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Macfarlane Group PLC

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FY2013 Annual Report · Macfarlane Group PLC
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ANNUAL REPORT  
AND ACCOUNTS 2013

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HEADQUARTERED IN GLASGOW, MACFARLANE 
GROUP PLC EMPLOYS 700 PEOPLE AT 20 SITES 
ACROSS THE UK, 1 SITE IN IRELAND AND 1 SITE  
IN SWEDEN AND SERVICES MORE THAN 20,000 
CUSTOMERS IN A WIDE RANGE OF SECTORS.

STRATEGIC REVIEW 

GOVERNANCE 

ACCOUNTS

SHAREHOLDERS

01  Chairman’s Statement

17    Board of Directors 

02   Our Business Model

18   Report of the Directors

04    Our Strategy

05   Performance Review

10   Financial Review

20    Report on Directors’ 
Remuneration

28  Corporate Governance

33    Directors’ Responsibilities 

13    Corporate Responsibility

Statement

34    Independent Auditor’s  
Report to the Members  
of Macfarlane  
Group PLC

39    Consolidated Cash  
Flow Statement

71 

 Principal Operating 
Subsidiaries 

40   Accounting Policies

71  Shareholder Information

72  Five Year Record

72  Financial Diary

36    Consolidated Income 

Statement

43    Notes to the  

Financial Statements

37    Consolidated Statement  
of Comprehensive 
Income

37    Consolidated Statement  
of Changes in Equity 

63    Company Balance 

Sheet

64    Notes to the Company 

Financial Statements

38    Consolidated  
Balance Sheet

 
 
 
 
MACFARLANE GROUP 
INCREASED PROFIT BEFORE TAX 
AND EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS IN 2013 
BY 13% TO £5.1M. THE EARLY 
SIGNS OF ECONOMIC RECOVERY 
NOW VISIBLE IN THE UK MARKET 
ARE WELCOME BUT SHOULD NOT 
MASK THE FACT THAT 2013 WAS 
ANOTHER CHALLENGING YEAR. 

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2013 

01

The real incomes of UK consumers remain 
below pre-recession levels, though with 
some signs that the corner will be turned 
in 2014. The story on business investment 
is one of rising confidence and future 
action but with only limited progress in 
2013. Against that backdrop, further 
growth in our profits in 2013 represents  
a very solid performance and one that 
can be built upon as conditions improve.

TRADING
Our Packaging Distribution business grew 
operating profit before exceptional items 
by £0.1m to £5.0m. New business wins 
once more offset the impact of subdued 
demand. The growing impact of the 
internet as a retail channel is now well 
documented and we have developed the 
customer base in that sector over the last 
few years. We believe this sector will 
continue to offer good growth potential. 
Cost control was again a significant 
contributor to profit performance but  
we have nonetheless continued to 
develop new sales, marketing and 
fulfilment initiatives, which will bear  
fruit in future years. 

Our Manufacturing businesses made 
further progress in 2013, driven by  
our high-quality design-led packaging 
manufacturing business and increased 
sales from our Reseal-it label range. 
Operating profit before exceptional  
items increased to £1.3m compared  
to £1.0m in 2012.

The commitment and abilities of the 
people of Macfarlane Group remains our 
most important asset and on behalf of the 
Board, I would like to thank them for all 
their efforts in 2013. Their skills and their 
determination to provide the best possible 
service to our customers will be a key 
driver of our future success. 

EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS
During 2013 the Group incurred 
exceptional charges of £0.3m to terminate 
the leases for surplus properties and also 
adjusted the carrying value of a property 
to reflect the latest assessment of realisable 
value. In 2012, a Pension Increase 
Exchange exercise was completed, 
reducing the pension deficit by £1.65m, 
which was reflected as an exceptional 
credit in the prior year. This benefit was 
partly offset by a reorganisation of our 
activities in Ireland, which resulted in an 
exceptional charge of £0.66m in 2012.

NET DEBT
The Group operated comfortably within 
its banking facilities in 2013, including 
the seasonal peak working capital 
requirement in the final quarter. In 
February 2014, we have agreed a new 
three-year facility with Lloyds Banking 
Group, which will enable us to continue 
to finance our trading requirements but 
also to support controlled expansion 
activity and to make a further contribution 
to reducing the pension scheme deficit. 
The new bank facility extends up to 
£20.0m and is committed until 2017, 
providing a medium-term funding platform 
for the growth of our business. 

We see appropriate acquisitions as an 
important element of our growth strategy 
and the new funding will help facilitate that. 

PENSION DEFICIT
The pension deficit at the end of the year 
was £15.9m, a reduction of £3.0m from 
£18.9m a year previously. Whilst still 
subject to influences beyond our control 
such as corporate bond yields and 
volatile returns from stock markets, the 
combined effect of action taken in 
conjunction with the scheme’s trustees 
and significant contributions in 2013 from 
our cash flows have reduced the impact 
on reserves. We will continue to work in 
partnership with the scheme’s trustees to 
reduce the deficit further. This includes an 
agreement to make a contribution of 
£2.5m to the scheme from the new bank 
facility in advance of the next triennial 
actuarial valuation on 1 May 2014.

DIVIDENDS
We remain aware of the potential 
adverse impact of bond yields on  
our pension scheme deficit and on  
the distributable reserves from which 
dividends are paid. This feature and 
continued earnings growth, will be the 
key influences in considering the level  
of dividend increases in future years.

We have held our dividend level at 1.55p 
per share for two years. In recognition  
of the progress achieved with profitability 
and the improved economic outlook, the 
Directors are pleased to propose an 
increase in the final dividend by 5% to 
1.10p per share, making 1.60p per share 
for the year, an increase of 3% on the 
previous year. Subject to the approval  
of shareholders at the Annual General 
Meeting in May 2014, this will be paid 
on 5 June 2014.

FUTURE PROSPECTS
Macfarlane Group’s performance in the 
last quarter of 2013 demonstrated good 
year on year growth, primarily from the 
benefit of new customer wins. 
Performance in the early months of 2014 
has continued these trends. We believe 
that our new funding arrangement will 
enable the Group to sustain our organic 
growth, further reduce the legacy pension 
deficit and enable us to expand through  
a controlled acquisition strategy.

Overall increases in market demand 
remain elusive, but the signs are certainly 
more positive than they have been for  
a number of years and we are confident 
that Macfarlane Group will continue  
to succeed through its own actions, 
together with some benefit from 
improving market conditions.

Graeme Bissett  
Chairman 
27 February 2014

STRATEGIC REVIEW GOVERNANCEACCOUNTS SHAREHOLDERS 
  
02

OUR BUSINESS MODEL

OUR FOCUS IS THE DESIGN, 
MANUFACTURE AND 
DISTRIBUTION OF PROTECTIVE 
PACKAGING PRODUCTS AND 
LABELS TO BUSINESS USERS 

PACKAGING DESIGN AND 
MANUFACTURE PROVIDE A  
BESPOKE SERVICE TO SUPPORT  
MAJOR MANUFACTURING CUSTOMERS 
TO COST-EFFECTIVELY PROTECT THEIR  
HIGH-VALUE PRODUCTS IN STORAGE 
AND TRANSIT

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2013 

03

MACFARLANE PACKAGING 
DISTRIBUTION IS THE UK 
MARKET LEADER IN THE 
DISTRIBUTION OF PROTECTIVE 
PACKAGING PRODUCTS

LABELS ENABLE FMCG 
CUSTOMERS TO ATTRACTIVELY 
DISPLAY AND ACCURATELY 
IDENTIFY THEIR PRODUCTS  
AT THE POINT OF PURCHASE 
OR SALE

STRATEGIC REVIEW GOVERNANCEACCOUNTS SHAREHOLDERS 
  
04

STRATEGIC REVIEW

OUR BUSINESS MODEL
WHAT WE DO
Our focus is the design, manufacture  
and distribution of protective packaging 
products and labels to business users. 
Protective packaging products are mainly 
sold to customers in the UK. Labels are 
sold to customers in the UK, mainland 
Europe and the USA. For reporting 
purposes, we split the Group into  
two segments:

WHO WE ARE
Macfarlane Group has over 700 
employees, mainly in the UK but also  
in Sweden and Ireland. Our sites range  
in size from over 100 employees at 
manufacturing locations to under 20  
for smaller RDCs. The Group operates  
a decentralised structure for sales  
and operations supported by central 
functional teams covering key areas such 
as procurement, logistics, IT and finance.

>  Packaging Distribution; and 

>  Manufacturing Operations which 
comprises Labels and Packaging 
Design and Manufacture.

WHERE WE DO IT
The Group operates 16 Regional 
Distribution Centres (RDCs) which provide 
a national network to support customers 
on a local, regional and national basis.  
In addition the Group operates four 
manufacturing centres, two within 
Packaging Design and Manufacture  
and two within Labels. There is a central 
administration centre in Coventry, a 
Labels design centre in Sweden and 
Group head office is located in Glasgow.

HOW OUR BUSINESS  
GENERATES VALUE
Macfarlane is the UK market leader  
in the distribution of protective packaging 
products. Macfarlane leverages its 
purchasing scale to cost-effectively source 
a comprehensive range of protective 
packaging products and adds value for 
the customer by providing independent 
advice on the most cost-effective choice 
of product and packing processes, and 
operating as a single-source supplier for 
these products on a Just In Time basis with 
tailored stock management programmes 
and electronic trading capability.

OUR STRATEGY
The following table summarises the key strategic priorities. The overall Group objective  
is to grow sales volumes and achieve a return on sales of at least 5%.

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

2013 PROGRESS

The manufacturing businesses utilise 
design, intellectual property and know-
how to provide a bespoke service to 
support major manufacturing customers 
to cost-effectively protect their high-value 
products in storage and distribution and 
for FMCG customers to attractively 
display and accurately identify their 
products at the point of purchase or sale.

Macfarlane aims to grow its business  
by increasing the penetration of existing 
customers and winning new customers. 
There will be a natural churn of packaging 
requirements with our existing customers 
and we experience a level of erosion 
each year as we optimise the protective 
packaging usage of our customers. 
Therefore new business is key to the 
Group’s overall growth and there is 
specific measurement and focus on  
this area. 

Implementation of a segmental sales  
strategy to improve customer retention levels, 
increase product penetration and accelerate 
new business.

Focus on key sectors with growth potential, 
particularly Third Party Logistics (“3PL”) and 
internet retail.

Enhance gross margins through focus on higher 
added value products and services and more 
effective sourcing. 

Successful implementation of segmented approach has provided 
increased customer focus within Packaging Distribution.

 New Customer Service Centre established to enhance support of smaller 
local customers.

Segmentation to be introduced in Packaging Design and Manufacture  
in 2014.

Segmentation by product type in place within Labels.

 Overall sales growth of 1.2% in 2013 but exit rate of 3.4% in Packaging 
Distribution is in line with our strategic objectives for organic growth.

2013 growth in 3PL was 9.4% and in internet retail 6.2%.

Gross margins within Manufacturing Operations have improved due 
to the focus on composite transit packaging and Reseal-it labels.

Both strategic and tactical purchasing programmes are in place to 
improve our sourcing capability.

Ensure operational effectiveness is maximised 
through efficiencies in logistics and optimising the 
costs associated with the physical infrastructure.

Logistics costs reduced to 3.1% of sales through use of the Paragon 
planning tool and driver training. 

Coventry RDC relocated to a lower cost site, realising an annualised 
benefit of £0.2 million.

Supplement organic growth with  
suitable acquisitions.

Identification of suitable targets is ongoing and an appropriate 
funding structure has been put in place in February 2014 to support 
the future growth of the business.

THERE WAS A STRONG  
FINAL QUARTER’S SALES 
PERFORMANCE, REFLECTING  
A 3.4% INCREASE VERSUS 2012, 
THROUGH THE BENEFIT OF  
NEW BUSINESS WINS EARLIER  
IN THE YEAR.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2013 

05

PERFORMANCE REVIEW
The UK economic environment remained 
challenging in 2013 with subdued 
demand levels and as a result, increased 
levels of competition. Despite this, 
Macfarlane Group’s sales in 2013 were 
1.4% above the level achieved in 2012. 
The growth in sales was supported by 
management actions to reduce costs  
and, as a result, profit before tax and 
exceptional items at £5.1m was 13% 
ahead of the level achieved in 2012.

The Packaging Distribution business 
achieved a sales increase versus 2012 of 
1.3%. There was a strong final quarter’s 
sales performance, reflecting a 3.4% 
increase versus 2012, through the benefit 
of new business wins earlier in the year. 
The growth in new business particularly 
focused on the supply of protective 
packaging to internet retailers both directly 
and through our partnerships with major 
Third Party Logistics (“3PL”) customers. 
The increased competitive environment 
together with supplier price inflation 
resulted in a lower gross margin of 29.1% 
compared to 30.3% in 2012. Costs in 
2013 were below 2012 primarily through 
lower property costs. Operating profit 
before tax and exceptional items in  
the Packaging Distribution business  
at £5.0 million showed growth of 2%  
versus 2012.

2013 was a year of continued 
improvement for our Manufacturing 
Operations. The focus for both our Labels 
and Packaging Design and Manufacture 
businesses in 2013 was to concentrate  
on their higher added-value activities  
and this resulted in changes to both the 
customer and product mix. Sales in our 
Manufacturing Operations increased  
by 2.1% versus 2012 and gross margin 
improved through this concentration  
on higher added-value products. Both 
businesses held their cost base at similar 
levels to 2012 resulting in 2013 operating 
profit before tax and exceptional items  
of £1.3 million compared with £1.0 million 
in 2012.

Whilst there are early signs of a very 
modest improvement in the economic 
environment in 2014, our performance 
will again be largely dependent on our 
own efforts to grow sales and increase 
efficiencies. We operate a flexible 
business model and our ability to focus  
on the most attractive UK market sectors 
for our products and services gives us 
confidence in 2014 being another year  
of progress for Macfarlane Group.

GROUP PERFORMANCE

SEGMENT

PACKAGING DISTRIBUTION

MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS

PROFIT BEFORE 
EXCEPTIONAL 
ITEMS
2013
£000

REVENUE
2013
£000

PROFIT BEFORE 
EXCEPTIONAL 
ITEMS
2012
£000

REVENUE
2012
£000

116,280

27,591

4,960

1,291

114,807

27,016

4,867

967

REVENUE FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

143,871

141,823

OPERATING PROFIT

NET FINANCE COSTS

PROFIT BEFORE TAX – CONTINUING OPERATIONS

6,251

(1,199)

5,052

5,834

(1,349)

4,485

STRATEGIC REVIEW GOVERNANCEACCOUNTS SHAREHOLDERS 
  
06

STRATEGIC REVIEW

PACKAGING DISTRIBUTION
BENEFITS ITS CUSTOMERS BY 
ENABLING THEM TO ENSURE 
THEIR PRODUCTS ARE COST-
EFFECTIVELY PROTECTED IN 
TRANSIT AND STORAGE.

PACKAGING DISTRIBUTION
Macfarlane Packaging Distribution is  
the leading specialist UK distributor  
of protective packaging materials. In a 
highly fragmented market, Macfarlane is 
the market leader. The business operates 
through 16 Regional Distribution Centres 
(RDCs) supplying customers with  
a comprehensive range of protective 
packaging materials and services  
on a local, regional and national basis.

Competition in the distribution market  
is from local and regional protective 
packaging specialist companies and 
national distribution generalists who 
supply a range of products, including 
protective packaging materials. 
Macfarlane competes effectively on a 
local basis through its strong focus on and 
regular monitoring of customer service, its 
breadth and depth of product offer and 
through the recruitment and retention of 
staff with good local market knowledge. 
On a national basis Macfarlane has 
focus, expertise and a breadth of product 
and service knowledge all of which 
enables it to compete effectively against 
non-specialist packaging distributors.

Macfarlane Packaging benefits its 
customers by enabling them to ensure 
their products are cost-effectively 
protected in transit and storage through 
the supply of a comprehensive product 
range, single source supply, Just In Time 
delivery, tailored stock management 
programmes, electronic trading and 
independent advice on both packaging 
materials and packing processes.

2013 PERFORMANCE
In 2013 Packaging Distribution operating 
profit before exceptional items showed an 
increase to £5.0 million from £4.9 million 
in 2012. The key features of the 2013 
performance were:

>  Sales grew by 1.3% over 2012 levels 
with sales volume higher than 2012  
but sales value was reduced by price 
deflation with competitive price 
pressure intensifying due to subdued 
demand conditions;

>  Sales growth in the final quarter was 

3.4% ahead of 2012 primarily through 
a number of significant new business 
wins in the internet retail sector including 
ASOS, feelunique.com and The Hut;

>  Our business in the 3PL sector grew by 
9.4% as we continued to strengthen our 
partnerships with key 3PL operators;

>  Sales to internet retailers grew by 6.2% 
versus 2012 and represented 21.8%  
of total sales for the year;

>  Gross margin at 29.1% reduced versus 

2012 due to the impact of strong 
competition and supplier input price 
movements in the final quarter of 2013, 
which have yet to be fully recovered;

>  Overheads (before exceptional items) 
were £0.9 million lower than 2012 
reflecting our ongoing programme  
to reduce property costs; and

>  Progress is being made on improving 

our focus on key segments of our 
customer base and a new Customer 
Service Centre has been created  
at Milton Keynes to facilitate this 
improvement.

feelunique.com is an internet 
retailer of beauty and cosmetic 
products who have worked  
with Macfarlane to improve  
the protection and presentation  
of their products to customers.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2013 

07

>  Continuing the development of  

our web-based presence through 
macfarlanepackaging.com to improve 
online visibility and access to our full 
range of products and services;

>  Enhancing organic growth through the 
identification of suitable acquisition 
opportunities;

>  Improving the awareness of our 

membership of NovuPak, for UK based 
customers requiring our capabilities on 
a wider European basis;

>  Enhancing RDC productivity and 

customer engagement through the 
re-launch of our electronic trading 
system Customer Connect;

>  Continuing to reduce property cost by 
evaluating alternatives to our current 
property footprint;

>  Implementing further operational savings 
in logistics through expanded use of the 
Paragon vehicle management system 
and the introduction of a warehouse 
best practice programme; and

>  Maintaining the focus on working 
capital management to reduce 
borrowing levels.

PERFORMANCE POTENTIAL
The 16 RDCs in our network are managed 
and measured as profit centres. In 2013 
we had 11 RDCs performing above the 
target return on sales level of 5%. The 
remaining 5 RDCs continue to demonstrate 
improvements that indicate their ability  
to achieve the target return on sales.

ACQUISITIONS
During 2013 we considered a number of 
opportunities to acquire quality businesses 
in order to accelerate growth and better 
utilise our current RDC infrastructure. 
However none of the opportunities  
was pursued as they failed to meet  
our return criteria.

FUTURE PLANS
We expect general demand levels to 
increase, albeit very modestly, in 2014. 
Therefore our plans for 2014 are focused 
on those markets showing growth, 
building market share and improving 
operational effectiveness through the 
following actions:

>  Improving our sales focus on key 

segments of our customer base with the 
new Customer Service Centre at Milton 
Keynes being a key element to facilitate 
this improvement;

>  Accelerating our penetration of the 
growing internet retail sector both 
directly and through our partnerships 
with key 3PL organisations;

>  Expanding our focus in industry sectors 

which benefit from Macfarlane’s 
national coverage through our 
specialist National Account sales team;

STRATEGIC REVIEW GOVERNANCEACCOUNTS SHAREHOLDERS 
  
08

STRATEGIC REVIEW

LABELS
OUR LABELS BUSINESS DESIGNS 
AND PRINTS SELF-ADHESIVE 
LABELS FOR MAJOR FMCG 
CUSTOMERS IN THE UK AND 
EUROPE AND RESEALABLE LABELS 
FOR MAJOR CUSTOMERS IN  
THE UK, EUROPE AND THE USA.

MANUFACTURING 
OPERATIONS
Macfarlane’s Manufacturing Operations 
comprise Labels, which includes  
self-adhesive and resealable labels  
and our Packaging Design and 
Manufacture business.

Business Performance
2013 was a year where despite sales 
growth of 3.6%, profits were below the 
level achieved in 2012 due to the higher 
costs associated with the re-location  
of our manufacturing activities in Ireland 
to a larger site in Wicklow. 

In 2013 Macfarlane’s Manufacturing 
Operations recorded an operating profit 
before exceptional items of £1.3 million 
(2012 – £1.0 million). The key features  
of the Manufacturing Operations’ 
performance in 2013 were:

>  Sales increased by 2.1% versus 2012 

mainly through new business growth in 
resealable labels and systems in Europe 
and the UK;

>  Gross margins improved compared  
to 2012 through the focus on higher 
added value products and services; and

>  Net overheads were largely flexed  

in line with sales, reducing marginally 
as a percentage of sales from 35.6%  
in 2012, to 35.3% in 2013.

LABELS
Our Labels business designs and prints 
self-adhesive labels for major FMCG 
customers in the UK and Europe and 
resealable labels for major customers in 
the UK, Europe and the USA. The 
business operates from production sites in 
Kilmarnock and Wicklow and a sales and 
design office in Sweden, which focuses 
on the development and growth of our 
resealable labels business – Reseal-it. 

The Labels business has a high level of 
dependency on a small number of major 
customers. Management works closely 
with these key customers to ensure high 
levels of service and to introduce product 
and service development initiatives to 
achieve competitive differentiation.

We continued to make good progress in 
the development of the resealable range 
of labels and systems and Reseal-it in 
2013 represented 36% of revenue 
compared with 33% in 2012. Competition 
in the resealable label sector is increasing 
but total sales for Reseal-it grew by 13% 
versus 2012. Despite some slowing of 
momentum in the USA this was more  
than offset with good growth in Reseal-it 
system sales in Europe and improved 
penetration in the UK market through 
major retailers.

Future Plans
The priorities for Labels in 2014 are:

>  Maintenance of the strategic focus  
on higher added value products  
and services;

>  Continued improvement in operational 

efficiencies to counterbalance 
competitive price pressure;

>  Further development of the Reseal-it 
product in the US market through the 
Printpack partnership, in Europe 
through new business wins and in the 
UK through improved penetration with 
key retailers; and

>  Increased penetration of the Irish 

market through our new manufacturing 
facility in Ireland.

Reseal-it labels highlight  
the easy to use opening and 
resealable technology which  
helps minimise food and 
packaging waste.

PACKAGING DESIGN 
AND MANUFACTURE 
WE DIFFERENTIATE 
OURSELVES THROUGH  
OUR TECHNICAL EXPERTISE, 
DESIGN CAPABILITY AND 
INDUSTRY ACCREDITATIONS.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2013 

09

2014 OUTLOOK
We expect general market demand in 
2014 to increase slightly on the levels we 
experienced in 2013 as the UK economy 
begins to strengthen. There are specific 
market sectors such as internet retail 
which are forecast to show good growth 
and Macfarlane Group will continue to 
focus on ensuring we are well positioned 
to benefit from the growth expected in 
these sectors.

During 2014 the completion of our new 
bank facilities will enable us to accelerate 
sales growth through the acquisition of 
quality protective packaging businesses 
that can leverage our current infrastructure 
or improve our geographic penetration. 

Macfarlane Group’s businesses all  
have good market positions with strong 
differentiated product and service 
offerings. Our business model is flexible 
and we have a clear strategic plan,  
which is being effectively implemented as 
reflected in our track record of consistent, 
profitable growth.

We expect 2014 to be another successful 
year for Macfarlane Group.

Peter D. Atkinson 
Chief Executive 
27 February 2014

PACKAGING DESIGN  
AND MANUFACTURE
The principal activity of the Packaging 
Design and Manufacture business is the 
design, manufacture and assembly of 
custom-designed packaging solutions for 
customers requiring cost-effective methods 
of protecting high value products in storage 
and transit. The primary raw materials 
are corrugate, timber and foam. The 
business operates from two manufacturing 
sites in Grantham and Westbury, 
supplying both direct to customers and 
also through the RDC network of the 
Packaging Distribution business.

The key market sectors supplied are 
aerospace, medical equipment, electronics 
and automotive. The markets in which  
we operate are highly fragmented with  
a range of locally based competitors.  
We differentiate ourselves through our 
technical expertise, design capability, 
industry accreditations and national 
coverage through the partnership with 
Macfarlane Packaging Distribution.

Business Performance
2013 sales were at the same level as 
2012 partly through lower demand  
and the impact of the offshoring of a  
key customer. Management continued to 
change the mix of products and services 
towards those with higher added-value 
and the benefit was an improvement in 
gross margin, which together with good 
cost control contributed to an overall level 
of profitability in 2013 ahead of that 
achieved in 2012. There was encouraging 
progress during 2013 in the development 
of new customer relationships, which 
should benefit the business in 2014.

Future Plans
The priorities for 2014 are:

>  Accelerate sales growth, particularly  

in key sectors e.g. Defence, Aerospace 
and Medical;

>  Prioritise our sales activity on the higher 
added-value bespoke composite pack 
product range; 

>  Continue to strengthen the relationship 

between our Packaging Design  
and Manufacture operations and our 
Packaging Distribution business to create 
both sales and cost synergies; and

>  Make selective investments to  

improve productivity at both our 
manufacturing sites.

STRATEGIC REVIEW GOVERNANCEACCOUNTS SHAREHOLDERS 
  
10

STRATEGIC REVIEW

FINANCIAL REVIEW

REVENUE

COST OF SALES

GROSS PROFIT

NET OPERATING EXPENSES

OPERATING PROFIT

NET FINANCE COSTS

PROFIT BEFORE TAX

TAX

PROFIT AFTER TAX

EARNINGS PER SHARE

NOTE

1

2
3,4

5

6
7

8

9

PROFIT BEFORE 
EXCEPTIONAL 
ITEMS
2013
£000

EXCEPTIONAL
ITEMS
2013
£000

PROFIT BEFORE 
EXCEPTIONAL 
ITEMS
*2012
£000

TOTAL
2013
£000

EXCEPTIONAL
ITEMS
2012
£000

TOTAL
*2012
£000

143,871
(98,983)

44,888
(38,637)

6,251
(1,199)

5,052
(1,265)

3,787

–
–

143,871
(98,983)

141,823
(96,510)

–
–

141,823
(96,510)

–
(336)

(336)
–

(336)
5

(331)

44,888
(38,973)

45,313
(39,479)

5,915
(1,199)

4,716
(1,260)

3,456

5,834
(1,349)

4,485
(1,223)

3,262

–
993

993
–

993
(390)

603

45,313
(38,486)

6,827
(1,349)

5,478
(1,613)

3,865

3.32p

(0.29p)

3.03p

2.87p

0.53p

3.40p

* As restated for IAS19 – see note 1 to the financial statements

TRADING PERFORMANCE
1.   Group revenues in 2013 were  

£143.9 million, £2.1 million above 
2012. Sales increased by 1% in 
Packaging Distribution, with good new 
business wins. Our Manufacturing 
Operations saw an increase in sales 
of 2% as sales teams addressed lower 
margin business as well as focusing 
on higher value design-led products.

2.   Gross margins reduced by 0.8%  

from 32.0% to 31.2% reflecting strong 
competition in Packaging Distribution 
offset by the focus on higher value 
own-design products in our 
Manufacturing Operations. The 
decrease in gross profit amounted  
to £0.4 million in 2013.

3.   Pre-exceptional net operating 

expenses reduced by £0.8 million 
primarily due to continued reduction 
in property costs as we continue  
to take advantage of opportunities  
to reshape the property portfolio.

4.  Exceptional items

 During 2013 the Group incurred costs 
of £0.2 million to terminate the leases 
for surplus properties to minimise future 
costs. In addition the Group took a 
write-down of £0.1 million against its 
owned property in Ireland to reflect 
the latest assessment of its realisable 
value. The combined costs of  
£0.3 million have been classified as 
exceptional items in the current year.

 In 2012, Macfarlane Group PLC 
made a Pension Increase Exchange 
(“PIE”) offer to pensioner members  
at 1 May 2012 and provided a PIE 
option for deferred and active members 
after 1 May 2012. As a result of both of 
these actions, a credit of £1.65 million 
was recorded in 2012. This was offset 
by a reorganisation of our Labels 
business in Ireland, which gave rise to 
an exceptional charge of £0.66 million.

5.   Net finance costs reduced by  

£0.2 million due to reduced interest 
costs for the pension scheme deficit.

6.   Group profit from continuing 
operations before tax was  
£4.7 million in 2013 compared  
to £5.5 million in 2012.

 Profit before exceptional items 
increased by £0.6 million to  
£5.1 million (2012 – £4.5 million).

7.   The tax charge for the year from 
continuing operations was £1.3 
million on the profit before tax  
of £4.7 million, higher than the 
prevailing statutory tax rates primarily 
due to the exceptional costs to 
restructure the property portfolio  
not being fully tax deductible.

 This compared with a tax charge  
of £1.6 million on the profit before tax 
of £5.5 million in the previous year, 
higher than the prevailing statutory 
tax rates primarily due to non-cash 
impairment charges not being  
tax deductible.

8.   As a result the profit after tax  

from continuing operations after 
exceptional items was £3.5 million 
compared to £3.9 million in 2012.

9.   Basic earnings per share from all 

activities totalled 3.03p per share  
in 2013 compared to 3.40p in 2012. 
Earnings per share before exceptional 
items totalled 3.32p (2012 – 2.87p).

10.  A dividend of 0.50p was paid on  

10 October 2013. A further dividend 
of 1.10p per share is subject to 
approval by shareholders at the AGM 
in May 2014 and is not included as  
a liability in these financial statements.

 
 
 
 
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2013 

11

MARKET CAPITALISATION AND 
SHARE PRICE MOVEMENTS
At the year-end the Company’s market 
capitalisation was £39.4 million, 
compared with £32.2 million last year. 
The share price at 31 December 2013 
was 34.25p, compared with 28.00p  
at 31 December 2012. The range of 
transaction prices for Macfarlane Group 
shares during 2013 was 24.90p to 
40.00p for each ordinary share of 25p.

CASH FLOW AND NET DEBT
Cash inflow from operating activities  
was £3.4 million (2012 – £3.4 million). 
The Group’s financing requirements  
are met by maintaining committed 
borrowing facilities.

The Group agreed a new debt facility 
with Lloyds Banking Group PLC. The new 
facility comprises a three-year committed 
borrowing facility of up to £20.0 million 
for the period to February 2017 and is 
secured over part of Macfarlane Group’s 
trade receivables. In recognition of the 
agreement of the trustees of Macfarlane’s 
final salary pension scheme to the new 
arrangements, the Group will make an 
additional payment of £2.5 million to  
the scheme to further reduce the deficit  
in the first half of 2014. The facility bears 
interest at normal commercial rates and 
carries standard financial covenants in 
relation to interest cover and levels of 
headroom over trade receivables.

The Group had net debt of £5.9 million  
at 31 December 2013, a reduction of 
£0.9 million from the previous year.  
The Group spent £0.8 million on capital 
expenditure in 2013 (2012 – £0.8 million). 
We will continue to invest where there  
are needs or opportunities to meet future 
growth plans.

PENSION SCHEME DEFICIT

The Group will strive to ensure that in 
2014, profit generation is, at the very 
minimum, matched by cash generation. 
The Group will remain prudent in its 
assessment of the likely returns from capital 
expenditure and potential acquisitions. 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Group’s principal financial 
instruments comprise bank borrowings, 
cash balances and other items, such as 
trade receivables and trade payables 
that arise directly from its operations as 
well as shareholders’ equity. The main 
purpose of any financial instruments  
is to provide finance for the Group’s 
operations. It is the Group’s policy  
that no speculative trading in financial 
instruments is undertaken. The main risks 
arising are liquidity risk and credit risk 
and the secondary risks are interest rate 
risk and currency risk. The Board reviews 
and agrees policies for managing these 
risks, which have remained unchanged 
since the beginning of 2013 and are set 
out in note 15 to the financial statements.

PENSION SCHEME DEFICIT 
The Group’s pension scheme deficit is 
sensitive to movements in bond yields, 
inflation, longevity assumptions and 
investment returns, which create 
significant volatility and the impact  
of these sensitivities is set out in note 25  
to the financial statements. 

Following the triennial actuarial valuation 
of the scheme at 1 May 2011, the 
Company agreed a new schedule of 
contributions with the Pension Scheme 
Trustees, which assumed a recovery plan 
period of 13 years.

INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL 
REPORTING STANDARDS AND 
ACCOUNTING POLICIES 
As detailed in the 2012 Annual Report, 
the new International Financial Reporting 
Standards adopted during 2013 had  
no major impact on the disclosures and 
accounting policies in these financial 
statements other than in relation to 
pensions as set out in note 1 to the 
financial statements. The Group continues 
to comply with all International Financial 
Reporting Standards adopted by the 
European Union.

GOING CONCERN
The Directors, in their consideration  
of going concern, have reviewed the 
Group’s future cash flow forecasts and 
profit projections, which they believe are 
based on prudent market data and past 
experience as set out in the accounting 
policies on page 40.

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

John Love 
Finance Director 
27 February 2014

2013
£000

2012
£000

2011
£000

FAIR VALUE OF SCHEME INVESTMENTS

PRESENT VALUE OF SCHEME LIABILITIES

54,238
(70,134)

51,349
(70,247)

46,968
(67,452)

PENSION SCHEME DEFICIT

(15,896)

(18,898)

(20,484)

STRATEGIC REVIEW GOVERNANCEACCOUNTS SHAREHOLDERS 
  
12

STRATEGIC REVIEW

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND 
UNCERTAINTIES
The principal risks and uncertainties faced 
by the Group and the factors mitigating 
these risks are detailed below. 

to the impact of general economic 
conditions, the competitive environment 
and risks associated with business 
continuity. These are all mitigated  
in ways that are common to all businesses 
and not specific to Macfarlane Group.

There are a number of other risks that we 
manage which are not considered to be 
key risks. In addition the Group is subject 

The risks set out below are complemented 
by an overall governance framework 

including clear and delegated authorities, 
business performance monitoring and 
appropriate insurance cover for a wide 
range of potential risks. There is a 
dependence on good quality local 
management, which is supported by an 
investment in training and development 
and ongoing performance evaluation.

RISK

MITIGATING FACTORS

RAW MATERIAL PRICES
The Group’s businesses are impacted by commodity-based raw 
material prices and manufacturer energy costs, with profitability 
sensitive to supplier price changes. The principal components are 
corrugated paper, polythene films, timber and foam, with changes  
to paper and oil prices having a direct impact on the price we pay  
to our suppliers.

The Group works closely with its supplier base to manage the scale and 
timing of price increases to end-users effectively. Our IT systems monitor 
and measure our effectiveness in recovering supplier price changes. 
Where possible, alternative supplier relationships are maintained to 
minimise supplier dependency. We work with customers to redesign 
packs and reduce packing cost to mitigate the impact of cost increases.

DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION SCHEME
The Group’s defined benefit pension scheme is sensitive to a number 
of key factors; investment returns, discount rates used to calculate 
scheme liabilities (based on corporate bond yields) and mortality 
assumptions. The IAS19 valuation of the Group’s defined benefit 
pension scheme as at 31 December 2013 estimated the scheme deficit 
to be £15.9 million. Small changes in these assumptions could mean 
that the deficit increases.

PROPERTY
Given the multi-site nature of its business, the Group has a property 
portfolio comprising 4 owned sites and 25 leased sites of which 3 are 
sublet with 2 vacant at the balance sheet date. This portfolio gives rise 
to risks for ongoing lease costs, dilapidations and fluctuations in value. 

Steps undertaken include:

> The scheme was closed to new members in 2002. 
>  Benefits for active members were amended by freezing pensionable 

salaries at 30 April 2009 salary levels.

>  The revaluation of deferred members’ benefits has reflected 
Consumer Prices Index as the inflation measure since 2010.

>  During 2012 a Pension Increase Exchange exercise was completed 

to offer flexibility to pensioners in the current level of pension 
benefits and the rate of future increases.

Further actions to reduce volatility will be evaluated in 2014.

Where a site is non-operational the Group seeks to assign or sub-
lease the building to mitigate the financial impact. If this is not 
possible, rental voids are provided on vacant properties taking into 
consideration the likely period of vacancy and incentives to re-let.  
In 2013 the Group relocated its Labels business in Ireland to better 
utilise its property portfolio.

FINANCIAL LIQUIDITY, DEBT COVENANTS AND  
INTEREST RATES
The Group needs continuous access to funding to meet its trading 
obligations and to support organic growth and acquisitions. There is a 
risk that the Group may be unable to obtain the necessary funds or that 
such funds will only be available on unfavourable terms. The Group’s 
borrowing facilities comprise a committed facility including requirements 
to comply with specified covenants, with a breach potentially resulting in 
Group borrowings being subject to more onerous conditions.

The Group seeks to maintain an appropriate level of committed bank 
facilities that provides sufficient headroom above peak projected 
borrowing requirements. The Group continually monitors net debt and 
forecast cash flows to ensure that it will be able to meet its financial 
obligations as they fall due. Compliance with debt covenants is 
monitored on a monthly basis and sensitivity analysis is applied to 
forecasts to assess the impact on covenants. 

DECENTRALISED STRUCTURE
The Packaging Distribution business model reflects a decentralised 
approach with a high dependency on effective local decision-making. 
There is a risk that management control is less effective and local 
decisions do not meet overall corporate objectives.

WORKING CAPITAL
The Group has a significant investment in working capital in the form 
of trade receivables and inventories. There is a risk that this investment 
is not fully recovered.

A comprehensive management information system is maintained  
with key performance indicators monitored consistently and regularly 
with actions taken when required. 

Credit risk is controlled by applying rigour to the management of trade 
receivables by our credit control team, managed by a credit control 
manager and subject to additional scrutiny from the Finance Director. 

Inventory levels and order patterns are regularly reviewed and risks 
arising from holding bespoke stocks are managed by obtaining order 
cover from customers.

REFERENDUM
The Independence Referendum takes place in September 2014.  
The full implications following the outcome of the Referendum are  
as yet unknown. 

The Board will monitor the outcome of the Independence Referendum 
in September 2014 and assess the implications for the Group’s 
business once the outcome is clear.

 
 
 
 
 
CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2013 

13

REFERENCES
The following source of the carbon 
emissions factors was used:

“2013 Guidelines to Defra/DECC’s  
GHG Conversion Factors for Company 
Reporting”, Department for Environment, 
Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and 
Department for Energy and Climate 
Change (DECC). 

WASTE MANAGEMENT 
As a result of a waste review carried  
out by Cory Environmental, our waste 
management advisors, 2013 saw a 
significant reduction in waste tonnage 
sent to landfill and subsequently an 
overall increase in the volumes of waste 
recycled both internally and externally  
at our suppliers’ newly commissioned 
recycling plants capable of separating 
different waste streams. In addition there 
are now plans in place to send waste 
from Labels that cannot be re-cycled to be 
used as an alternative fuel source when 
incinerated. Despite increases in landfill 
costs our overall waste expenditure was 
lower than the previous year. As part  
of our pro-active waste management 
programme we increased both volumes 
and revenues from baling corrugate and 
polythene waste materials. The focus  
for 2014 will be to maintain our levels  
of recycling and investigate options to 
reduce our general landfill waste.

Macfarlane Group has a responsibility to 
ensure that through its business operations 
it impacts positively on society. In order  
to achieve this we have a series of 
programmes focused on environmental 
care, improving the customer experience 
and increasing employee engagement.

Corporate Responsibility (CR) leadership 
comes from an internal committee 
consisting of members from a cross 
section of the Group led by the Chief 
Executive. The key objectives of the  
CR Committee are: 

>  To improve the awareness of CR across 

the Group;

>  To develop and implement CR action 
plans that support the CR strategy;

>  To ensure that CR becomes an integral 
part of daily operational activities; and

>  To monitor and report on CR 

performance using agreed key 
performance indicators (KPI’s).

THE ENVIRONMENT
MANDATORY GREENHOUSE GAS 
REPORTING – 2013 
This report details Macfarlane’s 
greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions  
for the year ended 31 December 2013. 
As a socially responsible organisation 
Macfarlane Group is committed to 
reducing its GHG emissions. Using an 
operational control approach, Macfarlane 
Group assessed its boundaries to identify 
all of the activities and facilities for which 
it is responsible and reported on all of the 
material GHG emissions from Scopes 1 
and 2. Relevant activity data was identified 
and collected and provided to independent 
consultant, Carbon Clear. The validity 

TABLE 1: EMISSIONS DATA

and completeness of the data was 
checked by Carbon Clear and used to 
calculate the greenhouse gas emissions 
for the Macfarlane Group. The 
calculations performed follow the  
ISO-14064-1:2006 standard and give 
absolute and intensity factors for Group 
emissions. Setting intensity factors can 
help monitor how the Company is 
reducing its emissions over time, 
particularly as the company expands. 
Macfarlane Group used total sales (£000) 
in the reporting period as an intensity 
factor to monitor emissions over time, this 
factor was chosen because it provides the 
greatest degree of accuracy and is the 
metric that best aligns to business growth.

The results show that total gross GHG 
emissions in the period were 6,810 tonnes 
of CO2e, comprised of the following:

>  Direct Emissions (Scope 1) amounted  
to 4,361 tonnes of CO2e or 64% of  
the total; and

>  Indirect Emissions (Scope 2) amounted 
to 2,449 tonnes of CO2e or 36% of  
the total.

Broken down by business unit the results 
were as follows: 

>  Distribution had the highest emission 
with 4,547 tonnes of CO2e or 67%  
of the total; and

>  Manufacturing emissions amounted  
to 2,263 tonnes of CO2e or 33% of  
the total.

The results are presented in Tables 1 to 3. 

TYPE OF EMISSIONS

ACTIVITY

UNITS

TONNES OF CO2E

% OF TOTAL

NATURAL GAS (KWH)

VEHICLE FUEL (LITRES)

OTHER

SUBTOTAL

PURCHASED 
ELECTRICITY (KWH)

SUBTOTAL

3,262,182

1,406,368

54,158

5,496,128

600

3,658

103

4,361

2,449

2,449

6,810

DIRECT (SCOPE 1)

INDIRECT (SCOPE 2)

TOTAL GROSS EMISSIONS (TCO2E) 

TABLE 2: INTENSITY RATIO

INTENSITY METRIC

TOTAL GROSS GHG EMISSIONS (TCO2E)

TOTAL SALES (£000)

CARBON INTENSITY TCO2E/£K

9%

54%

1%

64%

36%

36%

100%

2013

6,810

143,871

0.047

STRATEGIC REVIEW GOVERNANCEACCOUNTS SHAREHOLDERS 
  
14

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY

TABLE 3: EMISSIONS DATA – BUSINESS UNITS

BUSINESS UNIT

PACKAGING DISTRIBUTION

MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS

TOTAL 

TONNES 
OF CO2E

4,547

2,263

6,810

% (OF TCO2E)

67%

33%

100%

TOTAL SALES 
(£000)

116,280

27,591

143,871

TCO2E/£000

0.039

0.082

0.047

TABLE 4: SOURCE OF EMISSIONS – BUSINESS UNITS

e
2
O
C

f

o

s
e
n
n
o
T

5,000

4,500

4,000

3,500

3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

Packaging 
Distribution

Manafacturing
Operations

ENVIRONMENTAL CARE
Macfarlane Packaging is committed  
to reducing the impact of its activities  
on the environment. 

>  We work closely with our suppliers  

to use sustainable resources wherever 
practical; and 

>  We support our customers in their  

efforts to reduce their environmental 
impact through their choice of 
packaging products.

We have implemented an environmental 
management system designed to 
continuously improve our environmental 
performance. In order to meet this 
commitment, we will pursue the  
following objectives:

>  To ensure compliance with all 

applicable environmental legislation 
and regulations;

>  To reduce emissions’ pollution;

>  To improve waste management 

practices;

>  To reduce the consumption  

of natural resources;

>  To minimise noise and other  

nuisances; and

>  To continuously assess our 

environmental performance.

Resources will be allocated as necessary 
to ensure compliance with environmental 
objectives and targets. In addition, we will 
continue to raise the levels of environmental 
awareness throughout the organisation,  
to suppliers and to our customers.

All our UK packaging sites are registered 
to BSI ISO 14001 Environmental 
Management Standard. Registration 
involves a process of continual assessment 
providing instant marketplace recognition 
of our commitment to reducing the impact 
of the business on the environment.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
The health, safety and welfare of 
colleagues, customers and suppliers  
is an imperative for the Group. Striving 
for excellence in Health and Safety has 
meant that Health and Safety forms part 
of the key business objectives. The vision 
and goals for Health and Safety and the 
commitment given to achieve them are 
based upon the best practice guidelines, 
issued by the Health and Safety Executive 
(HSE). There is a dedicated Health and 
Safety Manager in the business who 
works with local Health and Safety teams 
to ensure Health and Safety knowledge 

and standards are effectively applied  
on a consistent basis. 

To instill Health and Safety throughout  
the Group, it is a main agenda item at all 
formal monthly review meetings and each 
month all operating sites in the Group  
are internally assessed and graded  
on their Health and Safety performance. 
In addition, we hold regular meetings, 
whereby meaningful communication and 
consultation with local Health and Safety 
representatives is undertaken to ensure 
both group and local Health and Safety 
objectives are achieved. 

The Group Board plays an active role  
in overseeing the implementation of all 
Health and Safety policies. The Board 
reviews a monthly report on Health and 
Safety at each meeting and, also, 
monitors any actions relating or flowing 
from them. This report covers reportable 
incidents, non-reportable incidents and 
near misses. 

The Accident Frequency Rate 
representing the number of reportable 
incidents per 100,000 man-hours worked 
is shown below:

ACCIDENT FREQUENCY RATE

PACKAGING DISTRIBUTION

MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS

GROUP

2013

0.00

0.40

0.08

2012

0.00

0.70

0.24

2011

0.64

0.65

0.64

 
 
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2013 

15

THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
CUSTOMER FEEDBACK
On an annual basis, we survey  
customers in all our businesses to  
evaluate our performance against  
a range of key metrics. 

>  In 2013, we further segmented our 
Packaging Distribution customers  
and developed focused initiatives  
to meet the needs of each of our 
customer groups. We are pleased  
that this attention has resulted in  
an improvement in our 2013 overall 
satisfaction rating to 86% (81% in 2012).

>  The strategy for the Packaging Design 
and Manufacture business to focus  
on higher added value products and 
services allowed the business to 
improve our services to our key 
customers. As a result, our Packaging 
Design and Manufacture business  
has reported an increase in overall 
customer satisfaction from 86%  
in 2012 to 91% in 2013.

>  Macfarlane Labels also reported an 
increase in overall satisfaction rating 
from 84% in 2012 to 89% in 2013. 
Contributing to this increase, were the 
improvements in operational efficiencies 
and the strategic focus on added- 
value products.

SALES ORDER MANAGEMENT
The re-launch of our electronic  
trading system, Customer Connect,  
and continued investment in  
www.macfarlanepackaging.com is 
contributing to improvements in RDC 
productivity and customer engagement. 
In the Packaging Distribution business in 
2013, orders transacted online increased 
to 21% vs. 18% in 2012.

ELECTRONIC DOCUMENTATION
The Group is continuing to encourage 
customers to receive documentation 
electronically. In 2013, 63% (2012 – 51%) 
of invoices to our customers were delivered 
electronically, further reducing our  
paper usage.

MACFARLANE GROUP WEBSITES
Our family of websites enables existing 
and potential customers to research and 
evaluate our products and services and  
is quickly becoming a major contributor  
in generating new leads for the  
business. In 2013, we introduced  
www.macfarlanepackaging.ie to  
enable our customers in Ireland to easily 
buy packaging products online. We  
will continue to invest in our websites  
to improve the experience for our 
customers and visitors and strengthen  
our value proposition.

BUSINESS

WEBSITE DOMAIN

TARGET MARKET/AUDIENCE

Packaging Distribution

www.macfarlanepackaging.com

Packaging Distribution Ireland

www.macfarlanepackaging.ie

Packaging Design and Manufacture

www.macfarlanemanufacturing.com

Macfarlane Labels

www.macfarlanelabels.com

Macfarlane Group

www.macfarlanegroup.com

Wide range of businesses using 
packaging that need to protect their 
products during shipping and storage.

Wide range of businesses that need to 
protect their products during shipping 
and handling.

Manufacturers of high value products 
in the Aerospace, Defence, 
Electronics, Medical and General 
Industrial sectors.

FMCG manufacturers and retailers in 
the food, health and beauty, 
household products, beverages and 
pharmaceutical industries.

Individuals seeking information on 
Group operations, Board procedures 
and financial performance for 
existing and potential investors.

STRATEGIC REVIEW GOVERNANCEACCOUNTS SHAREHOLDERS 
  
16

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY

HUMAN RIGHTS
Macfarlane Group does not have a 
specific Human Rights policy at present 
but it does have other policies, which 
reflect established human rights 
principles. These are:

>  Equality – Macfarlane Group is 
committed to providing equal 
opportunities in employment and  
to avoiding unlawful discrimination  
in recruitment, employment or to its 
customers and suppliers. Striving to 
ensure that the work environment is  
free of harassment and bullying and 
that everyone is treated with dignity 
and respect is as important aspect  
of ensuring equal opportunities in 
employment and there is a specific 
dignity at work policy, which deals  
with these issues. Where an employee 
becomes disabled every effort is made 
to ensure that their employment with the 
Group continues and that appropriate 
adjustments are made. Disabled 
employees receive equal opportunities 
regarding selection for training, career 
development and promotion.

>  Engagement – Macfarlane Group 

recognises the importance of meaningful 
communication and consultation in 
maintaining good employee relations. 
This is achieved through formal and 
informal meetings across all business 
units as referred to above.

>  Bribery and Corruption – Macfarlane 

Group has an anti-bribery and corruption 
policy, which is supplemented by  
a gift register and associated policy  
on accepting gifts.

>  Whistleblowing policy – there is 

provision for employees to use an 
independent service if they are not 
comfortable speaking to anyone within 
Macfarlane Group with regard to  
any matters which give them concern.  
This service is promoted throughout  
the Group.

THE EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE
Macfarlane Group recognises the 
importance of recruiting, developing  
and retaining the best people to ensure 
business success. Maintaining a safe 
working environment, which promotes 
good employee relations at all levels 
throughout the business is critical to  
every Macfarlane operation. 

EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT
Macfarlane Group strives to make the 
workplace one in which individuals feel 
challenged, fulfilled and able to reach 
their full potential. The Group invests in 
training in order to best equip individuals 
with the skills and knowledge required so 
they are able to provide an outstanding 
tailored service to our customers and fulfil 
their own personal potential. On average, 
in 2013 each employee was engaged in 
12.5 hours of formal training, which 
included a total of 1,500 hours of driver 
Certificate of Professional Competence, 
Company-sponsored tuition. 

Macfarlane Group provides a wide  
range of training opportunities, ranging 
from external training and coaching to  
on-the-job skills development. In 2013,  
18 individuals participated in Company-
Sponsored Further Education and 
coaching programmes, showing a year on 
year increase in the number of individuals 
engaging in longer-term education. 

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT
Employee Surveys are conducted across 
the business providing constructive 
feedback from employees. To ensure 
consistent Employee Engagement we 
have put in place a range of employee 
forums including role-specific forums, 
business specific forums in addition to 
informal review meetings and business 
update sessions. These forums work  
to provide a platform and a voice for 
employees, to engage in an open dialogue 
and have their opinions heard. Key actions 
often result from these forums, which 
continues to encourage engagement  
and supports business development. 

DIVERSITY
A breakdown by gender of the Directors, 
Senior Managers and all employees  
of the Group is summarised below:

DIVERSITY

DIRECTORS

SENIOR MANAGERS

TOTAL EMPLOYEES

FEMALE

0

4

263

MALE

6

13

465

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2013 

17

1. GRAEME BISSETT
CHAIRMAN 
Graeme Bissett joined the Board  
on 11 May 2004 as a Non-Executive 
Director, becoming Chairman on  
8 May 2012. He is Chairman of the 
Nominations Committee and a member 
of the Remuneration Committee. Graeme 
has previously served as finance Director 
of international groups and as a partner 
with Arthur Andersen and is currently 
Chairman or Non-Executive Director of a 
number of listed and private companies. 
He is Chairman of Children 1st, the 
children’s welfare charity, and is a member 
of the Council of The Institute of Chartered 
Accountants of Scotland and a member 
of the Court of Glasgow University.

2. PETER ATKINSON
CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Peter joined Macfarlane Group as Chief 
Executive on 6 October 2003. He has  
a strong sales and marketing background 
through his career at Procter & Gamble 
and S.C. Johnson. Peter also has significant 
general management experience gained 
during his time at GKN PLC and its joint 
venture partners where he worked from 
1988 to 2001 in a number of Senior 
Executive roles in their business-to-
business operations. He has a successful 
track record of both business turnarounds 
and business development with extensive 
exposure to international business, 
having worked in the UK, Continental 
Europe and the USA. From 2000 to 
2003, he was responsible for the US 
automotive and materials handling 
businesses of Brambles Industries PLC.

3. JOHN LOVE
FINANCE DIRECTOR
A member of The Institute of Chartered 
Accountants of Scotland, John has been 
with the Group for eighteen years and 
was appointed Finance Director on  
12 July 1999. He was with Deloitte and  
its predecessor firms for sixteen years 
before joining Macfarlane Group in 1996.

4. MIKE ARROWSMITH
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 
(SENIOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR)
Mike joined the Board on 26 September 
2012. He was Group Chief Executive  
of Linpac Group Ltd, a market-leading 
international food and consumer 
packaging company with manufacturing 
operations across five continents and 
sales of £1.1 billion, from 2005 to 2010. 
Prior to this he worked for Tibbett & Britten 
Group Plc, the £1.5 billion third party 
logistics group, from 1999 to 2005, 
joining the board in a senior commercial 
role before leading the transformation  
of the group as Chief Executive from 
2001 to 2004 prior to its sale to Exel Plc.  
Mike served as a Non-Executive Director 
of Enodis Plc from 2004 to 2008. Mike is 
a member of the Audit, Remuneration and 
Nominations Committees.

5. BOB MCLELLAN
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Bob McLellan joined the Board on  
5 March 2013. Bob was Chief Executive 
of DS Smith Packaging UK until 2011, 
latterly as Deputy CEO Packaging (UK 
and Continental Europe). He has spent 
many years working in the packaging 
sector and is also currently Chairman  
of the Logson Group and a Non-Executive 
Director of Swanline Print Limited. Bob 
chairs the Remuneration Committee and 
is also a member of the Nominations and 
Audit Committees. 

6. STUART PATERSON
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 
Stuart Paterson joined the Board on  
1 January 2013 as a Non-Executive 
Director. He is a Chartered Accountant 
and is currently Chief Financial Officer at 
Forth Ports Limited, joining in March 2011 
when it was listed on the London Stock 
Exchange. In June 2011, the company 
was acquired by Arcus Infrastructure 
Partners. Prior to his current role, Stuart 
was Chief Financial Officer of Johnston 
Press PLC from 2001 to 2010 and 
previously worked in senior financial 
management roles at the electronics 
group Motorola Corporation, and then  
as Group Finance Director and then 
Managing Director Europe for Aggreko 
PLC, the global power hire group. He 
served as a Non-Executive Director with 
Devro plc from 2006 to 2012, where he 
chaired the Audit Committee. Stuart 
succeeded Graeme Bissett as Chairman 
of the Audit Committee on 1 January 2013 
and is also a member of the Remuneration 
and Nominations Committees.

7. ANDREW COTTON
COMPANY SECRETARY
Andrew joined Macfarlane Group in 
1999 as Finance Director of the Labels 
business. He then moved to Macfarlane 
Group’s head office in Glasgow in 2001 
where he is now part of the Executive 
Team leading corporate development, 
acquisitions and disposals. Andrew  
was appointed Company Secretary  
on 3 August 2001.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

STRATEGIC REVIEW GOVERNANCEACCOUNTS SHAREHOLDERS 
  
18

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS

THE DIRECTORS PRESENT  
THEIR ANNUAL REPORT AND 
THE AUDITED FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS OF THE GROUP 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED  
31 DECEMBER 2013. PAGES  
1 TO 32 INCLUSIVE COMPRISE 
THE DIRECTORS’ REPORT.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information that fulfils the requirement 
of the Corporate Governance Statement 
can be found in the Corporate 
Governance Section on pages 28 to 32 
(and is incorporated into this report  
by reference) with the exception of the 
information referred to in the Financial 
Services Authority Disclosure and 
Transparency Rules 7.2.6, which is 
located within this report.

REPORT ON GREENHOUSE 
GAS EMISSIONS
Details of the Group’s emissions  
are contained within the Corporate 
Responsibility Report contained on  
pages 13 to 16. 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT
The Chairman’s Statement on page 1  
and the Strategic Review on pages 2 to 16  
have been prepared to provide additional 
information to members of the Company to 
assess the Group’s strategy and the potential 
for the strategy to succeed. It should not be 
relied on by any other party or for any 
other purpose.

This report and the financial statements 
contain certain forward-looking statements 
relating to operations, performance  
and financial status. By their nature, such 
statements involve risk and uncertainty 
because they relate to events and depend 
upon circumstances that will occur in the 
future. There are a number of factors, 
including both economic and business risk 
factors that could cause actual results or 
developments to differ materially from those 
expressed or implied by these forward-
looking statements. These statements are 
made by the Directors in good faith based 
on the information available to them up  
to the time of their approval of this report.

The Company is governed by its Articles 
of Association, the UK Corporate 
Governance Code and the Companies 
Act 2006 with regard to the appointment 
and replacement of Directors. The Articles 
may be amended by special resolution  
of the shareholders. The powers of the 
Directors are detailed in the Corporate 
Governance report on pages 28 to 32.

At last year’s AGM on 7 May 2013,  
the Directors were given authority to  
allot further ordinary shares beyond those 
committed to the share option schemes  
or long term incentive plans up to an 
aggregate amount of £1,437,738. That 
authority expires at the conclusion of the 
forthcoming AGM. A special resolution 
will be put to shareholders to renew for  
a further year the authority over the existing 
unissued and uncommitted ordinary share 
capital. This authority is limited to a 
maximum nominal amount of £1,437,738.

No authority will be sought at the 2014 
AGM to enable the Company to purchase 
its own shares. 

EMPLOYEE SHARE SCHEMES
During 2013, no options were exercised 
under the Group’s share option schemes 
or long-term incentive plans. Options 
previously granted over 885,000 
ordinary shares lapsed during 2013. 
Details relating to options granted to 
parent company Directors are set out  
in the Report on Directors’ Remuneration 
on page 22. All remaining options 
outstanding under the Company’s share 
option schemes are set out in note 24  
to the financial statements.

The Remuneration Committee supervises 
the grant of share incentives, which are 
only capable of being exercised if the 
performance condition to which they  
are subject has been satisfied. The 
Remuneration Committee will specify the 
performance condition at the time of the 
grant of the share incentive, having regard 
to the objectives of the Company and  
to market practice at the relevant time. 

Further detail is given in the Report  
on Directors’ Remuneration on pages  
21 to 27.

RESULTS AND DIVIDENDS 
The Group’s profit before tax from 
continuing activities was £4,716,000 
(2012 – £5,478,000). This results  
in a profit for the year of £3,456,000 
(2012 – £3,865,000).

The Directors declared an interim dividend 
of 0.50p, which was paid on 10 October 
2013 (2012 – 0.50p per share). The 
proposed final dividend of 1.10p per 
share (2012 – 1.05p per share) is subject 
to approval by shareholders at the 
Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) in 
May 2014 and has not been included  
as a liability in these financial statements.

SHAREHOLDER 
INFORMATION
CAPITAL STRUCTURE
The Group funds its operations from  
a number of sources of cash, namely 
operating cash flow, bank borrowings, 
finance lease borrowings and shareholders’ 
equity, comprising share capital, reserves 
and retained earnings, where appropriate. 
The Group’s objective is to achieve  
a capital structure that results in an 
appropriate cost of capital whilst providing 
flexibility in immediate and medium-term 
funding so as to accommodate any 
material investment requirements.

Details of the authorised and issued share 
capital are shown in note 20 and there 
were no movements during 2012 or 2013. 
The Company has one class of ordinary 
share, which carries no right to fixed 
income. Each share carries the right  
to one vote at general meetings of the 
Company. There are no specific restrictions 
on the size of a holding nor on the transfer 
of shares, which are both governed by 
the Articles of Association and prevailing 
legislation. The Directors are not aware  
of any agreements between holders of 
the Company’s shares that may result in 
restrictions on the transfer of securities  
or on voting rights.

The Company’s new banking facilities 
may, at the discretion of the lender,  
be repayable on a change of control.

Details of the Company’s Employee Share 
Ownership Trust (“ESOT”) are given in 
note 21. The ESOT has waived its right  
to receive dividends but exercises its right 
to vote.

No person has any special rights of 
control over the Company’s share capital 
and all issued shares are fully paid.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2013 

19

SUBSTANTIAL HOLDINGS 
OF SHARES IN THE 
COMPANY
The Company has received notification 
prior to 27 February 2014 in accordance 
with Chapter 5 of the Disclosure and 
Transparency Rules of the following voting 
rights as a shareholder of the Company.

SUBSTANTIAL HOLDINGS

NUMBER  
OF SHARES  
HELD

%

FUNDS MANAGED OR ADVISED BY 
DISCRETIONARY UNIT FUND MANAGERS LIMITED 20,659,184

17.96%

FUNDS MANAGED OR ADVISED BY  
MITON GROUP PLC

FUNDS MANAGED OR ADVISED BY  
UNICORN ASSET MANAGEMENT

LORD MACFARLANE OF BEARSDEN KT  
AND LADY MACFARLANE

14,675,970 12.76%

7,658,086

6.66%

3,533,170

3.07%

DIRECTORS
The names of the Directors in office at  
31 December 2013, who served throughout 
the year together with short biographical 
details, are set out on page 17. Details 
are included for the first time in respect  
of Bob McLellan, who was appointed  
a Director on 5 March 2013. The Board 
considers its three Non-Executive Directors 
to be independent.

John Love and Peter D. Atkinson retire  
by rotation at the AGM in May 2014 and 
offer themselves for re-election. They have 
service contracts with the Company dated 
11 October 1999 and 6 October 2003 
respectively, each with a notice period  
of twelve months.

POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS
It is the Group’s policy not to make 
donations for political purposes. 

SPECIAL BUSINESS
A special resolution will be put to 
shareholders to renew for a further year 
the authority over the existing unissued 
and uncommitted ordinary share capital. 
This authority is limited to a maximum 
nominal amount of £1,437,738.

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

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR
Our auditor, KPMG Audit Plc has 
announced the intention to transition the 
audit engagement with Macfarlane to 
KPMG LLP. The Board has decided to put 
KPMG LLP forward to be appointed as 
auditors and a resolution concerning their 
appointment will be put to the 
forthcoming AGM of the company. 

COMPANY INFORMATION
The Company is registered in Scotland 
(SC 004221) and its registered office is  
at 21 Newton Place, Glasgow, G3 7PY.

Kevin Mellor retired from the Board on  
7 May 2013, having served nine years  
as a Non-Executive Director.

Andrew Cotton 
Company Secretary  
27 February 2014

No Director, either during or at the end  
of the financial year, had an interest in 
any contract relating to the business  
of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. 
The statement of Directors’ interests in  
the ordinary share capital of Macfarlane 
Group PLC is contained in the Report  
on Directors’ Remuneration on page 22.

There are no agreements between the 
Company and its Directors or employees 
that provide for compensation for loss of 
office or employment that occurs because 
of a takeover bid.

DIRECTORS’ AND OFFICERS’ 
LIABILITY INSURANCE
The Company has maintained Directors’ 
and officers’ liability insurance cover 
throughout the financial year. The 
Company made qualifying third party 
indemnity provisions for the benefit of 
Directors in 2009, which remain in force.

These provisions were extended in 2012 
and 2013 to cover the recently appointed 
Non-Executive Directors, Mike Arrowsmith, 
Stuart Paterson and Bob McLellan.

STRATEGIC REVIEW GOVERNANCEACCOUNTS SHAREHOLDERS 
  
20

REPORT ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

>  Long term incentives – there is a 

Performance Share Plan available 
which permits grants of shares up to 
100% of salary with a three year 
performance period using EPS and TSR 
performance conditions. Although this 
has not been used since 2008, awards 
under the scheme are considered on an 
annual basis. The Committee considers 
the current shareholding of the 
Executive Directors is sufficient to align 
their interests with shareholders and 
has focused the variable component of 
remuneration towards annual bonus. 
There is no requirement for the Executive 
Directors to hold shares in the Company.

Total Executive remuneration has 
decreased in 2013 by 9% due to lower 
bonuses. Notwithstanding this the Group 
has made substantial progress with profit 
before exceptional items increasing by 
13% and the share price increasing by 
22% to 34.25p at 31 December 2013.

The Remuneration Committee recommend 
this report and I hope that you feel able  
to support the remuneration resolutions 
submitted for approval at the Annual 
General Meeting on 6 May 2014.

Bob McLellan
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee
27 February 2014

REMUNERATION 
COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN’S 
SUMMARY STATEMENT
This is the first Remuneration report under 
the new provisions of the Enterprise and 
Regulatory Reform Act 2013. In addition  
to this statement the report includes two 
further sections detailing the Annual Report 
on Remuneration on pages 21 to 23 and 
Remuneration Policy on pages 24 to 27.

The Company has a Remuneration 
Committee constituted in accordance  
with the UK Corporate Governance 
Code. I succeeded Kevin Mellor as 
Chairman of the Committee from the 
conclusion of the AGM in May 2013  
and it comprises three independent  
Non-Executive Directors plus the Company 
Chairman, Graeme Bissett. The Committee 
determines the remuneration for the 
Executive Directors but also oversees the 
remuneration of the Chief Executive’s 
direct reports.

The key components of Executive 
remuneration are:

>  Basic salary and benefits – there was  

a 2% increase applied in 2013 and this 
was consistent with that applied to all 
eligible employees. The increase applied 
for 2014 is 2%, again consistent with all 
eligible employees.

>  Bonus – there is a maximum payment of 
50% of salary with 40% based on Profit 
before Tax (“PBT”) performance and 
10% based on personal objectives. 
Bonuses for 2013 of £16,000 and 
£7,000 were awarded to Peter 
Atkinson and John Love respectively. 
The basis for this is detailed in the 
Annual Report on Remuneration on 
page 21. These bonuses are paid in 
cash, following Board approval of the 
2013 Annual Report and Accounts.

>  Pension – the Chief Executive receives  

a cash payment in lieu of pension 
contribution and the Finance Director is 
a member of the legacy defined benefit 
pension scheme for which pensionable 
salary was frozen in 2010.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2013 

21

ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION
SINGLE TOTAL FIGURE OF REMUNERATION FOR EACH DIRECTOR
The details set out on pages 21 and 22 of this report, up to and including the Statement of Directors’ shareholdings and share 
interests, have been audited by KPMG Audit plc.

2013

CHAIRMAN

G. BISSETT

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

P.D. ATKINSON 

J. LOVE

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

M. ARROWSMITH

S.R. PATERSON (appointed 1 January 2013)

R. MCLELLAN (appointed 5 March 2013)

K.D. MELLOR (retired 7 May 2013)

TOTAL

2012

CHAIRMAN

G. BISSETT  (Chairman from 8 May 2012, Non-Executive Director to 7 May 2012)

A.S. HUNTER (retired 8 May 2012)

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

P.D. ATKINSON 

J. LOVE

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

M. ARROWSMITH (appointed 26 September 2012)

K.D. MELLOR

TOTAL

SALARIES 
AND FEES  
£000

TAXABLE 
BENEFITS 
£000

BONUS 
£000

PSP 
AWARDS 
VESTING
£000

PENSION 
COSTS
£000

TOTAL
£000

–

60

60

315
146

30
30
25
10
616

–

16
5

–
–
–
–
21

–

16
7

–
–
–
–
23

–

–
–

–
–
–
–
–

69
16

–
–
–
–
85

SALARIES 
AND FEES  
£000

TAXABLE 
BENEFITS 
£000

BONUS 
£000

PSP 
AWARDS 
VESTING
£000

PENSION 
COSTS
£000

50
22

309
144

8
29
562

–
–

15
4

–
–
19

–
–

70
24

–
–
94

–
–

–
–

–
–
–

–
–

68
16

–
–
84

416
174

30
30
25
10
745

TOTAL
£000

50
22

462
188

8
29
759

ANNUAL BONUS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013
The bonus is based on performance against financial targets and personal objectives as outlined in the policy report. The minimum 
financial target for 2013 was PBT before exceptional items of £5.2m, which was not achieved so no bonus has been awarded for 
this component. The Remuneration Committee has assessed performance against personal objectives and, has awarded bonuses 
of 5% of salary, equating to £16,000 and £7,000 to Peter Atkinson and John Love respectively. These bonuses are paid in cash.

DIRECTORS’ PENSION ENTITLEMENTS
Peter Atkinson receives a cash allowance, which including the related employer’s national insurance contributions, equates to 25% 
of basic salary.

John Love is a member of Macfarlane Group PLC Pension & Life Assurance Scheme (1974). The accrued pension at 31 December 
2013 was £35,000. The associated transfer value was £710,000 and has been calculated for the first time using HMRC guidelines. 
The scheme’s normal retirement date is 65 and there is no automatic entitlement to early retirement. 

SCHEME INTEREST AWARDS IN 2013
There were no scheme interests awarded in 2013.

STRATEGIC REVIEW GOVERNANCEACCOUNTS SHAREHOLDERS 
  
22

REPORT ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION (CONTINUED)
STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ SHAREHOLDING AND SHARE INTERESTS

DIRECTORS’ SHAREHOLDINGS

G. BISSETT

P.D. ATKINSON

J. LOVE

M. ARROWSMITH

S.R. PATERSON

R. MCLELLAN

DIRECTORS’ SHARE OPTIONS

2013
BENEFICIAL

343,750

745,300

725,000

100,000

79,550

–

2013 
OPTION

–

551,372

–

–

–

–

2012

BENEFICIAL  
(OR DATE OF 
APPOINTMENT  

IF LATER)

343,750

745,300

725,000

100,000

79,550

–

2012 
OPTION

–

551,372

–

–

–

–

P.D. ATKINSON

551,372

–

–

26p

–

2013

LAPSED

EXERCISED

EXERCISE PRICE

MARKET PRICE  
ON EXERCISE

EXERCISE PERIOD

29 Oct 2007 – 
28 Oct 2014

The performance condition for this option granted under The Macfarlane Group PLC Executive Share Option Scheme 2000 
required total shareholder return (“TSR”) of between 10% and 15% per annum over three years from the date of grant in 
October 2004 for vesting between 40% and 100% of the value of the option respectively. No re-testing of the option was allowed. 
551,372 of the maximum award of 961,538 shares vested on 29 October 2007. None of these options has been exercised  
at 27 February 2014.

The remainder of the Annual Report on Remuneration is not subject to audit.

PERFORMANCE GRAPH AND TABLE
The following graph shows Macfarlane Group’s performance, measured by Total Shareholder Return, compared with the 
performance of the FTSE All-Share Index for Support Services, also measured by Total Shareholder Return. The Index for Support 
Services has been selected because it includes a range of companies, which the Remuneration Committee considers to be the best 
available comparison for the Group for this purpose.

PERFORMANCE GRAPH

FTSE ALL SHARE SUPPORT SERVICES
MACFARLANE GROUP

0
0
1
O
T
D
E
S
A
B
E
R
N
R
U
T
E
R

R
E
D
L

O
H
E
R
A
H
S

L
A
T
O
T

320

300

280

260

240

220

200

180

160

140

120

100

80

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

CEO SINGLE FIGURE

2013

2012

2011

2010

P.D. ATKINSON

P.D. ATKINSON

P.D. ATKINSON

P.D. ATKINSON

2009

P.D. ATKINSON

SINGLE FIGURE OF TOTAL 
REMUNERATION 
£000

ANNUAL VARIABLE  
ELEMENT AWARD VS  
MAXIMUM OPPORTUNITY

LONG TERM INCENTIVE VESTING 
AGAINST MAXIMUM OPPORTUNITY

416

462

390

411

411

10%

45%

10%

10%

16%

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

 
 
 
 
 
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2013 

23

PERCENTAGE CHANGE IN REMUNERATION OF CEO AND EMPLOYEES
The following table shows the percentage change in remuneration between 2012 and 2013 for the CEO and for all employees  
in the Group.

% CHANGE IN

BASE SALARY

BENEFITS

BONUS

CEO

2%

7%

(77%)

AVERAGE FOR ALL  
ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES

2%

17%

(33%)

RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF SPEND ON PAY
The difference in expenditure between 2012 and 2013 on remuneration for all employees in comparison to the distribution  
to shareholders by way of dividend is set out below:

TOTAL EMPLOYEE PAY

DIVIDEND

2013
£000

19,857

1,774

2012
£000

20,131

1,761

% CHANGE

-1.4%

0.7%

STATEMENT OF IMPLEMENTATION OF REMUNERATION POLICY IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR
The salaries of Executive Directors were increased by 2% with effect from 1 January 2014 and the fees paid to the Chairman  
and Non-Executive Directors increased by 2% from 1 January 2014. There are no changes to the way the remuneration policy  
will be implemented in the current year. The policy detailed in this report will be submitted for approval at the AGM in May 2014.

No decision has been taken whether to make an award under the long term incentive plan in 2014 but if any award is made this 
will comply with the policy outlined on the following pages and stretching targets will be set based on TSR, EPS and other strategic 
objectives, subject to consultation with shareholders if appropriate.

DETAILS OF THE REMUNERATION COMMITTEE, ADVISERS TO THE COMMITTEE AND THEIR FEES
The Remuneration Committee currently comprises three independent Non-Executive Directors and the Company Chairman.  
Details of the Directors who were members of the Committee during the year are disclosed on page 30.

During 2013 the Remuneration Committee used the services of New Bridge Street (“NBS”) to advise on certain aspects of 
remuneration. NBS are part of Aon Hewitt who also provide actuarial and administration services to the Company and the Trustees 
of the Group’s final salary pension scheme. The total fee charged by NBS for the year was £4,000 and the Directors consider NBS 
to be independent of the Group and objective in their advice.

STATEMENT OF VOTING AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
At the AGM held on 7 May 2013, the Directors’ Remuneration Report received the following votes from shareholders.

FOR

AGAINST

TOTAL VOTES CAST (FOR OR AGAINST)

VOTES WITHHELD

TOTAL

TOTAL NUMBER  
OF VOTES

% VOTES CAST

99.34%

0.66%

100.00%

54,181,523

357,435

54,538,958

51,158

54,590,116

STRATEGIC REVIEW GOVERNANCEACCOUNTS SHAREHOLDERS 
  
24

REPORT ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

REMUNERATION POLICY
The tables below summarise the main elements of the remuneration packages of the Executive Directors.

BASE SALARY (FIXED PAY)

Link to strategy

Operation

Opportunity

BENEFITS (FIXED PAY)

Link to strategy

To pay a fair salary commensurate with the individual’s role, 
responsibilities and experience and having regard to market rates for 
similar roles in comparable companies.

The Remuneration Committee reviews basic salaries annually with 
changes effective from 1 January. When reviewing basic pay, 
practices elsewhere in the Group are taken into account.

There is no prescribed maximum salary or maximum rate of increase. 
The Committee will take into consideration the general increase  
for the broader employee population but on occasion may need to 
recognise changes in responsibility, development in the role or specific 
retention issues. 

To provide cost effective benefits to aid recruitment and retention  
of Senior Executives and to support the wellbeing of employees.

Operation

Benefits comprise:

Opportunity

PENSION (FIXED PAY)

Link to strategy

Operation

Opportunity

> Car allowance or company car
> Private medical insurance
> Permanent health insurance

The benefits are not subject to a specific cap but represent a small 
element of total remuneration. Costs to provide these benefits are 
closely monitored.

To provide market competitive pension arrangements to aid recruitment 
and retention of Senior Executives.

The Group will pay a pension allowance or contribute to a pension 
scheme for all Executive Directors. The Group’s legacy defined benefit 
plan has been closed to new members and the pensionable salary 
frozen in 2010.

Company contribution of up to 25% of base salary or equivalent cash 
allowance in lieu (inclusive of employer’s national insurance contribution).

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2013 

25

ANNUAL INCENTIVES (VARIABLE PAY)

Link to strategy

Operation

To incentivise performance over a 12 month period based on financial 
targets and individual performance objectives agreed by the 
Remuneration Committee.

The bonus is paid in cash based on the audited financial results  
and the Remuneration Committee’s assessment of delivery against 
personal objectives.

Opportunity

Maximum bonus potential is capped at 50% of basic salary.

Performance measure

Profit before tax (80%). The Remuneration Committee will continue  
to apply discretion in relation to exceptional items and other  
relevant matters.

Personal performance (20%) – assessed against individual personal 
objectives that are set at the beginning of each financial year by the 
Remuneration Committee at its discretion.

LONG TERM INCENTIVE (VARIABLE PAY) 

Link to strategy

Operation

To incentivise delivery of strategic targets and sustained performance 
over the long-term.

Each year conditional awards over shares may be granted which can 
be earned subject to the delivery of performance goals. Any award will 
be based on absolute targets for total shareholder return (“TSR”), 
earnings per share (“EPS”) and sales. The Remuneration Committee 
considers absolute measures to be more appropriate as there is no 
natural comparator group for the Company and these will reflect the 
Group’s strategic targets. Performance conditions are for a fixed three-
year period and there is no re-testing. 

Opportunity

Any award is capped at 100% of basic salary.

Performance measure

Changes in the year

Conditional awards will vest based on three-year performance 
against challenging targets for TSR, EPS and other strategic objectives 
set and assessed by the Committee in its discretion.

Sales may be used as an additional performance measure, although 
the majority of any award will be based on TSR, EPS and other 
strategic objectives.

CONSIDERATION OF EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS ELSEWHERE IN THE GROUP
The Remuneration Committee has not conducted a specific employee consultation exercise on the Directors’ remuneration policy. 
However, there is a periodic employee survey and the Board receives a regular presentation from the Director of Human 
Resources, which includes consideration of the Group’s remuneration policies.

CONSIDERATION OF SHAREHOLDER VIEWS
The Remuneration Committee considers shareholder feedback received as part of any dialogue with shareholders via the 
Chairman, Executive Management or the Company’s brokers. Where necessary the Remuneration Committee Chairman  
will engage pro-actively with shareholders although there was no requirement for an explicit consultation in 2013. 

APPROACH TO RECRUITMENT REMUNERATION
The Remuneration Committee will follow the above policy when setting the remuneration for a new Executive Director. Basic salary 
will be set at a competitive level appropriate for the role and experience of the Director being appointed. Where there is an 
external appointment, the Committee may consider it appropriate to recognise awards or benefits that will or may be forfeited  
on resignation from a previous appointment. This may take the form of cash and/or share awards. The policy is that the maximum 
payment under such arrangements will be no more than the Committee considers is required to provide reasonable compensation. 
If the Director is required to relocate then the policy is to provide reasonable relocation, travel and subsistence payments at the 
discretion of the Committee. 

STRATEGIC REVIEW GOVERNANCEACCOUNTS SHAREHOLDERS 
  
26

REPORT ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

REMUNERATION POLICY (CONTINUED)
SERVICE CONTRACTS AND LETTERS OF APPOINTMENT
Executive service contracts have a standard notice period of 12 months. Executive Directors are entitled to accept appointments 
outside the Company provided the Board’s permission is obtained. The Board may require the fees from such appointments to  
be accounted for to the Company. Neither P.D. Atkinson nor J. Love held any external appointments during the year.

Chairman and Non-Executive Director appointments are through letters of appointment for periods not exceeding three years 
subject to re-election at the AGM and contain notice periods of six months and three months respectively.

Directors’ contracts are available for inspection at the Company’s registered office by prior arrangement or immediately prior  
to the AGM.

SERVICE CONTRACTS AND LETTERS OF APPOINTMENT

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

P.D. ATKINSON 

J. LOVE

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

G. BISSETT

M. ARROWSMITH

S.R. PATERSON

R. MCLELLAN

CONTRACT COMMENCEMENT DATE

NOTICE PERIOD

6 October 2003
11 October 1999

30 March 2012
26 September 2012
26 September 2012
5 March 2013

12 months
12 months

6 months
3 months
3 months
3 months

ILLUSTRATION OF THE APPLICATION OF THE REMUNERATION POLICY 

PETER ATKINSON (£000)

Maximum

In line with 
expectations

Minimum

67%

83%

100%

33%

612

Fixed

Bonus

17%

490

408

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

JOHN LOVE (£000)

Maximum

67%

33%

255

Fixed

Bonus

In line with 
expectations

83%

17%

204

Minimum

100%

0

100

170

200

300

400

500

600

700

The performance in line with expectations is based on the current 2014 market expectation of PBT of £5.5 million and full 
achievement of personal objectives. The PBT target for maximum award has not been disclosed due to commercial sensitivity.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2013 

27

PAYMENT FOR LOSS OF OFFICE
The Remuneration Committee’s policy for an Executive Director whose employment is to be terminated is to agree a termination 
payment based on the value of the base salary and contractual pension amounts and benefits that would have accrued during  
the contractual notice period unless there has been a breach of the service agreement by the Director. 

The policy is that the departing Director may work or be placed on garden leave for all or part of their notice period or receive 
payment in lieu of notice in accordance with the service agreement. The Committee supports the principle of mitigation and 
phased payments relative to any settlement and will take legal advice in relation to any settlements to be proposed.

Any share-based entitlements granted to an Executive Director will be determined based on the relevant rule plans as previously 
approved by shareholders. 

FEE POLICY FOR THE BOARD CHAIRMAN AND OTHER NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

CHAIRMAN

Link to strategy

Operation

Opportunity

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

Link to strategy

Operation

Opportunity

To attract and retain a high calibre Board Chairman by offering a market 
competitive fee level.

The Board Chairman is paid a single fee for all his responsibilities.  
The level of fee is reviewed periodically by the Remuneration 
Committee with reference to other comparable companies.

The current fee is £61,200 subject to periodic change under this 
policy. There is no maximum fee level.

To attract and retain high calibre Non-Executive Directors by offering  
a market competitive fee level.

Non-Executive Directors are paid a basic fee. The Committee Chairmen 
may be paid a supplement to reflect their additional responsibilities. 
The fee levels are reviewed periodically by the Chairman and Executive 
Directors with reference to other comparable companies.

The current basic fee is £30,600 subject to periodic change under  
this policy. There are currently no supplementary fees and there is  
no maximum fee level.

STRATEGIC REVIEW GOVERNANCEACCOUNTS SHAREHOLDERS 
  
28

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

INTRODUCTION
The Company is committed to the 
principles of corporate governance 
contained in the UK Corporate 
Governance Code issued in September 
2012 (“the Code”) by the Financial 
Reporting Council (“FRC”). The Company’s 
compliance is set out in the narrative 
statement on pages 28 to 32 and for 
Directors’ remuneration in the Report  
on Directors’ Remuneration on pages  
21 to 27.

COMPLIANCE
The Company complied with all Code 
provisions during 2013.

The Company’s auditor, KPMG Audit Plc, 
is required to review whether the above 
statement reflects the Company’s 
compliance with the nine provisions  
of the 2010 UK Corporate Governance 
Code specified for its review by the Listing 
Rules and to report if it does not reflect 
such compliance.

THE BOARD
The Board currently comprises the 
Chairman, three independent Non-
Executive Directors and two Executive 
Directors. The names of the Directors, 
together with their biographical details, 
which illustrate their range of experience, 
are set out on page 17. Details of Executive 
Directors’ service contracts are given  
in the Report on Directors’ Remuneration 
and both service contracts have notice 
periods of one year.

The current Board structure is in compliance 
with the Code, which requires companies 
outside the FTSE 350 to have at least  
two independent Non-Executive Directors.  
The Directors believe that the Board  
has an appropriate independent  
Non-Executive Director complement with 
recent and relevant experience, which 
brings strong, independent judgement  
to the Board’s deliberations.

Non-Executive Directors contribute 
towards strategy and challenge the 
Group strategy as well as scrutinising 
performance in meeting agreed 
objectives and monitoring the reporting 
of performance. They satisfy themselves 
as to the integrity of the financial 
information and that the financial  
controls and systems of risk management 
are robust and defensible.

Non-Executive Directors are given access 
to independent professional advice at  
the Group’s expense, subject to certain 
limits and procedures, when it is deemed 
necessary in order for them to carry out 
their responsibilities. No such advice was 
sought during the year.

The Company has maintained Directors’ 
and officers’ liability insurance cover 
throughout the financial year. The 
Company made qualifying third party 
indemnity provisions for the benefit of 
Directors in 2009, and these remained  
in force throughout 2013 and to the time 
of this report.

The Board confirms that it has considered 
and authorised any conflicts or potential 
conflicts of interest in accordance with the 
Group’s existing procedures.

Details of the Chairman’s other 
commitments are included in his 
biography on page 17. The Board is 
satisfied that these do not interfere with 
the performance of his duties for the 
Group, which is based on a commitment 
of approximately 45 days per annum.

The Board considers its Non-Executive 
Directors, Mike Arrowsmith, Stuart 
Paterson and Bob McLellan to be 
independent both in character and 
judgement. None of these three Directors:

>  Has been an employee of the Group 

within the last five years;

>  Has, or has had within the last three 

years, a material business relationship 
with the Group;

>  Receives remuneration other than  

a Director’s fee;

>  Has close family ties with any  

of the Group’s advisers, Directors  
or senior employees;

>  Holds cross-Directorships or has 

significant links with other Directors 
through involvement in other companies 
or bodies;

>  Represents a significant shareholder; or

>  Has served on the Board for more  

than nine years from the date of their 
first election.

The balance of the Board’s skills and 
experience will be kept under review.

THE ROLES OF THE 
CHAIRMAN  
AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE
The division of responsibilities between 
the Chairman and the Chief Executive is 
clearly defined and has been approved 
by the Board. The Chairman is responsible 
for the running of the Board, ensuring that 
all Directors receive sufficient and relevant 
information on financial, business and 
corporate issues prior to meetings to 
allow all Directors to bring independent 
judgement to bear on all issues. The 
Chairman facilitates the effective 
contribution of Non-Executive Directors 
and ensures effective communication  
with shareholders. As Chief Executive, 
Peter Atkinson’s responsibilities focus  
on managing the business and the 
implementation of the Group’s strategy.

SENIOR INDEPENDENT 
DIRECTOR
The Board appointed Mike Arrowsmith  
as Senior Independent Director on  
7 May 2013. Mike is the Director whom 
shareholders may contact if they feel their 
concerns are not being addressed and 
resolved through the existing mechanisms 
for investor communication.

RE-ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
All Directors submit themselves for 
re-election by shareholders at least once 
in every three-year period. The Company 
is not a member of the FTSE 350 index of 
companies and is therefore not required 
to comply with provision B.7.1 of the 
Code, which requires all Directors of 
companies in that index to be subject  
to annual re-election. At the 2014 AGM, 
John Love and Peter D. Atkinson fall due 
to retire by rotation and, being eligible, 
offer themselves for re-election. Their 
service contracts will be available for 
shareholder review prior to the AGM  
on 6 May 2014.

Subject to the Company’s Articles of 
Association, the Companies Act and 
satisfactory performance evaluation,  
Non-Executive Directors are appointed  
for an initial period of three years. Before 
the third and sixth anniversary of the Non-
Executive Directors’ first appointment, the 
Chairman will discuss with the Director 
whether it is appropriate for a further 
three-year term to be served. 

COMPANY SECRETARY
Andrew Cotton, the Company Secretary, 
is responsible for advising the Board 
through the Chairman on all matters 
relating to corporate governance.  
Under the direction of the Chairman,  
the Company Secretary’s responsibilities 
include ensuring good information flows 
within the Board, its committees and 
between Executive Management and 
Non-Executive Directors. The Company 
Secretary also facilitates induction and 
assists with professional development for 
the Board. All Directors have access to 
the advice and services of the Company 
Secretary. The Articles of Association  
and the schedule of matters reserved for 
the Board provide that the appointment 
and removal of the Company Secretary  
is a matter for the Board as a whole.

BOARD PROCEDURES
The Group is controlled through its Board 
of Directors. The Board’s main roles are to 
set the Group’s strategic objectives, guide 
and support management in achieving 
these objectives, create value and 
safeguard the interests of shareholders 
within the appropriate legal and 
regulatory framework. The Board meets 
at least nine times a year and individual 
attendance at those and the Board 
Committee meetings is set out in the table 
on the following page. In 2013, four 
Board meetings were held at operational 
locations to allow the Board to meet 
management teams and further develop 
their understanding of the Group.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2013 

29

The Board has a formal schedule of 
matters reserved for its approval. The 
specific matters reserved to the Board 
include setting the Group’s strategy and 
approving an annual budget, reviewing 
management performance, approving 
acquisitions, divestments and major 
capital expenditure, monitoring returns on 
investment, reviewing the Group’s systems 
of internal control and risk management 
and consideration of significant financing 
matters. The Board has delegated to 
Executive Management responsibility for 
the development and recommendation  
of strategic plans for consideration by the 
Board, the implementation of the strategy 
and policies of the Group as determined 
by the Board, the delivery of the operating 
and financial plan, the approval of capital 
expenditure below Board authority levels 
and the development and implementation 
of risk management systems.

Regular reports and papers are circulated 
to the Directors in a timely manner in 
preparation for Board and Committee 
meetings. These papers are supplemented 
by information specifically requested by 
the Directors from time to time.

The Directors receive monthly 
management accounts and a monthly 
report from the Chief Executive, which 
together with other papers enables them 
to scrutinise the Group and management 
performance against agreed objectives. 
At each meeting, the Board considers 
reports from the Chief Executive and the 
Finance Director.

ACCOUNTABILITY
The Board is responsible for presenting  
a fair, balanced and understandable 
assessment of the Group’s position and 
prospects. The Board considers that the 
Annual Report provides the information 
necessary for shareholders to assess the 
Group’s performance, business model 
and strategy.

After making the enquiries set out on 
page 40, the Directors have a reasonable 
expectation that the Company and the 
Group have adequate resources to 
continue in operational existence for the 
foreseeable future. For this reason they 
continue to adopt the going concern basis 
in preparing the financial statements.

The Directors’ Responsibilities Statement 
is set out on page 33.

PROFESSIONAL 
DEVELOPMENT
On appointment, Directors complete an 
induction programme designed to give 
them a thorough understanding of the 
Group and its activities. They receive 
information about the Group, the  
matters reserved for the Board, the  
terms of reference and membership  
of the Board Committees, and the  
latest financial information. This is 
supplemented with visits to key locations 
and meetings with and presentations  
from senior management.

BOARD AND COMMITTEE 
MEETINGS
The number of regular Board and 
Committee meetings attended by each 
member during 2013 is set out below:

Where a Director cannot attend a Board 
or Committee meeting, his comments  
on the papers to be considered at that 
meeting are relayed in advance to the 
relevant Chairman. 

ATTENDANCE BY DIRECTORS AT BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS

GRAEME BISSETT – CHAIRMAN

PETER ATKINSON – CHIEF EXECUTIVE

JOHN LOVE – FINANCE DIRECTOR

MIKE ARROWSMITH – SENIOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR 

STUART PATERSON – NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

BOB MCLELLAN – NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 
(appointed 5 March 2013)

KEVIN MELLOR – NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR  
(retired 7 May 2013)

BOARD

AUDIT
 COMMITTEE

REMUNERATION
COMMITTEE

NOMINATIONS 
COMMITTEE

9 (9)

9 (9)

9 (9)

9 (9)

8 (9)

7 (7)

4 (4)

2 (3)*

3 (3)

1 (1)

–

–

3 (3)

3 (3)

2 (2)

1 (1)

–

 –

3 (3)

2 (3)

2 (2)

1 (1)

–

–

1 (1)

1 (1)

0 (0)

0 (1)

Figures in brackets indicate the maximum number of meetings in the period in which the individual was a Board or Committee member. 
* indicates that a Non-Executive Director is attending but is not a member of the relevant Committee.

The Chairman seeks to maintain a regular 
dialogue with shareholders and gives 
feedback to the Board on issues raised. 
The Group has frequent discussions  
with institutional shareholders, including 
meetings led by the Chief Executive  
and the Finance Director, following the 
announcement of the annual financial 
results in February and the announcement 
of interim results in August. In addition, 
the Group responds to individual requests 
for discussions from shareholders.

The Board receives feedback on 
shareholder meetings including broker 
feedback for the meetings scheduled 
around the preliminary announcement 
and interim results. The Senior Independent 
Director is available to meet with 
shareholders if they have concerns  
with contact through the normal  
channels of Chairman, Chief Executive  
or Finance Director.

All Directors attend the AGM and 
shareholders are invited to ask questions 
during the meeting and to meet Directors 
after the formal proceedings have ended. 
All shareholders have an opportunity  
to raise questions with members of the 
Board on matters relating to the Group’s 
operations and performance at the 
meeting. Details of the resolutions to be 
proposed at the AGM can be found in the 
Notice of Meeting accompanying the 
Annual Report and Accounts. In line with 
the requirements of the Code, the results 
of proxy votes are disclosed at the AGM 
and made available on the Group website 
and the Notice of Meeting is sent out more 
than 20 days in advance of the meeting.

BOARD PERFORMANCE 
EVALUATION
The Board has established a formal 
process, led by the Chairman, for the 
annual performance evaluation of the 
Board, its Committees and individual 
Directors. All Directors are made aware 
on appointment that their performance 
will be subject to regular evaluation.

The Board has completed a self-
assessment questionnaire developed to 
take account of the areas identified in the 
FRC “Guidance on Board Effectiveness”. 
This includes specific reference to the 
strategic objectives and performance of 
the Board and performance and processes 
for all Board Committees. The results have 
been collated by the Company Secretary 
and reviewed by the Board to identify  
any areas for improvement and to  
confirm objectives for the year ahead. 
The Chairman then holds individual 
meetings with each Director to review 
performance and set individual objectives.

The Chairman meets periodically with  
the Non-Executive Directors without the 
Executive Directors present. Led by the 
Senior Independent Director, the Non-
Executive Directors meet annually without 
the presence of the Chairman to conduct 
a performance evaluation of the Chairman.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH 
SHAREHOLDERS
The Group maintains a corporate website 
(www.macfarlanegroup.com) containing 
a wide range of information of interest to 
institutional and private investors. Detailed 
reviews of the performance and financial 
position are included in the Strategic 
Review on pages 4 to 16 of this report. 
The Board uses this together with the 
Chairman’s Statement on page 1,  
and the remainder of the Report of the 
Directors on pages 18 and 19 to present 
its assessment of the Company’s position 
and prospects.

STRATEGIC REVIEW GOVERNANCEACCOUNTS SHAREHOLDERS 
  
30

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE
The Nominations Committee membership 
was as follows: 

REMUNERATION 
COMMITTEE
The Remuneration Committee 
membership was as follows: 

AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee membership was  
as follows:

NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE 
MEMBERSHIP

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE 
MEMBERSHIP

1 JANUARY 2013  
TO 7 MAY 2013

8 MAY 2013  
ONWARDS

1 JANUARY 2013  
TO 7 MAY 2013

8 MAY 2013  
ONWARDS

Graeme Bissett 

Graeme Bissett 

(Chairman)

Kevin Mellor

Mike Arrowsmith

Stuart Paterson

(Chairman)

Mike Arrowsmith

Stuart Paterson

Bob McLellan

Kevin Mellor 

(Chairman)

Graeme Bissett

Mike Arrowsmith

Stuart Paterson

Bob McLellan 

(Chairman)

Graeme Bissett 

Mike Arrowsmith

Stuart Paterson

AUDIT COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP

1 JANUARY 2013  
TO 4 MARCH 2013

5 MARCH 2013  
ONWARDS

Stuart Paterson 

Stuart Paterson 

(Chairman)

Kevin Mellor 

(Chairman)

Mike Arrowsmith  

Mike Arrowsmith

Bob McLellan

The Nominations Committee met once 
during 2013 and its terms of reference 
are available on the Group website 
(www.macfarlanegroup.com).

The principal work undertaken by the 
Nominations Committee in 2013 was 

None of the members of the 
Remuneration Committee during 2013 
has any personal financial interests, other 
than as a shareholder, in the matters to  
be decided, conflicts of interests arising 
from cross-Directorships or any day-to-day 
involvement in running the business.

(a)  to recruit Non-Executive Directors with 
relevant experience, who would add 
value to the operation of the Board; and

(b)  to consider and recommend that the 
Company propose for re-election  
any Directors falling due for 
re-appointment at the AGM.

The Committee’s responsibilities include 
reviewing the structure, size and 
composition of the Board and giving full 
consideration to succession planning for 
Directors and other Senior Executives. The 
Nominations Committee will continue to 
consider the mix of skills and experience 
that the Board requires and seek the 
appointment of Directors to meet its 
assessment of what is required to ensure 
that the Board is effective in discharging 
its responsibilities.

In addition the Committee met during 
2013 to consider proposing Mike 
Arrowsmith, Stuart Paterson and Bob 
McLellan for election at the AGM on  
7 May 2013. All three were recommended 
for election and this was approved by 
shareholders at the 2013 AGM. No 
Director is involved in any decisions 
regarding his own appointment or 
re-appointment.

Following a Nominations Committee held 
on 26 February 2014, the Committee 
proposed John Love and Peter Atkinson 
for re-election at the AGM on 6 May 2014.

The Remuneration Committee met  
three times during 2013 and its terms  
of reference are available on the Group 
website (www.macfarlanegroup.com).

The principal work undertaken by the 
Remuneration Committee in 2013 was 

(a)  to review performance against 2012 
financial and personal objectives  
and to conclude on the appropriate 
performance related reward for 
Senior Executives including the 
Executive Directors;

(b)  to approve the financial and personal 
objectives for 2013 in relation to the 
performance related bonus;

(c)  to consider the use of share based 

incentives, either using the Long Term 
Incentive Plan or within a SAYE scheme. 
These were considered but not felt to 
be appropriate at this time; and

(d)  to approve the Report on  
Directors’ Remuneration.

The work carried out by the Remuneration 
Committee is described within the Report 
on Directors’ Remuneration, which is set 
out on pages 21 to 27.

Stuart Paterson was appointed as a  
Non-Executive Director and as Chairman 
of the Audit Committee on 1 January 2013 
and has both recent and relevant 
financial experience. The remaining 
Committee members, Mike Arrowsmith 
and Bob McLellan have a wide range  
of commercial experience, as evidenced 
in the biographical details on page 17. 
The Company Chairman attends meetings 
to give the Committee the benefit of his 
relevant experience but he is no longer  
a member of that Committee with effect 
from 1 January 2013.

The Committee’s terms of reference  
are displayed on the Group website,  
(www.macfarlanegroup.com) and its 
principal oversight responsibilities cover 
the following four areas: 

>  Internal control  

and risk management 
The Committee reviews annually the 
Group’s system of risk management  
and internal control and processes  
for evaluating and monitoring the  
risks facing the Group.

>  Internal audit 

The Committee reviews the 
effectiveness of the internal audit 
function and its terms of reference on 
an annual basis and recommends to the 
Board any changes required as a result 
of the review. Reports from internal 
audit are considered at each meeting 
and as part of its deliberations, the 
Committee will actively engage in 
selecting areas to be audited.

>  External audit (including  
auditor independence) 
The Committee is responsible for 
monitoring the effectiveness of the 
external audit process and making 
recommendations to the Board in 
relation to the appointment, 
re-appointment and remuneration  
of the external auditor. It is responsible 
for ensuring that an appropriate 
relationship between the Group and 
the external auditor is maintained, 
including reviewing non-audit services 
and fees.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2013 

31

The Audit Committee debated the 
assumptions being used to determine the 
liabilities in accordance with guidance 
from a number of actuarial firms and has 
satisfied itself that the assumptions used 
fall within an acceptable range taking 
into account the duration of liabilities  
in the Macfarlane final salary  
pension scheme.

The level of deficit calculated by the 
Scheme actuary and the related 
disclosures are based on these assumptions 
and the components of the movement in 
the deficit in the year have all been 
explained to the Committee’s satisfaction. 
In addition the sensitivities of movements 
in the underlying assumptions are clearly 
set out in note 25. Accordingly the 
Committee is comfortable with the 
reporting of the pension scheme deficit.

VALUATION OF GOODWILL
The Group has significant goodwill 
balances relating to acquisitions made 
prior to December 2008. As explained  
in note 10 to the financial statements,  
the goodwill balances are tested for 
impairment annually or where there are 
indications that impairment may have 
occurred. In the first half of 2013, the 
Board concluded that the two Cash 
Generating Units (“CGU’s) within the 
Manufacturing Operations’ segment at  
1 January 2013, associated with the Labels 
business and relating to the Reseal-it 
segment and the Irish operations should 
be combined and reported as one CGU 
due to the increasing overlap between 
the two CGU’s.

As a result, the Group reported two 
goodwill balances at 31 December 2013, 
one of £24.1 million relating to Packaging 
Distribution and one of £1.4 million 
relating the combined Labels’ CGUs 
referred to above. Determining whether 
these goodwill balances are impaired 
requires an estimation of the value in use 
of the CGUs to which goodwill has been 
allocated. The value in use calculation 
requires the Group to estimate the future 
cash flows expected to arise from the 
CGU and a suitable discount rate in order 
to calculate present value.

The Committee reviewed the underlying 
assumptions and the sensitivity analysis 
used to confirm that no impairment 
charge was required in the current  
year. It considers the assumptions to be  
in line with the Group’s recent trading 
experience and the sensitivity scenarios 
to be appropriate.

>  Financial reporting 

Under its terms of reference, the Audit 
Committee monitors the integrity of the 
Group’s financial statements and any 
formal announcements relating to the 
Group’s performance. Further details 
are set out on this page and the 
following page.

The Audit Committee met three times 
during 2013 and its agenda is linked to 
events in the Group’s financial calendar. 
The Committee meets privately with the 
external and with the internal auditors 
and Executive Directors are invited to 
attend meetings as required. In 2013  
the Audit Committee discharged its 
responsibilities by:

>  Reviewing the Group’s draft financial 

statements and interim results statement 
prior to Board approval and reviewing 
the external auditor’s reports thereon;

>  Debating the continuing 

appropriateness of the Group’s 
accounting policies;

>  Monitoring compliance  

with International Financial  
Reporting Standards; 

>  Challenging the output from the  

group-wide process used to identify, 
evaluate and mitigate risks;

>  Reviewing the effectiveness of the 

group’s internal controls and disclosures 
made in the Annual Report and financial 
statements on this matter;

>  Agreeing a programme of work for  

the Company’s internal audit function;

>   Discussing reports from the Head of 

Internal Audit on the work undertaken 
by Internal Audit and management 
responses to proposals made in the 
audit reports issued by the function 
during the year, ensuring that these 
responses are actioned and completed 
on a timely basis;

>  Agreeing the external auditor’s plan  
for the audit of the Group accounts 
which included confirmations of auditor 
independence and approval of the 
engagement letter; and

>   Reviewing and approving the audit fee 
and keeping the level of non-audit fees 
paid to the Group’s external auditor 
under review.

2013 FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS
Certain accounting policies have been 
identified as requiring key accounting 
judgements or involving particularly 
complex or subjective estimates  
or assumptions, which in turn have  
a significant effect on the amounts 
recognised in the financial statements. 
The Audit Committee receives a report 
from the Finance Director, in respect of 
each reported set of results, summarising 
the principal judgements taken by 
Executive Management. The Committee 
discusses and challenges these 
judgements and considers the report in 
conjunction with the results of the external 
audit process. For the 2013 financial 
statements, the Committee agrees the 
three most significant areas of judgement 
to be as follows: 

VALUATION OF TRADE 
RECEIVABLES
Trade receivables recorded in the Group’s 
balance sheet comprise a large number 
of individual balances. The Group 
reviews all trade receivables and 
provides against potentially irrecoverable 
items throughout the year. The Group’s 
Executive Management then reviews 
local judgements. Whilst every attempt  
is made to ensure that the allowance for 
doubtful trade receivables is as accurate 
as possible, there remains a risk that the 
allowance may not match the level of 
debt, which ultimately proves to be 
uncollectible. At 31 December 2013,  
the Group retained an allowance for 
doubtful trade receivables of £340,000, 
compared to £365,000 in 2012.  
Further details are set out in note 14.

The Audit Committee has access to details 
of individual receivables in excess of 
£50,000 during the year. The Committee 
reviews the analysis of the extent to which 
year-end balances have been settled in 
2014 to date, paying particular attention 
to receivables outwith terms. This is then 
considered against the level of allowance 
for doubtful trade receivables and based 
on this analysis, the Committee is of  
the view that the level of provision and  
the disclosures of items beyond terms  
was appropriate.

PENSION SCHEME DEFICIT
A net liability is recorded at each 
reporting date equivalent to the deficit  
on the Group’s defined benefit pension 
scheme. This liability is determined in 
conjunction with advice from the Pension 
Scheme actuary and the Group’s actuarial 
advisers and can fluctuate significantly 
based on a number of assumptions, some 
of which are linked to market-related 
factors outwith the control of management. 
The main actuarial assumptions that can 
impact the deficit are set out in note 25  
to the financial statements.

STRATEGIC REVIEW GOVERNANCEACCOUNTS SHAREHOLDERS 
  
32

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

CONSIDERATION  
OF OTHER MATTERS
The Committee debates a number of 
other areas as a matter of normal practice 
at each reporting period, but does not 
consider these matters to be of such 
significance as those referred to above. 

For the 2013 financial statements, those 
other areas included:

>  The amount and classification of 

exceptional items in the consolidated 
income statement;

>  The level of and basis for inventory 
provisions at 31 December 2013;

>  The level of provision made for any 

legal or other claims, whether covered 
by insurance or not; and

>  The disclosure of the principal terms  

of the new banking facilities.

For all of these other matters the  
Audit Committee is satisfied with the 
approach taken.

The Audit Committee has reviewed the 
contents of this year’s Annual Report and 
accounts and has advised the Board that, 
in its view, the report is fair, balanced  
and understandable and provides the 
information necessary for shareholders  
to assess the Group’s performance, 
business model and strategy.

The Audit Committee also monitors the 
Group’s arrangements by which staff  
may in confidence raise concerns about 
possible improprieties in matters of 
financial reporting and other areas 
including an external whistle-blowing 
service to take calls from employees.  
Brief details are included on the Group 
website (www.macfarlanegroup.com).  
All concerns will continue to be 
investigated at the earliest opportunity 
and the employee’s anonymity is 
preserved wherever possible.

RELATIONSHIP WITH 
EXTERNAL AUDIT
The Audit Committee is responsible for 
the development, implementation and 
monitoring of the Group’s position on 
external audit. The Committee’s terms of 
reference assign oversight responsibility 
for monitoring the independence, 
objectivity and compliance with ethical 
and regulatory requirements to the Audit 
Committee, and day–to-day responsibility 
to the Group Finance Director. The Audit 
Committee has ensured that the Board 
and external auditor have safeguards  
in place to prevent auditor’s 
independence and objectivity being 
compromised. The external auditor  
also reports to the Committee on the 
actions that it has taken to comply with 
professional and regulatory requirements 
and current best practice in order  
to maintain independence.

The Committee has considered the 
likelihood of a withdrawal of the auditor 
from the market and noted that there are 
no contractual obligations to restrict the 
choice of external auditor. In accordance 
with best practice guidelines the audit 
partner from the firm of the external 
auditor is required to rotate off the audit 
engagement every five years.

The Audit Committee monitors regularly 
the non-audit services provided to  
the Group by its external auditor. The 
Committee recognises that there will be 
certain non-audit work which the external 
auditor is best placed to undertake. 
Similarly there will be non-audit work in 
relation to the design of controls that the 
external auditors should not undertake. 

The Committee’s policy is to keep all 
services provided by the external auditor 
under review so as to ensure the 
independence and objectivity of the 
external auditor, taking account of 
relevant professional and regulatory 
requirements. As a matter of course all 
non-audit work over a certain level to be 
undertaken by the external auditors has 
to be approved by the Committee. Details 
of the amounts paid to the external 
auditor during the year for audit and 
other services are set out in note 3  
to the financial statements.

The Committee Chairman will be 
available to answer questions on  
any aspect of the Committee’s work  
at the AGM.

RISK MANAGEMENT AND 
INTERNAL CONTROL
The Board is responsible for the  
Group’s system of internal control and  
for reviewing its effectiveness. It is the role  
of management to implement the Board’s 
policies on risk and control through the 
design and operation of appropriate 
internal control systems. Such systems are 
designed to manage rather than eliminate 
the risk of failure to achieve business 
objectives and by their nature can only 
provide reasonable and not absolute 
assurance against material mis-statement 
or loss.

The Board confirms that an ongoing 
process for identifying, evaluating and 
managing the significant risks faced by 
the Group was in place in compliance 
with the guidance of the Turnbull Review 
Group. The process has been in place 
throughout the year under review and has 
continued to the date of approval of the 
Annual Report and financial statements. 

The Board regularly reviews the Group’s 
system of internal control. The Board’s 
monitoring covers all controls including 
financial, operational and compliance 
controls and risk management. 

The key elements of the internal control 
process are:

>  Formal Board reporting on a monthly 
basis by the Chief Executive and the 
Finance Director;

>  Formal Board approval of the  

annual budget;

>  Since 2009, the internal audit function 
has been sourced in-house. Certain 
parts of the internal audit plan may  
be outsourced when it is considered 
that specific expertise is required.  
The Committee challenges and agrees 
the annual plan proposed by Group 
management, receives copies of all 
reports and an update from the Head  
of internal audit on a six-monthly basis;

>  Monthly and annual financial  
control checklists submitted by  
each business unit;

>  Discussion by the Audit Committee of 

the external auditor’s conclusions in its 
annual audit and interim review; and

>  A formal risk assessment process as set 

out below.

During the course of its review of the 
system of internal control, the Board  
has not identified nor been advised  
of any failings or weaknesses which  
it has determined to be significant.  
No significant corrective actions  
are outstanding. 

Each business has a risk register which is 
kept under review during regular review 
meetings within these businesses. The 
Board considers the risk register every  
six months so that it can maintain an 
overview of risks facing the business and 
ensure management have identified and 
implemented appropriate controls to 
address these risks, which are acceptable 
to the Board. The risk register is taken  
into account in setting the internal audit 
programme each year.

The Directors have continued to review 
the effectiveness of the Group’s system  
of financial and non-financial controls.

DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2013 

33

The Directors are responsible for 
preparing the Annual Report and the 
Group and parent company financial 
statements in accordance with applicable 
law and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to 
prepare Group and parent company 
financial statements for each financial 
year. Under that law they are required  
to prepare the Group financial statements  
in accordance with IFRSs as adopted  
by the EU and applicable law and have 
elected to prepare the parent company  
financial statements in accordance  
with UK Accounting Standards and  
applicable law (UK Generally Accepted  
Accounting Practice).

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

>  Select suitable accounting policies and 

then apply them consistently;

>  Make judgements and estimates that 

are reasonable and prudent;

>  For the Group financial statements,  

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

>  For the parent company financial 

statements, state whether applicable 
UK Accounting Standards have been 
followed, subject to any material 
departures disclosed and explained  
in the parent company financial 
statements; and

>  Prepare the financial statements  

on the going concern basis unless  
it is inappropriate to presume that the 
Group and the parent company will 
continue in business.

The Directors are responsible for keeping 
adequate accounting records that are 
sufficient to show and explain the parent 
company’s transactions and disclose  
with reasonable accuracy at any time the 
financial position of the parent company 
and enable them to ensure that its 
financial statements comply with the 
Companies Act 2006. They have general 
responsibility for taking such steps as are 
reasonably open to them to safeguard the 
assets of the Group and to prevent and 
detect fraud and other irregularities.

Under applicable law and regulations, 
the Directors are also responsible for 
preparing a Directors’ Report, Directors’ 
Remuneration Report and Corporate 
Governance Statement that complies  
with that law and those regulations.

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

RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT 
We confirm that to the best of our 
knowledge:

>  The Financial Statements, prepared in 
accordance with the relevant financial 
reporting framework, give a true and 
fair view of the assets, liabilities, 
financial position and profit or loss  
of the Company and the undertakings 
included in the consolidation taken  
as a whole; and

>  The Strategic Review, which is 

incorporated into the Directors’  
Report, includes a fair review of  
the development and performance  
of the business and the position of  
the Company and the undertakings 
included in the consolidation taken  
as a whole, together with a description 
of the principal risks and uncertainties 
that they face.

By order of the Board 

Peter D. Atkinson  John Love 
Chief Executive 

Finance Director 

27 February 2014 

27 February 2014

STRATEGIC REVIEW GOVERNANCEACCOUNTS SHAREHOLDERS 
  
 
 
34

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE 
MEMBERS OF MACFARLANE GROUP PLC

OPINIONS AND 
CONCLUSIONS ARISING 
FROM OUR AUDIT 
OUR OPINION ON THE FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS IS UNMODIFIED
We have audited the financial statements 
of Macfarlane Group PLC for the year 
ended 31 December 2013 set out on 
pages 36 to 71. In our opinion:

>  the financial statements give a true and 
fair view of the state of the Group’s and 
of the parent company’s affairs as at  
31 December 2013 and of the Group’s 
profit for the year then ended;

>  the Group financial statements have 

been properly prepared in accordance 
with International Financial Reporting 
Standards as adopted by the  
European Union;

>  the parent company financial 

statements have been properly 
prepared in accordance with UK 
Accounting Standards; and

>  the financial statements have been 
prepared in accordance with the 
requirements of the Companies Act 
2006 and, as regards the Group 
financial statements, Article 4 of the  
IAS Regulation.

OUR ASSESSMENT OF RISKS  
OF MATERIAL MISSTATEMENT
In arriving at our audit opinion above  
on the financial statements the risks  
of material misstatement that had  
the greatest effect on our audit were  
as follows:

Valuation of trade receivables 
£30,025,000 
Refer to page 31 (Audit Committee 
statement), page 42 (accounting policy) 
and note 14 (financial disclosures).

>  The risk – The Group has significant 

trade receivables with customers and  
in the current economic climate there 
remains a heightened risk of customer 
insolvency and a consequential risk 
over the recoverability of the Group’s 
trade receivables.

>  Our response – Our audit procedures 
included, among others, testing the 
design and operating effectiveness of  
a selection of the Group’s controls over 
the receivables’ collection processes. 
This included considering the Group’s 
credit control processes over aged 
receivables and customer credit 
approvals. For a sample of customer 
balances, we compared the amount  
of cash received after the year-end 
against the year-end ledger balances. 
We tested the adequacy of the Group’s 
provisions against trade receivables  
by assessing the relevant assumptions 
of the level of provision judged 
appropriate by management for each 
category of aged debt, with reference 
to the profile of aged debts at the 
balance sheet date compared with 
equivalent data observed subsequent  
to and at prior year ends. We have  
also considered the adequacy of the 
Group’s disclosures about the degree  
of estimation involved in arriving  
at the provisions for the impairment  
of receivables.

Valuation of pension scheme 
deficit £15,896,000 
Refer to page 31 (Audit Committee 
statement), page 41 (accounting policy) 
and note 25 (financial disclosures).

>  The risk – Significant assumptions  

and estimates are made in valuing the 
Group’s post-retirement defined benefit 
scheme and small changes in the 
assumptions and estimates used to value 
the Group’s net pension deficit would 
have a significant effect on the results 
and financial position of the Group due 
to the size of the deficit in comparison 
to the net assets of the Group.

>  Our response – Our audit procedures 
included, among others, utilising our 
own internal actuarial specialists to 
consider the appropriateness of key 
assumptions used in deriving the value 
of the scheme’s liabilities, by comparing 
these both with internal actuarial 
indicators which have been 
benchmarked against current market 
practice and assumptions used by other 
groups with similar defined benefit 
pension schemes. We performed an 
assessment of the independence and 
competence of the external actuaries 
engaged by the Group to produce  
the actuarial valuation of the scheme 
liabilities. We also considered the 
adequacy of the Group’s disclosures  
in respect of the sensitivity of the deficit 
to these assumptions.

Valuation of goodwill 
£24,149,000 
Refer to page 31 (Audit Committee 
statement), page 41 (accounting policy) 
and note 10 (financial disclosures).

>  The risk – There is a risk that the Group’s 
goodwill balance is not recoverable 
due to weak demand in certain markets. 
Due to the inherent uncertainty involved 
in forecasting and discounting future 
cash flows, which form the basis for the 
assessment of recoverability, this is one 
of the key judgemental areas that our 
audit is focused on.

>  Our response – In this area our audit 
procedures included, among others,  
an assessment of the assumptions  
and methodologies used by the Group,  
in particular those relating to projected 
revenue growth. We compared the 
Group’s assumptions to external data in 
relation to key inputs such as projected 
economic growth, cost inflation and 
discount rates and applied sensitivities 
in assessing whether the Group’s 
assumptions are reasonable. We 
considered the historical accuracy of 
the Group’s cashflow forecasts, taking 
into account changes in market 
conditions. We also assessed whether 
the Group’s disclosures about the 
sensitivity of the outcome of the 
impairment assessment to changes  
in key assumptions properly reflected 
the risks inherent in the valuation  
of goodwill.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2013 

35

OUR APPLICATION OF 
MATERIALITY AND AN 
OVERVIEW OF THE SCOPE 
OF OUR AUDIT
The materiality for the Group financial 
statements as a whole was set at 
£400,000. This has been determined 
with reference to a benchmark of Group 
profit before taxation (of which it 
represents 8.5%) which we consider to  
be one of the principal considerations  
for members of the Company in assessing 
the financial performance of the Group. 

We agreed with the Audit Committee to 
report to it all corrected and uncorrected 
misstatements we identified through our 
audit with a value in excess of £20,000, 
in addition to other audit misstatements 
below that threshold that we believe 
warranted reporting on qualitative 
grounds.

The Group audit team performed the 
audit of the Group as if it was a single 
aggregated set of financial information, 
with the exception of an immaterial 
component in Sweden. The audit was 
performed using the materiality levels  
set out above and covered 98% of total 
Group revenue, 94% of Group profit 
before taxation, and 99% of total 
Group assets. 

OUR OPINION ON OTHER 
MATTERS PRESCRIBED BY  
THE COMPANIES ACT 2006  
IS UNMODIFIED
In our opinion: 

>  the part of the Directors’ Remuneration 
Report to be audited has been properly 
prepared in accordance with the 
Companies Act 2006; and

>  the information given in the Strategic 

Report and the Directors’ Report for the 
financial year for which the financial 
statements are prepared is consistent 
with the financial statements.

WE HAVE NOTHING TO 
REPORT IN RESPECT OF THE 
MATTERS ON WHICH WE 
ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT 
BY EXCEPTION
Under ISAs (UK and Ireland) we are 
required to report to you if, based on the 
knowledge we acquired during our audit, 
we have identified other information in 
the Annual Report that contains a material 
inconsistency with either that knowledge 
or the financial statements, a material 
misstatement of fact, or that is otherwise 
misleading.

In particular, we are required to report  
to you if:

>  we have identified material 

inconsistencies between the knowledge 
we acquired during our audit and the 
Directors’ statement that they consider 
that the Annual Report and financial 
statements taken as a whole is fair, 
balanced and understandable and 
provides the information necessary for 
shareholders to assess the Group’s 
performance, business model and 
strategy; or

>  the section of the Annual Report 

describing the work of the Group Audit 
Committee does not appropriately 
address matters communicated by  
us to the Audit Committee.

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are 
required to report to you if, in our opinion:

>  adequate accounting records have not 
been kept by the parent company, or 
returns adequate for our audit have not 
been received from branches not visited 
by us; or

>  the parent company financial 

statements and the part of the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report to be audited are 
not in agreement with the accounting 
records and returns; or

>  certain disclosures of Directors’ 
remuneration specified by law  
are not made; or

>  we have not received all the 

information and explanations  
we require for our audit.

Under the Listing Rules we are required  
to review:

>  the Directors’ statement, set out on  

page 40, in relation to going concern;

>  the part of the Corporate Governance 

Statement on pages 28 and 29 relating 
to the company’s compliance with the 
nine provisions of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code 2010 specified for 
our review. 

We have nothing to report in respect  
of the above responsibilities.

SCOPE AND 
RESPONSIBILITIES
As explained more fully in the Directors’ 
Responsibilities Statement set out on page 
33, the Directors are responsible for the 
preparation of the financial statements 
and for being satisfied that they give  
a true and fair view. A description of the 
scope of an audit of financial statements 
is provided on the Financial Reporting 
Council’s website at www.frc.org.uk/
auditscopeukprivate. This report is made 
solely to the Company’s members  
as a body and is subject to important 
explanations and disclaimers regarding 
our responsibilities, published on our 
website at www.kpmg.com/uk/
auditscopeukco2013a, which are 
incorporated into this report as if set  
out in full and should be read to provide 
an understanding of the purpose of this 
report, the work we have undertaken  
and the basis of our opinions.

Craig Anderson  
(Senior Statutory Auditor) 
for and on behalf of KPMG Audit Plc, 
Statutory Auditor 
Chartered Accountants  
191 West George Street 
Glasgow G2 2L J

27 February 2014

STRATEGIC REVIEW GOVERNANCEACCOUNTS SHAREHOLDERS 
  
36

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

CONTINUING OPERATIONS

Revenue

Cost of sales

GROSS PROFIT

Distribution costs

Administrative expenses

OPERATING PROFIT

Net finance costs

PROFIT BEFORE TAX

Tax

RESULTS BEFORE
EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS
£000

EXCEPTIONAL
ITEMS
£000
SEE NOTE 2(C)

RESULTS BEFORE
EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS
£000
AS RESTATED
(SEE NOTE 1)

2013 
£000

EXCEPTIONAL
ITEMS
£000
SEE NOTE 2(E)

2012 
£000
AS RESTATED
(SEE NOTE 1)

143,871

(98,983)

44,888

(7,458)

(31,179)

6,251

–

–

–

–

(336)

(336)

143,871

(98,983)

141,823

(96,510)

44,888

(7,458)

(31,515)

45,313

(7,382)

(32,097)

5,915

5,834

–

–

–

–

993

993

141,823

(96,510)

45,313

(7,382)

(31,104)

6,827

(1,199)

–

(1,199)

(1,349)

–

(1,349)

5,052

(1,265)

(336)

5

4,716

(1,260)

4,485

(1,223)

993

(390)

5,478

(1,613)

NOTE

2

2, 3

5

6

PROFIT FOR THE YEAR

7, 21

3,787

(331)

3,456

3,262

603

3,865

EARNINGS PER SHARE 

9

Basic

Diluted

3.32p

(0.29p)

3.03p

2.87p

0.53p

3.40p

3.31p

(0.29p)

3.02p

2.87p

0.53p

3.40p

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this consolidated income statement.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2013 

37

Foreign currency translation differences – foreign operations

Remeasurement of pension scheme liability
Tax recognised in other comprehensive income
  Tax on remeasurement of pension scheme liability
  Long-term corporation tax rate change

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(EXPENSE) FOR THE YEAR, NET OF TAX
Profit for the year

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

AT 1 JANUARY 2012
Profit for the year
Dividends
Foreign currency translation differences – 

foreign operations 

Remeasurement of pension scheme  

liability

Tax recognised in other  
  comprehensive income 
Tax on remeasurement of pension  
  scheme liability
Long-term corporation tax rate change

AT 31 DECEMBER 2012

Profit for the year
Dividends
Foreign currency translation differences – 

foreign operations 

Transfer of own shares to  
  pension scheme
Remeasurement of pension  
  scheme liability
Tax recognised in other  
  comprehensive income 
Tax on remeasurement of pension  
  scheme liability
Long-term corporation tax rate change

8

21

25

19
19

8

21

21

25

19
19

NOTE

SHARE
CAPITAL
£000

REVALUATION
RESERVE
£000

28,755
–
–

–

–

–
–

70
–
–

–

–

–
–

OWN
SHARES
£000

(810)
–
–

–

–

–
–

28,755

70

(810)

–
–

–

–

–

–
–

–
–

–

–

–

–
–

–
–

–

499

–

–
–

NOTE

21

25

19
19

2013
£000

40

2012
£000
AS RESTATED 
(SEE NOTE 1)

(63)

1,177

(1,776)

(271)
(476)

470
3,456

3,926

403
(365)

(1,801)
3,865

2,064

TRANSLATION
RESERVE
£000

246
–
–

(63)

–

–
–

183

–
–

40

–

–

–
–

RETAINED
EARNINGS
£000
AS RESTATED
(SEE NOTE 1)

(4,546)
3,865
(1,761)

TOTAL
£000
AS RESTATED
(SEE NOTE 1)

23,715
3,865
(1,761)

–

(63)

(1,776)

(1,776)

403
(365)

(4,180)

3,456
(1,774)

–

(245)

1,177

403
(365)

24,018

3,456
(1,774)

40

254

1,177

(271)
(476)

(271)
(476)

AT 31 DECEMBER 2013

28,755

70

(311)

223

(2,313)

26,424

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this consolidated statement of changes in equity.

STRATEGIC REVIEW GOVERNANCEACCOUNTS SHAREHOLDERS 
  
 
 
 
38

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
AT 31 DECEMBER 2013

ASSETS
NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Trade and other receivables
Deferred tax asset

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

TOTAL ASSETS

LIABILITIES
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Trade and other payables
Current tax liabilities
Provisions
Finance lease liabilities
Bank borrowings

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

NET CURRENT ASSETS

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
Retirement benefit obligations
Deferred tax liabilities
Provisions
Trade and other payables
Finance lease liabilities

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

TOTAL LIABILITIES

NET ASSETS

EQUITY
Share capital
Revaluation reserve
Own shares
Translation reserve
Retained earnings

TOTAL EQUITY

NOTE

2013 
£000

2012 
£000

10
11
14
19

13
14
15

2

16

17
18
15

25
19
17
16
18

2

2

20
21
21
21
21

25,415
7,281
1,651
3,628

37,975

7,931
35,481
477

43,889

25,710
7,718
1,783
4,906

40,117

8,120
34,515
289

42,924

81,864

83,041

32,346
435
82
33
6,359

39,255

31,705
256
332
126
6,954

39,373

4,634

3,551

15,896
253
–
36
–

18,898
381
250
88
33

16,185

19,650

55,440

59,023

26,424

24,018

28,755
70
(311)
223
(2,313)

26,424

28,755
70
(810)
183
(4,180)

24,018

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this consolidated balance sheet.

The financial statements of Macfarlane Group PLC, company registration number SC004221, were approved by the Board of Directors  
on 27 February 2014 and signed on its behalf by

Peter D. Atkinson 
Chief Executive 

John Love
Finance Director

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

NET CASH INFLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Interest received
Disposal of subsidiary undertaking
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Purchases of property, plant and equipment

NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Dividends paid
Repayments of finance lease liabilities

NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this consolidated cash flow statement.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2013 

39

NOTE

22

2013 
£000

2012 
£000

3,427

3,330

–
–
30
(774)

(744)

31
25
3
(825)

(766)

(1,774)
(126)

(1,761)
(233)

(1,900)

(1,994)

783

(665)

118

570

(1,235)

(665)

8

22

STRATEGIC REVIEW GOVERNANCEACCOUNTS SHAREHOLDERS 
  
40

ACCOUNTING POLICIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES

In preparing the Group financial statements in conformity with IFRSs, the Directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that 
impact the carrying amounts of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities, that are not readily apparent from other sources. The judgements, estimates 
and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from 
these estimates.

Judgements, assumptions and estimation uncertainties
In preparing these consolidated financial statements, management has made judgements, estimates and assumptions, which affect the application  
of the Group’s accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ from the amounts 
estimated. Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to estimates are recognised prospectively.

Information about judgements, assumptions and estimation uncertainties made in applying accounting policies that have the most significant effect  
on the amounts recognised in the consolidated financial statements and therefore have the most significant risk of resulting in a material adjustment 
for calendar year 2013 is included in the following notes:

Note 14  Trade and Other Receivables: the provision for doubtful receivables is based on judgmental estimates over the recoverable amounts;

Note 25  Retirement Benefit Obligations: the valuation of the pension deficit is affected by key actuarial assumptions; and

Note 10   Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: the impairment test of the valuation of goodwill is affected by key assumptions such as the discount 

rate and revenue growth rate.

The following accounting policies have been applied consistently for items which are considered to be material in relation to the financial statements.

(a) Basis of accounting
The financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards  
(IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union and therefore the Group financial statements comply with Article 4 of the EU IAS Regulation.

The following adopted IFRSs have been issued but have not been applied by the Group in these financial statements:

>  IFRS 10 

>  IFRS 11 

>  IFRS 12 

>  IAS 27 

>  IAS 28 

 Consolidated Financial Statements; 

 Joint Arrangements; 

 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities; 

 Separate Financial Statements; 

 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures;

>  IAS 32 (amended) 

 Financial Instruments: Presentations;

>  IAS 36 (amended) 

 Impairment of assets; and

>  IAS 39 (amended) 

 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement.

The Directors do not expect that the adoption of the standards listed above will have a significant impact on the financial statements of the Group in 
future periods. The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis. The revaluation reserve relates to a period before transition 
to IFRS.

Going concern
The Directors, in their consideration of going concern, have reviewed the Group’s future cash flow forecasts and profit projections, which they believe 
are based on prudent market data and past experience. The Group’s business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future 
development, performance and financial position are set out in the Strategic Review on pages 4 to 16.

The Group’s principal financial risks in the medium term relate to liquidity and credit risk. Liquidity risk is managed by ensuring that the Group’s  
day-to-day working capital requirements are met by having access to banking facilities with suitable terms and conditions to accommodate the 
requirements of the Group’s operations. Credit risk is managed by applying considerable rigour in managing the Group’s trade receivables.  
The Directors believe that the Group is adequately placed to manage its financial risks effectively despite the current uncertain economic outlook.

The Group agreed a new debt facility with Lloyds Banking Group PLC comprising a three-year committed borrowing facility of up to £20 million,  
in place until February 2017. The facility bears interest at normal commercial rates and carries standard financial covenants in relation to interest 
cover and levels of headroom over trade receivables.

The Directors are of the opinion that the Group’s cash flow forecasts and revenue projections, which they believe are based on prudent market data 
and past experience taking account of reasonably possible changes in trading performance given current market and economic conditions, show 
that the Group should be able to operate within its current facilities and comply with its banking covenants.

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

(b) Basis of consolidation
The consolidated income statement and the consolidated balance sheet include the financial statements of the parent company and its subsidiaries 
(all of which are wholly-owned) made up to the end of the financial year. Transactions between group companies are eliminated on consolidation.

On acquisition, the assets and liabilities of a subsidiary are measured at their fair values at the effective date of acquisition (the date control is 
acquired). Any excess of the cost of acquisition over the fair values of the identifiable net assets is recognised as goodwill.

The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the period are included in the consolidated income statement from the effective date  
of acquisition or up to the effective date of disposal. The consolidated gain or loss on disposal of a subsidiary is the difference between the net 
proceeds of sale and the Group’s share of the subsidiary’s net assets together with the carrying value of any related goodwill at the effective date  
of disposal.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2013 

41

(c) Goodwill and other intangible assets
Goodwill arising in a business combination is recognised as an asset and represents the excess of the cost of acquisition over the net fair values  
of the identifiable assets and liabilities of the acquired subsidiary at the effective date of acquisition.

Goodwill is allocated to cash generating units (“CGUs”) expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination, for the purpose of impairment 
testing. The carrying value of goodwill for each CGU is considered annually and also reviewed where management has reason to believe that  
a change in circumstances may give rise to any impairment.

Other intangible assets comprise separately identifiable intangible assets recognised on the acquisitions of subsidiary companies. They are recorded 
at fair value on acquisition less any subsequent impairment. These are primarily brand values, which are calculated on the Relief From Royalty 
method, and customer relationship values, which are calculated on the excess earnings method based on the net anticipated earnings stream.  
Brand values are amortised on a straight-line basis over five years and customer relationships are amortised on a straight-line basis over ten years.

(d) Revenue recognition
Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable and represents amounts receivable for goods and services provided 
to third parties in the normal course of business, net of discounts, VAT and other sales related taxes. Revenue from the sale of goods and services is 
recognised when the Group has transferred the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods and services to the customer, the amount of 
revenue and the costs related thereto can be measured reliably and it is probable that the economic benefits of the transaction will flow to the Group.

Investment income is recognised where it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Group and the amount of revenue can be  
measured reliably.

(e) Leasing
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 held under finance leases are recognised as tangible assets of the Group at their fair value 
as determined at the inception of the lease. Depreciation is provided in accordance with the Group’s accounting policy for the class of tangible asset 
concerned. Interest costs are charged over the lease term and future obligations, comprising the corresponding liability to the lessor, are included  
in the balance sheet as finance lease liabilities.

Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease. Incentives  
to enter into an operating lease are initially recorded as a liability and then treated as a reduction in the rental expense on a straight-line basis over 
the lease term.

(f) Foreign currencies
The financial statements of each subsidiary are presented in the currency of the primary economic environment in which the business operates  
(its functional currency). For the purposes of preparing the Group financial statements, the results and the financial position of each business are 
expressed in Sterling, being the Company’s functional currency. Exchange differences arising on the settlement and retranslation of monetary items 
on an ongoing basis are included in the profit or loss in the income statement for the period.

Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and financial statements of foreign subsidiaries are translated into Sterling at the rates of 
exchange prevailing on the balance sheet date. Exchange differences arising in the consolidated accounts on the retranslation at closing rates of the 
Group’s net investments in foreign subsidiary companies are recorded as movements on the Group’s translation reserve and reported in the statement 
of comprehensive income/(expense). Such translation differences are recognised as part of the profit or loss in the period in which the foreign 
business is disposed of.

(g) Retirement benefit costs
For defined benefit retirement benefit schemes, the cost of providing benefits is determined using the Projected Unit Credit Method, with actuarial 
valuations being carried out triennially and updated at each balance sheet date. Actuarial gains and losses are recognised in full in the period in 
which they occur in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income/(expense). Past service cost is recognised immediately to the extent that 
benefits are already vested and otherwise is amortised on a straight-line basis over the average period until the benefits become vested.

Settlement gains represent the excess of the current value of the retirement obligation extinguished over the transfer value paid to extinguish the 
liability. Curtailment gains, which are recognised in the consolidated income statement, represent the reduction in value of the retirement obligations 
achieved following a change in benefits put forward by the Company but only after trustee approval to any necessary rule changes has been effected.

The retirement benefit obligation recognised in the balance sheet represents the present value of the defined benefit obligation as adjusted for 
unrecognised past service cost and as reduced by the fair value of the scheme assets. The obligations are measured on an actuarial basis and 
discounted at a rate equivalent to the current rate of return on a high quality corporate bond of equivalent currency and term to the scheme’s liabilities.

Payments made to defined contribution schemes are charged as an expense in the income statement as they fall due.

(h) Taxation
The tax expense represents the sum of the current tax payable and deferred tax.

The tax currently payable is based on the taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from profit before tax as reported in the consolidated 
income statement because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are 
never taxable or deductible. The current tax liability is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance 
sheet date.

Deferred tax balances represent the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities 
in the financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit, and is accounted for using the balance sheet 
liability method. 

The carrying value of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient 
taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered.

Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences.

Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised based on tax 
laws and rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the consolidated 
income statement, except when it relates to items charged or credited in other comprehensive income, in which case the deferred tax is also recorded 
in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income/(expense).

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are not discounted.

STRATEGIC REVIEW GOVERNANCEACCOUNTS SHAREHOLDERS 
  
42

ACCOUNTING POLICIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

(i) Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Assets revalued before the date of transition to IFRS have been recorded at deemed cost.

No depreciation is provided on land. Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost of the assets, less their estimated residual values, by equal 
annual instalments over their estimated useful lives. The rates of depreciation use the straight-line method and vary between 2% – 5% per annum on 
buildings and 7% – 33% per annum on plant and equipment. Rates of depreciation are reviewed annually to ensure they remain relevant and 
residual values are reviewed once in each calendar year.

The gain or loss arising on the disposal or scrapping of an asset is determined as the difference between the sales proceeds and the carrying value 
of the asset and is recognised in the consolidated income statement.

(j) Inventories
Inventories are consistently stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. 

Cost represents average cost and is stated less any provisions required for obsolescence. In the case of work in progress and finished goods, cost 
comprises direct materials, direct labour costs and attributable overheads that have been incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location 
and condition. Net realisable value is based on the estimated selling price, less any further costs expected to be incurred to completion and disposal.

(k) Financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised in the Group’s balance sheet when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions 
of the instrument.

FINANCIAL ASSETS
Financial assets, categorised as investments, are recognised and derecognised on the effective date where the purchase or sale of an investment  
is under a contract whose terms require the delivery of the investment within the timeframe established and are initially measured at fair value,  
net of transactions costs except for those financial assets classified at fair value through the consolidated income statement which are initially 
measured at fair value.

Other financial assets comprise trade and other receivables that have fixed or determinable recoveries and are classified as trade and other receivables. 
The classification takes account of the nature and purpose of the financial assets and is determined on initial recognition. Trade and other receivables 
are measured at amortised cost less impairment.

IMPAIRMENT OF FINANCIAL ASSETS
Financial assets are assessed for indicators of impairment at each balance sheet date. Financial assets are impaired when there is objective evidence 
that as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash flows have been 
impacted. For trade receivables the amount of the impairment is the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of 
estimated future cash flows.

The carrying amount of the financial asset is reduced by the impairment loss directly for all financial assets with the exception of trade receivables 
where the carrying amount is reduced through the use of an allowance account. When a trade receivable is uncollectible, it is written off against the 
allowance account. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited against the allowance account. Changes in the carrying 
value of the allowance account are recognised in the consolidated income statement.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and on demand deposits, readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to 
insignificant risk of changes in value.

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified as either financial liabilities or as equity in accordance with the substance of the contractual 
arrangements.

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES
Financial liabilities comprise solely other financial liabilities under the terms of IFRS 7. Financial liabilities, including borrowings, are initially measured 
at fair value, net of transaction costs. Other financial liabilities are subsequently measured at amortised cost, with interest expense measured on an 
effective yield basis.

EQUITY INSTRUMENTS
An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the Group after deducting all of its liabilities. Equity instruments 
issued by the Group are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
During both the current and prior year, the Group did not enter into any derivative financial instruments.

(l) Provisions
The Group has a small number of surplus properties, held under operating leases, where it seeks to obtain rental income from a sub-lease to cover its 
ongoing liabilities under the head lease. In the event that a property held under one of these leases becomes vacant due to the expiry of a sub-lease 
or the default of a tenant, every effort is made to attract a new tenant. The Company reassesses the provision made for residual lease commitments 
together with other outgoings for dilapidations, after taking into account existing sub-tenant arrangements and assumptions relating to later periods 
of vacancy and if there is likely to be a rental void for a period of time, then a provision is made at each balance sheet date to cover management’s 
best estimate of the future cost of the likely void period.

(m) Share-based payments
The Group grants equity-settled share-based payments to certain employees. Equity settled share-based payments are measured at fair value of the 
equity instruments at the date of the grant. The fair value determined at the grant date of the equity-settled share-based payments is expensed as an 
employee benefits expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the Group’s estimate of shares that will eventually vest. The fair 
value is determined by the use of a binomial model with the expected life adjusted, based on management’s best estimate, for the effects of non-
transferability, exercise restrictions and behavioural considerations. Details regarding the determination of the fair value of equity-settled share-based 
transactions are set out in note 24.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2013 

43

1. RESTATEMENT OF PRIOR YEAR

In the current financial year the application of IAS19 (R) impacts the measurement of the various components representing movements in the retirement 
benefit obligations and associated disclosures, but not the Group’s total retirement benefit obligations. Following the replacement of expected returns on 
pension scheme assets with a net finance cost in the consolidated income statement, the profit for the year reduces and accordingly other comprehensive 
income increases.

This change has been applied retrospectively and accordingly the comparative figures have been restated for the year ended 31 December 2012.  
The effect is to increase the interest expense on retirement benefit obligations recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement by £429,000 in that 
year and to reduce the remeasurement of the pension scheme liability recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income by the same 
amount as set out in the table below. 

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
FINANCE INCOME AND FINANCE COSTS (AS PREVIOUSLY REPORTED)
Expected return on pension scheme assets
Interest cost of pension scheme liabilities

Net interest cost of pension scheme liabilities

FINANCE INCOME AND FINANCE COSTS (AS RESTATED)
Net interest expense on retirement benefit obligation

Impact on finance costs and profit before taxation

TAX

Adjustment to deferred tax thereon

IMPACT ON PROFIT FOR THE YEAR

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
REMEASUREMENT OF PENSION SCHEME LIABILITY
Previously shown as
Now shown as

IMPACT ON REMEASUREMENT OF PENSION SCHEME LIABILITY

TAX
Adjustment to deferred tax thereon

IMPACT ON COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(EXPENSE) FOR THE YEAR

There was no impact on the retirement benefit obligations or net asset position recorded on the balance sheet at 31 December 2012.

As in previous years, all scheme administration costs continue to be met by the Company.

2012 
£000

2,685
(3,186)

(501)

(930)

(429)

104

(325)

(2,205)
(1,776)

429

(104)

325

STRATEGIC REVIEW GOVERNANCEACCOUNTS SHAREHOLDERS 
  
44

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

2. BUSINESS AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS

(a) Business Segments

The Group adopted IFRS 8 “Operating Segments” with effect from 1 January 2009.

The Group’s principal business segment is Packaging Distribution, comprising the distribution of packaging materials and supply of storage and 
warehousing services in the UK. This constitutes over 80% of the revenue and income of Group operations. As permitted by IFRS 8, the Group has 
elected to combine the remaining operations for the manufacture and supply of self-adhesive labels to a variety of FMCG customers in the UK and Europe, 
the manufacture and supply of resealable labels to a variety of FMCG customers in the UK, Europe and the USA and the design, manufacture and 
assembly of timber, corrugated and foam-based packaging materials in the UK into one segment headed Manufacturing Operations. None of the 
individual business segments within Manufacturing Operations represent more than 10% of Group revenue or income.

EXTERNAL REVENUES FROM MAJOR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Packaging Distribution
Manufacture and supply of self-adhesive labels
Manufacture and supply of resealable labels
Design, manufacture and assembly of timber, corrugated and foam-based packaging materials

EXTERNAL REVENUES FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

(b) Segmental information 2013

GROUP SEGMENT
Packaging Distribution
Manufacturing Operations

Continuing operations

OPERATING PROFIT
Net finance costs

PROFIT BEFORE TAX
Tax

TOTAL
REVENUE
£000

INTER-SEGMENT
REVENUE
£000

116,280
32,180

148,460

–
4,589

4,589

2013
£000

116,280
11,532
6,469
9,590

143,871

EXTERNAL
REVENUE
£000

116,280
27,591

143,871

PROFIT FOR THE YEAR FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

Inter-segment revenues are charged at prevailing market prices.

GROUP SEGMENT
Packaging Distribution
Manufacturing Operations

Continuing operations

CAPITAL
ADDITIONS
£000

DEPRECIATION/
AMORTISATION
£000

476
298

774

843
488

1,331

SEGMENT
ASSETS
£000

68,493
13,371

81,864

SEGMENT
LIABILITIES
£000

48,544
6,896

55,440

2012
£000

114,807
11,653
5,728
9,635

141,823

SEGMENT
RESULT
£000

4,918
997

5,915
(1,199)

4,716
(1,260)

3,456

NET
ASSETS
£000

19,949
6,475

26,424

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2013 

45

2. BUSINESS AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS (CONTINUED)
(c) Exceptional items 2013

Property costs

NET EXCEPTIONAL CHARGE 2013

PACKAGING
 DISTRIBUTION 
£000

MANUFACTURING
 OPERATIONS 
£000

(42)

(42)

(294)

(294)

2013 
TOTAL 
£000

(336)

(336)

During 2013 the Group incurred exceptional costs of £0.3 million to terminate the leases for surplus properties to minimise future costs and took  
a write-down against its owned property to reflect the latest assessment of realisable value. 

Exceptional items are those transactions material to the income statement where separate disclosure is necessary for an appropriate understanding  
of the Group’s financial performance.

(d) Segmental information 2012

GROUP SEGMENT
Packaging Distribution
Manufacturing Operations

Continuing operations

OPERATING PROFIT
Net finance costs

PROFIT BEFORE TAX
Tax

PROFIT FOR THE YEAR FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

GROUP SEGMENT
Packaging Distribution
Manufacturing Operations

Continuing operations

(e) Exceptional items 2012

PENSION SCHEME
Pension Increase Exchange exercise (see note 25)
Related professional costs

TOTAL
REVENUE
£000

INTER-SEGMENT
REVENUE
£000

114,807
31,475

146,282

–
4,459

4,459

EXTERNAL
REVENUE
£000

114,807
27,016

141,823

CAPITAL
ADDITIONS
£000

DEPRECIATION/
AMORTISATION
£000

699
126

825

784
542

1,326

SEGMENT
ASSETS
£000

69,054
13,987

83,041

SEGMENT
LIABILITIES
£000

50,868
8,155

59,023

PACKAGING
 DISTRIBUTION 
£000

MANUFACTURING
 OPERATIONS 
£000

872
(96)

776
–

776

983
(109)

874
(657)

217

SEGMENT 
RESULT
£000

5,643
1,184

6,827
(1,349)

5,478
(1,613)

3,865

NET
ASSETS
£000

18,186
5,832

24,018

2012 
TOTAL 
£000

1,855
(205)

1,650
(657)

993

PROVISIONS FOR CLOSURE COSTS OF DUBLIN MANUFACTURING SITE

NET EXCEPTIONAL CREDIT 2012

In 2012, Macfarlane Group PLC made a Pension Increase Exchange (“PIE”) offer to pensioner members at 1 May 2012 and provided a PIE option for 
deferred and active members after 1 May 2012. As a result of both of these actions, a gain of £1.65 million was recorded in 2012. This was offset by  
a reorganisation of our Labels business in Ireland, which gave rise to an exceptional charge of £0.66 million.

STRATEGIC REVIEW GOVERNANCEACCOUNTS SHAREHOLDERS 
  
 
46

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

2. BUSINESS AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS (CONTINUED)

(f) Geographical segments
The Group’s operations are primarily located in the UK and Europe. Packaging Distribution’s activities are primarily in the UK. Within the Manufacturing 
Operations, the Labels businesses operate in the UK, Europe and the USA and the Packaging Manufacturing business operates primarily in the UK.

REVENUE
Total revenue

RESULT
Segment operating result

CONTINUING OPERATIONS
EUROPE 
£000

UK 
£000

2013
TOTAL 
£000

CONTINUING OPERATIONS
EUROPE 
£000

UK 
£000

2012
TOTAL
£000

140,375

3,496

143,871

138,966

2,857

141,823

6,105

(190)

5,915

7,295

(468)

6,827

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

36,119

1,856

37,975

38,191

1,926

40,117

CAPITAL ADDITIONS

702

72

774

814

11

825

(g) Information about major customers
No single customer accounts for more than 5% of the Group’s external revenues.

3. OPERATING PROFIT 

OPERATING PROFIT HAS BEEN ARRIVED AT AFTER CHARGING:

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (see note 11)
Amortisation of intangible assets (see note 10b)
Staff costs (see note 4)
Impairment loss recognised on trade receivables
Cost of inventories recognised as an expense
Write-down of inventories recognised as an expense
Auditor’s remuneration
  Audit services
  Non-audit services

AUDITOR’S REMUNERATION:

A detailed analysis of auditor’s remuneration is provided below:

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

TOTAL AUDIT FEES

Audit related assurance services for review of half-year statements
Taxation advisory services
All other assurance services
  Fees payable in respect of the audit of the Macfarlane Group PLC pension schemes
All other non-audit services

 Fees for advice in relation to exercises for final salary pension scheme
(included in £205k costs for PIE exercise (see note 2e)

   Other pension related advice

TOTAL NON-AUDIT FEES

TOTAL FEES PAID TO AUDITOR

2013
£000

1,036
295
22,524
35
95,787
47

2012
£000

1,020
306
22,893
271
93,417
227

95
34

2013
£000

30

65

95

16
3

9

–
6

34

129

93
78

2012
£000

30

63

93

15
9

5

49
–

78

171

 
 
4. STAFF COSTS

The average monthly number of employees was:

Production
Sales and distribution
Administration

The costs incurred in respect of these employees were:

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs

5. NET FINANCE COSTS

Interest on bank overdrafts
Interest on obligations under finance leases
Net interest expense on retirement benefit obligation (see note 25)

TOTAL FINANCE COSTS

Investment income

TOTAL FINANCE INCOME

NET FINANCE COSTS

6. TAX

CURRENT TAX
United Kingdom corporation tax at 23.25% (2012: 24.50%)
Foreign tax

CURRENT TAX CHARGE

DEFERRED TAX
Current year charge

DEFERRED TAXATION CHARGE (see note 19)

TOTAL TAX CHARGE

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2013 

47

2013 
NO.

178
372
178

728

2013 
£000

19,857
1,847
820

22,524

2012 
NO.

181
374
176

731

2012 
£000

20,131
1,860
902

22,893

2013 
£000

(418)
(6)
(775)

2012 
£000
AS RESTATED
(SEE NOTE 1)

(434)
(16)
(930)

(1,199)

(1,380)

–

–

31

31

(1,199)

(1,349)

2013 
£000

(795)
(62)

(857)

(403)

(403)

(1,260)

2012 
£000
AS RESTATED
(SEE NOTE 1)

(811)
(12)

(823)

(790)

(790)

(1,613)

STRATEGIC REVIEW GOVERNANCEACCOUNTS SHAREHOLDERS 
  
48

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

6. TAX (CONTINUED)

The standard rate of tax based on the UK average rate of corporation tax, is 23.25% (2012 – 24.50%). Taxation for other jurisdictions is calculated  
at the rates prevailing in these jurisdictions. The actual tax charge for the current and previous year varies from 23.25% (2012 – 24.50%) of the results 
as set out in the income statement for the reasons set out in the following reconciliation:

PROFIT BEFORE TAX

TAX ON PROFIT AT 23.25% (2012: 24.50%)

FACTORS AFFECTING TAX CHARGE FOR THE YEAR:
Non deductible expenses
Difference on overseas tax rates
Changes in estimates related to prior years
Exceptional items

TAX CHARGE FOR THE YEAR

The impact of future changes in taxation rates is disclosed in note 19.

2013 
£000

2012
£000

4,716

5,478

(1,096)

(1,343)

(70)
(47)
16
(63)

(23)
(4)
(129)
(114)

(1,260)

(1,613)

7. PROFIT FOR THE YEAR

The Company has taken advantage of Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and consequently a separate profit and loss account for the parent 
company is not presented as part of these financial statements. The Company’s profit for the year is disclosed in note 34 to these financial statements.

8. DIVIDENDS

Amounts recognised as distributions to equity holders in the year:

Final dividend for 2012 of 1.05p per share (2011 – 1.05p per share)
Interim dividend for 2013 of 0.50p per share (2012 – 0.50p per share)

2013 
£000

2012 
£000

1,202
572

1,774

1,193
568

1,761

Dividends are not payable on own shares held in the Employee Share Ownership Trust detailed in note 21.

In addition to the amounts shown above, a proposed dividend of 1.10p per share will be paid on 5 June 2014 to those shareholders on the register  
at 9 May 2014 and is subject to approval by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on 6 May 2014. This has not been included as a liability  
in these financial statements.

9. EARNINGS PER SHARE

From continuing operations 

BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS Profit for the year from continuing operations

NUMBER OF SHARES IN ISSUE FOR THE PURPOSES OF CALCULATING BASIC  
AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE

Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue 
Weighted average number of Own Shares in Employee Share Ownership Trust

WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES IN ISSUE FOR THE PURPOSES OF  
CALCULATING BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE
Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares due to share options

WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES IN ISSUE FOR THE PURPOSES OF  
CALCULATING DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE

2013
£000

2012
£000

3.03p

3.40p

3,456

3,865

2013
NUMBER OF
SHARES ‘000

115,019
(846)

2012 
NUMBER OF
SHARES ‘000

115,019
(1,436)

114,173
96

113,583
–

114,269

113,583

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2013 

49

10. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill
Other intangible assets

Goodwill and other intangible assets

(a) Goodwill

COST
At 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2013

CARRYING AMOUNT
At 31 December 2013 and 31 December 2012

PACKAGING 
DISTRIBUTION 
£000

MANUFACTURING 
OPERATIONS 
£000

22,790
1,266

24,056

1,359
–

1,359

2013 
TOTAL 
£000

24,149
1,266

25,415

2012
TOTAL 
£000

24,149
1,561

25,710

22,790

1,359

24,149

22,790

1,359

24,149

The two Cash Generating Units (“CGU’s”) within the Manufacturing Operations’ segment at 31 December 2012 related to the Reseal-it segment and  
the Irish operations in the Labels business. The relocation of these operations in Ireland to further develop the Reseal-it business means that the overlap 
between these two CGU’s increased to such an extent that the Board concluded that they should be combined and reported as one CGU.

The recoverable amount of each CGU is determined using ‘value in use’ calculations with key assumptions relating to discount rates, growth rates and 
projected gross margin and overhead costs. A post tax discount rate of 8.2% (2012 – 10.2%) is used for all CGU’s reflecting the Group’s weighted 
average cost of capital, which is considered to be the most definitive basis for arriving at a discount rate and the Group believes the risk profiles across 
the markets in which it operates are not significantly different. This equates to a pre-tax discount rate of 10.7% for each CGU due to the variation in local 
tax rates. Growth rates and changes in gross margin and overhead costs are based on our expectation of future performance in the markets in which  
we operate. These are consistent with our budgets for 2014 and strategic plans for future years, and extrapolate cash flows for five years after which  
a terminal value is calculated using growth rates of up to 2%.

The Directors believe the assumptions used are appropriate, but in addition have conducted sensitivity analysis to determine the changes in assumptions 
that would result in an impairment of the carrying value of goodwill. Based on this analysis the Directors believe that any reasonable changes in the key 
assumptions would maintain a recoverable amount for each CGU, which exceeds its carrying value. Therefore at 31 December 2013 no impairment 
charge is required against the carrying value of goodwill.

(b) Other Intangible Assets

COST AT FAIR VALUE ON ACQUISITION
At 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2013

AMORTISATION

At 1 January
Charge for year

AT 31 DECEMBER

CARRYING AMOUNT

AT 31 DECEMBER 2013

At 31 December 2012

BRAND 
VALUES 
£000

130

119
11

130

–

11

CUSTOMER 
RELATIONSHIPS
£000

2013
TOTAL
£000

2012
TOTAL
£000

2,843

2,973

2,973

1,293
284

1,577

1,412
295

1,707

1,106
306

1,412

1,266

1,266

1,561

1,550

1,561

Other intangible assets comprise separately identifiable intangible assets recognised on acquisitions in Packaging Distribution in previous years.  
These are brand values, calculated on acquisition on the Relief From Royalty method and a valuation of customer relationships, calculated on acquisition 
on the excess earnings method, based on the net anticipated earnings stream. Brand values are calculated on royalty rates of 0.25%, consistent with  
an assessment of what would be charged in a typical franchise agreement. The valuation of customer relationships is calculated using our best estimates 
of customer attrition rates, and returns, based on assessments of performance levels in the markets in which we operate. Brand values and customer 
relationships are amortised on a straight-line basis over five years and ten years respectively.

STRATEGIC REVIEW GOVERNANCEACCOUNTS SHAREHOLDERS 
  
 
 
 
50

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

11. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

COST
At 1 January 2012
Additions
Exchange movements
Impairment charge
Disposals

At 1 January 2013
Additions
Impairment charge (see note 2c)
Disposals

AT 31 DECEMBER 2013

ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
At 1 January 2012
Charge for year
Exchange movements
Impairment charge
Disposals

At 1 January 2013
Charge for year
Impairment charge (see note 2c)
Disposals

AT 31 DECEMBER 2013

CARRYING AMOUNT

AT 31 DECEMBER 2013

At 31 December 2012

LAND AND 
BUILDINGS 
£000

PLANT AND
EQUIPMENT 
£000

7,036
46
(37)
(653)
(409)

5,983
77
(169)
–

5,891

2,936
153
(16)
(189)
(409)

2,475
138
(12)
–

2,601

28,223
779
(69)
–
(7,203)

21,730
697
–
(164)

22,263

23,909
867
(65)
–
(7,191)

17,520
898
–
(146)

18,272

TOTAL 
£000

35,259
825
(106)
(653)
(7,612)

27,713
774
(169)
(164)

28,154

26,845
1,020
(81)
(189)
(7,600)

19,995
1,036
(12)
(146)

20,873

3,290

3,508

3,991

4,210

7,281

7,718

The carrying value of £7,281,000 (2012 – £7,718,000) includes £393,000 (2012 – £462,000) of assets held under finance leases. Depreciation 
charged in respect of these assets is £49,000 (2012 – £58,000).

LAND AND BUILDINGS AT NET BOOK VALUE COMPRISE:

Freeholds
Long leaseholds
Short leaseholds

12. SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

A list of principal operating subsidiaries, including names and countries of incorporation is given on page 71.

13. INVENTORIES

Raw materials and consumables
Work in progress
Finished goods and goods for resale

2013 
£000

1,647
1,643
–

3,290

2013 
£000

619
159
7,153

7,931

2012 
£000

1,679
1,825
4

3,508

2012 
£000

502
190
7,428

8,120

Valuation of inventories 
Inventories recorded in the Group’s balance sheet comprise large numbers of comparatively small balances. The Group reviews inventory levels, older 
and obsolete inventories and provides against any exposures throughout the year. The Group’s Executive Management then reviews local judgements.

MOVEMENT IN THE PROVISIONS FOR SLOW-MOVING AND OBSOLETE INVENTORIES

At 1 January
Inventory write-off recognised in the income statement
Amounts written off during the year

AT 31 DECEMBER

2013 
£000

682
47
(79)

650

2012 
£000

512
227
(57)

682

 
14. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Trade receivables for the sale of goods and services
Allowance for doubtful receivables

Other receivables
Prepayments and accrued income

DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR
Other receivables
Prepayments and accrued income

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2013 

51

2013 
£000

30,365
(340)

30,025
3,336
2,120

35,481

793
858

1,651

2012 
£000

29,877
(365)

29,512
2,854
2,149

34,515

927
856

1,783

Trade receivables are measured at amortised cost. The Group’s credit risk is primarily attributable to its trade receivables. The average credit period 
taken on sales of goods is 59 days (2012 – 61 days). No interest is charged on overdue receivables.

The Group uses external credit scoring systems to assess new customers’ credit quality and uses this to help define credit limits by customer. Limits and 
scoring are attributed to major customers, with receivables over £50,000 reviewed twice per year. Of the trade receivables balance at 31 December 
2013 and 31 December 2012, there are no customers with a balance in excess of 5% of the total balance.

Included in the Group’s trade receivables balance are debtors with a carrying amount of £9,455,000, (2012 – £13,621,000) which are past due at the 
reporting date. The Group has not provided for these amounts as there has not been a significant change in the customers’ credit quality and the Group 
believes that the amounts are still recoverable. The Group does not hold any collateral over these balances. The weighted average overdue age of these 
trade receivables is 18 days (2012 – 27 days).

AGEING OF PAST DUE BUT NOT IMPAIRED RECEIVABLES

30 – 60 days
60 – 90 days
Over 90 days

2013
£000

5,155
3,222
1,078

9,455

2012
£000

7,390
4,302
1,929

13,621

Amounts presented in the balance sheet are net of allowances for doubtful trade receivables of £340,000 (2012 – £365,000), estimated by the Group’s 
Executive Management based on prior experience and their assessment of the current economic environment.

MOVEMENT IN THE ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL TRADE RECEIVABLES 

At 1 January
Impairment losses recognised in the income statement
Amounts written off as uncollectible

AT 31 DECEMBER

2013
£000

365
35
(60)

340

2012
£000

518
271
(424)

365

In determining the recoverability of trade receivables, the Group’s Executive Management considers any change in the credit quality of the trade 
receivables from the date credit was originally granted up to the reporting date. 

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

STRATEGIC REVIEW GOVERNANCEACCOUNTS SHAREHOLDERS 
  
52

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

15. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Group funds its operations from a number of sources of cash, namely operating cash flow, bank borrowings, finance lease borrowings and 
shareholders’ equity, comprising share capital, reserves and retained earnings, where appropriate. The Group’s objective is to achieve a capital 
structure that results in an appropriate cost of capital whilst providing flexibility in immediate and medium-term funding so as to accommodate any 
material investment requirements.

The Group’s principal financial instruments comprise borrowings, cash and short-term deposits, and other items, such as trade receivables and trade 
payables that arise directly from its operations. The main purpose of these financial instruments is to provide finance for the Group’s operations. It is,  
and has been throughout the period under review, the Group’s policy that no trading in financial instruments is undertaken for speculative purposes.

There has been no significant change to the Group’s exposure to market risks during 2013. The principal risks arising are liquidity risk and credit risk, 
with the secondary risks being interest rate risk and currency risk. The Board reviews and agrees policies for managing each of these risks and they  
are summarised below. These policies have remained unchanged since the beginning of 2014.

Liquidity risk
The Group’s policy with regard to liquidity remains one of ensuring adequate access to funds by maintaining appropriate levels of committed banking 
facilities, which are then reviewed on a regular basis. The principal Group borrowing facility of up to £20 million is in place for the period to 2017.  
The maturity profile of debt outstanding at 31 December 2013 is set out in note 18 and this note to the financial statements.

Credit risk
The Group’s exposure to credit risk is managed by dealing only with banks and financial institutions with good credit ratings and by applying 
considerable rigour in managing trade receivables. The Group’s principal credit risk is primarily attributable to its trade receivables. The amounts 
presented in the balance sheet are net of allowances for doubtful receivables, estimated by the Group’s management based on prior experience and 
their assessment of the current economic environment.

Interest rate risk
The Group finances its business through a mixture of reserves and bank borrowings. The Group borrows in the desired currencies at floating rates of 
interest. Interest rate exposures are reviewed regularly and financial instruments considered. At present it is not deemed necessary to cover interest rate 
exposures by the use of financial instruments.

The Group is exposed to interest rate risk, as entities in the Group borrow funds at floating interest rates. The sensitivity analysis below has been 
determined based on the exposure to interest rates at the reporting date and the stipulated change taking place at the beginning of the financial year 
and held constant throughout the reporting period. At the reporting date if the interest rates had been 50 basis points higher and all other variables  
held constant the Group’s profit before tax would have decreased by £47,000 (2012 – £45,000).

Currency risk
The Group has two overseas subsidiaries, one operating in Ireland and the other operating in Sweden. Revenues and expenses are denominated 
exclusively in Euros and Swedish Krone respectively. As a result, movements in the Euro and Swedish Krone to sterling exchange rates could affect  
the Group’s sterling balance sheet. The Group’s policy during 2013 has been to review the need to hedge exposures on a regular basis and it was not 
deemed necessary to cover any currency exposures by the use of financial instruments. The Group’s policy continues to be to review the need to hedge 
exposures on a regular basis.

The carrying amount of the Group’s foreign currency denominated monetary assets and monetary liabilities at the reporting date is as follows:

Euros
Swedish Krone

ASSETS 
2013
£000

1,369
937

2,306

ASSETS
2012
£000

1,651
490

2,141

The sterling value of the Group’s foreign currency denominated profits/(losses) before tax are as follows:

Euros
Swedish Krone

LIABILITIES 
2013
£000

527
523

1,050

2013
£000

(474)
284

(190)

LIABILITIES 
2012
£000

397
222

619

2012
£000

(500)
32

(468)

The following table details the Group’s sensitivity to a 5% change in Sterling against the respective foreign currencies. The sensitivity of the Group’s 
exposure to foreign currency risk is determined based on the change taking place at the beginning of the financial year and held constant throughout 
the reporting period.

RESULT 
2013
£000

RESULT 
2012 
£000

OTHER EQUITY 
2013
£000

OTHER EQUITY 
2012
£000

Euros
Swedish Krone

(24)
15

(9)

(23)
2

(21)

42
21

63

63
13

76

The numerical disclosures in this note deal with financial assets and financial liabilities.

15. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

CURRENCY

Sterling
Euros
Swedish Krone

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

BANK OVERDRAFTS AND LOANS

Bank overdraft – Sterling 
Bank loan – Sterling 

BANK BORROWINGS AND LOANS

NET BANK INDEBTEDNESS

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2013 

53

2013
£000

15
416
46

477

359
6,000

6,359

2012
£000

14
246
29

289

954
6,000

6,954

5,882

6,665

Cash and cash equivalents as set out above comprise cash at bank and other short-term highly liquid investments with maturity of three months or less. 

All bank overdrafts shown above are repayable on demand. Bank loans are taken out for three-month periods with the loan at 31 December 2013  
due to be repaid on 28 February 2014. The Company and certain UK subsidiaries have given inter-company guarantees to secure their respective 
overdrafts. The overall credit lines for all borrowing facilities total £10,500,000 (2012 – £11,000,000).

The Group has agreed a new debt facility with Lloyds Banking Group PLC with the new facility comprising a three-year committed borrowing facility  
of a maximum of up to £20.0 million in place until February 2017 and secured over part of Macfarlane Group’s trade receivables. The facility bears 
interest at normal commercial rates and carries standard financial covenants in relation to interest cover and levels of headroom over trade receivables.

Interest rates
All Group deposits and borrowings are held at floating rates of interest. The average effective interest rate on bank loans and overdrafts approximates 
to 4.50% (2012 – 4.86%) per annum.

Fair value of financial instruments
Current assets and liabilities are all held at floating rates. The fair values of cash and cash equivalents and bank overdrafts at 31 December 2013  
all materially equate to book values.

Borrowing facilities
The Group has various committed undrawn overdraft facilities available at 31 December 2013 in respect of which all conditions precedent had been 
met and which expire within one year as follows:

Drawn down
Undrawn

The Group’s borrowing profile is as follows:

Unsecured – at amortised cost current bank overdrafts
Unsecured – at amortised cost current bank loan
Secured – at amortised cost current finance lease liabilities

CURRENT BORROWINGS

Secured – at amortised cost non-current finance lease liabilities

TOTAL BORROWINGS

2013
£000

6,359
4,641

11,000

2013
£000

359
6,000
33

6,392

–

6,392

2012
£000

6,954
4,546

11,500

2012
£000

954
6,000
126

7,080

33

7,113

The principal Group borrowing facility of up to £20.0 million is in place for the period to February 2017. The Group is currently in compliance with all 
conditions in relation to its borrowing facilities. 

GEARING RATIO

The gearing ratio at the year end is as follows:

Total borrowings (as defined above)

Equity

NET DEBT TO EQUITY RATIO

2013
£000

2012
£000

6,392

7,113

26,424

24,018

24%

30%

STRATEGIC REVIEW GOVERNANCEACCOUNTS SHAREHOLDERS 
  
54

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

16. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Trade payables
Other taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income

DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR

Other creditors

2013
£000

26,182
2,101
206
3,857

32,346

2012
£000

25,202
2,128
88
4,287

31,705

36

88

Trade and other payables principally comprise amounts outstanding for trade purchases and ongoing costs. No interest is charged on trade payables.

The Directors consider that the carrying amounts for trade and other payables approximate to their fair value.

17. PROVISIONS

At 1 January
Charged to consolidated income statement (see note 2c)
Paid in the year

At 31 December

Due within one year – current liabilities
Due between two and five years – non-current liabilities

2013
£000

582
193
(693)

82

82
–

82

The Group has two vacant and three sub-let properties, with the majority of the head leases expiring before 2020. The Company reassesses the 
provision made for residual lease commitments together with other outgoings for dilapidations, after taking into account existing sub-tenant 
arrangements and assumptions relating to potential later periods of vacancy. 

Further information on lease commitments is set out in note 23.

18. FINANCE LEASE LIABILITIES

AMOUNTS PAYABLE UNDER FINANCE LEASES
Due within one year
Due in the second to fifth years inclusive

PRESENT VALUE OF FINANCE LEASE LIABILITIES
Due for settlement within 12 months (shown within current liabilities)

Due for settlement after more than 12 months (shown as non-current liabilities)

2013
£000

33
–

33
(33)

–

2012
£000

582
–
–

582

332
250

582

2012
£000

126
33

159
(126)

33

The average lease term is five years and the average effective borrowing rate is 4.76% (2012 – 4.08%). Interest rates are fixed at the contract date.  
All liabilities are on a fixed repayment basis. Finance lease liabilities are denominated in Sterling.

The Directors consider that the carrying amounts for finance lease liabilities approximate to their fair value.

The finance lease liabilities are secured over the assets to which the leases relate as disclosed in note 11.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2013 

55

19. DEFERRED TAX

AT 1 JANUARY 2012
(Charged)/credited in income statement
Credited/(charged) in other comprehensive income  
  Deferred tax on remeasurement of pension scheme liability
  Long-term corporation tax rate change

AT 1 JANUARY 2013
(Charged)/credited in income statement
(Charged) in other comprehensive income
  Deferred tax on remeasurement of pension scheme liability
  Long-term corporation tax rate change

AT 31 DECEMBER 2013

2013
DEFERRED TAX ASSET
Due outwith one year
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES
Due outwith one year

2012
DEFERRED TAX ASSET
Due outwith one year
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES
Due outwith one year

TAX LOSSES 
£000

1,109
(381)

–
–

728
(279)

–
–

449

449

–

449

728

–

728

HELD
OVER GAINS 
£000

OTHER INTANGIBLE
ASSETS 
£000

RETIREMENT BENEFIT 
OBLIGATIONS 
£000

(486)
318

–
–

(168)
168

–
–

–

–

–

–

(467)
86

–
–

(381)
128

–
–

(253)

–

(253)

(253)

5,121
(813)

403
(365)

4,346
(420)

(271)
(476)

3,179

3,179

–

3,179

(168)

–

(168)

–

4,346

(381)

(381)

–

4,346

TOTAL 
£000

5,277
(790)

403
(365)

4,525
(403)

(271)
(476)

3,375

3,628

(253)

3,375

4,906

(381)

4,525

The Chancellor’s Autumn Statement on 5 December 2012 announced that the UK corporation tax rate will reduce to 20% by 2015. The most recent rate 
reductions to 23% (effective from 1 April 2013) were substantively enacted on 3 July 2012 and those reductions to 21% from April 2014 and 20% from 
April 2015 were substantively enacted on 2 July 2013 and have been reflected in the financial statements at 31 December 2012 and 31 December 
2013 respectively.

Deferred tax has not been provided on revaluations of fixed assets. This tax will only become payable if the assets are sold and rollover relief is not 
obtained. The estimated tax that would become payable in these circumstances is £14,000 (2012 – £16,000).

20. SHARE CAPITAL

Authorised

Allotted, issued and fully paid:

AT 1 JANUARY AND 31 DECEMBER

NUMBER OF 
25P SHARES

2013
£000

2012
£000

200,000,000

50,000

50,000

115,019,000

28,755

28,755

There have been no movements in share capital during the year.

The Company has one class of ordinary shares, which carry no right to fixed income. Each ordinary share carries one vote in any General Meeting of 
the Company.

STRATEGIC REVIEW GOVERNANCEACCOUNTS SHAREHOLDERS 
  
56

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

21. RESERVES

BALANCE AT 1 JANUARY 2012
Profit for the year
Dividends paid (see note 8)
Foreign currency translation differences – foreign operations
Remeasurement of pension scheme liability taken direct to equity
Deferred tax taken direct to equity 
  Tax on remeasurement
  Corporation tax rate change

BALANCE AT 1 JANUARY 2013
Profit for the year
Dividends paid (see note 8)
Foreign currency translation differences – foreign operations
Disposal of own shares
Remeasurement of pension scheme liability taken direct to equity
Deferred tax taken direct to equity 
  Tax on remeasurement
  Corporation tax rate change

BALANCE AT 31 DECEMBER 2013

REVALUATION 
RESERVE 
£000

OWN SHARES 
£000

TRANSLATION 
RESERVE 
£000

70
–
–
–
–

–
–

70
–
–
–
–
–

–
–

70

(810)
–
–
–
–

–
–

(810)
–
–
–
499
–

–
–

(311)

246
–
–
(63)
–

–
–

183
–
–
40
–
–

–
–

223

RETAINED 
EARNINGS 
£000
AS RESTATED
(SEE NOTE 1)

(4,546)
3,865
(1,761)
–
(1,776)

403
(365)

(4,180)
3,456
(1,774)
–
(245)
1,177

(271)
(476)

(2,313)

TOTAL 
£000
AS RESTATED
(SEE NOTE 1)

(5,040)
3,865
(1,761)
(63)
(1,776)

403
(365)

(4,737)
3,456
(1,774)
40
254
1,177

(271)
(476)

(2,331)

At 31 December 2013, the Company’s Employee Share Ownership Trust (“ESOT”) held 551,372 (2012 – 1,436,372) ordinary shares in Macfarlane 
Group PLC with a market value of £189,000 (2012 – £402,000) against the future exercise of share options. The ESOT has waived its right to receive 
dividends on these shares. During 2013 the Company transferred 885,000 ordinary shares, previously held as own shares to its defined benefit  
pension scheme.

Exchange differences arising in the consolidated accounts on the retranslation at closing rates of the Group’s net investments in foreign subsidiary 
companies are recorded as movements on the Group’s translation reserve. The translation reserve at 31 December 2013 relates wholly to  
continuing operations.

22. NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT

OPERATING PROFIT BEFORE EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS
Adjustments for:
  Amortisation of intangible assets
  Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

(Gain)/loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

OPERATING CASH FLOWS BEFORE MOVEMENTS IN WORKING CAPITAL

Decrease in inventories
(Increase)/decrease in receivables
Increase/(decrease) in payables
Decrease in provisions
Pension scheme contributions

CASH GENERATED BY OPERATIONS
Income taxes paid
Interest paid

NET CASH INFLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

2013
£000

6,251

295
1,036
(12)

7,570

189
(809)
765
(693)
(2,493)

4,529
(678)
(424)

3,427

2012
£000

5,834

306
1,020
1

7,161

517
2,202
(2,600)
–
(2,583)

4,697
(917)
(450)

3,330

 
22. NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT (CONTINUED)

MOVEMENT IN NET DEBT
Increase in cash and cash equivalents in the year
Decrease in bank overdrafts

Cash and cash equivalents in statement of cash flows
Cash flows from payment of finance lease liabilities

MOVEMENT IN NET DEBT IN THE YEAR
Opening net debt

CLOSING NET DEBT

NET DEBT COMPRISES:
Cash and cash equivalents
Bank overdrafts

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS IN STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Bank loans

NET BANK DEBT
Finance lease liabilities
  Due within one year
  Due outwith one year

CLOSING NET DEBT

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2013 

57

2013
£000

188
595

783
126

909
(6,824)

(5,915)

477
(359)

118
(6,000)

2012
£000

90
480

570
233

803
(7,627)

(6,824)

289
(954)

(665)
(6,000)

(5,882)

(6,665)

(33)
–

(126)
(33)

(5,915)

(6,824)

Cash and cash equivalents (which are presented as a single class of asset on the face of the balance sheet) comprise cash at bank and other short-term 
highly liquid investments with maturity of three months or less.

Bank overdrafts and loans comprise £6.0 million of loans repayable within one year, the remainder being bank overdrafts repayable on demand for 
which there is no right of offset against cash and cash equivalents on the balance sheet. For the purposes of the cash flow statement, overdrafts are 
included within cash and cash equivalents. These have now been repaid as the Group put in place new longer-term facilities as set out in note 15.

23. FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS

During the year the Group made minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows:

Charge for the year
Recoveries against property leases

Net charge for the year

LAND AND 
BUILDINGS 
2013 
£000

4,257
(483)

3,774

OTHER
2013 
£000

2,129
–

2,129

LAND AND 
BUILDINGS 
2012 
£000

4,595
(831)

3,764

OTHER 
2012 
£000

1,884
–

1,884

At the balance sheet date the Group had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases which 
fall due for payment as follows:

Within one year
Within two to five years
After more than five years

LAND AND 
BUILDINGS 
2013 
£000

4,246
13,677
7,470

25,393

OTHER
2013 
£000

2,057
4,570
421

7,048

LAND AND 
BUILDINGS 
2012 
£000

4,484
16,015
10,868

31,367

OTHER 
2012 
£000

1,884
4,382
388

6,654

STRATEGIC REVIEW GOVERNANCEACCOUNTS SHAREHOLDERS 
  
58

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

23. FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS (CONTINUED)

The majority of the 25 (2012 – 27) leases of land and buildings summarised on the previous page are subject to rent reviews. 4 (2012 – 8) of these  
leases are subject to sub-let arrangements or assignations with third parties to reduce the property cost to Macfarlane Group albeit 1 (2012 – 3)  
of these properties is vacant. At the balance sheet date there were outstanding commitments for future annual minimum lease payments receivable  
under non-cancellable operating leases which fall due for payment to the Group as follows:

Within one year
Within two to five years
After more than five years

LAND AND 
BUILDINGS 
2013 
£000

474
1,894
720

3,088

LAND AND 
BUILDINGS 
2012 
£000

487
1,894
1,179

3,560

In the event of tenants defaulting on future payments under non-cancellable operating leases for land and buildings, this would lead to increased 
property costs to the Group until the leases were subsequently sub-let.

Following the assignment of a property head lease at Coventry in October 2011, the Group entered into sub-leases for approximately 40% of that site  
to accommodate existing operations. As part of this arrangement, the Group provided guarantees for the rentals under the head lease in the event  
of a default by the assignee. The assignee is the UK subsidiary of a multinational business listed on the New York Stock Exchange. As a result of the 
assignation, there is a contingent liability of £3.2 million, (2012 – £3.6 million) the difference between head lease and sub-lease payments from  
1 January 2014 until the conclusion of the head lease in November 2020.

Contractual commitments for capital expenditure for which no provision has been made in the accounts amounted to £650,000 (2012 – £Nil).

24. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS

Equity-settled share option schemes
The Group share option plans provide for a grant price, which equates to the closing quoted market price of the Group shares on the day before  
the date of grant. The vesting period is generally three years and options are forfeited if the employee leaves the Group before the options vest.  
If the options remain unexercised after a period of ten years from the date of grant, the options lapse. 

SHARE OPTIONS 

The movements on share options during the year is as follows:
Outstanding at 1 January 
Lapsed during the year

OUTSTANDING AT 31 DECEMBER

EXERCISABLE AT 31 DECEMBER

NUMBER 
OF SHARES
2013

NUMBER 
OF SHARES
2012

1,436,372
(885,000)

1,797,372
(361,000)

551,372

1,436,372

551,372

1,436,372

The options in existence being valued have an average exercise price of 26.0p (2012 – 27.5p).

The share options granted to employees, including Executive Directors, and outstanding at 31 December under existing share option schemes together 
with exercise prices and dates of exercise are as set out below:

The Macfarlane Group Company Share Option Plan 2000
The Macfarlane Group PLC Executive Share Option Scheme 2000
The Macfarlane Group PLC Executive Share Option Scheme 2000

TOTAL SHARE OPTIONS OUTSTANDING AT 31 DECEMBER

EXERCISE 
PRICE 
PER SHARE

28.5p
28.5p
26.0p

EXERCISE DATE

April 2006 – April 2013
April 2006 – April 2013
October 2007 – October 2014

NUMBER 
OF SHARES 
2013

–
–
551,372

NUMBER 
OF SHARES 
2012

393,490
491,510
551,372

551,372

1,436,372

Equity-settled long-term incentive plans
The Group provided long-term incentive plans which provide for a base level share price for Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) equating to the closing 
quoted market price of the Group shares on the day before the date of award. The vesting period is three years and incentive plans are forfeited  
if the employee leaves the Group before they vest. No long-term incentive plan awards were made in 2012 or 2013. All awards have now lapsed.

 
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2013 

59

25. RETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS

Introduction
Macfarlane Group PLC sponsors a defined benefit pension scheme for certain active and former UK employees – the Macfarlane Group PLC Pension  
& Life Assurance Scheme (1974) (“the scheme”). The two major trading subsidiaries, Macfarlane Group UK Limited and Macfarlane Labels Limited are 
the other two sponsoring employers of the scheme.

The scheme is administered by a separate Board of Trustees composed of employer nominated representatives and member nominated Trustees and  
is legally separate from the Group. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Group in managed funds under the supervision of the 
Trustees. The Trustees are required by law to act in the interest of all classes of beneficiary in the scheme and are responsible for investment policy and 
the day-to-day administration of benefits. The scheme was closed to new entrants during 2002.

The scheme provides qualifying employees with an annual pension of 1/60 of pensionable salary for each completed year’s service on attainment of  
a normal retirement age of 65. Pensionable salaries were frozen for the remaining active members at the levels current at 30 April 2009 with the change 
taking effect from 30 April 2010. As a result no further salary inflation applies for active members who elected to remain in the scheme. Active members’ 
benefits also include life assurance cover, albeit the payment of these benefits is at the discretion of the Trustees of the scheme.

On withdrawing from active service a deferred member’s pension is revalued from the time of withdrawal until the pension is drawn. Revaluation in 
deferment is statutory and since 2010 has been revalued on the Consumer Price Index (“CPI”) measure of inflation. Revaluation of pensions in payment 
is a blend of fixed increases and inflationary increases depending on the relevant periods of accrual of benefit. For pensions in payment, the inflationary 
increase is currently based on the Retail Prices Index (“RPI”) measure of inflation.

During 2012, Macfarlane Group PLC made the decision to amend benefits for pensioner, deferred and active members in the defined benefit pension 
scheme by making a Pension Increase Exchange (“PIE”) offer to pensioner members at 1 May 2012 and providing a PIE option for deferred and active 
members after 1 May 2012. Details are set out in note 2 and as a result of both of these actions, a gain of £1.65 million was recorded in the first half  
of 2012 after charging attributable professional expenses of £0.20 million. 

The Group will consider a number of further actions to reduce the deficit in 2014.

Balance sheet disclosures at 31 December 2013
The pension scheme’s qualified actuary from AON Hewitt carries out triennial valuations using the Projected Unit Credit Method to determine the level  
of deficit. For the most recent triennial valuation at 1 May 2011, the principal assumptions adopted were that investment returns would average 6.15% 
per annum and that no further salary increases would apply for active members. The valuation showed that the market value of the relevant investments 
of the scheme was £46,959,000 and the actuarial value of these investments represented 66% of the value of benefits that had accrued to members.

The investments held by the scheme and the deficit of the scheme have been based on the results of the actuarial valuation as at 1 May 2011, updated  
to the year-end as shown below:

INVESTMENT CLASS

EQUITIES
UK equities and equity funds
Overseas equities funds
Multi-asset diversified funds

BONDS
Government gilt funds (fixed interest)
Government gilt funds (index-linked)
Corporate bond fund

OTHER
Cash

Fair value of scheme assets

Present value of scheme liabilities

DEFICIT IN THE SCHEME

VALUATION
2013
£000

ASSET
ALLOCATION

VALUATION
2012
£000

ASSET
ALLOCATION

VALUATION
2011
£000

ASSET 
ALLOCATION

5,790
9,289
16,414

8,128
4,918
9,488

211

54,238

(70,134)

(15,896)

10.7%
17.1%
30.2%

15.0%
9.1%
17.5%

0.4%

100.0%

14.1%
14.1%
25.4%

17.6%
4.9%
23.3%

0.6%

100.0%

7,238
7,236
13,026

9,060
2,498
11,986

305

51,349

(70,247)

(18,898)

6,597
6,185
12,206

8,813
2,489
10,504

174

46,968

(67,452)

(20,484)

14.0%
13.2%
26.0%

18.7%
5.3%
22.4%

0.4%

100.0%

STRATEGIC REVIEW GOVERNANCEACCOUNTS SHAREHOLDERS 
  
60

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

25. RETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)

The investment in equities and equity funds by the pension scheme of £7,238,000 at 31 December 2012 included a holding of 1,145,918 ordinary 
shares in Macfarlane Group PLC held at a value of £321,000. In April 2013 the Company transferred 885,000 shares held as own shares, with  
a market value of £255,000, to the Macfarlane Group PLC Pension & Life Assurance Scheme (1974). The value of these shares is included in total 
contributions of £2,748,000 made to the scheme in 2013. The pension scheme trustees then sold 2,130,918 shares in June 2013 for a consideration  
of £558,000 and no longer hold any shares in Macfarlane Group PLC.

The Trustees review the investments of the scheme on a regular basis and consult with the Company regarding any proposed changes to the investment 
profile. At the start of February 2014, the investment in fixed interest government gilts was transferred into an investment fund, which concentrates solely 
on interest rate and inflation protection strategies, to provide a more effective hedge against the impact of both interest rates and inflation on the 
liabilities in the scheme.

Assumptions
The scheme’s liabilities at 31 December 2013 were calculated on the following bases as required under IAS19:

Discount rate
Rate of increase in salaries
Rate of increase in pensions in payment

Spouse’s pension assumption*
Pensioner/deferred and active members 

Inflation assumption (RPI)
Inflation assumption (CPI)
Life expectancy beyond normal retirement age of 65
Male
Female

2013

2012

2011

4.50%
0.00%
3% or 5% 
for fixed increases 
or 3.30% for LPI.
2.20% post 5 April 2006

4.40%
0.00%
3% or 5% 
for fixed increases 
or 2.90% for LPI.
2.10% post 5 April 2006

4.80%
0.00%
3% or 5% 
for fixed increases
or 2.90% for LPI. 
2.10% post 5 April 2006

70%/80%

70%/80%

90%/90%

3.40%
2.50%

22.6
25.1

3.00%
2.30%

22.4
24.6

3.00%
2.20%

22.3
24.6

*Actuarial assumption was changed following the 2012 PIE exercise, giving an actuarial gain of £1.65 million.

Sensitivity to key assumptions
The scheme exposes the Group to actuarial risks, such as interest rate risk, inflation risk, longevity risk and investment risk. The key assumptions used  
for IAS 19 are discount rate, inflation and mortality. If different assumptions were used, then this could have a material effect on the results disclosed. 
Assuming all other assumptions are held static then a movement in the following key assumptions would affect the level of the deficit as shown below:

Assumptions

Discount rate movement of +0.1%
Inflation rate movement of +0.1%
Mortality movement of +0.1 year in age rating

2013
£000

1,192
(281)
231

2012
£000

1,194
(281)
232

The sensitivity information has been prepared using the same method as adopted when adjusting the results of the latest funding valuation to the 
balance sheet date and is consistent with the approach adopted in previous years. 

The mortality movement of +0.1 year in age rating equates to current progressions in life expectancy tables.

This assumes that the average duration of liabilities in the scheme is seventeen years.

Funding
UK pension legislation requires that pension schemes are funded prudently. Following the 2011 actuarial valuation, the schemes trustees agreed to  
a recovery period of thirteen years. Macfarlane Group PLC is currently paying deficit reduction contributions of £2,748,000 per annum, which along 
with investment returns from return-seeking assets is expected to make good the actuarial shortfall by 2024. The estimated deficit reduction contributions 
in 2014 are £2,800,000.

The employer contribution rate for active members is 11.6% of pensionable salary, and the employee contribution rate is 7% of pensionable salary.

The next triennial actuarial valuation of the scheme is due at 1 May 2014.

 
25. RETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)

MOVEMENT IN THE SCHEME DEFICIT IN THE YEAR 

At 1 January
Current service costs
Pension Increase Exchange gain (see note 2e)
Contributions from sponsoring companies
Net finance cost
Remeasurement of pension scheme liability in the year

AT 31 DECEMBER

ANALYSIS OF AMOUNTS (CHARGED)/CREDITED TO PROFIT BEFORE TAX

Current service costs
Net finance cost
Pension Increase Exchange gain

PENSION (EXPENSE)/INCOME (CHARGED)/CREDITED TO PROFIT BEFORE TAX

ANALYSIS OF THE REMEASUREMENT OF PENSION SCHEME LIABILITY AS INCLUDED IN THE 
STATEMENT OF OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(EXPENSE) 

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2013 

61

2013
£000

(18,898)
(148)
–
2,748
(775)
1,177

(15,896)

(148)
(775)
–

(923)

2012
£000
AS RESTATED
(SEE NOTE 1)

(20,484)
(146)
1,855
2,583
(930)
(1,776)

(18,898)

(146)
(930)
1,855

779

Return on scheme assets excluding amount shown in interest income
Changes in assumptions underlying the present value of scheme liabilities

REMEASUREMENT OF PENSION SCHEME LIABILITY RECOGNISED IN THE STATEMENT  
OF OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(EXPENSE)

1,469
(292)

2,051
(3,827)

1,177

(1,776)

MOVEMENT IN THE FAIR VALUE OF SCHEME ASSETS
At 1 January
Interest income
Return on scheme assets excluding amount shown in interest income
Contributions from sponsoring companies
Contribution from scheme members
Benefits paid

AT 31 DECEMBER

MOVEMENT IN THE PRESENT VALUE OF DEFINED BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS
At 1 January
Normal service costs
Pension Increase Exchange gain
Interest cost
Contribution from scheme members
Changes in assumptions underlying the defined benefit obligations
Benefits paid

AT 31 DECEMBER

51,349
2,241
1,469
2,748
70
(3,639)

54,238

(70,247)
(148)
–
(3,016)
(70)
(292)
3,639

(70,134)

46,968
2,256
2,051
2,583
80
(2,589)

51,349

(67,452)
(146)
1,855
(3,186)
(80)
(3,827)
2,589

(70,247)

The cumulative amount of actuarial losses recognised in other comprehensive income since the date of transition to IAS 19 on 1 January 2004 is 
£13,470,000 (2012 – £14,647,000).

STRATEGIC REVIEW GOVERNANCEACCOUNTS SHAREHOLDERS 
  
62

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

25. RETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)

The history of experience adjustments and actual returns on scheme assets and scheme liabilities is as follows: 

Present value of defined benefit obligations
Fair value of scheme assets

DEFICIT IN THE SCHEME

ACTUAL RETURN ON SCHEME ASSETS

Amount

Percentage of scheme assets

EXPERIENCE ADJUSTMENT ON SCHEME LIABILITIES

Amount

Percentage of scheme liabilities

EXPERIENCE ADJUSTMENT ON SCHEME ASSETS

Amount

Percentage of scheme assets

2013 
£000

2012 
£000

2011
£000

2010
£000

2009
£000

(70,134)
54,238

(15,896)

(70,247)
51,349

(67,452)
46,968

(61,018)
45,293

(18,898)

(20,484)

(15,725)

(60,988)
40,622

(20,366)

3,710

6.8%

(292)

(1.4%)

1,469

2.7%

4,307

8.4%

(3,827)

(5.4%)

2,051

4.0%

2,430

5.3%

(5,915)

(8.8%)

(517)

(1.1%)

4,788

10.6%

(554)

(0.9%)

2,094

4.6%

5,630

13.9%

(7,587)

(12.4%)

3,305

8.1%

Defined contribution schemes
The Group also operates a number of defined contribution pension schemes, set up as Group Personal Pension Plans. The assets of these plans are held 
separately from those of the Group in independently administered funds. The pension cost charge represents contributions paid by the Group to these plans 
and amounted to £672,000 (2012 – £756,000). Contributions from the company and employees amounting to £43,000 (2012 – £53,000) were payable  
to the schemes and are included in creditors at the balance sheet date. Macfarlane Group has a stakeholder pension arrangement for those employees not 
eligible for membership of any of the Group’s contributory pension schemes.

26. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Group has a related party relationship with its subsidiaries (see page 71), with its Directors who comprise the Group Board and with Macfarlane 
Group PLC sponsored pension schemes.

Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries are eliminated on consolidation and are not disclosed.

Key management personnel comprise the Group Board. Their remuneration is set out below in aggregate for each of the categories specified in IAS 24 
“Related Party Disclosures”.

Directors’ Remuneration
Employer’s national insurance contributions

2013 
£000

745
98

843

2012 
£000

759
100

859

Further details of Directors’ individual and collective remuneration are set out in the Report on Directors’ Remuneration on page 21. Details of  
Directors’ shareholdings in the Company are also shown on page 22. Total dividends of £31,000 were paid in respect of these shareholdings  
in 2013 (2012 – £31,000).

Disclosures in relation to the pension schemes are set out in note 25 including transactions in own shares.

The Directors have considered the implications of IAS24 “Related Party Disclosures” and are satisfied that there are no other related party transactions 
occurring during the year, which require disclosure other than those already disclosed in these financial statements.

COMPANY BALANCE SHEET
AT 31 DECEMBER 2013

26. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (CONTINUED)

FIXED ASSETS
Tangible fixed assets
Investments

CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors   – due within one year

– due after more than one year

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

Creditors – amounts falling due within one year

NET CURRENT ASSETS

TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES

Creditors – amounts falling due after more than one year

NET ASSETS EXCLUDING NET PENSION LIABILITY
Net pension liability

NET ASSETS INCLUDING NET PENSION LIABILITY

CAPITAL AND RESERVES
Share capital
Own shares
Profit and loss account

SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2013 

63

NOTE

2013 
£000

2012 
£000

28
29

30
30

31

32

38

33
34
34

36

41
27,411

27,452

3,382
16,371

19,753

(9,312)

10,441

41
24,225

24,266

3,893
18,290

22,183

(9,810)

12,373

37,893

36,639

(1,541)

36,352
(5,214)

31,138

28,755
(311)
2,694

31,138

(601)

36,038
(5,966)

30,072

28,755
(810)
2,127

30,072

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this company balance sheet.

The financial statements of Macfarlane Group PLC, Company registration number SC004221, were approved by the Board of Directors  
on 27 February 2014 and signed on its behalf by

Peter D. Atkinson 
Chief Executive 

John Love
Finance Director

STRATEGIC REVIEW GOVERNANCEACCOUNTS SHAREHOLDERS 
  
 
 
 
 
 
64

NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

27. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The Company financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis and in accordance with United Kingdom Accounting Standards.

The Directors, in their consideration of going concern, have reviewed the Company and Group’s future cash flow forecasts and revenue projections, 
which they believe are based on prudent market data and past experience. Additional details are set out on page 40. After making enquiries, the 
Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.  
For this reason they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

The principal accounting policies adopted are as noted below:

Investments
Investments held as fixed assets are stated in note 29 at cost less provision for any impairment.

Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost. No depreciation is provided on land. Depreciation is calculated at fixed rates on a straight-line basis to write off 
the cost of the assets over the period of their expected useful lives. The rates of depreciation vary between 2% – 5% per annum on buildings with all plant 
and equipment fully written down.

Pension schemes
For defined benefit retirement benefit schemes, the cost of providing benefits is determined using the Projected Unit Credit Method, with actuarial 
valuations being carried out triennially and updated at each balance sheet date. Actuarial gains and losses are recognised in full, in the period in which 
they occur, directly in reserves.

Past service cost is recognised immediately to the extent that benefits are already vested and otherwise is amortised on a straight-line basis over the 
average period until the benefits become vested.

Settlement gains represent the excess of the current value of the retirement obligation extinguished over the transfer value paid to extinguish the liability. 
Curtailment gains, which are recognised in the profit and loss account, represent the reduction in value of the retirement obligations achieved following 
a change in benefits put forward by the Company but only after trustee approval to any necessary rule changes has been effected.

The retirement benefit obligation recognised in the balance sheet represents the present value of the defined benefit obligation as adjusted for 
unrecognised past service cost, and as reduced by the fair value of the scheme assets. The obligations are measured on an actuarial basis and 
discounted at a rate equivalent to the current rate of return on a high quality corporate bond of equivalent currency and term to the scheme’s liabilities.

Payments made to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

Financial instruments
(i)  

 Other receivables do not carry interest and are stated at their nominal value as reduced by appropriate allowances for estimated 
irrecoverable amounts.
Interest-bearing bank overdrafts and loans are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.
Trade creditors are not interest bearing and are stated at their nominal value.

(ii) 
(iii) 

Current taxation
Provision is made for corporation tax on all profits and realised gains up to the balance sheet date, calculated using tax rates that have been enacted  
or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.

Deferred taxation
Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed at the balance sheet date where transactions or 
events that result in an obligation to pay more tax in the future or a right to pay less tax in the future have occurred at the balance sheet date. Timing 
differences are differences between the Company’s taxable profits and its results as stated in the financial statements that arise from the inclusion of 
gains and losses in tax assessments in periods different from those in which they are recognised in the financial statements.

The deferred tax asset is regarded as recoverable and therefore recognised only to the extent that, on the basis of all available evidence, it can be regarded 
as more likely than not that there will be sufficient taxable profits from which the future reversal of the underlying timing differences can be deducted.

Deferred tax is measured at the average tax rates that are expected to apply in the periods in which the timing differences are expected to reverse based 
on tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date. Deferred tax is measured on a non-discounted basis.

Cash flow statement
The Company has not presented a company only cash flow statement. It has taken advantage of the exemption contained in FRS 1 (revised 1996)  
“Cash Flow Statements” as Macfarlane Group PLC has included a consolidated cash flow statement within its Group accounts.

Share-based payments
The Company has adopted FRS 20 “Share-based payments.” The Company issues equity-settled share-based payments to certain employees, which  
are measured at fair value at the date of grant. The fair value, determined at the grant date, of the share-based payments issued to employees of  
this Company are expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the Company’s estimate of shares that will eventually vest.  
The expense relating to employees of subsidiary companies is fully recharged to those companies with the cost increasing the investment in subsidiaries 
and a corresponding credit to reserves.

The fair value is determined by the use of a binomial model. The expected life used in the model has been adjusted based on management’s best 
estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions and behavioural considerations.

28. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

COST

At 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2013

DEPRECIATION

At 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2013

NET BOOK VALUE

At 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2013

The parent company had no assets held under finance leases in 2013 or in 2012.

29. INVESTMENTS 

INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES AT COST

At 1 January
Additions
Disposals

AT 31 DECEMBER 

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2013 

65

LAND AND 
BUILDINGS 
£000

PLANT AND 
EQUIPMENT 
£000

15

11

4

305

268

37

TOTAL 
£000

320

279

41

2013 
£000

2012 
£000

24,225
3,300
(114)

27,411

24,225
–
–

24,225

Details of the principal operating subsidiaries are set out on page 71.

The Company subscribed £3,300,000 for additional share capital within its subsidiary Macfarlane Labels Limited during the year.

Of the investment value shown above £Nil (2012 – £114,000) related to charges to investments in subsidiary companies in respect of equity-settled 
share-based payments, to be settled by the parent company. As these lapsed during 2013, the investment has been written off and treated as a disposal.

30. DEBTORS

DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Amounts owed by subsidiaries
Other receivables
Prepayments and accrued income
Deferred tax asset (see below)

DEFERRED TAX ASSET
Corporation tax losses
At 1 January
(Charged)/credited through profit and loss account

AT 31 DECEMBER

Recovery of the deferred tax asset for corporation tax losses is anticipated against future taxable profits.

DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR

Amounts owed by subsidiaries

31. CREDITORS – AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Bank overdrafts and loans
Trade creditors
Amounts owed to group companies
Other taxation and social security
Accruals and deferred income

2013 
£000

2012 
£000

2,000
648
403
331

3,382

630
(299)

331

2,250
581
432
630

3,893

527
103

630

16,371

18,290

2013 
£000

8,548
283
238
37
206

9,312

2012 
£000

8,856
384
265
36
269

9,810

STRATEGIC REVIEW GOVERNANCEACCOUNTS SHAREHOLDERS 
  
 
 
 
66

NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

31. CREDITORS – AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR (CONTINUED)

All bank overdrafts and loans are unsecured and are repayable on demand.

The Company and certain subsidiaries have given inter-company guarantees to secure their respective overdrafts and loans. The overall credit lines for 
these borrowing facilities total £10,500,000 (2012 – £11,000,000) and are in place for the period to 28 February 2014.

The Group agreed a new debt facility with Lloyds Banking Group PLC with the new facility comprising a three-year committed borrowing facility of up  
to £20.0 million and replaces the existing facilities.

32. CREDITORS – AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR

Amounts owed to group companies

33. SHARE CAPITAL 

Authorised

Allotted, issued and fully paid:

At 1 January and 31 December

2013 
£000

1,541

2012 
£000

601

NUMBER OF 
25P SHARES

2013 
£000

2012
£000

200,000,000

50,000

50,000

115,019,000

28,755

28,755

There have been no movements in share capital during the year.

The Company has one class of ordinary shares, which carry no right to fixed income. Each ordinary share carries one vote in any General Meeting of 
the Company.

34. RESERVES 

BALANCE AT 1 JANUARY 2012
Profit for the year
Dividends paid (see note 8)
Post tax actuarial loss in pension scheme taken direct to reserves

BALANCE AT 1 JANUARY 2013
Disposal of own shares
Profit for the year
Dividends paid (see note 8)
Post tax actuarial gain in pension scheme taken direct to reserves

BALANCE AT 31 DECEMBER 2013

OWN SHARES 
£000

PROFIT AND
LOSS ACCOUNT
£000

(810)
–
–
–

(810)
499
–
–
–

(311)

2,077
2,166
(1,761)
(355)

2,127
(245)
2,017
(1,774)
569

2,694

TOTAL 
£000

1,267
2,166
(1,761)
(355)

1,317
254
2,017
(1,774)
569

2,383

At 31 December 2013, the Company’s Employee Share Ownership Trust (“ESOT”) held 551,372 (2012 – 1,436,372) ordinary shares in Macfarlane 
Group PLC with a market value of £189,000 (2012 – £402,000) against the future exercise of share options. The ESOT has waived its right to receive 
dividends on these shares. During 2013 the Company transferred 885,000 ordinary shares, previously held as own shares to its defined benefit  
pension scheme.

35. OPERATING PROFIT

OPERATING PROFIT FOR THE PARENT COMPANY HAS BEEN ARRIVED AT AFTER CHARGING: 
Auditor’s remuneration
 Audit services
 Non-audit services

2013 
£000

16
15

2012 
£000

16
78

35. OPERATING PROFIT (CONTINUED)

STAFF COSTS
THE AVERAGE MONTHLY NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES WAS:
Administration

THE COSTS INCURRED IN RESPECT OF THESE EMPLOYEES WERE:

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs

36. RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENTS IN SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS 

Profit for the year
Dividends to equity holders in the year
Post tax actuarial gain/(loss) in pension scheme taken direct to equity
Transfer of own shares to pension scheme

MOVEMENTS IN SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS IN THE YEAR
Opening shareholders’ funds

CLOSING SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2013 

67

2013 
NO.

11

2013 
£000

956
125
55

1,136

2013 
£000

2,017
(1,774)
569
254

1,066
30,072

31,138

2012
NO.

11

2012 
£000

1,011
116
25

1,152

2012 
£000

2,166
(1,761)
(355)
–

50
30,022

30,072

37. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS

Equity-settled share option plans
Share option plans of the parent company, Macfarlane Group PLC provide for a grant price, which approximates to the average quoted market price of the 
Group shares on the date of grant. The vesting period is generally three years and options are forfeited if the employee leaves the Group before the options 
vest. If the options remain unexercised after a period of ten years from the date of grant, the options lapse. 

A summary of the movements on share options during the year is as follows:
Outstanding at 1 January 
Lapsed during the year

OUTSTANDING AT 31 DECEMBER

EXERCISABLE AT 31 DECEMBER

Options outstanding as follows:
Grant date
16 April 2003
29 October 2004

EQUITY-SETTLED SHARE OPTION PLANS
Inputs to the binomial model giving rise to a charge are as follows:
Weighted average share price
Weighted average exercise price 
Expected volatility
Expected life
Risk free rate
Expected annual dividend yield

EXERCISE DATE

EXERCISE PRICE
PER SHARE

April 2006 – April 2013
October 2007 – October 2014

28.5p
26.0p

NUMBER 
OF SHARES 
2013

NUMBER 
OF SHARES 
2012

631,372
(80,000)

803,372
(172,000)

551,372

631,372

551,372

631,372

NUMBER 
OF SHARES 
2013

–
551,372

551,372

NUMBER 
OF SHARES 
2012

80,000
551,372

632,372

2013

2012

42p
42p
40%
6.5 years
4.4%
0.0%

42p
42p
40%
6.5 years
4.4%
0.0%

The options in existence, being valued, have an average exercise price of 26.0p (2012 – 27.5p).

Equity-settled long-term incentive plans
The Group provided long-term incentive plans which provide for a base level share price for Total Shareholder Return equating to the closing quoted 
market price of the Group shares on the day before the date of award. The vesting period is three years and incentive plans are forfeited if the employee 
leaves the Group before they vest. No long-term incentive plan awards were made in 2012 or 2013. All awards have now lapsed.

STRATEGIC REVIEW GOVERNANCEACCOUNTS SHAREHOLDERS 
  
68

NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

38. PENSIONS

Introduction
Macfarlane Group PLC sponsors a defined benefit pension scheme for certain active and former UK employees – the Macfarlane Group PLC Pension  
& Life Assurance Scheme (1974) (“the scheme”). The two major trading subsidiaries, Macfarlane Group UK Limited and Macfarlane Labels Limited are 
the other two sponsoring employers of the scheme.

The scheme is administered by a separate Board of Trustees composed of employer nominated representatives and member nominated Trustees and is 
legally separate from the Group. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Group in managed funds under the supervision of the 
Trustees. The Trustees are required by law to act in the interest of all classes of beneficiary in the scheme and are responsible for investment policy and 
the day-to-day administration of benefits. The scheme was closed to new entrants during 2002.

The scheme provides qualifying employees with an annual pension of 1/60 of pensionable salary for each completed year’s service on attainment of  
a normal retirement age of 65. Pensionable salaries were frozen for the remaining active members at the levels current at 30 April 2009 with the change 
taking effect from 30 April 2010. As a result no further salary inflation applies for active members who elected to remain in the scheme. Active members’ 
benefits also include life assurance cover, albeit the payment of these benefits is at the discretion of the Trustees of the scheme.

On withdrawing from active service a deferred member’s pension is revalued from the time of withdrawal until the pension is drawn. Revaluation in 
deferment is statutory and since 2010 has been revalued on the Consumer Price Index (“CPI”) measure of inflation. Revaluation of pensions in payment 
is a blend of fixed increases and inflationary increases depending on the relevant periods of accrual of benefit. For pensions in payment, the inflationary 
increase is currently based on the Retail Prices Index (“RPI”) measure of inflation.

During 2012, Macfarlane Group PLC made the decision to amend benefits for pensioner, deferred and active members in the defined benefit pension 
scheme by making a Pension Increase Exchange (“PIE”) offer to pensioner members at 1 May 2012 and providing a PIE option for deferred and active 
members after 1 May 2012. 

The scheme exposes the Group to actuarial risks, such as interest rate risk, inflation risk, longevity risk and investment risk.

The Group will consider a number of further actions to reduce the deficit in 2014.

Balance sheet disclosures at 31 December 2013
The pension scheme’s qualified actuary from AON Hewitt carries out triennial valuations using the Projected Unit Credit Method to determine the level of 
deficit. For the most recent triennial valuation at 1 May 2011, the principal assumptions adopted were that investment returns would average 6.15% per 
annum and that no further salary increases would apply for active members. The valuation showed that the market value of the relevant investments of 
the scheme for the group as a whole was £46,959,000 and the actuarial value of these investments represented 66% of the value of benefits that had 
accrued to members.

The investments held by the scheme and the deficit of the scheme have been based on the results of the actuarial valuation as at 1 May 2011, updated to 
the year-end to reflect the amounts attributable to Macfarlane Group PLC, the parent company as shown below:

INVESTMENT CLASS

Equities
Bonds
Multi-asset diversified funds
Cash

Fair value of assets
Present value of scheme liabilities

DEFICIT IN THE SCHEME
Related deferred tax asset (see below)

NET PENSION SCHEME LIABILITY

RELATED DEFERRED TAX ASSET

At 1 January 
(Charge)/credit to reserves
(Charge)/credit to profit and loss account

AT 31 DECEMBER

VALUATION
2013 
£000

LONG-TERM 
EXPECTED 
RETURN

VALUATION
2012 
£000

LONG-TERM 
EXPECTED 
RETURN

VALUATION
2011 
£000

LONG-TERM 
EXPECTED 
RETURN

7.50%
3.70%
7.50%
1.00%

6,183
9,240
6,729
86

22,238
(28,755)

(6,517)
1,303

(5,214)

2013
£000

1,782
(423)
(56)

1,303

7.30%
4.00%
7.30%
1.00%

5,934
9,653
5,341
125

21,053
(28,801)

(7,748)
1,782

(5,966)

2012 
£000

2,100
(105)
(213)

1,782

7.40%
3.40%
7.40%
1.00%

5,241
8,940
5,004
71

19,256
(27,654)

(8,398)
2,100

(6,298)

2011 
£000

2,069
28
3

2,100

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2013 

69

38. PENSIONS (CONTINUED)

The scheme’s liabilities at 31 December 2013 were calculated on the following bases as required under FRS 17:

2013

2012

2011

4.50%
0.00%
3% or 5% 
for fixed increases 
or 3.30% for LPI. 
2.20% post 5 April 2006

4.40%
0.00%
3% or 5% 
for fixed increases 
or 2.90% for LPI. 
2.10% post 5 April 2006

4.80%
0.00%
3% or 5% 
for fixed increases 
or 2.90% for LPI. 
2.10% post 5 April 2006

70%/80%

70%/80%

90%/90%

3.40%
2.50%

22.6
25.1

Assumptions 

Discount rate
Rate of increase in salaries
Rate of increase in pensions in payment

Spouse’s pension assumption
Pensioner/deferred and active members

Inflation assumption (RPI)
Inflation assumption (CPI)
Life expectancy beyond normal retirement age of 65
Male
Female

MOVEMENT IN THE SCHEME DEFICIT IN THE YEAR

At 1 January
Normal service cost
Pension Increase Exchange gain
Contributions
Net finance cost
Actuarial gain/(loss) in the year

AT 31 DECEMBER

ANALYSIS OF AMOUNTS (CHARGED)/CREDITED TO OPERATING PROFIT
Normal service cost
Pension Increase Exchange gain

AMOUNTS (CHARGED)/CREDITED TO OPERATING PROFIT 

ANALYSIS OF AMOUNTS CHARGED TO NET FINANCE COSTS
Interest income
Interest costs

NET FINANCE COSTS

ANALYSIS OF THE ACTUARIAL GAIN/(LOSS) INCLUDED IN THE STATEMENT  
OF TOTAL RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES
Return on scheme assets excluding amount shown in interest income
Changes in assumptions underlying present value of scheme liabilities

ACTUARIAL GAIN/(LOSS)

3.00%
2.20%

22.3
24.6

3.00%
2.30%

22.4
24.6

2013 
£000

(7,748)
(17)
–
329
(73)
992

(6,517)

2012 
£000

(8,398)
(21)
761
365
(205)
(250)

(7,748)

(17)
–

(17)

(21)
761

740

1,164
(1,237)

(73)

1,101
(1,306)

(205)

1,176
(184)

992

1,380
(1,630)

(250)

STRATEGIC REVIEW GOVERNANCEACCOUNTS SHAREHOLDERS 
  
70

NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013

38. PENSIONS (CONTINUED)

MOVEMENT IN THE FAIR VALUE OF SCHEME ASSETS 
At 1 January
Interest income
Return on scheme assets excluding amount shown in interest income
Contributions from sponsoring companies
Contribution from scheme members
Benefits paid

AT 31 DECEMBER

MOVEMENT IN THE PRESENT VALUE OF DEFINED BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS
At 1 January
Current service cost
Interest cost
Pension Increase Exchange gain
Contribution from scheme members
Actuarial loss
Benefits paid

AT 31 DECEMBER

2013 
£000

21,053
1,164
1,176
329
7
(1,491)

22,238

(28,801)
(17)
(1,237)
–
(7)
(184)
1,491

(28,755)

2012 
£000

19,256
1,101
1,380
365
11
(1,060)

21,053

(27,654)
(21)
(1,306)
761
(11)
(1,630)
1,060

(28,801)

Cumulative actuarial gains since the transition to FRS 17 on 1 January 2004 are £3,122,000 (2012 – £2,130,000).

Present value of defined benefit obligations
Fair value of scheme assets

DEFICIT IN THE SCHEME

2013
£000

2012 
£000

2011 
£000

2010
£000

2009 
£000

(28,755)
22,238

(6,517)

(28,801)
21,053

(7,748)

(27,654)
19,256

(8,398)

(29,731)
22,069

(7,662)

(27,726)
18,466

(9,260)

RETURN ON SCHEME ASSETS

2,340

2,481

(1,722)

4,832

3,197

Percentage of scheme assets

10.5%

11.8%

(8.9%)

21.9%

17.3%

EXPERIENCE ADJUSTMENT ON SCHEME ASSETS

Percentage of scheme assets

1,176

5.3%

1,380

(2,930)

3,519

2,140

6.6%

(15.2%)

15.9%

11.6%

EXPERIENCE ADJUSTMENT ON SCHEME LIABILITIES

(184)

(1,630)

2,205

(1,962)

(3,114)

Percentage of scheme’s liabilities

(0.6%)

(5.7%)

8.0%

(6.6%)

(11.2%)

Defined contribution schemes
The Company also participated in a defined contribution scheme, the Macfarlane Group Personal Pension Plan. Contributions to the plan for the year 
were £4,000 (2012 – £4,000). There were no outstanding contributions from the company and employees payable to the scheme included in creditors 
at the balance sheet date.

39. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties, have been eliminated on consolidation and are not disclosed.  
The Directors have considered the implications of FRS 8 “Related Party Transactions” and are satisfied that there are no other related party transactions 
occurring during the year, which require disclosure, other than those already disclosed in these financial statements.

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2013 

71

PRINCIPAL OPERATING SUBSIDIARIES

COMPANY NAME

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES

MACFARLANE GROUP UK LIMITED

COUNTRY OF 
REGISTRATION

England

Coventry  

Tel: 02476 511511

Supply and distribution of all forms of packaging materials and equipment.

Grantham  
Westbury  

Tel: 01476 574747
Tel: 01373 858555

MACFARLANE LABELS LIMITED

Kilmarnock  

Tel: 01563 525151

Design and manufacture of specialist packaging. 

Manufacture of high quality printed self-adhesive labels and resealable 
labelling solutions.

Scotland

MACFARLANE GROUP IRELAND  
(LABELS AND PACKAGING) LIMITED

Manufacture of high quality printed self-adhesive labels and resealable 
labelling solutions.

Ireland

Wicklow  

Tel: 00 353 1281 0234

MACFARLANE GROUP SWEDEN AB

Helsingborg 

Tel: 00 46 42 13 75 55

Manufacture of high quality printed self-adhesive labels and resealable 
labelling solutions.

Sweden

All the above subsidiaries are wholly owned either by Macfarlane Group PLC or one of its subsidiary companies and operate within their country  
of registration. A full list of trading and non-trading subsidiaries is available from the registered office, 21 Newton Place, Glasgow G3 7PY.

CORPORATE ADVISERS

REGISTRATION NUMBER 
No. SC004221 
Registered in Scotland

COMPANY SECRETARY 
Andrew Cotton

 REGISTERED OFFICE
 21 Newton Place 
Glasgow  
G3 7PY 
T: 0141 333 9666 
F: 0141 333 1988

PRINCIPAL BANKERS
Lloyds Banking Group PLC 
110 St. Vincent St. 
Glasgow  
G2 5ER

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR
KPMG Audit Plc 
 191 West George Street 
Glasgow  
G2 2L J

REGISTRARS
Equiniti  
Aspect House  
Spencer Road  
Lancing 
West Sussex  
BN99 6DA

SOLICITORS
Dundas & Wilson CS LLP 
Saltire Court 
20 Castle Terrace 
Edinburgh  
EH1 2EG

 Wright Johnston & Mackenzie LLP 
302 St Vincent Street 
Glasgow  
G2 5RZ

STOCKBROKERS
Arden Partners plc 
125 Old Broad Street 
London  
EC2 1AR

Speirs & Jeffrey Ltd  
George House 
50 George Square 
Glasgow  
G2 1EH

STRATEGIC REVIEW GOVERNANCEACCOUNTS SHAREHOLDERS 
  
 
72

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

FIVE YEAR RECORD

TURNOVER – ALL OPERATIONS

PROFIT BEFORE INTEREST,  

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS AND TAX

NET INTEREST PAYABLE

PROFIT BEFORE EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS AND DISCONTINUED 

OPERATIONS

EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS

PROFIT ON DISPOSAL OF OPERATIONS

PROFIT BEFORE TAX

TAXATION

PROFIT FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR

2013
£000

*2012
£000

2011
£000

2010
£000

2009
£000

143,871

141,823

144,557

135,450

123,596

6,251

(1,199)

5,052

(336)

–

4,716

(1,260)

3,456

5,834

(1,349)

4,485

993

–

5,478

(1,613)

3,865

4,689

(815)

3,874

–

–

3,874

(455)

3,419

4,518

(1,167)

3,351

846

–

4,197

(1,211)

2,986

4,406

(1,223)

3,183

(699)

351

2,835

(514)

2,321

EARNINGS PER ORDINARY SHARE

3.03p

3.40p

3.01p

2.63p

2.06p

DIVIDENDS

1,774

1,761

1,761

1,700

1,688

DIVIDENDS PER ORDINARY SHARE

1.55p

1.55p

1.55p

1.50p

1.50p

DIVIDEND COVER

1.9

2.2

1.9

1.8

1.4

* As restated for IAS19 – see note 1 to the financial statements

This table reflects the five-year record for continuing and discontinued operations as classified at 31 December 2013.

FINANCIAL DIARY 
FINANCIAL RESULTS
Interim: Announced – August 
Final: Announced – February

ACCOUNTS AND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Report and financial statements: Posted to shareholders on 28 March 2014 
Annual General Meeting: Held in Glasgow on 6 May 2014

SHAREHOLDER ENQUIRIES
Macfarlane Group PLC’s ordinary shares are classified under the “Industrial – General”  
section of the Industrial Sector on the London Stock Exchange.

Enquiries regarding shareholdings, dividend payments, dividend mandate instructions, lost share certificates,  
tax vouchers, changes of address, transfers of shares to another person and other administrative matters should  
be addressed to the Company’s registrars: 

Equiniti, Aspect House,  
Spencer Road, Lancing,  
West Sussex BN99 6DA 

Telephone: 0871 384 2439  
Fax: 0871 384 2100  
www.shareview.co.uk

The Company’s website, www.macfarlanegroup.com provides details of all major Stock Exchange  
announcements, details of the current share price and information about Macfarlane Group’s business.

Our new 2014 Product Catalogue  
is now available.

Our trading website 
www.macfarlanepackaging.com
enables customers to place orders at 
their convenience 24 hours each day.

Designed and produced by Tayburn

MACFARLANE GROUP PLC

Macfarlane Head Office 
21 Newton Place 
Glasgow G3 7PY
T: 0141 333 9666 
F: 0141 333 1988 
E: investorinfo@macfarlanegroup.net
www.macfarlanegroup.net

M

A

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G

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N

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A

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P

O

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T

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0

1

3

PACKAGING DISTRIBUTION 

PACKAGING DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE 

LABELS

LOCAL DIRECTORY

  BRISTOL 

  HAYES 

  GRANTHAM 

T 0844 770 1401 
E bristol@macfarlanepackaging.com

T 0208 813 5322 
E hayes@macfarlanepackaging.com

T 0844 770 1417 
E granthamsales@macfarlanepackaging.com

  COVENTRY  

  HORSHAM 

  WESTBURY 

T 0844 770 1407 
E coventry@macfarlanepackaging.com

T 0844 770 1419 
E horsham@macfarlanepackaging.com

T 0844 770 1435 
E westburysales@macfarlanepackaging.com

  ENFIELD 

T 0844 770 1409 
E enfield@macfarlanepackaging.com

  EXETER 

T 0844 770 1411 
E exeter@macfarlanepackaging.com

  MANCHESTER 

T 0844 770 1423 
E manchester@macfarlanepackaging.com

  MILTON KEYNES 
T 0844 770 1425 
E miltonkeynes@macfarlanepackaging.com

  WICKLOW 

T 00 353 1281 0234 
E sales@macfarlanelabels.com

  KILMARNOCK 
T 01563 525151 
E sales@macfarlanelabels.com

  FAREHAM 

  NEWCASTLE 

T 0844 770 1413 
E fareham@macfarlanepackaging.com

T 0844 770 1427 
E newcastle@macfarlanepackaging.com

  SWEDEN 

T 0046 4213 7555 
E info@reseal-it.se

  GLASGOW 

  SUDBURY 

T 0844 770 1421 
E glasgow@macfarlanepackaging.com

T 0844 770 1429 
E sudbury@macfarlanepackaging.com

  GLOUCESTER 

  WAKEFIELD 

T 0145 255 5550 
E gloucester@macfarlanepackaging.com

T 0844 770 1433 
E wakefield@macfarlanepackaging.com

  GRANTHAM 

  WIGAN 

T 0844 770 1415 
E grantham@macfarlanepackaging.com

T 0844 770 1437 
E wigan@macfarlanepackaging.com