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Marshall Motor Holdings plc

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FY2017 Annual Report · Marshall Motor Holdings plc
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247153 MMH AR 2017 10.5mm Spine Cover 2017.qxp  14/03/2018  21:21  Page 1

23 BRANDS  

101 FRANCHISES 

26 COUNTIES

www.mmhplc.com

Marshall Motor Holdings plc

Airport House, The Airport, Cambridge, CB5 8RY

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A

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2

0

1

7

Audi

BMW

BMW Motorrad

Ford

Ford Vans

Honda

Hyundai

Jaguar

Kia

Land Rover

Maserati

MINI

Nissan

Peugeot

Seat

SKODA

Smart 

Vauxhall 

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz Commercials

Volkswagen

Volkswagen Commercials

Volvo

Paint & Body Repair Centres

Trade Parts Specialists

Used Car Centres

© 2018 Marshall Motor Holdings plc

Marshall Motor Holdings plc

Annual Report & Accounts 2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
247153 MMH AR 2017 10.5mm Spine Cover 2017.qxp  14/03/2018  21:21  Page 2

Putting our
customers
above all else
since 1909.

Mercedes-AMG GT R

247153 MMH AR 2017 pp003-pp005.qxp  14/03/2018  21:23  Page 3

CHAIRMAN’S 
STATEMENT

P8

OPERATING 
REVIEW

P10

FINANCIAL
REVIEW

P20

Marshall Motor Holdings plc |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Contents

STRATEGIC REPORT

Chairman’s Statement                                                                      8

Operating Review                                                                           10

Financial Review                                                                            20

Principal Risks and Uncertainties                                                   24

GOVERNANCE

Board of Directors                                                                          28

Directors’ Report                                                                             30

Corporate and Social Responsibility                                              32

Corporate Governance Report                                                       38

Audit Committee Report                                                                 41

Remuneration Committee Report                                                   43

Directors’ Remuneration Report                                                     44

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities                                         51

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditors’ Report                                                         52

Consolidated Financial Statements

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income                      62

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity                               63

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position                                64

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement                                               65

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements                           67

Parent Company Financial Statements

Parent Company Statement of Financial Position                        125

Parent Company Statement of Changes in Equity                       126

Notes to the Parent Company Financial Statements                   127

SHAREHOLDERS INFORMATION

Notice of Annual General Meeting                                                134

Explanatory Notes                                                                        135

Company Information                                                                   136

247153 MMH AR 2017 pp003-pp005.qxp  14/03/2018  21:23  Page 4

STRATEGIC REPORT

Historical Financial Trends

Revenue  £m

Gross Profit  £m

£2,268.9m

£265.1m

£1,899.4m

£220.5m

£1,232.8m

£1,085.9m

£940.5m

£145.3m

£126.2m

£113.8m

2013 2014 2015

2016

2017

2013 2014 2015 2016

2017

CAGR 24.6%

CAGR 23.5%

Underlying Profit Before Tax* £m

Net Assets £m

£29.1m

£25.4m

£191.2m

£145.7m

£129.9m

£15.8m

£13.1m

£10.2m

£60.7m

£66.2m

2013 2014

2015 2016

2017

2013

2014 2015 2016

2017

CAGR 29.9%

CAGR 33.2%

* underlying profit before tax is presented 

excluding non-underlying items (see Note 7)

247153 MMH AR 2017 pp003-pp005.qxp  14/03/2018  21:23  Page 5

Marshall Motor Holdings plc |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Our Vision

2017 Quick Overview

To be the UK's premier

automotive retail group as

recognised by our colleagues,

customers, business partners

and shareholders. To achieve

our vision we will create a

people centric culture, as

well as operate as retailers who

deliver retailing excellence

and are regarded as an

employer of choice.

£2.3bn

Revenue

£29.1m

Underlying Profit Before Tax

97,545

New and Used Units Sold

Franchised Dealerships

101
3,923

Colleagues

No.1

AUTOMOTIVE 
RETAIL EMPLOYER
As Voted by our Colleagues

247153 MMH AR 2017 pp006-pp007.qxp_Layout 1  14/03/2018  21:30  Page 6

% 2017
Manufacturer 
Market 
Share

Retail Franchised Dealerships

Motorrad

6.9

6.9

11.3

2.1

3.7

1.4

3.7

3.3

0.1

7.1

2.7

5.9

3.2

2.2

3.1

0.4

7.7

8.2

1.8

Commercial Vehicle Dealerships

Vans

Commercial
Vehicles

Commercial
Vehicles

Commercial
Vehicles

Commercial
Vehicles

Other Stand-Alone Operating Units

Trade Parts
Specialist

Trade Parts
Specialist

Trade Parts
Specialist

Trade Parts
Specialist

Trade Parts
Specialist

Paint &
Body Repair
Centre

Paint &
Body Repair
Centre

Paint &
Body Repair
Centre

Paint &
Body Repair
Centre

Paint &
Body Repair
Centre

Approved
Centre

Used Car 
Centre

Used Car 
Centre

Used Car 
Centre

Commercial
Vehicles

Beckenham & Bromley, Bexley,
Coulsdon, Exeter, Newbury, Oxford,
Plymouth, Taunton and Wimbledon

Bournemouth, Grimsby (with Motorrad),
Hook, Salisbury and Scunthorpe

Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge 
and Kings Lynn

Harrogate, Hull, South Leicester,
Peterborough, Scarborough and York  

Cambridge

Cambridge, Ipswich, Lincoln, 
Newbury, Oxford and Peterborough 

Ipswich, Scunthorpe

Bedford, Cambridge, Ipswich,
Lincoln, Melton Mowbray, Newbury 
South Oxford and Peterborough

Peterborough

Blackburn, Blackpool, Bolton, Chichester,
Portsmouth, Preston, Southampton,
South Lakes and Winchester

Bournemouth, Grimsby, 
Hook and Salisbury   

Grantham and Lincoln

Cambridge, Peterborough 
and St Neots

Braintree, Cambridge 
and Leicester 

Barnstaple, Croydon, Newbury, 
Oxford and Reading

Blackpool, Bolton, Portsmouth 
and Southampton 

Ipswich, Knebworth, Leicester 
and Peterborough

Barnstaple, Grimsby, Newbury, North Oxford, 
South Oxford, Reading, Scunthorpe and Taunton 

Bishops Stortford, Cambridge, Grantham, Leeds, 
Milton Keynes, Nottingham, Peterborough,  
and Welwyn Garden City 

Cambridge

Andover, Fareham, 
Poole and Southampton

Bridgwater, Oxford, Reading 
and Scunthorpe 

Exeter, Mitcham, Old Kent Road / Dartford,  
Oxford and Swindon

Cambridge, Greenham Prep Centre, 
Grimsby, New Forest and Peterborough

Sydenham

Cambridge, Newbury 
and Portsmouth 

Halesworth Jaguar Land Rover
Approved Repairer

Croydon Service Centre

247153 MMH AR 2017 pp006-pp007.qxp_Layout 1  14/03/2018  21:30  Page 7

81.7%

brand coverage

South Lakes

Scarborough

Blackpool

Harrogate

York

Preston

Blackburn

Leeds

Bolton

Hull

Scunthorpe

Motorrad

Grimsby

Lincoln

Nottingham

Grantham

Melton Mowbray

Leicester

Peterborough

King’s Lynn

Vans

Bedford

St. Neots

Cambridge

Milton Keynes

Knebworth

Welwyn Bishop’s 
Stortford

Braintree

Trade Parts
Specialist

Halesworth

Bury St. 
Edmunds

Ipswich

Trade Parts
Specialist

Oxford

Trade Parts
Specialist

Swindon

Newbury

Commercial
Vehicles

Andover

Barnstaple

DAS WELT

Bridgwater

Reading

Approved
Centre

Hook

Wimbledon

Sydenham

Old Kent Rd
Bexley
Beckenham
& Bromley

Salisbury

Trade Parts
Specialist

Winchester

Mitcham
Coulsdon

Croydon

Trade Parts
Specialist

Taunton

Exeter

Southampton

Bournemouth
Poole

Commercial
Vehicles

Fareham Commercial
Portsmouth

Vehicles

Chichester

Commercial
Vehicles

Plymouth

Commercial
Vehicles

101Franchised Dealerships

at 31 December 2017

Marshall Motor Holdings is the seventh largest UK
motor dealer group. Since 2008 the Group has
restructured its dealership portfolio, operating 101
full retail franchised dealerships and representing 
23 brand partners across 26 counties.
In addition, the Group operates a number of
aftersales and used car operations.

247153 MMH AR 2017 pp008-pp023 new.qxp  14/03/2018  21:23  Page 8

STRATEGIC REPORT

Chairman’s Statement

Peter Johnson
Chairman

“We have taken significant steps to
prepare the Group for the future”

Introduction
I am delighted to present our Annual Report and Accounts
for the year ended 31 December 2017 (the “Year”). Whilst
the market backdrop for the Year was a more challenging
one,  the  Group  has  strongly  outperformed  the  UK  car
market and we are pleased to be reporting another record
set of results at both revenue and underlying profit before
tax  (‘underlying  PBT’)*.  We  have  also  taken  significant
steps to prepare the Group for the future.

Strategy
Since our IPO three years ago, the Group has, in line with
its  stated  strategy,  delivered  material  growth  both
organically and through the acquisitions of SG Smith in
November 2015 and Ridgeway in May 2016.

In 2017 we focused on preparing for the next stage of the
Group’s development and growth. The strategic disposal
of our leasing business Marshall Leasing Limited (‘Marshall
Leasing’) in November 2017, for gross consideration of
£42.5m (before  costs  and  expenses), combined  with
ongoing  portfolio  management  and  the  closure  of  a
number of sub-scale, loss-making sites, has reduced our
cost-base, significantly strengthened our balance sheet
and  enabled  us  to  focus  exclusively  on  our  retail
businesses. As a result, we are well positioned to continue
to deliver our future growth aspirations.

Results
The Group has enjoyed another record year, delivering
19.5% revenue growth and 14.4% underlying PBT growth.

Our  net  debt was  effectively  eliminated  following  the
disposal  of  Marshall  Leasing  and  was  £2.2m  at
31  December  2017  (2016:  £119.0m).  The  Group’s
significantly  strengthened  balance  sheet 
remains
underpinned  by £116.3m  of  freehold/long  leasehold
property.

Dividend
The  Group’s  stated  dividend  policy  is  to  maintain  a
progressive dividend policy where dividends are covered
between 4 to 5 times by underlying earnings. The Board
is, therefore, pleased to recommend a final dividend of
4.25p per share which, with the interim dividend of 2.15p
per share, gives a total dividend for the Year of 6.40p per
share (2016: 5.50p, up 16.4%).

If approved by shareholders at our AGM on 22 May 2018,
the  final  dividend  will  be  paid  on  25  May  2018  to
shareholders who are on the Company’s register at close
of business on 27 April 2018.

AGM
Our annual general meeting will be held on 22 May 2018
and I look forward to meeting all shareholders who are able
to attend.

Outlook
The Board notes the latest Society of Motor Manufacturers
and Traders (‘SMMT’) UK new car market forecasts for a
decline of 5.6% in 2018. As a consequence the Board
therefore remains cautious about the UK car market in
2018 as it returns to a more normalised level. Our trading
performance in the current financial year to date is in line
with  our  expectations  and  our  outlook  for  the  full  year
remains unchanged.

The Group has a strong brand mix, attractive geographic
territories and excellent brand partner relationships and is
well  placed  to  continue  to  outperform  the  UK  new  car
market. The strategic disposal of Marshall Leasing allows
the Group to focus on its core motor retail business.

Finally, I would like to thank the Board, the executive team,
our  brand  partners,  business  suppliers  and  colleagues
throughout  the  Group  for  their  support  during  another
successful year.

Peter Johnson
Chairman
13 March 2018

* underlying profit before tax is presented excluding non-underlying items
(as set out in Note 7)

8

247153 MMH AR 2017 pp008-pp023 new.qxp  14/03/2018  21:23  Page 9

Marshall Motor Holdings plc | Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Vision
To be the UK’s premier automotive retail group

Class leading 
returns

Customer 
first

Retailing 
excellence

People 
centric

Strategic 
growth

Underpinned by five strategic pillars

Volkswagen T-Roc

Exeter Audi Dealership

Leeds Volvo Dealership

9 

247153 MMH AR 2017 pp008-pp023 new.qxp  14/03/2018  21:23  Page 10

STRATEGIC REPORT

Operating Review

Daksh Gupta
Chief Executive
Officer

“The Group has delivered another
record result at both revenue and
underlying PBT”

“We have continued to outperform
the new and used UK retail
markets”
Overview
Since  our  IPO  in  April  2015,  the  Group  has  delivered
material and sustained improvements in its financial and
operational performance. Our 2017 results continue this
excellent  track  record,  benefitting  from  both  continued
organic growth and the first full year contribution from the
Ridgeway acquisition which is now fully integrated.

During the Year, the Group also continued being proactive
in  portfolio  management,  announcing  the  acquisition  of
Leeds Volvo  in  June  2017,  the  disposal  of  Marshall
Leasing Limited in September 2017 and the closure of six
sub-scale, loss-making businesses in November 2017.

2017 was another successful year for the Group:

• Revenue up 19.5% to £2.3bn (2016: £1.9bn) with the
Group also achieving like-for-like** revenue growth of
3.5%.

• Underlying PBT up 14.4% to £29.1m (2016: £25.4m).

• Significant  growth  in  underlying  PBT  in  our  retail
segment, up 20.8% to £34.9m (2016: £28.9m), driven by
a  combination  of  contribution  from  the  Ridgeway
acquisition and continued organic growth.

     o    Like-for-like  new  unit  vehicle  sales  to  retail
customers outperformed the UK market.

     o     Excellent performance in used unit vehicle sales
with like-for-like unit sales outperforming the UK
market.

     o     Aftersales like-for-like revenue continued to grow,

up 2.3%.

** like-for-like businesses are defined as those which traded under the
Group’s  ownership  throughout  both  the  entire  year  under  review  and
the corresponding comparative year

• The disposal of Marshall Leasing has enabled us to focus
exclusively on our UK motor retail operations as well as
further strengthening the Group’s balance sheet.

Our continued outperformance of the UK new car retail
market in the Year was particularly pleasing. In 2017 UK
new car registrations were 2.54m (including dealer and self-
registrations), 5.7% lower than in 2016. Registrations to
retail customers in 2017 were 6.8% lower than in 2016.
Against  this  market  backdrop,  we  have  continued  to
outperform the retail market with our like-for-like unit sales
to new retail customers in the Year 2.6% lower than in 2016.

The SMMT reported a used vehicle market decline of
1.1% in the Year, however, at 8.11m units this was still
the  second  highest  market  on  record.    Despite  this
overall decline, the Group recorded a like-for-like growth
in used unit sales of 5.2%.

Strategy
The Group’s strategic vision is to become the UK’s premier
automotive Group and this remains central to everything
we do. Our five strategic pillars which underpin that vision
are:  class  leading  returns;  putting  our  customers  first;
delivering  retailing  excellence  for  the  benefit  of  our
customers; being people-centric by focusing on employee
engagement;  and  pursuing  strategic  growth  both
organically and through targeted acquisitions in line with
the Group’s strategy.

Class leading returns
The  Group’s  strategy  of  building  a  balanced  brand
portfolio, in attractive geographic locations and with an
increased  premium  franchise  mix,  has  assisted  the
continuation of our strong track record in the face of a more
challenging market. Total new vehicle revenue grew by
18.6% (1.0% like-for-like) and total used vehicle revenue
grew 21.1% (7.0% like-for-like).

The completion of the integration of Ridgeway has also
enabled  the  Group  to  access  further  benefits  of  scale
across  a  number  of  areas  of  the  business  including
improved  commercial  terms  with  suppliers  and  vehicle
stock management.

An important element of the Group’s success continues to
be our strong and growing relationships with our brand
partners, many of which are reacting to a more challenging
market with a number of positive actions.

Aftersales continues to be a key focus of the Group and
our strong performance in recent years continued during
the Year, with total revenue growth of 20.0% (2.3% like-for-
like). We continue to focus on maintaining high levels of
customer retention and repeat business through the use
of  service  plans  as  well  as  investing  in  technical  and
product training for our technicians.

10

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc  |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Celebrating Success 
Recognising  and  thanking  colleagues  is  a
fundamental element of our commitment to
provide a great environment for colleagues
to  work  in.  It  also  supports  our  desire  to
continue to be recognised as a Best Large
UK Workplace.

for 

it’s 

Whether 
loyalty,  outstanding
achievement  or  delivery  of  our  values  we
hold  several  annual  events  and  award
ceremonies  to  celebrate  our  incredible
colleagues.  Details  and  photos  of  each
event are featured in our quarterly colleague
magazine so we can share our colleague’s
success  with  everyone  and  reinforce  how
important these programmes are.

11

247153 MMH AR 2017 pp008-pp023 new.qxp  14/03/2018  21:24  Page 12

STRATEGIC REPORT

Customer first
The  Group  continues  to  enjoy  high  levels  of  customer
advocacy.  In  2017,  42%  of  customers  surveyed  who
visited  our  showrooms  indicated  that  they  were  either
previous customers or were recommended to us.

The launch of the domain marshall.co.uk enabled us to
market all Group stock, including those of SG Smith and
Ridgeway,  on  one  website  for  the  first  time,  giving
customers increased choice with c.6,000 used vehicles
available online. In 2017, visits to our website increased
materially and in December 2017 marshall.co.uk was the
fifth most visited franchised dealer group website in the UK
(Source: Hitwise).

Retailing excellence
We continue to recognise the ever increasing importance
of investment in technology, aimed towards expanding the
Group’s customer base and improving our own internal
operating efficiencies. We have continued to invest in these
areas during the Year.

In addition to our website presence, we continue to drive
social media as a means of connecting with our customers.
As a result of this, I am delighted that during the Year we
received six awards including Most Influential Franchised
Dealer  (Car  Dealer  Awards),  Best  Digital  Initiative
(Automotive Management) and Best use of Social Media
(Automotive Management).

Our tablet-based enquiry management system has now
been  successfully  implemented  across  all  sites  and
provides both a seamless customer experience as well as
assisting compliance in the marketing and sale of regulated
ancillary products.

Development of our internal systems also continued, with
extensive upgrades to our financial reporting system which
is  now  fully  implemented  across  every  site.  This  has
provided  a  number  of  enhanced  features  which  have
improved the speed and quality of management information.

People-centric
The Group was pleased to have been ranked 22nd of the
Top 30 large employers based on The Great Place to Work
Institute’s 2016 survey. 

We are also proud that during the Year we have, for the
eighth consecutive  year been recognised  by the  Great
Place to Work Institute as a ‘great place to work’ based on
colleagues  surveyed during  2017.  This  is  particularly
pleasing  as  the  2017  survey  included over  1,200
colleagues from the former Ridgeway businesses for the
first time and as such reinforces the importance of our
structured approach to the integration of new businesses
as  part  of  our  acquisition  strategy. We  look  forward  to
receiving our final ranking for this survey.

the

talent 

We  are  now 
in 
second year of our
initiative to attract
new 
the
to 
industry  and  improve
the  retention  of  sales
executives. 
As
previously  reported,  this
initiative includes providing
a  guarantee  of  earnings
during 
employment, alongside retention
bonuses  and  ongoing  training  and
support. Whilst we have further work to do
in  this  area,  the  results  of  this  initiative  have
exceeded our expectations with a significant reduction in
sales executive colleague turnover. We are also pleased
that it has attracted talent from a wide variety of industry
backgrounds, not just the automotive industry, which we
expect to add strength and depth to our teams as well as
improving our overall customer service.

first  year  of

the 

Following  the  success  of  this  programme,  we  are
expanding it to other job roles and these initiatives will
assist us in identifying the future leaders of our business.

Strategic growth
The Group’s strategy is to grow scale with existing brand
partners in new geographical territories, as demonstrated
by  the  acquisitions  of  both  SG  Smith  in  2015  and
Ridgeway in 2016.

During the Year we added three new franchises to our
portfolio in two locations. In June 2017 we completed the
purchase  of  Leeds  Volvo  followed  by  the  opening  in
December 2017 of a new Jaguar Land Rover dealership
in Newbury, a previously unrepresented territory for these
brands.

12

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc | Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Hyundai KONA

Ford Fiesta

Putting our
customers
above all else
since 1909.

Jaguar E-PACE

Maserati Quattroporte

No.1

AUTOMOTIVE
RETAIL EMPLOYER
As Voted by our Colleagues

Peugeot 5008

13

247153 MMH AR 2017 pp008-pp023 new.qxp  14/03/2018  21:24  Page 14

STRATEGIC REPORT

Retail segment
Overview
During  the  Year,  the  retail  segment  contributed  an
underlying PBT before  unallocated  costs  of  £34.9m,  a
growth of 20.8% from 2016.

Following the acquisition of Leeds Volvo, the opening of
Newbury Jaguar Land Rover and the recently announced
closures, the retail segment now consists of 101 franchises
representing  23  brand  partners  trading  in  26  counties.
In addition, the Group operates 5 trade parts specialists,
3  used  car  centres,  5  standalone  body  shops  and
1 pre-delivery inspection (PDI) centre. The Group operates
a  balanced  portfolio  of  volume,  premium  and  alternate
premium brands including all of the top 5 premium brands.

The  Group’s  diverse  portfolio  means  it  represents
manufacturer  brands  accounting  for  81.7%  of  all  new
vehicle sales in the UK. This scale and diversified spread
of representation helps mitigate the effect of the cyclical
nature of individual brand performance.

Acquisitions and disposals
During  the Year,  the  Group  acquired  the  business  and
assets of Leeds Volvo for £0.1m. This acquisition further
strengthened the Group's position as the largest franchise
partner of Volvo Car UK by number of sites and was in line
with our stated strategy to grow scale with existing brand
partners  and  extend  our  geographic  footprint  into  new
regions.  Our  focus  will  remain  on  ensuring  a  strong
strategic and financial case for any opportunity. We have
further headroom to grow with all brand partners in what
we believe, with market uncertainty ahead, will continue to
be a consolidating market.

In November 2017 the Board made the decision to close
five sub-scale, loss-making franchise dealerships and one
used car centre. Three of the franchise dealerships were
within close proximity to existing Group dealerships of the
same franchise which has enabled the Group to retain
some of the existing customer base, these were Honda
Mountsorrel, Nissan Boston and Vauxhall Welwyn Garden
City.

Two of the impacted businesses shared a sub-scale site
in  Oxford  with  a  high  fixed  cost  base  which  was  not
sustainable in the longer term. These were the Maserati
franchise and one of the Group's used car centres. The
final closure announced was Citroen Cambridge, being the
Group’s only representation point with this particular brand
partner.

In addition to the removal of these loss-making franchises
and the cash realisation of associated working capital, the
closures will allow management to give greater focus to
our remaining franchises.

Investment in new retail locations
During  the  Year,  the  Group  continued  its  significant
investment  in  new  retail  locations  with  two  key  site
openings:

• In August 2017, we completed and opened a new Audi
dealership  in  Marsh  Barton, Exeter,  one  of  Europe’s
investment  has
largest  motor  retail  parks.  This 
significantly  increased  both  used  car  and  aftersales
capacity  with  70  used  vehicle  display  spaces  and
14 aftersales bays. Total investment (including freehold
land) was £7.8m.

• In  December  2017,  we  opened our  Newbury  Jaguar
Land  Rover  dealership in  a  previously  unrepresented
territory. Total investment (including long leasehold land)
was £10.9m.

Investment in existing businesses
The  Group  continues  to  invest  in  upgrading  existing
businesses to enhance the customer experience, satisfy
brand  requirements  and  increase  sales  and  aftersales
capacities. Upgrade and refurbishment investment during
the Year included:

• Salisbury 

BMW/MINI: 

customer 

experience

refurbishment and used vehicle sales extension.

• Bedford 

Land  Rover:

commencement

of

redevelopment.

• Mercedes-Benz  Bolton  and  Portsmouth:  customer

experience upgrade, sales and aftersales.

• Grantham Nissan: customer experience upgrade.

• Peugeot – all sites: customer experience upgrades.

• Cambridge Volvo: relocation to long leasehold premises

and upgrade to new Volvo standards.

• Seat – all sites: customer experience upgrade.

• Newbury SKODA: relocation to an existing freehold site.

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc | Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Cambridge Volvo Dealership

Twelve months ended 31 December 2017

                           Revenue          Gross Profit
                         £m          mix*            £m         mix
New Car   1,166.5       51.2%          84.1     32.6%
Used Car     869.7       38.2%          59.9     23.2%
Aftersales   243.1       10.6%        114.0     44.2%
Internal        (47.6)                –                –             –

Total          2,231.7     100.0%        258.0   100.0%

Twelve months ended 31 December 2016

                           Revenue          Gross Profit
                         £m          mix*            £m         mix
New Car      983.3       51.6%          68.9     32.5%
Used Car     718.3       37.7%          50.7     23.9%
Aftersales   202.6       10.7%          92.3     43.6%
Internal        (44.5)                –                –             –

Total          1,859.7     100.0%        211.9   100.0%

* mix calculation excludes internal revenue

£24.4 million

of investment in retail sites

15

Ipswich Jaguar Land Rover Dealership

                                                
                                                
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STRATEGIC REPORT

New vehicles

                                                                   Growth
                             2017        2016        Total       LFL
                          31,801     28,321      12.3%   (2.6%)
                          21,507     20,563        4.6% (13.9%)
                          53,308     48,884        9.0%    (7.5%)

Retail Units
Fleet Units
Total Units

During  the  Year,  the  Group’s  retail  new  car  unit  sales
increased by 12.3%, benefitting from the full year impact
of the Ridgeway acquisition. Like-for-like new retail units
declined by 2.6% which was a strong performance against
an overall UK new retail market decline of 6.8%.

Like-for-like unit sales to fleet customers declined by 13.9%
versus  an  overall  market  decline  of  4.7%.  This
performance  was,  as  expected,  largely  driven  by  a
commercial decision we took during the Year to withdraw
from certain low margin fleet business.  

As has been widely reported, sales of diesel vehicles have
been adversely impacted by consumer reaction around
emissions and uncertain future government policy. Diesel
registrations  fell  17.1%  during  the  Year  (including
manufacturer  registrations)  across  the  UK  market  with
diesel  registrations  accounting  for  42.0%  of  new  car
registrations during the Year, down from 47.7% in 2016.

One of the Group’s key strengths is its balanced portfolio
of volume, alternate premium and premium brands. This
balance is important due to the cyclical nature of individual
brands. This has helped the Group outperform the overall
new  car  market  in  2017  with  premium  and  alternate
premium  brands  (which  now  account  for  over three
quarters of  the  Group’s  franchise  portfolio)  performing
more strongly than the overall market.

The  choice  and  availability  of  finance  products  for
consumers, including personal contract purchase (“PCP”),
continues to play an important role in the new car market.
PCPs remain a popular method of financing new vehicle
purchases providing the certainty of a guaranteed future
value for the vehicle at the end of the contract. During the
Year, c.83% of customers purchasing new cars from the
Group on finance chose to do so using a PCP product. At
31  December  2017  the  Group  had  67,458  active  PCP
customers. PCPs are also beneficial to the Group as they
create  a  defined  point  of 
renewal/purchase/
replacement and we actively manage the renewal process
to ensure customers are retained with the Group.

Used vehicles

                                                                   Growth
                             2017        2016        Total        LFL
                          44,237    37,787      17.1%      5.2%

Total Units

During the Year, the Group’s used car unit sales increased
by 17.1% (like-for-like 5.2%). This is a particularly pleasing
performance when compared to an overall market decline
of 1.1% as reported by the SMMT.

The  Group  continues  to  focus  on  improving  its  online
presence to drive used vehicle sales. This objective has
been  particularly  successful  as  a  result  of  the  Group’s
increased geographic footprint and enlarged stock pool
following the acquisitions of SG Smith and Ridgeway.

Used car revenues showed growth of 21.1% (like-for-like
7.0%) driven by a strengthening premium brand mix with
higher average selling prices. Gross margin at 6.9% was
marginally below 2016.

We continue to control our stock appropriately to meet
demand  and  our  56  day  stocking  policy  encourages
accelerated stock turn, leading to higher sales volumes
and reduced residual value risk.

As we have seen over recent years in the new car market,
PCP  as  a  method  of  financing  a  vehicle  purchase  has
increased in the used car market. During the Year, c.58.0%
of the Group’s used vehicles purchased on finance were
purchased using a PCP product versus c.55.0% in 2016,
frequently with service plans included. This also provides
further aftersales opportunities.

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc | Annual Report & Accounts 2017

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STRATEGIC REPORT

Aftersales

                                                                Growth
                             2017        2016        Total     LFL
                            243.1       202.6      20.0%   2.3%

Revenue (£m)

During the Year, the Group’s aftersales revenues increased
by 20.0% (like-for-like 2.3%).

In addition to our retail centre based aftersales facilities,
the Group now operates five standalone bodyshops, five
trade  parts  centres  and  one  PDI  centre.  Aftersales
contributes 44.2% of total retail gross profit and therefore
makes  a  significant  financial  contribution  to  the  Group
which is important in the context of a more cyclical new car
market.

Aftersales business is driven by the Group in a variety
of ways:

• strong growth in new and used vehicle sales over recent
years has increased the Group’s customer-base, many

of whom return to our dealerships for the ongoing care
and maintenance of their vehicles;

• used vehicle sales, and in particular those purchased on
PCPs with service  plans,  also  drive  future  aftersales
business  with  used  vehicles  requiring  additional
aftersales services (e.g. MOT tests);

• we offer service plans to customers of both new and used
vehicles which allow customers to plan and budget for
service  costs  and  also  drives  repeat  visits  to  our
dealerships and helps us develop longer term customer
relationships. At 31 December 2017 the Group had over
77,000 live service plans;

• customer service is crucial in ensuring customer retention
and  we  monitor  customer  feedback  throughout  the
business on a weekly basis and customer satisfaction is
built into all of our operational pay plans.

As  a  result  of  these  factors,  gross  margin  at  46.9%
improved in the Year, up from 45.6% in 2016.

Leasing segment
On 21 September 2017 the Group announced the strategic
disposal  of  Marshall  Leasing  to  N.I.I.B. Group  Limited
for  gross  cash
(trading  as  Northridge  Finance)
consideration  of  £42.5m.  The  disposal  completed  on
24 November 2017.

The leasing and fleet management market continues to
consolidate  and  the  Board  considered  that  scale  was
becoming increasingly important to underpin the capital
intensive  nature  of  the  business  model.  The  disposal

allows the Group to focus exclusively on its UK motor retail
operations, a segment which the Board believes continues
to offer attractive opportunities for future growth.

As  part  of  the  transaction,  the  Group  entered  into  an
operating  agreement  with  Northridge  Finance  for  the
ongoing supply of new vehicles. We are pleased to have
this opportunity as we anticipate that under new ownership,
Marshall Leasing will continue to grow its leasing fleet,
providing an increased opportunity to the Group.

Summary
The Group has produced another record set of results at
both revenue and underlying PBT, building on our strong
historical performance. In the face of a more challenging
new  car  market,  the  Group  has  continued  to  show
progress in like-for-like performance, has integrated recent
acquisitions, restructured the balance sheet following the
disposal of Marshall Leasing and closed six subscale, loss
making businesses. This leaves the Group well positioned
for the future.

In what is now my 10th year with the Group, I would like to
take  this  opportunity  to  thank  our  colleagues,  Board
members, brand and business partners for their hard work
and  support and  I  look  forward  to  continuing  to  work
together in 2018.

Daksh Gupta
Chief Executive Officer
13 March 2018

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc | Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Honda Civic

Vauxhall Insignia

97,545

vehicles sold

BMW i8

SKODA Kodiaq SportLine

MINI Cooper D Countryman

smart BRABUS

19

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STRATEGIC REPORT

Financial Review

Mark Raban
Chief Financial
Officer

interest) were, as expected, £1.1m higher than in 2016.
This  was  largely  driven  by  additional  infrastructure
investment  and  the  full  year  impact  of  increased
finance/interest costs following the acquisition of Ridgeway
(see finance costs section below).

Non underlying items
Non 
underlying
items

£24.1m (£3.2m)

2016

“Net assets 247p per share, up 31%”

“Net debt £2.2m, reduced by £116.8m”

Group results

Revenue

£2.3bn £1.9bn

2016

Group revenue increased by 19.5% to £2,268.9m (2016:
£1,899.4m) benefiting from the first full year contribution
from  Ridgeway  which  was  acquired  in  May  2016.  In
addition to contributions from acquisitions, I am delighted
to report that like-for-like retail revenue also showed growth
of 3.5%. Like-for-like revenues in new vehicle sales to retail
customers, used vehicle sales and aftersales all recorded
growth during the Year.

Total gross margin at 11.7% was 8 basis points above the
same  period  last  year  (2016:  11.6%).  The  Group
the
experienced  underlying  margin  pressure 
discontinued  leasing  segment  but  this  was  more  than
offset by margin growth in the continuing retail segment.
Against the background of a more challenging market, I
am pleased to report further margin growth in both new
vehicles and aftersales. 

in 

Total operating expenses of £240.7m were 25.8% higher
than  the  same  period  last  year,  primarily  driven  by  the
impact  of  acquisitions  and  non-underlying  items. As
anticipated, our retail segment operating overheads on a
like-for-like  basis  grew  by 5.4%  as  the  Group  faced
incremental structural cost pressures in a number of areas
such as business rates and transaction processing costs.

Total  underlying PBT at  £29.1m  (2016:  £25.4m)  was
14.4% ahead of the previous year.

The Group’s continuing operations showed an underlying
PBT growth of 23.7% which represented another record
year. The discontinued leasing segment delivered a PBT
of  £3.7m  in  the  11  month  period  to  completion  of  the
disposal in November 2017 (full year 2016: £4.9m).

The  unallocated  segment  consists  principally  of
administrative  and  asset  management 
functions.
Underlying  central  operating  costs  of  £9.6m (including

The disposal of the leasing segment generated a one-off
gain of £36.9m after all transaction costs and provision for
the settlement of certain historic pension liabilities. 

In addition, the Group incurred net non-underlying costs of
£12.8m  (2016:  £3.2m). These  included  a  £6.8m  charge
related to the closure of five franchised dealerships and one
used car centre announced in November 2017 (including
£2.1m non-cash asset impairment charges). Also included
in non-underlying items is a £6.0m post-retirement benefits
charge, representing an estimate of the Group’s costs to
cease participation in a defined benefit pension scheme; one
of several outcomes being considered by the Group as part
of a wider strategic review of pension arrangements in the
light  of  the  disposal  of  Marshall  Leasing. See  Note  34
‘Pensions’ for further details.

These non-underlying items are presented separately on
the face of the income statement and are excluded from
underlying PBT. 

Finance costs

Finance
costs

£8.1m £6.9m

2016

Finance costs of £8.1m were, as expected, £1.2m higher
than in 2016, driven by increased full year costs associated
with drawings under the Group’s revolving credit facility (in
connection with the Ridgeway acquisition) and increased
stock  funding  charges.  These  additional  costs  include
amortisation  of  arrangement  fees  and  non-utilisation
charges. We  expect  finance  costs  to  reduce  in  2018
following the disposal of Marshall Leasing.

Taxation

Underlying
ETR

18.1% 20.3%

2016

Being  sensitive  to  the  impact  of  gains  and  charges
associated with acquisitions, disposals and restructuring, at
7.1% (2016: 19.9%), the effective tax rate (ETR) on total
reported earnings benefited materially from the one-off, non-
taxable gain relating to the disposal of Marshall Leasing.

The underlying ETR was 18.1% (2016: 20.3%). The rate
benefited from non-recurring, prior year adjustments. In
2018  in  the  underlying  ETR  is  expected  to  return  to
historical levels.

20

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc | Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Volvo V90 Cross Country

Seat Leon CUPRA R

247p

net assets per share

Audi RS5

21

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STRATEGIC REPORT

Full details of the Group’s tax governance framework can
be found in the Group’s tax strategy which is available on
the Group’s website at:
http://www.mmhplc.com/investors/corporate-governance.

Acquisitions

Total spend

£0.1m £94.5m

2016

Continuing the Group’s strategy of expansion with existing
brand partners in new geographic territories, during the
Year the Group completed the acquisition of Leeds Volvo
for £0.1m, further strengthening its position as the largest
franchise partner of Volvo Car UK by number of sites.

Disposal of discontinued operation

Gross 
proceeds

£42.5m £nil

2016

On 21 September 2017 the Group announced the strategic
disposal  of  Marshall  Leasing  to  N.I.I.B. Group  Limited
(which  trades  as  Northridge  Finance),  a  wholly  owned
subsidiary of Bank of Ireland (UK) plc. Following regulatory
approval  from  the  Financial  Conduct  Authority,  the
transaction completed on 24 November 2017.

As well as further strengthening the Group’s balance sheet,
the disposal allows the Group to focus on its core motor
retail  business  and  to  continue  the  Group’s  successful
strategy of driving both organic growth and increasing its
UK geographic footprint through targeted acquisitions with
existing brand partners.

The gross cash consideration for the disposal was £42.5m
before costs and expenses which has been used initially
to  reduce  levels  of  indebtedness.  The  net  assets  of
Marshall Leasing on disposal were £2.3m.

The Group incurred £1.8m of transaction costs in relation
to  the  disposal,  including  the  settlement  of  long  term
management incentives for certain senior employees of
Marshall Leasing.

Net debt

Net debt 

£2.2m £119.0m

2016

The Group’s balance sheet is strong and has significant
capacity to support continued growth. The Group had total
net assets of £191.2m (2016: £145.7m) which equates to
247p per share as at 31 December 2017 (2016: 188p per
share).

The Group incurred £24.4m of retail capital expenditure
during the Year (2016: £28.8m). I am pleased to report that
two major freehold/long leasehold developments opened
on time and on budget during the second half of the Year.
These were Audi Exeter and a new Jaguar Land Rover

dealership at a new franchise point in Newbury. 2018 will
be  the  final  year  of  our  three-year  £75m  retail  capital
expenditure programme. 

Total  inventory  at  31  December  2017  was  £401.3m
(2016: £380.0m) of which £380.6m was subject to vehicle
funding arrangements (2016: £364.7m).

At 31 December 2017, the Group had net debt of £2.2m
(2016: £119.0m). In addition to the significant positive cash
flow  from  the  disposal  of  Marshall  Leasing,  the  Group
continued to focus on all aspects of working capital control,
driving a positive cash flow from reduced levels of working
capital during the Year. The significant reduction in net debt
leaves the Group well positioned to pursue further growth
opportunities  and  to  respond  appropriately  to  more
challenging market conditions.

Importantly, the disposal of Marshall Leasing has materially
reduced the Group’s exposure to vehicle residual value
risks  during  a  period  of  more  challenging  market
conditions.

Our £120m three year banking facility was put in place
during May 2016 for general corporate purposes including
acquisitions and working capital requirements. This facility
was undrawn at 31 December 2017. During the Year, the
Group exercised an option to extend the facility for a further
year to 2020. The Group has a further option in May 2018
to extend the facility for a further twelve months.

Dividends

Dividends
per share

6.40p 5.50p 

2016

The Board is delighted to recommend a final dividend of
4.25p (2016: 3.70p) per share which, together with the
interim dividend of 2.15p (2016: 1.80p) per share, gives a
total dividend for the Year of 6.40p (2016: 5.50p).

If approved by shareholders, the dividend will be paid on
25 May 2018 to shareholders who are on the Company’s
register at close of business on 27 April 2018.

The  Board  intends  to  maintain  a  progressive  dividend
policy whereby dividends are covered between 4 to 5 times
underlying earnings and paid in an approximate one-third
(interim dividend) and two-thirds (final dividend) split. The
retained earnings of the Company at 31 December 2017
of £70.1m (2016: £19.7m) are considered sufficient for the
payment  of  future  dividends  in  line  with  the  Group’s
dividend policy. 

Mark Raban
Chief Financial Officer
13 March 2018

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc | Annual Report & Accounts 2017

£116.8m

reduction in net debt

Nissan LEAF

Kia Stinger

Range Rover Velar

23

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STRATEGIC REPORT

Principal Risks and Uncertainties

The Group faces a range of risks and uncertainties. The processes that the Board has established to safeguard both
shareholder value and the assets of the Group are described in the Corporate Governance report.

Set out below are the principal risks and uncertainties the Directors believe could have the most significant adverse
impact  on  the  Group’s  business,  together  with  the  principal  controls  in  place  to  mitigate  those  risks.  The  risk  trend
column indicates the Board’s view on whether, from a Group perspective taking into account mitigating actions, these
risks  have  increased,  remained  relatively  stable  or  decreased  over  the  past  12  months. The  risks  and  uncertainties
described below are not intended to be an exhaustive list.

STRATEGY 
AND 
BUSINESS 
RELATIONSHIPS

PEOPLE

ECONOMIC 
AND 
POLITICAL

IT 
AND 
CYBER 
SECURITY

ENVIRONMENTAL 
AND 
HEALTH & SAFETY 

Principal Risks 
and Uncertainties

FINANCE 
AND 
TREASURY

LEGAL 
AND 
REGULATORY 
COMPLIANCE

24

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Risk Area                  Potential Impact                    Mitigation/Controls                                   Risk Trend

STRATEGY AND BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS

Failure to adopt the
right business
strategy and/or
failure to implement
strategy
successfully

The Group misses its financial
targets or is unable to invest in
its businesses

Reduction in confidence of key
stakeholders (shareholders,
brand partners, lenders,
employees)

Poor investment decisions/
failure to achieve targeted
investment returns

Manufacturer
Relationships

Failure, or downturn in
performance, of manufacturer
partners impacting vehicle sales
and profitability of those
franchises

Failure to maintain good relations
with manufacturers impacting
revenue and profitability

Loss of a franchise leading to a
reduction in revenue and
profitability and the risk of vacant
properties and/or onerous leases

Poor manufacturer relationships
impacting acquisition and/or
growth opportunities

Annual strategy review by the Board

Monthly reporting and monitoring of key financial
information and performance

Detailed business planning and due diligence prior to
potential acquisitions

Review of capital expenditure plans to ensure our
return on capital objectives are achievable

Capital investment appraisal process with Board
review of major investments

Diversity of franchises mitigates the cyclical nature
of, and an over reliance on individual vehicle brands 

Focus on efficient use of working capital

Ongoing portfolio management focused on
strengthening key franchise relationships/divestment
of non-core businesses

Diverse franchise representation avoids over reliance
on any single manufacturer

Close contact and regular review with manufacturers
(through CEO, Operations, Commercial and
Franchise Directors) to ensure our respective goals
are communicated, understood and aligned

Failure to integrate
acquisitions
successfully 

Loss of key personnel/customers

Brand partner relationship
damage

Reduced financial performance
of acquired businesses

Failure to achieve targeted
synergies

Damage to manufacturer and/or
customer relationships

Detailed business planning and due diligence on
potential acquisitions

Integration plan developed prior to acquisition and
implemented in a timely manner thereafter 

Group-wide single dealer management platform and
Phoenix management system implemented
immediately after acquisition

Implementation of Group policies and procedures.

Internal Audit verification of successful
implementation of Group processes post-acquisition

Disruption to
franchise business
model

Alternative business models
impacting franchised dealer
model

Direct sales channels
circumventing franchised dealers

Revenues and profits may fall
due to competitor action

‘Mobility as a service’ leading to
reduced private vehicle
ownership

Electric and alternative fuel
vehicles leading to a decline in
sales for traditional vehicle
manufacturers and/or reduced
demand for aftersales services

25

Ongoing development of customer experience to
ensure the Group maintains a competitive advantage

IT developments to maintain competitive advantage
(e.g. development of website/Phoenix management
system)

Maintaining close relationships with manufacturer
partners to ensure each party’s mutual aims are
achieved

Partnering with brands who are responding
effectively to the cleaner technology agenda

Connected car technology reinforces link between
customers and manufacturers through franchised
dealers

Annual strategy review

247153 MMH AR 2017 pp024-pp027.qxp  14/03/2018  21:30  Page 26

STRATEGIC REPORT

Risk Area                  Potential Impact                          Mitigation/Controls                             Risk Trend

ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL

Deterioration in
economic conditions/
consumer confidence
(including deterioration
driven by UK decision
to leave the EU)

Increased inflation and falling consumer
confidence leading to lower vehicle
sales/margins and a reduction in
revenue and profitability

Reduction in used vehicle values
impacting stock values

Weakening sterling impacting new
vehicle prices and sales

Manufacturers’ focus on the UK
automotive retail market may decline
leading to reduced output and sales

Monitoring of economic conditions with appropriate
actions

Stock management & monitoring (56 day stocking
policy) with appropriately prudent financial provisions

Maintaining close relationships with manufacturers

Rise in interest rates

Interest rate rises impacting availability
and affordability of vehicle finance
leading to reduced vehicle sales

Increased costs of servicing the
Group’s borrowings

Monitoring of interest rates

Material reduction in Group’s debt following sale of
Marshall Leasing

Stock control and working capital policy

Increased Operating
Costs

Increased operating and non-
controllable costs (e.g. employment
costs, Apprentice Levy, business rate
changes, IT and marketing costs)
impacting profitability

Increased costs monitored and forecast in budgets. 

Cost reduction initiatives to offset structural cost
increases

FINANCE AND TREASURY

Liquidity & credit

Credit availability/withdrawal of
financing facilities impacting trading
ability

Working capital management & cash flow monitoring

Committed RCF and vehicle stocking facilities 

Breach of covenants or inability to meet
debt obligations

Increased stock funding costs

Maintaining strong relationships with funders

Disposal of Marshall Leasing reduced Group
indebtedness

Vehicle residual values
volatility

Fluctuations in used vehicle values
adversely impacting the value of  the
Group’s vehicle inventory

Stock management & monitoring (56 day stocking
policy)

Risk reduced following disposal of Marshall Leasing

LEGAL AND REGULATORY

Legal & Regulatory
Changes and
Compliance

Non-compliance with key legal and
regulatory codes (FCA, VOSA, ICO,
etc.) leading to fines, litigation,
authorisation suspension and/or
reputational damage

Regulatory intervention into the market
(e.g. FCA motor finance review) may
impact operations

Regulatory changes following the UK’s
departure from the EU which may
adversely impact the retail automotive
market

Group policies and procedures to minimise risk of
non-compliance

Training and development of employees

FCA retail and oversight committees to monitor
compliance

New Head of Compliance appointed

Internal Audit department strengthened

Monitoring of regulatory announcements/market
studies to assess potential changes and modifying
operations to adapt to any implemented changes

Maintaining close relationships with manufacturer
partners to assess indicators of change to their
operating methods and/or UK market focus

26

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc  |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Risk Area                  Potential Impact                    Mitigation/Controls                                   Risk Trend

ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH & SAFETY

Environmental and
Health & Safety

Failure to ensure colleagues and
customers safe places of work
leading to accidents, litigation,
fines and regulatory intervention

Non-compliance with
environmental laws &
regulations leading to fines,
penalties and compensation and
clean-up costs and disruption to
operations

Group health & safety policies and procedures to
promote safe places of work

EH&S audit programme across Group.

Regular inspection of plant and equipment

New and expanded  Health & Safety team monitors
compliance and promotes a health and safety helps
culture

Waste management procedures and employee
training

Environmental due diligence for new site acquisitions
with appropriate  environmental insurance in place
for higher risk sites

IT AND CYBER SECURITY

Failure of key IT
systems

Loss of key information systems,
downtime and business
interruption

In-house IT team monitors systems and implements
upgrade programmes

Contingency and disaster recovery plans in place

IT steering committee and IT risk register maintained
to monitor risk

Ongoing investment in IT infrastructure maintenance
and upgrade

Cyber Security

Potential to corrupt, affect or
destroy key systems and data
(email, DMS & customer
records), denial of service
attacks and business interruption
leading to lost revenue

Unified threat management - Firewall installed

Clear protocols/policies in place regarding use and
access to the Group’s IT systems

Anti-virus software installed on all computers to
reduce risk of viral infections

PEOPLE

Failure to attract,
develop, motivate
and retain key
employees

Loss of key personnel and
skilled workers (e.g. technicians)
impacting operational
performance, and relationships
with key brand partners and
suppliers

Appropriate remuneration packages which reward
performance and long term incentive plans for senior
employees

Guaranteed earnings scheme for new sales staff to
assist recruitment and retention

Promotion of “Great Place to Work” culture

27

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GOVERNANCE

4.

2.

3.

1.

Board of Directors

1.  Daksh Gupta  |  Chief Executive Officer
     Daksh  has  over  25 years’  experience  in  the  automotive  retail
sector  and  joined  the  Company  in  2008  as  its  Chief  Executive
Officer.  Daksh  was  a  franchise  director  for  Inchcape  for  seven
years  where  he  was  responsible  for  the  Volkswagen, Audi  and
Mercedes-Benz  brands.  Daksh  also  served  as Chief Operating
Officer  of Accident  Exchange  Group  plc  and  prior  to  joining  the
Group was Group Managing Director for Ridgeway Group. Daksh
was a director of Marshall of Cambridge (Holdings) Limited until 2
April  2015  and  is  vice  chairman  of  the  UK  automotive  industry
charity, BEN.

3.  Christopher Sawyer  |  Non-Executive Director
     From 1991 to 2006, Christopher led Deltron Electronics plc which
was quoted in 1996 and sold to ABACUS Electronics Plc in 2006.
In  2007,  Christopher  became  chairman  of  the  Lorien  Limited
group. Between 2006 and 2013, he was chairman of the parent
of  Bearmach  Limited,  a  global  distributor  of  Land  Rover  parts.
Christopher  has  been  a  non-executive  director  of  Marshall  of
Cambridge (Holdings) Limited since 2008 and currently chairs its
audit  committee.  Christopher  was  appointed  to  the  Board  on
2 April  2015  as  a  nominated  director  of  Marshall  of  Cambridge
(Holdings) Limited.

2.  Francesca Ecsery  |  Non-Executive Director
     Francesca has over 20 years’ directorship experience in both blue
chip  companies  and  start-ups  in  the  digital,  retail,  fast-moving
consumer goods (FMCG) and leisure industries. She is a Harvard
MBA,  fluent  in  five  languages  and  has  special  expertise  in
multi-platform  consumer  marketing,  branding  and  commercial
strategies.  Francesca  is  also  non-executive  director  of  listed
companies Foreign & Colonial Investment Trust plc and Share plc
and also of Logistik Holdings Limited. She was a non-executive
director  of  Good  Energy  Group  Plc  until  December  2017.  Her
previous  executive  experience  includes  McKinsey,  Pepsi  Co,
ThornEMI, Thomas Cook, STA Travel and many other consumer
brands. Francesca was appointed to the Board in March 2015.

4.  Stephen Jones  |  Company Secretary
     Stephen  is  a  practising  Solicitor  and  spent  eight  years  as  a
corporate lawyer at Eversheds LLP. He also spent eight years as
Group Counsel  and Company Secretary  at  Automotive  and
Insurance Solutions Group Plc. Stephen joined the Company in
March 2015.

5.  Peter Johnson  |  Non-Executive Chairman 
and Chair of the Nominations Committee

     Peter  has  over  40  years’  experience  in  the  automotive  sector,
spending 30 years in senior roles in retail and distribution with the
Rover Group,  Marshall  and  Inchcape  plc  where  he  was  Chief
Executive between 1999 and 2005. Peter served on the Bunzl plc
board from 2006 to 2015 as its senior independent director and
Chairman of its Remuneration Committee. He also chaired Rank

28

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6.

8.

7.

9.

5.

plc  from  2007  to  2012 and  served  on  the  Wates  Group  Limited
board from 2003 to 2013. Peter was a non-executive Director of
Marshall of Cambridge (Holdings) Limited until 2 April 2015. Peter
is  the  current  Chairman  of  the  Retail  Motor  Industry  Federation
and president of the UK automotive industry charity, BEN.

6.  Alan Ferguson  |  Senior Independent Director 

and Chair of the Audit Committee

     Alan is a non-executive director of Johnson Matthey PLC, Croda
International Plc and, until April 2018 when he will retire from the
Board,  The  Weir  Group  Plc.  He  chairs  the  audit  committees  of
each of these companies and is the Senior Independent Director
of Johnson Matthey. Alan was chief financial officer and a director
of Lonmin Plc until December 2010, prior to which he was group
finance director of the BOC Group plc. Alan spent 22 years in a
variety of roles at Inchcape plc, including six years as its group
finance  director  from  1999. Alan  is  a  chartered  accountant  and
sits  on  the  Business  Policy Panel of  the  Institute  of  Chartered
Accountants  of  Scotland.  Alan  was  appointed  to  the  Board  in
March 2015.

7.  Mark Raban  |  Chief Financial Officer
     Mark has 25 years’ of general retail experience, including three as
the  finance  director  of  Inchcape  Retail  Limited.  He  spent  three
years as Chief Financial Officer for the UK and Ireland at Borders
Group  and  was  the  interim  financial  director  at  Selfridges  Retail
Limited.  Mark  has  also  held  senior  finance  roles  at  public
companies such as Safeway and Burton. Mark was appointed as
Chief Financial Officer of the Company on 2 April 2015.

8.  Christopher Walkinshaw  |  Non-Executive Director
     Christopher  joined  Marshall  of  Cambridge  (Holdings)  Limited  in
1983 and has worked in all of the principal Marshall businesses,
including Marshall Aerospace, Marshall Land Systems and, from
1994  to  2011,  Marshall  Motor  Holdings.  Christopher  joined  the
senior team in Marshall of Cambridge (Holdings) Ltd in 2011 and
has  responsibility  for  external  relations  and  communications.
Christopher is Chairman of the Regional Employers Engagement
Group  for  the  East  Anglian  Reserve  Forces’  and  Cadets’
Association, Chairman of No. 104 (City of Cambridge) Squadron
Air  Cadets,  a  director  of  the  Cambridgeshire  Chambers  of
Commerce, a Trustee of the Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust and
a Member of Anglian Learning. Christopher was appointed to the
Board  on  12  July  2016  as  a  nominated  director  of  Marshall  of
Cambridge (Holdings) Limited.

9.  Sarah Dickins  |  Non-Executive Director 

and Chair of the Remuneration Committee

     Sarah has over 20 years’ HR experience across a broad range of
sectors including retail, utilities and financial services. She spent
16  years  at  Asda,  five  of  those  years  as  an  operating  board
member responsible for people operations and customer service
for 150,000 colleagues. Sarah joined Provident Financial Group
in  2012  as  Executive  People  Director  before  becoming  Group
People  Director  at  Bourne  Leisure  Limited  in  2015.  Sarah  was
appointed to the Board in March 2015.

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GOVERNANCE

Directors’ Report

The Directors present their annual report on the affairs of the Group, together with the financial statements and independent
auditor’s report, for the year ended 31 December 2017 (the “Year”).

Principal Activities
The principal activity of the Company is that of a holding company. The principal activity of its subsidiary undertakings is
the sale and servicing of passenger cars and commercial vehicle and associated activities. Until the disposal of Marshall
Leasing Limited in November 2017, the Group was also engaged in the business of leasing vehicles.

Results and Dividends
The results for the Year are set out in the Group income statement. The Directors recommend the payment of a final
dividend of 4.25p per ordinary share to be paid on 25 May 2018 to shareholders who are on the Company’s register at
close of business on 27 April 2018.

Business Review and Future Developments
The review of the business and likely future developments is included within the Strategic Report. This also includes details
of acquisitions, disposals and growth plans for the future.

Going Concern
After making appropriate enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources
to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and for at least one year from the date of these financial
statements. For these reasons, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in the preparation of these financial
statements.

Directors
Details of the current directors are set out on pages 28 to 29. The directors who served during the Year and subsequently
are detailed below.

Current Directors – Non-Executive Directors
Peter Johnson
Alan Ferguson
Sarah Dickins
Francesca Ecsery
Christopher Sawyer
Christopher Walkinshaw

Executive Directors
Daksh Gupta
Mark Raban

In accordance with the Articles of Association of the Company adopted on 12 March 2015 (the “Articles”), Daksh Gupta
will retire by rotation and offer himself for reappointment at the annual general meeting to be held on 22 May 2018
(the “AGM”).

The interests of the Directors and their immediate families in the share capital of the Company, along with details of
Directors share options and awards, are contained in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 44 to 50.

Share Capital
The authorised and issued share capital of the Company, together with the details of shares issued during the Year are
shown in Note 30 to the financial statements. The issued share capital of the Company at 31 December 2017 was
77,392,862 ordinary shares of 64p each.

Substantial Shareholdings
As at 9 March 2018, the Company had been notified of interests in excess of 3 per cent in the Company’s share capital
by the following shareholders:

                                                                                                                                                                          Percentage of Existing
Name                                                                                                   Number of Ordinary Shares                       Ordinary Shares Held

Marshall of Cambridge (Holdings) Limited                                                                        50,390,625                                                 65.11%

Union Investments and Development Limited                                                                    7,005,839                                                  9.05%

Schroders plc                                                                                                                       3,907,275                                                  5.05%

Polar Capital LLP                                                                                                                 3,087,900                                                  3.99%

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Share Option Schemes
Details of employee share option schemes are set out in the Remuneration Committee Report and in Note 31 to the
consolidated financial statements.

Charitable and Political Donations
During the Year, the Group made the following charitable donations during the year: £14,000 (2016: £51,000).

No political contributions were made during the Year (2016: £nil).

Disabled Employees
The Group gives full consideration to applications for employment from disabled persons where the candidate’s particular
aptitude and abilities are consistent with adequately meeting the requirements of the job. Opportunities are available to
disabled employees for training, career development and promotion. Where existing employees become disabled, it is the
Group’s policy to provide continuing employment wherever practicable in the same or an alternative position and to provide
appropriate training to achieve this aim.

Employee Involvement
During the Year the policy of providing employees with information about the Group has been continued through the
newsletters ‘Marshall Matters’ and ‘Compliance Matters’, team briefings and through our global email network. Regular
meetings are held between local management and employees to allow a free flow of information and ideas. We also
participate in the Great Place to Work Institute’s employee engagement programme. Further details are set out in the
Corporate Social Responsibility Section of this Annual Report.

Anti-Bribery and Corruption
The Group has in place an anti-bribery and corruption policy, the aim of which is to ensure that colleagues understand
their obligations under anti-bribery legislation and includes authorisation and disclosure procedures around the provision
and receipt of corporate hospitality and gifts.  

Disclosure of Information to Auditor
In so far as each of the persons who were Directors at the date of approving these financial statements is aware:

• There is no relevant audit information of which the Company’s auditor is unaware; and

• Each director has taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information

and to establish that the auditor is aware of that.

Auditor
A resolution to appoint Ernst & Young LLP as auditor will be put to the members at the AGM.

AGM
Notice of the AGM to be held on 22 May 2018 is set out at the end of this Annual Report. The resolutions proposed at the
AGM are summarised as follows:

Resolution 1 – Receiving the annual report and accounts for the year ending 31 December 2017

All quoted companies are required by law to lay their annual accounts before a general meeting of the Company, together
with the directors’ reports and auditors’ report on the accounts. At the AGM, the directors will present these documents to
the shareholders for the financial year ended 31 December 2017.

Resolution 2 – Declaration of  dividend

This resolution concerns the Company’s final dividend payment. The directors are recommending a final dividend of 4.25p
per ordinary share in respect of the year ended 31 December 2017 which, if approved, will be payable on 25 May 2018
to the shareholders on the register of members on 27 April 2018

Resolution 3 – Re-appointment of  Director

Daksh Gupta will retire by rotation and offer himself for reappointment at the AGM in accordance with the Articles

Resolution 4 – Re-appointment of  the Auditor

This resolution concerns the re-appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as auditor until the conclusion of the next general
meeting at which accounts are laid

Resolution 5 – Auditor’s remuneration

This resolution authorises the Directors to fix the auditor’s remuneration

By order of the Board

Stephen Jones
Company Secretary
13 March 2018

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GOVERNANCE

Corporate and Social Responsibility

Community
Striving to have a positive impact on
the communities in which we serve

MARSHALL MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Our values are incredibly important to us as they determine
how we should all behave. We encourage colleagues to
help us make a difference and stand out from the crowd.

Whilst  our  focus  is  creating  an  environment  where
colleagues enjoy coming to work and help us to meet our
business objectives, we also believe it is important to give
back to our communities and the environment in which we
live.

Group Giving
We have been actively involved in supporting and raising
awareness  for the  Motor  and Allied  Trades  Benevelent
Fund  (‘BEN’)  –  since  1984.  BEN  is  the  UK’s  dedicated
charity  for  those  who  work,  or  have  worked,  in  the
automotive  and  related  industries,  as  well  as  their
dependants. In that time, we have raised around £800,000
which  includes  the  generous  donations  our  colleagues
make via payroll giving. In 2017 we raised £54,398 for BEN.

We  have  supported  the  Macmillan  Coffee  Mornings  for
many years which enables our businesses to get involved
at a local level, bringing colleagues and customers together.
We  have  raised  over  £111,000  for  Macmillan  over  this
period.

We also support national initiatives such as Red Nose Day,
Children  in  Need,  Wear  it  Pink  for  Breast  Cancer  and
Christmas  Jumper  Day  for  Save  the  Children.  Each
dealership determines how they are going to support these
events.  This  generally  involves  having  a  lot  of  fun  and
getting customers involved. For example, coming to work
in fancy dress or taking part in a sporting challenge.

Local Giving
We encourage our colleagues to get involved with local
causes which support the communities in which they work.
By  way  of  example,  our  Jaguar  Land  Rover  Ipswich
dealership is supporting a local project called Huddl which
supports local people facing challenges with parenting.

Our Chairman, Peter Johnson, has been president of BEN
since October 2016 and CEO, Daksh Gupta, became a
trustee and Vice Chairman in October 2012.

‘Services  in  the  Community’  is  one  of  the  categories
recognised as part of our Marshall Achievement, Values
and Teamwork Awards.

For  the  second  year  running  we  have  run  ‘BEN  Week’
which coincides with BEN’s Industry Leaders Challenge.
This year, one of our Franchise Directors joined a team of
Jaguar Land Rover colleagues to swim the English Channel
which raised £214,000. To support this, during the week
leading up to the challenge every Marshall business did
something to raise money. Colleagues dressed up, took
part in sporting challenges and other fun activities to help
raise money for BEN. This was a tremendous teambuilding
opportunity  for  colleagues  and  was  also  a  way  of
connecting with our customers.

Whilst supporting BEN remains close to our hearts, giving
colleagues the opportunity to get involved with other good
causes is equally important.

People

Innovation

Recognising that
people are at the
heart of our success.

Maintaining competitive
edge through innovation
and creativity.

Integrity

Customers

Upholding the
highest standards of
integrity and fairness.

Putting our
customers
above all else.

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc | Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Recognising
that people
are at the
heart of
our success.

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GOVERNANCE

Colleagues
Committed to attracting, developing and
retaining the best talent to help drive our
business forward in line with our values

MARSHALL PEOPLE
Our Values
We  seek  to  ensure  our  values  are  at  the  forefront  of
everything  we  do.  We  encourage  colleagues  to  uphold
these values and behave in a way that brings them to life
and supports our culture of being a great place to work,
delivering first class customer service.

Recruiting, retaining and developing our people
We have a clear Colleague Value Proposition to attract the
best talent and support our strategy to be an employment
destination.  We  use  a  range  of  tools  and  assessment
methods to ensure we recruit people who can deliver their
objectives in line with our values and business strategy.

Every  new  colleague  experiences  a  thorough  induction
programme which incorporates our history, values, aims
and  objectives  as  well  as  a  structured  programme  of
training and coaching relevant to their role, the brand and
the team.

Our  dedicated  team  of  HR  professionals  support  the
business,  aided  by  policies  and  practices  to  ensure  we
provide the best support, benefits and career opportunities
to our colleagues.

Our bespoke Marshall Learning & Development Academy
provides opportunities for our colleagues to realise their
potential  and  support  their  development  to  ensure  they
have a fulfilling career with us.

Our Management Assessment Centres explore whether
applicants are not only competent to do the role but also
demonstrate the right behaviours to lead their people and
uphold our values. Since introducing this process in 2014
management turnover has fallen.

In addition, all new Sales Executives attend our residential
Sales  Orientation  Programme  before  starting  in  their
dealership. This is a rounded programme which not only
includes the technicalities of the role but culturally what our
customers should experience when they interact with us.
This  programme  has  significantly  reduced  our  sales
executive turnover since launching in June 2016.

Recognising our people
Our recognition programmes are designed to support our
colleague  engagement  agenda.  These  programmes
include overseas incentive trips, long service awards and
awards for demonstrating our values.

Our MAVTA programme (Marshall Achievement, Values
and  Teamwork  Awards)  recognises  colleagues  who

demonstrate  outstanding  achievements  in  Customer
Service, Teamwork, Innovation, Leadership, Services in the
Community, Business Excellence and Environmental.

Communicating with our people
We  believe  communication  is  the  key  to  maintaining
colleague engagement and our employment brand. We
have  an  ethos  of  transparency  and  sharing  news  on  a
regular  basis  including  CEO  communications,  weekly
bulletins,  our  Colleague  magazine,  intranet  and  regular
team meetings.

Diversity and our people
We are committed to encouraging diversity and ensuring
that discrimination has no place in our business. We want
every colleague to feel respected and able to perform to the
best of their ability. We do not make assumptions about a
person’s ability to carry out his or her duties based on ethnic
origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion or
other philosophical beliefs, age or disability.

We  expect  all  our  colleagues  to  act  with  integrity  and
behave ethically in everything they do. To reinforce this, we
have the Marshall Code of Conduct which is supported by
an  online  programme  which  forms  part  of  every  new
colleague’s induction.

Engaging our people
Our employment policies and practices are consistent with
our values and culture, helping us to achieve our business
objectives through engaged people.

Since 2008 we have worked with the Great Place to Work
Institute’s Best Workplaces programme. This has given us
the opportunity to seek feedback from our colleagues each
year  to  measure  levels  of  engagement  and  drive
continuous improvement. 

Since 2010 we have achieved survey scores ahead of the
70%  UK  benchmark  which  determines  a  great  place  to
work. In 2017 we achieved an overall score of 78% which
included over 1,200 colleagues from the recently acquired
former Ridgeway businesses. In May 2017 we were proud
to be ranked as a Best Large UK Workplace for the third
year in succession.

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc | Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Recognising
that people
are at the
heart of
our success.

4,956

Academy training 
days delivered

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GOVERNANCE

Health & Safety
Making Health & Safety an
integral part of Marshall’s day
to day operation

MARSHALL EMBRACING SAFETY

In  2017,  we  have  increased  the  visibility  of  our  Health,
Safety & Environmental (HSE) team across the business.
Targeted communications and visits to sites enable us to
adopt a consistent approach to health and safety for all
activities across our business.

In addition, each of our sites has a trained risk assessor
who is responsible for ensuring that the site specific risk
assessments remain relevant and up to date for their site.

The  HSE  team  also  monitor,  report  and  investigate  all
incidents and where trends are identified an HSE Alert is
created and shared with all colleagues.

Planned preventive maintenance is organised by the HSE
team working with our approved contractors to ensure all
relevant inspections and any identified remedial work is
undertaken on time and certificated evidence is available.

Our HSE team aims to provide support and direction to all
sites by continually reviewing and improving our policies
and  procedures,  supporting  and  advising  managers  to
assist them in fulfilling their H&S responsibilities. 

Finally, having listened to feedback from our colleagues,
the HSE team has worked with our partner company, Defib
Machines, to install and maintain Automated Defibrillator
Machines at 122 sites across our portfolio. 

The team also provide access to first aider, fire warden and
risk assessor training.

Our first aiders and fire wardens are all volunteers who
undertake  these  roles  in  addition  to  their  usual  duties.
Monthly checks of first aid boxes, firefighting equipment and
emergency lighting, as well as weekly fire alarm tests are
just  some  of  the  additional  tasks  these  colleagues
undertake on our behalf.

Environmental
Embracing our environmental
responsibilities

MARSHALL GOING GREEN

The Marshall LEAF (Lowering Energy to Aid the Future)
aims to lower the impact we have on the environment.

We also track our Accident Frequency Rate (AFR) on a
monthly and annual basis. The AFR is the measure of the
number  of  accidents  per  1m  hours  worked.  The  Motor
Industry AFR is currently 14.2 (taken from HSE document
‘Injury frequency rates’). Our AFR for 2017 was 4.55.

In 2017 96.2% of our hazardous waste materials, such as
engine oil, lead acid batteries, rags and absorbents were
recycled and recovered. This equates to over 1.2m kg of
waste which didn’t go to landfill.

In 2017, 68.2% of our dry mixed recycling waste materials,
such  as  paper,  plastics,  metals  and  cardboard,  were
recycled and recovered. This equates to over 1.4m kg of
waste which didn’t go to landfill.

This initiative complements our obligations to report under
Energy  Savings  Opportunity  Scheme  (ESOS)  which  is
designed to lead to greater energy efficiency, cost savings
and carbon reduction.

We also work with our Brand partners to ensure compliance
with The Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging
Waste)  Regulations  the  aim  of  which  is  to  reduce  the
amount of packaging waste that ends up in landfill.

We  use  the  information  from  the  ESOS  surveys  when
developing our new dealerships as well as refurbishments
of existing sites.

All  of  our  new-build  dealerships  have  been  built  to
BREEAM  "Very  Good”  rating.  BREEAM  is  the  world’s
leading environmental assessment method for buildings
and  sets  the  standard  for  best  practice  in  sustainable
building  design,  construction  and  operation  and  has
become  one  of  the  most  comprehensive  and  widely
recognised  measures  of  a  building’s  environmental
performance.

At Marshall we take our duty of care responsibilities very
seriously and as such work closely with our approved waste
contractor  to  provide  a  comprehensive  collection  and
processing service of our hazardous and non-hazardous
recyclable materials.

Additionally, we work closely with water retailers and local
water  authorities  to  ensure  that  where  our  operations
involve the discharge of waste water (e.g. valeting), we
have obtained the correct level of consent and that our
actions do not cause pollution via surface water drainage
and other water courses. 

Finally, we work with the Environmental Protection Teams
at various councils across England to ensure we have the
relevant  permits  in  place,  under  the  Environmental
Permitting (England & Wales Regulations 2007) at those of
our dealerships which have a Bodyshop, or where we have
independent  Bodyshop  operations.  This 
includes
undertaking  regular  monitoring  to  ensure  we  remain
compliant with the limits set within the permits.

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc | Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Health and safety statistics 2017

Total number of incidents                                              188
Of which RIDDOR* reportable incidents                      20
Fatalities                                                                       0
Over 7 day absence                                                     9
Non workers (contractors, visitors, third parties)          5
Occupational Disease                                                   1
Dangerous occurrences reported under RIDDOR*      4
Number of enforcement notices issued by HSE          0
Number of prohibition notices issued by HSE              0

*Reporting of  Injuries, Dangerous 
Occurrences Regulations 2013

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GOVERNANCE 

Corporate Governance

PRINCIPLES OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Board recognises that applying sound governance principles in the running of the Group is essential. The Company is listed
on AIM and is therefore not required to comply with the UK Corporate Governance Code. However, in recognising the value and
importance of high standards of corporate governance the Company has, since its admission to AIM in April 2015, adopted the
QCA Corporate Governance Code for Small and Mid-Size Quoted Companies so far as it is practicable having regard for the
size and nature of the Group.

An explanation of how these principles have been applied during the Year is set out below.

THE BOARD
The table below sets out details of all directors who have served during the Year and their membership of Board Committees.
This includes details of each member’s attendance at the twelve board meetings during the Year. There are separate attendance
statements in respect of the Audit and Remuneration Committees on pages 41 and 44.

Director

Date appointed

Role

Committees
(C = current chair)

Board
attendance

Peter Johnson

27 June 2014 

Non-Executive Chairman

Nomination Committee (C)

Alan Ferguson

11 March 2015

Senior Independent Director

Francesca Ecsery

25 March 2015

Independent Non-Executive 

Sarah Dickins

11 March 2015

Independent  Non-Executive 

Christopher Sawyer* 2 April 2015

Non-Executive 

Audit Committee (C)
Remuneration Committee
Nomination Committee

Audit Committee
Remuneration Committee
Nomination Committee

Audit Committee
Remuneration Committee (C)
Nominations Committee

Audit Committee
Remuneration Committee
Nomination Committee

Christopher
Walkinshaw*

12 July 2016

Non-Executive

Daksh Gupta

1 October 2008

Chief Executive Officer

Mark Raban

2 April 2015

Chief Financial Officer

n/a

n/a

n/a

12/12

12/12

12/12

11/12

12/12

12/12

12/12

12/12

* Christopher Sawyer and Christopher Walkinshaw are nominated directors of  Marshall of  Cambridge (Holdings) Limited.

Board decisions are generally on matters of strategy (including acquisitions and disposals), policy, people, performance, budgets
and significant capital expenditure. Each director receives information on matters to be discussed (including Board reports from
the Chief Executive, Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary) in advance of each Board meeting to ensure that there is
a full debate at Board level and in particular so that the non-executive directors can contribute fully.

The Board has formally reserved specific matters for its determination and has approved terms of reference for all Board
Committees.

All directors have access to independent professional advice, if they have the need to seek it. There is an induction process for
new directors and training is available when required.

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Senior Independent Director
Peter Johnson is Non-Executive Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer is Daksh Gupta. There is a formal division of
responsibilities between the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer. The Senior Independent Director is Alan Ferguson.

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc  |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Board Balance
The Company currently has eight directors, of which three are independent non-executives.

Under the terms of a Relationship Agreement (“Relationship Agreement”) with Marshall of Cambridge (Holdings) Limited (“MCHL”)
(details of which are set out below), MCHL is entitled to appoint two nominated directors to the Board, so long as it holds 30%
or more of the Company’s ordinary shares. MCHL appointed Christopher Sawyer as one of its nominated directors on 2 April
2015 and appointed Christopher Walkinshaw as its second nominated director on 12 July 2016.

Performance Evaluation
The non-executive directors have met without the presence of the executive directors, during which the performance of executive
directors was assessed and without the presence of the Chairman (to assess the performance of the Chairman).

Re-election
In accordance with the Company’s Articles, Daksh Gupta will retire by rotation and offer himself for reappointment at the AGM.

BOARD COMMITTEES
Nomination Committee
The  Company  has  established  a  Nomination  Committee  which  comprises  Peter  Johnson  (Chair  of  the  Committee),
Alan Ferguson, Sarah Dickins, Francesca Ecsery and Christopher Sawyer.

The Nomination Committee is responsible for reviewing the structure, size and composition of the Board, preparing a description
of the role and capabilities required for a particular appointment and identifying and nominating candidates to fill Board positions
as and when they arise. It has not been considered necessary for the Nomination Committee to meet during the Year.

Audit Committee
The Company has established an Audit Committee, which comprises Alan Ferguson (Chair of the Committee), Sarah Dickins,
Francesca Ecsery and Christopher Sawyer.

Further information on the Audit Committee is set out on pages 41 to 42.

Remuneration Committee
The Company has established a Remuneration Committee which comprises Sarah Dickins (Chair of the Committee) Alan
Ferguson, Francesca Ecsery and Christopher Sawyer.

Further information on the Remuneration Committee is set out on pages 43 to 50.

RELATIONS WITH SHAREHOLDERS
The Group is committed to maintaining good relations with all its shareholders through the provision of Interim and Annual
Reports, other trading statements and the Annual General Meeting. The Company also meets with its institutional shareholders
regularly.

In light of MCHL’s aggregate shareholding in the Company, on Admission the Company entered into the Relationship Agreement
with MCHL in order to regulate the relationship between MCHL and the Company and enable the Company to act independently
of MCHL and its affiliates. Under the terms of this agreement MCHL has the right, for so long as it owns 30% or more of the
Ordinary Shares in the capital of the Company, to appoint two directors to the Board and one director to each of the committees
of the Board, including the Audit, Remuneration and Nomination Committee. The Relationship Agreement will terminate in the
event that MCHL ceases to own 30% or more of the ordinary shares in the capital of the Company.

Further details of the Relationship Agreement can be found in the Company’s AIM Admission Document which is available on
the Company’s website at www.mmhplc.com.

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GOVERNANCE 

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The Annual General Meeting provides an opportunity for all shareholders to be updated on the Group’s progress and ask
questions of the Board.

FINANCIAL REPORTING
The Board has ultimate responsibility for both the preparation of accounts and the monitoring of systems of internal financial
control. The Board seeks to present a fair, balanced and understandable assessment of the Group’s position and its prospects
and present price-sensitive information in an appropriate way.

INTERNAL CONTROL
The Board has ultimate responsibility for the Group’s system of internal control and for reviewing its effectiveness. However, any
such system of internal control can provide only reasonable but not absolute, assurance against material misstatement or loss.
The Board considers that the internal controls in place are appropriate for the size, complexity and risk profile of the Group.

The principal elements of the Group’s internal control system include:

• management of the day to day activities of the Group by the executive Directors; aided by the Group’s bespoke management

information system, Phoenix 2;

an organisational structure with defined levels of responsibility;

a forecasting process at each quarter end;

an annual budgeting process which is approved by the Board;

detailed weekly and monthly reporting of performance against budget and the prior year using Cognos;

central control over key areas such as capital expenditure authorisation, contracts and financing facilities;

formal accounting policies and procedures which are regularly reviewed and publicised in the business;

an internal audit department which monitors compliance of Company processes and procedures and whose programme of
work is overseen by the Audit Committee;

a  newly  created  role  of  Head  of  Compliance  to  assess  and  monitor  the  Company’s  compliance  with  its  regulatory
responsibilities with a particular focus on compliance with FCA requirements.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

The Group continues to review its system of internal control to ensure compliance with best practice, whilst also having regard
to its size and the resources available.

The principal risks and uncertainties identified by the Board are set out on pages 24 to 27.

By order of the Board
Stephen Jones
Company Secretary
13 March 2018

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc  |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Audit Committee Report 

Alan Ferguson
Senior Independent 
Director and Chair of 
the Audit Committee

Audit Committee Members
The  Company’s  Audit  Committee  was  established  on
Admission and comprises myself, Sarah Dickins, Francesca
Ecsery and Christopher Sawyer.

With the exception of Christopher Sawyer (given his position
as a nominated director of MCHL), all members of the Audit
Committee are considered to be independent.

It  is  considered  that  the  Audit  Committee  possesses  the
necessary  skills  and  experience  to  fulfil  its  responsibilities
effectively  with  its  members,  through  their  other  business
activities, having a wide range of financial and commercial
expertise. In particular, as set out on page 29, my background
was  as  an  experienced  Finance  Director  serving  on  the
boards  of  a  number  of  large  companies  throughout  my
executive career. I am the current chair of the audit committees
of Johnson Matthey Plc and Croda International Plc and, until
my retirement in April 2018, The Weir Group Plc.

Audit Committee Responsibilities
The Audit Committee’s principal responsibilities are to:

• monitor  the  integrity  of  the  Company’s  financial
statements  (including  its  annual  and  interim  reports,
interim management statements results’ announcements
and  any  other  formal  announcement  relating  to  its
financial performance);

•

•

•

issues  and
review  significant 
judgements  as  described  in Note  4  of  the  financial
statements;

reporting 

financial 

keep under review the effectiveness of internal controls
and risk management systems;

review arrangements for its employees to raise concerns,
in  confidence,  about  possible  wrongdoing  in  financial
reporting or other matters;

•

•

• monitor and review the effectiveness of the internal audit
function, review and approve the internal audit function’s
planned work and meet privately with the head of internal
audit without the presence of management; and

41

• make recommendations to the Board in relation to the
appointment  of  the  external  auditor  and  oversee  the
relationship with the external auditor including approving
the  annual  audit  plan,  assessing  audit  quality,
effectiveness and approving the audit fee.

The Audit Committee’s responsibilities, its procedures and its
authority are set out in formal terms of reference approved by
the Board.

Audit Committee Meetings
The Audit Committee has an annual agenda of matters to be
considered and is scheduled to meet three times each year
and at any other time when it is appropriate to consider and
discuss audit and accounting related issues.

Audit  Committee  meetings  are  attended  by  all  Committee
Members (see below).  At the discretion and invitation of the
Committee  Chair  other  Executive  and  Non-Executive
Directors, the Head of Internal Audit and representatives of
the Company’s external auditor may also attend.

During the Year, the Audit Committee met formally three times,
each member’s attendance at those meetings being set out
below:

Committee 
Member

Role

Attendance
record

Alan Ferguson

Chair of the Committee

Sarah Dickins

Non-Executive Director

Francesca Ecsery

Non-Executive Director

Christopher Sawyer

Non-Executive Director

3/3

3/3

3/3

3/3

Between the end of the Year and the date of this report there
was  a  further  meeting  of  the  Audit  Committee  which  was
attended by all members.

Activities During the Period
During the period since the last annual report to the date of
this report, the Audit Committee has:

reviewed and made some minor amendments to its terms
of reference and operated in accordance with an annual
agenda of matters to be considered by it;

reviewed  the  public  announcements  relating  to  its
financial  position  including  the  accounting  issues,  key
accounting judgements and going concern assessment
in  connection  with  the  full  year  and  interim  results
announcements;

Audit issues considered by the Committee
The Audit Committee considered areas of significant judgment
and estimation applied in the preparation of the Group’s 2017
financial  statements.  It  received  a  papers  from  the  Chief
Financial  Officer  and  the  external  auditor, which  covered
amongst  other  matters  Goodwill  and  Intangible  asset
impairment  reviews,  taxation,  inventory,  closure  costs  and
provisions  and  the  disposal  of  Marshall  Leasing.  The
Committee discussed these issues with management and took
comfort from the work of the external auditor. The Committee
concluded that these matters had been dealt with appropriately
in the 2017 financial statements. The Committee reviewed the
potential  impact  of  new  standards,  IFRS  15  and  16,  and
concurred  with  the  disclosures  made  in  this  regard.  The
Committee  also  reviewed  a  paper  on  going  concern  and
agreed with the conclusion that the financial statements be
prepared on the going concern basis.

Alan Ferguson
Chair of the Audit Committee
13 March 2018

247153 MMH AR 2017 pp038-pp043.qxp  14/03/2018  21:26  Page 42

GOVERNANCE 

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

reviewed  and  after  challenge,  approved  the  external
auditor’s audit plan for 2017, including their proposed fee
and statement of independence. The Audit Committee
also  reviewed  the  quality  of  the  external  audit  and
recommended the re-appointment of the external auditor;

reviewed non audit fees paid to the external auditor in the
Year. These fees totalled £36k and related solely to the
review of the Group’s interim results;

considered the accounting issues arising as a result of
the disposal of Marshall Leasing Limited;

considered  the  potential  impact  of  future  changes  to
accounting standards, including IFRS 15 and IFRS 16;

considered and subsequently recommended the taking
of  an  exemption  from  an  audit  pursuant  to  S.479A
Companies  Act  2006  in  respect  of  the  year  ending
31 December 2017 for certain subsidiary companies as
set out on page 69;

approved the programme of work for the internal audit
function in 2017 and considered the output of that work.
In addition, it approved the internal audit plan for 2018;

considered the Group’s risk management process and its
effectiveness;

discussed the  Company’s  arrangements  to  enable
employees to raise concerns about possible improprieties
confidentially  including  the  use  of  an  independent
organisation  to  provide  a  confidential  ‘whistleblowers’
hotline; and

received a presentation from the Head of Retail Finance
covering the structure of the finance function, key financial
controls and planned future development.

The Committee receives reports from executive directors and
also receives reports from, and periodically meets with the
external auditor and the head of internal audit in the absence
of management. In addition, as chair of the Audit Committee,
I also meet with the external and internal auditor outside of
the formal meetings.

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc  |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Remuneration Committee Report 

The Executive Directors also received a PSP Award under the
Company's PSP which is subject to demanding three year
EPS targets  set  post  the  announcement  of  the  sale  of
Marshall  Leasing  Limited.  Subject  to  the  performance
condition  being  met  PSP  awards  will  vest  on  the  third
anniversary of grant with any vested shares required to be
held for a further 12 months post vesting. 

Key remuneration decisions for the year to 31 December
2018
The Committee believes that the remuneration policy remains
appropriate and having reviewed base salaries for the Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer in the context of
increases  for  the  wider  workforce  the  Committee  have
approved increases of 2.2%. The maximum annual bonus
potential for 2018 will be 125% of salary for the CEO and
100% of salary for the CFO based on PBT in line with the
stretching business plan. 

The Committee intends to make awards in 2018 under the
PSP subject to a maximum of 125% of salary in respect of
the Chief Executive Officer and 100% of salary in respect of
the  Chief  Financial  Officer.  Vesting  will  be  subject  to  the
achievement  of  demanding  three  year  EPS  targets.  Any
shares  awarded  this  year  to  Executive  Directors  that  vest
under the PSP must be retained for a further year before they
can be sold.

Conclusion
The Directors’ remuneration policy which follows this annual
statement sets out the Committee’s principles on remuneration
for the future and the annual report on remuneration provides
details of remuneration for the period ended 31 December
2017.  The  Committee  will  continue  to  be  mindful  of
shareholder  views  and  interests,  and  we  believe  that  the
Directors’ remuneration policy is aligned with the achievement
of the Company’s business objectives.

Sarah Dickins
Chair of Remuneration Committee
13 March 2018

Sarah Dickins
Non-Executive 
Director and 
Chair of the 
Remuneration 
Committee 

I  am  pleased  to  present,  on  behalf  of  the  Board,  the
Remuneration Committee’s (the “Committee”) Remuneration
Report providing details of the remuneration of the Directors
for the financial year ending 31 December 2017 and of our
remuneration policy and principles.

Remuneration policy
The Committee regularly reviews its remuneration policy to
ensure it supports achievement of the Company’s short-term
financial goals and longer term strategic objectives, including
transformational activity such as the acquisition of SG Smith,
and  Ridgeway  in  2016,  and  disposal  of  Marshall  Leasing
Limited  during  the  year.  Although  not  bound  by  the  same
regulation  as  main  market  listed  companies,  including  the
requirement to put remuneration policy to shareholder vote at
least every three years, the Committee continues to monitor
developments in regulation, governance and best practice and
considers the current remuneration policy appropriate to the
Company’s circumstances. 

Remuneration outcomes for the period to 31 December
2017
As  outlined  in  the  operating  review  the  Company  has
continued its excellent track record of performance in 2017.
Financial  highlights  include  like-for-like  revenue  growth  of
3.5% and underlying PBT of £29.1m representing an increase
of 14.4% versus 2016. In addition, the disposal of Marshall
Leasing has further strengthened the balance sheet.

As set out in the remuneration report last year for the year
under review base salaries, annual bonus opportunity and
Performance Share Plan (“PSP”) opportunities for both Daksh
Gupta and Mark Raban remained the same as the previous
year.

Annual  bonus  opportunity  during  2017  was  based  on  the
achievement of underlying PBT targets with bonuses of 96%
of  maximum  awarded  to  the  Chief  Executive  and  Chief
Financial Officer respectively in respect of performance in the
year ended 31 December 2017.

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GOVERNANCE

Directors’ Remuneration Report

REMUNERATION GOVERNANCE
Throughout the period 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2017, the Committee comprised three independent Non-Executive
Directors: Sarah Dickins (Chair of the Committee), Alan Ferguson, Francesca Ecsery alongside Christopher Sawyer who is an
appointed representative of MCHL. 

The table below sets out each member’s attendance record at Committee meetings during the financial year.

Committee member                                                                           Role                                                                                  Attendance record
Sarah Dickins                                                                                       Chair of the Committee                                                                               5/5
Alan Ferguson                                                                                      Non-Executive Director                                                                                5/5
Francesca Ecsery                                                                                Non-Executive Director                                                                                4/5
Christopher Sawyer                                                                             Non-Executive Director                                                                                4/5

The Chair, members of the management team, as well as the Committee’s advisers, are invited to attend meetings as appropriate,
unless there is any potential conflict of interest.

The Remuneration Committee: Responsibilities
The terms of reference of the Committee cover such issues as: committee membership; frequency of meetings; quorum
requirements; and the right to attend meetings. In addition, the Committee has responsibility for, amongst other things:

• making recommendations to the Board on the Company’s policy on remuneration for the Group;

•

•

•

•

determining and monitoring specific remuneration packages for the Chairman, each of the Executive Directors and certain
senior management in the Group, including pension rights and any compensation payments;

recommending and monitoring the level and structure of remuneration for senior management; 

recommending and overseeing the implementation of share related schemes, including scheme grants;

ensuring the Committee has access to independent remuneration advice including responsibility for appointing a suitably
qualified adviser

The Board remains responsible for the approval and implementation of any recommendations made by the Committee. The
remuneration of Non-Executive Directors other than the Chairman is determined by the Chairman of the Board and the Executive
Directors.

The Committee’s Advisers
•

The Committee engages external advisers to assist it in meeting its responsibilities and retained Willis Towers Watson to
provide independent remuneration advice to the Committee. Willis Towers Watson are a signatory to the Remuneration
Consultants’ Code of Conduct, and the Committee is satisfied that the advice that it receives is objective and independent.

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc  |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

REMUNERATION POLICY
The overall aim of our remuneration policy is to provide appropriate incentives that reflect the Group’s performance culture and
values, through a number of specific remuneration components (detailed in the table on the following pages). In summary, we
aim to:

•

•

•

•

attract, retain and motivate high calibre, senior management and to focus them on the delivery of the Group’s strategic and
business objectives;

set base pay having had due regard to the competitive talent market in which the Company operates with incentive pay
structured so that top quartile pay can be achieved for top quartile performance;

be simple and understandable, both externally and to colleagues; and

achieve consistency of approach across the senior management population to the extent appropriate.

In determining the practical application of the policy, the Committee considers a range of internal and external factors, including
pay and conditions for employees generally, shareholder feedback, and appropriate market comparisons with remuneration
practices in FTSE-listed, AIM-listed and other automotive-based companies.

The Committee is satisfied that this policy successfully aligns the interests of Executive Directors, senior managers, and other
employees with the long-term interests of shareholders, by ensuring that an appropriate proportion of total remuneration is
directly linked to the Group’s performance over both the short and the long term.

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GOVERNANCE

REMUNERATION POLICY (continued)

Future Policy Table
The main elements of the remuneration package of Executive Directors are set out below:

Purpose and link to 
strategy

BASIC SALARY

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance metrics

Attract and retain high calibre
Executive Directors to deliver
strategy.

Paid  in  12  equal  monthly
instalments during the year.

None

Reviewed annually to reflect role,
responsibility and performance
of the individual and the Group,
and to take into account rates of
pay  for  comparable  roles  in
similar 
companies.  When
the
selecting  comparators, 
Committee has regard to, inter
alia, 
revenue,
profitability,  market  worth  and
business  sector.  There  is  no
prescribed maximum increase.
Annual rates are set out in the
annual report on remuneration
for  the  current  year  and  the
following year.

the  Group’s 

ANNUAL BONUS 

Incentivises achievement of
by
business 
providing 
for
performance against annual
financial targets.

objectives 
reward 

Paid in cash after the end of
the financial year to which it
relates.

Recovery  and  withholding
provisions apply.

is 

the  policy  of  

It 
the
committee to cap maximum
annual bonuses. The levels
of   such  caps  are  reviewed
annually  and  are  set  at  an
appropriate  percentage  of
annual salary. Currently the
maximum bonus is 125% of
base salary in respect of  the
Chief  Executive Officer and
100% in respect of  the Chief
Financial Officer.

LONG-TERM INCENTIVES – MMH PERFORMANCE SHARE PLAN

Alignment  of   interests  with
shareholders  by  providing
long-term 
incentives
designed to incentivise and
recognise  execution  of   the
business  strategy  over  the
longer-term.

Grant  of   £nil  cost  options
under 
the  PSP.  Options
normally  vest  3  years  from
grant 
the
achievement of  performance
conditions  and  continued
employment.

subject 

to 

A  12  months  post-vesting
for
holding  period  applies 
awards made from 2016.

150%  of  base  salary  (up  to
200%  of  base  salary 
in
exceptional  circumstances)  in
any financial year.

Current award levels are set out
in 
the  Annual  Report  on
Remuneration.

Performance 
is  normally
measured  over  one  year,
based  solely  on  financial
targets (e.g. profit before tax).

The 
sets
Committee 
threshold  and  maximum
targets on an annual basis.

threshold 

A  sliding  scale  operates
between 
and
maximum  performance.  No
bonus 
is  payable  where
performance  is  below  the
threshold.

Payment  of   any  bonus  is
subject 
the  overriding
discretion of  the Committee.

to 

Vesting is subject to continuous
employment and   targets linked
to the strategy of the business.
Current  targets  are  based  on
in
achievement  of  growth 
earnings  per  share,  but  the
Committee  may  vary 
the
targets. 25% vests for achieving
threshold  performance,100%
vests  for  achieving  maximum
performance.

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc  |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

REMUNERATION POLICY (continued)

Future Policy Table (continued)

Purpose and link to 
strategy

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance metrics

LONG-TERM INCENTIVES – MMH PERFORMANCE SHARE PLAN (CONTINUED)

BENEFITS

Provide  benefits  consistent
with role and in support of the
personal health and wellbeing
of employees.

PENSION

Attract  and  retain  Executive
Directors for the long term by
providing 
for
retirement.

funding 

A dividend equivalent applies.

Recovery  and  withholding
provisions  apply  at 
the
discretion  of   the  Committee
within three years of vesting

Currently  these  consist  of
holiday  entitlement,  health
life  assurance
insurance, 
premiums 
income
and 
protection 
insurance.  The
Committee  reviews  the  level
of benefit provision from time
to time and has the flexibility to
add  or  remove  benefits  to
reflect  changes  in  market
practices  or  the  operational
needs of the Group.

All  Executive  Directors  are
entitled  to  participate  in  the
Company’s 
defined
contribution  pension  scheme
or to receive a cash allowance
in lieu of pension contributions.

Only 
pensionable.

base 

salary 

is

SHARE OWNERSHIP GUIDELINES 

Increase  alignment  between
the  Executive  Directors  and
shareholders.

Executive  Directors 
are
expected to retain 50% of the
net of tax vested PSP shares
until the guideline level is met.

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FEES (“NED”)

The cost of providing benefits
is borne by the Company and
varies from time to time.

None.

The Chief Executive receives a
16% of base salary contribution.

None.

whereby 

The  Chief  Financial  Officer
participates in the Company’s
defined  contribution  pension
scheme 
the
Company  makes  an  8%  of
base  salary  contribution,
conditional  upon  the  Chief
Financial  Officer  making  a
matched contribution of 8%.

At least 100% of base salary
for Executive Directors.

None.

To attract NEDs who have a
broad  range  of  experience
and  skills  to  oversee  the
implementation 
our
strategy  and  provide  strong
performance stewardship.

of 

NED fees are determined by
the  Board  (excluding  NEDs)
within the limits set out in the
Articles  of  Association  and
are paid in 12 equal monthly
instalments during the year.

report 

Annual  rate  set  out  in  the
on
annual 
remuneration  for  the  current
year  and  the  following  year.
No  prescribed  maximum
annual increase.

None.

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GOVERNANCE

REMUNERATION POLICY (continued)

Directors’ Service Contracts, Notice Periods and Termination Payments

Provision

Details

Notice periods in Executive Directors’ 
service contracts

Maximum of 12 months by Company or Executive Director. Executive Directors
may be required to work during the notice period.

Compensation for loss of office

In the event of termination, service contracts provide for payments of base salary,
pension and benefits only over the notice period.

Treatment of annual bonus on 
termination

Treatment of unvested PSP awards

There is no contractual right to any bonus payment in the event of termination
although in certain "good leaver" circumstances the Remuneration Committee may
exercise its discretion to pay a bonus for the period of employment and based on
performance assessed after the end of the financial year.

The default treatment for any Ordinary Share-based entitlements under the PSP
is that any outstanding awards lapse on cessation of employment. However, in
certain prescribed circumstances, or at the discretion of the Committee “good
leaver” status can be applied. In these circumstances a participant’s awards vest
subject to the satisfaction of the relevant performance criteria and, ordinarily, on a
time pro-rata basis, with the balance of the awards lapsing.

Outside appointments

Other directorships are permitted with prior agreement:

– Daksh Gupta is a director of BEN – Motor and Allied Trades Benevolent Fund.

– Mark Raban is a director of Precise Finance Limited. Precise Finance Limited
is the company owned by Mr Raban and used to provide consultancy services
prior to his appointment to Marshall Motor Holdings plc.

Non-executive directors

All Non-Executives are subject to re-election every three years. No compensation
payable if required to stand down.

In the event of the negotiation of a compromise or settlement agreement between the Company and a departing Director, the
Committee may make payments it considers reasonable in settlement of potential legal claims. Such payments may also include
reasonable reimbursement of professional fees in connection with such agreements.

The Committee may also include the reimbursement of fees for professional or outplacement advice in the termination package,
if it considers it reasonable to do so. It may also allow the continuation of benefits for a limited period.

Dates of appointment

Director

P Johnson

D Gupta

MD Raban

A Ferguson

S Dickins

F Ecsery

C Sawyer

C Walkinshaw

Date of appointment

27 June 2014

1 October 2008

2 April 2015

11 March 2015

11 March 2015

25 March 2015

2 April 2015

12 July 2016

Copies of Directors’ service contracts and letters of appointment are available for inspection at the Company’s registered office. 

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc  |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Annual Report on Remuneration

Single total figure of remuneration
The table below sets out the single total figure of remuneration and breakdown for each Director in respect of the 12 month
period ending 31 December 2017.

Basic
salary
£’000

408

255

663

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Executive Directors

D Gupta

MD Raban

Total

Non-Executive Directors

PW Johnson

AM Ferguson

DSM Dickins

FE Ecsery

CJ Sawyer

CMH Walkinshaw1

Total

Aggregate directors

emoluments

663

-

-

-

133

58

48

40

40

40

359

359

Fees
£’000

Benefits
£’000

Pension
£’000

Annual
bonuses
£’000

Long term 
incentives
£’000

18

4

22

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

65

22

87

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

491

246

737

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

223

37

260

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Total
£’000

1,205

564

1,769

133

58

48

40

40

40

359

22

87

737

260

2,128

The benefits above include items such as medical cover, life assurance premiums and income protection insurance.

1 Christopher Walkinshaw is a nominated director of Marshall of Cambridge (Holdings) Ltd with the fee payable in respect of his undertakings as a Non-Executive

Director payable to Marshall of Cambridge (Holdings) Ltd.

LTIP awards
Details of LTIP Awards granted during the year are as follows:

D Gupta

MD Raban

Scheme

2017 LTIP award1

2017 LTIP award1

Date of
grant

Earliest
exercise
date

Exercise
price
(pence)

29-Sept-17

29-Sept-20

29-Sept-17

29-Sept-20

£Nil

£Nil

Market
value on
date of
grant
(pence)

167.0

167.0

Number of
options
granted

305,389

152,695

1 Awards vest for achieving growth in EPS from 2017 to 2019; 25% vest for achieving growth of CPI plus 1% per annum increasing to 100% vesting for achieving

EPS growth of CPI plus 5% per annum. 

The movement in directors’ LTIP Awards during the year are as follows:  

Number at
1 January 2017

Number lapsed Number granted Number exercised
during the year
during the year

Number at
during the year 31 December 2017

D Gupta

MD Raban

1,182,314

434,558

-

-

305,389

152,695

-

-

1,487,703

587,253

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GOVERNANCE

REMUNERATION POLICY (continued)

Statement of Directors’ Shareholding
Our Executive Directors are expected to build up and maintain a 100% of salary shareholding in the Company and are expected
to retain 50% of the net of tax vested PSP shares until the guideline level is met. The Directors who held office at 31 December
2017 and their connected persons had interests in the issued share capital of the Company as at 31 December 2017 as follows:

                                 Number of                                                                           Number of
                                    ordinary                                                                              ordinary                                   LTIP Interests
                                       shares         Options            Market                                   shares                    With                                    Without
                               beneficially       exercised     purchases      Disposals   beneficially   performance conditions    performance conditions                  Total
                                  held as at     during the     during the     during the      held as at                            Vested but                            Vested but      interest in
                                     31/12/16                year                year                year         31/12/17       Unvested1 unexercised      Unvested2 unexercised2            shares

P Johnson                     175,328                      -                      -                      -          175,328                      -                      -                                              -           175,328
D. Gupta                        843,138                      -                      -                      -          843,138       1,219,2471                     -          134,228          134,228        2,330,841
MD Raban                      61,726                      -                      -                      -            61,726          542,5101                     -            22,372            22,371           648,979
A Ferguson                     58,557                      -                      -                      -            58,557                      -                      -                      -                      -             58,557
S Dickins                           6,711                      -                      -                      -              6,711                      -                      -                      -                      -               6,711
F Ecsery                            2,013                      -                      -                      -              2,013                      -                      -                      -                      -               2,013
C Sawyer                      214,498                      -                      -                      -          214,498                      -                      -                      -                      -           214,498

The middle market price of the shares as at 29 December 2017 was 167.5p and the range in respect of the 12 month period
ending 31 December 2017 was 134.0p to 178.5p.

1 These include the 2017 and 2016 LTIP Awards along with the IPO Performance Awards which vest subject to growth in the Company’s underlying basic Earnings
Per Share (EPS). 25% of the award vests for achieving growth in underlying basic EPS of CPI plus 1%, 3% and 4% p.a. respectively increasing to 100% vesting
for achieving growth of CPI plus 5%, 8% and 10% p.a. respectively over a three year performance period. 50% of the IPO Performance Awards vest on the third
anniversary of Admission and the remaining 50% on the fourth anniversary subject to continued employment. A 12 month holding period applies to the 2016 and
2017 LTIP Awards.

2 These include the vested and unvested IPO Restricted Share Awards which are subject only to employment at the relevant vesting date. These options vest and
become exercisable in three equal tranches on the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant. The final tranche of options is due to vest on the 2 April
2018.

The Committee has discretion to adjust the aforementioned performance targets to reflect the impact of events which occur after the date of grant in order to take
into account the impact of events such as material acquisitions and disposals made by the Group and to ensure that the adjusted targets are no more difficult or
easier to satisfy than they would have otherwise been. 

Implementation of remuneration policy for the year ending 31 December 2018
The annual salaries and fees to be paid to directors in the year ending 31 December 2018 are set out below, together with any
increase expressed as a percentage.

                                                                                           31 December 2018    31 December 2017                      Increase
                                                                                                                   £'000                            £'000                                 %

PW Johnson                                                                                                     135.5                           132.6                                2.2

D Gupta                                                                                                             416.9                           408.0                                2.2

MD Raban                                                                                                         260.6                           255.0                                2.2

AM Ferguson                                                                                                      59.5                             57.5                                3.5

DSM Dickins                                                                                                       49.5                             47.5                                4.2

FE Ecsery                                                                                                           42.0                             40.0                                5.0

CJ Sawyer                                                                                                           42.0                             40.0                                5.0

CMH Walkinshaw 1                                                                                              42.0                             40.0                                5.0

1 Christopher Walkinshaw is a nominated director of Marshall of Cambridge (Holdings) Ltd with the fee payable in respect of his undertakings as a Non-Executive

Director payable to Marshall of Cambridge (Holdings) Ltd.

The maximum potential annual bonus for the year ending 31 December 2018 will be 125% of salary for the CEO and 100% of
salary for the CFO. Awards are determined based on PBT targets. Recovery and withholding provisions will apply. 

The Committee intends to grant options under the PSP in 2018. These options will be £nil cost options over a value of shares
subject to a maximum of 125% of salary in respect of the Chief Executive Officer and 100% of salary in respect of the Chief
Financial Officer where the vesting is subject to targets based on the achievement of earnings per share targets.

By order of the Board

Sarah Dickins
Chair of the Remuneration Committee
13 March 2017

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc  |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities

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

The Directors are required to prepare Consolidated financial statements for each financial year in accordance with International
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union. The Directors have elected to prepare the parent
company financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom
Accounting Standards and applicable law). 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 Group and Company and of the profit and loss of the Group for that
period. In preparing those Consolidated financial statements, the Directors are required to:

•

•

•

•

select and apply accounting policies in accordance with IAS 8;

present  information,  including  accounting  policies,  in  a  manner  that  provides  relevant,  reliable,  comparable  and
understandable information;

provide additional disclosures when compliance with the specific requirements in IFRSs are insufficient to enable users to
understand the impact of particular transactions, other events and conditions on the entity’s financial position and financial
performance; and

state that the group has complied with IFRS, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial
statements.

In preparing the Company financial statements, the Directors are required to:

•

select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;

• make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

•

•

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

prepared the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will not
continue in business.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records which are sufficient to disclose with reasonable accuracy
at any time the financial position of the Company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the
Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the Group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. They are also responsible
for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and
other irregularities. 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor’s Report to the members
of Marshall Motor Holdings plc 

What we Have Audited
We have audited the financial statements of Marshall Motor Holdings plc for the year ended 31 December 2017 which comprise:

Group                                                                                                   Parent Company

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity                                   Company Statement of Changes in Equity

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position                                    Company Statement of Financial Position

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

Related notes 1 to 36 to the financial statements,                              Related notes 1 to 16 to the financial statements including
including a summary of significant accounting policies                     a summary of significant accounting policies

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the group financial statements is applicable law
and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union. The financial reporting framework
that has been applied in the preparation of the parent company financial statements is applicable law and United Kingdom
Accounting Standards, including FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland”
(United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Opinion
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 2017 and of the Group’s profit for the year then ended;

the group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union;  

the parent company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally
Accepted Accounting Practice; and

the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Basis for Opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our
responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
section of our report below. We are independent of the Group and Parent Company in accordance with the ethical requirements
that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard as applied to listed
entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions Relating to Going Concern
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the ISAs (UK) require us to report to you where:

•

•

the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is not appropriate;
or

the directors have not disclosed in the financial statements any identified material uncertainties that may cast significant
doubt about the group’s or the parent company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting for a
period of at least twelve months from the date when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Overview of our Audit Approach
Materiality                              •      Overall group materiality of £1.45m (2016: £1.27m) which represents approximately 5%

(2016: 5%) of Underlying Profit Before Tax.

                                         •      Any audit differences in excess of £73k (2016: £64k) are reported to the audit committee.

Audit scope                            •      We performed an audit of the complete financial information of 14 (2016: 15) full scope

components and performed audit procedures for a further 22 (2016: 21) review scope
components.

                                         •      The full scope components accounted for 92% (2016: 95%) of Underlying Profit Before Tax,

92% (2016: 93%) of External Revenue and 97% (2016: 95%) of Total Net Assets.

Key audit matters                  •      Valuation of inventory

                                         •      Assessment of the carrying value of goodwill and other intangible assets

                                         •      Misstatement of central provisions 

                                         •      Revenue recognition, including manufacturer’s rebates and bonuses

Our Application of Materiality
We apply the concept of materiality in planning and performing the audit, in evaluating the effect of identified misstatements on
the audit and in forming our audit opinion.

Materiality
The magnitude of  an omission or misstatement that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to influence
the economic decisions of  the users of  the financial statements. Materiality provides a basis for determining the nature and
extent of  our audit procedures.

We determined materiality for the Group to be £1.45m (2016: £1.27m), which is approximately 5% (2016: 5%) of Underlying
Profit Before tax. The rationale for using Underlying Profit Before Tax as our basis for materiality is that it provides a consistent
year on year approach, excluding gains and losses from transactions which are considered one off in nature and that are unlikely
to reoccur, which can be significant compared to underlying trading. There were no changes in the approach year on year.

See breakdown below for details of adjustments made

• Profit Before Tax - £53.1m (2016: £22.2m)

Starting
Basis

• Non-Underlying Items - £24.1m
  • Profit on disposal of  subsidiary - £36.9m
  • Post-retirement benefits charge - (£6.0m)
  • Restructuring costs - (£6.8m)

• Underlying Profit Before Tax - £29m (2016: £25.4m)
• Materiality of £1.45m (2016: £1.27m)

As part of our audit planning, we reported to the Audit Committee on 13 October 2017, an initial materiality calculation of £1.4m.
This amount was based on the estimated annualised Profit Before Tax.

During the course of our audit, we reassessed initial materiality and calculated an uplift from £1.4m to a final figure of £1.45m.
This was primarily the result of estimation used when annualising the materiality base during the planning phase of the audit
when compared to the actual full year results observed.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Performance Materiality
The application of  materiality at the individual account or balance level.  It is set at an amount to reduce to an appropriately low
level the probability that the aggregate of  uncorrected and undetected misstatements exceeds materiality.

On the basis of our risk assessments, together with our assessment of the Group’s overall control environment, our judgement
was that performance materiality should be set at 50% (2016: 50%) of our planning materiality, namely £725k (2016: £635k).

Audit work at component locations for the purpose of obtaining audit coverage over significant financial statement accounts is
undertaken based on a percentage of total performance materiality. The performance materiality set for each component is
based on the relative scale and risk of the component to the Group as a whole and our assessment of the risk of misstatement
at that component. In the current year, the range of performance materiality allocated to components was 30% to 100%
(2016: 30% to 100%) of total performance materiality or £218k to £725k (2016: £190k to £635k).

Reporting Threshold
An amount below which identified misstatements are considered as being clearly trivial. (ISA 400)

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them all uncorrected audit differences in excess of £73k (2016:
£64k), which is set at 5% of planning materiality, as well as differences below that threshold that, in our view, warranted reporting
on qualitative grounds.

We evaluate any uncorrected misstatements against both the quantitative measures of materiality discussed above and in light
of other relevant qualitative considerations in forming our opinion.

An Overview of the Scope of our Audit
Tailoring the Scope
Our assessment of audit risk, our evaluation of materiality and our allocation of performance materiality determine our audit
scope for each component within the Group. Taken together, this enables us to form an opinion on the financial statements. We
take into account size, risk profile, the organisation of the group, the effectiveness of group-wide controls, and changes in the
business environment when assessing the level of work to be performed at each component.

After assessing the risk of material misstatement to the Group financial statements we ensured we had adequate quantitative
coverage of significant accounts in the financial statements. Of the 36 reporting components of the Group, we selected 14
components all within the UK, which represent the principal business units within the Group.

We performed an audit of the complete financial information of all 14 components (“full scope components”) of which 8 were
selected based on their size or risk characteristics and the remaining 6 components on the basis that these entities are required
to file statutory accounts in accordance with the Companies Act 2006.

The full scope accounted for 92% (2016: 95%) of the Underlying Profit before Tax, 92% (2016: 93%) of External Revenue and
97% (2016: 95%) of Total Net Assets.

Of the remaining 22 components that together represent 8% of the Group’s Underlying Profit Before Tax, none are individually
greater than 2% of Underlying Profit Before Tax. For these components, we performed overall analytical review to respond to
any potential risks of material misstatement to the Group financial statements. 

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

The charts below illustrate the coverage obtained from the work performed by our audit teams.

Underlying Profit Before Tax

Profit Before Tax

92% Full scope
components

8% Review scope

94% Full scope
components

6% Review scope

Revenue

Total Net Assets

92% Full scope
components

8% Review scope

97% Full scope
components

3% Review scope

Changes from the Prior Year
There were no changes in the approach and no significant changes in terms of coverage year on year.

Involvement with Component Teams
All audit work performed for the purposes of the audit was undertaken by the Group audit team

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

55

                     
                     
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                          Key observations
                                                                                                                                                                          communicated to
Risk                                                   Our response to the risk                                                                     the Audit Committee

Our audit procedures
indicate that the
provision is consistent
with prior years and
that it is based on
reasonable
assumptions
regarding the
underlying exposures
in the UK used car
market.

We understood the method applied by management in performing
its inventory provisioning calculation and walked through the
controls over the process.

We recalculated management’s provision and agreed vehicle
prices included through to sales invoices where sold post year end
and to third party CAP values for all other vehicles.

We performed Analytical Review of the level of provision held to
identify any significant provisions on a particular vehicle type or
brand in the portfolio. A particular focus was given in this area to
used, demonstration and pre-reg vehicles for any significant
indicators of value decline.

We evaluated the accuracy of previous period’s provision to assess
management’s long term forecasting ability.

We performed full scope audit procedures over this risk area in 10
statutory locations, which covered 93% of the risk amount. Further,
we performed extensive procedures in relation to the inventory
provision in place for all statutory entities, to address the significant
accounting judgement used in its calculation.

Valuation of inventory (Gross
inventory – £410.4 million,
2016: £389.4 million; Inventory
provision – £9.2 million, 2016:
£9.4 million)

The group has a significant value
of new and used vehicle
inventory.

Vehicles have the potential to
experience significant value
declines in short time periods.

Value volatility is a response to
market conditions impacting
demand and is deemed a higher
risk in relation to used,
demonstration and pre-reg
vehicle inventory.

The valuation of vehicle
inventory is therefore subject to
significant judgement. Given this
judgement, there is a risk that
inventory is misstated.

Refer to Accounting policies
(page 67); Significant accounting
judgements and estimates
(page 82) and Note 20 of  the
Consolidated Financial
Statements (page 102).

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

                                                                                                                                                                          Key observations
                                                                                                                                                                          communicated to
Risk                                                   Our response to the risk                                                                     the Audit Committee

We understood the method applied by management in performing
its impairment test for each of the relevant CGUs and walked
through the controls over the process.

For all CGUs we calculated the degree to which the key inputs and
assumptions would need to change before an impairment was
triggered and considered the likelihood of this occurring. We
performed our own sensitivities on the group’s forecasts and
determined whether adequate headroom remained.

For CGUs where there were indicators of impairment or low levels
of headroom we performed detailed testing to critically assess and
corroborate the key inputs to the valuations, including:

•

•

•

Analysing the historical accuracy of budgets to actual results
to determine whether forecast cash flows are reliable based
on past experience;

Corroborating the discount rate by obtaining the underlying
data used in the calculation and benchmarking it against
market data and comparable organisations; and

Validating the growth rates assumed by comparing them to
economic and industry forecasts.

We assessed the disclosures in Note 15 against the requirements
of IAS 36 Impairment of Assets, in particular in respect of the
requirement to disclose further sensitivities for CGUs where a
reasonably possible change in a key assumption would cause an
impairment.

We have performed full scope audit procedures over this risk area
in all relevant statutory locations, covering 100% of the risk
amount. We have performed specified procedures to identify any
indicators of potential impairment of intangible assets, and
determined the impact of these indicators where such
circumstances arise.

We concur that group
goodwill and
intangible assets have
been appropriately
assessed for
impairment and no
impairment charge in
the year is necessary.

Of the group’s assets,
there are no CGU’s
which are particularly
sensitive to
reasonably possible
changes to key
assumptions.
Management
describes these
sensitivities
appropriately in the
goodwill and
intangibles note to the
group financial
statements, in
accordance with
IAS 36.

Assessment of the carrying
value of goodwill and other
intangible assets (£121.6
million, 2016: £122 million)

The group has a significant value
of goodwill that has arisen from
acquisitions as well as other
intangible assets in the form of
franchise agreements.

Goodwill is allocated to cash
generating units (‘CGUs’) based
on groups of dealerships
connected by manufacturer
brand.

A number of brands have
experienced challenging trading
conditions driving poor financial
performance.

There is a risk that these cash
generating units (‘CGUs’) may
not achieve the anticipated
financial performance to support
their carrying value, leading to an
impairment charge that has not
been recognised by
management.

Significant judgement is required
in forecasting the future cash
flows of each CGU, together with
the rate at which they are
discounted.

Refer to Accounting policies
(page 69); Significant accounting
judgements and estimates
(page 81) and Note 15 of  the
Consolidated Financial
Statements (page 93).

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                          Key observations
                                                                                                                                                                          communicated to
Risk                                                   Our response to the risk                                                                     the Audit Committee

We consider the
central provisions to
be within an
appropriate range.

Misstatement of central
provisions (£6.8 million, 2016:
£6.7 million)

We understood the group’s process for determining the
completeness and measurement of provisions along with
management’s controls associated to the process.

The nature of the group’s system
architecture and individual site
accounting functions results in
the requirement for central group
provisions primarily in relation to
its property sites.

Management applies judgement
in assessing provisions held in
respect of individual sites or for
the group as a whole. Given this
judgement, there is a risk that
provisions are misstated.

Refer to Accounting policies
(page 73) and Note 26 of  the
Consolidated Financial
Statements (page 106).

We assessed the level of provisions and challenged
management’s judgments in relation to the recognition
requirements of IAS 37. We referred to pre and post year end third
party evidence where appropriate to validate existence and
valuation.

As part of our procedures specifically designed to address the risk
of management override of controls we reviewed journal postings
related to central provisions to identify unusual patterns, significant
releases and postings around the year end which may be
indicative of management override.

The use of the audit team’s industry knowledge was utilised to
identify any new provisions that in our professional judgement
would be considered unusual.

We have performed full scope audit procedures over this risk area
in all relevant statutory locations, which covered 99% of the risk
amount.

58

   
  
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Marshall Motor Holdings plc  |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

                                                                                                                                                                          Key observations
                                                                                                                                                                          communicated to
Risk                                                   Our response to the risk                                                                     the Audit Committee

  Based on the
procedures
performed, including
those in respect of
manufacturer rebates
and bonuses, we are
satisfied that the
revenue was
appropriately
recognised during the
year.

Revenue recognition,
including manufacturer’s
rebates and bonuses (£2,269
million, 2016: £1,899 million)

There continues to be pressure
on the group to meet
expectations and targets. 

Employee reward and incentive
schemes based on achieving
revenue targets may also place
pressure to manipulate revenue
recognition.

The majority of the group’s sales
arrangements are generally
straightforward, being on a point
of sale basis where vehicles are
handed over to customers or
servicing takes place at an
agreed point in time, requiring
little judgement to be exercised.

There is a risk that management
may override controls to
intentionally misstate revenue
transactions, either through the
judgements made in estimating
manufacturer rebates and
bonuses or by recording fictitious
revenue transactions across the
business.

Refer to Accounting policies
(page 74) and Note 5 of  the
Consolidated Financial
Statements (page 83).

We understood the business’s revenue recognition policy and how
this was applied including the relevant controls.

As part of our overall revenue recognition testing we used data
analysis tools on 100% of revenue from continuing operations in
the year to test the correlation of revenue to cash receipts to verify
the occurrence of revenue. This provided us with a high level of
assurance over £2.22 billion (99.7%) of revenue recognised from
continuing operations.

We performed high level Analytical Review of revenue by
dealership. We considered margins in comparison to prior year and
similar dealerships in order to identify unusual changes in
performance.

We performed cut-off testing for a sample of revenue transactions
around the period end date, to check that they were recognised in
the appropriate period.

Other audit procedures designed to address the risk of
management override of controls included journal entry testing,
applying particular focus to the manual entries associated to
revenue accounts.

We discussed key contractual arrangements with management
and obtained relevant documentation, including in respect of
manufacturer rebate and bonus arrangements. 

Where rebate arrangements existed we reviewed contracts,
recalculated rebates and agreed values to post year end credit
notes and cash receipts. We performed analysis over changes to
prior period rebate estimates to challenge assumptions made,
including assessing estimates for evidence of management bias.

We assessed the disclosures against the requirements of IAS 18, in
particular in respect of the requirement to disclosure rebate and bonus
arrangements. 

We performed full scope audit procedures over revenue for the
92% of revenue within full scope components and our review
procedures obtained a further 6% coverage over revenue
recognised in relation to review scope components.

59

   
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Our Opinion on Other Matters Prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

o

the information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report for the financial period for which the financial
statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

o

the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Matters on Which we are Required to Report by Exception

ISAs (UK and
Ireland)
reporting

We are required to report to you if we identify material misstatements in the Strategic Report
or Directors’ Report in light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and its
environment obtained in the course of the audit.

We have no
exceptions to
report.

Companies
Act 2006
reporting

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 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.

We have no
exceptions to
report.

Other Information
The other information comprises the information included in the annual report set out on pages 8 to 51, other than the financial
statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information.

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated
in this report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider
whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or
otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements,
we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of
the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of the other
information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Responsibilities of Directors
As explained more fully in the statement of directors’ responsibilities set out on page 51, the directors are responsible for the
preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as
the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement,
whether due to fraud or error. 

60

      
   
      
   
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Marshall Motor Holdings plc  |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

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

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

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

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

Nigel Meredith (Senior statutory auditor)
for and on behalf of Ernst & Young LLP, Statutory Auditor
Birmingham
13 March 2018

Notes:
1. The maintenance and integrity of the Marshall Motor Holdings plc web site is the responsibility of the directors; the work carried out by the auditors does not involve
consideration of these matters and, accordingly, the auditors accept no responsibility for any changes that may have occurred to the financial statements since
they were initially presented on the web site.

2. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. 

61

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the year ended 31 December 2017

                                                         Continuing     Discontinued                                      Continuing
                                                          operations          operations                    Total          operations
                                                                    2017                    2017                    2017                    2016
                                              Note             £’000                   £’000                   £’000                   £’000

Discontinued
operations
2016
£’000

Total
2016
£’000

Revenue                                5    2,231,979              36,969         2,268,948         1,860,056

39,349

1,899,405

Cost of  sales                              (1,973,678)            (30,159)       (2,003,837)       (1,647,957)

(30,992)

(1,678,949)

Gross profit                                   258,301                6,810            265,111            212,099

8,357

220,456

Net operating expenses         6     (238,204)              (2,524)          (240,728)          (188,698)

Group operating profit                   20,097                4,286              24,383              23,401
Other income –
gain on disposal
of  subsidiary                       7/8                  -              36,851              36,851                        -

Net finance costs                 11         (7,519)                 (580)              (8,099)              (6,154)

Profit before taxation                     12,578              40,557              53,135              17,247

Analysed as:

Underlying profit before tax          25,361                3,706              29,067              20,496

Non-underlying items         7       (12,783)             36,851              24,068               (3,249)

Taxation                               12         (3,080)                 (716)              (3,796)              (3,214)

Profit for the year                             9,498              39,841              49,339              14,033

Attributable to:
Owners of  the parent                         9,519              39,841              49,360              14,041

Non-controlling interests                        (21)                       -                    (21)                     (8)

                                                          9,498              39,841              49,339              14,033

(2,704)

5,653

(191,402)

29,054

-

(749)

4,904

4,904

-

(1,183)

3,721

3,721

-

3,721

-

(6,903)

22,151

25,400

(3,249)

(4,397)

17,754

17,762

(8)

17,754

Total comprehensive 

income for 

the year net of tax                            9,498              39,841              49,339              14,033

3,721

17,754

Attributable to:                                                                                                                    
Owners of  the parent                         9,519              39,841              49,360              14,041

Non-controlling interests                        (21)                       -                    (21)                     (8)

                                                          9,498              39,841              49,339              14,033

3,721

-

3,721

17,762

(8)

17,754

Earnings per share 
(expressed in pence per share)

Basic earnings per share     13             12.3                  51.5                  63.8                  18.1

Diluted earnings per share  13             11.9                  49.8                  61.7                  17.6

4.9

4.7

23.0

22.3

62

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

Equity
attributable
to

Share

Non-
Retained owners of controlling
interests
£’000

premium earnings the parent
£’000

£’000

£’000

Total
equity
£’000

Note

Share
capital
£’000

Balance at 1 January 2016

49,431

19,672

60,781

129,884

29

129,913

Profit for the year

Total comprehensive income

Transactions with owners

Dividends paid

Issue of  share capital

Share-based payments charge

Deferred tax on share based payments

30

31

27

-

-

-

100

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

17,762

17,762

17,762

17,762

(8)

(8)

17,754

17,754

(3,251)

(3,251)

(100)

1,313

(70)

-

1,313

(70)

-

-

-

-

(3,251)

-

1,313

(70)

Balance at 31 December 2016

49,531

19,672

76,435

145,638

21

145,659

Profit for the year

Total comprehensive income

Transactions with owners

Dividends paid

Share-based payments charge

14

31

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

49,360

49,360

49,360

49,360

(21)

(21)

49,339

49,339

(4,527)

(4,527)

739

739

-

-

-

(4,527)

739

191,210

Balance at 31 December 2017

49,531

19,672

122,007

191,210

63

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
At 31 December 2017

Note

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

Assets

Non-current assets

Goodwill and other intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Investment property

Investments

Deferred tax asset

Total non-current assets

Current assets

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Assets classified as held for sale

Total current assets

Total assets

Shareholders’ equity

Share capital

Share premium

Retained earnings

Equity attributable to owners of the parent

Share of  equity attributable to non-controlling interests

Total equity

Non-current liabilities

Loans and borrowings

Trade and other payables

Provisions

Deferred tax liabilities

Total non-current liabilities

Current liabilities

Loans and borrowings

Trade and other payables

Provisions

Current tax liabilities

Total current liabilities

Total liabilities

Total equity and liabilities

15

16

17

27

20

21

22

23

30

30

25

24

26

27

25

24

26

121,596

142,428

2,590

-

39

122,033

201,811

2,590

10

36

266,653

326,480

401,260

92,141

4,867

750

499,018

765,671

49,531

19,672

122,007

191,210

-

380,016

95,073

83

-

475,172

801,652

49,531

19,672

76,435

145,638

21

191,210

145,659

6,466

4,281

4,015

20,448

35,210

642

527,614

8,815

2,180

539,251

574,461

765,671

41,364

7,462

1,450

20,803

71,079

77,730

497,340

5,242

4,602

584,914

655,993

801,652

The consolidated financial statements on pages 62 to 124 were approved for issue by the Board of Directors on 13 March 2018.

Daksh Gupta
Chief  Executive Officer

Mark Raban
Chief  Financial Officer

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
For the year ended 31 December 2017

Cash flows from operating activities

Profit before taxation

Adjustments for:

Depreciation and amortisation

Finance costs

Share-based payments charge

Loss/(profit) on disposal of  property, plant and equipment

Impairment of  property, plant and equipment

Impairment of  investment

Profit on disposal of  dealerships

Profit on disposal of  subsidiary

Increase in fair value of  investment properties

Changes in working capital:

Increase in inventories

Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables

Increase in trade and other payables

Increase/(decrease) in provisions

Tax paid

Interest paid

Net cash inflow from operating activities

Note

15/16

11

31

6

6

6/7

8

7/17

26

Cash flows from investing activities

Purchase of  property, plant, equipment, leased vehicles and software 15/16

Acquisition of  businesses, net of  cash acquired

Net cash flow from sale of  businesses

Net cash flow from sale of  discontinued operation

Proceeds from disposal of  property, plant and equipment

and leased vehicles

Net cash outflow from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from borrowings

Repayment of  borrowings

Dividends paid

Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January

Cash and cash equivalents at year end

15

8

14

22

65

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

53,135

22,151

25,183

8,099

739

1,085

945

10

-

(38,664)

-

24,233

6,903

1,313

(38)

-

-

(285)

-

(670)

50,532

53,607

(21,223)

(14,814)

450

33,703

6,138

19,068

(7,443)

(8,099)

54,058

(57,549)

(77)

-

44,695

(271)

56,299

(2,940)

38,274

(4,669)

(6,903)

80,309

(61,927)

(94,495)

3,145

-

11,985

11,418

(946)

(141,859)

41,778

(85,579)

(4,527)

(48,328)

4,784

83

4,867

85,444

(44,690)

(3,251)

37,503

(24,047)

24,130

83

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Net Debt Reconciliation
For the year ended 31 December 2017

Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt

Net increase / (decrease) in net cash and cash equivalents

Proceeds from drawdown of  RCF

Repayment of  drawdown of  RCF

Proceeds of  asset backed borrowings

Repayment of  asset backed borrowings

Repayment of  other borrowings

Repayment of  bank overdraft

Repayment of  / (acquired) debt with acquisitions

Repayment of  / (acquired) derivatives with acquisitions

Decrease / (increase) in net debt

Opening net debt

Net debt at year end

Net debt at year end consists of:

Cash and cash equivalents

Loans and borrowings

Note

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

25

25

25

25

25

22

25

4,784

(10,000)

45,000

(31,778)

68,185

2,791

10,825

25,705

1,258

116,770

(119,011)

(24,047)

(35,000)

- 

(50,444)

37,308

7,382

- 

(25,705)

(1,258)

(91,764)

(27,247)

(2,241)

(119,011)

4,867

(7,108)

(2,241)

83

(119,094)

(119,011)

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc  |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Presentation of the financial statements

General information

Marshall Motor Holdings Plc (the Company) is incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom. The Company is a public
limited company, limited by shares, whose shares are listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) of the London Stock
Exchange. The Company is registered in England under the Companies Act 2006 (registration number 02051461) with the
address of the registered office being; Airport House, The Airport, Cambridge, CB5 8RY, United Kingdom. The financial statements
of Marshall Motor Holdings Plc were authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 13 March 2018.

Basis of preparation

The consolidated financial statements of the Company are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union and in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006
applicable to entities reporting under IFRS.

The consolidated financial statements include the results of the Company and its subsidiaries (together “the Group”); a schedule
of all subsidiaries is contained in Note 6 ‘Investments in Subsidiaries’ of the Company financial statements (page 130). The
consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention as modified by the revaluation of
investment properties and assets held for sale.

The consolidated financial statements are prepared in Sterling which is both the functional and presentational currency of the
Group and all values are rounded to the nearest thousand pounds (£’000) except where otherwise indicated.

Like-for-like businesses are defined as those which traded under the Group’s ownership throughout both the period under review
and the whole of the comparative period.

Going concern

The consolidated financial statements are prepared on the going concern basis. After making appropriate enquiries, the Directors
have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable
future and for at least one year from the date that these consolidated financial statements are signed. For these reasons they
continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

2. Accounting policies

Basis of consolidation

Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Company. Control is achieved when the Group is exposed, or has rights, to variable
returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee.
Specifically, the Group controls an investee if, and only if, the Group has: a) power over the investee (i.e., existing rights that give
it the current ability to direct the relevant activities of the investee); b) exposure, or rights, to variable returns from its involvement
with the investee; and c) the ability to use its power over the investee to affect its returns.

In assessing control potential voting rights that presently are exercisable or convertible are taken into account. Generally, there
is a presumption that a majority of voting rights results in control. The Group re-assesses whether or not it controls an investee
if facts and circumstances indicate that there are changes to one or more of the elements of control detailed above.

The financial information of subsidiaries is included in the consolidated financial information from the date that control commences
until the date that control ceases. Assets, liabilities, income and expenses of a subsidiary acquired or disposed of during the
year are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date the Group gains control until the date the Group ceases
to control the subsidiary.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

2. Accounting policies (continued)

Basis of consolidation (continued)

The Group applies the acquisition method to account for business combinations. The consideration transferred for the acquisition
of a subsidiary is the fair value of the assets transferred, the liabilities incurred to the former owners of the acquiree and the
equity interests issued by the Group. The consideration transferred includes the fair value of any asset or liability resulting from
a contingent consideration arrangement.

Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the Group is recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. Subsequent
changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration that is deemed to be an asset or liability is recognised in accordance
with IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement in the Income Statement. Contingent consideration that is
classified as equity is not re-measured and its subsequent settlement is accounted for within equity.

Acquisition related costs are expensed as incurred and are excluded from underlying profit before tax.

On the acquisition of a business, fair values are attributed to the identifiable assets and liabilities and contingent liabilities unless
the fair value cannot be reliably measured, in which case the value is subsumed into goodwill. Identifiable assets acquired and
liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination that meet the recognition criteria under IFRS 3 Business
Combinations are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date.

Measurement period adjustments

The Group assesses the fair value of assets acquired and finalises purchase price allocation within the measurement period
following acquisition and in accordance with IFRS 3 Business Combinations. This includes an exercise to evaluate other material
separately identifiable intangible assets such as franchise agreements, favourable leases and order backlog.

The finalisation of purchase price allocations may result in a change in the fair value of assets acquired. In accordance with
IFRS 3 Business Combinations measurement period adjustments are reflected in the financial statements as if the final purchase
price allocation had been completed at the acquisition date.

Transactions eliminated on consolidation

Intragroup balances and any gains and losses or income and expenses arising from intragroup transactions, are eliminated in
preparing the consolidated financial information. Losses are eliminated in the same way as gains but only to the extent that there
is no evidence of impairment.

Non-controlling interests

The Group recognises any non-controlling interest in the acquiree on an acquisition by acquisition basis, either at fair value or at
the non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of the recognised amounts of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets.

Subsidiary audit exemption

The consolidated financial statements include the results of all subsidiary undertakings owned by the Company as listed in Note   6
‘Investments in Subsidiaries’ on page 130 of the Annual Report.

Certain of the Group’s subsidiaries, listed below, have taken the exemption from an audit for the year ended 31 December 2017
by virtue of s479A of the Companies Act 2006. In order to allow these subsidiaries to take the audit exemption, the parent
company, Marshall Motor Holdings plc, has given a statutory guarantee of all the outstanding liabilities as at 31 December 2017
of the subsidiaries listed below.

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc  |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

2. Accounting policies (continued)

Basis of consolidation (continued)

Subsidiary audit exemption (continued)

The subsidiaries which have taken an exemption from audit for the year ended 31 December 2017 by virtue of s479A of the
Companies Act 2006 are:

Tim Brinton Cars Limited (reg no. 01041301)                         S.G. Smith (Motors) Limited (reg no. 00287379)
Marshall of Scunthorpe Limited (reg no. 01174004)              S.G. Smith (Motors) Beckenham Limited (reg no. 00648395)
CMG 2007 Limited (reg no. 06275636)                                  S.G. Smith (Motors) Forest Hill Limited (reg no. 00581710)
S.G. Smith Automotive Limited (reg no. 00622112)                S.G. Smith (Motors) Crown Point Limited (reg no. 00581711)
Exeter Trade Parts Specialists LLP (reg no. OC329331)       S.G. Smith (Motors) Sydenham Limited (reg no. 00660066)
Astle Limited (reg no. 01114983)                                            Prep-Point Limited (reg no. 00660067)
Crystal Motor Group Limited (reg no. 04813767)                   S.G. Smith Trade Parts Limited (reg no. 01794317)

Goodwill

Goodwill arises on the acquisition of subsidiaries and represents the excess of; the consideration transferred, the amount of any
non-controlling interest in the acquiree and the acquisition date fair value of any previous equity interest in the acquiree over the
fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired.

Where the fair value of the consideration received is less than the fair value of the acquired net assets, the deficit is recognised
immediately in the income statement as a bargain purchase. Goodwill is capitalised and subject to an impairment review at least
annually and is carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Impairment losses on goodwill are not reversed in subsequent
periods.

Intangible assets

Intangible  assets,  when  acquired  separately  from  a  business  combination,  include  computer  software  and  licences.  Cost
comprises purchase price from third parties and amortisation is calculated on a straight line basis over the assets’ expected
economic lives, which varies depending on the nature of the asset. Licenses are amortised over the length of the licence and
software is amortised between 3-5 years.

Intangible assets acquired as part of a business combination include franchise agreements, favourable leases and order backlog.
These items are capitalised separately from goodwill if the asset is separable and if its fair value can be measured reliably on
initial recognition. Such assets are stated at fair value less accumulated amortisation.

Amortisation is charged on a straight-line basis over the following periods:

Favourable leases – 3 years

•
• Order backlog – as the orders are fulfilled
•

Franchise agreements – indefinite life, are not amortised.

Intangible assets with an indefinite useful economic life are tested annually for impairment. Amortisation is included within net
operating expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

Property, plant and equipment

Items of property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and less any recognised impairment
loss. Cost includes the original purchase price of the asset and the costs attributable to bringing the asset to its working condition
for its intended use. When parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives those components are
accounted for as separate items of property, plant and equipment. Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount
or recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the
item will flow to the Group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

2. Accounting policies (continued)

Property, plant and equipment (continued)

Depreciation is charged to write assets down to their residual values over their estimated useful economic lives. Depreciation is
charged on a straight-line basis over the following periods:

•
•
•
•
•
•

Leasehold improvements – shorter of the lease term or 10 years
Fixture and fittings – 5 years
Computer equipment – 2-5 years
Freehold and long-leasehold buildings – 50 years
Land – indefinite life, is not depreciated
Assets under construction are not depreciated.

The residual values and useful economic lives of assets are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each balance sheet date.
The gains and losses on disposal of assets are determined by comparing sales proceeds with the carrying amount of the asset
and are recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

Investment property

Land and buildings are shown at fair value based on formal valuations by external independent valuers performed at least every
three years and updated each year for the Directors’ estimate of value. Valuations are performed with sufficient regularity to
ensure that the fair value of a revalued asset does not differ materially from its carrying amount. Investment property is not
depreciated. Any surplus or deficit on revaluation is taken to the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income and is not
included within underlying profit before tax.

Impairment of non-financial assets

Assets not subject to amortisation are tested annually for impairment, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances
indicate a potential impairment. Assets that are subject to amortisation are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes
in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by
which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value
less costs to sell and value in use. For the purposes of assessing impairment assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which
there are separately identifiable cash flows (cash generating units). Non-financial assets other than goodwill that suffered
impairment are reviewed for possible reversal of the impairment at each reporting date.

Goodwill  and  franchise  agreements  are  not  subject  to  amortisation  but  are  assessed  for  impairment.  For  the  purpose  of
impairment testing, goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated to each of the cash generating units (“CGUs”), or
groups of CGUs, that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination. The group of CGUs to which the goodwill
is allocated (being groups of dealerships connected by manufacturer brand) represents the lowest level within the entity at which
the goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Costs incurred in bringing each product to its present location
and condition are included and cost is based on price including delivery costs less specific trade discounts. Net realisable value
is based on estimated selling price less further costs to be incurred to disposal. Provision is made for obsolete, slow-moving or
defective items where appropriate.

Inventories held on consignment are recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position with a corresponding liability
when the terms of a consignment agreement and industry practice indicate that the principal benefit of owning the inventory (the
ability to sell it) and principal risks of ownership (stock financing charges, responsibility for safekeeping and some risk of
obsolescence) rest with the Group. Stock financing charges from manufacturers and other vehicle funding facilities are presented
within finance costs. These charges are expensed over this period that vehicles are funded.

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc  |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

2. Accounting policies (continued)

Inventories (continued)

The Group finances the purchase of new and used vehicle inventories using vehicle funding facilities provided by various lenders
including the captive finance companies associated with brand partners. These finance arrangements generally have a maturity
of 90 days or less and the Group is normally required to repay amounts outstanding on the earlier of the sale of the vehicles that
have been funded under the facilities or the stated maturity date. Consistent with industry practice, amounts due to finance
companies in respect of vehicle funding are included within trade payables and disclosed under vehicle financing arrangements.
Related cash flows are reported within cash flows from operating activities within the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
Vehicle financing facilities are subject to LIBOR-based (or similar) interest rates. The interest incurred under these arrangements
is included within finance costs and classified as stock holding interest.

Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables are amounts due from customers for goods sold or for services performed by the Group in the ordinary course
of business. Credit terms are less than one year, as such they are recognised as current assets. Trade and other receivables are
initially recognised at fair value and subsequently held at amortised cost, less provision for impairment. Appropriate allowances
for estimated irrecoverable amounts are recognised in the income statement when there is objective evidence that the asset is
impaired. When a trade receivable is considered uncollectable, it is written off. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously
written off are credited to the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. Changes in the carrying amount of receivables
are recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank, cash in hand and credit card payments receivable in clearing accounts.

Assets held for sale

Non-current assets are classified as held for sale if their carrying amount will be recovered principally through a sale transaction
rather than through continuing use. This classification is used where a sale is considered highly probable. Assets held for sale
are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and their fair value less costs to sell.

An impairment loss is recognised for any initial or subsequent write-down of the asset to fair value less costs to sell. Any
subsequent increase in the fair value less costs to sell of an asset is recognised where it is not in excess of any cumulative
impairment loss which has been previously recognised. Non-current assets are not depreciated while they are classified as held
for sale.

Assets  classified  as  held  for  sale  are  presented  separately  from  other  asset  classes  in  the  current  assets  section  of  the
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.

Financial instruments

The Group classifies its financial assets as loans and receivables and has financial liabilities measured at amortised cost. The
classification of financial instruments is determined at initial recognition in accordance with the substance of the contractual
arrangement into which the Group has entered.

Loans and receivables

Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that arise principally through the
provision of services to customers. They are initially recognised at fair value and are subsequently stated at amortised cost using
the effective interest method. They are included in current assets except for maturities greater than 12 months after the end of
the reporting period. Loans and receivables comprise mainly cash and cash equivalents and trade and other receivables (see
above for the separate accounting policies for each specific financial asset).

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

2. Accounting policies (continued)

Financial instruments (continued)

Impairment of  financial assets

Impairment of financial assets are recognised when there is objective evidence (such as significant financial difficulties on the
part of the counterparty, or default or significant delay in payment) that the Group will be unable to collect all of the amounts due
under the terms receivable. The amount of such a provision is the difference between the net carrying amount and the present
value of the future expected cash flows associated with the impaired financial asset.

Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost

Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost include non-derivative financial liabilities which are held at original cost, less
amortisation. Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost comprise mainly trade and other payables and borrowings (see
below for the separate accounting policies for each specific financial liability).

Fair value measurement

The Group measures non-financial assets such as investment properties, at fair value at each balance sheet date. Fair value is
the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants
at the measurement date. The fair value measurement is based on the presumption that the transaction to sell the asset or
transfer the liability takes place either in the principal market for the asset or liability, or in the absence of a principal market, in the
most advantageous market for the asset or liability. The principal or the most advantageous market must be accessible by the
Group.

The fair value of an asset or a liability is measured using the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the
asset or liability, assuming that market participants act in their economic best interest. A fair value measurement of a non-financial
asset takes into account a market participant’s ability to generate economic benefits by using the asset in its highest and best
use or by selling it to another market participant that would use the asset in its highest and best use.

The Group uses valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data are available to
measure fair value, maximising the use of relevant observable inputs and minimising the use of unobservable inputs. All assets
and liabilities for which fair value is measured or disclosed in the financial statements are categorised within the fair value hierarchy,
described as follows, based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole:

•
•

•

Level 1 – Quoted (unadjusted) market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 2 – Valuation techniques for which the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement is directly or
indirectly observable
Level 3 – Valuation techniques for which the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement is unobservable

For assets and liabilities that are recognised in the financial statements at fair value on a recurring basis, the Group determines
whether transfers have occurred between levels in the hierarchy by re-assessing categorisation (based on the lowest level input
that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole) at the end of each reporting period.

External valuers are involved for valuation of investment properties and assets held for sale. At each reporting date, the Valuation
Committee analyses the movements in the values of assets and liabilities which are required to be remeasured or re-assessed
as per the Group’s accounting policies. For this analysis, the Valuation Committee verifies the major inputs applied in the latest
valuation by agreeing the information in the valuation computation to contracts and other relevant documents.

The Valuation Committee, in conjunction with the Group’s external valuers, also compares the change in the fair value of each
asset and liability with relevant external sources to determine whether the change is reasonable. On an interim basis, the Valuation
Committee and the Group’s external valuers present the valuation results to the Audit Committee and the Group’s independent
auditors. This includes a discussion of the major assumptions used in the valuations.

For the purpose of fair value disclosures, the Group has determined classes of assets and liabilities on the basis of the nature,
characteristics and risks of the asset or liability and the level of the fair value hierarchy, as explained above.

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc  |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

2. Accounting policies (continued)

Fair value measurement (continued)

Fair-value related disclosures for financial instruments and non-financial assets that are measured at fair value or where fair
values are disclosed, are summarised in Note 29 ‘Fair Value Measurement’.

Share capital

Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares are shown in share
premium as a deduction from the proceeds.

Dividend distribution

Final dividends to the Group’s shareholders are recognised as a liability in the Group’s financial statements in the period in which
the dividends are approved by the Group’s shareholders. Interim dividends are recognised when they are paid.

Dividend income

Income is recognised when the Group’s right to receive the payment is established, which is generally when shareholders approve
the dividend. All of the Company’s income is generated in the UK.

Trade and other payables

Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business. These
are classified as current liabilities if payment is due in one year or less. If payment is due at a later date they are presented as
non-current liabilities.

Trade payables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest
rate method.

Trade payables include the liability for vehicles held on consignment with the corresponding asset included within inventories.

Borrowings

Borrowings comprise asset backed finance, mortgages and bank borrowings; they are recognised initially at fair value, net of
transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently carried at amortised cost. Any difference between the proceeds (net of
transaction costs) and the redemption value is recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income over the
period of the borrowings using the effective interest method.

Bank overdrafts, which form an integral part of the Group’s cash management, are included as a component of loans and
borrowings for the purpose of presentation in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Bank overdrafts are presented within
borrowings in current liabilities in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.

Provisions

A provision is recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position when the Group has; a present legal or constructive
obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and
a reliable estimate can be made of the obligation. If the effect is material provisions are determined by discounting the expected
future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and, when appropriate, the
risks specific to the liability. The increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognised in finance costs.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

2. Accounting policies (continued)

Provisions (continued)

Dilapidation provision

The Group operates from a number of leasehold premises and is typically required by the terms of the lease to restore leased
premises to their original condition on vacation of the premises at the end of the lease term. Estimates of dilapidation costs are
calculated in accordance with the specific remediation requirements stipulated in each lease contract. At the point at which these
remediation costs can be reliably estimated, a provision is recognised.

Restructuring provision

Provisions for restructuring costs are recognised at the point when a detailed restructuring plan is in place and the Group has
either started to implement the plan or has announced the main features of the plan to those affected. Restructuring provisions
include only direct expenditures necessarily entailed by the restructuring.

Vacant property provision

The Group recognises provisions for all vacant leasehold property which the Group has substantially ceased to use for the
purpose of its business and where subletting is unlikely, or would be at a reduced rental compared to that being paid under
the head lease. The provision recognised represents the estimated future unavoidable costs of meeting the obligations under the
leases during the remaining lease term.

Revenue recognition

Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, and represents amounts receivable for goods
supplied, stated net of discounts, returns and value added taxes. The Group recognises revenue when the amount of revenue
can be reliably measured, when it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the entity, and when specific criteria have
been met for each of the Group’s activities, as described below.

Revenue comprises sales and charges for vehicles sold and services rendered during the year including sales to other Marshall
of Cambridge (Holdings) Limited group companies but excluding inter-company sales within the Group. Revenue from the sale
of new and used vehicles is recognised at the point at which a customer takes possession of a vehicle. Revenue in respect of
other services is recognised once the service has been provided. Income received in respect of warranty policies sold and
administered by the Group is recognised over the period of the policy on a straight line basis.

Where the Group acts as an agent on behalf of a principal, the associated income is recognised within revenue in the period in
which the product is sold and receipt of payment is certain. Revenue also comprises commissions receivable for arranging vehicle
financing and related insurance products. Commissions are based on agreed rates and the income is recognised when the
vehicle is recognised as sold.

Rental income

Vehicles leased out under finance leases, which are leases where substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the
assets are passed to the lessee and hire purchase contracts, are shown as debtors in the Consolidated Statement of Financial
Position at the amount of the net investment in the lease. The interest elements of the rental obligations are credited to the
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income over the period of the lease and are apportioned based on a pattern reflecting
a constant periodic rate of return. Finance lease income is presented in revenue.

Rental income arising from operating leases on vehicles and investment properties is recognised in revenue on a straight line
basis over the period of the lease. Vehicles leased out under operating leases are held within property, plant and equipment at
their cost to the Group and are depreciated to their residual values over the terms of the leases. The vehicle assets held for
contract rental are transferred into inventory at their carrying amount when they cease to be leased out and become available
for sale in the Group’s ordinary course of business.

Deferred income

Where the Group receives an amount in advance of future income streams the value of the receipt is amortised over the period
of the contract as the services are delivered. The unexpired element is disclosed in other liabilities as deferred income.

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc  |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

2. Accounting policies (continued)

Supplier income

In line with industry practice, the Group receives income from brand partners and other suppliers. The Group receives income
from its suppliers based on specific agreements in place. These are generally based on achieving certain objectives such as
specific sales volumes and maintaining agreed operational standards. This supplier income received is recognised as a deduction
from cost of sales at the point when it is reasonably certain that the targets have been achieved for the relevant period and when
income can be measured reliably based on the terms of each relevant supplier agreement.

Supplier income that has been earned but not invoiced at the balance sheet date is recognised in trade receivables and primarily
relates to volume-based incentives that run up to the period end.

Discontinued operations

A discontinued operation is a component of the Group that has been disposed of and that either represents a separate major
line of business or geographical area of operations, is part of a single coordinated plan to dispose of such a line of business or
geographical area of operations or is a subsidiary which was acquired exclusively with a view to resale. The results of discontinued
operations are presented separately in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

Leases

A lease is an agreement whereby the lessor conveys to the lessee, in return for a payment or a series of payments, the right to
use a specific asset for an agreed period of time. Leases under which the Group assumes substantially all the risks and rewards
of ownership of the underlying asset are classified as finance leases. All other leases are classified as operating leases.

Group as lessee

Rental charges payable under operating leases are charged to the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income on a
straight line basis over the lease term.

Group as lessor

Where the Group is a lessor under an operating lease, the asset is capitalised within property, plant and equipment and
depreciated over its useful economic life or is capitalised within investment property. Payments received under operating leases
are recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

Where the Group is a lessor under a finance lease, the amount due from the lessee is recognised as a receivable at the amount
of the Group’s net investment in the lease. Finance lease income is allocated to accounting periods to reflect a constant periodic
rate of return on the Group’s net investment outstanding in respect of the lease.

Share-based payments

The Group operates a number of equity-settled, share-based compensation plans through which the Group allows employees
to receive shares in the Company.

Equity-settled share-based payments are measured at fair value (calculated excluding the effect of service and non-market
based performance vesting conditions) at the date of grant. The share-based payment charge to be expensed is determined by
reference to the fair value of share options granted and is recognised as an employee expense within underlying earnings, with
a corresponding increase in equity.

The share-based payment charge is recognised on a straight-line basis over the vesting period (being the period over which all
vesting conditions are to be satisfied). An award subject to graded vesting is accounted for as though it were multiple, separate
awards, the number of awards being determined in direct correlation to the number of instalments in which the options vest.

The share-based payment charge is based on the Group’s estimate of the number of options that are expected to vest. At each
balance sheet date, the Group revises its estimates of the number of options that are expected to vest based on the non-market
performance vesting conditions and service conditions. The Group’s remuneration policy gives the Remuneration Committee
discretion to revise performance conditions to adjust for the impact of Group restructurings and reorganisations on incentive
outcomes. The impact of any revisions to original vesting estimates or performance conditions is recognised in the Consolidated
Statement of Comprehensive Income with a corresponding adjustment to equity.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

2. Accounting policies (continued)

Share-based payments (continued)

Social security contributions payable in connection with share options granted are considered to be an integral part of the grant
and are, therefore, treated as cash-settled transactions.

When the options are exercised, the Company issues new shares. The proceeds received, net of any directly attributable
transaction costs, are credited to share capital (nominal value) and share premium.

Where shares options are forfeited, effective from the date of the forfeiture, any share-based payment charge previously
recognised in both the current and prior periods in relation to these options is reversed though the Consolidated Statement of
Comprehensive Income with a corresponding adjustment through the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity.

Net finance costs

The Group has no borrowing costs with respect to the acquisition or construction of qualifying assets, therefore, no borrowing
costs are capitalised. Qualifying items of property, plant and equipment are considered to be those which take a substantial
period of time to get ready for their intended use. These would include assets which are under construction for periods in excess
of a year; the Group’s dealership development programmes are not considered to qualify.

Finance costs

Finance costs comprise interest payable on borrowings, stock financing charges and other interest.

Finance income

Finance income comprises interest receivable on funds invested. Interest income is recognised in the Consolidated Statement
of Comprehensive Income as it accrues using the effective interest method.

Taxation

The taxation charge comprises corporation tax payable, deferred tax and any adjustments to tax payable in respect of previous
years.

Current taxation

The current tax payable is based on the Group’s taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income because it excludes items of income or expenditure that are taxable or
deductible in other years and items of income or expenditure that are never taxable income or tax deductible expenditure. The
Group’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet
date.

Deferred taxation

Deferred taxation is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on differences between the carrying amount of assets and
liabilities in the consolidated financial statements and their tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit. Deferred taxation
is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method.

Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to
the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised.
Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or from the
initial recognition of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the taxable profit nor the accounting profit.

Deferred tax is provided on temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries, except for deferred tax liabilities where
the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference is controlled by the Group and it is probable that the temporary difference
will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

2. Accounting policies (continued)

Taxation (continued)

Deferred taxation (continued)

A deferred tax asset is recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the
deductible temporary differences can be utilised. The carrying amount of deferred tax assets are reviewed at each balance sheet
date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realised.

The Group’s deferred tax balances are calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance
sheet date and that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised. Deferred tax is charged
or credited in the income statement, except where it relates to items charged or credited directly to other comprehensive income
or equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in other comprehensive income or equity respectively.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current
tax liabilities and when the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either
the taxable entity or different taxable entities where there is an intention to settle the balances on a net basis.

Pensions

Defined contribution pension plans

A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the employer/employee pays contributions into a separate fund managed
and administered by a third party. The employer has no legal or constructive obligation to pay further contributions if the fund
does not hold sufficient assets to pay employees the benefits relating to their service and contributions in current and prior periods.

The Group operates the Marshall Motor Holdings Defined Contribution Pension Scheme.

The Group also participates in the defined contribution section of the Marshall Group Executive Pension Plan (“the Plan”) which
is operated by Marshall of Cambridge (Holdings) Limited acting as principal employer. The Plan also has a defined benefit section.

Where the Group makes contributions, the Group’s contributions to both sections of the Plan are charged to the Consolidated
Statement of Comprehensive Income as they become payable.

Defined benefit pension plan

A defined benefit plan is a pension plan which defines the amount of pension benefit that an employee will receive on retirement,
usually dependant on one or more factors such as age, years of service and remuneration.

By virtue of historic employment relationships, the Group is a participating employer in the defined benefit section of the Plan.
The Plan is non-sectionalised, therefore, the assets of the Plan are not allocated to or directly associated with individual
participating employers of the Plan.

As there is no contractual agreement or stated policy for charging the net defined benefit cost between the participating employers
in the Plan, the Group accounts for its contributions as if it were a defined contribution scheme.

Details of the latest actuarial valuations of the Plan are disclosed in the financial statements of the principal employer, Marshall
of Cambridge (Holdings) Limited an extract of which is shown in Note 34 ‘Pensions’.

Alternative performance measures

Certain items recognised in reported profit or loss before tax can vary significantly from year to year and therefore create volatility
in reported earnings which does not reflect the Group’s underlying performance. The Directors believe that the ‘underlying profit
before tax’ and ‘underlying basic earnings per share’ measures presented provide a clear and consistent presentation of the
underlying performance of the Group’s on-going business for shareholders. Underlying profit is not defined by IFRS and therefore
may not be directly comparable with the ‘adjusted’ profit measures of other companies.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

2. Accounting policies (continued)

Alternative performance measures (continued)

Non-underlying items are defined as follows:

Acquisition costs
Profit/losses arising on closure or disposal of businesses

–
–
– Restructuring and reorganisation costs –these are one-off in nature and do not relate to the Group’s underlying performance.
Investment property fair value movements – these reflect the difference between the fair value of an investment property at
–
the reporting date and its carrying amount at the previous reporting date.

– One-off tax items and pensions
–

Asset impairments.

3. Changes in accounting policies and disclosures

Except where disclosed otherwise in this note, the accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the consolidated financial
statements  are  consistent  with  those  applied  when  preparing  the  consolidated  financial  statements  for  the  year  ended
31 December 2016.

New standards, amendments and interpretations adopted by the Group

The following new amendments have been adopted in the consolidated financial statements for the first time during the year
ended 31 December 2017. These have been assessed as having no financial or disclosure impact on the numbers presented.

IAS 7 Cash Flow Statements (disclosure initiative – amendments to IAS 7)

New standards, amendments and interpretations not yet adopted by the Group

The following standards, amendments and interpretations were in issue, but were not yet effective at the balance sheet date.
These standards have not been applied when preparing the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December
2017.

                                                                                                                               Date issued

IAS 40 Transfers to Investment Property (amendments to IAS 40)                  December 2016
IFRS 2 Classification and Measurements of  Share-based Payment
Transactions (amendments to IFRS 2)                                                                      June 2016
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments                                                                                      July 2014
IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers                                                     May 2014
IFRS 16 Leases                                                                                                    January 2016

Effective for
accounting periods 
beginning on or after 

1 January 2018

1 January 2018
1 January 2018
1 January 2018
1 January 2019

Impact on future periods of the adoption of new standards, amendments and interpretations

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments

The IASB issued IFRS 9  Financial  Instruments in July 2014 to replace IAS 39  Financial  Instruments:  Recognition  and
Measurement. IFRS 9 addresses the classification, measurement and derecognition of financial assets and financial liabilities,
introduces new rules for hedge accounting and a new impairment model for financial assets. IFRS 9 is effective for accounting
periods commencing on or after 1 January 2018. The Group will apply IFRS 9 for the first time in the interim report for the six
months ending 30 June 2018 and the annual report for the year ending 31 December 2018. The Group will apply the new rules
retrospectively from 1 January 2018, by applying the practical expedients permitted by the standard, and therefore comparatives
for 2017 will not be restated.

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

3. Changes in accounting policies and disclosures (continued)

Impact on future periods of the adoption of new standards, amendments and interpretations (continued)

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (continued)

Financial assets

The Group expects that its financial assets will qualify for classification at amortised cost under IFRS 9 and therefore no impact
on retained earnings as a result of the reclassification is expected. The new impairment model requires the recognition of
impairment provisions based on expected credit losses rather than incurred credit losses as is the case under IAS 39. Based on
an initial assessment using the 30 September 2017 receivables ledger and taking into account the short-term nature of the
Group’s trade receivables, the impairment losses estimated under the new methodology are expected to increase by an immaterial
amount, such that an immaterial transition adjustment will be recognised in opening retained earnings as at 1 January 2018.
The full impact and transition adjustment required is dependent on the receivables balance at the transition date.

Financial liabilities

Due to the classification of the Group’s financial liabilities, the adoption of IFRS 9 will have no impact on the Group’s accounting
for financial liabilities.

The Group has reviewed its financial assets and financial liabilities and is not expecting any material impacts from the adoption
of IFRS 9.

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers

In May 2014 the IASB issued IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers, a new standard covering the measurement
and timing of revenue recognition; which replaces IAS 18 Revenue and IAS 11 Construction Contracts. IFRS 15 requires
revenue to be recognised in accordance with the timing of when control of a good or service transfers to a customer at an amount
which represents the consideration to which the Group is expected to be entitled to receive in exchange for the goods or services
transferred. IFRS 15 also requires additional disclosures.

IFRS 15 is effective for accounting periods commencing on or after 1 January 2018. The Group will apply IFRS 15 for the first
time in the interim report for the six months ending 30 June 2018 and the annual report for the year ending 31 December 2018.
The Group intends to adopt the standard using the cumulative effect method; therefore, the cumulative impact on transition will
be recognised in retained earnings as of 1 January 2018 and comparatives for 2017 will not be restated.

An impact assessment has been carried out during which sales agreements and contractual documents from each of the Group’s
core revenue streams have been reviewed. The five-step model in IFRS 15 has been assessed, including identifying when a
contract exists, identifying distinct performance obligations and determining and allocating the transaction price.

The Group has reviewed its revenue from contracts with customers and is not expecting any material impacts from the adoption
of IFRS 15.

IFRS 16 Leases

IFRS 16 Leases was issued by the IASB in January 2016 and will replace IAS 17 Leases. IFRS 16 is due to take effect for
accounting periods commencing on or after 1 January 2019. The Group will adopt the new standard in 2019 and will apply
IFRS 16 for the first time in the interim report for the six months ending 30 June 2019 and the annual report for the year ending
31 December 2019.

Lessee accounting

IFRS  16  removes  the  current  distinction  between  operating  leases  and  finance  leases  and  requires  that,  for  all  leases,
a right-of-use asset and a financial liability are recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position – with certain
optional exemptions available for short-term leases and leases for low-value items. The asset represents the right to use the
leased asset and the financial liability represents the commitments payable under the lease.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

3. Changes in accounting policies and disclosures (continued)

Impact on future periods of the adoption of new standards, amendments and interpretations (continued)

IFRS 16 Leases (continued)

Lessee accounting (continued)

Operating lease rental charges in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income will be replaced by interest charges
and depreciation expenses. The timing of the recognition of these lease costs will also change on adoption of IFRS 16, with
increased costs being recognised in the earlier years of the lease due to interest being recognised at a constant rate on the
carrying value of the lease liability. The transition method chosen influences the magnitude and timing of the charges recognised
in the Income Statement subsequent to adoption, for leases in place at the transition date.

The classification of lease payments in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows changes from being exclusively operating
cash flows to a combination of operating cash flows (reflecting the interest portion of lease payments) and financing cash flows
(reflecting the principal portion of the lease liability).

The Group is currently finalising a detailed impact assessment to determine the impact and transition adjustments that the
adoption of IFRS 16 will have on the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated Statement of Cash
Flows and the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. Based on analysis of the Group’s current lease portfolio, initial
assessments indicate that the adoption of IFRS 16 will have a significant impact on key metrics and profitability measures used
by the Group.

The transition adjustments required will be dependent on the transition method adopted by the Group and the lease portfolio in
existence at the transition date. As a result of initial assessments, the Group currently expects to adopt the standard using the
retrospective method. Therefore, the cumulative impact of adoption will be recognised in retained earnings as of 1 January 2018
and comparatives for 2018 will be restated. Based on analysis of the Group’s current lease portfolio, and the size of the Group’s
commitments under non-cancellable operating leases (£124m as at 31 December 2017 (see Note 32 ‘Commitments and
Contingencies’)), the Group expects an adjustment to reserves as well as the recognition of significant right-of-use assets in
non-current assets and significant lease liabilities in financial liabilities.

Lessor accounting

With the exception of where the Group is an intermediate lessor, the adoption of IFRS 16 Leases does not significantly change
the Group’s lessor accounting. On adoption of IFRS 16, in situations where the Group is an intermediate lessor, the Group will
account for its interests in head leases and sub-leases separately.

Based on initial impact assessments completed to date, the Group anticipates that the majority of properties for which the Group
is an intermediate lessor (i.e. sublets property in which it has an interest as lessee in a head lease) will meet the definition of a
finance lease and will be accounted for and disclosed as such on adoption if IFRS 16. As a result, new finance lease receivables
will be recognised on adoption of IFRS 16.

4. Significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions

The Directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the future when applying the Group’s
accounting policies (as detailed in Note 2 ‘Accounting Policies’) to determine the amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and
expenses reported in the consolidated financial statements. Actual amounts may differ from these estimates.

The Directors regularly review these judgements, estimates and assumptions and any resulting revisions to accounting estimates
are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised. If the change in estimation impacts future accounting periods, the
revision is recognised in the current and future periods.

Critical accounting judgements

The accounting judgements and assumptions (excluding those which also involve estimates which are covered in the key sources
of estimation uncertainty section below) included in the consolidated financial statements which have a material impact on
amounts reported are as detailed below.

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc  |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

4. Significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions (continued)

Critical accounting judgements (continued)

Allocation of  goodwill and other indefinite life assets

The Group reviews the goodwill and intangible assets arising on the acquisition of subsidiaries or businesses and values each
identifiable asset separately. Intangible assets are then allocated to cash generating units (CGUs); this allocation exercise requires
a high level of judgement and the Group consults with independent experts as required.

Determination of  indefinite useful economic life

Goodwill and franchise agreements are intangible assets acquired through business combinations. An asset is considered to
have an indefinite useful economic life if there is no foreseeable limit to the period over which the asset is expected to generate
net cash inflows for the Group. Each franchise agreement is different; each contract being for varying durations, with varying
renewal or termination options. Previous franchise agreements acquired have historically either been renewed without substantial
cost or not had termination options exercised. This past experience, coupled with the strength of the Group’s relationships with
brand partners, determines that these assets have indefinite useful economic lives.

Key sources of estimation uncertainty

The accounting estimates included in the consolidated financial statements which have a material impact on amounts reported
are as detailed below.

Goodwill and other intangible asset impairment

Goodwill is deemed to have an indefinite useful economic life and is, therefore, not amortised. As a result, the Group reviews
goodwill for impairment on at least an annual basis and more frequently where there are indicators of potential impairment. The
impairment review requires the value-in-use of each CGU to be estimated; these calculations are based on a number of
assumptions. Areas of significant judgement include:

–
–
–
–

the estimation of future cash flows
the selection of risk and the estimation of risk adjustment factors to be applied to cash flows
the selection of an appropriate discount rate to calculate present value
the selection of an appropriate terminal growth rate.

The assumptions used in the impairment test are detailed in Note 15(c) ‘Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets’. The value-in-use
estimated for each CGU indicates that the Group has sufficient headroom to support the carrying amounts reported and the
sensitivity analysis supports that an impairment is unlikely to be triggered by a range of reasonably possible changes to the key
assumptions. The assumptions relating to future cash flows, estimated useful economic lives and discount rates are based on
forecasts and are, therefore, inherently judgemental. Future events could result in the assumptions used needing to be revised,
changing the outcome of the impairment test and resulting in impairment charges being recognised.

Pension provision valuation

As described in Note 2 ‘Accounting Policies’, the Group is a participating employer in the defined benefit section of the Marshall
Group Executive Pension Plan (“the Plan”) of which Marshall of Cambridge (Holdings) Limited is the principal employer. The last
actuarial valuation for this section of the Plan was undertaken as at 31 December 2016 and the Group has settled in full all
obligations payable under the associated recovery plan.

As described in Note 34 ‘Pensions’, the Group is currently undertaking a strategic pension review which may result in the Group
ceasing to be a participant in the defined benefit section of the Plan. Based on the status of discussions to date, current
expectations are that it is reasonably probable that this review will result in the Group ceasing participation in this pension scheme.
Therefore, a provision has been recognised for the estimated amount which would become payable in accordance with Section 75
of the Pensions Act 1995 were the Group to cease to participate in this scheme (the “Employer Debt”).

The Employer Debt has been estimated using assumptions determined with independent actuarial advice. The liability is sensitive to
the market value of the assets held by the scheme, the discount rate used in assessing liabilities, the actuarial assumptions (which
include price inflation, rates of pension and salary increases, mortality and other demographic assumptions) and to the level of
contributions. The provision recognised is based on scheme data, actuarial assumptions and interest rates as at 31 December 2017.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

4. Significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions (continued)

Key sources of estimation uncertainty (continued)

In the event that an Employer Debt is triggered, the final amount payable will be determined by reference to equivalent information
at the date the Group ceased to participate in the defined benefit section of the Plan. As such, the assumptions used in the
current estimate may need to be revised, changing the amount ultimately payable by the Group.

Inventory valuation

Inventories are stated at the lower of their cost and their net realisable value (being the fair value of the motor vehicles less costs
to sell). Fair values are assessed using reputable industry valuation data which is based upon recent industry activity and forecasts.
Whilst this data is deemed representative of the current value of vehicles held in inventory it is possible that the price at which
the vehicles are actually sold will differ from the vehicles’ industry valuations. Where this is the case, adjustments arise in the
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income on the sale of vehicles held in inventory.

Industry valuations are sensitive to rapid changes in regulatory and market conditions which are difficult to anticipate. In light of
the materiality of the inventory balance in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, this uncertainty is considered to
represent a key source of estimation uncertainty. The inventory provision as at 31 December 2017 represents 2.1% of the gross
inventory balance (2016: 2.4%). A 100bps change in this ratio in 2017 would have changed the charge to the Income Statement
by approximately £4 million.

Taxation

The Group is subject to both direct and indirect taxes in the ordinary course of its business. Significant judgement is employed
to determine the income tax provision.

Where the final tax treatment applied on finalisation of the Group’s corporation tax returns differs to the assumptions used when
calculating the amounts currently recognised, these differences impact the current and/or deferred tax provisions in the period
in which the final tax treatment is determined. No single item is expected to give rise to a material adjustment in subsequent
years, however, individual differences when taken in aggregate could have a material impact on the Group’s taxation charge in
the next accounting period.

Current tax is provided at the amounts that are expected to be paid. Deferred tax is provided at the rates that have been enacted
or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date and is provided on temporary differences between the tax bases of assets
and liabilities and their carrying amounts. Factors affecting the tax charge in future years are set out in Note 12(c) ‘Taxation’.
A 100bps change in the Group’s effective tax rate in 2017 would have changed the total tax charge for the year by approximately
£0.5 million.

The recognition of deferred tax assets is determined by reference to expected levels of future taxable profits as estimated in
forecasts. If actual profitability levels differ significantly from those forecast, this could impact the level of taxable profit against
which future tax benefits could be relieved, therefore, requiring the impairment of previously recognised deferred tax assets.

The Group has open tax issues with the tax authorities. Where an outflow of funds is believed to be probable and a reliable
estimate of the outcome of the issue can be made, a provision is recognised based on the best estimate of the liability. These
estimates take into account the specific circumstances of each issue and relevant advice from external experts. These estimates
are inherently judgemental and could change substantially over time as new facts emerge and discussions progress. Where
open issues exist the ultimate liability for such matters may vary from the amounts provided and is dependent upon the outcome
of negotiations with the relevant tax authorities.

Reassessment of  previous areas of  estimation uncertainty

Following a review of the Group’s sources of estimation uncertainty, it has been concluded that the following are no longer key
areas of estimation which have a significant risk of resulting in a material adjustment in the next financial year to the amounts
currently reported.

Assets held for contract hire

Following the disposal of Marshall Leasing Limited, the Group no longer owns assets held for contract hire; therefore, there is no
future estimation uncertainty.

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc  |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

4. Significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions (continued)

Key sources of estimation uncertainty (continued)

Estimated useful economic life of  intangible assets and property, plant and equipment

In accordance with IAS 38 Intangible Assets and IAS 16 Property, Plant & Equipment, the Group reviews the estimates of the
useful economic life and the residual value of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment at the end of each accounting
period. Due to the lack of revisions required in prior periods following these reviews, past experience suggests that estimates of
the useful economic lives of assets do not represent a key source of estimation uncertainty. As such, this area is no longer
considered to represent a significant risk of a material adjustment being required to the carrying amount of these assets within
the next accounting period.

5. Segmental information

a) Operating segments

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal management reporting provided to the Chief Operating
Decision Makers who are responsible for allocating resources and assessing the performance of the operating segments.
Management have identified the Chief Executive Officer as being the Chief Operating Decision Maker in accordance with the
requirements of IFRS 8 Operating Segments.

Management has determined the operating segments based on the operating reports reviewed by the Chief Executive Officer
that are used to assess both performance and strategic decisions. These results have been determined using accounting policies
consistent with those used in the consolidated financial statements.

The Group’s business is split into two main revenue-generating operating segments and a third support segment. No significant
judgements have been made in determining the reporting segments.

Retail

This segment includes sales of new and used vehicles, together with the associated ancillary aftersales services of; servicing,
body shop repairs and parts sales.

Leasing

This segment includes the leasing of vehicles to end consumers and fleet customers.

Unallocated

This segment includes the Group’s head office and central management functions including; the Board, group finance functions,
the human resources department and all governance and compliance related functions in support of the wider business. Also
included is rental income arising from investment properties.

From 1 January 2018, the Group is organised into one business segment being the retail segment. The leasing segment was
discontinued on the sale of Marshall Leasing Limited on 24 November 2017 (see Note 8 ‘Discontinued Operations’).

Depreciation presented in the segmental note is restricted to assets other than assets held for contract rental, on the basis that
depreciation on our leasing fleet is presented within cost of sales.

All segment revenue, profit before taxation, assets and liabilities are attributable to the principal activity of the Group being the
provision of car and commercial vehicle sales, leasing, vehicle service and other related services.

Geographical information

Revenue earned from sales is disclosed by origin and is not materially different from revenue by destination. All of the Group’s
revenue is generated in the UK.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

5. Segmental information (continued)

a) Operating segments (continued)

For the year ended 31 December 2017

Retail
(note 5b)
£’000

Leasing
(Discontinued)
£’000

Unallocated
£’000

Total
£’000

Total revenue from external customers

2,231,696

36,969

283

2,268,948

Depreciation and amortisation

(9,190)

(4)

(27)

(9,221)

Segment operating profit/(loss)

Other income – gain on disposal of  subsidiary

Net finance costs

Underlying profit/(loss) before tax

Non-underlying items

34,714

-

(6,586)

34,911

(6,783)

4,286

36,851

(580)

3,706

36,851

(14,617)

-

(933)

(9,550)

(6,000)

24,383

36,851

(8,099)

29,067

24,068

Profit/(loss) before taxation

28,128

40,557

(15,550)

53,135

Total assets

Total liabilities

Additions in the period

762,304

537,064

-

-

3,367

765,671

37,397

574,461

Property, plant, equipment and software assets

24,365

34,700

-

59,065

For the year ended 31 December 2016

Retail
(note 5b)
£’000

Leasing
(Discontinued)
£’000

Unallocated
£’000

Total
£’000

Total revenue from external customers

1,859,734

39,349

322

1,899,405

Depreciation and amortisation

(6,862)

(6)

(22)

(6,890)

Segment operating profit/(loss)

Net finance costs

Underlying profit/(loss) before tax

Non-underlying items

32,637

(5,319)

28,900

(1,582)

5,653

(749)

4,904

-

(9,236)

(835)

(8,404)

(1,667)

29,054

(6,903)

25,400

(3,249)

Profit/(loss) before taxation

27,318

4,904

(10,071)

22,151

Total assets

Total liabilities

Additions in the period

620,365

91,512

89,775

801,652

417,622

73,454

164,917

655,993

Property, plant, equipment and software assets

94,344

35,537

-

129,881

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc  |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

5. Segmental information (continued)

b) Retail segment revenue

Retail revenue is derived from a number of service lines, principally being new vehicle sales and aftersales, as set out below.

                                                                                                               Revenue                                      Gross Profit
For the year ended 31 December 2017

£’000

£’000

mix*

mix

New Car

Used Car

Aftersales

Internal

Total

1,166,471

869,733

243,064

(47,572)

2,231,696

51.2%

38.2%

10.6%

-

100%

84,086

59,918

113,975

-

257,979

32.6%

23.2%

44.2%

-

100%

                                                                                                               Revenue                                      Gross Profit
For the year ended 31 December 2016

£’000

£’000

mix*

mix

New Car

Used Car

Aftersales

Internal

Total

983,314

718,329

202,568

(44,477)

1,859,734

51.6%

37.7%

10.7%

-

100%

68,885

50,667

92,294

-

211,846

32.5%

23.9%

43.6%

-

100%

*mix calculation excludes internal sales

6. Profit before taxation

Profit before taxation is arrived at after charging/(crediting):

Depreciation of  assets held for contract rental (note 16)

Depreciation of  property, plant and equipment (note 16)

Amortisation of  other intangibles (note 15)

Profit on disposal of  business units

Loss/(profit) on disposal of  property, plant and equipment

Impairment of  property, plant and equipment (note 16)

Operating lease rentals – property

2017
£’000

15,962

8,917

304

-

1,085

945

11,698

2016
£’000

17,343

5,838

1,052

(285)

(38)

-

10,324

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

7. Non-underlying items

Profit on disposal of  subsidiary

Post-retirement benefits charge

Acquisition costs

Profit on disposal of  business units

Amortisation of  acquired order book

Gain on interest rate swap termination

Restructuring costs

Investment property fair value movements

Non-underlying Items

Profit on disposal of  subsidiary

2017
£’000

(36,851)

6,000

-

-

-

-

6,783

-

(24,068)

2016
£’000

-

-

2,163

(285)

769

(294)

1,566

(670)

3,249

See Note 8 ‘Discontinued Operations’ for further details of the transaction giving rise to the profit on disposal of subsidiary.

Post-retirement benefits charge

See Note 34 ‘Pensions’ for further details of the transaction giving rise to this post-retirement benefits charge.

Acquisition costs

Acquisition costs were incurred in connection with the acquisition of Ridgeway Garages (Newbury) Limited in 2016. See Note 15
‘Goodwill and Other Intangibles’ for further details of the transaction.

Profit on disposal of  business units

During 2016, the Group disposed of two Toyota dealerships and one Nissan dealership realising a profit of £285,000.

Amortisation of  acquired order book

Amortisation of acquired order book is considered exceptional by virtue of its nature, having been recognised as an intangible
asset on acquisition and realised immediately afterwards as the orders were fulfilled.

Gain on interest rate swap termination

At the point of the acquisition, Ridgeway had a claim in progress in respect of the mis-selling of certain historic interest rate swap
products. These claims, settled in 2016, gave rise to a gain on termination of £294,000.

Restructuring costs

Restructuring costs during the current year represent the costs incurred as a result of the closure of five franchised dealerships
and one used car centre. Three of the franchised dealerships impacted were in relatively small markets and within close proximity
of other existing Group dealerships of the same franchise. Two of the impacted businesses shared a subscale site in Oxford
with a high fixed cost base which was not sustainable in the longer term. The final closure was the Citroën Cambridge new car
sales franchise which was the last remaining representation point with this particular brand partner. Restructuring costs include
vacant property related costs of £4,309,000, redundancy costs of £344,000 and £2,130,000 of tangible and intangible asset
impairment losses and write offs.

Restructuring and reorganisation costs in the prior period relate to one-off costs of integration and reorganisation (following the
acquisitions of Ridgeway and SG Smith).

Investment property fair value movements

See Note 17 ‘Investment properties’ for further detail of these movements.

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc  |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

8. Discontinued operations

On 24 November 2017 the Group disposed of Marshall Leasing Limited and its subsidiary (Gates Contract Hire Limited). Marshall
Leasing Limited operated the Group’s leasing segment.

A profit after tax of £36,851,000 on the sale, being the difference between sale proceeds and the carrying value of the net assets,
less settlement of pension liability, transaction costs and taxation. This profit is disclosed within non-underlying items (Note 7
‘Non-Underlying Items’). The results of the discontinued operation are disclosed in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive
Income.

a) Details of the sale of the subsidiary

The carrying value of the assets and net cash generated on disposal are detailed below.

2017
£’000

42,500

(1,500)

41,000

78,959

1,547

2,510

(3,695)

(8,120)

(68,185)

(680)

2,336

38,664

(1,813)

36,851

-

36,851

41,000

3,695

44,695

Gross disposal consideration in cash

Pension retention

Net disposal consideration in cash

Less carrying value of  net assets sold at 24 November 2017:

– Property, plant and equipment

– Deferred tax

– Trade and other receivables

– Bank overdraft

– Trade and other payables

– Asset backed borrowings

– Corporation tax

Gain on sale of subsidiary before income tax

Transaction costs

Net gain on sale of subsidiary before income tax

Income tax expense on gain

Gain on sale of subsidiary after income tax

Cash inflow on disposal of subsidiary:

Net disposal consideration in cash

Disposal of  bank overdraft

Net cash flow from sale of discontinued operation

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

8. Discontinued operations (continued)

b) Discontinued cash flow information

The cash flow information is for the period ended 24 November 2017, the date of the disposal of Marshall Leasing Limited.

Net cash inflow from operating activities

Purchase of  property, plant, equipment and software

Proceeds from disposal of  property, plant and equipment

Net cash outflow from investing activities

Proceeds from borrowings

Repayment of  borrowings

Dividends paid

Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities

2017
£’000

16,027

(34,700)

9,474

(25,226)

31,778

(28,106)

(18,712)

(15,040)

2016
£’000

20,555

(35,540)

10,970

(24,570)

50,444

(37,307)

-

13,137

Net (decrease)/increase in cash generated by the subsidiary

(24,239)

9,122

9. Auditor’s remuneration

During the year the Group obtained the following services from the Group’s auditors:

Audit services:

– fees payable to the Company’s auditors for the audit of  the parent Company

and consolidated financial statements

– audit of  Group’s subsidiaries

Fees payable to the Company’s auditors for other services:

– review of  interim financial statements

Total auditor’s remuneration

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

251

78

36

365

251

79

36

366

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc  |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

10. Employees and directors

a)

Employee costs for the Group during the year

The aggregate remuneration of employees and directors was:

Wages and salaries

Social security costs

Other pension costs

Share based payments

Employee costs are included in:

Cost of  sales

Net operating expenses

The average number of employees (including Executive Directors) was:

Retail

Leasing (Discontinued)

Unallocated

2017
£’000

115,905

13,553

8,059

1,005

2016
£’000

101,678

10,613

1,714

1,313

138,522

115,318

2017
£’000

13,750

124,772

138,522

2017

3,616

43

264

3,923

2016
£’000

12,835

102,483

115,318

2016

3,193

43

259

3,495

The average number of Group employees excludes temporary and contract staff.

b) Directors’ emoluments

Details of the remuneration of the Directors, their share incentives and pension entitlements are set out in the Directors’
Remuneration Report on pages 44 and 50.

c) Key management compensation

The following table details the aggregate compensation paid in respect of key management personnel – which comprises both
senior management who sit on the enlarged operational board and statutory directors.

Wages and salaries

Post-employment benefits

Compensation for loss of  office

Share-based payments

Details of the share option schemes are provided in Note 31 ‘Share-Based Payments’.

2017
£’000

4,805

273

52

1,005

6,135

2016
£’000

3,600

175

83

1,313

5,171

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

11. Net finance costs

Interest income on short term bank deposits

Net interest payable on asset backed finance (Discontinued)

Stock financing charges and other interest

Interest payable on bank borrowings

Net finance costs

12. Taxation

a)

Taxation charge

Current tax

Current tax on profits for the year

Adjustments in respect of  prior years

Total current tax charge

Deferred tax

Origination and reversal of  temporary differences

Impact of  change in tax rates

Adjustments in respect of  prior years

Total deferred tax credit (note 27)

Total taxation charge

Income tax expense is attributable to:

Profit from continuing operations

Profit from discontinued operation

Total taxation charge

2017
£’000

(11)

580

5,385

2,145

8,099

2017
£’000

5,651

50

5,701

(2,015)

-

110

(1,905)

3,796

3,080

716

3,796

2016
£’000

(40)

749

3,958

2,236

6,903

2016
£’000

5,598

316

5,914

(18)

(1,334)

(165)

(1,517)

4,397

3,214

1,183

4,397

The tax charge on discontinued operations amounting to £716,000 (2016: £1,183,000) all relates to tax payable on profit from
operations.

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc  |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

12. Taxation (continued)

b) Reconciliation of tax charge

The taxation charge for the year reconciles to the profit per the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income as follows:

                                                                                                                                               2017                        2017                        2016
                                                                                                                                              £’000                             %                       £’000

2016
%

Profit before taxation                                                                                                           53,135                                                     22,151

Notional taxation charge at corporation tax rate of 19.25% (2016: 20.00%)                10,228                    19.25%                       4,430

20.00%

Effects of:

Tax effect of  items not deductible for tax purposes1                                                                 630                      1.19%                       1,122

Acquisition costs                                                                                                                            -                               -                          433

Non-taxable gain on sale of  subsidiary                                                                                (7,094)                  (13.36%)                              -

Profit on disposal of  non-qualifying assets                                                                              (145)                    (0.27%)                        (341)

Recognition of  deferred tax previously unrecognised                                                                   -                               -                           (64)

Adjustments in respect of  prior years                                                                                       160                      0.30%                          151

Utilisation of  brought forward losses previously unrecognised                                                 (31)                    (0.06%)                              -

5.07%

1.95%

-

(1.54%)

(0.29%)

0.68%

-

Deferred tax credit relating to reduction in tax rates                                                                      -                               -                      (1,385)

(6.25%)

Effect of  difference between closing deferred tax rate and current tax rate                              48                      0.09%                            51

Taxation charge and effective tax rate                                                                               3,796                      7.14%                       4,397

0.23%

19.85%

1 Expenses not deductible predominantly consist of depreciation charges on non-qualifying assets.

The applicable corporation tax rate is calculated at 19.25% (2016: 20.00%) of the estimated taxable profit for the year. The
standard rate of corporation tax reduced from 20.00% to 19.00% on 1 April 2017.

The analysis of the Group’s effective tax rate between underlying and non-underlying activities is as follows:

2017

2017
Non-
Underlying underlying
£’000

£’000

2016

2017

2016
Non-
Total Underlying underlying
£’000
£’000
£’000

2016

Total
£’000

Profit before taxation

Taxation

Effective tax rate

Non-recurring items

29,067

5,270

24,068

53,135

(1,474)

3,796

7.14%

25,400

5,153

(3,249)

22,151

(756)

4,397

20.29%

23.27%

19.85%

18.13%

(6.12%)

The Group’s total effective tax rate for 2017 of 7.14% was influenced by the significant non-taxable gain on disposal of a subsidiary,
due to the chargeable gain falling within the substantial shareholding exemption. Excluding this item, the total effective tax rate
for the year would have been 23.31%.

The prior year total effective tax rate of 19.85% was impacted by the change in future tax rates enacted during 2016, reducing
the rate by 6.25%. This reduction was partially offset by a 1.95% increase in the rate resulting from non-deductible acquisition
costs.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

12. Taxation (continued)

c)

Factors affecting the taxation charge of future years

Future tax charges, and therefore the Group’s effective tax rate, may be affected by factors such as acquisitions, disposals,
restructuring and tax regime reforms.

There have been no changes to the standard rate of corporation tax announced during 2017.

In the budget of 16 March 2016, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced a further 1% reduction to the standard rate of
corporation tax which will be applicable in the financial year beginning 1 April 2020. The Finance Act 2016, which was substantively
enacted when it received Royal Assent on 15 September 2016, reduced the corporation tax rate to 19.00% with effect from 1 April
2017 decreasing to 17.00% with effect from 1 April 2020. These changes to the rate of corporation tax will impact the amount of
future cash tax payments for which the Group will be responsible. These changes also impacted the valuation of deferred tax
assets and liabilities, altering the deferred tax charge and closing deferred tax position for 2016.

13. Earnings per share

Basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated by dividing the earnings attributable to equity shareholders by the weighted
average number of ordinary shares during the year and the diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue in the
year after taking account of the dilutive impact of shares under option of 2,866,231 at 31 December 2017 (2016: 2,380,040).

Underlying earnings per share are based on basic earnings per share adjusted for the impact of non-underlying items.

                                                                                 2017                  2017
                                                                      Continuing   Discontinued
                                                                      operations       operations
                                                                                £’000                 £’000

2017                  2016

2016
      Continuing Discontinued
operations
£’000

Total        operations
£’000                 £’000

2016

Total
£’000

Profit for the year                                           9,519            39,841

49,360            14,041

3,721

17,762

Non-controlling interests                                   (21)                    -

(21)                   (8)

-

(8)

Basic earnings                                             9,498            39,841

49,339            14,033

3,721

17,754

Weighted average number of
ordinary shares in issue for the
basic earnings per share                      77,392,862     77,392,862

Diluted weighted average
number of  shares in issue
for diluted earnings per share               79,929,238     79,929,238

Basic earnings per share
(in pence per share)                                      12.3                51.5

Diluted earnings per share
(in pence per share)                                      11.9                49.8

Underlying earnings per share
(non GAAP measure)                                    26.9                  3.9

77,392,862     77,326,970

77,326,970

77,326,970

79,929,238     79,500,548

79,500,548

79,500,548

63.8                18.1

61.7                17.6

30.8                21.3

4.9

4.7

4.9

23.0

22.3

26.2

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc  |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

14. Dividends

A final dividend of £2,864,000 for the year ended 31 December 2016 was paid in May 2017. This represented a payment of
3.70p per ordinary share in issue at that time.

An interim dividend in respect of the year ended 31 December 2017 of £1,663,000 (2016: £1,393,000), representing a payment
of 2.15p per ordinary share in issue at that time, was paid in September 2017.

A final dividend of 4.25p per share in respect of the year ended 31 December 2017 is to be proposed at the annual general
meeting on 22 May 2018. The ex-dividend date will be 26 April 2018 and the associated record date will be 27 April 2018. This
dividend will be paid subject to shareholder approval on 25 May 2018 and these financial statements do not reflect this final
dividend payable.

15. Goodwill and other intangible assets

Franchise
Goodwill agreements
£’000

£’000

Software
£’000

Favourable
leases
£’000

Order
backlog
£’000

Total
£’000

Cost

At 1 January 2016

Additions

Additions on acquisition

Disposals

At 31 December 2016

Additions

Additions on acquisition

Write-offs

Transfers from Property, plant and equipment

26,782

13,552

-

-

23,516

58,563

(1,222)

-

49,076

72,115

-

-

(447)

-

-

22

-

-

623

506

-

(50)

1,079

235

-

-

57

-

-

172

-

172

-

-

-

-

At 31 December 2017

48,629

72,137

1,371

172

Accumulated amortisation

At 1 January 2016

Charge for the year

Disposals

At 31 December 2016

Charge for the year

Disposals

At 31 December 2017

Net book value

At 31 December 2016

At 31 December 2017

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

49,076

48,629

72,115

72,137

170

250

(44)

376

247

-

623

703

748

-

33

-

33

57

-

90

139

82

-

-

40,957

506

769

83,020

-

(1,272)

769

123,211

-

-

235

22

(769)

(1,216)

-

-

-

769

-

769

-

(769)

-

-

-

57

122,309

170

1,052

(44)

1,178

304

(769)

713

122,033

121,596

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

15. Goodwill and other intangible assets (continued)

a) Acquisitions and disposals – 2017

Acquisitions

On 2 June 2017 the Group acquired the trade and assets of a Volvo dealership which operates in Leeds.

The estimated net assets at the date of the acquisition are stated at their provisional fair value as set out below.

Intangible assets

Property, plant & equipment

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Trade and other payables

Net assets acquired

Total cash consideration

NBV

at 2 June 2017

£’000

22

32

21

28

(26)

77

77

The results of the Volvo dealership were consolidated into the Group’s results from 2 June 2017. For the period from acquisition
to 31 December 2017, revenues of the Volvo dealership were immaterial in the context of the Group’s revenues, as was its loss
before tax.

If the acquisition had taken effect at the beginning of the reporting period in which the acquisition occurred (1 January 2017), on
a pro forma basis, the change in revenue of the combined Group for 2017 would have been immaterial in the context of the
Group, as would have been the change in profit before tax. This pro forma information does not purport to represent the results
of the combined Group that actually would have occurred had the acquisition taken place on 1 January 2017 and should not be
taken to be representative of future results.

Acquisition costs arising on acquisitions in 2017 were immaterial.

Measurement period adjustments

On 25 May 2016 the Company acquired the entire share capital of Ridgeway Garages (Newbury) Limited (“Ridgeway”). Ridgeway
itself is the parent company of six wholly owned subsidiary companies, Pentagon Limited, Pentagon South West Limited,
Ridgeway TPS Limited, Ridgeway Bavarian Limited, Wood in Hampshire Limited and Wood of Salisbury Limited.

In accordance with IFRS 3 Business Combinations, the measurement period adjustment has been reflected in these financial
statements as if the final purchase price allocation had been completed at the acquisition date. The acquisition accounting has
been finalised in the period and the net assets at the date of acquisition are stated at their fair values as set out in section b)
below.

There has been no significant movement in the value of net assets acquired and goodwill between 31 December 2016 and
31 December 2017. The only movements being reclassifications between property, plant and equipment (£133,000 increase),
trade and other receivables (£279,000 decrease) and trade and other payables (£146,000 decrease).

Write-offs

In November 2017, the decision was made to close five franchised dealerships and one used car centre. Three of the franchised
dealerships closed were in relatively small markets and within close proximity of other, existing Group dealerships of the same
franchise. Two of the impacted businesses shared a subscale site in Oxford with a high fixed cost base which was not sustainable
in the longer term. The final dealership closure was the closure of the last remaining representation point with a particular brand
partner.

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc  |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

15. Goodwill and other intangible assets (continued)

a) Acquisitions and disposals – 2017 (continued)

Write-offs (continued)

As a result of these closures, there were the following write-offs of goodwill: £22,000 associated with the Honda CGU, £5,000
associated with the Vauxhall CGU and £420,000 associated with the Nissan CGU.

The order backlog was fulfilled and fully amortised in 2016, and subsequently written off during the current year.

b) Acquisitions and disposals – 2016

Acquisitions

Ridgeway Group

On 25 May 2016 the Company acquired the entire share capital of Ridgeway Garages (Newbury) Limited (“Ridgeway”). Ridgeway
itself is the parent company of six wholly owned subsidiary companies, Pentagon Limited, Pentagon South West Limited,
Ridgeway TPS Limited, Ridgeway Bavarian Limited, Wood in Hampshire Limited and Wood of Salisbury Limited.

Separately identifiable intangible assets totalling £59,504,000 were acquired as part of the acquisition of Ridgeway. A valuation
of these intangible assets has been performed by Globalview Advisors, an independent external specialist. These intangible
assets have been assigned indefinite lives on the basis that these arrangements are expected to be renewed for the foreseeable
future. The goodwill arising on the acquisition of the above company is attributable to the anticipated profitability of the distribution
of the Group’s products in new markets and the anticipated operating synergies derived from the combination.

The fair value of the net assets at the date of acquisition are set out below:

NBV at
31 May 2016
£’000

Fair value
adjustment
£’000

Ridgeway
Garages
(Newbury)
Limited
Acquisition
balance
sheet at
31 December
2017
£’000

-

59,504

(10,728)

65,111

123,400

51,348

12,664

(2,600)

59,504

(10,728)

(303)

(724)

(279)

-

(3,103)

(178,144)

-

(25,705)

(5,026)

(6,645)

-

30,096

(5,026)

(7,599)

(1,258)

83,567

23,380

106,947

Goodwill

Intangible assets

Deferred tax on acquired intangible assets

Property, plant & equipment

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other payables

Debt

Provisions

Deferred tax

Derivatives

Net assets acquired

Goodwill

Total cash consideration

2,600

-

-

65,414

124,124

51,627

12,664

(175,041)

(25,705)

-

(954)

(1,258)

53,471

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

15. Goodwill and other intangible assets (continued)

b) Acquisitions and disposals – 2016 (continued)

Acquisitions (continued)

Ridgeway Group (continued)

As disclosed at the time of acquisition, Ridgeway’s consolidated statutory accounts for the year ended 2015 included a contingent
liability note in respect of various film tax planning initiatives. Settlement of this liability was agreed subsequent to the year ended
31 December 2016 and the liability of £4.2m is included as a fair value adjustment in the preceding table and was carried within
provisions at 31 December 2016. Fair value adjustments also include provisional adjustments for property related matters,
inventory valuations, deferred tax, intangible assets and goodwill.

Acquisition costs of £2,163,000 have been charged to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year ended
31 December 2016.

The table below summarises the amount of revenue and profit of the acquiree since the acquisition date included in the
consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the period from acquisition to the year ended 31 December 2016.

Ridgeway Garages (Newbury) Limited

Scratch Match Accident Repair Centre

Revenue
£’000

414,643

Profit
before tax
£’000

5,557

On 2 November 2016 Marshall Motor Group Limited acquired the trade and assets of Scratch Match Accident Repair Centre
from RLMO Limited. The fair value of the net assets at the date of acquisition are set out below.

Property, plant & equipment

Net assets acquired

Goodwill

Total cash consideration

Scratch Match
Accident Repair
Centre
£’000

76

76

136

212

The results of the Scratch Match Accident Repair Centre were consolidated into the Group’s results from 2 November 2016.
For the period from acquisition to 31 December 2016, revenues of the Scratch Match Accident Repair Centre were immaterial
in the context of the Group’s revenues, as was its loss before tax.

If the acquisition had taken effect at the beginning of the reporting period in which the acquisition occurred (1 January 2016),
on a pro forma basis, the change in revenue of the combined Group for 2016 would have been immaterial in the context of the
Group, as would have been the change in profit before tax. This pro forma information does not purport to represent the results
of the combined Group that actually would have occurred had the acquisition taken place on 1 January 2016 and should not be
taken to be representative of future results.

96
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Marshall Motor Holdings plc  |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

15. Goodwill and other intangible assets (continued)

b) Acquisitions and disposals – 2016 (continued)

Measurement period adjustments

On 16 November 2015 the Company acquired the entire share capital of SG Smith Holdings Limited (“SGS”). SGS itself is the
holding company of 9 wholly owned subsidiary companies, SG Smith Automotive Limited, SG Smith (Motors) Limited, SG Smith
(Motors) Beckenham Limited, SG Smith (Motors) Forest Hill Limited, SG Smith (Motors) Crown Point Limited, SG Smith (Motors)
Sydenham Limited, SG Smith (Motors) Croydon Limited, SG Smith Trade Parts Limited and Prep-Point Limited. Within the
measurement period following acquisition of SGS, and in accordance with IFRS 3 Business Combinations, the purchase price
allocation was finalised. The resulting adjustments consisted of; a reclassification of £13,522,000 from goodwill to franchise
agreements, and an increase in goodwill of £2,543,000, an increase in trade payables of £314,000 and an increase in deferred
tax liabilities of £2,439,000. These adjustments were made within 12 months from the date of acquisition by restating the
1 January 2016 balances.

Disposals

During 2016, the Group disposed of two Toyota dealerships and one Nissan dealership (resulting in the disposal of goodwill of
£1,222,000 associated with the Nissan CGU).

c)

Impairment testing

For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill and franchise agreements are allocated to a cash generating unit (“CGU”), or to
the smallest group of CGUs where it is not possible to apportion the goodwill or intangible assets at the individual CGU level.
Each CGU or group of CGUs to which the goodwill is allocated represents the lowest level within the entity at which the goodwill
is monitored for management purposes. Goodwill and intangible assets arising on business combinations are allocated to CGUs
by determining which CGU is expected to benefit from the synergies of the business combination.

The Group’s CGUs are groups of dealerships connected by manufacturer brand.

Goodwill impairment reviews are undertaken annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
carrying amount may not be recoverable and a potential impairment may be required. Impairment reviews have been performed
for all groups of CGUs for the years ended 31 December 2017 and 2016.

Valuation basis

The recoverable amount of the Group’s CGUs is determined by reference to their value-in-use to perpetuity calculated using a
discounted cash flow approach, with a pre-tax discount rate applied to the projected, risk-adjusted pre-tax cash flows and terminal
value.

Period of  specific projected cash flows

The  value-in-use  of  each  CGU  is  calculated  using  cash  flow  projections  for  a  five-year  period;  from  1  January  2018  to
31 December 2022. These projections are based on the most recent budget which has been approved by the Board; the budget
for the year ending 31 December 2018. The key assumptions in the most recent annual budget on which the cash flow projections
are based relate to expectations of sales volumes and margins and expectations around changes in the operating cost base.
The assumptions made are based on past experience, adjusted for expected changes, and external sources of information. The
cash flows include ongoing capital expenditure required to maintain the Group’s dealership network, but exclude any growth
capital expenditure projects to which the Group was not committed at the reporting date.

A flat, long-term growth rate of 5% (2016: 5%) has been used to extrapolate cash flows for a further four years beyond budget,
through to 31 December 2022. This growth rate reflects the products and markets in which the relevant CGU, or groups of CGUs,
operate. Growth rates are internal forecasts based on both internal and external market information.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

15. Goodwill and other intangible assets (continued)

c)

Impairment testing (continued)

Discount rate

The cash flow projections have been discounted using a rate derived from the Group’s pre-tax weighted average cost of capital
adjusted for industry and market risk. The discount rate used is 10.4% (2016: 10.0%).

Terminal growth rate

The cash flows after the forecast period are extrapolated into the future over the useful economic life of the group of CGUs using
a steady or declining growth rate that is consistent with that of the product and industry. These cash flows form the basis of what
is referred to as the terminal value. The growth rate to perpetuity beyond the initial budgeted cash flows applied in the value-in-use
calculations to arrive at a terminal value is 2% (2016: 2%). Terminal growth rates are based on management’s estimate of future
long-term average growth rates.

Conclusion

On completion of the value-in-use calculations and on comparison to their carrying amount, each of the Group’s CGUs had
significant headroom under the annual impairment review; no impairments are considered to be required.

Sensitivity to changes in key assumptions

Impairment testing is dependent on estimates and judgements, particularly as they relate to the forecasting of future cash flows,
the discount rates selected and expected long-term growth rates.

The Group has performed a sensitivity analysis on the impairment tests using two scenarios; firstly, where the discount rate
increases by 200bps and, secondly, where EBITDA decreases by 50%. These scenarios represent the upper limit of what is
considered reasonably possible. Neither scenario resulted in the need to recognise an impairment.

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

16. Property, plant and equipment

                                                    Freehold
                                                    and long                                                               Assets
                                                   leasehold                                                              held for             Assets
                                                     land and       Leasehold         Plant and           contract               under
                                                   buildings  improvement       equipment               rental   construction                Total
                                                          £’000                £’000                £’000                £’000                £’000                £’000
Cost
At 1 January 2016                            37,381              12,372              27,177              96,890                        -            173,820
Additions at cost                                 1,370                   236                3,545              35,537              23,633              64,321
Additions on acquisition                   53,276                2,872                5,007                        -                3,899              65,054
Disposals                                          (1,397)                 (278)              (3,443)            (30,483)                       -             (35,601)
Transfers                                          17,857                  (187)               2,840                        -             (20,510)                       -
At 31 December 2016                   108,487              15,015              35,126            101,944                7,022            267,594
Additions at cost                                      47                   829                5,206              34,700              18,016              58,798
Additions on acquisition                             -                        -                     32                        -                        -                     32
Disposals                                          (2,485)                 (673)              (2,734)            (23,148)                       -             (29,040)
Disposal of  subsidiary                               -                    (42)                   (45)          (113,496)                       -           (113,583)
Transfers                                          16,052                2,555                1,308                        -             (19,915)                       -
Transfers to Software                                 -                        -                  (349)                       -                        -                  (349)
Transfers to Assets held 
for sale                                                 (750)                       -                        -                        -                        -                  (750)
At 31 December 2017                   121,351              17,684              38,544                        -                5,123            182,702

Accumulated depreciation
At 1 January 2016                              9,121                2,540              20,445              34,429                        -              66,535
Charges for the year                             934                1,146                3,758              17,343                        -              23,181
Disposals                                          (1,103)                 (259)              (3,057)            (19,514)                       -             (23,933)
Transfers                                                 44                    (44)                       -                        -                        -                        -
At 31 December 2016                       8,996                3,383              21,146              32,258                        -              65,783
Charges for the year                          1,434                1,913                5,570              15,962                        -              24,879
Disposals                                               (53)                 (608)              (2,083)            (13,673)                       -             (16,417)
Disposal of  subsidiary                               -                    (42)                   (35)            (34,547)                       -             (34,624)
Impairment                                            194                   332                   419                        -                        -                   945
Transfers                                              (405)                  138                   267                        -                        -                        -
Transfers to Software                                 -                        -                  (292)                       -                        -                  (292)
At 31 December 2017                     10,166                5,116              24,992                        -                        -              40,274

Net book value
At 31 December 2016                      99,491              11,632              13,980              69,686                7,022            201,811
At 31 December 2017                   111,185              12,568              13,552                        -                5,123            142,428

As at 31 December 2017, the Group had capital commitments totalling £7.7m (2016: £11.7m) relating to ongoing construction
projects.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

16. Property, plant and equipment (continued)

Transfers to software

On integration of the Ridgeway businesses into the Group, certain items of software were identified in the tangible fixed assets
records of the recently acquired businesses. These software assets have been reclassified from property, plant and equipment
to intangible assets (see Note 15 ‘Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets’) consistent with the Group’s accounting policies.

Transfers to assets held for sale

In December 2017, the Group ceased commercial activities at one if its freehold properties; as the property was no longer used
for the commercial activity of the business and is being marketed for sale, the asset has been written down to its fair value and
transferred to assets classified as held for sale (see Note 23 ‘Assets Classified as Held for Sale’).

Impairments

The impairment loss of £787,000 represented the write-down of certain property, plant and equipment in the five franchised
dealerships and one used car centre which were announced as closing in November 2017. This loss was recognised in the
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income in net operating expenses.

17. Investment property

Fair value at 1 January

Change in fair value

Fair value at 31 December

2017
£’000

2,590

-

2,590

2016
£’000

1,920

670

2,590

Investment properties are stated at fair value; a formal valuation is carried out at least every three years by a Chartered Surveyor
on an open market value basis. The most recent full valuation of investment properties was carried out as at 31 December 2016
by Rapleys, Chartered Surveyors. The Group’s leasehold investment property was valued on a fair value basis as at 31 December
2016 at £590,000 and the Group’s freehold investment property on a fair value basis as at 31 December 2016 at £2,000,000.
A revaluation surplus of £670,000 was taken to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income in 2016 and is included in
non-underlying items in Note 7 ‘Non-Underlying Items’.

No formal valuation was required as at 31 December 2017. A desktop review of the properties was carried out by Rapleys,
Chartered Surveyors as at 13 November 2017; no indicators were identified which signalled a material change in the fair value
of investment properties and as such, investment properties continue to be held at their 31 December 2016 value.

The properties are rented out to third parties. Rental income of £283,000 was recognised in 2017 (2016: £322,000), cost of any
repairs and maintenance were incurred and made by the lessees. There are no restrictions on the Group’s ability to dispose of
the investment properties or use any funds arising on disposal. There are no contractual commitments for further development
of the investment properties.

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

18. Finance leases – Group as lessor

Lease agreements in which the other party, as lessee, is regarded as the economic owner of the leased assets give rise to
accounts receivable determined by reference to the discounted future lease payments.

The Group leased out vehicles under finance leases through one of its subsidiaries Marshall Leasing Limited. This subsidiary
was disposed of on 24 November 2017 (Note 8 ‘Discontinued Operations’) and finance leases as a lessor activities were
discontinued from this date.

At 31 December 2017 these receivables amounted to £nil (2016: £494,000).

Within 1 year

Between 1 and 5 years

Total future
payments
£’000

234

308

542

2016
Unearned
interest
income
£’000

(3)

(45)

(48)

Present
value
£’000

231

263

494

The majority of the leases typically ran for a non-cancellable period of one to five years. Under the contracts, title either passed
to the lessee at the conclusion of the lease period, or the arrangements included an option to purchase the leased equipment
after that period.

19. Operating leases – Group as lessor

The Group has entered into non-cancellable operating leases, as lessor, on a number of its assets held for contract rental included
in property, plant and equipment and property included in investment property. The terms of these leases vary.

The Group leased out vehicles under operating leases through one of its subsidiaries Marshall Leasing Limited, which was
disposed of on 24 November 2017 (Note 8 ‘Discontinued Operations’). Operating leases as lessor activities (assets held for
contract rental under non-cancellable operating leases) were discontinued from this date.

Future minimum lease payments receivable for assets held for contract rental under non-cancellable operating leases are as set
out below.

Within 1 year

Between 1 and 5 years

2017
£’000

-

-

-

Future minimum lease payments receivable for property under non-cancellable operating leases are as set out below.

Within 1 year

Between 1 and 5 years

After 5 years

2017
£’000

593

1,520

2,057

4,170

101

2016
£’000

26,408

71,891

98,299

2016
£’000

275

813

908

1,996

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

20. Inventories

Finished goods

Less: Provisions

Inventories

2017
£’000

410,423

(9,163)

401,260

2016
£’000

389,372

(9,356)

380,016

Finished goods include new and used vehicles held for resale, vehicle parts and other inventory. As at 31 December 2017
£380,641,000 (2016: £364,695,000) of finished goods are held under vehicle financing arrangements (see Note 24 ‘Trade and
Other Payables’).

Inventory recognised in cost of sales during the year as an expense was £1,943 million (2016: £1,630 million).

21. Trade and other receivables

Amounts falling due within one year:

Trade receivables due but not past due

Trade receivables past due

Trade receivables past due but impaired

Trade receivables – net

Other receivables

Amounts due from related undertakings (note 33)

Prepayments

Trade and other receivables

2017
£’000

51,542

21,508

(1,542)

71,508

11,774

-

8,859

92,141

2016
£’000

54,509

18,441

(1,944)

71,006

13,648

7

10,412

95,073

The creation and the release of the provision for impaired receivables have been included in net operating expenses. More
information in respect of principal risk management is provided in Note 28 ‘Financial Instruments – Risk Management’.

All financial assets included within trade and other receivables are held at amortised costs. The carrying amount of trade and
other receivables approximates fair value.

Trade receivables include supplier income receivables of £17,700,000 (2016: £17,164,000).

Other receivables include finance lease and hire purchase receivables (discontinued – see Note 18 ‘Finance Leases – Group as
Lessor’) of £nil (2016: £494,000). Of these £nil (2016: £263,000) are amounts due in more than one year.

22. Cash and cash equivalents

Cash at bank and in hand

2017
£’000

4,867

2016
£’000

83

Cash and cash equivalents are held at amortised cost. Fair value approximates carrying value.

Cash at bank earns interest at floating interest rates determined by reference to short-term benchmark rates.

102

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc  |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

23. Assets classified as held for sale

Non-current assets held for sale

Freehold land and building

2017
£’000

750

2016
£’000

-

Following the closure of the one of the Group’s dealerships in December 2017, the decision was taken to sell the freehold property
owned by the Group and used by the dealership. Based on current market conditions, the sale is expected to be completed within
one year from the balance sheet date. As a result, the freehold property has been reclassified as held for sale and transferred
from property, plant and equipment into current assets. On reclassification, the freehold property was measured at the lower of
its carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell at the date of reclassification (fair value as determined by a desktop valuation
from Chartered Surveyors). This remeasurement resulted in an impairment loss of £194,000 being recognised in the Consolidated
Statement of Comprehensive Income.

The asset is presented within total assets of the Retail segment in Note 5 ‘Segmental Information’.

24. Trade and other payables

Current – trade and other payables

Trade payables:

– vehicle financing arrangements

– other trade payables

Amounts owed to related undertakings (note 33)

Other tax and social security payable

Other payables

Accruals and deferred income

Total current trade and other payables

Non-current – other payables

Accruals and deferred income

Total non-current other payables

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

380,641

89,281

149

4,500

8,205

44,838

527,614

364,695

85,206

102

3,601

10,634

33,102

497,340

4,281

4,281

7,462

7,462

All financial liabilities included within current trade and other payables are held at amortised costs; carrying value is a reasonable
approximation of fair value.

The Group finances the purchases of new and use vehicle inventories using vehicle funding facilities’ provided by various lenders
including the captive finance companies associated with brand partners. These finance arrangements generally have a maturity
of 90 days or less and the Group is normally required to repay amounts outstanding on the earlier of the sale of the vehicles that
have been funded under the facilities or the stated maturity date.

Consistent with industry practice, amounts due to finance companies in respect of vehicle funding are included within trade
payables and disclosed under vehicle financing arrangements. Related cash flows are reporting within cash flows from operating
activities within the consolidated statement of cash flows.

Vehicle financing facilities are subject to LIBOR-based (or similar) interest rates. The interest incurred under these agreements
is included within finance costs and classified as stock holding interest.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

25. Loans and borrowings

Current loans and borrowings

Asset backed financing (leasing – discontinued)

Mortgages

Bank loan

Bank overdraft

Non-current loans and borrowings

Asset backed financing (leasing – discontinued)

Mortgages

Total loans and borrowings

2017
Nominal and
book value
£’000

2016
Nominal and
book value
£’000

-

642

-

-

642

-

6,466

6,466

7,108

30,680

1,225

35,000

10,825

77,730

33,833

7,531

41,364

119,094

Mortgages comprise amounts borrowed from commercial financial institutions and are secured by fixed charges over specified
property assets of certain subsidiaries.

Bank loans and overdrafts comprise amounts borrowed from commercial banks.

Asset backed financing was secured by a fixed charge over specific vehicles held for leasing. The related finance comprises
chattel mortgages.

Committed facilities

The Group has a revolving credit facility of £95,000,000 of which £nil was drawn at 31 December 2017 (2016: £35,000,000).
The Group also has access to an overdraft facility of £25,000,000 of which £nil was drawn at 31 December 2017 (2016:
£10,825,000). These facilities are available for general corporate purposes including acquisitions or working capital requirements.
Both facilities are held in cash pooling arrangements and balances have been offset in the Consolidated Statement of Financial
Position.

The facilities are secured by cross guarantees granted by the certain members of the Group. The facilities are available until
May 2020.The Group is also able to extend the term of the facilities by up to 12 months.

More information in respect of principal risk management is provided in Note 28 ‘Financial Instruments – Risk Management’.

The carrying amount of current loans and borrowings approximate fair value.

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc  |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

25. Loans and borrowings (continued)

The carrying amounts and fair value of the non-current loans and borrowings are as below. The fair values are based on cash
flows discounted using the prevailing rates.

Asset backed financing (leasing – discontinued)

Mortgages

a)

Interest rate profile of borrowings

Asset backed financing (leasing – discontinued)

Mortgages

Bank loan and overdraft

Weighted average cost of drawn borrowings

Carrying
amount
£’000

-

6,466

2017
Fair
value
£’000

-

4,917

Carrying
amount
£’000

33,833

7,531

2016
Fair
value
£’000

32,032

5,254

2017

Debt
£’000

-

7,108

-

7,108

2017
Average
effective
interest rate

-

1.63

-

1.63

2016

Debt
£’000

64,513

8,756

45,825

119,094

2016
Average
effective
interest rate

1.94

1.75

1.75

1.85

All loans and borrowings are subject to floating rates of interest which are determined by reference to official market rates such
as LIBOR or the Finance House Base Rate.

b) Maturity profile of borrowings

The Group’s borrowings have the following maturity profile:

6 months or less

6 – 12 months

1 – 5 years

Over 5 years

Total bank borrowings

2017
£’000

321

321

2,565

3,901

7,108

2016
£’000

57,484

20,246

36,340

5,024

119,094

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

26. Provisions

At 1 January 2017

Transfer from accruals and
deferred income

Charged to income statement
in the year

Reversed and credited to income
statement in the year

Utilised during the year

Other
£’000

-

200

-

-

-

Pension
£’000

-

-

6,000

-

-

As at 31 December 2017

200

6,000

Tax
£’000

4,242

-

-

-

(4,005)

237

Closed

sites Dilapidations
£’000
£’000

Vacant
property
£’000

195

1,094

1,161

Total
£’000

6,692

-

-

-

200

428

660

4,442

11,530

-

(96)

527

(701)

-

(46)

(744)

(747)

(4,845)

1,053

4,813

12,830

Provisions have been allocated between current and non-current as below.

Current

Non-current

Total provisions

Tax

2017
£’000

8,815

4,015

12,830

2016
£’000

5,242

1,450

6,692

On acquisition of Pentagon Limited and Ridgeway Garages (Newbury) Limited during the year ended 31 December 2016, the
Group inherited a potential settlement in respect of various film tax planning initiatives previously entered into pre-acquisition.
The estimated settlement was provided for as at 31 December 2016. In February 2017 a settlement with HMRC was agreed
with most instalments paid during the year; the final instalment was paid subsequent to the year-end in January 2018.

Closed sites, dilapidations and vacant property

The Group manages its portfolio carefully and either closes or sells sites which no longer fit with the Group’s strategy. When sites
are closed or sold provisions are made for any residual costs or commitments.

The Group operates from a number of leasehold premises under full repairing leases. The provision recognises that repairs are
required to put the buildings back into the state of repair required under the leases.

Where property commitments exist at sites which are closed or closing the Group provides for the unavoidable cost of those
leases post closure.

Pension

See Note 34 ‘Pensions’ for full details of the circumstances giving rise to the recognition of this provision. The provision is expected
to be fully utilised within 12 months of the balance sheet date.

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc  |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

27. Deferred tax assets and liabilities

The analysis of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities is as below.

Deferred tax assets:

– Deferred tax asset

Deferred tax liabilities:

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

39

36

– Deferred tax liability to be recovered after more than 12 months

Net deferred tax liabilities

(20,448)

(20,409)

(20,803)

(20,767)

The gross movement on the deferred tax account is as follows:

At 1 January

Deferred tax arising on acquisition (note 15)

Deferred tax acquired

Deferred tax disposed (note 8)

Income statement charge (note 12)

Credited directly to equity

At 31 December

2017
£’000

(20,767)

-

-

(1,547)

1,905

-

2016
£’000

(4,266)

(17,373)

(563)

-

1,517

(82)

(20,409)

(20,767)

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

27. Deferred tax assets and liabilities (continued)

a) Deferred tax liabilities

The movement in deferred tax liabilities during the year, without taking into consideration the offsetting of balances within the
same tax jurisdiction, is as follows:

                                                                   Fixed assets                                 Assets
                                           Accelerated  acquired on a                           previously                                                               
                                                          tax          business    Roll over   qualifying for   Investment    Intangible                     
                                          depreciation    combination           relief                  IBAs    properties         assets     Goodwill
                                                      £’000                 £’000          £’000                 £’000             £’000            £’000            £’000

At 1 January 2016                                -                 1,773          1,424                    362                     -            2,437               544

Total
£’000

6,540

Acquisition of subsidiaries                     -                 5,715                  -                        -                     -          10,728               930

17,373

Charged/(credited) to the 

income statement – current year           -                  (117)           (139)                   (21)               104             (160)             151

(182)

Charged/(credited) to the

income statement – prior year               -                        -                  -                        -                  60                   -                   -

60

Impact of  corporation

tax rate reduction                                   -                  (571)             (79)                   (38)                   -             (722)              (61)

(1,471)

At 31 December 2016                          -                 6,800          1,206                    303                164          12,283            1,564

22,320

Charged/(credited) to the 

income statement – current year        80                  (710)               (3)                   (81)                 (8)                (8)             179

(551)

Charged/(credited) to the 

income statement – prior year              5                    235                  -                        -                 (71)                  -             (367)

(198)

Transfers to deferred tax 

asset                                                 720                                            -                        -                 (57)                  -                     

663

At 31 December 2017                      805                 6,325          1,203                    222                  28          12,275            1,376

22,234

108

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc  |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

27. Deferred tax assets and liabilities (continued)

b) Deferred tax assets

The movement in deferred tax assets during the year, without taking into consideration the offsetting of balances within the same
tax jurisdiction, is as follows:

                                             Accelerated                                                                                         Disposals                Other
                                                             tax               Tax   Share-based    Investment       Capital    on a sale        temporary
                                            depreciation         losses        payments     properties        losses          basis      differences
                                                         £’000            £’000               £’000              £’000          £’000          £’000                 £’000

At 1 January 2016                           1,510                 58                  189                   71               71             245                    130

Total
£’000

2,274

Acquisition of subsidiaries                  (852)                  -                       -                      -                  -                  -                    289

(563)

(Charged)/credited to

the income statement

– current year                                      222                   -                  161                  (10)           (122)           (245)                 (169)

(163)

(Charged)/credited to

the income statement

– prior year                                          119               (16)                      -                      -             168                  -                    (47)

224

Impact of  corporation

tax rate reduction                               (112)                (6)                      -                    (4)               (1)                 -                    (14)

Charged directly to equity                        -                   -                   (82)                     -                  -                  -                        -

(137)

(82)

At 31 December 2016                        887                 36                  268                   57             116                  -                    189

1,553

Credited to

the income statement

– current year                                        41                   2                       -                      -                 3               42                 1,376

1,464

(Charged)/credited to

the income statement

– prior year                                         (103)                 1                 (268)                     -               44                  -                      18

(308)

Transfers from deferred tax 

liability                                                  720                   -                       -                  (57)                 -                  -                        -

663

Disposal of subsidiaries 

(note 8)                                            (1,545)                  -                       -                      -                  -                  -                      (2)

(1,547)

At 31 December 2017                             -                 39                       -                      -             163               42                 1,581

1,825

Unrecognised deferred tax assets

Deferred tax assets are recognised for tax loss carry forwards to the extent that the realisation of the related tax benefit through
future taxable profits is probable.

Trading losses

Available indefinitely

At 31 December

2017

Tax losses
£’000

2017
Unrecognised
deferred
tax asset
£’000

2016

Tax losses
£’000

2016
Unrecognised
deferred
tax asset
£’000

1,133

1,133

192

192

1,549

1,549

263

263

109

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

28. Financial instruments – risk management

The Group’s principal financial instruments consist of: cash and cash equivalents, bank overdrafts and loans and borrowings.
The main purpose of these financial instruments is to manage the Group’s funding and liquidity requirements. The Group has
other financial assets and liabilities such as trade receivables and trade payables, which arise directly from its operations.

The Group’s activities expose it to the following financial risks:

• Market risk;
•
•

Credit risk; and
Liquidity risk.

Each of these risks are managed in accordance with Board-approved policies. Risk management policies and systems have
been established and are reviewed regularly to reflect changes in market conditions and the Group’s activities. These policies
are set out below.

The Group’s financial risk management processes seek to enable the early identification, evaluation and effective management
of the significant risks facing the business.

The Group does not use financial derivatives and does not enter into trade financial instruments, including derivative financial
instruments, for speculative purposes.

Market risk

Market risk is the risk of movements in the fair value of future cash flows of a financial instrument or forecast transaction as
underlying market prices change. The only market risk to which the Group is exposed is changes in interest rates. The Group’s
business activities neither expose it to commodity price risk nor foreign currency risk.

Interest rate risk is the risk that a change in interest rates adversely effects the Group’s performance or ability to settle financial
obligations and comprises two elements.

Interest price risk

This risk results from financial instruments bearing fixed interest rates; changes in floating interest rates therefore affect the fair
value of these fixed rate financial instruments.

The Group has no debt subject to fixed interest rates and is, therefore, not exposed to interest price risk.

Interest cash flow risk

This risk results from financial instruments bearing floating interest rates. Changes in floating interest rates affect cash flows on
interest receivable or payable.

The Group is exposed to interest rate risk on its floating rate debt, namely all loans and borrowings. The interest rate exposure
of the Group is managed within the constraints of the Group’s business plan and the financial covenants under its facilities. Due
to the low value of the Group’s loans and borrowings as at 31 December 2017, the Group does not have significant sensitivities
to the impact of future changes in interest rates on floating rate debt.

Credit risk

Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty will default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to the Group.

110

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

28. Financial instruments – risk management (continued)

Credit risk (continued)

The Group is exposed to credit risk on its financial assets which consist of cash balances with banks and trade and other
receivables to the extent that settlement is cash-related. The Group does not have a significant exposure to this type of financial
risk due to the nature of its customer base and the types of transaction that are undertaken.

The maximum exposure to credit risk on the Group’s financial assets is represented by the assets’ carrying amount.

The table below analyses the Group’s assets by credit exposure (excluding prepayments and cash in hand):

Counterparties without external credit rating:

Group 1

Group 2

Total unimpaired trade receivables

Counterparties with external credit rating:

A/AA- (stable)*

Cash at bank

* Standard & Poor’s rating (long term)

2017
£’000

1,587

81,695

83,282

4,867

4,867

2016
£’000

701

83,960

84,661

83

83

Group 1 – new customers/related parties (less than 6 months).

Group 2 – existing customers/related parties (more than 6 months) with no defaults in the past.

Trade and other receivables

The Group has a high volume of transactions spread across a large customer base, therefore, does not have a significant exposure
to the credit worthiness of any single counterparty.

The group has an established credit policy applied by each business under which the credit status of each new customer is
reviewed (by reference to external credit evaluations, where possible) before credit is advanced. Credit limits are established for
all significant or high-risk customers, which represent the maximum amount permitted to be outstanding without requiring additional
approval from the appropriate level of management. These limits are based on external credit reference agency ratings and the
utilisation of approved credit limits is regularly monitored. Outstanding debts are continually monitored by each business unit.

Trade receivables are considered to be past due once they have passed their contractual due date and are reviewed for
impairment if they are past due beyond 30 days. Based on past experience, the Group believes that no impairment allowance is
necessary in respect of trade receivables that are not past due. The Group establishes an allowance for impairment that
represents its estimate of incurred losses in respect of specific trade and other receivables where it is deemed that a receivable
may not be recoverable. When the debt is deemed irrecoverable, the allowance account is written off against the underlying
receivable.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

28. Financial instruments – risk management (continued)

Credit risk (continued)

Trade and other receivables (continued)

The ageing of trade receivables at the reporting date was:

Not past due

0 – 30 days past due

31 – 60 days past due

61 – 90 days past due

Over 90 days past due

Trade receivables – gross

Trade receivables are stated net of the following provision for irrecoverable amounts:

At 1 January

(Decrease)/increase in provision for receivables impairment

Receivables written off  during the year as uncollectable

At 31 December

2017
£’000

51,542

18,113

1,924

578

893

73,050

2017
£’000

1,944

(188)

(214)

1,542

2016
£’000

54,509

14,603

1,970

650

1,218

72,950

2016
£’000

839

1,915

(810)

1,944

Cash and cash equivalents

Banking relationships are generally limited to those banks that are members of the core relationship group. These banks are
selected for their credit status and their ability to meet the businesses’ day-to-day banking requirements. The credit ratings of
these institutions are monitored on a continuing basis.

The Group has not recorded impairments against cash or cash equivalents, nor have any recoverability issues been identified
with such balances. Such items are typically recoverable on demand or in line with normal banking arrangements.

Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the group will encounter difficulty in meeting its obligations associated with its financial liabilities as
they fall due.

Ultimate responsibility for liquidity risk management rests with the Board, which has built an appropriate liquidity risk management
framework for the management of the Group’s short, medium and long-term funding and liquidity management requirements.

Liquidity risk is managed by maintaining adequate levels of easily accessible cash reserves and committed banking facilities.
To assess the adequacy of resources, available headroom is continuously monitored through review of forecast and actual cash
flows and through matching the maturity profiles of financial assets and liabilities. The Group has access to undrawn banking
facilities in order to further reduce liquidity risk. The Group does not anticipate any issues drawing on the committed, undrawn
banking facilities should this be necessary. Full details of the Group’s borrowing facilities are given in Note 25 ‘Loans and
Borrowings’.

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

28. Financial instruments – risk management (continued)

Liquidity risk (continued)

The table below analyses the contractual undiscounted cash flows relating to the Group’s financial liabilities at the balance sheet
date. The cash flows are grouped based on the remaining period to the contractual maturity date. The Group has sufficient funds
to meet these commitments as they fall due.

Due within

Due

Due
between between 1
and 2
6 months
years
6 months and 1 year
£’000
£’000

£’000

Due
between

2 and Due after
5 years
£’000

5 years
£’000

753

2,187

4,099

Total
£’000

7,806

Mortgages

Trade and other payables
(excluding other taxes and social security)

At 31 December 2017

385

523,114

523,499

382

-

382

4,281

5,034

-

-

527,395

2,187

4,099

535,201

Due within

Due

Due
between between 1
and 2
6 months
years
6 months and 1 year
£’000
£’000

£’000

Due
between

2 and Due after
5 years
£’000

5 years
£’000

Bank loan and overdraft

46,491

-

-

-

-

254

1,139

1,349

1,295

5,158

Mortgages

Asset backed financing

(leasing – discontinued)

Trade and other payables
(excluding other taxes and social security)

At 31 December 2016

493,739

551,983

-

20,320

7,462

31,053

11,499

19,181

22,242

11,591

Total
£’000

46,491

9,195

64,513

501,201

-

-

-

12,886

5,158

621,400

The above tables do not include forecast data for liabilities which may be incurred in the future but which were not contracted as
at the balance sheet date.

Capital risk management

The capital structure of the Group consists of cash and cash equivalents, loans and borrowings and shareholders’ equity. The
consolidated statement of changes in equity provides details on equity, Note 22 provides details of cash and cash equivalents
and Note 25 provides details of loans and borrowings.

The Group manages its capital structure with the following objectives:

•

•

•
•

to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern and maintain sufficient available resources as protection for
unforeseen events;
to ensure that sufficient capital resources are available for working capital requirements and meeting principal and interest
payment obligations as they fall due;
to provide flexibility of resource for strategic growth and investment where opportunities arise; and
to provide reasonable returns to shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders whilst maintaining a limited level of risk.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

28. Financial instruments – risk management (continued)

Capital risk management (continued)

There were no changes to the Group’s approach to capital management during the year.

By virtue of the Group’s retail mediation activities, the Group is subject to the capital requirements imposed by the Financial
Conduct Authority on all non-investment insurance intermediaries. The Group’s capital adequacy is monitored on a quarterly
basis and its capital resources have been consistently in excess of these requirements.

The Directors monitor the Group’s capital structure and determine the level of dividends payable to shareholders at least twice
a year prior to the announcement of results, taking into account the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern and the capital
requirements of its strategic business plans. Consistent with others in the industry, the Directors monitor levels of leverage by
reference to the ratio of net debt to total shareholders’ equity. Net debt is calculated as total borrowings (including both current
and non-current borrowings) less cash and cash equivalents. As disclosed in the Net Debt Reconciliation on page 69, the Group
had net debt of £2,241,000 as at 31 December 2017 (2016: £119,011,000).

29. Fair value measurement

The following table provides the fair value measurement hierarchy of the Group’s assets and liabilities.

                                                                                                                                Fair value measurement using:

                                                             Date of valuation

Assets measured at fair value:

Investment properties (note 17)          31 December 2017

Assets held for sale (note 23)             31 December 2017

Total
£’000

2,590

750

Liabilities for which fair values are disclosed:

Mortgages (note 25)                            31 December 2017

4,917

Assets measured at fair value:

Investment properties (note 17)          31 December 2016

2,590

Liabilities for which fair values are disclosed:

Asset backed financing
(leasing – discontinued) (note 25)       31 December 2016

Mortgages (note 25)                            31 December 2016

32,032

5,254

There were no transfers between Level 1 and 2 during 2017 or 2016.

Quoted prices
in active
markets
(Level 1)
£’000

Significant
Significant
observable unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
£’000

inputs
(Level 2)
£’000

-

-

-

-

-

-

2,590

750

4,917

2,590

32,032

5,254

-

-

-

-

-

-

114

                                                                                          
                                                                                          
                                                                                          
                                                                                          
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Marshall Motor Holdings plc  |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

30. Share capital and reserves

Share capital and share premium

At 1 January 2016

Issued 27 May 2016

At 31 December 2016

At 31 December 2017

Number
of shares

77,236,263

156,599

77,392,862

77,392,862

Ordinary
shares
£’000

49,431

100

49,531

49,531

Share
premium
£’000

19,672

-

19,672

19,672

Total
£’000

69,103

100

69,203

69,203

On 27 May 2016 156,599 ordinary shares of 64p each were issued as part of the IPO Restricted share option scheme. There
were no shares issued in 2017.

All shares issued are fully paid.

Details of Directors’ interests in shares are shown in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 44 to 50.

Share repurchases

No ordinary shares were repurchased by the Company in 2017 (2016: nil).

Shares held by subsidiaries

No shares in the Company were held by subsidiaries in any year.

Retained earnings

There are no significant statutory or contractual restrictions on the distribution of current profits of subsidiaries; undistributed
profits of prior years are, in the main, permanently employed in the businesses of these companies.

Included in retained earnings as at 31 December 2017 is a share-based payment reserve of £2,608,000 (2016: £1,869,000)
representing the cumulative charge for all equity-settled share-based payment arrangements.

31. Share-based payments

The Group operates an equity-settled share option scheme for certain senior managers and executive directors of the Group
(“the Performance Share Plan”). As at 31 December 2017, four share grants have been awarded under the scheme being (a) IPO
Restricted Awards (vesting in three tranches) (b) IPO Performance Awards (vesting in two tranches) (c) 2016 Performance Awards
and (d) 2017 Performance Awards. Awards are made annually to eligible employees at the discretion of the Remuneration
Committee; employees receive shares at the end of the performance period, subject to the achievement of the specified
underlying basic earnings per share (“EPS”) performance conditions. Performance conditions are designed to incentivise senior
managers and executive directors to maximise long-term shareholder returns. Each option grant under the scheme is disclosed
separately below.

The total share-based payment charge recognised during the year ended 31 December 2017 was £1,005,000 (2016: £1,313,000).
This is split as £266,000 in accruals and deferred income and £739,000 in retained earnings.

If an option remains unexercised after a period of ten years from the date of grant, the option expires. The weighted average
remaining contractual life of options outstanding as at 31 December 2017 is 8.2 years (2016: 8.6 years).

The fair value of share options is determined by reference to the market value of the Group’s shares at the date of grant. No
valuation model is required to calculate the fair value of awards on the basis that the employees receiving the awards are entitled
to receive the full value of the shares and there are no market-based performance conditions attached to the awards. The weighted
average fair value of options outstanding as at 31 December 2017 is £1.65 (2016: £1.65). The fair value of options granted
during the year was £1.69 (2016: £2.06). The fair value of equity settled share options granted was based on market value on
29 September 2017 when the share options were granted.

115

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

31. Share-based payments (continued)

Options are forfeited if the employee leaves the Group before the options vest.

All options issued are nil cost options and all awards have an exercise price of £nil.

The share option scheme is in place to encourage option holders to take appropriate and timely action to maximise the long-term
financial performance and success of the Group. As a result, in accordance with the discretion afforded to them under the Group’s
remuneration policy, the Remuneration Committee regularly reviews any impact of Group restructurings and reorganisations on
incentive outcomes to ensure that performance conditions are not distorted by action taken to optimise business performance
for the long-term benefit of the Group.

The Remuneration Committee exercised this discretion during the year. Incentive outcomes on the IPO Performance Awards
and the 2016 Performance Awards were adjusted for the impact of the disposal of Marshall Leasing Limited.

As at 31 December 2017 outstanding share options were as follows:

Award                                                                Award date

IPO Restricted Share Awards – Tranche 2         2 April 2015

IPO Restricted Share Awards – Tranche 3         2 April 2015

IPO Performance Awards – Tranche 1               2 April 2015

IPO Performance Awards – Tranche 2               2 April 2015

2016 Performance Awards                              13 June 2016

2017 Performance Awards                     29 September 2017

a)

IPO Restricted Awards

No of shares
over which
options are
outstanding

Exercise
price

156,599

156,600

604,028

604,028

538,835

806,141

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Date
from which
exercisable

2 April 2017

2 April 2018

2 April 2018

2 April 2019

Expiry
date

2 April 2025

2 April 2025

2 April 2025

2 April 2025

13 June 2020

13 June 2026

29 September 2020  29 September 2027

The IPO Restricted Share Awards are not subject to any performance conditions; vesting is purely subject to the service condition
of continuous employment.

These options vest in three equal tranches and become exercisable on the first, second and third anniversaries of the date on
which the Company’s shares were admitted to trading on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange
(2 April 2015).

2017
No.

2017
WAEP

2016
No.

2016
WAEP

IPO Restricted Share Awards

Outstanding as at 1 January

Granted during the year

Forfeited during the year

Exercised

Expired during the year

Outstanding as at 31 December

Exercisable as at 31 December

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

469,798

-

-

(156,599)

-

313,199

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

313,199

-

-

-

-

313,199

156,599

116

                                                                                              
                                                                                              
                                                                                              
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Marshall Motor Holdings plc  |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

31. Share-based payments (continued)

b)

IPO Performance Awards

The IPO Performance Awards are subject to non-market performance conditions as detailed below as well as the service condition
of continuous employment.

The options vest for achieving growth in EPS from 2014 to 2017; 25% vest for achieving growth of CPI plus 4% per annum
increasing to 100% vesting for achieving growth of CPI plus 10% per annum.

These options vest in two equal tranches and 50% become exercisable on the third anniversary of the date on which the
Company’s shares were admitted to trading on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange and the
remaining 50% become exercisable on the fourth anniversary.

2017
No.

2017
WAEP

2016
No.

2016
WAEP

IPO Performance Awards

Outstanding as at 1 January

Granted during the year

Forfeited during the year

Exercised

Expired during the year

1,406,040

-

(197,984)

-

-

Outstanding as at 31 December

1,208,056

Exercisable as at 31 December

-

c)

2016 Performance Awards

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,459,730

-

(53,690)

-

-

1,406,040

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

The 2016 Performance Awards are subject to non-market performance conditions as detailed below as well as the service
condition of continuous employment.

The options vest for achieving growth in EPS from 2015 to 2018; 25% vest for achieving growth of CPI plus 3% per annum
increasing to 100% vesting for achieving growth of CPI plus 8% per annum.

These options all become exercisable on the third anniversary of the grant date.

The 2016 Performance Awards are subject to a holding period which starts on the grant date and ends on the fourth anniversary
of the grant date.

2017
No.

2017
WAEP

2016
No.

2016
WAEP

2016 Performance Awards

Outstanding as at 1 January

Granted during the year

Forfeited during the year

Exercised

Expired during the year

Outstanding as at 31 December

Exercisable as at 31 December

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

675,364

(14,563)

-

-

660,801

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

660,801

-

(121,966)

-

-

538,835

-

117

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

31. Share-based payments (continued)

d)

2017 Performance Awards

The 2017 Performance Awards are subject to non-market performance conditions as detailed below as well as the service
condition of continuous employment.

The options vest for achieving growth in underlying, basic EPS from 2018 to 2019; 25% vest for achieving growth of CPI plus
1% per annum and the percentage of options which vests increases on a straight line basis up to 100% vesting for achieving
growth of CPI plus 5% per annum.

These options all become exercisable on the third anniversary of the grant date.

The 2017 Performance Awards are subject to a holding period which starts on the grant date and ends on the fourth anniversary
of the grant date.

2017
No.

2017
WAEP

2016
No.

2016
WAEP

-

806,141

-

806,141

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2017 Performance Awards

Outstanding as at 1 January

Granted during the year

Forfeited during the year

Outstanding as at 31 December

Exercisable as at 31 December

32. Commitments and contingencies

Operating lease commitments – Group as lessee

The Group, as lessee, has non-cancellable operating lease agreements. The lease terms vary and the majority of lease
agreements are renewable at the end of the lease period at market rate.

The lease expenditure charged to the income statement during the year is disclosed in Note 6 ‘Profit Before Taxation’.

The future aggregate minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are set out below.

Within 1 year

Later than 1 year and less than 5 years

After 5 years

2017
£’000

11,922

41,777

69,906

2016
£’000

11,494

40,909

72,578

123,605

124,981

118

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc  |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

33. Related party transactions

Key management compensation is given in Note 10 ‘Employees and Directors’.

During 2016 and 2017 the Directors were members of an employee car ownership scheme under which the following transactions
were made in the year. The Directors purchased 15 cars in 2017 (2016: 14) at a price of £1,170,000 (2016: £983,000) and sold
back 12 (2016: 14) at a price of £938,000 (2016: £994,000).

The following table shows the aggregate transactions with companies within Marshall of Cambridge (Holdings) Limited other
than those which are subsidiaries of Marshall Motor Holdings plc.

2017

Ultimate parent undertaking

Marshall of  Cambridge (Holdings) Limited

Other related parties

Marshall of  Cambridge Aerospace Limited

Marshall Thermo King Limited

Marshall Fleet Solutions Limited

Marshall Group Properties Limited

Aeropeople Limited

Marshall Land Systems Limited

2016

Ultimate parent undertaking

Marshall of  Cambridge (Holdings) Limited

Other related parties

Marshall of  Cambridge Aerospace Limited

Marshall Thermo King Limited

Marshall Fleet Solutions Limited

Marshall Group Properties Limited

Aeropeople Limited

Marshall Land Systems Limited

Sales
£’000

Purchases
£’000

Year-end
balance
£’000

278

62

327

3

100

2

3

775

332

303

3

8

1,335

-

-

2

(37)

254

-

(368)

-

-

1,981

(149)

Sales
£’000

Purchases
£’000

Year-end
balance
£’000

83

106

695

-

134

7

31

337

315

28

13

1,312

-

-

(24)

(78)

7

-

-

-

-

1,056

2,005

(95)

Outstanding balances with group entities are unsecured, interest free and are expected to be settled in cash. During the year
ended 31 December 2017, the Company has not made any provision for doubtful debts relating to amounts owed by related
parties (2016: £nil).

119

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

34. Pensions

a) Defined contribution pension schemes

The Group makes contributions to defined contribution pension schemes; contributions paid are calculated by reference to a
percentage of each employee’s salary. All defined contribution schemes into which the Group makes contributions are managed
by third party providers. The only obligation of the Group with respect to these schemes is to make the specified contributions.
The total income statement charge for contributions for the year ended 31 December 2017 was £2,059,000 (2016: £1,714,000).

b) Defined benefit pension schemes

The defined benefit section of the Marshall Group Executive Pension Plan (“the Plan”) has multiple participating entities which
are under common control. There is no contractual agreement or stated policy for charging the net defined benefit pension cost
for the Plan as a whole to the various participating employers of the Plan. Therefore, in line with the disclosure requirements of
IAS 19 Employee Benefits, the net defined benefit cost is recognised in the financial statements of the principal employer
(Marshall of Cambridge (Holdings) Limited) and the other participating employers (including the Group) recognise a cost equal
to  their  contributions  payable  for  the  year.  Consequently,  the  Group  accounts  for  all  of  its  pension  contributions  as  if  the
contributions were made to a defined contribution pension scheme (see Note 2 ‘Accounting Policies’).

The Group made no contributions to the defined benefit section of the Plan during either the current or prior year.

The most recent triennial actuarial valuation of the defined benefit section of the Plan is as at 31 December 2016. The valuation
was agreed by the Trustees after the Group’s year end and revealed a global, scheme-wide deficit on a technical provisions basis
of £8.1 million.

Provision for Section 75 Employer Debt

As a result of the sale of Marshall Leasing Limited during the year, the Group no longer has any current employees who are
members of the defined benefit section of the Plan although employees do still participate in the defined contribution section of
the Plan. This fact, combined with the current triennial valuation process, led the Group to commence a strategic review of its
existing pension arrangements. Based on the status of discussions to date, current expectations are that it is probable that this
review will result in the Group ceasing participation in this pension scheme.

Ceasing to participate in the defined benefit section of the Plan would trigger a debt for the Group under Section 75 of the
Pensions Act 1995 (“Employer Debt”). Based on initial actuarial estimates, the estimated Employer Debt would be approximately
£6 million. In light of the current status of the Group’s discussions with the Trustees of the Plan and the principal employer, it is
considered appropriate to recognise a provision for this estimated Employer Debt.

If the Group were to cease to participate in the defined benefit section of the Plan and on settlement of the Employer Debt, the
Group would have no further commitments or participation in any defined benefit pension plans.

Extract from Principal Employer’s IAS 19 Disclosures

The details below are disclosure items only and do not correspond to amounts reflected in either the Consolidated Statement of
Financial Position or Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income of Marshall Motor Holdings plc.

The information presented below is an extract of the IAS 19 valuation as prepared by the Actuary for the principal employer of
the defined benefit section of the Marshall Group Executive Pension Plan and, therefore, covers the entire defined benefit section
of that pension scheme. The information does not reflect an apportionment of the scheme between the multiple participating
employers, such an apportionment not being possible due to the scheme’s structure. Details of the full scheme are included in
the Annual Report of Marshall of Cambridge (Holdings) Limited which can be obtained from: Airport House, The Airport,
Cambridge CB6 8RY.

120

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc  |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

34. Pensions (continued)

b) Defined benefit pension schemes (continued)

Extract from Principal Employer’s IAS 19 Disclosures (continued)

Balance sheet obligations

– Fair value of  assets at end of  year

– Present value of  obligations at end of  year

– Deficit at 31 December 2016

– Related deferred tax asset

Liability in the balance sheet

Income statement charge included in operating profit

– For defined pension benefits

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

40,417

(51,096)

(10,679)

2,097

(8,582)

36,975

(54,485)

(17,510)

2,977

(14,533)

34,546

(46,062)

(11,516)

2,073

(9,443)

34,119

(46,968)

(12,849)

2,570

(10,279)

(718)

(718)

(947)

(947)

(858)

(858)

(741)

(741)

Marshall of  Cambridge (Holdings) Limited operates the Plan which has a section which provides defined benefits to
members in the form of  a guaranteed level of  pension payable for life. The level of  benefits provided depends on members’
length of  service and their salary in the final years leading up to retirement. In the Plan, pensions in payment are generally
updated in line with the retail price index. The Board of  Trustees must be composed of  representatives of  Marshall of
Cambridge (Holdings) Limited and plan participants in accordance with the Trust Deed and Rules and legislation.

121

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

34. Pensions (continued)

b) Defined benefit pension schemes (continued)

Extract from Principal Employer’s IAS 19 Disclosures (continued)

The significant actuarial assumptions were as set out below.

Discount Rate

RPI Inflation

CPI Inflation

Salary Growth Rate

Pension Growth Rate – RPI min 0%, max 5%

Pension Growth Rate – RPI min 3%

Pension Growth Rate – RPI min 2.7%, max 5%

Pension Growth Rate – RPI min 0%, max 8.5%

Post retirement mortality

Post retirement improvements

Discount Rate

RPI Inflation

CPI Inflation

Salary Growth Rate

Pension Growth Rate – RPI min 0%, max 5%

Pension Growth Rate – RPI min 3%

Pension Growth Rate – RPI min 2.7%, max 5%

Pension Growth Rate – RPI min 0%, max 8.5%

Post retirement mortality

Post retirement improvements

2017

2.50%

3.24%

2.24%

2.87%

3.24%

3.35%

3.26%

3.24%

2016

2.54%

3.31%

2.31%

3.06%

3.31%

3.36%

3.31%

3.31%

82%S2PMA/78%S2PFA

73%S1PXA

CMI 2016 table with 1.5% p.a.
and 1.25% p.a. long term
improvement trend for males
and females respectively
(rebased to 2008)

CMI 2013 table with 1.25% p.a.
and 1.0% p.a. long term
improvement trend for males
and females respectively
(rebased to 2008)

2015

3.60%

3.00%

2.00%

2.60%

3.00%

3.35%

3.21%

3.00%

2014

3.50%

3.16%

1.96%

2.90%

3.16%

3.29%

3.21%

3.16%

73%S1PXA

73%S1PXA

CMI 2013 table with 1.25% p.a.
and 1.0% p.a. long term
improvement trend for males
and females respectively
(rebased to 2008)

CMI 2013 table with 1.25% p.a.
and 1.0% p.a. long term
improvement trend for males
and females respectively
(rebased to 2008)

122

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc  |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

34. Pensions (continued)

b) Defined benefit pension schemes (continued)

Extract from Principal Employer’s IAS 19 Disclosures (continued)

Plan assets are comprised as follows:

2017

UK Equities

Overseas Equities

Property

Liability Driven Investments

Dynamic Asset Allocation

Cash and Net Current Assets

Insured Pensions

Total

2016

UK Equities

Overseas Equities

Property

Liability Driven Investments

Dynamic Asset Allocation

Cash and Net Current Assets

Insured Pensions

Total

2015

UK Equities

Overseas Equities

Property

Liability Driven Investments

Dynamic Asset Allocation

Cash and Net Current Assets

Insured Pensions

Total

Quoted
£’000

5,834

14,388

7,076

3,602

6,421

1,128

-

38,449

Quoted
£’000

5,320

12,216

6,850

4,311

5,860

120

-

34,677

Quoted
£’000

4,737

10,165

7,159

4,280

5,895

129

-

32,365

Unquoted
£’000

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,969

1,969

Unquoted
£’000

-

-

-

-

-

-

2,298

2,298

Unquoted
£’000

-

-

-

-

-

-

2,181

2,181

Total
£’000

5,834

14,388

7,076

3,602

6,421

1,128

1,969

40,418

Total
£’000

5,320

12,216

6,850

4,311

5,860

120

2,298

36,975

Total
£’000

4,737

10,165

7,159

4,280

5,895

129

2,181

%

14%

36%

18%

9%

16%

3%

4%

100%

%

14%

33%

19%

12%

16%

-

6%

100%

%

14%

30%

21%

12%

17%

-

6%

34,546

100%

123

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

34. Pensions (continued)

b) Defined benefit pension schemes (continued)

Extract from Principal Employer’s IAS 19 Disclosures (continued)

2014

UK Equities

Overseas Equities

Property

Liability Driven Investments

Dynamic Asset Allocation

Cash and Net Current Assets

Insured Pensions

Total

Quoted
£’000

Unquoted
£’000

9,871

5,041

6,543

4,223

5,997

155

-

31,830

-

-

-

-

-

-

2,289

2,289

Total
£’000

9,871

5,041

6,543

4,223

5,997

155

2,289

%

29%

15%

19%

12%

18%

-

7%

34,119

100%

Through the defined benefit pension plan, the Group is exposed to a number of  risks, the most significant of  which are
detailed below:

Asset volatility

The Plan holds 80% growth assets and these will not provide a hedge to the movement in the discount
rate. Consequently, the difference in the values of  the assets and liabilities will be quite volatile. Similarly
returns on scheme assets will be affected by changes in gilt yields.

Inflation risk

The majority of  benefits are linked to inflation and so increases in inflation will lead to higher liabilities
(although in most cases there are caps in place which protect against extreme inflation).

Life expectancy

Increases in life expectancy will increase plan liabilities, the inflation linkage of  the benefits also means
that inflationary increases result in a higher sensitivity to increases in life expectancy.

35. Events after the reporting period

In February 2018, the Group acquired the remaining 1% of the share capital of the following subsidiary undertakings, taking the
Group’s shareholdings in these entities up to 100%. Total consideration paid was; Marshall of Peterborough Limited £11,000,
Marshall of Ipswich Limited £13,300 and Marshall of Stevenage Limited £25,253.

36. Ultimate parent company

The parent undertaking of the largest group of undertakings for which consolidated financial statements are drawn up and of
which the Company is a member is Marshall of Cambridge (Holdings) Limited. This is both the immediate parent undertaking
and the ultimate parent undertaking. In light of its aggregate shareholding in the capital of the Company, Marshall of Cambridge
(Holdings) Limited has entered into a relationship agreement in order to regulate the relationship between it and the Company
and enable the Company to act independently of Marshall of Cambridge (Holdings) Limited and its affiliates.

Copies of the consolidated financial statements for Marshall of Cambridge (Holdings) Limited can be obtained from Airport
House, The Airport, Cambridge CB5 8RY.

124

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc  |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Company Financial Statements

Statement of Financial Position
As at 31 December 2017

Fixed assets

Investments

Current assets

Debtors

Cash at bank and in hand

Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Net current liabilities

Net assets

Capital and reserves

Called-up share capital

Share premium

Profit and loss account

Shareholders’ funds

Note

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

6

7

9

10

163,528

163,194

6,265

-

6,265

(30,499)

(24,234)

139,294

49,531

19,672

70,091

139,294

7,104

1,329

8,433

(82,753)

(74,320)

88,874

49,531

19,672

19,671

88,874

The total comprehensive income of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2017 was £54,208,000 (2016: £6,539,000).

The Company financial statements were approved for issue by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 13 March 2018.

Mark Raban
Chief Financial Officer

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Company Financial Statements

Statement of Changes in Equity

Note

At 1 January 2016

Loss for the financial year

Dividends received

Total comprehensive income for the year

Equity dividends paid

New shares issued

Share-based payment charge

At 31 December 2016

Profit for the financial year

Total comprehensive income for the year

Equity dividends paid

Share-based payment charge

At 31 December 2017

12

Share
capital
£’000

49,431

-

-

-

-

100

-

Share
premium
£’000

19,672

-

-

-

-

-

-

49,531

19,672

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

49,531

19,672

Profit
and loss
account
£’000

15,170

(5,961)

12,500

6,539

(3,251)

(100)

1,313

19,671

54,208

54,208

(4,527)

739

70,091

Total
£’000

84,273

(5,961)

12,500

6,539

(3,251)

-

1,313

88,874

54,208

54,208

(4,527)

739

139,294

126
126

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc  |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Notes to the Company Financial Statements

1. Statement of compliance

Marshall Motor Holdings Plc (the Company) is incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom. The Company is a public limited
company, limited by shares, whose shares are listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) of the London Stock Exchange.
The Company is registered in England under the Companies Act 2006 (registration number 02051461) with the address of the
registered office being; Airport House, The Airport, Cambridge, CB5 8RY, United Kingdom.

The parent company financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, the Financial Reporting Standard
applicable in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland and in accordance with the Companies Act 2006.

2. Basis of preparation

The financial statements are prepared in Sterling which is both the functional and presentational currency of the Company and all
values are rounded to the nearest thousand pounds (£’000) except where otherwise indicated. The financial information has been
prepared on the going concern and historical cost basis.

The Company is part of the consolidated financial statements of Marshall Motor Holdings Plc.

Exemptions adopted

The following disclosure exemptions have been adopted as permitted by FRS 102:

–
–
–
–

Presentation of a cash-flow statement and related notes
Financial instrument-related disclosures
Key management personnel compensation disclosures
Share-based payments disclosures

Company profit

As permitted under section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the Company has elected to neither present a Company Profit and
Loss Account nor Company Statement of Comprehensive Income.

3. Accounting policies

Except where disclosed otherwise in this note, the accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the Company financial
statements  are  consistent  with  those  applied  when  preparing  the  Company  financial  statements  for  the  year  ended
31 December 2016.

Investments in subsidiaries

Investments in subsidiaries are recognised at cost less any impairment. Impairments are recognised directly through the Income
Statement.

Taxation

Current taxation
Current tax is recognised for the amount of income tax payable in respect of the taxable profit for the current or past reporting
periods using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date.

Deferred taxation
Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences which are differences between taxable profits and total comprehensive
income that arise from the inclusion of income and expenses in tax assessments in periods different from those in which they are
recognised in the financial statements. There are the following exceptions.

Where, in a business combination, there are differences between amounts that can be deducted for tax for assets (other than goodwill)
and liabilities compared with the amounts that are recognised in the financial statements for those assets and liabilities, a deferred
tax liability or asset is recognised. The amount attributed to goodwill is adjusted by the amount of the deferred tax recognised.

127127

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Company Financial Statements

3. Accounting policies (continued)

Taxation (continued)

Deferred taxation (continued)
Unrelieved tax losses and other deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is considered probable that they will
be  recovered  against  the  reversal  of  deferred  tax  liabilities  or  other  future  taxable  profits.  Deferred  tax  is  measured  on  an
undiscounted basis at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the periods in which timing differences reverse, based on tax
rates and laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.

With the exception of changes arising on the initial recognition of a business combination, the taxation charge or credit is presented
either in the income statement or the statement of other comprehensive income depending on the transaction that resulted in the
taxation charge or credit.

Deferred tax liabilities are presented within provisions for liabilities and deferred tax assets within debtors. Deferred tax assets and
deferred tax liabilities are offset only if:

–
–

the company has a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities, and
the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either the
same taxable entity or different taxable entities which intend either to settle current tax liabilities and assets on a net basis, or
to realise the assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously.

Financial instruments

The Company has non-derivative financial instruments comprising trade and other receivables, cash and cash equivalents, loans
and borrowings and trade and other payables.

The Company has no financial instruments measured at fair value.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at banks and in hand.

Short-term debtors and creditors

Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and which are receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction
price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in the income statement.

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

All interest-bearing loans and borrowings are initially recognised at the present value of cash payable to the bank (including
interest). After initial recognition they are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method, less impairment.
The effective interest rate amortisation is included in the income statement.

Share-based payments

The  Company  operates  a  number  of  equity-settled,  share-based  compensation  plans  through  which  the  Company  allows
employees to receive shares in the Company.

Equity-settled share-based payments are measured at fair value (calculated excluding the effect of service and non-market based
performance vesting conditions) at the date of grant. The share-based payment charge to be expensed is determined by reference
to  the  fair  value  of  share  options  granted  and  is  recognised  as  an  employee  expense  within  underlying  earnings,  with  a
corresponding increase in equity.

The share-based payment charge is recognised on a straight-line basis over the vesting period (being the period over which all
vesting conditions are to be satisfied). An award subject to graded vesting is accounted for as though it were multiple, separate
awards, the number of awards being determined in direct correlation to the number of instalments in which the options vest.

128

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc  |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Notes to the Company Financial Statements

3. Accounting policies (continued)

Share-based payments (continued)

The share-based payment charge is based on the Company’s estimate of the number of options that are expected to vest. At
each balance sheet date, the Company revises its estimates of the number of options that are expected to vest based on the
non-market performance vesting conditions and service conditions. The Company’s remuneration policy gives the Remuneration
Committee discretion to revise performance conditions to adjust for the impact of group restructurings and reorganisations on
incentive outcomes. The impact of any revisions to original vesting estimates or performance conditions is recognised in the Income
Statement with a corresponding adjustment to equity.

Social security contributions payable in connection with share options granted are considered to be an integral part of the grant
and are, therefore, treated as cash-settled transactions.

When the options are exercised, the Company issues new shares. The proceeds received, net of any directly attributable transaction
costs, are credited to share capital (nominal value) and share premium.

Where shares options are forfeited, effective from the date of the forfeiture, any share-based payment charge previously recognised
in both the current and prior periods in relation to these options is reversed though the Income Statement with a corresponding
adjustment to equity.

Dividend distribution

Final dividends to the Company’s shareholders are recognised as a liability in the Group’s financial statements in the period in
which the dividends are approved by the Company’s shareholders. Interim dividends are recognised when they are paid.

Dividend income

Income is recognised when the Company’s right to receive the payment is established, which is generally when shareholders
approve the dividend. All of the Company’s income is generated in the UK.

4. Auditor’s remuneration

The auditor’s remuneration for audit and other services was £3,000 (2016: £3,000).

5. Employees and directors

Employee costs for the Company during the year:

Wages and salaries

Social security costs

Other pension costs

Share-based payments

The average number of employees (including Executive Directors) was:

Management

2017
£'000

2,098

454

115

633

3,300

2017
No.

3

2016
£'000

1,904

326

110

1,313

3,653

2016
No.

3

Details  of  the  remuneration  of  the  Directors,  their  share  incentives  and  pension  entitlements  are  set  out  in  the  Directors’
Remuneration Report on pages 44 and 50.

129

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Company Financial Statements

6.

Investments in subsidiaries

Cost

At 1 January 2017

Share-based payment awards to employees of  subsidiaries

At 31 December 2017

2017
£’000

163,194 

334 

163,528 

On 24 November 2017 the Company disposed of its investment of £127 in Marshall Leasing Limited and its subsidiary Gates
Contract Hire Limited. 

The Company owns directly or indirectly the whole of the issued and fully paid ordinary share capital of the following subsidiary
undertakings. All subsidiaries are incorporated in England and Wales and are 100% owned except where referenced.

The registered office for all subsidiary companies listed above is Airport House, The Airport, Cambridge, CB5 8RY, United Kingdom.
All subsidiaries listed below are included within the consolidated financial statements on pages 62 to 124.

Name of Undertaking
Marshall Motor Group Limited
Marshall of  Cambridge (Garage Properties) Limited
Tim Brinton Cars Limited* (reg no. 01041301)
Marshall of  Ipswich Limited**
Marshall of  Peterborough Limited**
S.G. Smith Holdings Limited
S.G. Smith Automotive Limited* (reg no. 00622112)
S.G. Smith (Motors) Limited* (reg no. 00287379)
S.G. Smith (Motors) Beckenham Limited* (reg no. 00648395)
S.G. Smith (Motors) Forest Hill Limited* (reg no. 00581710)
S.G. Smith (Motors) Crown Point Limited* (reg no. 00581711)
S.G. Smith (Motors) Sydenham Limited* (reg no. 00660066)
S.G. Smith (Motors) Croydon Limited
S.G. Smith Trade Parts Limited* (reg no. 01794317)
Prep-Point Limited* (reg no. 00660067)
Marshall of  Stevenage Limited**
Marshall Commercial Vehicles Limited
Marshall North West Limited
Marshall of  Scunthorpe Limited* (reg no. 01174004)
Silver Street Automotive Limited
Exeter Trade Parts Specialists LLP* (reg no. OC329331)
Audi South West Limited
Hanjo Russell Limited
CMG 2007 Limited* (reg no. 06275636)
Astle Limited* (reg no. 01114983)
Crystal Motor Group Limited* (reg no. 04813767)
Ridgeway Garages (Newbury) Limited
Pentagon Limited
Pentagon South West Limited
Ridgeway TPS Limited
Ridgeway Bavarian Limited
Wood in Hampshire Limited
Wood of  Salisbury Limited

Principal activity
at period end
Franchised motor dealership
Property holding
Property holding
Franchised motor dealership
Franchised motor dealership
Holding company
Holding company
Property holding
Franchised motor dealership
Franchised motor dealership
Franchised motor dealership
Franchised motor dealership
Dormant
Motor parts sales
Maintenance and repair of  motor vehicles
Franchised motor dealership
Dormant
Franchised motor dealership
Franchised motor dealership
Franchised motor dealership
Motor parts sales
Dormant
Dormant
Holding company
Franchised motor dealership
Franchised motor dealership
Franchised motor dealership
Franchised motor dealership
Dormant
Motor parts sales
Franchised motor dealership
Dormant
Dormant

*  subsidiaries  for  which  exemption  from  audit  by  virtue  of   s479A  of   the  Companies  Act  2006  has  been  taken  for  the  year  ended
31 December 2017.

** these subsidiaries are 99% owned by the Group.

130

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc  |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Notes to the Company Financial Statements

7. Trade and other receivables

Trade debtors

Amounts owed by Group undertakings

Other debtors

VAT

Prepayments and accrued income

Deferred tax asset (note 8)

2017
£’000

-

5,371

186

56

552

100

2016
£’000

1

6,219

252

10

310

312

6,265

7,104

Amounts owed by group undertakings are unsecured, bear no interest and have no fixed repayment date.

8. Deferred tax assets

The analysis and movements in deferred tax assets during the year are as follows:

Deferred tax assets

At 1 January 2016

Credited to the income statement – current year

Charged to the income statement – prior year

Impact of  corporation tax rate reduction

At 31 December 2016

Credited to the income statement – current year

(Charged)/credited to the income statement – prior year

At 31 December 2017

Share-
based
payments
£'000

Other
temporary
differences
£'000

107

212

(1)

(11)

307

-

(307)

-

15

-

(8)

(2)

5

66

29

100

Total
£'000

122

212

(9)

(13)

312

66

(278)

100

The Directors believe that all dividends paid by the Company’s subsidiaries will meet the exemption conditions set out in tax
legislation and are, therefore, non-taxable income.

9. Trade and other payables

Bank loans

Bank overdraft

Trade creditors

Amounts owed to Group undertakings

Corporation tax

Other taxes and social security

Other creditors

Accruals and deferred income

2017
£'000

- 

6,390 

77 

20,561

1,554

60 

- 

1,857

30,499

2016
£'000

35,000 

- 

56 

45,224 

1,765 

59 

6 

643 

82,753 

The bank loan relates to a drawdown of the revolving credit facility as described in Note 25 ‘Loans and Borrowings’ of the
consolidated financial statements.

131

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Company Financial Statements

10. Share capital

77,392,862 (2016: 77,392,862) ordinary shares of  64p each

Ordinary shares

At 1 January

Issued on 27 May 2016

2017
£’000

49,531

2017
£’000

49,531

-

49,531

2016
£’000

49,531

2016
£’000

49,431

100

49,531

On 27 May 2016 156,599 ordinary shares of 64p each were issued as part of the IPO Restricted share option scheme.

11. Share-based payments

The Company operates a share-based payment scheme; having adopted the disclosure exemptions permitted by FRS 102, full
details of the scheme are included in Note 31 ‘Share-Based Payments’ of the consolidated financial statements and are not
duplicated here.

The share-based payment expense recognised by the Company is calculated by reference to the number of options awarded to
the employees of the Company.

12. Dividends

Paid during the year 

Final dividend for 2015

Interim dividend for 2016

Final dividend for 2016

Interim dividend for 2017

2017
£’000

-

-

2,864

1,663

4,527

2016
£’000

1,858

1,393

-

-

3,251

A final dividend of £1,858,000 for the year ended 31 December 2015 was paid in March 2016. This represented a payment of
2.40p per ordinary share in issue at that time. A final dividend of £2,864,000 for the year ended 31 December 2016 was paid in
May 2017. This represented a payment of 3.70p per ordinary share in issue at that time.

An interim dividend in respect of the year ended 31 December 2016 of £1,393,000 representing a payment of 1.80p per ordinary
share in issue at that time was paid in September 2016. An interim dividend in respect of the year ended 31 December 2017 of
£1,663,000 representing a payment of 2.15p per ordinary share in issue at that time was paid in September 2017.

A final dividend of 4.25p per share in respect of the year ended 31 December 2017 is to be proposed at the annual general meeting
on 22 May 2018. The ex-dividend date will be 26 April 2018 and the associated record date will be 27 April 2018. This dividend
will be paid subject to shareholder approval on 25 May 2018 and these financial statements do not reflect this final dividend payable.

132

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc  |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

13. Pensions

Details of the pension schemes are included in Note 34 ‘Pensions’ of the consolidated financial statements and are not duplicated
here.

14. Related party transactions

Company transactions with subsidiaries

The Company has taken advantage of exemption, under the terms of Section 33 of FRS 102, not to disclose related party
transactions with subsidiaries within the Group.

Transactions with Directors

Details of transactions with Directors are included in Note 33 ‘Related Party Transactions’ of the consolidated financial statements.

15. Events after the reporting period

In February 2018, the Group acquired the remaining 1% of the share capital of the following subsidiary undertakings, taking the
Group’s shareholdings in these entities up to 100%. Total consideration paid was; Marshall of Peterborough Limited £11,000,
Marshall of Ipswich Limited £13,300 and Marshall of Stevenage Limited £25,253.

16. Ultimate parent company

The parent undertaking of the largest group of undertakings for which group financial statements are drawn up and of which the
Company is a member is Marshall of Cambridge (Holdings) Limited and is therefore considered to be the ultimate parent company.

Copies of the group financial statements for Marshall of Cambridge (Holdings) Limited can be obtained from Airport House, The
Airport, Cambridge CB5 8RY.

133

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SHAREHOLDERS INFORMATION

Notice of Annual General Meeting 

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting (the “AGM”) of Marshall Motor Holdings plc (the “Company”) will be held
at Airport House, the Airport, Cambridge CB5 8RY on 22 May 2018 at 11.00 a.m. for the following purposes of considering and,
if thought fit, passing the following resolutions which will all be proposed as ordinary resolutions:

1. Report and accounts
To receive the audited annual accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2017 together with the directors’ reports
and the auditors’ report on those annual accounts.

2. Declaration of dividend
To declare a final dividend of 4.25p per ordinary share for the year ended 31 December 2017 payable on 25 May 2018 to
shareholders who are on the register of members of the Company on 27 April 2018.

3. Re-appointment of director
To re-appoint Daksh Gupta as a director, who retires by rotation in accordance with the Company’s articles of association and
offers himself for reappointment.

4. Re-appointment of auditors
To re-appoint Ernst & Young LLP as auditors of the Company to hold office from the conclusion of this Annual General Meeting
until the conclusion of the next general meeting at which accounts are laid before the Company.

5. Auditors’ remuneration
To authorise the directors to determine the remuneration of the auditors.

Dated 19 March 2018
By Order of the Board

Stephen Jones
Company Secretary

Registered Office:
Airport House
The Airport
Cambridge
CB5 8RY

134

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Marshall Motor Holdings plc  |  Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Notice of Annual General Meeting (continued)

Notes
1. Pursuant to Regulation 41 of the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001 (as amended), only those members registered
in the register of members of the Company at close of business on 18 May 2018 (or if the AGM is adjourned at close of
business, two working days before the time fixed for the adjourned AGM) shall be entitled to attend and vote at the AGM in
respect of the number of shares registered in their name at that time. Any changes to the register of members after such time
shall be disregarded in determining the rights of any person to attend or vote at the AGM.

2.

3.

If you wish to attend the AGM in person, you should make sure that you arrive at the venue for the AGM in good time before
the commencement of the meeting. You may be asked to prove your identity in order to gain admission.

In the case of joint holders of shares, the vote of the first named in the register of members who tenders a vote, whether in
person or by proxy, shall be accepted to the exclusion of the votes of other joint holders.

4. A member that is a company or other organisation not having a physical presence cannot attend in person but can appoint
someone to represent it. This can be done in one of two ways: Either by the appointment of a proxy (described in Note 6
below) or of a corporate representative. Members considering the appointment of a corporate representative should check
their own legal position, the Company’s articles of association and the relevant provision of the Companies Act 2006.

5. Copies of the executive directors’ service contracts with the Company and any of its subsidiary undertakings are available for
inspection at the registered office of the Company during the usual business hours on any weekday (Saturday, Sunday or
public holidays excluded) from the date of this notice until the conclusion of the AGM and will also be available for inspection
at the place of the AGM from 9 a.m. on the day of the AGM until its conclusion.

6. CREST members who wish to appoint a proxy or proxies through the CREST proxy appointment service may do so for the
Meeting (and any adjournment thereof) by following the procedures described in the CREST Manual. CREST personal
members or other CREST sponsored members (and those CREST members who have appointed a voting service provider)
should refer to their CREST sponsor or voting service provider, who will be able to take the appropriate action on their behalf.
In order for a proxy appointment or instruction made by means of CREST to be valid, the appropriate CREST message (a
“CREST Proxy Instruction”) must be properly authenticated in accordance with Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited’s (“Euroclear”)
specifications and must contain the information required for such instructions, as described in the CREST Manual. The
message (regardless of whether it relates to the appointment of a proxy or to an amendment to the instruction given to a
previously appointed proxy) must, in order to be valid, be transmitted so as to be received by Link Asset Services (ID RA10),
by 11.00 a.m. on 18 May 2018. For this purpose, the time of receipt will be taken to be the time (as determined by the timestamp
applied to the message by the CREST Applications Host) from which Link Market Services is able to retrieve the message by
enquiry to CREST in the manner prescribed by CREST. After this time any change of instructions to proxies appointed through
CREST should be communicated to the appointee through other means. CREST members (and, where applicable, their
CREST sponsors or voting service providers) should note that Euroclear does not make available special procedures in
CREST for any particular messages. Normal system timings and limitations will therefore apply in relation to the input of
CREST Proxy Instructions. It is the responsibility of the CREST member concerned to take (or if the CREST member is a
CREST personal member or sponsored member or has appointed a voting service provider, to procure that his CREST
sponsor or voting service provider takes) such action as shall be necessary to ensure that a message is transmitted by means
of the CREST system by any particular time. In this connection, CREST members (and, where applicable, their CREST
sponsors  or  voting  service  providers)  are  referred,  in  particular,  to  those  sections  of  the  CREST  Manual  (available  at
www.euroclear.com/CREST) concerning practical limitations of the CREST system and timings.

The Company may treat as invalid a CREST Proxy Instruction in the circumstances set out in Regulation 35(5)(a) of the
Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001 (as amended).

135135

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SHAREHOLDERS INFORMATION

Company Information
Registered Office:

Company websites:

Nominated Adviser and Broker:

Auditors:

Joint Bankers:

Legal Advisers to the Company:

Registrar:

Airport House
The Airport
Cambridge CB5 8RY

www.mmhplc.com
www.marshall.co.uk

Investec Bank plc
2 Gresham Street
London EC2V 7QP

Ernst & Young LLP
One Cambridge Business Park
Cambridge CB4 0WZ

Barclays Bank plc
1 Churchill Place
London E14 5HP

HSBC Bank plc
8 Canada Square
London E14 5HQ

Dentons UKMEA LLP
One Fleet Place
London EC4M 7WS

Link Market Services Limited
The Registry
34 Beckenham Road
Beckenham
Kent BR3 4TU

136

Perivan Financial Print    247153

247153 MMH AR 2017 10.5mm Spine Cover 2017.qxp  14/03/2018  21:21  Page 2

Putting our

customers

above all else

since 1909.

Mercedes-AMG GT R

247153 MMH AR 2017 10.5mm Spine Cover 2017.qxp  14/03/2018  21:21  Page 1

23 BRANDS  
101 FRANCHISES 
26 COUNTIES

www.mmhplc.com
Marshall Motor Holdings plc
Airport House, The Airport, Cambridge, CB5 8RY

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Audi
BMW
BMW Motorrad
Ford
Ford Vans
Honda
Hyundai
Jaguar
Kia
Land Rover
Maserati
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz Commercials
MINI
Nissan
Peugeot
Seat
SKODA
Smart 
Vauxhall 
Volkswagen
Volkswagen Commercials
Volvo
Paint & Body Repair Centres
Trade Parts Specialists
Used Car Centres

© 2018 Marshall Motor Holdings plc

Marshall Motor Holdings plc

Annual Report & Accounts 2017