Quarterlytics / Beverages - Wineries & Distilleries / Naked Wines

Naked Wines

wine · LSE
Claim this profile
Ticker wine
Exchange LSE
Sector
Industry Beverages - Wineries & Distilleries
Employees 201-500
← All annual reports
FY2022 Annual Report · Naked Wines
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
N

a

k

e

d

W

i

n

e

s

p

l

c

A

n

n

u

a

l

R

e

p

o

r

t

a

n

d

A

c

c

o

u

n

t

s

2

0

2

2

Connecting 
everyday wine drinkers

with the world’s best
independent winemakers

Naked Wines plc Annual Report  
and Accounts 2022

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report

08 Our business at a glance

10 Chairman’s letter

12 Chief Executive’s review

20  Our business model

26 Financial review

32 Key performance indicators

36 Stakeholder engagement

39  Risk management and control 

environment

47 Sustainability

Governance report

52  Board of Directors

54  Governance

58  Directors’ remuneration report

68  Audit Committee report

70 Directors’ report

71    Statement of Directors’ responsibilities

72  Independent auditor’s report

Financials

77 Group income statement

78  Group statement of comprehensive 

income

79   Group statement of changes in equity

80 Group balance sheet

81 Group cash flow statement

82  Notes to the financial statements

110 Company balance sheet

111  Company statement of changes in equity

112  Notes to the Company financial 

statements

117 Shareholder information

118   Definitions and Customer experience KPIs

119  Alternative performance measures 

(APMs)

NAKED WINES LAID BARE

Throughout this report, you’ll 
find a series of interviews 
with our winemakers, 
demonstrating exactly what 
makes us so different

There are three things  
you should know about  
Naked Wines. 
2. 

3.

1. 

We have a clear  
strategy for the future.

We offer winemakers 
hope, certainty and 
creative freedom.

Page 2

Our differentiated model; 
a leading proposition for 
both winemakers and 
customers. 

Page 4

Page 6

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

1

1. We offer
winemakers hope,
certainty and

creative freedom. 

2

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

We are making a real impact in the 
wine industry with a unique business 
model that allows independent 
winemakers the creative freedom to 
bring fantastic wines to consumers at 
great value and direct to their homes. 
We offer advance funding and large, 
regular orders to winemakers, which 
we believe is a strong competitive 
advantage in the marketplace 
that enables us to attract great 
winemakers. 

After a challenging period for 
independent winemakers, we 
are happy to see a return to 
more normalised socialising, with 
winemakers and consumers again 
enjoying great wines together, 
supporting strong customer loyalty 
and repeat orders. This presents a 
tremendous opportunity to capture 
growth in a large and attractive 
market with favourable industry 
dynamics, supported by a secular 
shift to online purchases of wine.

Our business model  
Page 20

As we’ve scaled the business, we’ve 
retained our broad commitment to 
positively impacting the wine industry 
as a whole. Consistently supporting 
independent wine producers since 
our inception, our entire team is 
dedicated to further building on 
our leading platform that enables 
winemakers to access a viable and 
highly beneficial alternative to the 
traditional distribution models that 
are failing them and leaving them 
exposed to the channel shift to online. 

We also know our winemakers often 
need help navigating exceptional 
events. For instance, in FY22 
through the sale of our Ahr Valley 
Rescue Case, we supported the 
people and winemakers of the Ahr 
Valley in Germany who had been 
hit by devastating floods. Also, 
in collaboration with Naked UK’s 
Winemaker of the Year, Stefano 
Di Blasi, we have commissioned a 
research project with the University 
of Florence to examine sustainable 
winemaking with the goal of helping 
our winemakers transition to a more 
sustainable production future.

See our Australian case study  
page 30

95%
of 1,030
would buy it again

As we look to FY23 and beyond, we 
will continue to offer our independent 
winemakers secured funding and 
direct access to consumers, which 
we believe supports a virtual cycle 
of growth over time.

9 6 %

o f   742
w o u l d   b u y   i t   a g a i n

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

3

2. Our  
differentiated model;  
a leading proposition 

for both winemakers  
and customers.

4

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

We seek to disrupt a wine 
marketplace that has not 
fundamentally changed in 
nearly a century and, we believe, 
disadvantages both winemakers and 
consumers. Good wine is generally 
priced too expensively for the end 
consumer, with many layers of 
distribution and retailers taking too 
much of the value away from both 
winemakers and customers. 

To improve the value proposition for 
both winemakers and consumers, we 
are upending the status quo with our 
innovative online wine marketplace.

Through our subscription business 
model, we have garnered 
tremendous support from our 
community of 964,000 Active Angels 
across the UK, the US and Australia 
(who we define as active subscribers 
who have placed an order in the past 
12 months) by providing them with 
an unparalleled value proposition 
and customer experience. In turn, the 
subscription contribution from our 
Angels enables us to help our roster 
of 266 winemakers with some of 
their biggest challenges: capital 
and distribution. 

We connect our winemakers directly 
with our Angels via our website 
or mobile app, allowing for direct 
exchange of educational information 
about wines, feedback, ideas and 
product/customer service ratings, 
which is invaluable data that 
winemakers use to make even better 
wine. This model also allows for a 
unique, curated customer experience 
that deepens engagement and 
fosters customer loyalty and strong 
Repeat Customer sales. In a typical 
year, tens of thousands of Angels 
meet our winemakers in person on 
tour, at virtual events or in wineries. 
In FY22 we were thrilled to see the 
beginnings of a return to face-to-face 
occasions with our Angels when we 
hosted three wine-tasting events in 
the UK in November 2021, as well as 
continuing our very successful virtual 
wine tastings.

Due to the incredible value 
proposition we provide, we continue 
to grow our Angels each year while 
also attracting some of the world’s top 
winemakers, including such recent 
additions as Ken Wright, Megan & 

Ryan Glaab, Andrew & Jamie Pike, 
Mitch Masotti and Daniel Baron. 
Daniel Baron, for example (page 
24), is a Silver Oak winemaker who 
has been building his own iconic 
Napa brand and whose debut 
Francophone Cabernet was Naked’s 
best-subscribed pre-sale ever, with 
over $675,000 pre-sold. Mitch Masotti 
(page 34), a former Bevan Cellars 
winemaker who recently joined our 
community, launched his own Napa 
& Sonoma label that generated 
68% pre-sale of his debut wine and 
attracted more than 5,000 followers 
on launch day. 

In FY22, we continued to invest in our 
business across markets, including 
elevating our brand positioning and 
value proposition in Australia, and 
enhancing our UK and US facilities to 
support the scaling of the business 
for many years to come. We built with 
scale in mind, with additional room to 
grow into our capacity in the medium 
term and support further expansion 
of the business. 

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

5

3. We have a 
clear strategy 
for the future. 

Our priority is to continuously elevate and expand the unique offering 
we provide to both winemakers and customers, with the goal of 
building our brand and expanding our reach to New Customers in 
what we believe is a large and attractive market ripe for disruption.

 Continuing to maximise the customer 

proposition and quality perception to improve 
Lifetime Value (LTV) and attract New Customers

To maximise the customer and 
quality perception of our product 
offering, we are:

  Increasing recognition of wine 
quality on both our app and 
our site with more targeted 
and effective marketing 
communications 

  Leading with the winemaker, 
rather than the value offering, to 
foster the community experience 
and support continuation of 
strong customer loyalty trends 
and Repeat Customer sales

  Expanding the number of 
winemakers and the wine range 
on our platform to allow more 
options for consumers

  Improving the availability and 
speed of our website and 
enhancing the core shopping 
experience

  Extending the scope of our Never 
Miss Out subscription offering and 
rolling out our Wine Genie offering 
at a greater scale

Enhancing the initial 90 
days of the member 
experience, where 
we believe there is 
an opportunity to 
materially increase LTV

To improve LTV, 
we are focused on:

Reactivation of former 
members, where we 
have proven across 
markets and channels 
that LTV for former 
members is higher than 
first-time prospects and 
will be leveraging smart 
modelling

Driving higher conversion 
to second order, through 
increasing resource and 
organisational focus 
around this part of the 
experience

  See information on alternative performance measure definitions on pages 118 and 119.

6

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

Focus on improving early 
retention and conversion of 
our Angels

Based on our years of experience, 
we know that once our Angels are 
on their second and third orders, 
they are more likely to stick around. 
Just like meeting someone for the 
first time, these early impressions 
are when instant opinions are 
formed that tend to be lasting 
ones. So, we are taking a closer 
look at our approach in these 
early engagements to make sure 
we’re not only delivering a great 
experience but also capitalising 
on the opportunity for a lasting 
relationship. 

This includes having the right 
offer, one that’s personalised 
and transparent. We want to turn 
high potential customers into true 
Angels by delivering brilliantly on 
the Naked promise. 

We are then focused on taking 
Angels further along the journey 
to being regular shoppers, so 
that Naked can become their "go 
to", and they use our offering in 
a way that meets their needs. 
We do this by focusing on better 
personalisation and flexibility for 
an all-round better experience 
and connection with our Angel 
community.

Broaden and enhance our 
go-to-market strategy

Leverage scale to  
enhance value creation

As we enhance the customer 
proposition and quality 
perception, we believe we have 
the opportunity to increase the 
efficiency of our investment in 
New Customer acquisition while 
maintaining attractive returns 
by enhancing our go-to-market 
strategy. In this area, for the 
coming year we are: 

  Amplifying the impact of 
performance marketing via 
investment in our brand in 
order to change perceptions of 
Naked around quality and trust 
while increasing awareness 
and consideration of the 
Naked brand

  Implementing a regional 
approach to allow for extended 
measurement of both short- 
and long-term goals and 
extending our learnings from 
brand building campaigns in 
the UK, US and AUS

  Increasing the efficiency of 
New Customer investment 
with an eye towards structural 
improvements that deliver 
enduring benefits such as 
conversion rate optimisation 
and efficiency and increased 
investment in remarketing/
owned channels

  Planning to invest £5 million in 
all markets in FY23 to increase 
the awareness, trust, quality 
and perception of our brand

Operating at scale further 
enhances our differentiated 
business model. See our virtuous 
circle on page 21 which shows the 
following:

  We have a global network of 
266 world-class winemakers, 
which gives us the scale 
to commit volumes to our 
winemakers and unlocks 
predictable cost reductions 

  This attracts more winemakers 
to our platform, increasing our 
range and volume capacity 

  Ultimately, this means we are 
delivering even better wine and 
a stronger value proposition to 
our customers 

  We also have 13 years of 
proprietary data around 
customer behaviour and wine 
preferences that informs our go-
to-market strategy, a growing 
network of relationships with 
the world’s best winemakers 
and production and distribution 
efficiencies that are shared with 
our winemakers and consumers

  As we grow our member base, 
we expect to deliver attractive 
returns on investment spend

Our business model  
Page 20

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

7

Our business at a glance
Where the world’s best 
winemakers make their best wine

Financial Performance Summary

Sales for the year  
to 28 March 2022

£350.3m

Sales growth 

2YoY 

3% 

(5%cc*)

73%

(78%cc*)

 Repeat Customer 

Contribution profit

£86.2m

YoY 

2%

2YoY 

86%

 Adjusted EBIT

£2.0m

Profit/(loss) before tax

£2.9m

340.2

350.3

84.9

86.2

2.0

2.9

202.9

46.4

(5.4)

(1.5)

FY20

FY21

FY22

FY20

FY21

FY22

(2.4)

FY20

FY21

FY22

FY20

(10.7)

FY21

FY22

Sales by geography

US 

45%

UK 

42%

AUS 

13% 

80% Repeat Customer 

sales retention 
(FY21: 88%)

1.5x

 5-Year Forecast Payback 

(FY21: 2.6x)1

24%of Angels on subscription  

products Never Miss Out  
and Wine Genie 
(FY21: 20%) 

964,000 

Active Angels 
(FY21: 886,000)

32.6m 

reviews 
(FY21: 28.9m)2

£21.2m Standstill EBIT 

(FY21: £39.3m)

1 Latest forecast, original forecast 3.0x. See page 13 for further details.
2 Total number of reviews in our database.

  See information on alternative performance measure definitions on pages 118 and 119.

* cc – sales growth at constant currency

8

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

Naked Wines supports independent 
winemakers who make exclusive 
wines at preferential prices. 

We pass these preferential prices 
on to our customers and customise 
our recommendations to them 
based on 32.6 million customer 
reviews, which helps to inform our 
Angels’ decision making process 
and provide a more meaningful 
customer experience overall 
compared to the traditional 
wine purchasing channels.

Our purpose 
Connect everyday wine drinkers 
with the world’s best independent 
winemakers, building meaningful 
connections and providing an 
elevated value proposition to both. 

Our mission 
To disrupt the wine industry for 
the benefit of our customers, 
winemakers and our people.

Our ambition 
To go from impacting individuals 
to changing how the entire wine 
industry works by shaping our value 
proposition to both consumers and 
winemakers while building brand 
awareness and enhancing both 
the quality of our offerings and 
the overall user experience.

We see potential for 
market share gain in  
all our geographies. 
The opportunity is the 
largest in the US, where 
the market is larger than 
the rest of the world in 
terms of size and gross 
profit potential.

Source: internal research 2020

*  Commenced shipment to Kentucky in FY22, Alabama license 

pending. Together these add an additional ~$0.3bn.

$20bn*

£2bn

A$2bn

Total Addressable Market 
(TAM)

Excluding states we  
cannot sell to1

Wine >$10 a bottle

Those who buy wine regularly

Those interested in wine

Naked $25bn TAM

1  The 44 states Naked currently 

ships to represent more than 90% 
of consumers in the US.

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

9

Chairman’s letter
Charting a course to responsible, 
sustainable growth

This letter marks my first year since assuming 
the role of Chairman of Naked in August 2021.

Over the course of the past two years, Naked 
has thrived despite market and business 
challenges. Our team executed with diligence 
and drove substantial growth in both Active 
Angels and Winemakers from FY19-21, 
increasing our scale and giving us greater 
resources to invest in growth. In FY22, we 
consolidated these gains with incremental 
growth that, while below the expectations set 
out at the beginning of the year, further raised 
the platform on which we will execute against 
our large future growth opportunity.

In my role as Chairman, I’m aware that this 
is a key moment in determining how we 
utilise our platform to achieve our ambitions. 
Like any other business emerging from the 
pandemic, we must candidly revisit our goals, 
how we do business and how we apply the 
learnings of the past two years to best achieve 
our opportunities. For Naked’s business, the 
team recognises that consumer behaviours 
will evolve and that we also must execute with 
discipline amid lingering challenges ranging 
from supply chain disruptions, recessionary 
economic conditions and global conflict.

Despite external unpredictability, there is 
significant good news for Naked: our central 
opportunity to disrupt the wine industry is as 
strong and realisable as ever. We estimate a 
$25 billion market opportunity and we have 
plenty of opportunities to grow in all our 
markets, especially the largest, the US.

With a market ripe for disruption and our 
greater scale achieved over the past few years, 
this is a moment to be bold, but also thoughtful. 
To achieve our ambitions, we cannot just grow 
for growth’s sake; rather, we must chart a 
course for responsible, sustainable growth.

That starts with ensuring we fully appreciate 
our underlying strength and how best to 
optimise it in preparation for growth. The core 
of Naked’s business, and our opportunity, is our 
value proposition to winemakers and to Angels. 
We are delivering to a high standard today, but 
it’s management’s assessment that we have 
much to improve upon and the Board agrees. 

With a market ripe for 
disruption and our 
greater scale achieved 
over the past few years, 
this is a moment to be 
bold, but also thoughtful.
Darryl Rawlings
Chairman

10

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

With a sharp focus on the 
quality and value of our 
customers, winemaker 
partners and the products 
we deliver, we believe we will 
be in the best position to 
drive intrinsic value creation 
for all of our stakeholders.

Unit economics matter in a consumer-
driven business and over time Naked has 
proven its economic model. As the CEO of 
a US consumer-facing technology-driven 
company as well as Chairman of Naked, I 
greatly value Naked’s strong orientation to 
operating in a data-driven manner. Culturally 
and financially, this is very important to driving 
sustainable growth.

The team recognises that as we grow and 
consumer behaviours evolve, so must we. 
This starts with a sharper focus on driving 
improvement in the lifetime value (LTV) of 
our now 964,000 Active Angels. Naked has 
doubled its revenue over the past several 
years and has a large addressable market. We 
want to optimise the value we derive from that 
market; to do so you will see us adjust our go-
to-market strategies toward driving higher LTV. 
Nick’s report covers these strategies in more 
detail; in the big picture they are designed to 
drive spending efficiencies and better results 
in both new customer acquisition and driving 
repeat order activity and “winbacks” of former 
members returning to Naked.

We are also focusing on quality across 
our range of products as we continue to 
introduce new relationships with well-known 
winemakers. This report highlights some of 
the exciting new wines we’ll be bringing to our 
Angels this coming year and beyond.

To an extent, our focus on quality relative 
to quantity informs the preliminary trading 
outlook we’ve provided for FY23. That said, 
we are confident that our approach will 
be in service to our objective of continuous 
commercial improvement that delivers a 
larger, and also more valuable, customer 
base over time.

Underneath the tweaks Nick, Shawn and their 
teams are making to the business model, 
our Board is taking fundamental steps to 
better position Naked to capture our largest 
opportunity in the US. Not only is our TAM 
larger in the US, our business model is tailor-
made for that market. American consumers 
appreciate doing business with sustainable, 
responsible companies that can improve their 
lives by delivering higher quality experiences 
at lower cost and we believe wine is one 
of the dwindling number of large markets 
in the US that have yet to be significantly 
disrupted. Nearly a century after Prohibition 
in the US, the legal structure around the drinks 
industry affords ample room to distributors 
to benefit from economic inefficiencies in the 
transportation, sale and delivery of wine. 

Driving intrinsic value creation 
for all stakeholders
We aim to dramatically close that gap. 
Achieving it will bring great benefits to 
shareholders but achieving it responsibly 
will bring even greater benefits to all of 
Naked’s stakeholders. This report outlines 
our substantial achievements in sustainability 
and I’m proud to represent a company with 
Naked’s track record.

Governance is also a critical component of 
growing responsibly. Naked’s regular refresh 
of its Board ensures we mix continuity with 
fresh opinion and insight. I want to thank David 
Stead and Katrina Cliffe for their outstanding 
work and contributions as non-Executive 
Directors over the past five and three years, 
respectively. I’m also greatly looking forward 
to partnering with our incoming independent 
Directors Deidre Runnette and Melanie Allen. 
Deidre and Melanie will bring deep experience 
in their fields to the Board and additionally 
their first hand experience enabling companies 
to successfully scale in the US market will 
be of great value to Naked at this stage 
of our development.

In Katrina’s final year with Naked, she has 
spearheaded a very important initiative 
in our responsible growth strategy. In her 
remuneration report she outlines our new 
Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP), designed 
to align equity compensation not just with 
financial performance but with the intrinsic 
value Naked creates as a corporation. The 
Board has observed that our prior LTIP did not 

optimally incentivise the interests of our people 
and those we hoped to recruit to the company. 
Our new approach is more aligned with US 
practice, with a central focus on intrinsic value 
creation, which we will now be measuring 
annually and our equity incentive structure 
will be aligned accordingly. I encourage you 
to review Katrina’s report to learn more.

Achieving our goals, responsibly
Our Board and team are energised entering 
FY23. The opportunity ahead is tremendous 
and we have a stronger foundation and 
greater scale to go after it. But how we go after 
it is as important as our business execution. 
Naked is committed to building a responsible, 
sustainable growth company, one with a strong 
focus on data-driven strategies, improving unit 
economics, aligned and properly incentivised 
people and smart capital allocation. With a 
sharp focus on the quality and value of our 
customers, winemaker partners and the 
products we deliver, we believe we will be in 
the best position to drive intrinsic value creation 
for all of our stakeholders.

Darryl Rawlings  
Chairman

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

11

Chief Executive’s review
Strong execution in the face 
of external headwinds

Naked navigated a dynamic consumer 
environment and inflationary pressures 
well in FY22 and consolidated the step 
change achieved in FY21.
Nick Devlin
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Consolidated last 
year’s step change in 
scale and delivered 
5% growth against 
challenging COVID-19 
boosted comparatives 
on a constant currency 
basis (3% reported).

12

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

In the past year we have:

Increased Active Angels 
to 964,000 from 886,000 
in the prior year.

Achieved sales retention 
of 80%, well above our 
guidance for the year 
of mid-70s, as our 
differentiated model 
resonates with our 
members.

Invested in reinforcing 
the technology 
infrastructure of the 
business to support 
our rapid growth and 
establish the platform 
for the years to come.

Made significant 
progress against key 
areas of strategy to 
enhance our customer 
proposition.

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

Successful execution in a 
challenging environment
Over the last year, our teams have executed 
effectively to enable Naked to navigate 
a dynamic consumer environment and 
inflationary pressure to deliver a year which 
has seen Naked consolidate the rapid gains 
made during the pandemic and reinforce 
our platform for future growth.

Throughout the year we have been pleased 
to see the extent to which sales retention rates 
have exceeded our expectations. At Naked, 
sales retention is the analogue to same-store 
sales in a traditional retail business and looks 
at like-for-like repeat revenue on a constant 
set of Angels who were members throughout 
the comparison period. We envisaged a fall 
in retention given the “excess” frequency and 
order values generated during the pandemic 
highs of FY21. Whilst our achieved retention 
rate of 80% trails the 83% recorded in FY20, our 
last pre-pandemic comparison, it exceeded 
our expectations of a result in the mid-70s 
and reflects the extent to which Angels have 
discovered something better than the old way 
of approaching wine. In any recurring revenue 
business the retention rate is of the utmost 
importance and the results achieved this year 
reflect the sustained hard work of our teams 
and our continued investment in the range 
and customer experience.

The corollary to the high retention rate is the 
continued positive development of the returns 
on maturing cohorts. As business metrics 
stabilise it is instructive to look at the latest 
payback estimates for these cohorts.

 G All cohorts up to and including FY21 have 

“paid back”, i.e. payback >1x

 G Realised returns remain well ahead of initial 

projections for FY17-19 cohorts

 G Our expected 5-year return for FY16 through 
FY21 is 2.6x, materially ahead of our target 
range of 1.8 – 2.2x

Throughout the year we 
have been pleased to 
see the extent to which 
sales retention rates 
have exceeded our 
expectations.

The challenges of the year
Whilst there is much that I am pleased with 
in how we have navigated an economic and 
consumer environment during FY22 that 
was the most challenging that I have seen in 
my time with Naked, it is equally clear from 
the table below that we have fallen short of 
our payback goals this year. Whilst in time I 
believe we may realise better than the initial 
projection of 1.5x, this result is still one we are 
disappointed with, and therefore it is worth 
explaining the reasons for the results we 
achieved and the actions we are taking 
to address this. 

The primary challenge we have faced has 
been one of volatility, with consumer sentiment 
and behaviour evolving rapidly as markets 
emerged from COVID-influenced restrictions 
at different rates and then in the latter part 
of the financial year as consumers began to 
feel the impact of inflationary pressures on 
household budgets.

At Naked our investment model is based on our 
ability to make upfront investments to acquire 
New Customers and then to convert those new 
customers into satisfied and loyal long-tenure 
members. That is the real-world version of 
our payback calculation: investment upfront 

Cohort

FY16

FY17

FY18

FY19

FY20

FY21

FY22

Age at 
reporting date

 Latest 5 year 
(forecast)

 Original 
forecast

Payback to 
date

73-84 months

3.1x (actual)

61-72 months

2.5x (actual)

49-60 months

37-48 months

25-36 months

13-24 months

0-12 months

2.7x

2.3x

2.6x

2.6x

1.5x

3.1x

2.0x

2.1x

1.8x

2.6x

3.0x

–

3.8x

2.8x

2.5x

1.9x

1.6x

1.2x

0.3x

  See information on alternative performance measure definitions on pages 118 and 119.

to generate a forecastable and predictable 
stream of cash flows over the following five 
years. It is fair to say that the level of volatility 
observed, as well as the impact of cost 
pressure on Repeat Contribution margins, have 
provided a stern test of our ability to forecast 
mid-term returns.

There are elements of how we have handled 
this where we could have done better. In 
particular, we might have been quicker to 
acknowledge that the combined inflationary 
pressures we saw were likely to endure, at 
least for the mid-term, and as such could have 
accelerated measures to mitigate their impact 
on customer LTV. Whilst those measures are 
now underway, for example through “winback” 
initiatives, the reduction in margins we saw in 
FY22 is currently flowing through our models 
and impacting our projected payback levels.

That said, throughout the year our marketing 
teams have operated with good discipline 
in their investment decisions and we have 
rationally pulled back spend at times where 
marketing inflation has rendered some 
channels unattractive for periods of time. 
The shape of our payback in FY22 reflects this, 
with clear action taken through the year to 
respond to lower than targeted returns and an 
improved run-rate at the end of the year, with 
our key US market returning to its long-term 
payback range in the 4th quarter.

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

13

Chief Executive’s review 
continued

Continuing to strengthen  
our points of difference
Near term operational challenges are always 
to be expected, even if the specifics are 
hard to foresee. I am pleased to say that we 
have maintained our focus this past year on 
delivering against our strategy to strengthen 
the consumer and winemaker proposition at 
Naked to best capture our long-term growth 
opportunity.

Enhancing our consumer proposition
We have made substantial progress against 
our key goals for the customer proposition 
over the last 12 months. 

Nowhere is this more clear than in 
our range of wines and winemakers
At Naked our driving motivation is to create 
a model that is a win for both customers and 
winemakers. We believe that in creating a 
direct route to the consumer for world-class 
independent winemakers, we are best able 
to create value for our members.

Over the last year I have been delighted 
to welcome to Naked a number of leading 
winemakers from around the world that reflect 
the excitement in the winemaking community 
for the unique proposition Naked can offer. 
To share a few highlights:

 G Rudy von Strasser chose to move exclusively 
to working with Naked, allowing us to share 
his multi-award winning Diamond Mountain 
cabernets with our members in the US
 G Biodynamic producers Kaufmann Wines – 
rated as one of Germany’s rising stars are 
an especially exciting addition. Kaufmann 
offered their Riesling at a special price to 
include as part of our Ahr Valley rescue case 
(see our community good causes further 
below) and this formed the beginning of 
a flourishing relationship with more wines 
subsequently added to the Naked UK range 
and a US listing to follow

 G This autumn we will release the debut 

Naked project from Willamette Valley icon 
Ken Wright – attracting one of the founding 
fathers of the Oregon Pinot Noir scene to 
make an exclusive project for Angels is 
further testimony to the growing appeal of 
our platform

We are focused on expanding the diversity 
of choice we offer Angels in all our markets, 
through an increased range of styles that 
deliver the value we’re known for while also 
building a more complete offering at Luxury 
price points. These aren’t new initiatives, 
however, when done with authenticity the 
development of winemaker partnerships takes 

14

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

time, and I’m delighted to see the dividends 
of much hard work being reflected in our 
performance over the past 12 months.

In Australia we saw average order values 
increase alongside gross margin enhancement 
as we saw the benefits of a full review of our 
range. In the US an expanded selection of 
Luxury wines offered in our holiday quarter 
saw bottles sold at price points over $25 per 
bottle increase by 110% versus the prior year.

We have long known that the Naked model 
has an acute ability to disrupt the Luxury part 
of the wine market, where the disconnect 
between production cost and retail price is 
most pronounced. The benefits to Naked as we 
show an ability to grow volume in these areas 
are multiple: 

 G An ability to invest in Luxury projects further 

enhances our appeal to winemakers
 G Angels benefit through an expanded set 

of choices, especially for special occasions 
and longer-term cellaring, whilst also able 
to enjoy substantial savings versus like 
quality wines

 G As we encourage more of our Angels to 
shop at these price points, we develop a 
powerful lever to expand share of wallet 
and enhance LTV

 G Increasing average bottle prices also offers 
us contribution margin efficiency as we 
more effectively leverage the fixed costs 
associated with distribution of our wines

Of course, I firmly believe the best wine is 
the wine that you have yet to make. As I look 
ahead, I’m especially excited at a series of 
projects we are working on with Matt Parish 
to showcase some of the leading vineyard 
sites in Napa through an exclusive AVA 
designate series.

Gaining important recognition  
for our quality
Coincident with upleveling our range of wines, 
we’ve also set out to enhance our quality 
perception and I am pleased to say that we 
have made substantial progress this year. At 
Naked we track our brand perception in all our 
markets. Our latest set of results shows marked 
improvements for our key quality indicator 
– the belief Naked ‘sells high quality wine’. 
Equally we are seeing improvements in brand 
comprehension and strengthening of our 
association with the support of independent 
winemakers.

Whilst we strongly believe that the greatest 
validation possible for our wines is found in the 
32.6 million reviews on the Naked platform, 
we have set out over the last year to increase 
the level of 3rd party recognition for our wines 
primarily as a way to shape the perception of 
Naked in the market at large. I am delighted, 
although not surprised, with the results:

Decanter wine awards: 226 wines entered 
by our US business with 163 Bronze+ winners, 
including two platinum awards; 75 wines 
entered by our UK business with 54 Bronze+ 
awards and 13 Bronze+ awards from our 
Australian business

International Wine & Spirits Competition 
awards: 150 wines entered by our US business 
with 123 Bronze+ winners; 125 wines entered by 
our UK business with 102 Bronze+ winners

International Wine Challenge awards: 36 
wines entered by our UK business with 34 
award winners 

Time and again, and in the most competitive 
of international awards, the pattern is clear. 
Naked’s unique model lets winemakers 
focus on what they do best – making world-
class wine – and does so in a way that strips 

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

out unnecessary costs. That translates into 
consistent success when their wines are blind 
tasted against those of their peers.

Improving our go-to-market strategy
The challenges in the digital marketing 
environment in the past 12 months have been 
well documented and extensively discussed. 
This has been a period of time where two 
elements have been important for Naked:

1.  Diversity – we diversify investment across 

an array of customer acquisition channels, 
including unique direct partnerships with 
third parties to distribute physical vouchers

2.  Discipline – we have demonstrated, including 
in the past financial year, that when markets 
occasionally get irrational, we will hold back 
capital. We will continue to do so in the future

Alongside our efforts in paid marketing 
channels we have begun to test a number of 
remarketing strategies in the 2nd half of the 
year. We believe that these strategies have the 
ability to scale substantially, and over time to 
represent up to 40% of total new membership 
additions. The results to date have been 
encouraging and give us confidence we can 
scale these initiatives in FY23:

 G A proven ability to “winback” material 

numbers of former members, via a mixture 
of free and paid channels. The benefits 
are twofold. The cost of acquisition is 
substantially lower, and by leveraging our 
machine learning models to predict likely 
value of former members, we have been 
able to achieve consistently higher LTV on 
winback Angels versus first-time recruits
 G Proof of concept of our ability to effectively 
remarket to leads we have generated via 
paid marketing who have not converted. We 
believe the ability here even extends to leads 
that we generated a relatively long time ago 
– which means we have an extensive lead 
pool, available at little or no cost, that we 
have not extensively exploited to date 

In the final quarter of FY22 our aggregate 
remarketing efforts represented 34% of 
members acquired, an increase from 18% in the 
prior year. The traction achieved here, led by 
our US market, played a key part in returning 
payback in Q4 to our long-term payback 
range. We believe an increasing allocation of 
resources to support remarketing can yield 
further improvements in the year ahead.

Time and again, and in 
the most competitive of 
international awards 
the pattern is clear. 
Naked’s unique model 
lets winemakers focus 
on what they do best 
– making world class 
wine – and does so in a 
way that strips out 
unnecessary costs. 

Building with sustainability  
at our core
In all aspects we believe that building a 
sustainable business that looks to have a 
positive impact on the communities it operates 
in is not just the right thing to do: it’s also good 
business. On pages 47 to 51 of this report you 
can learn more about our approach to a more 
sustainable future, but in the past year I’ve 
been delighted to see us make progress on a 
number of dimensions as well as continuing to 
support our teams and winemakers in giving 
back to their communities.

As a wine company, we are acutely aware 
of our reliance on the planet to produce the 
products we sell and our role in ensuring that 
it is sustainable for the long term. This year 
we have focused on a number of initiatives to 
reduce the carbon footprint of Naked:
 G We have saved 673 tonnes of CO2 through 
the introduction of lighter-weight glass 
bottles. Working directly with winemakers, 
we see their passion for finding ways to 
reduce the environmental impact of our 
industry in ways that have no impact on 
consumer enjoyment. Our ability to connect 
winemaker and consumer directly and 
explain the benefits of packaging innovation 
has enabled us to move rapidly in this area

 G Another area of innovation over the past 

year has been the development of a range 
of premium boxed wines, initially launched in 
our UK market. Six of our leading wines have 
been made available in 2.25L box formats 
to date, with over 12,000 Angels choosing a 
boxed wine in FY22

The size and strength of the Naked Angel 
community also gives us a unique opportunity 
to amplify good causes and have a positive 
social impact. In total in FY22 Naked raised 
over £1.5 million for good causes. Among 
my personal highlights:

 G The AHR Germany campaign, where our 

UK business sold 3,000 cases of a six bottle 
German wine ‘rescue case’ with all profits 
donated to the German Wine Institute-
backed Ahr Valley relief fund

 G Partnering Californian winemaker Macario 

Montoya in his Latino Winemakers 
Foundation, which focuses on mentoring and 
advancing the careers of Latino winemakers

Our Carmen’s Kids 2022 appeal to provide 
daily nutritious meals to hungry children in 
South Africa’s poorest communities launched 
on 6 May, and once again our Angels have 
shown how generous they are in supporting 
this charity. This year we have raised over 
£600,000 to feed more than 27,300 children.

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

15

Chief Executive’s review 
continued

When I became CEO of Naked in January 
2020, I inherited a great business with 
a unique consumer and winemaker 
proposition and compelling unit economics. 
However, Naked had been a capital 
constrained company and was sub-scale as 
a result. Looking back, our internal ambition 
at the time was to double the size of the 
business over a five-year time horizon.

At the end of FY22, Naked by our own metrics 
is 183% the size it was back in January 2020 
(rolling 12 month constant currency sales). 
Undoubtedly, external factors beyond 
anything we contemplated at that point have 
played a part in the speed of that growth, but 
equally the ability to scale rapidly reflects the 
underlying strength of the Naked model, the 
resonance of the proposition and the quality 
of the winemakers we have brought on 
board. As we now start to see signs emerging 
of a post pandemic landscape – both for 
consumers and for the online wine market – 
now is the right time to outline our beliefs for 
the next five years for Naked Wines.

Those beliefs start with an affirmation of 
what we know and have proven over time. 
Today Naked is the world’s #1 direct-to-
consumer (DtC) wine business, connecting 
964,000 customers directly to over 260 
world-class winemakers. This direct 
connection is core to our differentiation. It 
enables us to put great wines in the hands 
of consumers without costly multi-level 
retail infrastructure, not only saving them 

16

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

The next horizon for growth

money but affording them the powerful 
emotional benefits of discovery and proximity 
to the vintner. 

For winemakers, Naked’s model offers a 
distinct combination of autonomy, reward and 
scale. We’re good for their businesses, and we 
help them build stronger relationships with the 
consumers of their product.

In this way we are not only differentiating our 
company, we are leading a transformation of 
the wine industry. The powerful economics of 
our model lower production costs, enable the 
sharing of scale benefits and disintermediate 
traditional retail distribution.

These are enormous wins for both winemakers 
and consumers. Of course, our shareholders 
are positioned to win as well. Our attractive 
unit economics are proven, and we think we 
can make them better. And we believe we are 
still in the early stages of our growth, with a $25 
billion TAM in our targeted markets in which we 
have only a 2% penetration today. Our ability to 
increase that penetration is further supported 
by consumer behavioural trends, which 
favour migration to online purchasing and 
access to products of localised provenance. 
If “farm to table” has helped characterise 
consumer preferences in the dining trade, then 
Naked is providing a “vine to glass” model for 
consumers who want to discover great wines 
and feel closer to the artists who craft them, 
but without the premium cost often associated 
with local provenance.

We also believe that the key elements 
of competitive differentiation are 
substantially strengthened:

 G We continue to grow our network of 
relationships with the world’s best 
winemakers, and to deepen those 
relationships.

 G Our continuing revenue growth 

reinforces our scale advantages in 
production and distribution. 

 G We have a great opportunity to more 
fully utilise 13 years of proprietary 
data around customer behaviour, LTV 
and wine preferences, for the mutual 
benefit of our winemakers, our Angels 
and our Company.

 G Our $60 million credit facility signed 

after the year end on 31 March provides 
us with additional balance sheet 
strength and flexibility.

Over the next five years we see the 
opportunity to double the size of Naked 
again through a sustained focus on 
enhancing the differentiation of our 
proposition for consumers and winemakers.

By continuing to capture share of our 
$25 billion TAM, we can create substantial 
value for all our stakeholders. And we can 
do that by staying true to the approach 
that has brought us this far: disciplined 
investment in growth supported by a clearly 
differentiated model that offers a unique 
win-win for winemakers and wine drinkers.

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

The next opportunities  
we will focus on

As I recall from a distant past as an 
undergraduate historian, there is a danger to 
outlining five-year plans; the future has a habit 
of unfolding differently to how you imagine. 
However, there are a number of key parts to 
our thinking around the future opportunity for 
Naked that we can share with confidence.

One guiding thought is to recognise that the 
path to our goal will not be linear. In FY23 our 
focus will be on laying the foundation for our 
next five years and ensuring that Naked is 
robustly set up for sustainable growth. There 
are three important objectives as part of the 
first horizon of our long-term plan:

1

2

3

Ensure our contribution 
economics support 
sustainable growth

Set the right balance 
between quality and 
volume

Increase investment 
in translating traffic  
to LTV

1 

Ensure our 
contribution 
economics support 
sustainable growth

We’ve been clear that as a management 
team we believe in the power of sharing the 
benefits of scale – with our customers and our 
winemakers – as a method to create long-
term value. However, it is important to be 
clear that this is not the same as a belief that 
(i) prices need never increase nor indeed that 
(ii) a scaling business should not be able to 
realise some improvement in margins. Instead 
it reflects our philosophy that when presented 
with a choice, we are minded to favour the 
path of sharing gains with all stakeholders over 
that of maximising short-term returns.

The past year has seen sustained inflationary 
pressure impact our sourcing, our supply chain 
and our overhead base. In response to that, 
we are taking measures to ensure that our 
contribution economics are appropriate to 
convert customer lifetime revenue to lifetime 
value at a rate that supports our growth 
ambitions. In doing this, the Naked model 
offers a number of advantages. It is helpful to 
outline them briefly here in turn:

1.  Vertically integrated production 

model = high control over products 
and input costs

2.  Exclusive brands and products = no direct 

consumer price comparison

3.  Efficient DtC model = well positioned to 

minimise inflationary impact

4.  Measurable consumer surplus = room to 

sustainably take price

5.  Ownership of sales channels = scope to 

drive margins via range and price point mix

These are precisely the characteristics that 
have allowed our Australian division to increase 
Repeat Customer Contribution margin from 
24% in FY20 to 28% in FY22 (and 30% in the final 
quarter of FY22). This was achieved with no 
impact on our sales retention rates in Australia 
and without compromising on the consumer 
surplus we believe we should offer in all parts 
of our range.

Indeed, in October 2021 we promoted the 
leader of our Australian team, Alicia Kennedy, 
to the new role of Chief Operating Officer 
(COO) for the Group – and in that capacity 
Alicia will be working with our teams in the UK 
and US as we roll out the successful learnings 
to those markets.

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

17

Chief Executive’s review 
continued

2 

Set the right  
balance between 
quality and  
volume

All aspects of Naked have seen tremendous 
growth over the past two years since FY20.

 G Active Angels (+66%)
 G New Customer Investment (+76%)
 G Repeat Customer Contribution profit (+86%)
 G And all our markets

While the level of growth achieved has been 
impressive, it’s important that we consistently 
challenge ourselves with a view to the most 
efficient and value creating way to generate 
sustainable long-term growth.

In parts of our business over the last 12 months 
we haven’t got the balance quite right. We 
have driven volume of new members at the 
expense of quality and in the UK in particular 

have allowed our market positioning to shift to 
become the lowest price online player – which 
is not consistent with our ambition to be the 
world’s leading quality online wine platform. 
Some of the impact of this can be seen in our 
payback outcome reported for FY22 cohorts. 
Whilst the payback of 1.5x is in part a factor of 
short-term cost pressures, we would likely have 
fallen slightly short of our desired return range 
in any event.

We have commenced work to retest our 
formula for customer acquisition to reflect 
the changes we have seen in competitor and 
consumer environments as well as in our own 
cost base. We expect that the result of those 
changes, which will be most apparent in the 
UK, will be:

 G A short-term reduction in New Customer 

Investment

 G Improved margins on New Customer sales 
(reflecting a reduction in subsidy of initial 
orders)

 G Increased payback as we orientate the 

business towards higher quality, sustainable 
growth

 G A reduction in FY23 revenue growth rate, 

driven primarily by New Customer revenue

We will accompany this work with the steps 
to enhance repeat contribution margins 
outlined above to fully exploit the potential 
from repositioning towards a higher quality 
customer mix.

18

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

3 

Increase investment 
in translating  
traffic to LTV

The only sustainable way to build a high growth 
business is to be able to convert traffic effectively 
to customer lifetime value. In FY23 you will see us 
shift the balance of our new customer marketing 
investment further into our customer acquisition 
funnel, most notably lead conversion and initial 
trials. For a business like Naked, converting 
purchase intent is lower cost and therefore more 
payback accretive than, for instance, further 
increasing paid marketing to drive additional 
traffic. This is of course not a new reality, and 
in truth I believe we have underinvested here 
in recent years. In FY23 we intend to set about 
correcting that! 

We believe we have three areas in which we 
can effectively allocate our resources to capture 
these benefits and therefore strengthen Naked’s 
underlying economics.

The first of these will be investing more 
in our teams that focus on Conversion 
Rate Optimisation (CRO). CRO has been a 
consistently impactful value creation lever 
for Naked, but we believe that we have the 
opportunity to accelerate the rate at which we 
deliver value in this area. Under the leadership 
of our new Chief Operating Officer (COO), we 
are increasing investment in our Product teams 
in this area and taking a more coordinated 
global approach to our CRO roadmap. In the 
last six months we have seen encouraging 
results in our improved ability to match our 
initial conversion funnel experience and New 
Customer offer to different types of traffic, and 
this is one of the areas we believe can support 
our objectives to drive sustainable growth.

Our second area in which we are increasing 
investment and applying a coordinated global 
approach is the challenge of converting 
initial trial of the Angel model to ongoing 
loyal members. In a model with high Repeat 

Customer sales retention of 80%, the impact 
of better conversion to second order is highly 
leveraged. Equally, for a business with a 
unique consumer proposition and an exclusive 
product range, new members have different 
needs from our long-term Angel members. 
We believe a coordinated effort that looks at 
the requirements from a wine, digital product 
and marketing communications perspective 
for Angels in their first 90 days can yield a 
meaningful improvement. The impact on our 
cohort economics, and thus our ability to invest 
sustainably in growth, is substantial. Improving 
second purchase rates by 10% should drive 
a 3ppts improvement in cohort IRR. Why are 
we confident in our ability to achieve this? 
Put simply, this is the single area in which our 
underinvestment is most stark! To date we have 
had no dedicated resources aligned to this 
part of the journey, so we start with a relatively 
clean slate and a rich set of hypotheses to test.

The third part of our focus on sustainable 
growth economics is a continuation of work 
we have begun this year to better monetise 
the leads we already have in our business. As 
Naked has aged, we have amassed a large 
and valuable pool of leads, both (i) former 
members, who we have shown remain highly 
engaged and often willing to rejoin, and (ii) 
prospects we have details for who have never 
yet tried our wine. In FY22 we have made 
substantial progress in building effective and 
repeatable marketing campaigns to better 
realise value from these lead pools; however, I 
expect we will be able to make further progress 
here in the year ahead. To do so we will be 
allocating more internal resources to content 
generation and remarketing and ensuring that 
our internal incentives reward value creation via 
remarketing as effectively as the investment to 
acquire first-time new members.

#1

We have built Naked into the 
world’s #1 DtC wine business

964,000

Active Angels

260+

world class winemakers

Future prospects
We have built Naked into the world’s #1 DtC 
wine business, connecting 964,000 customers 
to over 260 world class winemakers. Over 
the course of the two and a half years since 
we took the decision to dispose of our UK 
retail assets to focus on the growth of Naked 
globally, we have nearly doubled the size of 
Naked Wines.

At a time when consumers and winemakers 
around the globe are facing a challenging 
economic outlook, I believe Naked is more 
relevant than ever. Our differentiated model 
is a win for winemakers, offering them a path 
to scale, financial security and the platform to 
build the leading wine brands of the future. 
For consumers, our mission to strip out the 
unnecessary and non value-adding layers of 
intermediary and offer direct access to world-
class wine has never been more relevant.

I’m more motivated than ever to build a better 
alternative to "wine as usual".

Nick Devlin  
Chief Executive

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

19

Our business model

Our 
mission

We have an organic, clear and compelling mission: 

To disrupt the wine 
industry for the benefit 
of customers, winemakers 
and our people.

Problems we are solving 
for wine drinkers
 G Unhappy with their level of 

product choice and knowledge 
 G Told by the industry what to drink 

and what to like 

 G Lack of guidance provided in the 

buying process 

 G Paying too much for good-

quality wine

Problems for winemakers
 G Left exposed by the secular shift 

to online spending

 G Difficulty securing long-term 
financing and regular orders 

 G Immense pressure to meet 

stringent cost levels and unrealistic 
production time limits 

 G Small business pains including 
scalability and high marketing 
costs due to lack of scale

20

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

The wine industry needs Naked

Like their counterparts in any other industry, 
winemakers aim to continuously improve 
their products by seeking out consumer 
feedback, employing the latest techniques 
in winemaking and experimenting with 
new blends to create exceptional wines. 
They do all of this while trying to manage 
the challenges of incurring considerable 
upfront costs to produce their wines before 
eventually getting paid. 

These challenges are compounded by the 
fact that there has been little change in 
the way wine is sold, especially in the US, 
for the past 100 years. This results in a lot 
of friction, and added cost, for both the 
winemaker and the consumer.

The solution
At Naked Wines, we are easing the friction 
by disrupting the wine industry. We enable 
our winemakers to focus on making 
great wines with security and stability, 
while offering our consumers those great 
wines at exceptional value. We do this 
by cultivating a community of Angels – 

rapidly approaching one million in number 
– who enjoy supporting our winemakers 
as much as they enjoy drinking their wine. 

We build a culture of trust and support 
with our winemakers: we agree to orders 
in advance, with a fixed fee per bottle, 
so they have certainty of our upfront 
commitment. Winemakers can be paid in 
advance, empowering them to buy better-
quality grapes. We also provide product 
purchasing data and feedback from our 
Angel base and the benefits of a scale 
producer for commodities like dry goods 
(bottles, corks, etc.).

Ultimately, what we have created is a 
virtuous circle that connects wine drinkers 
with the world’s best independent 
winemakers. This circle facilitates 
information and insights for our Angels, 
connects them with winemakers and 
links the winemaking process and the 
winemakers directly to consumers. This 
leads naturally to scale benefits for all, 
including Naked Wines. 

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

Our virtuous 
circle, and  
the benefits  
of scale

Our subscribers (Angels) 
generate a stream of 
cash and product data
13 years of proprietary 
data around customer 
behaviour, LTV & wine
preferences informs our 
go-to-market strategy

1

964,000
Active Angels

2

We use this money to back 
independent winemakers 
to make wine exclusively 
for us; the data enables 
them to make better wine
We have built a growing 
network of relationships 
with the world’s best 
winemakers

Scale 
economics

266
winemakers

Building a bigger, 
better business unlocks 
scale economies
Production & distribution 
efficiencies are shared 
with winemakers 
& customers, while 
preserving attractive 
margins

4

2,500+
beautiful 
wines

3

Winemakers focus 
on creating beautiful 
wines and we handle 
the rest – resulting in 
preferential prices
This offers our Angels 
beautiful wines which 
drives higher retention.

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

21

Our business model 
continued

Our 
differentiated 
model

Our model is hard to replicate

Our ecosystem is well established with high barriers to both 
entry and scale. Over Naked’s 13 years in operation we have:

Been at the forefront of transforming 
the wine industry
In providing a compelling alternative to 
traditional wine distribution channels for both 
winemakers and consumers. Our business 
model enables scale, with quick delivery to 
our 964,000 Active Angels across our core 
geographies, who participate in an enthusiastic 
community that fosters discussion with our 
unbeatable network of fantastic winemakers.

Built unrivalled technology
We own unique and valuable technology 
and data that enables fulfilment providers, 
class leading customer service, and social 
interactions with winemakers that gets 
better every year informing customer 
purchasing decisions.

Sustained investments to support growth 
It takes time and sustained investment to build 
a brand, recruit winemakers, produce wine, 
build a distribution network and recruit our 
community of Angels, all of which we have 
continued to pursue in support of long-term 
growth of the business.

Created a direct bond between customers 
and winemakers
We operate in large and growing markets 
with favourable industry dynamics, with access 
to exclusive wines and winemakers and an 
incredibly loyal customer base that drives 
Repeat Customer sales. 

22

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

Great people with  
relevant experience
 G Experienced Board (tech, innovation, 

retail, US, M&A, marketing) 

 G Winemakers, wine buyers and data 
analysts driving the relevant parts 
of the business

Strong leadership  
and culture 
 G Innovative culture that is both 

nimble and disruptive

 G Analytical, data-based decision-

making and accountability

 G Lean team structure that enables 

greater scale as sales grow

 G Community-focused

Deep relationships with:
 G Our 266 independent 

winemakers 

 G Our 964,000 Active Angels 
 G Marketing partners 
 G Distribution networks 

Our 
critical  
assets

Strong capital position
 G £40 million available cash 

at year end 

 G Continued investments to support 
growth and drive future value 

9 0 %

o f   c o n s u m e r s   w o u l d  
b u y   f r o m   u s   a g a i n

Data-informed strategy
 G 32.6 million ratings and reviews 

from customers 

 G Understanding of customer 

characteristics that improves 
targeted advertising 

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

23

NAKED WINES 
LAID BARE

Naked Wines allows  
me to focus on my art –

creating great 
wines

Q&A with 
Daniel Baron

24

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

How long have you been 
working with Naked 
Wines?

Q.
A.

This year will be the fourth vintage 
with Naked Wines. It is incredible how 
quickly that has gone by and it has 
been extremely enjoyable.

What’s your biggest 
highlight/success over 
the past year?

Q.
A.

There are many highlights of course, 
but the interaction with the Angels is 
something I only get with being part 
of Naked Wines. I’ve been in the wine 
business for over 50 years and you meet 
a lot of people at events, but you rarely 
get to have such a close and direct 
involvement with the consumers. I’ve 
always had a vision of making exceptional 
wines of quality that are both accessible 
and affordable. Naked Wines allows 
me to do that and to hear straight away 
the consumer reaction, and that is so 
valuable. There is always an interesting 
tension in how we educate the consumer 
versus how we adapt to the consumer, 
and the feedback loop with Angels 
really creates an excellent forum for 
that interaction.

How has Naked 
supported your 
business?

Q.
A.

With their support they have allowed me 
to have my own brand, something I’ve 
wanted to do my entire career. Creatives 
like me are rarely good at the commercial, 
financial, sales aspects of any business. 
With their support I can focus on my art, 
what I love to do, which is create great 
wines. I get to bring my personality into 
the wines, and the sense of humour and 
irreverence is there in my labels, although 
I am always serious about making great 
wine. Whereas before I was limited to 
making the house style, Naked empowers 
me to make my own style, which has been 
incredibly rewarding.

Has Naked helped you 
grow your brand and 
business in other ways?

Q.
A.

I’ve always dreamed of going back to 
Bordeaux, and with Naked Wines we are 
exploring the possibility of bringing this 
dream to life. It is still early, but it is an 
exciting adventure to come full circle on 
my wine career, back to where I learned 
so much four decades ago. It is such 
a privilege to return to a classic home 
of fine wine.

What difference has 
Naked made to you, 
your business and your 
community?

Q.
A.

Naked has been very supportive in our 
community. In my life, I’ve always believed 
in the value of diversity. When we enjoy 
wine from other regions, we embrace an 
incredible amount of diversity. The more 
we explore, the more open we become 
to different expressions and tastes, and 
I believe this carries over into our lives.

Naked Wines recently partnered with 
The Roots Fund, a non-profit organisation 
dedicated to creating and building 
diversity for the BIPOC community 
within the wine industry. I was fortunate 
to be selected as a mentor to a young 
woman from Baltimore, Maryland, 
transitioning from her career as a 
teacher into becoming a winemaker. 
She is the first recipient of the Emerging 
Vintner Mentorship, and is producing 
her first vintages of Chardonnay – both 
Oaked and Unoaked. This is exciting 
for both of us!

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

25

Financial review
Consolidated the step change achieved last year to 
deliver continued growth in winemakers and Active 
Angels in FY22, as well as positive Adjusted EBIT 

Group performance
Naked Wines continues to disrupt the wine 
industry with its superior value proposition 
for both winemakers and consumers. We’ve 
come a long way in building what today is a 
pre-eminent online wine marketplace. And 
we still have significant opportunity to grow 
and scale the business by capturing more of 
our estimated $25 billion total addressable 
market (TAM). We aim to do so by investing 
intelligently in customer acquisition and our 
value proposition, persistently employing a 
data-driven focus on unit economics.

In FY22, Naked Wines continued to increase 
sales on top of significant acceleration in the 
business in the prior year. Repeat Customer 
sales increased 13% over FY21 on a constant 
currency basis, driven by strong sales retention 
of 80% and execution in the business. 

Our loyal Angel base continues to enhance 
our appeal to top winemaking talent. And as 
we’ve grown (78% constant currency sales 
growth comparing FY22 to FY20), we’ve been 
able to add even more talented winemakers 
producing beautiful wines that continue to 
improve and enhance the customer value 
proposition. 

Our Angel subscriber base increased to 
964,000 Active Angels, a 9% increase over FY21. 
Repeat Customer Contribution profit was £86.2 
million, a £1.3 million increase over FY21, driven 

Naked Wines delivered 
another solid year in FY22, 
building on the scale we’ve 
implemented throughout the 
business and despite difficult 
comparisons to FY21. We are 
better positioned than ever 
to capture the tremendous 
opportunity ahead of us, with 
continued enhancements to 
our overall value proposition 
and planned investments in 
customer acquisition.

Shawn Tabak 
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

FY22
£ million
350.3

FY21
£ million
340.2

FY20
£ million
202.9

Total sales
Constant currency growth
Cost of sales
Gross profit

 Gross profit margin

Fulfilment costs

 % of total sales
 Contribution profit
 Contribution profit margin

Advertising costs
 % of total sales

General and administrative costs1

 % of total sales
 Adjusted EBIT

Finance income/(costs)

 Adjusted profit/(loss) before tax

 Adjusted items

Profit/(Loss) before tax

(208.6)
141.7
40%
(62.6)

18%
79.1
23%
(34.1)
10%
(43.0)
12%
2.0
1.0

3.0

(0.1)

2.9 

(204.7)
135.5
40%
(58.3)

17%
77.2
23%
(42.3)
12%
(36.4)
11%
(1.5)
1.0

(0.5)

(10.2)

(10.7)

YoY
var
+3%
+5%
+2%
+5%
60bps
+7%

2YoY
var
+73%
+78%
+66%
+83%
220bps
+79%

(125.3)
77.6
38%
(35.0)

70bps
17%
+2%
42.6
(10)bps
21%
(19)%
(19.8)
(270)bps
10%
+18%
(25.2)
160bps
12%
(2.4)
+233%
(0.5) Flat to FY21

60bps
+86%
160bps
+72%
Flat to FY20
+71%
(10)bps
+183%
N/A

(2.9)

(2.5)

(5.4)

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

1  General and administrative costs reported here are as per the income statement excluding £(1.3) million of acquisition related 
amortisation costs, £1.1 million of fair value adjustments relating to open FX contracts and £0.1 million of plc foreign exchange 
revaluations (see note 7 Adjusted items for further information). General and administrative costs reported here include £3.0 
million of Marketing R&D and £1.1 million of share-based compensation.

  See information on alternative performance measure definitions on pages 118 and 119.

26

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

by the increase in Repeat Customer sales and 
offset by a decrease in our Repeat Customer 
Contribution margin driven by disruption in the 
global supply chain and increases in logistics 
and transportation costs. 

We invested £41.3 million in acquiring New 
Customers in FY22 (FY21: £50.0 million, FY20: 
£23.5 million), lower than in FY21, when we 
increased investment spending to capture the 
decrease in acquisition costs during COVID-19 
lockdowns. FY22 Investment in New Customers 
was 76% higher than FY20. 

This year’s investment delivered a 
5-Year Forecast Payback of 1.5x (FY21: 2.6x, 
original forecast 3.0x), reflecting both the 
effects of easing lockdowns in our markets 
and a challenging consumer environment, and 
higher performance marketing and logistics 
and transportation costs. 

Adjusted EBIT was £2.0 million (FY21: £(1.5) 
million), driven by strong Repeat Customer 
sales and expense control. 

Solid FY22 performance
The Group delivered total sales of £350.3 
million, an increase of 5% over FY21 on a 
constant currency basis (+3% on a reported 
basis). This year-on-year increase was driven 
by strong retention and demand from existing 
members, as Repeat Customer sales increased 
13% on a constant currency basis to £315.1 
million. This was partially offset by an expected 
decrease in New Customer sales of 38% on 
a constant currency basis compared to the 
high-volume environment seen during the 
height of the pandemic in FY21. On a two-year 
stacked basis, Group sales increased 78% over 
FY20 on a constant currency basis (+73% on 
a reported basis). 

Gross profit was £141.7 million for the full 
financial year, with a gross profit margin of 
40%, a 60 basis point increase over the prior 
year, driven by a higher mix of Repeat versus 
New Customer sales in the current year 
compared to the prior year and improvement 
in Australian gross margins. 

Fulfilment costs were £62.6 million for FY22, 
representing 18% of total sales, a 70 basis point 
increase over the prior year. This increase 
was primarily driven by increased logistics 
and transportation costs. During the year, we 
implemented automation in our UK distribution 
centre and remodelled our US distribution 
network. The latter resulted in additional cost 
of approximately $1.5 million to transport 
inventory from our legacy Napa warehouse 
to four warehouses that are closer to both 
our distribution centres and our customers.

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

Contribution profit was £79.1 million for the full 
financial year, with a Contribution profit margin 
of 23%. This is approximately flat to FY21, as 
fulfilment cost headwinds were offset by a 
higher mix of Repeat versus New Customer 
sales in the current year compared to the 
prior year. Where possible, we have sought 
to mitigate or absorb cost pressures through 
efficiencies from scale and cost savings 
initiatives. 

Advertising costs were £34.1 million in FY22, 
representing 10% of total sales, a 270 basis point 
decrease over the prior year. Advertising costs 
predominantly relate to the acquisition of New 
Customers. This spend was lower than initially 
planned as we responded to the lower 5-Year 
Forecast Payback of customer cohorts. 

Total general and administrative costs in 
FY22 were £43.0 million, representing 12% of 
total sales, a 160 basis point increase over 
the prior year primarily driven by a step up 
in technology-related costs to improve the 
customer experience and to support the 
significant growth in the business over the past 
two years, as well as anticipated future growth. 
Total general and administrative costs as a 
percent of sales was flat to FY20. We invested 
£3.0 million in Marketing R&D primarily 
related to testing opportunities to increase 
the awareness, quality perception and trust 
in our brand. 

Adjusted EBIT was £2.0 million (FY21: £(1.5) 
million loss), reflecting Repeat Customer 
Contribution profit of £86.2 million and other 
contribution of £0.1 million, less Investment in 
New Customers of £41.3 million and general 
and administrative costs of £43.0 million.

The statutory profit before tax of £2.9 million 
(FY21: £(10.7) million loss) was driven by: 

 G Adjusted trading performance as set out 

above, plus net finance income

 G Fair value adjustments to open foreign 
exchange contracts and plc foreign 
currency balances; and

 G The amortisation of acquired intangible 

assets

New and Repeat Customer 
breakdown
In FY21 we saw extraordinary circumstances 
driven by lockdown restrictions related to the 
pandemic, which drove lower acquisition 
costs in FY21 as well as a spike in customer 
demand and higher order frequency as 
people remained at home at levels never seen 
before. Due to this dynamic, year-over-year 
comparisons for FY22 relative to FY21 reflect 
normalisation of customer behaviours coming 
out of the height of the pandemic. Overall 
the business has grown substantially from 
pre-Covid levels and we continued to grow 
the business in FY22.

New Customer sales1

New Customer Contribution loss2

Advertising costs

Investment in New Customers

Repeat Customer sales1

Constant currency growth

Repeat Customer Contribution profit2

Repeat Customer Contribution margin

Key performance indicators (KPIs)

Repeat Customer sales retention

Active Angels

5-Year Forecast Payback

Year 1 Payback

Standstill EBIT

FY22
£ million

34.0

(7.2)

(34.1)

(41.3)

FY21
£ million

56.4

(7.7)

(42.3)

(50.0)

315.1

283.9

86.2

27.4%

80%

964k

1.5x

68%

21.2

84.9

29.9%

88%

886k

2.6x

82%

39.3

YoY
var

(40)%

(6)%

(19)%

(17)%

+11%

+13%

+2%

(250)bps

(800)bps

+9%

(1.1)x

(1,400)bps

(18.1)

1  Total sales = New sales + Repeat sales + other revenue of £1.2m (FY21: nil) relating to the non core disposal of wine volumes 

to maintain optimal inventory.

2  Total Contribution profit = New Customer Contribution loss + Repeat Customer Contribution profit + other contribution 

of £0.1 million (FY21: nil) relating to the non core disposal of wine volumes to maintain optimal inventory.

 New Customers

Investment in New Customers was £41.3 million 
in FY22 compared to £50.0 million in FY21. Our 
FY22 investment spend reflects New Customer 
Contribution loss of £7.2 million and advertising 
costs of £34.1 million. This compares to New 
Customer Contribution loss of £7.7 million 
and advertising costs of £42.3 million in 
FY21. In FY22, we decreased our advertising 
spend to account for the lower payback of 
New Customer cohorts.

Our 5-Year Forecast Payback was 1.5x in 
FY22, below our prior year 5-Year Forecast 
Payback of 2.6x, primarily driven by changes 
in the consumer environment as well as the 
inflationary pressures noted. 

We utilise a number of diverse marketing 
channels, which provides us with flexibility in 
adjusting channel priorities based on market 
conditions and shifts in consumer behaviour. 
Our offline voucher channel remains a strong 
channel, with over 800 partners globally. Our 
online channels, including social, search and 
affiliates, represent growth opportunities 
as we optimise our unit economics for these 
channels, including strategies to improve the 
conversion of customers from website traffic 
to first purchase, as well as the early life 
retention of customers. We expect to continue 
to invest in Marketing R&D, including testing to 
understand the impact of brand investments; 
we expect that brand investments will increase 
the awareness, quality perception and trust in 
the brand, thereby enhancing the effectiveness 
and efficiency of performance marketing 
investments.

 Repeat Customers

Repeat Customer sales were £315.1 million, a 
13% increase on a constant currency basis over 
the prior year (+11% on a reported basis). We 
continue to enhance our customer proposition 
with a broader range, and by adding more 
talented winemakers who are making 
beautiful wines.

We saw an increase in our subscription 
offers Never Miss Out to 366,000 annual 
subscriptions (FY21: 295,000) and Wine Genie 
to 18,000 subscriptions (FY21: 17,000), which 
continue to add further value for our Angels. 
On average, Never Miss Out customers have 
1.9 active subscriptions. These subscriptions 
increase customer lifetime value, and we 
continue to review further enhancements to 
these and to roll them out at greater scale.

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

27

Financial review 
continued

Repeat Customer sales retention was 80% 
in FY22 (FY21: 88%), a decrease over the 
prior year reflecting the strong comparative 
to the higher order frequency and lower 
cancellations experienced during COVID-19 
lockdowns last year.

Repeat Customer Contribution profit was 
£86.2 million in FY22, a £1.3 million increase over 
the prior year. Repeat Customer Contribution 
margin was 27%, a 250 basis point decrease 
compared to the prior year driven by higher 

storage, transportation and logistics costs in the 
US and the UK, as well as non-recurring costs for 
the US distribution network remodel, offset by a 
higher gross margin in Australia.

 US segment

 UK segment

 Australia segment

£ million
Total sales1

FY22

157.4

FY21

161.7

YoY %

(3)%

£ million

Total sales

FY22

147.0

FY21

133.1

£ million

Total sales

FY22

45.9

FY21

45.5

YoY %

+1%

Repeat Customer sales 135.6

115.8

YoY %

+10%

+17%

(13.5)

(11.1)

+22%

Repeat Customer sales 40.8

38.3

+2%

+7%

+11%

Investment in New 
Customers

Repeat Customer 
Contribution profit

Repeat Customer 
Contribution margin

Adjusted EBIT

28.2

27.3

+3%

21%

8.1

24% (280)bps

10.9

(26)%

Total UK sales were £147.0 million in FY22, 
representing growth of 10% compared to FY21 
driven by an increase in Repeat Customer sales 
of 17%, partially offset by a decrease in New 
Customer sales. 

UK Adjusted EBIT in FY22 was £8.1 million, 
reflecting Repeat Customer Contribution 
profit of £28.2 million less Investment in New 
Customers of £13.5 million and general and 
administrative costs of £6.6 million.

UK Repeat Customer Contribution margin 
was 21%, a 280 basis point decrease over the 
prior year driven by higher transportation and 
logistics costs.

The UK segment is our most mature business 
and, therefore, has the highest sales retention 
among the Group. 

Constant currency 
growth

Constant currency 
growth

Investment in New 
Customers

Repeat Customer 
Contribution profit

Repeat Customer 
Contribution margin

Adjusted EBIT

+2%

+7%

8%

(4.6)

(5.5)

(16)%

11.3

9.7

+16%

28%

2.9

25% +240bps

0.9

+222%

Total Australia sales were £45.9 million in 
FY22, representing growth of 2% over FY21 on 
a constant currency basis (1% increase on a 
reported basis), also driven by an increase in 
Repeat Customer sales, partially offset by a 
decrease in New Customer sales. 

Australia Adjusted EBIT was £2.9 million in 
FY22 reflecting Repeat Customer Contribution 
profit of £11.3 million less Investment in New 
Customers of £4.6 million and general and 
administrative costs of £3.8 million.

Australia Repeat Customer Contribution 
margin was 28%, a 240 basis point increase 
over the prior year, driven by gross margin 
improvements. The improvements in gross 
margin were driven by price increases across 
the range as well as through rationalisation of 
the wine in the portfolio.

Foreign exchange rates did not have a material 
impact in the Australia segment, as the 
average monthly rate for FY22 was AUD/GBP 
1.850, a modest 1% increase over FY21.

Constant currency 
growth

Repeat Customer sales 138.7

129.8

Constant currency 
growth

Investment in New 
Customers

Repeat Customer 
Contribution profit

Repeat Customer 
Contribution margin

Adjusted EBIT

(23.2)

(33.4)

(31)%

46.6

47.9

(3)%

34%

8.6

37% (330)bps

2.0

+330%

Total US sales were £157.4 million in FY22, a 
2% increase over the prior year on a constant 
currency basis (3% decrease on a reported 
basis). The year-over-year increase on a 
constant currency basis was driven by an 
increase in Repeat Customer sales of 11% on 
a constant currency basis (+7% increase on a 
reported basis), partially offset by a decrease 
in New Customer sales as a result of lower 
investment spend on New Customers during 
the year. 

US Adjusted EBIT was £8.6 million, reflecting a 
Repeat Customer Contribution profit of £46.6 
million and other contribution of £0.1 million, 
less Investment in New Customers of £23.2 
million and general and administrative costs 
of £14.9 million.

US Repeat Customer Contribution margin was 
34%, the highest in the Group, driven by the 
three-tier distribution model in the US market, 
which drives up prices. The margin decreased 
330 basis points over the prior year, driven by 
higher storage, transportation and logistics 
costs, as well as the US distribution network 
remodel.

Foreign exchange rates offset reported growth 
in the US segment, as the average monthly rate 
for FY22 was USD/GBP 1.368, a 5% increase 
over FY21. 

1 Total sales = New sales + Repeat sales + other revenue.

28

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

amortised interest income on the loan note 
created as part of the disposal of the Majestic 
business in 2019 and from cash held on deposit 
with a range of banks.

the base case forecast highlights sufficient 
liquidity over this time period, in a downside 
scenario there is uncertainty over compliance 
with covenants in future quarters. See page 39.

Tax charges totalled £0.5 million in FY22, 
reflecting an effective tax rate of 17.1%. This is 
made up of a £2.0 million current tax charge, 
made up almost exclusively by corporate tax 
borne in our US and Australian markets, offset 
by a deferred tax credit largely driven by the 
recognition of a deferred tax asset of previous 
capital losses expected to crystallise in the 
next financial year. 

Cash and cash flow drivers
Cash at 28 March 2022 totalled £39.8 million 
compared to £85.1 million at the end of FY21. 
We employ a balanced capital allocation 
strategy, prioritised by maintaining sufficient 
cash and liquidity to operate the business, 
given the seasonality in our inventory 
purchasing cycle and our sales. We balance 
this with investing in strategic growth, where 
we see compelling opportunities at attractive 
returns in excess of our weighted average cost 
of capital (WACC) and internal hurdle rate. 
We would expect to return any excess capital 
beyond those priorities to shareholders.

Growth investments are geared towards 
customer acquisition, our customer proposition 
and our go-to-market strategy, as well as 
investing in inventory to increase product 
availability and deliver on our growth plans and 
key strategic objectives. Given the investments 
we plan to make in the growth opportunities 
we see before us in the coming year, we are not 
anticipating any distributions or returns of excess 
capital to shareholders at this time.

Given the challenges presented by supply 
chain disruptions combined with the higher 
demand seen in FY21, we invested £61.2 million 
of cash in FY22 to grow our inventory in order 
to maintain product availability and ensure an 
excellent customer experience for our Angels. 
We will continue to run the business at a higher 
inventory level as needed to support our 
anticipated growth, while carefully managing 
levels to demand.

On 31 March 2022, we raised a $60 million 
credit facility with a syndicate of banks. Under 
the facility we may borrow against our US 
inventory. Borrowings bear interest between 
Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) 
+325bps and +375bps. On completion of 
the facility, the Group drew, and continues 
to draw, $21 million consistent with the facility 
cash deposit covenant. Management has 
assessed covenant compliance in respect of 
the facility over the next 12 months and while 

In FY22, we utilised £43.6 million of free 
cash flow, primarily driven by an increase in 
inventory holdings of £61.2 million, offset by 
cash inflow of £3.6 million and £12.9 million 
from increases in deferred income and trade 
payables, respectively. See page 120 for the 
calculation of free cash flow.

Outlook 
There are a few themes that are relevant to 
our FY23 guidance. First, we have seen and 
continue to expect a measure of enduring 
inflationary pressure in all markets. Second, 
consumer sentiment has been impacted by 
inflation and the geopolitical environment, 
which we expect to continue to some measure. 
And finally, as we shift our UK business toward 
a more premium offering, we expect to invest 
approximately £5 million less in Investment in 
New Customers with relatively flat year-on-
year sales in that segment as we reposition the 
customer base toward higher quality revenue.

Given the current macroeconomic environment, 
which has greater uncertainty, we expect to 
manage to on or around a break-even adjusted 
EBITDA (excluding share-based compensation 
and non-cash charges). Additionally, given this 
uncertainty, we provide the following guidance 
and will update as the year progresses: 

 G Total Group sales expected to be in the 

range of £345 million to £375 million (-4% 
to +4% on a constant currency basis). 
This sales guidance is based on a USD/
GBP exchange rate of 1.299. Furthermore, 
we expect year-on-year sales growth to 
accelerate throughout the year.1 

 G Investment in New Customer acquisition 

expected to be in the range of £30 million to 
£40 million, as we maintain our disciplined 
approach to investment spending.
 G Repeat Customer Contribution profit is 

expected to be in the range of £83 million 
to £93 million.

 G General and administrative costs are 

expected to be in the range of £45 million 
to £48 million. Additionally we expect to 
invest £5 million in Marketing R&D and incur 
£4 million of share-based compensation.

Shawn Tabak 
Chief Financial Officer

1  Please note that FY23 is a 53-week year (occurs every seven 

years given our 4-4-5 retail fiscal calendar), which adds 
approximately £5 million of sales or two percentage points 
of growth.

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

29

 Standstill EBIT

Standstill EBIT, the Adjusted EBIT which we would 
report if we had invested in New Customers to 
replenish the current customer base only, rather 
than for both replenishment and growth, was 
£21.2 million in FY22 (FY21: £39.3 million). This 
metric can help investors understand the steady 
state EBIT that the business would generate if we 
chose not to invest for growth and is indicative 
of the cash generation profile of the business. 
Additionally, this metric is an estimate based 
on KPIs that drive long-term value. As a result 
of the pandemic, some of these KPIs have 
deviated from their long-term averages. As a 
result, we have provided a pro-forma Standstill 
EBIT which uses three-year trailing averages for 
these KPIs. See page 120 for the calculation of 
our Standstill EBIT.

Financing costs and taxes
Net finance income was £1.0 million in 
FY22, similar to the prior year. This income 
was derived principally from the non-cash 

NAKED WINES 
LAID BARE

Supporting our

communities

in Australia

Scan me  
to find out 
more online

Stop The Squeeze
With a new tariff on wine exports to Australia 
of up to 212% for at least five years, Naked 
Wines launched its Stop the Squeeze 
campaign at the end of 2020 to support 
Australian winemakers to sell their premium 
wines at a fair price, with a AUD5 million 
rescue fund. Our Aussie Angels couldn’t wait 
to get behind the winemakers and support. 

To date, we’ve sold over $2 million, seeing 
a 30% uplift versus normal Angel buying 
behaviour. With 10 winemakers involved 
and five already sold out, we are pleased 
with the results and the support we’ve been 
able to provide. 

Octaster Harvest, Cellar Door
We set out to bring community wine events 
to our Angels during a period of restrictions. 
Over four weeks we held free Angel-
exclusive virtual events with 30 Aussie and 
Kiwi winemakers, aimed at educating and 
connecting our Angels.

Over 2,000 of our Angels signed up with over 
half of attendees purchasing the Octaster 
tasting pack. We saw great engagement, 
with 83% saying they enjoyed the event and 
85% signing up for further wine tasting and 
education events. 

30

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Flood Relief
Record flooding across Australia saw New 
South Wales declare a state of emergency 
in the region. With over 8,000 Angels directly 
impacted by floods, Naked supported its 
Angels with an option to pause payments for 
flood impacted postcodes as well as a special 
Flood Relief case, with 100% of profits donated 
to support flood relief programmes. 

Our Customer Happiness team has worked 
with over 250 Angels to pause their payments 
and sold over 2,000 Flood Relief cases, 
supporting a relief donation to help those 
in need.

Scan me  
to find out 
more online

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

Growing our pool of  
productive investment
Over the last year we have had the 
opportunity to continue to grow our 
pool of productive investment, stretching 
beyond our heritage of direct response 
marketing and increasingly looking to 
communicate our story and differentiated 
proposition via different media channels.

Q.
A.

What did we do?

We ran an eight-week campaign 
across three regions to learn 
which channels provide the 

best responses, are affordable and 
have the potential to provide a solid 
and measurable payback.

What was our aim?

Q.
A.

Our aim was to understand if 
we could use TV campaigns, 
both media and direct 
response, as well as outdoor campaigns, 
including billboards, to grow the public’s 
comprehension of Naked and drive 
favourable movement in several key 
metrics, including quality perception. We 
wanted people to not just know about 
Naked, but to know the right things about 
us, as we believe this will translate into 
higher quality customers in the future.

Q.
A.

What were the results?

We defined several measures to 
assess the success of our trial – 
we had goals around improving 

awareness, comprehension and quality 
perception of the Naked Wines brand.

By leading campaigns with our winemakers, 
we improved our key metrics, endearing 
our audiences by showcasing the actual 
creators behind the products offered by 
Naked Wines, generating a rich emotional 
response and strongly predisposing people 
towards us as an online retailer.

Scan me  
to find out 
more online

8 week

TV ad campaign and four weeks  
Out of Home

3.4mtotal audience reached,  

aired in three regions

What’s next?

Q.
A.

We learned some key and 
useful lessons from our testing 
in Australia which we can 
carry on into the next phases of our 
Australian, UK and US campaigns. We 
are confident in our ability to optimise 
media, particularly direct response TV. 
We will build on our conviction, ensuring 
careful investment over both time 
and geography to continue to obtain 
measurable and demonstrable impact.

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

31

Key performance indicators
Measuring our performance 
through enhanced disclosures

Financial

KPI

Sales

Sales  
growth

Net cash

How are we doing?

What is it?

Why does it matter?

What are the key risks?

£350.3 million
(FY21: £340.2 million) 

3% growth
(FY21: 68% growth)

The GBP value of our sales 
to customers and its change 
versus the prior year.

The business has the opportunity to grow at scale. 
We intend to do this through continued investment in 
customer acquisition through tested channels, while 
exploring potential new channel opportunities depending 
on anticipated effectiveness using Marketing R&D 
investment money.

 G Competition
 G Regulation
 G Investment

£39.8 million
(FY21: £85.1 million) 

The amount of cash we 
are holding, less debt at 
year end.

Managing cash is essential to ensuring that we have 
sufficient funds in place to execute our growth plans in 
the medium term.

 G  Financial 

performance

 G  Investment spending 

and capital 
requirements

 G Liquidity
 G  Macroeconomic 

events

What are the key risks?

 G Business interruption
 G  Supply chain 
interruptions 
and costs

 G Third-party suppliers

 G Business interruption
 G Supply chain
 G Third-party suppliers
 G  Consumer tastes and 

preferences

 G  Quality perception

 G Data security
 G  Management/key 

staff

 G  Customer service 

experience

Customer experience

KPI

How are we doing?

What is it?

Why does it matter?

Product 
availability

88%
(FY21: 90%)

Wine quality

90%
(FY21: 91%)

5* customer 
service

92%
(FY21: 91%)

The average percentage of 
products we have defined 
as core to the portfolio that 
is available to our customers 
throughout the year.

The percentage of customer 
ratings received in the year 
indicating that the customer 
would buy the product again.

The percentage of feedback 
ratings received by our 
Customer Happiness teams 
that expressed 5* satisfaction 
on a scale from 1 to 5.

Maintaining availability of our top-selling products 
supports customer loyalty and maximises sales.

Ensuring customers love our exclusive wines and are 
happy to buy them again supports strong customer 
loyalty and sales retention.

Consistently offering 5* service supports customer 
loyalty and sales retention.

32

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

Subscription

KPI

How are we doing?

What is it?

Why does it matter?

 Investment  
in New 
Customers

£(41.3) million
(FY21: £(50.0) million)

 5-Year 
Forecast 
Payback

1.5x
(FY21: 2.6x) 

We invest in customers from whom we expect to receive 
a payback in line with our target payback levels in future 
years. We are investing meaningfully to take advantage of 
the opportunity we see before us to maximise future value.

We invest in New Customers that are expected to deliver 
payback at least in line with our medium-term payback 
target in an effort to ensure we create intrinsic value from 
our investments. Payback is calculated utilising the history 
we have of customer activity, enabling us to accurately 
forecast our investment returns and eliminate poor 
investments. Therefore, we are able to invest in attracting 
and retaining high-value customers who fit our target 
customer profile.

Our total investment in 
acquiring New Customers 
throughout the year. 
Includes the contribution 
profit/(loss) from sales 
to New Customers less 
costs related to associated 
advertising to recruit those 
customers.

The ratio of projected future 
Repeat Customer Contribution 
profit we expect to earn from 
New Customers recruited in 
the year, over the investment 
spend related to acquiring those 
New Customers. We forecast 
contribution at the customer 
level using a machine learning 
algorithm that weighs several 
characteristics including 
demographics, interactions 
and transactions forecast over 
a five-year time horizon. This is 
then aggregated to a monthly 
then annual cohort level for 
reporting purposes.

What are the key risks?

 G Investment
 G Regulation
 G Competition
 G Reputation
 G  Customer acquisition 

costs 

 G Investment
 G Competition
 G Supply risks
 G Macroeconomic event

£86.2 million
(FY21: £84.9 million) 

The contribution earned from 
sales to Repeat Customers.

Repeat 
Customer 
Contribution 
profit

The cost leverage we expect to achieve as we grow will 
continue to drive Repeat Customer Contribution. Not 
only does this promote the long-term economics of the 
business model, but contribution from Repeat Customers 
also provides us with the cash to reinvest into New 
Customer recruitment and to continue support of our 
independent winemakers.

 G Competition
 G Supply chain risks
 G Reputation
 G Taxes and duties 

80%
(FY21: 88%)

 Repeat 
Customer  
sales  
retention

 Year 1 
Payback

68%
(FY21: 82%)

Standstill  
EBIT

£21.2 million
(FY21: £39.3 million) 

The proportion of sales made 
to customers who met our 
definition of “repeat” last year 
and who placed orders again 
this year, calculated on a 
monthly basis.

Through a cultural relationship with existing Angels and 
initiatives like “Never Miss Out”, we strive to continually 
improve our Repeat Customer sales retention rate. 
This results in improving the Lifetime Value of existing 
customers, which drives the long-term value of 
the business.

 G Competition
 G Supply risks
 G Reputation
 G Tax and duties 

The contribution realised in this 
financial year from customers 
recruited in the prior financial 
year, divided by the investment 
made in recruiting those 
customers.

Continuing to closely monitor this short-term payback 
measure gives us an early indication of the quality of the 
cohort recruited in the prior year.

The Adjusted EBIT that would 
be reported if Investment in 
New Customers was reduced to 
levels needed only to replenish 
the portion of the customer 
base that was lost to customer 
attrition during the period.

See page 120 for the calculation 
of Standstill EBIT.

As a subscription business that grows through marketing 
to New Customers, the cost of which is reflected in our 
profit and loss, we use this measure as an indicator of 
standstill profitability, should we choose to invest only in 
acquiring those customers necessary to replace those lost 
through attrition during the period.

Our focus on growth, managing payback levels and 
customer retention ensures that we continue to maximise 
growth in Standstill EBIT and, hence, the long-term value 
of the business.

 G Investment
 G Competition
 G Supply chain risks
 G Inflationary pressure
 G  Customer acquisition 

costs

 G I ncludes those 
reflected in the 
underlying metrics 
that feed into this 
calculation

Active  
Angels

964,000
(FY21: 886,000)

The number of Angels (or 
repeat subscription customers) 
that have placed an order in the 
prior 12-month period.

Long-term growth overall is expected to come from 
continued growth of the customer base and to be 
enhanced through implementation of other initiatives 
and product introductions and enhancements.

 G Investment
 G Competition
 G Regulation

  See information on alternative performance measure definitions on pages 118 and 119.

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

33

NAKED WINES 
LAID BARE

Naked Wines have been

a safety net

of support

Q&A with 
Mitch Masotti

34

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

Q.
A.

How long have you been 
working with Naked 
Wines? 

This has been our first year 
with Naked. It has been an 

incredible time as it’s been a blink – this 
time last year my wife and I had our first 
child – with an incredible time working 
together with Naked while also going 
through an amazing personal journey 
becoming a father. The momentum of 
Naked Wines has been a fun quick ride, 
as we have grown with the team. 

Q.
A.

What’s your biggest 
highlight/success over 
the past year?

Apart from becoming a father, 
it’s been the launching of the 

brand. We launched on a weekend and 
our social media went crazy. The response 
has been humbling. We were not 
expecting such a great response, and we 
have been very pleased with the launch 
and growth of the brand.

Q.
A.

How has Naked 
supported your business?

They have been that safety net 
and support. If we don’t have a 
following and traction, it is tough 

for winemakers. Naked Wines takes the 
weight off our shoulders and just allows 
us to create great wine and facilitate that 
connection with customers.

Has Naked helped you 
grow your brand and 
business in other ways?

Q.
A.

In these troubling times, it is 
refreshing to have the support of 
Naked to continue to create and grow our 
business through disruption. Their reach, 
through the Angels, allows us to do what 
we do so successfully. 

Q.
A.

What difference has Naked 
made to you, your business 
and your community?

The relationship with the Angels 
is personal. The breadth and 

depth of questions is great. It’s something 
I sit down and enjoy responding to, with 
a glass or two of our wine, and hearing 
the wonderful ways people are enjoying 
our wines. It’s fun – I get great ideas 
for new recipes, and such pride from 
seeing people enjoy our wines. Friends 
and family from across the country have 
been reaching out, sharing photos of 
themselves enjoying our wine. I didn’t 
know they were on Naked, and they 
didn’t know our wine was on Naked. 
It’s been great. 

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

35

Stakeholder engagement (inclusive of section 172 Companies Act 2006 disclosures)
Our stakeholders are 
helping us to grow faster

Section 172(1) statement and 
statement of engagement
In accordance with the Companies Act 2006 
(the Act) (as amended by the Companies 
(Miscellaneous Reporting) Regulations 2018), 
the Directors must describe how they have 
considered the matters set out in section 172(1) 
of the Act, when performing their duty to 
promote the success of the Company.

Each of the Directors is mindful of their duties 
under section 172 of the Act to run the Company 
for the benefit of its shareholders and, in doing 
so, to take into account the long-term impact of 
any decisions on stakeholder relationships and 
the impact of its activities on its reputation.

Set out below are examples of how the 
Directors have considered the matters set out 
in section 172(1) of the Act in their decision-
making throughout the reporting period.

US expansion
The Board continues to believe that the 
US market will add significant value for 
shareholders. To support ongoing growth in 
this market, the Company has expanded its 
US operations to include an office in Denver, 
Colorado, in addition to its Napa, California, 
headquarters. Denver is a rich market for high 
technology, finance and marketing talent, 
and opening a Denver office has allowed 
the Company to successfully recruit high-
performing employees in these areas. 

Hybrid workplace
The Company recognises that its employees 
are among its most valuable resources and 
has taken steps to support them during 
the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. To foster 
collaboration while still acknowledging the 
need in certain cases for continued remote 
work, the Company has established a hybrid 

workplace, wherein employees work with 
team members in the office on certain days 
and optionally from home on other days. This 
hybrid workplace provides employees with the 
flexibility they need to both optimise their work 
performance while balancing their personal 
and family obligations. 

Investor relations
The Company continues to outsource the 
Investor Relations function and has recently 
appointed Ellipsis (https://www.ellipsisir.com) 
to manage this activity. Ellipsis is an investor 
relations management company based in 
New York, with experience supporting small to 
mid-cap companies. In addition to having the 
services of Ellipsis to draw on, the Board and 
Committees Chairmen, the CEO, the CFO and 
Company Secretary are all engaged in day-
to-day investor relations management and 
engagements as and when necessary.

Shareholders and institutional investors

Who engaged

How we engaged

Outcomes

Board
CEO
CFO
Company Secretary

Annual General Meeting (AGM)  
The AGM remains the primary method of engagement with 
our private shareholders, through both the distribution of the 
Annual Report and attendance at the meeting.

 G  The outcome of the voting at the 2021 AGM is set out 

at the bottom of this section
 G All resolutions were approved

Board
CEO
CFO

Institutional investors engagement
 G  We engage regularly with our institutional investors and 
seek their views on matters relating to remuneration, 
capital allocation and compliance with best practice 
on corporate governance

 G The CEO and the CFO also engaged through 

institutional shareholder letters and a number of investor 
conversations

 G The CEO and the CFO also made presentations to 

the institutional shareholders and analysts following 
the release of both half year and year end results

 G The Board has the benefit of investor feedback in 

making business decisions 

 G Shareholders are apprised of Company strategy 

and performance

36

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

Employees

Who engaged

How we engaged

Outcomes

CEO
CFO
MDs of subsidiaries

We continue to consider our employees as one of our most 
important stakeholder groups and are engaged with them 
on a daily basis. This engagement takes place through:
 G Sharing of information relating to the business 
via regular communications (e.g. half year and  
year end results, etc.)

 G Company updates
 G Giving employees a say each year in the selection of 

our sponsored charity

 G Annual employee engagement surveys
 G Consultation with specific groups or individuals to ensure 
that their views can be taken into account in making 
decisions about matters that affect them
 G Participation in the Company’s share scheme
 G Disclosure of gender pay gap and pay comparison

 G Employees are apprised of Company strategy and 

performance 

 G Employee participation in the Company share scheme 
aligns employee and shareholder interests and allows 
employees to hold a stake in the business

 G Employees have the opportunity to provide direct input 

and make suggestions to senior management

 G Senior management has responded to this feedback by:

 – Allowing a flexible working environment
 – Providing salary benchmarking and policy 

transparency

 – Providing training for all employees

Suppliers

Who engaged

How we engaged

Outcomes

CEO
CFO
MDs of subsidiaries
Wine Team

 G Our business model continues to seek out and support the 
world’s best independent winemakers. We support and 
invest in winemakers through advance commitment and 
funding of wine

 G We follow best practice to make sure we are looking after 

our suppliers

 G Our Responsible Supplier Policy requires our supplier 
network to conduct their businesses in line with the 
principles embraced by Naked Wines

 G Over the past year, our platform has supported over 

260 independent winemakers

 G We’ve prioritised engagement with our winemakers, hosting 
an annual winemaker conference, sending out monthly 
winemaker newsletters and inviting US winemakers to a 
“thank you” party at our winery in Kenwood, California
 G We require our suppliers to comply with our Responsible 

Supplier and Anti-Modern Slavery policies

 G We have zero tolerance for modern slavery in our supply 

chain and continue to work and engage with our suppliers to 
address this risk

 G The Board reviews and approves key terms for material 

contractual agreements 

Customers

Who engaged

How we engaged

Outcomes

CEO
MDs of subsidiaries
Customer Happiness 
Team
Wine Advisor Team

 G The Naked Wines business model connects our customers 

with the world’s best independent winemakers

 G Our websites enable our customers to give the Company 
and our winemakers candid feedback and to interact 
with our winemakers directly

 G By connecting consumers and winemakers, we improve 
the customer experience and give customers a sense of 
connection to their wine

 G Our Customer Happiness Teams achieved overall 92% 

5* service feedback across markets

 G Our Customer Happiness Team is available by phone, email 
and chat to address any customer problems or concerns
 G We follow all applicable data protection laws to ensure 

 G Through our privacy policies we explain to customers 

how we process and use their data and effectuate their 
data privacy rights on request

our customers’ personal information is safe

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

37

Stakeholder engagement 
continued

Regulators and government

Who engaged

How we engaged

Outcomes

Company Secretary/
Global General 
Counsel
CFO
Group FD
Head of Assurance
Head of Tax and 
Treasury

 G We continuously assess legal and regulatory risk
 G We engage with regulators on an ongoing basis through 

correspondence or meetings to discuss key issues 
pertaining to the business

 G We ensure that our Group tax policy is reviewed annually 

and published on our website

 G The Company keeps up to date with and seeks ways to 
maintain strict compliance with state legislation relating 
to distribution and the sale of alcohol in the US

 G The UK team continues to monitor regulatory changes 

to ensure the most efficient compliance with post-Brexit 
laws and regulation

 G Appropriate regulation is considered in all Board 

decision-making

Community and environment

Who engaged

How we engaged

Outcomes

Board
CEO
Sustainability Teams

 G We’ve made an ongoing commitment to promote 

 G We’ve adopted various sustainability initiatives 

responsible drinking 

(see Sustainability on pages 47 to 51) 

 G We’ve made an ongoing commitment regarding ethical 

 G We ensure compliance around sale and marketing 

behaviour and responsible corporate citizenship
 G We’ve reduced carbon emissions by nearly 10% by 

reducing the weight of our glass bottles

of alcohol (see Risk management and control 
environment on pages 39 to 46)

 G We roll out the Group’s Code of Conduct on an 

annual basis

Outcome of voting at AGM 2021

No

Type

Nature

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Special

Special

Special

Receipt of Annual Report and Accounts

Re-election of retiring Director (Nick Devlin)

Re-election of retiring Director (Justin Apthorp)

Election of Director (Shawn Tabak) 

Election of Director (Darryl Rawlings)

Appointment of Auditor

Remuneration of Auditor

Directors’ authority to allot shares

Disapplication of pre-emption rights

Company’s authority to purchase its own shares

Amendments to Articles of Association – Directors’ fees

Ordinary (Advisory)

Directors’ remuneration report

% in favour

100

97.67

91.98

97.70

96.62

99.99

99.99

99.83

96.51

96.96

99.91

98.89

38

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

Risk management and control environment
Principal risks and uncertainties

Risk
The Board reviews the effectiveness of the risk 
management processes and manages the 
evolving risk environment as it approves key 
decisions, budgets and operating plans. The 
key elements of our risk management control 
system and processes are as follows:

 G The management team of each business 

segment has responsibility for its own local 
risk register and reviews it periodically

 G The risks identified by the business segments 
are assigned a mitigation strategy, a local 
risk owner and mitigation actions

 G The most material risks are presented to 
the Board or Audit Committee during the 
year and progress updates of the local 
risk registers are provided to the Audit 
Committee on a regular basis

 G An assessment and aggregation of the 

risks identified by the business segments 
is carried out once a year by the Audit 
Committee for the purpose of identifying 
the most significant Group risks

 G The Board determines the principal risk items 
for the Group following a recommendation 
by the Audit Committee once a year

 G Responsibility to maintain the risk registers, 

as well as to implement and monitor 
mitigating actions, lies with the Executive 
Directors and the local management teams

The Board is satisfied that, through the 
processes set out above, it is able to effectively 
identify, assess and manage key risks. The 
Board relies on the assurances provided 
through the periodic reports presented to 
the Board and Audit Committee and, in this 
instance, acts as the third line of defence, with 
the management team as the second line and 
the risk control owners as the first.

Using the process set out above, the Board 
believes that it has undertaken a robust 
assessment of the principal risks which threaten 
the implementation of the strategy and the 
long-term viability of the Group and is satisfied 
that appropriate mitigation plans are in place.

Risk impact assessment
When considering the potential impact of 
our key risks, we have linked them to the key 
performance indicators (KPIs) that they are 
likely to impact if crystallised. As part of our 
going concern analysis, as well as our overall 
risk impact analysis, we have considered the 
likely magnitude of the realisation of major risks 
on the balance sheet and cash flow forecasts, 
manifesting themselves in the business through 
sales volume variances. 

Characterisation of key risks
The Board considers both strategic and 
operational risks and for each risk considers 
the likelihood of its occurrence and the scale of 
adverse impact it could have on the business.

Strategic risks are those which could threaten 
the long-term success of the business model 
and will typically unfold over an extended 
period of time. Strategic risks are reviewed 
periodically by the Board as part of its ongoing 
development process.

The strategic risks which the Board deems 
most significant are:

1. 

 Inflationary pressure on customer 
acquisition cost

2.  Macroeconomic headwinds
3.  Competition
4.  Reputational damage

Operational risks arise from the possible 
occurrence of specific events. They will typically 
have an impact on the business and its 
performance which is either immediate or will 
play out over a relatively short period of time. 
Operational risks may arise from external or 
internal causes.

The mitigation for externally driven operational 
risks is normally in the form of a contingency 
plan, and insurance cover is also taken out to 
protect against such risks where appropriate.

The operational risks due to external causes 
which the Board deems most significant are:

5.  Cyber security risk  
6.  Business interruption
7.  Vendor loan note recoverability

Management seeks to put in place active 
mitigation for internally driven operational 
risks, balancing cost and risk as appropriate.

The operational risks due to internal causes 
which the Board considers most significant are:

8.  Liquidity 
9.  Retention and acquisition of talent  
10. Regulatory and tax compliance

Going concern
In assessing the appropriateness of the going 
concern assumption, the Board has considered 
(i) the cash requirements of the business to 
pursue its intended strategy, (ii) the funding 
available to the Group from existing cash 
reserves and from our Asset Backed Lending 
facility (ABL) and (iii) potential variations in 
the cash requirements of the Group taking 
into account severe yet plausible downside 
scenarios that appropriately reflect the current 
uncertain macroeconomic outlook.

As set out in note 31 Events after the balance 
sheet date, the Group entered into an Asset 
Backed Lending facility on 31 March 2022 
which provides up to $60 million of additional 
borrowing secured against the stock holding of 
the US business.

Management has prepared cash flow 
forecasts extending for 12 months from the date 
of this report to assess the base case liquidity 
of the Group. Under this base case scenario, 
the Group has sufficient liquidity over this time 
period, although it is the intention to draw a 
minimum amount to meet conditions of the 
facility itself around a minimum cash holding. 

Under a downside scenario where New 
Customer investment declines by 10% and 
therefore the Group acquires fewer New 
Customers, the Group would retain liquidity 
and again would not require funding from the 
ABL. It should be noted that under this scenario 
cash reserves would be reduced increasingly 
throughout the evaluation period. However, 
management has multiple available levers to 
improve cash generation should evidence of 
this downside scenario become apparent.

The Board has also reviewed the potential 
impact of other reasonably plausible downside 
scenarios. In particular, should Repeat sales 
show a progressive deterioration versus our 
expectations (-5% in Q2, -7.5% in Q3, -10% 
in Q4 of FY23 and -10% in Q1 of FY24), cash 
reserves would be further reduced. If no 
management actions were taken, additional 
sources of funding would be required in Q4 of 
FY23 and Q1 of FY24. However, management 
has multiple available levers to improve cash 
generation should evidence of this downside 
scenario become apparent, as discussed 
further below.

The ABL is subject to three covenants: a 
current ratio test, minimum cash held at a 
bank within the syndicate, and a minimum 
quarterly Repeat Customer Contribution profit 
test. The Repeat Customer Contribution profit 
covenant is with reference to an absolute level, 
rather than a ratio. Consequently, it is most 
sensitive to macroeconomic factors and, under 
a downside scenario, there is a risk that the 
Company could breach this covenant, with 
headroom versus the covenant most limited 
in Q1, Q2 and Q4 of FY23. 

Management has assessed covenant 
compliance over the next 12 months based 
on a detailed forecast model that projects an 
income statement, balance sheet, and cash 
flow statement based on key drivers of the 
business including, inter alia, assumptions on 
New Customers, customer retention/attrition 

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

39

Risk management and control environment 
continued

by tenure, order frequency, average order 
value, gross margin and fulfilment costs per 
order. Sensitivity analysis was also performed 
on this base case forecast. Under the base 
case, the forecast model projects that all 
covenants will be met over the next 12 months. 
A downside scenario resulting in a 7.5% to 
20% sensitivity against the base case forecast 
for Repeat Customer sales could result in a 
breach of this covenant. When taking into 
account actual trading results to date which 
are below forecast, a downside scenario of 
3.7% against forecast would result in a breach 
of this covenant at June 2022 and as a result 
of the sensitivity in the downside scenario, 
management have identified a material 
uncertainty on meeting this covenant. Under 
certain downside scenarios there is uncertainty 
over covenant compliance in future quarters. 
In the case of a breach of this covenant, 
management would approach the bank and 
request a waiver for this covenant breach. 
However, the Board cannot predict with 
certainty how the banks would respond.

Even under a severe downside scenario, 
management have identified multiple 
additional levers that would conserve cash 
without access to the ABL. These levers 
include the deferral or reduction of incoming 
inventory purchases, the disposal of unbottled 
wine on the bulk wine market, the reduction 
of capital expenditure, the renegotiation of 
supplier terms, the reduction of discretionary 
marketing investment and reductions of 
general and administrative expense. It is the 
view of the Board that, together, these levers 
offer in excess of £30 million of mitigation of 
downside risk, which is set against a maximum 
cash requirement of up to £10 million under a 
severe downside scenario.

On this basis the Board believes it is 
appropriate to prepare the financial 
statements on a going concern basis. However, 
this material uncertainty may cast significant 
doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as 
a going concern and therefore to realise its 
assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal 
course of business.

40

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Approach to managing risk

Our approach to managing risks consists of:
 G Top down – key risks that threaten 
the Strategic Plan or could have an 
operational impact

 G Bottom up – territory-level key risks
 G Check that they are broadly consistent
 G Identify key risks across the whole Group 

= Global risks

Since 2019, we have used the residual risk 
rating after the application of relevant 
controls and mitigating actions.

The risks listed on the following pages are 
the principal strategic and operational 
risks identified by the Board this year. 
While they are not the only ones facing 
our business, they are the most significant 
when considering both the likelihood 
of the risk materialising and the overall 
impact on the business, after taking 
into account the mitigating effect of 
the implemented controls.

Climate change and sustainability
The Board recognises that climate 
change creates potential risk for the 
Group.

The Board has considered climate 
change as part of the Group’s risk 
management process. The Board is 
of the view, however, that the risk of 
climate change is embedded within the 
key risks listed in this report and, as such, 
has decided not to list climate change 
as a standalone risk. In particular, the 
Board recognises that we are exposed 
to climate change risks within “Business 
interruption”, which is mitigated through 
having multiple sites for key activities. 

We are also mindful that the consumer 
is becoming increasingly passionate 
about buying from companies that strive 
to operate sustainably whether with 
regard to climate impact or through 
other sustainability initiatives. We are 
committed to growing our business 
in a sustainable way and continue to 
seek ways to quantify and reduce our 
environmental impact. Please refer to 
Sustainability on pages 47 to 51 for details 
of our initiatives in this area.

Risk impact
Risk impact measures the impact the 
materialisation of the risk would have on 
the business and is primarily measured in 
financial consequences as follows:

3

Very high 

>£2m

2 Moderate 

£500k–£2m

1 Minimal 

<£500k

Risk likelihood
Risk likelihood measures the possibility/ 
probability of the risk materialising and 
is rated as follows:

3 High 

2 Moderate 

1

Remote

>20%

5-20%

<5%

Inherent risk
The inherent risk (risk impact multiplied 
by risk likelihood) is the level of risk prior 
to the application of the controls and 
mitigating actions:

1

3

6

2

4

7

5

8

Low risk

Medium risk

9 High risk

Control effectiveness
The inherent risk is then mitigated through 
the application of controls which are rated 
according to the effectiveness thereof 
as follows:

3 Controls in place, tested and operative 

2

1

Limited or untested controls

No/inoperative/untested controls

Residual risk
The residual risk (inherent risk divided 
by control effectiveness) is then rated 
as follows:

1

3

6

2

4

7

5

8

Low risk

Medium risk

9 High risk

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

Strategic risks

Macroeconomic headwinds 
Pressure on consumer discretionary 
spend and inflationary uplifts to our 
cost base impact profitability

Performance indicators
 G Sales
 G Net cash
 G Payback
 G Repeat Customer Contribution profit
 G Repeat Customer sales retention
 G Standstill EBIT
 G Active Angels

Likely causes
 – Cost of living increases reduce customer 

discretionary spend

 – Sustained inflation, particularly in the supply 

chain, increases the cost base

Likely impact
 – Acquisition of New Customers is increasingly 

difficult and slows growth

 – New Customers search for introductory 
offers but do not place repeat orders, 
impacting sales retention 

 – Repeat Customers spend more cautiously, 

impacting contribution

 – Inflationary pressure on the cost base 

impacts margin

Controls/mitigation
 – Unique customer proposition to encourage 

Angel engagement and loyalty

 – Scenario planning and mitigation strategies 

in light of changing demand

Risk impact

Risk likelihood

Inherent risk

3

2

6

Control 
effectiveness

Residual risk

1

6

Inflationary pressure on 
customer acquisition cost 
Sustained increase in acquisition cost across 
all channels results in lower than expected 
profitability

Performance indicators
 G Sales
 G Investment in New Customers
 G Payback
 G Active Angels
 G Net cash

Likely causes
 – Over dependence and reliance on individual 

marketing partners

 – Media providers assert greater power
 – Demand for digital media space increases

Likely impact
 – Higher acquisition costs decrease margins 

and adversely impact profitability

 – Investment in customer acquisition fails to 
drive sufficient New Customer growth to 
sustain the business model

 – Investment in customer acquisition does not 
produce the target return on investment and 
represents a misallocation of capital
 – Material investment underperformance 

results in inventory misalignment 
comparative to demand

 – Adverse impact upon liquidity, constraining 

our ability to maintain/enhance the customer 
experience

Controls/mitigation
 – Regular monitoring of investment and 
redeployment of capital where it is not 
delivering target returns

 – Detailed deal-level reporting, monthly 

performance reviews

 – Exploring new growth channels to target 
optimal customers relative to investment

Risk impact

Risk likelihood

Inherent risk

3

2

6

Control 
effectiveness

Residual risk

1

6

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

41

Risk management and control environment 
continued

Competition 
Threat from a new or existing competitor 
impacts profitability

Reputational damage 
Failure to meet stakeholder expectations 
impacts reputation and credibility

Strategic risks

Performance indicators
 G Sales
 G Product availability
 G Wine quality
 G 5* customer service
 G Active Angels
 G Net cash

Likely causes
 – Failure to listen to and be transparent 

with our employees to foster a safe and 
collaborative working environment

 – Mistreatment of our winemakers, growers 

and strategic partners

 – Due diligence of our winemakers, growers 
or strategic partners fails to identify ethical/
working practice concerns

 – Failure to execute our mission for the benefit 

of our customers

 – Failure to identify and address concerns in 
respect of the environment, sustainability 
and community

Likely impact
 – Dilution of the Naked culture impacts our 
ability to attract and retain the best talent
 – Failure to support winemakers and partners 
erodes our customer proposition, driving our 
customers to competitors

 – Poor reputation for environmental 

stewardship impacts our ability to attract 
and retain customers who increasingly value 
sustainable companies

Controls/mitigation
 – Regular company updates and engagement 

surveys with our employees gather 
suggestions and drive informed actions
 – Operating a Responsible Supplier Policy 

and fund winemakers via our differentiated 
business model

 – Ad hoc initiatives to support our winemakers, 

e.g. our Ahr Valley relief fund

 – Requiring our suppliers to agree to Group 
policies, including Anti-Modern Slavery
 – Using our differentiated business model 
to make our customers our partners and 
foster a community of wine drinkers and 
winemakers

 – Developing focus groups to actively identify 

areas for improvement and propose 
solutions

 – Ongoing commitment to responsible 
drinking and marketing of alcohol

 – Ongoing commitment to ethical behaviour 

and responsible corporate citizenship

 – Initiation of a global Equality, Diversity and 

Inclusion (ED&I) programme

Risk impact

Risk likelihood

Inherent risk

3

2

6

Control 
effectiveness

Residual risk

2

3

Performance indicators
 G Sales
 G Payback
 G Repeat Customer Contribution profit
 G Investment in New Customers
 G Repeat Customer sales retention
 G Active Angels
 G Net cash

Likely causes
 – Threats range from discounters leveraging 

wine as a loss leader, to more tailored online 
retailers and subscription offerings
 – New entrant into the DtC wine market 

with access to significant funding and the 
patience to build a large market share

 – Large players entering the market 

challenging or threatening to disrupt our 
growth

 – Third party copying the Group’s brand ethos
 – Failing to innovate and offer a compelling 

proposition

Likely impact
 – Persistent aggressive competitive pressure 
impacts our ability to grow sales and our 
customer base

 – Competitive pressure impacts our ability to 
retain Angels and deliver Repeat Customer 
metrics

 – Weakening demand results in inventory 
misalignment comparative to demand 
and squeezes liquidity

Controls/mitigation
 – Leadership teams regularly monitor our 

competitors’ activity

 – Unique customer proposition encourages 

Angel engagement and loyalty

 – Trade barriers to entry, especially in the US 
market, where three-tier wine distribution 
legislation requires a vertically integrated 
operation to make DtC sales

 – Appropriate teams and advisors in place to 

prevent and challenge third-party use of our 
intellectual property

Risk impact

Risk likelihood

Inherent risk

3

2

6

Control 
effectiveness

Residual risk

1

6

42

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

 – Increased attacks on UK and US businesses 

breach by key suppliers

 – Inclusion of an adverse quality clause in 

 – Material contractual non-performance or 

of physical destruction

 – Unexpected and sudden withdrawal of key 

grape contracts

suppliers from our supply chain

 – Third-party warehousing either has multiple 

 – Systems infrastructure failure and power 

sites or is operated by a third party with 
access to backup capacity

 – Sustained pressure on supply chain logistics 

 – Business interruption insurance cover in 

post-COVID-19

place

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

Cyber security risk 
Failure of IT systems to deal with a data 
security issue/data breach impacts our 
ability to trade

Performance indicators
 G Sales
 G 5* customer service
 G Repeat Customer Contribution profit
 G Product availability
 G Repeat Customer sales retention
 G Investment in New Customers
 G Net cash

Operational risks (external)

Business interruption
Loss/interruptions of site/head office due to an 
unforeseen event impacts our ability to trade

Performance indicators
 G Sales
 G Product availability
 G Wine quality
 G 5* customer service
 G Repeat Customer Contribution profit
 G Repeat Customer sales retention
 G Payback
 G Net cash

Likely causes
 – Systems become unfit for purpose as we 

Likely causes
 – Unforeseen event including extreme weather 

or natural disaster as a result of climate 
change affecting the Group’s sites and/or 
supply chain operations (including grape 
growers and winemakers)

grow and complexity increases

 – Failure to successfully upgrade or maintain 

core IT system security

 – Malicious incidents are increasing in 

frequency and complexity

by Russian perpetrators
 – Poor systems access control
 – Reliance on, and exposure to, third-party 

Likely impact
 – Security breaches lead to significant costs 

and/or restrictions on our ability to operate 
the business

software and systems

outages 

Likely impact
 – Destruction of finished and in-progress 

 – Loss of personal data/sensitive business 

inventory, impacting availability

 – Destruction/damage of wine making 

raw materials (e.g. crops) inflates costs, 
impacting availability and/or quality
 – Systems failure constrains operations, 

impacting customer service

 – Adverse impact on the Group’s profitability 

and liquidity

 – Inability to identify replacement suppliers 

and shift operations

 – Continued supply chain cost inflation 

impacts profitability

 – Unreliable logistics impact availability and 

customer service

information results in fines and reputational 
damage

 – Loss of personal data impacts customer 
confidence and impacts profitability

Controls/mitigation
 – Ongoing investment in technology systems 

and processes

 – Dedicated systems security resources in 

place to provide assurance across the Group

 – Due diligence of vendors who cannot 

provide security accreditation

 – IT systems, whether procured from third 

parties or developed internally, are tested 
for security against attack and periodic 
penetration exercises are performed

 – Third-party Cloud-hosted systems used to 

support maximum availability

 – Continuing to formalise and improve our 

disaster recovery plans so that the business 
can recover from any interruptions with 
minimal impact

 – The main trading websites and network 

are protected by a firewall with frequently 
updated anti-virus software

 – Use of external consultants where required

Risk impact

Risk likelihood

Inherent risk

3

3

9

Control 
effectiveness

Residual risk

2

5

Controls/mitigation
 – Developing clear guidelines and expectations 
for how to handle situations related to natural 
disasters and unforeseen events

 – Diversifying mix of suppliers where there 
is exclusive or material reliance on single 
contractors

 – Geographical diversification of suppliers/

operations

 – Power generators installed in our office and 
winery in the US to deal with power outages
 – Continuing to formalise and improve our IT 
disaster recovery plans so that the business 
can recover from any interruptions with 
minimal impact

 – Cloud-based infrastructure reducing the risk 

Risk impact

Risk likelihood

Inherent risk

3

2

6

Control 
effectiveness

Residual risk

2

3

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

43

Risk management and control environment 
continued

Operational risks (external)

Operational risks (internal)

Vendor loan note recoverability 
Inability to recover the £10.5m carrying value 
of the vendor loan note issued as part of the 
disposal of the Majestic Wine business

Performance indicators
 G Investment in New Customers
 G Net cash

Likely causes
 – Failure to receive the ongoing interest and/or 
principal of the 2024 vendor loan note issued 
to the purchaser of the Majestic businesses

Liquidity 
Liquidity squeeze prevents the effective 
allocation of capital

Performance indicators
 G Sales
 G Net cash
 G Product availability
 G Repeat Customer Contribution profit 
 G Repeat Customer sales retention
 G Standstill EBIT
 G Active Angels
 G Investment in New Customers

Likely impact
 – Ultimate proceeds from the disposal of 
Majestic Wine are less than expected, 
impacting net cash

 – Inability to deploy expected capital to 

acquire New Customers

Controls/mitigation
 – Regular contact and ongoing dialogue 
with the management of Majestic Wine
 – The vendor loan note contains financial 
covenant conditions, and the holder has 
ongoing covenant reporting obligations 
to Naked

Risk impact

Risk likelihood

Inherent risk

3

2

6

Control 
effectiveness

Residual risk

1

6

Likely causes
 – Misalignment of demand and production 

plans

 – Inability to deliver New Customer 

acquisitions in line with plan

 – Bulk withdrawal of funds by Angels
 – Inability to effectively control costs
 – Inability to offer a compelling range of 

products

Likely impact
 – Long-term commitments to inventory result 

in a prolonged over- or understocked 
position, particularly in the US, which 
has to give long-term stock purchasing 
commitments and has a long production 
lead time

 – Liquidity squeeze as a result of capital being 
invested in inventory for which projected 
demand is not realised

 – Inability to deploy capital to acquire 

New Customers

 – Increased cost base puts pressure on 

working capital available

 – Existing and potential customers look 

to competitors to meet their purchasing 
preferences

Controls/mitigation
 – Increased inventory planning resource 

to enable greater nimbleness on volume 
planning and phasing

 – Investment in inventory management and 

demand planning tools

 – Increased frequency and interrogation of 

wine demand planning

 – Cash flow and commercial forecasting to 

identify and proactively address risks before 
they are realised

 – Increased focus on cost control across the 

business

 – Asset Backed Lending facility (in place)
 – Range reviews and evaluation against 

competitors

 – Flexibility with winemakers and suppliers 
retained to rephase incoming inventory 
and work in progress

Risk impact

Risk likelihood

Inherent risk

3

2

6

Control 
effectiveness

Residual risk

2

3

44

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

Operational risks (internal)

Acquisition and retention 
of talent
Inability to attract and retain the best talent 
to support our growth objective

Regulatory and tax compliance
Non-compliance with legal, regulatory and 
tax requirements, especially in the complex 
US market

Performance indicators
 G Sales growth
 G 5* customer service
 G Payback
 G Repeat Customer Contribution profit
 G Repeat Customer sales retention

Likely causes
 – Inability to offer competitive remuneration 

and benefits in an increasingly remote digital 
working environment

 – Inability to offer competitive remuneration 
and benefits due to inflationary pressures
 – Inability to adapt to new ways of working 

post-COVID-19

 – Inability to maintain an attractive business 

culture

Likely impact
 – We do not retain or attract the best talent 

which is required to deliver strategic 
objectives

 – Negative impacts on morale, resulting in 

inefficiency, impacting growth and service
 – Disengaged workforce that is resistant to 

change and business expansion

Controls/mitigation
 – Regular communication and engagement 

with employees

Performance indicators
 G Sales
 G Investment in New Customers
 G Repeat Customer Contribution profit
 G Repeat Customer sales retention
 G Active Angels

Likely causes
 – Risk of change in legal, regulatory and tax 

rules (especially in the US) that may require 
us to reconsider the existing business model

 – Increased challenge and reinterpretation 
of regulation by fiscal authorities in all 
our markets in the face of post-COVID-19 
government deficits

 – Existing software and systems may not be 
able to meet our compliance/tax needs as 
we continue to grow

 – Failure to comply with new post-Brexit tax 

and duty regulations

 – Increased focus of state and local fiscal 

authorities in the US as we become a bigger 
and more visible business

 – Large-scale data protection breach

Likely impact
 – Fines/penalties and trading restrictions
 – Reduced ability to operate efficiently, 

impacting profitability

 – Inability to respond to tax audits in a timely 

 – Development of values and behaviours that 

and adequate manner

 – Inability to pay tax liabilities as they fall due

underpin the way we work

 – Paying market-competitive remuneration
 – A business that focuses on staff welfare 

and culture

 – Evaluating and acting upon our regular staff 

satisfaction surveys

 – Offering all staff the opportunity to 

participate in share compensation schemes 

Risk impact

Risk likelihood

Inherent risk

2

3

6

Control 
effectiveness

Residual risk

2

3

Controls/mitigation
 –  Monitoring of regulatory developments to 

enable timely identification, evaluation and 
appropriate action

 – In-house legal and tax resources to ensure 

sufficient capability to meet ongoing 
regulatory burden

 – Working with outside legal, accounting and 
tax experts to navigate and best respond to 
inquiries and regulatory developments

 – Continuing to invest in software and systems 
where this will benefit our regulatory and tax 
reporting requirements

 – It is the Group’s policy not to engage in 
aggressive or seemingly aggressive tax 
planning strategies

 – Annual review of the Group’s tax strategy by 

the Audit Committee

Risk impact

Risk likelihood

Inherent risk

3

2

6

Control 
effectiveness

Residual risk

2

3

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

45

Risk management and control environment 
continued

The main elements of the control function 
include:

 G The Board’s approval of the overall strategy, 

taking into account the purpose and 
objectives of the business, the interests of 
shareholders, the direction of the business 
and the risk register

 G The Board’s approval of the supporting 
budgets and plans. There is a robust 
budgeting and planning process in support 
of the approved strategy which is approved 
by the Board. Actual performance of the 
business is compared to the approved 
plans and reported quarterly to the Board 
with variance reports versus the budget 
along with comparisons against previous 
year performance. Revised forecasts for 
the remainder of the financial year are 
prepared quarterly

 G The Audit Committee’s review of the financial 

and accounting policies and controls, 
including the work of the internal assurance 
function and overall compliance with internal 
policies, processes and legislation

 G The Board’s consideration and approval 

of key policies and dividend policy, among 
others

 G The Company’s system of investment 

evaluation, which is applied to all investment 
opportunities, includes defined financial 
hurdles and controls which any opportunity 
must meet. This system is managed directly 
by the CEO and the CFO

 G Ongoing post-investment reviews take place 
to check the delivery of anticipated returns 
on investments

Internal controls
The Group has an effective governance 
framework which includes a system of both 
financial and non-financial controls that are 
regularly reviewed and monitored by the 
Board, the Audit Committee and management.

While it cannot provide absolute assurances 
against material misstatement or loss, the 
Board has ultimate responsibility for the 
Group’s system of controls.

The governance framework, including internal 
controls and processes, is summarised below. 
The Board has reviewed the internal controls 
and considers them to be appropriate 
given the size, complexity and risk profile 
of the Group.

Throughout FY22 the Head of Assurance 
(appointed FY21) has developed a risk control 
matrix and management have implemented 
additional internal controls where unmitigated 
risks have been identified.

A broad scope of controls has been tested and 
control deficiencies reported to management 
and the Audit Committee.

Identified deficiencies in internal controls are 
presented to the Audit Committee and flagged 
as “pending remediation” until satisfactorily 
resolved.

To further strengthen our legal and fiscal 
compliance controls, a dedicated legal 
resource is located in the US, allowing local 
management to ensure compliance with 
regulations and alcohol licensing. The Group 
General Counsel oversees the regulatory 
control environment for the US and the 
Group as a whole.

In addition to the required regulatory 
statements, during the reporting period we 
have also drafted or reviewed the following 
policies and documents:

 G Statement of Authority
 G Risk Management
 G Tax Strategy

46

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

Sustainability

Our approach to a more 
sustainable future

We continue to advance our 
sustainability programme, focusing 
our efforts on the five programmes 
of action and 22 initiatives 
outlined below.

Five programmes of action

1 

Responsible 
drinking

2 

Deal with  
our waste

5 

Ethics and 
 transparency

4 

Treat our  
people right

3 

Supply chain 
management

22 Initiatives

  Level 1

Responsible drinking 

Ethical behaviour  

Sustainable winemaking 

Responsible marketing  

People 

  Level 2

Health and safety 

Diversity and equality 

Recycling 

Energy consumption 

Remuneration 

Privacy 

Transparency and reporting 

Human and worker protection 

  Level 3
Tax strategy 

Giving back 

1

5

2   3

Responsible sourcing 

5

4

Modern slavery 

Climate change risks 

Benefits 

Water 

  Level 4

Training 

Rights of local communities 

1   4
  4
2

2

4   5
5

5

3   4

5

5

3

3   4
2

5

2   3

4

3

We recognise that we have four principal 
stakeholder groups who support us and are 
driving us to accelerate and expand our work 
on environmental sustainability:

Our staff  
As a value-driven business, 
environmental responsibility is 
a key issue for many of our staff.

Investors  
As an AIM listed company, we are 
conscious of the increasing scrutiny 
by the investment community of 
ESG performance, particularly from 
institutional investors.

Customers 
Given the nature of our product and our 
customer profile, climate change and 
protection of the environment are a key 
concern of many of our customers.

Suppliers 
We try to work with suppliers that share 
our goals and aspirations in terms of 
sustainable objectives.

In the coming year, alignment of sustainability 
across the global business will be a key focus. 
As a global business, we need to utilise our 
unique proposition and expertise to ensure 
each of our business units is meeting the 
growing sustainability expectations of Naked’s 
stakeholders. Taking a single-minded, cohesive 
approach will magnify our positive impacts 
and help accelerate change within our 
business and broader industry.

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

47

 
Sustainability 
continued

  Level 1 initiatives

Sustainable winemaking
We’ve advanced our decarbonisation efforts 
over the past year by focusing on the four 
areas identified in last year’s report – (i) 
cultivation, (ii) winemaking, (iii) glass bottles 
and (iv) imports – with primary emphasis 
on glass bottles. Indeed, in the UK, we’ve 
committed to reducing the weight of 3.5 
million wine bottles by the end of 2022, as 
well as ensuring that a further 2.5 million 
bottles contractually remain as light as they 
are. For these 6 million bottles, we estimate 
that lifecycle carbon emissions will reduce by 
nearly 10%. Equally in the US, we have saved 
more than 670 tonnes of CO2 through the 
introduction of lighter weight glass moulds.

Lightening the load 
Reducing bottle weights across some of our 
most popular wines means we can quickly 
drive meaningful change. The changes 
made to the bottle for Christian Patat’s 
Appassimento wine, now 200g lighter, will 
save more than 100 tonnes of glass (not to 
mention the carbon savings from production, 
shipping and end-of-life disposal).

48

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Stefano Di Blasi was Naked UK’s 
Winemaker of the Year 2020. 
Stefano’s aspiration of producing 
a biodynamic, no-sulphur wine 
was voted for by thousands of 
Angels. The wine was named 
“La Sparenza” (Italian for “the 
Hope”) following a public vote 
which saw 25,000 Angels get 
involved. Alongside the wine, 
Stefano is working closely with 
Naked and the University of 
Florence to develop the research 
in sustainable winemaking. The 
knowledge this project builds will 
be shared broadly so others can 
also learn from the findings. 

Stefano Di Blasi
Winemaker

We’ve been planting lots of trees 
around the vineyard to help bring 
back more insects and birds. 
We’ve repopulated bats nearby 
too, and each bat can eat around 
50,000 bugs a night, including 
grape moths, which are a pest, 
and that balanced environment is 
just better for the vines.

Benjamin Darnault
Winemaker

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

The Roots Fund
We continue to partner with The Roots 
Fund, a non-profit organisation dedicated 
to increasing the representation of people 
of colour in the wine industry on two main 
initiatives – the “Stay Rooted in California” 
scholarships and the “Naked Wines/Roots 
Fund Emerging Vintner Program”.

Stay Rooted in California. To date, we have 
funded $65,000 in scholarships for seven 
Latinx, Indigenous and Black students pursuing 
advanced wine education in the United States. 
The scholarship recipients include full-time 
students, educators and wine entrepreneurs. 

I want to make wines  
for a changing world.
Samuel Dhiman

Stay Rooted in California  
Scholarship Recipient, 2021

People
The Company recognises that its employees 
are among its most valuable resources and has 
taken steps to support them during the ongoing 
COVID-19 pandemic. To foster collaboration 
while still acknowledging the need in certain 
cases for continued remote work, the Company 
has established a hybrid workplace, wherein 
employees work with team members in the 
office on certain days and optionally from 
home on other days. This hybrid workplace 
provides employees with the flexibility they 
need to both optimise their work performance 
and fulfil their personal and family obligations.

Ethical behaviour
We are committed to strong, ethical and fair 
business dealings, and promote a corporate 
culture which is non-sectarian, non-political 
and socially and environmentally responsible. 
Doing the right thing guides everything we 
do at Naked Wines. Our Code of Conduct 
highlights the importance for us of behaving 
morally, legally and ethically and serves as a 
guide to the values.

The Code of Conduct incorporates policies 
on confidentiality, conflicts of interest, price-
sensitive information and share dealing, use 
of company funds and resources, bribery, 
corruption and fraud, political activities, 
modern slavery and human trafficking and 
whistleblowing.

The Code of Conduct is shared with and 
applies to all employees of the business. In 
addition, a number of employees must certify 
each year that they continue to understand 
and adhere to the Code of Conduct.

  Level 2 initiatives

Responsible drinking
We do everything possible to ensure that 
our products are enjoyed responsibly – not 
because we are told to, but because we 
recognise that alcohol abuse continues to be a 
challenge for societies across the globe and we 
want to make a difference. For example, in the 
US, we continue to enforce age verification, via 
online background checks and identification 
checks on delivery. And in the UK, we continue 
to support The Drinks Trust, a drinks industry 
charity that exists to support members of the 
UK drinks industry facing a variety of difficult 
circumstances, including serious illness, 
disability, debt or family crisis. 

Responsible marketing
We take steps to ensure that our labels 
and advertisements comply with all legal 
requirements, are accurate and are presented 
to adult (rather than minor) audiences.

Diversity and equality
We support a number of initiatives that 
promote diversity within the wine industry, a 
few of which are discussed below. In the US, for 
example, we’ve made a five-year, $500,000 
investment in marginalised communities to 
realise our shared goal of “Making the Wine 
World More Colorfull”. This investment funds 
several of the programmes discussed below. 

We’ve also made efforts to consider how we’re 
considerate of diversity and equality within 
Naked Wines: globally we have partnered 
with Exponential Talent, who have supported 
us to understand our current approach and 
culture using activities such as employee 
workshops. We’ll be developing an action plan 
for improvements which we will be rolling out 
across the year. 

Cost of living 
Naked Wines UK is proud to continue to be a 
Real Living Wage Employer. This accreditation 
carries real significance, as it means we’re 
committed to paying staff fairly based on an 
independent calculation which factors in the 
cost of living and location. 

Emerging Vintner Program. Through 
this programme, we mentor emerging 
winemakers, coaching them through the 
wine production and marketing process and 
ultimately offering them the opportunity to sell 
their wine on our website. Our first Emerging 
Vintner, Kyle Burke (2021), is an African-
American woman from Baltimore, Maryland 
who is being mentored by Naked Wines 
winemaker, Daniel Baron, formerly of Silver 
Oak and Dominus. Kyle is set to launch two 
Sonoma Chardonnays – her inaugural wines, 
funded by Naked – in 2022.

Scan me  
to find out 
more online

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

49

Sustainability 
continued

Latino Winemakers –  
Macario Montoya
In partnership with one of Naked USA’s 
founding winemakers, Macario Montoya, an 
independent Mexican-American winemaker 
with his own wine brand in Napa Valley, we 
are in the process of raising an estimated 
$129,000 in order to launch a new mentorship 
programme focused on advancing the careers 
of Latino winemakers. Macario will serve as 
a lead advisor and aims to elevate long-term 
winemaking staff (cellar masters, harvest 
leads) looking to take the next step in their 
careers and develop wine brands of their own. 

As has been the case in California’s wine 
history since the 1960s, Latinos make up a 
significant percentage of the wine industry, 
having been behind some of the most 
successful and famous wines in the US, yet 
are vastly underrepresented as winemakers. 
Through this mentorship programme, we hope 
to advance their winemaking careers and give 
more Latino winemakers the chance to run 
their own brands and businesses.

Women’s History Month – and the 
Women’s Movement in Wine
In honour of Women’s History Month, for the 
second year running Naked emphasised 
the contributions of its female winemakers, 
promoting their wines and highlighting 
them in our social media and in 24 interviews 
hosted on our blog, The Naked Truth 
(https://news.nakedwines.com). The 
winemakers highlighted include Nova 
Cadamatre, Camille Benitah, Irene Paiva, 
Ondine Chattan, Anne Dashe, Jacqueline 
Bahue, Penelope Gadd-Coster, Sharon Weeks, 
Carmen Stevens, Françoise Gazeau, Katie 
Jones, Ana Diogo-Draper, Claudia Quevedo, 
Megan Glaab, Montse Reece, Claudia Small, 
Jen Pfeiffer, Nicky Parish, Patricia Benitez, Karen 
Birmingham and Alex Farber.

Of the 4,200 bonded wineries in California 
as of 2020, only 14% report a woman as lead 
winemaker and less than 10% are Head 
Winemakers. Naked surpasses that average 
by 11%: as of 2022, 57 of our Angel-funded 
winemakers are women. 

I am so proud to be a part  
of this and an honour –  
can’t wait for the day when 
we can all share a glass 
together.
Penelope Gadd-Coster
Naked winemaker

This is eye-opening work 
and I had no idea how much 
impact Naked was making 
in the community.

Cathy Huyghe
Forbes Contributor, founder,  
A Balanced Glass

Yesssss! WOMEN  
IN CONTROL! I am very 
proud to be an Angel after 
seeing this.
Karla
Angel

Women in tech conference
Naked was proud sponsor of the DevelopHER 
Awards – an annual not for profit awards 
ceremony recognising women who work in 
the technology sector in East Anglia, UK. The 
DevelopHER awards aims to raise the profile 
of women in technology, creating role models 
to inspire the next generation to become 
developers, technicians, project managers, 
testers and digital experts.

50

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

Energy consumption
Streamlined Energy and Carbon 
Reporting (SECR)
Under the Companies (Directors’ Report) and 
Limited Liability Partnerships (Energy and 
Carbon Report) Regulations 2018, we are 
mandated to disclose our UK energy use and 
associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Specifically, we are required to report those 
GHG emissions relating to natural gas, 
electricity and transport fuel, as well as an 
intensity ratio, under the SECR regulations. 

Energy and Greenhouse Gas Report
Inspired Energy was appointed to 
independently assess our submission in 
accordance with the UK Government’s 
‘Environmental Reporting Guidelines: 
Including Streamlined Energy and Carbon 
Reporting Guidance’. The assessment follows 
the location-based approach for assessing 
Scope 2 emissions from electricity usage. 

Where actual data was missing, estimates of 
consumption have been made using CIBSE 
benchmarking data or landlord-specific kWh/
desk data. The operational control approach 
has been used. Intensity metrics have been 
calculated using employee numbers and 
turnover of Naked Wines UK.

The following table summarises the GHG 
emissions for the reporting year. The baseline 
year and this year’s assessment results are 
provided for comparison.

  Level 3 initiatives

Giving back
Naked Wines and our Angels have contributed 
towards a number of excellent causes, 
including:
 G $129,000 to launch a “first of its category” 

Latino winemaker mentorship programme, 
led by independent winemaker and 
Mexican-American Macario Montoya

 G Over the past six years, Angels have donated 
£2,195,466 to provide nearly 52 million meals 
to hungry children in South Africa through 
Carmen’s Kids, an initiative founded by South 
African winemaker Carmen Stevens.

In addition, we continue to operate the Naked 
Wines Charitable Trust in the UK as a registered 
charity. The Naked Wines Charitable Trust 
is focused on disadvantaged people and 
communities – both in winemaking regions and 
in the UK. The charity aims to create a more 
stable wine industry which may be through 
donating to charities whose aim is supporting 
basic needs in that local area or supporting 
charities that provide educational support. 
Over the past six months, the Trust has donated 
more than £13,000 to 38 charities, including 
£5,000 to Princess Trust and £2,000 to Norfolk 
Family Carers. The trust has also donated wine 
to a host of causes, such as the British Heart 
Foundation, Great Ormond Street Hospital, 
Kenninghall Kicking Cancer, Bowthorpe Scouts 
Group and the Air Ambulance.

Element

Direct emissions (Scope 1) – natural gas

Indirect emissions from purchased electricity (Scope 2)
Total tCO2e (Scope 1 & 2)
Other indirect emissions (Scope 3) – grey fleet travel and 
hired vehicles

Overall gross total1 
Intensity metric: tCO2e per employee
Intensity metric: tCO2e per £m turnover
Total energy consumption2 (kWh)

Current year
2021/22 (tCO2e)
0.78

Baseline year
2019/20 (tCO2e)
0.00

35.57

36.35

10.91

47.26

0.27

0.32

57.55

57.55

5.57

63.12

0.34

0.87

217,646

247,913

1 Naked Wines’ direct emissions from UK building energy (Scope 1 & 2) & grey fleet/hire vehicles (Scope 3).
2 Naked Wines’ direct emissions from UK building energy (Scope 1 & 2) & grey fleet/hire vehicles (Scope 3).

Volunteer days
Members of one of Naked’s newest teams, 
Business Intelligence, got into the Naked spirit 
and used their volunteer day to help The 
Felix Project. The team helped sort food and 
prepare meals – they even helped break The 
Felix Project’s record of over 4,800 meals 
prepared in a day! 

It was a fantastic day and we 
were all a little overwhelmed by 
the scale of such an amazing 
organisation and also how 
friendly and welcoming 
everyone was. It was great 
spending a day doing 
something different as well as 
having the chance to give back 
to the local community.
Rachel Wallace
Naked Wines

Shawn Tabak
Chief Financial Officer
Approved for issue by the Board 
of Directors
22 June 2022

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

51

Board of Directors
An experienced team 
to take us forward

Darryl Rawlings

AN

R

Nick Devlin

Shawn Tabak

David Stead

A

R

N

Justin Apthorp

Katrina Cliffe

R

A

N

R

Remuneration Committee member

A

Audit Committee

N

Nominations Committee

Committee Chairman

Invitee to Board committees

Darryl Rawlings (53)
Non-Executive Chairman
Appointment date: April 2021

Committees: 
Nominations Committee (Chair); Audit 
Committee (Member); Remuneration 
Committee (Member)

Darryl is founder and CEO of Trupanion Inc., 
an industry leading, DtC monthly subscription 
business that provides medical insurance for 
cats and dogs throughout the United States 
and Canada. 

Skills brought to the Board: 
20 years’ experience in operating and 
scaling a subscription DtC business in the 
US, mentoring

Sector experience: 
Direct-to-consumer

External appointments: 
Trupanion Inc., Trupanion Australia Pty 
Ltd, Canada Pet Health Insurance Services 
Inc., Gallant Pet Inc., Baystride Inc., Seattle 
Academy of Arts and Sciences, Trupanion 
Administration Canada Inc., Trupanion Alberta 
Holding Company ULC, Trupanion Canadian 
Shareholders Ltd

Attendance at Board meetings: 
Attended all

Nick Devlin (37) 
Chief Executive Officer
Appointment date: June 2019

Committees: 
None as he is an Executive Director, 
but can attend as a member of the 
management team.

Nick was appointed Director of the Board 
in June 2019 and was promoted to the CEO 
role in January 2020. Since then, Nick has led 
Naked through a rapidly evolving operational 
and customer environment to deliver a step 
change in growth in 2020. Previously and as 
President of Nakedwines.com, Nick had grown 
and professionalised our US business and 
established it as the #1 DtC wine business in 
America. Nick has a background in corporate 
strategy, having previously worked in 
OC&C’s consumer practice in London. He is a 
passionate wine lover and an advocate for the 
role of Naked in transforming the shape of the 
wine industry.

Skills brought to the Board: 
Corporate strategy, marketing, retail best 
practice and deep knowledge of the US 
wine market

Sector experience: 
US and UK wine sector

External appointments: 
None

Attendance at Board meetings: 
Attended all

Shawn Tabak (42) 
Chief Financial Officer
Appointment date: January 2021

Committees:  
None as he is an Executive Director, 
but can attend as a member of the 
management team.

Shawn joined Naked Wines as CFO in 
December 2020 and was appointed to the 
Board on 1 January 2021. He leads Investor 
Relations, FP&A, Accounting, Treasury and 
Legal across the Company. Shawn was 
previously Vice President of Finance at Upwork 
Inc., the world’s largest work marketplace, 
which connects businesses with independent 
talent. He has also worked as Vice President of 
Investor Relations and Treasury at Shutterfly 
and as CFO at Clean Power Finance. Shawn 
spent 10 years at KPMG focusing on the 
technology and internet sectors. 

Skills brought to the Board: 
Finance, capital markets, M&A

Sector experience: 
Consumer internet, direct-to-consumer, 
e-commerce

External appointments: 
None

Attendance at Board meetings: 
Attended all

52

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

Justin Apthorp (60)
Non-Executive Director
Appointment date: January 2016

Committees: 
None, as he is considered non-independent.

Justin spent 25 years as an employee of 
Majestic Wine, retiring from his executive 
role in 2015. During the last 10 years of his 
employment, he was the Buying Director. Justin 
previously worked in marketing and brand 
development for Bejam and Lyons Tetley.

Skills brought to the Board: 
Knowledge of buying wines and wine

Sector experience: 
Retail with a focus on multi-channel and 
e-commerce delivery

External appointments:  
HM Deputy Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, 
Trustee of Friends of St Peter’s Gt Berkhamsted

Attendance at Board meetings: 
Attended all

David Stead (64)
Non-Executive Director
Appointment date: November 2017

Committees: 
Audit Committee (Chair); Remuneration 
Committee (Member); Nominations 
Committee (Member)

David was CFO of Dunelm Group plc from 
September 2003 until his retirement in 2015. 
Prior to this, David was Finance Director for 
Boots The Chemists Ltd and Boots Healthcare 
International between 1991 and 2003. David is 
a chartered accountant, having spent the early 
part of his career with KPMG.

Skills brought to the Board: 
Finance and public markets, extensive Board 
experience

Sector experience: 
Finance and retail

External appointments: 
Non-Executive Director – ProCook Group plc, 
Non-Executive Director – Joules Group plc

Attendance at Board meetings: 
Attended all

Katrina Cliffe (55)
Non-Executive Director
Appointment date: May 2019

Committees: 
Remuneration Committee (Chair); Audit 
Committee (Member); Nominations 
Committee (Member)

Katrina has experience over a wide range 
of financial and retail institutions, including 
American Express and Lloyds TSB. Through 
these roles she has gained valuable financial, 
marketing, customer relations and retail 
experience.

Skills brought to the Board: 
Financial knowledge, retail and marketing 
and Board experience

Sector experience: 
Finance and retail

External appointments: 
Non-Executive Director – London and Country 
Mortgages Limited, Non-Executive Director – 
HomeServe plc

Attendance at Board meetings: 
Attended all

Board activities

L M N O

A

K

J

I

H

G

B

C

F

E

D

A Strategy (financial and operational) 

B Remuneration Policy and 
remuneration matters

C Employee share scheme

D Risk management and mitigation

E Business updates

F External reporting

G Trading updates and financial 

performance

H Budgeting and plans 

I

Investor relations 

J Legal and tax matters

K Board appointments, including 

succession planning

L Auditor reports, appointment 

and fees 

M Sustainability 

N Key policies and governance, 

including Alternative Investment 
Market (AIM) compliance

O Capital allocation

Board Meetings

15%

10%

10%

10%

10%

7%

7%

6%

5%

5%

4%

3%

3%

3%

2%

Board

Audit

Rem

Nom

2021

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

2022

Jan

Feb

Mar

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

53

Governance

Quoted Companies Alliance (QCA) Corporate Governance Code

The Company has been a member of the QCA since 2018 and has adopted the QCA Code on the basis that it is the corporate governance code most 
suited to the requirements and size of the business. Set out below is a summary of what we have done to comply with the 10 principles of the QCA 
Code and will continue to do. Further information on the application of the QCA Code by the Company is set out in our Statement of Compliance 
with the QCA Corporate Governance Code, which can be found on our website – this should be read as an integral part of this report.

Throughout the report, we have used a key code of symbols indicating where various principles of the QCA Code have been addressed to assist the 
reader to follow our story. 

QCA Code Compliance Summary

In short – what we did
 G Continued investment in growth across all markets, with an 

What we are going to do
 G Explore additional growth opportunities, including new 

emphasis on the US (largest market opportunity)

products and new markets

 G Met with shareholders during 2021 AGM
 G Participated in calls with shareholders
 G Sought shareholder input with respect to remuneration, 

capital allocation and governance

 G Continue to address shareholder questions and solicit 

shareholder input as needed

 G Promoted equity and diversity through US partnership with 

 G Explore further initiatives to promote minority 

The Roots Fund (see Sustainability on pages 47 to 51)

representation in the wine industry

 G Decreased overall glass use and increased use of recycled 

 G Continue efforts to increase sustainability within the 

glass (see Sustainability on pages 47 to 51)

supply chain

 G Promoted responsible drinking and alcohol marketing 

(see Sustainability on pages 47 to 51)

 G Appointed Global Sustainability Lead to guide Group 

sustainability efforts

 G Conducted regular risk assessments across all markets
 G Reported risks and risk mitigation efforts to the Board

 G Continue to assess and evaluate risk as needed

 G Held quarterly Board meetings to discuss Group 

 G Recruit new Board members to complement skills and 

performance and strategy

experience of existing Board members

 G Increase Board diversity

 G Maintained qualified Board members with 

experience applicable to the business

 G Provided training as necessary

 G Recruit new Board members to complement skills and 

experience of existing Board members

 G Increase Board diversity

Principle

1    Establish a strategy 
and business model 
which promote 
long-term value 
for shareholders

2    Seek to understand 

and meet 
shareholder needs 
and expectations

3    Take into account 
wider stakeholder 
and social 
responsibilities and 
their implications 
for long-term 
success

4    Embed effective 

risk management, 
considering both 
opportunities and 
threats, throughout 
the organisation

5    Maintain the 
Board as a 
well-functioning, 
balanced team 
led by the Chairman

6    Ensure that 

between them 
the Directors have 
the necessary 
up-to-date 
experience, skills 
and capabilities

54

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

In short – what we did
 G Executive Directors received feedback on performance 

What we are going to do
 G Evaluate NEDs in connection with efforts to recruit 

from NEDs

complementary new Board members

 G Promoted Company policies across the business – from 

employees to suppliers

 G Promoted diversity and sustainability initiatives in line with 
Company culture (see Sustainability on pages 47 to 51)

 G NEDs provided oversight of Executive Directors
 G Maintained Treasury Policy to mitigate financial risk to 

investors and customers

 G Maintained robust Group Statement of Authorities to ensure 

receipt of Board approvals where necessary

 G Explore additional diversity and sustainability initiatives 
with the goals of increasing diversity in the wine industry 
and reducing our carbon footprint

 G Maintain independent NEDs on the Board to provide 
oversight. Maintain and enforce robust governance 
policies

 G Engaged with stakeholders through a variety of methods 

 G Continue to engage with stakeholders as needed

(see Stakeholder engagement on pages 36 to 38)

Principle

7    Evaluate Board 

performance based 
on clear and 
relevant objectives, 
seeking continuous 
improvement

8    Promote a culture 
that is based on 
ethical values and 
behaviours

9    Maintain 

governance 
structures and 
processes that are 
fit for purpose and 
support good 
decision-making 
by the Board

10    Communicate how 
the Company is 
governed and is 
performing by 
maintaining a 
dialogue with 
shareholders and 
other relevant 
stakeholders

QCA

  Please refer to this symbol throughout the Governance report to cross-refer where we address the QCA Code principles.

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

55

 
 
Governance 
continued

QCA

  6   9

Governance structures  
fit for purpose
The list of Board members, including short 
biographies and skill sets, as well as Committee 
membership, is set out on pages 52 and 53.

The Chairman has responsibility to lead the 
Board effectively and to oversee the adoption, 
delivery and communication of the Company’s 
corporate governance model. It is imperative 
that the relationship between the Chairman 
and the Chief Executive Officer, as well as all 
Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) and executive 
management, remains collaborative, cordial 
and robust. The Board members work together 
in the best interests of the Company, while 
remaining comfortable to engage in rigorous 
and constructive debate. There is no individual 
or group of individuals dominating the Board’s 
decision-making processes.

The Board has a Charter (Board Charter) 
which sets out in detail its functions and 
responsibilities, as well as the clear separation 
of duties between the Chairman and the Chief 
Executive Officer. The Company has in place 
a statement of authority which supplements 
the delegated authority set out in the Board 
Charter. This is reviewed annually to ensure 
that the correct controls are in place across 
the organisation. The Board has delegated 
certain powers to the Audit, Remuneration 
and Nominations Committees. 

During the year, Darryl Rawlings replaced Ian 
Harding as Chairman.

The Company’s Articles of Association require 
that one third of the Directors retire annually. 
This year, David Stead and Katrina Cliffe will 
retire from the Board at the conclusion of the 
2022 AGM and will not stand for re-election.

Directors’ contracts are available for inspection 
at the Company’s registered office and will be 
made available at the 2022 AGM. These are 
summarised in the Directors’ remuneration 
report.

The Company holds directors’ and officers’ 
liability insurance cover for any claim brought 
against the Directors or officers for wrongful 
acts in connection with their position, but the 
cover does not extend to claims arising from 
dishonesty or fraud.

56

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

We review overall Company performance 
and ensure that the necessary resources 
are available to management to give effect 
to the strategy. We exercise accountability 
to the shareholders and are responsible for 
safeguarding the relevant interests of all 
stakeholders (see Stakeholder engagement 
on pages 36 to 38) to enable it to function 
effectively with a full understanding of 
the business.

As a Board, we consider the independence 
of all members and have an effective conflict 
of interests procedure in place. Under this 
policy, the Directors must declare any other 
commitments and interests which assist in the 
determination of independence. Changes 
to commitments and interests are reported 
to the Company Secretary/Global General 
Counsel and where appropriate referred to the 
Board, as and when necessary. On this basis, 
Justin Apthorp has been determined to be 
non-independent, given his previous status as 
an employee of the Company.

We keep a running Board and Committees 
annual work plan, which ensures that all 
elements of business are addressed across 
the relevant governance bodies. Meeting 
dates are aligned with the financial and 
trading calendars of the Company, ensuring 
a spread of meetings across the calendar 
year. The scheduled meetings may be 
supplemented with additional ad hoc 
meetings as and when necessary.

Our meetings are structured and the agendas 
of the Board and Committees are reviewed 
by, and agreed with, the respective Chairs. 
Minutes are taken at all meetings and shared 
with the Directors for comments, and any 
actions are followed up and reviewed at the 
next meeting.

The Board and Committees receive 
appropriate notice prior to meetings and 
are provided with relevant information in 
advance of the meetings. More specifically, 
NEDs are regularly kept abreast of financial 
and operational performance or new material 
developments relating to the business. The 
Company reports on its monthly headline 
performance against its agreed budget and 
the Board reviews variances at each meeting.

The Board held seven meetings during the 
year, as detailed on page 53. All members of 
the Board continue to devote sufficient time 
and effort to their responsibilities as Directors.

Where required, all Directors are able to seek 
independent professional advice in support of 
their duties to the Company, at the Company’s 
expense, in addition to having full access 
to the Company Secretary/Global General 
Counsel, Group CFO and any member of the 
management team. 

As part of our enhanced processes, we have 
recognised the need for ongoing training 
and information sharing at Director level. 
Directors are given access to suitable training 
opportunities and receive regular updates 
regarding topical issues and changes in the 
governance environment. 

 
 
Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

QCA

  5   9

QCA

  8  

QCA

1   6

Succession planning
The Board is aware of the issues relating 
to gender and ethnic diversity in Board 
compositions, and the Directors have 
highlighted this as an area of focus for the 
Board in the coming months. The Board 
continues to be committed to identify 
suitable succession candidates.

A summary of the Board’s skills and experience 
is set out on pages 52 and 53.

Board Committees
The Board has in place Audit, Remuneration 
and Nominations Committees, all of which 
have specific mandates contained in 
approved Terms of Reference. These cover the 
composition, key activities and responsibilities 
of the relevant Committee and can be viewed 
on our website. Each of the individual Terms of 
Reference was reviewed during the reporting 
period. The membership of each of the 
Committees is set out on pages 52 and 53.

Audit Committee – the Audit Committee report 
under the chairmanship of David Stead is 
available on pages 68 and 69.

Remuneration Committee – the Directors’ 
remuneration report under the chairmanship 
of Katrina Cliffe is available on pages 58 to 67.

Nominations Committee – The Nominations 
Committee is chaired by the Chairman of 
the Company.

The principal role of the Nominations 
Committee is to consider and make 
recommendations for Board appointments 
and executive roles, to consider succession 
planning in respect of both the Board 
members and senior management and to 
consider the performance, ongoing training 
and evaluation of the Board.
The Nominations Committee meets as and 
when necessary, but at least to consider any 
Director’s resignations and to review the 
Board performance and assessment.

Ethical values and behaviour
The Board recognises the need to promote an 
ethical culture and to lead from the top. We 
have a Code of Conduct which is applicable to 
all of our employees and suppliers and makes 
it clear what is expected of them. The Code of 
Conduct is regularly reviewed, is shared with 
our staff and suppliers and is available on 
our website.

Internally, we drive a culture of respect, fairness 
and non-discrimination. We have a number 
of policies which underpin this approach, 
including our Anti-Bullying and Harassment, 
Equal Opportunities, Anti-Bribery, Competition, 
Data Protection, Share Dealings, Anti-Money 
Laundering, Health and Safety, Substance 
Abuse, Maternity Benefits, and Recruitment 
and Discipline policies, all of which supplement 
and integrate our Code of Conduct. We have a 
Whistleblowing Policy and procedure to assist 
staff in bringing transgressors to our attention.

We have an employee share participation 
scheme which is offered to all members of staff 
and is a way for us to incentivise our staff, to 
allow them to directly reap the rewards of their 
hard work and give them a sense of ownership 
of the business.

Externally, our suppliers are seen as part of 
the Naked Wines family. We therefore expect 
our winemakers, as well as other suppliers, to 
adhere to our standards by subscribing to our 
Responsible Supplier and Anti-Modern Slavery 
policies. It is our position that we will assist our 
suppliers to address shortcomings and look for 
ways to help them to understand and meet our 
expectations, as set out in our policies.

Our sustainability plan has clearly identified 
responsible drinking as one of our priorities. 
The public concerns around alcohol misuse, 
underage drinking and general health risks are 
taken very seriously. While we want to increase 
the sale of wine, we want to be encouraging 
our customers to enjoy their alcohol 
responsibly. We provide strict guidelines on 
responsible drinking for our staff together with 
a policy to assist with support and education. 
We acknowledge that changing social norms 
and attitudes towards alcohol present a risk 
to our business, and thus our commitment to 
responsible drinking remains a top priority.

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

57

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ remuneration report
A strong year for Repeat sales 
and Active Angels

against a peer group of AIM- and FTSE-listed 
retailers and vested at 100%. 

In addition to these long-term incentive 
awards, during the year we also made a free 
share award to the entire workforce worth 
£796,000 to recognise employee efforts and to 
encourage more widespread share ownership.

The Remuneration Committee is satisfied the 
policy has operated as intended and confirms 
that no discretion was exercised in determining 
the incentive outcomes for FY22. Furthermore, 
performance targets for the incentives were 
not adjusted.

Remuneration Policy changes for FY23
Recognising the continuing pivot of the 
business away from the UK, the Committee has 
reviewed the current Remuneration Policy and 
in particular our current UK-centric approach 
to long-term incentives. This approach is 
proving increasingly uncompetitive as we 
look to recruit and retain executive and senior 
management talent, especially in the US and 
digital markets. The key change to the policy 
is a move away from a conventional UK-style 
Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) to an all-
employee equity scheme, where strong annual 
performance against long-term performance 
drivers will deliver Restricted Share awards 
(to be held long term). The rationale and key 
terms of the New LTIP are summarised in this 
statement, with the details set out below. 

New LTIP
At Naked Wines, we pride ourselves on taking 
approaches that reflect the Naked DNA and 
reinforce a model in which all our stakeholders’ 
incentives are aligned. In that spirit, we’ve 
relied on three key principles in reviewing our 
share-based incentive remuneration strategy:

1.  Alignment of Incentives: The New LTIP 

ensures that the interests of our shareholders 
and employees are aligned by increasing 
employee share ownership over time 

2.  Pay for Performance: At Naked, we are 
passionate about capital allocation and 
linking action to performance. It is crucial 
our long-term incentives are consistent with 
this principle. The New LTIP balances the 
opportunity for greater reward with strong 
protection for shareholders against cost and 
dilution in the event of mediocre performance

3.  Equity: Since our first share award in 2016, 

we have taken pride in offering incentives to 
all employees. The New LTIP will allow us to 
broaden and deepen employee ownership 
by providing meaningful benefits for all 
eligible employees

Additionally, the New LTIP addresses two 
obstacles in our existing LTIP approach that 
inhibit our ability to attract and retain talent in 
key areas, especially in the US:

1.  Certainty: Our existing plan – conditional 

share awards with a three-year cliff vesting 
subject to long-term TSR performance – 
has proven difficult for employees to value 
and, as a result, is not as effective at driving 
behaviour and retention as we intended

2.  Time to Value: Our current LTIP awards 

typically take more than three years to confer 
tangible value to employees. This limits 
the awards’ effectiveness in acquiring and 
retaining talent in the US

With this in mind, we propose a bespoke, all-
employee equity arrangement that will enable 
the management team to recruit and retain high 
quality talent at all levels of the organisation. 
Subject to strong Company performance, equity 
will be a meaningful part of total remuneration, 
delivered if key long-term business KPIs are 
achieved on an annual basis.

The proposed New LTIP incorporates the 
following features: 

 G Each year, the Committee will determine 
the annual change in the value of the 
business (calculated on a ‘per share’ basis) 
using a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model 
developed with KPMG (and verified annually 
by an independent third party). The model 
considers intrinsic long-term value drivers of 
investment in (i) New Customer acquisition, 
(ii) sales forecast for Repeat Customers, (iii) 
Repeat Customer Contribution margin and 
(iv) general and administrative costs. The 
basis for the calculation will be disclosed at 
the end of each year 

 G If the increase in annual value under the 
DCF model is 10% or more, a value pool 
is created, the magnitude of which is 
determined on a sliding scale from 0.15% 
(10% growth) to 4.00% (40% growth). No value 
pool is created below 10% annual growth, 
providing strong protection against cost and 
dilution for shareholders. The value pool will 
not exceed the level created at 40% growth. 

 G At the end of each year, the value pool will 

be divided by the share price at that time to 
determine a number of Restricted Shares. 
The Committee will distribute the share 
awards across all eligible employees based 
on seniority, individual performance and 
contribution. In exceptional circumstances 
Stock Options may be granted instead of 
Restricted Shares

FY22 demonstrated the value 
of our customer base, yielding 
growth in both Repeat sales 
and the number of Angels.

Katrina Cliffe 
Chair of the Remuneration Committee

Dear Shareholder
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to 
present the report on Directors’ remuneration 
for the financial year ended 28 March 2022. 
FY22 highlighted the value of the Company’s 
loyal customer base, whose repeat purchases 
drove business growth. While the Company 
did not achieve anticipated growth numbers, 
Group sales increased 5% year-on-year on a 
constant currency basis (3% reported). 

I hope that you find this report clear and 
insightful and that the report demonstrates pay 
for performance at Naked Wines. In line with 
best practice, this report will be subject to a 
vote on its adoption at the 2022 AGM.

FY22 incentive plan payouts
While overall performance in FY22 did not 
track to ambitions, the Company achieved 
meaningful growth in Repeat sales and Active 
Angels. Repeat sales grew 11% over the course 
of the year and the number of Active Angels 
grew by 78,000 (from 886,000 at the end 
of FY21). 

Employee bonuses are low in light of lower 
than expected growth numbers across 
markets. US and shared service employees 
will receive a discretionary bonus, of 
approximately $2,000 per employee. UK 
employees will receive 70% of their bonus 
target. Australian employees will receive 135% 
of their bonus target, as Australia exceeded 
growth expectations in FY22. 

The long-term incentive award granted in June 
2019 is based on performance over three years 
and vested in June 2022. This award is based 
on a Total Shareholder Return (TSR) measured 

58

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

 G Once granted, 25% of the Restricted Shares 
will vest on the first anniversary of grant 
and then 6.25% per quarter thereafter (full 
vesting over four years), subject to continued 
employment

 G The Remuneration Committee will determine 

the award levels to Executive Directors 
and senior management. Award levels 
of Restricted Shares will not exceed 300% 
of base salary unless there are genuinely 
exceptional circumstances, in which case 
there will be full disclosure in the Directors’ 
remuneration report

 G There is a dilution limit of 15% of issued share 
capital over any 10-year period (increased 
from 10%) to cater for high performance 
and, consequently, larger Restricted 
Share awards 

 G The New LTIP will be subject to formal 

shareholder approval at the 2022 AGM, 
alongside the resolution to approve the 
new remuneration policy and this Directors’ 
remuneration report

This New LTIP has the following benefits for 
Naked Wines and its shareholders:

 G A conventional UK-style, three-year LTIP 
is not suitable for the diverse markets in 
which we are competing. Our objective in 
proposing the New LTIP is to enable us to 
compete head-on in the US, while still linking 
incentives to performance and incorporating 
necessary investor safeguards

 G The New LTIP focuses on the long-term 
KPIs that are most important to Naked, 
its shareholders and other stakeholders

 G The first performance year will be FY23, 

 G The New LTIP distributes equity to all 

with the first award of Restricted Shares in 
early FY24. However, to provide additional 
and immediate lock-in and to kick-start the 
equity programme, we propose to grant a 
one-off award of Stock Options to all eligible 
employees immediately following the AGM 
(and subject to shareholder approval of the 
plan). The maximum grant level to Executive 
Directors will be 100% of base salary at fair 
value (calculated by the Board using the 
Black-Scholes method). The grant of Stock 
Options rather than Restricted Shares is 
considered appropriate, recognising the 
current short-term weakness in the share 
price. The award granted to Executive 
Directors will be subject to a performance 
condition requiring share price growth of 
at least 33.3% (measured over any 30-day 
average period) before the options may be 
exercised and the award will vest no sooner 
than three years after grant (subject to the 
achievement of the performance condition) 

 G There will be Committee discretion to 

override the formula-driven outturn of the 
DCF model in exceptional circumstances, if it 
fails to take into account wider performance 
issues or other factors

 G Robust malus and clawback provisions will 
apply. Malus provisions will be employed 
if necessary to reduce unvested awards if 
short-term performance under the DCF 
model used to deliver the award is not 
sustained in the view of the Committee. 
Clawback provisions will enable recovery 
of vested awards on a similar basis
 G The share ownership requirements for 

Executive Directors will be increased from 
100% of salary to 200% of salary

eligible employees that must be held long 
term, fostering a sense of ownership and 
togetherness

 G The plan aligns incentives by offering 

protection against dilution through a high-
barrier to entry for LTIP awards
 G The plan encourages a long-term 

ownership mindset among employees, 
with a clear focus on maximising long-term 
intrinsic value as opposed to short-term 
performance

 G The plan emphasises sustained year-on-
year annual growth, as well as caps to 
control the level of gearing and the level of 
remuneration payable to Executive Directors
 G By measuring annually, we ensure that high 
growth in one year sets a high baseline the 
next year, which must then be exceeded 
by 10% to generate subsequent value. This 
will limit the quantum payable, and level of 
dilution, in a single year. Dilution is further 
mitigated by shares being awarded at the 
end of a period of strong performance, 
when the share price is expected to 
be higher (rather than the start of the 
performance period under a conventional 
UK-style LTIP)

 G A 15% dilution framework, over a 10-year 

period, is normal for a US-based business 
and is potentially necessary if the awards 
are granted at a high level. However, dilution 
would only ever be running at this level if 
significant value had been created. We 
believe this represents a fair trade-off for 
shareholders

We are conscious that the proposed New LTIP 
is unusual by UK market standards, but having 
stress tested the proposals with management, 
KPMG and separate independent (UK-based) 
external remuneration advisors, all of whom 
have helped shape the proposals, we are 
convinced that this is the right incentive model 
for Naked Wines. 

Other policy changes
There will be no changes to the base salaries 
for Nick Devlin and Shawn Tabak, which will 
remain at $400,000. Benefits and pension (4% 
of salary, in line with the workforce) will also 
remain unchanged.

In order to offset the potentially-higher award 
levels under the New LTIP (albeit subject to 
more stretching targets), the annual bonus 
will be reduced from 100% to 62.5% of salary 
and payable in cash (with no deferred shares 
element, recognising the potential reweighting 
to equity under the New LTIP).

Consultation with shareholders
We consulted during the year with our major 
shareholders in relation to the New LTIP and 
were pleased that the majority of feedback 
was positive, enabling us to proceed to the 
AGM to seek formal shareholder approval 
for the plan.

Closing comments
The Remuneration Committee ensures that our 
Executive Directors and all employees continue 
to be appropriately rewarded for performance 
that benefits the future of the business for all 
our stakeholders. 

The Remuneration Committee is committed to 
having an open and constructive dialogue with 
investors. At our forthcoming AGM, there will 
be an advisory vote on this Annual Report on 
Remuneration and a separate vote of the New 
LTIP. I would be very pleased to receive any 
feedback you may have on this proposal and 
look forward to your support at the AGM.

Katrina Cliffe 
Chair of the Remuneration Committee 
June 2022

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

59

Directors’ remuneration report 
continued

The Remuneration Committee

Who
 G The Remuneration Committee comprises 
me, as Chair, together with David Stead 
and Darryl Rawlings (Board Chairman)

 G Executive Directors and other non-

Executive Directors may attend meetings 
as invitees, but play no role in decisions 
relating to their own remuneration

 G None of the members of the Remuneration 
Committee have any conflict of interests, 
nor do they have any personal financial 
interests other than as shareholders. 
Subject to these qualifications, the 
Remuneration Committee is considered 
independent

The Remuneration Policy
In this section, we describe the elements of 
our remuneration policy together with a clear 
link to our strategy. We further explain our 
implementation of each element, including 
the maximum an executive may earn. While 
this policy is specific to our executives, the 
Company prides itself on its simple and 
equal approach. We have thus included a 
column to indicate where a specific element 
of reward offered to Executive Directors 
differs substantially from that offered to 
other employees. The rewards are in fact 
substantially consistent across our structure, 
with individuals generally being differentiated 
only on amount, level of responsibility, skills 
and performance.

We have considered the best way to ensure 
full transparency and accountability to 
shareholders and have determined that there 
should be a single advisory shareholder vote at 
the 2022 AGM on this Directors’ remuneration 
report, which includes the policy, its operation 
and the amounts payable for service and 

60

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

How
 G Remuneration Committee Terms of 

Reference

 G External services

 – Tapestry continues to provide ongoing 
support in respect of the various share 
schemes

 – Korn Ferry was appointed in March 2021 
to provide advice to the Remuneration 
Committee on remuneration matters

When
 G The Remuneration Committee meets as 
required, and the list of meetings and 
attendance is contained in the Governance 
report (see pages 52 to 53).

What
Responsibilities, in summary
 G Develop the Remuneration Policy in line 

with the business strategy and monitor the 
ongoing effectiveness of this

 G Determine specific targets and objectives 

for any performance-related bonus or pay 
schemes for Executive Directors

 G Determine targets for any performance-
related bonus or share schemes for staff
 G Review and approve Executive Directors’ 
packages upon appointment and any 
termination payments

Main activities for review period
 G Implemented share plan for the new 

Chairman, Darryl Rawlings

 G Set performance criteria targets for annual 

bonus and LTIP

 G Determined the achievement of the 

performance criteria for vesting of shares 
and payment of bonuses

 G Approved vesting of 2018 LTIP and Share 

Incentive Plan (SIP) to staff

 G Developed the New LTIP and engaged 

with shareholders

performance in FY22. Also, we consider it 
important to give shareholders the opportunity 
to vote on the New LTIP, thereby memorialising 
their support of the plan in a separate, 
binding resolution.

1. Introduction
The Remuneration Policy offers fair, 
competitive and attractive reward packages 
that are consistent with the scale and 
performance of the Company. It is aligned 
with our strategy, KPIs, risk management 
processes and business model. 

2. Policy statement
We will seek to attract and retain talent 
through fair rewards, while placing our overall 
Company wellbeing, values and performance 
at the heart of our reward practices. We 
believe the reward process is key to change 
and establishes and reinforces the outputs 
and behaviours required in order to achieve 
strategic business objectives and results.

3. Application
The Remuneration Policy is applicable to the 
Executive Directors. Where applicable, the 
appropriate comparison with remuneration 
practices outside of the executive management 
level is highlighted.

4. Reward principles
The following overarching principles are 
applicable:

 G We will offer competitive salaries that attract, 

retain and motivate talented people
 G We will operate transparent, simple and 
effective reward schemes that incentivise 
delivery of stretching targets and our long-
term business strategy

 G We will offer the chance for all employees to 
participate in share schemes so that we all 
think and act like business owners

5. Remuneration Policy
Each element of the Remuneration Policy 
for Executive Directors is summarised in the 
following tables.

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

Fixed

Policy

1. Salary

Purpose and link to strategy/KPIs:
Base salaries are set to recognise individual 
skill, experience, performance and market 
value of the role so as to attract, retain and 
motivate the best people to deliver against 
the strategy and KPIs, implement our business 
model, manage our risks and exploit our 
opportunities while remaining disciplined 
about fixed cost management.

Operation – how we determine it:
 G Position/role
 G Expertise

 G Experience
 G Competitive salaries relative to the market 

and jurisdiction 

 G Affordability – we strive to be competitive 

but manage costs in line with the Company 
revenue and budget

Operation – when we pay it:
Monthly, in cash (in the US twice monthly in line 
with local custom)

Limitation:
Maximum increases are no greater than 
the workforce average unless: (a) there has 

been a material increase in industry rates; 
(b) changes in role have taken place with 
enhanced responsibility; or (c) there has been 
a reward for individual development.

How it is linked to performance:
It is not, except for consideration of 
performance expectation when setting and 
reviewing salaries.

Significant differences between Executive 
Directors and the main body of employees:
None, other than salary levels.

Fixed

Policy

2. Pension

Purpose and link to strategy/KPIs:
Provide for a competitive post-retirement 
income which supports recruitment and 
retention of talented people to deliver 
on strategy.

Operation – what we offer:
 G Payments in defined contribution schemes 

and cash alternatives to pension

Fixed

Policy

Purpose and link to strategy/KPIs:
Make us competitive within the market while 
providing financial protection for executives 
and their families, supporting retention.

Operation – what we offer:
 G Paid annual leave
 G Enhanced maternity benefits
 G Credits to spend on wine
 G Company car or car allowance
 G Private medical insurance

Limitation:
The CEO and the CFO receive a pension 
contribution equivalent to 4% of salary.

Significant differences between Executive 
Directors and the main body of employees:
None.

How it is linked to performance:
Pension contributions are not conditional on 
performance but we believe that they enhance 
recruitment and retention of talent and 
improve staff wellbeing.

3. Benefits

 G Life insurance
 G Relocation expenses

Limitation:
Level of benefits are set to be appropriate for 
our business relative to the market.

How it is linked to performance:
Benefits are not conditional on performance 
but we believe they enhance recruitment and 
retention of talent and improve staff wellbeing.

Significant differences between Executive 
Directors and the main body of employees:
All employees are entitled to the same suite of 
benefits, with the exception of a company car 
or car allowance and relocation expenses.

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

61

Directors’ remuneration report 
continued

Variable

Policy

4. Bonus

Purpose and link to strategy/KPIs:
Reward for achieving key financial, operational 
and strategic goals annually by selecting 
measures that drive long-term shareholder 
value, as well as reward achievement of 
customer-centric KPIs that grow and retain 
the customer base.

Operation – how we determine it:
 G We set each role an “on target” bonus as a 

percentage of salary

 G Bonus targets are set at the start of the 

financial year and performance is reviewed 
regularly and assessed at the end of the 
financial year to determine whether targets 
have been reached

 G The Remuneration Committee may apply 
discretion to the final bonus payout, taking 
into account performance against targets 
and underlying performance of the Company
 G Robust clawback and malus provisions apply

Variable

Policy

Purpose and link to strategy/KPIs:
Incentivise and retain staff by delivering 
shares as part of their package, subject to 
performance, while aligning management 
interests with the value creation interests of 
shareholders.

Operation – what we offer:
 G  The LTIP is described in detail on pages 

58 and 59 of this Report.

Operation – what we don’t do:
 G We do not reward failure or mediocre 

performance

 G While encouraging stretch targets, we do not 

How it is linked to performance:
The bonus will be based on the achievement 
of an appropriate mix of challenging financial, 
strategic or individual targets.

set unrealistic goals

 G We do not encourage unhealthy risk-taking 

and inappropriate behaviour

Limitation:
Executive Directors’ target bonus levels are 
set at 50% of salary for the achievement of a 
stretching but achievable level of performance.

If stretch targets are achieved above a target 
level, a bonus level of up to 62.5% salary may 
be payable.

Bonuses are payable in cash.

Significant differences between Executive 
Directors and the main body of employees:
Executive Directors and some senior executives 
receive the highest level of potential bonuses, 
currently set at 50% of base salary for target 
bonus. 

At local level, we incentivise staff based on 
local market performance rather than Group 
performance.

5. Shares – LTIP

Limitation:
The Remuneration Committee will determine 
the award levels to Executive Directors and 
senior management at the end of each year, 
and the award levels of Restricted Shares will 
not exceed 300% of base salary unless there 
are genuinely exceptional circumstances, in 
which case there will be full disclosure in the 
Directors’ remuneration report.

How it is linked to performance:
 G Subject to sustained growth in value and 

share price performance

 G The Executive Directors are subject to 
minimum shareholding requirements, 
meaning that they must hold equity in the 
Company equivalent to 200% base salary 
(increased from 100% as part of the new 
policy), to be built up over time for new 
recruits

Significant differences between Executive 
Directors and the main body of employees:
Award levels as a percentage of salary are 
lower for more junior executives and other 
employees.

62

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

Variable

Policy

5. Shares – SIP

Purpose and link to strategy/KPIs:
Incentivise and retain staff while aligning their 
interests with the value creation interests of 
shareholders.

Operation – what we offer:
 G Awards are determined in accordance with 

period of continuous employment and/or job 
grading of employee

 G Awards are made annually at the discretion 
of the Remuneration Committee, based on 

fixed percentage of base salary, subject to 
maximum

 G Vesting takes place after three years, with 
a further two-year holding period to enjoy 
tax benefits

 G Dividends may be earned during the 

holding period

Limitation: 
Maximum award currently set at £3,600 (or the 
equivalent in local currency outside the UK) for 
Executive Directors.

How it is linked to performance:
 G Awards encourage share ownership 
and align interests with shareholders

 G The Remuneration Committee has discretion 
to change the percentage of salary awarded 
in the event of poor performance

 G Participants must remain in continued 
employment for the shares to vest

Significant differences between Executive 
Directors and the main body of employees: 
None.

6. Recruitment and remuneration 
The Recruitment Policy provides the 
framework for the attraction and selection 
of talented individuals to lead the Company. 
Remuneration forms a part of this process and 
the Remuneration Committee determines the 
remuneration package for the appointment of 
any Executive Director position.

Our goal is recruitment of the best candidates 
to lead the Company and grow shareholder 
value. In undertaking this, we consider:

 G The general principles set out in this policy
 G What is in the best interests of the Group and 
its shareholders, without paying more than 
is necessary to secure the best person for 
the job

In addition, the Remuneration Committee takes 
into account:

 G The current incumbent’s package
 G The skills and expertise of the candidate
 G The jurisdiction from which the person is 

recruited and their location of employment

 G The appropriate structure of the package
 G Comparable market compensation 

packages

In doing this, the Remuneration Committee 
may consider the “buyout” of existing equity or 
other elements of remuneration forfeited on 
leaving a previous employer.

The limitations the Remuneration Committee 
imposes on recruitment are as follows:

 G The remuneration package will be limited 

to base salary, pension benefits, bonus and 
share plan participation, as applicable in 
the policy

 G “Buyout” grants will only be paid in 

 G Where possible, any compensation 

exceptional circumstances and will be 
capped at the current fair value

7. Service contracts
In order to retain key skills and mitigate risk 
from unplanned vacancies in key roles, all 
Executive Directors have rolling employment 
agreements with notice periods.

Our policy is to ensure that no contract extends 
beyond a 12-month period, and thus the CEO’s 
service contract includes a 12-month notice 
period by either the Company or the executive, 
and the CFO’s service contract includes a six-
month notice period by either the Company or 
the executive.

8. Policy of payment for loss of office 
To ensure a smooth transition for leadership 
roles during times of change, we maintain a 
policy on payments for loss of office.

This operates as follows:

 G The terms of the service contract and other 

legal obligations will be upheld
 G The Remuneration Committee will 

have the authority to approve any final 
payment taking into account the specific 
circumstances surrounding the termination, 
including but not limited to approved leaver 
criteria, performance, service and health
 G The Remuneration Committee may make 
such payments as are necessary to settle 
or compromise any claim or by way of 
damages, where it is seen to be in the best 
interests of the Company

 G The Remuneration Committee may waive 

the need for an executive to work any notice 
period and may make a payment in lieu 
thereof

payments for loss of office will be subject to 
mitigation, including phased payments and 
offset against earnings in any new role

We aim to limit any payments for loss of office 
to a maximum of one year’s salary.

9. Non-Executive Directors (NEDs)
Appointment/termination
NEDs, including the Chairman, have letters of 
appointment from the Company which contain 
their terms of service. NEDs are appointed for 
an initial three-year term subject to election 
and annual re-election by shareholders, unless 
terminated earlier by, and at the discretion of, 
either party upon three months’ written notice. 
All Directors (including NEDs) will be subject to 
the rotation policy, as contained in the Articles 
of Association of the Company, as well as to 
the provisions of the Board Charter, the terms 
of reference of the various committees and the 
governance codes adopted by the Company 
from time to time.

Remuneration
The remuneration for NEDs is paid as an all- 
inclusive fee, with no split between base and 
attendance fees. The remuneration does not 
include any additional benefits. Payment is 
made on a monthly basis.

As noted last year, under a special 
arrangement, the new Chairman, Darryl 
Rawlings, will be paid three years’ worth of his 
fee entirely in shares (£380,000 (equivalent of 
$525,000 using a preceding 28-day average 
USD/GBP FX rate at 5 August 2021) worth of 
shares awarded when the preceding 28-
day average share price at 5 August 2021 
was £8.223). Under this arrangement he also 
purchased £130,000 worth of shares and in 
return received a 1:1 matching award. 

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

63

Directors’ remuneration report 
continued

10. External appointments
An Executive Director may be permitted to sit 
on external boards, subject to the following 
provisions:

 G The appointment must be to the benefit of 
the Director’s development, but should not 
be to the detriment of their full-time position 
at the Company

 G Appointments to external boards must be 
declared to the Remuneration Committee 
and must be referred to the Board for 
approval with a recommendation from the 
Remuneration Committee

 G Fees earned from an external position would be 
retained by the Executive Director in recognition 
of the risks attached to Board positions

11. Application of discretion
The Remuneration Committee has 
discretionary authority in a number of 
instances which are set out in the policy (as well 
as the various share scheme rules), as well as 
oversight of how these are applied. 

In using its discretion, the Remuneration 
Committee will apply the following guiding 
principles:

 G Always explain use of discretion, including 

how and why it is applied

 G Discretion will not be used to reward failure
 G Any decisions made using discretion will 

be reasonable, impartial and procedurally 
fair, and will take into account all relevant 
information

 G Discretion will be exercised having regard 

to the law, contractual entitlements, policies 
and the best interests of the Company
 G Application of discretion will be consistent 
and follow precedent, where possible
 G Decisions will be based on supporting 

evidence, which will be retained

Annual report on remuneration 
This section describes the remuneration payments in respect of the financial year ended 28 March 2022 and the operation of the policy for the 
forthcoming year. 

Executive remuneration for FY22 (audited) 

Name
Nick Devlin*
Shawn Tabak*

Position
CEO
CFO

Basic
salary/fees
£’000
293
293

Benefits
£’000
6
15

Annual 
bonus 
payment 
£’000
–
–

Long-term
incentives1
£’000
3931
–

Company 
pension 
contribution 
£’000
11
–

Other2
£’000
–
110

Total 2022
£’000
703
418

Total Fixed 
2022
£’000
310
308

Total 
Variable 
2022
£’000
393
110

* Remuneration has been converted from US dollars to sterling based on an exchange rate of 1.3675 for FY22 and 1.306 for FY21. 
1  LTIP comprises the estimated vesting of the June 2019 award based on performance up to March 2022 and valued using the average share price over Q4 of FY22 of 476.6p. Based on current 

performance, 100% of the awards are expected to vest, which is 82,427 shares for Nick Devlin.

2 “Other” comprises the value of an equity equivalent buyout award that Shawn Tabak received for joining Naked Wines.

Executive remuneration for FY21

Name
Nick Devlin
Shawn Tabak
James Crawford

Position
CEO
CFO
CFO (previous)

Basic
salary/fees
£’000
306
94
157

Benefits
£’000
9
2
13

Annual 
bonus 
payment 
£’000
306
95
160

Long-term
incentives
£’000
319
–
282

Company 
pension 
contribution 
£’000
9
–
29

Other
£’000
4
38
4

Total 2021
£’000
953
229
645

Total Fixed 
2021
£’000
324
96
199

Total 
Variable 
2021
£’000
629
133
446

Annual bonus for FY22
The target annual bonus opportunity for FY22 was 50% of salary for all Executive Directors. Achievements against the performance conditions and 
targets are set out in the table below.

Performance condition
Total sales
Repeat EBIT
Value creation1
Total

Weighting
33%
33%
33%
100%

Target
389.2
52.8
134.3

Maximum Actual performance*
351.0
47.4
61.8

400.0
64.5
178.0

Outturn (% of element)
0%
0%
0%
0%

* Actual performance is calculated at budget FY22 FX rates.
1 Value creation is the 5-Year Payback generated from New Customer investment.

Bonus outcomes for Executive Directors
The bonuses payable to the Executive Directors are set out in the table below. 

Executive Director
Nick Devlin
Shawn Tabak

64

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Target annual bonus 
opportunity
50% of salary
50% of salary

Total bonus 
payable for FY22
(% of salary)
0% of salary
0% of salary

Total bonus 
payable for FY22
£’000
–
–

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

Long-term incentives with performance periods substantially completed in FY22
The performance period for the LTIP awards granted in June 2019 will end in June 2022. Performance for each award is based solely on TSR performance 
relative to a comparator group of UK-based store retailers. Based on performance up to March 2022, it is expected that these LTIP awards will vest in 
full. The performance targets and current performance against these targets are set out in the table below. Actual performance and the final vesting will 
be provided in next year’s report. Subject to the determination of final performance, which is measured to June 2022, these awards will vest in June 2022.

Award
14 June 2019

Threshold TSR target 
(25% vesting)
Median

Maximum TSR target 
(100% vesting)
Upper quartile

Naked Wines performance 
up to March 2022
Above upper quartile

Estimated vesting
(% of max)
100%

Long-term incentive awards granted during the year
Conditional share awards were granted to Nick Devlin, Shawn Tabak and Darryl Rawlings during the year.

Date of grant % salary grant

Shares 
awarded

Share price 
for grant*

Face value of 
award 
£'000

% vesting at 
threshold 
performance

End of 
performance 
period

Nick Devlin
Shawn Tabak
Darryl Rawlings – conditional share award1
Darryl Rawlings – matching share award3

July 2021
July 2021
August 2021
August 2021

170%
242%2
N/A
N/A

61,091
86,982
46,194
15,868

797p
797p
822p
822p

487
693
 380 
 130 

25%
25%
100%
100%

July 2024
July 2024
N/A
N/A

1 Vesting occurs equally in August 2022, August 2023 and August 2024.
2 Mr Tabak’s grant includes incentives associated with his offer of employment.
3 Vesting occurs on the third anniversary of his appointment and shares must be held for a further year before sale.

The July 2021 awards are eligible to vest in 2024, subject to the achievement of the following performance conditions:

Performance condition
Nick Devlin
Nick Devlin
Shawn Tabak1
Shawn Tabak

Standstill EBIT
Relative TSR2
Standstill EBIT
Relative TSR2

Weighting
50%
50%
25%
25%

Threshold target 
(25% of element vests)
£30m
Median
£30m
Median

Maximum target 
(100% of element vests)
£40m
Upper quartile
£40m
Upper quartile

1  As noted in last year’s Chairman’s Letter, during FY22 the Committee determined that a mix of Performance Shares and Restricted Shares should be operated for FY22. Ultimately the award to Nick Devlin 
was 100% based on Performance Shares, but reflecting his newness to the role, Shawn Tabak’s award was based 50% on Performance Shares and 50% on Restricted Shares. Also, noting the delay to the 
first LTIP award since his appointment, during which time the share price had increased significantly, the award level was determined using a reference share price from the prior December.

2 TSR performance is measured against a group of international retailers comprising:

Farfetch
AO World
Overstock.com
Gear4Music

Stitch Fix
ASOS 
Shop Apotheke
Ocado Group

Wayfair
Zalando
HelloFresh
Blue Apron

Zooplus
Hotel Chocolat
boohoo.com

Directors’ shareholdings and share interests
The table below sets out the interests of the Directors (including those of their connected persons) who served on the Board during the year.

Director

Nick Devlin
Shawn Tabak
Darryl Rawlings
Justin Apthorp
Katrina Cliffe
Ian Harding
David Stead

Total beneficially owned shares

30 March  
2021

82,364
–
–
50,000
15,000
12,000
–

28 March 
2022

111,644
–
15,868
50,000
15,000
N/A
–

Unvested LTIP  
shares (subject to 
performance 
conditions)

280,226
43,491
–

Unvested shares 
(subject to continued 
employment only)

Shareholding 
required
% of salary

Shareholding at 
28 March 2022
% of salary

1,355
43,935
62,062

100%
100%
N/A

140%
35%
N/A

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

65

Directors’ remuneration report 
continued

Non-Executive Directors’ remuneration for FY22 (audited)
The table below sets out the fees received by non-Executive Directors for FY22 and the prior year. Non-Executive Directors are not entitled to receive 
any other remuneration other than fees.

Name
Ian Harding1
David Stead
Justin Apthorp
Katrina Cliffe
Darryl Rawlings2,3
Total remuneration

Position
NED/SID/Remuneration Committee Chair/Chairman
NED/SID/Audit Committee Chair
NED
NED/Remuneration Committee Chair
NED/Chairman

Other 2022 
£'000
–
–
–
–
507
507

Total fixed 
fees 2022 
£'000
42
58
40
45
13
198

Total fees 
2022 
£'000
42
58
40
45
520
705

Other 2021 
£'000
–
–
–
–
–
–

Total fixed 
fees 2021 
£'000
85
53
40
43
–
221

Total fees 
2021 
£'000
85
53
40
43
–
221

1 Ian Harding stepped down as Chairman of the Board on 5 August 2021.
2 Fixed fee as non-Executive Director between appointment to the Board on 13 April 2021 and appointment as Chairman on 5 August 2021.
3  As set out previously in this remuneration report, the Chairman was awarded shares vesting over a three-year period on his appointment as Chairman on 5 August 2021. 

The charge reported here represents the full $525,000 value of the award translated at the date of award, which will vest as three equal tranches annually on the anniversary of Darryl Rawlings’s 
appointment as Chairman of the Board. 
This charge also includes a further matching award of $175,000, translated at the date of award, as the co-investment condition for this award was met at Darryl’s appointment as Chairman 
of the Board. 
Both awards are subject to a continued service condition. Further details of this award are disclosed in the 2021 Annual Report and Accounts Directors’ remuneration report. 
Darryl Rawlings received or will receive no other fees or benefits in kind in his role as Chairman of the Company.

Total Shareholder Return performance 
The chart below shows the Company’s Total Shareholder Return performance over the last 10 years as compared with the FTSE AIM 100 Index. Naked 
Wines is a constituent of this index, and therefore it is considered an appropriate comparator index to use.

Total Shareholder Return

)
£
(
e
u
a
V

l

250

200

150

100

50

0

02 Apr 12

01 Apr 13

31 Mar 14

30 Mar 15

28 Mar 16

03 Apr 17

02 Apr 18

01 Apr 19

30 Mar 20

29 Mar 21

28 Mar 22

Naked Wines plc

FTSE AIM 100

Operation of the Remuneration Policy in FY23
Executive Directors
Salaries for the Executive Directors will remain 
unchanged for FY23, being $400,000 for each 
of Nick Devlin and Shawn Tabak. Pension 
contributions are 4% of salary.

Annual bonus opportunity will be 50% of 
salary at target with the opportunity to earn 
62.5% of salary for the achievement of stretch 
performance. Performance conditions and 
weightings for FY23 are:

 G Group sales – 30% 
 G Repeat Customer Contribution profit for the 

year – 50%

 G New business payback with an investment in 
new business investment level floor – 20%

66

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Bonuses are payable in cash (the deferred 
shares element used in prior years where there 
was a higher bonus opportunity has been 
removed, recognising the potentially higher 
equity element under the New LTIP).

As noted above, an award of Stock Options will 
be granted in FY23, subject to AGM approval 
for the New LTIP. The award will be 100% of 
base salary (fair value) and will vest no sooner 
than three years after grant (subject to the 
achievement of the performance conditions). 

FY23 will also be the first performance cycle 
for the New LTIP, with performance measured 
over the year against long-term KPIs and 
Restricted Share awards made in early FY24.

Non-Executive Directors 
Non-Executive Directors’ fees remain 
unchanged for FY23 as follows:

NED

FY23

FY22

£40,000

£40,000

Committee Chair

+£5,000

+£5,000

SID

+£13,000

+£13,000

The Chairman’s fee was subject to a special 
share based award as set out earlier in this 
report. Accordingly, he will receive no fees 
during FY23.

Katrina Cliffe 
Remuneration Committee Chair 
On behalf of the Board 
June 2022

 
Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

UK gender mix and gender based pay analysis

% UK employment men : women

First quartile
70
30

Second quartile
69

31

Third quartile
53
47

Fourth quartile
82
18

Total

53

47

UK gender pay facts

Hourly mean 
pay rate 2022
28.89 17.93
£

Hourly mean 
pay rate 2021

28.31 

18.23

£

Mean bonuses 
paid 2022
6.1

13.3 

£’000

Mean bonuses 
paid 2021

15.7

4.0

£’000

Portion of employees 
receiving bonus 2022

Portion of employees 
receiving bonus 2021

74.0 

65.0

78.0

69.0

%

%

We are pleased to report that our UK gender-
based pay analysis continues to show positive 
year-on-year development, supported by 
several initiatives to address areas outlined 
last year.

In the UK overall, we have seen an increase 
in the proportion of the female headcount 
year-on-year (FY22: 47%, FY21: 42%)

 G Most of the new hires in the Customer 

Happiness Teams (CHT), which has grown 
by 34% year-on-year, were female

 G Five departments grew year-on-year due 
to female new hires (Technology, Finance, 
Analytics, Marketing and CHT)

 G Decrease in hourly mean pay rate due to 
increase in female/male mix in the CHT

The Group continues to employ a high 
proportion of Technology and IT roles in 
the UK, which has historically been under-
represented by female staff. It is in this team 
that we have seen our biggest increase in 
headcount year-on-year.

Our Global Technology team sponsored the 
DevelopHER awards and has implemented a 
remuneration framework which includes clear 
salary ranges for all roles. These initiatives, 
along with several other activities, have led 
to a 6% increase in female headcount.

In contrast to last year’s analysis where 
we highlighted that bonus figures had 
been distorted as a result of an unequal 
gender split of the founders who received 
management acquisition “lock-in” shares, we 
now see a correcting trend which explains 

why mean bonuses paid decreased for men 
and increased for women. 

The Group remains actively engaged in 
initiatives to promote gender pay equality. 
In the year, voluntary focus groups were run 
by external consultants, Exponential Talent, 
to understand the employee experience 
of inclusion at Naked and gain insight to 
apply to our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion 
(ED&I) strategy. The report is currently being 
compiled with recommendations due to be 
shared in the coming months. 

In the meantime, we have established three 
ED&I groups across the globe. These informed 
staff-led groups aim to represent all our 
key stakeholders to influence authentic and 
meaningful change.

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

67

Audit Committee report 
Strengthening controls to reduce risk

 G Oversee the relationship with the external 

auditor, reviewing performance and 
providing a fair and balanced assessment to 
the Board regarding their appointment and 
remuneration

 G Review reports by management and 
the Head of Assurance to ensure the 
independence and effectiveness of systems 
for internal financial control, financial 
reporting and risk management, together 
with monitoring management’s responses 
to control findings

The Terms of Reference are available 
on the Naked Wines plc website at 
https://www.nakedwinesplc.co.uk/about-us/
board-committees.

Audit Committee governance
The Audit Committee is chaired by David 
Stead, who is also the Company’s Senior 
Independent Director. David is a chartered 
accountant with recent and relevant financial 
experience, having served as Chief Financial 
Officer of Dunelm Group plc from 2003 to 
2015 and again, on an interim basis, in 2018; 
David also chairs the Audit Committee of Joules 
Group plc.

The other members of the Audit Committee 
are Darryl Rawlings and Katrina Cliffe.

In addition to the permanent members and 
Company Secretary, at the invitation of the 
Audit Committee, during the year meetings 
were also attended by Nick Devlin, Shawn 
Tabak, the external auditors, the Group 
Finance Director and the Group Head of 
Assurance. Presentations were also given 
by individual members of the Group’s senior 
leadership team on relevant topics.

The Audit Committee meets a minimum of 
three times per year, including at least twice 
a year with the external auditor present.

The key work undertaken by the Audit 
Committee during the year under review 
and up to the date of this Annual Report is 
detailed below.

I am pleased to present this report on behalf of 
the Audit Committee, whose responsibilities are 
set out below.

Following the appointment of a Group Head 
of Assurance in FY21, good progress has been 
made in documenting the control standards 
expected across the Group and in testing their 
operation and driving for improvement. In 
addition, the Group Head of Assurance has 
commenced a series of deep-dive reviews 
of key functions and processes within the 
business. The Committee is confident that 
these reviews will bring valuable learnings and 
that, as a result, both the effectiveness and 
efficiency of operations will be enhanced. 

We noted last year that a project was 
underway to replace the Group’s inventory 
management system. The project has 
continued to progress well, and the new 
system is expected to go live in H1 of 
FY23. The Committee expects that this 
will further strengthen both financial 
and operational controls.

David Stead 
Chairman of the Audit Committee 
June 2022

Key responsibilities
The objective of the Audit Committee is to 
provide oversight and governance of the 
Group’s financial reports, its internal controls 
and processes in place, its risk management 
systems and the appointment of, and 
relationship with, the external auditor.

In accordance with its Terms of Reference, the 
Audit Committee is required, among other 
things, to:

 G Monitor the integrity of the financial 

statements of the Group, reviewing any 
significant reporting issues and judgements 
they contain

 G Advise on the clarity of disclosure and 

information contained in the Annual Report 
and Accounts

 G Ensure compliance with applicable 

accounting standards and review the 
consistency of methodology applied
 G Review the adequacy, effectiveness and 
integrity of the internal control and risk 
management systems

We have made significant 
progress in FY22 in formally 
documenting and testing 
controls and making 
improvements where needed.

David Stead 
Chair of the Audit Committee

68

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

Activities of the Audit Committee 
during the year
Internal controls and risk management
The Board has overall responsibility for 
the system of internal controls and risk 
management. The Audit Committee has 
reviewed these on behalf of the Board.

The Group has an established set of standards 
for key accounting controls, and adherence 
to these standards is monitored by the Group 
Head of Assurance. Various recommendations 
have been made as a result of the Group 
Head of Assurance’s work, and these are 
being implemented by management.

During the year, the Group Head of Assurance 
carried out deep-dive reviews of the customer 
services functions across all business units. The 
results of these reviews have been reported to 
the Audit Committee and implementation of 
recommendations will be monitored.

The Audit Committee also received and 
considered reports from the external auditor, 
Deloitte LLP, which included control findings 
relevant to their audit.

Management conducts regular reviews 
to identify and evaluate the risks faced by 
the Group and to ensure that mitigation is 
appropriate. This process was reviewed 
by the Audit Committee and is considered 
appropriate.

The Board also carries out its own annual 
review and assessment of key risks. Risk 
management and control environment on 
pages 39 to 46 includes further detail as to the 
key business risks identified and actions being 
taken. During the year the Audit Committee 
has received a presentation on each key risk, 
and the mitigating actions in place, from the 
relevant management team member.

Significant reporting issues and judgements
The Audit Committee considered a number 
of significant reporting matters and 
judgements, in respect of which it reviewed the 
recommendations of the Finance function and 
received reports from the external auditors on 
their findings.

These matters included:

 G The presentation of “adjusted” profit 
alongside statutory profit. The Audit 
Committee considered the approach 
adopted in previous years and was satisfied 
that this approach continues to provide a 
useful view of the underlying performance 
of the business. The approach has been 
applied consistently in FY21 and FY22 and 
the rationale is clearly disclosed (see note 7 
to the financial statements)

 G The carrying value of goodwill and other 
intangible assets to determine whether 
any impairment has been suffered. The 
Audit Committee reviewed the key financial 
assumptions underpinning cash flow 
projections, the discount and long-term 
growth rates applied thereto and the results 
of sensitivity analyses. The Audit Committee 
was satisfied that no impairment was 
required and that appropriate disclosure 
had been made

The Audit Committee and the Board have 
considered carefully the cash flow forecasts 
and scenarios prepared by management to 
support the going concern basis of accounting. 
They have noted that in the event of a severe 
downside scenario, there is technically a risk 
that the Group could be in need of additional 
funding in Q4 of FY23 and Q1 of FY24; and that 
whilst additional funding has been secured via 
an Asset Backed Lending facility (ABL), there 
is a risk that that facility could be withdrawn 
if one of the covenants is breached. The 
Committee and the Board consider that the 
likelihood of the severe downside scenario is 
low; they note that significant additional cash 
resources could in any event be generated 
through identified management actions; 
and they believe that the ABL covenants will 
be met but acknowledge that under certain 
reasonably possible downside scenarios 
there is a risk that the Repeat Customer 
Contribution covenant would not be met. 
See note 3.2 for further details. The Board has 
included reference in its report to a material 
uncertainty in the Group’s ability to continue 
as a going concern. 

As a result of its work, the Audit Committee was 
able to confirm to the Board that it considers 
this Annual Report and financial statements, 
taken as a whole, to be fair, balanced and 
understandable.

External audit
The Group’s external auditor since 2014/15 has 
been Deloitte LLP.

The Audit Committee considers a number of 
areas in relation to the appointment of the 
external auditors, namely their performance 
in discharging the audit, the scope of the audit 
and terms of engagement, their independence 
and objectivity and their remuneration.

The Audit Committee reviews the objectivity 
and independence of the auditors when 
considering reappointment. The external 
auditors report to the Audit Committee on 
actions taken to comply with professional and 
regulatory requirements. They are required to 
rotate the lead audit partner every five years; 
the next such rotation will be in 2024. There is 
also an active, ongoing dialogue between the 
Audit Committee and the external auditors 
on improvements to the effectiveness and 
efficiency of the external audit process.

The Audit Committee has confirmed it is 
satisfied with the independence, objectivity 
and effectiveness of Deloitte LLP and has 
recommended to the Board that they be 
reappointed, and there will be a resolution 
to this effect at the forthcoming AGM.

In addition to their statutory duties, Deloitte 
LLP may also be engaged where, as a result 
of their position as external auditors, they are 
best placed to perform non-audit services. This 
includes, for example, the interim review and 
other minimal and incidental non-audit work.

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

69

Directors’ report 
As required under the Companies Act, the Directors present their report 
and Group financial statements for the year ended 28 March 2022

(a) Results and review of the business 
The Group income statement is set out on 
page 77. The Directors’ report should be read 
in conjunction with the Strategic report on 
pages 1 to 51, which includes information about 
the Group’s business performance during the 
year and indication of future prospects. Details 
of significant events since the balance sheet 
date are contained in note 31 to the financial 
statements. An indication of likely future 
developments in the business of the Company 
are included in the Financial review on pages 
26 to 29. Information about the use of financial 
instruments by the Company and its subsidiaries 
is given in note 25 to the financial statements.

(b) Dividends
The Company will not be declaring a final 
dividend during the reporting period. 
The Directors’ intention continues to be to 
maintain a capital allocation policy aimed 
at maintaining a healthy balance sheet, 
investing in growth in a disciplined manner and 
returning to shareholders any funds in excess 
of the level reasonably needed to fund growth 
and manage risk.

(c) Strategic report
The Strategic report, which can be found on 
pages 1 to 51, sets out the development and 
performance of the Group’s business during 
the financial year, the position of the Group at 
the end of the year and a description of the 
principal risks and uncertainties.

(d) Significant events since the end of the 
financial year
On 31 March 2022, the Directors signed a senior 
secured credit facility with Silicon Valley Bank. 
See note 31 Events after the balance sheet date 
for further details of this transaction.

On 5 May 2022, the Company received £5.85 
million sale proceeds before costs and tax in 
respect of the asset held in the Company’s 
books as an investment property. See note 31 
Events after the balance sheet date for more 
details of this transaction.

There have been no other events since the 
end of the financial year which would have 
a material impact on the performance or 
financial position of the Group.

(e) Articles of Association and 
applicable legislation 
With regard to the appointment and 
replacement of Directors, the Company is 
governed by its Articles of Association, the UK 
Corporate Governance Code, the Companies 
Act and related legislation. The Articles 
themselves may be amended by special 
resolution of the shareholders. The powers of 
Directors are described in the Board Terms 
of Reference and the Corporate Governance 
Statement available on the Company’s website. 

The Company is subject to the UK City Code on 
Takeovers and Mergers.

70

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

(f) Share capital
The authorised and called-up share capital of the Company, together with details of the ordinary 
shares allotted and purchased during the year, is shown in note 27 to the financial statements. 
In accordance with the AIM Rule 2, in so far as the Company is aware, the percentage of the 
Company’s issued share capital that is not in public hands as at 19 May 2022 is 0.27%. This 
percentage comprises the holdings of Directors and related parties.

(g) Major shareholders
At 3 May 2022, the following interests of shareholders in excess of 3% have been notified to the 
Company:

Number of ordinary 
shares held
9,715,066
6,628,538
6,246,610
5,791,414
4,325,161
4,062,942

Ordinary shares as % of 
issued share capital
13.23
9.02
8.50
7.88
5.89
5.53

(l) Financial reporting
The Group’s trading performance is monitored 
on an ongoing basis. An annual budget 
is prepared and specific objectives and 
targets are set. The budget is reviewed and 
approved by the Board and a rebudgeting 
exercise is carried out at least once during the 
financial year. The key trading aspects of the 
business are monitored weekly and internal 
management accounts are prepared monthly. 
The results are compared with budget and 
prior year performance. The Group’s financial 
risk management objectives and policies are 
discussed in note 25 to the financial statements.

(m) Modern slavery
We take the issue of modern slavery very 
seriously. This is addressed as part of our 
Sustainability Report and our anti-slavery 
statement is available here: https://www.
nakedwinesplc.co.uk/about-us/corporate-
governance/

(n) Key performance indicators
The Group monitors a number of performance 
indicators, both financial and non-financial. 
See page 118 for a full list of KPIs.

(o) Disclosure of information to auditor
In accordance with section 418 of the 
Companies Act 2006, each Director who 
held office at the date of this Directors’ report 
confirms that, as far as he or she is aware, 
there is no relevant audit information of which 
the Group’s auditor is unaware, and he or she 
has taken all the steps that he or she ought 
to have taken as a Director in order to make 
himself or herself aware of any relevant audit 
information and to establish that the Group’s 
auditor is aware of that information.

Shareholder
Baillie Gifford & Co (Edinburgh)
Punch Card Mgt (Florida)
Conifer Capital Mgt (New York)
Morgan Stanley (London)
JMX Capital (Hamburg)
Apthorp Family (England)

(h) Political donations
No political donations were made during the 
reporting period.

(i) Directors’ indemnities and insurance
The Company maintains directors’ and officers’ 
liability insurance, which is reviewed annually 
and is permitted under the Company’s 
Articles of Association and the Companies 
Act 2006. The Company agrees to indemnify 
each Director against any liability incurred 
in relation to acts or omissions arising in the 
ordinary course of their duties. The indemnity 
applies only to the extent permitted by law. No 
Directors were indemnified during the year.

(j) Annual General Meeting 
The Annual General Meeting will be held at 
3pm on 25 July 2022 at the offices of Allen & 
Overy LLP, One Bishops Square, London E1 
6AD. The Notice of Annual General Meeting, 
which sets out the resolutions to be proposed 
at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting, 
is enclosed with this Annual Report.

The Notice specifies deadlines for exercising 
voting rights and appointing a proxy or proxies 
to vote in relation to resolutions to be passed 
at the AGM. All proxy votes will be counted and 
the numbers for, against or withheld in relation 
to each resolution will be announced at the 
Annual General Meeting and published on the 
Company’s website.

(k)  Approval of the Directors’ remuneration 

report at the last AGM 

The Directors’ remuneration report was last 
tabled for approval by the shareholders of the 
Company at the last AGM, held on 5 August 
2021, by means of a non-binding advisory vote. 
The shareholders approved the resolution 
relating to the 2021/22 Directors’ remuneration 
by a majority of 98.89%, with 1.11% of votes cast 
against and 0.00% votes withheld. Shareholders 
will be asked to vote on the Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy at the AGM in 2022.

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities

(p) Board of Directors 
Details of the Board of Directors can be found 
on pages 52 and 53.

(q) Stakeholder engagement 
Please refer to the section 172(1) statement on 
page 36 and to the stakeholder engagement 
initiatives mentioned on pages 36 to 38 
regarding: (i) how the Directors have engaged 
with employees and have had regard to their 
interests during the financial year; and (ii) how 
the Directors have had regard to the need to 
foster the Company’s business relationships 
with suppliers, customers and others, and the 
effect of that regard. 

(r) Disabled employee engagement
Naked Wines has been an accredited Disability 
Confident Employer since October 2018. As 
a Disability Confident Employer we have 
documented that we: (i) have undertaken and 
successfully completed the Disability Confident 
self-assessment; (ii) are taking all of the core 
actions to be a Disability Confident Employer; 
and (iii) are offering at least one activity to get 
the right people for our business and at least 
one activity to keep and develop our people.

(s) Greenhouse gas emissions reporting 
The Company is required to disclose its UK 
energy use and associated greenhouse gas 
emissions (GHG) under the Streamlined Energy 
and Carbon Reporting (SECR) Regulations. 
Details of our report are set out on page 51 
of the Strategic report.

Energy efficiency actions taken: 
During the reporting period we have taken a 
number of steps to improve energy efficiency. 
These include:

 G Working closely with our winemakers, 

growers and suppliers towards achieving 
more sustainable winemaking in our supply 
chain aimed at significantly reducing GHG 
emissions in the following areas: 
 – Cultivation
 – Winemaking
 – Glass bottles
 – Imports

 G Reduced our average bottle weights 

to provide direct material savings and 
reduction in logistics emissions

 G Some of our winemakers have actively 

produced organic wines and encouraged 
biodiversity in the vineyard 

Reporting boundary and methodology 
We have followed the 2019 UK Government 
Environmental Reporting Guidelines. We have 
used the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting 
and Reporting Standard (revised edition) and 
emission factors from the UK Government’s 
GHG Conversion Factors for Company 
Reporting 2019 to calculate the above 
disclosures.

Directors’ responsibility statement
The Directors are responsible for preparing 
the Annual Report and the Group and Parent 
Company financial statements in accordance 
with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to 
prepare such financial statements for each 
financial year. Under that law, and as required 
by the AIM rules, the Directors are required 
to prepare the Group financial statements 
in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by 
the European Union (EU) and Article 4 of 
the IAS Regulation, and have also chosen to 
prepare the Company financial statements 
in accordance with Financial Reporting 
Standard 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework. 
Under company law, the Directors must not 
approve the financial statements unless they 
are satisfied that they give a true and fair view 
of the state of the affairs of the Group and 
Parent Company and of their profit or loss 
for that period. 

In preparing each of the Group and Parent 
Company financial statements, the Directors 
are required to:

 G Select suitable accounting policies and then 

apply them consistently

 G Make judgements and accounting estimates 

that are reasonable and prudent

 G State whether Financial Reporting Standard 
101 Reduced Disclosure Framework has been 
followed, subject to any material departures 
disclosed and explained in the financial 
statements

 G Prepare the financial statements on the 

going concern basis unless it is inappropriate 
to presume that the Group and Parent 
Company will continue in business

In preparing the Group financial statements, 
International Accounting Standard 1 
Presentation of Financial Statements requires 
that Directors:

 G Properly select and apply accounting 

policies

 G Present information, including accounting 

policies, in a manner that provides relevant, 
reliable, comparable and understandable 
information

 G 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 Group’s financial position and financial 
performance

 G Assess the Group’s ability to continue as a 

going concern

The Directors are responsible for keeping 
adequate accounting records that are 
sufficient to show and explain the Group and 
Parent Company’s transactions and disclose 
with reasonable accuracy at any time the 
financial position of the Group and Parent 
Company and enable them to ensure that 
the financial statements comply with the 
Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible 
for safeguarding the assets of the Group 
and Parent 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 
Group’s website. Legislation in the United 
Kingdom governing the preparation and 
dissemination of financial statements may 
differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. 

We confirm that to the best of our knowledge: 

 G The financial statements, prepared in 
accordance with the relevant financial 
reporting framework, give a true and fair 
view of the assets, liabilities, financial position 
and profit or loss of the Group and Parent 
Company and the undertakings included in 
the consolidation taken as a whole

 G The Strategic report includes a fair review 
of the development and performance of 
the business and the position of the Group 
and the undertakings included in the 
consolidation taken as a whole, together 
with the description of the principal risks and 
uncertainties that they face

 G The Annual Report and financial statements, 
taken as a whole, are fair, balanced and 
understandable and provide the information 
necessary for the shareholders to assess the 
Group and Parent Company’s position and 
performance, business model and strategy

This responsibility statement was approved 
by the Board of Directors on 22 June 2022 
and signed on its behalf below. 

Auditor
A resolution to reappoint Deloitte LLP as 
auditor of the Group will be put to the Annual 
General Meeting. 

The Directors will also be given the authority 
to fix the auditor’s remuneration. 

Approved by the Board of Directors.

Nicholas Devlin 
Chief Executive Officer 22 June 2022

Shawn Tabak 
Chief Financial Officer 22 June 2022

Registered in England and Wales No. 02281640

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

71

Independent auditor’s report to the members of Naked Wines plc
Report on the audit of the financial statements

1. Opinion
In our opinion:

 G the financial statements of Naked Wines plc (the ‘parent company’) 

and its subsidiaries (the ‘group’) give a true and fair view of the state of 
the group’s and of the parent company’s affairs as at 28 March 2022 
and of the group’s profit for the year then ended;

 G the group financial statements have been properly prepared in 

accordance with United Kingdom adopted international accounting 
standards and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as 
issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB);
 G the parent company financial statements have been properly 

prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted 
Accounting Practice, including Financial Reporting Standard 101 
“Reduced Disclosure Framework; and

 G the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the 

requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

We have audited the financial statements which comprise:

 G the group income statement;
 G the group statement of comprehensive income;
 G the group and parent company statements of changes in equity;
 G the group and parent company balance sheets;
 G the group cash flow statement; and
 G the related notes 1 to 53.

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the 
preparation of the group financial statements is applicable law, United 
Kingdom adopted international accounting standards and IFRSs as 
issued by the IASB. The financial reporting framework that has been 
applied in the preparation of the parent company financial statements 
is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including 
FRS 101 “Reduced Disclosure Framework (United Kingdom Generally 
Accepted Accounting Practice).

2. Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on 
Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under 
those standards are further described in the auditor’s responsibilities 
for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. 

We are independent of the group and the parent company in 
accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit 
of the financial statements in the UK, including the Financial Reporting 
Council’s (the ‘FRC’s’) Ethical Standard as applied to listed entities, and 
we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with 
these requirements. 

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

3. Material uncertainty related to going concern

We draw attention to note 3.2 in the financial statements, which indicates 
that a material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on the 
group and parent company’s ability to continue as a going concern. 

The group entered into a $60m Asset Backed Lending facility post year 
end that was subject to three financial covenants including a covenant 
on repeat customer contribution tested quarterly. This covenant is 
with reference to an absolute level, rather than a ratio. Consequently, 

72

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

it is most sensitive to macroeconomic factors and under a downside 
scenario there is a risk that the company could breach this covenant. 
Management’s base case forecast indicates that the covenants will 
be met throughout the going concern period. However, a reasonably 
possible downside scenario gives rise to a material uncertainty over the 
group’s ability to meet the repeat customer contribution covenant.

When taking into account actual trading results to date which are below 
forecast, a downside scenario of 3.7% against forecast would result in 
a breach of this covenant in June 2022 and as a result of the sensitivity 
in the downside scenario, a material uncertainty has been identified 
on meeting this covenant. Further, under certain reasonably possible 
downside scenarios there is uncertainty over compliance with this 
covenant in future quarters.

As stated in note 3.2, these events or conditions, along with the other 
matters as set forth in note 3.2 indicate that a material uncertainty exists 
that may cast significant doubt on the group’s and parent company’s 
ability to continue as a going concern. The Audit Committee has included 
the adoption of the going concern basis of accounting as a key risk on 
page 69. 

Our opinion is not modified in respect of this matter.

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the 
directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation 
of the financial statements is appropriate.

Our evaluation of the directors’ assessment of the group’s and parent 
company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of 
accounting included:

 G testing the mechanical accuracy of the model used to prepare the 

group’s going concern forecast;

 G evaluating the consistency of management’s forecasts with other 

areas of the audit (e.g.: goodwill impairment);

 G obtaining independent confirmations of the Group’s cash on hand 

position; 

 G obtaining confirmation of the revolving credit facility entered into 

post 28 March 2022 to understand repayment terms and covenant 
requirements;

 G evaluating management’s cash flow forecasts and challenging key 

assumptions used in their preparation, through comparison to historic 
performance and external data sources. This included evaluating the 
business model and medium-term risks, economic factors and climate 
change, to assess whether the recent significant growth trends are 
considered likely to continue going forwards;

 G evaluating the amount of headroom under the forecast covenants, 
including sensitised downside scenarios, to assess the likelihood of 
conditions arising which might result in the group’s inability to meet its 
covenants as they fall due; 

 G assessing and challenging the mitigating actions available to 

management, should these be required to offset the impact of forecast 
performance not being achieved; 

 G assessing the appropriateness of risk factors disclosed in the group’s 

going concern statement; and

 G challenging the sufficiency of the group’s disclosures relating to going 
concern basis of preparation by reference to FRC guidance and the 
requirements of IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements.

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

4. Summary of our audit approach

Key audit 
matters

The key audit matters that we identified in the current year were:
 G Going concern (see material uncertainty related to going concern section)
 G Risk of fraudulent recognition of revenue through manual adjustments.

Materiality

Scoping

Significant 
changes in our 
approach

Within this report, all key audit matters have a similar level of risk when compared to the prior year as identified by the 
following symbol 

The materiality that we used for the group financial statements was £4.1m which was determined using group revenue 
as the key benchmark.

We have performed full scope audit procedures over 100% of the Group’s revenue, 84% of the Group’s profit before tax, 
and 99% of net assets. 

Going concern is a new key audit matter in the year due to potential covenant breaches.

Consistent with the prior year, the risk of fraudulent recognition of revenue through manual adjustments continues 
to be a key audit matter. 

5. Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our audit of the financial statements of the 
current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) that we identified. These matters 
included those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy, the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the 
engagement team.

These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not 
provide a separate opinion on these matters. In addition to the matter described in the material uncertainty related to going concern section, we have 
determined the matters described below to be the key audit matters to be communicated in our report.

5.1. Risk of fraudulent recognition of revenue through manual adjustments 

Key audit matter description

The group generated revenue from continuing operations of £350.3m (2021: £340.2m). Revenue consists of sales of 
wine to subscription and one-off customers which is recognised on delivery of the goods provided.

Revenue is a key metric when evaluating the performance of the business, and receives ongoing scrutiny externally 
and internally due to management’s growth strategy for the online retail business. Consistent with the prior year, we 
identified a potential risk of bias or fraud through management manipulation of revenue journal entries. As Naked 
Wines is an online retail business, sales journals are collated based on data recorded automatically in the online sales 
system at point of order. Given the high volume and low value of individual sales transactions, we considered the risk 
of material fraud to be as a result of manual journals posted by management in order to manipulate results.

Further information is included in note 3.5.

How the scope of our 
audit responded to the 
key audit matter

To respond to this key audit matter we have: 
 G obtained an understanding of the relevant controls over the recognition of revenue;
 G assessed the revenue recognition policy to understand characeristics that might indicate revenue journal entries 

outside the normal course of business;

 G used data analytics to identify a population of manual entries to revenue from which we have selected a sample 

of items and obtained evidence. We have challenged management on the business rationale for these entries and 
agreed these to supporting evidence; and

 G performed analysis of historic monthly gross margins to identify and investigate any unusual trends or fluctuations 

in the data which were not in line with our knowledge of the business.

From the work performed above, we concluded that manual revenue adjustments had been recognised 
appropriately in accordance with the revenue recognition policy and accounting standards and were not indicative 
of bias or fraud. 

Key observations

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

73

 
Independent auditor’s report to the members of Naked Wines plc
Report on the audit of the financial statements continued

6. Our application of materiality
6.1. Materiality
We define materiality as the magnitude of misstatement in the financial statements that makes it probable that the economic decisions of a reasonably 
knowledgeable person would be changed or influenced. We use materiality both in planning the scope of our audit work and in evaluating the results 
of our work.

Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole as follows:

Group financial statements

Materiality

£4.1m (2021: £3.5m)

Basis for determining 
materiality

1.2% (2021: 1.1%) of Group revenue.

Rationale for the 
benchmark applied

In our professional judgement we believe that revenue is the most 
appropriate benchmark to determine materiality given that the group 
is focussed on growth and therefore revenue is the key measure of 
overall performance used by stakeholders. 

Parent company financial statements

£2.2m (2021: £1.9m)

The basis of materiality is net assets.

Parent company materiality equates to 1.8% 
(2021: 1.8%) of parent company net assets, 
which is capped at 80% (2021: 80%) of group 
materiality.

In determining our final materiality, based 
on our professional judgement, we have 
considered net assets as the appropriate 
measure given the parent company is 
primarily a holding company for the group. 

7. An overview of the scope of our audit
7.1. Identification and scoping of components
Naked Wines Plc are 100% owners of Naked Wines International Ltd, 
which acts as a holding company for the three Naked Wines trading 
companies, based in the US, the UK and Australia, as well as the non-
trading components. 

Our group audit was scoped on a subsidiary entity basis, assessing 
components against the risk of material misstatement at the group 
level. We considered group wide controls, and the quantum of financial 
statement balances and individual financial statement transactions of a 
significant nature. 

We performed full scope audit procedures on all trading companies 
in the UK, US and Australia. The results taken together for these entities 
account for 100% (2021: 100%) of the Group’s revenue, 84% (2021: 99%) 
of the group’s profit before tax, and 99% (2021: 94%) of net assets. 

All UK entities were audited by the group engagement team in the UK 
led by the Senior Statutory Auditor. Audit work at all audit locations was 
executed at a local component materiality level determined by reference 
to the scale of the business, with all entities using a materiality lower than 
group materiality. Component materiality applied ranged from £1.4 
million to £2.3 million (2021: £1.2 million to £1.9 million). 

At the group level, we also tested the consolidation process including any 
consolidation adjustments. Procedures performed to test consolidation 
adjustments included assessing the business rationale for the entries and 
agreeing to supporting evidence. We carried out analytical procedures 
to confirm there were no material misstatements in the aggregated 
financial information of the group’s non trading subsidiaries that were 
not subject to full scope audit.

Revenue
£350.3m

Group materiality
£4.1m

Component materiality
range £1.4m to £2.3m

Audit Committee reporting
threshold £0.2m

Revenue
Group materiality

6.2. Performance materiality
We set performance materiality at a level lower than materiality to 
reduce the probability that, in aggregate, uncorrected and undetected 
misstatements exceed the materiality for the financial statements 
as a whole.

Performance 
materiality

Basis and rationale 
for determining 
performance 
materiality

Group financial  
statements

70% (2021: 70%) of 
group materiality

Parent company financial 
statements

70% (2021: 70%) of 
parent company 
materiality 

In determining performance materiality, we 
considered the following factors, namely:
 G our risk assessment and the quality of the 

control environment; and 

 G our past experience of the audit, including 
the quantum of corrected and uncorrected 
misstatements in prior periods. 

6.3. Error reporting threshold
We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to the 
Committee all audit differences in excess of £205,000 (2021: £175,000), 
as well as differences below that threshold that, in our view, warranted 
reporting on qualitative grounds. We also report to the Audit Committee 
on disclosure matters that we identified when assessing the overall 
presentation of the financial statements.

74

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

Full audit scope
Specified audit procedures
Review at group level

16%

1%

Revenue

100%

Profit
before tax

84%

Net assets

99%

7.2. Our consideration of the control environment
We have obtained an understanding of relevant controls over the key 
business cycles, including financial reporting, revenue, inventory, fixed 
assets, expenditure and payroll. In addition, we have tested relevant 
controls over revenue. However, a controls reliance audit approach has 
not been taken.

Together with IT specialists we tested controls over the revenue, inventory 
and financial reporting systems. We performed testing on access 
security, change management and network operations. Where control 
improvements are identified, these are reported to management and 
the Audit Committee as appropriate.

7.3. Working with other auditors
We have engaged with component audit teams to perform work over 
the US and Australia components which are both full scope audits in 
the current year. Detailed instructions were sent to the US and Australia 
component audit teams, who were included in team briefings to discuss 
risk assessment.

We met virtually and in person with component audit teams, including 
close meetings at the conclusion of the audit work which were attended 
by the Senior Statutory Auditor. We visited the US component in person 
and have obtained remote access to working papers in order to review 
the work performed on a selective basis and have reviewed component 
reporting documents.

8. Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the 
annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s 
report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information 
contained within the annual report.

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

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, 
consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with 
the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the 
audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated.

If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material 
misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a 
material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based 
on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material 
misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

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

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

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

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

11. Extent to which the audit was considered capable of 
detecting irregularities, including fraud
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws 
and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, 
outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of 
irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are 
capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below.

11.1. Identifying and assessing potential risks related to irregularities
In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect 
of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and 
regulations, we considered the following:

 G the nature of the industry and sector, control environment and business 

performance including the design of the group’s remuneration 
policies, key drivers for directors’ remuneration, bonus levels and 
performance targets;

 G results of our enquiries of management, internal audit, those 

charged with governance and the audit committee about their own 
identification and assessment of the risks of irregularities; 

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

75

Independent auditor’s report to the members of Naked Wines plc
Report on other legal and regulatory requirements

 G any matters we identified having obtained and reviewed the group’s 

documentation of their policies and procedures relating to:
 – identifying, evaluating and complying with laws and regulations and 

whether they were aware of any instances of non-compliance;
 – detecting and responding to the risks of fraud and whether they 

have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud;

 – the internal controls established to mitigate risks of fraud or non-

compliance with laws and regulations;

 G the matters discussed among the audit engagement team including 
significant component audit teams and relevant internal specialists, 
including tax, valuations, IT, and financial instruments specialists, 
regarding how and where fraud might occur in the financial 
statements and any potential indicators of fraud. 

As a result of these procedures, we considered the opportunities and 
incentives that may exist within the organisation for fraud and identified the 
greatest potential for fraud in the recognition of revenue through manual 
journals. In common with all audits under ISAs (UK), we are also required to 
perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override.

We also obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory 
framework that the group operates in, focusing on provisions of those 
laws and regulations that had a direct effect on the determination of 
material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The key 
laws and regulations we considered in this context included the UK 
Companies Act, AIM Rules, tax legislation and pensions legislation.

In addition, we considered provisions of other laws and regulations that 
do not have a direct effect on the financial statements but compliance 
with which may be fundamental to the group’s ability to operate or to 
avoid a material penalty. These included local licensing and alcohol laws 
and employment legislation.

11.2. Audit response to risks identified
As a result of performing the above, we identified risk of fraudulent 
recognition of revenue through manual journals as a key audit matter 
related to the potential risk of fraud. The key audit matters section of our 
report explains the matter in more detail and also describes the specific 
procedures we performed in response to that key audit matter.

In addition to the above, our procedures to respond to risks identified 
included the following:

 G reviewing the financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting 
documentation to assess compliance with provisions of relevant laws 
and regulations described as having a direct effect on the financial 
statements;

 G enquiring of management, the audit committee and internal and external 

legal counsel concerning actual and potential litigation and claims;

 G performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or 
unexpected relationships that may indicate risks of material 
misstatement due to fraud. This included use of data analytics tools 
over revenue and inventory to 100% reconcile the general ledger 
population to supporting evidence. 

 G reading minutes of meetings of those charged with governance and 

reviewing internal audit reports; and

 G in addressing the risk of fraud through management override of 
controls, testing the appropriateness of journal entries and other 
adjustments; assessing whether the judgements made in making 
accounting estimates are indicative of a potential bias; and evaluating 
the business rationale of any significant transactions that are unusual 
or outside the normal course of business.

76

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

We also communicated relevant identified laws and regulations and 
potential fraud risks to all engagement team members including internal 
specialists and significant component audit teams, and remained alert 
to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations 
throughout the audit.

Report on other legal and regulatory requirements

12. Opinions on other matters prescribed by the 
Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

 G the information given in the strategic report and the directors’ report 
for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared 
is consistent with the financial statements; and

 G the strategic report and the directors’ report have been prepared in 

accordance with applicable legal requirements.

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and the 
parent company and their environment obtained in the course of the 
audit, we have not identified any material misstatements in the strategic 
report or the directors’ report.

13. Matters on which we are required to report by 
exception
13.1. Adequacy of explanations received and accounting records
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our 
opinion:

 G we have not received all the information and explanations we require 

for our audit; or

 G adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent 

company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received 
from branches not visited by us; or

 G the parent company financial statements are not in agreement with 

the accounting records and returns.

We have nothing to report in respect of these matters.

13.2. Directors’ remuneration
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are also required to report if in our 
opinion certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration have not been made.

We have nothing to report in respect of this matter.

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

Paul Schofield FCA (Senior statutory auditor)
For and on behalf of Deloitte LLP
Statutory Auditor
Cambridge, United Kingdom

22 June 2022

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

Group income statement
For the year ended 28 March 2022

Continuing operations

Revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Fulfilment costs

Advertising costs

General and administrative costs

Fair value loss arising on deferred contingent consideration net of settlement

Operating profit/(loss)

Finance costs

Finance income

Profit/(loss) before tax

Analysed as:

Adjusted profit/(loss) before tax

Adjusted items:
 G Non-cash charges relating to acquisitions
 G Other adjusted items

Profit/(loss) before tax

Tax

Profit/(loss) for the period

Earnings/(loss) per share 

Basic

Diluted

Note

5

7

8

10

10

7

11

12

Year ended
28 March 2022
£’000

Year ended
29 March 2021
£’000

350,263

(208,542)

141,721

(62,601)

(34,131)

(43,085)

–

1,904

(111)

1,080

2,873

340,226

(204,732)

135,494

(58,294)

(42,334)

(42,675)

(3,868)

(11,677)

(116)

1,118

(10,675)

2,964

(514)

(1,321)

1,230

2,873

(490)

2,383

3.3p

3.2p

(3,646)

(6,515)

(10,675)

635

(10,040)

(13.8p)

(13.8p)

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

77

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group statement of comprehensive income
For the year ended 28 March 2022

Profit/(loss) for the period

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the period

Year ended
28 March 2022
£’000

Year ended
29 March 2021
£’000

2,383

(10,040)

3,084

3,084

5,467

(1,282)

(1,282)

(11,322)

The total comprehensive income for the year and the loss for the prior year is wholly attributable to the equity holders of the parent company, 
Naked Wines plc.

78

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

 
Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

Group statement of changes in equity
For the year ended 28 March 2022

Note

Share 
capital
£’000

5,466

Share 
premium 
£’000

Capital reserve 
– own shares
£’000

Capital 
redemption 
reserve
£’000

Currency 
translation 
reserve
£’000

21,162

(17)

363

At 30 March 2020

Loss for the period

Other comprehensive losses for the period

Total comprehensive loss for the period

Shares issued

Credit to equity for equity-settled share based 
payments

Transfer of shares to employee benefit trust 
account 

Deferred tax on share based payment

At 29 March 2021

Profit for the period

Other comprehensive income for the period

Total comprehensive income for the period

Shares issued

Credit to equity for equity-settled share based 
payments

Deferred tax on share based payment

–

–

–

21

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

5,487

21,162

–

–

–

21

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

27

28

11

27

28

11

At 28 March 2022

5,508

21,162

The nature and purpose of each reserve is disclosed in note 27 Share capital and reserves.

–

–

–

–

–

17

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Retained 
earnings
£’000

85,224

(10,040)

–

(10,040)

(21)

777

(17)

331

76,254

2,383

–

2,383

(21)

1,311

(260)

Total equity
£’000

113,579

(10,040)

(1,282)

(11,322)

–

777

–

331

103,365

2,383

3,084

5,467

–

1,311

(260)

1,381

–

(1,282)

(1,282)

–

–

–

–

99

–

3,084

3,084

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

363

–

–

–

–

–

–

363

3,183

79,667

109,883

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

79

 
 
 
 
 
Group balance sheet
As at 28 March 2022

Non-current assets

Goodwill and intangible fixed assets

Property, plant and equipment

Right-of-use assets

Investment property

Deferred tax assets

Other receivables

Current assets

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Financial instruments at fair value

Cash and cash equivalents

Assets classified as held for sale

Total assets

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Deferred Angel and other income

Lease liabilities

Provisions

Bond financing

Financial instruments at fair value

Non-current liabilities

Provisions

Lease liabilities

Deferred tax liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity

Share capital

Share premium

Capital redemption reserve

Currency translation reserve

Retained earnings

Total equity

Note

28 March 2022
£’000

29 March 2021
£’000

14

15

16

17

11

19

18

19

25

20

21

22

24

26

23

25

26

24

11

27

27

27

27

33,516

2,544

3,370

–

5,402

10,114

54,946

142,444

9,161

324

39,846

191,775

810

192,585

247,531

(54,621)

(76,003)

(991)

(2,011)

(35)

(476)

33,982

1,452

2,780

855

3,993

9,520

52,582

76,130

7,168

41

85,148

168,487

–

168,487

221,069

(40,757)

(69,902)

(645)

(1,570)

(30)

(1,405)

(134,137)

(114,309)

(122)

(2,576)

(813)

(3,511)

(137,648)

109,883

5,508

21,162

363

3,183

79,667

109,883

(393)

(2,231)

(771)

(3,395)

(117,704)

103,365

5,487

21,162

363

99

76,254

103,365

The financial statements of Naked Wines plc (company registration number 02281640) were approved by the Board and authorised for issue on 
22 June 2022 and were signed on its behalf by Shawn Tabak. 

80

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

Group cash flow statement
For the year ended 28 March 2022

Cash flows from operating activities

Cash (used in)/generated by operations

UK income tax received

Overseas income tax paid

Net cash (used in)/generated by operating activities

Investing activities

Interest received, including interest received on the vendor loan note

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Purchase of intangible fixed assets

Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment

Proceeds received on settlement of deferred contingent consideration

Proceeds from sale of asset held for resale

Net cash used in investing activities

Financing activities

Interest paid (including lease interest)

Repayments of principal under lease liabilities

Movement in customer funded bonds

Net cash used in financing activities

Net (decrease)/increase in cash

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

Year ended
28 March 2022
£’000

Year ended
29 March 2021
£’000

(40,929)

–

(2,189)

(43,118)

486

(1,681)

(253)

7

–

–

(1,441)

(111)

(845)

5

(951)

(45,510)

85,148

208

39,846

34,207

274

(880)

33,601

559

(845)

(1,824)

–

175

953

(982)

(116)

(904)

(54)

(1,074)

31,545

54,736

(1,133)

85,148

Note

30

30

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

81

 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements

1 General information
Naked Wines plc (the Company) is a public limited company and is 
incorporated in the United Kingdom under the Companies Act 2006 
and is registered in England and Wales. The Company is the ultimate 
controlling party of the Naked Group and its ordinary shares are traded 
on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM). 

The Company’s registered address is The Union Building, 51-59 Rose 
Lane, Norwich, NR1 1BY. The Group’s principal activity is the direct to 
consumer retailing of wine. The Company’s principal activity is to act 
as a holding company for its subsidiaries.

2 Adoption of new and revised standards
The following new amendments that are required to be adopted in 
annual periods beginning on 1 January 2022, do not have an impact 
on the financial statements of the Group: 

IFRS
Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39, 
IFRS 7, IFRS 4, and IFRS 16

Subject
Interest Rate Benchmark Reform – 
Phase 2

Amendment to IFRS 16

Impact of the initial application of 
Covid-19-Related Rent Concessions 

At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, the Group has 
not applied the following new and revised IFRSs that have been issued 
but are not yet effective. 

Effective date
1 January 2022

IFRS
Amendments to IFRS 3  Reference to the Conceptual 

Subject

Amendments to IAS 16  Property, Plant and 

Framework

Equipment—Proceeds before 
Intended Use

Amendments to IAS 37 Onerous Contracts – Cost of 

Annual Improvements 
to IFRS Standards 2018-
2020 Cycle

1 January 2023

Amendments to IAS 1

Amendments to IAS 
1 and IFRS Practice 
Statement 2

Fulfilling a Contract

Amendments to IFRS 1 
First-time Adoption of 
International Financial 
Reporting Standards, IFRS 9 
Financial Instruments, IFRS 16 
Leases, and IAS 41 Agriculture

Classification of Liabilities as 
Current or Non-current

Disclosure of Accounting 
Policies

IFRS 17 

Insurance Contracts

Amendments to IAS 8 Definition of Accounting 

Estimates

Amendments to IAS 12 Deferred Tax related to 

Effective date 
deferred 
indefinitely

Amendments to IFRS 10 
and IAS 28

Assets and Liabilities arising 
from a Single Transaction

Sale or Contribution of Assets 
between an Investor and its 
Associate or Joint Venture

The Directors do not expect that the adoption of the Standards listed 
above will have a material impact on the financial statements of the 
Group in future periods.

82

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

3 Accounting policies
The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these 
consolidated financial statements are set out below. These policies have 
been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated. 

3.1 Basis of accounting
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 
the International Financial Reporting Standards and International 
Accounting Standards as issued by the International Accounting 
Standards Board (IASB) and Interpretations (collectively IFRSs).

The financial statements have also been prepared in accordance with 
international accounting standards in conformity with the requirements 
of the Companies Act 2006.

The Group’s financial reporting year represents the 52 weeks to 
28 March 2022 and the prior financial year, 52 weeks to 29 March 2021.

The consolidated financial statements are presented in GBP, the 
functional and presentational currency of the parent company. 

The financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis 
except for financial instruments which are measured at fair values as 
at the end of each reporting period, as explained in the accounting 
policies below.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with adopted IFRS 
requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires 
management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the 
Group’s accounting policies.

The Company has taken advantage of the exemption provided in section 
408 of the Companies Act 2006 not to publish its individual income 
statement and related notes. The Company has not made any other 
comprehensive income and consequently has not presented a statement 
of comprehensive income for the year.

3.2 Going concern
In assessing the appropriateness of the going concern assumption, the 
Board has considered (i) the cash requirements of the business to pursue 
its intended strategy, (ii) the funding available to the Group from existing 
cash reserves and from our Asset Backed Lending facility (ABL) and (iii) 
potential variations in the cash requirements of the Group taking into 
account severe yet plausible downside scenarios that appropriately 
reflect the current uncertain macroeconomic outlook.

As set out in note 31 Events after the balance sheet date, the Group 
entered into an Asset Backed Lending facility on 31 March 2022 which 
provides up to $60 million of additional borrowing secured against the 
stock holding of the US business.

Management has prepared cash flow forecasts extending for 12 months 
from the date of this report to assess the base case liquidity of the Group. 
Under this base case scenario the Group has sufficient liquidity over this 
time period, although it is the intention to draw a minimum amount to 
meet conditions of the facility itself around a minimum cash holding. 

Under a downside scenario where New Customer investment declines 
by 10% and therefore the Group acquires fewer New Customers, the 
Group would retain liquidity and again would not require funding from 
the ABL. It should be noted that under this scenario cash reserves would 
be reduced increasingly throughout the evaluation period. However, 
management has multiple available levers to improve cash generation 
should evidence of this downside scenario become apparent.

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

The Board has also reviewed the potential impact of other reasonably 
plausible downside scenarios. In particular, should Repeat sales show 
a progressive deterioration versus our expectations (-5% in Q2, -7.5% 
in Q3, -10% in Q4 of FY23 and -10% in Q1 of FY24), cash reserves would 
be further reduced. If no management actions were taken, additional 
sources of funding would be required in Q4 of FY23 and Q1 of FY24. 
However, management has multiple available levers to improve cash 
generation should evidence of this downside scenario become apparent, 
as discussed further below.

The ABL is subject to three covenants: a current ratio test, minimum cash held 
at a bank within the syndicate, and a minimum quarterly Repeat Customer 
Contribution profit test. The Repeat Customer Contribution profit covenant is 
with reference to an absolute level, rather than a ratio. Consequently, it is most 
sensitive to macroeconomic factors and, under a downside scenario, there is a 
risk that the Company could breach this covenant, with headroom versus the 
covenant most limited in Q1, Q2 and Q4 of FY23. 

Management has assessed covenant compliance over the next 12 months 
based on a detailed forecast model that projects an income statement, 
balance sheet, and cash flow statement based on key drivers of the 
business including, inter alia, assumptions on new customers, customer 
retention/attrition by tenure, order frequency, average order value, 
gross margin and fulfilment costs per order. Sensitivity analysis was also 
performed on this base case forecast. Under the base case, the forecast 
model projects that all covenants will be met over the next 12 months. 
A downside scenario resulting in a 7.5% to 20% sensitivity against the 
base case forecast for Repeat Customer sales could result in a breach 
of this covenant. When taking into account actual trading results to date 
which are below forecast, a downside scenario of 3.7% against forecast 
would result in a breach of this covenant at June 2022 and as a result of 
the sensitivity in the downside scenario, management have identified a 
material uncertainty on meeting this covenant. Under certain downside 
scenarios there is uncertainty over covenant compliance in future quarters. 
In the case of a breach of this covenant, management would approach the 
bank and request a waiver for this covenant breach. However, the Board 
cannot predict with certainty how the banks would respond.

Even under a severe downside scenario, management have identified 
multiple additional levers that would conserve cash without access to the 
ABL. These levers include the deferral or reduction of incoming inventory 
purchases, the disposal of unbottled wine on the bulk wine market, the 
reduction of capital expenditure, the renegotiation of supplier terms, the 
reduction of discretionary marketing investment and reductions of general 
and administrative expense. It is the view of the Board that, together, these 
levers offer in excess of £30 million of mitigation of downside risk, which is set 
against a maximum cash requirement of up to £10 million under a severe 
downside scenario.

On this basis the Board believes it is appropriate to prepare the financial 
statements on a going concern basis. However, this material uncertainty 
may cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going 
concern and therefore to realise its assets and discharge its liabilities in 
the normal course of business.

The Group reassesses whether or not it controls an investee if facts and 
circumstances indicate that there are changes to one or more of the 
three elements of control listed above.

The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the period are 
included in the consolidated income statement from the effective date of 
acquisition or up to the effective date of disposal, as appropriate. 

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

3.4 Presentation of adjusted items
The Group’s income statement and segmental analysis separately identify 
trading results before certain adjusted items. The Directors believe that 
presentation of the Group’s results in this way is relevant to understanding the 
Group’s financial performance by providing additional useful information 
for shareholders on underlying trends and performance. Adjusted items 
are identified by virtue of their size, nature or incidence. This presentation 
is consistent with the way that financial performance is measured by 
management and reported to the Board and provides a meaningful analysis 
of the trading results of the Group. In determining whether an event or 
transaction should be adjusted for, management considers quantitative as 
well as qualitative factors such as the frequency or predictability of the item. 
Details of adjusted items can be found in note 7 Adjusted items.

3.5 Revenue
Revenue is recognised in accordance with IFRS 15 as performance 
obligations are fulfilled to the extent that it is probable that the economic 
benefits will flow to the Group and the revenue can be reliably 
measured. Prior to a customer placing an order for wine, amounts 
received from Angels are recognised as a financial liability under the 
terms of IFRS 9 and are therefore not considered to be a contract liability 
in accordance with the requirements of IFRS 15.

Variable consideration, specifically to the Group, that may be subject 
to refund and return, is recognised when it is highly probable that a 
significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue will not occur 
when the related uncertainty is resolved. A provision is made on the basis 
of observed experience to adjust revenue for the element of sale which 
is still subject to performance uncertainty. Revenue is recognised when 
the customer obtains control of their purchase and there is reasonable 
certainty regarding the recovery of the consideration. Specifically to the 
Group, the performance obligations of the Group are deemed to be 
fulfilled when our product is delivered to our customer or Angel, which 
is typically within one to three days following dispatch. The adjustment 
for unfulfilled contract income included as part of the deferred Angel 
balance is considered to be immaterial and therefore no further 
disclosure is made of this balance in the notes to the accounts.

The Group uses its accumulated historical experience to estimate the 
level of returns on a portfolio level using the expected value method. 
As an almost exclusively consumer-facing business, the Group does 
not provide credit terms to its customers. 

No warranties or related obligations are offered.

3.3 Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of 
Naked Wines plc and entities controlled by the Company (its subsidiaries). 
Control is achieved where the Company has:

Sale of goods
Revenue from the sale of goods represents the sale of principally 
wine and some spirits through the Group’s direct to consumer 
ecommerce channel. 

 G power over the investee;
 G is exposed, or has rights, to variable return from its involvement with 

the investee; and

 G has the ability to use its power to affect its returns.

Revenue comprises the fair value of consideration received or 
receivable for the sale of goods and services in the ordinary course 
of the Group’s activities. 

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

83

Notes to the financial statements
continued

3 Accounting policies (continued)
The Group does not offer payment terms and dispatches goods when 
funds have been received from customers. As such it does not have any 
significant payment term arrangements.

3.6 Cost of sales
Cost of sales consists of the cost of the product, primarily wine, 
including excise duties, credit card processing charges and online 
selling teams’ costs.

Naked Wines generally trades with its suppliers on a simple purchase 
price agreement with no complex buying arrangements in place. Any 
supplier incentives, rebates and discounts are simple in nature and are 
recognised within cost of sales as they are earned.

3.7 Advertising costs
Advertising costs comprise the cost of media spend, partner spend, cost 
of inserts and other advertising and marketing spend related to the 
acquisition of new customers.

3.8 General and administrative costs
General and administrative costs principally comprise salaries and bonus 
costs for global support and Group corporate functions and global 
technology and legal and professional costs. General and administrative 
costs include staff and other support costs of global advertising and 
marketing functions.

3.9 Finance costs and income
Finance costs comprise interest on lease liabilities. Finance 
income comprises interest receivable on funds invested, positive 
cash balances and accrued income on the vendor loan note 
(See 3.24 Financial instruments). 

3.10 Share based payments
The Group operates a number of equity-settled share based 
compensation plans. The fair value of the employee services received in 
exchange for the grant of shares or options is recognised as an expense 
over the vesting period. The total amount to be expensed over the vesting 
period is determined by reference to the fair value of shares or options 
granted, including the impact of any non-market vesting conditions (e.g., 
profitability and sales growth targets). Non-market vesting conditions 
are included in assumptions about the number of shares or options that 
are expected to vest. At each balance sheet date, the Group revises its 
estimates of the number of shares or options that are expected to vest 
and recognises the impact of the revision to original estimates, if any, 
in the income statement, with a corresponding adjustment to equity.

3.11 Tax
Income tax on the profit or loss for the year comprises current and 
deferred tax. 

Current tax 
Income tax is recognised in the income statement. Current tax is the 
expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax 
rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date, and 
any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years. 

Deferred tax 
Deferred tax is accounted for in respect of temporary differences between 
the carrying amount of assets and liabilities in the financial statements 
and the corresponding tax bases used in computation of taxable profit. 
Deferred tax is measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in 
the periods in which the asset or liability is settled based on tax rates (and 
tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the balance 
84

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

sheet date. It is recognised in the income statement except when it relates 
to items credited or charged directly to other comprehensive income, in 
which case the deferred tax is also recognised in equity. 

Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that 
future taxable profit will be available against which the temporary 
difference can be utilised. Their carrying amount is reviewed at each 
balance sheet date on the same basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities 
are offset when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation 
authority and when the Group intends to settle its current tax assets and 
liabilities on a net basis.

Deferred income tax liabilities are recognised for all temporary 
differences, except where the deferred income tax liability arises from 
the initial recognition of goodwill or an asset or liability in a transaction 
that is not a business combination and at the time of the transaction 
affects neither the accounting profit nor taxable profit or loss and in 
respect of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in 
subsidiaries where the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences 
can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary difference will 
not reverse in the foreseeable future.

3.12 Foreign currencies
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rate on 
the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated 
in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are translated at the 
exchange rate ruling at that date. Foreign exchange differences arising 
on translation are recognised in the income statement for the year.

The consolidated financial statements are presented in GBP which is the 
Group’s functional and presentational currency. Each entity in the Group 
determines its own functional currency. The income and expenses of 
overseas subsidiaries are translated at the average rate of exchange 
ruling during the year. The balance sheet of the overseas subsidiary 
undertaking is translated into sterling at the rate of exchange ruling at 
the balance sheet date. Exchange differences arising from the translation 
of overseas subsidiaries are reported in the statement of comprehensive 
income and are transferred to the Group’s currency translation reserve.

3.13 Business combinations and goodwill
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. 
Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business 
combination are measured at their fair values at the acquisition date. 

Goodwill arises when the fair value of the consideration for a business exceeds 
the fair value of the net assets acquired. Goodwill arising on acquisitions is 
capitalised and subject to impairment review, both annually and when there 
are indications that the carrying value may not be recoverable.

For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill acquired in a business 
combination is allocated to cash generating units (CGUs) or groups 
of CGUs. Each unit or group of units to which the goodwill is allocated 
represents the lowest level within the entity at which the goodwill is 
monitored for internal management purposes.

The recoverable amounts of CGU are determined based on the higher 
of net realisable value and value in use calculations. 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 business. 

If the recoverable amount of an asset or CGU is estimated to be less than 
its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset (or CGU) is reduced 
to its recoverable amount with the impairment loss being recognised in 
the income statement. 

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the 
asset or CGU 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 (or CGU) in prior years. A reversal of an impairment 
loss is recognised immediately in the income statement. The Group does not 
reverse impairment losses previously recognised on goodwill.

Acquisition related costs are recognised in the income statement 
as incurred. 

3.14 Other intangible fixed assets
Other intangible assets are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation 
and any impairment losses.

Amortisation is charged to administrative expenses in the income 
statement on a straight line basis over the estimated useful lives of 
each asset. The estimated useful lives are as follows:

Customer list and relationships

Brand

Software

Facilities and trademarks

6 years

8 years

2–5 years

8 years

Customer lists and relationships arise only on acquisition of the Naked 
business. Brands arise on both the acquisition of the Naked business 
and subsequent brand and trademark purchases. 

3.15 Impairment reviews
Impairment reviews in respect of other intangible and tangible assets are 
performed at least on an annual basis and furthermore when an event 
indicates that an impairment review is necessary. Examples of such triggering 
events include a significant planned restructuring, a major change in market 
conditions or technology, expectations of future operating losses or a 
significant reduction in cash flows. See note 14 Goodwill and intangible fixed 
assets for further explanation of the basis of impairment testing.

3.16 Property, plant and equipment, and right-of-use assets
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated 
depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. 

3.18 Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is 
determined on a first in, first out basis and includes expenditure incurred 
in acquiring the inventories, production or conversion costs and other costs 
in bringing them to their existing location and condition, less rebates and 
discounts. Work in progress includes advance payments to winemakers 
where Naked has control of the assets purchased by the advance payment 
but they remain in work in progress with the winemaker.

3.19 Deferred Angel and other income
Amounts received by the Group from Angels are initially reported as a 
liability in the balance sheet. It is recognised as revenue in the period 
when Angels use the funds to buy wine and delivery of goods is made. 
See note 22 Deferred Angel and other income for a fuller explanation 
of the nature of the sums received from our Angels and the rights and 
obligations the Group assumes in respect of these amounts.

3.20 Provisions
A provision is made when there is a present legal or constructive 
obligation as a result of a past event, for which it is probable that an 
outflow of economic benefit will be required to settle the obligation and 
where the amount of the obligation can be reliably measured. Provisions 
are discounted for the time value of money where the effect is material.

3.21 Leases
Group as lessee
The Group assesses whether a contract is or contains a lease at 
inception of the contract. The Group recognises a right-of-use asset and 
a corresponding lease liability with respect to all lease arrangements in 
which it is the lessee, except for short-term leases (defined as leases with 
a lease term of 12 months or less) and leases of low-value assets (defined 
as leases of a value of less than the equivalent of $5,000). For these leases, 
the Group recognises the lease payments as an operating expense on 
a straight-line basis over the term of the lease unless another systematic 
basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic 
benefits from the leased assets are consumed. The lease liability is initially 
measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at 
the commencement date, discounted by the Group’s incremental borrowing 
rate. If no rate is available, the Group will use the rate implicit in the lease.

Depreciation is charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis 
to write the cost of an asset down to its residual value over the estimated 
useful lives of each asset. The estimated useful lives are as follows:

Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability 
comprise fixed lease payments (including in substance fixed payments), 
less any lease incentives.

Leasehold properties

For the term of the lease

Leasehold improvements

For the term of the lease

Equipment, fittings & vehicles

3–10 years

Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed 
at each balance sheet date.

3.17 Investment property
The Group has elected to use the cost model for investment property.

Depreciation is charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis 
to write the cost of an asset down to its residual value over the estimated 
useful lives of each asset. The estimated useful lives are as follows:

Freehold land

Freehold buildings

Equipment, fittings & vehicles

Not depreciated

50 years

2 years

Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed 
at each balance sheet date.

The lease liability is presented as a separate line in the consolidated 
balance sheet. 

The lease liability is subsequently measured by increasing the carrying 
amount to reflect interest on the lease liability (using the effective interest 
method) and by reducing the carrying amount to reflect the lease 
payments made.

The Group remeasures the lease liability (and makes a corresponding 
adjustment to the related right-of-use asset) whenever: 

 G the lease term has changed or there is a change in the assessment 
of exercise of a purchase option, in which case the lease liability is 
remeasured by discounting the revised lease payments using a revised 
discount rate; 

 G a lease contract is modified and the lease modification is not 

accounted for as a separate lease, in which case the lease liability is 
remeasured by discounting the revised lease payments using a revised 
discount rate. 

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

85

Notes to the financial statements
continued

3 Accounting policies (continued)
The Group did not make any such adjustments during the 
periods presented.

The right-of-use assets comprise the initial measurement of the 
corresponding lease liability, lease payments made at or before the 
commencement day and any initial direct costs. They are subsequently 
measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.

Right-of-use assets are depreciated over the shorter of the period of 
lease term and useful life of the underlying asset. The depreciation starts 
at the commencement date of the lease. The Group does not have 
any leases that include purchase options or transfer ownership of the 
underlying asset.

The right-of-use assets are presented as a separate line in the 
consolidated balance sheet.

Variable rents that do not depend on an index or rate are not included 
in the measurement of the lease liability and the right-of-use asset. The 
related payments are recognised as an expense in the period in which 
the event or condition that triggers those payments occurs and are 
included in the consolidated income statement.

For short-term leases (lease term of 12 months or less) and leases of 
low-value assets, the Group has opted to recognise a lease expense on 
a straight-line basis as permitted by IFRS 16. This expense is presented 
within administrative expenses in the consolidated income statement.

As a practical expedient, IFRS 16 permits a lessee not to separate non-
lease components and instead account for any lease and associated 
non-lease components as a single arrangement. The Group has not 
used this practical expedient.

Group as lessor
The Group had a freehold asset which was leased out under an 
operating lease. This was disclosed as an investment property with 
depreciable assets depreciated over their useful lives and was sublet for 
a peppercorn rent. During the current year, this was reclassifed as an 
asset classified as held for sale.

3.22 Pensions
The Group contributes to a number of defined contribution pension plans 
in respect of its employees. The contributions are charged as an expense 
as they fall due. Any contributions unpaid at the balance sheet date are 
included as an accrual at that date. The Group has no further payment 
obligations once the contributions have been paid.

3.23 Assets classified as held for sale
Assets classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of carrying 
amount and fair value less costs to sell. 

Assets are classified as held for sale if their carrying amount will be 
recovered through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. 
This condition is regarded as met only when the sale is highly probable 
and the asset is available for immediate sale in its present condition.

Management must be committed to the sale, which should be expected 
to qualify for recognition as a completed sale within one year from the 
date of classification.

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

86

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Trade and other receivables 
Trade and other receivables are initially measured at fair value and 
subsequently measured at amortised cost less any provision for 
impairment. Any provision for impairment is established based on 
an expected loss model.

The vendor loan note was initially measured at fair value and 
subsequently measured at amortised cost less any provision for 
impairment. Any provision for impairment is established based 
on an expected loss model. 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and in hand and 
short-term deposits, with original maturities at inception of less than 
90 days. For the purpose of the cash flow statement, cash and cash 
equivalents comprise cash at bank and in hand, short-term deposits 
with an original maturity of three months or less held for the purpose 
of meeting short-term cash commitments and bank overdrafts. 

Financial liabilities and equity 
Financial liabilities and equity instruments issued by the Group are 
classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements 
entered into and the definitions of a financial liability and an equity 
instrument. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual 
interest in the assets of the Group after deducting all of its liabilities. The 
accounting policies adopted for specific financial liabilities and equity 
instruments are set out below. 

Trade and other payables are initially recorded at fair value and 
subsequently measured at amortised cost. 

Equity instruments issued by the Group are recorded at the amount 
of the proceeds received, net of directly attributable issue costs. 

Derivative financial instruments
The Group uses derivative financial instruments to hedge its exposure 
to foreign currency fluctuations arising from operational activities. 
These instruments are primarily foreign exchange forward contracts. 
The Group does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for 
speculative purposes. 

Derivative financial instruments are initially measured at fair value on the 
contract date and are re-measured at fair value at subsequent reporting 
dates. For derivative financial instruments not designated as a hedge, the 
gain or loss on re-measurement to fair value is immediately recognised 
in the income statement. 

There were no derivatives accounted for using hedge accounting during 
the year.

4 Critical accounting policies, estimates and judgements 
Estimates and assumptions underlying the preparation of the financial 
statements 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 revision and future 
periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

In the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies, the Directors 
consider that there are no significant judgements in the accounting 
policies and no key sources of estimation uncertainty that have a 
significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts 
of assets and liabilities within the next financial year.

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

5 Revenue
Revenue represents the total amount receivable for the sales of goods 
and services, net of discounts and excluding sales taxes sold, in the 
ordinary course of business. Other revenue represents revenue from 
stock optimisation activities. See accounting policy note 3.5 Revenue.

These are the financial performance measures that are reported to the 
CODM, along with other operational performance measures, and are 
considered to be useful measures of the underlying trading performance 
of the segments. Adjusted items are not allocated to the operating 
segments as this reflects how they are reported to the CODM.

6 Segmental reporting
IFRS 8 requires operating segments to be determined based on the 
Group’s internal reporting to the Chief Operating Decision Maker 
(CODM). The Board has determined that the Executive Directors of the 
Company are the CODM of the business. This is on the basis that they 
have primary responsibility for the allocation of resources between 
segments and the assessment of performance of the segments. In 
line with the information presented to the Executive Directors of the 
Company, the Group presents its segmental analysis based on the three 
geographic locations in which the Group operates.

Performance of these operating segments is assessed on revenue, 
adjusted EBIT (being operating profit excluding any adjusted items) and 
adjusted PBT (being profit before tax excluding any adjusted items), 
as well as analysing the business between New Customer and Repeat 
Customer lines of business.

The table below sets out the basis on which the performance of the 
business is presented to the CODM. The CODM considers that, as a 
single route to market and solely consumer-facing business in three 
geographically and economically diverse locations, the business 
comprises three operating segments. The Group reports revenue 
from external customers as a single product group, this being wine 
and associated beverages. 

Goodwill has been allocated to the segments based on value in use, 
see note 14 Goodwill and intangible fixed assets for further details.

Costs relating to global Group functions are not allocated to the 
operating segments for the purposes of assessing segmental 
performance and consequently global costs are presented separately. 
This is consistent with the presentation of those functions to the CODM.

Revenues are attributed to the countries from which they are earned. The 
Group is not reliant on a major customer or group of customers.

Year ended 28 March 2022
Revenue
New Customer sales
Repeat Customer sales
Other revenue

New Customer Contribution loss
Advertising costs
Investment in New Customers
Repeat Customer Contribution profit
Other contribution

General and administrative costs1
Adjusted EBIT
Finance costs
Finance income
Adjusted profit/(loss) before tax
Adjusted items:
Non-cash items relating to acquisitions
Other adjusted items
Profit/(loss) before tax

Depreciation
Amortisation

Total assets
Total liabilities

Naked Wines 
USA
£’000

Naked Wines 
UK
£’000

Naked Wines 
Australia
£’000

Note

Unallocated
£’000

Total 
£’000

17,556
138,665
1,169
157,390

(2,097)
(21,128)
(23,225)
46,648
77
23,500
(14,939)
8,561
(91)
–
8,470

–
–
8,470

1,113
1

11,342
135,617
–
146,959

(4,135)
(9,360)
(13,495)
28,225
–
14,730
(6,614)
8,116
(9)
1
8,108

–
–
8,108

264
–

122,278
63,495

41,622
45,203

5,137
40,777
–
45,914

(940)
(3,643)
(4,583)
11,342
–
6,759
(3,879)
2,880
(11)
–
2,869

–
–
2,869

230
–

24,912
20,126

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
(17,562)
(17,562)
–
1,079
(16,483)

(1,321)
1,230
(16,574)

50
1,900

58,719
8,824

34,035
315,059
1,169
350,263

(7,172)
(34,131)
(41,303)
86,215
77
44,989
(42,994)
1,995
(111)
1,080
2,964

(1,321)
1,230
2,873

1,657
1,901

247,531
137,648

7

1  General and administrative costs – Per income statement excluding £1,321,000 of acquisition related amortisation costs, £1,091,000 of fair value adjustments relating to open foreign exchange 

contracts and £139,000 of PLC company foreign exchange revaluations.

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

87

 
Notes to the financial statements
continued

6 Segmental reporting (continued)

Year ended 28 March 2022

Geographical analysis

Revenue

Non-current assets excluding deferred current assets

Year ended 29 March 2021

Revenue

New Customer sales

Repeat Customer sales

New Customer Contribution loss

Advertising costs

Investment in New Customers

Repeat Customer Contribution profit

General and administrative costs1

Adjusted EBIT

Finance costs

Finance income

Adjusted profit/(loss) before tax

Adjusted items:

Non-cash items relating to acquisitions

Other adjusted items

Profit/(loss) before tax

Depreciation

Amortisation

Total assets

Total liabilities

Year ended 29 March 2021

Geographical analysis

Revenue

Non-current assets excluding deferred current assets

USA
£’000

UK
£’000

Australia
£’000

Total
£’000

157,390

4,919

146,959

44,261

45,914

364

350,263

49,544

Naked Wines 
USA
£’000

Naked Wines 
UK
£’000

Naked Wines 
Australia
£’000

Note

Unallocated
£’000

Total 
£’000

31,908

129,797

161,705

(3,275)

(30,163)

(33,438)

47,870

14,432

(12,445)

1,987

(85)

10

17,303

115,755

133,058

(3,585)

(7,529)

(11,114)

27,301

16,187

(5,279)

10,908

(14)

–

7

1,912

10,894

–

–

–

–

7,160

38,303

45,463

(852)

(4,642)

(5,494)

9,741

4,247

(3,303)

944

(17)

–

927

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(15,355)

(15,355)

–

1,108

(14,247)

(3,646)

(6,515)

1,912

10,894

927

(24,408)

859

1

64,689

55,283

315

–

25,699

39,394

USA
£’000

161,705

3,516

227

–

20,386

16,408

UK
£’000

133,058

44,597

49

3,837

110,295

6,619

Australia
£’000

45,463

476

340,226

48,589

56,371

283,855

340,226

(7,712)

(42,334)

(50,046)

84,912

34,866

(36,382)

(1,516)

(116)

1,118

(514)

(3,646)

(6,515)

(10,675)

1,450

3,838

221,069

117,704

Total
£’000

1  General and administrative costs – Per income statement excluding £3,646,000 of acquisition related amortisation costs, £1,966,000 of fair value adjustments relating to open foreign exchange 

contracts and £681,000 of PLC company foreign exchange revaluations.

88

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

 
Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

7 Adjusted items
The Directors believe that adjusted profit/(loss) before tax provides additional useful information for shareholders on trends and performance. 
These measures are used for performance analysis. Adjusted profit is not defined by IFRS and therefore may not be directly comparable with other 
companies’ adjusted profit measures. It is not intended to be a substitute for, or superior to, IFRS measurements of profit. 

In the year, the adjustments made to reported profit before tax are:

Non-cash charges relating to acquisitions

Amortisation of acquired intangibles

Other adjusted items

Fair value loss arising on deferred contingent consideration net of settlement

Fair value movement through the income statement on foreign exchange contracts and associated unrealised 
foreign currency inventory

Foreign exchange movements on plc company currency bank balances

Total adjusted items

Year ended
28 March 2022
£’000

Year ended
29 March 2021
£’000

(1,321)

(1,321)

–

1,091

139

1,230

(91)

(3,646)

(3,646)

(3,868)

(1,966)

(681)

(6,515)

(10,161)

Amortisation of acquired intangibles
These items reflect costs of customer acquisition from prior to the purchase of the Naked Wines business. In order to reflect the cost of current New 
Customer acquisition in its adjusted profit before tax, the Group includes the expenses of all ongoing customer acquisitions in its adjusted profit 
measures but removes the amortisation cost of those customers acquired before acquisition by Naked Wines plc.

Fair value loss arising on deferred contingent consideration net of settlement
During the year ended 29 March 2021, the Directors were approached by CF Bacchus Holdco Limited, the holder of the deferred contingent 
consideration obligation issued as part of the disposal of the Majestic business. In the light of restrictions on travel and as a result of the new duty-free 
allowances which came into force on 1 January 2021, the Directors accepted an offer of £175,000 in full settlement of the Group’s deferred contingent 
consideration in respect of the disposal of Majestic’s French retail business. This settlement was received on 19 March 2021. The deferred contingent 
consideration was valued in the books at £4,043,000 at 30 March 2020 and, after proceeds of £175,000 were received, a loss of £3,868,000 was taken 
to the income statement and disclosed in adjusted items.

Fair value movement on foreign exchange contracts and associated unrealised foreign currency inventory
We commit in advance to buying foreign currency to purchase wine in order to mitigate exchange rate fluctuations. International accounting standards 
require us to mark the value of these contracts to market at year end. As this may fluctuate materially, we adjust this and associated foreign currency 
inventory revaluation out as to better reflect trading profitability.

Foreign exchange movements on funding currency bank accounts
The Group holds net cash on its balance sheet and this includes sums of foreign currency which it will deploy to fund its US and Australian businesses. 
The revaluation of foreign currency balances held in the Group are reported as adjusted items so as not to distort the picture of the underlying 
business cost base.

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

89

 
Notes to the financial statements
continued

8 Operating profit/(loss)
Operating profit/(loss) for the year has been arrived at after charging/(crediting):

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment and investment property

Amortisation of intangible fixed assets

Depreciation of right-of-use assets

Loss on disposal of fixed assets

Loss on disposal of right-of-use assets

Inventory write-downs

Net currency exchange losses/(gains)

Expenses on short-term and low-value leases

Auditor's remuneration

Fees payable for the audit of the Company's subsidiaries

Fees payable to the Company's auditor and their associates for the audit of the Company's annual accounts

Total audit fees

Audit-related assurance services

Total non-audit fees

Total fees paid to the Company's auditor

9 Staff costs
The average monthly number of employees (including Directors) during the year was as follows:

Administrative and distribution

Sales

Their aggregate remuneration comprised:

Wages and salaries

Social security costs

Contributions to defined contribution pension plans

Share based payment charges

90

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Year ended
28 March 2022
£’000

Year ended
29 March 2021
£’000

718

1,901

939

18

17

391

242

207

565

80

645

45

45

690

507

3,838

943

51

1,354

205

(277)

168

422

20

442

40

40

482

Year ended
28 March 2022
number

Year ended
29 March 2021
number

294

192

486

184

199

383

Year ended
28 March 2022
£’000

Year ended
29 March 2021
£’000

26,026

2,287

759

1,311

30,383

22,703

1,858

608

777

25,946

 
 
Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

Directors’ emoluments comprised:

Salary and benefits

Bonuses accrued and paid in the year relating to the current year

Payments in lieu of pension contributions to money purchase schemes & contributions to money purchase scheme

Emoluments before share based payment charges

Share based payment charges

The total emoluments of key management personnel amounted to £1,331,000 (FY21: £1,737,000).

The highest paid Director’s emoluments comprised:

Salary and benefits

Bonus accrued

Pension contributions to money purchase schemes

Emoluments before share based payment charges

Share based payment charges

Year ended
28 March 2022
£’000

Year ended
29 March 2021
£’000

805

–

11

816

462

1,278

839

599

37

1,475

262

1,737

Year ended
28 March 2022
£’000

Year ended
29 March 2021
£’000

299

–

11

310

209

519

315

306

9

630

189

819

Note: Highest paid Director disclosed is based on compensation relating to the current financial year. As per the Directors Remuneration report, Darryl Rawlings’ compensation package agreed on 
his appointment as Chair is a three-year share award which was awarded in FY22 but which relates to the subsequent 36 months of his engagement. 

Detailed disclosure of Directors’ remuneration is set out in the Directors’ remuneration report on page 64.

10 Finance costs and income

Finance costs

Interest on lease liabilities

Other interest payable

Finance income

Financial instruments measured at amortised cost

Bank interest receivable 

Other interest receivable

Interest income on vendor loan note

Net finance income

Year ended
28 March 2022
£’000

Year ended
29 March 2021
£’000

(105)

(6)

(111)

125

1

954

1,080

969

(116)

–

(116)

191

9

918

1,118

1,002

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

91

 
Notes to the financial statements
continued

11 Tax
(a) Tax charge

Current income tax 

UK income tax

Overseas income tax

Adjustment in respect of prior periods

Current income tax charge

Deferred tax 

Origination and reversal of temporary differences

Adjustment in respect of prior periods

Effect of change in tax rate on prior period balances

Total deferred tax credit

Total income tax (charge)/credit for the year

Year ended
28 March 2022
£’000

Year ended
29 March 2021
£’000

4

(2,011)

27

(1,980)

1,077

64

349

1,490

(490)

1

(547)

176

(370)

1,464

(459)

–

1,005

635

(b) Tax reconciliation
The tax (charge)/credit for the year differs from the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 19% (2021: 19%). The reasons for this are detailed below: 

Profit/(loss) before tax
Tax (charge)/credit at the standard UK corporation tax rate of 19% (2021: 19%)
Adjustments in respect of prior periods
Overseas income tax at higher rates
Disallowable expenditure
Income not taxable
Deferred tax not previously recognised
Share based payments
Change in tax rate on prior period deferred tax balances
Foreign exchange
Total income tax (charge)/credit
Effective tax rate

Year ended
28 March 2022
£’000
2,873
(546)
91
(44)
(485)
12
475
141
(134)
–
(490)
17.1%

Year ended
29 March 2021
£’000
(10,675)
2,028
(283)
(66)
(82)
212
(1,606)
138
–
294
635
5.9%

Deferred tax balances have been calculated at the substantively enacted rate at which they are expected to reverse.

The chancellor has confirmed an increase in the corporation tax rate from 19% to 25% with effect from 1 April 2023 which received Royal Assent on 
10 July 2021.

(c) Tax on items recorded in reserves

Deferred tax (charge)/credit on share based payments
Total tax on items (charged)/credited to equity

Year ended
28 March 2022
£’000
(260)
(260)

Year ended
29 March 2021
£’000
331
331

92

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

(d) Deferred tax

At the beginning of the year
Adjustment in respect of prior years
Credited to the income statement in the year
(Charged)/credited to other comprehensive income in the year
Foreign exchange
At the end of the year

Year ended
28 March 2022
£’000
3,222
64
1,426
(260)
137
4,589

Year ended
29 March 2021
£’000
2,037
(459)
1,464
331
(151)
3,222

The Group has recognised deferred tax assets for deductible temporary differences and unused tax losses that it believes are recoverable. These do 
not include any uncertain tax positions. The basis of the creation of these assets is the examination of underlying documents and relevant law and 
regulation for temporary timing differences and future profitability forecasts set out in the business plans approved by the Board. 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities

Fixed assets
Share based payments
Tax losses carried forward
Inventories
Deferred income
Accruals
Provisions
Unrealised foreign exchange differences

Deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities

28 March 2022
£’000
–
512
735
2,614
121
266
326
828
5,402

29 March 2021
£’000
–
696
227
1,287
80
623
250
830
3,993

28 March 2022
£’000
(813)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(813)

29 March 2021
£’000
(771)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(771)

The movement in recognised deferred tax assets and liabilities during the year is shown below:

Fixed assets

Share based payments

Tax losses carried forward

Inventories

Deferred income

Accruals

Provisions

Unrealised foreign exchange differences

29 March 2021
£’000

Recognised in 
income 
statement
£’000

Recognised 
in OCI
£’000

Foreign 
exchange
£’000

28 March 2022
£’000

Deferred tax 
assets
£’000

Deferred tax 
liabilities
£’000

(771)

696

227

1,287

80

623

250

830

3,222

(18)

71

514

1,214

41

(243)

(47)

(42)

–

(260)

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,490

(260)

(24)

5

(6)

113

–

(114)

123

40

137

(813)

512

735

–

512

735

2,614

2,614

121

266

326

828

121

266

326

828

(813)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

4,589

5,402

(813)

Deferred tax on losses of £23.0 million (2021: £26.8 million) relating to losses in the UK have not been recognised in these financial statements on 
the basis that there is insufficient evidence of suitable future taxable profits against which to recover any deferred tax asset created. An amount of 
£3,868,000 relating to the loss arising on the settlement of the deferred contingent consideration not previously recognised has been included in 
deferred tax assets in the current year as the capital loss will be utilised next year. There is no expiry date on these unrecognised losses. 

(e) Factors that may affect future tax charges
The Group’s overseas tax rate is higher than that in the UK as future profits earned by the Naked Wines subsidiaries in the US are taxed at an effective 
statutory rate of 26% and Australia is taxed at 30%. Other factors such as changes in tax laws and their interpretation, tax rate changes and other tax 
regime reforms may also impact the group’s tax rate.

No deferred tax is recognised on the unremitted earnings of overseas subsidiaries as, following the enactment of the Finance Act 2009, the Group 
considers that it would have no liability to additional taxation should such amounts be remitted nor does it expect to have any remittance in the 
foreseeable future.

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

93

 
 
Notes to the financial statements
continued

12 Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares 
in issue of the Company, excluding 145,557 (2021: 146,814) shares held by the Naked Wines plc Share Incentive Plan Trust (which have been treated as 
dilutive share based payment awards). 

The dilutive effect of share based payment awards is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue to assume 
conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares. All outstanding share based payment award grants have been included in the dilutive earnings per 
share calculation as they are potentially dilutive at the year end. 

A negative diluted EPS equals a negative basic EPS as it would have an anti-dilutive effect if the dilutive shares are included in the calculation.

Earnings/(loss) per share

Basic earnings/(loss) per share

Diluted earnings/(loss) per share

Weighted average number of shares in issue

Dilutive potential ordinary shares:

Employee share awards

Weighted average number of shares for the purpose of diluted earnings per share

Total number of shares in issue

Year ended
28 March 2022

Year ended
29 March 2021

3.3p

3.2p

(13.8p)

(13.8p)

Year ended
28 March 2022

73,172,727

Year ended
29 March 2021

72,896,800

1,803,937

74,976,664

73,439,132

1,496,174

74,392,974

73,161,485

If all the Company’s share schemes had vested at 100%, the Company would have 74,983,864 issued shares.

13 Dividends
The Group did not pay any dividends during the year (2021: £nil) and the Directors do not propose a dividend for this year (2021: £nil). 

94

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

14 Goodwill and intangible fixed assets

Goodwill
£’000

Facilities and 
trademarks
£’000

Customer lists
£’000

Brands
£’000

Software
£’000

Cost

At 30 March 2020

Additions

At 29 March 2021

Additions

Foreign currency

At 28 March 2022

Accumulated amortisation

At 30 March 2020

Charge for the year

At 29 March 2021

Charge for the year

At 28 March 2022

Net book value

At 28 March 2022

At 29 March 2021

At 30 March 2020

29,162

–

29,162

–

1,182

30,344

–

–

–

–

–

30,344

29,162

29,162

–

1,607

1,607

–

–

14,300

–

14,300

–

–

10,100

–

10,100

–

–

1,607

14,300

10,100

–

(50)

(50)

(219)

(269)

1,338

1,557

–

(11,858)

(2,383)

(14,241)

(59)

(14,300)

–

59

2,442

(6,283)

(1,263)

(7,546)

(1,262)

(8,808)

1,292

2,554

3,817

Total
£’000

55,828

1,824

57,652

253

1,182

59,087

(19,832)

(3,838)

(23,670)

(1,901)

(25,571)

2,266

217

2,483

253

–

2,736

(1,691)

(142)

(1,833)

(361)

(2,194)

542

650

575

33,516

33,982

35,996

Impairment testing of goodwill
Goodwill is tested annually for impairment, or more frequently if there are indications that goodwill may be impaired. Goodwill acquired through 
business combinations has been allocated for impairment testing purposes to the three segments of the business. The recoverable amount of goodwill 
is determined based on value in use calculations. 

An analysis of goodwill and intangible assets by operating segment is shown below:

Naked Wines US

Naked Wines UK

Naked Wines Australia

Unallocated

At 28 March 2022

Goodwill
£’000

18,283

10,137

1,924

–

30,344

Facilities and 
trademarks
£’000

1,338

–

–

–

1,338

Customer lists
£’000

–

–

–

–

–

Brands
£’000

778

432

82

–

1,292

Software
£’000

1

–

–

541

542

Total
£’000

20,400

10,569

2,006

541

33,516

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

95

Notes to the financial statements
continued

14 Goodwill and intangible fixed assets (continued)
Amortisation
Intangible fixed assets are amortised on a straight-line basis through the income statement, based on the estimated useful lives as disclosed in note 3.14 
Other intangible fixed assets.

Impairment testing
Cash generating units (CGU)
Consistent with the operating segments, being the three geographic markets in which the Group operates, the Directors recognise these as the 
CGUs of the business.

Key assumptions 
The key assumptions for calculating value in use are cash flows, long-term growth rate and the discount rate. The primary determinants of cash flow 
are expected sales and the cost of sales of those goods, the level of expenditure on the acquisition of New Customers and other associated costs which 
relate to the cashflows of the operating business units.

Cash flow assumptions 
The cash flows used in the value in use calculation are pre-tax cash flows based on the latest management forecasts in respect of the following five 
years, the first of which being the Board approved budget. An estimate of capital expenditure required to maintain these cash flows is also made. The 
Board draws attention to the fact that the Group intends to continue to invest in growth and therefore is not forecast to be significantly cash generative 
during the forecast period. This is in line with the Board’s expectations and consistent with its objectives of creating long-term value for the Group’s 
stakeholders.

Long-term growth rate assumptions 
The five-year management forecasts are extrapolated in perpetuity using a growth rate of 2%. This is not considered to be higher than the average 
long-term industry growth rate. The long-term growth rate is common to all CGUs.

Discount rate assumptions 
The discount rate applied to the cash flows is calculated using a pre-tax rate based on the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) which would be 
anticipated for a market participant investing in the Group. Management believe it is appropriate to use a single common discount rate for the testing 
of the Naked Wines goodwill and intangible assets as the Directors believe there is not a materially different WACC for each of the three CGUs. The 
Group has considered the impact of the current economic climate in determining the appropriate discount rate to use in impairment testing. 

At 28 March 2022, the pre-tax rate used to discount the forecasted cash flows has been determined to be 13% (2021: 12%). 

The Group has carried out a sensitivity analysis on the impairment test of the Naked Wines goodwill and intangible assets for each of its three CGUs. 
The Directors do not believe that a reasonably possible change in the cash flows of the business would result in the recoverable amount being equal 
to the carrying value. An increase in the discount rate to 49.9% (US), 87.9% (UK) and 206.7% (AUS) would cause the carrying value of the goodwill in the 
Naked Wines Group operating segments to equal its recoverable value. 

96

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

15 Property, plant and equipment

Cost

At 30 March 2020

Transfers

Additions

Disposals

Foreign currency

At 29 March 2021

Additions

Disposals

Foreign currency

At 28 March 2022

Accumulated depreciation

At 30 March 2020

Transfers

Charge for the year

Disposals

Foreign currency

At 29 March 2021

Charge for the year

Disposals

Foreign currency

At 28 March 2022

Net book value

At 28 March 2022

At 29 March 2021

At 30 March 2020

Leasehold properties

Long 
leasehold
£’000

Leasehold 
improvements
£’000

Equipment, 
fittings and 
vehicles
£’000

Total
£’000

35

(35)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(33)

33

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2

92

35

–

–

2

129

32

(35)

4

130

(64)

(33)

(12)

–

(3)

(112)

(17)

35

(3)

(97)

33

17

28

2,927

3,054

–

845

(238)

(209)

3,325

1,649

(634)

191

4,531

(1,723)

–

(451)

187

97

–

845

(238)

(207)

3,454

1,681

(669)

195

4,661

(1,820)

–

(463)

187

94

(1,890)

(2,002)

(656)

609

(83)

(2,020)

2,511

1,435

1,204

(673)

644

(86)

(2,117)

2,544

1,452

1,234

The gross value of fully depreciated assets in use is £523,000 (2021: £601,000).

Impairment of property, plant and equipment
CGUs are reviewed at least annually to identify if there are any indicators of impairment at the balance sheet date. Recoverable amounts for CGUs are 
the higher of fair value less costs of disposal and value in use. The key estimates for the value in use calculations were those regarding discount rates 
and expected changes to future cash flows. 

The Group estimated discount rates using pre-tax rates that reflected the current market assessment of the time value of money and the risks specific 
to the CGUs. Cash flow projections were based on internal management forecasts, the first year of which is the budget approved by the Board. 
Estimates of selling prices and direct costs were based on past experience and expectations of future changes in the market. These forecasts were 
extrapolated to five years on a business unit basis, with separate extrapolations of net revenue and expenses based on a combination of recently 
observable trends and management expectations, and beyond five years based on long-term average growth rates which were not considered 
to be higher than average long-term industry growth rates.

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

97

Notes to the financial statements
continued

16 Right-of-use assets

Cost 
At 30 March 2020
Disposals
Foreign currency
At 29 March 2021
Additions
Disposals
Foreign currency
At 28 March 2022

Depreciation
At 30 March 2020
Charge for the year
Disposals
Foreign currency
At 29 March 2021
Charge for the year
Disposals
Foreign currency
At 28 March 2022

Net book value
At 28 March 2022
At 29 March 2021
At 30 March 2020

Buildings
£’000

Equipment, 
fittings and vehicles
£’000

6,140
(1,551)
(256)
4,333
1,407
(343)
227
5,624

(893)
(926)
197
47
(1,575)
(934)
343
(88)
(2,254)

3,370
2,758
5,247

138
–
(13)
125
–
(125)
–
–

(96)
(17)
–
10
(103)
(5)
108
–
–

–
22
42

Total
£’000

6,278
(1,551)
(269)
4,458
1,407
(468)
227
5,624

(989)
(943)
197
57
(1,678)
(939)
451
(88)
(2,254)

3,370
2,780
5,289

Impairment of right-of-use assets
Refer to note 15 Property, plant and equipment.

The Group leases several buildings for use as offices and a winery. The average lease term is six years. The total cash flow for leases was 
£947,000 (2021: £1,020,000). 

The maturity analysis of lease liabilities is presented in note 24 Lease liabilities.

17 Investment property

Cost and valuation
At 29 March 2021
Reclassification to assets classified as held for sale
At 28 March 2022

Depreciation
At 29 March 2021
Charge for the year
Reclassification to assets classified as held for sale
At 28 March 2022

Net book value
At 28 March 2022
At 29 March 2021

98

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Freehold property
£’000

899
(899)
–

(44)
(45)
89
–

–
855

 
 
Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

The property was being sublet for a peppercorn rent until the disposal of the property was completed (see note 31 Events after balance sheet date).

The property was transferred to assets classified as held for sale when the Group received an offer to purchase the asset. The proceeds of disposal 
substantially exceed the carrying amount of the property (refer to note 20 Assets classified as held for sale) and accordingly no impairment losses have 
been recognised on the classification as held for sale.

18 Inventories

Raw materials

Work in progress

Finished goods

28 March 2022
£’000

29 March 2021
£’000

183

57,591

84,670

142,444

192

35,571

40,367

76,130

Recognising the Company’s control of this asset, all inventory has been reported as a current asset in the balance sheet. Note, £3,269,000 
(2021: £2,600,000) of this relates to work in progress where the wine is expected to be received from winemakers more than 12 months from 
the balance sheet date.

The cost of inventories recognised as an expense during the year was £207,450,000 (2021: £204,732,000).

Inventory of £27,000 (2021: £89,000) was expensed through the income statement in the year relating to samples and tasting products.

19 Trade and other receivables
Due within one year

Trade receivables

Vendor loan note

Other debtors

Prepayments and accrued income

Due after more than one year

Vendor loan note

28 March 2022
£’000

29 March 2021
£’000

1,261

360

5,121

2,419

9,161

95

360

4,849

1,864

7,168

28 March 2022
£’000

10,114

29 March 2021
£’000

9,520

The vendor loan note will mature in December 2024 unless repaid in full before that date. The loan note bears interest of 3% p.a. for the first three 
years, 4% in year four and 5% in year five, to be paid annually. Payments for the first and second year were received in line with the agreement. 
The terms of the loan note limit distributions (or certain other payments) by Majestic Wines unless a base level of EBITDA generated by Majestic 
Wines is maintained.

20 Assets classified as held for sale
On 12 November 2021, the Directors received an offer for the purchase of the asset held on the Company’s books as an investment property. The sale was 
completed and proceeds of £5,850,000 were received on 5 May 2022, with estimated costs and commissions of £200,000 and before tax payable.

21 Trade and other payables

Trade payables

Taxation and social security

Accruals and other payables

Amounts payable in respect of defined contribution pension schemes were £79,000 (2021: £42,000).

28 March 2022
£’000

29 March 2021
£’000

21,745

10,886

21,990

54,621

15,405

3,056

22,296

40,757

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

99

 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements
continued

22 Deferred Angel and other income

Angel funds

Other deferred income

28 March 2022
£’000

29 March 2021
£’000

72,198

3,805

76,003

65,825

4,077

69,902

Angel funds and the purchase of inventory from winemakers
On registering as an Angel with Naked Wines, customers agree to lodge a regular monthly sum into their “Angel Account”. These sums accumulate in 
the Angel’s individual account and build a balance to use against their next purchase from Naked Wines. This is disclosed within deferred Angel and 
other income on the face of the balance sheet.

Naked Wines’ operating model is to pool amounts lodged by Angels in their personal Naked Wines accounts to use as working capital within the business.

Naked Wines contracts directly with its winemakers and purchases wine in its own name. Naked Wines retains all risk associated with the purchase 
of wine from winemakers and no inventory or funding risk is carried by our Angels. Angels only bear the risk relating to the ongoing liquidity of Naked 
Wines to the extent of the value of the funds lodged in their Angel account. Naked Wines plc guarantees these funds via a parent company guarantee 
and has provided a guarantee to the credit card acquirer through whom refunds would be made. 

Angels can cancel their Naked Angel Account at any time and may request and receive their money back immediately with no penalty whatsoever. 
The refund of such funds is provided directly by Naked Wines and is not contingent on any associated flows of funds or wine from winemakers back 
to Naked Wines. 

Angels are not entitled to interest or any other return on the funds lodged in their Angel Accounts. Registration as an Angel entitles a customer to 
benefit from a lower price than the standard price displayed on the Naked Wines website.

23 Other borrowings due within one year

Customer bond finance

Total bank and other borrowings due within one year

28 March 2022
£’000

29 March 2021
£’000

35

35

30

30

24 Lease liabilities
The Group leases a winery and office facilities. The leases run for a period between three and 10 years, with an option to renew the leases after that 
date. The Group also leases equipment and office space with contract terms of up to four years. These leases are either short-term of one year or less 
and/or low-value items which the Group has elected not to recognise as IFRS 16 leases. Information about leases for which the Group is a lessee is 
analysed between current and non-current below. The maturity analysis of the lease liabilities is set out below: 

Maturity analysis

Due within one year

Due between one and two years

Due between two and three years

Due after three years

Less: unearned interest

Lease liabilities analysed as:

Current

Non-current

100

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

28 March 2022
£’000

29 March 2021
£’000

1,089

818

530

1,432

3,869

(302)

3,567

726

719

424

1,271

3,140

(264)

2,876

28 March 2022
£’000

29 March 2021
£’000

991

2,576

3,567

645

2,231

2,876

 
 
 
 
Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

25 Financial instruments
The Group’s financial instruments, other than derivatives, comprise cash and various balances, such as trade receivables and trade payables, 
all arising directly from its operations.

The Group also enters into forward foreign currency derivative contracts. The purpose of these transactions is to manage the currency risk arising from 
the Group’s operations. The Group does not hold or issue financial instruments for speculative purposes and does not engage in speculative trading. 

The principal financial risks to which the Group is exposed relate to liquidity risk, credit risk, interest rate risk, market risk and foreign exchange rates. 

Liquidity risk 
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. In order to manage liquidity risk, each business unit 
prepares short-term and medium-term cash flow forecasts. These forecasts are consolidated and reviewed centrally to ensure the Group has sufficient 
liquidity to meet its liabilities when due, under both normal and stressed conditions without risking damage to the Group’s reputation. 

The Group did not hold any borrowing facilities at 28 March 2022 (2021: £nil), however, on 31 March 2022, the Group entered into a 36-month senior secured 
credit facility with Silicon Valley Bank as administrative agent and issuing lender for up to $60 million of credit based on the inventory held by Nakedwines.com 
Inc. The facility is secured against the assets of the Group. See note 31 Events after the balance sheet date for further details of this transaction. 

The Group’s net funding position can vary from month to month and there is some volatility within months. This reflects seasonal trading patterns, timing of 
receipts from customers and payments to suppliers, patterns of inventory holdings and the timing of the spend on major capital and restructuring projects. 
For these reasons, the net funds position levels at the period end date may not be indicative of the funds position at other points throughout the period.

At 28 March 2022

Financial assets

Trade and other receivables

Vendor loan note

Forward foreign currency assets

Asset classified as held for sale

Cash and cash equivalents

Financial liabilities

Trade and other payables

Deferred Angel and other income

Forward foreign currency liabilities

Lease liabilities

Customer bond finance

Due within  
one year
£’000

Due between  
one and 
two years
£’000

Due between  
two and 
three years
£’000

Due after  
three years
£’000

Total
£’000

Held at 
amortised cost
£’000

Held at fair 
value
£’000 

6,382

360

324

810

39,846

47,722

(43,735)

(76,003)

(476)

(991)

(35)

(121,240)

–

480

–

–

–

–

9,634

–

–

–

480

9,634

–

–

–

(745)

–

(745)

–

–

–

(473)

–

(473)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(1,358)

–

6,382

10,474

324

810

39,846

57,836

(43,735)

(76,003)

(476)

(3,567)

(35)

6,382

10,474

–

810

–

17,666

(43,735)

(76,003)

–

(3,567)

(35)

–

–

324

–

39,846

40,170

–

–

(476)

–

–

(1,358)

(123,816)

(123,340)

(476)

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

101

 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements
continued

25 Financial instruments (continued)
Liquidity risk (continued) 

The following table analyses the Group’s financial assets and liabilities into relevant maturity groupings based on the contractual undiscounted cash flows.

At 29 March 2021

Financial assets

Trade and other receivables

Vendor loan note

Forward foreign currency assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Financial liabilities

Trade and other payables

Deferred Angel and other income

Forward foreign currency liabilities

Lease liabilities

Customer bond finance

Due within  
one year
£’000

Due between  
one and 
two years
£’000

Due between  
two and 
three years
£’000

Due after  
three years
£’000

Total
£’000

Held at 
amortised cost
£’000

Held at fair 
value 
£’000

4,944

360

41

85,148

90,493

(37,701)

(69,902)

(1,405)

(645)

(30)

(109,683)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(659)

–

(659)

(381)

–

(381)

–

9,520

–

–

9,520

–

–

–

(1,191)

–

(1,191)

4,944

9,880

41

85,148

100,013

(37,701)

(69,902)

(1,405)

(2,876)

(30)

4,944

9,880

–

–

14,824

(37,701)

(69,902)

–

(2,876)

(30)

–

–

41

85,148

85,189

–

–

(1,405)

–

–

(111,914)

(110,509)

(1,405)

Financial assets consist of cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, a vendor loan note and forward foreign currency assets. All 
financial assets with the exception of forward foreign financial assets (held at fair value) are recognised on an amortised cost basis using the simplified 
approach to expected credit losses. 

Financial liabilities held at amortised cost consist of trade and other payables, deferred income and customer bond finance. See note 22 Deferred 
Angel and other income for an explanation of the nature of the funding made by “Angels” and Naked Wines’ rights and obligations in respect of these 
amounts. All financial liabilities are held at amortised cost except for forward foreign financial liabilities, which are held at fair value.

The following table analyses the Group’s simple foreign currency forward purchase contract derivative financial instruments into relevant maturity 
groupings based on the remaining period at the balance sheet date to the contractual maturity date. The amounts disclosed are the undiscounted 
cash flows.

At 28 March 2022

Outflow

Inflow

At 29 March 2021

Outflow

Inflow

Due within  
one year
£’000

Due between  
one and two years
£’000

(33,242)

33,085

(157)

(29,315)

27,951

(1,364)

(272)

277

5

–

–

–

Total
£’000

(33,514)

33,362

(152)

(29,315)

27,951

(1,364)

Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations and 
arises principally from the Group’s receivables from CF Bacchus Holdco Ltd, the owner of the Majestic Wine businesses, relating to the vendor loan 
note as set out in note 3.24 Financial instruments. 

In addition, the Group is exposed to credit risk in relation to a deposit with Barclays Bank of £300,000 included in other debtors, which relates to a 
guarantee to HMRC for customs duties for the UK trading subsidiary.

The maximum credit risk exposure relating to financial assets is represented by its carrying value as at the balance sheet date limited to the value 
of trade and other receivables. The Group does not have any material exposure to trade receivables and therefore exposure to trade bad debt is 
negligible. Other receivable amounts are substantially amounts owed from CF Bacchus Holdco Ltd, as set out above, and credit card acquirer funds 
disclosed in other receivables. 

102

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

 
 
 
 
Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

CF Bacchus Holdco Ltd is subject to covenants relating to indebtedness and profitability and is obligated to report covenant compliance as part of the 
vendor loan note agreement. The Directors evaluate the continuing creditworthiness of CF Bacchus Holdco Ltd through a combination of a review of 
publicly reported performance data and through the contents of the submitted covenant certificates. Expected credit loss assumptions continue to be 
evaluated in the light of this and any other new information that becomes available. 

The Group does not utilise any reverse factoring or supplier financing. 

As at the balance sheet date, the ageing analysis of trade receivables that were past due but not impaired is as follows:

At 28 March 2022

At 29 March 2021

Current
£’000

1,250

92

Up to three months
past due
£’000

Three to six months
past due
£’000

Over six months
past due
£’000

Total trade debtors
£’000

–

–

11

–

–

3

1,261

95

There are no indicators of impairment for those debtors that are neither past due nor impaired.

There are no provisions for impairment of trade receivables (2021: £nil).

Credit risk also arises from cash and cash equivalents, derivative financial instruments and deposits with banks and financial institutions. The Group 
ensures that the banks used for foreign exchange forward contracts are reputable, large institutions with acceptable risk ratings.

Interest rate risk
The Group’s interest rate risk arises primarily from its deposit of net funds with reputable financial institutions. 

Market risk
Market risk is the risk that changes in market prices, such as foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates, will affect the Group’s income or 
the value of its holdings of financial instruments. The objective of market risk management is to manage and control market risk exposures within 
acceptable parameters, while optimising the return on risk. The Group manages foreign currency risk as detailed below. The Group does not currently 
enter into any interest rate swaps or other derivative financial instruments to mitigate the risk of rising interest rates.

Foreign currency exchange rates
The Group’s presentation currency is sterling, although some transactions are executed in non-GBP currencies, including euros, US dollars and 
Australian dollars. The transactional amounts realised or settled are therefore subject to the effect of movements in these currencies against GBP. 
It is the Group’s policy to manage the exposures arising using forward foreign currency exchange contracts. Hedge accounting is not sought for 
these transactions. The Group generates some of its profits in non-GBP currencies and has assets in non-GBP jurisdictions, principally in the US dollar 
and Australian dollar. The principal foreign currencies affecting the translation of subsidiary undertakings within the Group financial statements are 
these currencies.

The rates applicable are as follows:

Principal rate of exchange

Australian dollar : GBP

Period end

Average

US dollar : GBP

Period end

Average

28 March 2022

29 March 2021

1.750

1.850

1.309

1.368

1.805

1.825

1.377

1.306

The Group does not use derivatives to hedge balance sheet and profit and loss translation exposures arising on the consolidation of the US and 
Australian subsidiaries.

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

103

 
 
Notes to the financial statements
continued

25 Financial instruments (continued)
Foreign currency exchange rates (continued)
The following table demonstrates the sensitivity to a reasonable change in GBP against the exchange rates, with all other variables held constant, of 
the Group’s profit before tax:

Year ended 28 March 2022

Australian dollar : GBP

Euro : GBP

US dollar : GBP

Other currencies : GBP

Year ended 29 March 2021

Australian dollar : GBP

Euro : GBP

US dollar : GBP

Other currencies : GBP

Sensitivity in exchange 
rate

Impact of increase
in rate
£’000

Impact of decrease
in rate
£’000

5%

5%

5%

5%

5%

5%

5%

5%

(116)

(2,893)

(128)

(367)

(81)

(1,135)

(64)

(111)

64

(673)

144

105

89

1,113

71

136

Sensitivity analysis relating to market risk is calculated by taking the overseas profits and applying the stated sensitivity. The stated sensitivities are also 
applied to the outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts. The table below shows the Group’s currency exposures that gave rise to net currency 
gains and losses recognised in the consolidated income statement as a result of monetary assets and liabilities that are not denominated in the 
Group’s presentational currency.

A 5% sensitivity has been assumed as it is in excess of currency markets.

Australian dollar

Euro

US dollar

Other currencies

Group's functional currency:

GBP

28 March 2022
£’000

29 March 2021
£’000

5,076

166

15,289

7

20,538

19,308

39,846

15,601

117

31,608

201

47,527

37,621

85,148

Fair value
The Group enters into forward foreign currency exchange contracts in order to manage the Group’s forecast currency requirements. These are held 
for hedging purposes with fair value movements being recognised in the income statement. 

The Group uses the following hierarchy for determining and disclosing the fair value of financial instruments by valuation technique: 

Level 1:  quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; 

Level 2: 

 other techniques for which all inputs that have a significant effect on the recorded fair value are observable, either directly or indirectly; and 

Level 3: 

 techniques which use inputs that have a significant effect on the recorded fair value that are not based on observable market data.

There have been no financial instruments that have transferred between the levels in the hierarchy as detailed above. 

The nominal and fair value of financial instruments is shown in the following table, all are due within one year. The fair value of the forward currency 
contracts was determined using quoted forward exchange rates matching the maturities of the contracts and includes counter party credit risk. 
The Group’s measurement of its financial instruments meets the criteria of Level 2 and hence all have been included in this classification.

104

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

 
 
 
Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

Forward foreign currency contracts

Australian dollar

Euro

New Zealand dollar

US dollar

South African rand

Forward foreign currency swaps

Euro

At 28 March 2022

Fair value

At 29 March 2021

Fair value

Nominal value
£’000

Assets
£’000

Liabilities
£’000

Nominal value
£’000

Assets
£’000

Liabilities
£’000

1,753

21,068

2,375

2,644

2,307

30,147

3,367

33,514

76

–

45

69

134

324

–

324

(4)

(393)

(11)

(2)

(2)

(412)

(64)

(476)

1,692

23,802

1,677

1,404

740

29,315

–

29,315

3

–

–

–

38

41

–

41

–

(1,312)

(33)

(60)

–

(1,405)

–

(1,405)

Capital management
The primary objective of the Group’s capital management is to ensure that it maintains a strong credit rating and healthy capital ratios in order to 
support its business and maximise shareholder value. The Group considers capital to consist of the total equity of the Group. 

The Group manages its capital structure and makes adjustments to it in light of changes in economic conditions. To maintain or adjust the capital 
structure, the Group may adjust the dividend payment to shareholders, return capital to shareholders or issue new shares. No changes were made 
in the objectives, policies or processes during the current year. 

The Group’s capital allocation policy is currently to:

1. Maintain a healthy balance sheet;

2. Invest in growth in a disciplined manner; and 

3. Return to shareholders any funds in excess of the level needed to fund growth and manage risk.

The Directors continue to believe that suspension of the payment of ordinary dividends is in support of this policy to support its stated capital 
management objective. 

The Group is not subject to externally imposed capital requirements.

26 Provisions for liabilities

At 30 March 2020

Provided in the year

Released in the year

Utilised in the year

Foreign currency

At 29 March 2021

Provided in the year

Released in the year

Foreign currency

At 28 March 2022

Social security  
costs
£’000

Loss on vouchers 
provision
£’000

Refund liability 
provision
£’000

491

181

–

(72)

–

600

–

(271)

–

329

–

–

–

–

–

–

134

–

–

134

1,022

954

(561)

–

(52)

1,363

1,574

(1,307)

40

1,670

Total
£’000

1,513

1,135

(561)

(72)

(52)

1,963

1,708

(1,578)

40

2,133

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

105

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements
continued

26 Provisions for liabilities (continued)
Provisions have been analysed between current and non-current as follows:

Current

Non-current

28 March 2022
£’000

29 March 2021
£’000

2,011

122

2,133

1,570

393

1,963

Social security costs on share based payment awards
Social security costs which will become payable on exercise of share based payment awards have been provided. The share based payment awards 
will vest at various dates from the balance sheet date to 15 December 2024. The value of social security costs payable on the vesting of share based 
payment awards is dependent on the Group’s share price at the date of vest of those share based payment awards. The provision, which is allocated 
on a time weighted basis over the period from date of grant to the date that employees become unconditionally entitled to the awards, has been 
calculated on the share price at the balance sheet date of £3.645 and the assumption that 100% of employees will take up their vested share based 
payment awards and that the rate of social security is 15.05% for UK employees, 7.65% for US employees and 0% for Australian employees.

Refund liability provision
Under the requirements of IFRS 15, the Group has established a right of return provision under the requirements to recognise variable consideration 
in the form of a sales cancellation provision. The Group uses its accumulated historical experience to estimate the level of returns on a portfolio level 
using the expected value method. The resulting outflows are expected within six months.

Loss on vouchers provision
This provision calculates the future expected loss Naked is expecting to make on an order that will be placed using vouchers that are currently out in 
circulation. The number of vouchers in circulation at the balance sheet date is identified and multiplied forecast redemption rates per deal and an 
average contribution based on historic deals from the past year.

27 Share capital and reserves

Authorised

Ordinary shares of 7.5p each

Allotted, called up and fully paid

At the beginning of the year

Issue of shares on the vesting of share based payment schemes

Issue of shares into the Naked Wines plc Share Incentive Plan

At the end of year

28 March 2022

29 March 2021

Number of shares

£’000

Number of shares

£’000

140,000,000

10,500

140,000,000

10,500

73,161,485

269,412

8,235

73,439,132

5,487

20

1

5,508

72,874,018

231,138

56,329

73,161,485

5,466

17

4

5,487

During the year 277,647 (2021: 287,467) ordinary shares of 7.5p each were allotted for a consideration of £21,000 (2021: £22,000). These shares were 
allotted under the terms of the Company’s share schemes which are described in note 28 Provisions for liabilities.

Share premium
The share premium represents the amounts received by the Company on the issue of ordinary shares that are in excess of the nominal value of the 
issued shares net of share issue costs. 

Capital redemption reserve
The Company, when cancelling its ordinary shares, transfers amounts equivalent to the nominal value of the cancelled shares into the capital 
redemption reserve to maintain the level of non-distributable reserves in shareholders’ equity. 

Currency translation reserve
The currency translation reserve represents exchange differences arising from the translation of foreign currency subsidiary undertakings.

106

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

 
Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

28 Share based payments
The charge recognised in the income statement in respect of share based payments is £1,311,000 (2021: £777,000). The current year includes a charge 
of £176,000 (2021: £nil) relating to the Chairmans’ remuneration (see Directors remuneration report on pages 58 to 67 for further details). 

Share schemes

Chairman’s remuneration

Year ended
28 March 2022
£’000

Year ended
29 March 2021
£’000

1,135

176

1,311

777

–

777

The Company operated two share schemes during the year, both of which are equity-settled.

a)  The Naked Wines plc Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) was adopted on 20 July 2016. The first grant of awards under the rules of the scheme was 

made in July 2016. This scheme is unapproved.

The following table reconciles the number of shares outstanding and the weighted average exercise price (WAEP) for the LTIP scheme:

Outstanding at the beginning of the year

Exercised

Lapsed

Granted

Outstanding at the end of the year

Exercisable at the end of the year

Weighted average remaining contractual life in years

Range of exercise prices

Year ended 28 March 2022

Year ended 29 March 2021

LTIP shares

1,649,706

(317,845)

(369,182)

541,010

1,503,689

–

1.28

£nil

WAEP

–

£7.59

–

–

–

–

–

–

LTIP shares

1,501,172

(189,419)

(456,118)

794,071

1,649,706

–

1.58

£nil

WAEP

–

£4.22

–

–

–

–

–

–

Based on the share price of £3.645 at the year end, the Group expects to transfer an estimated amount of £284,000 to the tax authorities to settle the 
employees’ tax obligation.

b)  The Naked Wines plc Share Incentive Plan (SIP) was adopted on 20 July 2016. The first grant of shares under the rules of the scheme was in July 2017. 

The following table reconciles the number of shares outstanding and the weighted average exercise price (WAEP) for the SIP scheme:

Outstanding at the beginning of the year

Exercised

Lapsed

Granted

Outstanding at the end of the year

Exercisable at the end of the year

Weighted average remaining contractual life in years

Range of exercise prices

Year ended 28 March 2022

Year ended 29 March 2021

SIP shares

143,760

(21,709)

(24,462)

98,438

196,027

–

1.60

£nil

WAEP

–

£6.68

–

–

–

–

–

–

SIP shares

101,439

(22,998)

(23,882)

89,201

143,760

2

1.77

£nil

WAEP

–

£3.91

–

–

–

–

–

–

Based on the share price of £3.645 at the year end, the Group expects to transfer an estimated amount of £37,000 to the tax authorities to settle the 
employees’ tax obligation.

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

107

Notes to the financial statements
continued

28 Share based payments (continued)
The fair value of equity-settled shares is estimated as at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

The following table lists the range of assumptions applied to the share based payment awards granted in the respective periods shown.

Weighted average share price at grant

Expected life of awards (years)

Contractual life (years)

Volatility (%)

Dividend yield (%)

Risk free interest rate (%)

Weighted average fair value of shares granted during the year

Year ended 28 March 2022

Year ended 29 March 2021

Long-Term 
Incentive Plan

Share Incentive
Plan

Long-Term 
Incentive Plan

Share Incentive
Plan

£8.60

£8.59

3

3

39.9% to 41.0%

N/A

0.15% to 0.46%

£7.82

3

3

39.9%

N/A

0.15%

£8.59

£4.31

3

3

39.0% to 39.7%

N/A

-0.12% to -0.04%

£3.51

£4.26

3

3

39.0%

N/A

-0.12%

£4.26

The expected life of the shares is based on historical data and is not necessarily indicative of exercise patterns that may occur. The expected volatility 
reflects the assumption that historical volatility is indicative of future trends, which may not necessarily be the actual outcome.

29 Commitments

Future minimum amounts payable under non-cancellable agreements:

Within one year

Between one and five years

28 March 2022
£’000

29 March 2021
£’000

11,912

20,814

32,726

6,358

7,485

13,843

Total of future minimum payments expected to be received under non-cancellable subleases is £nil (2021: £nil).

This note includes minimum commitments for the provision of warehousing facilities, delivery services and logistics and bottling services disclosed for 
the first time. Prior year numbers have been included as comparatives.

Capital expenditure authorised and contracted for but not provided in the accounts is £771,000 (2021: £nil).

30 Notes to the cash flow statement
(a) Reconciliation of profit to cash (used in)/generated by operations

Cash flows from operations

Operating profit/(loss)

Add back:

Depreciation and amortisation

Loss on disposal of fixed assets

Fair value loss arising on deferred contingent consideration net of settlement

Fair value movement on foreign exchange contracts

Share based payment charges

Operating cash flows before movements in working capital

Increase in inventories

Increase in customer funds in deferred income

Increase in trade and other receivables

Decrease in trade and other payables

Net cash flows (used in)/generated by operations

108

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Year ended
28 March 2022
£’000

Year ended
29 March 2021
£’000

1,904

(11,677)

3,558

18

–

(1,212)

1,311

5,579

(61,174)

3,582

(1,779)

12,863

(40,929)

5,288

51

3,868

1,760

777

67

(8,984)

28,244

(1,445)

16,325

34,207

 
Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

(b) Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents

(c) Analysis of movement in net cash

Cash and cash equivalents

Borrowings – customer bond finance

Borrowings – IFRS 16 lease liabilities

Gross borrowings 

Total net cash/(borrowings)

28 March 2022
£’000

39,846

29 March 2021
£’000

85,148

29 March 2021
£’000

85,148

(30)

(2,876)

(2,906)

82,242

Cash flows
£’000

(45,510)

(5)

(845)

(850)

(46,360)

Non-cash
movements
£’000

28 March 2022
£’000

208

–

154

154

362

39,846

(35)

(3,567)

(3,602)

36,244

31 Events after the balance sheet date
On 31 March 2022, the Group entered into a 36-month senior secured credit facility with Silicon Valley Bank as administrative agent and issuing lender 
for up to $60 million of credit based on the inventory held by Nakedwines.com Inc. The facility is secured against the assets of the Group. 

Interest payable on this facility is calculated on a margin above the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) with a commitment fee on undrawn 
funds. As an indicative impact of its financial effect, using a representative current SOFR rate which cannot be predicted in the future and average 
facility margins which may not be representative of actual final applicable margins, a representative $10 million of drawdown for 12 months would 
amount to a total interest and commitment fee payable of approximately £0.4 million.

On 12 November 2021, the Directors received an offer for the purchase of the asset held on the Company’s books as an investment property. 
The sale was completed and proceeds of £5,850,000 were received on 5 May 2022, with estimated costs and commissions of £200,000 and before 
tax payable.

There were no other events after the balance sheet date that had a material impact on the financial position and performance of the Group.

32 Related party transactions
The Group considers its key management personnel to be the Directors of the Company. The compensation of key management personnel is disclosed 
in note 9 Staff costs. 

There are no other related party transactions which require disclosure (2021: none).

33 Investments in subsidiaries
Details of the Group’s subsidiaries at 28 March 2022 are as follows:

Subsidiary

Primary activity

Place of incorporation 
and operation

Naked Wines Employee Share Ownership Trust Limited *

Trustee company

United Kingdom

Naked Wines International Limited *

www.nakedwines.com Limited

Naked Wines Prepayments Trustee Company Limited

Holding company

United Kingdom

Retailing of wines

United Kingdom

Trustee company

United Kingdom

% and class of
shares held

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

Nakedwines.com Inc

Retailing of wines

United States of America

100% ordinary shares

Nakedwines.com Prepayment Protection Company LLC

Trustee company

United States of America

100% ordinary shares

Naked Wines Australia Pty Limited

NWA (Prepayments) Pty Limited

Naked Fine Wine Bonds plc

* Directly owned by the parent company.

Retailing of wines

Trustee company

Australia

Australia

Dormant company

United Kingdom

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

Subsidiaries incorporated in the United Kingdom

The Union Building, 51-59 Rose Lane, Norwich, NR1 1BY, UK

Subsidiaries incorporated in the United States of America

135 Gasser Drive, Suite A, Napa, CA 94559, USA

Subsidiaries incorporated in Australia

18 Sydney Road, Manly, NSW 2095, Australia

  Registered address

All subsidiary undertakings have been included in the consolidation.

The subsidiaries have the same reporting date and cover the same period as that of the consolidated financial statements. 

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

109

Company balance sheet
As at 28 March 2022

Non-current assets

Investments in subsidiaries

Loan notes receivable from subsidiaries

Investment property

Right-of-use assets

Intangible fixed assets

Deferred tax assets

Other receivables

Current assets

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Assets classified as held for sale

Current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Lease liabilities

Provisions

Non-current liabilities

Provisions

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity

Share capital

Share premium

Capital redemption reserve

Retained earnings

Total equity

Note

28 March 2022
£’000

29 March 2021
£’000

37

38

39

40

41

42

43

43

44

45

46

47

47

48

48

58,244

85,701

–

–

542

1,098

10,114

155,699

911

10,495

11,406

810

12,216

167,915

(42,759)

–

(207)

(42,966)

(122)

(122)

(43,088)

124,827

5,508

21,162

363

97,794

124,827

57,671

44,631

855

5

648

578

9,520

113,908

835

64,235

65,070

–

65,070

178,978

(55,548)

(4)

(207)

(55,759)

(393)

(393)

(56,152)

122,826

5,487

21,162

363

95,814

122,826

For the year ended 28 March 2022, the Company reported a profit of £942,000 (2021: loss of £3,815,000). 

The financial statements of Naked Wines plc were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 22 June 2022. They were signed on 
its behalf by Shawn Tabak.

110

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

Company statement of changes in equity
For the year ended 28 March 2022

At 30 March 2020

Loss for the period

Total comprehensive loss for the period

Shares issued

Share based payment charges – subsidiary employees

Share based payment charges – Company

Deferred tax on share based payment

At 29 March 2021

Profit for the period

Total comprehensive income for the period

Shares issued

Share based payment charges – subsidiary employees

Share based payment charges – Company

Deferred tax on share based payment

At 28 March 2022

Note

48

28

28

42

48

28

28

42

Share  
capital
£’000

5,466

Share  
premium
£’000

21,162

Capital 
redemption 
reserve
£’000

363

–

–

21

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Retained 
earnings
£’000

98,607

(3,815)

(3,815)

(21)

685

92

266

Total
 equity
£’000

125,598

(3,815)

(3,815)

–

685

92

266

5,487

21,162

363

95,814

122,826

–

–

21

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

942

942

(21)

572

739

(252)

942

942

–

572

739

(252)

5,508

21,162

363

97,794

124,827

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

111

 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Company financial statements

34 Significant accounting policies
Details of the Company are disclosed in note 1 General information.

The separate financial statements of the Company are presented as required by the Companies Act 2006. The Company meets the definition of 
a qualifying entity under FRS 100 Application of Financial Reporting Requirements issued by the FRC. Accordingly, these financial statements were 
prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework. 

As permitted by FRS 101, the Company has taken advantage of the disclosure exemptions available under that standard in relation to share based 
payments, financial instruments, capital management, presentation of comparative information in respect of certain assets, presentation of a cash 
flow statement, standards not yet effective and certain related party transactions.

No income statement is presented by the Company as permitted by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006. The profit attributable to the Company 
is disclosed in the footnote to the Company’s balance sheet. 

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis.

The principal accounting policies adopted are the same as those set out in note 3 Accounting policies except as noted below. 

Investment
Investments in subsidiaries are stated at cost less, where appropriate, provisions for impairment.

Intangible assets 
Intangible assets are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and any impairment losses. 

Amortisation is charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset. These assets relate to software and 
are charged to the income statement over five years. 

Property, plant and equipment and right-of-use assets
Refer to note 3.16 Property, plant and equipment and right-of-use assets for depreciation methods, useful lives and depreciation rates used for each 
class of asset.

Investment property
Refer to note 3.17 Investment property for depreciation methods, useful lives and depreciation rates used for each class of asset.

Impairment review of loan notes receivable from subsidiaries
Impairment reviews in respect of loan notes receivable from subsidiaries are performed at least on an annual basis and furthermore when an event 
indicates that an impairment review is necessary.

Assets classified as held for sale
Refer to note 3.23 Assets classified as held for sale for details.

35 Key accounting judgements and estimates
In the preparation of these accounts, the Directors consider that there are no significant judgements in the accounting policies and no key sources 
of estimation uncertainty that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next 
financial year.

36 Staff costs
The average monthly number of employees (including Directors) during the year was as follows:

Administrative and distribution

The aggregate remuneration comprised:

Wages and salaries

Social security costs

Contributions to defined contribution pension plans

Share based payment charges

Directors’ emoluments are as disclosed in note 9 Staff costs. 

112

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Year ended
28 March 2022
number

123

Year ended
29 March 2021
number

83

Year ended 
28 March 2022
£’000

Year ended
29 March 2021
£’000

8,256

699

330

563

9,848

8,557

606

249

92

9,504

 
Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

37 Investments in subsidiaries

Cost or valuation:
At 29 March 2021
Net movement on shares granted/(lapsed) to subsidiary companies' employees
At 28 March 2022

Amounts provided for:
At 29 March 2021 and 28 March 2022

Net book value
At 28 March 2022
At 29 March 2021

£’000

57,671
573
58,244

–

58,244
57,671

Details of the Company’s subsidiaries at 28 March 2022 are disclosed in note 33 Investments in subsidiaries.

38 Loan notes receivable from subsidiaries
Inter-company balances held in the Company largely relate to investment in its trading subsidiaries through the provision of loan amounts. As such, 
these amounts are disclosed as loan notes receivable from subsidiaries reported within non-current assets.

39 Investment property

Refer to note 17 Investment property for details.

40 Right-of-use assets

Cost
At 29 March 2021 and 28 March 2022

Accumulated depreciation
At 29 March 2021
Charge for the year
At 28 March 2022

Net book value
At 28 March 2022
At 29 March 2021

Total cash outflow for leases was £3,640 (2021: £5,459).

41 Intangible assets

Cost
At 29 March 2021
Additions
At 28 March 2022
Accumulated amortisation
At 29 March 2021
Charge for the year
At 28 March 2022
Net book value

At 28 March 2022
At 29 March 2021

Equipment, fittings 
and vehicles
£’000

12

(7)
(5)
(12)

–
5

Software
£’000

1,580
253
1,833

(932)
(359)
(1,291)

542
648

113

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Company financial statements
continued

42 Deferred tax assets

The Company has recognised deferred tax assets for deductible temporary differences that it believes are recoverable. These do not include any 
uncertain tax positions. The basis of the creation of these assets is the examination of underlying documents and relevant law and regulation for 
temporary timing differences and future profitability forecasts set out in the business plans approved by the Board.

Provisions
Losses
Share based payment

29 March 2021
£’000
86
–
492
578

Recognised in income 
statement
£’000
26
735
11
772

Recognised in OCI
£’000
–
–
(252)
(252)

28 March 2022
£’000
112
735
251
1,098

Deferred tax assets arising from timing differences are recognised to the extent that these amounts are recoverable through the reversal of the timing 
difference in the foreseeable future.

Deferred tax on losses of £4,373,000 (2021: £8,329,000) relating to losses in the Company have not been recognised in these financial statements on the 
basis that there is insufficient evidence of suitable future taxable profits against which to recover any deferred tax asset created. An amount of £3,868,000 
relating to the loss arising on the settlement of the deferred contingent consideration not previously recognised has been included in deferred tax assets in 
the current year as the capital loss will be utilised next year. There is no expiry date on these unrecognised losses. 

43 Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables
Vendor loan note
Prepayments and accrued income

Other receivables due after more than one year

Vendor loan note

28 March 2022
£’000
–
360
551
911

29 March 2021
£’000
91
360
384
835

28 March 2022
£’000

10,114

29 March 2021
£’000

9,520

The vendor loan note was initially measured at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost less any provision for impairment. 

44 Asset classified as held for sale
Refer to note 20 Assets identified as held for sale for details.

45 Trade and other payables

Trade payables
Other taxes and social security
Amounts due to Group undertakings
Accruals and other payables

The amounts due to Group undertakings have no fixed payment terms and are interest free.

28 March 2022
£’000
82
200
39,951
2,526
42,759

29 March 2021
£’000
378
–
50,412
4,758
55,548

114

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

 
 
 
Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

46 Lease liabilities
The Company leases a motor vehicle which runs for a period of four years. The maturity analysis of the lease is set out below, disclosed within current 
liabilities for the prior year.

Due within 1 year

Less: unearned interest

47 Provisions

At 29 March 2021

Released in the year

Utilised during the year

At 28 March 2022

Current

Non-current

28 March 2022
£’000

29 March 2021
£’000

–

–

–

4

–

4

Social security costs
£’000

600

(54)

(217)

329

28 March 2022
£’000

29 March 2021
£’000

207

122

329

207

393

600

Social security costs on share based payment awards
Social security costs which will become payable on exercise of share based payment awards have been provided. The share based payment awards 
can be exercised at various dates from the balance sheet date to 15 December 2024. The amount payable is dependent on the share price at the 
date of vest of those share payment awards. The provision, which is allocated on a time weighted basis over the period from date of grant to the date 
that employees become unconditionally entitled to the awards, has been calculated on the share price at the balance sheet date of £3.645 and the 
assumption that 100% of employees will exercise their share awards and that the rate of social security is 15.05% for UK employees and 7.65% for 
US employees.

48 Share capital and share premium
Details are disclosed in note 27 Share capital and reserves. 

49 Share based payments
Refer to note 28 Share based payments for:

 G a description of each type of share based payment arrangement that existed at any time during the period, including the general terms and 

conditions of each arrangement;

 G the weighted average share price at the date of exercise for share awards exercised during the period; and
 G the range of exercise prices and weighted average remaining contractual life for share awards outstanding at the end of the period.

50 Commitments

Future minimum amounts payable under non-cancellable operating leases:

Within one year

Total of future minimum payments expected to be received under non-cancellable subleases is £nil (2021: £nil).

Capital expenditure authorised and contracted for but not provided in the accounts is £771,000 (2021: £nil).

28 March 2022
£’000

29 March 2021
£’000

90

90

64

64

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

115

 
 
 
Notes to the Company financial statements
continued

51 Events after the balance sheet date
On 31 March 2022, the Group entered into a 36-month senior secured credit facility with Silicon Valley Bank as administrative agent and issuing lender for up 
to $60 million of credit based on the inventory held by Nakedwines.com Inc. The facility is secured against the assets of the Company. Interest payable on this 
facility is calculated on a margin above SOFR with a commitment fee on undrawn funds. As an indicative impact of its financial effect, using a representative 
current SOFR rate which cannot be predicted in the future and average facility margins which may not be representative of actual final applicable margins, 
a representative $10 million of drawdown for 12 months would amount to a total interest and commitment fee payable of approximately £0.4 million.

On 12 November 2021, the Directors received an offer for the purchase of the asset held on the Company’s books as an investment property. The sale was 
completed and proceeds of £5,850,000 were received on 5 May 2022, with estimated costs and commissions of £200,000 and before tax payable.

There were no other events after the balance sheet date that had a material impact on the financial position and performance of the Company.

52 Related party transactions
The Company has identified the Directors of the Company as related parties for the purpose of FRS101. The compensation of key management 
personnel is disclosed in note 9 Staff costs. The Company has no transactions with or amounts owed to or from subsidiary undertakings that are not 
100% owned either directly by the Company or by its subsidiaries. There are no other related party transactions which require disclosure (2021: none).

53 Ultimate controlling party
The Company, Naked Wines plc, is the ultimate controlling party of the Naked Wines Group.

116

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

Shareholder information

Annual General Meeting
The AGM will be held at the offices of Allen & Overy LLP, One Bishops 
Square, London, E1 6AD on 25 July 2022 at 3pm. The Notice of Meeting 
will be separately distributed to shareholders.

Key contacts:
Company Secretary
Anne Huffsmith
The Union Building
51-59 Rose Lane
Norwich NR1 1BY

Nominated Advisor and Joint Corporate Broker
Investec Bank (UK) Limited 
2 Gresham Street 
London EC2V 7QP

Joint Corporate Broker
Jefferies International Limited 
100 Bishopsgate 
London EC2N 4JL

Auditor
Deloitte LLP 
1 Station Square 
Cambridge CB1 2GA

Registrar
Link Group 
10th Floor 
Central Square 
29 Wellington Street 
Leeds LS1 4DL

Investor Relations
IR@nakedwines.com 
The Union Building 
51-59 Rose Lane 
Norwich NR1 1BY

Solicitors
Allen & Overy LLP 
One Bishops Square 
London E1 6AD

Tax Advisor
PwC LLP 
3 Forbury Place 
23 Forbury Road 
Reading RG1 3JH

Banker
HSBC UK Bank PLC 
1 Centenary Square 
Birmingham B1 1HQ*

*  As disclosed in note 31 Events after the balance sheet date, on 31 March 2022 Naked Wines agreed 
a senior secured lending facility with Silicon Valley Bank (SVB). Naked Wines expects to migrate its 
principle banking arrangements to SVB during the course of the current financial year. 

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

117

Definitions and Customer experience KPIs

Definitions

Angel

Active 
Angel

CAGR

Company, 
Naked or 
Naked Wines

Contribution 
profit

Customer experience KPIs

A customer who deposits funds into their account each 
month to spend on the wines on our website.

Product 
availability

% of targeted range available on websites as indicated by 
our inventory reporting.

An Angel that has placed an order in the last 12 months.

Compound annual growth rate. The year-on-year growth 
rate required for a number of years for a value to grow 
from its beginning balance to its ending balance.

Naked Wines plc

Wine quality 
–“Buy it again” 
ratings

5* customer 
service

% of “Yes” scores in the last 12 months as recorded by 
websites/apps.

The number of service ratings scoring 5* (out of 5) as a % of 
total ratings in the past 12 months as recorded by websites/
apps/telephone feedback.

A profit measure between gross profit and EBIT, calculated 
as gross profit less the costs of fulfilling and servicing (e.g. 
credit card fees, delivery costs, customer-facing staff costs). 
We often split contribution into that from new and repeat 
customers as they can have different levels of profitability.

DtC

Group

LTIP

Direct to Consumer.

Naked Wines plc and its subsidiary undertakings

Long Term Incentive Plan

Marketing R&D Expenditure focused on researching and testing new 

marketing channels and creative approaches, with the 
aim of opening up significant new growth investment 
opportunities.

New Customer A customer who, at the time of purchase, does not meet 

our definition of a repeat customer; for example, because 
they are brand new, were previously a Repeat Customer 
and have stopped subscribing with us at some point or 
cannot be identified as a Repeat Customer.

Revenues derived from transactions with customers who 
meet our definition of a New Customer.
A reconciliation of total sales to New Customer sales is 
shown in note 6 Segmental reporting.

New Customer 
sales

Repeat 
Customer

A customer (Angel) who has subscribed and made their 
first monthly subscription payment.

Repeat 
Customer sales

These are the revenues derived from orders placed by 
customers meeting our definition of a Repeat Customer 
at the time of ordering.
A reconciliation of total sales to Repeat Customer sales 
is shown in note 6 Segmental reporting.

SIP

Share Incentive Plan

Total 
Addressable 
Market (TAM)

TAM represents the available market which Naked sees 
as a revenue opportunity that it could serve.

118

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Strategic report

Governance report

Financials

Alternative performance measures (APMs) and Investment measures

Alternative performance measures

Investment measures

EBIT

Operating profit as disclosed in the Group income 
statement.

Adjusted EBIT Operating profit adjusted for amortisation of acquired 

EBITDA

Adjusted 
EBITDA

intangibles, acquisition costs, impairment of goodwill, 
restructuring costs and fair value movement through the 
income statement on financial instruments and revaluation 
of funding cash balances held.

EBIT plus depreciation and amortisation.

Adjusted EBIT plus share-based compensation charges, 
non-cash charges, depreciation and amortisation, but 
excluding any depreciation or amortisation costs included 
in our adjusted items (e.g. amortisation of acquired 
intangibles).

Adjusted PBT

Adjusted EBIT less net finance income.

Free cash flow Cash generated by operating activities less capital 

expenditure and before adjusted items and tax. 
A reconciliation of free cash flow is shown on page 120.

Net cash

The amount of cash held less debt at year end.

Investment in 
New Customers

The Investment in New Customers during the year,
including contribution profit/loss from New Customer sales 
and advertising costs. 

New Customer 
Contribution 
loss

The contribution earned from sales to New Customers.
A reconciliation of adjusted EBIT to New Customer 
Contribution loss is shown in note 6 Segmental reporting.

5-Year 
Forecast 
Payback

Lifetime 
Value/LTV

The ratio of projected future Repeat Customer Contribution 
profit we expect to earn from the New Customers recruited 
in the year divided by the Investment in New Customers. 
We forecast contribution at a customer level using a 
Machine Learning (ML) model which weighs several key 
characteristics including retention, order frequency and 
order value, along with customer demographics and 
non-transactional data. The ML algorithms then predict 
transactions forecast over a five-year horizon. This is then 
aggregated to a monthly, then annual, cohort level for 
reporting purposes.
An explanation of why this is used is on page 33.
As this is an undiscounted forward-looking estimate, it 
cannot be reconciled back to reported financial results. 
As we can refine this expectation over time, we also 
update the expected returns from prior year investment 
(see page 13).

The future Repeat Customer Contribution profit we 
expect to earn from customers recruited in a discrete 
period of time. 
We calculate this future contribution using a Machine 
Learning (ML) model. Collecting data for a number of 
key customer characteristics, including retention, order 
frequency and order value, along with customer 
demographics and non-transactional data, the ML 
algorithms then predict the future (lifetime) value of 
that customer over a five-year horizon.

Repeat 
Customer 
Contribution 
profit

Repeat 
Customer sales 
retention

The profit attributable to sales meeting the definition 
of sales to Repeat Customers after fulfilment and 
service costs.
An explanation of why this is used is on page 33.
A reconciliation of adjusted EBIT to Repeat Customer 
Contribution profit is shown in note 6 Segmental reporting.

The proportion of sales made to customers who met our 
definition of “Repeat” last year that were realised again this 
year from the same customers. Using our website data, the 
population who were subscribers in the prior year are 
identified and their sales in the current year then assessed. 
This is done for each month and summed to calculate the 
full year retention.

Standstill EBIT The adjusted EBIT that would be reported if investment 

in new customers was reduced to the level needed to just 
replenish the current customer base.
See page 120 for calculation from constituent Group KPIs 
and alternative performance measures (APMs).

Year 1 Payback This short-term payback measure shows the actual return 

in this financial year of our investment in the prior year.

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

119

Alternative performance measures (APMs)
continued

Free cash flow

Adjusted EBIT

Add back depreciation and amortisation (excludes adjusted amortisation of acquired intangibles)

Add back IFRS 2 charges

Adjusted EBITDA

Working capital movement

Inventories

Deferred income

Trade and other receivables

Trade and other payables

Repayments of principal under lease liabilities

Working capital movement

Pre-tax operating cash flow

Capital expenditure

Free cash flow

Reconciliation to statutory cash flow statement

Free cash flow

Capital expenditure

Repayments of principal under lease liabilities

Net cash (used in)/generated by operations

Standstill EBIT

Standstill EBIT is calculated as: 

Repeat Customer Contribution profit (a)

Less: replenishment spend (e)

Less: General and administrative costs1

(a) Repeat Customer Contribution profit 

(b) Repeat Customer sales retention

(c) Repeat Customer Contribution profit lost to attrition (a x (1-b)) 

(d) Year 1 Payback 

(e) Spend to replenish lost repeat contribution (c/d) 

Year ended 
28 March 2022
£m

Year ended 
29 March 2021
£m

2.0

2.3

1.3

5.6

(61.2)

3.6

(1.8)

12.9

(0.8)

(47.3)

(41.7)

(1.9)

(43.6)

(43.6)

1.9

0.8

(40.9)

(1.5)

1.7

0.8

1.0

(9.2)

28.2

(1.4)

15.6

(0.9)

32.3

33.3

(2.7)

30.6

30.6

2.7

0.9

34.2

Year ended 
28 March 2022
£m

Year ended 
29 March 2021
£m

Pro forma2
Year ended 
28 March 2022
£m

86.2

(25.0)

(40.0)

21.2

86.2

80.4%

16.9

67.5%

25.0

84.9

(12.2)

(33.4)

39.3

84.9

88.2%

10.0

82.0%

12.2

86.2

(19.2)

(40.0)

27.0

86.2

84.0%

13.8

72.2%

19.2

1  General and administrative costs exclude £1.3 million amortisation, £1.1 million fair value adjustments, £0.1 million adjustment for foreign exchange revaluations and £3.0 million Marketing R&D spend.
2  In response to feedback from shareholders, we report here an additional standstill EBIT calculation which uses a trailing three-year simple average for sales retention and Year 1 Payback. 

This is in response to the more than usual changes in these metrics due to the pandemic-related lockdowns.

120

Naked Wines plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Designed and produced by Friend 
www.friendstudio.com  
Print: Pureprint Group

This report has been printed on GalerieArt 
Matt which is FSC® certified and made 
from 100% Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) 
pulp. The mill and the printer are both 
certified to ISO 14001 environmental 
management. The report was printed 
by a CarbonNeutral® printer.

N

a

k

e

d

W

i

n

e

s

p

l

c

A

n

n

u

a

l

R

e

p

o

r

t

a

n

d

A

c

c

o

u

n

t

s

2

0

2

2

www.nakedwineplc.com