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Mulberry Group Plc

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FY2008 Annual Report · Mulberry Group Plc
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ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2008

HIGHLIGHTS

Sales increased by 14% to £51.2 million (2007: £45.1 million)

UK retail sales growth of 29%, like for like growth of 10%

8  Mulberry  shops  and  6  department  store  concessions  opened  worldwide  during 

the year

Marketing expenditure increased by £2.1 million to £4.8 million

Cash net of bank borrowings of £10.2 million (2007: £9.0 million)

Positive current trading outlook – strong order books and UK retail sales 36% ahead 

for the first ten weeks (like for like sales up 17%)

Dividend increased by 33% to 2 pence per share (2007: 1.5 pence)

2008

2007

Change

Group revenue

Profit before tax

Basic EPS

Final dividend proposed per share

£51.2m

£5.2m

6.0p

2.0p

£45.1m

£6.2m

8.1p

1.5p

Cash net of bank borrowings

£10.2m

£9.0m

+14%

–16%

–26%

+33%

+13%

5 YEAR REVENUE GROWTH

(£m)

43.4

45.1

51.2

30.1

25.3

2004*

2005*

2006*

2007

2008

*prepared under UK GAAP

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2008

1

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●
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CONTENTS

Highlights

Chairman and Chief Executive’s review

Financial review

Directors, Secretary and advisers 

Corporate governance

Directors’ remuneration report

Directors’ report

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities

Independent auditors’ report

Consolidated income statement

Consolidated statement of recognised income and expense

Consolidated balance sheet

Consolidated cash flow statement

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Company financial statements

Notice of Annual General Meeting

Group five year summary

2

MULBERRY GROUP PLC

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51

59

60

CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW

The Group has completed a successful year with sales growth of 14% to £51.2 million (2007: £45.1 million). The rate of
growth accelerated throughout the year with sales in the second half increasing by 22% compared to the same period
in 2007. 

Profit before tax was ahead of market expectations at £5.2 million (2007: £6.2 million) and a final dividend of 2 pence per
share is being recommended (2007: 1.5 pence).

We continue to invest in the business both in the UK and internationally, using the retained profits and cash flow to invest
in the opening of new shops and to significantly increase the expenditure on marketing. This strategy reduces profits in
the short term, as we spend today to build for the future, but is the key to developing future shareholder value.

The  Group’s  balance  sheet  has  strengthened  further  during  the  year,  with  shareholders’  funds  rising  by  33%  to
£22.5 million (2007: £16.9 million). Cash generation continues to be strong and at 31 March 2008 the Group had cash net
of  bank  borrowings  of  £10.2  million  (2007:  £9.0  million).  Group  stocks  of  prior  season  items  are  at  low  levels.  The
combination of this strong stock and cash position means that the Group is able to pursue its growth objectives without
being constrained by the difficult economic climate.

BUSINESS REVIEW
Accessories remain our core business and continue to account for over 90% of Group sales. The iconic Bayswater handbag
continues to sell strongly supported by the new Mabel and Roxanne Tote handbags which have joined the bestseller lists.
The design team have been successful in broadening our product offer to meet the specific requirements of our emerging
markets in USA, Asia and the Middle East.

We have continued the work of expanding our own retail network in the UK where we have opened shops in Glasgow,
Covent Garden, Stansted Airport and Heathrow Terminal 5, as well as four concessions in House of Fraser department
stores and a new outlet store in Cheshire Oaks, near Liverpool. 

For the year to 31 March 2008 sales from our UK shops which benefited from the full year trading of the shops opened
last year and the new openings this year, increased by 29% and like for like sales for the same period increased by 10%.

Our associate company, Mulberry USA LLC, opened its fifth store during May 2007. The five stores have incurred the start
up losses as expected, but sales are growing as they build consumer awareness. This is a long term project. The plan is to
build the individual existing shops to profitability and there is potential to open further shops, which will enable the USA
business to reach critical mass and cover its head office management costs. Our sales from the UK to the USA dipped
slightly in the year following the initial input of stock to start up the shops in the prior year.

In Asia, the shops run by our partner, Club 21, continue to develop satisfactorily. New shops were opened in Terminal 3 at
Changi Airport, Singapore, and in the Elements development in Hong Kong, bringing the total number of Mulberry shops
operated by Club 21 to seven. In Korea, business with our partner SHK has made good progress with the opening of two
additional department store shop in shops, bringing the total to four. Aggregate sales to the Asian markets have started
to grow in the second half as sales move beyond the initial orders for the stock required to open the shops.

CURRENT TRADING AND OUTLOOK
The  sales  growth  experienced  during  the  six  months  to  31  March  2008  has  continued  into  the  new  financial  year.
Confirmed orders for sales to third parties for the Autumn/Winter 08 season are more than 30% ahead of last year. In the
first ten weeks of the new financial year, total retail sales in the UK are running at 36% above prior year with like for like up
17%.  This  is  a  very  encouraging  start  to  the  new  financial  year.  However,  economic  conditions  are  concerning  and  we
remain cautious, particularly in the light of cost inflation in the supply chain which will put pressure on our margins.

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2008

3

CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW
(continued)

This autumn we will be introducing an exciting new line of women’s shoes exclusively in the Mulberry shops. Distribution

of this line will be restricted to Mulberry shops for the first two to three seasons.

We continue to expand the business both in the UK and internationally. During May 2008, we have opened a new shop in

Leeds and reopened our original shop in St Christopher’s Place, London, after refurbishment. During the autumn, we will

open a new store in the luxury mall development at White City, London. 

We have appointed a new partner for Greece and a new shop will open in Athens later this year. Our existing partner in

Denmark will open a new shop at Copenhagen Airport this summer to build on their extremely successful business.

In Asia, a new shop opened in Shanghai during April and our partner in Korea plans to open two more department store

shop in shops during the autumn. Business through our partner in Japan has not met our requirements for growth and

market penetration. We have agreed to terminate the arrangement during January 2009. We will develop a new approach

to this market in due course.

In the Middle East our partners plan to open in Dubai, Jeddah and Kuwait by the end of the year.

The next project for us in the USA is to extend our website to trade in US dollars. 

It should be noted that as a consequence of our business expansion, we have outgrown our London office and showroom

premises and so are planning to relocate before the end of the financial year.

DIVIDENDS
The Board is recommending the payment of a final dividend on the ordinary shares of 2 pence per share (2007: 1.5 pence)

which will be paid on 15 August 2008 to ordinary shareholders on the register on 18 July 2008.

STAFF
I would like to thank all of our staff for their enthusiasm and commitment which are so important to the brand’s future

development.  The  achievements  of  the  last  year  are  a  direct  result  of  their  efforts  and  would  not  have  been  possible

without them. 

Godfrey Davis

Chairman and Chief Executive

18 June 2008

4

MULBERRY GROUP PLC

FINANCIAL REVIEW

GROSS MARGIN

Group gross profit as a percentage of revenue was 60% compared to 58% in 2007. This increase reflects the change in

sales mix, where there has been an increase in the proportion of Retail sales against Design sales. 

OPERATING EXPENSES

Operating expenses for the year increased by £6.2 million to £25.8 million (2007: £19.6 million). This increase reflects the

planned  £2.1  million  of  extra  marketing  investment  in  building  the  international  Mulberry  brand  and  the  £2.8  million

additional costs associated with the expanding retail network in the UK and France. 

SHARE OF RESULTS OF ASSOCIATES

Income of £0.1 million has been recognised in the year in relation to the Group’s investment in Mulberry Oslo AS, which

operate a retail store in Norway. In the prior year, losses included £0.5 million of start-up losses for Mulberry USA LLC. 

FINANCE INCOME AND EXPENSE

The increase in net finance income of £0.3 million has resulted from the conversion of the B preference shares (see below)

and the increase in cash balances held on deposit throughout the year. 

TAXATION

The Group reported a 33.7% effective tax rate (2007: 35.8%) on profit before tax, resulting in a tax charge of £1.8 million

(2007:  £2.2  million).  The  effective  rate  has  declined  due  to  the  reduction  in  expenses  not  deductible  for  tax  purposes.

During 2007, the disallowable expenditure included the £0.1 million charge for share based payments and the Group’s

share of losses in Mulberry USA LLC of £0.5 million.

BALANCE SHEET

Capital expenditure on tangible fixed assets for the year totalled £2.6 million (2007: £2.8 million) and included the fit out

of the new stores opened during the year. The expenditure of £0.4 million on intangible fixed assets reflects the ongoing

investment in the Group’s new ERP system. 

Stock levels increased by £1.1 million to £7.8 million resulting from the growth of the business and the additional stock

held at the new retail outlets.

CASHFLOW

The principal source of funds was cash flow generated from operations which amounted to £6.1 million (2007: £7.9 million)

during the year. The cash balance has remained stable at £10.2 million.

A  property  loan  of  £1.25  million  was  repaid  during  February  2008.  The  Group  had  further  committed  but  unutilised

facilities of £6.25 million at the end of the year which comprises a £3.5 million multicurrency overdraft which is renewable

annually and a revolving credit facility of £2.75 million which expires during June 2009. 

SHAREHOLDER RETURN

The  basic  earnings  per  share  for  the  year  declined  by  26%  to  6.0p.  This  reflects  the  increase  in  the  number  of  shares

resulting from the preference share conversion during April 2007 and the lower profit after tax generated during the year

due to the additional spend on marketing and store expansion. 

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2008

5

FINANCIAL REVIEW

CONVERSION OF THE B PREFERENCE SHARES

On 16 April 2007, at the request of the shareholder, Challice Limited, as the relevant conditions set out in the Company’s

Articles of Association has been met, the Company converted 8,000,000 B preference shares of 5p each issued to Challice

Limited to 8,000,000 ordinary shares of 5p each. This increased Challice Limited’s holding to 34,212,144 shares which is

59.6% of the issued share capital of the Company.

ADOPTION OF INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS (‘IFRS’)

This is the Group’s first set of consolidated financial statements prepared under IFRS. The transition to IFRS has resulted

in a number of immaterial numerical adjustments to the previously reported consolidated financial statements which were

prepared under United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (UK GAAP) and these are detailed in note 33.

The comparative information has been restated in accordance with IFRS. 

Roger Mather

Group Finance Director

18 June 2008

6

MULBERRY GROUP PLC

DIRECTORS, SECRETARY AND ADVISERS

Directors:

Godfrey Pawle Davis FCA
Roger Thomas Mather FCA
Robert (Robin) Edward Graeme Gibson
Andrew Christopher (Chris) Roberts FCCA 
Steven Grapstein
Bernard Lam Kong Heng
Edward Vandyk

Registered Office:

The Rookery, Chilcompton, Bath, Somerset BA3 4EH

Secretary:

Roger Thomas Mather FCA

Nominated Adviser and
Nominated Broker:

Landsbanki Securities (UK) Ltd
Beaufort House
15 St. Botolph Street
London
EC3A 7QR

Registered Auditors:

Deloitte & Touche LLP
Bristol

Solicitors:

Principal Bankers:

Registrars:

Osborne Clarke
Bristol

HSBC Bank plc
Bristol

Computershare Investor Services plc
PO Box 82
The Pavilions
Bridgwater Road
Bristol
BS99 7NH

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2008

7

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The Company is listed on the Alternative Investment Market and is not required to comply with the 2006 Combined Code

issued  by  the  Financial  Reporting  Council  on  Corporate  Governance.  However,  the  Directors  support  the  principles

contained in these requirements and apply these where they consider they are appropriate to Mulberry Group plc.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board comprises of 2 Executive Directors and 5 Non-Executive Directors, but for the period from 31 December 2007

to 7 May 2008 it comprised of 1 Executive Director and 5 Non-Executive Directors. Details of the Directors are set out on

page 7. Since the roles of Chairman and Chief Executive are not separated, as recommended by the Combined Code, the

Directors  consider  it  important  that  the  Board  should  include  Non-Executive  Directors  who  bring  strong  independent

judgement and considerable knowledge and experience to the Board’s deliberations.

The Board meets formally on a bi-monthly basis and is responsible inter alia for overall Group strategy, investments and

capital projects and for ensuring that an appropriate framework of internal control is in place throughout the Group.

The Executive Directors are each employed under a contract of employment which can be terminated on not more than

one  year’s  notice.  The  Non-Executive  Directors  provide  their  services  under  12  month  agreements  renewed  annually

in January.

NOMINATION AND REMUNERATION COMMITTEE

The Nomination and Remuneration Committee is chaired by a Non-Executive Director, Robin Gibson. The Committee was

formed during the year (previously the Committee’s terms of reference related only to remuneration matters). It is now

responsible  for  nominating  Executive  Directors  to  the  Board  and  then  determining  the  remuneration  and  terms  and

conditions of employment of Executive Directors and senior employees of the Group. The Directors’ remuneration report

is set out on pages 10 and 11.

AUDIT COMMITTEE

The Audit Committee is chaired by a Non-Executive Director, Chris Roberts. It is the opinion of the Board that all Directors

should attend Audit Committee meetings where possible as part of the programme to maintain the Group’s systems of

internal  control.  The  Committee  may  examine  any  matters  relating  to  the  financial  affairs  of  the  Group.  This  includes

review  of  the  annual  financial  statements  prior  to  their  approval  by  the  Board,  together  with  accounting  policies  and

compliance  with  accounting  standards,  and  of  internal  control  procedures  and  monthly  financial  reporting,  and  other

related functions as the Committee may require. The Non-Executive Directors have access to the Group’s auditors and

legal advisers at any time without Executive Directors being present.

INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROL

The  Board  has  overall  responsibility  for  the  Group’s  systems  of  internal  financial  control  and  for  monitoring  their

effectiveness.

The  Directors  place  considerable  importance  on  maintaining  full  control  and  direction  over  appropriate  strategic,

financial, organisational and compliance issues, and have put in place an organisational structure with formally defined

lines of responsibility and delegation of authority. There are established procedures for planning and capital expenditure,

for  information  and  reporting  systems  and  for  monitoring  the  Group’s  business  and  its  performance.  Adherence  to

specified procedures is required at all times and the Board actively promotes a culture of quality and integrity. Compliance

is monitored by the Directors.

8

MULBERRY GROUP PLC

The systems of internal financial control are designed to provide reasonable, but not absolute, assurance against material

misstatement  or  loss.  They  include  comprehensive  budgeting  systems  with  an  annual  budget  approved  by  the  Board,

monthly consideration of actual operational results compared with budgets, forecasts and regular reviews by the Board of

year end forecasts. The Board reports to shareholders half-yearly.

The  Group’s  control  systems  address  key  business  and  financial  risks.  Matters  arising  are  reviewed  on  a  regular  basis.

Performance  indicators  are  reviewed  at  least  monthly  to  assess  progress  towards  objectives.  Variances  from  approved

plans are followed up vigorously.

The auditors are engaged to express an opinion on the financial statements. They review and test the system of internal

financial control and the data contained in the financial statements to the extent necessary to express their audit opinion. 

GOING CONCERN

Based upon its review of the Group’s working capital requirements for the next twelve months and borrowing facilities

expected to be available, the Board considers that the Group has adequate cash resources to continue in operational

existence  for  the  foreseeable  future.  Accordingly,  the  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  on  the  going  concern

basis.

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2008

9

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

Mulberry Group plc is listed on the Alternative Investment Market and therefore is not required to prepare a Directors’
remuneration report. 

The following narrative disclosures are prepared on a voluntary basis and are not subject to audit.

The Nomination and Remuneration Committee comprises:

Robin Gibson (Chairman and Non-Executive Director)
Chris Roberts (Non-Executive Director)
Steven Grapstein (Non-Executive Director)
Bernard Heng (Non-Executive Director)
Edward Vandyk (Non-Executive Director)

The  Committee  decides  the  remuneration  policy  that  applies  to  Executive  Directors  and  the  Group’s  other  senior
management. In setting the policy it considers a number of factors including:

the basic salaries and benefits available to Executive Directors of comparable companies;

the need to attract and retain Directors of an appropriate calibre; and

the need to ensure Executive Directors’ commitment to the continued success of the Group by means of incentive
schemes.

The Committee meets at least once a year in order to consider and set the annual salaries for Executive Directors, having
regard  to  personal  performance.  Executive  Directors’  salaries  are  reviewed  on  31  March  each  year,  along  with  the
remuneration of all other Group employees.

REMUNERATION OF NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
The Non-Executive Directors each receive a fee for their services, which is agreed by the Board taking into account the
role to be undertaken.

The Non-Executive Directors are appointed for a twelve month term. Non-Executive Directors do not receive any pension
or other benefits from the Company apart from a small allowance of Mulberry products, nor do they participate in any of
the bonus, incentive or share option schemes. 

REMUNERATION POLICY FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
The Company’s remuneration policy for Executive Directors is to:

have regard to the Directors’ experience and the nature and complexity of their work in order to pay a competitive
salary that attracts and retains Directors of the highest quality;

link individual remuneration packages to the Group’s long-term performance through the award of share options and
incentive schemes;

provide post-retirement benefits through the Group’s pension schemes; and

provide  employment-related  benefits  including  the  provision  of  a  company  car  or  cash  alternative,  life  assurance,
insurance relating to the Director’s duties, medical insurance and permanent health insurance.

10 MULBERRY GROUP PLC

●
●
●
●
●
●
●
SALARIES AND INCENTIVE BONUSES
Each Executive Director receives a base salary and an annual incentive bonus which shall not in any year exceed 50% of
the basic salary for the Director, without the prior sanction of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee. The base
salary reflects job responsibility, market value and the sustained level of individual performance. 

The incentive bonus scheme for the Executive Directors and management team has been revised by the Nomination and
Remuneration Committee to include a balance of benefits to reward current performance and long-term commitment. 
A  new  unapproved  share  option  scheme  was  introduced  in  April  2008  and  a  deferred  share  plan  has  commenced 
in June 2008.

The following information is required by the Companies Act and is subject to audit.

Executive Director
Godfrey Davis

Non-Executive Directors
Robin Gibson
Chris Roberts
Steven Grapstein
Bernard Heng
Edward Vandyk

Previous Directors
Guy Rutherford
John Rogers

Total

Fees/Basic
Salary
£’000

Bonus
£’000

Taxable
Pension
benefits contributions
£’000

£’000

2008
Total
£’000

2007 
Total
£’000

201

25

22

50

298

290

17
17
17
17
17

–
–
–
–
–

1
–
–
–
1

–
–
–
–
–

18
17
17
17
18

17
16
16
16
16

100
–
––––––––
386

–
–
––––––––
25

––––––––
––––––––

––––––––
––––––––

10
–
––––––––
34

––––––––
––––––––

14
–
––––––––
64

124
–
––––––––
509

––––––––
––––––––

––––––––
––––––––

185
14
––––––––
570

––––––––
––––––––

The emoluments disclosed above do not  include  any  amounts  for  the value of share options  to  subscribe  for  ordinary
shares in the Company granted to or held by the Directors. Details of the options are as follows:

Godfrey Davis
Godfrey Davis
Guy Rutherford
Guy Rutherford

31 March
2007

105,000
100,000
100,000
100,000

Exercised

Forfeited

31 March
2008

Exercise 
price (£)

Gains 
£’000

105,000
–
100,000
–

–
–
–
100,000

–
100,000
–
–

0.495
1.455
0.495
1.455

221
–
211
–

The outstanding options are exercisable between 4 August 2008 and 4 August 2015.

The  market  price  of  the  ordinary  shares  at  31  March  2008  was  133p  (2007:  186p)  and  the  range  during  the  year  was 
282p to 111p (2007: 228.5p to 162.5p).

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2008

11

DIRECTORS’ REPORT
For the year ended 31 March 2008

The Directors present their report on the affairs of the Group, together with the financial statements and independent

auditors’ report, for the year ended 31 March 2008.

BUSINESS REVIEW AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES

The Group’s principal activities are the design and manufacture or sourcing of fashion accessories and clothing and their

subsequent sale through wholesale channels or the Group’s own shops in home and export markets. There have not been

any significant changes in these activities in the year under review. The Directors are not aware, at the date of this report,

of any likely major changes in the Group’s activities during the next year.

The Company’s principal activity is that of a holding company.

The Group continues to invest in design and development in order to develop and market four accessory and two clothing

collections per year. This results in the continuous introduction of new products and updates to existing products. The

Directors regard this investment in design and product development as necessary for continuing success in the medium

to long term future.

The Chairman and Chief Executive’s review on page 3 and the Financial review on page 5 provide a review of the business

for the year and future developments.

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

The management of the business and the execution of the Group’s growth strategies are subject to a number of risks,

which could adversely affect the Group’s future development.

Competitive pressure and changes in consumer demand and fashion are continuing risks, which could result in the loss of

sales to key competitors. The Group manages this risk by the continuous investment in the design of new products and

marketing to stimulate customer interest, having fast response times not only in supplying products but in handling all

customer queries, and by maintaining strong relationships with customers.

The  current  international  credit  squeeze  and  adverse  economic  climate  could  affect  sales.  A  significant  amount  of  our

sales are generated in the UK. As a result a downturn that reduced spending by consumers in the UK on luxury goods

could materially affect our trading results. Success of the Group’s strategy to increase penetration of international markets

is expected to reduce the impact of this risk. The impact on current trading is discussed further in the Chairman and Chief

Executive’s review.

A major terrorist attack, particularly in central London, could seriously affect our operations. The Group has developed a

business continuity plan to mitigate the impact on the business, where possible.

The Group continues to engage in a substantial programme of change. The first phase of the implementation of a new

Group ERP system, replacing the Group’s existing systems was successfully completed in the prior year. Over the next two

years,  the  implementation  will  cover  all  of  the  Group’s  systems  including  retail,  merchandising,  distribution,  planning,

manufacturing and sourcing. If this project were to be unsuccessful, it could have a significant impact on operations. A

comprehensive  management  process  and  significant  pre-implementation  testing  are  part  of  an  intensive  process

designed to minimise the risks of the project.

12 MULBERRY GROUP PLC

The Group’s sales are made in Sterling, Euros and US Dollars and so it is exposed to the movement in the Euro/US Dollars

to Sterling exchange rates. The Group manages this risk by building a natural hedge of Euro and US Dollar denominated

sales and purchases whereby the in and outflows of Euros and Dollars are similar and covers the balance through foreign

exchange contracts.

RESULTS AND DIVIDENDS
The  results  for  the  year  are  set  out  in  the  Income  Statement.  The  Directors  are  recommending  the  payment  of  a  final

dividend of 2.0p per ordinary share (2007: 1.5p), to be paid on 15 August 2008 to ordinary shareholders on the register on

18 July 2008.

TREASURY AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE
The Group has continued a policy of balancing its currency exchange exposures which arise through normal trading. This

is achieved through the natural hedge which exists in which the total inflows and outflows generated from normal trading,

principally in the Euro and US Dollar, are balanced to similar levels. This minimises the potential impact on the Group of

movements in exchange rates. 

Where necessary the Group enters into forward foreign exchange contracts to manage the currency risks arising from the

Group’s  operations  and  its  sources  of  finance  not  covered  by  the  natural  hedge.  There  were  no  open  forward  foreign

exchange contracts at the year end. The Group’s policy is and has been throughout the year that no trading in financial

instruments shall be undertaken. 

The Group’s financial instruments, other than derivatives comprise borrowings, principally in the form of finance leases,

bank overdrafts and bank loans, cash and liquid resources and various items such as trade debtors and trade creditors that

arise directly from its operations. 

DIRECTORS AND THEIR INTERESTS
The Directors who served during the year and subsequently are shown below.

Executive Directors

Godfrey  Davis  FCA,  59, is  Chairman  and  Chief  Executive.  He  is  a  fellow  of  the  Institute  of  Chartered  Accountants  in
England and Wales and joined Mulberry as Group Finance Director in 1987 after 15 years at Arthur Andersen, where he

was an international partner. He became Chairman and Chief Executive in November 2002.

Roger Mather FCA, 43, is the Group Finance Director. He is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England
and Wales having trained professionally with Price Waterhouse. He joined Mulberry during November 2007 after spending

the previous 10 years in senior finance and commercial roles within the multi-national Otto Group based both in Hong

Kong  and  the  UK.  At  Mulberry  he  is  responsible  for  finance,  information  technology,  human  resources,  logistics,

infrastructure  and  corporate  planning.  He  was  appointed  as  Company  Secretary  on  20  December  2007  and  was

appointed as a Director on 7 May 2008.

Guy Rutherford resigned as Group Finance Director on 31 December 2007.

Non-Executive Directors

Robin Gibson, 66, is Chairman of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee. He was appointed on 1 May 1996.

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2008

13

DIRECTORS’ REPORT
(continued)

Andrew Christopher Roberts FCCA, 44, is Chairman of the Audit Committee. He was appointed on 6 June 2002. Chris is
Finance Director of Blue Oar plc, an AIM quoted financial services group. He is a fellow of the Chartered Association of

Certified Accountants.

Steven Grapstein, 50, was appointed on 17 November 2003. He is presently the Chief Executive Officer of Kuo Investment
Company (USA), an international investment group with extensive interests in the retail and hotel industries; Chairman

of  Presidio  International  dba  A/X  Armani  Exchange,  a  fashion  retail  company,  and  serves  as  the  Lead  Director  on  the

Board  of  Directors  of  Tesoro  Petroleum  Corporation,  a  US  publicly  held  Fortune  500  company  engaged  in  the  oil  and

gas industry. He is a certified public accountant.

Bernard  Lam  Kong  Heng,  62, was  appointed  on  17  November  2003.  He  is  presently  the  Chief  Executive  of  Como
Holdings  (UK)  Ltd.  a  Singapore  based  company  which  has  extensive  retail,  hotel  and  real  estate  operations  in  the  UK

and internationally.

Edward Vandyk, 60, was appointed on 6 June 2002. Previously he was Chief Executive of Blue Oar plc, an AIM quoted
financial services group.

Directors’ interests in the shares of the Company are as follows:

Godfrey Davis

Robin Gibson

5p ordinary

5p ordinary

shares

2008

1,669,558

10,029

shares

2007

1,669,558

17,029

The other Directors had no interests in the shares of the Company. Details of Directors’ share options are disclosed in the

Directors’ remuneration report.

SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDINGS

At  17  June  2008  the  Company  had  been  notified  of  the  following  interest  in  3%  or  more  of  the  share  capital  of  the

Company, other than those of the Directors above:

Challice Limited

Kevin Stanford

34,212,144

14,585,720

SUPPLIER PAYMENT POLICY

The Company’s current policy concerning the payment of its suppliers is:

settle the terms of payment with those suppliers when agreeing the terms of each transaction;

ensure that those suppliers are made aware of the terms of payment; and

abide by the terms of payment, subject to the terms and conditions being met by the supplier.

At the year end, trade creditors expressed as a number of days purchases outstanding was nil for the Company (2007: nil).

For Mulberry Company (Design) Limited, the main trading subsidiary, it was 32 days (2007: 37 days).

14 MULBERRY GROUP PLC

●
●
●
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The  Group  is  committed  to  an  active  equal  opportunities  policy.  It  is  our  policy  to  promote  an  environment  free  from

discrimination, harassment and victimisation, where everyone will receive equal treatment regardless of gender, colour,

ethnic  or  national  origin,  disability,  age,  marital  status,  sexual  orientation  or  religion.  We  apply  employment  practices

which are fair, equitable and consistent with the skills and abilities of our employees and the needs of the business.

DISABLED EMPLOYEES

Applications  for  employment  by  disabled  persons  are  always  fully  considered,  bearing  in  mind  the  aptitudes  of  the

applicant  concerned.  In  the  event  of  members  of  staff  becoming  disabled,  every  effort  is  made  to  ensure  that  their

employment with the Group continues and that appropriate training is arranged. It is the policy of the Group that the

training,  career  development  and  promotion  of  disabled  persons  should,  as  far  as  possible,  be  identical  with  that  of

other employees.

EMPLOYEE CONSULTATION

The  Group  places  considerable  value  on  the  involvement  of  its  employees  and  has  continued  its  previous  practice  of

keeping them informed on matters affecting them as employees and on the various factors affecting the performance of

the Group, which is achieved through formal and informal meetings. Employee representatives are consulted regularly on

a wide range of matters affecting their current and future interests.

CHARITABLE AND POLITICAL DONATIONS

The Group made charitable donations of £67,000 (2007: £13,000) during the year. The Group made no political donations.

AUDITORS

In the case of each of the persons who are Directors of the Company at the date when this report was approved:

so far as each of the Directors is aware, there is no relevant audit information (as defined in the Companies Act 1985)

of which the Company’s auditors are unaware; and 

each of the Directors has taken all the steps that he ought to have taken as a Director to make himself aware of any

relevant audit information (as defined) and to establish that the Company’s auditors are aware of that information. 

A resolution to re-appoint Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s auditors will be proposed at the forthcoming Annual

General Meeting.

By order of the Board

Roger Mather

Secretary

18 June 2008

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2008

15

●
●
STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

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

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. The Directors are required to
prepare  the  Group  financial  statements  under  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards  (IFRSs)  as  adopted  by  the
European Union. The Group financial statements are also required by law to be properly prepared in accordance with the
Companies Act 1985. 

International  Accounting  Standard  1  requires  that  IFRS  financial  statements  present  fairly  for  each  financial  year  the
company's financial position, financial performance and cash flows. This requires the faithful representation of the effects
of transactions, other events and conditions in accordance with the definitions and recognition criteria for assets, liabilities,
income  and  expenses  set  out  in  the  International  Accounting  Standards  Board’s  ‘Framework  for  the  preparation  and
presentation of financial statements’. In virtually all circumstances, a fair presentation will be achieved by compliance with
all applicable IFRSs. However, Directors are also required to:

properly select and apply accounting policies;

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

understandable information; and 

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.

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).  The  parent
company  financial  statements  are  required  by  law  to  give  a  true  and  fair  view  of  the  state  of  affairs  of  the  Company.
In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to:

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and

state  whether  applicable  UK  Accounting  Standards  have  been  followed,  subject  to  any  material  departures

disclosed and explained in the financial statements.

The Directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time
the financial position of the Company and enable them to ensure that the parent company financial statements comply
with the Companies Act 1985. 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.

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

16 MULBERRY GROUP PLC

●
●
●
●
●
●
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

TO THE MEMBERS OF MULBERRY GROUP PLC
We have audited the Group financial statements of Mulberry Group plc for the year ended 31 March 2008 which comprise
the consolidated income statement, the consolidated statement of recognised income and expense, the consolidated
balance sheet, the consolidated cash flow statement, and the related notes 1 to 33. These Group financial statements
have been prepared under the accounting policies set out therein. We have also audited the information in the Directors’
remuneration report that is described as having been audited.
We  have  reported  separately  on  the  parent  company  financial  statements  of  Mulberry  Group  plc  for  the  year  ended
31 March 2008.
This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body, in accordance with section 235 of the Companies Act
1985.  Our  audit  work  has  been  undertaken  so  that  we  might  state  to  the  Company’s  members  those  matters  we  are
required to state to them in an auditors’ report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do
not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company’s members as a body, for our
audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIRECTORS AND AUDITORS
The Directors’ responsibilities for preparing the Annual Report, the Directors’ remuneration report and the Group financial
statements in accordance with applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the
European Union are set out in the Statement of Directors' responsibilities. Our responsibility is to audit the Group financial
statements in accordance with relevant legal and regulatory requirements and International Standards on Auditing (UK
and Ireland).
We report to you our opinion as to whether the Group financial statements give a true and fair view, and whether the
Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 1985 and whether the
part of the Directors’ remuneration report described as having been audited has been properly prepared in accordance
with the Companies Act 1985. We also report to you whether in our opinion the information given in the Directors' report
is  consistent  with  the  Group  financial  statements.  The  information  given  in  the  Directors’  report  includes  that  specific
information presented in the Chairman and Chief Executive’s review and Financial review that is cross referred from the
Business review section of the Directors' report. In addition we report to you if, in our opinion, we have not received all
the information and explanations we require for our audit.
We read the other information contained in the Annual Report as described in the contents section and consider whether
it  is  consistent  with  the  audited  Group  financial  statements.  We  consider  the  implications  for  our  report  if  we  become
aware of any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the Group financial statements. Our responsibilities
do not extend to any further information outside the Annual Report.

BASIS OF AUDIT OPINION
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) issued by the Auditing
Practices Board. An audit includes examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures in the
Group  financial  statements  and  the  part  of  the  Directors’  remuneration  report  to  be  audited.  It  also  includes  an
assessment of the significant estimates and judgements made by the Directors in the preparation of the Group financial
statements, and of whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Group's circumstances, consistently applied
and adequately disclosed.
We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations which we considered necessary
in order to provide us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the Group financial statements and the
part of the Directors’ remuneration report to be audited are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or
other irregularity or error. In forming our opinion we also evaluated the overall adequacy of the presentation of information
in the Group financial statements and the part of the Directors’ remuneration report to be audited.

OPINION
In our opinion:

the Group financial statements give a true and fair view, in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union,
of the state of the Group's affairs as at 31 March 2008 and of its profit for the year then ended;

the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 1985; 

the information given in the Directors’ report is consistent with the Group financial statements; and

the  part  of  the  Directors’  remuneration  report  described  as  having  been  audited  has  been  properly  prepared  in
accordance with the Companies Act 1985.

Deloitte & Touche LLP
Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors

Bristol, United Kingdom

18 June 2008

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2008

17

●
●
●
●
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
Year ended 31 March 2008

Revenue
Cost of sales

Gross profit

Administrative expenses
Other operating income

Operating profit

Share of results of associates
Finance income
Finance expense

Profit before tax

Tax

Profit for the year

Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent

Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share

All activities arise from continuing operations.

Note

5

5

18
10
11

12

26

14
14

2008
£’000

51,174
(20,622)
––––––––
30,552

(25,979)
201
––––––––
4,774

63
473
(124)
––––––––
5,186

(1,750)
––––––––
3,436
––––––––
––––––––

2007
£’000

45,078
(18,818)
––––––––
26,260

(19,804)
216
––––––––
6,672

(498)
324
(298)
––––––––
6,200

(2,219)
––––––––
3,981
––––––––
––––––––

3,436
––––––––
––––––––

3,981
––––––––
––––––––

pence

pence

6.0
6.0

8.1
7.4

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF RECOGNISED INCOME AND EXPENSE
Year ended 31 March 2008

Net profit for the year
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

Total recognised income and expense for the year

Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent

18 MULBERRY GROUP PLC

2008
£’000

2007
£’000

3,436
309
––––––––
3,745
––––––––
––––––––

3,981
(94)
––––––––
3,887
––––––––
––––––––

3,745
––––––––
––––––––

3,887
––––––––
––––––––

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
At 31 March 2008

Non-current assets
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Interests in associates
Deferred tax asset

Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Current tax liabilities
Obligations under finance leases

Non-current liabilities
Borrowings
Preference shares
Deferred tax liabilities
Obligations under finance leases

Total liabilities

Net assets

Note

2008
£’000

2007
£’000

15
16
18
22

19
20
20

24

23

21
21
22
23

2,095
8,454
242
–
–––––––– 
10,791
–––––––– 

7,785
5,548
10,237
–––––––– 
23,570
–––––––– 
34,361
–––––––– 

(10,894)
(917)
(10)
–––––––– 
(11,821)

–
–
(17)
(4)
–––––––– 
(21)
–––––––– 
(11,842)
–––––––– 
22,519
–––––––– 
––––––––

1,587
6,997
152
174
––––––––
8,910
––––––––

6,688
3,869
10,271
––––––––
20,828
––––––––
29,738
––––––––

(7,950)
(892)
(37)
––––––––
(8,879)

(1,250)
(2,564)
(149)
(27)
––––––––
(3,990)
––––––––
(12,869)
––––––––
16,869
––––––––
––––––––

Equity
Share capital
Share premium account
Revaluation reserves
Capital redemption reserve
Special reserve
Foreign exchange reserve
Retained earnings

2,474
4,633
49
154
1,467
(94)
8,186
––––––––
16,869
––––––––
––––––––
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 18 June 2008. They were
signed on its behalf by:

2,871
7,007
18
154
1,467
215
10,787
–––––––– 
22,519
–––––––– 
––––––––

25, 26
26
26
26
26
26
26

Total equity

Godfrey Davis 
Director 

Roger Mather
Director

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2008

19

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
At 31 March 2008

Operating profit for the year

Adjustments for:
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Impairment of property, plant and equipment
Amortisation of intangible assets
Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment
Effects of foreign exchange
Share based payments (credit)/charge

Operating cash flows before movements in working capital

Increase in stocks
(Increase)/decrease in debtors
Increase/(decrease) in creditors

Cash generated by operations

Corporation taxes paid
Interest paid
Preference dividends paid

Net cash from operating activities

Investing activities:
Interest received
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
Acquisition of intangible fixed assets

Net cash used in investing activities

Financing activities:
Dividends paid
Repayments of borrowings
Repayments of obligations under finance leases
Proceeds on issue of shares
New bank loans raised

Net cash (used in)/from financing activities

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

20 MULBERRY GROUP PLC

2008
£’000

4,774

1,231
–
137
12
(61)
(5)

2007
£’000

6,672

999
37
31
2
–
102

––––––––
6,088

––––––––
7,843

(1,097)
(1,679)
2,772

(721)
1,093
(289)

––––––––
6,084

––––––––
7,926

(1,685)
(121)
(56)

(1,987)
(43)
(196)

––––––––
4,222

––––––––
5,700

––––––––

––––––––

473
(2,418)
32
(389)

324
(2,335)
10
(1,517)

––––––––
(2,302)

––––––––
(3,518)

––––––––

––––––––

(861)
(1,250)
(50)
207
–

––––––––
(1,954)

––––––––
(34)

10,271

––––––––
10,237

––––––––
––––––––

(490)
–
(43)
90
1,250

––––––––
807

––––––––
2,989

7,282

––––––––
10,271

––––––––
––––––––

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Year ended 31 March 2008

1 General information

Mulberry Group plc is a company incorporated in the United Kingdom under the Companies Act 1985. The address
of the registered office is given on page 59. The nature of the Group’s operations and its principal activities are set
out in note 6 and in the Directors’ report on pages 12 to 15.

These  financial  statements  are  presented  in  pounds  sterling  because  that  is  the  currency  of  the  primary  economic
environment in which the Group operates. Foreign operations are included in accordance with the policies set out 
in note 3.

2 Adoption of new and revised Standards

The Group’s financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2008 are the first to be prepared in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted for use in the European Union.

Details of the changes in accounting policies arising from the adoption of IFRS, together with the restated information
for the year ended 31 March 2007, have been provided in note 33.

At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, the following Standards and Interpretations which have not
been applied in these financial statements were in issue but not yet effective:

Operating segments
Service Concession Arrangements

IFRS 8
IFRIC 12
IFRIC 13 Customer Loyalty Programmes
IFRIC 14

IAS 19 – The Limit on a Defined Benefit Asset, Minimum Funding Requirements and their Interaction

The  Directors  anticipate  that  the  adoption  of  these  Standards  and  Interpretations  in  future  periods  will  have  no
material  impact  on  the  financial  statements  of  the  Group  except  for  additional  segment  disclosures  when  IFRS  8
comes into effect for the financial year commencing 1 April 2009.

3

Significant accounting policies
Basis of accounting
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs adopted by the European Union.

The financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis. The principal accounting policies adopted are
set out below.

Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and entities controlled by
the Company (its subsidiaries) made up to 31 March each year. Control is achieved where the Company has the power
to govern the financial and operating policies of each investee entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.

The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of in any year are included in the consolidated income statement from
the date of acquisition or up to the date of disposal.

Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies
used into line with those used by the Group.

All intra-group transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated on consolidation.

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2008

21

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(continued)

3

Significant accounting policies (continued)
Goodwill
Goodwill  written  off  to  reserves  under  UK  GAAP  prior  to  1998  has  not  been  reinstated  and  is  not  included  in
determining any subsequent profit or loss on disposal.

Intangible assets
Intangible assets that are acquired by the Group are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation. Amortisation is
charged to the income statement on a straight line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset.

Computer software that is integral to a related item of hardware is included as property, plant and equipment. All
other computer software is recorded as an intangible asset and is amortised over the estimated useful life of the asset.

Research and development
Expenditure on research is written off against profits as incurred. An internally generated intangible asset arising from
the Group’s product development is recognised only if the following conditions are met:

An asset is created that can be identified;

It is probable that the asset created will generate future economic benefits; and

The development cost of the asset can be measured reliably.

Internally generated intangible assets are amortised on a straight line basis over the useful lives. Where no internally
generated intangible asset can be recognised, development expenditure is recognised as an expense in the period
in which it is incurred. 

Property, plant and equipment
Items of property, plant and equipment are stated at cost or deemed cost less accumulated depreciation and any
recognised impairment loss.

Depreciation is charged so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets over their estimated useful lives, using the
straight line method, on the following bases:

Freehold buildings
Short leasehold land and buildings
Fixtures, fittings and equipment
Plant and equipment
Motor vehicles

Freehold land is not depreciated.

5%
over the term of the lease
10% to 33%
20%
25%

Assets held under finance leases are depreciated over their expected useful lives on the same basis as owned assets
or, where shorter, over the term of the relevant lease.

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

Assets in the course of construction are not depreciated. Depreciation on these assets commences when the assets
are ready for intended use.

22 MULBERRY GROUP PLC

●
●
●
3

Significant accounting policies (continued)
Impairment of tangible and intangible assets
At each balance sheet date, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine
whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the
recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where
the asset does not generate cash flows that are independent from other assets, the Group estimates the recoverable
amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. An intangible asset with an indefinite useful life is
tested for impairment annually and whenever there is an indication that the asset may be impaired.

Recoverable  amount  is  the  higher  of  fair  value  less  costs  to  sell  and  value  in  use.  In  assessing  value  in  use,  the
estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre tax discount rate that reflects current
market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future
cash flows have not been adjusted.

If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the
carrying  amount  of  the  asset  (cash-generating  unit)  is  reduced  to  its  recoverable  amount.  An  impairment  loss  is
recognised as an expense immediately. Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the
asset (cash-generating unit) is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased
carrying  amount  does  not  exceed  the  carrying  amount  that  would  have  been  determined  had  no  impairment  loss
been recognised for the asset (cash-generating unit) in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised as
income  immediately,  unless  the  relevant  asset  is  carried  at  a  revalued  amount,  in  which  case  the  reversal  of  the
impairment loss is treated as a revaluation increase.

Investments in associates
An associate is an entity over which the Group is in a position to exercise significant influence, but not control or joint
control, through the participation in the financial and operating policy decisions of the investee. Significant influence
is the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the investee but is not control or joint
control  over  these  policies. The  results  and  assets  and  liabilities  of  associates  are  incorporated  in  these  financial
statements using the equity method of accounting. Investments in associates are carried in the balance sheet at cost
as adjusted by post-acquisition changes in the Group’s share of the net assets of the associate, less any impairment
in the value of individual investments. Losses of the associates in excess of the Group’s interest in those associates are
recognised  only  to  the  extent  that  the  Group  has  incurred  legal  or  constructive  obligations  or  made  payments  on
behalf of the associate.

Any  excess  of  the  cost  of  acquisition  over  the  Group’s  share  of  the  fair  values  of  the  identifiable  net  assets  of  the
associate  at  the  date  of  acquisition  is  recognised  as  goodwill.  Any  deficiency  of  the  cost  of  acquisition  below  the
Group’s share of the fair values of the identifiable net assets of the associate at the date of acquisition (i.e. discount
on acquisition) is credited in profit or loss in the period of acquisition.

Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost comprises materials, direct labour costs and
those overheads incurred in bringing the inventories to their current location and condition. Cost is calculated using
the  standard  cost  method.  Net  realisable  value  represents  the  estimated  selling  price  less  all  estimated  costs  of
completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.

Revenue recognition
Revenue represents amounts receivable for goods provided in the normal course of business, net of discounts, VAT
and other sales-related taxes and intra-group transactions. Sales of goods are recognised at the point of sale, or for
the  wholesale  business,  when  goods  are  delivered  and  title  has  passed.  Sales  of  gift  vouchers  are  recognised  on
presentation of the voucher for payment of goods.

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2008

23

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(continued)

3

Significant accounting policies (continued)
Interest income is accrued on a time basis, by reference to the principal outstanding and at the effective interest rate
applicable, which is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the
financial asset to that asset’s net carrying amount.

Royalty income is accrued on a time basis as the income is earned and is recognised as other operating income.

Operating profit
Operating  profit  is  stated  after  charging  restructuring  costs  but  before  the  share  of  results  of  associates,  finance
income and finance expense.

Taxation
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.

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

Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on differences between the carrying amounts of assets
and liabilities in the financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit,
and is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method. 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
(other than in a business combination) of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the tax profit
nor the accounting profit.

Deferred  tax  liabilities  are  recognised  for  taxable  temporary  differences  arising  on  investments  in  subsidiaries  and
associates, and interests in joint ventures, except where the Group is able to control the reversal of the temporary
difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

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

Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates 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 when it relates to items charged
or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity.

Deferred  tax  assets  and  liabilities  are  offset  when  there  is  a  legally  enforceable  right  to  set  off  current  tax  assets
against  current  tax  liabilities  and  when  they  relate  to  income  taxes  levied  by  the  same  taxation  authority  and  the
Group intends to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.

Leases
Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards
of ownership to the lessee. All other leases are classified as operating leases.

Assets held under finance leases are recognised as assets of the Group at their fair value or, if lower, at the present
value of the minimum lease payments, each determined at the inception of the lease. The corresponding liability to
the lessor is included in the balance sheet as a finance lease obligation. Lease payments are apportioned between
finance charges and reduction of the lease obligation so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining
balance of the liability. Finance charges are charged directly against income.

24 MULBERRY GROUP PLC

3

Significant accounting policies (continued)
Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to income on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant
lease. Benefits received and receivable as an incentive to enter into an operating lease are also spread on a straight
line basis over the lease term.

Retirement benefit costs
Payments to employees’ personal pension plans are charged as an expense as they fall due. Payments made to state
managed retirement benefit schemes are dealt with as payments to defined contribution schemes where the Group’s
obligations under the schemes are equivalent to those arising in a defined contribution retirement benefit scheme.

Provisions
A provision is recognised when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event,
and  where  it  is  probable  that  an  outflow  will  be  required  to  settle  the  obligation.  Provisions  are  measured  at  the
Directors’  best  estimate  of  the  expenditure  required  to  settle  the  obligation  at  the  balance  sheet  date  and  are
discounted to present value where the effect is material.

Share based payments
The Group has applied the requirements of ‘IFRS 2 Share based payments’ to all grants of equity instruments after
November 2002 that were unvested at 1 April 2006.

The Group issues equity-settled share based payments to certain employees. Equity-settled share based payments
are measured at fair value (excluding the effect of non market-based vesting conditions) at the date of grant. The fair
value determined at the grant date of the equity-settled share based payments is expensed on a straight line basis
over the vesting period, based on the Group’s estimate of shares that will eventually vest and adjusted for the effect
of non market-based vesting conditions.

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

Foreign currencies
The individual financial statements of each Group company are presented in the currency of the primary economic
environment in which it operates (its functional currency). For the purpose of the consolidated financial statements,
the results and financial position of each Group company are expressed in pounds sterling, which is the functional
currency of the Company, and the presentation currency for the consolidated financial statements.

In preparing the financial statements of the individual companies, transactions in currencies other than the entity’s
functional  currency  (foreign  currencies)  are  recorded  at  the  rates  of  exchange  prevailing  on  the  dates  of  the
transactions. At each balance sheet date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies
are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the balance sheet date. Non-monetary items carried at fair value that are
denominated  in  foreign  currencies  are  translated  at  the  rates  prevailing  at  the  date  when  the  fair  value  was
determined.  Non-monetary  items  that  are  measured  in  terms  of  historical  cost  in  a  foreign  currency  are  not
retranslated.

Exchange differences arising on the settlement of monetary items, and on the retranslation of monetary items, are
included  in  profit  or  loss  for  the  period.  Exchange  differences  arising  on  the  retranslation  of  non-monetary  items
carried at fair value are included in profit or loss for the period except for differences arising on the retranslation of
non-monetary  items  in  respect  of  which  gains  and  losses  are  recognised  directly  in  equity.  For  such  non-monetary
items, any exchange component of that gain or loss is also recognised directly in equity.

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2008

25

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(continued)

3

Significant accounting policies (continued)
For  the  purpose  of  presenting  consolidated  financial  statements,  the  assets  and  liabilities  of  the  Group’s  foreign
operations  are  translated  at  exchange  rates  prevailing  on  the  balance  sheet  date.  Income  and  expense  items  are
translated  at  the  average  exchange  rates  for  the  period,  unless  exchange  rates  fluctuate  significantly  during  that
period, in which case the exchange rates at the date of the transactions are used. Exchange differences arising, if any,
are  classified  as  equity  and  transferred  to  the  Group’s  foreign  exchange  reserve.  Such  translation  differences  are
recognised as income or as expenses in the period in which the operation is disposed of.

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

Trade receivables
Trade receivables do not carry any interest and are stated at their nominal value as reduced by appropriate allowances
for estimated irrecoverable amounts.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash  and  cash  equivalents  comprise  cash  on  hand  and  demand  deposits,  and  other  short-term  highly  liquid
investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of changes
in value.

Financial liabilities and equity
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements
entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the Group after
deducting all of its liabilities.

Bank borrowings
Interest-bearing bank loans and overdrafts are recorded at the fair value of the proceeds received, net of direct issue
costs.  Finance  charges,  including  premiums  payable  on  settlement  or  redemption  and  direct  issue  costs,  are
accounted for on an accruals basis against profit or loss using the effective interest rate method and are added to the
carrying amount of the instrument to the extent that they are not settled in the period in which they arise.

Convertible shares
Convertible  shares  are  regarded  as  compound  instruments,  consisting  of  a  liability  component  and  an  equity
component. At the date of issue, the fair value of the liability component is estimated using the prevailing market
interest rate for similar non-convertible debt. The difference between the proceeds of issue of the convertible shares
and the fair value assigned to the liability component, representing the embedded option to convert the liability into
equity of the Group, is included in equity.

Issue  costs  are  apportioned  between  the  liability  and  equity  components  of  the  convertible  shares  based  on
their relative carrying amounts at the date of issue. The portion relating to the equity component is charged directly
against equity.

Trade payables
Trade payables are not interest-bearing and are stated at their nominal value.

Equity instruments
Equity instruments issued by the Company are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.

26 MULBERRY GROUP PLC

4 Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

In the application of the Group’s accounting policies the Directors are required to make judgements, estimates and
assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The
estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be
relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are
recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the
revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

The critical judgements undertaken by the Directors relate to the key sources of estimation uncertainty. The following
estimates that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities
within the next financial year, are discussed below.

Impairment of property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are reviewed for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
carrying  amount  may  not  be  recoverable.  When  a  review  for  impairment  is  conducted,  the  recoverable  amount  is
determined based on value in use calculations prepared on the basis of management’s assumptions and estimates.

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Depreciation  is  charged  so  as  to  write  off  the  cost  of  assets  over  their  estimated  useful  lives.  The  selection  of  the
estimated lives requires the exercise of management judgement.

Recoverability of intangible asset
The carrying value of the lease premium and related costs for the shop in Rue St Honoré, Paris, is reassessed each
year based on the ongoing performance of the store and the realisable value of the lease.

Stock provisions
The Group designs, produces and sells luxury goods and as such is at risk that the net realisable value of stock will be
less than the carrying value. Stock provisions for raw materials are calculated based on the expected future usage and
for finished goods on the saleability of finished goods and age and condition of the items.

5

Revenue

Sales of goods
Royalty income
Finance income

Total revenue

2008
£’000

2007
£’000

51,174
201
473
––––––––
51,848
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

45,078
216
324
––––––––
45,618
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2008

27

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(continued)

6

Business and geographical segments
a) Business segments
For  management  purposes,  the  Group  is  currently  organised  into  two  operating  divisions  -  Retail  and  Design
businesses. These divisions are the basis upon which the Group reports its primary segment information. The principal
activities are as follows:

Retail – sale of Mulberry branded fashion accessories and clothing through a number of shops and department store
concessions.

Design – brand management, marketing, product design, manufacture, sourcing and wholesale distribution for the
Mulberry brand.

Inter-segment sales for both years are charged at market prices in line with our third party wholesale customers.

Segment information about these businesses is presented below.

Retail
2008
£’000

Design Eliminations
2008
£’000

2008
£’000

31,722
–
––––––––
31,722
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

19,452
12,860
––––––––
32,312
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

–
(12,860)
––––––––
(12,860)
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

3,595
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

1,312
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

759
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

Total
2008
£’000

51,174
–
––––––––
51,174
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

5,666

(892)
––––––––
4,774
63
473
(124)
––––––––
5,186
(1,750)
––––––––
3,436
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

1,743
850
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

1,144
383
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

–
–
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

2,887
1,233
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

2008

Income Statement
External sales
Inter-segment sales

Total revenue

Segment operating profit

Unallocated corporate expenses

Operating profit
Share of results of associates
Finance income
Finance expense

Profit before tax
Tax

Profit for the year

Other information
Capital additions
Depreciation and amortisation

28 MULBERRY GROUP PLC

6

Business and geographical segments (continued)

Retail
2008
£’000

Design Eliminations
2008
£’000

2008
£’000

Total
2008
£’000

Balance sheet
Assets
Segment assets

Interests in associates
Unallocated corporate assets

Consolidated total assets

Liabilities
Segment liabilities

Unallocated corporate liabilities

Consolidated total liabilities

2007

Income statement
External sales
Inter-segment sales

Total revenue

Segment operating profit

Unallocated corporate expenses

Operating profit
Share of results of associates
Finance income
Finance expense

Profit before tax
Tax

Profit for the year

Other information
Capital additions
Depreciation and amortisation

14,695
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

19,470
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

(3,002)
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

9,349
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

16,527
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

(15,171)
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

Retail
2007
£’000

Design Eliminations
2007
£’000

2007
£’000

23,718
–
––––––––
23,718
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

21,360
9,601
––––––––
30,961
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

–
(9,601)
––––––––
(9,601)
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

2,490
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

3,978
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

997
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

1,241
660
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

816
250
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

–
–
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

31,163

242
2,956
––––––––
34,361
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

10,705

1,137
––––––––
11,842
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

Total
2007
£’000

45,078
–
––––––––
45,078
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

7,466

(794)
––––––––
6,672
(498)
324
(298)
––––––––
6,200
(2,219)
––––––––
3,981
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

2,057
910
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2008

29

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(continued)

6

Business and geographical segments (continued)

Balance sheet
Assets 

Segment assets

Interests in associates
Unallocated corporate assets

Consolidated total assets

Liabilities
Segment liabilities

Unallocated corporate liabilities

Consolidated total liabilities

Retail
2007
£’000

Design Eliminations
2007
£’000

2007
£’000

11,657
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

18,792
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

(3,904)
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

8,498
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

15,755
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

(16,420)
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

Total
2007
£’000

26,545

152
3,041
––––––––
29,738
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

7,833

5,036
––––––––
12,869
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

b) Geographical segments
The  following  table  provides  an  analysis  of  the  Group’s  sales  by  geographical  market,  irrespective  of  the  origin  of 
the goods:

Europe
North America
Rest of the World

Sales revenue by
geographical market
–––––––––––––––––––––
2007
£’000

2008
£’000

45,998
1,319
3,857
––––––––
51,174
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

39,324
1,623
4,131
––––––––
45,078
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

The  Group’s  operations  are  mainly  located  in  Europe  and  as  such  no  additional  geographical  analysis  has  been
provided.

7

Profit for the year

Profit for the year has been arrived at after charging/(crediting):

Net foreign exchange gains
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment:

Owned
Held under finance leases and hire purchase contracts

Impairment of property, plant and equipment
Amortisation of intangible assets 
Operating lease rentals
Write downs of inventories recognised as an expense
Staff costs (see note 9)
Impairment of trade receivables
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

30 MULBERRY GROUP PLC

2008
£’000

(390)

2007
£’000

(123)

1,219
12
–
137
2,931
162
11,925
135
12
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

837
162
37
31
2,610
365
10,089
58
2
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

8 Auditors’ remuneration

The analysis of auditors’ remuneration is as follows:

Fees payable to the Company’s auditors for the audit of the Company’s
annual accounts
Fees payable to the Company’s auditors and their associates for other
services to the Group:

The audit of the Company’s subsidiaries pursuant to legislation

Total audit fees

Tax services
Other services

Total non-audit fees

Fees payable to the Company’s auditors in respect of associated
pension schemes

Other services in 2008 includes assistance with the conversion to IFRS and the interim review.

2008
£’000

10

2007
£’000

6

40
––––––––
50
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

3
33
––––––––
36
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

40
––––––––
46
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

9
7
––––––––
16
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

–
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

1
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

9

Staff costs

The average monthly number of employees (including Executive Directors and those on a part time basis) was:

Production
Sales and distribution
Administration

Their aggregate remuneration comprised:
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs (see note 29)
Share based payments (see note 28)

2008
£’000

250
353
42
––––––––
645
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

10,629
994
307
(5)
––––––––
11,925
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

2007
£’000

221
262
41
––––––––
524
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

8,826
862
299
102
––––––––
10,089
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

Details of Directors’ remuneration and interests are provided in the audited section of the Directors’ remuneration
report and should be regarded as integral to this note.

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2008

31

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(continued)

10 Finance income

Interest income on cash balances

11 Finance expense

Interest on bank overdraft and loans
Dividends on redeemable cumulative B preference shares classified as financial liabilities
Interest on obligations under finance leases

12 Tax

Current tax
Adjustment to prior year corporation tax
Deferred tax (note 22)

The charge for the year can be reconciled to the profit per the income statement as follows:

Profit before tax

Tax at the UK corporation tax rate of 30% (2007: 30%)
Preference dividends payable
Tax effect of expenses that are not deductible in determining taxable profit
Capital allowances in excess of depreciation
Short-term timing differences
(Losses)/profit carried forward to offset against future profits

Current tax expense for the year

2008
£’000

2007
£’000

473
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

324
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

2008
£’000

114
7
3
––––––––
124
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

2008
£’000

1,700
8
42
––––––––
1,750
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

2007
£’000

44
249
5
––––––––
298
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

2007
£’000

1,905
(16)
330
––––––––
2,219
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

2008
£’000

2007
£’000

5,186
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

6,200
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

1,556
2
239
(146)
63
(14)
––––––––
1,700
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

1,860
75
287
(56)
(278)
17
––––––––
1,905
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

32 MULBERRY GROUP PLC

12 Tax (continued)

The tax charge in future periods will be affected by the following:

The corporation tax rate in the UK will reduce to 28% from 1 April 2008;

The UK rate of tax writing down allowances will be reduced from 25% to 20% on plant and machinery and from
25% to 10% on fixtures and fittings from 1 April 2008; and

The  rate  of  Industrial  Buildings  Allowances  will  be  reduced  by  1%  per  annum  from  April  2008  until  they  are
abolished in April 2011. As of 31 March 2008, these changes had not been substantively enacted and as such the
impact  has  not  been  reflected.  If  they  had  been  reflected,  the  deferred  tax  expense  for  2008  would  have
increased by approximately £140,000 and the effective rate of corporation tax by 2.7 percentage points.

13 Dividends

The dividends approved and paid in the year are as follows:

1.5p (2007: 1p) per share on 5p ordinary shares

2008
£’000

2007
£’000

861
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

490
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

The  Directors  are  recommending  the  payment  of  a  final  dividend  of  2.0p  per  ordinary  share  (2007:  1.5p)  to  be 
paid  on  15  August  2008  to  ordinary  shareholders  on  the  register  as  at  18  July  2008.  This  proposed  final  dividend 
is subject to approval by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting and has not been included as a liability in these
financial statements.

14 Earnings per share

Basic  earnings  per  ordinary  share  has  been  calculated  by  dividing  the  profit  for  the  year  by  56,968,275 
(2007: 48,974,442) ordinary shares, being the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year.

Diluted earnings per share has been calculated by dividing the profit for the year excluding the interest and finance
costs relating to the preference shares by 57,832,347 (2007: 57,381,518) potential ordinary shares. These shares take
into  account  the  exercise  of  unexercised  options  and  the  diluting  effect  of  the  preference  shares  prior  to  their
conversion in April 2007.

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2008

33

●
●
●
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(continued)

15 Intangible assets

Cost
At 1 April 2006
Additions

At 1 April 2007
Additions
Exchange differences

At 31 March 2008

Amortisation
At 1 April 2006
Charge for the year

At 1 April 2007
Charge for the year
Exchange differences

At 31 March 2008

Carrying amount
At 31 March 2008

At 31 March 2007

Software
£’000

24
77
––––––––
101
389
–
––––––––
490
––––––––

–
13
––––––––
13
71
–
––––––––
84
––––––––

406
––––––––
88
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

Lease
costs
£’000

–
1,517
––––––––
1,517
–
258
––––––––
1,775
––––––––

–
18
––––––––
18
66
2
––––––––
86
––––––––

1,689
––––––––
1,499
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

Total
£’000

24
1,594
––––––––
1,618
389
258
––––––––
2,265
––––––––

–
31
––––––––
31
137
2
––––––––
170
––––––––

2,095
––––––––
1,587
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

Lease costs comprise the lease premium and related costs associated with the Group’s shop on Rue St Honoré in Paris
which are being amortised over the effective lease term of twenty seven years. 

Included  within  software  is  £49,000  (2007:  £154,000)  of  assets  in  the  course  of  construction  in  respect  of  the  new 
ERP system which have not been put into operation at the balance sheet date and so have not been amortised.

34 MULBERRY GROUP PLC

16 Property, plant and equipment

Cost
At 1 April 2006
Additions
Disposals

At 1 April 2007
Additions
Disposals
Exchange differences

At 31 March 2008

Accumulated depreciation
At 1 April 2006
Charge for the year
Impairment losses
Disposals

At 1 April 2007
Charge for the year
Disposals
Exchange differences

At 31 March 2008

Carrying amount
At 31 March 2008

At 31 March 2007

Freehold
land and
buildings
£’000

2,728
868
–
––––––––
3,596
133
–
–
––––––––
3,729
––––––––

906
82
–
–
––––––––
988
96
–
–
––––––––
1,084
––––––––

2,645
––––––––
––––––––––––––––
2,608
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

Short
Fixtures,
leasehold
Plant and fittings and
land and
buildings equipment equipment
£’000

£’000

£’000

3,107
7
–
––––––––
3,114
40
(15)
18
––––––––
3,157
––––––––

1,080
242
37
–
––––––––
1,359
215
(5)
4
––––––––
1,573
––––––––

1,584
––––––––
––––––––––––––––
1,755
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

2,530
577
–
––––––––
3,107
554
(69)
–
––––––––
3,592
––––––––

2,304
122
–
–
––––––––
2,426
232
(60)
–
––––––––
2,598
––––––––

994
––––––––
––––––––––––––––
681
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

4,769
1,389
(966)
––––––––
5,192
1,886
(187)
72
––––––––
6,963
––––––––

3,703
535
–
(954)
––––––––
3,284
668
(176)
1
––––––––
3,777
––––––––

3,186
––––––––
––––––––––––––––
1,908
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

Motor
vehicles
£’000

110
–
–
––––––––
110
34
(45)
–
––––––––
99
––––––––

47
18
–
–
––––––––
65
20
(31)
–
––––––––
54
––––––––

45
––––––––
––––––––––––––––
45
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

Total
£’000

13,244
2,841
(966)
––––––––
15,119
2,647
(316)
90
––––––––
17,540
––––––––

8,040
999
37
(954)
––––––––
8,122
1,231
(272)
5
––––––––
9,086
––––––––

8,454
––––––––
––––––––––––––––
6,997
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

Freehold land of £997,000 (2007: £997,000) has not been depreciated.

At 31 March 2008 included in short leasehold land and buildings, plant and equipment, motor vehicles and fixtures,
fittings and equipment are items acquired under hire purchase contracts and finance lease arrangements with a net
book  value  of  £13,000  (2007:  £268,000).  The  assets  under  these  contracts  and  arrangements  are  secured  against 
the  assets  to  which  they  relate  and  guarantees  provided  by  the  Company.  The  Group  does  not  hold  the  title  to 
these assets.

At 31 March 2008, the Group had entered into contractual commitments for the acquisition of property, plant and
equipment amounting to £349,000 (2007: £377,000).

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2008

35

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(continued)

17 Subsidiaries

A  list  of  the  significant  investments  in  subsidiaries  and  associates,  including  the  name,  country  of  incorporation,
proportion of ownership interest is given in note 36 to the Company’s separate financial statements.

18 Interests in associates

Aggregated amounts relating to associates
Total assets
Total liabilities
Revenues
Loss

Aggregated amounts recognised relating to associates
Share of profits/(losses) recognised for the year
Share of losses not recognised for the year
Cumulative losses not recognised

2008
£’000

2007
£’000

6,020
(10,348)
3,837
(3,586)
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

63
(1,850)
(1,858)
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

5,446
(6,250)
2,626
(1,543)
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

(498)
(8)
(8)
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

A  list  of  the  significant  investments  in  associates,  including  the  name,  country  of  incorporation,  proportion  of
ownership interest is given in note 36 to the Company’s separate financial statements.

19 Inventories

Raw materials
Work-in-progress
Finished goods

20 Other financial assets

Trade and other receivables

Amount receivable for the sale of goods 
Allowance for doubtful debts

Amounts owed by associate undertakings
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income

36 MULBERRY GROUP PLC

2008
£’000

840
193
6,752
––––––––
7,785
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

2007
£’000

472
254
5,962
––––––––
6,688
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

2008
£’000

3,674
(115)
––––––––
3,559
504
575
910
––––––––
5,548
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

2007
£’000

3,121
(85)
––––––––
3,036
297
13
523
––––––––
3,869
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

20 Other financial assets (continued)

Trade receivables
The  average  credit  period  taken  on  the  sale  of  goods  is  55  days  (2007:  52  days).  No  interest  is  charged  on  the
outstanding receivables.

The  Group  has  provided  for  the  estimated  irrecoverable  amount  from  the  sale  of  goods,  where  there  is  doubt  as 
to the recoverability of the receivables balance. Before accepting any new customer, the Group, in association with 
a  credit  insurance  company,  assesses  the  potential  customer’s  credit  quality  and  defines  individual  credit  limits 
by customer.

The  Group’s  receivables  comprise  primarily  its  overseas  associates,  franchise  partners  and  concessions.  Those
customers who represented more than 10% of the total balance of trade receivables at the year end were Mulberry
USA LLC, Club 21 and House of Fraser (Stores) Limited.

Included in the Group’s trade receivables balance are debtors with a carrying amount of £732,000 (2007: £508,000)
which are past due at the reporting date for which the Group has not provided as there has not been a significant
change in credit quality and the amounts are still considered recoverable. The Group retains retention of title for the
goods sold.

Ageing of past due but not impaired receivables

0-30 days overdue
31-60 days overdue

2008
£’000

622
110
––––––––
732
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

2007
£’000

422
86
––––––––
508
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

Given the relatively small nature of the provision for receivables no further analysis is provided.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents

2008
£’000

2007
£’000

10,237
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

10,271
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash held by the Group and short-term bank deposits with an original maturity
of three months or less. The carrying amount of these assets approximates to their fair value.

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2008

37

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(continued)

21 Borrowings

Unsecured borrowing at amortised cost
Redeemable cumulative B preference shares

Secured borrowing at amortised cost
Bank loans
Finance leases

Total borrowings
Amount due for settlement within 12 months
Amount due for settlement after 12 months

2008
£’000

2007
£’000

–

2,564

–
14
––––––––
14
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

10
4
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

1,250
64
––––––––
3,878
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

37
3,841
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

The principal features of the Group’s borrowings are as follows:

Bank overdrafts are repayable on demand. The multicurrency overdraft facilities of £3,500,000 (2007: £3,500,000)
have been secured by a charge over the Group’s assets. The interest rates are determined based on 1% over the
bank base rate.

The Sterling bank loan drawn down on 2 January 2007 was fully repaid on 14 February 2008. The loan had an
original term of five years and was secured by a charge over certain of the Group’s properties and assets dated
10 April 1990. The loan carried interest at a rate of 0.75% above the bank base rate.

Redeemable cumulative B preference shares of £2,800,000 were issued on 11 September 2000 at an issue price
of 35p per share. The shares carried 7% interest and were converted into ordinary shares on 16 April 2007. See
note 25 for further details.

The weighted average interest rates paid during the year were as follows:

Bank loans
Redeemable cumulative preference shares

2008

5.5%
–

2007

2.2%
7%

Undrawn borrowing facilities
At 31 March 2008, the Group had available £6,250,000 (2007: £6,250,000) of undrawn committed borrowing facilities
in respect of which all conditions precedent had been met.

38 MULBERRY GROUP PLC

●
●
●
22 Deferred tax

The  following  are  the  major  deferred  tax  liabilities  and  assets  recognised  by  the  Group  and  movements  thereon
during the current and prior reporting periods.

At 1 April 2006
Charge/(credit) to income

At 1 April 2007
Charge/(credit) to income
Effect of change in tax rate
– income statement

At 31 March 2008

Accelerated
tax
depreciation
£’000

Tax

Short-term
timing
losses differences
£’000
£’000

43
65
––––––––
108
92

(13)
––––––––
187
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

(297)
297
––––––––
–
–

–
––––––––
–
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

(98)
(35)
––––––––
(133)
(49)

12
––––––––
(170)
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

Total
£’000

(352)
327
––––––––
(25)
43

(1)
––––––––
17
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

Certain deferred tax assets and liabilities have been offset. The following is the analysis of the deferred tax balances
(after offset) for financial reporting purposes:

Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities

23 Obligations under finance leases

Amounts payable under finance leases:
Within one year
In the second to fifth years

Less: future finance charges

Present value of lease obligations

Less: 
– amount due for settlement within 12 months
(shown under current liabilities)

Amount due for settlement after 12 months

2008
£’000

187
(170)
––––––––
17
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

2007
£’000

108
(133)
––––––––
(25)
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

Minimum
lease payments

–––––––––––––––––––––
2007
£’000

2008
£’000

Present value
of lease payments
–––––––––––––––––––––
2007
£’000

2008
£’000

11
4
––––––––
15
(1)
––––––––
14
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

40
29
––––––––
69
(5)
––––––––
64
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

10
4
––––––––
14
n/a
––––––––
14

37
27
––––––––
64
n/a
––––––––
64

(10)
––––––––
4
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

(37)
––––––––
27
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2008

39

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(continued)

23 Obligations under finance leases (continued)

It is the Group’s policy to lease certain of its fixtures and equipment under finance leases. The average lease term is
for  four  years.  For  the  year  ended  31  March  2008,  the  average  effective  borrowing  rate  was  14.9%  (2007:  14.9%).
Interest rates are fixed at the contract date. All leases are on a fixed repayment basis and no arrangements have been
entered into for contingent rental payments.

All lease obligations are denominated in Sterling. The assets under finance lease arrangements are secured against
the assets to which they relate and guarantees provided by the Group.

The fair value of the Group’s lease obligations approximates their carrying amount.

24 Other financial liabilities

Trade and other payables

Trade creditors
Accruals and deferred income
Other creditors

2008
£’000

5,239
5,138
517
––––––––
10,894
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

2007
£’000

3,399
4,226
325
––––––––
7,950
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

Trade creditors and accruals principally comprise amounts outstanding for trade purchases and ongoing costs. The
average credit period taken for trade purchases is 32 days (2007: 37 days). For most suppliers no interest is charged
on  the  trade  payables  for  the  first  60  days  from  the  date  of  the  invoice.  Thereafter,  interest  is  charged  on  the
outstanding balances at various interest rates. The Group has financial risk management policies in place to ensure
that all payables are paid within the credit timeframe.

The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade payables approximates to their fair value.

25 Share capital

Authorised
65,000,000 ordinary shares of 5p each (2007: 57,000,000)
Nil 7% convertible redeemable B preference shares of 5p each (2007: 8,000,000)

Issued and fully paid
57,419,505 ordinary shares of 5p each (2007: 49,014,505)
Nil 7% convertible redeemable B preference shares of 5p each (2007: 8,000,000)

Less: classified within financial liabilities (see note 21)

2008
£’000

2007
£’000

3,250
–
––––––––
3,250
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

2,871
–
––––––––
2,871
–
––––––––
2,871
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

2,850
400
––––––––
3,250
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

2,451
400
––––––––
2,851
(377)
––––––––
2,474
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

The Company has not granted options in respect of 5p ordinary shares during the year (2007: nil).

40 MULBERRY GROUP PLC

25 Share capital (continued)

405,000 ordinary shares of 5p each (2007: 140,043) with a nominal value of £20,250 (2007: £7,002) were allotted during
the year for a total consideration of £207,475 (2007: £89,937) due to the exercise of options.

The  7%  convertible  redeemable  B  preference  shares  were  converted  into  ordinary  shares  on  16  April  2007  at  the
request of the shareholder as the conditions for conversion had been met. The B preference shares were convertible
into ordinary shares on the basis of one ordinary share for each one B preference share (equivalent to a conversion
price of 35 pence) after the later of the second anniversary of their subscription and the opening of four outlets in the
United  States  and  the  contracting  for  a  fifth  outlet,  one  of  which  was  to  be  the  flagship  store  in  Manhattan,  by
Mulberry USA LLC. If Mulberry USA LLC had not opened the required number of outlets in the United States, the 
B  preference  shares  would  not  have  been  converted  into  ordinary  shares  and  would  have  been  redeemed  by  the
Company at 35 pence each on 11 September 2008 being the eighth anniversary of their subscription.

Until the date of conversion, the B preference shares had a right to receive a fixed cumulative dividend of 7% per
annum on their subscription price in priority to all other dividends or distributions made by the Company.

As a result of the conversion of the preference shares on 16 April 2007, the overall authorised share capital of the
Company  remained  the  same  but  the  amount  of  authorised  5p  ordinary  shares  was  increased  by  8,000,000  to
65,000,000 and the amount of authorised 7% convertible redeemable B preference shares was reduced to nil.

26 Reserves

Share
capital
£’000

Capital
Share Revaluation redemption
reserve
reserve
£’000
£’000

premium
£’000

Special
reserve*
£’000

Foreign
exchange
reserve
£’000

Profit
and loss
account
£’000

Total
£’000

Balance at 1 April 2006

2,467

4,547

80

154

1,467

Charges for employee share

based payments
New shares issued
Amortisation of revaluation

surplus

Currency translation difference
Profit for the year
Ordinary dividends paid
Finance costs on preference

shares

Balance at 1 April 2007

Charges for employee share

–
7

–
–
–
–

–
83

–
–
–
–

–
–

(31)
–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–
–

–

–
–

–
(94)
–
–

4,562

13,277

102
–

31
–
3,981
(490)

102
90

–
(94)
3,981
(490)

–
–––––––
2,474

3
–––––––
4,633

–
–––––––
49

–
–––––––
154

–
–––––––
1,467

–
–––––––
(94)

–
–––––––
8,186

3
–––––––
16,869

based payments
New shares issued
Conversion of preference shares
Amortisation of revaluation surplus
Currency translation differences
Profit for the year
Ordinary dividends paid

Balance at 31 March 2008

–
20
377
–
–
–
–
–––––––
2,871
–––––––
––––––––––––––

–
187
2,187
–
–
–
–
–––––––
7,007
–––––––
––––––––––––––

–
–
–
(31)
–
–
–
–––––––
18
–––––––
––––––––––––––

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–––––––
154
–––––––
––––––––––––––

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–––––––
1,467
–––––––
––––––––––––––

–
–
–
–
309
–
–
–––––––
215
–––––––
––––––––––––––

(5)
–
–
31
–
3,436
(861)
–––––––
10,787
–––––––
––––––––––––––

(5)
207
2,564 
–
309
3,436
(861)
–––––––
22,519
–––––––
––––––––––––––

* created as part of a capital restructuring of the Group in 2004.

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2008

41

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(continued)

27 Operating lease arrangements

Minimum lease payments under operating leases recognised as an expense in the year

2008
£’000

2007
£’000

2,931
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

2,610
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

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

Within one year
In the second to fifth years inclusive
After five years

£’000

£’000

2,795
9,744
12,996
––––––––
25,535
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

2,401
8,219
11,904
––––––––
22,524
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

Operating  lease  payments  represent  rentals  payable  by  the  Group  for  certain  of  its  retail  stores,  warehouse  and
offices. The leases are for a varied length of time with the longest lease running until 2023. Leases are typically subject
to  rent  reviews  at  specified  intervals  and  some  payments  are  contingent  upon  levels  of  revenue  above  minimum
thresholds. The amount paid under this contingent element in the year was £282,000 (2007: £67,000).

28 Share based payments

The Group operated the following scheme during the year.

The Mulberry Group plc 1996 Company Share Option Scheme
The scheme was open to all employees. The exercise price is equal to the market value of the shares on the date of
grant. The vesting period is three years. If the options remain unexercised after a period of ten years from the date 
of grant, the options expire. Options may be forfeited if the employee leaves the Group.

Details of the share options outstanding during the year are as follows:

Outstanding at beginning of period
Forfeited during the period
Exercised during the period

Outstanding at the end of the period

Exercisable at the end of the period

2008

2007

Weighted
average
exercise
price
(in p)

100.1
140.2
51.5

146.0

–

Number
of share
options

880,000
(250,000)
(405,000)
––––––––
225,000
––––––––
––––––––––––––––
–
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

Number
of share
options

1,057,428
(37,385)
(140,043)
––––––––
880,000
––––––––
––––––––––––––––
200,000
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

Weighted
average
exercise
price
(in p)

96.9
134.5
64.2

100.1

53.0

The weighted average share price at the date of exercise for share options exercised during the period was 263.0p
(2007:  198.2p).  The  options  outstanding  at  31  March  2008  had  a  weighted  average  remaining  contractual  life  of 
0.3 years (2007: 1.0 years).

42 MULBERRY GROUP PLC

28 Share based payments (continued)

The inputs into the Black Scholes model are as follows:

Share price
Exercise price
Expected volatility
Expected life
Risk-free rate
Expected dividend yields

2008

2007

50.0p - 145.5p
50.0p - 145.5p
33.57% - 35.15%
5 years
4.09% - 5.05%
0% - 0.7%

49.5p - 145.5p
49.5p - 145.5p
22.58% - 35.15%
5 years
4.09% - 5.05%
0% - 0.7%

Expected  volatility  was  based  on  historical  volatility  over  the  expected  life  of  the  schemes.  The  expected  life  is
based  upon  historical  data  and  has  been  adjusted  based  on  management’s  best  estimate  for  the  effects  of 
non-transferability, exercise restrictions, and behavioural considerations.

The  Group  recognised  total  income  of  £5,000  related  to  equity-settled  share  based  payment  transactions 
(2007: £102,000 expense).

29 Retirement benefit schemes

The Group contributes to personal pension plans for all qualifying employees. The total cost charged to income of
£307,000 (2007: £299,000) represents contributions payable to these schemes by the Group at rates specified in the
rules of the plans. As at 31 March 2008, there were no contributions due in respect of the current reporting period
which had not been paid over to the schemes (2007: nil).

30 Financial instruments

Capital risk management
The Group manages its capital to ensure that entities in the Group will be able to continue as going concerns while
maximising the return to stakeholders through the optimisation of the debt and equity balance. The capital structure
of the Group consists of cash and cash equivalents and equity attributable to equity holders of the parent, comprising
issued capital, reserves and retained earnings as disclosed in notes 25 to 26. The Group had an outstanding bank loan
as at 31 March 2007 but this was repaid during the year.

Externally imposed capital requirement
The Group is not subject to externally imposed capital requirements.

Significant accounting policies
Details of the significant accounting policies and methods adopted, including the criteria for recognition, the basis of
measurement and the basis on which income and expenses are recognised, in respect of each class of financial asset,
financial liability and equity instrument are disclosed in note 3 to the financial statements.

Categories of financial instruments

Financial assets
Loans and receivables (including cash and cash equivalents)

Financial liabilities
Amortised cost

Carrying values

–––––––––––––––––––––
2007
£’000

2008
£’000

13,796
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

13,307
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

10,910
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

11,828
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2008

43

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(continued)

30 Financial instruments (continued)

Financial risk management objectives
The  Group’s  Finance  Director  is  responsible  to  the  Board  for  the  Group’s  financial  risk  management.  This  includes
analysing the Group’s exposure by degree and magnitude of risks. These risks include market risk (including currency
risk and interest rate risk), credit risk and liquidity risk.

The Group seeks to minimise the effects of these risks where possible. It does this by maintaining bank accounts in
all of the major currencies in which it trades and it operates its own internal hedging by offsetting currency receipts
on sales against purchases in related currencies. Where there is significant risk remaining, and the Group deems it
necessary, it uses derivative financial instruments to hedge these risk exposures. The Group does not enter into or
trade financial instruments, including derivative financial instruments, for speculative purposes.

Market risk
The  Group’s  activities  expose  it  primarily  to  the  financial  risks  of  changes  in  foreign  currency  exchange  rates  and
interest rates. The Group reviews the need to enter into financial instruments on a regular basis but has not entered
into  any  during  the  current  or  previous  periods.  Having  repaid  the  bank  loan  during  the  year  the  Group  is  not
significantly exposed to interest rate risk on its financial liabilities and continues to seek to maximise the returns from
its bank deposits wherever possible.

Foreign currency risk management
The Group undertakes certain transactions denominated in foreign currencies. Hence, exposures to exchange rate
fluctuations arise. The carrying amounts of the Group’s foreign currency denominated monetary assets and monetary
liabilities at the reporting date are as follows:

Euro
US Dollar

Liabilities

Assets

–––––––––––––––––––––
2007
£’000

2008
£’000

–––––––––––––––––––––
2007
£’000

2008
£’000

1,163
193
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

1,118
256
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

1,795
1,429
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

1,114
514
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

Foreign currency sensitivity analysis
The Group is mainly exposed to the US Dollar and Euro currencies.

The  following  table  details  the  Group’s  sensitivity  to  a  10%  increase  and  decrease  in  Sterling  against  the  relevant
foreign currencies. 10% is the sensitivity rate which represents management’s assessment of the reasonably possible
change in foreign exchange rates. The sensitivity analysis includes only outstanding foreign currency denominated
monetary items and adjusts their translation at the period end for a 10% change in foreign currency rates. A positive
number below indicates an increase in profit and other equity where Sterling strengthens 10% against the relevant
currency. For a 10% weakening of Sterling against the relevant currency, there would be an equal and opposite impact
on the profit and other equity, and the balances below would be negative or positive.

Euro currency
impact

–––––––––––––––––––––
2007
£’000

2008
£’000

US Dollar currency
impact

–––––––––––––––––––––
2007
£’000

2008
£’000

(12)
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

5
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

(63)
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

(23)
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

Profit or loss

44 MULBERRY GROUP PLC

30 Financial instruments (continued)

Interest rate risk management and sensitivity analysis
The Group’s exposure to interest rate risk on borrowings is limited as there is no outstanding debt within the Group,
other than in relation to finance lease borrowings which are on fixed rate terms. The Group’s exposures to interest
rates on financial assets and financial liabilities are detailed in the liquidity risk management section of this note.

The Group’s sensitivity to changes in interest rates has been illustrated based on a 1% increase or decrease in interest
rates. For floating rate deposits and liabilities, the analysis is prepared assuming the amount of liability outstanding
at  the  balance  sheet  date  was  outstanding  for  the  whole  year.  A  1%  increase  or  decrease  has  been  applied  to
represent management’s assessment of the reasonably possible change in interest rates. 

If interest rates had been 1% higher and all other variables were held constant, the Group’s profit for the year ended
31  March  2008  would  increase  by  £66,000  (2007:  increase  by  £54,000).  This  is  mainly  attributable  to  the  Group’s
exposure to interest rates on its cash deposits.

The Group’s sensitivity to interest rates has increased during the current period mainly due to the net increase in the
funds on which interest is received.

Credit risk management
Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty will default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to
the Group. The Group has adopted a policy of only dealing with creditworthy counterparties and obtaining sufficient
credit insurance, as a means of mitigating the risk of financial loss from defaults. 

Trade receivables consist of a large number of customers. Credit evaluation is performed on the financial condition
of accounts receivable and, where appropriate, credit insurance cover is purchased. 

The Group does not have any significant credit risk exposure to any single counterparty or any group of counterparties
having similar characteristics, other than as disclosed in note 20. The Group defines counterparties as having similar
characteristics if they are connected entities. 

Liquidity risk management
Ultimate responsibility for liquidity risk management rests with the Board of Directors, 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.  The  Group  manages  liquidity  risk  by  maintaining  adequate  reserves,  banking
facilities and reserve borrowing facilities by continuously monitoring forecast and actual cash flows and matching the
maturity profiles of financial assets and liabilities. Included in note 21 is a description of additional undrawn facilities
that the Group has at its disposal to reduce further liquidity risk.

Liquidity and interest risk tables
The Group’s financial assets all contractually mature within the next year. Trade receivables do not accrue interest. The
weighted average interest rate on cash and cash equivalents was 5.6% (2007: 4.5%)

The following tables detail the Group’s remaining contractual maturity for its financial liabilities. The tables have been
drawn up based on the undiscounted cash flows of financial liabilities based on the earliest date on which the Group
can be required to pay. The table includes both interest and principal cash flows.

2008

Weighted

average Less than 1
year
interest
£’000
rate

Trade and other payables
Leases

–
14.9%

10,896
11
––––––––
10,907
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

1 to 2
years
£’000

–
4
––––––––
4
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

2 to 3
years
£’000

–
–
––––––––
–
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

3 to 4
years
£’000

–
–
––––––––
–
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

4 to 5
years
£’000

–
–
––––––––
–
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

Total
£’000

10,896
15
––––––––
10,911
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2008

45

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(continued)

30 Financial instruments (continued)

2007

Weighted

average Less than 1
year
interest
£’000
rate

Trade and other payables
Leases
Bank loans
Preference shares

–
14.9%
5.5%
7.0%

7,950
40
–
–
––––––––
7,990
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

1 to 2
years
£’000

–
29
–
2,564
––––––––
2,593
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

2 to 3
years
£’000

–
–
–
–
––––––––
–
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

3 to 4
years
£’000

–
–
–
–
––––––––
–
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

4 to 5
years
£’000

–
–
1,250
–
––––––––
1,250
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

Total
£’000

7,950
69
1,250
2,564
––––––––
11,833
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

Fair value of financial instruments
The carrying amounts of financial assets and financial liabilities recorded at amortised cost in the financial statements
approximate to their fair values.

31 Related party transactions

Transactions  between  the  Company  and  its  subsidiaries,  which  are  related  parties,  have  been  eliminated 
on  consolidation  and  are  not  disclosed  in  this  note.  Transactions  between  the  Group  and  its  associates  are 
disclosed below.

Trading transactions
During the year, Group companies entered into the following transactions with related parties who are not members
of the Group:

Mulberry Oslo AS
Mulberry USA LLC
MUL 21 (UK) Limited*
Club 21 Retail (Hong Kong) Limited*
Club 21 Pte Limited*
Club 21 (Thailand) Co Limited*
Club 21 Pte Limited Taiwan Branch*

Sale of goods

–––––––––––––––––––––
2007
£’000

2008
£’000

Amounts owed by
related parties

–––––––––––––––––––––
2007
£’000

2008
£’000

498
1,319
–
971
629
239
158

503
1,623
538
776
292
261
193

191
313
–
141
260
49
43

226
219
–
97
53
24
41

* These  are  related  parties  of  the  Group  as  they  are  all  associated  companies  of  Challice  Limited,  the  majority

shareholder of the Group.

All sales of goods have been made on an arm’s length basis. The amounts outstanding are unsecured and will be
settled in cash. No guarantees have been given or received. No provisions have been made for doubtful debts in
respect of the amounts owed by related parties.

In addition to the transactions above, MUL 21 (UK) Limited operated the Mulberry store at 171-175 Brompton Road,
London under the terms of a franchise agreement which was signed during November 2001. On 4 December 2007 a
subsidiary of Mulberry Group plc, Mulberry Company (Sales) Limited, took over the operation of the store, purchased
the stock and shop fittings and took over the lease. All related party transactions take place on an arm’s length basis.

46 MULBERRY GROUP PLC

31 Related party transactions (continued)

Remuneration of key management personnel
The  remuneration  of  the  Directors,  who  are  the  key  management  personnel  of  the  Group,  is  set  out  below  in
aggregate for each of the categories specified in IAS 24 ‘Related Party Disclosures’. Further information about the
remuneration of individual Directors is provided within the audited part of the Directors’ remuneration report. 

Short-term employee benefits
Post-employment benefits
Share based payments

2008
£’000

445
64
(1)
––––––––
508
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

2007
£’000

504
66
47
––––––––
617
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

32 Controlling party

At the year end, Challice Limited controlled 59.6% of the issued share capital of the Company.

33 Transition statements

This is the first year that the Company has presented its financial statements under IFRS. The following disclosures are
required in the year of transition. The following reconciliations and explanatory notes thereto describe the effects of
the transition on the IFRS opening balance sheet as at 1 April 2006 and for the year ended 31 March 2007. Additionally
they show the reconciliation of the profit and loss reported under UK GAAP for the year ended 31 March 2007 to IFRS.

All explanations should be read in conjunction with the IFRS accounting policies of the Group as disclosed in note 3.

Notes to the IFRS transition statements
(a) Under UK GAAP lease incentives were recognised over the period to the first market rent review or the end of
the  lease  whichever  is  the  shorter  period.  Under  IFRS  lease  incentives  are  required  to  be  recognised  over  the
entire lease term.

As a result the Group’s IFRS opening balance sheet as at 1 April 2006 includes additional deferred lease incentives
income  of  £250,000  and  an  associated  tax  asset  adjustment  of  £75,000.  In  respect  of  the  six  months  ended 
30 September 2006 and the year ended 31 March 2007 adjustments have been made to decrease the deferred
lease  incentives  amortisation  by  a  further  £8,000  and  £10,000  respectively,  with  an  associated  deferred  tax
adjustment of £2,000 and £3,000 respectively.

(b) Under IFRS, computer software is classified as an intangible asset ‘where the software is not an integral part of
the  related  hardware’.  This  means  that  application  software  costs  that  have  been  capitalised  as  tangible  fixed
assets must now be reclassified to intangible assets. The effect is to increase the intangible assets and reduce
property, plant and equipment by £24,000 and £88,000 being the net book value of software at 1 April 2006 and
31 March 2007 respectively.

(c) Under  IFRS,  cumulative  translation  differences  that  arise  on  translation  of  foreign  operations  are  shown  as  a

separate reserve within equity.

(d) This is the tax effect of the adjustments (a) to (c).

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2008

47

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(continued)

33 Transition statements (continued)

Reconciliation of UK GAAP consolidated profit and loss account to IFRS consolidated income statement for the
year ended 31 March 2007

Revenue
Cost of sales

Gross profit
Administrative expenses

Operating profit
Share of results of associates
Finance income
Finance expense

Profit before taxation
Taxation

Profit for the period

Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent

UK GAAP
in IFRS
format
£’000

45,078
(18,818)
––––––––
26,260
(19,578)
––––––––
6,682
(498)
324
(298)
––––––––
6,210
(2,222)
––––––––
3,988
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

(a)
IAS 17
Lease
incentives
£’000

(d)
IAS 12
Deferred
tax
£’000

–
–
––––––––
–
(10)
––––––––
(10)
–
–
–
––––––––
(10)
–
––––––––
(10)
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

–
–
––––––––
–
–
––––––––
–
–
–
–
––––––––
–
3
––––––––
3
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

IFRS
(restated)
£’000

45,078
(18,818)
––––––––
26,260
(19,588)
––––––––
6,672
(498)
324
(298)
––––––––
6,200
(2,219)
––––––––
3,981
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

3,988
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

(10)
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

3
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

3,981
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

48 MULBERRY GROUP PLC

33 Transition statements (continued)

Reconciliation of UK GAAP to IFRS consolidated balance sheet as at 1 April 2006 (date of transition)

Non-current assets
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Interests in associates
Deferred tax assets

Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Cash and equivalents

Total assets

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Tax liabilities
Obligations under finance leases

Non-current liabilities
Preference shares
Deferred tax liabilities
Obligations under finance leases

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity
Share capital
Share premium
Revaluation reserve
Capital redemption reserve
Special reserve
Retained earnings
Forex reserve

Total equity and reserves

UK GAAP
in IFRS
format
£’000

(a)
IAS 17
Lease
incentives
£’000

(b)
IAS 38
Reclassify
software
£’000

(d)
IAS 12
Deferred
tax
£’000

–
5,228
730
277
––––––––
6,235

5,967
4,962
7,282
––––––––
18,211
––––––––
24,446
––––––––

(7,386)
(987)
(42)
––––––––
(8,415)

(2,514)
–
(65)
––––––––
(2,579)
––––––––
(10,994)
––––––––
13,452
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

2,467
4,547
80
154
1,467
4,737
–
––––––––
13,452
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

–
–
–
–
––––––––
–

–
–
–
––––––––
–
––––––––
–
––––––––

(250)
–
–
––––––––
(250)

–
–
–
––––––––
–
––––––––
(250)
––––––––
(250)
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

–
–
–
–
–
(250)
–
––––––––
(250)
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

24
(24)
–
–
––––––––
–

–
–
–
––––––––
–
––––––––
–
––––––––

–
–
–
––––––––
–

–
–
–
––––––––
–
––––––––
–
––––––––
–
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
––––––––
–
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

–
–
–
194
––––––––
194

–
–
–
––––––––
–
––––––––
194
––––––––

–
–
–
––––––––
–

–
(119)
–
––––––––
(119)
––––––––
(119)
––––––––
75
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

–
–
–
–
–
75
–
––––––––
75
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

IFRS
£’000

24
5,204
730
471
––––––––
6,429

5,967
4,962
7,282
––––––––
18,211
––––––––
24,640
––––––––

(7,636)
(987)
(42)
––––––––
(8,665)

(2,514)
(119)
(65)
––––––––
(2,698)
––––––––
(11,363)
––––––––
13,277
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

2,467
4,547
80
154
1,467
4,562
–
––––––––
13,277
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2008

49

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(continued)

33 Transition statements (continued)

Reconciliation of UK GAAP to IFRS consolidated balance sheet as at 31 March 2007

UK GAAP
in IFRS
format
£’000

(a)
IAS 17
Lease
incentives
£’000

(b)
IAS 38
Reclassify
software
£’000

(c)
IAS 21
Forex
reserve
£’000

(d)
IAS 12
Deferred
tax
£’000

Non-current assets
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Interests in associates
Deferred tax assets

Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Cash and equivalents

Total assets

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Tax liabilities
Obligations under finance leases

Non-current liabilities
Bank loans
Preference shares
Deferred tax liabilities
Obligations under finance leases

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity
Share capital
Share premium
Revaluation reserve
Capital redemption reserve
Special reserve
Retained earnings
Forex reserve

Total equity and reserves

1,499
7,085
152
–
––––––––
8,736

6,688
3,869
10,271
––––––––
20,828
––––––––
29,564
––––––––

(7,690)
(892)
(37)
––––––––
(8,619)

(1,250)
(2,564)
(53)
(27)
––––––––
(3,894)
––––––––
(12,513)
––––––––
17,051
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

2,474
4,633
49
154
1,467
8,274
–
––––––––
17,051
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

–
–
–
–
––––––––
–

–
–
–
––––––––
–
––––––––
–
––––––––

(260)
–
–
––––––––
(260)

–
–
–
–
––––––––
–
––––––––
(260)
––––––––
(260)
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

–
–
–
–
–
(260)
–
––––––––
(260)
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

88
(88)
–
–
––––––––
–

–
–
–
––––––––
–
––––––––
–
––––––––

–
–
–
––––––––
–

–
–
–
–
––––––––
–
––––––––
–
––––––––
–
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
––––––––
–
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

–
–
–
–
––––––––
–

–
–
–
––––––––
–
––––––––
–
––––––––

–
–
–
––––––––
–

–
–
–
–
––––––––
–
––––––––
–
––––––––
–
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

–
–
–
–
–
94
(94)
––––––––
–
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

–
–
–
174
––––––––
174

–
–
–
––––––––
–
––––––––
174
––––––––

–
–
–
––––––––
–

–
–
(96)
–
––––––––
(96)
––––––––
(96)
––––––––
78
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

–
–
–
–
–
78
–
––––––––
78
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

IFRS
£’000

1,587
6,997
152
174
––––––––
8,910

6,688
3,869
10,271
––––––––
20,828
––––––––
29,738
––––––––

(7,950)
(892)
(37)
––––––––
(8,879)

(1,250)
(2,564)
(149)
(27)
––––––––
(3,990)
––––––––
(12,869)
––––––––
16,869
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

2,474
4,633
49
154
1,467
8,186
(94)
––––––––
16,869
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

50 MULBERRY GROUP PLC

Mulberry Group plc
Company financial statements

31 March 2008

Contents

Independent auditors’ report

Company balance sheet

Notes to the Company financial statements

Page

52

53

54

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2008

51

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

TO THE MEMBERS OF MULBERRY GROUP PLC

We have audited the parent company financial statements of Mulberry Group plc for the year ended 31 March 2008 which
comprise the Company balance sheet and the related notes 34 to 44. These parent company financial statements have
been prepared under the accounting policies set out therein.

We have reported separately on the Group financial statements of Mulberry Group plc for the year ended 31 March 2008.

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

RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIRECTORS AND AUDITORS
The  Directors’  responsibilities  for  preparing  the  Annual  Report  and  the  parent  company  financial  statements  in
accordance  with  applicable  law  and  United  Kingdom  Accounting  Standards  (United  Kingdom  Generally  Accepted
Accounting Practice) are set out in the Statement of Directors’ responsibilities.

Our responsibility is to audit the parent company financial statements in accordance with relevant legal and regulatory
requirements and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland).

We report to you our opinion as to whether the parent company financial statements give a true and fair view and whether
they  have  been  properly  prepared  in  accordance  with  the  Companies  Act  1985.  We  also  report  to  you  whether  in  our
opinion the Directors’ report is consistent with the parent company financial statements. 

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

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

BASIS OF AUDIT OPINION
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) issued by the Auditing
Practices Board. An audit includes examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures in the
parent company financial statements. It also includes an assessment of the significant estimates and judgements made by
the Directors in the preparation of the parent company financial statements, and of whether the accounting policies are
appropriate to the Company’s circumstances, consistently applied and adequately disclosed.

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

OPINION
In our opinion:

the  parent  company  financial  statements  give  a  true  and  fair  view,  in  accordance  with  United  Kingdom  Generally
Accepted Accounting Practice, of the state of the Company’s affairs as at 31 March 2008;

the parent company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 1985;
and

the information given in the Directors’ report is consistent with the parent company financial statements.

Deloitte & Touche LLP
Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors 

Bristol, United Kingdom

18 June 2008

52 MULBERRY GROUP PLC

●
●
●
COMPANY BALANCE SHEET
At 31 March 2008

Fixed assets

Tangible assets

Investments

Current assets

Debtors

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Net current assets

Total assets less current liabilities

Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year

Provision for liabilities

Net assets

Capital and reserves

Called up share capital

Share premium account

Revaluation reserve

Capital redemption reserve

Special reserve

Profit and loss account

Shareholders’ funds

Note

2008
£’000

2007
£’000

37

36

38

39

39

40

42

43

43

43

43

43

44

2,770

13,202
––––––––

15,972

2,762

13,202
––––––––

15,964

1,610

2,142

(646)
––––––––

964
––––––––

(624)
––––––––

1,518
––––––––

16,936

17,482

–

(3,814)

–
––––––––

16,936
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

(104)
––––––––

13,564
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

2,871

7,007

18

154

4,187

2,474

4,633

49

154

4,187

2,699
––––––––

16,936
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

2,067
––––––––

13,564
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 18 June 2008. They were
signed on its behalf by:

Godfrey Davis 
Director 

Roger Mather
Director

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2008

53

NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Year ended 31 March 2008

34 Significant accounting policies

Basis of accounting
The separate financial statements of the Company are presented as required by the Companies Act 1985. They have
been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with applicable United Kingdom Accounting
Standards and law.

The principal accounting policies are summarised below. These have been applied consistently throughout the year
and the preceding year. 

Tangible fixed assets
Fixed assets are shown at cost less accumulated depreciation and any provision for impairment.

Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to  write  off  the  cost,  less  estimated residual  value,  of  each  asset on a
straight line basis over its expected useful life at the following rates per annum:

Freehold buildings
Short leasehold property
Fixtures, fittings and equipment

5%
term of the lease
10% to 33% per annum

Freehold land is not depreciated.

Investments
Fixed asset investments in subsidiaries and associates are shown at cost less provision for impairment.

Financial liabilities and equity
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements
entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the Group after
deducting all of its liabilities.

Bank borrowings
Interest-bearing  bank  loans  are  recorded  at  the  proceeds  received,  net  of  direct  issue  costs.  Finance  charges,
including premiums payable on settlement or redemption and direct issue costs, are accounted for on an accruals
basis in profit or loss using the effective interest method and are added to the carrying amount of the instrument to
the extent that they are not settled in the period in which they arise.

Equity instruments
Equity instruments issued by the Company are recorded as the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.

Foreign exchange
Transactions  denominated  in  foreign  currencies  are  translated  into  Sterling  at  the  rates  ruling  at  the  dates  of  the
transactions.  Monetary  assets  and  liabilities  denominated  in  foreign  currencies  at  the  balance  sheet  date  are
translated at the rates ruling at that date. These translation differences are dealt with in the profit and loss account.

Pension costs
Payments to employees’ personal pension plans are charged as an expense as they fall due. 

54 MULBERRY GROUP PLC

34 Significant accounting policies (continued)

Taxation
Current tax is provided at amounts expected to be paid (or recovered) using the tax rates and laws that have been
enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.

Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed at the balance
sheet date where transactions or events that result in an obligation to pay more tax in the future or a right to pay less
tax in the future have occurred at the balance sheet date. Timing differences are differences between the Company’s
taxable profits and its results as stated in the financial statements that arise from the inclusion of gains and losses in
tax  assessments  in  periods  different  from  those  in  which  they  are  recognised  in  the  financial  statements.  A  net
deferred  tax  asset  is  regarded  as  recoverable  and  therefore  recognised  only  when,  on  the  basis  of  all  available
evidence, it can be regarded as more likely than not that there will be suitable taxable profits from which the future
reversal of the underlying timing differences can be deducted. Deferred tax is measured at the average tax rates that
are  expected  to  apply  in  the  periods  in  which  the  timing  differences  are  expected  to  reverse,  based  on  tax  rates 
and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date. Deferred tax is measured on a
non-discounted basis. The taxation liabilities are reduced wholly or in part by the surrender of tax losses by fellow
group undertakings for which payment is made.

Cash flow statement
A cash flow statement has not been prepared as the consolidated financial statements include a consolidated cash
flow statement.

35 Profit for the year

As  permitted  by  section  230  of  the  Companies  Act  1985  the  Company  has  elected  not  to  present  its  own  profit
and  loss  account  for  the  year.  Mulberry  Group  plc  reported  a  profit  for  the  financial  year  ended  31  March  2008  of
£1,467,000 (2007: £1,385,000).

The  auditors’  remuneration  for  audit  and  other  services  is  disclosed  within  note  8  to  the  consolidated  financial
statements. The only employees of the Company are the Directors whose emoluments are disclosed in the Directors’
remuneration report.

36 Fixed asset investments

Cost
At 1 April 2007 and 31 March 2008

Provision for impairment
At 1 April 2007 and 31 March 2008

Net book value
End and beginning of year

Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Associates
shares
£’000

shares
£’000

loans
£’000

Total
£’000

2,858

11,804

571

15,233

(1,460)
––––––––

–
––––––––

(571)
––––––––

(2,031)
––––––––

1,398
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

11,804
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

–
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

13,202 
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

The Company has investments in the following subsidiaries and associates which principally contributed to the profits
or net assets of the Group.

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2008

55

NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(continued)

36 Fixed asset investments (continued)

Country of 
incorporation

Principal
activity

Holding of 
ordinary shares 

Subsidiaries
Mulberry Company (Design) Limited

England and Wales

Mulberry Company (France) SARL

France

Mulberry Company (Sales) Limited

England and Wales

Kilver Street Inc

Associates
Mulberry USA LLC

USA

USA

Mulberry Oslo AS***

Norway

* Owned by Mulberry Company (Europe) Limited
** Owned through Kilver Street Inc
*** Accounting reference date of 31 December 

37 Tangible fixed assets

Cost
At 1 April 2007
Additions
Disposals

At 31 March 2008

Depreciation
At 1 April 2007
Charge for the year

At 31 March 2008

Net book value
End of year

Beginning of year

Design and manufacture of 
clothing and fashion accessories 
in the UK

Establishment and operation of 
retail shops in France

Establishment and operation of 
retail shops in the UK

Holding Company

Establishment and operation of 
retail shops in the USA and 
distributor for the USA

Operation of a retail shop 
in Oslo

100%

100%

100%*

100%

50%**

50%*

Freehold
land and
buildings
£’000

3,596
133
–
––––––––
3,729
––––––––

988
96
––––––––
1,084
––––––––

2,645
––––––––
––––––––––––––––
2,608
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

Short
Fixtures,
leasehold
land and fittings and
buildings equipment
£’000

£’000

304
17
(7)
––––––––
314
––––––––

150
39
––––––––
189
––––––––

125
––––––––
––––––––––––––––
154
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

528
–
–
––––––––
528
––––––––

528
–
––––––––
528
––––––––

–
––––––––
––––––––––––––––
–
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

Total
£’000

4,428
150

(7) 

––––––––
4,571
––––––––

1,666
135
––––––––
1,801
––––––––

2,770
––––––––
––––––––––––––––
2,762
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

Freehold land of £997,000 (2007: £997,000) has not been depreciated.

56 MULBERRY GROUP PLC

38 Debtors

Amounts falling due within one year:
Amounts owed by Group undertakings
Amounts owed by associate undertakings
Prepayments and accrued income
Other debtors

39 Creditors

Amounts falling due within one year:
Amounts owed to Group undertakings
Other creditors – corporation tax
Accruals and deferred income

Amounts falling due after more than one year:
Bank loans 
Preference shares (see note 42)

Balance at 31 March 2008

2008
£’000

2007
£’000

1,485
94
1
30
––––––––
1,610
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

1,958
167
17
–
––––––––
2,142
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

2008
£’000

2007
£’000

478
38
130
––––––––
646
––––––––

–
–
––––––––
–
––––––––
646
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

380 
63
181
––––––––
624
––––––––

1,250
2,564
––––––––
3,814
––––––––
4,438
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

Details of the borrowings and preference shares are provided within note 21 of the consolidated financial statements.

40 Deferred tax

Excess of capital allowances over depreciation on fixed assets
Short-term timing differences

At 1 April 2007
Credit for the year

At 31 March 2008

41 Related party transactions

2007
£’000

(104)
–
––––––––
(104)
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

2008
£’000

13
17
––––––––
30
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

(104)
134
––––––––
30
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

Details of related party transactions are provided in note 31 of the consolidated financial statements. The Company
has taken advantage of the exemption in FRS 8 not to disclose details of transactions with other Group companies.

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2008

57

NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(continued)

42 Called up share capital

Authorised
65,000,000 ordinary shares of 5p each (2007: 57,000,000)
Nil 7% convertible redeemable B preference shares of 5p each (2007: 8,000,000)

Issued and fully paid
57,419,505 ordinary shares of 5p each (2007: 49,014,505)
Nil 7% convertible redeemable B preference shares of 5p each (2007: 8,000,000)

Less: classified within financial liabilities (see note 39)

2008
£’000

2007
£’000

3,250
–
––––––––
3,250
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

2,871
–
––––––––
2,871
–
––––––––
2,871
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

2,850
400
––––––––
3,250
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

2,451
400
––––––––
2,851
(377)
––––––––
2,474
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

The preference shares were converted into ordinary shares on 16 April 2007 as the conditions for conversion had been
met. The full details regarding this conversion and details on the issue of ordinary shares in the year are provided in
note 25 of the consolidated financial statements.

43 Reserves

Capital
Share Revaluation redemption
reserve
reserve
£’000
£’000

premium
£’000

Balance at 1 April 2007
Credit for share based payments
Premium arising on issue of new shares
Premium arising on conversion of preference shares
Amortisation of revaluation surplus
Profit for the year
Ordinary dividends paid 

Balance at 31 March 2008

4,633
–
187
2,187
–
–
–
––––––––
7,007
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

49
–
–
–
(31)
–
–
––––––––
18
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

154
–
–
–
–
–
–
––––––––
154
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

Special
reserve*
£’000

4,187
–
–
–
–
–
–
––––––––
4,187
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

Profit
and loss
account
£’000

2,067
(5)
–
–
31
1,467
(861)
––––––––
2,699
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

* created as part of a capital restructuring of the Group in 2004.

The cumulative amount of goodwill resulting from acquisitions in earlier financial years which has been written off is
£165,000 (2007: £165,000).

44 Reconciliation of movements in shareholders’ funds

Balance at 1 April 2007
Issue of new shares net of costs
Credit for share based payments
Ordinary dividends paid
Profit for the financial year

Balance at 31 March 2008

58 MULBERRY GROUP PLC

£’000

13,564
2,771
(5)
(861)
1,467
––––––––
16,936
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Notice is given that the Annual General Meeting of Mulberry Group plc will be held at Landsbanki Securities (UK) Ltd’s offices, 5th Floor, Beaufort
House, St Botolph Street, London EC3A 7QR on 12 August 2008 at 11 am for the following purposes:

Ordinary Business:
To consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolutions, which will be proposed as ordinary resolutions:

1. Adoption of financial statements

That the report of the Directors and the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2008 together with the independent auditors' report
be received and adopted.

2. Dividend declaration

To declare a final dividend of 2.0 pence per ordinary share for the year ended 31 March 2008.

3. Re-election of retiring Directors

That Mr B L K Heng who retires as a Director by rotation in accordance with the Company's Articles of Association be re-elected as a Director.

That Mr S Grapstein who retires as a Director by rotation in accordance with the Company's Articles of Association be re-elected as a Director.

4. Appointment of auditors

That  Deloitte  &  Touche  LLP  be  re-appointed  as  auditors  of  the  Company  until  the  conclusion  of  the  next  general  meeting  before  which
accounts are laid and, that their remuneration be agreed by the Directors.

Special Business:
To consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolution, which will be proposed as an ordinary resolution:

5. Directors' power to allot securities 

That in substitution for any equivalent authorities and powers granted to the Directors prior to the passing of this resolution, the Directors be
and they are generally and unconditionally authorised pursuant to Section 80 of the Companies Act 1985 ("the Act") to allot relevant securities
(as defined in that section) up to an aggregate nominal amount of £379,024 to such persons at such times and on such terms as they think
proper during the period expiring at the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company after the passing of this resolution
or such earlier date (if any) on which this authority is revoked, save that the Company may prior to the expiry of such period make any offer or
agreement which would or might require relevant securities to be allotted after the expiry of this period and the Directors may allot relevant
securities in pursuance of any such offer or agreement notwithstanding the expiry of the authority given by this paragraph.

To consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolution, which will be proposed as a special resolution:

6. Waiver of statutory pre-emption rights

That in substitution for any equivalent authorities and powers granted to the Directors prior to the passing of this resolution, the Directors be
and they are empowered pursuant to Section 95(1) of the Act to allot equity securities (as defined in Section 94(2) of the Act) of the Company
for cash pursuant to the authority of the Directors under Section 80 of the Act conferred by Resolution 6 set out in the Notice of Annual General
Meeting convened on 12 August 2008 as if Section 89(1) of the Act did not apply to such allotment and at any time prior to the expiry of the
power conferred by this resolution to make any offer or agreement which would or might require equity securities to be allotted after the expiry
of  such  power  notwithstanding  the  expiry  of  such  power  provided  that  such  power  shall,  subject  as  aforesaid,  cease  to  have  effect  at  the
conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company after the passing of this resolution or such earlier date (if any) on which the
said authority is revoked, and provided that the power conferred by this resolution shall be limited to the allotment of ordinary shares up to a
maximum amount of £143,548 representing less than 5% of the issued share capital of the Company.

By order of the Board

Roger Mather 
Secretary

Registered office:
The Rookery
Chilcompton
Bath
BA3 4EH

Notes:

Date: 18 June 2008

1 All  members  holding  ordinary  shares  are  entitled  to  attend,  speak  and  vote  at  the  meeting.  Such  members  may  appoint  a  proxy  to  attend,  speak  and  vote  instead  of
them. A proxy need not also be a member of the Company but must attend the Annual General Meeting in order to represent you. A member may appoint more than one proxy
provided  each  proxy  is  appointed  to  exercise  rights  attached  to  different  shares  (so  a  member  must  have  more  than  one  share  to  be  able  to  appoint  more  than  one  proxy).
A form of proxy is enclosed. The notes to the form of proxy include instructions on how to appoint the Chairman of the Annual General Meeting or another person as proxy and
how to appoint a proxy electronically or by using the CREST proxy appointment service. To be effective the form must reach the Company's registrar, Computershare Investor
Services PLC, at The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road, Bristol BS99 6ZY by 11am on 10 August 2008.

2

3

In order to facilitate voting by corporate representatives at the meeting, arrangements will be put in place at the meeting so that (a) if a corporate shareholder has appointed the
Chairman of the meeting as its corporate representative to vote on a poll in accordance with the directions of all of the other corporate representatives for that shareholder at the
meeting, then on a poll those corporate representatives will give voting directions to the Chairman and the Chairman will vote (or withhold a vote) as corporate representative in
accordance with those directions; and (b) if more than one corporate representative for the same corporate shareholder attends the meeting but the corporate shareholder has
not appointed the Chairman of the meeting as its corporate representative, a designated corporate representative will be nominated, from those corporate representatives who
attend, who will vote on a poll and the other corporate representatives will give voting directions to that designated corporate representative. Corporate shareholders are referred
to the guidance issued by the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators on proxies and corporate representatives (www.icsa.org.uk) for further details of this procedure.
The guidance includes a sample form of appointment letter if the Chairman is being appointed as described in (a) above.

The register of Directors’ interests in the shares of the Company and copies of the Directors’ service contracts, other than those expiring or determinable without payment of
compensation within one year, are available for inspection at the registered office of the Company during the usual business hours on any weekday (Saturday and public holidays
excluded) from the date of this notice until the Annual General Meeting and will be available for inspection at the place of the Annual General Meeting for at least 15 minutes
prior to and during the meeting.

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2008

59

GROUP FIVE YEAR SUMMARY

UK GAAP

Results

Revenue

Operating profit

Profit/(loss) before tax 

Profit/(loss) attributable to equity holders

Assets employed

Non-current assets

Current assets

Current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Net assets

Key statistics

Earnings/(loss) per share

Diluted earnings/(loss) per share

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
2006
£’000

2005
£’000

2004
£’000

25,327
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

540
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

(204)
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

(214)
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

5,458

11,251

(3,912)

(3,178)
––––––––

9,619
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

30,064
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

2,137
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

1,705
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

1,738
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

4,964

11,084

(4,383)

(53)
––––––––

11,612
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

43,406
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

6,157
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

6,135
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

4,831
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

5,958

18,488

(8,415)

(2,579)
––––––––

13,452
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

IFRS

–––––––––––––––––––––
2008
£’000

2007
£’000

45,078
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

6,672
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

6,200
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

3,981
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

8,910

20,828

(8,879)

(3,990)
––––––––

16,869
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

51,174
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

4,774
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

5,186
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

3,436
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

10,791

23,570

(11,821)

(21)
––––––––

22,519
––––––––
––––––––––––––––

(0.5)p

(0.5)p

3.6p

3.5p

9.9p

8.8p

8.1p

7.4p

6.0p

6.0p

The amounts disclosed for 2006, 2005 and 2004 are stated on the basis of UK GAAP because it is not practicable to restate
amounts for periods prior to the date of transition to IFRSs. The principal differences between UK GAAP and IFRSs are
explained in note 33 to the consolidated financial statements.

60 MULBERRY GROUP PLC

MULBERRY GROUP PLC   THE ROOKERY   CHILCOMPTON   SOMERSET   BA3 4EH

T. 01761 234 500   F. 01761 234 555   MULBERRYGROUPPLC.COM   MULBERRY.COM