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Superior Gold

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FY2020 Annual Report · Superior Gold
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259344 Stanley Gibbons Cover 5mm spine.qxp  29/07/2020  15:20  Page 1

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc  
18 Hill Street, St Helier,  
Jersey JE2 4UA, Channel Islands  
Tel: 01534 766711 

and 

399 Strand, 
London WC2R 0LX 
Tel: 020 7836 8444 

Email: info@stanleygibbons.com 
www.stanleygibbons.com

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 

Annual Report and Accounts  
for the year ended 31 March 2020 

259344 Stanley Gibbons R&A pp01-pp16.qxp  29/07/2020  15:22  Page 1

Group Annual Report and Financial Statements 
for the year ended 31 March 2020 

Financial Highlights 

Group turnover from continuing operations (£m)
Trading loss from continuing operations (£m)
Loss before taxation from continuing operations (£m)
Adjusted (loss)/profit before taxation from continuing operations (£m)
Basic earnings per share – continuing operations (p)
Adjusted earnings per share – continuing operations (p)
Dividend per share (p)
Total borrowings (£m)
Net assets per share (p)

Year ended
31 March 2020 

Year ended 
31 March 2019 

13.2
(2.5)
(2.5)
(2.6)
(0.59)
(0.62)
–
14.2
0.9

11.7 
(3.3) 
(4.3) 
(3.5) 
(1.01) 
(0.83) 
– 
11.5 
1.7 

Contents 

Page 

2

3-4

5-6

Directors and Advisers 

Chairman’s Statement 

Chief Executive’s Letter to Shareholders 

7-12

Business Review 

13-14

Corporate Governance 

15-16

Report on Remuneration 

17-23

Directors’ Report 

24-25

S172 Directors statement 

26-31

Independent Auditor’s Report 

32

33

34

35

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

Consolidated statement of financial position 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity 

Consolidated statement of cash flows 

36-79

Notes to the Financial Statements 

80-81

Directors’ Biographical Details 

82-86

Notice of Annual General Meeting 

Financial Calendar 

Annual General Meeting

Thursday 10 September 2020 

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
1

259344 Stanley Gibbons R&A pp01-pp16.qxp  29/07/2020  15:22  Page 2

Current Directors

Company Secretary

Registered Office

Directors and Advisers 

Non-Executive Chairman 
Chief Executive Officer 
Chief Finance Officer 
Non-Executive Director* 
Non-Executive Director* 

H G Wilson
G E Shircore
A M Gee
L E Castro
M West

* Independent 

R K Purkis 

18 Hill Street 
St. Helier 
Jersey JE2 4UA 
Tel: +44(0)20 7836 8444 

Company Registration

Registered and incorporated in Jersey 
Number 13177 

Legal Form

Public Limited Company limited by shares 

Nominated Adviser and
Broker

Auditors

Legal Advisers

Bankers

Registrars

Website

Liberum Capital Limited 
25 Ropemaker Street 
London EC2Y 9LY 

Jeffreys Henry LLP 
Finsgate 
5-7 Cranwood Street 
London EC1V 9EE 

Mourant Ozannes 
22 Grenville Street 
St Helier 
Jersey JE4 8PX 

Bird & Bird LLP 
12 New Fetter Lane 
EC4A 1JP 

Barclays Bank PLC 
1 Churchill Place 
London 
E14 5HP 

Link Market Services (Jersey) Limited 
Shareholder Services 
The Registry 
34 Beckenham Road 
Beckenham 
Kent BR3 4TU 
Tel: 0371 664 0300; from overseas +44 (0)37 1664 0300 

Further financial, corporate and shareholder information is available in the 
Company information section of the Group’s website:
www.stanleygibbonsplc.com

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
2

 
259344 Stanley Gibbons R&A pp01-pp16.qxp  29/07/2020  15:22  Page 3

Chairman’s Statement

Introduction 
This report covers the audited results for the year ended 31 March 2020 for The Stanley Gibbons Group plc (“the 
Group” or “the Company”). Due to the COVID-19 virus lockdown commencing in late March 2020, this report 
includes significantly more comment than usual on post year-end matters which have clearly had a major impact on 
our business in recent months. 

The last financial year has been mostly about continuing to implement the “rebuild” strategy commenced in 2018 
following  the  financial  restructuring  of  the  Group.  I  am  pleased  to  say  that  the  results  show  a  progressive 
improvement while at the same time we have widened our customer base as confidence in the Group has grown. 
Over the last year we have invested significantly in “improvements” particularly the complete refurbishment of the 
Strand shop and our IT services.  We still have much to do to achieve sustainable profitability but the foundations 
are now in place.   

Over the last year, sales have been affected by the planned rebalancing of stock to be more in line with our customers’ 
requirements. Group turnover for the year was £13.2m up 13% from last year (2019: £11.7m) including a significant 
increase in Philatelic sales as older stock was disposed of. Gross margin was slightly down at 46% (2019: 51%) largely 
as  a  result  of  reducing  older  inventory.  The  trading  loss  from  continuing  operations  before  adjustments  and 
exceptional items was further reduced to £2.5m (2019: £3.3m) in part due to further cost savings and efficiencies. 
The pre-tax loss from continuing operations also improved to £2.5m, which included a positive settlement from a 
legal claim, for the year - a drop of £1.8m compared to £4.3m in 2019. This resulted in a reduction of net assets to 
£3.7m (2019: £7.3m) although total inventory levels at £17.5m were broadly comparable to last year. Cash at the 
year-end was £2.5m (2019: £2.2m) while borrowings were £1.1m less than budget plan at £14.2m (2019: £11.5m). 

A further reduction in overheads for the year of 17% down to £2.6m (2019 £3.1m) was achieved while the headcount 
saw a small drop to 71 from (2019: 74). We will continue to look for further overhead savings, but these are likely 
to be more modest following the substantial reductions achieved during the restructuring of the Group over the last 
few years. The performance of staff has been greatly enhanced by the relative stability of teams over the last year 
and we intend to build on this. In addition to the major rebranding exercise and improvements to our websites, 
significant advances have been made in the retail and auction departments as well as publishing and our online 
presence. Our staff now have a sharp focus on what needs to be achieved and a clear plan of how to get there. The 
Board has remained unchanged since the appointment of Anthony Gee as CFO for the Group in August last year. 

Outlook 
The effect of the virus in recent months has been to force structural changes on businesses like ours where flexibility 
will  be  a  key  success  factor  going  forward.  Some  of  these  changes  were  already  happening  and  have  been 
accelerated, such as online commerce and working from home, while others are new for instance social distancing 
and travel restrictions. It is to the great credit of our staff and management that we have quickly adapted where 
necessary and changes to individual working arrangements have been made without hesitation.  While total sales 
have unsurprisingly dropped over the first 3 months of the current financial year, online sales have grown by 67% 
and now represent around 30% of total sales. With more time on their hands, we have seen many clients spending 
more time & money on their collecting interests while at the same time new customers are testing the waters. In 
summary things could have been worse and we are better placed now than some of our initial COVID-19 projections 
anticipated. However, there is no doubt that COVID-19 does create uncertainty and our forecast, based on the 
current trading trends and without any mitigating actions, indicates we would need to draw down the remaining 
£2m of our loan funding over the next 12 months. 

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
3

259344 Stanley Gibbons R&A pp01-pp16.qxp  29/07/2020  15:22  Page 4

Chairman’s Statement 
continued

We have a clear strategy and plan of implementation which our CEO Graham Shircore sets out later in this report. 
A key to our success will be the ability to adapt quickly where necessary while maintaining a focus on our ultimate 
goals. The collectibles business has been remarkably resilient over recent months – both stamps and coins are 
making strong prices particularly at the higher quality end of the market. We see no reason why this should not 
continue and with our renowned specialists and brands we are in a strong position to take advantage of this. Our 
plan has been interrupted but we have adapted and remain on course with our rebuilding of the Company. On 
behalf of the Board, I would like to thank all our staff, customers, and shareholders for their ongoing support through 
what has been a particularly difficult period recently.  I look forward to being able to update you with more news of 
our progress. 

Annual General Meeting 
As you will see from the Notice at the end of these Report & Accounts, the Company’s Annual General Meeting will 
be held at 399 Strand, London WC2R 0LX on Thursday 10th September 2020 commencing at 11.30am.  

In the light of the continued Government guidance in relation to COVID-19 the Board has regretfully decided that, 
in order to protect the health and wellbeing of shareholders and employees, this year’s meeting will take place as a 
closed  meeting  and  shareholders  and  advisers  will  not  be  able  to  attend  in  person.  The  Company  will  make 
arrangements so that a minimum quorum of shareholders is present and the legal requirements to hold a valid AGM 
are satisfied.  

The Directors consider that the resolutions, as set out in the Notice of Meeting, are in the best interests of the 
Company and its shareholders as a whole and unanimously recommend shareholders to vote in favour of the 
resolutions  as  they  intend  to  do  so  in  respect  of  their  own  beneficial  shareholdings.  Accordingly  we  ask  all 
shareholders  to  appoint  the  Chairman  of  the  Meeting  as  their  proxy  to  vote  on  the  resolutions.  Proxy  voting 
instructions can be found on page 85 of these Report & Accounts. 

Despite these exceptional circumstances, the Board is keen to maintain engagement with shareholders. In order to 
facilitate this, if you are a shareholder and would like to ask the Board a question on the formal business of the AGM, 
please  email  your  question  to  the  Company  Secretary,  rpurkis@stanleygibbons.com  by  11.30am  on 
Tuesday  8th  September  2020.  Answers 
to  questions  will  be  published  on  our  website  at: 
www.stanleygibbonsplc.com/shareholder-information/  as  soon  as  is  practicable  after  the  close  of  the  AGM. 
Additionally shareholders can also view a live stream of the AGM on https://bit.ly/stanleygibbons but will not be 
able to participate in the meeting or vote using this facility. 

We will continue to closely monitor the latest Government guidance, and how this may affect the arrangements for 
the AGM. Consequently, the date of the AGM is subject to change, possibly at relatively short notice. If it becomes 
necessary to revise the current arrangements for the AGM, further information will be made available on our 
corporate website at www.stanleygibbonsplc.com/investor-relations/ 

Harry Wilson 
Chairman 

29 July 2020 

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
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259344 Stanley Gibbons R&A pp01-pp16.qxp  29/07/2020  15:22  Page 5

Chief Executive’s Letter to Shareholders

Fellow shareholders, 

Putting the inevitable mention of COVID-19 to one side, the twelve month period to the end of March 2020 was 
focused on continuing the journey we began the previous year. Much like last year’s report, this gives me an 
opportunity to update you on the progress we have made, the early effects of some of our initiatives and what you 
can expect from us going forward. 

Major Developments 
In the last annual report, I noted that we really began moving forward in terms of proactive implementation of new 
initiatives and forward looking projects through the second half of the year. 

This year of course, we have had a whole year of doing so, therefore you should expect that more has been achieved 
and I am glad to say that this is the case. 

The first half of the year was, in terms of the number of outwardly visible developments, the busier of the two. Both 
brands were given a new look and new websites while there were also product and service overhauls for Stanley 
Gibbons. 

The majority of these went well but it is fair to say that the development and implementation of the new SG website 
did not go as well as we would have hoped. We have learnt from it and I am pleased to say that following a significant 
amount of effort post launch, it is now making a much more positive contribution. There is still a lot more we can do 
to improve the digital shopping experience for our customers, appreciating and making the most of the potential of 
online as both a selling and relationship building tool remains a major focus for us. 

Although there have continuously been several projects running in the background, the second half of the year will 
appear to the outside world to have been quieter with only one development of note, namely the refurbishment of 
399 Strand. I am pleased to say that this did go to plan. If you haven’t come to visit us yet, please do so, the scale of 
the change needs to be seen to be believed. 

In addition to the building project, technology continued to be a big focus. The aforementioned putting right of 
some of the places we had erred took up time but we also accelerated the building and population of our new 
publications database: an asset that we believe will not only save us money over time but has the potential to act as 
the backbone which will allow us to improve and develop our digital offering further. More recently, we have begun 
the process of upgrading our computer hardware and infrastructure across the Group as well as making further 
improvements to our customer offering. 

Cultural Change 
While the pace of change and progress has not and cannot be allowed to slow down, both our customers and 
colleagues, have for the first time in many years began to benefit from a degree of consistency in approach. 

Our focus on increasing our leadership in the five key areas we highlighted in the last annual report is unchanged, 
the importance we place on both our customers and our colleagues is unchanged and the overall long term direction 
of the Group is unchanged. This allows everybody to look at what we are doing and how we are doing it and decide 
if it is something which suits them – our customers can choose whether to shop with us and our colleagues can 
choose whether to work with us, both with greater clarity of what they can expect. It also allows us to deepen these 
elements and their importance over time and although there remains a lot of work to do here, again tangible progress 
is being made. Customer service levels and how collaboratively we work with each other are both improving. The 
benefits of these can be hard to accurately measure but they are no less valuable for that fact. 

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
5

259344 Stanley Gibbons R&A pp01-pp16.qxp  29/07/2020  15:22  Page 6

Chief Executive’s Letter to Shareholders 
continued

COVID-19 and After the Financial Year End 
The initial impact on trading of the COVID-19 pandemic began to be felt just before the financial year end but did 
not play a material role in terms of our full year results. We had by this point however closed the shop – something 
which even the Blitz was unable to force us to do – and implemented working practices and contingency plans 
which allowed us to keep all elements of the business trading. 

Our aim was to communicate clearly with our customers and provide them with an unmatched level of service – 
something which is always important but even more highly valued at times of stress and upheaval – and the number 
of messages of support and thanks we have received is testament to an appreciation of our efforts which will be 
valuable to us as a business well into the future. 

For members of staff this period also has the potential to be one of great uncertainty and concern. Our approach 
here revolved around frequent, consistent communication, setting things out clearly and honestly both in terms of 
what  was  expected  of  everybody  and  what  they  could  expect  from  us.  Their  response  was  nothing  short  of 
exceptional and they deserve the thanks of each and every one of us as shareholders. I also believe that as a team 
we have grown stronger as a result and this too is something which will be of benefit to us in the future. 

Despite these positives and the significant cost deferral and mitigation efforts we made, there is no denying the 
impact COVID has had on the wider economy and our business. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the 
economic uncertainty that companies and individuals face and as a Group that puts pressure on our funding and 
liquidity, which the auditors have highlighted in their report. Our forecasts, based on assumptions which include 
the impact of the pandemic, show that we will be required to draw down the additional £2m of funding in our facility 
to meet our short term funding requirements, without further mitigating actions. Mitigating actions are available to 
us if economic conditions become worse, such as selling down the Group’s surplus inventory faster and reviewing 
operating costs and our focus is currently making sure these plans are developed and implemented at the right time. 
Nevertheless we have not slowed in progressing further with our plans and developments for the future, believing 
that there is an opportunity to exit the upheaval this has caused in a relatively far stronger position than we entered it. 

Looking Forward 
It would be hubristic to say how recent events will impact consumer behaviour in future. However, we showed at 
the start of the crisis that if necessary we are able to be flexible and adaptable while not losing sight of our longer 
term direction and goals. It is this framework which we will take with us into the coming months, continuing to focus 
our efforts on driving the business forward while keeping a keen eye out for challenges coming over the horizon.  

As with every year, our goal is to be able to look back at the end of the coming year and be able to say that we are a 
significantly better business than we were at the start. With this in mind, every part of the business has explicit 
initiatives aimed at delivering sustainable and profitable growth and I look forward to being able to talk more openly 
about the progress of these in the near future. 

The dedication of your management team and all of our colleagues to the business’ long term goals is unwavering 
and on behalf of all shareholders and the Board, I want to thank everybody at Stanley Gibbons who has worked so 
hard over the past few months. 

Graham Shircore 
Chief Executive Officer 

29 July 2020

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
6

 
259344 Stanley Gibbons R&A pp01-pp16.qxp  29/07/2020  15:22  Page 7

Business Review 

Summary Trading and Operations 
Summary results: 

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Turnover from continuing operations of £13.2m was £1.5m (12.8%) higher than last year with the majority of 
the improvement attributable to the Philatelic Division. 

Gross margin for the year was 45.9% (2019: 51.0%). Strong margins on the new and ongoing business were 
impacted by the disposal of some older, low value and duplicate inventory. 

Trading losses from continuing operations, before accounting adjustments and exceptional costs reduced to 
£2.5m from £3.3m, as the benefit of cost savings and efficiencies continued. 

Loss for the financial year from continuing operations fell by £1.8m to £2.5m compared to £4.3m last year. 

Profit for the financial year from discontinued operations was £0.1m. 

There was a 49% reduction in net assets to £3.7m (2019: £7.3m) as a result of the loss incurred in the year.  

Borrowings at the balance sheet date of £14.2m (2019: £11.5m) partially offset by cash of £2.5m (2019: £2.2m). 

Continuing operations 

Philatelic
Publishing
A H Baldwin
Legacy interiors property & legal
Other & corporate overheads
Finance charges*
Trading sales and losses
Amortisation of customer lists
Pension service & share option charges
Finance charges related to pensions
Exceptional operating income/(charges)
Group total sales and loss before tax

12 months to 31 March
2020
2020
Profit
Sales
£’000
£’000

12 months to 31 March 
2019 
2019
Profit 
Sales
£’000 
£’000

6,459
1,946
3,425
1,345
–
–
13,175
–
–
–
–
13,175

(90)
(99)
553
222
(2,555)
(529)
(2,498)
(240)
–
(126)
353
(2,511)

4,942
2,199
3,216
1,320
–
–
11,677
–
–
–
–
11,677

(487) 
53 
538 
161 
(3,086) 
(497) 
(3,318) 
(220) 
(389) 
(133) 
(203) 
(4,263) 

*Finance charges do not include lease interest charge for IFRS16.  This charge has been included in the relevant division to make comparative 
figures consistent.

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
7

259344 Stanley Gibbons R&A pp01-pp16.qxp  29/07/2020  15:22  Page 8

Business Review 
continued

Overview 
Group turnover from continuing operations was £13.2m for the year ended 31 March 2020 compared to £11.7m in 
the prior year.  The turnover increase in the year was primarily driven by the planned reduction in stock holding in 
areas where the management team is rebalancing stock holdings to move away from older, duplicate and low value 
holdings to provide fresher stock for our customers.  This stock was sold at reduced margins, through auctions and 
trade sales to other dealers. Overall this affected our margins and is a reason for the lower margin percentage in the 
year.  However the cash that this generates will be used to renew our stock in areas where customer interests are 
higher.  

We continued to see a reduction in operating costs from our actions to restructure and improve efficiency. The 
trading loss, for continuing operations, before accounting adjustments including exceptional operating charges and 
finance charges related to pensions, fell from £3.3m at 31 March 2019 to £2.5m at 31 March 2020.  

Philatelic 
The Philatelic division contains our stamp dealing and auction business.  Our Philatelic division was the business 
where the rebalancing of the stock holding was most focused.  As a result sales increased from £4.9m in the year to 
£6.5m.  However gross margins fell from 45% to 36% as some of the inventory was sold below or near to cost.  The 
dealing  business’  fresher  stock  sales  were  higher  for  the  year  ended  31  March  2020,  with  the  gross  margins 
maintained at similar percentages to the previous period.  During the final quarter of the year there was some 
disruption to sales as initially our building was undergoing refurbishment leading to some disruption for customers 
visiting our premises. Towards the end of the financial year there was the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, but this 
had  minimal  impact  on  the  performance  to  March  2020.    Our  auction  business  continued  its  recovery  with 
commissions up in the year and more importantly increasing on a per auction basis.  This is an area we will continue 
to focus on, both with traditional and digital auctions, but has probably been most affected by the COVID-19 
“lockdowns”.  Our overheads in this division continue to reduce as we benefited from the decision to merge auction 
brands taken previously.  Although we will always challenge our cost base, we are now at a point where savings in 
overheads will begin to slow as the majority of the fundamental reorganisation of the division is complete.  

We are aware that our holding of material in this part of the business is significantly larger than is necessary to support 
the business and it is our aim to reduce this over time.  Our aim is to sell through and rebalance our stock holding 
but we are realistic and expect this to be achieved over more than one financial period.  We continue to ensure the 
new stock that is purchased by our teams is more in line with current customer wants and market trends and so 
should turn over faster and produce the volume of sales and margins necessary to improve divisional profitability 
further. 

Publishing 
Sales in this division fell by 11.5% during the year.  Some of this fall was deliberate as we reorganized the albums 
and  accessories  range  to  focus  on  a  sustainable  and  cost  effective  range.    Our  previous  range  had  become 
fragmented and sold a wide variety of products which we were continually struggling to supply in the correct quantity 
and cost. The new range allows us to deliver quality at an affordable level for collectors in the future.  Gross margin 
percentages improved during the year but this division had higher operating costs.  This was primarily a result of 
updating the technology regarding our catalogue database, resulting in some duplication of costs.  In the longer 
term the cost base will be reduced and the database will be an important step in helping the digital development in 
this division.

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
8

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Business Review 
continued

Coins & Medals 
Sales increased year on year by 6.5%, with profits improving from £538,000 to £553,000.  As in the Philatelic division 
there were some sales of older material at lower margins which resulted in the sales growth not flowing through to 
profits but again the gross margins from our fresher stock did improve.  Overhead costs were also lower in the year.  
The division is beginning to build stock levels to allow it to trade at higher volumes but this will take time.  The coin 
markets remain strong and the challenge now is to find new areas of growth to drive profitability in the future.  
Baldwin’s of St James’s, the auction joint venture, generated £50,000, the Group’s share of the profit, in the year, 
compared to £109,000 in the previous period. 

Legacy Interiors 
The sales from this division all relate to rental income from the leasehold property in New York which was vacated 
and sublet by Mallett in 2016. The costs relate to the rents and other costs in relation to the property. 

Corporate Overheads 
Corporate overheads continue to fall declining by a further 17% to £2.6m.  A significant proportion of the fall during 
the year was a result of lower depreciation and amortisation charges.  The previous lease on our premises in the 
Strand, London expired in March 2019, so our leasehold improvements were fully written down and no depreciation 
charge incurred during the year. 

We continue to identify areas where we can reduce our corporate overheads further as we recognise that they 
continue to be too high in relation to the current size of the trading businesses. The restructuring over the last few 
years has significantly reduced the corporate overheads and each year further savings are more difficult to achieve. 
We continue to review all our costs and renegotiate all our contracts when they fall due and remain optimistic that 
further cost savings can be identified. 

Other Accounting Adjustments & Finance Charges related to pensions 
Pension service and share option charges, amortisation of customer lists and finance charges related to pensions 
for the year ended 31 March 2020 were £0.4m (2019: £0.7m). In the opinion of the Directors, such accounting 
charges do not form part of the operating performance of the Group.

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
9

259344 Stanley Gibbons R&A pp01-pp16.qxp  29/07/2020  15:22  Page 10

Business Review 
continued

Exceptional Operating (Income)/Charges 
Exceptional operating (income)/charges, can be further analysed as follows: 

Stock provisions
Settlement of legal case
Accelerated impairment of intangible assets
Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets
Impairment of receivables
Dilapidations on Strand property
Restructuring and redundancy costs
Disposal of leased property
Exceptional legal fees
Legacy wind-down costs of overseas entities
Release of other payables excess provision

Year ended
31 March 2020
£’000

Year ended  
31 March 2019 
£’000 

286
(850)
36
42
155
(26)
–
–
–
4
–
(353)

8 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
18 
39 
138 
– 
203 

On 14 June 2019 the Group announced that all outstanding claims involving certain former directors of Mallett plc 
had now been resolved, bringing the matter to a full and final conclusion.  The sum of £850,000 resulting from this 
agreement has been received in full by the Group. 

Exceptional stock provisions relating to the discontinuation of the publication range and a provision against a legacy 
Interiors item that was found to be a reproduction and not the original were charged to exceptional items during the 
year.    Stock  provisions  are  normally  charged  in  the  operating  margins  of  the  division  unless  they  are  a  result  of 
reorganisation or changes in the overall collectibles market environment. 

Discontinued Operations 
There continues to be a long tail of stock items that we continue to own from our Interiors division which was 
discontinued in the year ended 31 March 2018.  We continue to sell items through antique and art auctions, although 
the levels of stock are now minimal.  The majority of the remaining stock is now fully provided against but income 
will still be generated in the next 12 months. 

Inventory 
The Group continues to own some valuable assets. Apart from the heritage brands, which are not wholly recognised 
within the balance sheet, as only acquired brands can be recognised, the most significant asset of the Group is its 
stock which is summarised below: 

Philatelic rarities
Philatelic stock (general)
Coins and medals
Antiques
Publications, albums and accessories
Group owned stock
Inventory owned by third parties

31 March 2020
£’000

31 March 2019 
£’000 

14,145
760
2,306
19
283
17,513
–
17,513

14,178 
1,176 
1,847 
383 
341 
17,925 
76 
18,001 

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
10

 
259344 Stanley Gibbons R&A pp01-pp16.qxp  29/07/2020  15:22  Page 11

Business Review 
continued

The Group’s management continues to focus on the rebalancing of inventory to enable the Group to trade in the 
most profitable areas of its collectibles businesses.  Overall net inventory holding has decreased by £488,000 to 
£17.5m.  This has been primarily driven from the sale of the lower value philatelic stock and the completion of the 
range review of the publications, albums and accessories inventory.  We continue to liquidate the holdings of 
antiques from the interiors business. 

On 21st February 2020 the Group announced that its subsidiary, Stanley Gibbons Limited (“SGL”) had entered in to 
an agreement with Phoenix S. G.  Limited to acquire approximately 780 items, for an initial consideration of £1.07m, 
which is payable in cash to Phoenix S. G. Limited over the term of the agreement, as and when sales of the items 
are made to third parties and will be the net proceeds, after deduction of a commission payment to be made to SGL, 
on completed sales.  The agreement is for a total term of 10 years and any sale at a value that is less than the base 
cost of an inventory item can only be made with the specific permission of Phoenix S. G. Limited. To the extent that 
all of the inventory is sold and the appropriate payments have been made by SGL to Phoenix S. G. Limited no further 
consideration will be due. To the extent that items remain to be sold at the end of the agreement the relevant items 
will be returned to Phoenix S. G. Limited and no further consideration will be due (see note 13). 

Notwithstanding the fact that the agreement was written as a sale from Phoenix S.G. Limited to SGL, the substance 
of the transaction is that of a consignment stock arrangement and so has been accounted for as such. The acquired 
items have therefore not been included within inventories and there is no related creditor due to Phoenix S.G. 
Limited within the balance sheet. The commission due to SGL is recognised as revenue in the accounting period of 
the sale to a third party. As at 31 March 2020 of the initial items totaling £1,070,000, all remained unsold. 

Cash Resources 
As at the balance sheet date the Group had cash balances of £2.5m and a loan of £14.2m repayable in March 2023. 
The loan is due to Phoenix S. G. Limited, the Group’s controlling shareholder.  During the year the Group drew down 
£2m of its remaining loan facility - headroom of £2m remains to draw - to fund the refurbishment of the premises and 
the day to day operation of the business.  As at the date of this report no further drawings have been made. 

On 21 November 2017 the directors of Stanley Gibbons (Guernsey) Limited applied for and were granted an 
administration order. Stanley Gibbons (Guernsey) Limited was the entity through which the Group’s Investment 
division activities had been conducted. The administration order meant the Group lost control of this business and 
its assets and so the Investment division’s results were reclassified as discontinued operations. Stanley Gibbons 
(Guernsey) Limited remained in administration during the year ended 31 March 2019. No costs have been incurred 
in relation to the administration during the year.  On 2 April 2019 the Royal Court of Guernsey ordered that Stanley 
Gibbons (Guernsey) Limited enter liquidation, this process is still ongoing. 

On 21 February 2020 the Group signed a deed of release for both the Company and its subsidiaries that are 
guarantors to the loan facility and confirmation with its lender Phoenix S.G. Limited that releases and discharges 
Stanley Gibbons (Guernsey) Limited (in liquidation) of its obligations and future obligations and liabilities under the 
loan agreement. 

As a result of Stanley Gibbons (Guernsey) Limited no longer being a guarantor of the Loan Agreement, the Group 
was no longer in default of its loan facility  

As detailed in note 18, as at 31 March 2020, the Group would have been in default of its loan facilities as the Group 
would have failed to satisfy the financial covenants in the loan agreements  

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11

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Business Review 
continued

On 27 March 2020 Phoenix S.G. Limited issued a waiver letter to the Group for the above defaults so that at the 
balance sheet date the Group is no longer in default and the loan facilities are not repayable on demand. 

As at 24 July 2020 the Group had cash balances of £1.7m and an outstanding loan balance of £14.2m. 

COVID-19 
The Group, like all businesses and organisations, has been affected by the “lockdowns” as a result of the COVID-19 
pandemic.  From our premises being closed, to shows and exhibitions being cancelled the “lockdowns” have affected 
our ability to meet with both our customers and our vendors.  This has challenged the business in many different 
ways but has also lead to some opportunities for the Group to bring forward actions. 

For the first 3 months of the financial year ending 31 March 2021 our sales are 34% lower than the corresponding 
period last year.  Our auction business has postponed sales, the London International Stamp show was cancelled 
and the opening of our new showroom in the Strand was delayed.  However, when the lockdowns came into force 
the Group switched its focus to on-line sales.  And despite the overall fall on-line sales have grown by 67% for the 
first 13 weeks of the year compared to last year and are now around 30% of sales compared to 12% in 2020. 

The Group has taken mitigating actions to protect its cash position, particularly as the restrictions in place were 
always going to affect the Group’s sales.  The Group has made use of the help offered by Government schemes 
including furloughing workers and deferring VAT payments.  The Group has also engaged with its business partners 
to defer or waive some costs and has had helpful discussions with its lenders and the pension trustees. 

Expenditure procedures have been tightened further, but all of this has not stopped the Group progressing projects 
which will benefit the future.  The Group cash balance remains above our early forecasts for the impact of the 
“lockdowns” and we have yet to draw further on our loan facilities. 

The pandemic is having an impact on the properties that the Group sub-lets in Pall Mall, London and Madison 
Avenue, New York.  Both properties are sub-let to non-essential retailers which have been closed during the 
“lockdowns”.  The Group’s tenants have not paid rent due during the period which has meant that the Group has 
not been able to pay rent to the landlords.  The Group is currently in negotiations with its tenants and landlords to 
resolve these matters but there is uncertainty as to the outcome of those negotiations and to whether the tenants 
will continue to occupy the properties in the future. At 31 March 2020 the Group Statement of financial position 
included leasehold assets of £944,000 and right of use assets of £4,984,000 and lease liabilities of £5,788,000.  At 
31 March 2020 the Directors believe that these assets are not impaired, however once the outcome of these 
negotiations is known a further impairment review may be required 

Uncertainty remains over the level of future demand and the Directors are aware that as some of the deferred costs 
unwind pressure remains on the cash resources of the Group.  They continue to monitor the changing situation 
closely so that appropriate and proportionate actions are taken when required. 

Anthony Gee 
Chief Finance Officer 

29 July 2020

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259344 Stanley Gibbons R&A pp01-pp16.qxp  29/07/2020  15:22  Page 13

Corporate Governance 

The Directors recognise the importance of and are committed to high standards of corporate governance. The 
corporate governance framework within which the Stanley Gibbons Group operates, including Board leadership 
and effectiveness, Board remuneration and internal control is based on practices which the Board believes are 
appropriate to the size, risks, complexity and operation of the business. 

The Board continues to adhere to the Quoted Companies Alliance Corporate Governance Code for small and mid-
size quoted companies (the QCA Code) on the basis that it is most suited to the size and requirements of the 
business. The Board will apply the principles of the QCA Code. 

Full  details  of 
https://www.stanleygibbonsplc.com/corporate-governance/. 

application  of 

code 

the 

the 

are  disclosed  on  our 

corporate  website: 

The Company holds board meetings regularly throughout the period at which operating and financial reports are 
considered. The Board is responsible for formulating, reviewing and approving the Group’s strategy, budgets, major 
items of capital expenditure and senior personnel appointments. 

The Board met 13 times during the year and the Directors attendance at those Board meetings was as follows: 

H Wilson
G Shircore
A Gee (appointed 1 August 2019)
L Castro
M West

Audit Committee 
The Audit Committee comprises only Non-Executive Directors. 

Attendance 
12 
13 
8 
11 
11 

The Committee met three times during the period since approval of the previous financial statements. It has written 
terms of reference, which were updated in June 2018, setting out its responsibilities that include: 

•

•

•

•

•

monitoring  the  financial  reporting  process,  the  integrity  of  the  company’s  financial  statements  and 
announcements relating to financial performance and reviewing significant financial judgements contained in 
them; 

keeping under review the Company’s internal controls and risk management systems; 

considering annually the need for a separate internal audit function and making recommendations to the Board; 

making recommendations to the Board regarding the appointment, re-appointment or removal of the external 
auditor, and approving the remuneration and terms of engagement of the external auditor; and 

reviewing and monitoring the external auditor’s independence and the effectiveness of the audit process. 

In addition, the Board requested that the Committee advise them on whether they believe the annual report and 
accounts,  taken  as  a  whole,  is  fair,  balanced  and  understandable  and  provides  the  information  necessary  for 
shareholders to assess the Company’s performance, business model and strategy. The Committee has concluded 
that this is the case and has reported this to the Board. 

Non-audit services are reviewed on a case by case basis and also in terms of materiality of the fee. Note 4 to the 
Financial Statements details the quantum and split of auditor fees. 

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Corporate Governance 
continued

In the course of its work the Audit Committee meets with the external auditors and reviews the reports from them 
relating to the financial statements. It also reviews the likely significant issues in advance of publication both of the 
half and full year results and in particular any critical accounting judgements identified by both the Company and 
the external auditors most of which are disclosed in note 2 to the Financial Statements (Critical Accounting Estimates 
and Judgements). 

The Audit Committee also reviews updates on significant accounting policies and the impact that this has on the 
Group and, during the year, established a Cyber sub-committee with appropriate in-house expertise to scrutinise 
this specialist subject. 

Members of the Audit Committee at the date of this report were LE Castro and HG Wilson 

Nomination Committee 
A separate Nomination Committee is in operation. It has written terms of reference, which were updated in October 
2016, setting out its responsibilities. It comprises the Non-Executive Chairman and a Non-Executive Director. The 
committee considers appointments to the Board and is responsible for nominating candidates to fill Board vacancies 
and for making recommendations on Board composition. A company-wide policy exists on diversity. The Board 
recognises such benefits of and will continue to appoint Executive and Non-Executive Directors to ensure diversity 
of background and on the basis of their skills and experience. 

Members of the Nomination Committee at the date of this report were HG Wilson and LE Castro. 

By order of the Board 

RK Purkis 
Secretary 

29 July 2020

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Report on Remuneration

Remuneration Committee 
The Remuneration Committee comprises only Non-Executive Directors. It reviews the performance of the Executive 
Directors and sets the scale and structure of their remuneration and the basis of their service agreements with due 
regard to the interests of shareholders. 

The Remuneration Committee has responsibility for making recommendations to the Board on the Group’s general 
policy on remuneration and also specific packages for individual Directors. It carries out the policy on behalf of the 
Board. 

Members of the Remuneration Committee at the date of the report were M West and LE Castro. Neither of the 
members of the committee have day to day involvement in the running of the business. 

Policy on Executive Directors’ Remuneration 
The Committee reviews remuneration of Executive Directors and senior management each year. The main aim of 
the Group’s executive pay policy is to provide an appropriate reward for their work which is sufficient to attract and 
retain the Directors needed to meet the Group’s objectives and satisfy shareholder expectations. 

Options 
Executive Share options are granted to Directors and other employees on a phased basis. The value of those options 
ensures that this spreads any reward over a number of years, allied to growth in shareholder value over the long 
term. 

Options granted under the Group Share Option Plan 2010 are exercisable between the third and tenth anniversaries 
of the date of grant. 

Options issued in 2011 had the target of a minimum EPS of 19.2 pence for the year ended 31 December 2013. 25% 
of the granted options vest if this target is reached, rising on a straight line basis to 100% of options granted to vest 
if an EPS of 22.7 pence was achieved. 

Options issued in 2016 were granted at market value and are not subject to a performance condition. 

Options issued in 2018 were granted at market value and are not subject to a performance condition. 

Bonuses 
Directors are awarded annual bonuses calculated on the basis of defined criteria relating to Group performance 
compared to prior year and budget and other specific objectives which contribute to growth in earnings per share, 
cash generation and return on capital employed. 

Other benefits 
The Company Secretary is a member of the Group’s defined benefit pension scheme, which is now closed. During 
the year contributions were paid on behalf of A Gee to defined contribution personal pension schemes. 

Benefits also include the provision of family private healthcare insurance and death in service insurance. 

Service contracts 
No Director has a notice period exceeding six months.

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Report on Remuneration 
continued

Directors’ Remuneration 
For each Director remuneration for the year to 31 March 2020 can be analysed as follows: 

2020
Salary &
Fees
£’000

2020 
Performance
Related
Bonus
£’000

2020
Other
Benefits
£’000

2020 
Pension
Contributions
£’000

H Wilson
G Shircore
A Gee
A Cook
L Castro
M West

                      60
                         –
                     123
                        –
                       35
                       35
                     253

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
12
–
–
–
12

The periods each Director served during the year are given on page 20.  

2020
Total
£’000

60
–
135
–
35
35
265

2019 
Total 
£’000 

84 
          – 
– 
158 
35 
              12 
289 

Directors’ Share Options 
                                                                                                                                                      Number                       
                                                                                 Earliest                                 Exercise                    at                       
                                                          Date of         exercise             Expiry               Price       31 March        Forfeited
                                                              grant                date                date     (1p shares)             2019        in period

Number 
at 
31 March 
2020 

H Wilson                                         5/10/16**         5/10/19         5/10/26                  11p      2,000,000                       –
A Gee                                              5/10/16**         5/10/19         5/10/26                  11p          400,000                       –

2,000,000 
400,000 

2,400,000                       –

2,400,000 

** Options granted under Group Share Option Plan 2010.  

No Directors options forfeited or lapsed during the period. 

The highest paid director, being A Gee, did not exercise any share options during the year. 

The closing market price of the Company’s shares at 31 March 2020 was 1.55p and the range of market prices during 
the twelve month period was between 1.5p and 3.95p. 

By order of the Board 

RK Purkis 
Secretary 

29 July 2020

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
16

 
259344 Stanley Gibbons R&A pp17-pp31.qxp  29/07/2020  15:24  Page 17

Directors’ Report 
for the year ended 31 March 2020 

The  Directors  present  their  report  and  the  consolidated  audited  financial  statements  for  the  year  ended 
31 March 2020. 

Incorporation 
The Company was incorporated in Jersey, Channel Islands on 13 June 1977. 

Directors’ responsibilities for the financial statements 
Directors are required by the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 to prepare financial statements for each financial period 
which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group as at the end of the financial period and of the 
Group profit or loss for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to: 

• Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; 

• Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 

• State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed 

and explained in the financial statements; and 

• Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group 

will continue in business. 

The Directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at 
any time the financial position of the Company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply 
with the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and 
hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud, error and non-compliance with law and 
regulations. 

The maintenance and integrity of the Stanley Gibbons web site is the responsibility of the directors; the work carried 
out  by  the  auditors  does  not  involve  consideration  of  these  matters  and,  accordingly,  the  auditors  accept  no 
responsibility for any changes that may have occurred to the accounts since they were initially presented on the 
web site. 

Legislation in Jersey governing the preparation and dissemination of accounts may differ from legislation in other 
jurisdictions. 

In so far as each of the Directors is aware: 

• There is no relevant audit information of which the Group’s auditors are unaware; 

• Each of the Directors has taken all steps that he ought to have taken to make himself aware of any relevant audit 

information and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information; 

• The financial statements, prepared in accordance with the applicable set of accounting standards, give a true 

and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and loss of the Group; and 

• The management report includes a fair review of the Group’s development. 

Principal activities 
The principal activities of the Group are those of trading in collectibles, auctioneering, the development and operation 
of collectible websites, philatelic publishing, mail order, retailing, and the manufacture of philatelic accessories.

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
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259344 Stanley Gibbons R&A pp17-pp31.qxp  29/07/2020  15:24  Page 18

Directors’ Report 
continued 

Business review 
Included within the Annual Report is a fair review of the business of the Group during the year ended 31 March 
2020 and the position of the Group at the end of the year. This review is contained in the Chairman’s Statement on 
pages 3 to 4 and the Business Review on pages 7 to 12. Key Performance Indicators and a description of the principal 
risks and uncertainties are referred to below. 

Principal risks and uncertainties 
The principal risks faced by the Group, together with the controls in place to manage those risks, are documented  
below by the Executives, Senior Management team, Audit Committee and wider Board and are regularly reviewed 
throughout the period. 

Competition 
The  Group’s  markets  are  extremely  competitive,  with  threats  from  other  dealers,  auctioneers  and  online 
marketplaces. The Group combats this risk by maintaining strong client relationships, continued monitoring of 
competitor activity and a focus on client service. 

Key Personnel 
The knowledge and expertise of the Group’s specialists is critical to maintaining the Group’s reputation and success. 
Accordingly the Group is highly dependent on attracting and retaining appropriately qualified personnel. The Group 
manages this risk by ensuring that remuneration is benchmarked against market rates to ensure that it is competitive 
and providing appropriate support and training. 

Key Clients 
A number of the Group’s high value sales are made to a relatively small number of existing key clients. The Group 
manages this risk by maintaining strong client relationships, focusing on client service and ensuring that it maintains 
an inventory of highly attractive items. 

Stock Valuation 
The market in rare stamps, coins and other collectibles is not a highly liquid trading market. As a result, the realisable 
value of inventory is relatively subjective and may fluctuate over time. The Group’s management keeps a close eye 
on market conditions and on a periodic basis we consult external parties in our consideration of the carrying value 
of our inventories. 

Investment Products 
The Group was aware of the potential risk in connection with a commitment to buy-back in the future certain assets 
sold under collectible investment contracts in previous accounting periods. The Group therefore bore the risk in 
the event that the underlying assets go down in value during the contract period and continually monitors it. 

On 21 November 2017 the directors of Stanley Gibbons (Guernsey) Limited applied for and were granted an 
administration order. This subsidiary was most exposed to investment product risk and therefore with the deemed 
loss of control over the subsidiary the level of this risk to the Group is now minimised. 

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
18

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Directors’ Report 
continued

Controlling interest 
The Group’s largest shareholder is also the Group’s primary lender. The Group is aware of the risk that continued 
support is required from Phoenix S.G. Limited and ensures it complies with all requirements of its lending agreement. 

Brexit 
The Director’s do not believe that any of the potential scenarios of Brexit have a specific risk to the Group. The 
Group will be impacted by any changes in the general economic conditions affecting both the UK and the European 
Union. 

COVID-19 
The Directors have been closely reviewing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown 
on the Group’s trading performance and impact on the Groups rental properties that it sub-leases to third party 
retailers. The lockdowns have directly impacted the Group’s trading due to the restrictions on both employees and 
customers movement impacting both trading at the Group’s premises and shows and exhibitions in both the UK 
and overseas locations. The Directors have been and continue to take actions to mitigate the impact on trading by 
minimizing expenditure through all available options open to them. The risks from the pandemic continue to create 
uncertainty  which  the  Directors  have  addressed  in  the  going  concern  review  (page  21)  and  estimates  and 
assumptions in preparation of financial statements (see note 2).  For further details on the impact of the pandemic 
to date on the Group see note 32. 

Retirement Benefit Pension Obligations 
Future costs and obligations relating to the Group’s defined benefit pension schemes are significantly influenced 
by changes in interest rates, investment performance and actuarial assumptions, each of which is unpredictable. 
Actuarial valuations are carried out every three years with recovery plans agreed with the Trustees. 

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) 
The Directors manage the business on a monthly cycle of management reports and information combined with weekly 
sales and margins reporting. A monthly information pack is provided to the Board incorporating individual reports from 
each of the executive committee members and commentary on key performance indicators. Appropriate matters are 
summarised  and  appropriate  decisions  made  at  Board  meetings.  Key  performance  measures  are  disclosed  and 
discussed in the Business Review on pages 7 to 12. 

The diverse nature of the Group’s activities dictates that specific financial and non-financial performance indicators 
and reporting templates are in place unique to each department to enable the successful management of each 
operating division. Examples of some of the most important KPIs used in this reporting environment are: 

• Sales and gross margins compared to last year and budget 

• Overhead variations against budget 

• Personnel and resource matters (eg. performance, attendance and training) 

• New customers recruited and marketing response rates 

• Value of stock purchases and stock levels at the end of each month against budget 

• Website visitor activity statistics 

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
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Directors’ Report 
continued

Results and dividends 
The consolidated statement of comprehensive income of the Group for the year ended 31 March 2020 is set out on 
page 32. The Directors do not recommend a final dividend for the year ended 31 March 2020 (year ended 31 March 
2019: nil). 

Directors 
The following Directors have held office since 1 April 2019: 

H G Wilson (Non-Executive) 
G E Shircore 
L E Castro (Non-Executive) 
M West (Non-Executive) 
A M Gee                                                                          (appointed 1 August 2019) 

L Castro and M West are considered to be Independent. 

Biographical details of the current Directors are given on pages 80 and 81. 

Directors’ interests 
The interests of the Directors in the shares of the Company, all of which are beneficial, at 31 March 2020 together 
with their interests at 31 March 2019 were: 

HG Wilson (1)
GE Shircore (2)
A Gee*
LE Castro
M West

* On appointment 

Ordinary 1p
Shares
31 March 2020

Ordinary 1p 
Shares 
31 March 2019 

2,000,000
705,741
–
–
–

2,000,000 
705,741 
– 
– 
– 

(1) Held in the name of Park Securities Limited in which H Wilson is a director and shareholder. 
(2) Phoenix Asset Management Partners Limited, Mr Shircore’s ultimate employer, is the investment manager to Phoenix SG Limited which 

holds 248,000,000 Ordinary shares representing 58.09% of the Company’s issued share capital. 

Details of the Directors’ share options are given in the Remuneration Report on page 16. 

Apart from service contracts and the transactions referred to in note 26 of the financial statements, none of the 
Directors had a material interest in any contract of significance to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries was 
a party during the year. 

Research and development 
Costs associated with research and development relate to internal web development work in the creation of an 
online collectibles marketplace. Research and development costs are capitalised in the year incurred and are 
disclosed under the heading ‘Computer Software’ in note 10. 

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
20

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Directors’ Report 
continued

Financial Risk Management 
The Group principally finances its operations through the generation of cash from operating activities and through 
a loan from its major shareholder, Phoenix S.G. Limited and has no interest rate exposure on financial liabilities 
except those disclosed in note 25. Liquidity risk is managed through forecasting the future cash flow requirements 
of the business. Further disclosure on the company’s financial risk management can be found in note 15 (Provision 
for impairment of receivables and collateral held) and note 25 (Financial instruments). 

Going concern 
The Group’s forecasts shows that it will remain within current loan facility limits for the foreseeable future. Although 
the  Directors  have  built  the  forecast  based  on  current  trading  trends,  including  the  impact  of  the  COVID-19 
pandemic, and historical knowledge of the business, the Directors recognise that forecasts are dependent on the 
underlying assumptions and that trading conditions can always be affected by unforeseen events. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the uncertainty of the assumptions that the Directors use to forecast future 
liquidity.  The impact of the pandemic has impacted consumer confidence in the wider economy, which has directly 
led to a fall in the Group’s revenue and impacted other areas of the Groups operations.  The Group’s forecast 
indicates that the remaining £2m facility will be drawn down in the next 12 months.  The Directors have mitigating 
courses of actions which are available to them to limit the impact of the pandemic including operating cost initiatives, 
the faster sell down of Group’s large inventory holding and approaching lenders for further short term funding.  

The loan facilities are provided by the Group’s controlling party Phoenix S. G. Limited and are due for repayment in 
March 2023.  The Group would have been in default of the financial covenants at 31 March 2020, which would 
result in the loan becoming payable on demand.  On 27 March 2020 the Group sought and was granted a waiver 
from Phoenix S.G. Limited for the default.  The forecast, taking into account of the implications on the Group’s 
demand of the COVID-19 pandemic, shows the Group will fail to meet its financial covenants in March 2021. 

The Directors recognise that Phoenix S. G. Limited has granted the waiver of the default, stated that it intends to be 
a long term investor, is the Group’s controlling party with an interest of just over 58%, granted a waiver of interest 
for the period March to July 2020, and has given no indication that it would withdraw its support before March 2023 
when the loan facility is repayable.  

As  such,  having  regard  to  the  matters  above,  and  after  making  reasonable  enquiries  and  taking  account  of 
uncertainties discussed above, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group have 
access to adequate resources to continue operations and to meet its liabilities, as and when they fall due, for the 
foreseeable future. For that reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in the preparation of the accounts. 

Intangible Assets 
Except for those acquired in the Noble acquisitions, no value is attributed in the consolidated statement of financial 
position to the Group’s brand names, the value of the Stanley Gibbons stamp referencing system, editorial intellectual 
property or its database of customer lists as an accurate valuation of these items would be impractical to establish 
and the capitalisation of internally generated assets is not allowed under IAS38. External costs incurred in the 
development of the software for the Digital Asset Management system and the redevelopment of the Group’s 
websites have been capitalised and are being amortised in accordance with IAS38. 

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
21

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Directors’ Report 
continued

Substantial Shareholdings 
As at 24 July 2020, the Company had been notified of the following interests in 3% or more of its issued share capital: 

Phoenix SG Limited                                                                                   58.09% 
Lombard Odier Asset Management (Europe) Limited                        4.94% 

Purchase of Own Shares 
The Company did not purchase any of its shares for cancellation during the year. The Company has authority to 
purchase up to 15% of its own shares. A resolution to renew this authority will be proposed at the AGM. 

Capital Structure 
Details of the issued share capital are set out in note 20. The Company has one class of share being Ordinary Shares 
with a par value of 1p each.  This entitles the holder to participate in dividends in proportion to the number of shares 
held.  The holder is also entitled to, on a show of hands of shareholders present at a general meeting in person or 
by proxy, one vote and upon a poll each share is entitled to one vote. 

Subject to the Companies (Jersey) Law and the provisions of the Articles of Association, the Directors are generally 
and unconditionally authorised to exercise all powers of the Company to issue such number of Shares as the 
Company may from time to time by Ordinary Resolution determine. The Annual General Meeting held in 2019 
authorised the Directors to allot shares in the capital of the Company within certain limits. A renewal of this authority 
will be proposed at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. 

Articles of Association 
In accordance with the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991, the Company’s Articles of Association may only be amended 
by a Special Resolution of the Company’s shareholders. 

Political Donations 
The Group made no political donations during the current or previous year. 

Employees 
The Group’s policy is to provide equal opportunities to all present and potential employees. The Group gives full 
consideration  to  applications  for  employment  from  disabled  persons  and  where  existing  employees  become 
disabled, it is the Group’s policy, wherever practicable, to provide continuing employment under normal terms and 
conditions. 

The Group operates an annual performance review system with employees to discuss performance against agreed 
objectives and career development. 

The Group believes in respecting individuals and their rights in the workplace. With this in mind, specific policies 
are in place covering harassment and bullying, whistle-blowing, equal opportunities and data protection 

Secretary 
Mr R K Purkis has been secretary for the entire year ended 31 March 2020 and to the date of approval of the financial 
statements. 

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
22

259344 Stanley Gibbons R&A pp17-pp31.qxp  29/07/2020  15:24  Page 23

Directors’ Report 
continued

Independent Auditors 
Jeffreys Henry LLP have expressed their willingness to continue as auditors and a resolution to reappoint them as 
auditors to the Company and to authorise the Directors to fix their remuneration will be proposed at the AGM. 

By order of the board

RK Purkis 
Secretary 

29 July 2020 

Registered office: 
18 Hill Street  
St Helier,  
Jersey  
JE2 4UA 

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
23

259344 Stanley Gibbons R&A pp17-pp31.qxp  29/07/2020  15:24  Page 24

S172 Directors statement 

A director of a company must act in the way he or she considers, in good faith, would likely promote the success of 
the company for the benefit of the shareholders. In doing so, the director must have regard, amongst other matters, 
to the following issues: 

• likely consequences of any decisions in the long term; 

• interests of the Group’s employees; 

• need to foster the company’s business relationships with suppliers/customers and others; 

• impact of the company’s operations on the community and environment; 

• the Group’s reputation for high standards of business conduct; and 

• need to act fairly between members of the Group.  

Culture  
Our values and leadership behaviours are a vital part of our culture to ensure that through good governance, our 
conduct and decision making we do the right thing for the business and our stakeholders. The Board acknowledges 
that every decision it makes may not necessarily result in a positive short-term outcome for all of the Group’s 
stakeholders. We believe in creating solid foundations for the future, so there is a balance between short term 
success and longer-term prosperity.  

Shareholders  
The primary mechanism for engaging with our shareholders is through the Company’s AGM and also through the 
publication of the Group’s financial results for the half year and full year. Further information is disclosed in the 
Corporate Governance Statement on pages 13 to 14. Shareholders showed their support for the Board and its strategy 
by passing all resolutions at the AGM. We encourage our shareholders to ask questions at the AGM and participate 
in discussion about our performance and products. 

Customers 
Understanding our customers and what matters to them is key to the success of the Group. We listen and talk to 
them at every opportunity, including many opportunities to meet with them as we attend shows around the world. 
In addition to direct contact we have increased the flow of digital communications, particularly during the COVID-19 
“lockdown”.  Many of our philatelic customers also contribute to our publications using their extensive knowledge 
of the hobbies. 

Suppliers/Vendors  
We operate in a way that safeguards against unfair business practices and encourages suppliers to adopt reasonable 
business practices for mutual benefit.  Many of our customers are also our vendors, whether that is collectors or 
other collectible dealers.  Relationships are the key to building a successful collectibles business and vendors are a 
valued partner in our success.  

Employees  
We have an experienced, skilled and dedicate workforce which we recognize as a crucial asset of the Group.  A key 
to the Group’s renewed success has been its engaged workforce. The Group’s Directors, alongside our management 
teams,  work  hard  to  provide  a  positive  working  environment.  During  the  COVID-19  pandemic  the  Directors 
introduced enhanced flexible working.  Regular update emails have been circulated together with online briefings.  
It is important for us to provide opportunities for all of our staff to allow them to grow and achieve their potential. 

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
24

259344 Stanley Gibbons R&A pp17-pp31.qxp  29/07/2020  15:24  Page 25

S172 Directors statement 
continued 

Community and environment  
We are proud to employ people in the communities that we operate. As a Group we offer the collecting community 
the assurance of the authenticity of our products based on our experts knowledge which enable the collecting 
community  to  be  confident  in  the  provenance  of  material  that  bears  the  Group’s  trading  names.    We  use 
environmentally friendly suppliers and products where possible.

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
25

259344 Stanley Gibbons R&A pp17-pp31.qxp  29/07/2020  15:24  Page 26

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of  
The Stanley Gibbons Group Plc

Opinion 
We  have  audited  the  financial  statements  of  The  Stanley  Gibbons  Group  Plc  (the  ‘parent  company’)  and  its 
subsidiaries  (the  ‘Group’)  for  the  year  ended  31  March  2020  which  comprise  the  consolidated  statement  of 
comprehensive income, the consolidated statement of financial position, the consolidated statement of changes in 
equity, the consolidated statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of 
significant accounting policies.  

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the financial statements is applicable 
law and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union, and, as in accordance 
with the provisions of the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991. 

In our opinion: 

• the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the group’s affairs as at 31 March 2020 and of 

the Group’s loss for the year then ended;  

• the Group’s financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the 

European Union;  

• the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies (Jersey) 

Law 1991. 

Basis for opinion 
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs UK) and applicable law. 
Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the 
financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the company in accordance with the ethical 
requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard 
as  applied  to  listed  entities,  and  we  have  fulfilled  our  other  ethical  responsibilities  in  accordance  with  these 
requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis 
for our opinion. 

Material uncertainty related to going concern 
We draw your attention to the primary statements within these financial statements, which indicates that the group 
incurred a loss after tax of £2,368,000 and had net cash outflows from operating activities of £1,064,000 for the year 
ended 31 March 2020. 

We further draw attention to note 2 in the financial statements, which indicates that the Group will require draw 
down of the remaining £2m funding in order to continue trading. 

As detailed within note 2 and note 32, the Covid-19 pandemic has increased the uncertainty of the assumptions 
that the Directors use to forecast future liquidity. The impact of the pandemic has impacted consumer confidence 
in the wider economy, which has directly led to a fall in the Group’s revenue and impacted other areas of the Groups 
operations. It remains difficult to assess reliably whether there will be any material disruption in the future which 
could adversely impact the Group’s forecast. 

As stated in note 2, these events or conditions, along with the other matters as set forth in note 2, indicate that a 
material uncertainty exists that may cast doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. Our opinion is 
not modified in respect of this matter. 

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
26

259344 Stanley Gibbons R&A pp17-pp31.qxp  29/07/2020  15:24  Page 27

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of  
The Stanley Gibbons Group Plc 
continued 

Key audit matters 
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the 
financial statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement 
(whether or not due to fraud) we identified, including those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit 
strategy, the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team. These matters 
were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, 
and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. This is not a complete list of all risks identified by our 
audit. 

• Carrying value of Goodwill and other intangible assets  

• Carrying value of inventories 

• Valuation of defined benefit pension schemes’ obligations 

• Going concern assumption 

These are explained in more detail below. 

Key audit matter                                                             How our audit addressed the key audit matter 
Carrying value of Goodwill and other intangible 
assets 
–

Our audit procedures: 
– We discussed with management, and undertook a 
full review of the underlying assets, to establish if 
there was any indication of impairment. 

The Group held a significant balance of goodwill and 
other  intangibles  as  at  the  year  end,  with  a  total 
carrying value of £5,170,000 (2019: £5,600,000). 

– Of these a number of balances relate to intangibles 
with  an  indefinite  estimated  useful  life,  such  as 
goodwill and publishing rights and brands. 

–

The  board  undertakes  impairment  assessments 
annually for all intangible assets, based on a number 
of  assumptions  and  forecasts.  These  require 
judgement and so are considered a key audit matter 

– We reviewed management’s impairment workings 
such as forecasts which included their approach and 
methodology. 

– We considered whether management had exercised 
any  bias  in  assumptions  used  or  the  outputs 
produced in the forecasts prepared. 

– We considered the appropriateness of the Group’s 
disclosures in relation to intangibles in the financial 
statements

Carrying value of inventories 
–

The Group held a significant balance of inventories 
as  at  the  year  end,  with  a  total  carrying  value  of 
£17,513,000 (2019: £18,001,000). 

–

–

Inventory is held at the lower of cost and net realisable 
value.  The  nature  of  the  inventory,  being  highly 
specialist, with large inventory turnover times, means 
that the net realisable value is highly subjective. 

The Group employ experts to value their stock on a 
regular  basis  which  are  used  to  establish  the  net 
realisable value. Given the judgement required in 
arriving at a value, inventories are considered a key 
audit matter.

Our audit procedures: 
– We discussed with management to establish how 
items  of 

individual 

values  were  allocated  to 
inventory. 

– A sample of inventory items have been vouched to 
expert valuations to ensure they were being held at 
the lower of cost and net realisable value. 

– Review  of  expert  evidence  undertaken  to  ensure 
assumptions used are reasonable. The majority of 
valuations were based on recent similar sales and so 
appear reasonable. 

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
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259344 Stanley Gibbons R&A pp17-pp31.qxp  29/07/2020  15:24  Page 28

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of  
The Stanley Gibbons Group Plc 
continued 

Key audit matter                                                             How our audit addressed the key audit matter 
Valuation  of  defined  benefit  pension  schemes’ 
obligations 
–

Our audit procedures: 
– We  undertook  a 

the  actuaries 
qualifications  to  ensure  that  they  were  suitably 
competent to undertake the valuation. 

The Group had a net retirement benefit obligation  
as at the year-end of £6,289,000 (2019: £5,523,000). 

review  of 

–

–

The  Group  employed  external, 
independent 
actuaries to provide the value of the obligation for 
the two defined benefit schemes in operation. 

The actuaries employed valuation techniques based 
on a number of assumptions (which can be seen in 
note 24). Given the magnitude of the obligation any 
change in the assumptions could a have significant 
impact on the obligation and so are considered to be 
a key audit matter.

Going concern assumption 
–

The Group is dependent upon its ability to generate 
sufficient cash flows to meet continued operational 
costs and hence continue trading. 

–

–

–

–

–

The  Directors  have  considered 
the  cash 
requirements  of  the  business  for  the  following 
12 months. As part of this process, they have taken 
into account existing liabilities, along with detailed 
operating cashflow requirements. 

The key assumptions that impact the conclusions are 
the levels of future revenue, the ability to control the 
operating costs, and draw down of the balance of 
the loan facility £2m. 

There are therefore inherent risks that the forecasts 
may overstate future revenue or understate future 
costs, and that the Group will not be able to operate 
within its cash resources and continue to operate as 
a going concern. 

The  Group  needs  to  be  generating  sufficient 
revenues to sustain its position. The going concern 
assumption is dependent on future growth of the 
current business. No future capital raises were being 
considered to maintain the business. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a great deal of 
uncertainty  regarding  the  future  outlook  of  the 
business.

– Work  undertaken  to  ensure  the  actuaries  were 

independent of the company. 

– A review was undertaken on the assumptions used 
to calculate the obligations, including with reference 
to industry benchmarking and other data available.

Our audit procedures: 
– We obtained and reviewed the directors’ assessment, 

including challenging the liquidity position; 

– We assessed the reliability of forecasts to date by 
to  budgets,  and 

agreeing  historical  actuals 
challenging the current forecasts; 

– We agreed the assumed cash flows to the business 
plan, walked through the business planning process 
and tested the central assumptions and external data; 

– We tested the clerical accuracy of management’s 

forecast; 

– We challenged management’s forecast assumptions, 
including reviewing the forecast revenue and the 
levels of costs that are forecast; 

– We  assessed  the  sensitivities  of  the  underlying 

assumptions; 

– We considered the appropriateness of the Group’s 
disclosures  in  relation  to  going  concern  in  the 
financial statements  

– We  have  enquired  with  management  as  to  the 
impact of COVID-19 and the steps being taken to 
limit the impact of the pandemic on the business. We 
have reviewed forecasts and latest bank balances to 
ensure  the  group  can  cover  its  overheads.  The 
forecasts have been stress tested by management 
and  the  assumptions  have  been  challenged. 
However, due to the risks outlined above, a material 
uncertainty relating to going concern is highlighted 
in the auditors report.

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
28

 
 
259344 Stanley Gibbons R&A pp17-pp31.qxp  29/07/2020  15:24  Page 29

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of  
The Stanley Gibbons Group Plc 
continued 

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

Based on our professional judgment, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole as follows: 

                                                                              Group financial statements 

Overall materiality                                         £292,000 (2019: £250,000) 

How we determined it                                 2% of revenue. 

Rationale for benchmark applied          We believe that revenue is the primary measure used by the shareholders 
in assessing the performance of the Group, and is a generally accepted 
auditing benchmark. 

For each component in the scope of our Group audit, we allocated a materiality that is less than our overall Group 
materiality. The range of materiality allocated across components was between £69,500 and £223,400. 

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them misstatements identified during our audit above 
£14,600 (2019: £12,500) as well as misstatements below those amounts that, in our view, warranted reporting for 
qualitative reasons. 

An overview of the scope of our audit 
As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality and assessed the risks of material misstatement in the 
financial statements. In particular, we looked at where the directors made subjective judgments, for example in 
respect of significant accounting estimates that involved making assumptions and considering future events that 
are inherently uncertain. As in all of our audits we also addressed the risk of management override of internal 
controls, including evaluating whether there was evidence of bias by the directors that represented a risk of material 
misstatement due to fraud. 

How we tailored the audit scope 
We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed enough work to be able to give an opinion on the 
financial statements as a whole, taking into account the structure of the Group and the Company, the accounting 
processes and controls, and the industry in which they operate. 

The Group financial statements are a consolidation of numerous reporting units, comprising the Group’s operating 
businesses and holding companies. 

It is our responsibility for the direction, supervision and performance of the group audit and we remain solely 
responsible for the audit opinion. 

We have audited all components within the Group, and no unaudited components remain.

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
29

259344 Stanley Gibbons R&A pp17-pp31.qxp  29/07/2020  15:24  Page 30

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of  
The Stanley Gibbons Group Plc 
continued 

Other information 
The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included 
in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial 
statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, 
we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

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

Matters on which we are required to report by exception 
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and parent company and its environment obtained in 
the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors’ report. 

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 
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 

• certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or 

• we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit. 

Responsibilities of directors 
As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement set out on page 17, the directors are responsible 
for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such 
internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are 
free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the group’s and parent company’s 
ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going 
concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the group or the parent company or to 
cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements 
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from 
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. 
Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with 
ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. 

Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they 
could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial 
statements. 

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
30

259344 Stanley Gibbons R&A pp17-pp31.qxp  29/07/2020  15:24  Page 31

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of  
The Stanley Gibbons Group Plc 
continued 

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the consolidated financial statements is located on the 
Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.or.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our 
audit report.  

Other matters which we are required to address  
We were re-appointed by the board of directors on 23 October 2019 to audit the financial statements for the period 
ending 31 March 2020. Our total uninterrupted period of engagement is two years, covering the period ending 
31 March 2020. 

The audit has been designed to detect all material irregularities, including fraud. We believe our tests are sufficient 
in this regard. The engagement team has remained alert to any indication of fraud or non-compliance with laws and 
regulations throughout the audit.  

The non-audit services prohibited by the FRC’s Ethical Standard were not provided to the group or the parent 
company and we remain independent of the group and the parent company in conducting our audit.  

Our audit opinion is consistent with the additional report to the audit committee. 

Use of this report 
This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance Article 113A of the Companies 
(Jersey) Law 1991. 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. 

Sanjay Parmar 
Senior Statutory Auditor 

For and on behalf of Jeffreys Henry LLP, statutory auditor 

Finsgate 
5-7 Cranwood Street 
London 
EC1V 9EE 
United Kingdom 

Date: 29 July 2020

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
31

259344 Stanley Gibbons R&A pp32-pp35.qxp  29/07/2020  15:25  Page 32

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 
for the year ended 31 March 2020

Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross Profit
Administrative expenses before defined benefit pension service  
costs and exceptional operating costs
Defined benefit pension service costs
Exceptional operating charges
Total administrative expenses
Selling and distribution expenses
Operating loss
Finance income
Finance costs
Share of net profits of joint venture
Loss before tax
Taxation
Loss from continuing operations
Profit from discontinued operations
Loss for the financial year
Other comprehensive income: 
Amounts which may be subsequently reclassified to profit & loss 
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations
Amounts which will not be subsequently reclassified to profit & loss 
Actuarial (losses)/gains recognised in the pension scheme
Tax on actuarial (losses)/gains recognised in the pension scheme
Other comprehensive loss for the year net of tax
Total comprehensive loss for the year
Loss per share from continuing operations 
Basic loss per Ordinary share
Diluted loss per Ordinary share

Profit per share from discontinued operations 
Basic profit per Ordinary share
Diluted profit per Ordinary share

Total comprehensive loss is attributable to the owners of the parent. 

Year ended 
31 March 2020
£’000

Year ended 
31 March 2019 
£’000  

13,175
(7,132)
6,043

(4,421)
(126)
353
(4,194)
(3,480)
(1,631)
113
(1,043)
50
(2,511)
11
(2,500)
132
(2,368)

2

(1,153)
(95)
(1,246)
(3,614)

11,677 
(5,711) 
5,966 

(5,320) 
(438) 
(203) 
(5,961) 
(3,880) 
(3,875) 
45 
(542) 
109 
(4,263) 
(36) 
(4,299) 
74 
(4,225) 

– 

(246) 
(465) 
(711) 
(4,936) 

(0.59)p
(0.59)p

0.03p
0.03p

(1.01)p 
(1.01)p 

0.02p 
0.02p 

Notes

1, 3

24
5

4

25
12

8

27

24

9
9

9
9

The notes on pages 36 to 79 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
32

259344 Stanley Gibbons R&A pp32-pp35.qxp  29/07/2020  15:25  Page 33

Consolidated statement of financial position 
as at 31 March 2020

Assets

Non-current assets 
Intangible assets
Property plant and equipment
Deferred tax asset
Right of use asset
Investments
Total non-current assets
Current Assets 
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents (excluding bank overdrafts)
Total current assets
Total assets

Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables
Lease liability
Total current liabilities
Non-current liabilities 
Borrowings
Lease liability
Retirement benefit obligations
Trade and other payables
Total non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets

Equity 
Called up share capital
Share premium account
Share compensation reserve
Capital redemption reserve
Revaluation reserve
Retained earnings
Equity shareholders’ funds

Notes

31 March 2020
£’000

31 March 2019 
£’000 

10
11
19
28
12

13
14
17

16
28

18
28
24
16

20
22
22
22
22
22

5,170
2,376
158
7,762
39
15,505

17,513
1,957
2,483
21,953
37,458

4,238
810
5,048

14,166
7,731
6,289
507
28,693
33,741
3,717

4,269
78,217
2,122
38
346
(81,275)
3,717

5,600 
2,099 
281 
– 
95 
8,075 

18,001 
2,187 
2,160 
22,348 
30,423 

6,040 
– 
6,040 

11,529 
– 
5,523 
– 
17,052 
23,092 
7,331 

4,269 
78,217 
2,148 
38 
346 
(77,687) 
7,331 

The financial statements on pages 32 to 79 were approved by the board of Directors on 29 July 2020, were authorised 
for issue on that date and were signed on its behalf by: 

A M Gee
G E Shircore
Directors 

The notes on pages 36 to 79 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
33

 
 
 
259344 Stanley Gibbons R&A pp32-pp35.qxp  29/07/2020  15:25  Page 34

Consolidated statement of changes in equity 
for the year ended 31 March 2020

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The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
34

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
259344 Stanley Gibbons R&A pp32-pp35.qxp  29/07/2020  15:25  Page 35

Consolidated statement of cash flows 
for the year ended 31 March 2020

Cash outflow from operating activities
Interest paid
Taxes received
Net cash outflow from operating activities
Investing activities 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of intangible assets (computer software)
Investment in joint venture
Proceeds from sale of property plant & equipment
Interest received
Net cash (decrease)/generated from investing activities
Financing activities 
Principal elements of lease payments
Proceeds from new borrowing
Net cash generated from financing activities
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at start of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

Year ended 
31 March 2020
£’000

Year ended 
31 March 2019 
£’000  

(67)
(1,043)
46
(1,064)

(541)
(155)
56
123
113
(404)

(845)
2,636
1,791
323
2,160
2,483

(3,361) 
(542) 
– 
(3,903) 

(1) 
(124) 
18 
– 
45 
(62) 

– 
1,529 
1,529 
(2,436) 
4,596 
2,160 

Notes

23

17

The notes on pages 36 to 79 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
35

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
259344 Stanley Gibbons R&A pp36-pp79.qxp  29/07/2020  15:26  Page 36

Notes to the Financial Statements 
for the year ended 31 March 2020

1 Accounting policies and presentation 
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as 
approved for use in the European Union applied in accordance with the provisions of Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 
on a historical cost basis except where otherwise indicated. 

The  Group’s  shares  are  admitted  to  AIM,  a  market  operated  by  the  London  Stock  Exchange.  These  financial 
statements have also been prepared in accordance with AIM Rules. 

The company has not prepared separate company accounts, as permitted under Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 
Amendment 4 Part 16 (substituted), as consolidated accounts are prepared. 

The  consolidated  financial  statements  are  presented  in  British  Pounds  Sterling,  which  is  also  the  Company’s 
functional currency. 

Amounts are rounded to the nearest thousand, unless otherwise stated. 

New and amended statements adopted by the Group 
This year, the IFRS 16 standard on leases came into effect, which had a material effect on the Group. The Group 
had to change accounting policies as a result of adopting IFRS 16. The Group elected to adopt the new rules 
retrospectively but not adjust prior periods (see note 28). 

The following new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations have been issued, but are not effective 
for the financial period beginning 1 April 2019 and have not been early adopted. The Directors anticipate that the 
adoption of these standard and the interpretations in future periods will have no material impact, unless disclosed 
below, on the financial statements of the Company. 

The new standards include: 

IFRS 3                                        Business Combinations1 
IFRS 17                                      Insurance Contracts2 
IAS 1                                          Presentation of Financial Statements1 
IAS 8                                          Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors1 
Improvements to IFRSs         Annual Improvements 2015-2017 Cycle1: Amendments to 2 IFRSs and 2 IASs 

Revised conceptual framework for Financial reporting 

1 Effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2020 
2 Effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2021 

The directors anticipate that the adoption of these standards and interpretations in future periods will have no 
material effect on the financial statements of the group.  

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are set out 
below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented, unless otherwise stated. 

Basis of consolidation 
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 indicated that there may be a change in any of these elements of control. 

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
36

259344 Stanley Gibbons R&A pp36-pp79.qxp  29/07/2020  15:26  Page 37

Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

1 Accounting policies and presentation continued
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. 

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the results of business combinations using the acquisition method. 
In the consolidated 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. 

Impairment of non-financial assets (excluding inventories and deferred tax assets) 
Impairment tests on goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful economic lives are undertaken annually at 
the financial year end or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that they might be impaired. 
Other non-financial assets are subject to impairment tests whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate 
that their carrying value may not be recoverable. Where the carrying value of an asset exceeds its recoverable 
amount (i.e the higher of value in use or fair value less costs to sell), 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 smallest group of assets to which it belongs for which there are separately identifiable cash flows; its cash 
generating units (‘CGUs’). Goodwill is allocated on initial recognition to each of the Group’s CGUs that are expected 
to benefit from a business combination that gives rise to the goodwill. 

Impairment charges are included in profit or loss, except to the extent they reverse gains previously recognised in 
other comprehensive income. An impairment loss recognised for goodwill is not reversed. 

Intangible Assets 

Goodwill 
Goodwill is measured as the excess of the costs of a business combination over the total acquisition date fair value 
of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired. Where the fair value of identifiable assets, 
liabilities and contingent liabilities exceed the fair value of consideration paid, the excess is credited in full to the 
consolidated statement of comprehensive income on the acquisition date. 

Goodwill on acquisitions of subsidiaries is included in intangible assets. Goodwill is not amortised but it is tested for 
impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it might be impaired, 
and is carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Gains and losses on the disposal of an entity include the 
carrying amount of goodwill relating to the entity sold. 

Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units for the purpose of impairment testing. The allocation is made to those 
cash-generating units or groups of cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the business combination 
in which the goodwill arose. The units or groups of units are identified at the lowest level at which goodwill is 
monitored for internal management purposes, being the operating segments (note 3). 

Internally generated goodwill is not recognised as an intangible asset. 

Publishing rights 
Publishing rights represent the cost paid to third parties to acquire copyright of publications. Publishing rights are 
not amortised but tested annually for impairment and carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses.

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
37

259344 Stanley Gibbons R&A pp36-pp79.qxp  29/07/2020  15:26  Page 38

Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

1 Accounting policies and presentation continued

Computer software 
Costs associated with maintaining software programs are recognised as an expense as incurred. In accordance with 
IAS 38, purchased computer software that will generate economic benefit beyond one year is capitalised as an 
intangible asset. 

Development costs that are directly attributable to the design and testing of identifiable and unique software 
products controlled by the group are recognised as intangible assets when management intends to use the software 
for its business operations, the development costs can be reliably measured and that it is technically feasible for the 
Group to complete the software so that it will be available for use. The Group would also only recognise the software 
as an intangible asset if it can be demonstrated that the software will generate probable future economic benefits. 
Directly attributable costs that are capitalized, as part of the software, include employee costs and an appropriate 
portion of relevant overheads. These development costs are recorded as an intangible asset. 

Capitalised software costs are amortised over its expected useful economic life. For purchased computer software 
assets impairment is charged to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income on a straight-line basis over 
four  years.  The  purchase  and  development  of  software  related  to  the  Group’s  websites  and  Digital  Asset 
Management system is capitalised and amortised over its expected useful economic life of between three and ten 
years on a straight line basis. 

Customer lists 
In accordance with IAS 38, customer lists acquired have been capitalised as an intangible asset and are amortised 
on a straight line basis over 8 years. Internally generated customer lists are not capitalised or shown as an intangible 
asset. 

Brands 
In accordance with IAS 38, brands acquired in a business combination are recognised at fair value at the acquisition 
date. The brands acquired are considered to have an indeterminate life because of their longevity and heritage. As 
such, these brands are not amortised but are the subject of an annual impairment review. 

Trademarks 
Trademarks acquired in a business combination are recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. They have a finite 
useful life and are amortised using the straight line method over their estimated useful life of 8 years. They are 
subsequently carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. 

Property, plant and equipment and depreciation 

Tangible fixed assets other than the reference collection 
Tangible fixed assets, other than the reference collection, are stated at historical cost less depreciation. Historical 
cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the items, their purchase price, including 
any incidental expenses of acquisition. Depreciation is calculated to write down the net book value of tangible fixed 
assets  less  their  residual  value  on  a  straight-line  basis,  over  the  expected  useful  economic  lives  of  the  assets 
concerned. The principal annual rates used for this purpose are: 

Freehold buildings
Vehicles, plant and machinery
Fixtures, fittings, tools and equipment
Leasehold improvements
Freehold land is not depreciated. 

2% 
20-25% 
10-25% 
Over period of lease 

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
38

259344 Stanley Gibbons R&A pp36-pp79.qxp  29/07/2020  15:26  Page 39

Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

1 Accounting policies and presentation continued

Reference collection 
Fixed assets include a reference collection of certain stamps & coins held on a long term basis. The reference 
collection for stamps is subject to a full valuation every five years by a qualified external valuer. The carrying value 
of the numismatic reference library is revalued each year. Therefore not all the reference collection is valued annually. 

Where a reference collection or part of a collection has been revalued the assets will be carried at the revised 
valuation, with the revaluation amount being recognised in other comprehensive income. 

Leased assets 
The group leases various offices and equipment. Rental contracts are typically made for fixed periods of 3 to 12 years 
but may have extension options as described in (i) below. Lease terms are negotiated on an individual basis and 
contain a wide range of different terms and conditions. The lease agreements do not impose any covenants, but 
leased assets may not be used as security for borrowing purposes.  

Until the 2019 financial year, leases of property, plant and equipment were classified as either finance or operating 
leases. Payments made under operating leases (net of any incentives received from the lessor) were charged to 
profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.  

From 1 April 2019, leases are recognised as a right-of-use asset and a corresponding liability at the date at which 
the leased asset is available for use by the group. Each lease payment is allocated between the liability and finance 
cost. The finance cost is charged to profit or loss over the lease period so as to produce a constant periodic rate of 
interest on the remaining balance of the liability for each period. The right-of-use asset is depreciated over the 
shorter of the asset’s useful life and the lease term on a straight-line basis. 

Assets and liabilities arising from a lease are initially measured on a present value basis. Lease liabilities include the 
net present value of the following lease payments: 

•

fixed payments (including in-substance fixed payments), less any lease incentives receivable 

The lease payments are discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease. If that rate cannot be determined, 
the lessee’s incremental borrowing rate is used, being the rate that the lessee would have to pay to borrow the funds 
necessary to obtain an asset of similar value in a similar economic environment with similar terms and conditions. 

Right-of-use assets are measured at cost comprising the following: 

•
•
•
•

the amount of the initial measurement of lease liability 
any lease payments made at or before the commencement date less any lease incentives received 
any initial direct costs, and  
restoration costs. 

Payments associated with short-term leases and leases of low-value assets are recognised on a straight-line basis as 
an expense in profit or loss. Short-term leases are leases with a lease term of 12 months or less. Low-value assets 
comprise IT-equipment and small items of office furniture. 

Inventories 
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value after making allowance for obsolete and slow 
moving items. 

Due to the nature of collectibles and antiques it is not always practicable to ascertain individual costs for items 
purchased. 

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
39

259344 Stanley Gibbons R&A pp36-pp79.qxp  29/07/2020  15:26  Page 40

Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

1 Accounting policies and presentation continued
The purchase of stamp, coins and antiques into inventory can be classified in the way in which they are purchased. 
Some items will be bought on itemised invoices from other dealers and auctioneers. These items will be costed 
based on these invoices. Other items will be purchased via collections or group of assets where a price is determined 
for the collection. These collections will often be split into individual items and cost is apportioned between the 
items purchased on the basis of the opinion of the Group’s dealers and experts. 

Work in progress 
Work in progress comprises philatelic and other collectible material which has been acquired but which has not yet 
been described by our philatelic experts. 

Financial Instruments 
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised on the consolidated statement of financial position when the 
Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. 

Financial assets 
Trade  and  other  receivables  and  assets  held  for  sale  are  measured  at  initial  recognition  at  fair  value  and  are 
subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method less provision for impairment. A 
provision is established when there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to collect all amounts due. 
The amount of any provision is recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. 

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 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 as an exceptional item in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. On 
confirmation that the trade receivable will not be collectable, the gross carrying value for the asset is written off 
against the associated provision. Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash held by the Group and short term bank 
deposits with an original maturity of three months or less. Bank overdrafts are shown within loans and borrowings 
in current liabilities on the consolidated statement of financial position. 

Financial liabilities 
Borrowings are initially recognised at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently 
measured at amortised cost. Any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption 
amount is recognised in profit or loss over the period of the borrowings using the effective interest method. Fees 
paid on the establishment of loan facilities are recognised as transaction costs of the loan to the extent that it is 
probable that some or all of the facility will be drawn down. In this case, the fee is deferred until the draw down 
occurs. To the extent there is no evidence that it is probable that some or all of the facility will be drawn down, the 
fee is capitalised as a prepayment and amortised over the period of the facility to which it relates. 

Borrowings are removed from the consolidated statement of financial position when the obligation specified in the 
contract is discharged, cancelled or expired. The difference between the carrying amount of the financial liability 
that has been extinguished or transferred to another party and the consideration paid, including any non-cash assets 
transferred or liabilities assumed, is recognised in profit or loss as other income or finance costs. 

Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the Group has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the 
liability for at least 12 months after the reporting period. 

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
40

259344 Stanley Gibbons R&A pp36-pp79.qxp  29/07/2020  15:26  Page 41

Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

1 Accounting policies and presentation continued
Any investment income earned on the temporary investment of specific borrowings pending their expenditure on 
qualifying assets is deducted from the borrowing costs eligible for capitalisation. 

Other borrowing costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred. 

Trade and other payables are initially measured at fair value and are subsequently measured at amortised cost using 
the effective interest rate method. 

Financial liabilities issued by the Group are classified in accordance with the contractual arrangements entered into 
and the definitions of a financial liability. 

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

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

Deferred tax is recognised on temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities in the 
consolidated statement of financial position and the amounts attributed to such assets and liabilities for tax purposes. 
Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are 
recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which deductible 
temporary differences can be utilised. 

Deferred tax relating to charges made directly to equity is recognised in other comprehensive income. 

Foreign currencies 
Transactions  entered  into  by  Group  entities  in  a  currency  other  than  the  currency  of  the  primary  economic 
environment in which they operate (their “functional currency”) are recorded at the rates ruling when the transactions 
occur. Foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities are translated at the rates ruling at the reporting date. 

On consolidation, the results of overseas operations are translated at rates approximating to those ruling when the 
transactions took place. All assets and liabilities of overseas operations are translated at the rate ruling at the reporting 
date. Exchange differences arising on translating the opening net assets of foreign operations are recognised in the 
consolidated statement of comprehensive income as other comprehensive income which may be reclassified to 
profit and loss. 

Retirement benefits 
The Group operates two defined benefit pension schemes. The assets of the schemes are held and managed 
separately from those of the Group. In accordance with IAS 19 (Amendment) for Employee Benefits, the liability in 
the consolidated statement of financial position represents the present value of the defined benefit obligations at 
that  date  less  the  fair  value  of  plan  assets.  The  defined  benefit  obligation  is  calculated  periodically  by  an 
independent actuary. 

Current service costs are recognised in administrative expenses in the statement of comprehensive income. Interest 
costs on plan liabilities and the expected return on plan assets are recognised in finance charges. Actuarial gains 
and losses arising from experience adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions are recognised in other 
comprehensive income. 

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
41

259344 Stanley Gibbons R&A pp36-pp79.qxp  29/07/2020  15:26  Page 42

Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

1 Accounting policies and presentation continued
Pension scheme assets are measured at their market value and liabilities are measured on an actuarial basis using 
the projected unit method and discounted at a rate equivalent to the current rate of return on a high quality corporate 
bond of equivalent currency and term to the scheme liabilities. The actuarial valuations are performed by a qualified 
actuary on a triennial basis and are updated at each balance sheet date. The resulting defined benefit asset or liability 
is presented separately as a non-current asset or liability on the face of the consolidated statement of financial 
position. 

Under IAS 19 the retirement benefit obligation is presented gross of deferred tax. 

The Group also maintains a number of defined contribution pension schemes. For these schemes the Group has no 
further obligations once the contributions have been paid. The contributions are recognised as an employee benefit 
expense in the statement of comprehensive income in the year when they are due. 

Share capital 
Financial instruments issued by the Group are classified as equity only to the extent that they do not meet the 
definition of a financial liability or financial asset. 

The Group’s ordinary shares are classified as equity instruments. 

Share options and awards 
The fair value of share options and awards granted to certain employees and Directors is recognised as an employee 
benefits expense with a corresponding increase in equity. The total amount to be apportioned is determined by 
reference to the fair value of the options granted including the Group’s share price, the impact of the group’s trading 
performance, the grantee remaining an employee over a specified time period and any impact of non-vesting 
conditions. 

The total expense is recognised over the vesting period, which is the period over which all of the specified vesting 
conditions are to be satisfied. At the end of each period, the Group revises its estimates of the number of options 
that are expected to vest based on the Group’s profitability and the number of remaining employees in each grant. 
It recognises the impact of the revision of original estimates, if any, in profit and loss, with a corresponding adjustment 
to equity. 

The proceeds received on exercise of the options are credited to equity. 

Dividends 
Dividends are recognised when they become legally payable. In the case of interim dividends to equity shareholders, 
this is when declared by the Directors. In the case of final dividends, this is when approved by the shareholders at 
the AGM. 

Revenue recognition 
Revenue comprises the fair value of the consideration received or receivable in relation to the proceeds of the sale 
of goods and services provided during the year. Revenue is shown net of value-added tax, returns, rebates and 
discounts and after eliminating sales within the group. When a contract is entered into with a customer, the contract 
value is allocated to specific performance obligations. The criteria of allocating performance obligations for different 
revenue streams are discussed below. Revenue is recognised when these performance obligations are satisfied. 
Standard payment terms are that payments are required within 30 days of invoicing. The Group does not consider 
that any contract assets or liabilities arise from the revenue recognition policy. 

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
42

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Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

1 Accounting policies and presentation continued
The directors consider that there are four revenue generating segments, being the sale of philatelic goods, publishing 
goods, coins and medals, and rental income. Revenue from the sale of goods are recognised in two separate ways, 
depending on transaction.  

Sale of goods – retail 
The Group sells assets from its retail premises, by mail order and online. The risks and rewards of ownership of 
goods are deemed to have been transferred when the goods are allocated to a customer and that customer has 
made an irrevocable commitment to complete the purchase and the Group has delivered or the customer has 
collected the goods. The Group sells philatelic and numismatic goods to customers with a guarantee of authenticity 
of inventory sold. The Group has been doing this for a number of years and has details of returns. The returns the 
Group receives under this guarantee are minimal and as a result no provision is currently made. The performance 
obligation of the sale of retail goods is considered satisfied when substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership 
of goods have transferred to the customer. The contract value is derived from the selling price of the assets sold. 

Sale of goods – auctions 
In its role as auctioneer, the Group accepts property on consignment and matches sellers to buyers through the 
auction process. Following the auction, the Group invoices the buyer for the purchase price of the property (including 
the commission owed by the buyer), collects payment from the buyer, and remits to the consignor the net sale 
proceeds after deducting its commissions, expenses and applicable taxes and royalties. 

The Groups auction commissions include those paid by the buyer (“buyer’s premium”) and those paid by the seller 
(vendor’s commission”) (collectively, “auction commission revenue”), both of which are calculated as a percentage 
of the hammer price of the property sold at auction. 

On the fall of the auctioneer’s hammer, the highest bidder becomes legally obligated to pay the full purchase price, 
which includes the hammer price of the property purchased plus the buyer’s premium, and the seller is legally 
obligated to relinquish the property in exchange for the hammer price less any vendor’s commissions. Therefore, 
both buyer’s premium and vendor’s commission is recognised on the date of the auction sale upon the fall of the 
auctioneer’s hammer. 

The Group is not obligated to pay the consignor for property that has not been paid for by the buyer. If a buyer 
defaults on payment, the sale may be cancelled, and the property will be returned to the consignor. 

The Group’s management evaluates the collectability of amounts due from individual buyers. If management 
determines that it is probable that the buyer will default, a credit note is recorded in the period in which this 
judgement is made and any commission due to the Group from the buyer and the vendor is reversed. 

The performance obligation for the sale of auction goods is considered satisfied when substantially all the risks and 
rewards of ownership of goods have transferred to the customer. The contract value is derived from the buyer’s 
premium adjusted for by the selling price of the assets sold.  

Further detail of the Group’s revenue streams can be found in the Business Review on pages 7 to 12. 

Rental income 
The Group sublets some of its properties that it occupies. Lease income from leases where the group is a lessor is 
recognised in the Income Statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Directors consider this in line 
with when the Company’s performance obligation is satisfied. The contract value is derived from gross rental income 
over the terms of the leases. 

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
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Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

1 Accounting policies and presentation continued

Provisions 
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic 
resources  as  a  result  of  past  events  and  the  amount  can  be  reliably  estimated.  Provisions  are  measured  at 
management’s best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the present obligation at the balance sheet date. 
Provisions are discounted if the effect of the time value of money is material. 

Joint ventures 
The Group accounts for joint ventures using the equity method of accounting. The initial investment is recognised 
at cost and adjusted thereafter to recognise the Group’s share of post-acquisition profits or losses and the Group’s 
share of the movements in other comprehensive income in the entity. Dividends received or receivable from the 
joint ventures are recognised as a reduction in the carrying amount of the investment. When the Group’s share of 
losses in an equity-accounted investment equals or exceeds its interest in the entity the Group does not recognise 
further losses, unless it incurs obligations or make payments on behalf of the entity. 

The carrying amount of equity-accounted investment is tested for impairment in accordance with the Group’s 
impairment policy. 

2 Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements 
Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are 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 deviate from these estimates and assumptions. The estimates, assumptions 
and management judgements 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. 

COVID-19 Pandemic and “lockdowns” 
With the declaration that COVID-19 was a pandemic on 11 March 2020 and the UK “lockdown” being announced 
on 24 March 2020 falling before the 31 March 2020 the Directors have adopted that COVID-19 pandemic is a current 
period event. As a result the Directors have considered the impact of the COVID-19 (see note 32) pandemic on all 
areas of judgment that impact the current accounting period including all the areas of judgment included in note 2. 
Where appropriate to do so the Directors have made adjustments to estimates as a result of COVID-19 as a post 
balance sheet adjusting event and considered this in all areas requiring review of impairment including property, 
plant and equipment, intangibles assets, trade receivables and inventory carrying values. The impact of the pandemic 
has also been considered in the preparation of the forecast for the review of the going concern assumptions. 

Going concern 
The Group’s forecasts shows that it will remain within current loan facility limits for the foreseeable future. Although 
the  Directors  have  built  the  forecast  based  on  current  trading  trends,  including  the  impact  of  the  COVID-19 
pandemic, and historical knowledge of the business, the Directors recognise that forecasts are dependent on the 
underlying assumptions and that trading conditions can always be affected by unforeseen events. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the uncertainty of the assumptions that the Directors use to forecast future 
liquidity. The impact of the pandemic has impacted consumer confidence in the wider economy, which has directly 
led to a fall in the Group’s revenue and impacted other areas of the Groups operations.  The Group’s forecast 
indicates that the remaining £2m facility will be drawn down in the next 12 months.  The Directors have mitigating 
courses of actions which are available to them to limit the impact of the pandemic including operating cost initiatives, 
the faster sell down of Group’s large inventory holding and approaching lenders for further short term funding.  

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
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Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

2 Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements continued
The loan facilities are provided by the Group’s controlling party Phoenix S. G. Limited and are due for repayment in 
March 2023. The Group would have been in default of the financial covenants at 31 March 2020, which would result 
in the loan becoming payable on demand. On 27 March 2020 the Group sought and was granted a waiver from 
Phoenix S.G. Limited for the default. The forecast, taking into account of the implications on the Group’s demand 
of the COVID-19 pandemic, shows the Group will fail to meet its financial covenants in March 2021. 

The Directors recognise that Phoenix S. G. Limited has granted the waiver of the default, stated that it intends to be 
a long term investor, is the Group’s controlling party with an interest of just over 58%, granted a waiver of interest 
for the period March to July 2020, and has given no indication that it would withdraw its support before March 2023 
when the loan facility is repayable.  

As  such,  having  regard  to  the  matters  above,  and  after  making  reasonable  enquiries  and  taking  account  of 
uncertainties discussed above, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group have 
access to adequate resources to continue operations and to meet its liabilities, as and when they fall due, for the 
foreseeable future. For that reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in the preparation of the accounts. 

Retirement benefits 
The costs, assets and liabilities of the defined benefit retirement schemes operating within the Group are determined 
using methods relying on actuarial estimates and assumptions. Details of the key assumptions are set out in note 24. 
The Directors take advice from independent actuaries relating to the appropriateness of the assumptions and challenge 
the reasonableness and appropriateness of these assumptions before adapting them in these financial statements. It 
is important to note, however, that comparatively small changes in the assumptions used may have a significant effect 
on the consolidated statement of comprehensive income and the consolidated statement of financial position. 

Inventory valuation 
Inventory is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost comprises all costs of purchase, including 
auction buyer’s premium where applicable. Where necessary, provision is made for slow-moving and damaged 
stock. This provision represents the difference between the cost of the stock and its estimated market value, based 
upon stock turn rates, market conditions and trends in consumer demand. For rare collectibles and antiques this 
includes monitoring of sales of similar items and a degree of judgement being applied by our specialists as to the 
relevance for items held in stock. 

Reference collections 
Reference collections of philatelic items are carried at cost or valuation. Where the carrying value is above cost this 
is supported by an independent external valuation. If the carrying value is below cost or independent value this will 
be as a result of a review performed either by external or internal specialists. 

Goodwill impairment 
Determining whether goodwill is impaired requires an estimation of the value in use of the cash-generating units to 
which goodwill has been allocated. The value in use calculation requires the Directors to estimate the future cash 
flows expected to arise from the cash-generating units and a suitable discount rate in order to calculate present 
value. The carrying amount of goodwill at 31 March 2020 was £2,310,000 (2019: £2,310,000). There was no 
impairment provision made in the year (2019: £nil). Details of the carrying value of goodwill and the impairment 
losses are set out in note 10. 

Intangible assets 
IFRS 3 (revised) ‘Business Combinations’ requires that goodwill arising on the acquisition of subsidiaries is capitalised 
and included in intangible assets. IFRS 3 (revised) also requires the identification of other intangible assets at 

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
45

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Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

2 Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements continued
acquisition. The assumptions involved in valuing these intangible assets require the use of estimates and judgments 
which may differ from the actual outcome. 

IAS 38 ‘Intangible Assets’ requires that development costs, arising from the application of research findings or other 
technical knowledge to a plan or design of a new or substantially improved product, are capitalised, subject to certain 
criteria being met. Determining the technical feasibility and estimating the future cash flows generated by the 
products in development requires judgments which may differ from the actual outcome. 

The estimates and judgments made in relation to both acquired intangible assets and capitalised development costs, 
cover future growth rates, expected inflation rates, re-assessing useful life of the assets and the discount rate used. 

Fair value measurement 
A number of assets and liabilities included in the Group’s financial statements require measurement at, and/or 
disclosure of, fair value. The fair value measurement of the Group’s financial and non-financial assets and liabilities 
utilises market observable inputs and data as far as possible. Inputs used in determining fair value measurements 
are categorised into different levels based on how observable the inputs used in the valuation technique utilised 
are (the ‘fair value hierarchy’): 

– Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical items (unadjusted) 
– Level 2: Observable direct or indirect inputs other than Level 1 inputs 
– Level 3: Unobservable inputs (i.e. not derived from market data). 

The classification of an item into the above levels is based on the lowest level of the inputs used that has a significant 
effect on the fair value measurement of the item. Transfers of items between levels are recognised in the period 
they occur. The carrying amount of financial assets or financial liabilities is a reasonable approximation of their fair 
value. Any differences between these valuations would not be material.

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
46

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Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

Segmental Analysis 

3
IFRS 8 requires operating segments to be identified based on internal reporting. Accordingly, the determination of 
the Group’s operating segments is based on the following organisation units for which management accounting 
information is reported to the Group’s management and used to make strategic decisions. 

•

•

•

•

Philatelic trading and retail operations; 

Publishing and philatelic accessories; 

Coins and medals; and 

Legacy Interiors property & legal 

Legacy Interiors includes continuing items from the discontinued Interiors operation, specifically the leasehold 
property in New York and legal matters related to the Mallett entities. The activities, products and services of the 
reportable segments are detailed in the Business Review on pages 7 to 12. 

Segmental income statement 

Year ended 31 March 2020 
Sale of goods
Sale of services (inc Commissions)
Other income
Revenue
Operating costs
Exceptional
Net finance cost
Profit/(loss) before tax
Tax
Profit/(loss) for the year from  
continuing operations

Segmental balance sheet 
As at 31 March 2020 
Total assets
Total liabilities
Net assets/(liabilities)

Other segmental items 
Depreciation
Amortisation of intangible items
Capital expenditure

Philatelic Publishing
£’000

£’000

5,493
944
22
6,459
(6,549)
(197)
–
(287)
9

1,501
403
42
1,946
(2,045)
(162)
–
(261)
–

Coins &
medals
£’000

3,425
–
–
3,425
(2,872)
(4)
–
549
2

Legacy

interiors Unallocated
£’000

£’000

Total 
£’000 

–
–
1,345
1,345
(829)
691
(693)
514
–

–
–
–
–
(2,814)
25
(237)
(3,026)
–

10,419 
1,347 
1,409 
13,175 
(15,109) 
353 
(930) 
(2,511) 
11 

(278)

(261)

551

514

(3,026)

(2,500) 

21,435
(14,522)
6,913

4
331
149

250
–
250

–
–
22

8,888
(575)
8,313

4,745
(4,351)
394

2,140
(14,293)
(12,153)

37,458 
(33,741) 
3,717 

–
14
–

127
–
–

–
240
525

131 
585 
696 

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
47

 
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Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

3

Segmental Analysis continued

Segmental income statement 

Year ended 31 March 2019 
Sale of goods
Sale of services (inc Commissions)
Other income
Revenue
Operating costs
Exceptional
Net finance cost
Profit/(loss) before tax
Tax
Profit/(loss) for the year 
from continuing operations

Segmental balance sheet 
As at 31 March 2019 
Total assets
Total liabilities
Net assets/(liabilities)

Other segmental items 
Depreciation
Amortisation of intangible items
Capital expenditure

Philatelic Publishing
£’000

£’000

4,064
869
9
4,942
(5,429)
–
–
(487)
34

1,779
420
–
2,199
(2,146)
–
–
53
–

Coins &
medals
£’000

3,149
–
67
3,216
(2,678)
(53)
–
485
17

Legacy

interiors Unallocated
£’000

£’000

Total 
£’000 

–
–
1,320
1,320
(1,159)
61
(394)
(172)
–

–
–
–
–
(3,828)
(211)
(103)
(4,142)
(87)

8,992 
1,289 
1,396 
11,677 
(15,240) 
(203) 
(497) 
(4,263) 
(36) 

(453)

53

502

(172)

(4,229)

(4,299) 

20,004
(9,388)
10,616

334
281
–

–
–
–

–
–
124

8,464
(752)
7,712

1,719
(939)
780

236
(12,013)
(11,777)

30,423 
(23,092) 
7,331 

1
–
–

131
–
–

37
220
1

503 
501 
125 

Geographical information 
Analysis of revenue by origin and destination 

Channel Islands
United Kingdom
Europe
North America
Asia
Rest of the World

Year ended
31 March 2020
Sales by
destination
£’000

Year ended
31 March 2020
Sales by
origin
£’000

Year ended
31 March 2019
Sales by
destination
£’000

Year ended 
31 March 2019 
Sales by 
origin 
£’000 

35
7,806
1,290
2,593
952
499

13,175

–
12,018
–
1,157
–
–

13,175

172
7,130
796
2,331
743
505

11,677

– 
10,553 
– 
1,124 
– 
– 

11,677 

Destination is defined as the location of the customer. Origin is defined as the country of domicile of the Group 
company making the sale. All of the sales relate to external customers. 

There were no customers in either 2020 or 2019 from which the Group earned more than 10% of its revenues. 

Property,  plant  and  equipment  of  £1,432,000  was  held  in  the  UK  (2019:  £978,000  in  the  UK)  and  £944,000 
(2019: £1,121,000) was held in the USA. No assets were held in other countries. 

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
48

 
 
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Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

3

Segmental Analysis continued

Intangible assets of £5,170,000 (2019: £5,600,000) are all held in the UK.  Rights-of-use assets of £3,501,000 are 
held in the USA with £4,261,000 being held in the UK. 

4 Operating loss 
The following table shows the material costs by nature charged to cost of sales, administrative expenses and selling 
and distribution costs for the continuing operations for year ending 31 March 2020 and the comparative figures for 
the prior year. 

Cost of inventories recognised as an expense
Employee benefit costs expensed (see note 7)
Depreciation of property plant and equipment
Amortisation of intangible assets
Depreciation of IFRS16 Right of Use Asset
Advertising & marketing expenses
Distribution & transport costs
Operating lease charges – leased premises
IT operating expenses
Other property operating costs
Impairment of trade receivables
Other administrative expenses
Fees payable to the Group’s auditor for the audit of the Group’s annual accounts,  
including subsidiaries
Fees payable to the Group’s auditor for other advisory services
Other professional fees

Year ended
31 March 2020
£’000

Year ended 
31 March 2019 
£’000 

7,132
2,903
131
585
890
496
171
50
554
819
15
375

65
13
607
14,806

5,711 
3,625 
503 
501 
- 
466 
153 
1,254 
537 
803 
13 
1,254 

65 
10 
658 
15,553 

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
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Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

Exceptional operating charges 

5
The items of income and expenditure listed below are either non-recurring or unusual in size and therefore distort 
the view of the normal trading activities of the Group. They have therefore been separately identified to give more 
clarity on the underlying trend of the trading performance of the continuing operation for the year ended 31 March 
2020 and the comparative figures for the prior year. 

Stock provisions
Settlement of legal case
Accelerated impairment of intangible assets
Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets
Impairment of receivables
Dilapidations on Strand property
Disposal of leased property
Exceptional legal fees
Legacy wind-down costs of overseas entities

Year ended
31 March 2020
£’000

Year ended 
31 March 2019 
£’000 

286
(850)
36
42
155
(26)
–
–
4
(353)

8 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
18 
39 
138 
203 

On 14 June 2019 the Group announced that all outstanding claims involving certain former directors of Mallett plc 
had been resolved, bringing the matter to a full and final conclusion. The Group received £850,000 in relation to 
this settlement, net of fees and release of pension accruals relating to one of the directors. 

6 Directors’ emoluments 
The remuneration paid to the Directors of The Stanley Gibbons Group plc was: 

Fees
Salaries

Short-term employee benefits
Post-employment benefits
Share-based payment
Key management personnel compensation
Number of Directors included in the defined benefit pension scheme (note 24)

Year ended
31 March 2020
£’000

Year ended 
31 March 2019 
£’000 

–
253

253
12
–
265
–

– 
256 

256 
8 
25 
289 
– 

The detailed numerical analysis of Directors’ remuneration is included in the Report on Remuneration on page 16. 
The charge to profit in respect of share options and awards issued to the Directors was £nil (2019: £25,000). 

During the year the Group made payments into the personal pension schemes of A Gee. Total cost of these pension 
contributions to the Group were £12,000 (2019: £8,000 into the scheme of then-current director A Cook). 

Details of share options forfeited by Directors during the period are disclosed in the Report on Remuneration on 
page 17. 

Management considers that the key management personnel comprise the Directors. 

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
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Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

6 Directors’ emoluments continued
GE Shircore’s ultimate employer is Phoenix Asset Management Partners Limited which is the investment manager 
to Phoenix SG Limited which holds 248,000,000 Ordinary shares representing 58.09% of the Company’s issued 
share capital. Mr Shircore received no remuneration from the Group. 

Employee information 

7
The average number of persons (including executive Directors) employed by the Group during the period was 
71 (2019: 74). 

Management and Administration
Sales
Production and Editorial
Marketing

Staff costs relating to those persons during the year amounted to: 

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs – defined benefit scheme (note 24)
Pension costs – defined contribution scheme
Share option cost

Year ended
31 March 2020

Year ended 
31 March 2019 

23
23
22
3
71

30 
22 
21 
1 
74 

Year ended
31 March 2020
£’000

Year ended 
31 March 2019 
£’000 

2,451
252
126
74
–
2,903

2,714 
278 
438 
111 
84 
3,625 

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
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Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

8

Taxation 

UK corporation tax and overseas tax on profits for the year 

Current tax:

UK corporation tax at 19%
Overseas tax
Deferred taxation (note 19)
Current year tax charge/(credit)
Adjustment relating to earlier periods
Tax charge/(credit)

Income tax attributable to: 
Profit from continuing operations
Profit from discontinued operations

Year ended
31 March 2020
£’000

Year ended 
31 March 2019  
£’000 

–
–
28
28
(39)
(11)

(11)
–
(11)

– 
– 
36 
36 
– 
36 

36 
– 
36 

The Company is registered in the Channel Islands and has subsidiaries in the Channel Islands, the UK, Hong Kong 
and the USA. However a significant proportion of the profits in the Group are taxed in the UK. Accordingly, the 
difference between the total tax expense shown above and the amount calculated by applying the standard rate of 
UK corporation tax to the profit is as follows: 

Tax charge reconciliation 

The standard rate of corporation tax in the UK
Effects of: 
Disallowable items
Overseas profits taxable at lower rates
Losses for which no deferred asset recognised
Capital amortisation and provisions
Other permanent differences
Effective rate of corporation tax for year

Year ended
31 March 2020
%

Year ended 
31 March 2019 
% 

19.0

(0.1)
(1.6)
(21.9)
(1.9)
6.9
0.4

19.0 

(2.9) 
(1.1) 
(12.0) 
(1.0) 
(2.9) 
(0.9) 

The main rate of corporation tax in the UK was 19% for financial years starting on or after 1 April 2017. The Group 
has recognized a deferred tax asset of £158,000 (2019: £152,000) relating to unutilised tax losses. At the year end 
the usable tax losses within the Group are £19,916,000 (2019: £16,698,000) 

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
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Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

Earnings per ordinary share 

9
The calculation of basic earnings per ordinary share is based on the weighted average number of shares in issue 
during the period. Adjusted earnings per share has been calculated to exclude the effect of exceptional operating 
costs, pension service costs, share option charges and the amortisation of customer lists. The Directors believe this 
gives a more meaningful measure of the underlying performance of the Group. 

For diluted earnings per share, the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue is adjusted to assume 
conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares. The Group has only one category of dilutive ordinary shares: 
those share options granted to employees where the exercise price is less than the average market price of the 
Company’s ordinary shares during the period. 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue (No.) 
Dilutive potential ordinary shares: Employee share options (No.)
Continuing operations 
Loss after tax (£)
Pension service cost (net of tax)
Cost of share options (net of tax)
Amortisation of customer lists( net of tax)
Exceptional operating (income)/costs (net of tax)
Adjusted loss after tax (£)
Basic loss per share – pence per share (p)
Diluted loss per share – pence per share (p)
Adjusted loss per share – pence per share (p)
Adjusted diluted loss per share – pence per share (p)
Discontinued operations 
Profit after tax (£)
Basic earnings per share – pence per share (p)
Diluted earnings per share – pence per share (p)

Year ended
31 March 2020

426,916,643
–

Year ended 
31 March 2019 

426,916,643 
– 

(2,500,000)
102,000
–
194,000
(442,000)
(2,646,000)

(0.59)p
(0.59)p
(0.62)p
(0.62)p

132,000
0.03p
0.03p

(4,299,000) 
355,000 
68,000 
178,000 
168,000 
(3,530,000) 
(1.01)p 
(1.01)p 
(0.83)p 
(0.83)p 

74,000 
0.02p 
0.02p 

Net assets per share, as disclosed in the financial highlights, are calculated using the net assets per the consolidated 
statement of financial position divided by the number of shares at 31 March 2020 per note 20. 

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
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Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

10 Intangible assets 

 Goodwill
£’000

Publishing
rights
£’000

Computer
Software
£’000

Customer
Lists
£’000

Brands &  

trademarks
£’000

Cost 
At 1 April 2018
Additions – internally developed
At 31 March 2019
Additions – internally developed
At 31 March 2020
Accumulated amortisation and 
impairment 
At 1 April 2018
Amortisation charge
At 31 March 2019
Amortisation charge
At 31 March 2020
Net book value 
At 31 March 2020
At 31 March 2019

16,332
–
16,332
–
16,332

14,022
–
14,022
–
14,022

2,310
2,310

19
–
19
–
19

19
–
19
–
19

–
–

2,542
124
2,666
155
2,821

1,923
281
2,204
345
2,549

272
462

2,207
–
2,207
–
2,207

1,413
220
1,633
240
1,873

334
574

2,528
–
2,528
–
2,528

274
–
274
–
274

2,254
2,254

Total 
£’000 

23,628 
124 
23,752 
155 
23,907 

17,651 
501 
18,152 
585 
18,737 

5,170 
5,600 

The carrying value of goodwill of £2,310,000 related to the acquisition of the Noble Investments Group (£2,200,000 – 
original cost £15,746,000), the acquisition of the magazine ‘Philatelic Exporter’ (£87,000 – carrying value and original 
cost), the album producer ‘Frank Godden’ (£23,000 – carrying value and original cost). 

The carrying value of brands and trademarks of £2,254,000 is the value of the brands purchased in the acquisition 
of Noble Investment Group (£2,391,000 – original cost). 

The Group carries out a review at each year end date to establish the economic value of each asset in the portfolio. 
If the economic value of the asset is believed to be lower than the carrying value, the carrying value is reduced 
accordingly. The economic value is based on estimated future income potential considering risks and external 
information on the likely impact on market demand. 

Goodwill and brands have undergone an impairment review with reference to expected future cash flows generated 
by these business units. Management looks at five year projections, using a cost of capital of 8.8% (2019: 7.8%), 
when determining if any impairment is likely. The key assumptions used by management derived from current 
budgets and forecast, are the growth in revenue and costs of between 0% and 3% (2019: 1% to 3%) over the period 
in question. These assumptions are based on past experiences of management. The forecasts have also been 
adapted to take account on the trading trends seen during the “lockdown” for the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
54

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Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

11 Property, plant and equipment 

Reference
collection
£’000

Freehold 
Leasehold 
land and  property and 
buildings improvements
£’000

£’000

Fixtures,  
fittings, 
tools and 
equipment
£’000

Vehicles,  
plant and  
machinery
£’000

Cost 
At 1 April 2018
Additions
Disposals
Exchange differences

At 31 March 2019
Additions
Disposals
Exchange differences

At 31 March 2020
Accumulated depreciation 
At 1 April 2018
Charge for the year
Exchange differences
Depreciation on disposal

At 31 March 2019
Charge for the year
Exchange differences
Depreciation on disposal

At 31 March 2020
Net book value 
At 31 March 2020

At 31 March 2019

1,195
–
–
–

1,195
–
–
–

1,195

380
–
–
–

380
–
–
–

380

815

815

162
–
–
–

162
–
(162) 
–

–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–

–

162

4,422
–
(313)
198

4,307
525
–
–

4,832

2,880
475
127
(292)

3,190
127
(29)
–

3,288

1,544

1,117

444
1
(71)
–

374
16
(33)
–

357

433
24
–
(84)

373
–
–
(33)

340

17

1

876
–
(19)
–

857
–
–
–

857

871
4
–
(22)

853
4
–
–

857

–

4

Total 
£’000 

7,099 
1 
(403) 
198 

6,895 
541 
(195) 
– 

7,241 

4,564 
503 
127 
(398) 

4,796 
131 
(29) 
(33) 

4,865 

2,376 

2,099 

The reference collection is subject to a full valuation every five years by a qualified external valuer and an interim 
valuation is carried out in year three by the Group’s expert stamp dealers. 

The last independent valuation of a part of the reference collection was carried out in March 2016 by A F Norris, 
Philatelic Consultant for the collection in London and in July 2017 by D R Seaby Philatelic Consultant for the 
Ringwood  collection.  The  basis  of  the  revaluation  used  was  replacement  value.  The  surplus  of  £70,000  was 
transferred to the revaluation reserve. 

The revalued element of the reference collection is £436,000 (2019: £436,000). All other fixed assets are stated at 
historic cost less depreciation. If the reference collection had not been revalued it would have been included at a 
net book value based on historic cost of £379,000 (2019: £379,000). 

During the year the Group sold its freehold property in Axbridge Somerset for £123,000. After fees related to the 
sale a loss of £42,000 was incurred. 

Fully written down Property, Plant and Equipment with a cost of £3,672,000 (2019: £3,602,000) remains in use by 
the Group. 

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
55

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Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

12 Investments 
On 6 January 2017, the Group launched a corporate joint-venture with St James’s Auctions, the well-established 
numismatic auction house, named Baldwin’s of St James’s Limited. Baldwin’s of St James’s Limited auctions coins, 
medals, medallions, bank notes, tokens and other related items owned by the parties or by 3rd parties wishing to 
auction material. The Group owns 50 A shares, 50% of the total issued A ordinary shares in Baldwin’s of St James’s 
for a consideration of £50. The joint venture is accounted for under the equity method as the Group does not have 
control of the entity. Baldwin’s of St James’s is incorporated in England and trades from a location in London. The 
company’s accounting date is 30 April 2020, as per the joint venture agreement. 

The investment in the joint venture is shown below:- 

As at 1 April
Share of profit retained by joint venture
Dividend paid by joint venture

31 March 2020
£’000

31 March 2019 
£’000 

95
50
(106)
39 

113 
109 
(127) 
95 

The share of profit retained by the joint venture is an estimate based on the management accounts at 30 April 2020. 
Based  on  the  audited  financial  statement  at  30  April  2019  Baldwin’s  of  St  James’s  generated  £1,298,000 
(2018: £1,400,000) of revenue and £232,000 (2018: £277,000) of profit. The company had net assets of £100 with 
current assets of £2,780,601 and current liabilities of £2,780,501. 

13 Inventories  

Work in progress
Finished goods and goods for resale

31 March 2020
£’000

31 March 2019 
£’000 

1,777
15,736
17,513

1,086 
16,915 
18,001 

As at 31 March 2020 £nil (2019 - £76,000) of the above inventories were owned by third parties. As at 31 March 
2020 £17,513,000 (2019: £17,858,000) of the above inventories were part of the security given in relation to the 
borrowings detailed in note 18.  

At 31 March 2020 the carrying value of the inventory held at fair value was £3,258,000 (2019: £3,928,000). 

On 10th September 2018 the Group announced that its subsidiary, Stanley Gibbons Limited (“SGL”) had entered in 
to an agreement with Phoenix S. G. Limited to acquire approximately 1,900 items, for an initial consideration of 
£5.20m, which is payable in cash to Phoenix S. G. Limited over the term of the agreement, as and when sales of the 
items are made to third parties and will be the net proceeds, after deduction of a commission payment to be made 
to SGL, on completed sales. Phoenix S. G. Limited had acquired the items from the administrators of Stanley Gibbons 
(Guernsey) Limited. The agreement is for a total term of 10 years and any sale at a value that is less than the base 
cost of an inventory item can only be made with the specific permission of Phoenix S. G. Limited. To the extent that 
all of the inventory is sold and the appropriate payments have been made by SGL to Phoenix S. G. Limited no further 
consideration will be due. To the extent that items remain to be sold at the end of the agreement the relevant items 
will be returned to Phoenix S. G. Limited and no further consideration will be due.  

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
56

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Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

13 Inventories continued
Notwithstanding the fact that the agreement was written as a sale from Phoenix S.G. Limited to SGL, the substance 
of the transaction is that of a consignment stock arrangement and so has been accounted for as such. The acquired 
items have therefore not been included within inventories and there is no related creditor due to Phoenix S.G. 
Limited within the balance sheet. The commission due to SGL is recognised as revenue in the accounting period of 
the sale to a third party. As at 31 March 2020 of the initial items totaling £5.20m, £4,623,000 (2019: £5,060,000) 
remained unsold. 

On 21st February 2020 the Group announced that its subsidiary, Stanley Gibbons Limited (“SGL”) had entered in to 
an agreement with Phoenix S. G. Limited to acquire approximately 780 items, for an initial consideration of £1.07m, 
which is payable in cash to Phoenix S. G. Limited over the term of the agreement, as and when sales of the items 
are made to third parties and will be the net proceeds, after deduction of a commission payment to be made to SGL, 
on completed sales. The agreement is for a total term of 10 years and any sale at a value that is less than the base 
cost of an inventory item can only be made with the specific permission of Phoenix S. G. Limited. To the extent that 
all of the inventory is sold and the appropriate payments have been made by SGL to Phoenix S. G. Limited no further 
consideration will be due. To the extent that items remain to be sold at the end of the agreement the relevant items 
will be returned to Phoenix S. G. Limited and no further consideration will be due. 

Notwithstanding the fact that the agreement was written as a sale from Phoenix S.G. Limited to SGL, the substance 
of the transaction is that of a consignment stock arrangement and so has been accounted for as such. The acquired 
items have therefore not been included within inventories and there is no related creditor due to Phoenix S.G. 
Limited within the balance sheet. The commission due to SGL is recognised as revenue in the accounting period of 
the sale to a third party. As at 31 March 2020 of the initial items totaling £1.07m, £1,070,000 remained unsold. 

The cost of inventory recognised as an expense in the year was £7,132,000 (2019: £5,711,000) 

14 Current trade and other receivables 

Trade receivables
Provision for impairment
Net trade receivables
Other receivables
Prepayments and accrued income

31 March 2020
£’000

31 March 2019 
£’000 

1,480
 (437)
1,043
321
593
1,957

1,446 
 (724) 
722 
797 
668 
2,187 

Trade receivables are amounts due from customers for goods sold or services performed in the ordinary course of 
business. Other receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not 
quoted in an active market. If collection of the amounts is expected in one year or less they are classified as current 
assets. If not, they are presented as non-current assets. Trade receivables are generally due for settlement within 
30 days and therefore are all classified as current. The Group’s impairment and other accounting policies for trade 
and other receivables are outlined in note 1. 

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
57

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Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

15 Provision for impairment of receivables and collateral held 
A provision is established for irrecoverable amounts where there is objective evidence that amounts due under the 
original payment terms will not be collected. Indications that the trade receivable may become irrecoverable would 
include financial difficulties of the debtor, likelihood of the debtor’s insolvency and default or significant failure of 
payment. 

Provision for impairment of receivables  
Relating to debt over 6 months past due 

Opening provision
Impairments in the year
Amounts utilised in the year
Closing provision

31 March 2020
£’000

31 March 2019 
£’000 

724
73
(360)
437

593 
235 
(104) 
724 

As at 31 March 2020, excluding balances due under extended payment terms and those provided for by the 
impairment provision, £526,000 (2019: £210,000) of trade receivables, were past their due settlement date but not 
impaired. The ageing analysis of these trade receivables is as follows: 

Up to 3 months past due
3 to 6 months past due
Over 6 months past due

31 March 2020
£’000

31 March 2019 
£’000 

110
186
230
526

138 
52 
20 
210 

There are instances where receivables have had their terms renegotiated however the Group has not had to call 
upon its security due to default by customers at any time during the year. Trade receivables that are neither past 
due nor impaired are considered to be fully recoverable. 

16 Trade and other payables 

Trade payables
Other payables
Other taxes and social security
Accruals and deferred income

31 March 2020
£’000

31 March 2019 
£’000 

2,888
624
45
681
4,238

2,918 
344 
189 
2,589 
6,040 

These amounts represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the Group prior to the end of financial year 
which are unpaid. The amounts are unsecured and are usually paid within 30 days of recognition. Trade and other 
payables are presented as current liabilities unless payment is not due within 12 months after the reporting period. 

An amount of trade payables of £507,000 (2019: £nil) is not due within 12 months and has been classified as a long 
term liability. The Group has agreed extended credit terms for a collection that it purchased in December 2020 to 
be paid by installment, over the next 24 months. The profile of payment is disclosed in note 25. 

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
58

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Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

17 Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash at bank and in hand
Bank overdrafts
Cash and cash equivalents

18 Borrowings 

Long term liabilities 
Loan – Facility A
Loan – Facility C
Total long term liabilities

31 March 2020
£’000

31 March 2019 
£’000 

2,483
–
2,483

2,160 
– 
2,160 

31 March 2020
£’000

31 March 2019 
£’000 

11,045
3,121
14,166

10,518 
1,011 
11,529 

The Facility A loan outstanding at 31 March 2020 of £11.0m is due to Phoenix S. G. Limited, the controlling party of 
the Group. Interest on the loan is 5% per annum added to the loan. The loan is due for repayment in March 2023, 
provided there is no event of default in the meantime. 

On the 21 December 2018 the Group announced it had agreed an additional £5m of funding (Facility C) in the form 
of an extension to the existing loan facility with Phoenix S. G. Limited. The terms of the extension are the same as 
the existing facility and the intention is that it will be drawn down by the Group in several tranches as needed. 

On 21 February 2020 the Group signed a deed of release for both the Company and its subsidiaries that are 
guarantors to the loan facility and confirmation with its lender Phoenix S.G. Limited that releases and discharges 
Stanley Gibbons (Guernsey) Limited (in liquidation) of its obligations and future obligations and liabilities under the 
loan agreement. 

As a result of Stanley Gibbons (Guernsey) Limited no longer being a guarantor of the Loan Agreement, the Group 
was no longer in default of its loan facility.  

In relation to the Phoenix S. G. Limited loan, the Group is required to satisfy financial conditions relating to cashflow 
and EBITDA. Commencing for the year ended 31 March 2020, the cashflow and EBITDA each need to exceed 
£1.5m, increasing to, £2.0m for the year to 2021 and £2.5m for the year to 2022. 

On 27 March 2020 Phoenix S. G. Limited issued a waiver letter to the Group for the failure to satisfy the financial 
conditions and as a result at 31 March 2020 the Group was not in default and the loan has been classified as a long 
term liability. 

During the year the Group paid arrangement facility fees of £nil (2018: £nil) for the above facilities. The borrowings 
are secured by a full fixed and floating charge debenture over the core assets of the group. 

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
59

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Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

19 Deferred tax assets and liabilities 

Defined benefit pension scheme (note 24)
Other timing differences
Unutilised tax losses
Full provision

Defined benefit pension scheme (note 24)
Other timing differences
Unutilised tax losses
Full provision

Assets

Liabilities 

31 March
2020
£’000

31 March
2019
£’000

31 March
2020
£’000

31 March 
2019 
£’000 

–
–
158
158

31 March
2019
£’000

95
34
152
281

95
34
152
281

–
–
–
–

– 
– 
– 
– 

(Charge)/
credit to
Profit and loss
£’000

Comprehensive
income
£’000

31 March 
2020 
£’000 

–
(34)
6
(28)

(95)
–
–
(95)

– 
– 
158 
158 

The Directors reviewed the carrying value of the deferred tax asset in relation to the defined benefit pension scheme. 
Based on the prior trading history and taking in to account the anticipated profits in foreseeable future, the carrying 
value of the asset was reduced to £nil (2019: £95,000), resulting in a charge to other comprehensive income of 
£95,000 (2019: £465,000).  

20 Called up share capital 

Authorised 
500,000,000 (2019: 500,000,000) Ordinary Shares of 1p each

Allotted, issued and fully paid (all equity): 
426,916,643 (2019: 426,916,643) Ordinary Shares of 1p each

31 March 2020
£’000

31 March 2019 
£’000 

5,000

4,269

5,000 

4,269 

The Company has one class of share being Ordinary Shares with a par value of 1p each. This entitles the holder to 
participate in dividends and repayment of capital in proportion to the number of shares held. The holder is also 
entitled to, on a show of hands of shareholders present at a meeting in person or by proxy, one vote and upon a poll 
each share is entitled to one vote. 

Capital risk management 
Capital is managed to ensure that the entities within the Group will be able to continue as a going concern whilst 
maximising the returns to stakeholders through the optimisation of debt and equity balances. Detail on capital 
structure is presented in the consolidated statement of financial position. Notes 21 and 22 provide details on equity. 
Details of loans at the year-end are disclosed on page 11 in the Business Review and further disclosure can be found 
in note 18 and note 25. The external capital requirements imposed on the Group in relation to borrowings are 
disclosed in note 18. Further detail on capital risk management can be found in the Directors’ Report on pages 17 
to 23. 

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
60

 
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Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

21 Options in shares of The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
Executive Share options are granted to Directors and other employees on a phased basis. The value of those options 
ensures that this spreads any reward over a number of years, allied to growth in shareholder value over the long 
term. Options granted under the Group Share Option Plan 2010 are exercisable between the third and tenth 
anniversaries of the date of grant. 

Options issued in 2011 had the target of a minimum EPS of 19.2 pence for the year ended 31 December 2013. 25% 
of the granted options vest if this target is reached, rising on a straight line basis to 100% of options granted to vest 
if an EPS of 22.7 pence was achieved. 

Options issued in 2016 and 2018 were granted at market value and are not subject to performance condition. 

All options are settled with the issue of equity. 

Excluding the Directors’ share options disclosed in the Report on Remuneration on page 17, detailed below are 
options which have been granted to employees together with the periods in which they may be exercised: 

Date of grant

06/5/11
05/10/16
03/04/18

Earliest
exercise 
date

Expiry
date

Exercise
price
(1p shares)

Number at
31 March 
2019

Granted
in
year

06/5/14

05/5/21
05/10/19 05/10/26
03/04/21 03/04/28

179.0p
11.0p
4.4p

34,999
8,385,000
500,000
8,919,999

–
–
–
–

Forfeited
in
year

–
(100,000)
(500,000)
(600,000)

Number at 
31 March  
2020 

34,999 
8,285,000 
– 
8,319,999 

The weighted average remaining contractual life of options outstanding at 31 March 2020 is 4.7 years (2019: 
5.7 years) 

Movements in the number of share options outstanding including Directors’ share options and their related weighted 
average exercise prices are as follows: 

At 1 April
Granted
Forfeited/lapsed
Exercised
At 31 March

31 March 2020 
Average exercise
price per share

31 March 2020
Options
(thousands)

31 March 2019 
Average exercise
price per share

31 March 2019 
Options 
(thousands) 

12p
–
6p
–
12p

11,320
–
(600)
–
10,720

12p
4p
12p
–
12p

13,062 
500 
(2,242) 
– 
11,320 

Share options outstanding at the end of the period have the following expiry date and exercise price: 

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
61

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Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

21 Options in shares of The Stanley Gibbons Group plc continued
Stochastic and Black-Scholes models have been used to value the awards. The awards issued and still outstanding 
in the year ended 31 March 2020 are set out below: 

Date of grant

Number of options granted
Weighted average fair value at date of grant (per share)
Weighted average share price on date of grant
Weighted average exercise price
Expected term (from date of grant)
Expected volatility
Expected dividend yield
Risk-free interest rate

06/05/2011

05/10/2016  

593,710
48.45p
175p
179p
6.5 years
36.6%
3.15%
2.67%

14,950,000 
5.20p 
11.25p 
11.00p 
6.5 years 
46.77% 
0.00% 
0.42% 

Expected volatility was determined by calculating historical volatility of the Group’s share price over a minimum 
10 year period. 

22 Share premium and reserves 

Share premium account 
The share premium account is used to record the aggregate amount or value of premiums paid when the Company’s 
shares are issued at a premium. 

Share compensation reserve 
The share compensation reserve relates to the fair value of options granted which has been charged to the statement 
of comprehensive income over the vesting period of the options. 

Revaluation reserve 
The  revaluation  reserve  relates  to  the  reserve  movement  in  respect  of  the  revaluation  of  property,  plant  and 
equipment and available for sale financial assets. 

Capital redemption reserve 
The capital redemption reserve represents the cumulative par value of all shares bought back and cancelled by the 
Group. 

Retained earnings 
Retained earnings represent the accumulated profits not distributed to shareholders. 

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
62

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Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

23 Cash outflows from operating activities 

Operating loss (including discontinued operations)
Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment
Depreciation of tangible assets
Amortisation of intangible assets
Depreciation on IFRS16 Right of Use Asset
Decrease in provisions
Income from joint venture
Cost of share options
Decrease in inventories
Decrease in trade and other receivables
Decrease in trade and other payables (less deferred consideration)
Net exchange differences
Cash outflows from operating activities

Year ended
31 March
2020
£’000

Year ended 
31 March 
2019  
£’000 

(1,499)
38
131
585
890
(387)
50
–
488
236
(561)
(38)
(67)

(3,802) 
– 
503 
501 
– 
(52) 
109 
84 
302 
1,424 
(2,364) 
(66) 
(3,361) 

24 Retirement benefits 
The Stanley Gibbons Group of Companies operates two defined benefit pension schemes namely:  

(a) The Stanley Gibbons Holdings PLC Pension and Assurance Scheme (“the Scheme”) 

The scheme closed to new members with effect from 1 September 2002 and to future accrual with effect from 1 July 
2014. The scheme is exposed to the following risks: 

–

–

–

Financial risks from changing economic conditions e.g. inflation and interest rate risks 

Longevity, i.e. the risk of benefits costing more due to members living longer 

Additional  liabilities  arising  from  the  unknown  factors  such  as  ineffective  Scheme  documentation  or 
Regulatory change. 

Under UK pensions legislation the Group subsidiary is responsible for funding the Scheme benefits and for paying 
contributions to make up any shortfall between the assets and the liabilities of the Scheme. The Scheme liabilities 
are assessed at least every three years by the Scheme Actuary. It is the Group’s subsidiary funding policy to annually 
contribute an amount agreed between the Group’s subsidiary and the Trustees of the Scheme in accordance with 
UK  legislative  requirements  if  a  funding  deficit  exists.  The  amount  of  contributions  required  depends  on  the 
assumptions  used  by  the  actuary  and  can  therefore  be  volatile  between  actuarial  valuations.  The  volatility  of 
contribution amounts can be to the detriment of the Group’s cashflows. The volatility of the Scheme’s liabilities 
against these assets held impacts on the Group’s balance sheet. 

The assets of the scheme are held under the provisions of a trust deed and are invested in a range of different asset 
classes including equities, a diversified growth fund, property, corporate bonds, absolute return bond funds and 
liability driven investment funds. These funds are managed by different investment managers and are all held on 
the Mobius Life Investment Platform. This investment policy mitigates the actuarial risks that the scheme is exposed 
to such as longevity, interest rate, inflation and investment risks.  

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
63

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Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

24 Retirement benefits continued
A full actuarial valuation was carried out at 30 June 2018. The Scheme is funded with the assets held in separate 
trustee administered funds. Employees are entitled to retirement benefits based on their final pensionable salary 
and length of service. 

The costs of insurance of the death-in-service benefits and all administration expenses and levies to the Pension 
Protection Fund are paid for by the employer. 

The IAS19 disclosures for the year to 31 March 2020 are based on the results of the actuarial valuation as at 
30 June 2018. 

Scheme assets are stated at their market value at 31 March 2020. The Group paid £282,240 (payable monthly) in 
the year to 31 March 2020. From 1 April 2020, the Group pays contributions of £296,352 per annum (payable 
monthly), increasing at 5% per annum, until 1 November 2029, as noted in the Recovery Plan dated 29 March 2019, 
agreed as part of the actuarial valuation at 30 June 2018. 

Following the recently published legal judgment in the UK the scheme has to equalize Guaranteed Minimum 
Pensions built up after 17 May 1990. An estimate of the likely additional reserve was provided in the accounts at 31 
March 2019. 

(b) The Mallett Retirement Benefits Scheme 

This is a separate trustee administered scheme holding the pension plan assets to meet long term pension liabilities 
for employees and former employees. The level of retirement benefit is principally based on salary earned in the 
last three years of employment prior to leaving active service and is linked to changes in inflation up to retirement. 

The scheme is exposed to the following risks: 

–

–

–

Financial risks from changing economic conditions e.g. inflation and interest rate risks 

Longevity, i.e. the risk of benefits costing more due to members living longer 

Additional  liabilities  arising  from  the  unknown  factors  such  as  ineffective  Scheme  documentation  or 
Regulatory change. 

A full actuarial valuation was carried out as at 30 June 2018 and the funding of the plan is agreed between the 
Company and the trustees in line with those requirements. 

Under UK pensions legislation the Group subsidiary is responsible for funding the Scheme benefits and for paying 
contributions to make up any shortfall between the assets and the liabilities of the Scheme. The Scheme liabilities 
are assessed at least every three years by the Scheme Actuary. It is the Group’s subsidiary funding policy to annually 
contribute an amount agreed between the Group’s subsidiary and the Trustees of the Scheme in accordance with 
UK  legislative  requirements  if  a  funding  deficit  exists.  The  amount  of  contributions  required  depends  on  the 
assumptions  used  by  the  actuary  and  can  therefore  be  volatile  between  actuarial  valuations.  The  volatility  of 
contribution amounts can be to the detriment of the Group’s cashflows. The volatility of the Scheme’s liabilities 
against these assets held impacts on the Group’s balance sheet. 

The Group paid annual contributions of £231,233 in the year to 31 March 2020. From 1 April 2020, the Group will 
pay contributions of £224,910 p.a. (payable monthly), increasing by 5% p.a. until 1 May 2028, in line with the 

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Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

24 Retirement benefits continued
Recovery Plan dated 20 March 2019. In addition to this, the Company also pays administration expenses and levies 
to the Pension Protection Fund. 

The IAS19 disclosures for the year to 31 March 2020 are based on the actuarial valuation as at 30 June 2018. 

Following the recently published legal judgment in the UK the scheme has to equalize Guaranteed Minimum 
Pensions built up after 17 May 1990. An estimate of the likely additional reserve was provided in the accounts at 31 
March 2019. 

The amounts recognised in the statement of financial position for both schemes are as follows: 

Present value of funded obligation 
Fair value of scheme assets
Net obligation 
Deferred tax asset (see note 19)
Retirement benefit obligation

Cumulative amount of actuarial losses recognised in other comprehensive income

The amounts recognised in other comprehensive income are as follows: 

Actuarial gains/(losses) on scheme obligations from financial assumptions
Actuarial gains/(losses) on scheme obligations from demographic assumptions
Actuarial gains/(losses) on scheme obligations from experience
Actuarial (losses)/gains on fair value of scheme assets
Remeasurement (losses)/gains

31 March 2020
£’000

31 March 2019 
£’000 

(20,298)
14,009
(6,289)
–
(6,289)

£’000

(3,850)

(19,612) 
14,089 
(5,523) 
95 
(5,428) 

£’000 

(2,697) 

31 March 2020
£’000

31 March 2019 
£’000 

518
(53)
(1,352)
(266)
(1,153)

(812) 
66 
739 
(239) 
(246) 

Changes in the present value of the defined benefit obligation are as follows: 

Present value of obligations at start of year
Current service cost
Interest cost
Contributions by employees
Remeasurement losses/(gains) on scheme obligations 
Charges paid
Benefits paid
Allowance for GMP equalisation
Present value of obligations at end of year

31 March 2020
£’000

31 March 2019 
£’000 

19,612
–
462
–
870
–
(646)
–
20,298

19,685 
5 
500 
– 
8 
(5) 
(881) 
300 
19,612 

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Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

24 Retirement benefits continued

Changes in the fair value of scheme assets are as follows: 

Fair value of scheme assets at start of year
Assets acquired at fair value
Expected return on scheme assets
Actuarial losses on fair value of scheme assets
Contributions by employees
Contributions by company
Charges paid
Benefits paid
Fair value of scheme assets at end of year

31 March 2020
£’000

31 March 2019 
£’000 

14,089
–
336
(283) 
–
513
–
(646)
14,009

14,356 
– 
369 
(239) 
– 
489 
(5) 
(881) 
14,089 

The  Group  currently  expects  to  contribute  £521,000  to  its  defined  benefit  schemes  in  the  financial  year  to 
31 March 2021. 

The amounts recognised in the statement of comprehensive income for the period are as follows: 

Current service cost
Interest cost on net benefit obligations
Allowance for GMP equalisation
Total included in employee benefit expense
Actual return on scheme assets

31 March 2020
£’000

31 March 2019 
£’000 

–
126
–
126
53

5 
133 
300 
438 
129 

The major categories of scheme assets as a percentage of the fair value of total scheme assets are as follows: 

Assets with a quoted market price in an active market 
Equities
Corporate bonds
LLDI
Multi Asset Credit
Diversified growth funds
Gilts/cash
Other 
Insurance policies
Property
Insured Annuitants

31 March 2020
%

31 March 2019 
% 

16.7%
7.0%
18.7%
22.7%
12.0%
1.0%

13.4%
8.5%
10%

15.3% 
12.3% 
9.1% 
18.4% 
22.8% 
1.1% 

13.0% 
7.1% 
1.0% 

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Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

24 Retirement benefits continued

Principal actuarial assumptions at the reporting date: 

Future salary increases
Price inflation – RPI
Price inflation – CPI
Revaluation of deferred pensions
Pension Increase – Non Directors 
Pre 1988 GMP
Post 1988 GMP
Pre 1997
Post 1997
Post 2005
Pension Increase – Directors 
Pre 1997
Post 1997
Post 2005
Discount rate
Equities (long term expected rate of return)
Corporate bonds (long term expected rate of return)
Fixed interest gilts (long term expected rate of return)
Cash (long term expected rate of return)

31 March 2020

31 March 2019 

1.81%
2.81%
1.81%
1.81%

0.00%
3.00%
0.00%
1.81%
1.81%

3.00%
3.00%
3.00%
2.24%
2.24%
2.24%
2.24%
2.24%

2.30% 
3.30% 
2.30% 
2.30% 

0.00% 
3.00% 
0.00% 
2.30% 
2.30% 

3.00% 
3.30% 
3.30% 
2.40% 
2.40% 
2.40% 
2.40% 
2.40% 

The mortality assumptions adopted at 31 March 2020 imply the following life expectations: 

The Stanley Gibbons Holdings PLC Pension and Assurance Scheme 

Retiring at 65 at reporting date 
Male
Female
Retiring at 65 at reporting date + 20 years 
Male
Female

The Mallett Retirement Benefits Scheme 

Retiring at 65 at reporting date 
Male
Female
Retiring at 65 at reporting date + 20 years 
Male
Female

31 March 2020
In years

31 March 2019 
In years 

21.8
24.1

22.8
25.2

21.7 
23.9 

22.7 
25.0 

31 March 2020
In years

31 March 2019 
In years 

21.8
24.1

22.8
25.2

21.7 
23.9 

22.7 
25.0 

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Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

24 Retirement benefits continued

Sensitivity of results 
The value placed on the benefit obligation is particularly sensitive to changes in some of the key assumptions as 
detailed below: 

The Stanley Gibbons Holdings PLC Pension and Assurance Scheme 

Assumption as per IAS 19 disclosures
0.25% p.a. reduction in discount rate
0.25% increase in CPI inflation
Pensions payable for 1 year longer due to mortality assumptions

The Mallett Retirement Benefits Scheme 

Assumption as per IAS 19 disclosures
0.25% p.a. reduction in discount rate
0.25% increase in inflation
Pensions payable for 1 year longer due to mortality assumptions*

Change in 
the benefit
Obligation – %

n/a
3.3%
(1.9%)
3.4%

Change in 
the benefit
Obligation – %

n/a
4.3%
2.1%
3.9%

(Deficit) 
£’000s 

(3,468) 
(3,582) 
(3,402) 
(3,586) 

(Deficit) 
£’000s 

(2,821) 
(2,943) 
(2,763) 
(2,932) 

* The change to the mortality assumption increase member’s life expectancy by assuming each member was born 
one year later and therefore has the life expectancy of someone aged one year younger. 

The sensitivities show the effects of a change in the significant actuarial assumptions used to measure the Scheme’s 
Defined Benefit Obligation. Limitations to the sensitivities are in line with the limitations on actuarial assumptions, 
being that they are estimates. 

The average duration of the Schemes Obligation is approximately 14 years. 

The weighted average duration of the Stanley Gibbons Holdings Plc Pension and Assurance Scheme and the Mallett 
Retirement Benefit scheme is 15.5 years. 

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Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

24 Retirement benefits continued

Amounts for the current and previous four periods are as follows: 

Present value of defined benefit obligations 
Fair value of scheme assets
Deficit
Experience adjustments on scheme assets
Effects of changes in the demographic and 
financial assumptions in the underlying scheme 
liabilities 
– Amount
– Percentage of benefit obligation

31 March
2020
£’000
(20,298)
14,009
(6,289)
(283)

31 March
2019
£’000
(19,612)
14,089
(5,523)
(239)

31 March 
2018
£’000
(19,685)
14,356
(5,329)
(2)

31 March
2017
£’000
(20,390)
14,304
(6,086)
895

31 March 
2016 
£’000 
(18,232) 
13,010 
(5,222) 
(527) 

482
2.4%

(746)
-3.8%

199
1.0%

(2,456)
-12.0%

659 
3.6% 

Future profile of the Stanley Gibbons Holdings PLC Pension and Assurance Scheme 
The Stanley Gibbons Holdings PLC Pension and Assurance Scheme closed to new members with effect from 
1 September 2002. This will result in the age profile of the active membership rising over time and hence, under the 
method required to calculate IAS 19 liabilities, the future cost in relation to this Scheme will rise in the long-term. 

The Group has considered the impact of the IAS 19 deficit in respect of the Group, its employees and pensioners. 
The deficit has decreased from £3,775,000 at 31 March 2019 to £3,468,000 at 31 March 2020 principally arising 
from changes in scheme data and a change from the approximate methodology used in previous disclosures. 

Future profile of the Mallet Retirements Benefits Scheme 
The Mallet Retirements benefits Scheme was closed to new members in 2002. This will result in the age profile of 
the active membership rising over time and hence, under the method required to calculate IAS 19 liabilities, the 
future cost in relation to this Scheme will rise in the long-term. 

The Group has considered the impact of the IAS 19 deficit in respect of the Group, its employees and pensioners. 
The deficit has increased from £1,749,000 at 31 March 2019 to £2,821,000 at 31 March 2020 principally arising 
from changes in scheme data and a change from the approximate methodology used in previous disclosures. 

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Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

25 Financial Instruments 
The Group is exposed through its operations to the following risks: 

–

–

–

Credit risk 

Interest rate risk 

Liquidity risk 

The Group is exposed to the risk that arises from its use of financial instruments. The Group’s financial instruments 
comprise cash and available loan facilities and various items such as trade receivables and trade payables which 
arise  directly  from  operations.  The  Group  financed  its  operations  until  16  March  2018  with  a  bank  loan  and 
overdrafts. Following the refinancing the Group is financed by a fixed interest loan provided by Phoenix SG Limited, 
details of the loan facility can be found in note 18. The main purpose of these financial instruments is to raise finance 
for the Group’s operations. 

The Group’s policies and procedures in managing these risks are detailed in the Business Review on pages 7 to 12. 

Summary of financial assets and liabilities by category 
The principal financial instruments used by the Group, from which financial instrument risk arises are shown below 
summarised by category: 

Financial assets – Loans and receivables 
Trade and other receivables
Cash at bank

Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost 
Trade and other payables
Borrowings
Lease liability

31 March 2020
£’000

31 March 2019 
£’000 

1,364
2,483
3,847

4,745
14,166
8,541
27,452
(23,605)

1,519 
2,160 
3,679 

6,040 
11,529 
– 
17,569 
(13,890) 

Credit risk 
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or contractual party to a financial instrument fails to 
meet its contractual obligations. The Group is mainly exposed to credit risk from credit sales. In order to manage 
risk the Group has implemented policies that require appropriate credit checks on potential customers before sales 
are made. These checks are performed at a local level. The amount of any exposure to any individual counterparty 
is subject to a limit which is regularly reviewed by the Directors. 

Credit risk also arises from cash and cash equivalents and deposits with banks and financial institutions. Risks 
associated with cash deposits are limited as the banks used have high credit ratings assigned by international credit 
rating agencies. 

The Group’s exposure to credit risk is limited to the carrying amount of financial assets recognised in the consolidated 
statement of financial position as noted in the above table. 

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Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

25 Financial Instruments continued
The Directors of the Company consider that all the above financial assets for each of the consolidated statement of 
financial position dates under review are of a good credit quality, including those past due settlement dates. See 
note 15 for more information on financial assets that are past due settlement dates. 

Interest rate risk 
The Group finances its operations through a combination of loans (see note 18), and through the generation of cash 
from operating activities. 

The finance charge of the Group for the year to 31 March 2020 of £1,043,000 (2019: £542,000) comprised loan 
interest & charges of £636,000 (2019: £512,000), and lease finance charges of £401,000 (2019: £nil). 

The loans provided by Phoenix SG Limited from 16 March 2018 are a fixed interest loan (5% per annum).  

Foreign exchange risk 
The Group had no material exposure to foreign exchange risk in the year ended 31 March 2020. The Group did 
have assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies relating to USA activities of Mallett Inc. This was deemed 
as a material exposure to foreign currency risk for the Group. Liabilities that arise in US $ are managed from cash 
generated by the sale of assets in these currencies or by the use of foreign currency earnings generated elsewhere 
within the Group. 

After the discontinuation of the Mallett trading business the only significant foreign asset is a lease on a New York 
property. The property is sub-let and generates income to cover associated costs and therefore the foreign exchange 
risk is minimal. 

Liquidity risk 
Liquidity risk arises from the Group’s management of its working capital and the finance charges and principal 
repayment on its bank borrowings. It is the risk that the Group will encounter difficulty in meeting its financial 
obligations as they fall due. 

The Group seeks to manage financial risk by ensuring sufficient liquidity is available to meet foreseeable needs. The 
Group’s liquidity risk is managed by the Group finance function. Budgets and forecasts are prepared throughout 
the year for the Directors. These are monitored to ensure that the Group has sufficient headroom within its current 
cash balance to meet liabilities as they fall due. The forecasts are dependent upon the liabilities not materialising at 
a level greater than forecast and trading improving from its current level in line with management’s expectations. In 
the event that either these liabilities increased or trading deteriorated the Group may require access to additional 
liquidity. 

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Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

25 Financial Instruments continued
The Group’s financial liabilities have contractual maturities (representing undiscounted contractual cash flows) as 
summarised below: 

At 31 March 2020 
Trade and other payables 
Borrowings
Lease liability

At 31 March 2019 
Trade and other payables 
Borrowings

Within
6 months
£’000

Between
6 and 12 months
£’000

Between 
1 and 5 years
£’000

4,023
–
403
4,426

6,040
–
6,040

215
–
407
622

–
–
–

507
14,166
7,731
22,404

–
11,529
11,529

Total 
£’000 

4,745 
14,166 
8,541 
27,452 

6,040 
11,529 
17,569 

Included within trade and other payables is an amount of £nil (2019: £155,000) relating to previous customers of 
certain investment plans which will be payable if the customer chooses not to hold their collectibles or reinvest in 
other collectibles. 

26 Identity of related parties 
The Company has a controlling related party relationship with its subsidiary companies (see note 30). The Group 
also has a related party relationship with its Directors. 

Transactions between parent and subsidiaries 
The parent company charged management fees of £550,000 in the year to 31 March 2020 (2019: £835,000) to its 
subsidiaries. 

Transactions between controlling party, parent and subsidiaries 
On 10th September 2018 the Group announced that its subsidiary, Stanley Gibbons Limited had entered into an 
agreement with Phoenix S.G. Limited (the Group’s controlling party) to acquire approximately 1,900 items, for an initial 
consideration of £5.20m, which is payable in cash to Phoenix SG Limited over the term of the agreement, as and when 
sales of the items are made to third parties and will be the net proceeds, after deduction of a commission payment to 
be made to SGL, on completed sales. (see note 13) 

On 21st February 2020 the Group announced that its subsidiary, Stanley Gibbons Limited had entered into an 
agreement with Phoenix S.G. Limited to acquire approximately 780 items, for an initial consideration of £1.07m, 
which is payable in cash to Phoenix SG Limited over the term of the agreement, as and when sales of the items are 
made to third parties and will be the net proceeds, after deduction of a commission payment to be made to SGL, on 
completed sales. (see note 13) 

Details of the loan facility between the Group, its subsidiaries and Phoenix S. G. Limited are disclosed in note 18. 

Transactions with Directors and key management personnel 
The remuneration of the Directors and details of share options granted are disclosed in the Report on Remuneration 
and in note 6. There are no key management personnel, as defined in IAS 24, aside from the Directors. 

G E Shircore was appointed a Director on 19 March 2018 and Chief Executive Officer on 4 June 2018. He does not 
receive any remuneration from the Group. Phoenix Asset Management Partners Limited, Mr Shircore’s ultimate 

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Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

26 Identity of related parties continued
employer, is the investment manager to Phoenix S.G. Limited which holds 248,000,000 Ordinary shares representing 
58.09% of the Company’s issued share capital. 

Year ended 31 March 2020 
H G Wilson, the Group’s Chairman, made purchases during the year to the value of £68,530; he had a sales ledger 
balance of £9,390. Mr Wilson is owed an amount of £4,023 and the net amount outstanding at 31 March 2020 of 
£5,367. The net amount outstanding at the date of this report was £nil. 

G E Shircore made purchases of £768 during the year. There amount outstanding was £nil at 31 March 2020. 

M West, a non-Executive director, purchased £277 of goods from the Group during the year. No amount was 
outstanding at 31 March 2020. 

Year ended 31 March 2019 
H G Wilson made purchases during the year to the value of £49,052; he had a sales ledger balance of £11,333 at 
the year end. 

27 Discontinued Operations 
During the year ended 31 March 2018 the company began to dispose of various assets of its Interiors division 
resulting in the cessation of trading in this segment. As a result the financial information relating to the Interiors 
division has been reported as a discontinued operation and that information is presented in the note below. 

Financial performance and cash flow information 
During the year ended 31 March 2020, the Group sold down further some of the remaining inventory balance from 
the Interiors division, which offset some of the costs associated in closing the remainder of the division. The financial 
performance is shown below: 

                                                                                                                                                                         31 March           31 March  
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2020                      2019 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    £’000                     £’000 

Revenue                                                                                                                                                                        180                    250 
Expenses                                                                                                                                                                       (48)                 (176) 
Profit/(loss) before income tax                                                                                                                               132                      74 
Income tax credit                                                                                                                                                            –                        – 
Profit/(loss) after income tax of  
discontinued operation                                                                                                                                             132                      74 
Gain on disposal of assets                                                                                                                                             –                        – 
Profit/(loss) from  
discontinued operation                                                                                                                                             132                      74 

Net cash outflow from  
operating activities                                                                                                                                                     132                      74 
Net cash – sales proceeds                                                                                                                                            –                        – 
Net decrease in cash from  
discontinued operations                                                                                                                                           132                      74 

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Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

28 Leases 

Right of use assets and lease liability 
This note explains the impact of the adoption of IFRS 16 Leases on the Group’s financial statements and the new 
accounting policies that have been applied from 1 April 2019 can be found in note 1. The Group has adopted IFRS 
16 retrospectively from 1 April 2019, but has not restated comparatives for the year ended 31 March 2019, as 
permitted under the specific transitional provisions in the standard. The reclassifications and the adjustments arising 
from the new leasing rules are therefore recognised in the opening balance sheet on 1 April 2019. 

Adjustments recognised on adoption of IFRS 16 
On adoption of IFRS 16, the Group recognised lease liabilities in relation to leases which had previously been 
classified as ‘operating leases’ under the principles of IAS 17 Leases. These liabilities were measured at the present 
value of the remaining lease payments, discounted using the lessee’s incremental borrowing rate as of 1 April 2019. 
The weighted average lessee’s incremental borrowing rate applied to the lease liabilities on 1 April 2019 was 5%, 
the discount rate on the Group’s borrowings. In the Directors opinion this is the discount rate that the Group would 
obtain any further borrowings, as this is the discount rate applied to the Phoenix loan (see note 18). Phoenix has 
secured these borrowings against the Group’s assets. Without further security available the Group would be unlikely 
to secure funding from other sources and therefore the Directors believe the 5% rate applied is the most appropriate 
basis on which to base the IFRS 16 calculations. 

For leases previously classified as finance leases the entity recognised the carrying amount of the lease asset and 
lease liability immediately before transition as the carrying amount of the right of use asset and the lease liability at 
the date of initial application. The measurement principles of IFRS 16 are only applied after that date. 

Operating lease commitments disclosed as at 31 March 2019
Discounted using incremental borrowing rate at date of initial application
Additions to leases in period
Lease payments
Lease liability recognized in statement of financial position 

Of which: 
     Current lease liabilities
     Non-current lease liabilities

31 March
 2020 
£’000

–
6,425
2,962
(846)
8,541

810
7,731
8,541

31 March 
2019 
£’000 

8,075   
6,425 
– 
– 
6,425 

591 
5,834 
6,425 

Right-of use assets were measured at the amount equal to the lease liability, adjusted by the amount of any prepaid 
or accrued lease payments relating to that lease recognised in the balance sheet as at 31 March 2019. There were 
no onerous lease contracts that would have required an adjustment to the right-of-use assets at the date of initial 
application. The recognised right-of-use assets relate to the following types of assets: 

Properties

31 March
 2020 
£’000

7,762

1 April  
2019 
£’000 

5,691 

On 4 July 2019, a new lease was signed on the Group’s main trading address, Basement to 1st Floor, 399 Strand, 

London, WC2R 0LX, on that date a liability and right-of-use asset of £2,962,000 was recognised.

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Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

28 Leases continued
The change in accounting policy affected the following items in the balance sheet on 1 April 2019: 

•

•

•

Right-of-use assets – Increased by £5,691,000 

Accruals and deferred income – Decreased by £734,000 

Lease liabilities – Increased by £6,425,000 

There was no impact on retained earnings on 1 April 2019 

Impact on segment disclosures and earnings per share 
Adjusted EBITDA, segment assets and segment liabilities for March 2020 all increased as a result of the change in 
accounting policy. Lease liabilities are now included in segment liabilities, whereas finance lease liabilities were 
previously excluded from segment liabilities. The following segments were affected by the change in policy: 

Philatelic
Publishing
Interiors

Adjusted
EBITDA 
£’000

333
29
861
1,223

Segment. 
 assets 
£’000

2,733
45
4,984
7,762

Segment 
liabilities 
£’000 

2,713 
40 
5,788 
8,541 

Right of use asset depreciation of £890,000 was charged in the year. As a result of the adoption of IFRS 16, Earnings 
per share decreased by 0.04p per share for the year to 31 March 2020. 

Practical expedients applied 
In applying IFRS 16 for the first time, the Group has used the following practical expedients permitted by the 
standard: 

•

•

•

•

•

the use of a single discount rate to a portfolio of leases with reasonably similar characteristics  

reliance on previous assessments on whether leases are onerous  

the accounting for operating leases with a remaining lease term of less than 12 months as at 1 April 2019 
as short-term leases 

the exclusion of initial direct costs for the measurement of the right-of-use asset at the date of initial 
application, and  

the  use  of  hindsight  in  determining  the  lease  term  where  the  contract  contains  options  to  extend  or 
terminate the lease. 

The Group has also elected not to reassess whether a contract is, or contains a lease at the date of initial application. 
Instead, for contracts entered into before the transition date the group relied on its assessment made applying IAS 17 
and IFRIC 4 Determining whether an Arrangement contains a Lease. 

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Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

28 Leases continued

Minimal future rental payments for sub-let properties 
The Group sub-lets two of its properties in Pall Mall, London and Madison Avenue, New York. At 31 March 2020 
the Group had future minimum rental payments receivable under non-cancellable operating leases as follows: 

Receivable:

Within one year
Between two and five years
In five years or more

Land and
 Buildings 
 31 March 
2020
£’000

1,230
4,623
2,339
8,192

Land and  
Buildings 
31 March  
2019 
£’000 

1,200 
4,664 
3,527 
9,391 

29 Contingent liabilities 
In  previous  years  the  Group  had  significant  uncertainty  resulting  from  investment  contract  guarantees  and 
undertakings given by its subsidiary Stanley Gibbons (Guernsey) Limited. The granting of the administration order 
on 21 November 2017 for Stanley Gibbons (Guernsey) Limited resulted in the Group’s loss of control of the business 
and its assets and liabilities. This resulted in a significant contingent liability, approximately £54,150,000 at 31 March 
2017 (the last accounting date prior to administration), relating to these guarantees and undertakings, which have 
been removed from the Group and fundamentally limited the exposure of the Group to the related buyback liabilities 
and associated cash outflows.  

On 2 April 2019 the Royal Court of Guernsey ordered that Stanley Gibbons (Guernsey) Limited enter liquidation 
and the winding up process is continuing but has been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

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Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

30 Principal subsidiaries 
The principal subsidiary undertakings of the Company, all of which are 100% owned are as follows: 

Name
Stanley Gibbons (Guernsey) Limited Guernsey
(in liquidation)**
Stanley Gibbons (Jersey) Limited

Jersey

Country of 
incorporation

Description of  
shares held
Ordinary £1 shares

Ordinary £1 shares

Stanley Gibbons Holdings Limited
Stanley Gibbons Limited*

England
England

Ordinary £0.25 shares
Ordinary £1 shares

Stanley Gibbons (Asia) Limited

Hong Kong

Ordinary HK$1 shares

Minden House Limited
Concept Court Limited
Murray Payne Limited

Noble Investments (UK) Limited
AH Baldwin & Sons Limited*

Jersey
England
England

England
England

Ordinary £1 shares
Ordinary £1 shares
Ordinary £1 shares

Ordinary 1p shares
Ordinary £1 shares

Greenfield Auctions Limited*
England
The Fine Art Auction Group Limited* England

Ordinary £1 shares
Ordinary £0.45 shares 
Preferred £1 shares
Preferred £0.25 shares 
Deferred £0.25 shares 
Ordinary £0.05 shares

England

Principal activity 
Philatelic dealer and dealer in  
memorabilia 
Philatelic dealer and dealer in 
memorabilia 
Holding Company 
Philatelic dealer and retailer, 
and dealer in memorabilia 
Philatelic dealer and dealer in 
memorabilia 
First day cover dealer 
First day cover dealer 
Philatelic dealer and 
auctioneer 
Holding Company 
Dealer in rare coins and other 
collectibles 
Auctioneer of works on paper 
Auctioneer and valuer of  
art, antiques and collectibles 

Holding company 

Dover Street Limited* 
(formerly Mallett Limited) 
Milsom Street Limited* (formerly
Mallett & Son (Antiques) Limited) 
Mallett, Inc*
Stanley Gibbons Finance Limited*

* Indirect holding 
** Not controlled due to being in liquidation 

England

Ordinary £1 shares

Antique dealers 

United States Common stock US$1
England

Ordinary £1 shares

Antique dealers 
Loan finance 

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
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Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

31 Controlling party 
In the opinion of the directors the controlling party of the Group after the 19 March 2018 was Phoenix UK Fund 
Limited and after 27 March 2018 was Phoenix S. G. Limited. There was no controlling party prior to 19 March 2018. 

32 Impact of COVID-19 pandemic and global “lockdown” post balance sheet date 
The COVID-19 pandemic impact on the Group has been significant. As a result of the “lockdown” imposed in the 
UK, the Group’s retail premises in London were closed. A considerable part of our interaction with customers is 
face-to-face so the closing of our premises and the cancellation of a number of exhibitions and shows significantly 
reduced our opportunities to meet with both customers and vendors. 

The “lockdowns” also resulted in our employees in both our office locations, London and Hampshire, having to work 
from home. 

To mitigate the impact of the pandemic, the Group adapted its marketing and selling strategy for its dealing and 
publications operations to focus more on distance selling through its webstore and direct communication with its 
customers. With the flexible approach of its employees the Group has improved it’s on-line and distance selling 
revenue considerably during the first part of 2020. Our dealing business has a significant inventory from which to 
trade and has also been able to continue to source material from on-line auctions and its regular dealer network. 

However, the impact on the business’ retail store and auctions business has been significant. Our retail store remained 
closed from 24 March to 29 June 2020 and apart from one “stay at home” on-line auction no other auctions will be 
held until the end of July. 

Our sales by nature are volatile as we have a small number of large value transactions where timings can impact on 
reporting, but there is no doubt that the pandemic has impacted revenue. The Group’s revenue from its philatelic, 
publications and coins business at 12 July 2020 was 34% lower than for the same period in the previous financial 
year. 

The Group has taken mitigating actions to reduce the impact of the lower demand on its operating results and its 
liquidity. They include: 

•

•

•

•

•

•

Use of the UK government furlough scheme for a number of employees. 

Business rates holiday for a year on the retail premises in London. 

Delayed VAT payments. 

Interest holiday for 4 months to end of July 2020 negotiated with our lender. 

Deferment of pension contributions until August 2020. 

Deferment and some sacrifice of employees and Directors salaries to June 2020. 

All of these mitigating actions have resulted in the Group’s liquidity position not deteriorating further and not having 
to drawdown further on its borrowing facilities during this period. The Group has also been able to maintain its long 
term investment in its digital strategy.  

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Notes to the Financial Statements 
continued

32 Impact of COVID-19 pandemic and global “lockdown” post balance sheet date 

continued

Depending on the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and the continued negative impact on economic activity 
the Group might experience further negative impact on its operating results, liquidity position and impairment of its 
assets. The pandemic is having an impact on the properties that the Group sub-lets in Pall Mall, London and Madison 
Avenue,  New  York.  Both  properties  are  sub-let  to  non-essential  retailers  which  have  been  closed  during  the 
“lockdowns”. The Group’s tenants have not paid rent due during the period which has meant that the Group has 
not been able to pay rent to the landlords. The Group is currently in negotiations with its tenants and landlords to 
resolve these matters but there is uncertainty to the outcome of those negotiations and to whether the tenants will 
continue to occupy the properties in the future. At 31 March 2020 the Group Statement of financial position included 
leasehold assets of £944,000 and right of use assets of £4,984,000 and lease liabilities of £5,788,000. At 31 March 
2020 the Directors believe that these assets are not impaired, however once the outcome of these negotiations is 
known a further impairment review may be required. 

With the ongoing uncertainties in the general economy and the impact on demand for the Group and the implications 
for its sub-let properties the exact impact on the Groups liquidity is uncertain (see note 2 Going Concern). The Group 
has £2m of headroom remaining in its facility at 24 July 2020 but will continue to be reliant on the support of its lender. 
The Group’s forecasted performance is likely to see it breach its loan covenants when tested in March 2021. 

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Directors’ Biographical Details

Henry George Wilson, Director and Non-executive Chairman 
Date of Appointment as Director: 16 May 2016. 

Harry Wilson received a BSc in physics from Manchester University in 1973. Following graduation he spent 17 years 
in various roles at British Petroleum and attended the Executive Programme at the INSEAD Business School in France 
in 1985. 

Harry has over 35 years business experience, initially in the oil industry but successively in a wide range of business 
sectors. He has been founder, CEO and Chairman of a number of independent oil companies and led public listings 
for five companies including Dragon Oil Plc and Eland Oil & Gas Plc. He has been an executive and non-executive 
director of listed companies in the UK and abroad and has built up an extensive range of London and international 
contacts in the investment, broking and advisory communities. 

Throughout his business career Harry has taken a keen interest in collectibles, particularly stamps and antiques. He 
is a longstanding member of the Royal Philatelic Society London, the Malaya Study Group and the India Study Group. 

Harry was appointed a Director on 16 May 2016 and became Executive Chairman on 14 July 2016. Following 
completion of the debt restructuring and subscription for new shares by Phoenix he resumed his role as Non-
Executive Chairman on 19 March 2018. He is Chairman of the Nomination Committee and member of the Audit 
Committee. 

Graham Elliott Shircore, Chief Executive Officer 
Date of Appointment as Director: 19 March 2018. 

Graham Shircore graduated from Bath University with a BSc (Hons.) degree in Business Administration in 2005. 
During his time at University he completed internships with Fidelity, Principal Investment Management and Motorola 
Finance as well as passing the IMC exam. 

Following graduation he joined Aviva Investors, subsequently becoming a UK Equity Analyst there. Having passed 
all three levels of the CFA exam he became a UK Equity Fund Manager in 2008 and later also managed European 
funds before moving to Rothschild Wealth Management in 2013 as a Senior Equity Analyst. There he helped shape 
and implement the equity research process. 

Graham joined Phoenix Asset Management Partners in January 2017 and was heavily involved in the due diligence 
process which ultimately led to Phoenix taking a 58% equity stake in The Stanley Gibbons Group. 

Graham was appointed a Director on 19 March 2018 and Chief Executive Officer on 4 June 2018. 

Anthony Michael Gee FCA, Chief Finance Officer 
Date of Appointment as Director: 1 August 2019. 

Anthony  Gee  graduated  in  1990  with  a  BSc  in  Accountancy  and  qualified  as  a  Chartered  Accountant  with 
Ernst & Young. 

He joined the Stanley Gibbons Group in 2012 and has since held a variety of finance and operational roles, most 
recently as Group Chief Operating Officer. He was appointed Interim CFO on 29 March 2019 and joined the Board 
as Chief Finance Officer on 1 August 2019. 

Mr Gee is an experienced finance executive having previously held senior positions at Hilton International and 
latterly at Flying Brands, where he became finance director. 

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Directors’ Biographical Details 
continued

Louis Emmanuel Castro BSc, BComm (Hons), FCA, Non- Executive Director – Independent 
Date of Appointment as Director: 3 October 2016. 

Louis has over 30 years’ experience in investment banking and broking both in the UK and overseas. Most recently 
he has been the Chief Financial Officer at Eland Oil & Gas, a publicly quoted company where he was one of two 
executive board directors. Previously he was Chief Executive of Northland Capital Partners in London and before 
this he was Head of Corporate Finance at Matrix Corporate Capital and at Insinger de Beaufort. He started his career 
by qualifying as a Chartered Accountant with Coopers & Lybrand (now PwC). 

Louis  has  widespread  international  experience  having  advised  the  Boards  of  companies  worldwide  including 
companies in the retail sector. He has led on numerous public listings and has been a non-executive director of 
several quoted companies. 

Mr Castro is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. He graduated in 1980 from 
Birmingham University with a BSc & BComm (Hons) in Engineering Production & Economics. He is Chairman of the 
Audit Committee and a member of the Remuneration and Nomination Committees. 

Mark West, MBA, Non-Executive Director – Independent 
Date of Appointment as Director: 3 December 2018. 

Mark is an experienced retail executive with a proven track record of delivery across a range of product categories 
and business disciplines. Most recently until June 2018 he was Chief Technology Officer for JAB Luxury GmbH 
(LABELUX), a European private luxury group, the former owner of Jimmy Choo and Belstaff and shareholder of 
Bally. 

Prior to this, Mark worked for more than 24 years in various senior management and director roles at Harrods as 
well as working as a Consultant/Advisor for a number of retail brands such as Aquascutum, Burberry, Liberty, 
Hamleys and Fat Face. He is Chairman of the Remuneration Committee.

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Notice of Annual General Meeting 

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) of The Stanley Gibbons Group plc (“Company”) 
will be held at 399 Strand, London WC2R 0LX on Thursday 10 September 2020 at 11.30 a.m. for the purpose of 
considering and, if thought fit, adopting the following resolutions relating to the ordinary and special business of 
the Company at the AGM or any adjournment thereof. 

NB: In the light of the continued Government guidance in relation to Covid-19 this year’s meeting will 
take place as a closed meeting and shareholders will not be able to attend in person. 

You will not receive a form of proxy for the AGM in the post. Instead, you will receive instructions to enable you to 
vote electronically and how to register to do so. You may request a hard copy proxy form directly from the registrars, 
Link Asset Services, 34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 4TU (telephone number:  0371 664 0391). 

To consider, and if thought fit, to pass the following resolutions as Ordinary Resolutions: 

Ordinary Business 

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

“THAT the Company’s audited accounts for the year ended 31 March 2020 and the Directors’ and Auditors’ 
Reports thereon be approved and adopted.” 

“THAT HG Wilson, who retires in accordance with the Articles of Association of the Company, and, being 
eligible, be re-elected as a Director of the Company.” 

“THAT GE Shircore, who retires in accordance with the Articles of Association of the Company, and, being 
eligible, be re-elected as a Director of the Company.” 

“THAT AM Gee, who retires in accordance with the Articles of Association of the Company, and, being eligible, 
be re-elected as a Director of the Company.” 

“THAT LE Castro, who retires in accordance with the Articles of Association of the Company, and, being 
eligible, be re-elected as a Director of the Company.” 

“THAT M West, who retires in accordance with the Articles of Association of the Company, and, being eligible, 
be re-elected as a Director of the Company.” 

“THAT Jeffreys Henry LLP be appointed as Auditors of the Company to hold office until the conclusion of the 
next Annual General Meeting and to authorise the Directors to fix the Auditors’ remuneration.” 

To consider, and if thought fit, to pass the following resolution as a Special Resolution: 

Special Business 

Authority to purchase own Ordinary Shares 

8.

“THAT the Company be generally and unconditionally authorised to make one or more market purchases of 
its own Ordinary Shares, such purchases to be of Ordinary Shares of one pence (1p) each in the capital of the 
Company (“Ordinary Shares”), provided that: 

(a)     the maximum number of Ordinary Shares authorised to be purchased shall be 64,000,000 Ordinary 

Shares, being approximately 15 per cent of the issued capital of the Company; and 

(b)     the minimum price which may be paid for any such Ordinary Shares shall be 1p per Ordinary Share 

(exclusive of expenses); and 

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Notice of Annual General Meeting 
continued

(c)      the maximum price (exclusive of expenses) which may be paid for such Ordinary Shares shall be an amount 
equal to 5 per cent above the average middle market quotations of an Ordinary Share as derived from the 
Daily Official List of the UKLA for the five business days immediately preceding the day on which any such 
Ordinary Shares are purchased or contracted to be purchased; 

(d)     unless otherwise varied renewed or revoked the authority hereby conferred shall expire at the earlier of 
the expiry of 15 months from the date of this Resolution and the conclusion of the Annual General 
Meeting of the Company to be held in 2021; and 

(e)     prior to expiry of the authority hereby conferred the Company may enter into a contract or contracts for 
the purchase of Ordinary Shares which may be executed in whole or in part after such expiry and may 
purchase Ordinary Shares pursuant to such contract or contracts as if the authority hereby conferred 
had not so expired.” 

To consider, and if thought fit, to pass the following resolution as an Ordinary Resolution: 

Authority to allot Ordinary Shares 

9.

“THAT the Directors be generally and unconditionally authorised to exercise all powers of the Company to 
issue or grant equity securities (as defined in the articles of association of the Company (the “Articles”)) in 
accordance with article 2.2(b) of the Articles: 

(a)     up to a maximum number of 73,083,357 Ordinary Shares (such number to be reduced by the number of 
Ordinary Shares allotted pursuant the authority in sub-paragraph (b) below) in connection with an offer 
by way of a rights issue: 

          (1)     to holders of Ordinary Shares in proportion (as nearly as may be practicable) to their respective 

holdings; and 

          (2)     to holders of other equity securities as required by the rights of those securities or as the Directors 

otherwise consider necessary, 

          but subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors may deem necessary or expedient 
to deal with fractional entitlements, record dates, legal or practical problems in or under the laws of any 
territory or the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange; and 

(b)     in any other case, up to a maximum of 142,000,000 Ordinary Shares (such number to be reduced by the 
number of any Ordinary Shares allotted pursuant to the authority in sub-paragraph (a) above in excess 
of 142,000,000), 

(d)     provided that this authority shall, unless renewed, varied or revoked by the Company, expire at the earlier 
of the expiry of 15 months from the date of this Resolution and the conclusion of the Annual General 
Meeting of the Company to be held in 2021, save that the Company may, before such expiry, make offers 
or agreements which would or might require equity securities to be issued or granted and the Directors 
may issue or grant equity securities in pursuance of such offer or agreement notwithstanding that the 
authority conferred by this resolution has expired.” 

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Notice of Annual General Meeting 
continued

To consider, and if thought fit, to pass the following resolution as a Special Resolution:  

Disapplication of pre-emption rights 

10.

“THAT, subject to the passing of the ordinary resolution numbered 9 in this notice of Annual General Meeting, 
the Directors be given the general power to issue or grant equity securities (as defined in the Articles) for cash 
either pursuant to the authority conferred by the ordinary resolution numbered 9 in this notice of Annual 
General Meeting or by way of a sale of treasury shares, as if the pre-emption rights contained in article 2.7 of 
the Articles did not apply to any such issue or grant, provided that this power shall be limited to: 

(a)     the allotment or grant of equity securities in connection with an offer of equity securities (but, in the case 
of the authority granted under sub-paragraph (a) of the ordinary resolution numbered 9 in this notice of 
Annual General Meeting, by way of a rights issue only): 

          (1)     to the holders of Ordinary Shares in proportion (as nearly as may be practicable) to their respective 

holdings; and 

          (2)     to holders of other equity securities as required by the rights of those securities or as the Directors 

otherwise consider necessary, 

          but subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors may deem necessary or expedient 
to deal with fractional entitlements, record dates, legal or practical problems in or under the laws of any 
territory or the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange; and 

(b)     the allotment or grant (otherwise than pursuant to sub-paragraph (a) above) of equity securities up to a 

maximum of 106,500,000 Ordinary Shares. 

The power granted by this resolution will expire at the earlier of the expiry of 15 months from the date of this 
Resolution and the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting of the Company to be held in 2021 (unless 
renewed, varied or revoked by the Company prior to or on such date) save that the Company may, before 
such expiry make offers or agreements which would or might require equity securities to be allotted or granted 
after such expiry and the Directors may allot or grant equity securities in pursuance of any such offer or 
agreement notwithstanding that the power conferred by this resolution has expired.” 

by order of the board of Directors of 
The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
RK Purkis, Secretary 

Dated: 29 July 2020 

Registered Office Address: 18 Hill Street, St Helier, Jersey JE2 4UA, Channel Islands. 

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Notice of Annual General Meeting 
continued

NOTES: 

1.

2.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

The AGM will take place as a closed meeting and shareholders will not be able to attend the meeting in person. The Company will 
make arrangements so that a minimum quorum of shareholders is present and the legal requirements to hold a valid AGM are satisfied.  

A member of the Company entitled to attend and vote at the meeting convened by the notice set out above is entitled to appoint a 
proxy to exercise all or any of your rights to vote on your behalf at a general meeting of the Company. 

Given the restrictions on attendance, in order to ensure that your vote is exercised shareholders who wish to appoint a proxy are 
encouraged to appoint the Chairman of the meeting as their proxy, rather than a named person who will not be permitted to attend. 

You can vote either: 

•

•

•

online, by logging on to www.signalshares.com and following the instructions; 

by requesting a hard copy form of proxy directly from the registrars, Link Asset Services by calling  tel: 0371 664 0391. Calls 
are charged at the standard geographic rate and will vary by provider. Calls outside the United Kingdom will be charged at 
the applicable international rate. Lines are open between 09:00 – 17:30, Monday to Friday excluding public holidays in England 
and Wales; 

in the case of CREST members, by utilising the CREST electronic proxy appointment service in accordance with the procedures 
set out below. 

In order for a proxy appointment to be valid a proxy instruction must be completed. In each case the proxy instruction must be 
received by Link Asset Services at 34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 4ZF by 11.30 am on 8th September 2020. 
In  the  case  of  joint  holders,  where  more  than  one  of  the  joint  holders  purports  to  appoint  a  proxy,  only  the  appointment                                           
submitted by the most senior holder will be accepted. Seniority is determined by the order in which the names of the joint holders 
appear in the Company’s register of members in respect of the joint holding (the first-named being the most senior). 

In the case of a member which is a company, your proxy form must be executed under its common seal or signed on its behalf by a 
duly authorised officer of the Company or an attorney for the Company. 

Any power of attorney or any other authority under which your proxy form is signed (or a duly certified copy of such power or 
authority) must be included with your proxy form. 

If you submit more than one valid proxy appointments, the appointment received last before the latest time for the receipt of proxies 
will take precedence. 

You may not use any electronic address provided in your proxy form to communicate with the Company for any purposes other than 
those expressly stated. 

CREST members who wish to appoint a proxy or proxies through the CREST electronic proxy appointment service may do so for the 
General Meeting to be held on 10 September 2020 and any adjournment(s) thereof by using the procedures described in the CREST 
Manual. CREST personal members or other CREST sponsored members, and those CREST members who have appointed a voting 
service provider should refer to their CREST sponsors 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 by means of CREST 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 instructions, as described in the CREST Manual. The message must be transmitted 
so as to be received by the Company’s agent, Link Asset Services (CREST Participant ID: RA10), no later than 48 hours before the 
time appointed for the meeting. For this purpose, the time of receipt will be taken to be the time (as determined by the time stamp 
applied to the message by the CREST Application Host) from which the Company’s agent is able to retrieve the message by enquiry 
to CREST in the manner prescribed by CREST. 

CREST members and, where applicable, their CREST sponsor or voting service provider should note that Euroclear UK & Ireland 
Limited does not make available special procedures in CREST for any particular messages. 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, to 
procure that his CREST sponsor or voting service provider takes) 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 sponsor or voting service provider 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 Article 34 of the Companies (Uncertified 
Securities) (Jersey) Order 1999. 

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Notice of Annual General Meeting 
continued

8.

9.

10.

Pursuant to Article 40 of the Companies (Uncertificated Securities) (Jersey) Order 1999, the Company specifies that only those 
members entered on the register of members of the Company as at close of business on 8 September 2020 or, if the meeting is 
adjourned, 48 hours before the time fixed for the adjourned meeting shall be entitled to attend and vote at the meeting in respect of 
the number of Ordinary Shares registered in their name at that time. Changes to entries on the register of members after close of 
business on 8 September 2020 or, if the meeting is adjourned, on the register of members 48 hours before the time fixed for the 
adjourned meeting shall be disregarded in determining the rights of any person to attend or vote at the meeting. 

Any corporation which is a member can appoint one or more corporate representatives who may exercise on its behalf all of its 
powers as a member provided that they do not do so in relation to the same Ordinary Shares. 

Any member attending the meeting has the right to ask questions. The Company has to answer any questions raised by members at 
the meeting which relate to the business being dealt with at the meeting unless:  

•

•

•

to do so would interfere unduly with the preparation for the meeting or involve the disclosure of confidential information; 

the answer has already been given on a website in the form of an answer to a question, or; 

it is undesirable in the interests of the company or the good order of the meeting to answer the question. 

As this year’s meeting will take place as a closed meeting, shareholders will not be able to attend in person. If you are a shareholder 
and wish to ask the Board a question on the formal business of the AGM, please email your question to the Company Secretary, 
rpurkis@stanleygibbons.com by 11.30am on Tuesday 8th September 2020. Answers to questions will be published on our website 
at:  www.stanleygibbonsplc.com/shareholder-information/  as  soon  as  is  practicable  after  the  close  of  the  AGM.  Additionally 
shareholders can also view a live stream of the AGM on https://bit.ly/stanleygibbons but will not be able to participate in the meeting 
or vote using this facility. 

11.

Copies of the directors’ service contracts and letters of appointment are available for inspection at the registered office of the Company 
during normal business hours on any business day from the date of this Notice up to the conclusion of the AGM. Due to restrictions, 
if shareholders wish to inspect any of these documents they should email rpurkis@stanleygibbons.com. 

EXPLANATORY NOTES 

Resolutions 2 – 6: Directors seeking re-election 
The entire Board of Directors comprising Harry Wilson, Graham Shircore, Anthony Gee, Louis Castro and Mark West will retire from office 
and offer itself for re-election, at this year’s Annual General Meeting. 

Biographical details of the Directors seeking re-election are contained in the Annual Report 2020. 

Resolution 7: Appointment of auditor 
At each general meeting at which the accounts are laid before the members, the Company is required to appoint an auditor to serve until 
the next such meeting. The resolution also authorises the Board to determine the remuneration of the Company’s auditor. 

Resolution 8: Authority for Company to purchase its own Ordinary Shares 
The previous authority granted by the shareholders to the Directors for the Company to purchase its own Ordinary Shares will shortly expire 
and the Directors recommend that a further authority in this respect be obtained. The authority, if renewed at the Annual General Meeting, 
would permit the Company to purchase up to approximately 15% of its issued Ordinary Shares for a price (exclusive of expenses) which is 
not less than the nominal value of an Ordinary Share and not more than 5% above the average market value of an Ordinary Share for the 
five business days prior to the day the purchase is made. The authority granted by this resolution will expire at the earlier of the expiry of 
15 months from the date of this Resolution and the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company. 

The Board would only authorise such purchases after careful consideration, taking account of other investment opportunities, appropriate 
gearing levels, the overall financial position of the group and whether the effect would be an increase on earnings per share and in the best 
interests of shareholders generally. 

Resolution 9: Authority to allot Ordinary Shares 
This resolution deals with the Directors’ authority to allot Ordinary Shares in accordance with article 2.2 of the Articles and will, if passed, 
authorise the Directors to allot: (a) in relation to a pre-emptive rights issue only, up to a maximum of 73,083,357 Ordinary Shares (which 
represents the Company’s unissued Ordinary Shares as at the date of this notice). This maximum is reduced by the number of Ordinary 
Shares allotted under the authority referred to in sub-paragraph (b) below; and (b) in any other case, up to a maximum of 142,000,000 
Ordinary Shares (which represents approximately one-third of the Company’s issued Ordinary Shares as at the date of this notice). This 
maximum is reduced by the number of Ordinary Shares allotted under the authority referred to in sub-paragraph (a) above in excess of 
142,000,000 Ordinary Shares. Therefore, the maximum number of Ordinary Shares which may be allotted under this resolution is 73,083,357 
Ordinary Shares. The authority granted by this resolution will expire at the earlier of the expiry of 15 months from the date of this Resolution 
and the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company. 

Resolution 10: Disapplication of pre-emption rights 
This resolution will, if passed, give the Directors power, pursuant to the authority to allot granted by resolution 9, to allot Ordinary Shares 
or sell treasury shares for cash up to a maximum of 106,500,000 of Ordinary Shares (which represents approximately 25% of the Company’s 
issued Ordinary Shares as at the date of this notice) without first offering them to existing shareholders in proportion to their existing 
holdings. The power granted by this resolution will expire at the earlier of the expiry of 15 months from the date of this Resolution and the 
conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company.

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 
86

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The Stanley Gibbons Group plc  
18 Hill Street, St Helier,  
Jersey JE2 4UA, Channel Islands  
Tel: 01534 766711 

and 

399 Strand, 
London WC2R 0LX 
Tel: 020 7836 8444 

Email: info@stanleygibbons.com 
www.stanleygibbons.com

The Stanley Gibbons Group plc 

Annual Report and Accounts  
for the year ended 31 March 2020