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Shoe Zone plc

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FY2014 Annual Report · Shoe Zone plc
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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Shoe Zone is the leading 
UK Specialist Value Footwear Retailer

“Having successfully listed the business on the Alternative Investment 
Market of the London Stock Exchange in May, we have delivered a year of 
strong profit growth as we continue to deliver on our core strategic 
objectives” 

Anthony Smith, CEO.

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Shoe Zone Management Team celebrates the listing of Shoe Zone 23 May 2014

Contents

Strategic Report
Highlights 
Chief Executive Officer Report 
Financial Review 
Key Performance Indicators 
Principal Risks and Uncertainties 

Governance
Corporate Governance Statement 
Board of Directors 
Remuneration Report 
Directors’ Report 
Independent Auditor’s Report 

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Financial Statements
Consolidated Income Statement
Consolidated Statement of
Total Comprehensive Income 
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position  
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Notes to the Financial Statements 
Company Statement of Financial Position 
Notes to the Company Financial Statements 

Shareholder Information
Directors and Advisers 
Notice of Annual General Meeting 

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shoezone.com

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Financial Highlights

Revenue

£172.9m

(2013: £193.9m)¹

Profit before tax

²

£11.4m
+124%
(2013: £5.1m)

Net cash

£9.1m

(2013: £6.6m)

New Revenue
Streams
(Launched on
Amazon & eBay)

Admitted
to AIM
23 May 2014

Online 
Revenue Growth

+47%

Maiden dividend

3.6p

Product 
Gross Margin

61.3%

(2013: 59.4%)

17 New Stores
and 45 refits

¹ Reduction due to planned closure of unprofitable stores
² Before exceptional items

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Chief Executive’s report

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Introduction

Product range development

We have continued to make good progress in the 
development of our product ranges.  

In the past year, we placed a greater emphasis on our 
‘Back to School’ and ‘Comfort’ shoe ranges. The 5-9 
year old age group is forecast to grow by 12% between 
2012 and 2017 and the expected growth in the ageing 
population is well documented. 

As a consequence, we had an extremely strong ‘Back 
to School’ with trading in August being the best in the 
Group’s history. We will continue to be more aggressive 
on price and marketing in both these areas in the next 12 
months.  

In addition, we have increased our focus on Men’s 
footwear following recent research that shows men are 

I am delighted to deliver my first Chief Executive’s 
report on a very exciting year for Shoe Zone. Having 
successfully listed the business on the Alternative 
Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange in May, 
we have delivered a year of strong profit growth as we 
continue to deliver on our core strategic objectives.

During the year we welcomed a new Non-Executive 
Chairman, Ian Filby, and Non-Executive Director, Charlie 
Caminada, both of whom have brought a wealth of 
experience to the Executive Board.

We are pleased to announce that our results are in line 
with market expectations with profit before exceptional 
items increasing 160% from £3.5m to £9.0m and earnings 
per share at 16.1p.

As a result of this strong performance, our proposed 
maiden dividend is 3.6p, in line with our dividend policy. 
This final dividend, if approved by shareholders, will be 
paid on 11th March 2015 to shareholders on the register 
on 13th February 2015. The shares will be ex-dividend on 
12th February 2015. 

I will now provide an update on the following core strategic 
objectives:

●  Product range development
●  Store portfolio management
●  Operational improvements
●  Online investment
●  New sales opportunities

shoezone.com

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Chief Executive’s report (continued)

now as likely as women to have bought footwear in the 
last three months. Our Men’s multi-buy, ‘2 pairs for £25’ 
offer which includes selected lines throughout the year 
performed very well and has been extended in recent 
months.

We are pleased with the progress of our handbag and 
shoe care ranges, introduced for the Spring/Summer 
2013 season. In 2014, handbag sales growth was up 73% 
with annual sales of £2.5m. Sales growth for shoe care 
products was up 94% with annual sales of £1.4m. While 
constantly reviewing our performance in these areas, we 
have amended the ranges to enhance performance in 
2014/15 and this strategy is already showing good signs 
of further growth. We are also looking to introduce our 
handbag range into our Grade 3 stores where we have 
recently carried out a successful trial.

The introduction of 200 web exclusive products in the 
Spring/Summer 2014 season far exceeded expectations, 
accounting for 5% of online sales for that season. 
Recognising the potential in this area, we have bought 
product for the Autumn/Winter season in greater volume 
and are already seeing the benefit of this. We are now 
in detailed discussions with our supply partners about 
extending our online offer further in 2015. 

Store portfolio management

We ended the year operating from 545 stores and 
the management of our store portfolio has resulted in 
improved profitability in 2014. We have opened 17 new 
stores (including six relocations) and completed 45 store 
refits, spending £1.9m on capital expenditure to achieve 
this. We have closed a number of temporary stores 
reducing total sales but helping improve profitability.

We continue to open our largest, most profitable Grade 
1 stores while closing smaller Grade 3 stores (see table 
below). Our short average lease length provides us with 
the flexibility to best manage the portfolio while also 
providing plenty of good opportunities, with secondary 
locations showing limited signs of rental recovery outside 
the M25.

Grade 1 (large)

Grade 2 (medium)

Grade 3 (small)

TOTAL

Grade 1
Increase

Grade 3
Decrease

12 months to 
4 October 2014

12 months to 
5 October 2013

203

178

164

545

196

188

186

570

 2013                                          196

 2014 

                             203

 2013                                     186

 2014 

          164

Operational improvements

In line with our strategy, orders placed directly with 
overseas factories increased from 38% in 2013 to 53% in 
2014. Where there are margin gains from this approach, 
these are being reinvested to ensure we can provide our 
customers with the best value product. 

We are pleased with the significant progress we have 
achieved by following our ‘right price, first time’ strategy, 
resulting in a reduction in the amount of markdown 
value as a percentage of turnover from 8.2% in 2013 to 
6.4% in 2014. This has given us a sensible and realistic 
benchmark for future years.

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Chief Executive’s report (continued)

Our new promotional material, launched in May 2014, has 
modernised the look of the stores and re-emphasised our 
strong price message. We are working on a trial evolution 
of the store refit due to be implemented in 2015 at our 
new Meadowhall (Sheffield) store.

Training is at the heart of what we do – an example of 
this is our apprentice scheme, which once again had 
a 100% success rate this year. All eighteen trainees 
who completed their apprenticeship have gone on 
to permanent employment with us, bringing the total 
apprentices successfully trained by the Company since 
2012 to 37.

Online investment

shoezone.com continues to evolve at a vigorous pace 
with considerable focus having been placed on customer 
experience in the past year. Significant changes have 
been made to the design and the customer journey 
including an improved checkout. Alongside the visual 
changes, we have ensured that the site is robust to 
respond efficiently to the increased traffic which rose 
25% year on year. A fully responsive site will be launched 
in 2015 following a recent trial that resulted in a 24% 
increase in mobile conversion rates.   

Our continued emphasis on customer experience has 
also resulted in the introduction of enhanced delivery and 
returns options.

The addition of two new members to our in-house team 
of software developers has increased capacity by 33% 
enabling us to further drive multi-channel growth.

Management will continue to focus on online sales growth 
in 2015 via shoezone.com, Amazon and eBay.

New sales opportunities

Our promotional links with other value retailers are very 
encouraging. During our ‘Back to School’ campaign, we 
generated over £800,000 in a seven week period through 
such promotions. We are confident that this brings new 
customers to Shoe Zone and has good long-term benefits 
for both parties. We are looking to develop these links 
further with other retailers in 2015.

We have had early success with business to business 
transactions and quoting for footwear contracts and our 
Customer Services team will continue to develop this 
offering in 2015.

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We launched on Amazon in November 2013. This has 
been a very successful source of revenue, equating to 
8% of online sales in 2014. Following the success of the 
Amazon venture, we launched on eBay in July 2014. 
We are very impressed with the performance so far and 
expect this to be at least as profitable as Amazon in 2015.

Our e-mail club has grown by 52% in 2014, giving us 
greater access to our customers and allows us to continue 
to further develop our successful email marketing. 

The launch of factory outlets in 15 stores in Spring 2014 
has been very successful and is selling our clearance 
product at a faster rate.

Our investigations into bricks and mortar international 
opportunities in Poland and Spain are ongoing but remain 
a longer term strategic goal rather than an immediate 
sales growth opportunity.  

However, online international sales have now commenced 

shoezone.com

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Chief Executive’s report (continued)

and we are working on further developments during 2015 
that will improve the delivery options for our international 
customers via shoezone.com as well as launching in other 
countries via Amazon. 

Employees

We are very proud of the effort that our amazing staff have 
put in to achieve these results and thank them for their 
continued hard work, loyalty and commitment.  We are 
also extremely proud of the whole team at Shoe Zone for 
their commitment throughout the year, in raising £200,000 
for our chosen charity BBC Children in Need.

Outlook

Despite the well publicised warm start to the Autumn/
Winter season we believe that 2015 will be a year of 
continued growth for the Group.

We have continued to optimise our store portfolio and so 
far we have opened six stores (two relocations, four new) 
and have agreed terms on 10 stores (seven relocations, 
three new).  

Our successful multi-channel offering continues to grow 
ahead of forecast. The falling oil price is already having 
a positive impact on the cost of logistics and should also 
impact the price of raw materials.  

The Board continues to see significant opportunities 
ahead and remains confident that the business will 
perform in line with market expectations.

Anthony Smith
Chief Executive Officer
23 January 2015

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Financial review

In the 52 weeks to 4 October 2014, Group profit before 
tax excluding exceptional items increased by 124% to 
£11.4 million (2013: £5.1 million). This was driven by 
an improvement in gross margin, strong cost control, 
online growth and the continued optimisation of the store 
portfolio.

After reflecting exceptional costs of £0.9 million, primarily 
relating to the IPO, Group profit before tax was up 106% 
to £10.5 million (2013: £5.1 million).

Revenues of £172.9 million (2013: £193.9 million) 
declined by 10.8% due to the reduction in store numbers 
following the rationalisation programme. Store numbers 
reduced by 25 branches to 545 at the year end (2013: 158 
branches closed leaving a total of 570). 

Online revenues have grown by 47% during the year, 
online sales being 3.1% of total sales (2013: 2.2%).

Product gross margin strengthened to 61.3% (2013: 
59.4%) reflecting improvements in sourcing.

Operating expenses before exceptional expenses reduced 
to £17.1 million (2013: £22.1 million).

The Group has re-calculated deferred tax balances to be 
in line with the new lower corporation tax rate of 20%.

Earnings per share are 16.1 pence (2013: 6.9 pence) and 
18.0 pence (2013: 6.9 pence) on a pre-exceptional basis.

The Group’s balance sheet has significantly strengthened 
during the year with net working capital increasing by 
£2.9 million to £20.0 million. The Group has invested £1.9 
million in store refit spend during the year. The Group 
supports two defined benefit schemes and these have 
suffered a net loss of £2.0 million during the year.

The Group’s current bank facilities include a Rolling 
Credit Facility for £5.0 million and an on demand overdraft 
facility for £1.0 million, both with HSBC. Neither facility 
has been used during the year. The business has a debt 
free financial structure and generated £13.0 million from 
operations, resulting in a net cash position of £9.1 million 
(2013: 6.6 million) at the year end.

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A final dividend of 3.6 pence per share is proposed 
for shareholders on the register on 13 February 2015, 
payable on 11 March 2015 if approved at the Annual 
General Meeting to be held on 27 February 2015.

The effective rate of corporation tax for the year was 
23.4% on profits after exceptional items (2013: 31.7%). 

The Group continues to focus on cash generation giving it 
the strength and resource for positive yield and growth.

Nick Davis
Chief Financial Officer
23 January 2015

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Key Performance Indicators

The Group uses the following Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to 
measure the performance and position of the business and its progress 
against strategic objectives.

Online Participation % Product 

Cash Balance

Gross Margin %

Online Sales as a percentage of total 
sales.

Product Gross Profit expressed as a 
percentage of revenue.

Cash held by the Group at the period 
end.

The online participation increased by 
90 basis points to 3.1% (2013: 2.2%).
This is an encouraging performance 
and we anticipate further growth in 
participation for FY15.

The Product Gross Margin increased 
by 190 basis points to 61.3% (2013: 
59.4%) reflecting the continued 
success of increasing our direct 
sourcing.

We finished the year with a healthy 
cash balance of £9.1m (2013: £6.6m). 
This gives us a strong base for FY15.

 2013                         2.2%

 2014 

               3.1%

 2013 

 2014 

      59.4%

 2013 

               6.6m

             61.3%

 2014 

           9.1m

Earnings per 
Share Growth

Rental % of Turnover

The percentage movement in Earnings 
per share.

Store rent as a percentage of turnover.

Strong margin growth, online 
participation and the continued 
optimisation of the property estate 
have secured an EPS growth of 132%. 
EPS for the year is 16.1p (2013: 6.9p).

The rental % of turnover has reduced 
from 14.2% to 13.9% reflecting the 
increase in Grade 1 stores and rent 
negotiations.

 2013                   6.9p

 2014 

              16.1p

 2013 

 2014 

              14.2%

       13.9%

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Principal risks and uncertainties

We set out below the principal risks and uncertainties that 
the Directors consider could impact the business. The list 
highlights the key risks but there may be other risks to 
which the business is exposed. The list is not intended to 
be exhaustive.

Market and Competition

The value footwear retail market is highly competitive, 
particularly with respect to price, product selection, quality 
and store location. The markets the Group operates in 
are, on a comparative basis, free and open markets with 
low barriers to entry. The Group competes at national and 
local levels with a diverse group of retailers of varying 
sizes and covering different product categories and 
geographic markets. These competitors include local, 
national and global retailers, including other specialist 
footwear retailers, supermarkets, online retailers and 
local independent retailers. Some competitors may have 
greater market presence, name recognition, financial 
resources and economies of scale or lower cost bases 
than the Group and may be able to withstand, or respond 
more swiftly to, changes in market conditions, any of 
which could give them a competitive advantage over the 
Group. In addition, like many other retailers, because 
the Group does not have exclusive rights to many of 
the elements that comprise its in-store experience and 
product offering, competitors may seek to copy or improve 
on the Group’s business strategy, which could significantly 
harm the Group’s competitive position.

The Board monitors competitor activities and discusses 
them on a weekly basis. The Group has adopted a 
strategy which intends to differentiate itself from its closest 
competitors and endeavours to price match on any cross 
over product lines. Maintaining price competitiveness is a 
key focus of the business.

Identifying fashion and trends

The success of the Group’s business depends in part 
on its ability to innovate and to identify, anticipate and 
respond to evolving trends in consumer preferences 
and demographics and fashion trends, and to translate 
these trends into appropriate, saleable products. The 
Group seeks to change and refresh its product offering 
seasonally in order to drive customer traffic through its 
stores and online offering but demand for, and market 
acceptance of, these new products is uncertain.

Trends and demands are continually reviewed by 
knowledgeable and experienced employees who have a 

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

high level of market awareness. The Board monitors on a 
weekly basis best sellers and evaluates the performance 
of new lines.

Economic factors

Poor economic conditions in the UK, the Republic of 
Ireland and globally, as well as economic factors such 
as unemployment levels, consumer debt levels, lack of 
available credit, energy costs, inflation, interest and tax 
rates, may adversely affect the disposable income of the 
Group’s customers, which could result in lower sales. In 
particular, in times of economic uncertainty or recession 
or lack of consumer confidence, there may be a decrease 
in discretionary purchases generally, which could have a 
material adverse effect on the Group’s business, results 
of operations and financial condition. Global economic 
conditions and uncertainties may also impact the Group’s 
manufacturers and suppliers in ways that could adversely 
affect the Group’s business.

The Board considers very carefully the economic climate 
in planning its product ranges and pricing structure. As 
the business is focussed on offering low prices it is more 
resilient to reductions in consumer expenditure than other 
footwear retailers.

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Reliance on overseas suppliers

Like many retailers, the Group is dependent on being able 
to source suitable products from manufacturers and other 
suppliers at a sufficiently low cost and in a timely manner. 
Although the Group enjoys good relationships with a wide 
range of manufacturers and other suppliers and is not 
overly reliant on any one supplier, there is still potential 
for the Group to be exposed to adverse operational 
and financial risks should there be a deterioration in 
relationships with a number of its key suppliers or if the 
Group is unable to identify and develop relationships with 
suitable suppliers who can satisfy its standards for price, 
quality, safety and its quantity and delivery requirements.

The vast majority of the Group’s retail products are 
manufactured overseas by suppliers located in China, 
India, Turkey, Italy and Portugal. As a result, the Group 
is also subject to the risks associated with international 
trade, particularly those risks which are common in the 
importation of goods from developing countries, including 
the imposition of taxes or other charges on imports, 
compliance with and changes to import restrictions and 
regulations, and exposure to different legal standards and 
the burden of complying with a variety of foreign laws and 

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Principal risks and uncertainties (continued)

changing foreign government policies.

Data security and IT reliability

The Board are always seeking out new sources of supply 
with a clear strategy of diversification. Members of the 
Management Team frequently visit overseas suppliers 
to ensure that existing factories are being regularly 
monitored and new factories are being sourced that meet 
our price, quality and safety standards.

Reputational risk

The Group’s sales are dependent in part on the strength 
and reputation of the brands it offers, including own label 
brands, and are dependent on consumers’ perceptions of 
the Group and its products.

The vast majority of the Group’s profits are derived 
through sales of its own label brands. Maintaining broad 
market acceptance of its own label brands depends on 
many factors, including value, quality and consumer 
perception. The Group may not in the future achieve or 
maintain its expected sales of its own label brands, which 
could have a material adverse effect on the Group’s 
business, results of operations and financial position.

The Board has sufficient internal processes to ensure 
that it receives feedback from stores and customers on 
the design and quality of its products. The business’ 
reputation is carefully managed through internal 
procedures by the Board.

Loss of key operating site

The Group has a single distribution centre and its head 
office located at premises in Leicester and therefore the 
Group is currently entirely dependent on the continued 
efficient operation of the Leicester Premises. Any 
disruption to the operation of the Leicester Premises 
may therefore have an adverse effect upon the Group’s 
financial condition, operations and business prospects. 
The premises may suffer prolonged power or equipment 
failures, failures in its IT systems or networks or damage 
from fire, flood, or other disasters or unforeseen events 
which may not be covered by, or may be in excess of, its 
insurance coverage. Damage resulting from any of these 
events may take considerable time to repair. A prolonged 
period before rectification could have an adverse effect 
upon the Group’s financial condition, operations and 
business prospects.

The business has appropriate insurance and business 
continuity plans to mitigate the risk of such a loss.

The Group relies to a significant degree on the 
uninterrupted operation of its computer and 
communications systems and infrastructure, as well as the 
equivalent systems and infrastructure of third parties, for 
the efficient running of its business, including with respect 
to inventory, merchandising, finance, human resources, 
distribution and logistics and store operations.

The Group must comply with restrictions on the use of 
customer data and ensure that confidential information 
(such as credit or debit card numbers) is transmitted in a 
secure manner over public networks.

Despite controls to ensure the confidentiality and integrity 
of customer data, the Group may breach restrictions or 
may be subject to attack from computer programmes 
that attempt to penetrate the network security and 
misappropriate confidential information. Any such breach 
or compromise of security could adversely impact the 
Group’s reputation with customers and consumers, lead to 
litigation or fines, and as a result, have a material adverse 
effect on its business, results of operations and financial 
position.

The business has appropriate disaster recovery and 
business interruption plans. The IT systems have been 
developed significantly in-house reducing the businesses 
dependency on any third parties.

Reliance on key personnel

The Group depends on a relatively small senior 
management team and the loss of a material number 
of such individuals or the inability to attract appropriate 
personnel in a timely manner could impact upon the 
Group’s future performance. 

The Group’s Remuneration Policy is designed to attract, 
retain and motivate management. Succession plans are in 
place for key roles.

The strategic report as set out on pages 1 - 10, was 
approved by the Board.

On behalf of the Board

Anthony Smith
Chief Executive Officer
23 January 2015

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Corporate governance statement 

Principles of Corporate 
Governance 

Appointments to the Board 
and re-election

The Directors acknowledge the importance of the 
principles set out in the UK Corporate Governance Code 
(the ‘UK code’). The UK code is not compulsory for 
AIM quoted companies; therefore this report does not 
describe compliance with or departures from the UK code. 
However, the Directors intend to apply certain principles of 
the UK code where the Board considers it appropriate for 
the size and nature of the Company. The Group supports 
the Quoted Companies Alliance Corporate Governance 
Code for Small and Mid-Size Quoted Companies 2013 
which are widely recognised as the benchmark for 
corporate governance of smaller quoted companies and 
are therefore most appropriate for the Company. 

The Board

The Board comprises three Executive Directors, two 
independent Non-Executive Directors (including the 
Chairman) and one Non-Executive who is considered to 
be non-independent (Jeremy Sharman). Accordingly, the 
Board composition meets the recommendations of the 
QCA guidelines. 

The Board is committed to maintaining high standards of 
corporate governance and to being transparent about its 
arrangements.

The key responsibilities of the Board are:

the overall management of the Group;

●  
●   approval of corporate strategy;
●  approval of income, expenditure and capital  budgets;
●  oversight of operations ensuring adequate systems of 
internal control and risk management are in place;
to review business performance against the 
objectives that it has set;
to monitor the integrity of the financial statements and 
approve the annual and interim reports;

● 

● 

●  approval of the dividend policy;
●  determining changes to the structure and composition 

of the Board;

●  determining remuneration policy;
●  approval of communications with shareholders and 

the market.

Details of each of the Directors is given in their 
biographies on pages 12 and 13.

The Company is governed by its Articles of Association 
(‘Articles’). Under the Articles the Board has the power 
to appoint a Director during the year but any person so 
appointed must stand for election at the next Annual 
General Meeting (‘AGM’). As the Company was 
incorporated in March 2014 at its first AGM all Directors 
must retire from office but may be reappointed. At every 
subsequent AGM any Directors who were not appointed 
or reappointed at one of the preceding two AGMs, 
must retire from office and may offer themselves for 
reappointment by the members.

Board committees

The Board has established a Remuneration Committee 
and an Audit Committee. Due to the nature and size of the 
Group, the Directors have decided that issues concerning 
the nomination of Directors will be dealt with by the Board 
rather than a nomination committee.

Membership of the two Board Committees is comprised of 
the two independent Non-executive Directors. Each Board 
Committee has approved Terms of Reference setting 
out their responsibilities. The Terms of Reference were 
approved by the Board during the year. All of the Board 
Committees are authorised to obtain, at the Company’s 
expense, professional advice on any matter within the 
Terms of Reference and to have access to sufficient 
resources to carry out their duties. 

The Audit Committee is chaired by Ian Filby. The 
committee meets as necessary to monitor the Group’s 
risk management and internal control systems and is also 
concerned with any major accounting and audit related 
issues. Executive Directors and senior management are 
responsible for managing the risk framework and internal 
control systems and must report on their effectiveness to 
the Audit Committee. 

Details of the duties of the Remuneration Committee are 
set out in the Remuneration report on page 14.

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Board of Directors

Ian Filby
Chairman

Anthony Smith
Chief Executive Officer

Nick Davis
Chief Financial Officer

Anthony joined Shoe Zone in 1993 
as Marketing Manager and held 
various roles within Marketing and 
Retail divisions before becoming Chief 
Executive Officer in 1997. Since his 
appointment as Chief Executive Officer, 
Shoe Zone has carried out three major 
acquisitions and traded successfully 
through two recessions. Anthony is 
a founder and Trustee of the Shoe 
Zone Trust. Anthony is a Trustee of 
Uppingham School and Chairman of the 
Uppingham School Foundation.

Nick joined Shoe Zone in 2003 as 
Management Accountant from PKF 
where he had been a Senior Business 
Advisor in Audit and Assurance since 
1999. Nick became Financial Controller 
of Shoe Zone in 2005 and joined the 
Board as Finance Director in 2006. As 
Chief Financial Officer he is responsible 
for all financial operations including 
Accounting, Financial Planning, 
Treasury, Tax and Financial Strategy. 
He is FCA qualified and holds a BSC 
in Economics from Loughborough 
University. Outside of Shoe Zone Nick 
also serves as a Board member and 
Trustee of two charities.

Ian has over 30 years’ experience 
in retail and is currently the Chief 
Executive Officer of DFS Furniture 
Company Ltd, a post he has held 
since 2010. Prior to this he spent 28 
years at The Boots Company plc and 
Alliance Boots in various positions 
including Executive Director (Retail 
Brand Development division), Executive 
Trading Director (Boots division), 
Executive Director (Beauty & Lifestyle 
division), Commercial Director (Lifestyle 
division) and Sales and Marketing 
Director (Fads/Homestyle division) 
amongst others. In 2009 Ian set up IFF 
Life & Business Solutions and has acted 
as Interim Chief Executive Officer of 
Groupe Aeroplan Europe (Nectar) and 
a consultant to Alliance Boots Group 
and Oliver Wyman. Ian holds an MA in 
Chemistry from Cambridge University. 
He has recently been appointed as 
a member of the BRC (British Retail 
Consortium) Board and Chair of the 
BRC Policy Board.

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Board of Directors (continued)

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Charles Smith
Chief Operating Officer

Charlie Caminada 
Non-Executive Director

Jeremy Sharman
Non-Executive Director

Charles joined Shoe Zone in 1998 and 
joined the Board as Retail Director in 
2001. Over the past 15 years, Charles 
has worked closely with his brother, 
Anthony, and other members of the 
management team to ensure integration 
of acquired businesses with Shoe 
Zone’s existing business and the Shoe 
Zone culture. As Chief Operating Officer 
his main areas of responsibility are 
Retail, HR and E-Commerce. Charles 
holds a Business Studies degree from 
Leicester DeMontfort University. Charles 
is a founder and Trustee of Shoe Zone 
Trust. Outside of Shoe Zone he is a 
Board member and Trustee of three 
charities.

Charlie has 20 years’ executive 
board experience of brand building 
for entertainment, media and retail 
organisations, including 16 years’ 
experience on the boards of London 
Stock Exchange traded companies and 
12 years’ experience as a COO. Charlie 
spent seven years as Chief Operating 
Officer at Ludorum plc between 2005 
and 2012, heading the company’s listing 
on AIM in 2006. Prior to that he was a 
founding member and Chief Operating 
Officer at HIT Entertainment plc for 15 
years. Charlie is currently Non-Executive 
Director at Hornby plc, Specialist Advisor 
& Member of the Development Board 
to the Centre of Social Justice and a 
Specialist Advisor to the UK Trade & 
Investment (UKTI). He is a Governor of 
Heathfield School, Ascot.

Jeremy Sharman has over 25 years of 
experience acting as a  Non-Executive 
Director on the boards of various 
companies, primarily in the consumer 
and internet sectors. He was one of 
the founding partners of HgCapital 
where he served from 1990 to 2005. 
He now acts as an independent 
investing Director. He has served as 
chairman or non-Executive Director 
on the boards of Premier Marinas, 
Park Resorts, Hoseasons, Villarenters.
com, Travelsphere, Page and Moy and 
Belfast International Airport amongst 
others. Jeremy took up the post 
of Non-Executive Director at Shoe 
Zone in 2012. Jeremy holds an MA in 
Mathematics from Oxford University. He 
is founder and chairman of two charities 
and chairman of Witham Hall and 
Dolphin Preparatory Schools.

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Remuneration report

This is the Company’s first Directors’ Remuneration 
Report since it listed on AIM in May 2014.

The Committee consists of two independent Non-
executive Directors. Charlie Caminada is the Chairman 
and Ian Filby also serves on the Committee.

Anthony Smith, Nick Davis and Charles Smith may attend 
the Committee meetings by invitation.

Duties

The main duties of the Remuneration Committee are set 
out in its Terms of Reference adopted 25 April 2014 and 
include:

● 

responsibility for agreeing with the Board, the 
framework or broad policy for the remuneration of 
all Executive Directors of the Company, including 
pension rights, compensation payments bonuses, 
incentive payments, share options and benefits in 
kind;

●  obtain reliable, up-to-date information about 

remuneration in other companies of comparable scale 
and complexity and market practice generally;

●  be exclusively responsible for selecting any 

remuneration consultants who advise the Committee;

●  approve the design and determine targets for any 

performance-related pay schemes operated by the 
Company and approve the total annual payments 
made under such schemes;

●  monitor the level and structure of remuneration 

● 

for senior management and note annually the 
remuneration trends across the Group;
review the design and implementation of all share 
incentive plans for approval by the Board and 
shareholders. For such plans, determine each year 
whether awards will be made, and if so, the overall 
amount of such awards;

●  ensure the contractual terms on termination, and 
any payments made, are fair to the individual and 
the Company, and in accordance with any legal and 
regulatory requirements;

●  oversee any major change in employee benefit 

structures throughout the Group; 

●   agree the policy for authorising claims for expenses 

from the Directors

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Remuneration report (continued) 

Directors and Directors’ interests

The Directors listed below all served throughout the year, or were appointed on the dates indicated below. Their interests in 
the issued share capital of the Company as at the date of this report were as follows:

Date of
appointment

Number of 
ordinary shares

Percentage of
issued share capital

Executive Directors

Anthony Smith

26 March 2014

15,282,064 (1)

Charles Smith

26 March 2014

12,217, 936 (1)

Nick Davis

26 March 2014

Non-Executive Directors

Ian Filby

29 April 2014

Charlie Caminada

29 April 2014

Jeremy Sharman

29 April 2014

Nil

Nil

15,625

234,375

30.56%

24.44%

-

-

0.03%

0.47%

(1) 
                Charles Smith

The registered holder of these shares is Shoe Zone Group Limited, an entity 100% indirectly owned by Anthony Smith and 

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Remuneration report (continued) 

Directors’ Remuneration

Directors’ remuneration information for those individuals who have served as a Director of the Company since 26 March 
2014, the date of incorporation, are presented below. The information presented in respect of these Directors is for the full 
financial year.

Individual

Basic Salary 
and fees 
£

Profit Share 
(Bonus) 
£

Benefits
£

Pension 
Contribution
£

Total 
£

Executive Directors

Anthony Smith

225,000

Charles Smith

188,000

-  

-

30,968

17,188

-

-

255,968

205,188

Nick Davis

136,500

86,620

11,565

16,380

251,065

Non-Executive Directors

Ian Filby

25,000

Charlie Caminada

12,500

Jeremy Sharman

23,100

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

25,000

12,500

23,100

610,100

86,620

59,721

16,380

772,821

The Company currently does not operate any share option or share award schemes to its employees.

Directors’ Service contracts and employment letters

The Executive Directors have entered into service agreements with the Company at the following annual salaries with effect 
from 1 May 2014.

Anthony Smith

Charles Smith

Nick Davis

£

250,000

200,000

142,000

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Remuneration report (continued) 

Each Executive Director’s employment will continue until terminated by either party by written notice. The notice periods 
applicable are 12 months for Anthony Smith and Charles Smith, 6 months for Nick Davis. Other fixed elements of the 
Executive Directors’ remuneration comprise a company car provision, life assurance and private medical insurance. Nick 
Davis is entitled to a Pension Contribution of 12% of basic salary.

The Company may elect to terminate the employment of each Executive Director by making a payment in lieu of notice 
equal to their basic salary payable in monthly instalments. 

Each of the Executive Directors has agreed to post-termination restrictions in order to protect confidential information, trade 
secrets and business connections. These restrictions last for 9 months.

The Non-Executive Directors have entered into appointment letters. Under the terms of these letters, the Non-Executive 
Directors are entitled to an annual fee as set out below:

Ian Filby

Charlie Caminada

Jeremy Sharman

£

60,000

30,000

30,000

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The appointments are terminable by either party with one month’s written notice. The Company may pay the
Non-Executive Directors in lieu of their notice period.

Charlie Caminada
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee
23 January 2015

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Directors’ report for the 52 weeks ended 4 October 2014

The Directors present their Annual Report and audited 
financial statements of the Company and the Group for 
the 52 weeks ended 4 October 2014.

The disclosure requirements of the Companies Act 2006 
have been met by the contents of this Directors’ Report, 
along with the Strategic Report, and the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report which should therefore be read in 
conjunction with this report.

The Company

Shoe Zone plc (the ‘Company’) is a company incorporated 
and domiciled in the UK, with the registered company 
number 08961190. The Company was incorporated on 26 
March 2014 as a private company limited by shares under 
the name Shoe Zone (Holdings) Limited. On 30 April 
2014, the Company was re-registered as a public limited 
company with the name Shoe Zone plc. The business 
of the Company, and its principal activity, is to act as the 
ultimate holding company of the Group. The Group trades 
under the name ‘Shoe Zone’.

On incorporation the Company’s accounting reference 
date was 31 March. On 22 April 2014 the Company’s 
accounting reference date was changed to 30 September 
by shortening its accounting reference period.

Share Capital

The authorised share capital of the Company is unlimited. 
The Company was incorporated with an issued share 
capital of £1.00 which was issued to Shoe Zone Group 
Limited (‘SZGL’) on incorporation. 

On 24 April 2014, the Company issued thirteen shares 
of £1.00 to SZGL, the entire issued share capital was 
then consolidated into one ordinary share of £14.00 and 
thereafter subdivided into ten ordinary shares of £1.40. 
The Company then issued 49,999,990 ordinary shares 
of £1.40 to SZGL in consideration of the acquisition by 
the Company of the entire issued share capital of Shoe 
Zone Retail Limited, Castle Acres Development Limited 
and Zone Group Limited in a share-for-share exchange. 
The aggregate premium paid on these shares was 
£585,576.54.

entire amount standing to the credit of its share premium 
account. Following this reduction, the Company’s issued 
share capital was £500,000 comprising 50,000,000 
Ordinary Shares.

Directors

The Directors who held office during the year and up to 
the date of signing the financial statements were:

Anthony Smith 

(appointed 26 March 2014)

Charles Smith 

(appointed 26 March 2014)

Nick Davis 

Ian Filby 

(appointed 26 March 2014)

(appointed 29 April 2014)

Charlie Caminada 

(appointed 29 April 2014)

Jeremy Sharman 

(appointed 29 April 2014)

Directors’ Interests

Information about the Directors’ interests in the shares of 
the Company can be found in the Directors’ Remuneration 
Report.

Directors’ Indemnities

As permitted by the Articles of Association, the Directors 
have the benefit of an indemnity provision as defined 
by s234 of the Companies Act 2006. The indemnity was 
in force throughout the financial year and at the date of 
approval of the financial statements. The Group maintains 
Directors’ and Officers’ liability insurance.

In accordance with the Articles of Association, all the 
Directors offer themselves for re-election at the AGM, as 
they were appointed during the year.

Employees

On 28 April 2014, the Company undertook a share capital 
reduction by way of solvency statement pursuant to which 
the Company (i) reduced the amount paid up on each 
ordinary share of £1.40 by £1.39; and (ii) reduced the 

The Group employed 4,009 employees at the year end. 

The Group’s policy is to actively involve its employees 
in the business to ensure that matters of concern to 

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Directors’ report for the 52 weeks ended 
4 October 2014 (continued)

them, including the Group’s aims and objectives and the 
financial and economic factors which impact them are 
communicated in an open and regular manner. 

The Directors are committed to delivering the highest 
standards of health and safety for employees, customers 
and others that might be affected by the Group’s activities.

The Group is committed to employing the right people, 
training them well and promoting from within wherever 
possible. Well trained and motivated employees are 
key to delivering good service to our customer and are 
fundamental to the long-term success of the business.

The Group operates an equal opportunities policy that 
aims to treat individuals fairly and not to discriminate on 
the basis of sex, race, ethnic origin, disability or any other 
basis. Applications for employment are fully considered 
on their merits, and employees are given appropriate 
training and equal opportunities for career development 
and promotion.

Annual general meeting

The Company’s first AGM will be held on Friday, 27 
February 2015 at 11a.m. at the Company’s registered 
office at Haramead Business Centre, Humberstone Road, 
Leicester, Leicestershire LE1 2LH.  The Notice of AGM 
appears on pages 78 to 81.

Set out below is an explanation of certain of the 
resolutions which will be proposed at the AGM.

Re-election of Directors (resolutions 3 to 8)

As this is the Company’s first AGM, each Director will 
stand for re-election in accordance with the Company’s 
articles of association.  Biographical details of each 
Director appear on pages 12 and 13.  The Board 
believes that each Director continues to demonstrate his 
commitment to his role and that, collectively; the Directors’ 
skills complement each other and enhance the overall 
operation of the Board.

Dividend

The Directors are proposing a final dividend of 3.6p per 
ordinary share, amounting to a total dividend of £1.8m, 
which is subject to approval by the shareholders at the 
AGM. In line with the requirements of IAS 10 – ‘Events 
after the reporting period’, this dividend has not been 
recognised as a liability in the financial statements.

Political donations (resolution 11)

The Company is prohibited under the Companies Act 
2006 from making donations to EU political parties or 
organisations or to independent election candidates in 
the EU of over £5,000.00 a year without shareholder 
approval.  The Companies Act 2006 uses very broad 
definitions of political donations and expenditure which 
may extend to normal business activities which might 
not be thought of as political expenditure in the more 
usual sense.  Activities which could be caught include 
representing the Company in the business community or 
at special interest groups which the Company may wish to 
support.  In addition, the sponsorship of industry forums, 
the funding of seminars and other functions to which 
politicians are invited may also be caught.  The Company 
is therefore proposing this resolution to ensure that it does 
not inadvertently breach the rules whilst carrying out its 
normal business activities.

During its last financial year the Company made no 
political donations and incurred no political expenditure.  
The Company does not intend to make any such 
donations or incur any such expenditure this year.

Authorities to allot shares (resolutions 12 and 13)

By law, the Directors are not permitted to allot new 
shares (or to grant rights over shares) unless authorised 
to do so by shareholders.  Resolution 12 seeks 
shareholder authority to allow the Directors to allot shares 
having an aggregate nominal value of £166,666.00 
representing approximately a third of the Company’s 
issued share capital on 31 December 2014.  In addition, 
shareholder authority is sought to allot further shares 
having an aggregate nominal value of £166,666.00 in 
connection with a pre-emptive rights issue (representing 
approximately a further third of the Company’s issued 
share capital on 31 December 2014).

Resolution 13 concerns the dis-application of pre-emption 
rights.  Under the Companies Act 2006, all shareholders 
are entitled to participate on a pre-emptive basis in all 
issues of shares for cash, unless shareholders have 
authorised the Directors otherwise.  Paragraph (a) of 
resolution 13 gives the Directors authority to make 
arrangements dealing with certain legal, regulatory and 
practical matters in connection with a pre-emptive issue of 
shares.  Paragraph (b) of resolution 13 gives the Directors 
the necessary authority to either allot shares or sell shares 
held in treasury for cash on a non pre-emptive basis up 
to an aggregate nominal amount of £25,000.00 (being 
2,500,000 shares).  This is equivalent to approximately 
5% of the issued share capital of the Company on 31 

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Directors’ report for the 52 weeks ended 
4 October 2014 (continued)

December 2014.    

The Directors consider that it is appropriate for these 
authorities to be granted to preserve maximum flexibility 
for the future.  However, the Directors currently have no 
plans to exercise these powers.  The authorities sought 
will apply until the conclusion of the next AGM of the 
Company to be held in 2016 or 31 March 2016, whichever 
is earlier.

Form of Proxy

Shareholders will find enclosed a Form of Proxy for 
use at the AGM.  For shares held through CREST, 
proxy appointments may be submitted via the CREST 
proxy voting system.  Votes should be lodged as soon 
as possible in accordance with the instructions in the 
Notice of AGM and on the Form of Proxy, whether or not 
shareholders intend to be present at the AGM.  Appointing 
a proxy will not preclude a shareholder from attending the 
AGM and voting in person.

All proxy appointments should be submitted so as to be 
received no later than 11 a.m. on 25 February 2015.

Recommendation

The Board considers that the resolutions to be proposed 
at the AGM are in the best interests of the Company and 
are most likely to promote the success of the Company 
for the benefit of its members as a whole.  The Directors 
recommend that shareholders vote in favour of each 
resolution, as the Directors intend to do in respect of their 
own shareholdings.

External auditors

BDO LLP have issued their independent report on these 
financial statements to the shareholders of Shoe Zone plc. 
The report can be found on page 22.

The auditors, BDO LLP, have indicated their willingness 
to continue in office and a resolution that they be re-
appointed will be proposed at the AGM.

Financial risk management

The Group’s operations expose it to a variety of financial 
risks that include the effects of liquidity risk, foreign 
currency risk and interest rate risk. The Group has in 
place a risk management programme that seeks to limit 

the adverse effects on the financial performance of the 
Group by monitoring the management of net cash, and 
the related finance income and costs. As the Group 
has both interest bearing assets and interest bearing 
liabilities, management maintain a close monitoring of 
the respective balances to ensure any interest rate risk is 
managed. 

The Group does not make significant use of derivative 
financial instruments but does use forward currency 
contracts when management consider this to be 
appropriate. External expert advice is sought on the 
suitability of these currency contracts in respect of the 
timings and rate. The Group has no exposure to equity 
securities. Limited credit risk exposure exists given the 
high level of cash transactions through the store network. 
Where credit risk arises management have procedures in 
place to assess the level of risk to be taken, with approval 
by the Directors for significant credit transactions.

Environment

The vast majority of our stores in England, Wales and 
Scotland have a requirement to ensure that all packaging 
and store waste is returned to our distribution centre to be 
recycled and re-used.

Going Concern

The Directors consider that the business is a going 
concern and that it is appropriate to prepare the financial 
statements on a going concern basis. In reaching this 
conclusion, the Directors have assessed the Group’s 
current performance and position and factors that may 
affect the Group’s future prospects.
The Group’s financial position is strong with healthy 
positive cash balances at the year end and no debt. It also 
has in place a £5.0m Revolving Credit Facility (‘RCF’), 
which matures in September 2015. The RCF requires the 
Group to comply with certain financial covenants; these 
have been met during the year, and since the year-end. 
The RCF has not been utilised since inception. The 
Directors have reviewed forecasts and projections and 
consider that the Group has adequate banking facilities 
to meet its operational and capital commitments. The 
Directors therefore have a reasonable basis on which to 
satisfy themselves that the business is a going concern.

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Directors’ report for the 52 weeks ended 
4 October 2014 (continued)

Events after the year-end

Between 4 October 2014 and the date of this report, there 
have been no material events.

The Strategic Report, the Directors’ Report and the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report were approved by the 
Board.

accuracy at any time the financial position of the company 
and enable them to ensure that the financial statements 
comply with the requirements of 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.

Directors’ responsibilities 
statement 

The Directors are responsible for preparing the strategic 
report, the Director’s 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 group financial 
statements in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the 
European Union and the company financial statements 
in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted 
Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting 
Standards and applicable law). Under company law 
the Directors must not approve the financial statements 
unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view 
of the state of affairs of the group and company and of the 
profit or loss of the group for that period. The Directors 
are also required to prepare financial statements in 
accordance with the rules of the London Stock Exchange 
for companies trading securities on the Alternative 
Investment Market.  

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

●  select suitable accounting policies and then apply 

them consistently;

●  make judgements and accounting estimates that are 

reasonable and prudent;

●  state whether they have been prepared in accordance 

with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union, 
subject to any material departures disclosed and 
explained in the financial statements;

●  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 

Website publication

The Directors are responsible for ensuring the annual 
report and the financial statements are made available 
on a website. Financial statements are published on 
the company’s website in accordance with legislation 
in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and 
dissemination of financial statements, which may vary 
from legislation in other jurisdictions. The maintenance 
and integrity of the company’s website is the responsibility 
of the Directors. The Directors’ responsibility also extends 
to the on-going integrity of the financial statements 
contained therein.

Disclosure of information to 
auditors

Each Director in office at the date of approval of this report 
has confirmed that:

●  So far as he is aware, there is no relevant audit 
information of which the Company’s auditors are 
unaware; and

●  He has taken all reasonable steps that he ought to 

have taken as a Director in order to make himself 
aware of any relevant audit information and to 
establish that the Company’s auditors are aware of 
that information.

In accordance with Section 489 of the Companies Act 
2006, a resolution will be proposed at the AGM that BDO 
LLP be re-appointed as auditors.

Approved by the Board and signed on its behalf:

Anthony Smith
Chief Executive Officer
23 January 2015

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Independent auditor’s report to the members of 
Shoe Zone plc 

We have audited the financial statements of Shoe 
Zone plc for the 52 weeks ended 4 October 2014 
which comprise the consolidated income statement, 
the consolidated statement of total comprehensive 
income, the consolidated statement of financial position, 
the consolidated statement of changes in equity, the 
consolidated statement of cash flows, the related notes 
and the company statement of financial position. The 
financial reporting framework that has been applied in the 
preparation of the Group financial statements is applicable 
law and International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union. The financial 
reporting framework that has been applied in preparation 
of the parent company financial statements is applicable 
law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United 
Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). 

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.

Respective responsibilities of 
Directors and auditors

As explained more fully in the statement of Directors’ 
responsibilities, the Directors are responsible for 
the preparation of the financial statements and for 
being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our 
responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the 
financial statements in accordance with applicable law 
and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). 
Those standards require us to comply with the Financial 
Reporting Council’s (FRC’s) Ethical Standards for 
Auditors. 

Scope of the audit of the financial 
statements

A description of the scope of an audit of financial 
statements is provided on the FRC’s website at www.frc.
org.uk/auditscopeukprivate.

Opinion on financial statements

In our opinion: 

● 

● 

● 

● 

the financial statements give a true and fair view of 
the state of the Group’s and the parent company’s 
affairs as at 4 October 2014 and of the Group’s profit 
for the 52 weeks then ended;
the Group financial statements have been properly 
prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the 
European Union;
the parent company’s financial statements have been 
properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom 
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
the financial statements have been prepared in 
accordance with the requirements of the Companies 
Act 2006.

Opinion on other matters 
prescribed by the Companies Act 
2006

In our opinion the information given in the strategic report 
and Directors’ report for the financial period for which the 
financial statements are prepared is consistent with the 
financial statements. 

Matters on which we are required 
to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following 
matters where 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.

Richard Wilson (senior statutory auditor)
For and on behalf of BDO LLP, statutory auditor
Leicester
23 January 2015

BDO LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales (with registered number OC305127).

22

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Consolidated income statement for the 
52 weeks ended 4 October 2014

Note

Before
Exceptional
items

Exceptional
items

52 weeks 
ended 4 
October 2014

52 weeks 
ended 4 
October 2014

52 weeks 
ended 4 
October 2014

53 weeks 
ended 5
October 2013

Revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Administration Expenses

IPO costs

Distribution costs

Profit from operations

Finance income

Finance expense

Profit before taxation

Taxation

1, 4, 8

5

5

5, 6

5

9

9

10

Profit attributable to 
equity holders of the parent

Earnings per share - basic and 
diluted

27

£’000

172,861

(144,303)

28,558

(11,813)

-

(5,240)

11,505

33

(103)

11,435

(2,459)

8,976

£’000

£’000

£’000

-

-

-

-

(936)

-

(936)

-

-

(936)

-

(936)

172,861

193,882

(144,303)

(166,439)

28,558

27,443

(11,813)

(16,108)

(936)

(5,240)

10,569

33

(103)

10,499

(2,459)

-

(6,028)

5,307

36

(285)

5,058

(1,601)

8,040

3,457

16.08p

6.91p

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23

 
 
Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Consolidated statement of total comprehensive income 
for the 52 weeks ended 4 October 2014

Note

52 weeks 
ended 4 
October 2014

53 weeks 
ended 5
October 2013

Profit for the period

Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to the income statement

Remeasurement (losses)/gains on defined benefit pension scheme

Movement in deferred tax on pension schemes

24

24

Other comprehensive (expense)/income for the period

Total comprehensive income for the period attributable to 
equity holders of the parent

£’000

8,040

(2,371)

474

(1,897)

6,143

£’000

3,457

3,288

(850)

2,438

5,895

24

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Consolidated statement of financial position 
as at 4 October 2014

Note

52 weeks ended 
4 October 2014

53 weeks ended 
5 October 2013

52 weeks ended 
29 September 2012

Assets
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment

Deferred tax asset
Total non-current assets
Current assets
Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Derivative financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents
Total current assets
Total assets
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables

Loan and borrowings

Provisions

Derivative financial liabilities

Corporation tax liability
Total current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables

Loan and borrowings

Provisions

Employee benefit liability

Deferred tax liability
Total non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets
Equity attributable to equity holders 
of the company
Called up share capital

Merger reserve

Retained earnings
Total equity and reserves

12

13

14

15

25

16

17

18

15

16

18

24

20

21

£’000

21,233

-

21,233

29,181

8,377

741

9,114

47,413

68,646

(25,920)

-

(959)

-

(518)

(27,397)

(3,766)

-

(470)

(4,766)

(516)

(9,518)

(36,915)

31,731

500

2,662

28,569

31,731

£’000
Re-stated

£’000
Re-stated

24,636

-

24,636

29,959

8,693

-

6,552

45,204

69,840

(23,889)

(1,668)

(764)

(528)

(1,217)

(28,066)

(4,773)

-

(866)

(2,744)

(343)

(8,726)

(36,792)

33,048

500

2,662

29,886

33,048

28,851

157

29,008

33,416

10,077

-

8,685

52,178

81,186

(31,841)

(2,933)

(3,167)

(189)

(2,041)

(40,171)

(5,561)

(1,000)

(879)

(6,422)

-

(13,862)

(54,033)

27,153

500

2,662

23,991

27,153

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The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors.

Anthony Smith
Chief Executive Officer
23 January 2015   

shoezone.com

Registered Number 08961190

25

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Consolidated statement of changes in equity 
for the 52 weeks ended 4 October 2014

Share
Capital

Merger 
reserve

Retained
earnings

Total

£’000

£’000

£’000

£’000

At 29 September 2012

Profit for the period

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income for the period

500

2,662

23,991

27,153

-

-

-

-

-

-

3,457

2,438

5,895

3,457

2,438

5,895

At 5 October 2013

500

2,662

29,886

33,048

Profit for the period

Other comprehensive expense

Total comprehensive income for the period

Distribution prior to group reorganisation

Dividends paid prior to group reorganisation (note 11)

Total contributions by and distributions to 
owners

At 4 October 2014

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

8,040

8,040

(1,897)

(1,897)

6,143

6,143

(2,458)

(5,002)

(7,460)

(2,458)

(5,002)

(7,460)

500

2,662

28,569

31,731

The distribution prior to group reorganisation was made to enable Shoe Zone Group Limited to repurchase its own shares 
prior to the listing on AIM. 

The merger reserve is the nominal value of shares that have been repurchased. Retained earnings are all other net gains 
and losses and transactions with owners (e.g. dividends) not recognised elsewhere.

26

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Consolidated statement of cash flows 
for the 52 weeks ended 4 October 2014

Operating activities
Profit after taxation

Corporation tax

Finance income

Finance expense

Pension contributions paid

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

Decrease in trade and other receivables

Decrease in inventories

Decrease in trade and other payables

Decrease in provisions

Cash generated from operations
Income taxes paid
Net cash flows from operating activities
Investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Sale of property, plant and equipment

Interest received
Net cash used in investing activities
Financing activities
Distribution prior to group reorganisation

Dividends paid prior to group reorganisation (note 11)

Interest paid

Repayment of loans
Net cash used in financing activities
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period (note 25)

52 weeks ended 
4 October 2014

53 weeks ended 
5 October 2013

£’000

£’000

8,040

2,459

(33)

103

(425)

4,527

108

14,779

329

778

(185)

(200)

722

15,501

(2,512)

12,989

(2,008)

703

33

(1,272)

(2,458)

(5,002)

(27)

(1,668)

(9,155)

2,562

6,552

9,114

3,457

1,601

(36)

285

(600)

6,497

50

11,254

1,722

3,457

(8,577)

(2,416)

(5,814)

5,440

(2,774)

2,666

(2,827)

332

36

(2,459)

-

-

(76)

(2,264)

(2,340)

(2,133)

8,685

6,552

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014

1. Accounting policies

General information

Shoe Zone plc (the ‘Company’) is a public company incorporated and domicile in England and Wales. The registered office is 
at Haramead Business Centre, Humberstone Road, Leicester, LE1 2LH. The company registered number of the Company is 
8961190.

The Company and its subsidiaries’ (collectively the Group) principal activity is a footwear retailer in the United Kingdom and the 
Republic of Ireland.

Basis of preparation

The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are set out below. The policies have been 
consistently applied for the 52 weeks ended 4 October 2014. 

This financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and Interpretations 
(collectively IFRSs) issued by the Internal Accounting Standards Board (IASB) as adopted by the European Union (‘adopted 
IFRSs’) and those parts of the Companies Act 2006 that are applicable to companies that prepare financial statements in 
accordance with IFRS.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis and under the historical cost convention, as 
modified for the revaluation of financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value.

The preparation of financial statements in compliance with adopted IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. 
It also requires management to exercise judgement in applying the company’s accounting policies. The areas where significant 
judgements and estimates have been made in preparing the financial statements and their effect are disclosed in note 2.

Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements incorporating the financial statements of Shoe Zone plc and its subsidiary undertakings 
are all made up to 4 October 2014. The results for all subsidiary companies are consolidated using the acquisition method of 
accounting. 

Where the company has control over an investee, it is classified as a subsidiary. The company controls an investee if all three of 
the following elements are present: power over the investee, exposure to variable returns from the investee, and the ability of the 
investor to use its power to affect those variable returns. Control is reassessed whenever facts and circumstances indicate that 
there may be a change in any of these elements of control.

De-facto control exists in situations where the company has the practical ability to direct the relevant activities of the investee 
without holding the majority of the voting rights. In determining whether de-facto control exists the company considers all relevant 
facts and circumstances, including:

●  The size of the company’s voting rights  relative to both the size and dispersion of other parties who hold voting rights.
●  Substantive potential voting rights held by the company and by other parties.
●  Other contractual arrangements.
●  Historic patterns in voting attendance.

The consolidated financial statements present the results of the company and its subsidiaries (‘the Group’) as if they formed a 
single entity. Intercompany transactions and balances between group companies are therefore eliminated in full.

28

 
Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

1. Accounting policies (continued)

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the results of business combinations using the acquisition method. In the 
statement of financial position, the acquiree’s identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities are initially recognised 
at their fair values at the acquisition date. The results of acquired operations are included in the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income from the date on which control is obtained. They are deconsolidated from the date on which control 
ceases. 

Changes in accounting policies 

As these are the first financial statements of the Group under IFRS, the group has applied all IFRSs that are effective for the 
52 weeks ended 4 October 2014 and the 53 weeks ended 5 October 2013. The Group has not early adopted the following 
new standards, amendments or interpretations that have been issued but are not yet effective. The Directors anticipate 
that the adoption of these standards will not result in significant changes to the Group’s accounting policies. The Group has 
commenced its assessment of the impact of these standards but is not yet in a position to state whether these standards 
would have a material impact on its results of operations and financial position.

●  Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (Amendments to IAS 32). 
●  Recoverable amounts disclosures for non-financial assets (Amendments to IAS 36).
●  Novation of Derivatives and Continuation of Hedge Accounting (Amendments to IAS 39).
●  Defined Benefit Plans: Employee Contributions: Amendments to IAS 19.
●  Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2010-2012 Cycle.
●  Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2011-2013 Cycle.
●  Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2012–2014 Cycle.
IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers.
● 
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments.
● 

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Capital reorganisation and the merger reserve

On 26 March 2014 the Company was formed to become the new holding company for the Group. This was put into effect 
through a share-for-share exchange as described in note 21. 

The accounting treatment for group reorganisations is scoped out of IFRS 3. Accordingly, as required under IAS 8 
Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors the Group has referred to current UK GAAP to assist its 
judgement in identifying a suitable accounting policy. The introduction of the new holding company has been accounted 
for as a capital reorganisation using the merger accounting principles prescribed under current UK GAAP. Therefore 
the consolidated financial statements of Shoe Zone plc are presented as if Shoe Zone plc has always been the holding 
company for the Group and the share capital treated as if issued in the earliest year presented.

The use of merger accounting principles has resulted in a balance on Group capital and reserves which has been classified 
as a merger reserve and included in the Group’s shareholders’ funds. The consolidated financial statements include the 
results of the Company and all its subsidiary undertakings made up to the same accounting date.

As part of the reorganisation distributions were made to Shoe Zone Group Limited prior to the reorganisation itself taking 
place. 

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

1. Accounting policies (continued)

Revenue

Revenue is measured at the fair value of consideration received or receivable net of discounts, returns and VAT. Revenue 
from the sale of footwear is recognised when the company has transferred the significant risks and rewards of ownership to 
the buyer at the point of sale in the shop. At the point of sale a provision is made for the level of expected returns based on 
previous experience. 

Internet sales are recognised when the goods have been paid for, despatched and received by the customer. 

Investments

Investments held as fixed assets are stated at cost, less any provision for impairment.

Property, plant and equipment

Items of property, plant and equipment are initially recognised at cost. As well as purchase price, cost includes directly 
attributable costs. 

Depreciation is provided on all items of property, plant and equipment so as to write off their carrying value over the 
expected useful economic lives. It is provided at the following rates:

Leasehold improvements - 5-10 years on a straight line basis

Fixtures and fittings - 5-10 years on a straight line basis

Motor vehicles - 3-5 years on a straight line basis

No depreciation is provided against freehold land. Depreciation is provided against freehold shop properties writing off the 
original cost less estimated residual value over the useful economic life of the property which is estimated to be 50 years. 

Leased assets 

Where substantially all of the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of a leased asset have been transferred to the Shoe 
Zone plc Group (a ‘finance lease’), the asset is treated as if it had been purchased outright.

The amount initially recognised as an asset is the lower of the fair value of the leased property and the present value of the 
minimum lease payments payable over the term of the lease. The corresponding lease commitment is shown as a liability. 
Lease payments are analysed between capital and interest. The interest element is charged to the consolidated income 
statement over the period of the lease and is calculated so that it represents a constant proportion of the lease liability. The 
capital element reduces the balance owed to the lessor.

Where substantially all of the risks and rewards incidental to ownership are not transferred to the Group (an ‘operating 
lease’), the total rentals payable under the lease are charged to the consolidated income statement on a straight-line basis 
over the lease term. The aggregate benefit of lease incentives is recognised as a reduction of the rental expense over the 
lease term on a straight-line basis.

30

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

1. Accounting policies (continued) 

Impairment of non-financial assets

The carrying values of non-financial assets are reviewed for impairment when there is an indication that assets might be 
impaired. When the carrying value of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset is written down accordingly.

Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the impairment test is carried out on 
the asset’s cash generating unit (i.e. the smallest group of assets in which the asset belongs for which there are separable 
identifiable cash flows).

Impairment charges are included in the consolidated income statement, except to the extent they reverse previous gains 
recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

Inventories

Inventories are initially recognised at cost on a first in first out basis, and subsequently at the lower of cost and net realisable 
value. Cost comprises all costs of purchase, costs of conversion and other costs incurred in bringing the inventories to their 
present location and condition.

Financial assets

The Group classified its financial assets into the categories, discussed below, due to the purpose for which the asset was 
acquired. The Group has not classified any of its financial assets as held to maturity.

Loans and receivables

Loans and receivable assets are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted 
in an active market. They arise principally through the provision of goods to customers (e.g. trade receivables), but also 
incorporate other types of contractual monetary asset. They are initially recognised at fair value plus transaction costs that 
are directly attributable to their acquisition or issue, and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective 
interest rate method, less provision for impairment.

The Group’s loans and receivables comprise trade and other receivables and cash and cash equivalents included within the 
consolidated statement of financial position.

Impairment provisions are recognised when there is objective evidence (such as significant financial difficulties on the part 
of the counterparty or default or significant delay in payment) that the Group will be unable to collect all of the amounts 
due under the terms receivable, the amount of such a provision being the difference between the net carrying amount 
and the present value of the future expected cash flows associated with the impaired receivable. For trade receivables, 
which are reported net, such provisions are recorded in a separate allowance account with the loss being recognised 
within administrative expenses in the consolidated income statement. On confirmation that the trade receivable will not be 
collectable, the gross carrying value of the asset is written off against the associated provision.

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

1. Accounting policies (continued)

Financial liabilities

The Group classified its financial liabilities as other financial liabilities which include the following:

●  bank loans which are initially recognised at fair value net of any transaction costs directly attributable to the issue of the 
instrument. Such interest bearing liabilities are subsequently measured at amortised cost ensuring the interest element 
of the borrowing is expensed over the repayment period at a constant rate; and

● 

trade payables, other borrowings and other short-term monetary liabilities, which are initially recognised at fair value 
and subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Deferred taxation

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognised where the carrying amount of an asset or liability in the statement of 
financial position differs from its tax base.

Recognition of deferred tax assets is restricted to those instances where it is probable that taxable profit will be available 
against which the difference can be utilised.

The amount of the asset or liability is determined using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the 
balance sheet date and are expected to apply when the deferred tax liabilities or assets are settled or recovered. Deferred 
tax balances are not discounted.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when the Group has legally enforceable or substantially current tax assets and 
liabilities and the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to taxes levied by the same tax authority on either:

the same taxable group company; or

● 
●  different company entities which intend to either settle current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis, or to realise the 
assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously, in each future period in which significant amounts of deferred tax assets 
and liabilities are expected to be settled or recovered.

Provisions

Provision for dilapidations is made at the best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the obligation at the reporting 
date, where material, discounted at the pre-tax rate reflecting current market assessments of the time value of money and 
risks specific to the liability. This provision relates to the liability of wear and tear incurred on the leasehold properties and 
does not include any removal of shop refits as experience indicates that liabilities do not arise for removal of shop refits. 

In case of onerous leases, the provision takes into account the potential that the properties in question may be sublet for 
some or all of the remaining lease term.

Derivative financial assets / liabilities

The fair value of any forward foreign exchange contracts is recognised within current assets/liabilities and any movement in 
the fair value is recognised through cost of sales.

32

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

1. Accounting policies (continued) 

Foreign exchange

Transactions entered into the group entities in a currency other than the functional currency are recorded at the average 
rate prevailing during the period. Foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities are translated at the rates ruling at the 
reporting date.

Retirement benefits – defined contribution and benefit schemes

The Group operates both defined benefit and defined contribution funded pension schemes. The schemes are administered 
by trustees and are independent of the Group. 

Contributions to defined contribution schemes are charged to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income in the 
year to which they relate.
Defined benefit scheme surpluses and deficits are measured at:
● 
the fair value of plan assets at the reporting date; less
●  plan liabilities calculated using the projected unit credit method discounted to its present value using yields available on 

high quality corporate bonds that have maturity dates approximating to the terms of the liabilities; plus

●  unrecognised past service costs; less
● 

the effect of minimum funding requirements agreed with scheme trustees.

Re-measurements of the net defined obligation are recognised directly within equity. These include actuarial gains and 
losses, return on plan assets (interest exclusive), and any asset ceilings (interest exclusive).

Service costs are recognised in the income statement, and include current and past service costs as well as gains and 
losses on curtailments.

2. Critical accounting estimates and judgements

The Shoe Zone plc Group makes certain estimates and assumptions regarding the future. Estimates and judgements are 
continually evaluated based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are 
believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. In the future, actual experience may differ from these estimates and 
assumptions. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying 
amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.

Judgements and accounting estimates and assumptions

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment is depreciated over the useful lives of the assets. Useful lives are based on the 
management’s estimates of the period that the assets will generate revenue, which are reviewed annually for continued 
appropriateness. The carrying values are tested for impairment when there is an indication that the value of the assets 
might be impaired. When carrying out impairment tests these would be based upon future cash flow forecasts and these 
forecasts would be based upon management judgement. Future events could cause the assumptions to change, therefore 
this could have an adverse effect on the future results of the Shoe Zone plc Group.

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

2. Critical accounting estimates and judgements (continued)

Defined benefit pension assumptions

The costs, assets and liabilities of the defined benefit schemes operated by the Shoe Zone plc Group are determined using 
methods relying on actuarial estimates and assumptions. Details of the key assumptions are detailed in note 24. The Shoe 
Zone plc Group takes advice from independent actuaries relating to the appropriateness of the assumptions. Changes 
in the assumptions used may have a significant effect on the consolidated statement of comprehensive income and the 
statement of financial position.

Dilapidation provisions

Leasehold dilapidations relate to the estimated cost of returning a leasehold property to its original state at the end of 
the lease in accordance with the lease terms. The main assumption is in relation to the expected costs of rectification of 
the wear and tear incurred. The Shoe Zone plc Group has a team managing the property portfolio and uses historical 
experience when making a provision.

Onerous leases

The Shoe Zone plc Group reviews its property leasing portfolio at each reporting date in order to assess and consider 
the need for onerous lease provisions where the property is either empty or where the rents payable are in excess of the 
expected rents on sub-leasing. Inherent uncertainties in measuring the provision relate to estimates of the amount of rent 
that will be received in the future on vacant property, and estimating future rents on property where the current sub-lease is 
of a shorter duration than the head lease.

3. Financial instruments – risk management

The Board has overall responsibility for the determination of the Group’s risk management objectives and policies. The 
overall objective of the Board is to set policies that seek to reduce risk as far as possible without unduly affecting the 
Group’s competitiveness and flexibility. The Group reports in Pound Sterling. All funding requirements and financial risks 
are managed based on policies and procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. The Group does use forward currency 
contracts to mitigate foreign exchange risk but does not apply hedge accounting. The Group does not issue or use financial 
instruments of a speculative nature.

The Group is exposed to the following financial risks
●  credit risk;
● 
● 
● 

liquidity risk;
foreign exchange risk; and
interest rate risk.

The Group is exposed to risks that arise from its use of financial instruments. The principal financial instruments used by the 
Group, from which financial instrument risk arises, are as follows:

trade and other receivables;
● 
●  cash and cash equivalents;
● 
● 
● 
●  bank overdrafts.

forward foreign exchange contracts;
related party loans;
trade and other payables; and

34

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

3. Financial instruments – risk management (continued)

Fair value hierarchy

All financial instruments measured at fair value must be classified into one of the levels below:

Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets;

Level 2: Level 1 quoted prices are not allowable, but fair value is based on observable market data; and

Level 3: Inputs that are not based on observable market data. 
 the fair value of plan assets at the reporting date; less
● 
 plan liabilities calculated using the projected unit credit method discounted to its present value using yields available on 
● 
high quality corporate bonds that have maturity dates approximating to the terms of the liabilities; plus
 unrecognised past service costs; less
 the effect of minimum funding requirements agreed with scheme trustees.

● 
● 

Re-measurements of the net defined obligation are recognised directly within equity. These include actuarial gains and 
losses, return on plan assets (interest exclusive), and any asset ceilings (interest exclusive).

Service costs are recognised in the income statement, and include current and past service costs as well as gains and 
losses on curtailments.

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A summary of the financial instruments held by category is provided below:

Financial assets 

Trade receivables

Other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Total loans and receivables

Derivative financial assets

Total financial assets at fair value through 
profit or loss

52 weeks ended 
4 October 2014

53 weeks ended 
5 October 2013

£’000

£’000

381

119

9,114

9,614

741

741

301

211

6,552

7,064

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

3. Financial instruments – risk management (continued)

Financial liabilities 

Trade and other payables

Loans and borrowings

Total financial liabilities at amortised cost

Derivative financial liabilities

Total financial liabilities at fair value through 
profit or loss

52 weeks ended 4 
October 2014

52 weeks ended 5 
October 2013

£’000

£’000

23,811

-

23,811

-

-

21,995

1,668

23,663

528

528

To the extent financial instruments are not carried at fair value in the consolidated statement of financial position, book value 
approximates to fair value at 4 October 2014 and 5 October 2013.

Trade and other receivables are measured at book value and amortised cost. Book values and expected cash flows are 
reviewed by the Board and any impairment charged to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income in the relevant 
period.

Cash and cash equivalents are held in Pound Sterling and placed on deposit in UK banks.

Trade and other payables are measured at book value and amortised cost.

Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or counter-party to a financial instrument fails to meet its 
contractual obligations. At 4 October 2014 the Group has trade receivables of £381,000 (5 October 2013: £301,000).

Approximately 50% of the balance is with longstanding suppliers and will be recovered against orders placed for the 
upcoming season. The remainder is spread over a number of smaller suppliers with the largest balance below £75,000. 

The Directors are unaware of any factors affecting the recoverability of outstanding balances at 4 October 2014 and 
previously and consequently no provisions have been made for bad and doubtful debts.

Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk arises from the Group’s management of working capital. It is the risk that the Group will encounter difficulty in 
meeting its financial obligations as they fall due. The Group’s policy is to ensure that it will always have sufficient cash to 
allow it to meet its liabilities when they become due.

To achieve this aim, it seeks to maintain cash balances to meet expected requirements for a period of at least 30 days.

Trade payables are repayable within 3 months and loans and borrowings are repayable as disclosed in note 17. The Group 
prepares and maintains detailed cash flow forecasts to monitor cash requirements and manage liquidity risk.

36

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

3. Financial instruments – risk management (continued)

The following table sets out the contractual maturities (representing undiscounted contractual cash-flows) of financial 
liabilities:

At 4 October 2014

Trade and other payables

Loans and borrowings

Total

Up to 3
months

Between
3 and 12
months

Between
1 and 2
years

Between
2 and 5 
years

Over 5
years

£’000

£’000

£’000

£’000

£’000

23,811

-

23,811

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Up to 3
months

Between
3 and 12
months

Between
1 and 2
years

Between
2 and 5 
years

Over 5
years

£’000

£’000

£’000

£’000

£’000

At 5 October 2013

Trade and other payables

Loans and borrowings

Total

21,995

-

21,995

-

1,668

1,668

-

-

-

-

-

-

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

3. Financial instruments – risk management (continued)

Foreign exchange risk

The Group is predominantly exposed to foreign exchange risk on purchases from major suppliers based in the Far East. 
Purchases are made on a central basis and the risk is mitigated through using forward foreign currency exchange contracts. 
These contracts will be executed within twelve months from the year end.

Interest rate risk

The Group is exposed to interest rate risk which is managed centrally. The Group reviews the exposure periodically and will 
manage its interest rate risk by reviewing appropriate facilities.

Capital management

In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may adjust the value of dividends paid to shareholders, return 
capital to shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets to reduce debt.

The Group’s capital is made up of share capital, merger reserve and retained earnings totalling £31,731,000 (5 October 
2013: £33,048,000).

The Group’s objectives when maintaining capital are:

● 

to safeguard the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, so that it can continue to provide returns for 
shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders; and

● 

to provide an adequate return to shareholders by pricing products and services commensurately with the level of risk.

The capital structure of the Group consists of shareholders’ equity as set out in the consolidated statement of changes in 
equity. All working capital requirements are financed from existing cash resources.

4. Revenue

Revenue arises from:

Sales of goods

38

52 weeks ended 
4 October 2014

53 weeks ended 
5 October 2013

£’000

£’000

172,861

193,882  

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

5. Expenses by nature

Changes in inventories of finished goods 

Finished goods

Duty and carriage charges on purchases

Employee benefit expenses

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

Impairment of property, plant and equipment

Operating lease expense:

Plant and machinery

Property

Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

Branch running costs

Transportation expenses

Advertising expenses

Financial instruments movement

IPO Costs

Obligation to Shoefayre on liquidation

Accelerated depreciation on closed 

Tyler/Shoefayre stores

Release of dilapidation provision on closed 

Tyler/Shoefayre stores

Redundancy costs on closed Tyler/Shoefayre stores

Other costs

52 weeks ended 
4 October 2014

53 weeks ended 
5 October 2013

£’000

£’000

701

61,303

1,639

37,642

4,527

-

725

25,153

108

18,207

1,386

1,297

(1,269)

936

-

-

-

-

9,937

3,406

70,861

1,464

42,383

6,424

73

833

29,171

50

19,723

1,567

1,079

338

-

2,938

382

(1,214)

413

8,684

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162,292

188,575

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

6. Auditor’s remuneration

The audit of the parent company

The audit of the company’s subsidiaries

IPO Costs

7. Employee benefit expenses

Employee benefit expenses (including Directors) comprise:

Wages and salaries

Social security costs

Other pension costs

52 weeks ended 
4 October 2014

53 weeks ended 
5 October 2013

£’000

£’000

4

51

150

205

4

41

-

 45

52 weeks ended 
4 October 2014

53 weeks ended 
5 October 2013

£’000

35,017

1,846

779

£’000

39,753

2,041

589

37,642

42,383

The average monthly number of employees during the period was as follows:

52 weeks ended 4 
October 2014 

53 weeks ended 
5 October 2013 

No.

3,930

6

156

4,092

No.

4,408

8

144

4,560

Sales and distribution

Directors

Administration

40

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

7. Employee benefit expenses (continued)

Directors’ remuneration, included in staff costs:

Salaries

Pension contributions

Information regarding the highest paid Director is as follows:

Salary

Pension contribution

52 weeks ended 
4 October 2014

53 weeks ended 
5 October 2013

£’000

£’000

757

16

773

256

-

256

876

116

992

311

50

361

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

8. Segmental information 

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-
maker. The chief operating decision maker has been identified as the management team including the Chief Executive 
Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

The Board considers that each store is an operating segment but there is only one reporting segment as the stores qualify 
for aggregation, as defined under IFRS 8. Management reviews the performance of the Group by reference to total results 
against budget. The total profit measures are operating profit and profit for the year, both disclosed on the face of the 
consolidated income statement. No differences exist between the basis of preparation of the performance measures used 
by management and the figures in the Group financial statements.

External revenue by location of customers:

United Kingdom

Republic of Ireland

52 weeks ended 
4 October 2014

53 weeks ended 
5 October 2013

£’000

£’000

167,146

5,715

172,861

187,562

6,320

193,882

There are no customers with turnover in excess of 10% or more of total turnover.

52 weeks ended 
4 October 2014

53 weeks ended 
5 October 2013

£’000

£’000

Non-current assets by location:

United Kingdom

21,233

24,636

Non-current assets held in the Republic of Ireland are not disclosed on the grounds of materiality.

42

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

9. Finance income and expenses

Finance income 

Interest receivable

Total finance income

Finance expense 

Other loans

Other interest payable

Net interest expense on defined benefit pension scheme

Total finance expense

10. Income Tax

Current tax expense

Current tax on profits for the period 

Adjustment for under provision in prior periods

Total current tax expense

Deferred tax expense

Origination and reversal of temporary differences (note 20)

Tax charge on profit on ordinary activities

52 weeks ended 
4 October 2014

53 weeks ended 
5 October 2013

£’000

£’000

33

33

(27)

-

(76)

(103)

36

36

(75)

(1)

(209)

(285)

52 weeks ended 
4 October 2014

53 weeks ended 
5 October 2013

£’000

£’000

1,845

(33)

1,812

647

2,459

2,178

(227)

1,951

(350)

1,601

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

10. Income Tax (continued)

The reason for the difference between the actual tax charge for the period and the standard rate of corporation tax in the 
United Kingdom applied to profit for the period as follows:

52 weeks ended 
4 October 2014

53 weeks ended 
5 October 2013

Profit for the period 

Income tax expense

Profit before income taxes

Expected tax charge based on corporation tax rate of 22% 
(5 October 2013: 23.5%)

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes

Effective change of rate

Unrecognised deferred tax movement

Adjustments to tax charge in respect of previous period

Taxation on obligation to Shoefayre on liquidation

Total tax expense 

Factors that may affect future tax charges:

£’000

8,040

2,459

10,499

2,310

197

(50)

(107)

109

-

2,459

£’000

3,457

1,601

5,058

1,189

(72)

(301)

135

(117)

767

1,601

In addition to the changes in rates of corporation tax disclosed above, further changes to the UK Corporation tax rates were 
substantively enacted as part of the Finance Bill 2013 on 2 July 2013. These include reductions to the main rate to reduce 
the rate to 21% from 1 April 2014 and to 20% from 1 April 2015. Deferred tax has been calculated at 20% being the rate 
applying from April 2015.

11. Dividends

Dividends paid prior to group reorganisation

52 weeks ended 
4 October 2014

53 weeks ended 
5 October 2013

£’000

5,002

£’000

A final dividend of 3.6 pence per share is proposed for shareholders on the register on 13 February 2015 payable on 11 
March 2015 following approval at the Annual General Meeting on 27 February 2015.

44

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

12. Property, plant and equipment

Freehold
properties

Short leasehold
and leasehold
improvements

Motor 
vehicles

Fixtures 
and fittings

£’000

£’000

£’000

£’000

Total

£’000

11,525

18,423

198

(300)

11,423

-

(756)

10,667

875

-

73

-

948

58

-

721

(2,173)

16,971

691

(751)

16,911

10,034

2,546

-

(2,098)

10,482

1,850

(750)

1,006

11,582

9,661

10,475

10,650

5,329

6,489

8,389

49

-

32,714

62,711

1,748

2,667

(44)

(5,071)

(7,588)

5

-

-

5

43

1

-

29,391

57,790

1,244

(608)

30,027

1,935

(2,115)

57,610

22,908

33,860

3,877

-

6,424

73

(39)

(5,066)

(7,203)

5

-

-

5

-

-

6

21,719

33,154

2,619

(554)

4,527

(1,304)

23,784

36,377

6,243

7,672

9,806

21,233

24,636

28,851

Cost 

At 29 September 2012

Additions

Disposals

At 5 October 2013

Additions

Disposals

At 4 October 2014

Depreciation

At 29 September 2012

Charge for the period

Impairment

Disposals

At 5 October 2013

Charge for the period

Disposals

At 4 October 2014

Net book value

At 4 October 2014

At 5 October 2013

At 29 September 2012

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

13. Inventories

Goods for resale

Shop fitting materials and other consumables

14. Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables

Prepayments

Other receivables

4 October 2014

5 October 2013

£’000

29,073

108

29,181

£’000

29,774

185

29,959

4 October 2014

5 October 2013

£’000

381

7,877

119

8,377

£’000

301

8,181

211

8,693

15. Derivative financial instruments
At the balance sheet date, details of the forward foreign exchange contracts that the Group has committed to are 
as follows:

Derivative financial assets
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

Forward foreign exchange contacts
Derivative financial liabilities
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

Forward foreign exchange contacts

4 October 2014

5 October 2013

£’000

£’000

741

-

-

528

The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date is the fair value of the derivative assets/liabilities in the 
consolidated statement of financial position.

The notional principal amounts of outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts at 4 October 2014 were $51,000,000 
(5 October 2013: $46,500,000). The fair value of the forward foreign exchange contracts are within the level 2 of the fair 
value hierarchy and have been valued on the basis of observable market data. The key input into the valuation are market 
rates of financial instruments at the balance sheet date.

46

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

16. Trade and other payables

Current
Trade payables

Social security and other taxes

Other payables

Accruals

Non-current
Other payables

17. Loans and borrowings

Current
Related party loans

Total loans and borrowings

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4 October 2014

5 October 2013

£’000

14,351

1,049

123

10,397

25,920

£’000

12,643

1,099

219

9,928

23,889

4 October 2014

5 October 2013

£’000

3,766

3,766

£’000

4,773

4,773

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5 October 2013

£’000

-

-

£’000

1,668

1,668

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

18. Provisions

As at 5 October 2013

Additions

Amounts utilised

Amounts released

As at 4 October 2014

The provisions are aged as follows:

Customer 
Returns 

Onerous 
Leases 

Dilapidations

£’000

400

372

(400)

-

372

£’000

36

-

(36)

-

-

£’000

1,194

569

(378)

(328)

1,057

Customer 
Returns 

Onerous 
Leases 

Dilapidations

£’000

£’000

£’000

Total

£’000

1,630

941

(814)

(328)

1,429

Total

£’000

959

470

Current

Non-current

As at 4 October 2014

372

-

372

-

-

-

587

470

1,057

1,429

For all products, the Group has incurred an obligation to exchange the item if it is faulty due to a lack of quality or give 
the client a refund if they are not satisfied. Revenue from the sale of the products is recognised once the product is sold, 
however, a provision for customer returns based on previous experience is recognised at the same time. 

Onerous leases relate to the excess of rents payable over rents receivable on sub-let retail space and rents payable 
on retail premises which have been closed and not sub-let. Inherent uncertainties in measuring the provision relate to 
estimates of the rent that will be received in the future on vacant property, and estimating future rents on property where the 
current sub-lease is of a shorter duration than the head lease.

Leasehold dilapidations relate to the estimated cost of returning a leasehold property to its original state at the end of the 
lease in accordance with the lease terms. The main uncertainty relates to estimating the cost that will be incurred at the end 
of the lease.

19. Contingent liabilities

The Shoe Zone plc Group and subsidiary undertakings have given a duty deferment guarantee in favour of HM Revenue 
and Customs amounting to £1,600,000 (5 October 2013: £1,600,000).

48

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

20. Deferred tax

Deferred tax is calculated in full on temporary differences under the liability method using a tax rate of 20% (5 October 
2013: 20%).

The movement on the deferred tax account is as shown below:

4 October 2014

5 October 2013

At beginning of the period

Recognised in income statement:
Tax expense (note 10)

Recognised in other comprehensive income:
Actuarial loss/(gain) on defined benefit pension schemes

At end of the period

The deferred tax has arisen due to the following:

Accelerated capital allowances

Ineligible buildings

Short term timing differences

Defined benefit pension scheme

£’000

(343)

(647)

474

(516)

£’000

157

350

(850)

(343)

4 October 2014

5 October 2013

£’000

1,254

(2,575)

(148)

953

(516)

£’000

1,272

(3,006)

843

548

(343)

The Group has an unrecognised deferred tax asset of £994,000 at 4 October 2014 (5 October 2013: £1,088,000)

21. Share capital

Share capital issued and fully paid
50,000,000 ordinary shares of 1p each

4 October 2014

5 October 2013

£’000

£’000

500

500

500

500

Ordinary shares carry the right to one vote per share at general meetings of the company and the rights to share in any 
distribution of profits or returns of capital and to share in any residual assets available for distribution in the event of a 
winding up.

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

21. Share capital (continued)

Shoe Zone plc authorised share capital is unlimited.

The Company was incorporated on 26 March 2014 as a private company limited by shares under the name Shoe Zone 
(Holdings) Limited. On 30 April 2014, the Company was re-registered as a public limited company with the name Shoe Zone 
plc.

The Company was incorporated with an issued share capital of £1.00 comprising one ordinary share of £1.00 which was 
issued to Shoe Zone Group Limited on incorporation.

The following changes to the issued share capital of the Company have taken place between 26 March 2014 (being the 
date of the Company’s incorporation) and 20 May 2014:

1.  on 24 April 2014, the Company allotted and issued 13 ordinary shares of £1.00 each, fully paid up, to the SZGL, the 
entire issued share capital of the Company immediately following that allotment and issue was consolidated into one 
ordinary share of £14.00 and, thereafter, subdivided into 10 ordinary shares of £1.40 each;

2.  on 24 April 2014, the Company allotted and issued 49,999,990 ordinary shares of £1.40 each, fully paid up, in 

consideration of the acquisition by the Company of the entire issued share capital of Shoe Zone Retail Limited, Castle 
Acres Development Limited and Zone Group Limited pursuant to the Share Exchange Agreement. The aggregate 
premium paid on such shares was £585,576.54; and

3.  on 28 April 2014, the Company undertook a share capital reduction by way of solvency statement pursuant to which the 

Company (i) reduced the amount paid up on each ordinary share of £1.40 by £1.39; and (ii) reduced the entire amount 
standing to the credit of its share premium account. Following this share capital reduction, the Company’s issued share 
capital was £500,000 comprising 50,000,000 Ordinary Shares.

Total issued share capital (number)

Total issued share capital (£)

Ordinary 
£1 shares

Ordinary 
£1.40 shares

New ordinary
1p shares

Ordinary £1 
shares

Ordinary 
£1.40 shares

New ordinary
1p shares

Issued share capital on 
incorporation

Allocated and issued shares 
to the Selling Shareholders

Shares subdivided

Share for share exchange

Capital reduction by £1.39 and 
re-designate as new shares

Shoe Zone plc shares as 
at 4 October 2014

1

13

(14)

-

-

-

-

-

-

10

49,999,990

50,000,000

-

-

-

-

-

(50,000,000)

50,000,000

-

50,000,000

1

13

(14)

-

-

-

-

-

-

14

69,999,986

70,000,000

-

-

-

-

-

(70,000,000)

500,000

-

500,000

50

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

22. Leases

Operating leases – lessee

The Shoe Zone plc Group has entered into commercial leases on land and buildings. These leases have an 
average life of between five and ten years. There are no restrictions placed on the Shoe Zone plc Group by entering 
into these leases. The total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases for land and 
buildings and other items of plant and machinery are as follows:

Land and
buildings

Land and
buildings

Other

Other

4 October
2014 

5 October
2013

4 October
2014

5 October
2013

£’000

£’000

£’000

£’000

Not later than one year

Later than one year and not later 
than five years

Later than five years

22,866

25,130

59,867

19,516

70,314

30,258

562

798

4

547

668

29

102,249

125,702

1,364

1,244

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Contracted for but not provided

4 October 2014

5 October 2013

£’000

57

£’000

18

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

24. Pension costs 

Defined contribution scheme

The Group operates a defined contribution pension scheme namely Zone Executive Pension Scheme which had 
contributions during the period of £nil (5 October 2013: £100,000). During the year the Shoe Zone Worksave Pension Plan 
contributions amounted to £779,000 (5 October 2013: £217,000).

Defined benefit scheme

The Group operates two other pension schemes in the UK: the Shoe Zone Pension Scheme and the Shoefayre Limited 
Pension and Life Assurance Scheme. The Shoe Zone Pension Scheme provided benefits on a defined benefit basis for 
service up to 30 September 2001. For service after that date, benefits are provided on a defined contribution basis. The 
Shoefayre Limited Pension and Life Assurance Scheme provided benefits on a defined benefit basis but was closed to 
future accrual on 30 June 2009. The scheme was acquired on the purchase of Shoefayre Limited on 19 September 2007. 
The assets of all schemes are held in separate trustee administered funds. The pension contributions to the Shoe Zone 
Pension Scheme defined contribution element was £nil (5 October 2013: £272,000). 

The Group also operated a pension scheme in the Republic of Ireland: the Shoe Zone (Ireland) Pension Scheme. Full 
disclosure of this scheme is not contained in these financial statements, as the Directors do not consider it to be material 
to the financial statements. Full disclosure can be found in the financial statements of Shoe Zone (Ireland) Limited, 
Registration Number: 00272480.

On 25 April 2013 Shoe Zone (Ireland) Limited gave notice to the Trustees that all contributions would cease. The Trustees 
resolved to proceed with the administration of benefits as required in accordance with the wind-up rules and the Pensions 
Act. The historical deficit has been released to the Statement of Other Comprehensive Income to reflect this.

The schemes are exposed to a number of risks, including:

●  
●  

Investment risk: movement of discount rate used (high quality corporate bonds) against the return from plan assets
Interest rate risk: decreases/increases in the discount rate used (high quality corporate    bonds) will increase/decrease 
the defined benefit obligation

●   Longevity risk: changes in the estimation of mortality rates of current and former employees.

52

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

24. Pension costs (continued)

Amounts recognised in the balance sheet at 4 October 2014

Fair value of assets

Present value of funded obligations

Deficit

Schemes in surplus which have not been recognised

Schemes recognised as a liability

Amounts recognised in other comprehensive income

4 October 2014

5 October 2013

£’000

71,306

(76,072)

(4,766)

-

(4,766)

£’000

67,809

(69,662)

(1,853)

891

(2,744)

4 October 2014

5 October 2013

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Return on plan assets

Actuarial (loss)/gain arising from changes in:

Demographic assumptions

Financial assumptions

Experience

Effect of limiting net defined benefit asset

Total actuarial (loss)/gain

Deferred tax on employee benefit scheme

Shoe Zone (Ireland) historical deficit

£’000

2,592

-

(5,854)

-

891

(4,963)

474

- 

Total amount recognised in other comprehensive income

(1,897)

£’000

2,243

4,420

(1,269)

(1,647)

(891)

613

(850)

432

2,438

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

24. Pension costs (continued)

The figures below are based on a full actuarial valuation performed in April 2013 and March 2013 for the Shoe Zone and 
Shoefayre schemes respectively which was carried out by a qualified independent actuary. This actuarial valuation has 
been updated to 4 October 2014 for the purpose of calculating the pension surplus and disclosures in the current period.

4 October 2014

5 October 2013

%

2.40

3.40

4.00

2.40

3.40

%

2.50

3.50

4.55

2.50

3.50

4 October 2014

5 October 2013

Years

Years

90

92

88

90

 90

92

88

90

Financial assumptions

Deferred pension revaluation

Pension increases

Discount rate

Consumer Price Index

Retail Price Index

Post retirement mortality

Life expectancy

Male currently aged 45

Female currently aged 45

Male currently aged 65

Female currently aged 65

54

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

24. Pension costs (continued)

Defined benefit scheme - Shoe Zone Pension Scheme

Assets

The major categories of assets as a percentage of total assets are as follows:

Asset Category

Equities

Property

Gilts/ bonds

Target Return Funds

4 October 2014

5 October 2013

27%

9%

40%

24%

100%

29%

7%

38%

26%

100%

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The actual return on the Scheme’s assets net of expenses over the period to the review date was a gain of £3,349,000 (5 
October 2013: £2,845,000).

The assets do not include any investments in shares of the company.

The expected return on assets is a weighted average of the assumed long-term returns available on high quality corporate 
bonds in line with the method used to value the liabilities. Equity and property returns are developed based on the selection 
of an appropriate risk premium above the risk free rate which is measured in accordance with the yield on the government 
bonds. Bond returns are selected by reference to the yields on the government and corporate debt, as appropriate to the 
scheme holdings of these instruments. The expected returns on the Target Return Funds are equal to the fund’s targets.

Amounts recognised in the income statement over the period

Interest cost

Expected return on assets

4 October 2014

5 October 2013

£’000

(1,771)

1,811

£’000

(1,806)

1,779

40

(27)

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

24. Pension costs (continued)

Defined benefit scheme - Shoe Zone Pension Scheme (continued)

Amounts recognised in the statement of financial position

Fair value of assets

Present value of funded obligations

(Deficit)/surplus

Schemes in surplus which have not been recognised

Schemes recognised as a liability

Amounts recognised in other comprehensive income

Return on plan assets

Actuarial (loss)/gain arising from changes in:

Demographic assumptions

Financial assumptions

Experience

Effect of limiting net defined benefit asset

Total actuarial (loss)/gain

Deferred tax on employee benefit scheme

Total amount recognised in other comprehensive income

4 October 2014

5 October 2013

£’000

£’000

42,423

(43,217)

(794)

-

(794)

40,513

(39,622)

891

891

-

4 October 2014

5 October 2013

£’000

1,538

-

(3,263)

-

891

(2,372)

167

(667)

£’000

1,066

2,535

(226)

(1,077)

(891)

341

(460)

947

56

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

24. Pension costs (continued)

Defined benefit scheme - Shoe Zone Pension Scheme (continued)

Reconciliation of assets and defined benefit obligation

The change in assets over the period was:

Fair value of assets at the beginning of the period

Expected return on assets

Benefits paid

Actuarial gain

Fair value of assets at the end of the period

4 October 2014

5 October 2013

£’000

40,513

1,811

(1,439)

1,538

42,423

£’000

39,092

1,779

(1,424)

1,066

40,513

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The change in defined benefit obligation over the period was:

Defined benefit obligation at the beginning of the period

Interest cost

Benefits paid

Actuarial loss/(gain)

Defined benefit obligation at the end of the period

4 October 2014

5 October 2013

£’000

39,622

1,771

(1,439)

3,263

43,217

£’000

40,472

1,806

(1,424)

(1,232)

39,622

Shoe Zone Retail Limited expects to make no contributions to the scheme during the following period.

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

24. Pension costs (continued)

Defined Benefit Scheme - Shoe Zone Pension Scheme (continued)

Sensitivity of the value placed on the liabilities:

Adjustments to assumptions

Approximate effect on 
liabilities

Discount rate 

Plus 0.50%

Minus 0.50%

Inflation

Plus 0.50%

Minus 0.50%

Life Expectancy

Plus 0.50%

Minus 0.50%

-8%

+9%

+2%

-2%

+2%

-2%

Note that the above sensitivities are approximate and only show the likely effect of an assumption being adjusted whilst all 
other assumptions remain the same.

Defined benefit scheme - Shoefayre Limited Pension and Life Assurance Scheme 

The company operates the Shoefayre Limited Pension and Life Assurance Scheme. The scheme provided benefits on a 
defined benefit basis but was closed to future accrual on 30 June 2009.

The major categories of assets as a percentage of total assets are as follows:

Asset Category

Equities

Property

Gilts/ bonds

Target Return Funds

58

4 October 2014

5 October 2013

16%

11%

46%

27%

27%

8%

42%

23%

100%

100%

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

24. Pension costs (continued)

Defined benefit scheme - Shoefayre Limited Pension and Life Assurance Scheme (continued) 

The actual return on the Scheme’s assets net of expenses over the period to the review date was a gain of £2,280,000 (5 
October 2013: £2,337,000). The assets do not include any investments in shares of the company. 

The expected return on assets is a weighted average of the assumed long-term returns available on high quality corporate 
bonds in line with the method used to value the liabilities. Equity and property returns are developed based on the selection 
of an appropriate risk premium above the risk free rate which is measured in accordance with the yield on the government 
bonds. Bond returns are selected by reference to the yields on the government and corporate debt, as appropriate to the 
scheme holdings of these instruments. The expected returns on the Target Return Funds are equal to the fund’s targets.

Amounts recognised in the statement of financial position

Fair value of assets

Present value of funded obligations

Net liability

4 October 2014

5 October 2013

£’000

28,883

(32,855)

(3,972)

£’000

27,296

(30,040)

(2,744)

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Amounts recognised in other comprehensive income

4 October 2014

5 October 2013

Return on plan assets

Actuarial (loss)/gain arising from changes in:

Demographic assumptions

Financial assumptions

Experience

Total actuarial (loss)/gain

Deferred tax on employee benefit scheme

Total amount recognised in other comprehensive income

£’000

1,054

-

(2,591)

-

(2,591)

307

(1,230)

£’000

1,177

1,885

(1,043)

(570)

272

290

1,739

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

24. Pension costs (continued)

Defined benefit scheme - Shoefayre Limited Pension and Life Assurance Scheme (continued)

Amounts recognised in the income statement over the period

Interest cost

Expected return on assets

Reconciliation of assets and defined benefit obligation

The change in assets over the period was:

Fair value of assets at the beginning of the period

Expected return on assets

Employer contributions

Benefits paid

Actuarial gain on assets

Fair value of assets at the end of the period

The change in defined benefit obligation over the period was:

Defined benefit obligation at the beginning of the period

Interest cost

Benefits paid

Actuarial loss/(gain)

Defined benefit obligation at the end of the period

4 October 2014

5 October 2013

£’000

(1,342)

1,226

(116)

£’000

(1,342)

1,160

(182)

4 October 2014

5 October 2013

£’000

27,296

1,226

425

(1,118)

1,054

28,883

£’000

25,499

1,160

600

(1,140)

1,177

27,296

4 October 2014

5 October 2013

£’000

30,040

1,342

(1,118)

2,591

32,855

£’000

30,110

1,342

(1,140)

(272)

30,040

Contributions of £300,000 are expected to be made during the year ended 3 October 2015 by Shoe Zone Retail Limited.

60

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

24. Pension costs (continued)

Defined benefit scheme - Shoefayre Limited Pension and Life Assurance Scheme (continued)

Sensitivity of the value placed on the liabilities:

Adjustments to assumptions

Approximate effect on 
liabilities

Discount rate 

Plus 0.50%

Minus 0.50%

Inflation

Plus 0.50%

Minus 0.50%

Life Expectancy

Plus 0.50%

Minus 0.50%

-8%

+10%

+6%

-5%

+2%

-2%

Note that the above sensitivities are approximate and only show the likely effect of an assumption being adjusted whilst all 
other assumptions remain the same.

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

25. Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents for the purpose of the statement of cash flow comprise:

4 October 2014

5 October 2013

£’000

£’000

Cash at banks and in hand

9,114

6,552

Cash and cash equivalents

9,114

6,552

26. Related party transactions

Balances and transactions between the company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties of the company, have been 
eliminated on consolidation and are not disclosed in this note. Details of transactions between the Group and other related 
parties are disclosed below.

Included within loans and borrowings due within one year are the following loans due to related parties:

Key management personnel

4 October 2014

5 October 2013

£’000

-

£’000

1,688

62

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

26. Related party transactions (continued)

During the period, the Group entities entered into the following trading transactions with key management personnel:

4 October 2014

5 October 2013

£’000

£’000

Interest paid

27

75

During the period, the Group entities entered into the following trading transactions with Group pension schemes:

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Rent paid Zone Executive Pension Scheme

Contributions to the:

Zone Executive Pension Scheme

Shoe Zone Worksave Pension Plan

Shoe Zone Pension Scheme

Shoefayre Limited Pension and Life Assurance Scheme

4 October 2014

5 October 2013

£’000

£’000

152

-

779

-

425

88

100

217

272

600

1,356

1,277

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

26. Related party transactions (continued)

During the period, the Group entities committed and provided for a charitable donation to a trust in which the Directors are 
trustees:

Charitable donation

4 October 2014

5 October 2013

£’000

-

£’000

100

During the period, the key management personnel remuneration included within staff costs are as follows:

Short term employee benefits

Post-employment benefit

Employers national insurance

4 October 2014

5 October 2013

£’000

£’000

757

16

83

856

876

116

96

1,088

Key management personnel are considered to be the Directors of Shoe Zone plc.

64

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

27. Earnings per share

Earnings per share is calculated by dividing profit for the year by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during 
the year.

Numerator

Profit for the year and earnings used in basic and diluted EPS

4 October 2014

5 October 2013

£’000

8,040

£’000

3,457

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Denominator

Weighted average number of shares used in basic and diluted EPS

50,000,000

50,000,000

4 October 2014

5 October 2013

28. Ultimate controlling party

The company is controlled by Shoe Zone Group Limited. Shoe Zone Group Limited is controlled by the Smith family albeit 
there is not a single controlling party.

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

29. First time adoption of IFRS

The Shoe Zone plc Group has prepared financial statements which comply with IFRS applicable for period ending on or 
after 4 October 2014, together with the comparative period data as at and for the year ended 5 October 2013, as described 
in the summary of significant accounting policies. In preparing the financial statements, the Group’s opening balance sheet 
was prepared as at 30 September 2012, the Group’s date of transition to IFRS. This note explains the principal adjustments 
made by the Shoe Zone plc Group in restating its UK GAAP financial statements, including the balance sheet as at 29 
September 2012 and the financial statements as at and for the year ended 5 October 2013.

IFRS 1 allows first time adopters certain exemptions from the retrospective application of certain requirements under IFRS. 
The Shoe Zone plc Group has applied the following exemptions:

● 

● 

IFRS 3 Business Combinations has not been applied to acquisitions of subsidiaries which are considered businesses 
for IFRS or of interest in joint ventures that occurred before 29 September 2012. Use of this exemption means that the 
UK GAAP carrying amounts of assets and liabilities, that are to be recognised under IFRS, is their deemed cost at the 
date of acquisition. After the date of acquisition, measurement is in accordance with IFRS. Assets and liabilities which 
do not qualify for recognition under IFRS are excluded from the opening IFRS balance sheet. The Shoe Zone plc Group 
did not recognise or exclude any previously recognised amounts as a result of IFRS recognition requirements; and

the estimates at each period end are consistent with those made for the same dates in accordance with UK GAAP 
(after adjustments to reflect any differences in accounting policies). The estimates used by the Shoe Zone plc Group 
to present these amounts in accordance with IFRS reflect conditions as at 29 September 2012, the date of transition to 
IFRS and as of 5 October 2013.

66

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

29. First time adoption of IFRS (continued)

Reconciliation of equity as at 5 October 2013

Note

UK GAAP

Adjustments

IFRS as at
5 October 2013

£’000

£’000

£’000

A

A, B

E, F

D

C

F

D, E

H

B, H

Assets
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Total non-current assets
Current assets
Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents
Total current assets
Total assets
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables

Loan and borrowings

Provisions for liabilities and charges

Derivative financial liabilities

Corporation tax liability
Total current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables

Provisions for liabilities and charges

Employee benefit liability

Deferred tax liability
Total non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets
Issued capital and reserves 
attributable to owners of the parent
Called up share capital

Merger reserve

Retained earnings
Equity attributable to equity holders of 
the parent
Non-controlling interest
Total equity and reserves

24,960

24,960

29,959

9,659

6,552

46,170

71,130

(23,970)

(1,668)

-

-

(1,217)

(26,855)

(1,728)

(1,762)

(2,196)

-

(5,686)

(32,541)

38,589

500

2,662

35,427

38,589

-

38,589

(324)

(324)

-

(966)

-

(966)

(1,290)

81

-

(764)

(528)

-

(1,211)

(3,045)

896

(548)

(343)

(3,040)

(4,251)

(5,541)

-

-

(5,541)

(5,541)

-

(5,541)

24,636

24,636

29,959

8,693

6,552

45,204

69,840

(23,889)

(1,668)

(764)

(528)

(1,217)

(28,066)

(4,773)

(866)

(2,744)

(343)

(8,726)

(36,792)

33,048

500

2,662

29,886

33,048

-

33,048

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

29. First time adoption of IFRS (continued)

Reconciliation of total comprehensive income for the year ended 5 October 2013

Note

UK GAAP

Adjustments

IFRS as at
5 October 2013

£’000

193,882

(165,713)

28,169

(16,108)

(6,028)

6,033

(76)

36

537

6,530

(2,711)

3,819

3,819

3,819

2,543

(701)

1,842

5,661

5,661

5,661

£’000

-

(726)

(726)

-

-

(726)

(209)

-

(537)

(1,472)

1,110

(362)

(362)

(362)

745

(149)

596

234

234

234

£’000

193,882

(166,439)

27,443

(16,108)

(6,028)

5,307

(285)

36

-

5,058

(1,601)

3,457

3,457

3,457

3,288

(850)

2,438

5,895

5,895

5,895

C, F, G

G

G

G

G

Revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Administration expenses

Distribution expenses

Operating profit

Finance expense

Finance income

Other finance income

Profit before tax from continuing 
operations

Income tax expenses

Profit for the year

Attributable to:

Equity holders of the parent

Other comprehensive income

Actuarial gain/(loss) on pension schemes

Movement on deferred tax relating to pension 
schemes

Total other comprehensive income 

Total comprehensive income for the year

Total comprehensive income 
attributable to:

Equity holders of the parent

68

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

29. First time adoption of IFRS (continued)

Notes to the reconciliation of equity and income statement for the 53 week period ended 5 October 
2013:

A.   Property, plant and equipment – long leasehold properties of £324,000 was previously included under UK GAAP 

within property, plant and equipment which has been reclassified under IFRS under trade and other receivables as a 
prepayment.

B.  Deferred tax – a deferred tax asset of £1,290,000 previously included under UK GAAP within trade and other 

receivables in current assets has been transferred to deferred tax liabilities within non-current liabilities. The total 
deferred tax asset has been reduced by £2,182,000 as a result of the recognition of deferred tax on IFRS adjustments 
and as a result of recognising deferred tax on temporary differences arising from, in the main, the Group’s property 
portfolio.

C.  Other derivative financial assets – under IFRS the fair value of the foreign exchange contracts in existence but not 

settled have been included on the statement of financial position within derivative financial liabilities. Included within 
current liabilities is £528,000 which has resulted in a reduction in profit for the year recognised in the income statement 
of £338,000 after the release of the opening position of £190,000.

D.  Provisions – under UK GAAP all provisions  were included as a non-current liability. Under IFRS a provision for 

£764,000 is considered to be due within one year and is included as due within current liabilities. There is no change in 
profit for the year.

E.  Trade and other payables – as a result of the transfer to IFRS the Group has reclassified its holiday pay accrual of 

£132,000 from provisions to trade and other payables. There is no change in profit for the year.

F.  Trade and other payables – under UK GAAP the Group has recognised rent free periods on operating leases within 
trade and other payables and has released this through to the income statement over the period up to the first break 
clause. Under IFRS the release period is required to be the term of the lease. This has resulted in an increase in trade 
and other payables of £2,830,000 and a reduction in the amount released to the income statement by £388,000.

G.  Defined benefit pension schemes/finance income/finance expense – under IFRS the expected return of assets of 

pension scheme assets recognised is based upon the discount rate which differs to the treatment under UK GAAP. 
As a result an additional charge of £745,000 has been recognised within the income statement and a corresponding 
reduction has been made within other comprehensive income. The associated deferred tax movement of £149,000 
has increased the value of other comprehensive income and has increased income tax expenses within the income tax 
expense.

Under UK GAAP the other finance income, which relates through to the expected return on pensions assets less the in-
terest cost on pension liabilities, is included separately on the face of the income statement. Under IFRS this is included 
net within either finance income or finance expense.

This has resulted in an increase in the finance expense of £537,000 and a reduction in other finance income of 
£537,000. There is no profit effect.

H.  Defined benefit pension schemes – Under IFRS, the deferred tax asset/(liability) in relation to the employee benefit 

pension scheme is not netted off against the employee benefit asset/(liability).

Instead, it is included within the deferred tax balance. This has resulted in an increase to the employee benefit liability 
within non-current liabilities and a reduction to the deferred tax liability within non-current liabilities of £548,000.

Statement of cash-flows – the transition from UK GAAP to IFRS has not had a material impact on the statement of 
cash-flows.

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

29. First time adoption of IFRS (continued)

Reconciliation of equity as at 29 September 2012

Note

UK GAAP

Adjustments

IFRS as at 29
September 2012

£’000

£’000

£’000

Assets

Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment

Deferred tax asset
Total non-current assets
Current assets
Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents
Total current assets
Total assets
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables

Loan and borrowings

Provisions for liabilities and charges

Derivative financial liabilities

Corporation tax liability
Total current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Loans and borrowings

Trade and other payables

Provisions for liabilities and charges

Employee benefit liability
Total non-current liabilities
Total liabilities

Net assets

Issued capital and reserves 
attributable to owners of the parent
Called up share capital

Merger reserve

Retained earnings

Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent
Total equity and reserves

70

A

B, H

A, B

E, F

D

C

F

D, E

H

29,175

-

29,175

33,416

11,576

8,685

53,677

82,852

(31,999)

(2,933)

-

-

(2,041)

(36,973)

(1,000)

(2,769)

(4,236)

(4,946)

(12,951)

(49,924)

32,928

500

2,662

29,766

32,928

32,928

(324)

157

(167)

-

(1,499)

-

(1,499)

(1,666)

158

-

(3,167)

(189)

-

(3,198)

-

(2,792)

3,357

(1,476)

(911)

(4,109)

(5,775)

-

-

(5,775)

(5,775)

(5,775)

28,851

157

29,008

33,416

10,077

8,685

52,178

81,186

(31,841)

(2,933)

(3,167)

(189)

(2,041)

(40,171)

(1,000)

(5,561)

(879)

(6,422)

(13,862)

(54,033)

27,153

500

2,662

23,991

27,153

27,153

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

29. First time adoption of IFRS (continued)

Reconciliation of total comprehensive income for the year ended 29 September 2012

Note

UK GAAP

Adjustments

IFRS as at 29 
September 2012

Revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Administration expenses

Distribution expenses

Operating profit

Finance expense

Finance income

Other finance income

Profit before tax from continuing operations

Income tax expenses

Profit for the year

Attributable to:

Equity holders of the parent

Other comprehensive income

Actuarial gain/(loss) on pension schemes

Movement on deferred tax relating to pension schemes

Total other comprehensive income 

Total comprehensive income for the year

Total comprehensive income attributable to:

Equity holders of the parent

F

C, G

G

G

G

£’000

221,114

(197,130)

23,984

(12,391)

(6,530)

5,063

(203)

7

439

5,306

(2,067)

3,239

3,239

3,239

(4,649)

1,034

(3,615)

(376)

(376)

(376)

£’000

-

(496)

(496)

(1)

-

(497)

(845)

-

(439)

(1,781)

1,575

(206)

(206)

(206)

973

(224)

749

543

543

543

£’000

221,114

(197,626)

23,488

(12,392)

(6,530)

4,566

(1,048)

7

-

3,525

(492)

3,033

3,033

3,033

(3,676)

810

(2,866)

167

167

167

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

29. First time adoption of IFRS (continued)

Notes to the reconciliation of equity and income statement for the 52 week period ended 29 September 
2012:

A.   Property, plant and equipment – long leasehold properties of £324,000 was previously included under UK GAAP 

within property, plant and equipment which has been reclassified under IFRS under trade and other receivables as a 
prepayment.

B.  Deferred tax – a deferred tax asset of £1,823,000 previously included under UK GAAP within trade and other 

receivables in current assets has been transferred to deferred tax asset within non-current assets. The total deferred 
tax asset has been reduced by £3,143,000 as a result of the recognition of deferred tax on IFRS adjustments and as a 
result of recognising deferred tax on temporary differences arising from, in the main, the Group’s property portfolio.

C.  Other derivative financial assets – under IFRS the fair value of the foreign exchange contracts in existence but not 

settled have been included on the statement of financial position. Included within current liabilities is £189,000 which 
has resulted in a reduction in profit for the year recognised in the income statement of £311,000 after the release of the 
opening position of £121,000.

D.  Provisions – under UK GAAP all provisions were included as a non-current liability. Under IFRS a provision for 

£3,167,000 is considered to be due within one year and is included as due within current liabilities. There is no change 
in profit for the year.

E.  Trade and other payables – as a result of the transfer to IFRS the Group has reclassified its holiday pay accrual of 

£190,000 from provisions. There is no change in profit for the year.

F.  Trade and other payables – under UK GAAP the Group has recognised rent free periods on operating leases within 
trade and other payables and has released this through to the income statement over the period up to the first break 
clause. Under IFRS the release period is required to be the term of the lease. This has resulted in an increase in trade 
and other payables of £2,443,000 and a reduction in the amount released to the income statement by £496,000.

G.  Defined benefit pension schemes/finance income/finance expense – under IFRS the expected return of assets of 

pension scheme assets recognised is based upon the discount rate which differs to the treatment under UK GAAP. As a 
result an additional charge of £973,000 has been made within the income statement and a corresponding reduction has 
been made within other comprehensive income. The associated deferred tax movement of £224,000 has reduced the 
value of other comprehensive income and has increased income tax expenses within the income tax expense. 

Under UK GAAP the other finance income, which relates through to the expected return on pensions assets less the in-
terest cost on pension liabilities, is included separately on the face of the income statement. Under IFRS this is included 
net within either finance income or finance expense. 

This has resulted in an increase in the finance expense of £439,000 and a reduction in other finance income of 
£439,000. There is no profit effect.

H.  Defined benefit pension schemes – under IFRS the deferred tax asset/(liability) in relation to the employee benefit 

pension scheme is not netted off against the employee benefit liability/(asset).

Instead it is included within the deferred tax balance. This has resulted in an increase to the employee benefit liability 
within non-current liabilities and an increase in the deferred tax asset within non-current assets of £1,476,000.

Statement of cash-flows – the transition from UK GAAP to IFRS has not had a material impact on the statement of 
cash-flows.

72

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Company statement of financial position as at 4 October 
2014

Fixed assets

Investments

Current assets

Debtors

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 

Net current liabilities

Net assets

Capital and reserves

Called up share capital

Merger reserve

Profit and loss account

Total shareholders’ funds

Note

4 October
2014

£’000

2

3

4

5

6

6

70,586

70,586

7

7

(986)

(979)

69,607

500

586

68,521

69,607

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors.

Anthony Smith
Chief Executive Officer
23 January 2015 

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the company financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

1. Accounting policies

Basis of preparation

The Company’s financial period is the period from incorporation on 23 May 2014 to 4 October 2014. The financial 
statements are prepared on the going concern basis, under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the 
Companies Act 2006 and applicable accounting standards in the United Kingdom.

The Company has taken advantage of the exemption contained in Section 408(4) of the Companies Act 2006 from 
presenting its own profit and loss accounts. The loss dealt with in the accounts of the Company was £978,900.

The company has elected to adopt early the new accounting framework issued by the Financial Reporting Council. The 
company meets the definition of a qualifying entity under FRS 100 ‘Application of Financial Reporting Requirements’. 
Accordingly, in the 52 weeks ended 4 October 2014, the company has adopted FRS 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’ 
and has ceased to apply all UK Accounting Standards issued prior to FRS 100. Therefore the recognition and measurement 
requirements of EU-adopted IFRS have been applied, with amendments where necessary in order to comply with the 
Companies Act 2006 and The Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 
(SI 2008/410) as these are Companies Act 2006 accounts.

As permitted by FRS 101, the company has taken advantage of the disclosure exemptions available under that standard in 
relation to the presentation of a cash flow statement and related party transactions.

Accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout the period.

Investments

Investments held as fixed assets are stated at cost, less any provision for impairment. 

Share-based payments

Share-based payments are measured at fair value at the date of grant. 

The charge relating to grants to employees of the Company is recognised on a straight-line basis as an expense in the profit 
and loss account, spread over the vesting period, based on the Company’s estimate of the shares that will eventually vest 
and adjusted for the effect of nonmarket-based vesting conditions.

74

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the company financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

2. Fixed Asset Investments

Cost at reorganisation prior to flotation

4 October
2014

£’000

70,586

The principal subsidiaries of the company, all of which have been included in the consolidated financial statements, 
are as follows:

Name of investment

Place of 
incorporation

Principal activity

Ownership

Shoe Zone Retail Limited

England & Wales

Trading company 

100% owned by company

Castle Acres Development Limited 

England & Wales

Property holding company

100% owned by company

Zone Property Limited

England & Wales

Property holding company

100% owned by company

Shoe Zone (Ireland) Limited

England & Wales

Non-trading company

100% owned by Shoe Zone 
Retail Limited

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notes to the company financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 4 October 2014 (continued)

3. Debtors

Prepayments

4. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Amounts owing to group undertakings

Accruals

5. Share capital

Allotted, called up and fully paid:

50,000,0000 ordinary shares of 1p each

Details of share capital transactions are provided in note 21 to the consolidated financial statements.

6. Reserves

4 October 2014

£’000

7

4 October 2014

£’000

982

4

986

4 October 2014

£’000

500

500

At 5 October 2013 

Loss for the financial period

Capital reduction

Premium paid on share exchange agreement
At 4 October 2014

7. Related party transactions

Merger reserve

Profit and loss
account

£’000

-

-

-

586

586

£’000

-

(979)

69,500

-

68,521

Transactions between the Company and its 100% owned subsidiaries, which are related parties of the Company, are 
not disclosed in this note due to the advantage being taken of the exemption provided by FRS 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure 
Framework’. There have been no other related party transactions during the year.

76

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Directors and Advisers

Directors

I A Filby (Non-Executive Chairman) 
A E P Smith (Chief Executive Officer) 
J C P Smith (Chief Operating Officer)
N J Davis (Chief Financial Officer)
C J Caminada (Non-Executive Director) 
J W Sharman (Non-Executive Director)

Secretary

N J Davis

Registered office

Haramead Business Centre
Humberstone Road
Leicester
LE1 2LH

Auditors

BDO LLP
Pannell House
159 Charles Street
Leicester 
LE1 1LD 

Bankers

HSBC Bank plc
2-6 Gallowtree Gate
Leicester
LE1 1DA

Registrars

Capita Asset Services Limited
The Registry 
34 Beckenham Road
Kent
BR3 4TU 

Solicitors

Dickson Minto W.S. 
Broadgate Tower 
20 Primrose Street
London
EC2A 2EW

Corporate Brokers

Numis Securities Limited
The London Stock Exchange Building 
10 Paternoster Square
London
EC4M 7LT

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notice of Annual General Meeting

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting 
of Shoe Zone plc (the ‘Company’) will be held at 
its registered office at Haramead Business Centre, 
Humberstone Road, Leicester, Leicestershire LE1 2LH 
on Friday, 27 February 2015 at 11a.m. to consider and, if 
thought fit, pass the resolutions set out below. Resolutions 
1 to 12 will be proposed as ordinary resolutions and 
Resolution 13 will be proposed as a special resolution.

1. To receive and adopt the Company’s annual accounts 
for the financial period ended 4 October 2014 and the 
associated reports of the Directors of the Company and 
the auditors of the Company.  

2. To declare a final dividend of 3.6 pence per ordinary 
share for the financial period ended 4 October 2014.

3. To re-elect Ian Filby as a Director.

4. To re-elect Anthony Smith as a Director.

5. To re-elect Charles Smith as a Director.

6. To re-elect Nick Davis as a Director.

7. To re-elect Charlie Caminada as a Director.

8. To re-elect Jeremy Sharman as a Director.

9. To re-appoint BDO LLP as auditors of the 
Company to hold office from the conclusion of the annual 
general meeting until the conclusion of the annual general 
meeting of the Company to be held in 2016.

10. To authorise the Directors of the Company to 
determine the remuneration of BDO LLP as auditors of the 
Company.

11. That, in accordance with section 366 of the 
Companies Act 2006 (the ‘Act’), the Company and its 
subsidiaries be and are hereby authorised, in aggregate, 
to:

(a)  make political donations to political parties and/or 

independent election candidates, not exceeding 
£50,000.00 in total; 

(b)  make political donations to political organisations 
other than political parties, not exceeding 
£50,000.00 in total; and 
incur political expenditure, not exceeding 
£50,000.00 in total,

(c) 

such authority to expire on the earlier of 31 March 2016 

and the conclusion of the annual general meeting of the 
Company to be held in 2016. For the purposes of this 
resolution the terms ‘political donation’, ‘political parties’, 
‘independent election candidates’, ‘political organisation’ 
and ‘political expenditure’ have the meanings given by 
sections 363 to 365 of the Act. 

12. That, in substitution for any existing authority but 
without prejudice to the exercise of any such authority 
prior to the date of the passing of this resolution, the 
Directors of the Company be and are hereby generally 
and unconditionally authorised pursuant to and in 
accordance with section 551 of the Companies Act 2006 
(the ‘Act’) to exercise all the powers of the Company 
to allot shares in the Company and to grant rights to 
subscribe for, or to convert any security into, shares in the 
Company:

(a)  up to an aggregate nominal amount of 

£166,666.00; and

(b)  up to an aggregate nominal amount of 

£333,332.00 (such amount to be reduced by any 
shares allotted, or rights to subscribe for or to 
convert any security into shares granted, under 
paragraph (a) of this resolution) in connection 
with an offer by way of a rights issue:

(i)  to holders of ordinary shares of £0.01 each 
in the capital of the Company in proportion 
(as nearly as may be practicable) to their 
existing holdings; and

(ii) to holders of other equity securities as 

required by the rights of those securities 
or as the Directors otherwise consider 
necessary or permitted by the rights of 
those securities, and so that the Directors 
may impose any limits or restrictions 
and make any arrangements which they 
consider necessary or appropriate to deal 
with treasury shares, fractional entitlements 
or securities represented by depositary 
receipts, record dates, legal, regulatory or 
practical problems in, or under the laws 
of, any territory or the requirements of any 
regulatory body or stock exchange or any 
other matter,

provided that this authority shall expire on the earlier of 
31 March 2016 and the conclusion of the annual general 
meeting of the Company to be held in 2016, save that 
the Company may before such expiry make an offer or 
enter into an agreement which would or might require 

78

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notice of Annual General Meeting (continued)

shares to be allotted, or rights to subscribe for or to 
convert securities into shares to be granted, after such 
expiry and the Directors may allot shares or grant such 
rights in pursuance of such an offer or agreement as if the 
authority conferred hereby had not expired.

13. That, subject to the passing of resolution 12 proposed 
at the annual general meeting of the Company convened 
for 27 February 2015 (‘Resolution 12’) and in substitution 
for any existing authority but without prejudice to the 
exercise of any such authority prior to the date of the 
passing of this resolution, the Directors of the Company 
be and are hereby generally empowered pursuant to 
sections 570 and 573 of the Companies Act 2006 (the 
‘Act’) to allot equity securities (within the meaning of 
section 560(1) of the Act) (including the grant of rights to 
subscribe for, or to convert any securities into, ordinary 
shares of £0.01 each in the capital of the Company 
(‘Ordinary Shares’) for cash pursuant to the authorities 
conferred by Resolution 12 and/or by way of a sale of 
treasury shares (within the meaning of section 560(3) of 
the Act), as if section 561(1) of the Act did not apply to any 
such allotment or sale, provided that this power shall be 
limited to:

(a) 

the allotment of equity securities and the sale of 
treasury shares for cash in connection with an 
offer of, or invitation to apply for, equity securities 
(but in the case of the authority granted under 
paragraph (b) of Resolution 12, by way of a rights 
issue only):

(i)  to holders of Ordinary Shares in proportion 
(as nearly as may be practicable) to their 
existing holdings; and

(ii) to holders of other equity securities as 

required by the rights of those securities 
or as the Directors otherwise consider 
necessary or permitted by the rights of 
those securities, 

and so that the Directors may impose 
any limits or restrictions and make any 
arrangements which they consider 
necessary or appropriate to deal with any 
treasury shares, fractional entitlements, 
record dates, legal, regulatory or practical 
problems in, or under the laws of, any 
territory or the requirements of any 
regulatory body or stock exchange or any 
other matter (including any such problems 
arising by virtue of equity securities being 
represented by depositary receipts); and

(b) 

the allotment of equity securities and the sale of 
treasury shares (other than under paragraph (a) 
of this resolution) up to an aggregate nominal 
amount of £25,000.00,

and shall expire on the earlier of 31 March 2016 and 
the conclusion of the annual general meeting of the 
Company to be held in 2016, save that the Company 
may before such expiry make an offer or enter into an 
agreement which would or might require equity securities 
to be allotted after such expiry and the Directors may 
allot equity securities in pursuance of such an offer or 
agreement as if the power conferred hereby had not 
expired.

By order of the Board

Nick Davis
Company Secretary
23 January 2015 

Registered Office
Haramead Business Centre
Humberstone Road
Leicester
Leicestershire 
LE1 2LH

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notice of Annual General Meeting (continued)

Notes

1. Attending the Annual General Meeting in person

If you wish to attend the Annual General Meeting in 
person, you should arrive at the venue for the Annual 
General Meeting in good time to allow your attendance 
to be registered. It is advisable to have some form of 
identification with you as you may be asked to provide 
evidence of your identity to the Company’s registrar, 
Capita Asset Services Limited (the ‘Registrar’), prior to 
being admitted to the Annual General Meeting.

2. Appointment of proxies

Members are entitled to appoint one or more proxies 
to exercise all or any of their rights to attend, speak 
and vote at the Annual General Meeting. A proxy need 
not be a member of the Company but must attend the 
Annual General Meeting to represent a member. To be 
validly appointed, a proxy must be appointed using the 
procedures set out in these notes and in the notes to 
the accompanying Form of Proxy. If members wish their 
proxy to speak on their behalf at the meeting, members 
will need to appoint their own choice of proxy (not the 
Chairman of the Annual General Meeting) and give their 
instructions directly to them.

Members can only appoint more than one proxy where 
each proxy is appointed to exercise rights attached to 
different shares. Members cannot appoint more than 
one proxy to exercise the rights attached to the same 
share(s). If a member wishes to appoint more than one 
proxy, they should contact the Registrar at The Registry, 
34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 4ZF or by 
telephone on 0871 664 0321. Calls cost 10p per minute 
from a BT landline. Other network providers’ costs may 
vary. Lines are open 9.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. (London time) 
Monday to Friday. Different charges may apply to calls 
from mobile telephones and calls may be recorded and 
randomly monitored for security and training purposes.

A member may instruct their proxy to abstain from voting 
on any resolution to be considered at the Annual General 
Meeting by marking the ‘Vote Withheld’ option when 
appointing their proxy. It should be noted that a vote 
withheld is not a vote in law and will not be counted in the 
calculation of the proportion of votes ‘For’ or ‘Against’ the 
resolution.

The appointment of a proxy will not prevent a member 
from attending the Annual General Meeting and voting in 
person if they wish.

3. Appointment of a proxy using a Form of Proxy

A Form of Proxy for use in connection with the Annual 
General Meeting is enclosed. To be valid, a Form of 
Proxy or other instrument appointing a proxy, together 
with any power of attorney or other authority under which 
it is signed or a certified copy thereof, must be received 
by post or (during normal business hours only) by hand 
by the Registrar at The Registry, 34 Beckenham Road, 
Beckenham, Kent BR3 4ZF no later than 48 hours 
before the time of the Annual General Meeting or any 
adjournment of that meeting.

If you do not have a Form of Proxy and believe that you 
should have one, or you require additional Forms of 
Proxy, please contact the Registrar.

4. Appointment of a proxy through CREST

CREST members who wish to appoint a proxy or proxies 
through the CREST electronic proxy appointment 
service may do so by using the procedures described in 
the CREST Manual and by logging on to the following 
website: www.euroclear.com/CREST. CREST personal 
members or other CREST sponsored members, and 
those CREST members who have appointed (a) voting 
service provider(s), should refer to their CREST sponsor 
or voting service provider(s) who will be able to take the 
appropriate action on their behalf.

In order for a proxy appointment or instruction made 
using the CREST service to be valid, the appropriate 
CREST message (a ‘CREST Proxy Instruction’) must be 
properly authenticated in accordance with Euroclear UK 
& Ireland Limited’s specifications and must contain the 
information required for such instruction, as described 
in the CREST Manual. The message, regardless of 
whether it constitutes the appointment of a proxy, or is 
an amendment to the instruction given to a previously 
appointed proxy must, in order to be valid, be transmitted 
so as to be received by the Registrar (ID RA10) no later 
than 48 hours before the time of the Annual General 
Meeting or any adjournment of that meeting. For this 
purpose, the time of receipt will be taken to be the time 
(as determined by the timestamp applied to the message 
by the CREST Application Host) from which the Registrar 
is able to retrieve the message by enquiry to CREST in 
the manner prescribed by CREST. After this time any 
change of instructions to proxies appointed through 
CREST should be communicated to the appointee 
through other means.

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Notice of Annual General Meeting (continued)

CREST members and, where applicable, their CREST 
sponsors or voting service provider(s) should note that 
Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited does not make available 
special procedures in CREST for any particular message. 
Normal system timings and limitations will, therefore, 
apply in relation to the input of CREST Proxy Instructions. 

adjourned, at 6.00 p.m. on the day two days (excluding 
non-working days) prior to the adjourned meeting). 
Changes to the register of members after the relevant 
deadline will be disregarded in determining the rights 
of any person to attend and vote at the Annual General 
Meeting.

8. Voting rights

As at 31 December 2014 the Company’s issued share 
capital consisted of 50,000,000 ordinary shares of £0.01 
each carrying one vote each. No shares are held by the 
Company in treasury. Therefore, the total voting rights in 
the Company as at 31 December 2014 were 50,000,000 
votes.

It is the responsibility of the CREST member concerned 
to take (or, if the CREST member is a CREST personal 
member, or sponsored member, or has appointed (a) 
voting service provider(s), to procure that their CREST 
sponsor or voting service provider(s) take(s)) such 
action as shall be necessary to ensure that a message 
is transmitted by means of the CREST system by any 
particular time. In this connection, CREST members and, 
where applicable, their CREST sponsors or voting system 
providers are referred, in particular, to those sections of 
the CREST Manual concerning practical limitations of the 
CREST system and timings.

The Company may treat as invalid a CREST Proxy 
Instruction in the circumstances set out in Regulation 
35(5)(a) of the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001 
(as amended).

5. Appointment of a proxy by joint holders

In the case of joint holders, where more than one of the 
joint holders purports to appoint one or more proxies, only 
the purported appointment submitted by the most senior 
holder will be accepted. Seniority shall be determined by 
the order in which the names of the joint holders stand in 
the Company’s register of members in respect of the joint 
holding.

6. Corporate representatives

Any corporation which is a member can appoint one 
or more corporate representatives. Members can only 
appoint more than one corporate representative where 
each corporate representative is appointed to exercise 
rights attached to different shares. Members cannot 
appoint more than one corporate representative to 
exercise the rights attached to the same share(s).

7. Entitlement to attend and vote

To be entitled to attend and vote at the Annual General 
Meeting (and for the purpose of determining the votes 
they may cast), members must be registered in the 
Company’s register of members at 6.00 p.m. on 25 
February 2015 (or, if the Annual General Meeting is 

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