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Shoe Zone plc

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FY2015 Annual Report · Shoe Zone plc
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Annual Report & Accounts

Shoe Zone is the leading 
UK Specialist Value Footwear Retailer

“In June 2015, we were excited to launch a new concept store with the 
aim of attracting a wider audience.  The store in Meadowhall, one of the 
biggest shopping centres in the UK, has been a huge success.”

Anthony Smith, CEO.

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Shoe Zone store in Meadowhall following the launch of a new shopfit concept 6 June 2015

Contents

Strategic Report
Highlights 
Directors and Advisers 
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 

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
Notice of Annual General Meeting 

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015shoezone.com 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Highlights

Revenue

£166.8m

(2014: £172.9m)¹

Profit before tax

£10.1m

(2014: £10.5m)

Net cash

£14.2m

(2014: £9.1m)

Product 
gross margin

61.5%

(2014: 61.3%)

Earnings 
per share

16.2p

(2014: 16.1p)

Interim dividend

3.2p

Final dividend

Total dividend

Special dividend

6.5p

9.7p

6.0p

¹ Reduction due to planned closure of unprofitable stores

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015Directors and Advisers

Directors

I A Filby 
A E P Smith 
N J Davis 
J C P Smith
C J Caminada 
J W Sharman

Secretary

N J Davis

Registered office

Haramead Business Centre
Humberstone Road
Leicester
LE1 2LH

Auditor

BDO LLP
Pannell House
159 Charles Street
Leicester 
LE1 1LD 

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Registrar

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 2015shoezone.com 
 
Chief Executive’s report

Introduction

I am delighted to deliver my Chief Executive’s report on 
another satisfying year for Shoe Zone. Whilst it was a 
difficult year for the footwear industry, I believe we have 
achieved a solid performance. Our key strengths have 
been cost control, managing our property portfolio and 
delivering strong profit margins through increased direct 
sourcing and better inventory control, leading to an 
improved cash position. 

The financial position of the business remains very 
sound, with our debt-free balance sheet providing a solid 
foundation for the future. These results are in line with 
expectations that were reset during the year, with profit 
before tax decreasing by 3.4% to £10.1m (2014: £10.5m), 
while earnings per share increased to 16.2p 
(2014: 16.1p).

Dividends

As a result of our performance in the year and strong cash 
position, the Board is proposing two dividends to be paid 
being a final dividend of 6.5 pence per share, resulting 
in a total dividend for the year of 9.7p per share and a 
special dividend of 6.0 pence per share. 

The board is proposing a special dividend in order to 
distribute surplus cash generated from our strong cash 
conversion.  We believe that £11m is currently the 
maximum level of cash that the business requires to 
operate effectively and so excess above this level will be 
paid to shareholders by way of a special dividend when 
appropriate.  Therefore, the special dividend of £3m, 
being 6.0 pence per share is being proposed. 

The dividends will be paid to shareholders on the 
register on 26 February 2016, payable on 16 March 2016 
if approved at the Annual General Meeting to be held 
on 4 March 2016. The shares will be ex-dividend on 25 
February 2016.

4

Product range development

We continue to make good progress in the development 
of our product ranges. Following a slow start to the 
financial year we made some adjustment to our future 
ranges to ensure greater diversity of product and also 
to give us future confidence about average price and 
average transaction value. These stabilised in the second 
half and have reverted to historic levels post the year end. 

We appointed a new merchandise director in April 2015 
with a focus on improving stock management and cash 
generation. The full impact of this appointment will be 
realised in 2016 and beyond. 

We are very pleased with the progress of our 
non-footwear ranges, which were gradually introduced 
from the Spring/Summer 2013 season. In 2015, 
non-footwear sales growth was up 33% with annual 
sales of £5.5m. We have tailored the ranges to enhance 
performance in 2016 and this strategy is already showing 
good signs of further growth. We have also extended the 
full non-footwear range to our Grade 3 stores which has 
had a great start.

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015Chief Executive’s report (continued)

Store portfolio management

improvements in 2014 (6.44%) we continued this well 
controlled trend and reduced this to 6.25% in 2015. 

We ended the year operating from 535 stores with 12 new 
store openings (including seven relocations). We also 
completed 40 store refits during the year, at a total capital 
expenditure of £1.9m. We continue to rationalise our store 
portfolio and will close further temporary/loss making 
stores in 2016, reducing total sales but helping to improve 
profitability. 

Our rents at lease renewal in the 12 months fell by 27.2%. 
We still see opportunities to reduce rents and relocate to 
better sites and therefore continue to open larger, more 
profitable Grade 1 stores while closing smaller Grade 3 
stores (see table). Our average lease length is now 2.7 
years and provides us with the flexibility to best manage 
the portfolio, with secondary locations continuing to show 
limited signs of rental recovery outside the M25. 

Movement in Grade changes during the year were in line 
with management forecasts. In addition, we have been 
trialling new equipment during the year to increase store 
densities without the need for refitting. This has been 
extremely successful and will rapidly increase the number 
of Grade 1 stores from February 2016 as shown in the 
following table.

Estimate
1 February
2016

Stores at 
3 October 
2015

Stores at
4 October 
2014

Grade 1 (large)

     287 

231                   203  

Grade 2 (medium)

     123 

168                   178

Grade 3 (small)

     115

136 

         164

TOTAL

     525

535 

         545

Operational improvements

Product orders placed directly with overseas factories 
increased in 2015 to 62.1% (2014: 53.1%). The margin 
gains from this approach are partially being reinvested to 
ensure we can provide our customers with the best value 
product, with the remainder improving margin achieved for 
the year. 

We continue to implement our “right price, first time” 
strategy, which helps control the amount of markdown 
value as a percentage of turnover. Following big 

We launched our updated store proposition at our new 
Meadowhall store in Sheffield in June. This new format 
has been a great success and this concept is now being 
rolled out to new stores and refits. 

E-commerce

shoezone.com continues to evolve and grow with an 
upgraded fully responsive site launched in 2015. Our 
database has grown by 47% which has helped e-mail 
campaign sales increase by 65% on the prior year. Mobile 
and tablet visits represented 66% (2014: 56%) of all visits 
with conversion rates increasing on all devices, including 
desktop. I am pleased that our overall e-commerce growth 
was significantly ahead of e-commerce market 
expectations (13.9% Mintel 2015).

Our 200 web exclusive products now account for 13.4% 
(2014: 8.1%) of shoezone.com sales. This has even 
greater potential as we buy greater volumes of these 
styles. 

In addition to our own website, which represents over 
60% of all e-commerce sales, we also sell via Amazon 
and eBay. 

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015shoezone.com 
 
 
Chief Executive’s report (continued)

New sales opportunities

our new merchandise director will continue to improve our 
stock and cash position. 

Capital expenditure for the full year will be increased 
to c.£3m from the original £2m expectation to allow 
increased investment in stores, warehouse and IT. This 
includes refitting an additional 10 stores; significant 
investment in the Distribution Centre to allow for the 
increasing volume of e-commerce sales; and a roll out of 
new point of sale terminals which will be completed by 
2018. 

We have continued to make progress on the property 
portfolio having opened six new stores, with a further four 
stores having been refitted to our new concept so far this 
year. There are currently four new stores with provisional 
opening dates and a further 41 refits planned for 2016.

By February 2016, there will be an additional 56 Grade 1 
stores converted through the introduction of new layouts 
and equipment. There will also be 33 enhanced Grade 
1 stores that will have their style count increased from 
400 to 450. The extra styles will predominantly be higher 
priced and consist of more fashionable footwear. 

In August 2016, a trial “Project Big Box” will be launched 
in three stores. This will be twice the size of an average 
Grade 1 Shoe Zone store. The stores will benefit 
significantly from an extended product range, higher 
priced footwear and an enhanced environment. This will 
allow Shoe Zone to benefit from the out of town market as 
well as creating a strong new avenue for growth. 

Our successful e-commerce offering continues to grow 
successfully. E-commerce exclusive styles are being 
increased to 275 per season from the current 200, to 
satisfy the increasing demand for higher priced products. 

The falling oil price is already having a positive impact 
on the cost of logistics and should also impact the price 
of raw materials thereby improving gross margins for the 
remainder of the year.

Anthony Smith
Chief Executive Officer
12 January 2016

We started selling to over 30 additional countries, 
including Germany, Italy, Spain and France, in the year 
via Amazon and eBay. We will continue to increase the 
number of countries in which our products are offered and 
we are also working on further developments during 2016 
that will improve the delivery options for our international 
customers via shoezone.com. 

Our promotional links with other value retailers are very 
encouraging. During our ‘Back to School’ campaign, we 
generated over £900,000 in a seven week period through 
such promotions, representing a 10% increase on the 
previous year. 

Employees and Charity

We are immensely proud of the significant effort our 
fantastic staff have put in to achieve these results and 
want to thank them for their continued hard work, loyalty 
and commitment. We are also extremely thankful for 
their diligence throughout the year in raising £200,000 
for our chosen charity BBC Children in Need. Our 2016 
fundraising efforts will result in us raising an amazing 
£500,000 over the last three years for this charity.

Current trading and Outlook

Shoe Zone’s trading in the first quarter of the year has 
been challenging, amid the well documented high street 
trading conditions for clothing and footwear retailers. 
Despite this we have continued to make progress 
against our strategic objectives. Our stock position is well 
controlled and we have achieved strong gross margins 
choosing not to discount stock before Christmas as is 
usual for our business. We anticipate the full year effect of 

6

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015Financial review

In the 52 weeks to 3 October 2015, revenues declined 
3.5% to £166.8 million (2014: £172.9 million), firstly due to 
the planned closure of loss making stores and secondly 
as a result of difficult trading conditions in the first half. 
Despite volumes increasing, revenue slowed during the 
first half of the year and this was largely attributable to a 
reduction in achieved average price caused by a warmer 
season than was anticipated.

During the year there were no costs that required 
classification as ‘exceptional’ (2014: £0.9m relating to the 
May 2014 IPO).

The effective rate of corporation tax for the year was 
20.1% (2014: 21.6%). 

Earnings per share were 16.2 pence (2014: 16.1 pence).

Group profit before tax (“PBT”) reduced by 3.4% to £10.1 
million (2014: £10.5 million). PBT margin was maintained 
at 6.1%.

During the year we have opened 12 new stores and 
completed 40 refits, spending £1.9 million on capital 
expenditure.

Store numbers reduced by a net 10 branches to 535 at 
the year-end (2014: 25 branches closed leaving a total of 
545). 

Online revenues (excluding store orders) have grown by 
44.7% (2014: 20.6%) during the year and online sales 
represented 3.3% of total sales (2014: 2.3%).

Product gross margin strengthened to 61.5% (2014: 
61.3%) reflecting further increases in direct sourcing and 
a reduction in stock mark down.

Operating expenses reduced to £17.0 million (2014: £17.1 
million). In the current year the directors have carried 
out a detailed review of the allocation of distribution 
costs and administrative expenses to ensure a more 
accurate allocation of these costs given the growth of 
our online offering. Accordingly the comparative charge 
for distribution costs have increased by £0.75 million 
and administrative expenses have reduced by the same 
amount. There is no impact on the results or net assets 
from this restatement. 

The Group supports two defined benefit schemes that 
deteriorated by £0.4 million during the year. 

During 2015 the Board adopted a cash flow hedging 
policy relating to committed stock purchases from 
overseas with the overall objective of protecting the 
product gross margin. The Group uses derivative 
financial instruments (usually forward exchange purchase 
contracts) to hedge the risk of future foreign currency 
fluctuations relating to the stock import schedules.  
Further information can be seen in accounting policies 
note 1 of the financial statements.

The business has a debt free financial structure and 
generated £11.6 million from operations, resulting in a 
net cash position of £14.2 million (2014: 9.1 million) at 
the year end, underpinning a strong balance sheet. 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.

Nick Davis
Chief Financial Officer
12 January 2016

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015shoezone.com 
 
 
 
 
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. Online sales exclude orders 
placed in store.

The online participation increased by 
100 basis points to 3.3% (2014: 2.3%). 
This performance reflects the growth 
of our offering on Ebay and Amazon.

Product Gross Profit expressed as a 
percentage of revenue.

Cash held by the Group at the period 
end.

The Product Gross Margin increased 
by 20 basis points to 61.5% (2014: 
61.3%) reflecting the continued 
success of increasing our direct 
sourcing.

We finished the year with a healthy 
cash balance of £14.2m (2014:        
£9.1m). 

3.3%

61.3%

61.5%

14.2m

2.3%

59.4%

1.5%

9.1m

6.6m

2013       2014      2015

2013       2014      2015

2013       2014      2015

Earnings per 
Share Growth

Rental % of Turnover

The percentage movement in Earnings 
per share.

Store rent as a percentage of turnover.

Earnings per Share made a small 
improvement this year despite the fall 
in turnover. EPS for the year is 16.2p            
(2014: 16.1p).

The rental % of turnover has reduced 
from 13.9% to 13.0% reflecting the 
increase in larger format Grade 
1 stores and successful rent 
negotiations. 

16.1p

16.2p

14.2%

13.9%

13.0%

6.9p

2013       2014      2015

2013       2014      2015

8

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015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 
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 
changing foreign government policies.

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 

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015shoezone.com 
 
Principal risks and uncertainties (continued)

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.

Data security and IT reliability

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. Reputable third party 
antivirus, antispam and web filtering software is in use 
and its appropriateness regularly reviewed.

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 was approved by the Board.

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

On behalf of the Board

A E P Smith
Chief Executive Officer
12 January 2016

N J Davis
Chief Financial Officer

10

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015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 and three 
Non-Executive Directors (including the Chairman). 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;

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’). The Articles require that each 
Director retires and seeks re-election by the members 
every three years. The UK Code recommends that 
directors should be subject to annual re-election by 
members and, in line with the Company’s intention to 
apply certain principles of the UK Code, each Director will
stand for re-election at each of the Company’s AGMs.

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. 

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

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

the market.

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

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015shoezone.com 
 
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 three 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 2015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 over 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 2015shoezone.com 
 
Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Remuneration report

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

●  be exclusively responsible for selecting any 

remuneration consultants who advise the Committee;

The Committee consists of two 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;

●  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 2015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:

Executive Directors

Anthony Smith

Charles Smith

Nick Davis

Non-Executive Directors

Ian Filby

Charlie Caminada

Jeremy Sharman

Number of 
ordinary shares

Percentage of
issued share capital

13,895,592 (1)

11,109,408 (2)

15,700 (3)

Nil

15,625

234,375

27.79%

22.22%

0.03%

-

0.03%

0.47%

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(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

The registered holder of these shares is Slawston Limited, an entity 100% owned by Anthony Smith

The registered holder of these shares is Sheepy Magna Limited, an entity 100% owned by Charles Smith

The registered holder of these shares is the wife of Nick Davis

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015shoezone.com 
 
Remuneration report (continued) 

Directors’ Remuneration

Directors’ remuneration information for those individuals who have served as a Director for the year are presented below. 
The information presented in respect of these Directors is for the full financial year.

Individual

Financial
year 

Basic Salary 
and fees 
£

Profit Share 
(Bonus) 
£

Benefits
£

Pension 
Contribution
£

Total 
£

Executive Directors

Anthony Smith

FY15

250,000

FY14

225,000

Charles Smith

FY15

200,000

FY14

188,000

-  

-  

-  

-

35,373

30,968

21,354

17,188

-

-

-

-

285,373

255,968

221,354

205,188

Nick Davis

FY15

143,594

79,269

10,444

17,931

251,238

FY14

136,500

86,620

11,565

16,380

251,065

Non-Executive Directors

Ian Filby

FY15

60,000

FY14

25,000

Charlie Caminada

FY15

30,000

FY14

12,500

Jeremy Sharman

FY15

30,000

FY14

23,100

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

60,000

25,000

30,000

12,500

30,000

23,100

FY15

713,594

79,269

67,171

17,931

877,965

FY14

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.

16

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015Remuneration report (continued) 

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. Salaries for the current year are set out below:

Anthony Smith

Charles Smith

Nick Davis

£

250,000

200,000

150,000

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

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.

The remuneration report was approved by the Board.

On behalf of the Board

C J Caminada
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee
12 January 2016

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015shoezone.com 
 
Directors’ report for the 52 weeks ended 3 October 2015

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

The Group employed 3,721 (4 October 2014: 3,970) 
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 
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 customers 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.

The Directors present their Annual Report and audited 
financial statements of the Company and the Group for 
the 52 weeks ended 3 October 2015.

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 is listed on the AIM 
market of the London stock exchange.

Share Capital

Details of the share capital of the company are shown in 
note 20 of the financial statements. The company’s share 
capital consists of one class of ordinary shares. As at the 
3 October 2015 there were 50,000,000 ordinary shares of 
£0.01 each.  The authorised share capital of the Company 
is unlimited.

At the AGM held on 27 February 2015, the board was 
granted authority to allot shares in the company of 
up to approximately a third of the Company’s issued 
share capital.  The board was also granted authority to 
allot further shares having an aggregate nominal value 
of £166,666 in connection with a pre-emptive rights 
issue (representing approximately a further third of the 
Company’s issued share capital). At the 2016 AGM, 
shareholders will be asked to renew this authority for a 
further year.

Directors

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

Anthony Smith 

Charles Smith 

Nick Davis 

Ian Filby 

Charlie Caminada 

Jeremy Sharman 

18

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015Directors’ report for the 52 weeks ended 
3 October 2015 (continued)

Annual general meeting

The Company’s second  AGM will be held on Friday, 4 
March 2016 at 11am at the Company’s registered office 
at Haramead Business Centre, Humberstone Road, 
Leicester, Leicestershire LE1 2LH.  The Notice of AGM 
appears on pages 68 to 71.

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

Dividends (resolutions 2 and 3)

Final dividend

The Directors are proposing a final dividend of 6.5p 
per ordinary share, amounting to a total dividend of 
approximately £3.25m, 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.

Special dividend

The Directors are also proposing a special dividend of 
6.0p per ordinary share. In light of the continued strong 
performance, cash generation and the robustness of 
the Company’s balance sheet, the Directors consider it 
appropriate to propose a cash return to shareholders of, 
in aggregate, approximately £3m (in addition to the final 
dividend proposed in resolution 2), which is structured 
as a special dividend of 6.0p per ordinary share. The 
approval of this resolution is not dependent on the 
approval of resolution 2, nor is the approval of resolution 2 
dependent on the approval of this resolution.

Re-election of Directors (resolutions 4 to 9)

The UK Corporate Governance Code recommends 
that directors should be subject to annual re-election 
by shareholders. In line with the Company’s intention to 
apply certain principles of the UK Corporate Governance 
Code, each Director will stand for re-election at the AGM. 
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.

Political donations (resolution 12)

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 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 13 and 14)

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 13 seeks shareholder 
authority to allow the Directors to allot shares having 
an aggregate nominal value of £166,666 representing 
approximately a third of the Company’s issued share 
capital on 12 January 2016.  In addition, shareholder 
authority is sought to allot further shares having an 
aggregate nominal value of £166,666 in connection with 
a pre-emptive rights issue (representing approximately a 
further third of the Company’s issued share capital on 12 
January 2016).

Resolution 14 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 14 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 14 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 
£50,000 (being 5,000,000 shares).  This is the equivalent 
to approximately 10% of the issued share capital of 
the Company on 12 January 2016. The authority to 
issue up to 10% of the Company’s issued share capital 
follows guidance from the Pre-Emption Group’s revised 
Statement of Principles, published on 12 March 2015 
(the ‘PEG Principles’). The PEG Principles provide the 
Company with greater flexibility to undertake non-pre-
emptive issuances in connection with acquisitions and 
specified capital investments. The Board confirms that 

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015shoezone.com 
 
Directors’ report for the 52 weeks ended 
3 October 2015 (continued)

it will only allot shares with a nominal value of £25,000 
(representing 5% of the issued share capital of the 
Company as at 12 January 2016) for cash pursuant 
to this authority where that allotment is in connection 
with an acquisition or specified capital investment (as 
described in the PEG Principles) which is announced at 
the same time as the allotment, or which has taken place 
in the preceding six-month period and is disclosed in the 
announcement of that allotment. In addition, the Board 
does not intend to allot shares for cash on a non-pre-
emptive basis above 7.5% of the total issued share capital 
of the Company over a rolling three-year period without 
consulting shareholders first. This complies with the PEG 
Principles. This resolution also disapplies statutory 
pre-emption rights to the extent necessary to facilitate 
rights issues.

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 2017 or 31 March 2017, 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 11am on 2 March 2016.

The auditor, 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. Further 
information can be found in note 3 to the financial 
statements.

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.

Recommendation

Going Concern

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 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 May 2016. The RCF requires the Group 
to comply with certain financial covenants; these have 
been met during the year, and since the year-end. The 

20

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015Directors’ report for the 52 weeks ended 
3 October 2015 (continued)

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.

Events after the year-end

Between 3 October 2015 and the date of this report, there 
have been no material events.

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

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 

●  prepare the financial statements on the going concern 
basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the 
company will continue in business.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate 
accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain 
the company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable 
accuracy at any time the financial position of the company 
and enable them to ensure that the financial statements 
comply with the 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.

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 
auditor

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

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●  So far as he is aware, there is no relevant audit 
information of which the Company’s auditor 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 auditor are aware of that 
information.

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them consistently;

Approved by the Board and signed on its behalf:

●  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;

A E P Smith
Chief Executive Officer
12 January 2016

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015shoezone.com 
 
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 3 October 2015 
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) including FRS “101” ‘Reduced Disclosure 
Framework’.

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 auditor

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 3 October 2015 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
12 January 2016

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

22

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015Consolidated income statement for the 
52 weeks ended 3 October 2015

Note

1, 4, 8

5

5

5

5,6

9

9

10

Revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Administration expenses

Distribution costs

Profit from operations

Analysed as:

Operating profit before exceptional items

Exceptional items in administration expenses

Finance income

Finance expense

Profit before taxation

Taxation

Profit attributable to 
equity holders of the parent

Earnings per share - basic and diluted

26

52 weeks 
ended 3
October 2015

Restated

52 weeks 
ended 4 
October 2014

£’000

166,819

(139,503)

27,316

(10,939)

(6,095)

10,282

10,282

-

44

(186)

10,140

(2,039)

8,101

16.20p

£’000

172,861

(144,303)

28,558

(12,000)

(5,989)

10,569

11,505

(936)

33

(103)

10,499

(2,459)

8,040

16.08p

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015shoezone.com 
 
Consolidated statement of total comprehensive income 
for the 52 weeks ended 3 October 2015

Note

52 weeks 
ended 3
October 2015

52 weeks 
ended 4 
October 2014

Profit for the period

Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to the income statement

23

23

Remeasurement losses on defined benefit pension scheme

Movement in deferred tax on pension schemes

Cash flow hedges

Fair value movements in other comprehensive income

Tax on cash flow hedges

Other comprehensive expense for the period

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

£’000

8,101

(499)

100

314

(63)

(148)

7,953

£’000

8,040

(2,371)

474

-

-

(1,897)

6,143

24

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015Consolidated statement of financial position 
as at 3 October 2015

Assets
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
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

Provisions

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

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

Cash flow hedge reserve

Retained earnings
Total equity and reserves

Note

52 weeks 
ended 3
October 2015

52 weeks 
ended 4
October 2014

£’000

£’000

12

13

14

15

24

16

17

16

17

23

19

20

18,688

18,688

29,172

8,148

553

14,221

52,094

70,782

(23,649)

(802)

(1,373)

(25,824)

(3,037)

(363)

(5,150)

(124)

(8,674)

(34,498)

36,284

500

2,662

251

32,871

36,284

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

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

A E P Smith
Chief Executive Officer
12 January 2016   

Registered Number 08961190

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015shoezone.com 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of changes in equity 
for the 52 weeks ended 3 October 2015

Share
Capital

Merger 
reserve

Cash flow
hedge
reserve

Retained
earnings

Total

£’000

£’000

£’000

£’000

£’000

500

2,662

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

500

2,662

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

251

251

-

-

29,886

33,048

8,040

8,040

(1,897)

(1,897)

6,143

6,143

(2,458)

(2,458)

(5,002)

(5,002)

(7,460)

(7,460)

28,569

31,731

8,101

(399)

7,702

8,101

(148)

7,953

(3,400)

(3,400)

(3,400)

(3,400)

At 5 October 2013

Profit for the period

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income for the period

Distribution prior to group reorganisation

Dividends paid prior to group reorganisation 

Total contributions by and distributions to
owners

At 4 October 2014

Profit for the period

Other comprehensive expense

Total comprehensive income for the period

Dividends paid during the year (note 11)

Total contributions by and distributions to
owners

At 3 October 2015

500

2,662

251

32,871

36,284

Share capital comprises nominal value of shares subscribed for.

The merger reserve is the nominal value of shares that have been repurchased.

The cash flow hedge reserve comprises of gains/losses arising on the effective portion of hedging instruments and is carried at 
fair value in a qualifying cash flow hedge.

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 2015Consolidated statement of cash flows 
for the 52 weeks ended 3 October 2015

Operating activities
Profit after taxation

Corporation tax

Finance income

Finance expense

Pension contributions paid

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

Impairment of property, plant and equipment

Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

Decrease in trade and other receivables

Decrease/(increase) in foreign exchange contract

Decrease in inventories

(Decrease)/increase 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

Dividends paid during the year

Interest paid

Repayment of loans
Net cash used in financing activities
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

Note

52 weeks ended 
3 October 2015

52 weeks ended 
4 October 2014

£’000

8,101

2,039

(44)

186

(300)

3,713

459

46

14,200

303

501

9

(3,148)

(264)

(2,599)

11,601

(1,538)

10,063

(1,879)

280

44

(1,555)

-

-

(3,400)

(1)

-

(3,401)

5,107

9,114

14,221

£’000

8,040

2,459

(33)

103

(425)

4,527

-

108

14,779

329

(1,269)

778

1,084

(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

11

11

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27

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015shoezone.com 
 
Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 3 October 2015

1. Accounting policies

General information

Shoe Zone plc (the ‘Company’) is a public company incorporated and domiciled 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 3 October 2015. 

These consolidated 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 certain 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 3 October 2015. 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 2015 
Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 3 October 2015 (continued)

1. Accounting policies (continued)

Basis of consolidation (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

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

In the prior year, 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.

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 was 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 Humberzone Group Limited (formerly known as Shoe Zone Group 
Limited) prior to the reorganisation itself taking place.

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. 

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015shoezone.com 
 
Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 3 October 2015 (continued)

1. Accounting policies (continued)

Exceptional items

Exceptional items are disclosed separately in the financial statements where it is necessary to do so to provide clearer 
understanding of the underlying financial performance of the Group. They are material items of income or expense that 
have been shown separately due to the significance of their nature or amount.

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 interest and capital. 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 2015 
 
Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 3 October 2015 (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.

Derivative financial instruments and hedging activities 

The Group uses derivative financial instruments such as forward foreign exchange contracts to hedge its risks associated 
with foreign currency fluctuations. Such derivative financial instruments are initially measured at fair value and subsequently 
remeasured at fair value. The fair value of forward foreign exchange contracts is calculated by reference to current forward 
exchange rates for contracts with similar maturity profiles.

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges is 
recognised in other comprehensive income. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognised immediately in 
cost of sales in the income statement.

Amounts accumulated in equity are reclassified to cost of sales in the income statement in the periods when the hedged 
item affects profit or loss, matching when the hedged transaction occurs.

When a hedging instrument expires or is sold, or when a hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, any 
cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in equity is retained in equity and is recognised when the forecast transaction 
is ultimately recognised in cost of sales in the income statement. When a forecast transaction is no longer expected to 
occur, the cumulative gain or loss that was reported in equity is immediately transferred to the income statement.

The Group documents at the inception of the transaction the relationship between hedging instruments and hedged items, 
as well as its risk management objectives and strategy for undertaking various hedging transactions. The Group also 
documents its assessment, both at hedge inception and on an ongoing basis, of whether the derivatives that are used in 
hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items.

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015shoezone.com 
 
Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 3 October 2015 (continued)

1. Accounting policies (continued)

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.

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. 

32

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015 
Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 3 October 2015 (continued)

1. Accounting policies (continued) 

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.  A dilapidation provision is only recognised on those properties which are likely to be exited.  
Where such property is identified the full costs expected are recognised.  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

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.

Net interest expense (income) is recognised in profit or loss, and is calculated by applying the discount rate used to 
measure the defined benefit obligation (asset) at the beginning of the annual period to the balance of the net defined benefit 
obligation (asset), considering the effects of contributions and benefit payments during the period.

Gains or losses arising from changes to scheme benefits or scheme curtailment are recognised immediately in profit or loss.

Settlements of defined benefit schemes are recognised in the period in which the settlement occurs.

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015shoezone.com 
 
Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 3 October 2015 (continued)

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.

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 23. 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.

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. 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.

34

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 3 October 2015 (continued)

3. Financial instruments – risk management (continued)

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;
trade and other payables; and

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. 

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

Financial assets at amortised cost

Trade receivables

Other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Total receivables

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income

Total financial assests

52 weeks ended 
3 October 2015

52 weeks ended 
4 October 2014

£’000

£’000

313

178

14,221

14,712

239

314

553

381

119

9,114

9,614

741

-

-

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35

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015shoezone.com 
 
Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 3 October 2015 (continued)

3. Financial instruments – risk management (continued)

Financial liabilities 

Trade and other payables

Total financial liabilities at amortised cost

52 weeks ended 3 
October 2015

52 weeks ended 4 
October 2014

£’000

20,851

20,851

£’000

23,811

23,811

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 3 October 2015 and 4 October 2014.

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 3 October 2015 the Group has trade receivables of £313,000 (4 October 2014: £381,000). 

Approximately 20% 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 £100,000. 

The Directors are unaware of any factors affecting the recoverability of outstanding balances at 3 October 2015 and 
previously and consequently no provisions have been made for bad and doubtful debts.

All cash balances are held with reputable banks and the Board monitors its exposure to counterparty risk on an ongoing 
basis.

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. 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 2015Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 3 October 2015 (continued)

3. Financial instruments – risk management (continued)

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

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 3 October 2015

Trade and other payables

Total

20,851

20,851

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

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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 4 October 2014

Trade and other payables

Total

23,811

23,811

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

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37

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015shoezone.com 
 
Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 3 October 2015 (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.

The fair value of forward foreign exchange contacts has been determined based on discounted market forward currency 
exchange rates at the balance sheet date.

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, cash and retained earnings totalling £36,284,000 
(4 October 2014: £31,731,000).

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 planned to be financed from existing resources wherever possible.

4. Revenue

Revenue arises from:

Sales of goods

38

52 weeks ended 
3 October 2015

52 weeks ended 
4 October 2014

£’000

£’000

166,819

172,861

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 3 October 2015 (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:

-   Other

-   Land and buildings

Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

Branch running costs

Transportation expenses

Advertising expenses

Financial instruments movement

IPO Costs

Other costs

52 weeks ended 
3 October 2015

52 weeks ended 
4 October 2014

£’000

£’000

(157)

58,241

2,099

36,285

3,713

459

682

23,493

51

17,866

1,287

1,029

502

-

10,987

701

61,303

1,639

37,642

4,527

- 

725

25,153

108

18,207

1,386

1,297

(1,269)

936

9,937

156,537

162,292

In the current year the directors have carried out a detailed review of the allocation of distribution costs and 
administrative expenses to arrive at a more accurate allocation of these costs given the growth of our online offering. 
Accordingly the comparative charge for distribution costs have increased by £0.75 million and administrative expenses 
have reduced by the same amount. There is no impact on the results or net assets from this restatement.

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39

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015shoezone.com 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 3 October 2015 (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 
3 October 2015

52 weeks ended 
4 October 2014

£’000

£’000

5

53

-

58

4

51

150

 205

52 weeks ended 
3 October 2015

52 weeks ended 
4 October 2014

£’000

33,670

1,740

875

36,285

£’000

35,017

1,846

779

37,642

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

52 weeks ended 
3 October 2015

52 weeks ended 
4 October 2014 

No.

3,701

6

154

3,861

No.

3,950

6

155

4,111

Sales and distribution

Directors

Administration

40

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 3 October 2015 (continued)

7. Employee benefit expenses (continued)

Directors’ remuneration, included in staff costs:

Salaries and benefits

Pension contributions

Information regarding the highest paid Director is as follows:

Salary and benefits

Pension contribution

52 weeks ended 
3 October 2015

52 weeks ended 
4 October 2014

£’000

£’000

860

18

878

285

-

285

757

16

773

256

-

256

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015shoezone.com 
 
Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 3 October 2015 (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 
3 October 2015

£’000

52 weeks ended 
4 October 2014
£’000

161,761

5,058

166,819

167,146

5,715

172,861

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

52 weeks ended 
3 October 2015

52 weeks ended 
4 October 2014

£’000

£’000

Non-current assets by location:

United Kingdom

18,688

21,233

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 2015Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 3 October 2015 (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 19)

Tax charge on profit on ordinary activities

52 weeks ended 
3 October 2015

52 weeks ended 
4 October 2014

£’000

£’000

44

44

-

(1)

(185)

(186)

33

33

(27)

-

(76)

(103)

52 weeks ended 
3 October 2015

52 weeks ended 
4 October 2014

£’000

£’000

2,477

(83)

2,394

(355)

2,039

1,845

(33)

1,812

647

2,459

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015shoezone.com 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 3 October 2015 (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 
3 October 2015

52 weeks ended 
4 October 2014

Profit for the period 

Income tax expense

Profit before income taxes

Expected tax charge based on corporation tax rate of 20.5% 
(4 October 2014: 22%)

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes

Effective change of rate

Unrecognised deferred tax movement

Adjustments to tax charge in respect of previous period

Total tax expense 

Factors that may affect future tax charges:

£’000

8,101

2,039

10,140

2,079

57

8

-

(105)

2,039

£’000

8,040

2,459

10,499

2,310

197

(50)

(107)

109

2,459

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 2015-16 on 26 October 2015. These include a reduction to the main rate to 
19% from 1 April 2017 and to 18% from 1 April 2020. Deferred tax has been calculated at 20% being the rate applying from 
October 2015.

11. Dividends

Dividends paid prior to group reorganisation

Dividends paid during the year

52 weeks ended 
3 October 2015

52 weeks ended 
4 October 2014

£’000

-

3,400

£’000

5,002

-

A final dividend of 6.5 pence per share (£3,250,000) is proposed for shareholders on the register on 26 February 2016 
payable on 16 March 2016 following approval at the Annual General Meeting on 4 March 2016.

A special dividend of 6 pence per share (£3,000,000) is proposed for shareholders on the register on 26 February 2016 
payable on 16 March 2016 following approval at the Annual General Meeting on 4 March 2016.

44

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 3 October 2015 (continued)

12. Property, plant and equipment

Freehold
properties

Short leasehold
and leasehold
improvements

Motor 
vehicles

Fixtures 
and fittings

£’000

£’000

£’000

£’000

Total

£’000

Cost 

At 5 October 2013

11,423

16,971

Additions

Disposals

At 4 October 2014

Additions

Disposals

At 3 October 2015

Depreciation

At 5 October 2013

Charge for the period

Disposals

At 4 October 2014

Charge for the period

Impairment

Disposals

At 3 October 2015

Net book value

At 3 October 2015

At 4 October 2014

At 4 October 2013

-

(756)

10,667

-

(514)

10,153

948

58

-

691

(751)

16,911

577

(513)

16,975

10,482

1,850

(750)

1,006

11,582

57

290

(220)

1,133

9,020

9,661

10,475

1,522

84

(498)

12,690

4,285

5,329

6,489

5

-

-

5

-

-

5

5

-

-

5

-

-

-

5

-

-

-

29,391

57,790

1,244

(608)

30,027

1,377

(856)

30,548

1,935

(2,115)

57,610

1,954

(1,883)

57,681

21,719

33,154

2,619

(554)

23,784

2,134

85

(838)

25,165

5,383

6,243

7,672

4,527

(1,304)

36,377

3,713

459

(1,556)

38,993

18,688

21,233

24,636

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015shoezone.com 
 
Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 3 October 2015 (continued)

13. Inventories

Goods for resale

Shop fitting materials and other consumables

14. Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables

Prepayments

Other receivables

3 October 2015

4 October 2014

£’000

28,991

181

29,172

£’000

29,073

108

29,181

3 October 2015

4 October 2014

£’000

313

7,657

178

8,148

£’000

381

7,877

119

8,377

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

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

3 October 2015

4 October 2014

£’000

£’000

239

314

553

741

-

741

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 3 October 2015 were $22,500,000 (4 
October 2014: $51,000,000). 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 2015Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 3 October 2015 (continued)

16. Trade and other payables

Current
Trade payables

Social security and other taxes

Other payables

Accruals

Non-current
Other payables

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3 October 2015

4 October 2014

£’000

11,950

1,727

115

9,857

23,649

£’000

14,351

1,049

123

10,397

25,920

3 October 2015

4 October 2014

£’000

3,037

3,037

£’000

3,766

3,766

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015shoezone.com 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 3 October 2015 (continued)

17. Provisions

As at 4 October 2014

Additions

Amounts utilised

Amounts released

As at 3 October 2015

The provisions are aged as follows:

Customer 
Returns 

Dilapidations

£’000

372

48

(372)

-

48

£’000

1,057

588

(162)

(366)

1,117

Customer 
Returns 

Dilapidations

£’000

£’000

Total

£’000

1,429

636

(534)

(366)

1,165

Total

£’000

802

363

Current

Non-current

As at 3 October 2015

48

-

48

754

363

1,117

1,165

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. 

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.

18. 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 (4 October 2014: £1,600,000).

48

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 3 October 2015 (continued)

19. Deferred tax

Deferred tax is calculated in full on temporary differences under the liability method using a tax rate of 20% (4 October 
2014: 20%).

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

3 October 2015

4 October 2014

At beginning of the period

Recognised in income statement:

Tax expense (note 10)

Recognised in other comprehensive income:

Actuarial loss on defined benefit pension schemes

Foreign exchange contract

At end of the period

£’000

(516)

355

100

(63)

(124)

£’000

(343)

(647)

474

-

(516)

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The deferred tax has arisen due to the following:

3 October 2015

4 October 2014

Accelerated capital allowances

Ineligible buildings

Short term timing differences

Defined benefit pension scheme

£’000

1,204

(2,247)

(111)

1,030

(124)

£’000

1,254

(2,575)

(148)

953

(516)

The Group has an unrecognised deferred tax asset of £1,005,000 at 3 October 2015 (4 October 2014: £994,000).
There are estimated losses available to offset against future capital taxable profits amounting to approximately £5,025,000 
(4 October 2014: £4,970,000).

20. Share capital

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

3 October 2015

4 October 2014

£’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 2015shoezone.com 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 3 October 2015 (continued)

21. 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

3 October
2015 

4 October
2014

3 October
2015

4 October
2014

£’000

£’000

£’000

£’000

Not later than one year

Later than one year and not later 
than five years

Later than five years

21,292

22,853

47,173

10,492

57,920

11,234

526

827

-

562

811

4

78,957

92,007

1,353

1,377

22. Capital commitments

Contracted for but not provided

3 October 2015

4 October 2014

£’000

422

£’000

57

50

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015 
   
   
Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 3 October 2015 (continued)

23. Pension costs 

Defined contribution scheme

The Group operates a defined contribution pension scheme namely Shoe Zone Worksave Pension Plan contributions 
amounted to £875,000 (4 October 2014: £779,000).

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 £3,000 (4 October 2014: £3,000). 

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.

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015shoezone.com 
 
Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 3 October 2015 (continued)

23. Pensions (continued)

Amounts recognised in the balance sheet at 3 October 2015

Fair value of assets

Present value of funded obligations

Deficit

Amounts recognised in other comprehensive income

Return on plan assets

Actuarial loss arising from changes in:

Financial assumptions

Effect of limiting net defined benefit asset

Total actuarial loss

Deferred tax on employee benefit scheme

Total amount recognised in other comprehensive income

3 October 2015

4 October 2014

£’000

72,636

(77,786)

(5,150)

£’000

71,306

(76,072)

(4,766)

3 October 2015

4 October 2014

£’000

715

(1,214)

-

(1,214)

100

(399)

£’000

2,592

(5,854)

891

(4,963)

474

(1,897)

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 3 October 2015 for the purpose of calculating the pension surplus and disclosures in the current period.

52

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 3 October 2015 (continued)

23. Pensions (continued)

Post retirement mortality

Life expectancy

Male currently aged 45

Female currently aged 45

Male currently aged 65

Female currently aged 65

Financial assumptions

Deferred pension revaluation

Pension increases

Discount rate

Consumer Price Index

Retail Price Index

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3 October 2015

4 October 2014

Years

Years

90

92

88

90

 90

92

88

90

3 October 2015

4 October 2014

%

2.30

3.30

3.85

2.30

3.30

%

2.40

3.40

4.00

2.40

3.50

The weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligation for the Shoe Zone scheme at 3 October 2015 is 
16.5 years (4 October 2014 – 16.5 years).

The weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligation for the Shoefayre scheme at 3 October 2015 is 
18.5 years (4 October 2014 – 18.5 years).

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

Cash

Target Return Funds

3 October 2015

4 October 2014

27%

10%

39%

1%

23%

100%

27%

9%

40%

-

24%

100%

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015shoezone.com 
 
Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 3 October 2015 (continued)

23. Pensions (continued) 

Defined benefit scheme - Shoe Zone Pension Scheme (continued)

The actual return on the Scheme’s assets net of expenses over the period to the review date was a gain of £2,001,000 
(4 October 2014: £3,349,000).

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

3 October 2015

4 October 2014

£’000

(1,698)

1,666

£’000

(1,771)

1,811

(32)

40

3 October 2015

4 October 2014

£’000

£’000

42,899

(44,168)

(1,269)

42,423

(43,217)

(794)

Interest cost

Expected return on assets

Amounts recognised in the statement of financial position

Fair value of assets

Present value of funded obligations

Deficit

54

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015 
Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 3 October 2015 (continued)

23. Pensions (continued)

Defined benefit scheme - Shoe Zone Pension Scheme (continued)

Amounts recognised in other comprehensive income

Return on plan assets

Actuarial loss arising from changes in:

Financial assumptions

Effect of limiting net defined benefit asset

Total actuarial loss

Deferred tax on employee benefit scheme

Total amount recognised in other comprehensive income

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

3 October 2015

4 October 2014

£’000

335

(778)

-

(778)

89

(354)

£’000

1,538

(3,263)

891

(2,372)

167

(667)

3 October 2015

4 October 2014

£’000

42,423

1,666

(1,525)

335

42,899

£’000

40,513

1,811

(1,439)

1,538

42,423

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015shoezone.com 
 
Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 3 October 2015 (continued)

23. Pensions (continued)

Defined benefit scheme - Shoe Zone Pension Scheme (continued)

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

Defined benefit obligation at the end of the period

3 October 2015

4 October 2014

£’000

43,217

1,698

(1,525)

778

44,168

£’000

39,622

1,771

(1,439)

3,263

43,217

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

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 1.0 years

Minus 1.0 years

-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.

56

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 3 October 2015 (continued)

23. Pensions (continued)

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

Cash

Target Return Funds

3 October 2015

4 October 2014

13%

12%

47%

1%

27%

100%

16%

11%

46%

-

27%

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 £1,522,000 
(4 October 2014: £2,280,000). 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

3 October 2015

4 October 2014

£’000

29,737

(33,618)

(3,881)

£’000

28,883

(32,855)

(3,972)

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015shoezone.com 
 
Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 3 October 2015 (continued)

23. Pensions (continued)

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

Amounts recognised in other comprehensive income

Return on plan assets

Actuarial loss arising from changes in:

Financial assumptions

Total actuarial loss

Deferred tax on employee benefit scheme

Total amount recognised in other comprehensive income

3 October 2015

4 October 2014

£’000

380

(436)

(436)

11

(45)

£’000

1,054

(2,591)

(2,591)

307

(1,230)

Amounts recognised in the income statement over the period

3 October 2015

4 October 2014

£’000

(1,295)

1,142

(153)

£’000

(1,342)

1,226

(116)

Interest cost

Expected return on assets

58

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 3 October 2015 (continued)

23. Pensions (continued)

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

Reconciliation of assets and defined benefit obligation

The change in assets over the period was:

3 October 2015

4 October 2014

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:

£’000

28,883

1,142

300

(968)

380

29,737

£’000

27,296

1,226

425

(1,118)

1,054

28,883

3 October 2015
£’000

4 October 2014

Defined benefit obligation at the beginning of the period

Interest cost

Benefits paid

Actuarial loss on obligation

Defined benefit obligation at the end of the period

32,855

1,295

(968)

436

33,618

£’000

30,040

1,342

(1,118)

2,591

32,855

Contributions of £300,000 are expected to be made during the year ended 1 October 2016 by Shoe Zone Retail Limited.

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015shoezone.com 
 
Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 3 October 2015 (continued)

23. Pensions (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 1.0 years

Minus 1.0 years

-9%

+10%

+6%

-4%

+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.

24. Cash and cash equivalents

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

Cash at banks and in hand

3 October 2015

4 October 2014

£’000

14,221

£’000

9,114

Cash and cash equivalents

14,221

9,114

60

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 3 October 2015 (continued)

25. 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.

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

Interest paid

52 weeks ended
3 October 2015

52 weeks ended
4 October 2014

£’000

-

£’000

27

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

Rent paid to Zone Executive Pension Scheme

Contributions to the:

Shoe Zone Worksave Pension Plan

Shoe Zone Pension Scheme

Shoefayre Limited Pension and Life Assurance Scheme

52 weeks ended
3 October 2015

52 weeks ended
4 October 2014

£’000

163

872

3

300

1,338

£’000

152

776

3

425

1,356

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015shoezone.com 
 
Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 3 October 2015 (continued)

25. Related party transactions (continued)

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

52 weeks ended
3 October 2015

52 weeks ended
4 October 2014

£’000

£’000

860

18

104

982

757

16

83

856

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

62

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015Notes to the financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 3 October 2015 (continued)

26. 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

52 weeks ended
3 October 2015

52 weeks ended
4 October 2014

£’000

8,101

£’000

8,040

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Denominator

Weighted average number of shares used in basic and diluted EPS

50,000,000

50,000,000

3 October 2015

4 October 2014

27. Ultimate controlling party

The company 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 2015shoezone.com 
 
 
Company statement of financial position as at 3 October 
2015

Note

3 October
2015

£’000

4 October
2014

£’000

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

2

3

4

5

6

6

68,644

68,644

14

14

(1,118)

(1,104)

67,540

500

586

66,454

67,540

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.

A E P Smith
Chief Executive Officer
12 January 2016   

64

Registered Number 08961190

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the company financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 3 October 2015 (continued)

1. Accounting policies

Basis of preparation

The Company’s financial period is 3 October 2015. 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 profit dealt with in the accounts of the Company was £1,333,000 
(4 October 2014: loss of £979,000)

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 100 ‘Application of Financial 
Reporting Requirements’ and Financial Reporting Standard 101 “Reduced Disclosure Framework”. The principal accounting 
policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are set out below. The policies have been consistently 
applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

As permitted by FRS 101, the company has taken advantage of all the disclosure exemptions available under that standard.

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.

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015shoezone.com 
 
Notes to the company financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 3 October 2015 (continued)

2. Fixed Asset Investments

Cost 

Impairment of investment in Castle Acres Development Limited

Total

3 October
2015

4 October
2014

£’000

70,586

(1,942)

68,644

£’000

70,586

-

70,586

The 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

Castle Acres Development Limited 

England & Wales

Property holding company

100% owned by company

Shoe Zone Retail Limited

England & Wales

Trading company

100% owned by company

Zone Property Limited

England & Wales

Property holding company

100% owned by company

Zone Group Limited

England & Wales

Non-trading company

100% owned by company

Shoe Zone (Ireland) Limited

England & Wales

Non-trading company

100% owned by Shoe Zone

Retail Limited

Shoe Zone Pension Trustees Limited

England & Wales

Non-trading company

100% owned by Castle Acres

Development Limited

Stead & Simpson Limited

England & Wales

Non-trading company

100% owned by Zone Group

Limited

Zone Footwear Limited

England & Wales

Non-trading company

100% owned by Zone Group 

Limited

Zone Retail

England & Wales

Non-trading company

100% owned by Zone Group 

Limited

Walkright Limited

England & Wales

Non-trading company

100% owned by Zone Group 

Limited

66

Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015Notes to the company financial statements for the 52 weeks 
ended 3 October 2015 (continued)

3. Debtors

Prepayments

3 October 2015

4 October 2014

£’000

14

£’000

7

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

6. Reserves

At 4 October 2014 

Profit for the financial period

Dividends paid during the year

At 3 October 2015

3 October 2015

4 October 2014

£’000

1,104

14

1,118

£’000

982

4

986

3 October 2015

4 October 2014

£’000

500

500

£’000

500

500

Merger reserve

Profit and loss
account

£’000

586

-

-

586

£’000

68,521

1,333

(3,400)

66,454

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7. Related party transactions

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.

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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, 4 March 2016 at 11am to consider and, if thought 
fit, pass the resolutions set out below. Resolutions 1 to 13 
will be proposed as ordinary resolutions and Resolution 
14 will be proposed as a special resolution.

1. To receive and adopt the Company’s annual accounts 
for the financial period ended 3 October 2015 and the 
associated reports of the Directors of the Company and 
the auditors of the Company.  

2. To declare a final dividend of 6.5 pence per ordinary 
share for the financial period ended 3 October 2015.

3. To declare a special dividend of 6.0p per ordinary 
share.

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

(c)  incur political expenditure, not exceeding £50,000.00 

in total,

such authority to expire on the earlier of 31 March 2017 
and the conclusion of the annual general meeting of the 
Company to be held in 2017. 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. 

13. 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:

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

(a)  up to an aggregate nominal amount of £166,666.00; 

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

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

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

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

10. 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 2017.

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

12. 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 

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,

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015 
Notice of Annual General Meeting (continued)

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 
£50,000.00,

and shall expire on the earlier of 31 March 2017 and 
the conclusion of the annual general meeting of the 
Company to be held in 2017, 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
Date: 12 January 2016

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

provided that this authority shall expire on the earlier of 
31 March 2017 and the conclusion of the annual general 
meeting of the Company to be held in 2017, save that 
the Company may before such expiry make an offer or 
enter into an agreement which would or might require 
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.

14. That, subject to the passing of resolution 13 proposed 
at the annual general meeting of the Company convened 
for 4 March 2016 (‘Resolution 13’) 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 
13 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 13, 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 

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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 4TU or by 
telephone on 0871 664 0300. Calls cost 12p per minute 
plus your phone company’s access charge. Calls outside 
the United Kingdom will be charged at the applicable 
international rate. Lines are open 9.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. 
(London time) Monday to Friday excluding public holidays 
in England and Wales. 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 4TU 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 

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015Notice of Annual General Meeting (continued)

Notes (continued)

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 2 March 
2016 (or, if the Annual General Meeting is 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 12 January 2016 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 12 January 2016 were 50,000,000 
votes.

4. Appointment of a proxy through CREST 
(continued) 

CREST should be communicated to the appointee 
through other means.

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.

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).

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Shoe Zone plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2015shoezone.com