tax liability

Movement in net deferred tax assets in the year:
Income Statement:

retirement benefit obligation
other
exchange adjustments

Statement of Comprehensive Income 

Group

2015
£m

7.8 
0.2
2.1
5.5 
15.6 

(1.2) 
(0.3)
(0.6)
(2.8) 
(4.9) 

12.2
(1.5) 
10.7 

(2.0)
2.8 
(0.1)
(2.0) 
(1.3) 

2014
£m

11.8 
0.2
–
5.4 
17.4 

– 
–
(2.3)
(3.1) 
(5.4) 

12.0
– 
12.0 

(2.1)
0.3 
(0.1)
4.7 
2.8 

2015
£m

7.8 
0.1
–
– 
7.9

– 
–
(3.3)
(1.8) 
(5.1)

2.8
– 
2.8 

(2.0)
0.3 
– 
(2.0) 
(3.7) 

2014
£m

11.8 
0.1
–
– 
11.9 

– 
–
(3.4)
(2.0) 
(5.4) 

6.5
– 
6.5 

(2.1)
0.1 
– 
4.6 
2.6 

At 31 December 2015, there was a deferred tax liability of £1.2m (2014: £Nil) for taxes that would be payable on the 
unremitted earnings of certain of the Group’s subsidiaries, or its associates or joint ventures. No deferred tax liability has 
been recognised for amounts that are permanently reinvested. 

The unrecognised deferred tax liability on the unremitted earnings of the Group’s subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures 
at 31 December 2015 is £1.3m (2014: £2.4m).

15. Trade and Other Receivables

Trade receivables
Less: provision for doubtful debts
Net trade receivables
Other receivables
Prepayments 
Amounts owed by Group companies

Group

Company

2015
£m

164.6 
(3.2)
161.4 
9.3 
31.2
– 
201.9

2014
£m

151.3 
(2.9)
148.4 
10.2 
28.0 
– 
186.6 

2015
£m

– 
– 
– 
0.2 
1.1 
286.8 
288.1 

2014
£m

– 
– 
– 
0.3 
1.4 
269.9 
271.6 

The average credit period on sale of goods is 31.0 days (2014: 28.5 days). Interest is not charged on trade receivables.

Company

Ageing of net trade receivables

2015
2014

Provision for doubtful debts

At beginning of year
Amounts provided
Amounts released
Amounts utilised
At end of year

Ageing of impaired receivables

0 to 30 days
31 to 60 days
61 to 90 days
Over 90 days

Neither past
 due nor impaired
£m

134.2 
118.6 

Past due not impaired

31 – 60 days
£m

61 – 90 days
£m

over 90 days
£m

22.0 
24.5 

4.2
3.3 

1.0
2.0

Total
£m

161.4
148.4

Group

2015
£m

2.9 
1.3
(0.4)
(0.6) 
3.2 

Group

2015
£m

0.2 
0.2 
0.3 
2.5 
3.2 

2014
£m

2.1 
1.4 
(0.1)
(0.5) 
2.9 

2014
£m

0.2 
0.1 
0.1 
2.5 
2.9 

The other classes within trade and other receivables do not include impaired assets. The Directors consider that the carrying 
value of trade and other receivables approximates to fair value.

16. Trade and Other Payables

Due within one year
Trade payables
Accruals and deferred income
Other payables 
Other taxes and social security costs
Amounts owed to Group companies

Due after more than one year
Other payables

Group

2015
£m

98.7 
87.3
25.9 
5.4 
–
217.3

2014
£m

96.9 
79.2 
36.3 
3.4 
– 
215.8

Company

2015
£m

– 
13.6
1.5 
– 
295.2
310.3

2014
£m

– 
11.1 
1.4 
– 
298.5 
311.0

3.5 

4.0 

5.0

4.9 

The Directors consider that the carrying value of trade and other payables approximates to fair value.

Included within other payables is contingent consideration and other contingent acquisition related amounts as disclosed 
in Note 17. Amounts included within other payables due within one year are £1.6m (2014: £10.4m) and other payables due 
after more than one year are £2.7m (2014: £3.7m).

120

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17. Financial Instruments                                                                                                                                                                            
Derivative financial instruments

Group

Company

Cash flow hedges:
Foreign exchange forward contracts
Foreign currency net investment hedges:
Foreign exchange forward contracts
Current net fair value

2015
£m

(0.4)

(1.3)
(1.7)

2014
£m

(0.3)

0.2 
(0.1)

2015
£m

(0.4)

(1.3)
(1.7)

2014
£m

(0.3)

0.2 
(0.1)

The Group only enters into derivative financial instruments that are designated as hedging instruments. The fair values 
of foreign currency instruments are calculated by reference to current market rates. 

Fair value hierarchy
As at 31 December 2015, the Group held the following financial instruments measured at fair value. The Group uses 
the following hierarchy for determining and disclosing the fair value of financial instruments by valuation technique:

Level 1: quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: other techniques for which all inputs that have a significant effect on the recorded fair value are observable, 

either directly or indirectly.

Level 3: techniques which use inputs that have a significant effect on the recorded fair value that are not based on 

observable market data.

For financial instruments that are recognised at fair value on a recurring basis, the Group determines whether transfers have 
occurred between levels in the hierarchy by re-assessing categorisation (based on the lowest level input that is significant 
to the fair value measurement as a whole) at the end of each reporting period. 

Derivative financial instruments at fair value through other comprehensive income

2015

Financial assets:
Foreign exchange contracts – hedged
Financial liabilities:
Foreign exchange contracts – hedged

2014

Financial assets:
Foreign exchange contracts – hedged
Financial liabilities:
Foreign exchange contracts – hedged

Level 1 £m

Level 2 £m

Level 3 £m

Total £m

–

–

0.6

2.3 

–

–

0.6

2.3 

Level 1 £m

Level 2 £m

Level 3 £m

Total £m

–

 –

1.9

2.0

–

– 

1.9

2.0

During the year ended 31 December 2015, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements, 
and no transfers into and out of Level 3 fair value measurements.

Cash flow hedges
Foreign exchange forward contracts
At 31 December 2015 the Group held foreign currency forward contracts designed as hedges of transaction exposures 
arising from non-local currency revenue. These contracts were in line with the Group’s policy to hedge significant forecast 
transaction exposures for a maximum 18 months forward. The cash flow hedges of non-local revenue were assessed to be 
highly effective.

Fair value of cash flow hedges – currency forward contracts
Current value

2015

2014

Assets 
£m

– 
– 

Liabilities
£m

(0.4)
(0.4)

Assets 
£m

– 
– 

Liabilities
£m

(0.3)
(0.3)

Interest rate swaps
The Group’s policy is to minimise exposures to interest rate risk by ensuring an appropriate balance of long-term and short-
term floating rates. During 2015 the Group had no interest rate swaps in place. At 31 December 2015, 9.1% (2014: 11.6%) 
of the Group’s borrowings were fixed. 

For 2015, if interest rates on Sterling-denominated borrowings had been 0.5% higher/lower with all other variables held 
constant, post-tax profit for the year would have been £0.7m (2014: £0.6m) lower/higher, mainly as a result of higher/lower 
interest expense on floating rate borrowings.

Foreign currency net investment hedges
The Group’s treasury policy is to hedge the exposure of foreign currency denominated assets to minimise foreign exchange 
risk. This is primarily achieved using forward contracts denominated in the relevant foreign currencies. Gains or losses on the 
retranslation of these hedges are transferred to reserves to offset any gains or losses on translation of the net investments in 
the subsidiary undertakings.

The notional principal amounts of the outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts are:

Australian dollar
Canadian dollar
Colombian peso
Czech koruna
Danish krone
Euro
Indian rupee
Mexican peso
New Zealand dollar
Norwegian krone
South African rand
Swedish krona
US dollar

Fair value of foreign currency net investment hedges
Current value

Group and Company

Currency value

Sterling equivalent

2015
million

23.9
5.5
4,000
115.0
10.0
15.0
810
51.0
3.0
7.0
30.0
50.0
45.0

2014
million

26.4
5.5
7,800
115.0
–
21.5
1,000
51.0
3.0
7.0
55.0
50.0
35.0

2015
£m

11.8
2.7
0.9
3.1
1.0
11.1
8.3
2.0
1.4
0.5
1.3
4.0
30.5

2014
£m

13.8
3.0
2.1
3.2
–
16.7
10.2
2.2
1.5
0.6
3.0
4.1
22.4

2015

2014

Assets 
£m

0.6 
0.6

Liabilities
£m

(1.9)
(1.9)

Assets 
£m

1.9 
1.9 

Liabilities
£m

(1.7)
(1.7)

122

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17. Financial Instruments continued
Other financial instruments
Contingent consideration
The consideration to acquire Fore Partnership included contingent consideration based on future targets being met. 
The contingent consideration’s range is between a minimum of £Nil and a maximum of £4.0m (2014: minimum £Nil 
and maximum £4.0m) and becomes payable in 2016. The fair value of contingent consideration is the present value 
of expected future cash flows based on the latest forecasts of future performance. 

The acquisition of PlaneBiz 2015 Ltd in the prior year includes options in relation to the 40% shareholding owned by a 
third party. These options take the form of a put option in favour of the third party shareholders for up to 30% of the share 
capital, exercisable in 2018 and 2019. Following the expiry of this put option the Group then has a call option, exercisable for 
a 60 day period, for the remaining shares that have not been exercised under the put option. The fair value of the put option 
has been calculated based on the expected discounted cash flows of the underlying value, which is the expected average 
annual EBITDA over the preceding three years multiplied by 5.5. The call option is considered to have a negligible fair value.

The liabilities for contingent consideration and other acquisition related amounts are Level 3 derivative financial instruments 
under IFRS 7.

Fair value of contingent consideration:
Fore Partnership
Orbital Marketing Services Group
Fair value of other contingent acquisition related amounts:
PlaneBiz 2015 Ltd

2015
£m

1.6 
– 

2.7 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

Group

Company

Obligations under finance leases
Bank overdrafts
Non-amortising bank loans
Amortising term loan 
Preference shares

Current
Non-current

2015
£m

0.5 
0.2 
140.8 
12.7 
1.4 
155.6 

3.4 
152.2 
155.6 

2014
£m

0.2 
0.6 
126.2 
15.2 
1.4 
143.6 

3.3 
140.3 
143.6 

2015
£m

– 
0.2 
140.8 
12.7 
1.4 
155.1 

2.9 
152.2 
155.1 

2014
£m

0.9 
10.4 

2.8 

2014
£m

– 
0.6 
126.2 
15.2 
1.4 
143.4 

3.2 
140.2 
143.4 

Maturity of interest-bearing loans and borrowings                                                                                                                                             
Obligations under finance leases
Bank overdrafts
Non-amortising bank loans
Amortising term loan 

April 2016 to June 2018
On demand
January 2017 to December 2018
March 2020

The Company has issued 1,394,587 cumulative preference shares of £1 each. These shares are not redeemable and pay 
an interest coupon of 9% semi-annually.

The amortising term loan is repayable between 2016 and 2020 with interest payable at a fixed rate of 6.23%. The loan has 
a weighted average maturity of two years (2014: two years).

Non-amortising bank loans are drawn against unsecured, committed revolving bank credit facilities maturing between 
January 2017 and December 2018.

Net debt

Group

Company

Derivative financial instruments
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Total borrowings
Less: cash at bank, cash in hand and short-term deposits

The book and fair values are:

Short-term borrowings
Medium-term borrowings
Long-term borrowings
Derivative financial instruments
Finance leases
Bank overdrafts
Total financial liabilities
Less: cash at bank, cash in hand and short-term deposits
Net debt

2015
£m

1.7 
155.6 
157.3 
34.1 
123.2 

2015

Book value
£m

2.7
150.8
1.4
1.7
0.5
0.2
157.3
34.1
123.2

2014
£m

0.1 
143.6 
143.7 
32.8 
110.9 

Fair value
£m

3.0
151.7
1.4
1.7
0.5
0.2
158.5
34.1
124.4 

2015
£m

1.7
155.1 
156.8 
0.8 
156.0 

2014

Book value
£m

2.5
138.6
1.7
0.1
0.2
0.6
143.7
32.8
110.9

2014
£m

0.1 
143.4 
143.5 
1.0 
142.5 

Fair value
£m

2.8
140.1
1.7
0.1
0.2
0.6
145.5
32.8
112.7

The fair value of the fixed term, amortising borrowing is calculated as the present value of all future cash flows discounted 
at prevailing market rates.

Other than trade receivables and payables, there are no financial assets or liabilities excluded from the above analysis. 
No financial assets or liabilities were held or issued for trading purposes. 

A separate table has not been prepared analysing the Company’s book values and fair values. The £0.5m difference in book 
values relates to interest bearing loans and borrowings and is deemed to be short-term in nature.

At 31 December 2015, the currency and interest rate profile of financial liabilities was:

Sterling denominated
Colombian peso denominated
Net derivative liabilities

Floating
rate
financial
liabilities
£m

141.5
–
1.7
143.2

2015

Fixed
rate
financial
liabilities
£m

14.1
–
– 
14.1

Total
£m

155.6
–
1.7
157.3

Floating
rate
financial
liabilities
£m

126.8
0.2 
0.1 
127.1

2014

Fixed
rate
financial
liabilities
£m

16.6
– 
– 
16.6

At 31 December 2015, the expiry profile of undrawn committed facilities was:

Between one and two years
Between two and five years

Group

Company

2015
£m

20.0
44.3
64.3

2014
£m

55.0
43.8
98.8

2015
£m

20.0
44.3
64.3

Total
£m

143.4
0.2
0.1
143.7

2014
£m

55.0
43.8
98.8

Trade and other receivables and payables                                                                                                                                                               
Trade and other receivables and trade and other payables carrying values of £170.7m (2014: £158.6m) and £211.9m 
(2014: £212.4m) respectively, in respect of the Group, and £287.0m and £310.3m (2014: £270.2m and £311.0m), in respect 
of the Company, are assumed to approximate to their fair values due to their short-term nature.

124

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17. Financial Instruments continued
Sensitivity and risk information
Foreign currency sensitivity
For 2015, if Sterling had weakened/strengthened by 10% on currencies that have a material impact on the Group profit 
before tax and equity, with all other variables held constant the effect would have been:

US dollar
US dollar
Australian dollar
Australian dollar 
Indian rupee
Indian rupee
Euro
Euro
South African rand
South African rand

2015

2014

Changes in rate

Effect on profit 
before tax
£m

Effect on equity
£m

Effect on profit 
before tax
£m

Effect on equity
£m

+10%
-10%
+10%
-10%
+10%
-10%
+10%
-10%
+10%
-10%

1.0 
(0.8)
0.9 
(0.7)
0.6 
(0.5)
0.5 
(0.4)
– 
–

2.1 
(1.7)
1.6 
(1.3)
0.6 
(0.5)
0.9 
(0.7)
0.6 
(0.5)

0.6 
(0.5)
0.7 
(0.6)
0.6 
(0.5)
0.7 
(0.6)
0.3 
(0.2)

2.6 
(2.1)
1.4 
(1.1)
1.2 
(1.0)
1.3 
(1.1)
0.8 
(0.7)

The impact of the Group’s exposure to all other foreign currencies is not considered to be material to the overall results  
of the Group.

Capital risk
The Group manages its capital structure in order to minimise the cost of capital whilst ensuring that it has access to 
ongoing sources of finance such as the debt capital markets. The Group defines capital as the sum of net debt (see Note 23) 
and equity attributable to equity holders of the Company (see Group and Company Statement of Changes in Equity). The 
only externally imposed capital requirements for the Group are debt to EBITDA and interest cover under the terms of the 
bank facilities, with which the Group has fully complied during both the current year and the prior year. To maintain or 
adjust its capital structure, the Group may adjust the dividend payment to shareholders and/or issue new shares.

Credit risk
The Group considers its exposure to credit risk at 31 December to be:

Liquidity risk
The Group manages liquidity risk by maintaining adequate reserves and banking facilities by continuously monitoring forecast 
and actual cash flows. The following is an analysis of the maturity of the Group’s financial liabilities and derivative financial 
liabilities based on the remaining period at the balance sheet date to the contractual maturity date. The amounts disclosed 
in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows. Floating rate interest is estimated using the prevailing rate at the 
balance sheet date. Net values of transaction hedging are disclosed in accordance with the contractual terms of these 
derivative instruments.

2015
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Preference shares
Other liabilities
Trade and other payables
Financial derivatives

2014

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Preference shares
Other liabilities
Trade and other payables
Financial derivatives

Due under
1 year
£m

(6.4)
(0.1)
(0.5)
(124.6)
(79.0)
(210.6)

Due under
1 year
£m

(6.5)
(0.1)
(0.2)
(133.2)
(83.3)
(223.3)

Due
between
1 and 2 years
£m

Due 
between 
2 and 5 years
£m

(96.3)
(0.1)
– 
(3.5)
– 
(99.9)

(66.8)
(0.4)
– 
– 
– 
(67.2)

Due
between
1 and 2 years
£m

Due 
between 
2 and 5 years
£m

(5.9)
(0.1)
– 
(4.0)
– 
(10.0)

(144.5)
(0.4)
– 
– 
–
(144.9)

18. Operating Lease Commitments
The future aggregate minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are:

Group

Property

Other

2015
£m

28.1
64.9
37.7
130.7

2014
£m

31.7 
62.5 
34.8 
129.0 

2015
£m

26.1
51.6
0.2
77.9

2014
£m

19.8 
23.5 
0.6 
43.9 

Company

Property

2015
£m

– 
– 
– 
– 

Due 
over 
5 years
£m

– 
(1.5)
– 
– 
– 
(1.5)

Due 
over 
5 years
£m

(0.3)
(1.5)
– 
– 
–
(1.8)

2014
£m

0.5 
0.4 
– 
0.9 

2014
£m

– 

127

Bank deposits
Trade receivables

Group

Company

2015
£m

34.1 
161.4 
195.5 

2014
£m

32.8 
148.4 
181.2 

2015
£m

0.8
– 
0.8 

2014
£m

1.0 
– 
1.0 

Within one year
Between one and five years
After five years

19. Capital Commitments

For banks and financial institutions, the Group’s policy is to transact with independently-rated parties with a minimum rating 
of ‘A’. If there is no independent rating, the Group assesses the credit quality of the counterparty taking into account its 
financial position, past experience and other factors.

In addition to the relevant items above, the Company is exposed to credit risk in relation to on demand amounts owed by 
Group companies.

Contracted but not provided – property, plant and equipment

Group

Company

2015
£m

1.5

2014
£m

1.2 

2015
£m

– 

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20. Provisions

At beginning of year
Provided during year
Unwind of discount
Utilised during year
Currency translation loss
At end of year

Current
Non-current

Property

Other

Group

2015
£m

6.9
1.1
0.1
(2.8)
0.1
5.4

2.5
2.9
5.4

2014
£m

8.0
2.3 
0.2
(3.8)
0.2 
6.9 

3.6
3.3
6.9

2015
£m

0.2
2.4
–
(0.2)
–
2.4

2.4
–
2.4

2014
£m

0.1
1.7 
– 
(1.6)
– 
0.2 

0.2
–
0.2

2015
£m

7.1 
3.5 
0.1
(3.0)
0.1 
7.8 

4.9
2.9
7.8 

2014
£m

8.1 
4.0 
0.2
(5.4)
0.2 
7.1 

3.8
3.3 
7.1 

The property related provisions are in respect of obligations for vacated leasehold properties where applicable sublet income 
may be insufficient to meet obligations under head leases. The provisions for property costs unwind over the period between 
2016 and 2040. Other provisions include redundancy and legal claims provisions expected to be settled within one year.

Contingent liabilities
In the normal course of business, the Company has guaranteed certain trading obligations of its subsidiaries.

21. Share Capital

Authorised
73,056,248 ordinary shares of 25p each

Allotted, called up and fully paid
Opening – 61,662,566 ordinary shares of 25p each
Allotted under share option schemes
Closing – 61,703,133 ordinary shares of 25p each

Note

2015  
£m

2014 
£m

18.3 

18.3 

(i)

15.4 
– 
15.4 

15.4 
–
15.4 

(i) 

 As a result of share scheme allotments, 40,567 (2014: 39,230) ordinary shares having a nominal value of £10,141 (2014: £9,807) were issued during the 
year at a share premium of £150,098 (2014: £145,549).

Employees hold options to subscribe for shares in the Company under the Savings-related Share Option Scheme approved by 
the shareholders, details of which are shown below. Options on 40,567 shares were exercised in 2015 and 536,856 options 
lapsed.

Year of grant

2011
2012
2013
2014
2015

Exercise price
Exercise
(pence)
period
395  2014-2015
497  2015-2016
630  2016-2017
495  2017-2018
350  2018-2019

2015
Number
– 
237,902
251,883
366,493
493,441
1,349,719

2014
Number
292,682 
321,444 
333,714 
480,005 
– 
1,427,845 

Company share schemes
The Company operates the following share-based payment arrangements:

Savings-related Share Option Scheme
The Company operates a Savings-related Share Option Scheme which is open to all full and part-time employees in the UK. 
Annual grants of options are made in September or October each year and become exercisable after three years. Employees 
enter into a savings contract with the Yorkshire Building Society who administers the scheme. The options are granted at a 
20% discount of the share price at the date of grant and lapse if not exercised within six months of maturity. Special 
provisions apply to employees who leave their employment due to ill health, redundancy or retirement.

Bonus Co-investment Plan (BCIP)
The BCIP offers Executive Directors and other senior executives selected by the Board the opportunity to invest part of 
their annual cash bonus for a financial year in the Company’s shares, entitling them, provided certain performance targets 
are met, to a grant of additional matching shares. Since 2010 the ratio of matching shares to contributory shares has been 
set at 1:1. The maximum amount of the annual cash bonus which may be eligible for matching has been set at 40%. 
The net of tax amount is applied in the purchase of shares.

The first bonus award that qualified for investment in shares under the plan was the award for the financial year ended 
December 2004 and the last qualifying bonus award was for the financial year which commenced ten years after the 
adoption of the Plan. A revised plan was approved at the Annual General Meeting of the Company on 15 May 2015. 

Performance targets are based on real growth in earnings measured over three financial years. For awards in 2014, if the 
percentage growth in the Company’s Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) is Retail Prices Index (“RPI”) +3% p.a. or more, then the 
number of matching shares that will vest is one. For EPS growth of between RPI +0% p.a. and RPI +3% p.a., the number of 
matching shares vesting will be calculated on a straight-line basis. No matching shares will vest for EPS percentage growth of 
RPI +0% p.a. or less for any award. For awards in 2015, if the percentage growth in the Company’s EPS is Consumer Prices 
Index (“CPI”) +3% p.a. or more, then the number of matching shares that will vest is one. If the threshold growth in EPS is 
achieved (CPI +0% p.a.), then 25% of the matching shares will be paid. For EPS growth of between CPI +0% p.a. and CPI +3% 
p.a., the number of matching shares vesting will be calculated on a straight-line basis. No matching shares will vest for EPS 
percentage growth below CPI +0% p.a. for any award.

Long-term Incentive Plan (LTIP)
The LTIP enables divisional and senior management to align more closely with the achievement of target Group and divisional 
financial results. A detailed description of this plan is included in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on page 60.

Shares will vest at the end of three year financial periods. A £Nil award will be achieved where the financial target is at or 
below the threshold performance target and 100% will vest where the results are equal to or greater than the stretch 
performance target, with a result between threshold and stretch being made on a straight-line basis. Actual performance 
targets for Executive Directors are disclosed in the Directors’ Remuneration Report in the year following the expiry of the 
performance period.

Fair values of share options
Options are valued using the Black-Scholes option-pricing or Monte Carlo simulation models as appropriate. No performance 
conditions are included in the fair value calculations.

The fair value per option granted after November 2002 and the assumptions used in the calculation are:

Date of grant (October)

Notes

Share price at grant date (pence)
Exercise price (pence)
Vesting period (years)
Expected volatility
Option life (years)
Expected life (years)
Risk-free rate
Expected dividends expressed as a dividend yield
Fair value per option (pence)
IFRS 2 charge per option (pence)

(i)

(ii)

2015

412
350 
3
33%
3.5
3.5
1.0%
6.0%
90
63

Savings-related Option Scheme

2014

569 
495 
3
26%
3.5
3.5
1.4%
3.7%
136
95

2013

799 
630 
3
25%
3.5
3.5
4.6%
4.0%
143
95

2012

622 
497 
3
25%
3.5
3.5
4.6%
4.0%
113
75

(i)  Based on the daily 12-month trailing dividend yield averaged over the 12 months prior to valuation date.
(ii)  The difference between the fair value and IFRS 2 charge per option is due to adjustments for forfeiture risk.

The expected volatility is based on the historical volatility over the last three years. The expected life is the average expected 
period to vesting. The risk free rate of return is the zero coupon UK government bonds of a term consistent with the assumed 
award life. 

128

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21. Share Capital continued 

Date of grant (March)

Note

Share price at grant date (pence)
Contractual life (years)
Expected departure
Expected outcome of meeting 
performance criteria
Fair value per share (pence)
IFRS 2 charge per share award (pence)

(i)  Adjusted for forfeiture risk.

(i)

BCIP

LTIP

2015

376 
3
0%

59%
220
220

2014

647 
3
0%

59%
379
379

2013

756 
3
0%

41%
338
338

2015

404 
3
0%

56%
165
165

2014

654 
3
0%

62%
319
319

2013

773 
3
0%

41%
348
348

Movement in share options
A reconciliation of conditional share movements of executive share options, savings-related share options and all other 
share-based schemes is:

Outstanding at start of year
Granted
Forfeited/expired
Exercised
Outstanding at end of year
Exercisable 
Range of exercise prices
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)

Savings-related Option Scheme

2015

2014

Weighted
average
exercise price 
Number
(pence)
507  1,240,005 
350  497,438 
(270,368)
467 
(39,230)
395 
468  1,427,845 
292,682 

Weighted
average
exercise price 
(pence)

512 
495 
525 
396 
507 

Number

1,427,845 
499,297 
(536,856)
(40,567)
1,349,719 
237,902 

350-630

395-630

1.6 

1.5 

BCIP

LTIP

2015

2014

2015

2014

Number

69,391 
23,127 
(38,996)
–
53,522 

Weighted
average
price 
(pence)

666 
376 
617 
–
577
376-756

Number

95,463 
23,564 
(24,778)
(24,858)
69,391 

Weighted
average
price 
(pence)
Number
423  881,429 
647  679,229
517  (400,692)
486 
–
666  1,159,966

Weighted
average
price 
Number
(pence)
663 1,151,174 
360,242 
404
617 (302,063)
– (327,924)
527  881,429 

598-756

404-773

Weighted
average
price 
(pence)

579 
654 
569 
460 
663 
590-773

1.3 

1.0 

1.6

1.0 

Outstanding at start of year
Awards made
Lapsed
Exercised
Outstanding at end of year
Range of award date prices
Weighted average remaining 
contractual life (years)

IFRS 2 charge for share-based incentive schemes
The total charge for the year relating to employee share-based plans was £0.5m (2014: £0.6m), all of which related to 
equity-settled share-based payment transactions. After tax the total charge was £0.5m (2014: £0.3m).

22. Cash Generated from Operations

Group

Company

Operating profit/(loss)
Depreciation 
Amortisation of intangible assets
Share-based payments
Onerous lease provision
Cash spend on onerous leases
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment
Pension charge
Pension credit
Pension contributions in cash
Rationalisation and acquisition related costs
Cash spend on rationalisation and other exceptional costs
Acquisition related earn out adjustment
Net impairment loss
(Increase)/decrease in inventories
Increase in trade and other receivables
Increase in trade and other payables and provisions

2015
£m

18.8
21.0 
10.6 
0.5 
0.3 
(2.8)
(0.6)
3.3
(1.1)
(14.1)
5.3 
(8.0)
0.2 
4.7 
(1.8)
(16.2)
15.8 
35.9

2014
£m

25.5 
20.2 
10.9 
0.6 
0.3 
(2.9)
(0.2)
2.9 
(0.8)
(14.1)
3.4 
(2.3)
2.3 
3.2 
1.6 
(2.6)
3.0 
51.0 

2015
£m

(2.7)
0.7 
– 
0.5 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(14.1)
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(15.6)

23. Changes in Net Borrowings

Cash at bank and in hand
Bank overdrafts
Net cash and cash equivalents
Bank loans due within one year
Preference shares
Finance leases
Debt due after one year
Net derivative liabilities
Net debt

2014
£m

32.8 
(0.6)
32.2 
(2.5)
(1.4)
(0.2)
(138.9)
(0.1)
(110.9)

Cash flows
£m

Subsidiaries 
acquired
£m

Currency
translation
£m

1.5
0.4
1.9
(0.2)
– 
0.4
(11.9)
(3.2)
(13.0)

1.3
–
1.3
–
–
(0.7)
–
–
0.6 

(1.5)
– 
(1.5)
– 
– 
– 
– 
1.6
0.1

2014
£m

(1.8)
0.7 
– 
0.6 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(14.1)
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(14.6)

2015
£m

34.1
(0.2)
33.9
(2.7)
(1.4)
(0.5)
(150.8)
(1.7)
(123.2)

Currency translation movements result from the Group’s policy of hedging its overseas net assets, which are denominated 
mainly in US dollars, Euros and Australian dollars. The translation effect on net debt is offset by the translation effect on net 
assets resulting in an overall net exchange loss of £4.5m (2014: £3.4m). This net loss is recognised in other comprehensive 
income.

130

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONJOHN MENZIES PLCANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2015FI NAN CIAL STATEM ENTS

N OT E S TO T H E ACCO U N T S CO N T I N U ED

24. Cash Flow Hedge Reserve
The cash flow hedge reserve records the portion of the gains or losses on hedging instruments used as cash flow hedges 
that are determined to be effective.

25. Acquisitions 
During the year the Group acquired 100% of the share capital of AJG Parcels Ltd and Oban Express Parcel Service Ltd. 

On 8 June 2015 the Group acquired AJG Parcels Ltd, a logistics company based in Scotland. The Group has acquired the 
company to realise the potential of the existing UK logistics network. These financial statements include the impact of seven 
months’ trading results.

On 26 November 2015 the Group acquired Oban Express Parcel Service Ltd, a logistics company based in Scotland. The  
Group has acquired the company to complement the AJG Parcels Ltd acquisition. These financial statements include the 
impact of two months’ trading results.
Division

Distribution

Distribution

Name
Acquisition date

Purchase consideration
Cash payable
Uplift on fair value of assets transferred
Deferred consideration
Total purchase consideration
Less: fair value of net assets/(liabilities) acquired
Less: non-controlling interests
Goodwill

AJG Parcels 
Ltd
2015
£m

Oban Express 
Parcel Service Ltd
2015
£m

6.8 
– 
0.7 
7.5 
3.9 
– 
3.6 

– 
– 
– 
– 
(0.6)
– 
0.6 

Total
2015
£m

6.8 
– 
0.7 
7.5 
3.3
– 
4.2 

Total
2014
£m

0.6 
1.1 
– 
1.7 
1.8 
(1.4)
1.3 

Goodwill recognised for both AJG Parcels Ltd and Oban Express Parcel Service Ltd is primarily attributable to the expertise in 
hard-to-reach logistic locations in the UK and synergies with the Group.

The fair value of assets and liabilities arising from the acquisitions are:

Non-current assets 
Intangible assets (contracts) 
Property, plant and equipment
Current assets
Cash
Current liabilities
Finance leases
Net assets/(liabilities) acquired at fair value

AJG Parcels 
Ltd
£m

Oban Express 
Parcel Service Ltd
£m

1.7 
1.3 
1.2 
1.3 
(0.9)
(0.7)
3.9 

– 
– 
0.9
– 
(1.5)
– 
(0.6)

Total
2015
£m

1.7 
1.3 
2.1 
1.3 
(2.4)
(0.7)
3.3 

Total
2014
£m

0.7 
1.1 
– 
– 
– 
– 
1.8 

Current assets acquired with AJG Parcels Ltd and Oban Express Parcel Service Ltd include £0.8m and £0.9m of trade 
receivables at fair value respectively, the gross amount acquired. The fair values of the net assets of both companies acquired 
remain provisional pending the formal completion of the valuation process. 

The acquired businesses contributed profit before tax of £0.9m from acquisition. If the businesses had been acquired 
on 1 January 2015 revenue and profit before tax contributed would have been £13.0m and £1.7m respectively.

Transaction fees of £0.2m relating to these acquisitions were incurred and expensed during the year (2014: £Nil).

Contingent and deferred consideration
Contingent consideration totalling £9.9m was paid for Orbital Marketing Services Group Ltd (acquired 2012) and £0.7m in 
respect of deferred consideration for Moose Aviation Services AB (acquired 2013) and PlaneBiz 2015 Ltd (acquired 2014) 
became payable and were cash-settled in 2015.

26. Related Party Transactions
During the year the Group transacted with related parties in the normal course of business and on an arm’s-length basis. 
These sales to and from related parties are made at normal market prices. Details of these transactions are:

Related party
Menzies Bobba Ground Handling Services Private Ltd
Hyderabad Menzies Air Cargo Private Ltd
Menzies Aviation Bobba (Bangalore) Private Ltd
Menzies Macau Airport Services Ltd
EM News Distribution (NI) Ltd
EM News Distribution (Ireland) Ltd

Amounts 
owed to 
related
party at 
31 December
2015
£m

Amounts 
owed by 
related
party at 
31 December
2015
£m

– 
– 
– 
– 
5.0 
– 

– 
0.1 
– 
– 
– 
1.1 

Sales to
related
party
£m

0.1 
0.7 
0.1 
0.4 
0.6 
1.1 

Group
share
holding
%

51
49
49
29
50
50

Key management personnel include individuals who are Executive Directors of the Group and those having authority and 
responsibility for planning, directing and controlling activities of the operating divisions as disclosed in the segmental analysis. 
Remuneration of key management personnel is as follows:

Short-term employee benefits
Post-employment pension and medical benefits
Termination payments
Share-based payments

2015
£m

4.5 
0.5 
– 
0.5 
5.5 

2014
£m

4.6 
0.3 
0.1 
0.6 
5.6 

Certain activities, including treasury, taxation, insurance, pension and legal matters are provided by the Company to 
subsidiary companies and are recharged on a cost-plus basis. The amount recharged and settled in respect of 2015 was 
£0.2m (2014: £0.2m).

The amounts owed to and due by the Company from dealings with subsidiary companies is disclosed in Notes 15 and 16.

Transactions between the Company and other Group companies primarily related to financing activities.

27. Related Undertakings
The subsidiary entities and entities in which John Menzies plc has a significant interest at 31 December 2015 are disclosed 
as an appendix to these financial statements.

132

133

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FIVE YEAR SUMMARY

LIST OF ALL SUBSIDIARY, JOINT VENTURE 
AND ASSOCIATE UNDERTAKINGS

2015
£m

2014
£m

2013
£m

2012
£m

2011
£m

Details of Related Undertakings 

Revenue
Distribution 
Aviation 

Operating profit
Distribution 
Aviation 

Corporate
Underlying operating profit
Exceptional and other items
Share of interest and tax on joint ventures  
and associates
Profit before interest
Net finance costs
Profit before taxation

Per ordinary share
Dividends paid
Underlying earnings
Basic earnings

1,171.2 
728.0 
1,899.2 

1,184.1 
718.8 
1,902.9 

1,202.9 
702.5 
1,905.4 

1,224.2 
679.3 
1,903.5 

1,254.5 
645.2 
1,899.7 

25.1 
23.1 
48.2 
(3.3)
44.9 
(17.6)

(1.5)
25.8 
(7.6)
18.2 

13.1p 
42.7p 
16.5p 

24.0 
30.2 
54.2 
(3.2)
51.0 
(16.4)

(1.5)
33.1 
(7.4)
25.7 

24.3 
37.8 
62.1 
(2.0)
60.1 
(8.7)

(1.1)
50.3 
(8.2)
42.1 

27.5 
34.8 
62.3 
(1.3)
61.0 
(24.8)

(1.0)
35.2 
(7.1)
28.1 

26.5 
30.9 
57.4 
(1.2)
56.2 
(1.8)

(1.7)
52.7 
(6.8)
45.9 

26.9p 
49.2p 
22.7p 

25.6p 
65.6p 
50.1p 

24.4p 
68.8p 
31.3p 

21.0p 
64.9p 
63.5p 

134

Interests in all of the companies listed below are in the ordinary share capital of these undertakings, except where 
otherwise stated.

Subsidiary undertakings

Aeroground, Inc.

Air Marketing Services Ltd

Air Menzies International (Aust) Pty Ltd

Air Menzies International (Cape) Proprietary Ltd

Air Menzies International (India) Private Ltd

Air Menzies International (Netherlands) B.V.

Air Menzies International (NZ) Ltd

Air Menzies International (USA), Inc.

Air Menzies International Holding (NZ) Ltd

Air Menzies International Ltd

Air Menzies International SA Proprietary Ltd

Airbase Flight Support Ltd

Airbase Flight Support Ltd

Airports Bureau Systems Ltd

AMI Ocean Ltd

AU Logistics Ltd

Australian AirSupport Pty Ltd

Aviation Service Leader (Chile) S.A.

BP Travel Marketing Services Ltd

Cargo 2000 Ltd

Cargosave Ltd

Chester Independent Wholesale Newsagents Ltd

Cranford Forwarders Bond Ltd

Czech GH s.r.o

DNDS Ltd

Elmdon Cargo Handling Ltd

Express Handling (Scotland) Ltd

FMD Ltd

Fore Retail Consultancy Ltd

Heathrow Aviation Services Ltd

HO/Menzies Investimentos & Transportes Investments Limitada

J M Nominees Ltd

J M Secretaries Ltd

James Waddell & Company Ltd

JEM Education Direct Ltd

John Menzies (108) Ltd

John Menzies (Birmingham) Ltd

John Menzies (Edinburgh) Ltd

John Menzies (GB) Ltd

John Menzies Corporate Services Ltd

John Menzies Digital Ltd

John Menzies Distribution Ltd

John Menzies Finance Ltd

John Menzies Holding GmbH

John Menzies International Ltd

John Menzies USA Holdings, Inc.

John Menzies USA, Inc.

Country of 
incorporation

United States

United Kingdom

Australia

South Africa

India

Netherlands

New Zealand

United States

New Zealand

United Kingdom

South Africa

Isle of Man

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

Australia

Chile

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

Czech Republic

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

Macau

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

Germany

United Kingdom

United States

United States

Direct or indirect holding 
(100% unless otherwise stated)

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect (65%)

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Direct

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Direct

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Direct

Direct

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Direct

Direct

Direct

Direct

Indirect

Direct

Direct

Indirect

Indirect

Direct

Direct

135

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LI S T O F A L L SU BS I D I A RY, J O I N T V EN T U R E A N D A SS O C I AT E U N D ERTA K I N G S CO N T I N U ED

Country of 
incorporation

Direct or indirect holding 
(100% unless otherwise stated)

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

Romania

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

Macau

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

Portugal

South Africa

British Virgin Islands

Australia

Netherlands

Brazil

Canada

South Africa

Netherlands

United Kingdom

Czech Republic

United States

Denmark

United Kingdom

Netherlands

United Kingdom

Netherlands

France

Netherlands

Australia

South Africa

Hungary

Spain

India

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Direct

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Direct

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect (65%)

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect (65%)

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Subsidiary undertakings

Jones Yarrell Leadenhall Ltd

Jones, Yarrell & Co. Ltd

Kamino Cargo SRL

Leisure Target Tourism Services Ltd

London Cargo Group Ltd

London Cargo Handling Ltd

London Cargo Imports Ltd

Lonsdale Universal Ltd

Lonsdale Universal Trustees Ltd

Luton Ramp Ltd

Luton Services Ltd

MA Secretaries Ltd

MAG Nominees Ltd

Magazine Solutions Ltd

Mancargo Ltd

Manchester Cargo Centre Ltd

Manchester Handling Ltd

MASCARGO (Macau) Company Ltd

MCS Trustee Ltd

Media on the Move Ltd

Menzies Aviation – Portugal – Servicos De Carga, Unipessoal, LDA

Menzies Aviation (Africa) Pty Ltd

Menzies Aviation (Asia Pacific) Ltd

Menzies Aviation (Australia) Pty Ltd

Menzies Aviation (Aviation) B.V.

Menzies Aviation (Brasil) Ltda

Menzies Aviation (Canada) Ltd

Menzies Aviation (Cargo) (Pty) Ltd

Menzies Aviation (Cargo) B.V.

Menzies Aviation (Chengdu) Ltd

Menzies Aviation (Czech) s.r.o.

Menzies Aviation (DEL), Inc.

Menzies Aviation (Denmark) A/S

Menzies Aviation (Dominicana) Ltd

Menzies Aviation (EMEA) B.V.

Menzies Aviation (EMEA) Ltd

Menzies Aviation (FR9) B.V.

Menzies Aviation (France) SAS

Menzies Aviation (Freighter Handling) B.V.

Menzies Aviation (Ground Services) Australia Pty Ltd

Menzies Aviation (Handling) Proprietary Ltd

Menzies Aviation (Hungary) Kft

Menzies Aviation (Ibérica) S.A.

Menzies Aviation (India) Private Ltd

136

Subsidiary undertakings

Menzies Aviation (Italy) srl

Menzies Aviation (LCC) B.V.

Menzies Aviation (Lounge) B.V.

Menzies Aviation (Luton) Ltd

Menzies Aviation (Mexico) S.A. de C.V.

Menzies Aviation (Mumbai) Passenger Ltd

Menzies Aviation (Namibia) Proprietary Ltd

Menzies Aviation (New Zealand) Ltd

Menzies Aviation (NL) Ltd

Menzies Aviation (Oslo) AS

Menzies Aviation (Poland) Sp. zo.o

Menzies Aviation (Romania) SA

Menzies Aviation (Santo Domingo) Ltd

Menzies Aviation (Schiphol) B.V.

Menzies Aviation (South Africa) (Cargo) Proprietary Ltd

Menzies Aviation (South Africa) (Cleaning) Proprietary Ltd

Menzies Aviation (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd

Menzies Aviation (Stockholm) AB

Menzies Aviation (Support Services) B.V.

Menzies Aviation (Support) B.V.

Menzies Aviation (Sverige) AB

Menzies Aviation (Sweden) AB

Menzies Aviation (Texas), Inc.

Menzies Aviation (Timisoara) SRL

Menzies Aviation (UK) Ltd

Menzies Aviation (USA), Inc.

Menzies Aviation (Washington), Inc.

Menzies Aviation (Venezuela) S.A.

Menzies Aviation Alicante UTE

Menzies Aviation Almeria UTE

Menzies Aviation Cargo (Bangalore) Ltd

Menzies Aviation Cargo (Hyderabad) Ltd

Menzies Aviation Cargo (Romania) SRL

Menzies Aviation Colombia Holdings S.A.S

Menzies Aviation Colombia S.A.S.

Menzies Aviation Contracts (NL) B.V.

Menzies Aviation Corporate Services Ltd

Menzies Aviation Finance (USA) LLC

Menzies Aviation Group (Philippines) B.V.

Menzies Aviation Handling Ltd

Menzies Aviation Holdings (Asia Pacific) Ltd

Menzies Aviation Holdings (Australia) Pty Ltd

Menzies Aviation Holdings (Brasil) Ltda

Menzies Aviation Holdings Ltd

Country of 
incorporation

Italy

Netherlands

Netherlands

United Kingdom

Mexico

Mauritius

Namibia

New Zealand

United Kingdom

Norway

Poland

Romania

United Kingdom

Netherlands

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

Sweden

Netherlands

Netherlands

Sweden

Sweden

United States

Romania

United Kingdom

United States

United States

Venezuela

Spain

Spain

Mauritius

Mauritius

Romania

Colombia

Colombia

Netherlands

United Kingdom

United States

Netherlands

United Kingdom

British Virgin Islands

Australia

Brazil

United Kingdom

Direct or indirect holding 
(100% unless otherwise stated)

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect (65%)

Indirect (65%)

Indirect (65%)

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

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LI S T O F A L L SU BS I D I A RY, J O I N T V EN T U R E A N D A SS O C I AT E U N D ERTA K I N G S CO N T I N U ED

Subsidiary undertakings

Menzies Aviation Holdings (Venezuela) S.A.

Menzies Aviation Hyderabad (Passenger) Ltd

Menzies Aviation, Inc.

Menzies Aviation International Ltd

Menzies Aviation Jerez UTE

Menzies Aviation Leasing (Mexico) S.A. de C.V.

Menzies Aviation Murcia-San Janvier UTE

Menzies Aviation plc

Menzies Aviation Puerto Plata S.A.

Menzies Aviation Services (Asia Pacific) LLC

Menzies Aviation Services Ltd

Menzies Aviation Services Venezuela S.A.

Menzies Aviation Spain SL

Menzies Aviation St.Maarten B.V.

Menzies Cargo Ltd

Menzies Cargo Services Ltd

Menzies Client Solutions (USA), Inc.

Menzies Client Solutions Ltd

Menzies Digital Ltd

Menzies Distribution Ltd

Menzies Express Baggage Ltd

Menzies Group Holdings Ltd

Menzies Marketing Services Ltd

Menzies Parcels Ltd

Menzies Security Services B.V.

Menzies Select Ltd

Menzies Services, Inc.

Menzies Services Ltd

Menzies Travel Media Ltd

Menzies Wholesale Ltd

Menzies World Cargo (Amsterdam) B.V.

Menzies World Cargo (Ireland) Ltd

Menzies World Cargo (Rotterdam) B.V.

Menzies World Cargo Ltd

Menzies Worldwide Distribution Ltd

Moose Aviation Services AB

MPF Trustee Ltd

Oban Express Parcel Service Ltd

Ogden Aviation Services (Chile) Ltda

Ogden Cargo Ltd

Orbital Mailing Ltd

Orbital Mailing Services Ltd

Orbital Marketing Services Group Ltd

Orbital Print Ltd

Perth Cargo Centre Pty Ltd

Country of 
incorporation

Venezuela

Mauritius

United States

United Kingdom

Spain

Mexico

Spain

United Kingdom

Dominican Republic

United States

United Kingdom

Venezuela

Spain

St. Maarten

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United States

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

Netherlands

United Kingdom

United States

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

Netherlands

Ireland

Netherlands

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

Sweden

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

Chile

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

Australia

Direct or indirect holding 
(100% unless otherwise stated)

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Direct

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Direct

Direct

Indirect

Direct

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Direct

Indirect

Direct

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Subsidiary undertakings

PlaneBiz 2015 Ltd

PMD Healthcare Marketing Services Ltd

Princes Street (Jersey) Ltd

Reed Aviation Spain SL

Rose Street Nominees Ltd

Simplicity Ground Services, LLC

Skycare Ltd

Skyport Handling Ltd

Skyport Handling Services Ltd

Skystar Airport Services NZ Pty Ltd

Skystar Airport Services Pty Ltd

Southampton Airport Cargo Services Ltd

Take One Media Ltd

The London Cargo Centre Ltd

The Menzies Group Ltd

The Network (Field Marketing & Promotions) Company Ltd

Top Attractions Ltd

Wyng Group Ltd

Wyng Roadflight Ltd

Joint venture and associate undertakings

Notes

AMI Asia HK Ltd
EM News Distribution (Ireland) Ltd
EM News Distribution (NI) Ltd
Hyderabad Menzies Air Cargo Private Ltd
Menzies Aviation Bobba (Bangalore) Private Ltd
Menzies Bobba Ground Handling Services Private Ltd
Menzies Chengdu Aviation Services Ltd
Menzies Macau Airport Services Ltd
Swissport Menzies Handling PMR UTE
Worldwide Magazine Distribution Ltd
Zaankracht Ultzendbureau Schipol B.V.

(i) 100% of preference shares

(i)
(i)

Country of 
incorporation

New Zealand

United Kingdom

Jersey

Spain

United Kingdom

United States

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

New Zealand

Australia

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

Country of 
incorporation

Hong Kong

Ireland

United Kingdom

India

India

India

China

Macau

Spain

United Kingdom

Netherlands

Direct or indirect holding 
(100% unless otherwise stated)

Indirect (60%)

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Direct

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Direct or indirect holding

Indirect (50%)

Indirect (50%)

Indirect (50%)

Indirect (49%)

Indirect (49%)

Indirect (51%)

Indirect (40%)

Indirect (29%)

Indirect (19.5%)

Indirect (50%)

Indirect (30%)

138

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONJOHN MENZIES PLCANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2015SHAR EH O LD ER I N FO R MATI O N

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENER AL MEETING

This document is important and requires your immediate 
attention. If you are in any doubt about what action 
you should take you are recommended to consult your 
financial adviser. If you have sold or transferred all of your 
ordinary shares in John Menzies plc, you should forward 
this document, together with accompanying documents, 
to the purchaser or transferee or to the stockbroker, bank 
or other agent through whom the sale or transfer was 
effected, for transmission to the purchaser or transferee.

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of 
John Menzies plc (the “Company”) will be held in the Waldorf 
Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian, Princes Street, 
Edinburgh, EH1 2AB on Friday 20th May 2016 at 2.00pm 
(the “Meeting”) to transact the following business:

Ordinary Resolutions
To consider and, if thought fit, pass Resolutions 1-13, 
each of which will be proposed as an ordinary resolution:

1. Report and Accounts
To receive the Annual Accounts of the Company for the 
financial year ended 31 December 2015, the Strategic 
Report and the Reports of the Directors’ and Auditors 
thereon.

2. Remuneration Report
To approve the Report on Directors’ Remuneration 
(excluding the Directors’ Remuneration Policy) as set out 
in the Annual Report and Accounts for the financial year 
ended 31 December 2015.

3. Dividend
To declare a final dividend of 11.8 pence per ordinary share in 
the Company for the financial year ended 31 December 2015.

4–10. Re-election of directors
4.  To elect Geoff Eaton as a director of the Company.

5.  To elect David Garman as a director of the Company.

6.  To elect Forsyth Black as a director of the Company.

7.  To re-elect Paula Bell as a director of the Company.

8.  To re-elect Silla Maizey as a director of the Company.

9.  To re-elect Dermot Jenkinson as a director of 

the Company.

10. To re-elect Iain Napier as a director of the Company.

11. Re-appointment of Auditors
To re-appoint Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s auditors 
to hold office from the conclusion of this Meeting until the 
conclusion of the next general meeting at which Annual 
Accounts are laid before the Company.

12. Remuneration of Auditors
To authorise the directors of the Company to fix the 
remuneration of the Company’s auditors.

13. Authority to allot shares
That the directors of the Company (the “Directors”) be 
and are hereby generally and unconditionally authorised, 
pursuant to section 551 of the Companies Act 2006 (the 
“2006 Act”), to exercise all powers of the Company to allot 
shares in the Company and to grant rights to subscribe for, 
or to convert any security into, shares in the Company, such 
rights and shares together being “relevant securities”:

(a)  otherwise than pursuant to paragraph (b) below, up to 
an aggregate nominal amount of £5,141,928 (such 
amount to be reduced by the aggregate nominal amount 
of any equity securities (as defined by section 560 of the 
2006 Act) allotted under paragraph (b) below in excess 
of £5,141,928; and

(b)  comprising equity securities up to an aggregate nominal 
amount of £10,283,856 (such amount to be reduced by 
the nominal amount of any relevant securities allotted 
under paragraph (a) above) in connection with an offer by 
way of a rights issue to: (i) holders of ordinary shares in 
the capital of the Company in proportion (as nearly as 
may be practicable) to their respective holdings; and (ii) 
holders of equity securities in the capital of the Company 
as required by the rights of those securities or as the 
Directors otherwise consider necessary, but subject to 
such exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors 
may deem necessary or expedient to deal with treasury 
shares, fractional entitlements, record dates, legal or 
practical problems arising under the laws of any overseas 
territory or the requirements of any regulatory body or 
stock exchange or by virtue of shares being represented 
by depository receipts or any other matter;

and provided that (unless previously renewed, varied or 
revoked) this authority shall expire at the conclusion of the 
next Annual General Meeting of the Company or, if earlier, 
on 30 June 2017 save that the Company shall be entitled 
to make offers or agreements before the expiry of such 
authority which would or might require relevant securities 
to be allotted after such expiry and the Directors shall be 
entitled to allot relevant securities pursuant to any such 
offer or agreement as if the authority conferred by this 
Resolution had not expired. This authority is in substitution 
for and to the exclusion of all unexercised existing authorities 
previously granted to the Directors under the 2006 Act but 
without prejudice to any allotment of shares or grants of 
rights already made, offered or agreed to be made pursuant 
to such authorities.

Special Resolutions
To consider, and if thought fit, pass Resolutions 14-17, each 
of which will be proposed as a special resolution:

14. Authority to disapply pre-emption rights
That, subject to the passing of Resolution 13 in the Notice 
of Annual General Meeting of the Company dated 1 April 
2016 (the “Section 551 Resolution”), the directors of the 
Company (the “Directors”) be and are hereby empowered 
pursuant to section 570 and section 573 of the Companies 
Act 2006 (the “2006 Act”) to exercise all powers of the 
Company to allot equity securities (within the meaning 
of sections 560(1)–(3) of the 2006 Act) wholly for cash 
pursuant to the authority conferred by the Section 551 
Resolution and/or by way of a sale of treasury shares as if 
section 561(1) of the 2006 Act did not apply to any such 
allotment provided that this power shall be limited to:

(a)  the allotment of equity securities in connection with 

an offer or issue of equity securities (but, in the case of 
an allotment pursuant to the authority granted under 
paragraph (b) of the Section 551 Resolution, such power 
shall be limited to the allotment of equity securities in 
connection with a rights issue only) to: (i) the holders 
of ordinary shares in the capital of the Company in 
proportion (as nearly as may be practicable) to their 
respective holdings; and (ii) the holders of equity 
securities in the capital of the Company as required 
by the rights of those securities or as the Directors 
otherwise consider necessary, but subject to such 
exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors may 
deem necessary or expedient to deal with treasury 
shares, fractional entitlements, record dates, or legal or 
practical problems arising under the laws of any overseas 
territory or the requirements of any regulatory body or 
stock exchange or by virtue of shares being represented 
by depository receipts or any other matter; and
(b)  the allotment pursuant to the authority granted by 

paragraph (a) of the Section 551 Resolution (otherwise 
than pursuant to paragraph (a) of this Resolution 14) 
to any person or persons of equity securities up to an 
aggregate nominal amount of £771,289, representing 
approximately 5% of the issued ordinary share 
capital of the Company as at 1 April 2016;

and provided that (unless previously renewed, varied or 
revoked) this power shall expire at the conclusion of the next 
Annual General Meeting of the Company or, if earlier, on 30 
June 2017 save that the Company shall be entitled to make 
offers or agreements before the expiry of such power which 
would or might require equity securities to be allotted after 
such expiry and the Directors shall be entitled to allot equity 
securities pursuant to any such offer or agreement as if the 
power conferred hereby had not expired. This power is in 
substitution for and to the exclusion of all unexercised 
existing powers previously granted to the Directors under 
sections 570 and 573 of the 2006 Act but without prejudice 
to any allotment of equity securities already made or agreed 
to be made pursuant to such powers.

15. Purchase of own ordinary shares 
by the Company
That the Company be and is hereby authorised pursuant 
to section 701 of the Companies Act 2006 (the “2006 Act”) 
to make market purchases (within the meaning of section 
693(4) of the 2006 Act) of its own ordinary shares of 25p 
each (“Ordinary Shares”), on such terms and in such manner 
as the directors of the Company (the “Directors”) may from 
time to time determine, provided that:

(a)  the maximum number of Ordinary Shares hereby 

authorised to be purchased is 6,170,313, representing 
approximately 10% of the Company’s issued 
ordinary share capital as at 1 April 2016; 

(b)  the maximum price which may be paid for each such 

Ordinary Share under this authority shall be the higher of: 
(i) an amount equal to 105% of the average of the middle 
market quotations for any such Ordinary Share as 
derived from the London Stock Exchange Daily Official 
List for the five business days immediately prior to the 
date of conclusion of the contract for any such purchase; 
and (ii) the amount stipulated by Article 5(1) of the EU 
Buy-back and Stabilisation Regulation 2003 (being the 
higher of the price of the last independent trade and the 
highest current independent bid for an Ordinary Share on 
the trading venues where the market purchases by the 
Company pursuant to the authority conferred by this 
Resolution will be carried out), and the minimum price 
which may be paid for any such Ordinary Share is 25p, in 
each case exclusive of the expenses of purchase (if any) 
payable by the Company; and 

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(c)  the authority hereby conferred shall expire (unless 

(c)  the authority hereby conferred shall expire (unless 

previously revoked, varied or renewed) at the conclusion 
of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company or 
at the close of business on 30 June 2017, whichever is 
earlier, except in relation to the purchase of Ordinary 
Shares for which a contract was concluded before the 
authority expired and which might or will be executed 
wholly or partly after its expiration and the Company 
may make such a purchase in pursuance of such contract 
as if the authority hereby conferred had not expired.

previously revoked, varied or renewed) at the conclusion 
of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company 
or at the close of business on 30 June 2017, whichever 
is earlier, except in relation to the purchase of Preference 
Shares for which a contract was concluded before the 
authority expired and which might or will be executed 
wholly or partly after its expiration and the Company 
may make such a purchase in pursuance of such contract 
as if the authority hereby conferred had not expired.

17. Length of notice of meeting
That a general meeting of the Company, other than an 
annual general meeting, may be called on not less than 
fourteen clear days’ notice.

By order of the Board of Directors of the Company

John Geddes
Group Company Secretary
1 April 2016

16. Purchase of own preference shares by the 
Company
That the Company be and is hereby authorised pursuant to 
section 701 of the Companies Act 2006 (the “2006 Act”) 
to make market purchases (within the meaning of section 
693(4) of the 2006 Act) of its own 9% cumulative preference 
shares of £1 each (“Preference Shares”), on such terms 
and in such manner as the directors of the Company (the 
“Directors”) may from time to time determine, provided that:

(a)  the maximum number of Preference Shares hereby 

authorised to be purchased is 1,394,587, representing 
100% of the Company’s issued Preference Share capital 
as at 1 April 2016;

(b)  the maximum price which may be paid for each such 
Preference Share under this authority shall be the 
higher of: 
(i)   an amount equal to 110% of the average of the 

middle market quotations for any such Preference 
Share as derived from the London Stock Exchange 
Daily Official List for the five business days 
immediately prior to the date of conclusion of the 
contract for any such purchase; and 

(ii)  the amount stipulated by Article 5(1) of the EU 

Buy-back and Stabilisation Regulation 2003 (being 
the higher of the price of the last independent trade 
and the highest current independent bid for a 
Preference Share on the trading venues where the 
market purchases by the Company pursuant to the 
authority conferred by this Resolution will be carried 
out), and the minimum price which may be paid for 
any such Preference Share is £1, in each case 
exclusive of the expenses of purchase (if any) 
payable by the Company; and

Explanatory Notes
The following information provides additional background 
information to several of the Resolutions proposed:

Resolution 2: Remuneration Report
In accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 
2006 (the “2006 Act”), the Company’s Report on Directors’ 
Remuneration (excluding the Directors’ Remuneration Policy 
(the “Policy”)) will be put to an annual shareholder vote by 
ordinary resolution. The vote will be advisory in nature and 
in respect of the overall remuneration package which is in 
place for directors of the Company (the “Directors”) – it is 
not specific to individual levels of remuneration nor is the 
entitlement of a Director to remuneration conditional on 
the vote being passed. 

The Company’s Policy, which is subject to a binding 
shareholder vote at least every three years, was last 
approved at the Company’s annual general meeting (“AGM”) 
in May 2014. The Company is unable to make a remuneration 
payment to a current or prospective Director or a payment 
for loss of office to a current or past Director, unless such 
payment is consistent with the Policy or has been approved 
by a resolution of the Company’s shareholders. 

Resolutions 4 – 10: Re-election of directors
Biographical details of the Directors to be re-elected at this 
year’s AGM can be found on pages 44 and 45 of the Annual 
Report and Accounts 2015. Forsyth Black, Geoff Eaton and 
David Garman, having been appointed as Directors since last 
year’s AGM, will stand for election in accordance with the 
Company’s Articles of Association and, in accordance with 
the principles of good governance set out in the UK 
Corporate Governance Code, all other Directors who will 
continue following the AGM will seek re-election.

In proposing the re-election of the Directors, the Chairman 
has confirmed that, following rigorous internal performance 
evaluations (described on page 50 of the Annual Report and 
Accounts 2015), each individual continues to make an 
effective and valuable contribution to the Board and 
demonstrates commitment to the role.

Resolutions 13 and 14: Authority to allot shares 
and disapply pre-emption rights
The Investment Management Association’s Share Capital 
Management Guidelines (the “IMA Guidelines”) permit, and 
regard as routine, an authority to allot up to two-thirds of a 
company’s existing issued share capital. They provide that 
any amount in excess of one-third of a company’s issued 
share capital should only be applied to fully pre-emptive 
rights issues.

At the AGM of the Company held on 15 May 2015, the 
Directors were given authority to allot shares in the capital 
of the Company up to an aggregate nominal amount of 
£10,216,026, representing approximately two-thirds of the 
Company’s issued ordinary share capital as at 3 April 2015. 
This authority is due to expire at the end of this year’s AGM. 

It is considered appropriate that the Directors again 
be granted authority to allot shares in the capital of 
the Company up to a maximum nominal amount of 
£10,283,856, which amount represents approximately 
two-thirds of the Company’s issued ordinary share capital as 
at 1 April 2016 and thus complies with the IMA Guidelines. 
Accordingly, 20,567,711 ordinary shares of £0.25 each (the 
“Ordinary Shares”), representing approximately one-third of 
the Company’s issued ordinary share capital, may be allotted 
pursuant to a fully pre-emptive rights issue.

The authority sought by Resolution 13 will last until the 
conclusion of the next AGM of the Company or, if earlier, 
30 June 2017. The Directors have no present intention of 
exercising this authority, although they have confirmed that 
should the power authorised in Resolution 13(b) be utilised 
then all Directors would stand for re-election at the next 
AGM (as they currently do in accordance with the principles 
of good governance).

As at 1 April 2016, the Company held 345,176 of its Ordinary 
Shares in Treasury. 

Resolution 14 will, if passed, give the Directors power, 
pursuant to the authority to allot granted under Resolution 
13, to allot equity securities (as defined in sections 560(1)–
(3) of the 2006 Act) or sell treasury shares for cash on a non 
pre-emptive basis without first offering them to existing 
shareholders of the Company in proportion to their existing 
shareholdings in limited circumstances. This power will 
permit the Directors to allot equity securities:

(a)  in relation to a pre-emptive rights issue only, up to a 

maximum nominal amount of £10,283,856 (representing 
approximately two-thirds of the Company’s issued 
ordinary share capital as at 1 April 2016); and

(b)  in any other case, up to a maximum nominal value of 

£771,289, representing approximately 5% of the issued 
ordinary share capital of the Company as at 1 April 2016 
(the latest practicable date prior to publication of this 
Notice of AGM) otherwise than in connection with an 
offer to existing shareholders of the Company.

The Directors have no present intention of exercising this 
power and the power, if granted, will expire at the conclusion 
of the next AGM of the Company or, if earlier, on 30 June 
2017.

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Resolutions 15 and 16: Authority  
to buy-back shares
These special resolutions give the Company authority to 
make market purchases of its Ordinary Shares and 9% 
cumulative preference shares (the “Preference Shares”) in 
the market, as permitted by the 2006 Act. The authorities 
set the minimum and maximum prices and limit the number 
of Ordinary Shares that can be purchased to 6,170,313 
(representing approximately 10% of the issued Ordinary 
Shares as at 1 April 2016) and the number of Preference 
Shares to 1,394,587 (representing 100% of the issued 
Preference Shares as at 1 April 2016).

The authorities, if granted, will expire at the conclusion of 
the next AGM of the Company or, if earlier, 30 June 2017. The 
Directors have no present intention of exercising the 
authority to purchase the Preference Shares but will keep 
the matter under review, taking into account the financial 
resources of the Company, the Company’s share price and 
future funding opportunities. The authority would only be 
exercised if the Directors believed that to do so would result 
in an increase in earnings per share and would be in the 
interests of the Company’s shareholders generally.

As at 1 April 2016, the Company held 345,176 Ordinary 
Shares in Treasury. It may make purchases of its Ordinary 
Shares, taking into account the financial resources of the 
Company, the Company’s share price and future funding 
opportunities. No voting rights attach to Ordinary Shares 
whilst held in Treasury nor are dividends payable on them. 
The authority sought under Resolution 15 will only be 
exercised if the Directors believe that to do so would result in 
an increase in earnings per share and would be in the 
interests of the Company’s shareholders generally. Any 
purchase of Ordinary Shares would be by means of market 
purchase through the London Stock Exchange.

Resolution 17: Length of notice of meeting
Before the introduction of the Companies (Shareholders’ 
Rights) Regulations 2009 (the “Regulations”), the minimum 
notice period permitted by the 2006 Act for general 
meetings (other than AGMs) was 14 clear days. One of the 
amendments made to the 2006 Act by the Regulations was 
to increase the minimum notice period for general meetings 
of listed companies to 21 days, but with the ability for 
companies to reduce this period back to 14 days (other than 
for AGMs) provided that two conditions are met. The first 
condition is that a company offers a facility for shareholders 
to vote by electronic means. This condition is met if a 
company offers a facility, accessible to all shareholders, 
to appoint a proxy by means of a website. The second 
condition is that there is an annual resolution of shareholders 

approving the reduction of the minimum notice period from 
21 clear days to 14 clear days. The Directors have confirmed 
that they will only use the shorter notice period in limited 
circumstances where the proposal in question is time- 
sensitive and the short notice would clearly be to the 
advantage of the Company’s shareholders as a whole.

Resolution 17 is therefore proposed as a special resolution 
which would be effective until the Company’s next AGM 
when it is intended to propose that the approval be renewed.

Recommendation
The Directors consider that all these Resolutions are in 
the best interests of the Company and its shareholders 
as a whole and are most likely to promote the success of 
the Company. Accordingly, they unanimously recommend 
that you vote in favour of all the proposed Resolutions.

Notes to the Notice of Annual General Meeting 
(the “AGM”)
1. 

Information about the AGM is available from the 
Company’s website: www.johnmenziesplc.com.

2.  As a shareholder, you are entitled to appoint one or 
more proxies to exercise all or any of your rights to 
attend, speak and vote at the AGM. A proxy need not 
be a shareholder of the Company. You may appoint more 
than one proxy provided each proxy is appointed to 
exercise rights attached to different shares. You may 
not appoint more than one proxy to exercise the rights 
attached to any one share.

3.  A Form of Proxy is enclosed. To be valid, your Form of Proxy 
and any power of attorney or other authority, if any, under 
which it is signed or a notarially certified copy of that power 
of attorney or authority should be sent to Computershare 
Investor Services (“Computershare”) at The Pavilions, 
Bridgwater Road, Bristol BS99 6ZY so as to arrive no later 
than 48 hours before the commencement of the AGM. No 
amendments to, or submission or withdrawal of, any Form 
of Proxy shall be effective if lodged with Computershare 
less than 48 hours before the time appointed for the 
holding of the AGM or any adjourned meeting.

4. 

It is possible for you to submit your proxy votes online. 
Further information on this service can be found on your 
Form of Proxy or, if you receive communications from us 
electronically, voting information will be contained within 
your email broadcast. 

5. 

If you appoint a proxy, this will not prevent you attending 
the AGM and voting in person if you wish to do so.

6.   The right to vote at the AGM is determined by reference 
to the Company’s Register of Members as at the close 
of business on Wednesday 18 May 2016 or, if the AGM is 
adjourned, at 5:00pm on the day two days prior 
to the adjourned meeting. Changes to entries on 
the Register of Members after that time shall be 
disregarded in determining the rights of any 
shareholder to attend and vote at the AGM. 

7.  As a shareholder, you have the right to put questions 
at the AGM relating to the business being dealt with 
at the AGM.

8.  Any person to whom this notice is sent who is a person 
nominated under section 146 of the 2006 Act to enjoy 
information rights (a “Nominated Person”) may, under an 
agreement between them and the shareholder by whom 
they were nominated, have a right to be appointed (or to 
have someone else appointed) as a proxy for the AGM. If 
a Nominated Person has no such proxy appointment 
right or does not wish to exercise it, they may, under 
any such agreement, have a right to give instructions 
to the shareholder as to the exercise of voting rights.

9.   The statement of the rights of shareholders in relation 

to the appointment of proxies in Notes 2, 3 and 4 above 
does not apply to Nominated Persons. The rights 
described in these paragraphs can only be exercised 
by shareholders of the Company.

10. As at 1 April 2016, the Company’s issued ordinary share 
capital comprised 61,703,133 Ordinary Shares and the 
Company held 345,176 of its Ordinary Shares in Treasury. 
Each Ordinary Share carries the right to one vote at a 
general meeting of the Company and, therefore, the 
total number of voting rights in the Company as at 1 April  
2016 is 61,357,957.

11. CREST members who wish to appoint a proxy or proxies 
by utilising the CREST electronic proxy appointment 
service may do so for the AGM and any adjournment(s) 
thereof by utilising the procedures described in the CREST 
Manual. CREST personal members or other CREST 
sponsored members, and those CREST members who 
have appointed a voting service provider(s), should refer to 
their CREST sponsor or voting service provider(s), who will 
be able to take the appropriate action on their behalf.

12. In order for a proxy appointment made by means of 
CREST to be valid, the appropriate CREST message 
(a “CREST Proxy Instruction”) must be properly 
authenticated in accordance with Euroclear UK & Ireland 
Limited’s specifications and must contain the information 
required for such instructions, as described in the CREST 
Manual. The message must be transmitted so as to be 
received by the issuer’s agent (ID 3RA50) so as to arrive 
no later than 48 hours before the commencement of the 
AGM or any adjourned meeting. For this purpose, the 
time of receipt will be taken to be the time (as 
determined by the timestamp applied to the Shareholder 
information message by the CREST Applications Host) 
from which the issuer’s agent is able to retrieve the 
message by enquiry to CREST in the manner prescribed 
by CREST.

13. CREST members and, where applicable, their CREST 
sponsors or voting service providers should note that 
Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited does not make available 
special procedures in CREST for any particular messages. 
Normal system timings and limitations will therefore 
apply in relation to the input of CREST Proxy Instructions. 
It is the responsibility of the CREST member concerned 
to take (or, if the CREST member is a CREST personal 
member or sponsored member or has appointed a voting 
service provider(s), to procure that his CREST sponsor or 
voting service provider(s) take(s)) such action as shall be 
necessary to ensure that a message is transmitted by 
means of the CREST system by any particular time. In 
this connection, CREST members and, where applicable, 
their CREST sponsors or voting service providers are 
referred, in particular, to those sections of the CREST 
Manual concerning practical limitations of the CREST 
system and timings.

14. The Company may treat as invalid a CREST Proxy 

Instruction in the circumstances set out in Regulation 
35(5)(a) of the Uncertificated Securities 
Regulations 2001.

15. Under section 338 of the 2006 Act, shareholders may 
require the Company to give, to shareholders of the 
Company entitled to receive this Notice of AGM, notice 
of a resolution which may properly be moved and is 
intended to be moved at the AGM. Under section 338A 
of the 2006 Act, shareholders may request the Company 
to include in the business to be dealt with at the AGM 
any matter (other than a proposed resolution) which may 
properly be included in the business. 

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GENER AL INFORMATION

16. It is possible that, pursuant to requests made by 

shareholders of the Company under section 527 of the 
2006 Act, the Company may be required to publish on a 
website a statement setting out any matter relating to: 
(i) the audit of the Company’s accounts (including the 
auditor’s report and the conduct of the audit) that are 
to be laid before the AGM: or (ii) any circumstances 
connected with an auditor of the Company ceasing to 
hold office since the previous meeting at which annual 
accounts and reports were laid in accordance with 
section 437 of the 2006 Act. The Company may not 
require the shareholder requesting any such website 
publication to pay its expenses in complying with 
sections 527 or 528 of the 2006 Act. Where the 
Company is required to place a statement on a website 
under section 527 of the 2006 Act, it must forward the 
statement to the Company’s auditor not later than the 
time when it makes the statement available on the 
website. The business which may be dealt with at the 
AGM includes any statement that the Company has 
been required under section 527 of the 2006 Act to 
publish on a website. 

Documents
The following documents will be available for inspection 
during usual business hours on any day (except Saturday, 
Sunday and Bank Holidays) from the date of sending this 
Notice of AGM up to and including the date of the AGM 
at the registered office of the Company and at the offices 
of the Company’s solicitors, Maclay Murray & Spens LLP, 
at One London Wall, London EC2Y 5AB: 

(a)  copies of the Directors’ service contracts with the 

Company; and

(b)  the terms of appointment of the Non-Executive 

Directors of the Company.

On the date of the AGM, these documents will be available 
for inspection at the venue of the AGM from 12:00pm until 
the conclusion of the AGM.

Internet
The Group operates a website which can be found at 
www. johnmenziesplc.com. This site is regularly updated to 
provide you with information about the Group and each of 
its Operating Divisions. In particular, all of the Group’s press 
releases and announcements can be found on the site 
together with copies of the Group’s accounts. 

Charges
Commission for the above share dealing service will be 
at a rate of 1% and will be subject to a minimum fee of £25. 
Additionally, UK share purchases will be subject to a 0.5% 
stamp duty charge whilst a levy of £1.00 will be imposed by 
the Panel for Takeovers and Mergers for single trades in 
excess of £10,000. 

John Menzies Investor Relations App
The Group has an Investor Relations App for iPhone and iPad 
users. The App provides users with the Company’s latest 
share price, regulatory and business news, annual/interim 
reports and presentations. The App can be downloaded via 
the Company’s website or by visiting your App store.

Settlement
You will be required to pay for any shares purchased 
by debit card at the time of the transaction. You must 
therefore ensure that you have sufficient cleared funds 
available in your debit card account to pay for the shares 
in full.

Share Register and Shareholder Enquiries
Any enquiry concerning your shareholding should be directed 
to the Company’s Registrar, Computershare Investor 
Services PLC (“Computershare”), and should clearly state 
your name, address and Shareholder Reference Number 
(“SRN”). The contact details are as follows:

Tel: +44 (0) 370 703 6303
Web: www.investorcentre.co.uk
Email: www.investorcentre.co.uk/contactus
Write: The John Menzies plc Registrar, Computershare 
Investor Services PLC, The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road, 
Bristol BS99 6ZZ

Computershare should be notified promptly in writing of any 
change in a shareholder’s address. Computershare’s online 
Investor Centre also enables you to view your shareholding 
and update your address and payment instructions online. 
You can register at www.investorcentre.co.uk. In order to 
register, you will need your SRN which you can find on your 
share certificate or tax voucher.

Share Price
The current price of the Company’s Ordinary Shares can be 
viewed on the Group’s website at www.johnmenziesplc.com.

Telephone Share Dealing Service
A share dealing service has been arranged with Stocktrade 
which provides a simple way of buying or selling shares in the 
Company. To use this service you should call the following 
telephone number and quote reference “John Menzies plc 
dial and deal”:

Tel: +44 (0) 131 240 0414

ShareGift
If you have only a small number of shares which would cost 
more for you to sell than they are worth, you may wish to 
consider donating them to the charity ShareGift (Registered 
Charity No. 1052686) which specialises in accepting such 
shares as donations. There are no implications for UK Capital 
Gains Tax purposes (no gain or loss) on gifts of shares to 
charity and it is also possible to obtain income tax relief. 
If you wish to do this then the details are as follows:

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7930 3737
Web: www.sharegift.org
Email: help@sharegift.org

Analysis of Shareholdings
at 31 December 2015

Shareholding
(Ordinary Shares)

Number of 
shareholders

%age of 
shareholders

Total number 
of Ordinary 
Shares held

%age of
Ordinary
Shares held

1-1,000
1,001-5,000
5,001-10,000
10,001-100,000
Over 100,000
Total

3,263
494
69
117
80
4,023

786,861
81.11
1,014,343
12.28
486,204
1.71
2.91
4,296,323
1.99 55,119,402

1.28
1.64
0.79
6.96
89.33
100.00 61,703,133 100.00

Payment of Dividends
It is in the interests of both the Company and its 
shareholders for dividends to be paid directly into bank 
or building society accounts. Any shareholder who  
wishes to receive dividends in this way should contact 
Computershare to obtain a dividend mandate form.

9% Cumulative Preference Shares
Dividends will be paid on 1 April 2016 and 3 October 2016.

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Ordinary Shares
A final dividend of 11.8p per Ordinary Share was proposed by 
the Directors on 7 March 2016 and, subject to shareholder 
approval, will be paid on 1 July 2016 to shareholders on the 
Company’s Register of Members as at the close of business 
on 27 May 2016.

Any interim dividends for the financial year ended 
31 December 2016 will be paid on 18 November 2016 to 
shareholders on the Company’s Register of Members on  
21 October 2016.

Investor Relations
For any Investor Relations enquiries, please contact us by 
one of the following means:

Tel: +44 (0) 131 225 8555
Web: www.johnmenziesplc.com
Email: info@johnmenziesplc.com
Write: John Menzies plc, 2 Lochside Avenue, Edinburgh Park, 
Edinburgh EH12 9DJ, marked for the attention of Emma 
Wadsworth

Principal Advisers
Auditors
Ernst & Young LLP
G1, 5 George Square
Glasgow G2 1DY

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

Joint Brokers
Shore Capital Stockbrokers Limited
Bond Street House
14 Clifford Street
London W1S 4JU

Principal Business Addresses
John Menzies plc
2 Lochside Avenue
Edinburgh Park 
Edinburgh EH12 9DJ
Tel.: +44 (0) 131 225 8555
Email: info@johnmenziesplc.com

Menzies Distribution
2 Lochside Avenue
Edinburgh Park 
Edinburgh EH12 9DJ
Tel.: +44 (0) 131 467 8070

Menzies Aviation
2 World Business Centre Heathrow
Newall Road, London Heathrow Airport 
Hounslow TW6 2SF
Tel.: +44 (0) 20 8750 6000

Corporate Calendar
(Provisional dates)

8 March 2016

1 April 2016

5 April 2016

20 May 2016
27 May 2016

1 July 2016

16 August 2016
3 October 2016

21 October 2016

18 November 2016

Preliminary announcement of Annual 
Results
Payment of dividend on Preference 
Shares
Annual Report and Accounts and 
Notice of AGM released
AGM
Record date for final dividend on 
Ordinary Shares
Payment of final dividend on Ordinary 
Shares
Announcement of Interim Results
Payment of dividend on Preference 
Shares
Record date for interim dividend 
on Ordinary Shares
Payment of interim dividend on 
Ordinary Shares

14 8

JOHN MENZIES PLCDesigned and produced by Luminous 
www.luminous.co.uk

John Menzies plc
2 Lochside Avenue, 
Edinburgh Park, 
Edinburgh, EH12 9DJ, UK 
Tel: +44 (0) 131 225 8555 
Fax: +44 (0) 131 220 1491 
Email: info@johnmenziesplc.com 
Web: www.johnmenziesplc.com

Registered in Scotland with company number SC34970 
Registered office address as above

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