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Robinson Plc

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FY2018 Annual Report · Robinson Plc
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Strategy into action
Building for a sustainable future

Robinson plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Robinson plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Contents

Strategic Report 

Financial Statements

Additional Information

1  Highlights and

five year record
2  Chairman’s report
4  Business review
10  Sustainability and

corporate responsibility

12  Corporate governance
18  Directors’ report

22  Group income statement

46  Notice of

Annual General Meeting

47  Form of proxy
48  Annual General Meeting

attendance form

and statement of
comprehensive income

23  Statement of

financial position
24  Statement of changes

in equity

25  Statement of cash flows
26  Notes to the

financial statements

43  Report of the

independent auditor

Directors and advisors

Directors
Alan Raleigh Non-executive Chairman

Martin McGee Chief Executive

Guy Robinson Finance Director

Mike Cusick Commercial Director

Anthony Glossop Non-executive Director

Sara Halton Non-executive Director

Registered Office
Field House, Wheatbridge,
Chesterfield, S40 2AB

Nominated Adviser/Broker
FinnCap
60 New Broad Street, London, EC2M 1JJ

Solicitor
DLA Piper UK LLP
1 St Paul’s Place, Sheffield, S1 2JX

Auditor
Mazars LLP
45 Church Street, Birmingham, B3 2RT

Registrar
Neville Registrars Ltd
Steelpark Rd, Halesowen, B62 8HD

Banker
HSBC
1 Bond Court, Leeds, LS1 2JZ

The Company is incorporated in England,
registered no. 39811

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Highlights

Revenue increased by

10%

to £32.8m

(2017: £29.8m)

Gross margin reduced
from 19% to

18%

Operating costs reduced by

2%

Net borrowings increased to

Capital expenditure was

£8.8m

£4.4m

(2017: £6.5m)

(2017: £3.2m)

Five year record

Robinson plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

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Operating profit before 
exceptional items and
amortisation of intangible 
assets increased to

£1.5m

(2017: £1.3m)

The Board recommends a 
final dividend for the year of
3.0p per share 
(2017: 3.0p)

The total dividend per share 
declared in respect of 2018 is
5.5p 
(2017: 5.5p)

Year ended 31 December 

£’000 

2014  

2015  

2016  

2017  

2018

Income statement
Revenue  
Gross profit  
% of revenues  
Operating profit before exceptional items and
amortisation of intangible asset 
Exceptional items  
Amortisation of intangible asset  
Operating profit  
Interest  
Finance income in respect of Pension Fund  
Profit before taxation  
Taxation  
Dividends  
Retained profit/(loss)  
Net assets excluding pension asset after
deduction of related deferred tax 

Depreciation  
EBITDA (earnings before interest,
tax, depreciation and amortisation) 
Operating profit: revenue  
Basic earnings per share  

28,071  
6,402  
23%  

2,912  
(364)  
(392)  
2,156  
(79)  
342  
2,419  
(418)  
(755)  
1,246  

29,138  
6,995  
24%  

3,190  
(1,694)  
(783)  
713  
(92)  
153  
774  
(679)  
(837)  
(742)  

27,459  
6,258  
23%  

29,813  
5,778  
19%  

32,802
5,884
18%

2,138  
190  
(783)  
1,545  
(116)  
189  
1,618  
(390)  
(877)  
351  

1,321  
65  
(783)  
603  
(103)  
130 
630  
(317)  
(901)  
(588)  

1,514
110
(783)
841
(156)
-
685
10
(890)
(195)

22,520  

21,471  

22,612  

23,056  

22,928

1,176  

1,423  

1,385  

1,492  

1,795

3,724  
7.7%  
12.4p  

2,919  
2.4%  
0.6p  

3,713  
5.6%  
7.5p  

2,878  
2.0%  
1.9p  

3,419
2.6%
4.2p

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2

Robinson plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Chairman’s report

This is my first Chairman’s report since I was
appointed after the AGM in May 2018. I heard a loud 
and clear message that shareholders want improved 
performance and clear plans to address margin 
erosion, sustainability and future cash generation.

With this in mind, the Board has spent considerable 
time reviewing the strategy and operating plans of 
the business, with a particular emphasis on customer 
relationship management, input material costs, operating 
costs and sustainability. We have also reviewed our key 
capabilities, including innovation, technology and people.

As a result of this review, we have concluded that our 
core strategy of partnering with winning customers in 
attractive markets and geographies remains correct. 
However, the execution of our strategy needs to be 
sharpened and our key capabilities can be improved 
to provide further competitive advantage.

It was agreed that changes were necessary to ensure the 
Group’s future development and success. At the end of 
November, the Chief Executive resigned, and Martin McGee 
was appointed as an interim CEO to lead a “Strategy into 
Action” agenda that will deliver improved shareholder value.
This plan, which is already underway, will take time to 
fully implement but we expect progress during 2019.

Governance
During the year a great deal of emphasis has been placed on 
corporate governance. The Board has adopted the Quoted 
Companies Alliance Corporate Governance Code. The 
roles, relationships and responsibilities of the Board and 
its committees have been reviewed and updated to ensure 
we have a team working openly and effectively to deliver 
the agreed strategy and operational improvements.

I heard a loud and clear message 
that shareholders want improved 
performance and clear plans to 
address margin erosion, sustainability 
and future cash generation.

Additionally, as a result of the Board changes following 
the AGM and implementation of the new governance 
code, a new independent non-executive director was 
required. After an extensive search process, I am delighted 
that Sara Halton agreed to join the Board from 1 January 
2019. Sara’s biography can be found on page 15.

Sustainability
In a world where consumers are correctly challenging the 
impact of plastic waste on the environment, we must play our 
part to ensure the lowest possible impact from the design, 
manufacture and use of the plastic products we produce.
To achieve this, we participate in an emerging plastics 
circular economy. We are committed to using the lowest 
quantity of total plastic and highest-level of post-
consumer recycled plastics in our bespoke products 
without compromising either aesthetics or functional 
properties. We will ensure that in future all our products 
are recyclable and can be responsibly collected, cleaned 
and then supplied again in a form we can reuse.

We may be a small part of this at the moment, but we 
are growing and take our responsibilities seriously. We 
have an important role to play in the development of a 
fully functioning plastics circular economy. In partnership 
with our suppliers, industry partners and customers we 
commit to taking practical, measurable steps which we will 
report transparently as we progress on this journey.

Revenues, gross margins and operating costs
It is pleasing to report that revenues increased by 10% to 
£32.8m in 2018. Underlying volumes were 7% higher.
We have passed on some, but not all, input price increases to 
customers in a very challenging retail environment. This has led 
to a reduction in gross margin from 19% to 18% in the year.
In 2018 operating costs reduced by 2% and, whilst we expect 
to make further investments in personnel to strengthen the 
business, we recognise that the shape of the profit and loss 
account needs to be addressed as a key part of delivering 
adequate returns for our shareholders. Growing revenues 
whilst maintaining efficient levels of operating costs is part of 
the planned solution.

Chairman’s report continued

Profits
With tighter control of operating costs compensating for the 
slight gross margin erosion, operating profit has improved in 
2018 by 15% to £1.5m whilst EBITDA rose 19% to £3.4m. Basic 
earnings per share have risen from 1.9p to 4.2p.

Capital investment, financing, dividend and pension
There was an increase in net borrowings of £2.3m in the 
year as we invested £4.4m (2017: £3.2m) in new plant and 
equipment and maintained the dividend at £0.9m (2017: 
£0.9m). Of this capital investment, £3.1m in 2018 related to 
new business growth and we will continue to invest during 
2019 to upgrade current capabilities and accelerate new 
business growth. Net borrowings ended the year at £8.8m 
(2017: £6.5m), safely within our £13m of facilities and 
shareholders’ funds reduced slightly from £23.1m to £22.9m.

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The Board proposes an unchanged final dividend of 3.0p 
per share to be paid on 3 June 2019 to shareholders on 
the register at the close of business on 17 May 2019. The 
ordinary shares become ex-dividend on 16 May 2019. 
This brings the total dividend declared in respect of 
2018 to 5.5p per share (2017: 5.5p). The IAS19 valuation 
at the year-end of our pension fund reported a surplus 
of £6.5m (2017: £8.5m). This surplus is deemed to be 
irrecoverable and not included in the Company’s assets.

Property
The current market for both retail and, locally, residential 
developments remains challenging, but we continue to explore 
all opportunities to find suitable schemes for our surplus sites 
at Walton Works and Boythorpe Works in Chesterfield. We 
remain confident that buyers will be found but do not expect 
significant income from the sale of these sites in 2019.

Outlook
Our pipeline of future business is now much stronger and more 
advanced than in previous years. This, together with even 
stronger customer partnerships, gives us confidence that we 
will see double-digit sales growth again in 2019. We also expect 
a marked step-up in profitability, ahead of market expectations, 
arising from our “Strategy into Action” program which will 
drive faster, better execution of our plans. Central Europe will 
continue to play an important role in driving profitable growth.

Alan Raleigh
Chairman
21 March 2019

 
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Robinson plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Business review

Robinson aims to generate annual sales in excess of £50 million within five years. 
This will be achieved through a combination of organic growth in our existing 
markets and expansion in mainland Europe.

We will strengthen our strategic role as a reliable business 
partner and quality provider of rigid plastic packaging to 
leading brand owners and their contract suppliers in the 
personal care/toiletries, household and food sectors in
their markets.

To win and maintain the loyalty of new and existing customers, 
we will combine our broad industry skills and a capability 
for reliable fast response, quickly developing and supplying 
bespoke products at competitive prices. Importantly, by 
leveraging the right equipment technology and processes, we 
will at the same time ensure our packaging solutions take full 
advantage of advances in the use of recycled materials and 
ensure that their impact on the environment is minimised.

Our business model is supported by four strategic pillars. We will:

Maximise the use of
sustainable plastics

Partner with brand
& product innovators

Through collaboration with external change agents and 
customers, we will increase environmental awareness 
and align with the circular economy. Our manufacturing 
and supply chain operations will also demonstrate a 
commitment to reduce our environmental footprint, 
through year-on-year reduction in waste and energy. 
Most importantly, we will work closely with the plastics 
industry alliance associations and suppliers to support 
our promise to use recyclable & recycled plastics in all 
our products with all customers.

In partnership with winning customers, we will 
deliver unique rigid plastic packaging that facilitates 
Brand differentiation, affords product protection 
and assures ease of use for consumers.

Build long term
customer relationships

Become more
competitive

Through continuous development of the best 
talent, processes and organisation, we will better 
understand our customer’s markets, plans and needs 
so we can consistently provide the right packaging 
solutions and services that secure long term loyalty 
and repeat custom.

By embedding a culture of cross functional team 
work, performance measurement and continuous 
improvement across our business, we will not only 
meet our long-term growth and sustainability 
ambitions but will increase our competitiveness: 
improving our ability to offer the right products at the 
right costs to meet specific customers’ needs.

Business review continued

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We are adopting more collaborative working practices, 
encouraging team work and promoting best practice 
across our operations in the UK and Poland.

Our People & Culture
We recognise that our future success relies on retaining 
and attracting skilled and motivated people. Our main 
businesses were early adopters of the ISO 9001 Quality 
Standard and Investors in People and we remain committed 
to helping our people achieve their maximum potential.

Helping employees to contribute to the best of their abilities 
at work is supported through the provision of training.

We intend that all employees will receive an annual
performance and career development review and 
have updated and simplified our bonus incentive 
scheme for 2019 to better align rewards with both 
business and personal achievement targets.

Robinson is justifiably proud of its packaging industry, 
technology and engineering knowledge and the experience 
of many loyal and long-standing professionals as well 
as talented individuals recruited more recently.

To sustain this precious intellectual property and
support succession planning, we are adopting more 
collaborative working practices, encouraging team work
and promoting best practice sharing both across
business functions and our operations in UK and Poland.

It is our policy to ensure equal opportunity in recruitment, 
selection, promotion and employee development and we 
have an equal opportunities and diversity policy in place. It 
is a key objective to ensure that successful candidates for 
appointment and promotion are selected taking account of 
individual ability, skills and competencies without regard to 
age, gender, race, religion, disability or sexual orientation.

We’re committed to international human rights standards. 
We do not use child labour and check suppliers in this 
respect. We do not tolerate unfair discrimination. We 
comply with laws and standards on working hours.

 
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Robinson plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Business review continued

We believe it is a strategic imperative
to be logistically integrated with
our customers’ operations.

Our Market
Robinson plc has successfully serviced its customers
in UK and internationally for over 179 years. Today,
it specialises in injection, blow and stretch-blow
moulded plastic and rigid paperboard in a wide range
of product formats.

Our customers include leading multinational brand
owners who seek creative on-shelf differentiation to make
their products stand out from the crowd – including Avon,
McBride, Nestle, Proctor & Gamble, Dr Oetker,
Reckitt Benckiser, SC Johnson and Unilever.

Our Operations
Leading international brand owners require 
strategic supplier partners capable of serving all 
their core consumer markets locally. We believe 
it is a strategic imperative to be logistically 
integrated with our customers’ operations 
to serve both geographically mature and 
emerging regions simultaneously. Supplying 
UK, European and specific export markets, 
Robinson is an established and respected 
supplier to our brand led customers across 
Europe. Specialising in developing solutions 
specific to each market sector, we aim to 
manufacture and supply locally throughout the
region to best meet our customers’ requirements.

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Robinson owns 
five production 
facilities across the 
United Kingdom 
and in Poland.

1

Kirkby
Nottinghamshire UK

Primarily focussed on innovative 
solutions for the food & drink 
markets manufacturing custom 
injection moulded packaging 
solutions. A large proportion of 
production from this unit serves the 
domestic UK food brands.

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Stanton Hill
Nottinghamshire UK

Manufactures blow moulded products 
and high quality injection moulded 
devices such as aerosol actuators. 
Produced mainly for international 
toiletries & cosmetics brands for 
both UK and international markets, 
including Latin America and Asia.

Lodz

Poland3

Manufactures high quality 
injection moulded solutions for 
many global branded customers 
serving the emerging Central 
European markets.

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Minsk
Poland

Manufactures blow and injection 
moulded products primarily for 
the toiletries & cosmetics and 
household sectors in the region.

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Chesterfield
Derbyshire UK

The dedicated design and production 
centre for Robinson Paperbox 
Packaging – our rigid paper 
box business, serving domestic 
confectionary, food, electronics and 
cosmetic gifting markets.

Robinson plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

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Quality standards
All our manufacturing facilities are British Retail Consortium 
(BRC) accredited to food packaging standards and, in the 
UK, we have long held the ISO 9001 Quality Standard.

This includes our rigid paper box facility based in 
Chesterfield UK which is now one of the few UK based 
rigid box manufacturers with this accreditation.

Design solutions
At Robinson we partner with our customers to ensure we 
have an in-depth understanding of the design, functional 
and quality standards required from a packaging innovation 
to meet their consumers’ needs. We add value to the new 
product development process from the start of the brief and 
aim to structure the projects to reduce unnecessary risk and 
deliver right-first-time solutions. This is achieved through:

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•  Applying state-of-the-art design software 

& hardware including 3D printing

•  Investing in in-house engineering skills and capabilities
•  Ensuring rigorous new product development 

and project lead time control

•  Delivering speed to market while 
minimising risk for our customers

This means our design solutions are always relevant from 
a cost, manufacturability, logistic and environmental 
perspective as well as delivering real consumer benefits.

Performance Review
The Group’s primary commitment is to provide a safe and healthy environment for its employees.
The number of accidents was as follows:

2018  

2017 

2016  

Comments

Lost time accidents  
Reportable accidents  

2  
6  

3  
3  

1
-  

Whilst there has been a small increase in the number of accidents,
these were relatively minor and have been followed up with
rigorous root cause evaluation and corrective measures to
minimise the risk of recurrence.

Key financial indicators, including the management of profitability and working capital, monitored on an ongoing basis by 
management, are set out below:

Indicator 

2018  

2017 

2016  

Comments

Revenue (£’000)  

32,802  

29,813  

27,459  

Revenues increased by 10% in 2018,
with a 7% increase in underlying volumes.

Profitability ratios:
Gross margin  

18%  

19%  

23%  

Trading margin  

5%  

4%  

8%  

Return on Capital 
Employed 

5%  

4%  

7%  

Working capital levels  

26%  

28%  

29%  

Gross profit as a percentage of revenue. We have passed on some,
but not all, costs in a challenging market place.
Operating profit before exceptional items and amortisation as a
percentage of revenue. The small increase in 2018 is attributable
to the increased revenues and slightly lower operating costs.
Operating profit (before exceptional items and amortisation of
intangible assets) less taxation divided by the average capital
employed (net assets less net debt). Growth has been muted by the
significant investments in plant and machinery, which only
produced returns for part of the year.
Inventory + trade receivables - trade payables as a percentage of
revenue. Despite increased pressure from some of our main
customers to extend payment terms, some progress has been made
in reducing this.

Investment in new technology continues to yield benefits in electrical consumption rates. Waste to recycling
increased slightly because of trends away from black products, which previously consumed some of our waste.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Business review continued

The Group is committed to making sustainable improvements to the design, manufacture and distribution of products.
The following indicators are used by the Group to measure its progress in achieving this objective:

Indicator 

Electricity consumed (‘000 kwh)  
Waste to recycling (tonnes)  
Waste to landfill (tonnes)  

2018  

21,354  
517  
68  

units per 
£’000  
revenue 

0.651  
0.016  
0.002  

2017  

20,343  
439  
96  

units per 
£’000  
revenue  

0.682  
0.015  
0.003  

2016  

19,431  
394  
156  

units per
£’000 
revenue

0.708
0.014
0.006

Investment in new technology continues to yield benefits in electrical consumption rates. Waste to recycling increased
slightly because of trends away from black products, which previously consumed some of our waste.

The group employee gender diversity is as follows:

Male 

Female

Directors 
Employees in other senior
executive positions 
Total senior managers 
and directors of the group 
Other employees of the group  
Total employees of the group  

5 

10 

15 
213  
228  

1

2

3
97
100

In our recruitment process for 
key roles, we are committed to 
incorporate principles to ensure 
greater diversity.

The appointment of Sara Halton as a new non-executive Director is an important first step towards improved gender diversity 
– especially at senior levels of the Group. In our recruitment process for key roles, we are committed to incorporate principles 
to ensure greater diversity, for example, in gender, ethnicity and age, as well as company culture and values.

Property
The Group has surplus properties and other properties not used 
in the manufacture of packaging products with a total value at 
the end of 2018 of £6.4m (2017: £6.6m). These properties arise 
from the transfer or sale of previous manufacturing businesses.

Some of these properties are let out to tenants on 
contracts that vary in length between 1 month and 5 
years. The annual gross rental income earned during the 
year was £0.4m (2017: £0.4m) representing a 6% yield.

The intention of the Group is, over time, to realise the
maximum value from surplus properties via disposal and 
reinvest receipts in developing its packaging business. 
Investments in AIM trading companies can attract 100%
relief from Inheritance Tax (Business Property Relief).
Tax counsel have previously advised that the Company
qualifies for this relief since the properties held are residue 
from previous trading activities and there is an active plan
to dispose of them.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Robinson plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

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Business review continued

Pension Fund
The Group had a surplus in its defined benefit scheme fund at the 
last actuarial valuation (5 April 2017). This scheme was closed to 
new entrants in 1997 and the intention is to buy out the liabilities 
when market conditions allow. The IAS19 valuation of the scheme
showed a surplus of £6.5m at the end of 2018. This surplus is deemed 
to be irrecoverable and not included in the Company’s assets.

Principal risks and uncertainties
The directors have set in place a thorough risk management 
process that identifies the key risks faced by the Group and 
ensures that processes are adopted to monitor and mitigate 
such risks. The principal risks affecting the business and the 
Group’s responses to these risks are:

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 Risk 

 Impact 

 Mitigation

Customer
relationships

A significant proportion of 
the Group’s turnover is 
derived from its key 
customers. 

The loss of any of these key 
customers, or a significant 
worsening in commercial 
terms, could adversely
affect the Group’s results.

Through close collaboration with our key customers:
anticipating their needs and rapidly responding
to requests.

Fluctuations
in input prices

Input prices such as plastic 
resin prices and electricity 
costs can fluctuate 
significantly. 

Cost over-run;  
lower profitability. 

The Group monitors the effect of such fluctuations
closely, seeks to structure contracts with customers
to recover its costs and ensures availability of
alternative competitive sources of specific materials.

Foreign
currency
risk

Significant fluctuations 
between the £ and Polish 
Zloty / €. 

Exchange rate movements 
could impact revenues 
and profitability as we 
produce in Poland and
purchase materials in 
$’s, £’s and €’s.

Although we do not typically hedge currencies,
we regularly monitor these exchange rate
movements as a Board.

Unavailability 
of raw 
materials

Disruption of supplies to 
UK, particularly resins, 
from Europe  due to Brexit. 

Inability to meet orders; 
customer service outages. 

Parallel measures actioned: increased resin & key
materials stock cover; secondary supply sources
established through distributors; forward ordering of
products for specific customers.

Brexit

The availability of raw materials  To counter these risks, we have built stocks of raw
in the UK market, import. duties  materials, discussed the scenarios with our customers and
and customs procedures may  suppliers and taken steps to minimise the possible disruption
result in delays to deliveries  
to our business in the UK.
which could impact on our 

The outcome of the ongoing 
Brexit negotiations may have 
an impact on the business. In 
the short term, the main risks 
to our business are the 
continuity of supply and pricing.  ability to supply our customers.  Robinson is well placed, with operations in both the UK
and Central Europe, to mitigate the impact of any such
In the longer term, our 
customers may decide to 
decisions on the group’s performance.
relocate the manufacturing 
locations of their products – 
depending on the outcomes 
this could either be a benefit
or a threat.

Pricing, driven by market 
conditions including foreign 
exchange rates, could also 
result in lower demand for
our products.

People

Low unemployment and 
high demand, particularly 
for skilled machine 
operators and engineers 
in Poland. 

Insufficient labour to run 
machines; reduced engineering 
maintenance cover in Polish 
factories; lower efficiencies 
& outputs. Higher wage bills. 

Frequent salary benchmarking & adjustment needed;
increased manufacturing efficiencies to reduce
inflationary costs; incentive schemes devised
to increase retention.

On behalf of the Board

Guy Robinson
Director
21 March 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10

Robinson plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Sustainability and corporate responsibility

Robinson commits to improving responsible plastic manufacture, by 
participating fully with our industry partners and suppliers in the circular 
economy and practically managing the sustainability of our products and 
operational supply chain processes.

1: Packaging in the environment

We aim not to put any waste in landfill. Any 
waste which is not typically recyclable gets 
sifted by our waste management company, 
100% of which is recycled or made into fuel.

We recently joined RECOUP, a plastics cross-
industry group established to lead and inform 
the sustainable development of plastics recycling 
that protects resources.

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Our
Promise

Indu

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Our approach is to work in close
collaboration with our brand owner 
customers and packaging industry partners 
who share our commitment to the
circular economy.

To secure our future, we have made a 
promise to responsibly manufacture plastic 
products that maximise the use of recycled 
plastics in all products and that
are recyclable.

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To support our customers to communicate 
with their consumers, we have engaged with 
Terracycle to devise customised programmes 
for managing waste disposal, from bespoke 
collection platforms for specific products to 
recycling hard-to-recycle waste streams. We 
will also be working with partners to optimise 
recycling of on-site waste streams in our 
manufacturing operations.

We pay a proportion of the cost of the 
recovery and recycling of our packaging to take 
responsibility for its environmental impact.
This complies with the first producer 
responsibility legislation in the UK that came 
into effect in 1997 in Great Britain (1999 in 
Northern Ireland).

 
 
 
Sustainability and corporate responsibility continued

Robinson plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

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2: Products and processes at Robinson

Design
We ensure our products are designed to maximise resource 
efficiency. We use light weighting and value engineering 
techniques within each design. We also strive to use single 
polymer assemblies, where feasible, to maximise recyclability. 
End of life considerations are accounted for with each product 
design to maximise re-usability.

Energy policy
All tooling is designed to produce the most lightweight and 
cost-effective plastic product possible. We are committed to 
reducing our carbon footprint year on year. We are replacing
all lighting with more efficient LED lighting.

Manufacturing and distribution
Product manufacture is rigorously scrutinised to constantly 
streamline each process step of production. We use the latest, 
high-tech, low energy consuming machines to ensure efficient 
and lean production. We optimise our payloads and routings 
for transporting goods to minimise our carbon footprint.

Masterbatch containing carbon black
This is the material used in black plastics which are not 
picked up by automated recycling sensors. Working with 
our colourant partners, we now offer an alternative that the 
sensors recognise. Through our membership of RECOUP, we 
will also participate in the Black Plastic Packaging Recycling 
forum to ensure we take advantage of further developments 
in the circular economy.

90%

170 tons

30%

Recycling

General waste recycling

Post-Consumer Recycling (PCR)

We recycle all post-process waste 
material and out of 100 tons of
plastic waste produced, 90% is
recycled in our own factories.

In 2018, we recycled 170 tons of
general waste, 20% of which was 
segregated on site (card, paper etc).

At Robinson, we optimise our payloads and 
routings for transporting goods to minimise 
our carbon footprint.

We have sourced a post-consumer 
recycled HDPE by working closely 
with waste management and recycling 
experts. We are typically using 30% PCR 
HDPE in our blow moulded products.

Since early August 2018, we have been 
rapidly expanding the circle of customers 
where we use recycled PET for new 
injection stretch blow moulding projects 
and in the range of products supplied 
from our UK and Polish facilities.

 
12

Robinson plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Corporate governance

Our objective is to deliver a sustainable profitable business which 
delivers consistently good value to our shareholders. In doing 
so, the Board takes account of its employees, customers and the 
environment in which the Group operates.

People
Health & safety 
Our primary aim is to provide a safe and healthy 
environment for our employees. At each of our sites 
we have health & safety procedures in place which 
are regularly reviewed and updated to provide such 
information, training and supervision as required.

Communication
The Board recognises the need to ensure effective 
communications with employees. During the year, they were 
provided with financial and other information affecting 
the Company and its various operations, by means of the 
house magazine, briefings and newsletters. Consultative 
committees in the different areas of the Company enabled 
the views of employees to be heard and considered when 
making decisions likely to affect their interests. In 2019, 
the Board will formally review the effectiveness of our 
communications to key stakeholders, including employees.

Non-discrimination
Our policy is to have no discrimination on grounds of age, race, 
colour, sex, religion, sexuality or disability. We aim to achieve 
the highest standards of business integrity and ethics. We 
will not tolerate any forms of harassment at any level within 
our organisation or when dealing with people from outside.

Training & education
We recognise the importance of training and 
education for our people. Our main businesses were 
early adopters of the ISO 9001 Quality Standard and 
Investors in People and we remain committed to helping 
our people achieve their maximum potential.

Welfare
We take the welfare of our employees both past and 
present very seriously, recognising that an involved caring 
community is a more satisfying place to work. A Group 
pension scheme is in place and we encourage employees 
to save for their retirement. We publish a Group magazine 
every 6 months that is distributed to all employees and 
pensioners. We have a Group Welfare Officer, who inter 
alia looks after the foundation club (for retired employees), 
a visitors’ panel and the annual pensioners’ party.

Products
We aim to produce our products in a responsible manner, 
using innovative design and manufacturing to meet our 
customers’ requirements with minimum adverse impact on 
the environment. We work with our customers and suppliers 
to ensure recycled materials can be used where possible and 
that the product specification is optimised to reduce the weight 
or other factors that affect its impact on the environment.

Places
We want our manufacturing processes to have as minimal 
impact on the environment as possible. You will see from the 
Strategic report that we measure several indicators to ensure 
that we make continuous improvements in this area. We aim 
to recycle as much of our waste as possible. We are working 
to increase the environmental awareness of our staff in order 
that both the Company and the local community can benefit.

Corporate governance continued

Robinson plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

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We understand good corporate 
governance is not complete without it 
being communicated effectively, thus 
promoting trust among shareholders 
and other stakeholders.

Code compliance
The Board has adopted the Quoted Companies Alliance 
(QCA) Corporate Governance Code in line with the London 
Stock Exchange’s recent changes to the AIM Rules. With 
the appointment of Sara Halton as an independent Non-
Executive Director on 1 January 2019, the Board considers 
it has complied with all the requirements of the Code.

The Company has a strategy which sets out how we intend
to achieve growth in shareholder value.

Our responsibilities include:
• having a board of directors, senior management team and 
workforce with the necessary mix of skills and experience 
to execute and evolve the strategy and business model;
• having all individuals in the business working together 
effectively, within a clear organisational structure; and

• maximising the chances for successful execution of 
the strategy by putting in place tailored processes.

We understand good corporate governance is not complete 
without it being communicated effectively, thus promoting 
trust among shareholders and other stakeholders.

The board members have a collective responsibility 
and legal obligation to promote the interests of the 
company and are collectively responsible for defining 
corporate governance arrangements. Ultimate 
responsibility for the quality of, and approach to, 
corporate governance lies with the chair of the board.

 
14

Robinson plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Corporate governance continued

Board of Directors
The Company supports the concept of an effective board 
leading and controlling the Group. The Board is responsible for 
approving Group policy and strategy and the Directors are free 
to seek any further information they consider necessary. All 
Directors have access to independent professional advice at
the Group’s expense.

The Board reviews its performance as an integral part of 
each board meeting and appraises the performance of each 
Director. During 2019 we plan an externally facilitated review.

The Board has a written statement of its responsibilities and 
there are written terms of reference for the Nomination, 
Remuneration and Audit committees. The Chairman and
Non-Executive Directors, whose time commitment to the 
Company is commensurate with their remuneration, hold
other positions as set out in the biographies below.

The Board meets regularly on dates agreed each year for the 
calendar year ahead. This is typically eight times per year although 
additional meetings are called as and when deemed necessary.

A formal schedule of matters requiring Board approval is 
maintained covering such areas as strategy, approval of budgets, 
financial results, Board appointments and dividend policy.

The Board consists of a Non-Executive Chairman, two other 
Non-Executive Directors, a Chief Executive, a Finance 
Director and a Commercial Director. This provides a broad 
background of experience and a balance whereby the Board’s 
decision making cannot be dominated by one individual.

The Chairman of the Board is Alan Raleigh and the Group’s 
business is run by the Chief Executive (Martin McGee), the 
Finance Director (Guy Robinson) and the Commercial Director 
(Mike Cusick). The biographies of the Directors, who we consider 
to be the key managers of the business, are set out below:

Alan Raleigh Non-executive Chairman and Senior Independent Director

Alan is primarily responsible for:
•  overall leadership and governance of the Board
•  promoting a healthy culture of challenge and debate
•  fostering open and effective relationships between the 

Executive and Non-Executive directors

•  ensuring Board and shareholder meetings are 

properly conducted

•  promoting effective decision making.

Martin is primarily responsible for:
•  development, implementation and communication of 

business model and strategy

•  leadership and development of all employees
•  delivery of financial and operational performance targets
•  establishing a firm business base to support 

sustainable growth

•  building relationships with all stakeholders.

Alan joined the Board in August 2015. After gaining a 
BSc (Hons) in Production Engineering and Production 
Management from Strathclyde University he spent 
his career with Unilever plc holding a variety of senior 
positions in the UK, US and Japan. He was Executive 
Vice President, Personal Care Supply Chain until 2016 
and is a non-executive director of Coletta, a Swedish 
confectionary company listed on the Stockholm Stock 
Exchange. Alan brings experience in highly relevant 
sectors to the Board.

Martin McGee Chief Executive

Martin has an honours degree in Chemistry from 
Sheffield University and spent his early career in UK, 
Holland, Sweden, Japan and Brazil with Unilever plc, 
prior to moving into international R&D and Technical 
Director roles for PZ Cussons Ltd and the Scotts 
Company Ltd. He left Avon Products Inc as VP Global 
Manufacturing and Supply Chain Operations in 2014, 
acted as Independent Advisor to McKinsey & Company 
to 2016 and Chief Operating Officer for McBride PLC 
to May 2018. Martin has over eighteen years Board 
level experience across consumer packaging businesses 
as both customer and supplier, leading strategy 
development and operational improvements that deliver 
better and more profitable products and services.

Corporate governance continued

The Board considers that it has sufficient experience, 
skills, personal qualities and capabilities to deliver the 
strategy of the Company. The Board regularly review its 
composition and depth of skills to ensure it can support 
the ongoing development of the Company. The directors 
are kept up to date on key issues and developments 
pertaining to the Company through the executive directors 
and external advisers. There is a succession plan in place 
for the Board and this is being actively progressed.

Shareholders
The Company will maintain a regular dialogue with existing 
and potential investors both directly and through its brokers 
to communicate its strategy and understand shareholder 
expectations. This will be done by the Board at the Annual 
General Meeting and through periodic Investor Roadshows that 
showcase evolutions in our business and offer the opportunity 
to meet and engage with the Board and senior business leaders.

Wider Responsibilities
Robinson is aware of its corporate social responsibilities 
and the need to maintain balanced relationships with its 
shareholders, employees, customers, suppliers, the environment 
and other stakeholders. Based on stakeholder feedback we 
plan to assess our plans on Safety, Diversity and Sustainability 
and, if appropriate, intervene to drive further progress.

Robinson plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

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Internal control
The Board recognises its responsibility for maintaining systems 
of internal control and reviewing their effectiveness. The Board 
maintains procedures for identifying significant risks faced by
the Group. The Board has reviewed the operation and 
effectiveness of the Group’s system of internal financial 
control for the financial year up to the date of approval of 
the financial statements. The system of internal financial 
control is designed to provide reasonable, but not absolute, 
assurance against material misstatement or loss.

The principal elements of the Group’s systems of internal 
financial control include:
•  a management structure and written procedures that clearly

define the levels of authority, 
responsibility and accountability;

•  well established business planning, budgeting and 
monthly reporting functions with timely reviews 
at the appropriate levels of the organisation;

•  a comprehensive system for investment 

appraisal and review; and

•  an Audit Committee that regularly reviews the relationship 

with and matters arising from the external auditors including 
the level of non-audit work that is performed by them.

Guy Robinson Finance Director

Guy has an honours degree in mechanical engineering 
from Nottingham University and qualified as a Chartered 
Accountant in 1981 at Coopers & Lybrand, working 
for them until he joined Robinson as Management 
Information Systems Manager in 1985. He has held the 
positions of Group Finance Controller and Packaging 

Mike Cusick Commercial Director

A qualified management accountant, Mike joined 
Robinson in 2015 and was appointed a director in 
January 2019. Previously he was Group Commercial 
Finance Director, responsible for the post-acquisition 
integration of the Madrox business in Poland, and new 
commercial systems across the Group.

Anthony Glossop Non-executive Director

Anthony was appointed a director in 1995 and is 
Chairman of the remuneration committee. After 
qualifying as a solicitor, he entered industry as a 
company secretary. He became Chief Executive of a 
West Midlands engineering group. 

Sara Halton Non-executive Director

Sara has held key senior executive positions at well-
known British brands, including as Chief Executive 
Officer of Molton Brown. She brings a wealth of 
experience in driving strategic growth for global brands. 

Division Financial Director and was appointed Finance 
Director in 1995. He has been responsible for working 
with the Board on a number of business acquisitions 
and disposals and is responsible for the Company’s 
significant property portfolio.

Prior to joining Robinson, Mike gained international 
financial experience during 8 years in various finance 
roles at SIG plc, latterly as Financial Controller,
Mainland Europe.

During the engineering recession of the 1980s he 
steered that group into what is now St Modwen 
Properties of which he was Chief Executive and
then Chairman.

Sara is a Chartered Accountant having gained MSc in 
Economics and Econometrics, and BSc in Economics,
at the University of Southampton.

 
16

Robinson plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Corporate governance continued

Audit Committee Report

Dear Shareholder
I am pleased to present the report on the activities of the 
Audit Committee for the year and to be able to confirm on 
behalf of the Board that the annual report and accounts taken 
as a whole is fair, balanced and understandable.

Roles and responsibilities:
The Audit Committee is chaired by Alan Raleigh and includes 
Anthony Glossop, Sara Halton, and Martin McGee with Guy 
Robinson as secretary. This Committee reviews the interim 
and preliminary announcement of final results and the annual 
financial statements prior to their publication. It is also 
responsible for the appointment or dismissal of the external 
auditors and for agreeing their fees. It keeps under review the 
scope and methodology of the audit and its cost effectiveness 
together with the independence and objectivity of the 
auditors. It meets with the auditors at least twice per year to 
agree the audit plan and review the results of the audit.

This comprises:
•  monitoring and reviewing the Group’s accounting policies, 

practices and significant accounting judgements; and
•  reviewing the annual and interim financial statements 
and any public financial announcements and advising 
the Board on whether the annual report and 
accounts is fair, balanced and understandable.

In relation to the external audit:
•  approving the appointment and recommending 

the reappointment of the external auditor 
and its terms of engagement and fees;

•  considering the scope of work to be undertaken by the 
external auditor and reviewing the results of that work;

•  reviewing and monitoring the independence of the external 
auditor and approving its provision of non-audit services;

•  monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of the

external auditor

•  monitoring and reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness

The primary function of the Committee is to assist the Board in 
fulfilling its responsibilities regarding the integrity of financial 
reporting, audit, risk management and internal controls.

of the risk management systems and processes; and

•  assessing and advising the Board on the internal 
financial, operational and compliance controls.

Alan Raleigh
21 March 2019

Remuneration Committee Report

Dear Shareholder
On behalf of the Remuneration Committee, I am pleased to 
present the Remuneration Committee
report for the year ended 31st December 2018.

Roles and responsibilities:
The Remuneration Committee is chaired by Anthony Glossop 
and includes Alan Raleigh, Sara Halton and Martin McGee 
with Guy Robinson as secretary. On behalf of the Board 
the Committee reviews and approves the remuneration 
and service contracts (including benefits) of the executive 
Directors and other senior staff. The Committee aims to 
provide executive remuneration packages designed to attract, 
motivate and retain directors of the calibre necessary to 
achieve the Board’s strategic and operational objectives 
and to reward them for enhancing shareholder value. The 
remuneration packages for the executive Directors and 
other senior staff include a basic salary and benefits, an 
annual performance related pay scheme and a long term 
incentive plan in the form of a share option scheme.

The role of the Committee is to recommend to the Board a 
strategy and framework for remuneration for Directors and 
the senior management team to attract and retain leaders 
who are focused and incentivised to deliver the Company’s 
strategic business priorities, within a remuneration 
framework which is aligned with the interests of our 
shareholders and thus designed to promote the long-term 
success of the Group.

The Committees main responsibilities are:
•  establishing and maintaining formal and transparent 

procedures for developing policy on executive 
remuneration and for fixing the remuneration packages of 
individual Directors, and monitoring and reporting on them;

•  determining the remuneration, including 
pension arrangements, of the Directors.

Details of director’s remuneration are included in the
Directors Report.

Anthony Glossop
21 March 2019

Corporate governance continued

Nomination Committee Report

Dear Shareholder
As Chairman of the Nomination Committee, I present 
our report detailing the role and responsibilities of the 
Committee and its activities during the year.

Roles and responsibilities:
The Nomination Committee is chaired by Alan Raleigh
and includes Anthony Glossop, Sara Halton and Martin 
McGee with Guy Robinson as secretary. This Committee
meets at least once per year and reviews the Board’s 
structure, size and composition. It is also responsible
for succession planning for Directors and other
senior executives.

Robinson plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

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The key responsibilities of the Committee are:
•  assessing whether the size, structure and composition 

of the Board (including its skills, knowledge, experience, 
independence and diversity, including gender diversity) 
continue to meet the Group’s business and strategic needs;

•  examining succession planning for Directors and other
senior executives and for the key roles of Chairman 
of the Board and Chief Executive; and

•  identifying and nominating for approval by the Board, 

candidates to fill Board vacancies as and when they arise, 
together with leading the process for such appointments.

Board changes:
On 10 May 2018 Richard Clothier resigned as Non-Executive 
Chairman and was replaced by Alan Raleigh. On 30 November 
2018 Adam Formela resigned as Chief Executive and was 
replaced on 6 December 2018 by Martin McGee.
On 1 January 2019 Mike Cusick was appointed as 
Commercial Director and Sara Halton joined the Board as a 
Non-Executive Director.

Alan Raleigh
21 March 2019

Attendance of Board and Committee meetings
The attendance at meetings for the year ended 31 December 2018 were as follows:

 2018  

Number of meetings 
Alan Raleigh 
Martin McGee (from 6/12/18) 
Guy Robinson 
Anthony Glossop 
Richard Clothier (to 10/5/18) 
Adam Formela (to 30/11/18) 

Board 

Audit  
Committee  

Remuneration  
Committee  

Nomination
Committee

8 
8 
1 
8 
8 
3 
7 

3 
3 
1 
3 
3 
1 
2 

2 
2 
- 
2 
2 
1 
2 

6
6
1
6
6
2
5

There were more Nomination Committee meetings than normal during the year because of the review of the Board structure 
together with the changes that followed.

 
  
 
18

Robinson plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Director’s report

The directors present their report and the audited financial statements of the 
Group for the year ended 31 December 2018. The financial statements of the 
Group and the Company have been prepared under International Financial 
Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union.

Dividends
The directors recommend a final dividend of 3p per share to be paid on 3 June 2019 to shareholders on the register on 17 May 2019.

Directors and directors’ interests
The directors together with their interests in 0.5p ordinary shares in Robinson plc, were as follows:

Guy Robinson  
Anthony Glossop  
Alan Raleigh  
Martin McGee (appointed 6 December 2018)  
Mike Cusick (appointed 1 January 2019)  
Sara Halton (appointed 1 January 2019)  
Adam Formela (resigned 30 November 2018) 
Richard Clothier (resigned 10 May 2018)  

31 December 2018 

31 December 2017

1,212,601  
196,922  
Nil  
Nil  
5,458  
Nil  

1,159,635
196,922
Nil
Nil
4,792
Nil
309,944
54,548

No director had any interest in the shares of any other Group company. The Group maintains insurance cover to protect directors 
in respect of their duties as directors of the Group. During the year, none of the directors had any material interest in any contract 
of significance in relation to the Group’s business. In accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association, Martin McGee, Mike 
Cusick, Sara Halton and Anthony Glossop retire and offer themselves for re-election. Further details concerning directors are 
provided in the Report on Corporate Governance.

Remuneration Policy
The Group aims to attract, reward, motivate and retain senior executives with the objective of enhancing shareholder value. 
The current remuneration packages are intended to be competitive and incentivise senior executives. They comprise a mix of 
performance related and non-performance related remuneration.

Directors’ Service Contracts
The Executive Directors have service contracts with the Company. The Non-Executive Directors do not have service contracts 
with the Company. The remuneration of Non-Executive Directors is determined after consideration of appropriate external 
comparisons and the responsibilities and time involvement of individual Directors. No Director is involved in deciding his own 
remuneration.

Remuneration Package
The Executive Directors’ remuneration packages, which are reviewed annually by the Remuneration Committee, consist of annual 
salary, performance related bonuses, health and other benefits, pension contributions and share options.

Summary of Directors Remuneration

A Formela  
G Robinson  
A Raleigh  
A Glossop  
R Clothier  
M McGee  
2018  
2017  

Salary &  
benefits-  
in-kind  

Company  
pension  
Bonus  contributions 

£’000  

Total   
2018 

Total
2017

455  
160  
53  
45  
23  
19  
755  
516  

-  
-  
-  
-  
-  
-  
-  
-  

63  
-  
-  
-  
-  
-  
63  
32  

518  
160  
53  
45  
23  
19  
818
-  

253
154
40
45
56
-

548

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Director’s report continued

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Following his resignation, Adam Formela received one years’ notice pay and benefits during the year, in line with his service 
contract. Adam Formela was a member of a money purchase pension scheme and the Company contributed at a rate of 15% of salary.

Bonus
The Executive Directors participate in an annual bonus plan which allows them to earn up to 70% of their basic annual salary of 
which 70% is based on achieving profit targets and 30% on achieving agreed strategic objectives.

Long Term Incentives
Share options have been granted to the Executive Directors under the Company’s Share Option Scheme. These are designed to 
reward the Directors for achieving growth in shareholder value over the longer term.

Interests in Share Options
The Company has an equity settled share option scheme for its Executive Directors and other key managers. Details of outstanding 
share options on 0.5p ordinary shares are as follows:

Adam Formela (*)  
Guy Robinson  
Mike Cusick  
Other key managers  

Weighted average price  
Contractual life outstanding (weighted average) - years (*)  

Granted  
04-May-11  

Granted  
14-Nov-13  

Granted  

Granted   Outstanding
07-Apr-14   11-May-17   31-Dec-18

450,000  

140,056  
140,056  

67,494  

450,000  
69p  

280,112  
43p  

67,494  
202p  

58,000  
75,000  
133,000  
130p  

590,056
207,550
58,000
75,000
930,606
80p
6

* Following his resignation, Adam Formela is entitled to exercise his outstanding options until 16 April 2019. These options have 
not been included in the Contractual life outstanding calculation.

Generally, the share options may be exercised in whole or in part at any time between the third and tenth anniversary of being 
granted subject to the achievement of certain performance criteria. 797,606 options were exercisable at the end of the period. The 
market value of the shares at 31 December 2018 was 65p per share.

Employment of disabled persons
In accordance with Group policy, full and fair consideration is given to the employment of disabled persons, having regard to their 
aptitudes and abilities and the responsibility and physical demands of the job. Disabled employees are provided with equal
opportunities for training and career development.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
20

Robinson plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Director’s report continued

Financial risk management objectives and policies
The Group’s financial instruments comprise borrowings, cash balances, liquid resources, receivables and payables that arise 
directly from its operations. The main purpose of these financial instruments is to raise finance for the Group’s operations. The 
Group does not use derivative instruments.

The principal financial risks the Group faces in its activities are:
• Credit risk from debts arising from its operations
• Foreign currency risk, to which the Group is exposed through its investment in one unlisted company based overseas
• Refinancing and/or liquidity risk

The Board reviews and agrees policies for managing each of these risks and they are summarised below. These policies have 
remained unchanged from previous years. The Group seeks to manage credit risk by careful review of potential customers and 
strict control of credit. The Group does not hedge its exposure of foreign investments held in foreign currencies. There is little trade 
between the UK and Poland.

The Group has limited exposure to liquidity risk and short-term flexibility may be achieved using overdraft facilities with a
floating interest rate.

Further details are given in note 22 to the financial statements and in the Business review.

Going concern
In determining whether the Group’s annual consolidated financial statements can be prepared on a going concern basis, the 
directors considered the Group’s business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance 
and position; these are set out in the Business review.

The Group meets its day to day working capital requirements through an overdraft facility which is due for renewal in February 
2020. The Group’s forecasts and projections, taking account of reasonably possible changes in trading performance, show that the 
Group should be able to operate within the level of its current facility. The Group will seek to renegotiate this facility in due course 
and management is confident that a facility will be forthcoming on acceptable terms.

As at the date of this report, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company and Group have adequate resources to 
continue in business for the foreseeable future. Thus, they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing
the annual financial statements.

Future developments
See the Chairman’s report for an update on future developments.

Subsequent events
There have been no events since the balance sheet date that would have had a material impact on the financial statements.

Capital structure
As set out in note 20, the issued share capital of the Company is 17,687,223 ordinary shares of 0.5p each of which 1,073,834 are 
held in treasury. There have been no changes to the issued share capital since the year end. There is only one class of share in issue 
and there are no restrictions on the voting rights attached to these shares or the transfer of securities in the Company.

Details of share options are set out above. Persons with a shareholding of over 3% in the Company as at 31 December 2018 were:

C W G Robinson  
S J Robinson  
R B Hartley  
R A Shemwell  
S C Shemwell  
S E A Hardy  
H G Shaw  
J C Mansell  

Total   

1,212,601  
724,585  
654,191  
598,791  
534,091  
525,191  
515,191  
500,000  

%

7.3%
4.1%
3.9%
3.6%
3.2%
3.2%
3.1%
3.0%

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Director’s report continued

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Auditor
In the case of each of the persons who are directors of the Company at the date of approval of this report:
•  so far as each of the directors is aware, there is no relevant audit information (as defined in 

the Companies Act 2006) of which the Company’s auditor is unaware; and

•  each of the directors has taken all the steps that he ought to have taken as a director to make himself aware of any 
relevant audit information (as defined) and to establish that the Company’s auditor is aware of that information.

This confirmation is given and should be interpreted in accordance with the provisions of section 418 of the Companies Act 2006.

Directors’ responsibilities statement
The directors are responsible for preparing the Strategic Report, Directors’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with 
applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have 
elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as adopted by 
the European Union and applicable law. Under company law the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they 
are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the profit or loss of the Group for
that period.

In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:
•  select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
•  make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
•  state whether IFRS as adopted by the European Union have been followed subject to any 

material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;

•  provide additional disclosures when compliance with specific requirements in IFRS is insufficient to enable users to understand 

the impact of particular transactions, other events and conditions on the entity’s financial position and financial performance; and

•  prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate 

to presume that the company will continue in business.

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the company’s 
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure 
that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the 
company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

On behalf of the Board

Guy Robinson
Director
21 March 2019

 
22

Robinson plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Group income statement and statement of comprehensive income

Group income statement  

Note 

£’000 

2018  

2017

Revenue 
Cost of sales  
Gross profit  
Operating costs 
Operating profit before exceptional items and amortisation of intangible assets 
Exceptional items  
Amortisation of intangible assets  
Operating profit after exceptional items 
Finance income - interest receivable 
Finance costs - bank interest payable 
Finance income in respect of pension fund 
Profit before taxation  
Taxation  
Profit attributable to the owners of the Company 

Basic earnings per share 
Diluted earnings per share 

1  

2  

3  
11  

26  
4  
6  

8  
8  

Group statement of comprehensive income  

Note 

£’000 

Profit for the year  
Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
Remeasurement of net defined benefit liability  
Deferred tax relating to items not reclassified  

26  
16  

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations  
Other comprehensive income for the year  
Total comprehensive income for the year attributable to the owners of the Company  

Notes 1 to 27 form an integral part of the financial statements.

32,802  
(26,918)  
5,884  
(4,370)  
1,514  
110  
(783)  
841  
-  
(156)  
-  
685  
10  
695  

29,813
(24,035)
5,778
(4,457)
1,321
65
(783)
603
1
(104)
130
630
(317)
313

4.2p  
4.2p  

1.9p
1.9p

2018  

695  

193  
-  
193  

(138)  
55  
750  

2017

313

61
(11)
50

818
868
1,181

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Robinson plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

23

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Statement of financial position

Statement of financial position  

Note 

£’000 

Group  
2018 

Group  
2017  

Company  
2018 

Company
2017

Non-current assets
Goodwill  
Other intangible assets  
Property, plant and equipment  
Investments in subsidiaries  
Deferred tax asset  

Current assets
Inventories  
Trade and other receivables  
Deferred tax asset  
Cash  

Total assets  
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables  
Corporation tax payable  
Bank overdrafts  
Bank and other loans  
Obligations under finance lease contracts  

Non-current liabilities
Bank and other loans  
Obligations under finance lease contracts  
Deferred tax liabilities  
Amounts due to group undertakings  
Provisions  

Total liabilities  
Net assets  

Equity
Share capital  
Share premium  
Capital redemption reserve  
Translation reserve  
Revaluation reserve  
Retained earnings  
Equity attributable to shareholders  

10  
11  
12  
13  
16  

14  
15  

17  

18  
18  
18  

18  
18  
16  

19  

20  

1,115  
4,306  
19,039  
-  
868  
25,328  

2,972  
10,699  
-  
1,358  
15,029  
40,357  

(5,897)  
(99)  
(6,178)  
-  
(276)  
(12,450)  

(2,700)  
(1,049)  
(1,056)  
-  
(174)  
(4,979)  
(17,429)  
22,928  

83  
732  
216  
826  
4,126  
16,945  
22,928  

1,115  
5,089  
17,011  
-  
95  
23,310  

2,838  
9,905  
-  
283  
13,026  
36,336  

(5,568)  
(250)  
(6,441)  
(221)  
(44)  
(12,524)  

-  
(87)  
(488)  
-  
(181)  
(756)  
(13,280)  
23,056  

83  
732  
216  
964  
4,321  
16,740  
23,056  

-  
-  
9,312  
20,690  
523  
30,525  

-  
1,236  
-  
227  
1,463  
31,988  

(6,639)  
(37)  
(1,518)  
-  
-  
(8,194)  

(2,700)  
-  
-  
(7,652)  
(174)  
(10,526)  
(18,720)  
13,268  

83  
732  
216  
-  
388  
11,849  
13,268  

-
-
9,649
20,782
503
30,934

-
2,747
-
148
2,895
33,829

(8,559)
(8)
(2,021)
-
-
(10,588)

-
-
-
(9,208)
(181)
(9,389)
(19,977)
13,852

83
732
216
-
388
12,433
13,852

As permitted by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the parent Company’s income statement has not been included in these 
financial statements and its profit for the financial year after tax amounted to £101,000 (2017: loss £750,000).

Notes 1 to 27 form an integral part of the financial statements. The financial statements were approved by the directors and 
authorised for issue on 21 March 2019. They were signed on their behalf by:

Martin McGee 
Director 

Guy Robinson
Director

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
24

Robinson plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Statement of changes in equity

Statement of changes  
in equity 

£’000 

Share 
Capital 

Share  
Premium 

Capital

redemption  Translation  Revaluation 
reserve 

reserve 

reserve 

Group
At 1 January 2017  
Profit for the year  
Other comprehensive income/(expense)  
Transfer from revaluation reserve as a 
result of property transactions
Credit in respect of share based payments  
Total comprehensive income for the year  
Shares issued  
Dividends paid  
Transactions with owners  
At 31 December 2017  
Profit for the year  
Other comprehensive income/(expense)  
Transfer from revaluation reserve as a 
result of property transactions
Credit in respect of share based payments  
Total comprehensive income for the year  
Shares issued  
Dividends paid  
Transactions with owners  
At 31 December 2018  

82  

610  

216  

146  

4,402  

-  
1  

1  
83  

-  
122  

122  
732  

818  

(81)  

-  

818  

(81)  

-  
216  

-  
964  

(138)  

-  
4,321  

(195)  

-  

-  

-  

(138)  

(195)  

-  
83  

-  
732  

-  
216  

Capital

-  
826  

-  
4,126  

£’000 

Share 
Capital 

Share  
Premium 

redemption  Translation  Revaluation 
reserve 

reserve 

reserve 

Company
At 1 January 2017 
Loss for the year  
Dividends received  
Other comprehensive expense  
Transfer from revaluation reserve as a
result of property transactions 
Credit in respect of share based payments  
Total comprehensive income for the year  
Shares issued  
Dividends paid  
Transactions with owners  
At 31 December 2017  
Profit for the year  
Other comprehensive income  
Transfer from revaluation reserves as a
result of property transactions 
Credit in respect of share based payments  
Total comprehensive income for the year  
Shares issued  
Dividends paid  
Transactions with owners  
At 31 December 2018  

 82  

610  

216  

-  

435  

-  
1  

1  
83  

-  
122  

122  
732  

-  

-  
216  

-  

-  

-  

-  
83  

-  
732  

-  
216  

(47)  

(47)  

-  
388  

-  

-  
388  

-  

-  
-  

-  

-  
-  

Retained 
earnings 

17,181  
313  
50  
81  

16  
460  

(901)  
(901)  
16,740  
695  
193  
195  

12  
1,095  

(890)  
(890)  
16,945  

Retained 
earnings 

10,034  
(750)  
3,937  
50  

47  
16  
3,300  

(901)  
(901)  
12,433  
101  
193  

12  
306  

(890)  
(890)  
11,849  

Total

22,637
313
868
-

16
1,197
123
(901)
(778)
23,056
695
55
-

12
762
-
(890)
(890)
22,928

Total

11,377
(750)
3,937
50

-
16
3,253
123
(901)
(778)
13,852
101
193

-
12
306
-
(890)
(890)
13,268

The share premium account is the amount paid for shares issued in excess of the nominal value. The capital redemption reserve represents 
the amount by which the Company’s share capital has been diminished by the cancellation of shares held in treasury. The retained earnings 
reserve represents the accumulated realised earnings from the prior and current periods as reduced by losses and dividends from time to time. 
Exchange differences relating to the translation from the functional currencies of the group’s foreign subsidiary from Polish Zloty are brought 
to account by recognising those exchange differences in other comprehensive income and accumulating them in a separate component of 
equity under the header of translation reserve. The property revaluation reserve arises on the revaluation of land and buildings. Where 
revalued land or buildings are sold, the portion of the property revaluation reserve that relates to that asset, and is effectively realised, is 
transferred directly to retained earnings. Land and buildings are held at deemed cost in the Group and at revalued amounts in the Company.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statement of cash flows

Statement of cash flows  

Cash flows from operating activities
Prof it/(loss) for the year  
Adjustments for:
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment  
Impairment of property, plant and equipment  
Loss/(profit) on disposal of other plant and equipment  
Impairment/amortisation of goodwill and customer relationships  
Decrease in provisions  
Other finance income in respect of Pension Fund  
Finance costs  
Finance income  
Taxation (credited) / charged  
Other non-cash items:
Pension current service cost and expenses  
Charge for share options  
Operating cash flows before movements in working capital  
Increase in inventories  
(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables  
Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables  
Cash generated by/(used in) operations  
Corporation tax paid  
Interest paid  
Net cash generated by/(used in) operating activities  
Cash flows from investing activities
Interest received  
Acquisition of plant and equipment  
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment  
Net cash (used in)/generated from investing activities  
Cash flows from financing activities
Loans repaid  
Loans drawndown  
Loans granted to subsidiaries  
Loans repaid by subsidiaries  
Shares issued  
Finance leases drawndown  
Finance lease payments  
Dividends paid  
Net cash generated from/(used in) financing activities  
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents  
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January  
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes  
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December  

Cash  
Overdraf t  
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December  

Notes 1 to 27 form an integral part of the financial statements.

Robinson plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

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£’000 

Group 
2018  

Group 
2017 

Company 
2018  

Company
2017

695  

313  

104  

(750)

1,795  
189  
209  
783  
(7)  
-  
156  
-  
(10)  

193  
12  
4,015  
(151)  
(853)  
329  
3,340  
(294)  
(150)  
2,896  

-  
(4,355)  
15  
(4,340)  

(221)  
2,700 
-  
-  
-  
1,300  
(106)  
(890)  
2,783  
1,339  
(6,158)  
(1)  
(4,820)  

1,358  
(6,178)  
(4,820)  

1,492  
-  
(85)  
783  
(4)  
(130)  
104  
(1)  
317  

191  
16  
2,996  
(263)  
(875)  
411  
2,269  
(405)  
(104)  
1,760  

1  
(2,614)  
151  
(2,462)  

(531)  
 -  
-  
-  
123  
-  
(28)  
(901)  
(1,337)  
(2,039)  
(4,206)  
87  
(6,158)  

283  
(6,441)  
(6,158)  

124  
189  
(5)  
-  
(7)  
-  
181  
(80)  
(99)  

193  
12  
612  
-  
1,511  
(1,621)  
502  
(102)  
(181)  
219  

80  
-  
30  
110  

-  
2,700  
(1,557)  
-  
-  
-  
-  
(890)  
253  
582  
(1,873)  
-  
(1,291)  

227  
(1,518)  
(1,291)  

260
-
(82)
-
(4)
(130)
180
(34)
108

191
16
(245)
-
571
49
375
(202)
(180)
(7)

34
(25)
132
141

-
-
-
3,655
123
-
-
(901)
2,877
3,011
(4,884)
-
(1,873)

148
(2,021)
(1,873)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
26

Robinson plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Notes to the financial statements

1 Segmental information
The directors consider the one operating segment of the Group to be solely plastic and paperboard packaging. Accordingly, the 
disclosures in respect of this segment are those of the Group as a whole. The Group’s internal reports about components of the 
Group which are those reported to the Board of Directors are based on geographical segments. Results were derived from assets and 
liabilities held in the following locations:

United Kingdom  
Poland  
UK- Head Office  

£’000 

2018  

2017 

2018  

2017

                              Revenue                             Operating profit/(loss)*

17,892  
14,910  
-  
32,802  

16,828  
12,985  
-  
29,813  

677  
912  
(75)  
1,514  

772
990
(441)
1,321

*before exceptional items and amortisation of intangible asset.

Included in revenues arising from the UK are revenues from the Group’s largest customer amounting to £3,663,000 (2017: 
£2,888,000). No other customer contributed 10% or more to group revenue. The UK-Head Office operating loss is after crediting 
external property rental and other income (see note 2).

                                                                                                                                                                    £’000 

2018  

2017 

2018  

2017

United Kingdom  
Poland  
UK- Head Office  

 £’000 

2018  

 Assets                                               Liabilities

11,455  
17,003  
11,899  
40,357  

9,980  
15,368  
10,988  
36,336  

(7,785)  
(5,161)  
(4,483)  
(17,429)  

(6,780)
(4,088)
(2,412)
(13,280)

2017 

2018 
                Depreciation and

2017 

2018 

2017

                                                                                                                                Capital expenditure                            amortisation                                        Taxation

United Kingdom  
Poland  
UK- Head Office  

2,346  
2,045  
(36)  
4,355  

1,274  
1,894  
26  
3,194  

920  
902  
756  
2,578  

2 Operating costs 

Selling, marketing and distribution costs  
Administrative expenses  
Property rental income  
Other income  
Loss on foreign exchange  

599  
748  
928  
2,275  

£’000 

105  
192  
(307)  
(10)  

2018  

1,323  
3,450  
(356)  
(95)  
48  
4,370  

66
275
(24)
317

2017

1,267
3,569
(352)
(94)
67
4,457

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
              
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued

3 Exceptional items
The following are items outside the normal course of business: 

Profit on disposal of properties  
Restructuring & rationalisation costs  
Property taxes relating to prior years repaid  

4 Profit before taxation
The profit before taxation has been stated after charging / (crediting): 

Depreciation  
Amortisation of intangible asset  
Loss/(gain) on disposal of plant and equipment  
Gain on disposal of properties (see note 3)  
Loss on foreign exchange movements  

Fees payable to the Company’s auditor:
      for the audit of the UK companies  
      for the audit of the overseas companies  
Total audit fees  
Non-audit fees - tax compliance services  
Total auditor’s remuneration  

Audit fees in respect of the Robinson pension scheme (charged to the scheme)    

Robinson plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

27

£’000 

£’000 

2018  

-  
(388)  
498  
110  

2018  

1,795  
783  
209  
-  
48  

28  
8  
36  
8  
44  

4  

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2017

65
-
-
65

2017

1,492
783
(20)
(65)
67

26
8
34
7
41

4

5 Employee information
The average monthly number of persons (including executive directors) employed by the Group and Company during the year was:

Number employed  

Staff costs (for the above):  

Wages and salaries  
Social security costs  
Pension costs  
Share based charges  

No. 

£’000 

Group 
2018  

325  

6,327  
788  
212  
12  
7,339  

Group 
2017 

312  

6,454  
764  
196  
16  
7,430  

Company 
2018  

Company
2017

9  

10

713  
89  
47  
12  
861  

868
120
53
16
1,057

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
28

Robinson plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Notes to the financial statements continued

6 Taxation
Current corporation tax is calculated at 19% (2017: 19.25%) of the estimated assessable profit for the year. In addition, deferred 
tax of £nil (2017: £11,000) has been debited/credited directly to equity in the year (see note 16). The tax charge for the year can be 
reconciled to the profit per the income statement as follows:

Current tax on profit for the year  
Adjustments for current tax of prior periods  
Total current tax charge  
Decrease/(increase) in deferred tax assets  
(Decrease)/increase in deferred tax liability  
Total current deferred tax credit  
Total tax (charge) / credit  

Profit before taxation  
At the effective rate of tax of 19% (2017: 19.25%)  
Difference in rate on overseas taxation  
Items disallowable for tax  
Depreciation on assets ineligible for capital allowances  
Prior year adjustments - corporation tax  
Prior year adjustments - deferred tax  
Book value of property disposals less than/(in excess of) capital gains  
Other differences  
Tax (credit) / charge for the year  

£’000 

2018  

203  
(8)  
195  
(773)  
568  
(205)  
(10)  

685  
130  
-  
(18)  
57  
(93)  
(104)  
-  
18  
(10)  

2017

269
116
385
93
(161)
(68)
317

630
121
8
(18)
38
116
41
12
(1)
317

The total tax recognised in other comprehensive income in the year was £nil (2017: £11,000). There are unrecognised capital losses 
carried forward of £638,000 (2017: £638,000). With this exception, the directors are not aware of any material factors affecting 
the future tax charge. The reduction in the main rate of corporation tax to 17% from 1 April 2020 has been announced. Accordingly, 
deferred tax balances have been revalued to the lower rate of 17% in these accounts to the extent that timing differences are expected 
to reverse after this date.

7 Dividends 

Ordinary dividend paid:  

2017 final of 3p per share (2016: 3p per share)   
2018 interim of 2.5p per share (2017: 2.5p per share)  

£’000 

2018  

2017

485  
405  
890  

485
416
901

The Directors propose a final dividend of 3p per share for 2018.

8 Earnings per share
The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share for continuing operations shown on the income statement is based 
on the profit after taxation of £695,000 (2017: £313,000) divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue, net of treasury 
shares of 16,613,389 (2017: 16,561,169) and for diluted earnings per share of 16,613,389 (2017: 16,857,023) after the potentially 
dilutive effect of further shares issued through share options is applied.

9 Operating lease arrangements
At the balance sheet date, the Group had contracted with tenants for the following future minimum property rental lease receipts:

Receivable:  

Within one year  
In the second to fifth years inclusive  

£’000 

2018  

2017

230  
615  
845  

125
198
323

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Robinson plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

29

Notes to the financial statements continued

10 Goodwill
Goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated, at acquisition, to the cash generating units (CGUs) that are expected to 
benefit from that business combination. The total goodwill balance relates to the Madrox business in Poland, acquired in 2014, which 
forms a part of the Poland operating segment.

Group

Cost  
At 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2018  

Accumulated impairment losses
At 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2018  
Carrying amount
At 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2018  

£’000
1,487

372

1,115

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The Group tests goodwill annually for impairment, or more frequently if there are indications that an impairment may be required. 
The recoverable amounts of the CGUs are determined from value in use calculations. The key assumptions for these calculations are 
those regarding discount rates, sales and operating profit growth rates. The Directors estimate discount rates using pre-tax rates 
that reflect current market assessments of the time value of money for the Group. In respect of the other assumptions, external data 
and management’s best estimates are applied. The Group performs goodwill impairment reviews by forecasting cash flows based 
upon the following year’s budget, which anticipates sales growth, and a projection of sales and cash flows based upon industry growth 
expectations over a further period of four years. The forecasts used in the annual impairment reviews have been prepared taking into 
account current economic conditions. After this period, the sales growth rates applied to the cash flow forecasts are no more than 
2% (2017: 2%) in perpetuity. The pre-tax rate used to discount the forecast cash flows is 10% (2017: 10%). The carrying value of the 
Group’s CGUs remain supportable.

The Group has conducted a sensitivity analysis on the impairment test of the CGU carrying value. The Directors believe that any 
reasonably possible change in the key assumptions on which the recoverable amount of goodwill is based would not cause the 
aggregate carrying amount to exceed the aggregate recoverable amount of the CGU.

11 Other intangible assets 

Group
Cost  
At 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2018  

Amortisation
At 1 January 2017  
Charge for the year  
At 31 December 2017  
Charge for the year  
At 31 December 2018  

Carrying amount
At 31 December 2018  

At 31 December 2017  

The amortisation period for customer relationships acquired is 10 years.

Customer relationships

£’000
7,830

1,958
783
2,741
783
3,524

4,306

5,089

 
30

Robinson plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Notes to the financial statements continued

12 Property, plant and equipment  

£’000 

Land and  
buildings  

Surplus  

Plant and   Assets under  
properties   machinery   construction 

Total

Group
Cost or deemed cost
At 1 January 2017  
Additions at cost  
Disposals  
Movement between categories  
Exchange movement 
At 31 December 2017  
Additions at cost  
Disposals  
Movement between categories  
Exchange movement  
At 31 December 2018  
Accumulated depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2017  
Charge for year 
Disposals  
Exchange movement  
At 31 December 2017  
Charge for year  
Impairment  
Disposals 
Exchange movement  
At 31 December 2018  
Net book value
At 31 December 2018  
At 31 December 2017  

Company
Cost or deemed cost
At 1 January 2017  
Additions at cost  
Intergroup transfer  
Disposals  
At 31 December 2017  
Additions at cost  
Intergroup transfer  
Disposals  
At 31 December 2018  
Depreciation
At 1 January 2017  
Intergroup transfer  
Charge for year  
Disposals  
At 31 December 2017  
Charge for year  
Impairment  
Intergroup transfer  
Disposals  
At 31 December 2018  
Net book value
At 31 December 2018  
At 31 December 2017  

9,014  
15  
-  
26  
496  
9,551  
17  
-  
-  
(82)  
9,486  

1,926  
 286  
-  
113  
2,325  
280  
-  
 -  
(18)  
2,587  

6,899  
7,226  

4,075  
21  
(50)  
-  
-  
4,046  
-  
-  
-  
-  
4,046  

208  
-  
-  
-  
208  
-  
189  
-  
-  
397  

3,649  
3,838  

21,685  
2,034  
(246)  
216  
866  
24,555  
4,338  
(1,701)  
1,112  
(158)  
28,146  

18,048  
1,206  
(230)  
708  
19,732  
1,515  
-  
(1,477)  
(115)  
19,655  

8,491  
4,823  

242  
1,124  
-  
(242)  
-  
1,124  
-  
-  
(1,112)  
(12)  
-  

-  
-  
-  
-  
-  
-  
-  
-  
-  
-  

-  
1,124  

£’000 

Land and  
buildings  

Surplus  

Plant and   Assets under  
properties   machinery   construction 

3,200  
-  
1,456  
-  
4,656  
-  
-  
-  
4,656  

1,071  
236  
350  
-  
1,657  
112  
-  
-  
-  
1,769  

2,887  
2,999  

6,768  
21  
-  
(50)  
6,739  
-  
-  
-  
6,739  

133  
-  
-  
-  
133  
-  
189  
-  
-  
322  

6,417  
6,606  

355  
4  
-  
(38)  
321  
-  
(36)  
(219)  
66  

291  
24  
-  
(38)  
277  
11  
-  
(11)  
(219)  
58  

8  
44  

-  
-  
-  
-  
-  
-  
-  
-  
-  

-  
-  
-  
-  
-  
-  
-  
-  
-  
-  

-  
-  

35,016
3,194
(296)
-
1,362
39,276
4,355
(1,701)
-
(252)
41,678

20,182
1,492
(230)
821
22,265
1,795
189
(1,477)
(133)
22,639

19,039
17,011

Total

10,323
25
1,456
(88)
11,716
-
(36)
(219)
11,461

1,495
260
350
(38)
2,067
123
189
(11)
(219)
2,149

9,312
9,649

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Robinson plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

31

Notes to the financial statements continued

12 Property, plant and equipment (continued)
At 31 December 2018 had the land and buildings and surplus properties been carried at historical cost less accumulated
depreciation and accumulated impairment losses, their carrying amount would have been approximately £5,897,000 (2017:
£6,161,000); Company £1,927,000 (2017: £2,013,000). The Directors consider the fair value of the surplus properties held
by the Group equates to a market value of £6.4m (2017: £6.6m).

13 Investments in subsidiaries  

Shares 
in group  
undertakings  

Loans 
to group
undertakings  

£’000 

Company
Cost
At 1 January 2017  
Exchange differences  
Additional loans granted  
At 31 December 2017  
Exchange differences  
At 31 December 2018  
Amounts written off
At 1 January 2017  
Released  
At 31 December 2017  
Released  
At 31 December 2018  
Net book value
At 31 December 2018  
At 31 December 2017  

1  
-  
-  
1  
-  
1  

-  
-  
-  
-  
-  

1  
1  

21,940  
87  
1,261  
23,288  
(15)  
23,273  

2,512  
(5)  
2,507  
77  
2,584  

20,689  
20,781  

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Total

21,941
87
1,261
23,289
(15)
23,274

2,512
(5)
2,507
77
2,584

20,690
20,782

The loans are classed as equity investments and repayment is neither planned nor likely in the foreseeable future. Provision has been 
made against amounts due from subsidiaries where there is a shortfall of net assets to satisfy the debtor.

Interests in Group undertakings
The Company has the following interest in subsidiaries:

Name of undertaking 

Activities

Robinson (Overseas) Limited  
Robinson Paperbox Packaging Limited  
Robinson Plastic Packaging Limited  
Robinson Packaging Polska Sp z o.o  
Walton Mill (Chesterfield) Limited 
Robinson Plastic Packaging (Stanton Hill) Limited 
Furnace Hill Limited 
Griffin Estates (Chesterfield) Limited 
Lowmoor Estates Limited 
Portland Works Limited 
Robinson Industrial Properties Limited 
Walton Estates (Chesterfield) Limited 
Wheatbridge Limited 

Intermediate Holding Company
Manufacture of Paperboard Packaging
Manufacture of Plastic Packaging
Manufacture of Plastic Packaging
Property Company
Dormant Company
Dormant Company
Dormant Company
Dormant Company
Dormant Company
Dormant Company
Dormant Company
Dormant Company

The country of incorporation of each of the above companies is England, except for Robinson Packaging Polska Sp z o.o which is 
incorporated in Poland.

The registered address of all the companies is Field House, Wheatbridge, Chesterfield S40 2AB except for Robinson Packaging Polska 
Sp z o.o whose registered address is 238 Gen J Dabrowskiego Street, 93-231 Lodz, Poland. The percentage shareholding for all 
subsidiaries is 100% and all except Robinson Packaging Polska Sp z o.o are held directly.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
32

Robinson plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Notes to the financial statements continued

14 Inventories  

Raw materials  
Work in progress  
Finished goods and goods for resale  

£’000 

Group 
2018  

1,806  
13  
1,153  
2,972  

Group
2017

1,803
10
1,025
2,838

The carrying value of inventories represents fair value less costs to sell.

In 2018, a total of £23,035,504 (2017: £20,675,214) cost of inventories was included in the income statement as an expense. This 
includes an amount of £95,000 resulting from the write-down of inventories (2017: £35,000) and a credit of £nil (2017: £98,000) 
resulting from the reversal of previous write-downs.

15 Trade and other receivables  

Trade receivables  
Receivables from subsidiaries  
Other receivables  
Prepayments  

Including other receivables due in greater than one year  

£’000 

Group 
2018  

9,572  
-  
913  
214  
10,699  
-  

Group 
2017 

Company 
2018  

Company
2017

9,011  
-  
721  
173  
9,905  
100  

255  
907  
9  
65  
1,236  
-  

260
2,364
41
82
2,747
-

Receivables from one customer amounted to £985,000 at 31 December 2018 (2017: £978,000). The carrying value of trade or
other receivables is considered a reasonable approximation of fair value. The average credit period taken is 81 days (2017: 79 days). 
The Group manages credit risk by credit checking new customers and defining credit limits. The Group reserves the right to charge 
interest on overdue amounts. The Group applies the IFRS9 simplified approach to measuring expected credit losses which uses a 
lifetime expected loss allowance for all trade receivables. To measure the expected credit losses, trade receivables have been grouped 
based on shared credit risk characteristics and the days past due. The expected loss rates are based on the payment profiles of sales 
over a period of 12 months before 31 December 2018 or 1 January 2018 respectively and the historical credit losses experienced 
within this period. The historical loss rates are adjusted to reflect current and forward looking information on macroeconomic 
factors affecting the ability of the customers to settle the receivables. On that basis, the loss allowance for trade receivables as at 31 
December 2018 and 1 January 2018 was £155k and £25k respectively.

In addition, some of the unimpaired Group trade receivables are past due as at the reporting date. The age of financial assets past due 
but not impaired is as follows:

Not more than 3 months  
More than 3 months but not more than 6 months  

£’000 

Group 
2018  

1,329  
268  
1,597  

Group 
2017 

2,639  
101  
2,740  

Company 
2018 

Company
2017

-  
-  
-  

-
-
-

Trade receivables that are not past due are not considered to be impaired.

The movement in the allowance for doubtful debts was as follows:

At 1 January 
Impairment losses recognised  
Amounts recovered during the year  
At 31 December  

£’000 

Group 
2018  

Group 
2017 

Company 
2018 

Company
2017

25  
133  
(3)  
155  

26  
7  
(8)  
25  

-  
-  
-  
-  

-
-
-
-

Trade receivables are classified as loans and receivables and are therefore measured at amortised cost.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Robinson plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

33

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Total

472
(90)
11
393
(205)
-
188

(467)
(47)
11
(503)
(20)
-
(523)

Notes to the financial statements continued

16 Deferred taxation
The deferred tax liabilities and assets recognised by the Group and movements thereon during the current and prior reporting period 
are as follows:

  Accelerated 
tax 

Short term 
temporary 
£’000  depreciation  differences 

Fair value 
gains 

Pension
obligations 

Group 
At 1 January 2017  
Charge to income  
Charged through other comprehensive income  
At 31 December 2017  
Charge to income  
Charged through other comprehensive income 
At 31 December 2018  

Company
At 1 January 2017  
Charge to income  
Charged through other comprehensive income  
At 31 December 2017  
Charge to income  
Charged through other comprehensive income  
At 31 December 2018  

Deferred tax liability  
Deferred tax asset  

(69)  
52  
-  
(17)  
24  
-  
7  

(3)  
-  
-  
(3)  
-  
-  
(3)  

£’000 

517  
(131)  
-  
386  
(229)  
-  
157  

(476)  
(36)  
-  
(512)  
(20)  
-  
(532)  

24  
-  
-  
24  
-  
- 
24  

12  
-  
-  
12  
-  
-  
12  

-  
(11)  
11  
-  
-  
 -  
-  

-  
(11)  
11  
-  
-  
-  
-  

Group 
2018  

1,056  
(868)  
188  

Group 
2017 

Company 
2018  

Company
2017

488  
(95)  
393  

-  
(523)  
(523)  

-
(503)
(503)

Deferred tax has been provided at 17%. Certain deferred tax liabilities have been offset. The above is the analysis of the deferred tax 
balances (after offset) for financial reporting purposes. The directors consider that the Group will generate sufficient taxable profits in 
future years with which to recover the deferred tax asset.

17 Trade and other payables  

Amount due for settlement within 12 months
Trade payables  
Amounts due to subsidiaries  
Social security and other taxes  
Other creditors  
Accruals and deferred income  

£’000 

Group 
2018  

Group 
2017 

Company 
2018  

Company
2017

4,056  
-  
728  
323  
790  
5,897  

3,549  
-  
771  
581  
667  
5,568  

60  
5,924  
263  
88  
304  
6,639  

90
7,440
116
345
568
8,559

The carrying amount of trade and other payables approximates to their fair value. The Group has financial risk management policies in 
place to ensure that all payables are paid on a timely basis. The average credit period taken is 52 days (2017: 50 days).

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
34

Robinson plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Notes to the financial statements continued

18 Borrowings  

held at amortised cost
Bank overdraft  
Bank and other loans  
Obligations under finance lease contracts  

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

£’000 

Group 
2018  

Group 
2017 

Company 
2018  

Company
2017

6,178  
2,700  
1,325  
10,203  
6,454  
3,749  

6,441  
221  
131  
6,793  
6,706  
87  

1,518  
2,700  
-  
4,218  
1,518  
2,700  

2,021
-
-
2,021
2,021
-

The bank overdraft facility is repayable on demand and bears interest at a rate that varies with the HSBC sterling base rate. It is 
secured on a first charge over certain of the Group’s properties. The undrawn facility at 31 December 2018 was £1.3m. A loan of 
£2.7m from the pension escrow account was made during the year, bears interest at a rate that varies with the Bank of England sterling 
base rate and is secured by a charge over certain of the Group’s properties (see note 26 for more details). Obligations under finance 
lease contracts bear interest at rates that vary with the HSBC sterling base rate or one-month EURIBOR and are secured over certain 
items of plant and equipment.

19 Provisions for liabilities  

Group and Company 
At 1 January 2017  
Movement in year  
At 31 December 2017  
Movement in year  
At 31 December 2018 

£’000 

 Post-retirement benefits

185
(4)
181
(7)
174

The Group provides medical insurance to certain retired employees and to an executive director on retirement. A provision has been 
made to meet this liability. The principal assumptions used in determining the required provisions are a discount rate of 4% per annum, 
medical cost inflation of 8% per annum, and individual life expectancy assumptions. Based on those assumptions the provision is 
expected to be utilised over 33 years.

20 Share capital  

Authorised:
70,000,000 ordinary shares of 0.5p each  

Allotted, called up and fully paid (ordinary shares of 0.5p):
17,687,223 shares  
Held in Treasury: 1,073,834 shares (2017: 1,073,834)  
Net Issued Share Capital: 16,613,389 shares (2017: 16,613,389)  

£’000 

2018  

2017

350  

350

88  
(5)  
83  

88
(5)
83

The Company has one class of ordinary shares which carry no right to fixed income. There are no special rights or restrictions 
associated with these ordinary shares. The shares held in Treasury arise from the buy-back of shares in 2004 and have not been 
cancelled as they are being used to satisfy share options and other future issues of shares.

21 Retained earnings
An amount of £200,000 included in the retained earnings of the Company relates to the revaluation of property held in its
subsidiaries and is not distributable.

22 Risk management objectives and policies
The Group and the Company are exposed to market risk through their use of financial instruments and specifically to credit risk and 
foreign currency risks, which result from the Group’s operating activities and the Company’s investing activities. The Group’s risk is 
managed in close co-operation with the board of directors and focuses on actively securing the Group’s short to medium term cash 
flows by minimising the exposure to financial markets. Robinson does not engage in the trading of financial assets for speculative 
purposes nor does it write options. The most significant financial risks to which the Group is exposed are described below. See also 
below for a summary of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities by category.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Robinson plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

35

Notes to the financial statements continued

Foreign currency sensitivity
Most of the Group’s transactions are carried out in sterling. Exposures to currency rates arise from the Group’s overseas sales and 
purchases, which, where they are not denominated in sterling, are primarily denominated in Euros. Total debts denominated in Euros 
amounted to €1,788,000 at 31 December 2018 (2017: €859,000). The following table details the Group’s sensitivity to a 10 per cent 
increase and decrease in sterling against the relevant foreign currencies. The sensitivity analysis includes only outstanding foreign 
currency denominated monetary items at the period end. A positive number below indicates an increase in profit and other equity 
where sterling weakens 10 per cent against the Euro.

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Euro currency impact  

Profit or loss for the year  
Equity  

£’000 

2018  

(114)  
(114)  

2017

15
15

Further details on currency risk management are given in the Strategic Report.

Interest rate sensitivity
If interest rates had been 1 per cent higher, the Group’s profit for the year ended 31 December 2018 would decrease by £72,000 
(2017: £58,000) due to its exposure to interest rates on its variable rate borrowings. The impact of a 1% change on cash balances
would be insignificant.

Credit risk analysis
The Group’s exposure to credit risk is limited to the carrying amount of financial assets recognised at 31 December 2018 as detailed 
in note 15. The Group continuously monitors defaults (for debts beyond due date) of customers and incorporates this information 
into its credit risk controls. External credit ratings and reports on customers are obtained and used. The Group’s policy is to deal only 
with creditworthy customers. The Group’s management considers that all the above financial assets that are not impaired for each 
of the reporting dates under review are of good credit quality, including those that are past due. The bank overdraft is secured on 
the debts and certain properties of the Group. No other financial assets are secured by collateral or other credit enhancements. In 
respect of trade and other receivables, the Group is not exposed to any significant credit risk exposure to any counterparty or group of 
counterparties having similar characteristics.

Liquidity risk analysis
The Group manages its liquidity needs by carefully monitoring cash outflows due in day-to-day business. The Group’s liabilities have 
contractual maturities that are summarised below:

Current within 12 months
Trade payables  
Other financial liabilities  
Borrowings  

Non-current later than 12 months
Other financial liabilities  
Borrowings  

£’000 

Group 
2018  

Group 
2017 

Company 
2018  

Company
2017

4,056  
1,113  
6,454  
11,623  

-  
3,749  
3,749  

3,549  
1,248  
6,662  
11,459  

60  
6,316  
1,518  
7,894  

-  
87  
87  

7,651  
2,700  
10,351  

90
8,353
2,021
10,464

9,208
-
9,208

The Group non-current liabilities includes the escrow loan £2.7m (see note 26) and obligations under finance lease contracts £1.0m.

The Company non-current liabilities arise from intercompany loans which are considered due in more than 5 years.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
36

Robinson plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Notes to the financial statements continued

22 Risk management objectives and policies  (continued)

Summary of financial assets and liabilities by category
The carrying amounts of financial assets and liabilities as recognised at 31 December of the reporting periods under review may also 
be categorised as follows:

Financial assets
Trade and other receivables  
Cash  

Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost
Non-current:
Borrowings  
Amounts due to group undertakings  
Current:
Borrowings  
Trade and other payables  

Net financial assets and liabilities  
Non-financial assets and liabilities  
Total equity  

£’000 

Group 
2018  

Group 
2017 

Company 
2018  

Company
2017

10,485  
1,358  
11,843  

9,732  
283  
10,015  

1,171  
227  
1,398  

2,665
148
2,813

(3,749)  
-  

(6,454)  
(5,169)  
(15,372)  
(3,529)  
26,457  
22,928  

(87)  
-  

(2,700)  
(7,651)  

-
(9,208)

(6,706)  
(4,797)  
(11,590)  
(1,575)  
24,631  
23,056  

(1,518)  
(6,376)  
(18,245)  
(16,847)  
30,115  
13,268  

(2,021)
(8,443)
(19,672)
(16,859)
30,711
13,852

Capital management policies and procedures
The Group’s capital management objectives are:
•  to ensure the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern; and
•   to provide an adequate return to shareholders by pricing products commensurately with the level of risk.

The Group monitors capital based on the carrying amount of equity, less cash and cash equivalents as presented on the face of the 
statement of financial position. Robinson manages the capital structure and adjusts it in the light of changes in economic conditions and 
the risk characteristics of the underlying assets. In order to maintain its capital structure, the Group may adjust the dividends paid to 
shareholders, issue new shares, or sell assets to reduce debt.

23 Capital commitments  

Contracted but not provided in these financial statements  

£’000 

Group 
2018  

328  

Group 
2017 

372  

Company 
2018  

Company
2017

-  

-

24 Contingent liabilities
There were contingent liabilities at 31 December 2018 in relation to cross guarantees of bank overdrafts and leases given by the 
Company on behalf of other Group undertakings. The amount guaranteed at 31 December 2018 was £5,148,000 (2017: £4,671,000). 
The directors have considered the fair value of the cross guarantee and do not consider this to be significant.

25 Related parties
Transactions took place in the normal course of business between the Company and its subsidiaries during the year as follows:

Charges by the Company to its subsidiaries:
Rent  
Management charges  
Interest  
Other charges (including costs incurred by the Company on behalf of its subsidiaries
and subsequently recharged to them) 

Charges by the subsidiaries to the Company
(mainly costs incurred by them on behalf of the Company and recharged to it) 
Net balances due from subsidiaries outstanding at the year end 

£6,118,000 of the charges in 2018 related to UK subsidiaries (2017: £5,392,000).

£’000 

2018  

2017

448  
310  
79  

5,567  
6,404  

64  
13,681  

318
462
34

4,886
5,700

108
6,497

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Robinson plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

37

Notes to the financial statements continued

26 Pension asset Group and Company
The Group operates one principal pension scheme, the Robinson & Sons Limited Pension Fund, of which approximately 90% of 
UK employees are members. The scheme has a defined benefit section, which was closed to new members in 1997 and a defined 
contribution section introduced in 1998. In respect of the defined benefit section, contributions to the pension schemes are made and 
the pension cost is assessed in accordance with the advice of an independent qualified actuary. The actuary carried out a full actuarial 
valuation of the scheme as at 5 April 2017 which showed a surplus of 2% on an on-going basis. The fund was valued under IAS19 as at 
31 December by Kenneth Donaldson FIA of Quattro Pensions and the estimated financial position was as follows:

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Equities  
Gilts and bonds  
Real estate  
Cash  
Total market value of assets  
Present value of scheme liabilities  
Surplus in the scheme  
Irrecoverable surplus  
Pension asset  

£’000 

2018  

2017

23,600  
26,618  
4,890  
5,864  
60,972  
(54,512) 
6,460  
(6,460)  
-  

26,634
28,124
6,350
4,905
66,013
(57,485)
8,528
(8,528)
-

The market value of the assets less the present value of scheme liabilities, calculated based on these assumptions, is the surplus in 
the scheme. Under IAS19, the disclosure of a scheme’s total surplus must be limited to the amount by which the employer can gain 
an “economic benefit” from the existence of the surplus. This “recoverable surplus” has been estimated as the amount of the scheme’s 
total surplus that can be used to meet scheme expenses and the cost of future accrual in the defined benefit section of the Scheme. The 
irrecoverable surplus is then the difference between the total surplus and the estimated recoverable surplus as defined above.

The following amounts were recognised in the income statement:

£’000 

2018  

2017

Charged to operating profit:
Current service cost - final salary section  
Expenses - final salary section  
Current service cost - money purchase section  
Total operating charge  
Charged to:
Cost of sales  
Operating costs  
Total operating charge  
Amount credited to other finance income:
Expected return on assets  
Interest on scheme liabilities  
Net return  
The following amounts were not recognised in other comprehensive income: 
Movement in irrecoverable surplus before deduction of escrow account 
Other actuarial gains/(losses) 
Actuarial gain not recognised in other comprehensive income before deferred tax 

Key assumptions used were:  
Discount rate for liabilities  
Price inflation  
Salary inflation  

93  
100  
166  
359  

92  
267  
359  

1,347  
(1,347)  
-  

2,068  
(1,862)  
206  

2018  
2.7%  
3.3%  
3.6%  

109
82
158
349

89
260
349

1,635
(1,505)
130

(3,348)
3,565
217

2017
2.4%
3.2%
3.5%

The most significant of these assumptions is the discount rate. If this were reduced by 0.1% per annum, the liabilities would 
increase by approximately £700,000 (2017: £800,000). Inflation assumptions in both years are dependent on gilt yields. The 
mortality assumptions used are based on the S2 series tables with allowance for future improvements made by combining the 2017 
improvement factors published by the Continuous Mortality Investigation with an assumed long-term annual rate of improvement in 
mortality at each age of 1%.

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
38

Robinson plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Notes to the financial statements continued

The average life expectancy of a pensioner at ages 45 and 65 is as follows:

Life expectancy of 45 year old man at the age of 65 years  
Life expectancy of 45 year old woman at the age of 65 years  
Life expectancy of 65 year old man at the age of 65 years  
Life expectancy of 65 year old woman at the age of 65 years  

2018  

2017

22.9  
24.9  
21.8  
23.7  

23.0
25.0
21.9
23.8

If the life expectancy assumption was increased by 1 year, the liabilities would increase by approximately £2.5m (2017: £2.6m). The 
average duration of the benefit obligation at the year-end is 14 years.

Following the actuarial valuation carried out in April 2002 it was clear that there was no need for the employer to pay contributions 
into the fund for existing scheme members. The Company has nonetheless agreed to pay employer contributions set aside in the 
Company’s financial statements since the actuarial valuation in April 2002, together with money purchase contributions between 
2005 and 2017, into an escrow account. The outcome of the next actuarial valuation in April 2020 will determine whether the 
contributions will be paid over to the Fund, returned to the Company or whether some other arrangements will be made. It is likely that 
the escrow account will be returned to the fund and therefore it has been disclosed as an asset of the pension scheme. £2.7m of the 
escrow account was loaned to the Company on commercial terms secured on surplus property valued at £3m held by the Group. The 
total set aside in the escrow account, including the £2.7m loan receivable, at 31 December 2018 amounted to £3.1m (2017: £3.1m).

Movements in the defined benefit obligation were as follows: 

£’000 

At 1 January  
Current service cost  
Interest cost  
Employee contributions  
Remeasurement DBO - actuarial loss/(gain) from financial items  
Remeasurement DBO - actuarial loss/(gain) from demographic items  
Benefits paid  
At 31 December  

Movements in the fair value of plan assets during the year were as follows:  

£’000 

At 1 January  
Employee contributions  
Interest income on plan assets  
Remeasurement of plan assets - actuarial gain/(loss)  
Employer contributions  
Benefits paid from plan  
Expenses paid  
At 31 December  

2018  

57,485  
93  
1,347  
11  
(1,569)  
(51)  
(2,804)  
54,512  

2018  

66,013  
11  
1,550  
(3,685)  
(13)  
(2,804)  
(100)  
60,972  

2017

58,879
109
1,489
14
402
(14)
(3,394)
57,485

2017

64,059
14
1,635
3,937
(156)
(3,394)
(82)
66,013

The actual return on scheme assets over the year was £2,135,000 (2017: £5,572,000). The cumulative amount of actuarial gains and 
losses recognised in other comprehensive income since the date of transition to IFRS is a loss of £10,306,000 (2017: £10,306,000).

The five-year history of experience adjustments is as follows:

Fair value of scheme assets  
Present value of defined benefit obligations  
Irrecoverable surplus  
Surplus in the scheme  
Experience adjustments on scheme assets  
Percentage of scheme assets  
Experience adjustments on scheme liabilities  
Percentage of scheme liabilities  

£m 

2018  

61.0  
(54.5)  
(6.5)  
-  
3.5  
6%  
-  
0%  

2017  

66.0  
(57.5)  
(8.5)  
-  
3.9  
6%  
-  
0%  

2016  

64.1  
(58.9)  
(5.2)  
-  
8.6  
13%  
-  
0%  

2015  

56.1  
(50.9)  
(4.2)  
1.0  
(1.5)  
-3%  
(0.1)  
0%  

2014  

58.4  
(53.7)  
(3.4)  
1.3  
2.6  
4%  
-  
0%  

2013

56.1
(48.6)
(5.8)
1.7
-
0%
-
0%

At 31 December 2018, £60,303 of money purchase contributions had not yet been transferred to the pension provider.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Robinson plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

39

Notes to the financial statements continued

27 Accounting policies
Robinson plc is a company incorporated in the United Kingdom under the Companies Acts. The consolidated and Company financial 
statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European 
Union. All standards and interpretations that have been issued and are effective at the year end have been applied in the financial 
statements. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention adjusted for the revaluation of certain 
properties.

Consolidation
The Group’s financial statements consolidate the financial statements of Robinson plc and all its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries are 
consolidated from the date on which control transfers to the Group and are included until the date on which the Group ceases to 
control them. Transactions and year end balances between Group companies are eliminated on consolidation. All entities have 
coterminous year ends. The Group obtains and exercises control through voting rights. Investments in subsidiary undertakings are 
accounted for in accordance with IAS27 and IFRS 10.

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Revenue
The Group manufactures and sells a range of plastic and paperboard packaging to its customers. Revenue is recognised when control of 
the products is transferred, being when the products are delivered to the customer, and there is no unfulfilled performance obligation 
that could affect the customer’s acceptance of the products. Delivery occurs when the products have been shipped to the specific 
location, the risks of obsolescence and loss have been transferred to the customer, and either the customer has accepted the products 
in accordance with the sales contract, the acceptance provisions have lapsed, or the group has objective evidence that all criteria for 
acceptance have been satisfied. Products are sometimes sold with retrospective volume rebates based on aggregate sales over a 
12 months period. Revenue from these sales is recognised based on the price specified in the contract, net of the estimated volume 
rebates. Accumulated experience is used to estimate and provide for the rebates, using the expected value method, and revenue is 
only recognised to the extent that it is highly probable that a significant reversal will not occur. A rebate liability (included in trade and 
other payables) is recognised for expected volume rebates payable to customers in relation to sales made until the end of the reporting 
period. No element of financing is deemed present as the sales are made with credit terms which are considered within the range of 
normal industry practice. A receivable is recognised when the goods are delivered as this is the point in time that the consideration is 
unconditional because only the passage of time is required before the payment is due.

Foreign currencies
Assets and liabilities of overseas subsidiaries are translated into sterling, the functional currency of the parent company, at the rate 
of exchange ruling at the year end. The results and cash flows of overseas subsidiaries are translated into sterling using the average 
rate of exchange for the year as this is considered to approximate to the actual rate. Exchange movements on the restatement of the 
net assets of overseas subsidiaries and the adjustment between the income statement translated at the average rate and the closing 
rate are taken directly to other reserves and reported in the other comprehensive income. All other exchange differences arising 
on monetary items are dealt with through the consolidated income statement. On disposal of a foreign subsidiary the accumulated 
exchange difference in relation to the operation are reclassified into the income statement.

Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less a provision for depreciation and impairment losses. Depreciation is calculated to 
write off the cost less estimated residual values of the assets in equal instalments over their expected useful lives. No depreciation is 
provided on freehold land or Surplus Properties. Depreciation is provided on other assets at the following annual rates:

Buildings 
Plant and machinery 

4% - 20% per annum
5% - 33% per annum

Residual values and estimated useful lives are re-assessed annually.

Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost, including related overheads, and net realisable value. Cost comprises direct materials and, 
where applicable, direct labour costs and the overheads incurred in bringing items to their present location and condition. Inventories 
are valued on a first in, first out, basis. Net realisable value represents the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion 
and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.

Trade and other receivables
Trade receivables are amounts due from customers for goods sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business. They are 
recognised initially at the amount of consideration that is unconditional. The group holds the trade receivables with the objective to 
collect the contractual cash flows and therefore measures them subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method, 
less any required allowances for uncollectible amounts. Any change in their value through impairment or reversal of impairment is 
recognised in the income statement. Provision is made for expected credit losses based upon experience.

 
40

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Notes to the financial statements continued

Cash and cash equivalents
For the purpose of presentation in the statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, demand deposits 
with banks, and other short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank 
overdrafts are shown within current liabilities in the statement of financial position.

Trade and other payables
These amounts represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the group prior to the end of financial year which are unpaid. 
The amounts are unsecured and are usually paid within 60 days of recognition. Trade and other payables are presented as current 
liabilities unless payment is not due within 12 months after the reporting period. They are recognised initially at their fair value and 
subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Borrowings
Borrowings are initially recognised at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised 
cost. Any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption amount is recognised in profit or loss over 
the period of the borrowings using the effective interest method. Borrowings are removed from the balance sheet when the obligation 
specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expired. Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the group has an 
unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after the reporting period. Borrowings include bank 
overdrafts, bank and other loans and obligations under finance lease contracts.

Taxation
Current income tax assets and/or liabilities comprise obligations to, or claims from, fiscal authorities relating to the current or prior 
reporting periods, that are unpaid/due at the reporting date. Current tax is payable on taxable profits, which may differ from profit or 
loss in the financial statements. Calculation of current tax is based on the tax rates and tax laws that have been enacted or substantively 
enacted at the reporting period.

Deferred taxation is provided on taxable and deductible temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities 
in the financial statements and their corresponding tax bases. Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that 
taxable profits will be available against which temporary differences can be utilised or that they will reverse. Deferred tax is measured 
using the tax rates expected to apply when the asset is realised, or the liability settled based on tax rates enacted or substantively 
enacted by the reporting date. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognised where the carrying amount of an asset or liability on 
the reporting date differs from its tax base except for differences arising on investments in subsidiaries where the Group can control 
the timing of the reversal of the difference and it is probable that the difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. Changes in 
deferred tax assets or liabilities are recognised as a component of tax expense in the income statement, except where they relate to 
items that are charged directly to other comprehensive income (such as the revaluation of land or relating to transactions with owners) 
in which case the related deferred tax is also charged or credited directly to other comprehensive income. Current tax is the tax 
currently payable on taxable profit for the year.

Employee benefits
The retirement benefit asset and/or liabilities recognised in the statement of financial position represents the fair value of defined 
benefit fund assets less the present value of the defined benefit obligation, to the extent that this is recoverable by means of a 
contribution holiday, payment of money purchase contributions and expenses from the fund calculated on the projected unit credit 
method. Operating costs comprise the current service cost. Finance income comprises the expected return on fund assets less the 
interest on fund liabilities. Actuarial gains or losses comprising differences between the actual and expected return on fund assets, 
changes in fund liabilities due to experience and changes in actuarial assumptions are recognised immediately in other comprehensive 
income. Pension costs for the money purchase section represent contributions payable during the year.

Goodwill
All business combinations are accounted for by applying the purchase method. Goodwill arising on consolidation represents the excess 
of the cost of the acquisition over the Group’s interest in the fair value of identifiable assets (including intangible assets) and liabilities 
of the business acquired. Goodwill is not amortised but is reviewed for impairment at least annually. For the purpose of impairment 
testing, goodwill is allocated to each of the Group’s cash-generating units expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination. 
Cash-generating units to which goodwill has been allocated are tested for impairment annually, or more frequently when there is an 
indication that the unit may be impaired. If the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit is less than the carrying amount of the 
unit, the impairment loss is allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the unit and then to the other 
assets of the unit pro-rata on the basis of the carrying amount of each asset in the unit. An impairment loss recognised for goodwill 
is not reversed in a subsequent period. On disposal of a cash generating unit, the attributable amount of goodwill is included in the 
determination of the profit or loss on disposal.

Robinson plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

41

Notes to the financial statements continued

Other intangible assets
Intangible assets with finite useful lives that are acquired separately are carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated 
impairment losses. Amortisation is recognised in the profit for the year on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. The 
estimated useful life and amortisation method are reviewed at the end of each reporting period, with the effect of any changes in 
estimate being accounted for on a prospective basis. Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives that are acquired separately are 
carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Intangible assets acquired in a business combination and recognised separately 
from goodwill are initially recognised at their fair value at the acquisition date (which is regarded as their cost). Subsequent to initial 
recognition, intangible assets acquired in a business combination are reported at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated 
impairment losses, on the same basis as intangible assets that are acquired separately.

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Operating Leases
Rental income from operating leases is recognised on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease.

Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable that 
the Group will be required to settle that obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. The amount 
recognised as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at the balance sheet 
date, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. Where a provision is measured using the cash flows 
estimated to settle the present obligation, its carrying amount is the present value of those cash flows (when the effect of the time 
value of money is material). When some or all of the economic benefits required to settle a provision are expected to be recovered from 
a third party, a receivable is recognised as an asset if it is virtually certain that reimbursement will be received, and the amount of the 
receivable can be measured reliably.

Land & buildings
Land and buildings held for use in the production or supply of goods or services, or for administrative purposes, are stated in the 
balance sheet at their deemed cost, being the fair value at the date of transition, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and 
subsequent accumulated impairment losses. Any revaluation increase arising on the revaluation of such land and buildings prior to 
deemed cost being adopted was credited to the properties revaluation reserve, except to the extent that it reversed a revaluation 
decrease for the same asset previously recognised as an expense, in which case the increase was credited to the income statement to 
the extent of the decrease previously expensed. A decrease in carrying amount arising on the revaluation of such land and buildings 
was charged as an expense to the extent that it exceeds the balance, if any, held in the properties revaluation reserve relating to a 
previous revaluation of that asset. Depreciation on revalued buildings is charged to income. On the subsequent sale or scrappage of 
a previously revalued property, the attributable revaluation surplus remaining in the properties revaluation reserve is transferred 
directly to retained earnings. Freehold land is not depreciated.

Surplus properties
The Group owns several properties, that were previously used in its trading businesses, which are now surplus to its current business 
needs. There is an active plan to sell these properties as and when market conditions allow. For the purposes of these financial 
statements these properties have been included under the heading Surplus Properties.

Share based payments
The fair value at the date of grant of share options is calculated using the Black Scholes pricing model and charged to the income 
statement on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the award. The charge to the income statement takes account of the 
estimated number of share options that will vest. The corresponding credit to an equity settled share-based payment is recognised in 
equity. If vesting periods or other non-market vesting conditions apply, the expense is allocated over the vesting period, based on the 
best available estimate of the number of share options expected to vest. Estimates are subsequently revised if there is any indication 
that the number of share options expected to vest differs from previous estimates. Any cumulative adjustment prior to vesting 
is recognised in the current period. No adjustment is made to any expense recognised in prior periods if share options ultimately 
exercised are different to that estimated on vesting. Further details are given in the Directors report.

Employee benefit trusts
The Company has established trusts for the benefit of employees and certain of their dependants. Monies held in these trusts are 
held by independent trustees and managed at their discretion. Where monies held in a trust are determined by the Company based 
on employees’ past services to the business and the Company can obtain no future economic benefit from these monies, such monies, 
whether in trust or accrued for by the Company are charged to the income statement in the period to which they relate.

Going concern
The directors have, at the time of approving the financial statements, a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group have 
adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus, they continue to adopt the going concern 
basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements. Further detail is contained in the Directors’ Report.

 
42

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Notes to the financial statements continued

Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The preparation of the Group’s financial statements requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect 
the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the reporting date. 
However, uncertainty about the assumptions and estimates could result in outcomes that could require a material adjustment to the 
carrying amount of the asset or liability affected in the future. The key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of 
estimation uncertainty at 31 December 2018 that have a significant risk of causing material adjustment to the carrying amounts of 
assets and liabilities within the next financial year relate to pension, other post-employment benefits and the impairment of goodwill, 
property and intangible assets. The cost of defined benefit pension plans and other post-employment benefit is determined using 
actuarial valuations. The actuarial valuation involves making assumptions about discount rates, expected rates of return on assets, 
mortality rates and future pension increases. Due to the long-term nature of these plans such estimates are subject to significant 
uncertainty. The irrecoverable surplus is based on estimates of the recoverable surplus. These are based on expectations in line with 
the underlying assumptions in the valuation and current circumstances. Further details can be found in note 26. The Group tests 
goodwill, intangible assets and property annually for impairment, or more frequently if there are indications that an impairment may 
be required. Determining whether goodwill is impaired requires an estimation of the value in use of the cash-generating units to which 
goodwill has been allocated. The value-in-use calculation requires the entity to estimate the future cash flows expected to arise from 
the cash-generating unit and a suitable discount rate in order to calculate present value. Further details on this process are set out in 
note 10. An assessment is made at each reporting date as to whether there is any indication that the carrying value may be impaired 
for intangible assets. This comprises an estimation of the fair value less cost to sell and the value in use. The key assumption used in 
arriving at a fair value less cost of sale is based on future expected earnings. Future earnings streams for each cash generating unit is 
then discounted over a finite period to calculate the fair value.

Amendments to IFRSs that are mandatorily effective for the current year
The adoption of the following standards, amendments and interpretations in the current year have not had a material impact on the 
Group’s/Company’s financial statements.

EU effective date – periods beginning on or after

Amendment to IAS 40 Investment Property: Transfers of investment property 
Amendment to IFRS 2 Share-based Payment: Classification and measurement 
of share-based payment transactions 
Amendment to IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts: Applying IFRS 9 Financial Instruments
with IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts 
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments 
IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers 
Clarifications to IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers 
Annual Improvements to IFRSs (2014 - 2016) 
IFRIC 22 Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration 

1 January 2018

1 January 2018 

1 January 2018
1 January 2018
1 January 2018
1 January 2018
1 January 2018
1 January 2018

The adoption of the following standards, amendments and interpretations in future years are not expected to have a material
impact on the Group’s financial statements.

Amendments to IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures: 
Long-term interests in Associates and Joint Ventures
Amendments to IFRS 9 Financial Instruments: Prepayment features with 
negative compensation 
IFRS 16 Leases 
IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts 
Annual Improvements to IFRSs (2015 - 2017) 
IFRIC 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments 

Comment on standards effective from 1 January 2018
a.  IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’

EU effective date – periods beginning on or after

1 January 2019

1 January 2019
1 January 2019
Expected endorsement date not available
1 January 2019
1 January 2019

IFRS 9 replaces the provisions of IAS 39 that relate to the recognition, classification and measurement of financial assets and 
financial liabilities, derecognition of financial instruments, impairment of financial assets and hedge accounting. The adoption of 
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments from 1 January 2018 did not result in a change in accounting policy or any adjustments to the amounts 
recognised in the financial statements.

b.  IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’

The objective of IFRS 15 is to establish the principles that an entity should apply to report useful information to users of financial 
statements about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from a contract with a customer. The 
group has adopted IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers from 1 January 2018 which did not result in any adjustments 
to the amounts recognised in the financial statements.

Comment on standards effective from 1 January 2019
c.  IFRS 16 ‘Leases’

IFRS 16 specifies how to recognise, measure, present and disclose leases, and will essentially replace IAS 17. The impact of this 
standard on the Group’s financial statements is not likely to be material.

 
 
 
 
Robinson plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

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Independent Auditor’s report to the members of Robinson plc

Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Robinson Plc (the ‘parent company’) and its subsidiaries (the ‘group’) for the year ended 
31 December 2018 which comprise the Group Income Statement, the Group Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Group and 
Company Statements of Financial Position, the Group and Company Statements of Changes in Equity, the Group and Company 
Statement of Cash Flows and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial 
reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union.

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In our opinion:
• the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the group’s and of the parent company’s affairs as at
  31 December 2018 and of the group’s profit for the year then ended;
• the group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union;
• the parent company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union
  and as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006; and
• the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

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 in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of 
the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard as applied to listed entities, and we have fulfilled our other 
ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and 
appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

The impact of uncertainties due to Britain exiting the European Union on our audit
The Directors’ view on the impact of Brexit is disclosed in the strategic report on page 9. The terms on which the United Kingdom may 
withdraw from the European Union, currently due to occur on 29 March 2019, are not clear, and it is therefore not currently possible 
to evaluate all the potential implications to the Group’s and Company’s trade, customers, suppliers and the wider economy. We 
considered the impact of Brexit on the Group and Company as part of our audit procedures, applying a standard firm wide approach in 
response to the uncertainty associated with the Group’s and company’s future prospects and performance. However, no audit should be 
expected to predict the unknowable factors or all possible implications for the company and this is particularly the case in relation to Brexit.

Conclusions relating to going concern
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the ISAs (UK) require us to report to you where:
•  the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is not appropriate; or
•  the directors have not disclosed in the financial statements any identified material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt
  about the group’s or the parent company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting for a period of at least

twelve months from the date when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

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) 
we identified, including 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.

Revenue recognition
The group’s accounting policy in respect of revenue recognition is set out in the accounting policy notes on page 39. Revenue is a 
material balance for Robinson Plc and represents the largest balance in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. An 
error in this balance could significantly affect a users’ interpretation of the financial statements. There is a risk of fraud or error in 
the financial reporting relating to revenue recognition due to the potential to inappropriately record revenue in the wrong period. 
We therefore consider cut-off to be a key audit matter. Additionally, the introduction of IFRS 15 represents a risk of revenue being 
recognised in the wrong period.

Our response
Our procedures over revenue recognition included, but were not limited to:
•  Obtained an understanding of the processes and controls over the recognition of revenue and undertook walkthrough tests

to validate that controls were operating as designed.

•  Detail testing of a sample of revenue transactions around the year end to ensure they were accounted for in the correct period

 
 
 
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Independent Auditor’s report to the members of Robinson plc continued

In addition to the above, IFRS 15 (the new revenue standard) was effective for the first time in the current year. This involves 
recognising revenue in line with the performance obligations established in the contractual relationship with the customer. Essentially 
this requires identifying the contractual obligations and then allocating the transaction price to these obligations and recognising 
revenue as they are met. As a part of our audit work, we reviewed management’s assessment and assumptions used in recognising 
revenue under IFRS 15. Based on our work performed, no material misstatements were noted in revenue cut-off and we concur with 
management’s assessment that there was no material impact to the financial statements from the adoption of IFRS 15 in 2018.

Our application of materiality
The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality. We set certain quantitative thresholds for materiality. These, 
together with qualitative considerations, helped us to determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and extent of our 
audit procedures on the individual financial statement line items and disclosures and in evaluating the effect of misstatements, both 
individually and on the financial statements as a whole. Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the 
financial statements as a whole as follows:

Overall materiality 
How we determined it 

Rationale for benchmark applied 

Performance materiality 

£574,000
The overall materiality level has been determined with reference to a benchmark
of consolidated revenue.
In our view, revenue is the most relevant measure of the underlying performance of
the group and therefore, has been selected as the materiality benchmark.
The percentage applied to this benchmark is 1.75%
£431,000

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to the Committee all audit differences in excess of £17,200 as well 
as differences below that threshold that, in our view, warranted reporting on qualitative grounds. We also reported to the Audit 
Committee on disclosure matters that we identified during the course of assessing the overall presentation of the financial statements. 
Audit work at component locations for the purpose of obtaining audit coverage over significant financial statement accounts is 
undertaken based on a percentage of total performance materiality. The performance materiality set for each component is based 
on the relative scale and risk of the component to the group as a whole and our assessment of the risk of misstatement at component 
level. In the current period, the performance materiality allocated to the components and/or subsidiaries of the group ranged between 
£3,900 and £239,000. The parent company financial statement materiality has been set as 4% of Net Assets, namely £521,000. 
Performance materiality has been set at 75% of our financial statement materiality, namely £391,000. The reporting threshold has 
been set at 3% of our financial statement materiality, namely £16,000.

An overview of the scope of our audit
As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality and assessed the risk of material misstatement in the financial statements. 
In particular, we looked at where the directors made subjective judgements such as making assumptions on significant accounting 
estimates. We gained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework applicable to the group and parent company, the 
structure of the group and the parent company and the industry in which it operates. We considered the risk of acts by the parent 
company which were contrary to the applicable laws and regulations including fraud. We designed our audit procedures to respond to 
those identified risks, including non-compliance with laws and regulations (irregularities) that are material to the financial statements. 
We focused on laws and regulations that could give rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements, including, but not 
limited to, the Companies Act 2006. We tailored the scope of our group audit to ensure that we performed sufficient work to be able 
to give an opinion on the financial statements as a whole. We used the outputs of a risk assessment, our understanding of the parent 
company and group’s accounting processes and controls and its environment and considered qualitative factors in order to ensure that 
we obtained sufficient coverage across all financial statement line items. Our tests included, but were not limited to, obtaining evidence 
about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements 
are free from material misstatement, whether caused by irregularities including fraud or error, review of minutes of directors’ 
meetings in the year and enquiries of management. As a result of our procedures, we did not identify any Key Audit Matters relating 
to irregularities, including fraud. The risks of material misstatement that had the greatest effect on our audit, including the allocation 
of our resources and effort, are discussed under “Key audit matters” within this report. Our group audit scope included an audit of 
the group and parent financial statements of Robinson Plc. Based on our risk assessment, the following entities within the group were 
subject to full scope audit and was performed by the group audit team.

Robinson Plc 
Robinson Plastic Packaging Limited 
Robinson Plastic Packaging (Stanton Hill) Limited 
Robinson Paperbox Packaging Limited

Robinson (Overseas) Limited
Walton Mill (Chesterfield) Limited
Robinson Packaging Polska sp z.o.o (audit by Mazars Poland)

 
 
 
Independent Auditor’s report to the members of Robinson plc continued

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At the parent level we also tested the consolidation process and carried out analytical procedures to confirm our conclusion that there 
were no significant risks of material misstatement of the aggregated financial information.

Other information
The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual 
report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. 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. In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information 
and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge 
obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material 
misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material 
misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of 
this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
•  the information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the financial statements
  are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
•  the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and the parent company and its environment obtained in the course of the 
audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Strategic Report or the Directors’ Report. We have nothing to report in 
respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
•  adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received 

from branches not visited by us; or

•  the parent company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
•  certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or
•  we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

Responsibilities of Directors
As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement set out on page 21, 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.

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 Financial Reporting 
Council’s website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Use of the audit 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.

Louis Burns
(Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Mazars LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor
45 Church Street, Birmingham B3 2RT
21 March 2019

 
46

Robinson plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Notice of Annual General Meeting

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting 
of Robinson plc will be held at:

Chesterfield Football Club,
1866 Sheffield Road, Whittington Moor,
Chesterfield, S41 8NZ
on Thursday 9 May 2019 at 11:30 am
for the following purposes:

Resolutions

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

1  to receive and adopt the report of the directors and the audited 
financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2018

2  to declare a final dividend of 3p per ordinary share

3  to re-elect Martin McGee as a director of the Company

4  to re-elect Mike Cusick as a director of the Company

5  to re-elect Sara Halton as a director of the Company

6  to re-elect Anthony Glossop as a director of the Company

7  to re-appoint Mazars LLP as auditors of the Company and to 
authorise the directors to determine their remuneration

To transact any other ordinary business of an annual general meeting.

On behalf of the Board

Guy Robinson
Director
17 April 2019

A member entitled to attend and vote at the meeting is entitled to appoint one or more proxies 
to attend and, on a poll, vote in his or her stead. A proxy need not be a member of the Company.

To be valid, Forms of Proxy must be deposited at the Registered Office of the Company
not less than 48 hours before the time of the meeting.

Only those members in the register of members of the Company as at 11.30 am on 7 May 2019 
or, if the meeting is adjourned, in the register of members 48 hours before the time of any 
adjourned meeting shall be entitled to attend or vote at the meeting in respect of the number 
of shares registered in their name at that time. Changes to entries in the register of members 
after 11.30 am on 7 May 2019 or, if the meeting is adjourned, after 48 hours before the time of 
any adjourned meeting shall be disregarded in determining the rights of any person to attend 
or vote at the meeting.

Robinson plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

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Form of proxy

For use at the Annual General Meeting of Robinson plc convened for 9 May 2019 and any adjournments thereof.

I/We (please write name in block capitals - see note 1):

of (please write address):

being a member of Robinson plc, hereby appoint:

The Chairman of the Meeting
(see note 2)

or my / our proxy:
(please write name of proxy - see note 2)

or failing him/her:
(please write name of second proxy - see note 2)

as my/our proxy to attend and vote in my/our name(s) and on my/our behalf at the Annual General Meeting
of the Company to be held on 9 May 2019 and at any adjournment thereof.

This form is to be used in respect of the resolutions mentioned below as indicated.
Where no instructions are given, the proxy may vote as he/she thinks fit or abstain from voting.

Resolutions:

1

To adopt the Directors’ Report
and Financial Statements for the
year ended 31 December 2018

2

To declare a final dividend of 3p
per ordinary share

For

Against

Withheld

Notes

1  The names of all registered holders 
should be stated in block capitals.

2  If it is desired to appoint a proxy other 
than the Chairman of the meeting, 
his/her name and address should be 
inserted, the reference to the Chairman 
deleted and the alteration initialled.

For

Against

Withheld

3  A member entitled to attend and vote 

3

To re-elect Martin McGee
as a director

For

Against

Withheld

4

To re-elect Mike Cusick
as a director

5

To re-elect Sara Halton
as a director

For

Against

Withheld

For

Against

Withheld

6

To re-elect Anthony Glossop
as a director

For

Against

Withheld

7

To reappoint Mazars LLP as 
auditor of the Company and 
to authorise the directors to 
determine their remuneration

For

Against

Withheld

at the meeting is entitled to appoint one 
or more proxies to attend and, on a poll, 
vote in his or her stead. A proxy need 
not be a member of the Company.

4  In the case of joint holders, the signature 
of any one holder is sufficient, but the 
names of all joint holders must be stated. 
The vote of the senior who tenders a 
vote whether in person or by proxy 
will be accepted to the exclusion of the 
other votes of joint holders. For this 
purpose, seniority will be in the order in 
which the names appear in the register 
of members for the joint holding.

5  Unless otherwise indicated, or upon any 
matter properly before the meeting but 
not referred to above, the proxy may vote 
or abstain from voting as he/she thinks fit.

6  To be valid, Forms of Proxy must be
deposited at the Registered Office 
of the Company, Field House, 
Wheatbridge, Chesterfield S40 2AB, 
not less than 48 hours before the 
time appointed for the meeting.

Please delete whichever is not desired or leave blank to allow your proxy to choose.

Signature(s):

Dated:

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48

Robinson plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

Annual General Meeting attendance form

Annual General Meeting 
Thursday 9 May 2019 at 11.30 am

The Board very much hopes that you will be 
able to attend this year’s Annual General 
Meeting, which will again be held at:

Chesterfield Football Club,
1866 Sheffield Road,
Whittington Moor,
Chesterfield, S41 8NZ

To assist with catering and arrangements, 
it would be helpful if you would complete 
and return this attendance form. If you are 
appointing a proxy, then please ask your 
proxy to complete and return the form.

Thank you and we look forward to
seeing you.

From (please write full name in block capitals):

I shall be attending the AGM

I shall be staying for the buffet lunch

Me

My proxy

Me

My proxy

Please tick the appropriate boxes

Signature:

Date:

Please return this form to: 

Guy Robinson
Robinson plc
Field House
Wheatbridge
Chesterfield
S40 2AB
UK

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Robinson plc Annual Report and Accounts 2018

49

Robinson plc
Field House,
Wheatbridge,
Chesterfield,
S40 2AB
United Kingdom

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