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Tandem Group Plc

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FY2018 Annual Report · Tandem Group Plc
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Tandem Group plc

Annual report and accounts 
Year ended 31 December 2018

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Tandem Group plc

Welcome to 
Tandem Group plc

Tandem Group plc is a designer, 
developer, distributor and retailer of sports,  
leisure and mobility products.

Contents
Directors and advisers

Brands

Chairman’s statement

Strategic report

Directors’ report

Corporate governance statement

Report of the Independent Auditor

Consolidated income statement

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

Consolidated balance sheet

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

Consolidated cash flow statement

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Five year history

Company balance sheet

Company statement of changes in equity

Notes to the company financial statements

Shareholder information

1

1

2

3

6

9

11

13

13

14

15

16

17

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45

46

47

61

Financial calendar
Annual General Meeting

Interim results for six months to 30 June 2019

Annual results for year ending 31 December 2019

27 June 2019

September 2019

April 2020

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 ❘ 01
PB ❘ 01

Directors and advisers
Directors and advisers

Directors
M P J Keene
Non-Executive Chairman

P Ratcliffe
Group Commercial Director

Company Secretary
J C Shears

S J Grant 
Chief Executive Officer 

J S T Morris
Non-Executive Director

J C Shears
Group Finance Director

A Q Bestwick
Non-Executive Director

Nominated Adviser And Broker 
Cairn Financial Advisers LLP 
Cheyne House, 62–63 Cheapside,  
London EC2V 6AX

Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor
PKF Cooper Parry Group Limited
Sky View, Argosy Road, East Midlands Airport, Castle Donington, Derby DE74 2SA 

Solicitors
Shoosmiths LLP 
2 Colmore Square, 38 Colmore Circus, 
Birmingham B4 6BJ

Registrars
Link Asset Services
The Registry, 34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 4TU
Telephone 0371 664 0300

Website
www.tandemgroup.co.uk 

Registered office
35 Tameside Drive, Castle Bromwich 
Birmingham, B35 7AG

Registration
Registered in England No. 00616818

Brands
Bicycles and accessories
Boss
British Eagle
CBR
Claud Butler
Dawes
Elswick
Explorer
Falcon
Pulse
Scorpion
Squish
Townsend
Zombie
Fishing 
Carpzone

Wheeled toys
Avengers Endgame*
Avengers*
Barbie*
Batman*
Ben 10*
Bored
Cars*
Disney Princess*
E-moto
Finding Dory*
Fireman Sam*
Frozen 2*
Hatchimals*
Hot Wheels*
Incredibles 2*

* Under licence/distribution

Football training
Kickmaster

Golf
Ben Sayers
Bioflow*
Pro Rider

Garden and camping
Airwave
Airwave Four Seasons
Party Glow
Windbar

Homewares and household
Jack Stonehouse 
Snapframes

Jo Jo Siwa*
Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom*
Justice League*
The Lion King*
L.O.L. Surprise!*
Marvels Avengers*
Minnie Mouse*
Miraculous*
My Little Pony*
Nella the Princess Knight*
Nerf*
Paw Patrol*
Peppa Pig*
Pikmi Pops*
PJ Masks*

Mobility
Pro Rider
Drive*
Freerider*
Kymco*
Sunrise Medical*
TGA*

Outdoor play
Airwave 
Hedstrom

Snooker, pool and  
table sports
Pot Black

Rusty Rivets*
Shopkins*
Spider-Man*
Stunted
Super Wings*
Teletubbies*
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles*
Thomas & Friends*
Toy Story 4*
Transformers* 
Trolls*
Twista
U-Move
Wigwam
Wired
Zoomies

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Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018

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Tandem Group plc

Chairman's statement

Introduction
I am pleased to present the results for the year ended 31 December 2018. 
Results
Revenue  reduced  by  just  under  12%  from  £36,837,000  in  the  year 
ended 31 December 2017 to £32,511,000 in the year end 31 December 
2018.  The  first  half  of  2018  was  characterised  by  exceedingly  poor 
weather  in  February  and  March,  large  overstocks  with  a  certain 
national retailer, other customers actively trying to de-stock and the 
ongoing impact of the demise of Toys R Us. However, in the second 
half of the year the Group experienced revenue growth of nearly 6% 
as it recovered from the poor start to the year.

Despite  the  reduction  in  turnover,  operating  profit  before  finance 
costs and taxation was £2,247,000 for the year ended 31 December 
2018 compared to £2,401,000 for the year ended 31 December 2017, 
a 6% reduction.

During the year exceptional costs of £218,000 were incurred mostly in 
relation to property and redundancy costs as we relocated our bicycle 
storage and distribution facility.

There  was  a  reduction  in  finance  costs  from  £511,000  in  2017  to 
£157,000  in  2018  with  a  significant  difference  in  the  fair  value 
adjustment  in  respect  of  foreign  currency  derivatives.  This  was  a 
credit of £109,000 in the year ended 31 December 2018 compared to 
a charge of £172,000 in the prior year. This adjustment will vary year 
on year based on the foreign exchange contracts in place at the year 
end and their maturity date.

It was another year of cash generation with cash and cash equivalents 
increasing  to  £4,847,000  at  31  December  2018  compared  to 
£3,856,000  at  31  December  2017.  I  am  also  very  pleased  to  report 
that for the first time in a number of years we finished the year with 
a net cash position. The net debt of £1,016,000 at the end of last year 
reduced to a net cash position of £107,000 at the end of 2018. 

Net assets increased during the year from £11,068,000 at 31 December 
2017 to £12,408,000 at 31 December 2018.

Further details of operational activities can be found in the Strategic 
report on page 3.
Dividend
We  are  proposing  to  pay  a  final  dividend  of  2.89  pence  per  share 
(year  ended  31  December  2017  –  2.75  pence  per  share)  which, 
when  combined  with  the  interim  dividend  of  1.42  pence  per  share 
(year ended 31 December 2017 – 1.35 pence per share), gives a total 
dividend of 4.31 pence for the year (year ended 31 December 2017 – 
4.10 pence per share). This represents an increase of 5% and is in line 
with our progressive dividend policy.

Subject to shareholder approval at the Annual General Meeting to be 
held  on  27  June  2019,  the  final  dividend  will  be  paid  on  or  around 
3 July 2019 to shareholders on the share register as at 17 May 2019. 
The ex-dividend date will be 16 May 2019.
Pension schemes
The Group operates two defined benefit pension schemes with both 
schemes  closed  to  new  members.  There  are  no  active  members  in 
either scheme. 

Although there was a net reduction in the deficit of the schemes to 
£2,827,000  at  31  December  2018  compared  to  £2,928,000  at  the 
end  of  the  previous  year,  the  pension  schemes  continue  to  utilise 
the Group’s cash resources.

A recent judgement handed down by the High Court in the case Lloyds 
Banking Group Pensions Trustees Limited v Lloyds Bank Plc and others 
created  a  precedent  regarding  the  equalisation  of  male  and  female 
guaranteed  minimum  pensions  (GMPs).  Due  to  the  uncertainty 
surrounding this issue, no allowance was made for GMP equalisation 
in previous disclosures. However, given the additional clarity provided 
by  the  judgement,  we  were  required  to  account  for  the  additional 
liability  associated  with  GMP  equalisation.  This  has  been  offset  by 
improvements in gilt yields which increased the discount rate used to 
calculate scheme liabilities. 

During the year the Group made payments in respect of these schemes 
of £487,000 (year ended 31 December 2017 – £345,000) comprising 
deficit  contributions  of  £423,000  (year  ended  31  December  2017  – 
£265,000) and government levies and administration costs of £64,000 
(year ended 31 December 2017 – £80,000). 
Employees
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to take this opportunity 
to thank all employees for their dedication and continued hard work 
during the year. 

Simon  Morris  is  retiring  from  his  role  as  a  Non-Executive  Director 
and will not offer himself for re-election at the forthcoming AGM. On 
behalf of the board, I would like to thank Simon for his contribution to 
the Group and wise counsel during his tenure and wish him well for 
the future. We have commenced the search for a new Non-Executive 
Director with appropriate skills.
Outlook
The year has started very strongly for the Group, principally driven by 
the  MV Sports  &  Leisure business  where the forward  order book is 
considerably ahead of the same time last year.

We  have  secured  additional  business  with  several  national  retailers 
and  expect  to  increase  revenue,  based  on  current  listings,  with  a 
number of others.

We  have  signed  an  agreement  with  The  Walt  Disney  Company 
to  extend  our  portfolio  of  licences  for  2019  and  beyond.  This  will 
significantly expand our range to incorporate their major properties, 
including  Disney  and  Marvel  and  will  encompass  highly  successful 
entertainment and consumer product franchises such as Frozen, Toy 
Story, Spider-Man, Lion King, Disney Princess and Avengers. 

Our lightweight children’s bicycles range, Squish, saw strong double 
digit  revenue  growth  in  the  early  part  of  2019.  We  expect  this  to 
continue  as  we  implement  our  marketing  plans  to  develop  brand 
recognition further.

The  number  of  new  products  developed  for  2019  in  our  'direct  to 
consumer' business is substantial. Not only have we fully redesigned 
and extended our gazebo range with higher specification components 
and  fabrics,  we  have  developed  new  products  in  outdoor,  leisure, 
home, mobility and Christmas categories.

We are optimistic about the outlook for 2019. Whilst we are mindful 
of  macro-economic  uncertainties,  we  expect  to  achieve  significant 
turnover  growth  and  we  continue  to  be  extremely  confident  in  our 
ability to deliver profitability to our shareholders.

Mervyn Keene 
Chairman

10 April 2019

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018

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02 ❘ 03

Strategic report 

Operating and Financial Review

Revenue 
Group  revenue  for  the  year  ended  31  December  2018  reduced  to 
£32,511,000 compared to £36,837,000 in the prior year. 

As we reported there were a number of factors which contributed to 
this decline.

Revenue from the toys business was behind the prior year but much 
less  so  than  the  reported  overall  market  decline.  The  recovery  in 
revenue gathered greater momentum as the year progressed.

In licensed wheeled toy categories, our L.O.L Surprise! licence was the 
standout product range during the year. In other licences, Paw Patrol, 
Batman, Peppa Pig and Disney Princess made solid contributions.

In  our  own  brands,  Hedstrom  continued  to  be  ahead  of  the  prior 
year  and  our  new  brand,  U-Move  performed  strongly.  Following  a 
challenging year in 2017 for Ben Sayers, revenue recovered in 2018 
and was 15% ahead of the previous year.

For the first time in many years, MV Sports & Leisure exhibited at the 
Nuremberg Toy Fair at the end of January 2019 with positive feedback 
following  the  show.  This  was  in  addition  to  the  excellent  response 
from our recent exhibition at the London Toy Fair.

We  were  delighted  with  the  progress  and  growth  in  turnover  in 
Independent  Bicycle  Dealers  (IBD)  of  our  Squish  bicycle  brand. 
Sales  continued  to  be  more  challenging  for  the  Dawes  and  Claud 
Butler brands. Falcon, Townsend and Elswick brands made a healthy 
contribution to revenue from our national account customers. 

Total revenue from the bicycle businesses saw a further reduction for 
the year, although the second half of the year was only slightly behind 
2017. Our bicycle operations maintained profitability during the year.

Revenue in our Expressco business reduced during the year, principally 
due to a changing buying pattern from one customer in the early part 
of  the  year.  However,  sales  in  the  second  half  were  strong  with  a 
double digit increase in revenue. Overall profitability for this business 
for the year increased. Growth was enhanced from newly introduced 
outdoor products combined with our new ‘At Home Comforts’ indoor 
ranges.

Whilst  we  continue  to  strive  for  sales  from  our  own  websites,  we 
cannot  ignore  the  potential  from  third  party  sites  and  therefore 
continued to take advantage of these sales platforms also. 

Gross profit
Although gross profit declined from £10,887,000 in the previous year 
to  £10,249,000 in 2018, the  gross  profit  percentage increased  from 
29.6% to 31.5% in the year ended 31 December 2018.

We  continued  our  drive  to  improve  our  gross  margin  by  improving 
supplier buying prices in the businesses for a number of our products. 

Over  600  new  products  were  introduced  across  the  Group  during 
the year which also helped to improve gross margin. These included 
products  for  all  the  new  licenced  properties,  an  entirely  new  range 
of  IBD  bicycles,  and  nearly  200  products  launched  in  our  direct  to 
consumer business.

Following  a  programme  of  discounting  older  models  of  bicycles  in 
2017, we were able to improve gross margin in 2018 with the launch 
of our new range.

As  in  previous  years  there  were  ongoing  pressures  from  major 
customers who continued to exert significant pricing pressure on the 
Group.

Operating expenses
Operating  expenses  reduced  by  nearly  6%  from  £8,486,000  in  the 
year ended 31 December 2017 to £8,002,000 in  the year ended 31 
December 2018. To reflect the reduction in turnover, we made savings 
in a number of areas.

Operating profit
Operating profit before exceptional costs was £2,247,000 for the year 
ended 31 December 2018 compared to £2,401,000 in the prior year. 

Exceptional costs and Non-underlying items
Non-underlying  items  are  material  items  which  have  arisen  from 
unusual  non-recurring  or  non-trading  events.  Exceptional  costs  of 
£218,000 were incurred in the year to 31 December 2018 (year ended 
31  December  2017  –  £nil).  During  the  year  we  exited  a  warehouse 
in Scunthorpe and settled a dilapidations claim which, coupled with 
a number of associated redundancy costs at the site, accounted for 
most of the cost.

Other non-underlying items comprised:

•  a  fair  value  credit  adjustment  for  foreign  currency  derivative 
contracts under IFRS9 of £109,000 (year ended 31 December 2017 
– £172,000 charge); 

•  pension  finance  costs  under  IAS19  of  £100,000  (year  ended 

31 December 2017 - £107,000), and 

•  a deferred tax charge of £55,000 (year ended 31 December 2017 - 

£114,000) in respect of pension schemes and share options.

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Tandem Group plc

Strategic report continued

Finance costs
Total  net  finance  costs  reduced  from  £511,000  in  the  year  ended 
31 December 2017 to £157,000 in the year ended 31 December 2018. 

Capital expenditure
Total capital expenditure incurred during the year was £70,000 (year 
ended 31 December 2017 - £27,000).

Interest payable on bank loans, overdrafts, hire purchase and invoice 
finance  facilities  was  £157,000  compared  to  £221,000  in  the  prior 
year. 

Finance  costs  in  respect  of  the  pension  schemes  provided  in  line 
with  IAS19  were  £100,000  compared  to  £107,000  for  year  ended 
31 December 2017. 

In accordance with IFRS9, there was a fair value credit of £109,000 in 
respect of derivative foreign exchange contracts which compared to a 
charge of £172,000 in the prior year.

As in previous years and explained above, the net of pension schemes’ 
financing and foreign currency derivatives, which totalled a credit of 
£9,000 (year ended 31 December 2017 – £279,000 charge), is included 
in non-underlying items.

Taxation
The tax expense for the year ended 31 December 2018 was £250,000 
compared to £146,000 in the prior year.

The  current  tax  charge,  which  comprised  corporation  tax  from 
the  overseas  Hong  Kong  operation,  was  £189,000  (year  ended 
31 December 2017 - £219,000).

There was a deferred tax charge of £61,000 compared to a credit of 
£73,000 in the prior year.

Net profit
Net profit for the year ended 31 December 2018 after non-underlying 
items,  finance  costs  and  taxation  was  £1,622,000  compared  to 
£1,744,000 for the year ended 31 December 2017.

Property
A  valuation  of  the  Castle  Bromwich  property  was  carried  out  by 
CBRE  Ltd  in  January  2018  in  accordance  with  the  RICS  Valuation 
–  Professional  Standards  January  2014,  published  by  The  Royal 
Institution of Chartered Surveyors. This value was used to revalue the 
property at 31 December 2017. The Directors are of the opinion that 
there has been no material change since this date and the valuation 
remains valid as at 31 December 2018.

Cash flows, working capital and net cash
Net  cash  inflow  from  operating  activities  before  movements  in 
working capital for the year ended 31 December 2018 was £1,792,000 
compared to £2,330,000 in the year ended 31 December 2017. This 
was impacted by the additional contributions required to be made to 
the pensions’ schemes.

Cash  generated  from  operations  was  £1,638,000  compared  to 
£4,061,000 last year. 

Net cash outflows from investing activities were £88,000 in the year 
ended 31 December 2018 against £32,000 in the previous year. 

There was a net cash outflow from financing activities of £342,000 in 
the year ended 31 December 2018 which compared to £543,000 in 
the year ended 31 December 2017.

As  a  result  of  these  movements  the  closing  cash  position  at 
31  December  2018  was  £4,847,000  compared  to  £3,856,000  at 
31 December 2017.

Key performance indicators
A wide variety of daily key performance indicators are produced for all of our businesses to enable us to monitor performance against budget 
and the previous year. The key performance indicators that the Directors consider salient to the Group’s performance are shown below:

Gross profit margin

The ratio of gross profit to sales expressed as a percentage

Turnover per employee

The total of sales invoiced to customers, excluding value added tax, divided by the average number of 
employees during the period

Net operating expenses % of sales

The ratio of net operating expenses, before non-underlying items, to the total of sales invoiced to 
customers, excluding value added tax, expressed as a percentage

Interest cover

The ratio of operating profit before exceptional items, to net interest payable on bank loans, overdrafts and 
invoice finance facilities

Shareholders’ return

The ratio of net profit to shareholders’ funds at the start of the year expressed as a percentage

Basic earnings per share – pence

The net profit divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year

31 December 
2018

31 December 
2017

31.5%

29.6%

£396,000

£405,000

24.6%

23.0%

14.3 

10.9 

14.7%

21.2%

32.3 

35.0 

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018

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04 ❘ 05

Licences
A number of the Group’s brands are used under licence from global 
licensors.  The  licences  are  generally  for  between  two  and  three 
years. If the licences are not renewed the Group would have to seek 
alternative licences in order to avoid a reduction in revenue.

Competition
The companies in the Group operate in highly competitive markets. 
As a result there is constant pressure on margins and the additional 
risk  of  being  unable  to  meet  customers'  expectations.  Policies  of 
supply chain management and product development are in place to 
mitigate such risks.

Volatility in financial markets may require further cash contributions 
to our pension fund
The Group has commitments under defined benefit pension schemes. 
The Group is obliged to make contributions to the schemes based on 
actuarial valuations, which in turn are based on long-term assumptions 
to calculate scheme liabilities. Volatility of the financial markets can 
also  affect  the  value  of  the  assets  in  the  schemes.  This  may  lead 
to  a  requirement  to  increase  the  cash  contributed  by  the  Group  to 
the schemes. If the Group is required to make significant additional 
contributions, the financial position of the Group may be materially 
affected with a significant reduction in operating cash flows. In turn, 
this may adversely impact future developments of the business.

Financial risks
The  main  risks  arising  from  the  Group's  financial  instruments  are 
interest rate risk, liquidity  risk, credit risk and  foreign currency risk. 
The  Board  reviews  and  agrees  policies  for  managing  each  of  these 
risks. A summary of these risks is disclosed in note 15.

The Strategic report was approved by the Board on 10 April 2019 and 
signed on its behalf by:

Steve Grant 
Chief Executive Officer 

Jim Shears 
Group Finance Director 

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Net  cash,  comprising  cash  and  cash  equivalents,  invoice  financing 
liabilities  and  borrowings,  was  £107,000  at  31  December  2018 
compared to net debt of £1,016,000 at the end of the previous year.

Dividends
We  have  increased  total  dividends  paid  and  proposed  for  the  year 
ended 31 December 2018 by over 5% again this year. A total dividend 
of 4.31 pence per share will be paid, subject to shareholder approval, 
compared to 4.10 pence per share for the year ended 31 December 
2017. 

The  dividend  cover  ratio  was  7.5  (year  ended  31  December  2017  – 
8.5). 

As we have previously stated, it continues to be the Group’s policy to 
progressively increase the dividend payment to shareholders where 
trading performance permits.

Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share was 32.3 pence per share for the year ended 
31  December  2018  compared  to  35.0  pence  per  share  in  the  year 
ended 31 December 2017. Diluted earnings per share was 32.1 pence 
per share compared to 34.8 pence per share in the prior year.
Strategy, outlook and future prospects
The Group is a designer, developer, distributor and retailer of sports, 
leisure and mobility products. We continue to seek to maintain our 
position  as  a  leading  distributor  to  the  UK  sports,  leisure,  bicycle 
and toy markets and as an online  retailer in  the  sports, leisure and 
mobility  markets.  We  will  achieve  this  by  continuing  to  enter  into 
licence agreements for the most successful character toy licences and 
to develop new and interesting own brand product ranges which offer 
both quality and value to the consumer. 

The  Chairman's  Statement  on  page  2  provides  an  overview  of  the 
current outlook for the Group in the forthcoming year.

Principal risks and uncertainties
The  management  of  the  business  and  the  nature  of  the  Group’s 
strategy  are  subject  to  a  number  of  risks  and  uncertainties.  The 
principal risks facing the business are set out as follows:

Suppliers
In  order  to  achieve  competitively  priced  products  the  Group  has 
outsourced  production,  mainly  to  countries  in  Asia.  Risks  and 
uncertainties  of  this  strategy  include  management  issues  at  the 
factories,  the  possibility  of  changes  in  import  duties  and  shipping 
delays.  We  manage  this  risk  by  having  a  local  office  in  Hong  Kong 
with  a  team  that  works  closely  with  the  factories  and  we  develop 
contingency plans should the need arise to make changes.

Fluctuations in currency exchange rates
A significant amount of the Group’s purchases are made in US dollars. 
As a Group, we are therefore exposed to foreign currency fluctuations. 
The  Group  manages  its  foreign  exchange  risk  with  forward  foreign 
exchange contracts to reduce the exposure and does not adopt formal 
hedge  accounting.  If  these  activities  do  not  mitigate  the  exposure, 
then  the  results  and  the  financial  condition  of  the  Group  may  be 
adversely affected.

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Tandem Group plc

Directors' report

The  Directors  submit  their  annual  report  with  the  audited  financial 
statements for the year ended 31 December 2018. 
Principal activity
The  Group  is  principally  engaged  in  the  design,  development, 
distribution  and  retail  of  sports,  leisure  and  mobility  products.  The 
Chairman’s statement and Strategic report on pages 2 and 3 should 
be read in conjunction with this report.
Results and dividend
The results for the year ended 31 December 2018 are set out in the 
Consolidated income statement on page 13. An interim dividend of 
1.42  pence  per  ordinary  share  was  paid  on  12  November  2018  in 
respect  of  the  six  month  period  to  30  June  2018  (period  ended  30 
June 2017 – 1.35 pence). The Directors are proposing a final dividend 
of 2.89 pence per ordinary share (year ended 31 December 2017 – 
2.75 pence) payable to shareholders on the register on 17 May 2019 
and will be paid on or around 3 July 2019. 
Significant shareholders
As at 10 April 2019 the Directors have been notified of the following 
interests representing 3% or more of the issued ordinary share capital. 
The percentage holdings exclude 987,389 shares held in treasury.

Ordinary 
Shares of 25p

 540,941 

 482,996 

 312,560 

 250,000 

 250,000 

 170,000 

%

10.8%

9.6%

6.2%

5.0%

5.0%

3.4%

Jupiter Asset Management

S Bragg

D Waldron

S J Grant

M P J Keene

J C Shears

Directors
The present Directors are as follows:

M P J Keene

Mervyn joined the Group in 1989 and became Managing Director of 
the former Garden Leisure Division. He was appointed Group Finance 
Director in 1993 and became Non-Executive Chairman in June 2010.

Mervyn  brings  50  years  of  business  knowledge  and  acumen  from 
numerous industries and is an expert in buying and selling businesses. 
Although  he  has  served  for  a  number  of  years  as  Chairman,  he 
remains fiercely independent, regularly challenging and holding the 
executive  board  to  account.  In  addition,  he  continues  to  provide 
strong leadership whilst maintaining a very detailed knowledge and 
understanding of the sectors in which the Group operates.

He is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

S J Grant

Steve  joined  MV  Sports  &  Leisure  Limited  from  the  accountancy 
profession  in  1990  becoming  Finance  Director  in  that  year.  He  was 
appointed  Managing  Director  of  MV  in  1996  and  became  Chief 
Executive Officer of the Group in June 2010.

Steve has in-depth knowledge of the toy, sports, leisure and bicycle 
sectors,  in  both  licensing  and  own  brand  environments,  as  well 
as  extensive  experience  in  sourcing  and  importing  from  overseas 
suppliers.

He continues to be a regular visitor to the Far East and has considerable 
knowledge of selling to both national and independent customers.

J C Shears

Jim joined the Group as Group Financial Controller in 2002. He was 
appointed Company Secretary in 2008 and Group Finance Director in 
June 2010.

Jim  brings  a  wealth  of  financial  knowledge  and  experience  in  both 
private  and  public  sectors  as  well  as  small  and  large  company 
environments,  having  previously  worked  for  the  Audit  Commission, 
IFG Group plc and AWG plc as well as start-up businesses where he 
has held various roles. He is also well versed in online and direct to 
consumer selling.

Jim is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England 
and Wales.

P Ratcliffe

Phil joined MV Sports & Leisure Limited in 1999 and has many years’ 
experience  in  commercial  and  strategic  roles  within  the  consumer 
goods sector, incorporating well known companies such as Car Plan, 
Waddingtons Games and Mattel.

His  experience  encompasses  marketing, 
development, Far East sourcing and account management.

licensing,  product 

Phil is a Fellow of The Chartered Institute of Marketing, Vice-President 
and formerly Chairman of The British Toy & Hobby Association.

J S T Morris

Simon has worked in corporate finance for over 30 years, initially at 
Lazard Brothers and Dillon Read and later with MSB Corporate Finance 
and Smith & Williamson.

He  has  extensive  knowledge  of  both  corporate  finance  and  public 
market  environments  and  is  an  experienced  independent  non-
executive director.

He was appointed to the Board in March 2010.

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06 ❘ 07

A Q Bestwick

Andy was formerly Managing Director of Gardman Holdings Limited, 
the outdoor garden products supplier.

He  has  considerable  experience  in  product  development,  sourcing 
and  supply  chain  management,  especially  from  Asia,  and  selling  to 
national  and  independent  retailers.  This  experience  has  enabled 
him to have a strong understanding of the environment in which the 
Group operates which has enabled him to help to deliver the strategy 
of the Group.

Andy  is  also  a  Non-Executive  Director  of  Smart  Garden  Products 
Limited,  one  of  the  fastest  growing  businesses  in  the  garden  and 
outdoor leisure sector. He was appointed to the Board in April 2010.

The interests of the Directors and their immediate families (as defined 
by the Companies Act 2006) in the shares of the Company are shown 
below:

Held beneficially and fully paid

10 April 
2019
25p ordinary
 shares

31 December 
2018
25p ordinary
 shares

1 January 
2018
25p ordinary
 shares

 250,000 

 250,000 

 170,000 

 91,732 

 15,000 

 250,000 

 250,000 

 170,000 

 91,732 

 15,000 

 250,000 

 250,000 

 170,000 

 91,732 

 15,000 

M P J Keene

S J Grant

J C Shears

P Ratcliffe

J S T Morris

In  accordance  with  the  Articles  of  Association,  P  Ratcliffe  and  
J  S  T  Morris,  whose  service  contracts  may  be  terminated  by  either 
party  giving  twelve  and  six  months’  written  notice  respectively, 
retire  at  the  Annual  General  Meeting.  P  Ratcliffe  offers  himself  for  
re-election. J S T Morris does not offer himself for re-election.

Directors' and officers' liability insurance
Directors’ and officers’ liability insurance has been purchased by the 
Group during the year.

Business review, key performance indicators (KPIs) and principal 
risks and uncertainties
A  review  of  the  Group’s  trading  operations,  KPIs  and  principal  risks 
and uncertainties is contained in the Strategic report on page 3. The 
Directors are satisfied with the period under review and are confident 
of  future  prospects.  After  reviewing  the  Group's  forecasts  and 
projections covering a period of at least 12 months from the date of 
signing the annual report, the Directors have a reasonable expectation 
that  the  group  has  adequate  resources  to  continue  in  operational 
existence for the foreseeable future. The Group therefore continues 
to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its consolidated financial 
statements.

Environmental policies
Tandem  Group  plc  recognises  its  responsibility  to  protect  the 
environment.  The  Group  manages  its  operations  in  ways  that  are 
environmentally sustainable and economically feasible and provides 
appropriate educational programmes for staff and other stakeholders.

All Directors and managers of Tandem Group plc and its subsidiaries 
are  committed  to  ensuring  that  environmental  issues  are  carefully 
considered during all planning and operational decision making.

The  Group’s  environmental  policy  applies  to  all  land,  premises 
and  activities  within  its  control.  The  Group  promotes  the  use 
of  sustainable  resources  and  discourages  wasteful  or  damaging 
practices. Subsidiary companies within the Group develop their own 
local policies and arrangements for implementing and monitoring the 
Group’s objectives.

As a major supplier of bicycles and wheeled toys in the UK we believe 
that we are contributing to a sustainable transport strategy, improving 
the environment by providing an emission free transport alternative 
and encouraging better health and fitness of the nation.

Corporate social responsibility
The  Group  has  a  Corporate  Social  Responsibility  Committee  (CSRC) 
which  meets  regularly,  with  members  from  each  of  the  Group’s 
operations, including the Hong Kong office.

The CSRC is responsible for ensuring that each business in the Group 
operates  to  the  same  broad  guidelines  defined  in  the  Group  policy 
statement issued by the CSRC. This statement deals with health and 
safety, employee wellbeing, the Group’s impact on the environment 
and its social responsibility.

Every  new  or  prospective  supplier  must  satisfactorily  complete 
an  audit  before  being  validated  by  the  Group.  Follow  up  audits  are 
undertaken  on  a  regular  basis  once  suppliers  are  accepted.  With 
the benefits of language and location, the Group’s Hong Kong office 
is  able  to  control  the  audits  of  the  suppliers  in  Asia.  Other  supplier 
audits are controlled from the UK.

The  Group  continues  to  be  engaged  in  a  number  of  projects,  in 
conjunction  with  stakeholders,  to  reduce  carbon  dioxide  emissions, 
safely and efficiently dispose of waste and, where possible, re-use and 
recycle products and packaging. 

Employment policies
It is the policy of the Group that there should be no unfair discrimination 
in  considering  applications  for  employment,  including  those  from 
disabled  persons.  All  employees  are  given  equal  opportunities  for 
career  development  and  promotion.  Health  and  safety  committee 
meetings are held within the operating businesses.

The necessity and importance of good communications and relations 
with  all  employees  is  well  recognised  and  accepted  throughout  the 
Group.  Employees  are  kept  fully  aware  of  management  policies 
applicable  to  their  respective  duties.  The  Directors  are  committed 
to  the  principle  of  employee  and  executive  share  participation  as 
evidenced  by  the  existence  of  share  option  schemes.  Options  are 
granted under these schemes in order that employees can participate 
in the Group’s performance.

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Auditor
A resolution to appoint PKF Cooper Parry Group Limited as the Group’s 
auditor will be proposed at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.
Annual General Meeting
The  notice  of  the  Annual  General  Meeting  includes  resolution  5 
proposed as special business. 

Resolution  5  is  also  a  special  resolution  which  seeks  the  authority 
from shareholders for the Company to make market purchases.

The  Directors  would  only  exercise  these  authorities  if  the  effect 
of  doing  so  would,  in  their  opinion,  be  in  the  best  interests  of 
shareholders generally. In addition, in exercising such authorities, the 
Company would comply with the current guidelines of the ABI and the 
UK Listing Authority.

By Order of the Board

Jim Shears 
Company Secretary 
10 April 2019

Registered number: 00616818

Tandem Group plc

Directors' report continued

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

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements 
for each financial year. Under that law the Directors have to prepare 
the  Group  financial  statements  in  accordance  with  International 
Financial  Reporting  Standards  (IFRSs)  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union, and have elected to prepare the company financial statements 
in  accordance  with  United  Kingdom  Generally  Accepted  Accounting 
Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable laws, 
including FRS 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework). Under Company 
law  the  Directors  must  not  approve  the  financial  statements  unless 
they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of 
affairs and profit or loss of the Company and the Group for that period. 
In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to:

•  select  suitable  accounting  policies  and  then  apply  them 

consistently;

•  make  judgements  and  accounting  estimates  that  are  reasonable 

and prudent;

•  state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards for the company 
accounts  and  IFRSs  for  the  Group  accounts  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  Company  and  the  Group 
will continue in business. 

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

The Directors confirm that: 

•  so  far  as  each  Director  is  aware,  there  is  no  relevant  audit 

information of which the Company’s auditor is unaware; and

•  the Directors have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken 
as  Directors  in  order  to  make  themselves  aware  of  any  relevant 
audit information and to establish that the Company’s auditor is 
aware of that information.

The  Directors  are  responsible  for  the  maintenance  and  integrity  of 
the  corporate  and  financial  information  included  on  the  Company’s 
website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation 
and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation 
in other jurisdictions. 

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08 ❘ 09

Corporate governance statement

the 

The  Board  recognises 
importance  of  strong  corporate 
governance  and  set  out  below  are  the  principles  and  provisions 
in  the  Quoted  Companies  Alliance  (QCA)  Corporate  Governance 
Code  (the  Code)  which  have  been  applied.  This  statement  should 
be  read  in  conjunction  with  the  Strategic  report  on  page  3  and  the 
Group’s  website  https://tandemgroupplc.co.uk/corporate-social-
responsibility/corporate-governance.

Principle 1 − "Establish a strategy and business model which 
promotes long-term value for shareholders.¨
The Group strategy is formulated by the Chief Executive Officer, Group 
Finance Director and Group Commercial Director in regular discussions 
with the non-executive Board. The final strategy is approved by the 
full Board. The executive team, led by the Chief Executive Officer, is 
responsible for implementing this strategy and for generally managing 
and  developing  the  business.  Changes  in  strategy  require  approval 
from the Board. The strategy and the principle risks and uncertainties 
facing the Group is set out in the Strategic report on page 5.

Principle 2 − "Seek to understand and meet shareholder needs and 
expectations.¨
The  Board  recognises  the  importance  of  providing  shareholders 
with  as  much  clear  and  transparent  information  on  the  Group's 
activities, strategy and financial position as is commercially possible 
and  as  permitted  within  the  guidelines  of  the  AIM  rules,  MAR  and 
requirements of the relevant legislation.

The  Board  believes  that  the  Annual  Report  and  Accounts  and  the 
Interim Report play an important part in presenting all shareholders 
with an assessment of the Group’s position and prospects. 

The Board typically holds meetings with larger shareholders following 
the  release  of  annual  and  interim  financial  results  and  regards  the 
Annual  General  Meeting  as  the  principal  opportunity  for  private 
shareholders  to  meet  and  discuss  the  Group’s  business  with  the 
Directors. There is an open question and answer session during which 
shareholders  may  ask  questions  both  about  the  resolutions  being 
proposed and the business in general. The Directors are also available 
after the meeting for an informal discussion with shareholders.

Principle 3 - "Take into account wider stakeholder and social 
responsibilities and their implications for long term-success."
The  Board  recognises  its  prime  responsibility  under  UK  corporate 
law  is  to  promote  the  success  of  the  Group  for  the  benefit  of  its 
shareholders  as  a  whole.  The  Board  also  understands  that  it  has  a 
responsibility towards other stakeholders, including but not limited to 
its employees, pensions schemes, lenders, customers and suppliers. 
Regular meetings are held with each of these stakeholder groups to 
discuss  salient  matters  which  may  range  from  employee  schemes 
to recycle more within the office to reducing the level of packaging 
required by customers to strict adherence by suppliers to toy safety 
directives.

In  addition,  the  Group  recognises  its  responsibility  to  protect  the 
environment.  The  Group  strives  to  manage  its  operations  in  ways 
that  are  environmentally  sustainable  and  economically  feasible  and 
provides  appropriate  educational  programmes  for  staff  and  other 
stakeholders.

The  Group  has  a  Corporate  Social  Responsibility  Committee  (CSRC) 
which  is  responsible  for  ensuring  that  each  business  in  the  Group 
operates  to  the  same  broad  guidelines  defined  in  the  Group  policy 
statement issued by the CSRC. This statement deals with health and 
safety, employee wellbeing, the Group’s impact on the environment 
and its social responsibility.

  Every  new  or  prospective  supplier  must  satisfactorily  complete  an 
audit  before  being  validated  by  the  Group.  Follow  up  audits  are 
undertaken  on  a  regular  basis  once  suppliers  are  accepted.  With 
the benefits of language and location, the Group’s Hong Kong office 
is  able  to  control  the  audits  of  the  suppliers  in  Asia.  Other  supplier 
audits are controlled from the UK.

Principle 4 − "Embed effective risk management, considering both 
opportunities and threats, throughout the organisation.¨
The  Group’s  principle  risks  and  uncertainties  are  disclosed  in  the 
Strategic report on page 5.

Principle 5 − "Maintain the board as a well-functioning, balanced team 
led by the chair.¨
As  set  out  in  the  Chairman’s  Corporate  Governance  Statement 
disclosed on the website, the Group is controlled through the Board 
of  Directors  which  comprises  three  executive  Directors  and  three 
independent  non-executive  Directors.  Although  one  of  the  non-
executive  Directors  has  served  for  more  than  nine  years,  the  Board 
do  not  consider  that  there  is  any  impairment  of  independence  of 
character or judgement and that there has been no hindrance in the 
ability to be objective.

The Board sets the Group’s strategic aims and ensures that necessary 
resources are in place in order for the Group to meet its objectives. 
All  members  of  the  Board  take  collective  responsibility  for  the 
performance of the Group and all decisions are taken in the interests 
of the Group.

The  service  contracts  of  the  three  executive  Directors  may  be 
terminated by either party giving 12 months’ written notice. 

The remuneration and other emoluments of executive Directors and 
senior managers are determined by the Remuneration Committee, of 
which  A  Q  Bestwick  (Chairman),  M  P  J  Keene  and  J  S  T  Morris  are 
members. Executive remuneration packages are subject to an annual 
review and are designed to attract, motivate and retain Directors and 
senior managers of a high calibre.

The Board has a formal schedule of matters reserved to it and meets 
monthly. It is responsible for overall Group strategy, acquisition and 
divestment  policy,  approval  of  major  capital  expenditure  projects 
and  consideration  of  significant  financing  matters.  It  monitors  the 
exposure  to  key  business  risks  and  reviews  the  strategic  direction 
of  its  trading  businesses,  their  annual  budgets,  their  progress 
towards achievement of those budgets and their capital expenditure 
programmes. The Board also considers environmental and employee 
issues and key appointments. All Directors will submit themselves for 
re-election at least once every three years.

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Tandem Group plc

Corporate governance statement continued

The  Board  has  established  three  committees.  The  Audit  Committee 
meets  as  appropriate  to  review  the  Group’s  accounting  policies, 
reporting procedures and financial matters, with the Finance Director 
and the external auditors in attendance. The Nominations Committee 
meets  when  applicable  to  consider  and  recommend  to  the  Board 
changes  in  the  Board’s  composition.  The  Remuneration  Committee 
reviews  the  terms  and  conditions  of  employment  of  the  Directors 
and  senior  managers.  M  P  J  Keene,  J  S  T  Morris  (Chairman  –  Audit 
Committee)  and  A  Q  Bestwick  (Chairman  –  Remuneration  and 
Nominations Committee) are members of these committees and take 
independent external advice when appropriate.

In  the  year  ended  31  December  2018  there  were  ten  formal  board 
meetings held. All Directors were in attendance for all meetings except 
P  Ratcliffe  who  was  in  attendance  for  eight  meetings.  In  addition 
there  were  two  Audit  Committee  meetings  and  one  Remuneration 
Committee meeting held during the year.

The Group has a comprehensive system for reporting financial results 
to  the  Board.  Each  operating  unit  prepares  monthly  results  with  a 
comparison  against  budget.  Towards  the  end  of  each  financial  year 
the operating units prepare detailed budgets for the following year. 
Budgets and plans are reviewed by the Board before being formally 
adopted.

Quality  and  integrity  of  personnel  is  regarded  as  vital  to  the 
maintenance  of  the  Group’s  system  of  internal  control.  Due  to  the 
relatively  small  number  of  key  employees  within  the  business, 
the Board has first hand knowledge of their performance.

The  executive  management  has  defined  the  financial  controls  and 
procedures  with  which  each  operating  unit  is  required  to  comply. 
Key  controls  over  major  business  risks  include  reviews  against 
performance indicators and exception reporting. The operating units 
make  regular  assessments  of  the  extent  of  their  compliance  with 
these controls and procedures.

Principle 6 − "Ensure that between them the directors have the 
necessary up-to-date experience, skills and capabilities."
Directors’ profiles which detail skills, experiences and capabilities are 
disclosed on the Group’s website. 

Principle 7 − "Evaluate board performance based on clear and 
relevant objectives, seeking continuous improvement."
The  Group  undertakes  regular 
the 
performance and effectiveness of the Board and that of each Director 
and its Committees. Suggestions regarding the strategic direction of 
the Group are covered during monthly Board meetings. 

informal  evaluations  of 

Responsibility  for  assessing  and  monitoring  the  performance  of  the 
executive directors lies with the independent non-executive directors. 
External advice is taken as appropriate.

The  Company  Secretary,  Jim  Shears,  ensures  that  all  Directors  are 
updated with changes in relevant legislation and regulation. External 
advice is also taken as appropriate.

Principle 8 - "Promote a corporate culture that is based on ethical 
values and behaviours."
The Board believes that the promotion of a corporate culture based 
on  sound  ethical  values  and  behaviours  is  essential  to  maximise 
shareholder  value.  The  Group  maintains  and  annually  reviews  an 
employee handbook that includes clear guidance on what is expected 
of every employee. Adherence to these standards is a key factor in the 
evaluation of performance within the Group, including during annual 
performance reviews.

The Group is also aware of its responsibilities for ensuring adherence 
to key internal and external policies including those relating to slavery, 
diversity, anti-corruption, bribery and whistleblowing.

Principle 9 − "Maintain Governance structures and processes that 
are fit for purpose and support good decision making by the board."
There is  a clear division  of  the responsibilities  of  the Chairman  and 
the  Chief  Executive  Officer.  The  principal  role  of  the  Chairman  of 
the  Board  is  to  manage  and  to  provide  leadership  to  the  Board  of 
Directors of the Company. The Chairman is accountable to the Board 
and acts as a direct liaison between the Board and the management 
of  the  Company,  through  the  Chief  Executive  Officer.  The  Chairman 
acts as the communicator for Board decisions where appropriate. The 
key  responsibilities  of  the  Chairman  and  Chief  Executive Officer are 
set out on the Group’s website.

Principle 10 − "Communicate how the company is governed and is 
performing by maintaining a dialogue with shareholders and other 
relevant stakeholders."
The  Board  is  committed  to  maintaining  an  open  dialogue  with 
shareholders  and  stakeholders.  Communication  is  co-ordinated  by 
the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Group Finance Director. 

Throughout the year, the Board maintains a regular dialogue with its 
major institutional investor, providing them with such information on 
the Group’s progress as is permitted within the guidelines of the AIM 
rules, MAR and requirements of the relevant legislation. 

The  Board  believes  that  the  Annual  Report  and  Accounts,  and  the 
Interim  Report  published  at  the  half-year,  play  an  important  part 
in  presenting  all  shareholders  with  an  assessment  of  the  Group’s 
position and prospects. 

The  AGM  is  the  principal  opportunity  for  shareholders  to  meet 
and  discuss  the  Group’s  business  with  the  Directors.  There  is  an 
open  question  and  answer  session  during  which  shareholders  may 
ask  questions  both  about  the  resolutions  being  proposed  and  the 
business in general. The Directors are also available after the meeting 
for an informal discussion with shareholders.

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018

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10 ❘ 11

Report of the Independent Auditor

to the members of Tandem Group plc

Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Tandem Group plc (the 
‘Parent  Company’)  and  its  subsidiaries  (the  ‘Group’)  for  the  year 
ended 31 December 2018 which comprise the Consolidated Income 
Statement and Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated 
and Company Statements of Changes in Equity, the Consolidated and 
Company  Balance  Sheets,  the  Consolidated  Cash  Flow  Statement 
and  the  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 Group financial statements 
is  applicable  law  and  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards 
(IFRSs)  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union.  The  financial  reporting 
framework  that  has  been  applied  in  the  preparation  of  the  Parent 
Company financial statements is applicable law and United Kingdom 
Accounting  Standards,  including  Financial  Reporting  Standard  101 
Reduced Disclosure Framework (United Kingdom Generally Accepted 
Accounting Practice).

In our opinion:

•  the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the 
Group’s and the Parent Company’s affairs as at 31 December 2018 
and of the Group’s profit for the year then ended;

•  the  Group  financial  statements  have  been  properly  prepared  in 

accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union;

•  the  Parent  Company  financial  statements  have  been  properly 
prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted 
Accounting Practice; and

•  the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 

the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards 
on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities 
under  those  standards  are  further  described 
in  the  auditor’s 
responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our 
report. We are independent of the Group and the Parent Company 
in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our 
audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical 
Standard,  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.
Conclusions relating to going concern
We  have  nothing  to  report  in  respect  of  the  following  matters  in 
relation to which the ISAs (UK) require us to report to you where:

•  the Directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the 

preparation of the financial statements is not appropriate; or

•  the  Directors  have  not  disclosed  in  the  financial  statements  any 
identified  material  uncertainties  that  may  cast  significant  doubt 
about the Group's or the Parent Company’s ability to continue to 
adopt the going concern basis of accounting for a period of at least 
twelve  months  from  the  date  when  the  financial  statements  are 
authorised for issue.
Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional 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.
Carrying value and impairment of goodwill 
Matter
The  Group  has  a  significant  goodwill  balance  in  relation  to  the 
various business acquisitions which have been made historically. The 
Group’s assessment of carrying value requires significant judgement, 
in  particular  regarding  cash  flows,  growth  rates,  discount  rates  and 
sensitivity assumptions.

Response
•  We challenged the assumptions used in the impairment model for 

goodwill, which is described in note 8. 

•  We considered historical trading performance by comparing recent 

growth rates of both revenue and operating profit.

•  We assessed the appropriateness of the assumptions concerning 
growth rates and inputs to the discount rates against latest market 
expectations.

•  We  performed  sensitivity  analysis  to  determine  whether  an 
impairment  would  be  required  if  costs  increase  at  a  higher  than 
forecast rate.

Valuation of defined benefit pension obligations
Matter
The  Group  operates  two  defined  benefit  pension  schemes,  both  of 
which  are  closed  to  new  members.  These  obligations  are  valued  in 
accordance with IAS19 at the Balance Sheet date and the valuations 
made  are  based  on  assumptions  agreed  by  management.  These 
assumptions,  and  the  resulting  valuation,  are  an  area  of  significant 
judgment.

Response
•  We  benchmarked  the  assumptions  used  against  other  similar 
schemes and published industry data to ensure they were within 
a reasonable range.

•  We obtained and reviewed the actuarial valuation report to ensure 

the agreed assumptions were used in that valuation. 

•  We  obtained  confirmation  of  scheme  asset  valuations  from  the 

custodian.

Our application of materiality
The  materiality  for  the  Group  financial  statements  as  a  whole 
was  set  at  £325,000.  This  has  been  determined  with  reference  to 
the  benchmark  of  the  Group’s  revenue  which  we  consider  to  be 
an  appropriate  measure  for  a  group  of  companies  such  as  these. 
Materiality  represents  1%  of  group  revenue  as  presented  in  the 
Consolidated Income Statement.

The  materiality  for  the  Parent  Company  financial  statements  as  a 
whole was set at £52,000. This has been determined with reference 
to  the  Parent  Company’s  net  assets,  which  we  consider  to  be  an 
appropriate  measure  for  a  holding  company  with  investments  in 
trading  subsidiaries.  Materiality  represents  2%  of  net  assets  as 
presented on the face of the Parent Company’s Balance Sheet.

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018

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Tandem Group plc

Report of the Independent Auditor continued

to the members of Tandem Group plc

An overview of the scope of our audit
We  adopted  a  risk  based  audit  approach.  We  gained  a  detailed 
understanding of the Group’s business, the environment it operates 
in and the risks it faces. The key elements of our audit approach were 
as follows:

Of the Group’s four reporting components, we subjected all four to 
audits  for  Group  reporting  purposes.  The  components  within  the 
scope of our work covered: 100% of Group revenue, 100% of Group 
profit before tax and 100% of Group net assets.

In  order  to  address  the  matters  described  in  the  key  audit  matters 
section  we  performed  focused  audit  procedures  over  these  areas, 
including  reference  to  external  market  data  and  publicly  available 
market information in relation to assumptions used.
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 audit report. Our opinion 
on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, 
except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do 
not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In  connection  with  our  audit  of  the  financial  statements,  our 
responsibility  is  to  read  the  other  information  and,  in  doing  so, 
consider  whether  the  other  information  is  materially  inconsistent 
with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit 
or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such 
material  inconsistencies  or  apparent  material  misstatements,  we 
are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement 
in the financial  statements or a material misstatement of the other 
information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude 
that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are 
required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the 
Companies Act 2006
In  our  opinion,  based  on  the  work  undertaken  in  the  course  of  the 
audit:

•  the  information  given  in  the  Strategic  report  and  the  Directors’ 
report for the financial year for which the financial statements are 
prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

•  the Strategic report and the Directors’ report have been prepared 

in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Matters on which we are required to report by 
exception
In  the  light  of  our  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 Act 2006 requires us to report to you 
if, in our opinion:

•  adequate  accounting  records  have  not  been  kept  by  the  Parent 
Company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received 
from branches not visited by us; or

•  the Parent Company's financial statements are not in agreement 

with the accounting records and returns; or

•  certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law are 

not made; or

•  we  have  not  received  all  the  information  and  explanations  we 

require for our audit.

Responsibilities of directors
As explained more fully in the statement of Directors’ responsibilities 
set out on page 8, 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 and the Parent Company’s ability to continue 
as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going 
concern  and  using  the  going  concern  basis  of  accounting  unless 
the  Directors  either  intend  to  liquidate  the  company  or  to  cease 
operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial 
statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the 
financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, 
whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that 
includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, 
but  is  not  a  guarantee  that  an  audit  conducted  in  accordance  with 
ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. 
Misstatements  can  arise  from  fraud  or  error  and  are  considered 
material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be 
expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the 
basis of these financial statements.

A  further  description  of  our  responsibilities  for  the  audit  of  the 
financial  statements  is  located  on  the  Financial  Reporting  Council’s 
website  at:  www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities.  This  description 
forms part of our auditor’s report.
Use of our report
This  report  is  made  solely  to  the  Parent  Company’s  members,  as  a 
body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 
2006.  Our  audit  work  has  been  undertaken  so  that  we  might  state 
to  the  Parent  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  Parent  Company  and  the 
Parent  Company’s  members  as  a  body,  for  our  audit  work,  for  this 
report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Katharine Warrington 
Senior Statutory Auditor 
for and on behalf of PKF Cooper Parry Group Limited
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor
Sky View
Argosy Road
East Midlands Airport
Castle Donington
Derby
DE74 2SA
10 April 2019

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018

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12 ❘ 13

Consolidated income statement

31 December 2018

31 December 2017

Before non-
underlying 
items
£’000

Non-
underlying 
items
£’000

After non-
underlying 
items
£’000

Before non-
underlying 
items
£’000

Non-
underlying 
items
£’000

After non-
underlying 
items
£’000

Note

32,511 

(22,262)

10,249 

(8,002)

2,247 

– 

2,247 

(166)

2,081 

(195)

1,886 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(218)

(218)

9 

(209)

(55)

(264)

2

3

3

4

6

7

32,511 

(22,262)

10,249 

(8,002)

2,247 

(218)

2,029 

(157)

1,872 

(250)

1,622 

Pence

32.3 

32.1 

 36,837 

(25,950)

 10,887 

(8,486)

 2,401 

 – 

 2,401 

(232)

 2,169 

(32)

 2,137 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(279)

(279)

(114)

(393)

 36,837 

(25,950)

 10,887 

(8,486)

 2,401 

 – 

 2,401 

(511)

 1,890 

(146)

 1,744 

Pence

35.0 

34.8 

Revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Operating expenses

Operating profit before 
exceptional costs

Exceptional costs

Operating profit after 
exceptional costs

Finance costs

Profit before taxation
Tax expense

Net profit for the year 

Earnings per share

Basic

Diluted

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

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Net profit for the year

Other comprehensive income:
Items that will be reclassified subsequently to profit and loss:

Foreign exchange differences on translation of foreign operations 

Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:

Revaluation of property, plant and equipment

Actuarial (loss)/gain on pension schemes

Movement in pension schemes’ deferred tax provision

Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax

Total comprehensive income for the year attributable to equity shareholders

All figures relate to continuing operations.

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements. 

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018

31 December 
2018
£’000

31 December 
2017
£’000

1,622 

1,744 

102 

 (254)

– 

 (222)

37 

 (83)

1,539 

530 

1,129 

 (191)

1,214 

2,958 

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Tandem Group plc

Consolidated balance sheet

Non current assets

Intangible fixed assets

Property, plant and equipment

Deferred taxation

Current assets

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Derivative financial asset held at fair value

Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables

Other liabilities

Derivative financial liability held at fair value

Current tax liabilities

Non current liabilities
Other payables

Other liabilities

Pension scheme deficit

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity
Share capital

Shares held in treasury

Share premium

Other reserves

Profit and loss account

Total equity

31 December 
2018
£’000

31 December 
2017
£’000

Note

8

9

16

10

11

15

12

13

14

15

13

14

17

18

18

5,580 

3,480 

1,776 

5,597 

3,550 

1,800 

10,836 

10,947 

4,250 

4,397 

54 

4,847 

13,548 

24,384 

 (4,266)

 (3,542)

 – 

 (143)

 (7,951)

 – 

 (1,198)

 (2,827)

 (4,025)

 (11,976)

12,408 

1,503 

 (247)

286 

3,644 

7,222 

4,001 

4,539 

 – 

3,856 

12,396 

23,343 

 (4,312)

 (3,237)

 (55)

 (107)

 (7,711)

 (1)

 (1,635)

 (2,928)

 (4,564)

 (12,275)

11,068

1,503 

 (247)

286 

3,542 

5,984 

12,408 

11,068 

The financial statements were approved by the Board on 10 April 2019 and signed on its behalf by:

Mervyn Keene 
Director 

Jim Shears 
Director

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018

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14 ❘ 15

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

Shares
 held in 
treasury
£’000

Share 
capital
£’000

Share 
premium
£’000

Merger
reserve
£’000

Capital 
redemption
reserve
£’000

Revaluation 
reserve
£’000

Translation
reserve
£’000

Profit
and loss
account
£’000

Total
£’000

At 1 January 2017

1,503 

 (272)

232 

1,036 

1,427 

Net profit for the year 

Re-translation of overseas subsidiaries

Revaluation of property, plant and 
equipment

Net actuarial gain on pension schemes

Total comprehensive income for 
the year attributable to equity 
shareholders

Share based payments

Exercise of share options

Dividends paid

Total transactions with owners

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

25 

– 

25 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

54 

– 

54 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

530 

– 

803 

3,485  8,214 

– 

1,744  1,744 

 (254)

– 

 (254)

– 

– 

– 

938 

530 

938 

530 

 (254)

2,682  2,958 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

13 

– 

13 

79 

 (196)

 (196)

 (183)

 (104)

At 1 January 2018

1,503 

 (247)

286 

1,036 

1,427 

530 

549 

5,984  11,068

Net profit for the year

Re-translation of overseas subsidiaries

Net actuarial loss on pension schemes

Total comprehensive income for 
the year attributable to equity 
shareholders

Share based payments

Dividends paid

Total transactions with owners

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
102 

1,622  1,622 

– 

102 

– 

 (185)

 (185)

102 

1,437  1,539 

– 

– 

– 

11 

11 

 (210)

 (210)

 (199)

 (199)

At 31 December 2018

1,503 

 (247)

286 

1,036 

1,427 

530 

651 

7,222  12,408

The share premium was created following the exercise of share options.

The merger reserve was created as a result of merger relief being claimed in respect of previous share issues.

The revaluation reserve was created following the revaluation of property, plant and equipment during the year.

Other reserves include a capital redemption reserve and a translation reserve. These reserves are non-distributable.

The profit and loss account includes all current and prior period results and share based payments as disclosed in the consolidated income 
statement.

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

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Tandem Group plc

Consolidated cash flow statement

Cash flows from operating activities

Net profit for the year 

Adjustments:

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

Amortisation of intangible fixed assets

Profit on sale of property, plant and equipment

Contribution to defined benefit pension plans

Finance costs

Tax expense

Share based payments

Net cash flow from operating activities before movements in working capital
Change in inventories

Change in trade and other receivables

Change in trade and other payables

Cash generated from operations
Interest paid

Tax paid

Net cash flows from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of intangible fixed assets

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

Sale of property, plant and equipment

Net cash flows from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Loan repayments

Finance lease repayments

Movement in invoice financing 

Exercise of share options

Dividends paid

Net cash flows from financing activities

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

31 December 
2018
£’000

31 December 
2017
£’000

1,622 

1,744 

139 

41 

 (5)

 (423)

157 

250 

11 

1,792 

 (407)

142 

 111

1,638 

 (166)

 (153)

1,319 

 (24)

 (70)

6 

 (88)

 (408)

 (27)

303 

 – 

 (210)

 (342)

889 

3,856 

102 

4,847 

148 

39 

 (6)

 (265)

511 

146 

13 

2,330 

3,623 

 (629)

 (1,263)

4,061 

 (232)

 (245)

3,584 

 (11)

 (27)

6 

 (32)

 (407)

 (27)

8 

79 

 (196)

 (543)

3,009 

1,101 

 (254)

3,856 

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018

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Intra-group balances and transactions, and any unrealised gains 
or losses arising from intra-group transactions, are eliminated in 
preparing the consolidated financial statements.

Foreign currency
The Group’s consolidated financial statements are presented in 
sterling (£), which is also the functional  currency of the parent 
Company.

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional 
currency of the respective Group entity, using the exchange rates 
prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains 
and  losses  resulting  from  the  settlement  of  such  transactions 
and from the remeasurement of monetary balance sheet items 
at  year  end  exchange  rates  are  recognised  in  the  consolidated 
income statement.

In the Group’s financial statements, all items and transactions of 
Group entities with a functional currency other than sterling were 
translated into sterling upon consolidation. Assets and liabilities 
have  been  translated  into  sterling  at  the  closing  rate  at  the 
balance sheet date. Income and expenses have been translated 
into sterling at the average rates over the reporting period. Any 
differences  arising  from  this  procedure  have  been  charged  or 
credited  through  other  comprehensive  income  to  the  currency 
translation reserve in equity. Goodwill and fair value adjustments 
arising on the acquisition of a foreign entity have been treated 
as assets and liabilities of the foreign entity and translated into 
sterling at the closing rate.

The Group has taken advantage of the exemption in IFRS 1 and 
has  deemed  cumulative  translation  differences  for  all  foreign 
operations to be £nil at the date of transition to IFRS. The gain 
or  loss  on  disposal  of  these  operations  excludes  translation 
differences that arose before the date of transition  to IFRS but 
includes later translation differences.

Revenue recognition
Revenue is measured by reference to the fair value of consideration 
receivable  by  the  Group  for  goods  supplied,  excluding  VAT  and 
trade discounts. Revenue is recognised upon the sale of goods or 
transfer of risk to the customer. Revenue from the sale of goods is 
recognised when all the following conditions have been satisfied:

• 

• 

• 
• 

• 

the Group has transferred to the buyer the significant risks 
and  rewards  of  ownership  of  the  goods  which  is  generally 
when they are received by the customer at the agreed place 
of delivery;
the Group retains neither continuing managerial involvement 
to  the  degree  usually  associated  with  ownership  nor 
effective control over the goods sold;
the amount of revenue can be measured reliably;
it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the 
transaction will flow to the Group; and
the  costs  incurred  or  to  be  incurred  in  respect  of  the 
transaction can be measured reliably.

Notes to the financial statements

1.   General information

Tandem  Group  plc,  a  public  limited  company  traded  on  the 
Alternative Investment Market, is incorporated and domiciled in 
the United Kingdom. The Company acts as a holding company of 
the Group. The registered office and principal place of business 
of  the  Group  is  disclosed  on  the  Directors  and  advisers  page 
to  these  financial  statements.  The  Group’s  principal  activity  is 
disclosed on page 6.

The financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 
(including  the  comparatives  for  the  year  ended  31  December 
2017) were approved by the Board of Directors on 10 April 2019.

The Group does not have an ultimate controlling party.

2.   Accounting policies
Non-underlying items
Non-underlying  items  are  material  items  which  arise  from 
unusual non-recurring or non-trading events. They are disclosed 
in aggregate in the Consolidated income statement where in the 
opinion of the Directors such disclosure is necessary in order to 
fairly  present  the  results  for  the  period.  Non-underlying  items 
comprise  one  off  acquisition  costs,  non-recurring  relocation 
costs, exceptional costs of Group restructuring, the finance cost 
related to the Group’s pension schemes calculated in accordance 
with IAS19, the impact of the movement in respect of derivative 
foreign exchange contracts held at fair value through the profit 
and  loss  in  accordance  with  IFRS9  and  the  release  of  the  over 
provision  in  respect  of  contingent  consideration,  together  with 
any taxation impact of these items.

Basis of preparation
The principal accounting policies of the Group are set out below 
and are consistent with those applied in the prior year financial 
statements.

Overall considerations
The  consolidated  financial  statements  have  been  prepared 
using  the  measurement  bases  specified  by  IFRS  as  adopted  by 
the EU for each type of asset, liability, income and expense. The 
measurement bases are more fully described in the accounting 
policies below.

All  accounting  estimates  and  assumptions  that  are  used  in 
preparing  the  financial  statements  are  consistent  with  the 
Group’s  latest  approved  budget  where  applicable.  Judgements 
are  based  on  the  information  available  at  each  balance  sheet 
date.  Disclosure  of  the  significant  accounting  estimates  and 
judgements can be found on page 21.

Basis of consolidation
Subsidiaries are all entities over which the Group has the power 
to control the financial and operating policies. The Group obtains 
and  exercises  control  through  voting  rights.  The  consolidated 
financial  statements  of  the  Group  incorporate  the  financial 
statements  of  the  parent  Company  as  well  as  those  entities 
controlled by the Group by full consolidation.

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018

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Tandem Group plc

Notes to the financial statements continued

2.   Accounting policies continued
Business combinations and goodwill
The consideration transferred by the Group to obtain control of 
a subsidiary is calculated as the sum of the acquisition date fair 
values  of  assets  transferred,  liabilities  incurred  and  the  equity 
interests  issued  by  the  Group,  which  includes  the  fair  value  of 
any  asset  or  liability  arising  from  a  contingent  consideration 
arrangement. Acquisition costs are expensed as incurred.

The Group recognises identifiable assets acquired and liabilities 
assumed in a business combination regardless of whether they 
have  been  previously  recognised  in  the  acquiree’s  financial 
statements prior to the acquisition. Assets acquired and liabilities 
assumed  are  generally  measured  at  their  acquisition-date  fair 
values.

Goodwill  is  stated  after  separate  recognition  of  identifiable 
intangible assets. It is calculated as the excess of the sum of a) 
fair value of consideration transferred, b) the recognised amount 
of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and c) acquisition-
date fair value of any existing equity interest in the acquiree, over 
the acquisition-date fair values of identifiable net assets. If the 
fair  values  of  identifiable  net  assets  exceed  the  sum  calculated 
above,  the  excess  amount  (i.e.  gain  on  a  bargain  purchase)  is 
recognised  in  profit  or  loss  immediately.  Goodwill  is  carried  at 
cost less accumulated impairment losses and is tested annually 
for impairment as described below.

Contingent consideration
Where  an  acquisition  is  subject  to  deferred  or  contingent 
consideration it is recorded as part of the cost of the investment 
at  the  net  present  value  of  future  expected  cash  flows.  Future 
expected  cashflows  are  estimated  using  forecasts  prepared  by 
management  based  on  the  likely  future  performance  of  the 
acquired  business.  The  consideration  is  classified  as  a  financial 
liability  and  is  measured  at  fair  value  with  any  changes  in  the 
estimated value being recognised in the income statement. 

Intangible assets
Assets acquired as part of a business combination
In accordance with IFRS 3 Business Combinations, an intangible 
asset  acquired  in  a  business  combination  is  deemed  to  have  a 
cost to the Group based on its fair value at the acquisition date. 
The fair value of the intangible asset reflects market expectations 
about  the  probability  that  the  future  economic  benefits 
embodied in the asset will flow to the Group. The intangible is 
then  amortised  over  the  economic  life  of  the  asset  as  detailed 
below. 

Brands
The fair value of acquired brands is calculated using the royalty 
relief method. It is capitalised and then amortised over its useful 
economic  life  of  20  years.  The  amortisation  is  calculated  so  as 
to write off the fair value less the estimated residual value over 
their estimated lives. An impairment review is undertaken when 
events  or  circumstances  indicate  the  carrying  amount  may  not 
be recoverable.

Other intangible assets
Intangible  assets  separately  purchased,  such  as  software,  are 
capitalised at cost and amortised in a straight line basis over their 
useful economic life of 10 years.

Impairment
The  Group’s  goodwill  and  property,  plant  and  equipment  is 
subject to impairment testing.

For  the  purposes  of  assessing  impairment,  assets  are  grouped 
at  the  lowest  levels  for  which  there  are  separately  identifiable 
cash  flows  (cash-generating  units).  As  a  result,  some  assets 
are  tested  individually  for  impairment  and  some  are  tested  at 
cash-generating  unit  level.  Goodwill  is  allocated  to  those  cash-
generating units that are expected to benefit from synergies of 
the related business combination and represent the lowest level 
within the Group at which management controls the related cash 
flows.

Cash-generating  units  that  include  goodwill  are  tested  for 
impairment  at  least  annually.  All  other  individual  assets  or 
cash-generating  units  that  do  not  include  goodwill  are  tested 
for  impairment  whenever  events  or  changes  in  circumstances 
indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.

An  impairment  loss is recognised  for  the  amount  by which  the 
asset’s  or  cash-generating  unit’s  carrying  amount  exceeds  its 
recoverable  amount.  The  recoverable  amount  is  the  higher  of 
fair value, reflecting market conditions less costs to sell and value 
in  use,  based  on  an  internal  discounted  cash  flow  evaluation. 
Impairment losses recognised for cash-generating units, to which 
goodwill has been allocated, are credited initially to the carrying 
amount  of  goodwill.  Any  remaining  impairment  loss  is  charged 
pro rata to the other assets in the cash generating unit. With the 
exception of goodwill, all assets are subsequently reassessed for 
indications  that  an  impairment  loss  previously  recognised  may 
no longer exist.

Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is carried at acquisition cost less 
subsequent  depreciation  and  impairment  losses.  Depreciation 
is  charged  on  these  assets  on  a  straight  line  basis  over  the 
estimated  useful  economic  life  of  each  asset.  Material  residual 
value  estimates  and  useful  economic  lives  are  updated  as 
required and at least annually. The useful lives of property, plant 
and equipment can be summarised as follows:

Land 
Freehold building 
Short leasehold land and buildings 
Vehicles 
Plant and equipment 

not depreciated
50 years
Length of lease
3 - 4 years
3 - 20 years

Inventories
All  inventories  and  work  in  progress  are  stated  at  the  lower  of 
cost and net realisable value. Cost is based on the first in first out 
method.

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Most changes in deferred tax assets or liabilities are recognised 
as  a  component  of  tax  expense  in  the  consolidated  income 
statement.  Changes  in  deferred  tax  assets  or  liabilities  that 
relate to a change in value of assets or liabilities that are charged 
directly  to  other  comprehensive  income  or  equity  are  charged 
or  credited  directly  to  other  comprehensive  income  or  equity 
respectively.

Employee benefits
Defined contribution pension schemes
Pensions  to  employees  are  provided  through  contributions  to 
individual personal pension plans. A defined contribution plan is 
a pension plan under which the Group pays fixed contributions 
into an independent entity. The Group has no legal or constructive 
obligations  to  pay  further  contributions  after  payment  of  the 
fixed contribution.

The  contributions  recognised  in  respect  of  personal  pension 
plans  are  expensed  as  they  fall  due.  Liabilities  and  assets  may 
be recognised if an underpayment or prepayment has occurred 
and are included in current liabilities or current assets as they are 
normally of a short term nature.

Defined benefit pension schemes
Scheme assets are measured at fair values. Scheme liabilities are 
measured on an actuarial basis using the projected unit method 
and  are  discounted  at  appropriate  high  quality  corporate  bond 
rates  that  have  terms  to  maturity  approximating  to  the  terms 
of  the  related  liability.  Appropriate  adjustments  are  made  for 
unrecognised actuarial gains or losses and past service costs. 

Actuarial  gains  and  losses  are  recognised  immediately  in  the 
Consolidated  statement  of  comprehensive  income.  The  net 
surplus or deficit is presented in non current assets or liabilities 
on  the  Consolidated  balance  sheet.  The  related  deferred  tax  is 
shown with other deferred tax balances. A surplus is recognised 
only to the extent that it is recoverable by the Group.

The service cost and costs from settlements and curtailments are 
charged to operating expenses. Net interest costs or income are 
included in finance costs or income in the Consolidated income 
statement.  Post-employment  benefits  other  than  pensions  are 
accounted for in the same way.

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2.   Accounting policies continued

Segment reporting
Due to the integration of a number of functions across the Group 
it is not possible to accurately report operating segments.

Leases
In accordance with IAS 17, the economic ownership of a leased 
asset is transferred to the lessee if the lessee bears substantially 
all the risks and rewards related to the ownership of the leased 
asset.  The  related  asset  is  recognised  at  the  time  of  inception 
of the lease at the fair value of the leased asset or, if lower, the 
present  value  of  the  lease  payments  plus  incidental  payments, 
if  any,  to  be  borne  by  the  lessee.  A  corresponding  amount  is 
recognised as a finance leasing liability, irrespective of whether 
some of these lease payments are payable in advance at the date 
of inception of the lease.

All  other  leases  are  treated  as  operating  leases.  Payments  on 
operating lease agreements are recognised as an expense on a 
straight-line  basis  over  the  term  of  the  lease.  Associated  costs, 
such  as  maintenance  and  insurance,  are  expensed  as  incurred. 
The Group does not act as a lessor.

Taxation
Current income tax assets or liabilities comprise those obligations 
to,  or  claims  from,  fiscal  authorities  relating  to  the  current  or 
prior  reporting  period,  that  are  unpaid  at  the  balance  sheet 
date. They are calculated according to the tax rates and tax laws 
applicable to the fiscal periods to which they relate, based on the 
taxable profit for the year.

Deferred income taxes are calculated using the liability method 
on  temporary  differences.  This  involves  the  comparison  of  the 
carrying  amounts  of  assets  and  liabilities  in  the  consolidated 
financial statements with their respective tax bases. However, in 
accordance with the rules set out in IAS 12, no deferred taxes are 
recognised on the initial recognition of goodwill, nor on the initial 
recognition  of assets or liabilities  unless acquired in a business 
combination  or  in  a  transaction  that  affects  tax  or  accounting 
profit. This applies also to temporary differences associated with 
shares in subsidiaries if reversal of these temporary differences 
can be controlled by the Group and it is probable that reversal 
will  not  occur  in  the  foreseeable  future.  In  addition,  tax  losses 
available to be carried forward as well as other income tax credits 
to the Group are assessed for recognition as deferred tax assets. 
Deferred tax liabilities are provided for in full. Deferred tax assets 
are recognised to the extent that it is probable that they will be 
able  to  be  offset  against  future  taxable  income.  Deferred  tax 
assets  and  liabilities  are  calculated,  without  discounting,  at  tax 
rates  that  are  expected  to  apply  to  their  respective  period  of 
realisation, provided they are enacted or substantively enacted 
at the balance sheet date.

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Notes to the financial statements continued

2.   Accounting policies continued

Financial assets
The Group’s financial assets include cash and cash equivalents, 
trade and other receivables and forward exchange contracts.

All financial assets are recognised when the entity becomes party 
to the contractual provisions of an instrument. All financial assets 
except forward exchange contracts are initially recognised at fair 
value, plus transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at 
amortised cost using the effective interest rate. Financial assets 
are derecognised when the contractual rights to the cash flows 
from the financial asset expire, or when the financial asset and 
all substantial risks and rewards are transferred.

Interest  and  other  cash  flows  resulting  from  holding  financial 
assets  are  recognised  in  the  Consolidated  income  statement 
using the effective interest rate method, regardless of how the 
related carrying amount of financial assets is measured.

Trade receivables are provided against when objective evidence 
is received that the Group will not be able to collect all amounts 
due to it in accordance with the original terms of the receivables. 
The amount of the write-down is determined as the difference 
between  the  asset’s  carrying  amount  and  the  present  value  of 
estimated future cash flows discounted at the original effective 
interest rate. 

Forward exchange contracts are financial assets held at fair value 
through profit and loss in accordance with the policy below.

Cash and cash equivalents
For the purposes of the consolidated cash flow statement, cash 
and  cash  equivalents  include  cash  at  bank  and  in  hand,  bank 
overdrafts and short term highly liquid investments less advances 
from  banks  repayable  within  three  months  from  the  date  of 
advance.

Equity
An  equity  instrument  is  any  contract  that  evidences  a  residual 
interest in the assets of an entity after deducting all of its liabilities. 
When the Company purchases its own equity share capital, the 
consideration  paid  is  deducted  from  equity  attributable  to  the 
Company’s equity shareholders until the shares are cancelled or 
reissued.

Share  capital  is  determined  using  the  nominal  value  of  shares 
that have been issued.

The merger reserve was created as a result of merger relief being 
claimed in respect of previous share issues. 

The revaluation reserve was created following the revaluation of 
property, plant and equipment during the year.

Other  reserves  include  a  capital  redemption  reserve  and  a 
translation reserve. These reserves are non-distributable. 

The profit and loss account includes all current and prior period 
results and share based payments as disclosed in the consolidated 
income statement.

Share based employee remuneration
The  Group  operates  equity  settled  share  based  remuneration 
plans for its senior employees.

All employee services received in exchange for the grant of any 
share  based  remuneration  are  measured  at  their  fair  values. 
These  are  indirectly  determined  by  reference  to  the  fair  value 
of  the  share  options  awarded.  Their  value  is  appraised  at  the 
grant  date  and  excludes  the  impact  of  any  non-market  vesting 
conditions.

is  ultimately  recognised  as 
All  share  based  remuneration 
an  expense  in  the  Consolidated  income  statement  with  a 
corresponding  credit  to  reserves,  net  of  deferred  tax  where 
applicable.  If  vesting  periods  or  other  vesting  conditions  apply, 
the  expense  is  allocated  over  the  vesting  period,  based  on 
the  best  available  estimate  of  the  number  of  share  options 
expected to vest. Non-market vesting conditions are included in 
assumptions about the number of options that are expected to 
become exercisable. Estimates are subsequently revised if there 
is any indication that the number of share options expected to 
vest differs from previous estimates. No adjustment is made to 
the  expense  recognised  in  prior  periods  if  fewer  share  options 
ultimately are exercised than originally estimated.

Upon exercise of share options, the proceeds received net of any 
directly attributable transaction costs up to the nominal value of 
the shares issued are allocated to share capital with any excess 
being recorded as share premium.

Financial liabilities
The Group’s financial liabilities include trade and other payables 
and invoice finance.

Financial  liabilities  are  recognised  when  the  Group  becomes 
a  party  to  the  contractual  agreements  of  the  instrument.  All 
interest  related  charges  are  recognised  in  the  Consolidated 
income statement.

Finance  charges  are  charged  to  the  Consolidated 
income 
statement  on  an  accruals  basis  using  the  effective  interest 
method and are added to the carrying amount of the instrument 
to  the  extent  that  they  are  not  settled  in  the  period  in  which 
they arise.

Trade and other payables are recognised initially at their fair value 
and  subsequently  measured  at  amortised  cost  less  settlement 
payments.

Invoice  finance  liabilities  are  recognised  at  the  time  the  Group 
becomes  a  party  to  the  contractual  provisions  of  the  invoice 
finance agreement.

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interest rates. The specific assumptions adopted are disclosed in 
detail in note 17 to the consolidated financial statements. Profits 
and  losses  in  relation  to  changes  in  actuarial  assumptions  are 
taken  directly  to  reserves  and  therefore  do  not  impact  on  the 
profitability of the business, but the changes do impact on net 
assets.

Inventory provisioning
The  Group  reviews  the  net  realisable  value  of  and  demand  for 
its inventory on an ongoing basis to ensure recorded inventory 
is stated at the lower of cost or net realisable value. Factors that 
could impact estimated demand and selling prices are the timing 
and  success  of  future  technological  innovations,  competitor 
actions, suppliers prices and economic trends. If total inventory 
losses  differ,  the  Group’s  consolidated  net  income  in  the  year 
would have improved or declined, depending upon whether the 
actual results were better or worse than expected.

Bad debt provision
At  each  reporting  period,  the  Directors  review  outstanding 
debts and determine appropriate provision levels. The recovery 
of  certain  debts  is  dependent  on  the  individual  circumstances 
of  customers.  As  disclosed  in  note  11  there  are  a  number  of 
debts which remain outstanding past their due date, which the 
Directors believe to be recoverable.

Intangible asset valuation
In  attributing  value  to  intangible  assets  arising  on  acquisition, 
management has made certain assumptions in terms of cash flows 
attributable to intellectual property and customer relationships. 
The  key  assumptions  relate  to  the  trading  performance  of  the 
acquired  business,  royalty  rates  applied  in  the  royalty  relief 
calculation  and  discount  rates  applied  to  calculate  the  present 
value of future cash flows. The Directors consider the resulting 
valuation to be a reasonable approximation as to the value of the 
intangibles acquired.

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information.  Estimates  and 

Key judgements
Deferred tax assets
In  determining  the  deferred  tax  asset  to  be  recognised  the 
Directors  carefully  review  the  recoverability  of  these  assets 
on  a  prudent  basis  and  reach  a  judgement  based  on  the  best 
available 
in 
the  financial  statements  are  based  on  historical  experience 
and  other  assumptions  that  the  Directors  and  management 
consider  reasonable  and  are  consistent  with  the  Group’s  latest 
budgeted forecasts where applicable. Judgements are based on 
the information available at each balance sheet date. Although 
these estimates are based on the best information available to 
the  Directors,  actual  results  may  ultimately  differ  from  those 
estimates.

judgements  used 

Pension deficit
In accordance with the winding up provisions of the Trust deeds 
the Directors have concluded that the Group has a discretionary 
right  to  receive  returns  of  contributions  if  the  schemes  were 
to  be  in  surplus.  Accordingly,  and  where  material,  any  excess 
funding has not been recognised on the balance sheet.

2.   Accounting policies continued

Foreign exchange forward and option contracts
From  time  to  time  the  Group  enters  into  forward  and  option 
contracts  for  the  purchase  or  sale  of  foreign  currencies.  These 
are  classified  as  derivatives  and  carried  at  fair  value  through 
profit  or  loss  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements.  Any  
re-measurement  gains  or  losses  are  taken  to  the  Consolidated 
income statement.

Forward  and  option  exchange  contracts  are  entered  into  to 
mitigate  exposure  to  foreign  exchange  fluctuations  relating  to 
purchases made in foreign currencies, principally the US dollar. 
The Group’s policy is to reduce substantially the risk associated 
with  purchases  denominated  in  foreign  currencies  by  using 
forward  fixed  rate  currency  purchase  contracts,  taking  into 
account  any  foreign  currency  cash  flows.  The  foreign  exchange 
contracts do not meet the criteria for treatment as an effective 
hedge and accordingly any gain or loss is recognised immediately 
in the Consolidated income statement as a finance cost.

Significant accounting estimates and judgements
Certain  estimates  and  judgements  need  to  be  made  by  the 
Directors  of  the  Group  which  affect  the  results  and  position  of 
the  Group  as  reported  in  the  financial  statements.  Estimates 
and judgements are required if, for example, as at the reporting 
date not  all  liabilities  have been settled  and  certain  assets and 
liabilities are recorded at fair value which requires a number of 
estimates and assumptions to be made. 

Key areas of estimation uncertainty
Impairment of goodwill
The  annual  impairment  assessment  in  respect  of  goodwill 
requires  estimates  of  the  value  in  use  of  cash  generating  units 
to  which  goodwill  has  been  allocated  to  be  calculated.  As  a 
result, estimates of future cash flows are required, together with 
an  appropriate  discount  factor  for  the  purpose  of  determining 
the  present  value  of  those  cash  flows.  The  basis  of  review  of 
the  carrying  value  of  goodwill  is  as  detailed  in  note  8  to  the 
Consolidated financial statements.

Financial instruments valuation
Forward contracts and options are used to minimise the impact 
of foreign exchange fluctuations on the group. An asset or liability 
is  recognised  representing  the  fair  value  of  the  instruments  in 
place at the year end. The fair value is calculated using certain 
estimates and valuation models by reference to significant inputs 
including;  implied  volatilities  in  foreign  currency  and  historical 
movements in foreign currency exchange rates. Changes in the 
fair value of the instruments are recognised in profit or loss in the 
Consolidated income statement. 

Pension scheme valuation
The liabilities in respect of defined benefit pension schemes are 
calculated by qualified actuaries and reviewed by the Group, but 
are  necessarily  based  on  subjective  assumptions.  The  principal 
uncertainties  relate  to  the  estimation  of  the  discount  rate,  life 
expectancies  of  scheme  members,  future  investment  yields 
and  general market conditions  for factors such  as inflation  and 

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Notes to the financial statements continued

With regards to IFRS 16, at 31 December 2018 the Group holds 
non-cancellable operating lease commitments totalling £817,000. 
IAS 17 does not require the recognition of any right-of-use asset 
or liability for future payments for these leases; instead, certain 
information is disclosed as operating lease commitments in note 
19. A preliminary assessment indicates that these arrangements 
will meet the definition of a lease under IFRS 16, and hence the 
Group  will  recognise  a  right-of-use  asset  and  a  corresponding 
liability  in  respect  of  all  these  leases  unless  they  qualify  for 
low value or short-term leases upon the application of IFRS 16. 
The  new  requirement  to  recognise  a  right-of-use  asset  and  a 
related lease liability is expected to have a significant impact on 
the  amounts  recognised  in  the  Group’s  consolidated  financial 
statements and the directors are currently assessing its potential 
impact.  A preliminary assessment indicates that the Group  will 
recognise a right-of-use asset of £363,000 and a corresponding 
lease liability of £363,000 in respect of leases held. The impact on 
the Income Statement is not expected to be material.

In  contrast,  for  finance  leases  where  the  Group  is  a  lessee,  as 
the Group has already recognised an asset and a related finance 
lease  liability  for  the  lease  arrangement,  the  Directors  do  not 
anticipate that the application of IFRS 16 will have a significant 
impact on the amounts recognised in the Group’s consolidated 
financial statements.

Certain  other  new  standards  and  interpretations  have  been 
issued  but  are  not  expected  to  have  a  material  impact  on  the 
Group’s financial statements.

2.   Accounting policies continued

Standards and interpretations 
The  Group  has  adopted  the  following  new  standards,  or  new 
provisions of amended standards: 

• 
• 
• 
• 

• 

• 
• 

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments
IFRS 15 Revenue from contracts with customers
Amendments to IAS7 Disclosure Initiative
Amendments  to  IFRS  2  Classification  and  measurement  of 
share based payment transactions
IFRIC  Interpretation  22  Foreign  currency  transactions  and 
advance considerations 
Amendments to IAS 40: Transfers of investment property
Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2014-2016 Cycle

There has been no material impact on either amounts reported 
or  disclosed  in  the  financial  statements  arising  from  first  time 
adoption.

At  the  date  of  authorisation  of  these  financial  statements, 
certain  new  standards,  amendments  and  interpretations  to 
existing standards have been published by the IASB but are not 
yet  effective  and  have  not  been  applied  early  by  the  Group. 
Management  anticipates  that  the  following  pronouncements 
relevant to the Group’s operations will be adopted in the Group’s 
accounting  policies  for  the  first  period  beginning  after  the 
effective date of the pronouncement, once adopted by the EU: 

• 
• 

• 

• 

• 

IFRS 16 Leases (effective 1 January 2019);
Amendments to IFRS 9 Prepayment features with negative 
compensation (effective 1 January 2019);
Amendments to IAS 19 Employee Benefits Plan Amendment, 
Curtailment or Settlement (effective 1 January 2019);
IFRIC 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments (effective 
1 January 2019); 
Annual  Improvements  to  IFRSs  2015-2017  Cycle  (effective 
1 January 2019);

Other  than  in  respect  of  IFRS  16,  the  Directors  anticipate  that 
the  adoption  of  these  Standards  and  Interpretations  in  future 
periods will have no material impact on the financial statements 
of the Group. 

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31 December
2018
£’000

31 December
2017
£’000

4,448 

3,554 

8,002 

3,551 

126 

13 

 (5)

41 

351 

3,925 

8,002 

4,838 

3,648 

8,486 

3,768 

135 

13 

 (6)

39 

504 

4,033 

8,486 

3.   Operating expenses and Exceptional costs 

Distribution costs

Administrative expenses (before exceptional costs)

Total operating expenses (before exceptional costs) as shown in the Consolidated income statement

The operating expenses disclosed above include the following charges/(credits):

Employee benefits expense (note 5)

Depreciation – owned assets

Depreciation – assets under hire purchase agreements

Profit on sale of tangible fixed assets

Intangible amortisation

Operating lease costs

Other expenses

Exceptional costs of £218,000 (year ended 31 December 2017 - £nil) were incurred following the relocation of a warehouse and distribution 
facility.

Auditor’s remuneration in the capacity as auditor of the parent Company was £3,000 (year ended 31 December 2017 - £3,000) and in 
the capacity as auditor of the subsidiary companies was £58,000 (year ended 31 December 2017 - £57,000). Non audit remuneration in 
respect of tax compliance services totalled £13,000 (year ended 31 December 2017 - £13,000).

4.   Finance costs

Interest payable on bank loans, overdrafts and invoice finance facilities

Interest payable on hire purchase agreements

Expected return on pension scheme assets less interest on liabilities

Fair value adjustment in respect of derivative financial liabilities held at fair value through  
profit and loss

Total finance costs

31 December
2018
£’000

31 December
2017
£’000

157 

9 

100 

 (109)

157 

221 

11 

107 

172 

511 

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Tandem Group plc

Notes to the financial statements continued

5.   Directors' and employees remuneration 

Employee benefits expense

Wages and salaries

Social security costs

Share-based employee remuneration

Pension scheme contributions - defined contribution schemes

The average number of people (including Directors) employed by the Group during the year was:

Selling and distribution

Management and administration

Directors' remuneration

M P J Keene

S J Grant

J C Shears

P Ratcliffe

J S T Morris

A Q Bestwick

31 December 2018

Salary/Fee
£’000

Performance 
bonus
£’000

Benefits in 
kind
£’000

Pension 
contribution
£’000

 50 

 190 

 126 

 149 

 20 

 20 

 555 

  – 

 35 

 26 

 28 

 – 

 – 

 89 

  – 

 8 

 6 

 8 

 – 

 – 

 22 

  – 

 10 

 27 

 14 

 – 

 – 

 51 

31 December
2018
£’000

31 December
2017
£’000

3,138 

3,337 

286 

11 

116 

308 

13 

110 

3,551 

3,768 

Number

Number

45 

37 

82 

52 

39 

91 

31 December
2017

Total
£’000

 50 

 243 

 185 

 199 

 20 

 20 

 717 

Total
£’000

 50 

 270 

 206 

 221 

 20 

 20 

 787 

In addition to the above the total charge for Employer’s National Insurance for the period was £83,000 (year ended 31 December 2017 – 
£93,000). 

During the year and in the previous year the Group contributed to defined contribution pension schemes for S J Grant, J C Shears and 
P Ratcliffe. 

The  related  share  based  remuneration  charge  was  £11,000  (year  ended  31  December  2017    –  £13,000)  of  which  £3,000  (year  ended 
31 December 2017  – £4,000) related to S J Grant, £3,000 (year ended 31 December 2017  – £3,000) related to J C Shears and £3,000 (year 
ended 31 December 2017  – £3,000) related to P Ratcliffe.

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018

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24 ❘ 25

5.   Directors' and employees remuneration continued

Key management personnel
The Group considers the key management of the business to be the Directors of Tandem Group plc.

Share based employee remuneration
The following options were held at 31 December 2018 under the Group’s share option schemes:

Number of shares

2007 Employee Share Option Scheme

Directors

S J Grant

J C Shears

P Ratcliffe

Other employees

At 
1 January 
2018

Granted 
during year

Exercised/ 
lapsed 
during year

At 
31 December 
2017

Option price 
per 25p 
ordinary 
share

Exercise period

27,475 

22,525 

75,000 

22,500 

53,222 

14,000 

17,103 

58,897 

23,400 

43,400 

357,522 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

27,475 

22,525 

75,000 

22,500 

53,222 

14,000 

17,103 

58,897 

23,400 

43,400 

357,522 

107.0p

31/01/14-14/06/21

79.0p

31/12/15-29/10/23

127.5p

107.0p

127.5p

107.0p

31/12/15-29/10/24

31/01/14-14/06/21

31/12/15-29/10/24

31/01/14-14/06/21

79.0p

31/12/15-29/10/23

127.5p

107.0p

127.5p

31/12/15-29/10/24

31/01/14-14/06/21

31/12/15-29/10/24

The Group has the following outstanding share options and exercise prices:

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Date exercisable (option life):

2014 (up to 2021)

2015 (up to 2023)

2016 (up to 2024)

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

Number

Exercise price 
(pence)

Remaining 
contractual 
life (years)

Number

Exercise price 
(pence)

Remaining 
contractual 
life (years)

87,375 

39,628 

230,519 

357,522 

107.0 

79.0 

127.0 

2.5 

4.8 

5.8 

87,375 

39,628 

230,519 

357,522

107.0

79.0

127.5

3.5

5.8

6.8

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Tandem Group plc

Notes to the financial statements continued

5.   Directors' and employees remuneration continued

The ordinary share mid-market price on 31 December 2018 was 110.0p (31 December 2017 – 100.0p). During the period, the highest 
mid-market price was 165.0p (31 December 2017 – 155.0p) and the lowest was 90.0p (31 December 2017 – 95.0p). The weighted average 
exercise price of the options in issue was 117.1p (31 December 2017 – 117.7p). 

The fair value of options granted was determined for IFRS 2 using the Black-Scholes valuation model. Significant inputs into the calculations 
were:

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

exercise prices of 79.0p (31 December 2017 – 79.0p) to 127.5p (31 December 2017 – 127.5p);
37.3% (31 December 2017 – 37.3%) to 45.0% (31 December 2017 – 45.0%) volatility based on expected and historical share price;
a risk-free interest rate of 0.86% (31 December 2017 – 0.86%);
all options are assumed to vest after three and a half years from the date of grant of the options; and
dividend yield of 4.03%.

In total, £11,000 (31 December 2017 – £13,000) of share-based employee remuneration has been included in the Consolidated income 
statement. 

6.   Tax expense 

The  relationship  between  the  expected  tax  expense  at  19.00%  (year  ended  31  December  2017  –  19.25%)  and  the  actual  tax  income 
recognised in the Consolidated income statement can be reconciled as follows:

31 December 2018

31 December 2017

Profit before taxation

Tax rate

Expected tax expense
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes

Fixed asset timing differences

Movement in unrecognised deferred tax asset

Deferred tax charged to the Consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income

Amounts (charged)/credited directly to equity or otherwise transferred

Effect of differing rates on overseas taxation

Effect of change in tax rate

Adjustments in respect of prior periods

Other movements

Actual tax expense

Actual tax expense comprises:

Current tax expense

Deferred tax expense/(credit)

%

19.00%

19.0%

1.0%

0.6%

(0.6)%

2.0%

(2.2)%

(2.2)%

(0.6)%

(3.2)%

(0.5)%

13.4%

£’000

1,872 

356 

19 

12 

 (11)

38 

 (42)

 (41)

 (12)

 (60)

 (9)

250 

189 

61 

250 

£'000

1,890 

364 

3 

12 

%

19.25%

19.3%

0.2%

0.6%

 (246)

(13.0)%

(1.0)%

2.2%

1.2%

(1.7)%

0.0%

0.0%

7.7%

 (18)

42 

22 

 (33)

– 

– 

146 

219 

(73)

146

At 31 December 2018 there are trading losses and loan relationship deficits of approximately £9,497,000 (31 December 2017 – £9,299,000) 
available for carry forward against future profits of the same trade. 

Tax rate changes
Deferred  taxes  at  the  balance  sheet  date  have  been  measured  using  these  enacted  tax  rates  and  reflected  in  these  financial 
statements. 

A change to the UK corporation tax rate was announced in the Chancellor’s Budget on 16 March 2016 and was substantively enacted on 
7 September 2016. The change announced is to reduce the main rate to 17% from 1 April 2020. Changes to reduce the UK corporation tax 
rate to 19% from 1 April 2017 had already been substantively enacted as part of the Finance Bill 2015 on 26 October 2015.

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018

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7.   Earnings per share 

The calculation of earnings per share is based on the net profit and ordinary shares in issue during the year as follows:

Net profit for the year

31 December
2018
£’000

31 December
2017
£’000

1,622 

1,744 

Weighted average shares in issue (excluding shares held in treasury) used for basic earnings per share

5,026,091 

4,981,003 

Weighted average dilutive shares under option

Average number of shares used for diluted earnings per share

25,005 

24,163 

5,051,096 

5,005,166 

Basic earnings per share 

Diluted earnings per share

8.   Intangible fixed assets 

Gross carrying amount

At 1 January 2017

Additions

At 1 January 2018

Additions

At 31 December 2018

Amortisation

At 1 January 2017

Provided in the year

At 1 January 2018

Provided in the year

At 31 December 2018

Net book value

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

Pence

32.3 

32.1 

Goodwill
£’000

Software
£’000

Brand names
£’000

10,109 

– 

10,109 

– 

10,109 

4,957 

– 

4,957 

– 

4,957 

5,152 

5,152 

83 

11 

94 

24 

118 

14 

18 

32 

20 

52 

66 

62 

441 

– 

441 

– 

441 

37 

21 

58 

21 

79 

362 

383 

Pence

35.0 

34.8 

Total
£’000

10,633 

11 

10,644 

24 

10,668 

5,008 

39 

5,047 

41 

5,088 

5,580 

5,597

Amortisation has been included within operating expenses in the Consolidated income statement. 

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Tandem Group plc

Notes to the financial statements continued

8.   Intangible fixed assets continued 

Goodwill above relates to the following cash generating units: 

Pot Black

Dawes Cycles

Ben Sayers

Pro Rider

ESC

Others (fully impaired)

Date of acquisition

28 September 2000

26 June 2001

25 February 2002

01 August 2014

01 September 2015

Goodwill on 
acquisition
£’000

1,906 

895 

715 

1,695 

1,221 

3,677 

10,109 

Carrying 
value of 
goodwill
£’000

965 

695 

576 

1,695 

1,221 

– 

5,152

Goodwill arising on consolidation, representing the excess of the fair value of the consideration given over the fair value of the identifiable 
net assets acquired, is capitalised and is tested annually for impairment. 

The key assumptions for each of the cash generating units include stable growth and profit margins, which have been determined based 
on past experience in this market. Internal and external market data has been used in setting the assumptions. It is considered that this is 
the best available input for forecasting this market. 

The  recoverable  amounts  were  determined  based  on  a  value-in-use  calculation,  covering  a  detailed  one  year  conservative  forecast, 
followed by an extrapolation of expected cash flow over the next four years at growth rates of 3% for each cash generating unit, which 
represents a conservative long term average growth rate, followed by year five cash flows in perpetuity. The growth rates used do not 
exceed the long term average growth for the market in which the Group operates.

A forecast period of five years has been used representing the expected minimum period that the business model is sustainable assuming 
no significant changes in the business. 

The discount rate used is 4.29%, being the Group’s weighted average cost of capital, which is considered to be suitable for each cash 
generating unit as they operate in similar markets. 

If the growth rate was assumed to be nil in the Directors’ opinion there would still be no provision for impairment required. The Directors 
believe that there are no reasonably possible changes in assumptions which would cause recoverable amounts to equal carrying amounts. 
No further sensitivities have been applied to the calculation. 

Goodwill and impairment policies are detailed in note 2 to these consolidated financial statements.

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018

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28 ❘ 29

9.   Property, plant and equipment 

Gross carrying amount

At 1 January 2017

Additions

Disposals

Revaluation

Foreign exchange adjustments

At 1 January 2018

Additions

Disposals

Foreign exchange adjustments

At 31 December 2018

Depreciation

At 1 January 2017

Provided in the year

Eliminated on disposals

Revaluation

Foreign exchange adjustments

At 1 January 2018

Provided in the year

Eliminated on disposals

Foreign exchange adjustments

At 31 December 2018

Net book value

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

Freehold 
land and 
buildings
£’000

Short 
leasehold 
land and 
buildings
£’000

2,745 

421 

– 

– 

405 

– 

3,150 

– 

– 

– 

3,150 

100 

25 

– 

 (125)

– 

– 

32 

– 

– 

32 

3,118 

3,150 

– 

– 

– 

 (6)

415 

– 

 (8)

4 

411 

295 

42 

– 

– 

 (6)

331 

40 

 (8)

4 

367 

44 

84 

Vehicles
£’000

Plant and 
machinery
£’000

Total
£’000

8 

22 

 (8)

– 

– 

22 

30 

– 

– 

52 

8 

– 

 (8)

– 

– 

– 

10 

– 

– 

10 

42 

22 

1,858 

5,032 

5 

 (6)

– 

 (11)

1,846 

40 

 (157)

5 

1,734 

1,488 

81 

 (6)

– 

 (11)

1,552 

57 

 (156)

5 

1,458 

27 

 (14)

405 

 (17)

5,433 

70 

 (165)

9 

5,347 

1,891 

148 

 (14)

 (125)

 (17)

1,883 

139 

 (164)

9 

1,867

276 

294 

3,480 

3,550 

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A valuation of the property was carried out in January 2018 in accordance with the RICS Valuation – Professional Standards January 2014, 
published by The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. The value placed on the property at that date was £3,150,000. The Directors of 
the Company consider this to materially represent the fair value at 31 December 2018.

The net book value of assets held under hire purchase agreements was £187,000 (31 December 2017 - £199,000).

The borrowings of the Group are secured by a fixed and floating charge over the assets of the Group.

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018

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Tandem Group plc

Notes to the financial statements continued

10.   Inventories

Finished goods for resale

At
31 December
2018
£’000

At
31 December
2017
£’000

4,250 

4,001 

Cost of sales includes material costs of £19,897,000 (year ended 31 December 2017 - £23,450,000) and other costs of £2,365,000 (year 
ended 31 December 2017 - £2,500,000).  

11.   Trade and other receivables 

Amounts falling due within one year:

Trade receivables

Prepayments and accrued income

Other receivables

At
31 December
2018
£’000

At
31 December
2017
£’000

3,931 

154 

312 

4,397 

4,174 

192 

173 

4,539 

Trade and other receivables are usually due within 90 days and do not bear any effective interest rate. All trade receivables are subject to 
credit risk exposure. However, the Group does not identify specific concentrations of credit risk with regards to trade and other receivables 
as the amounts recognised resemble a large number of receivables from various customers.

The fair value of these short term financial assets is not individually determined as the carrying amount is a reasonable approximation of 
fair value.

All of the Group’s trade and other receivables have been reviewed for indicators of impairment. Certain trade receivables were found 
to be impaired and accordingly a provision of £34,000 (year ended 31 December 2017 - £67,000) has been made. The movement in the 
provision for impairment losses can be reconciled as follows:

Amounts brought forward 

Amounts written off

Impairment loss

At year end

At
31 December
2018
£’000

At
31 December
2017
£’000

67 

 (34)

 1

34 

62 

 (20)

25 

67 

Some of the unimpaired trade receivables were past due as at the reporting date. The age of trade receivables at the reporting date 
was: 

Not past due

Past due 0 – 90 days

Past due 91 – 180 days

At
31 December
2018
£’000

At
31 December
2017
£’000

3,255 

654 

22 

3,931 

3,349 

766 

59 

4,174

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018

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30 ❘ 31

12.  Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents per Consolidated cash flow statement

At
31 December
2018
£’000

At
31 December
2017
£’000

4,847 

3,856 

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash at bank and in hand. All cash at bank and in hand held by subsidiary undertakings is available 
for use by the Group.

13.  Trade and other payables

Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade payables

Taxation and social security

Other payables

Amounts falling due between one and two years:

Other payables

At
31 December
2018
£’000

At
31 December
2017
£’000

 (2,381)

 (239)

 (1,646)

 (4,266)

 (2,027)

 (330)

 (1,955)

 (4,312)

– 

– 

 (1)

 (1)

The  Directors  consider,  due  to  their  short  duration,  that  the  carrying  amounts  recognised  in  the  Consolidated  balance  sheet  are  a 
reasonable approximation of the fair value of trade and other payables.

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Tandem Group plc

Notes to the financial statements continued

14.  Other liabilities 

Invoice finance liability

Current borrowings with contractual maturities in less than one year 

– other borrowings

– assets held under hire purchase agreements 

Total current borrowings

Non current borrowing with contractual maturities one to two years

– other borrowings

– assets held under hire purchase agreements

Non current borrowings with contractual maturities between two to five years

– other borrowings

– assets held under hire purchase agreements

Total non current borrowings

Total borrowings

At
31 December
2018
£’000

At
31 December
2017
£’000

 (3,106)

 (2,803)

 (407)

 (29)

 (407)

 (27)

 (3,542)

 (3,237)

 (407)

 (30)

 (407)

 (29)

 (694)

 (67)

 (1,198)

 (4,740)

 (1,102)

 (97)

 (1,635)

 (4,872)

The invoice finance liability is secured over the trade receivables of the Group and borrowings are secured by a fixed and floating charge 
over the assets of the Group.  

The mortgage, which is included in other borrowings, is secured over the freehold land and buildings of the Group to which it relates.

Hire purchase liabilities are secured on the assets to which the liabilities relate.

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018

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32 ❘ 33

Total
£’000

(851)

4,406 

90 

211 

3,856 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

15.  Financial assets and liabilities 

The financial assets of the Group, all of which fall due within one year, comprised:

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

Financial 
assets held 
at fair value 
through 
profit 
and loss
£’000

Assets not
within the 
scope of 
IAS 39
£’000

Loans and 
receivables
£’000

Financial 
assets held 
at fair value 
through 
profit 
and loss
£’000

Assets not 
within the 
scope of 
IAS 39
£’000

Cash and cash 
equivalents:

Sterling

US Dollars

Euro

Others

Foreign exchange 
derivatives

Trade and other 
receivables

Inventories

Current assets

2,447 

2,100 

75 

225 

4,847 

– 

4,243 

– 

9,090 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

54 

– 

– 

54 

Loans and 
receivables
£’000

(851)

4,406 

90 

211 

3,856 

Total
£’000

2,447 

2,100 

75 

225 

4,847 

54 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

154 

4,250 

4,404 

4,397 

4,250 

13,548 

4,347 

– 

8,203 

192 

4,001 

4,193 

4,539 

4,001 

12,396 

The financial liabilities of the Group comprised:

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

Financial 
liabilities 
held at 
fair value 
through 
profit and 
loss 
£’000

Liabilities 
not within 
the scope 
of IAS 39
£’000

Other 
financial 
liabilities at 
amortised 
cost
£’000

Trade and other 
payables

Invoice finance liability

Current borrowings

Hire purchase

Foreign exchange 
derivatives

Current tax liabilities

Current liabilities 

Non current liabilities

(4,027)

(3,106)

(407)

(29)

– 

– 

(7,569)

(1,198)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(239)

– 

– 

– 

– 

(143)

(382)

– 

Financial 
liabilities 
held at 
fair value 
through 
profit and 
loss 
£’000

Other 
financial 
liabilities at 
amortised 
cost
£’000

Liabilities
not within 
the scope of
IAS 39
£’000

Total
£’000

(3,982)

(2,803)

(407)

(27)

(55)

– 

(7,274)

(1,635)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(330)

(4,312)

– 

(2,803)

– 

– 

– 

(107)

(437)

(1)

(407)

(27)

(55)

(107)

(7,711)

(1,636)

Total
£’000

(4,266)

(3,106)

(407)

(29)

– 

(143)

(7,951)

(1,198)

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018

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Tandem Group plc

Notes to the financial statements continued

15.  Financial assets and liabilities continued

The Group is exposed through its operations to one or more of the following financial risks:

Interest rate risk
The Group’s banking and invoice finance facilities are subject to variable interest rates. As a result, changes in interest rates could have an 
impact on the net result for the year and to equity. Interest rate sensitivities have not been presented here as the Directors do not consider 
the amounts to be material to the financial statements.

Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is managed centrally on a Group basis. Bank and invoice finance facilities are agreed at appropriate levels having regard to the 
Group’s forecast operating cash flows and capital expenditure. The Group has an overdraft facility and invoicing financing facility which are 
due for renewal in October 2018 and the bank has indicated that they are likely to be renewed with similar terms.

Credit risk
The Group faces credit risk due to the credit it extends to customers in the normal course of business. All customers are subject to strict 
credit checking and acceptance procedures in order to minimise the risk to the Group. Credit limits are agreed and closely monitored on 
a local level.

Foreign currency risk
The Group uses forward foreign exchange contracts to mitigate exchange rate exposure arising from forecast purchases in US dollars and 
other currencies. All forward exchange contracts are considered by management to be part of economic hedge arrangements but have 
not been formally designated. The decision to hedge is influenced by the size of the exposure, the certainty of it arising and the exchange 
rate prevailing at the time. 

The fair values for these contracts have been estimated using relevant market exchange and interest rates.

Foreign currency denominated financial assets and liabilities which expose the Group to currency risk are disclosed below. The amounts 
shown are those reported to key management translated into Sterling at the closing rate. 

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

Current assets

Current liabilities

Total exposure

USD
£’000

2,425 

(1,226)

1,199 

GBP
£’000

10,823 

(6,721)

4,102 

Other
£’000

300 

(4)

296 

Total
£’000

13,548 

(7,951)

5,597 

USD
£’000

4,732 

(1,035)

3,697 

GBP
£’000

7,364 

(6,674)

690 

Other
£’000

300 

(2)

298 

Total
£’000

12,396 

(7,711)

4,685 

Fair value measurement of financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value in the statement of financial position are grouped into three levels of fair 
value hierarchy. The three levels are defined based on the observability of significant inputs to the measurement as follows:

• 
• 

• 

Level one: quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level two:inputs other than quoted prices included within Level one that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or 
indirectly
Level three: unobservable inputs for the asset or liability

Forward exchange contracts which have a value of £54,000 at 31 December 2018 (year ended 31 December 2017 – £55,000) are financial 
instruments held at fair value and are disclosed as an asset (year ended 31 December 2017 – liability) at the year end. These contracts are 
Level two financial assets and all expire with 12 months from 31 December 2018. All other financial assets and liabilities are Level one.

There were no transfers between Level one and Level two in 2018 or 2017.

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018

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15.  Financial assets and liabilities continued

Measurement of financial instruments
The  Group  has  relied  upon  valuations  performed  by  third  party  valuations  specialist  for  complex  valuations  of  the  forward  exchange 
contracts. Valuation techniques have utilised observable forward exchange rates and interest rates corresponding to the maturity of the 
contract. The effects of non-observable inputs are not significant for forward exchange contracts.

The  intangible  assets  held  by  the  group,  as  disclosed  in  note  8,  are  classified  as  Level  3  within  the  hierarchy  of  non-financial  assets 
measured at fair value on a recurring basis at 31 December 2018. The fair value of the intangibles as at 31 December 2018 are included in 
the Consolidated balance sheet as £362,000 (year ended 31 December 2017 – £383,000).  

The fair value of the intangibles are estimated using an income approach which capitalises the estimated royalty income which would be 
charged to a third party to use the brand using the group’s discount rate of 4.29%.  

The most significant inputs, all of which are unobservable, are the estimated royalty rate and the discount rate. The estimated fair value 
increases if the estimated royalty rate increases or the discount rate declines. The overall valuations are sensitive to both assumptions. 

16.  Deferred taxation

The relationship between the expected tax expense at 19.00% (31 December 2017 – 19.25%) and the actual tax income recognised in the 
Consolidated income statement can be reconciled as follows:

Provided

Pension obligations
Property, plant and equipment

Short term temporary differences

Unused tax losses

Share based payments

Intangible fixed assets

Total
Presented as:

Deferred tax asset

Unprovided
Property, plant and equipment

Short term temporary differences

Unused tax losses

Capital losses

ACT

Total

At 
31 December
2016
£’000

Movement 
in the year
£’000

At 
31 December
2017
£’000

Movement 
in the year
£’000

At 
31 December
2018
£’000

(714)

(167)

– 

(1,032)

(88)

83 

(1,918)

217 

(41)

– 

(146)

88 

– 

118 

(497)

(208)

– 

(1,178)

– 

83 

(1,800)

(1,918)

118 

(1,800)

– 

– 

(859)

(1,133)

(89)

(2,081)

4 

(7)

224 

– 

– 

221 

4 

(7)

(635)

(1,133)

(89)

(1,860)

18 

(7)

(3)

16 

– 

– 

24 

24 

(4)

5 

87 

– 

– 

88 

(479)

(215)

(3)

(1,162)

– 

83 

(1,776)

(1,776)

– 

(2)

(548)

(1,133)

(89)

(1,772)

The provision of a deferred tax asset is based on the future trading forecasts for the Group. A deferred tax asset has not been recognised 
in respect of certain trading losses, capital losses, excess management expenses and advance corporation tax (ACT) as the Group does 
not anticipate sufficient taxable trading profits, capital gains, utilisation of management expenses or recovery of ACT respectively, to arise 
within the foreseeable future. 

Of the deferred tax movement in the year of £24,000 (31 December 2017 – £118,000), a charge of £61,000 (31 December 2017 – £73,000 
credit) has been recognised in the Consolidated income statement and a credit of £37,000 (31 December 2017 – £191,000 charge) in other 
comprehensive income.

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Tandem Group plc

Notes to the financial statements continued

17.  Pension scheme arrangements

The Group operates two funded pension schemes, The Tandem Group Pension Plan and The Casket Group Retirement and Death Benefit 
Scheme. In addition, subsidiary companies of the Group contribute to other defined contribution schemes and individual pension plans.

For both schemes, the trustees have responsibility for setting the overall investment strategy, and delegate the day to day management of 
the schemes to the scheme advisors, including investment managers. 

The Tandem Group Pension Plan
A contributory pension scheme, the Tandem Group Pension Plan, has two sections. One provides benefits based on final pensionable 
salary, the other provides benefits based on defined contributions. The scheme is closed to new members. 

The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Group, being invested with managed funds.

Contributions to the final salary section are determined by an independent qualified actuary on the basis of the triennial valuation using 
the Defined Accrued Benefit Method. The date of the last triennial valuation was 1 October 2016.  

The present value of the defined benefit obligations as at the balance sheet dates is as follows:

Defined benefit obligation at the beginning of the year

Interest cost

Actuarial loss due to scheme experience

Actuarial gain due to changes in demographic assumptions

Actuarial gain due to changes in financial assumptions

Benefits paid

Defined benefit obligation at the end of the year

For determination of the pension obligation, the following actuarial assumptions were used:

Discount rate

Increase in pensionable salaries*

Increase in pensions in payment

Increase in deferred pensions

Inflation assumption

Mortality assumption table

* There are no members whose benefits are linked to salaries

The mortality assumptions in the table above imply the following life expectancies:

Male retiring in 2018

Female retiring in 2018

Male retiring in 2038

Female retiring in 2038

31 December
2018
£’000

31 December
2017
£’000

10,428 

269 

48 

(53)

(321)

(980)

10,806 

261 

1,420 

(1,038)

(324)

(697)

9,391 

10,428 

31 December
2018
£’000

31 December
2017
£’000

3.00%

-%

2.70%

-%

Up to 5.00% Up to 5.00%
3.00 to 5.00% 3.00 to 5.00%
3.20%

3.30%

S2 PxA (YOB)

S2 PxA (YOB)

Life expectancy 
at age 65 (years)

19.5 

21.4 

20.2 

22.3 

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018

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36 ❘ 37

17.  Pension scheme arrangements continued

The assets held for the defined benefit obligations can be reconciled from the opening balance to the balance sheet date as follows: 

Fair value of scheme assets at the beginning of the year

Interest income

Return on plan assets

Contributions

Benefits paid

Fair value of scheme assets at the end of the year

31 December
2018
£’000

31 December
2017
£’000

7,404 

173 

(284)

322 

(980)

6,635 

7,233 

168 

536 

164 

(697)

7,404 

The actual return on scheme assets over the year ended 31 December 2018 was £(111,000) (31 December 2017 - £704,000).

The value of assets in the scheme were: 

Equities 

Property

Alternatives

Gilts

Corporate Bonds

Cash and other

Total fair value of assets

31 December
2018
£’000

31 December
2017
£’000

1,470 

1,136 

358 

760 

2,388 

523 

6,635 

2,816 

803 

1,139 

654 

1,802 

190 

7,404 

None of the fair value of the assets shown above include any of the company’s own financial instruments or any property occupied by, or 
other assets used by, the company. All debt and equity instruments have quoted prices in active markets (Level one). Fair values of real 
estate properties do not have quoted prices and have been determined based on professional appraisals that would be classed as Level 
three of the fair value hierarchy as defined in IFRS13 ‘Fair value measurements’.

Sensitivities to the principal assumptions of the present value of the defined benefit obligation may be analysed as follows:

Discount rate

Inflation

Rate of mortality

Change in assumptions

Change in liabilities

Decrease of 0.5% per annum

Increase of 0.5% per annum

Increase in life expectancy by 1 year

Increase by 5.8%

Increase by 0.2%

Increase by 5.1%

The Directors believe that changes in the other assumptions noted above do not have a material impact on the defined benefit obligation. 

The sensitivity analyses are based on a change in one assumption while not changing all other assumptions. This analysis may not be 
representative  of  the  actual  changes  in  the  defined  benefit  obligation  as  it  is  unlikely  that  the  change  in  assumptions  would  occur  in 
isolation of one another as some of the assumptions may be correlated. 

The average duration of the defined benefit obligation at 31 December 2018 is 13 years. 

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Tandem Group plc

Notes to the financial statements continued

17.  Pension scheme arrangements continued
The reconciliation of movements in the year were as follows: 

Deficit at the beginning of the year

Movement in year:

Contributions

Finance cost

Actuarial gain

Deficit at the end of the year

Related deferred tax asset

Net deficit at the end of the year

31 December
2018
£’000

31 December
2017
£’000

(3,024)

(3,573)

322 

(96)

42 

(2,756)

466 

(2,290)

164 

(93)

478 

(3,024)

512 

(2,512)

The expected contributions in the year ending 31 December 2018 are £336,000 in accordance with the agreed schedule of contributions. 
The trustees and employer have agreed a schedule of contributions covering the period to December 2029.

Defined benefit costs recognised in profit or loss are as follows:

Net interest cost

Defined benefit costs recognised in profit or loss

Defined benefit costs recognised in other comprehensive income are as follows:

Return on plan assets (excluding amounts included in net interest cost) 

Experience loss arising on the defined benefit obligation

Effects of changes in the demographic assumptions underlying the present value of the defined benefit 
obligation – gain

Effects of changes in the financial assumptions underlying the present value of the defined benefit 
obligation – gain

Total actuarial gains and losses and total amount recognised in other comprehensive income – gain

31 December
2018
£’000

31 December 
2017
£’000

96 

96 

93 

93 

31 December
2018
£’000

31 December 
2017
£’000

(284)

(48)

53 

321 

42 

536 

(1,420)

1,038 

324 

478 

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018

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38 ❘ 39

17.  Pension scheme arrangements continued
The Casket Group Retirement and Death Benefit Scheme
Prior to 1995, Casket Limited operated a defined benefits pension scheme. On 31 May 1995 proceedings commenced to wind up this 
scheme. On 1 June 1995 a new defined contribution scheme commenced. Current employees at that time had an amount transferred to 
individual accounts in the new scheme. Former employees had their deferred benefits transferred to be payable out of a contingency fund.

The present value of the defined benefit obligations as at the balance sheet dates are as follows:

Defined benefit obligation at the beginning of the year

Interest cost

Actuarial loss/(gain) due to scheme experience

Actuarial gain due to changes in demographic assumptions

Actuarial gain due to changes in financial assumptions

Benefits paid

Defined benefit obligation at the end of the year

For determination of the pension obligation, the following actuarial assumptions were used:

Discount rate

Increase in pensionable salaries*

Increase in pensions in payment

Increase in deferred pensions

Inflation assumption

Mortality assumption table

* There are no members whose benefits are linked to salaries.

The mortality assumptions in the table above imply the following life expectancies:

Male retiring in 2018

Female retiring in 2018

Male retiring in 2038

Female retiring in 2038

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31 December
2018
£’000

31 December
2017
£’000

2,947 

3,448 

78 

103 

(17)

(67)

(154)

2,890 

84 

(265)

(88)

(102)

(130)

2,947 

31 December
2018

31 December 
2017

3.00%

3.00%

–%

3.30%

3.30%

2.70%

3.00%

–%

3.20%

3.20%

S2 PxA (YOB)

S2 PxA (YOB)

Life expectancy 
at age 65 (years)

19.5 

21.4 

20.2 

22.3 

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Tandem Group plc

Notes to the financial statements continued

17.  Pension scheme arrangements continued

The assets held for the defined benefit obligations can be reconciled from the opening balance to the balance sheet date as follows: 

Fair value of scheme assets at the beginning of the year

Interest income

Return on plan assets

Contributions

Benefits paid

Fair value of scheme assets at the end of the year

31 December
2018
£’000

31 December 
2017
£’000

3,043 

74 

(245)

101 

(154)

2,819 

2,806 

70 

196 

101 

(130)

3,043 

The actual return on scheme assets over the year ended 31 December 2018 was £(171,000) (31 December 2017 - £266,000). 

The value of assets in the scheme were:

Equities

Property

Gilts

Corporate Bonds

Cash and other

Total fair value of assets

31 December
2018
£’000

31 December 
2017
£’000

1,458 

1,770 

450 

290 

358 

263 

33 

189 

350 

701 

2,819 

3,043 

None of the fair value of the assets shown above include any of the company’s own financial instruments or any property occupied by, or 
other assets used by, the company. All debt and equity instruments have quoted prices in active markets (Level one). Fair values of real 
estate properties do not have quoted prices and have been determined based on professional appraisals that would be classed as Level 
three of the fair value hierarchy as defined in IFRS13 ‘Fair value measurements’.

Sensitivities to the principal assumptions of the present value of the defined benefit obligation may be analysed as follows:

Discount rate

Rate of inflation

Rate of mortality

Change in assumptions

Change in liabilities

Decrease of 0.5% per annum

Increase of 0.5% per annum

Increase in life expectancy by 1 year

Increase by 5.0%

Increase by 3.0%

Increase by 4.0%

The Directors believe that changes in the other assumptions noted above do not have a material impact on the defined benefit obligation. 

The sensitivity analyses are based on a change in one assumption while not changing all other assumptions. This analysis may not be 
representative  of  the  actual  changes  in  the  defined  benefit  obligation  as  it  is  unlikely  that  the  change  in  assumptions  would  occur  in 
isolation of one another as some of the assumptions may be correlated. 

The average duration of the defined benefit obligation at 31 December 2018 is 13 years. 

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018

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40 ❘ 41

31 December
2018
£’000

31 December 
2017
£’000

96 

(642)

101 

(4)

(264)

(71)

13 

(58)

101 

(14)

651 

96 

(15)

81 

17.  Pension scheme arrangements continued
The reconciliation of movements in the year were as follows: 

Deficit at the beginning of the year

Movement in year:

Contributions

Finance cost

Actuarial (loss)/gain

Deficit at the end of the year

Related deferred tax asset

Net deficit at the end of the year

The expected contributions in the year ending 31 December 2018 are £101,000 in accordance with the agreed schedule of contributions. 
The trustees and employer have agreed a schedule of contributions covering the period to April 2028.

 Defined benefit costs recognised in profit or loss are as follows:

Net interest cost

Defined benefit costs recognised in profit or loss

Defined benefit costs recognised in other comprehensive income are as follows:

Return on plan assets (excluding amounts included in net interest cost) 

Experience (loss)/gain arising on the defined benefit obligation

Effects of changes in the demographic assumptions underlying the present value of the defined benefit 
obligation – gain

Effects of changes in the financial assumptions underlying the present value of the defined benefit 
obligation – gain

Total actuarial gains and losses and total amount recognised in other comprehensive income –  
(loss)/gain

31 December
2018
£’000

31 December 
2017
£’000

4 

4 

14 

14 

31 December
2018
£’000

31 December 
2017
£’000

(245)

(103)

17 

67 

(264)

196 

265 

88 

102 

651 

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Notes to the financial statements continued

17.  Pension scheme arrangements continued

Group pension scheme deficit 

Deficit

The Tandem Group Pension Plan

The Casket Group Retirement and Death Benefit Scheme

Related deferred tax asset

The Tandem Group Pension Plan

The Casket Group Retirement and Death Benefit Scheme

Net deficit at the end of the year

31 December
2018
£’000

31 December 
2017
£’000

(2,756)

(71)

(2,827)

466 

13 

(3,024)

96 

(2,928)

512 

(15)

(2,348)

(2,431)

The amounts recognised in the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income in the year ended 31 December 2018 are a gain of 
£42,000  in  respect  of  the  Tandem  Group  Pension  Plan  and  a  loss  of  £264,000  in  respect  of  the  Casket  Group  Retirement  and  Death 
Benefit Scheme. The net cumulative actuarial loss taken directly to the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income since the date 
of transition to IFRS on 1 February 2006 is £3,233,000 in total in respect of both schemes.

Deferred tax liabilities and assets have been recognised in respect of the surpluses and deficits on the Tandem and Casket schemes to the 
extent that it is believed probable that a benefit will arise. 

18. Equity

Allotted, called up and fully paid

At 1 January 2017 – ordinary shares 25p each 

Exercise of share options

At 1 January 2018 – ordinary shares 25p each 

At 31 December 2018 – ordinary shares 25p each

19.  Financial commitments 

Number of 
Shares

4,926,351 

99,740 

5,026,091 

5,026,091

£’000

1,231 

25 

1,256 

1,256 

The total charge for the year for operating lease rentals in respect of land and buildings was £282,000 (year ended 31 December 2017 - 
£390,000) and for other operating leases was £69,000 (year ended 31 December 2017 - £114,000).

Total future minimum payments under operating leases:

Within one year

Within two to five years

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

Land and 
buildings
£’000

261 

396 

657

Other
£’000

74 

86 

160 

Land and 
buildings
£’000

355 

512 

867 

Other
£’000

106 

132 

238 

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018

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42 ❘ 43

20. Related parties 

Transactions with Directors are disclosed in note 5. During the period dividends were paid to the Directors as follows:  

M P J Keene

S J Grant

J C Shears 

P Ratcliffe

J S T Morris

31 December
2018
£’000

31 December 
2017
£’000

10 

10 

7 

4 

1 

32 

9 

10 

6 

3 

1 

29 

There were no other related party transactions during the current or prior year. 

22. Capital management policies and procedures 

The Group’s capital management objectives are: 

• 
• 
• 

To ensure the Group has adequate resources to support the plans of the business
To ensure the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern; and
To provide an adequate return to shareholders

In  order  to  maintain  or  adjust  the  capital  structure,  the  Group  may  adopt  a  number  of  approaches  to  meet  these  objectives.  The 
principal instruments which are used to meet the Group’s working capital requirements are equity, bank overdrafts and invoice finance 
arrangements. In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may adjust the amounts of dividends paid to shareholders, 
return capital to shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets to reduce debt. 

The Strategic report details the working capital and net debt measures used by the Group. 

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Tandem Group plc

Five year history

Revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Operating expenses

Operating profit before exceptional (costs)/income

Exceptional (costs)/income

Operating profit after exceptional (costs)/income

Finance (costs)/income

Profit before taxation
Tax expense

Net profit for the year

31 December 
2018
£’000

31 December 
2017
£’000

31 December 
2016
£’000

31 December 
2015 
£’000

31 December 
2014 
£’000

32,511 

(22,262)

10,249 

(8,002)

2,247 

(218)

2,029 

(157)

1,872 

(250)

1,622 

36,837 

(25,950)

10,887 

(8,486)

2,401 

– 

2,401 

(511)

1,890 

(146)

1,744 

38,414 

(28,434)

9,980 

(8,744)

1,236 

143 

1,379 

(465)

914 

(137)

777 

34,385 

(24,265)

10,120 

(8,840)

1,280 

7 

1,287 

(242)

1,045 

(44)

1,001 

31,320 

(21,755)

9,565 

(8,107)

1,458 

(73)

1,385 

331 

1,716 

(90)

1,626 

The five year history does not form part of the audited financial statements.

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018

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Company balance sheet

Non current assets

Goodwill

Investments

Property, plant and equipment

Deferred taxation

Current assets

Trade and other receivables

Derivative financial asset held at fair value

Total assets

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Other liabilities

Derivative financial liability held at fair value

Non current liabilities

Other liabilities

Pension scheme deficit

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity
Share capital

Shares held in treasury

Share premium

Other reserves

Profit and loss account

Total equity

44 ❘ 45

31 December 
2018
£’000

31 December 
2017
£’000

Note

4

5

6

10

7

7

8

9

7

9

13

11

11

213 

8,590 

3,305 

448 

213 

8,590 

3,350 

512 

12,556 

12,665 

6,063 

54 

6,117 

18,673 

 (6,678)

 (436)

 – 

5,469 

 – 

5,469 

18,134 

 (4,994)

 (434)

 (55)

 (7,114)

 (5,483)

 (1,198)

 (2,756)

 (3,954)

 (1,635)

 (3,024)

 (4,659)

 (11,068)

 (10,142)

7,605 

7,992 

1,503 

 (247)

286 

2,993 

3,070 

7,605 

1,503 

 (247)

286 

2,993 

3,457 

7,992 

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The loss of the company for the year was £222,000 (31 December 2017 – £1,100,000 profit).

The financial statements were approved by the Board on 10 April 2019 and signed on its behalf by: 

Mervyn Keene 
Director 

Jim Shears 
Director

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

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Tandem Group plc

Company statement of changes in equity

Shares 
held in 
treasury
£’000

Share 
premium
£’000

Merger
reserve
£’000

Capital 
redemption
reserve
£’000

Revaluation 
reserve
£’000

Balance at 1 January 2017

Net profit for the year 

Revaluation of investment property

Net actuarial gain on pension scheme

Total comprehensive income for the year 
attributable to equity shareholders

Share based payments

Exercise of share options

Dividends paid

Total transactions with owners

Share 
capital
£’000

1,503 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

 (272)

232 

1,036 

1,427 

– 

– 

– 

– 

25 

– 

25 

– 

– 

– 

– 

54 

– 

54 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Profit
and loss
account
£’000

2,143 

Total
£’000

6,069 

1,100 

1,100 

397 

530 
397 

– 

– 

530 
– 

530 

1,497 

2,027 

– 

– 

– 

– 

13 

– 

 (196)

 (183)

13 

79 

 (196)

 (104)

Balance at 1 January 2018

1,503 

 (247)

286 

1,036 

1,427 

530 

3,457 

7,992 

Net loss for the year

Net actuarial gain on pension scheme

Total comprehensive income for the year 
attributable to equity shareholders

Share based payments

Dividends paid

Total transactions with owners

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

 (222)

 (222)

34 

34 

 (188)

 (188)

11 

 (210)

 (199)

11 

 (210)

 (199)

At 31 December 2018

1,503 

 (247)

286 

1,036 

1,427 

530 

3,070 

7,605 

The share premium was created following the exercise of share options.

The merger reserve was created as a result of merger relief being claimed in respect of previous share issues.

Other reserves include a capital redemption reserve and a translation reserve. These reserves are non-distributable.

The revaluation reserve was created following the revaluation of investment property during the year.

The profit and loss account includes all current and prior period results and share based payments as disclosed in the consolidated income 
statement.

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018

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46 ❘ 47

Notes to the Company financial statements

1.   Accounting policies
Statement of compliance
These  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  in  accordance 
with  applicable  accounting  standards  and  in  accordance  with 
Financial  Reporting  Standard  101  –  'The  Reduced  Disclosure 
Framework' (FRS 101). The principal accounting policies adopted 
in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. 
These policies have all been applied consistently throughout the 
year unless otherwise stated.

The  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  on  a  historical 
cost  basis  except  for  the  revaluation  of  certain  properties  and 
financial instruments.

Parent company
The  Company  is  a  parent  company  which  prepares  publicly 
available  consolidated  financial  statements  in  accordance  with 
IFRS.  This  Company  is  included  in  the  consolidated  financial 
statements of Tandem Group plc for the year ended 31 December 
2018. These accounts are available from Tandem Group plc, 35 
Tameside  Drive,  Castle  Bromwich,  Birmingham  B35  7AG.  No 
individual profit and loss account is presented for the Company 
as permitted by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006.

Disclosure exemptions adopted
In preparing these financial statements the Company has taken 
advantage  of  all  disclosure  exemptions  conferred  by  FRS  101. 
Therefore these financial statements do not include:

• 
• 

• 

A statement of cash flows and related notes 
The  requirements  of  IAS  24  related  party  disclosures  to 
disclose  related  party  transactions  entered  in  to  between 
two  or  more  members  of  the  group  as  they  are  wholly 
owned within the group 
Presentation  of  comparative  reconciliations  for  property, 
plant  and  equipment,  intangible  assets  and  investment 
properties

Investments
Investments in the Company are included at cost less amounts 
written  off.  Where  the  consideration  for  the  acquisition  of  a 
subsidiary undertaking includes shares in the Company to which 
the  provisions  of  sections  612  and  613  of  the  Companies  Act 
2006 apply, cost represents the nominal value of shares issued 
together with the fair value of any additional consideration given 
and costs.

Goodwill
Goodwill  represents  the  excess  of  the  cost  of  a  business 
combination  over  the  total  acquisition  date  fair  value  of  the 
identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired. 

Cost comprises the fair value of assets given, liabilities assumed 
and equity instruments issued.

Goodwill  is  capitalised  as  an  intangible  asset  and  is  not 
amortised.  Instead  it  is  reviewed  annually  for  impairment  with 
any impairment in carrying value being charged to profit or loss.

The  Companies  Act  2006  requires  acquired  goodwill  to  be 
reduced  by  provisions  for  depreciation  calculated  to  write  off 
the amount systematically over a period chosen by the directors, 
not  exceeding  its  useful  economic  life.  It  has  been  deemed, 
however, the non-amortisation of goodwill  is a departure from 
the requirements of the Companies Act 2006, for the overriding 
purpose of giving a true and fair view. The effect of this departure 
has not been quantified because it is impracticable and, in the 
opinion of the Directors, would be misleading.

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•  Disclosure of key management personnel compensation 
• 
• 

Capital management disclosures 
Presentation of comparative reconciliation of the number of 
shares outstanding at the beginning and at the end of the 
period 
The effect of future accounting standards not adopted
Certain share based payment disclosures 
Business combination disclosures 

• 
• 
• 
•  Disclosures in relation to impairment of assets 
•  Disclosures 

instruments  (other 
than  disclosures  required  as  a  result  of  recording  financial 
instruments at fair value) 

in  respect  of  financial 

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018

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Tandem Group plc

Notes to the Company financial statements continued

Impairment  losses  for  cash-generating  units  reduce  first  the 
carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to that cash-generating 
unit.  Any  remaining  impairment  loss  is  charged  pro  rata  to  the 
other assets in the cash-generating unit. 

All  assets  are  subsequently  reassessed  for  indications  that  an 
impairment  loss  previously  recognised  may  no  longer  exist.  An 
impairment  loss  is  reversed  if  the  asset’s  or  cash-generating 
unit’s recoverable amount exceeds its carrying amount. 

Investment property
Investment property comprises property held by the Company for 
the purpose of earning rental income and/or capital appreciation. 

The Company does not classify any property held on an operating 
lease as investment property.

Foreign exchange
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the Company's 
functional  currency  using  the  exchange  rates  prevailing  at  the 
dates of the transactions (spot exchange rate). 

The Company's functional and presentational currency is pounds 
sterling (£).

Foreign  exchange  gains  and  losses  resulting  from  the  re-
measurement  of  monetary 
in  foreign 
currency at year-end exchange rates are recognised in profit or 
loss.

items  denominated 

Non-monetary  items  are  not  retranslated  at  year-end  and  are 
measured at historical cost (translated using the exchange rates at 
the transaction date), except for non-monetary items measured 
at  fair  value  which  are  translated  using  the  exchange  rates  at 
the date when fair value was determined. Where a gain or loss 
on  a  non-monetary  item  is  recognised  in  other  comprehensive 
income the foreign exchange component of that gain or loss is 
also recognised in other comprehensive income.

1.   Accounting policies continued

Contingent consideration
Where  an  acquisition  is  subject  to  deferred  or  contingent 
consideration it is recorded as part of the cost of the investment 
at  the  net  present  value  of  future  expected  cash  flows.  Future 
expected  cashflows  are  estimated  using  forecasts  prepared  by 
management  based  on  the  likely  future  performance  of  the 
acquired  business.  The  consideration  is  classified  as  a  financial 
liability and is held at amortised cost.

Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are held at cost less depreciation unless the 
value  is  impaired  at  which  point  they  are  carried  at  the  higher 
of net realisable value or the present value of future cash flows 
arising from that asset. Depreciation is provided on a straight line 
basis to write off the assets over their economic lives as follows:

Plant and equipment 

3 – 20 years

Impairment of assets
For  impairment  assessment  purposes,  assets  are  grouped  at 
the  lowest  levels  for  which  there  are  largely  independent  cash 
inflows  (cash-generating  units).  As  a  result,  some  assets  are 
tested  individually  for  impairment  and  some  are  tested  at 
cash-generating  unit  level.  Goodwill  is  allocated  to  those  cash-
generating units that are expected to benefit from synergies of 
a related business combination and represent the lowest level at 
which management monitors goodwill.

Cash-generating units to which goodwill has been allocated are 
tested for impairment at least annually. All other individual assets 
or  cash-generating  units  are  tested  for  impairment  whenever 
events  or  changes  in  circumstances  indicate  that  the  carrying 
amount may not be recoverable.

An impairment loss is recognised  for  the amount by which  the 
asset’s  (or  cash-generating  units)  carrying  amount  exceeds  its 
recoverable amount, which is the higher of fair value less costs 
of  disposal  and  value-in-use.  To  determine  the  value-in-use, 
management  estimates  expected  future  cash  flows  from  each 
cash-generating  unit  and  determines  a  suitable  discount  rate 
in order to calculate the present value of those cash flows. The 
data used for impairment testing procedures are directly linked 
to the latest approved budget, adjusted as necessary to exclude 
the  effects  of  future  reorganisations  and  asset  enhancements. 
Discount  factors  are  determined  individually  for  each  cash-
generating  unit  and  reflect  current  market  assessments  of  the 
time value of money and asset-specific risk factors.

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018

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1.   Accounting policies continued

Financial assets
The Company's financial assets include cash and cash equivalents, 
trade and other receivables and forward exchange contracts.

Forward exchange contracts are financial assets held at fair value 
through profit and loss in accordance with the policy below.

Financial Liabilities
The  Company’s  financial  liabilities  include  trade  and  other 
payables and invoice finance.

Financial liabilities are recognised when the Company becomes 
a  party  to  the  contractual  agreements  of  the  instrument.  All 
interest related charges are recognised in the income statement.

Finance  charges  are  charged  to  the  Income  statement  on  an 
accruals basis using the effective interest method and are added 
to the carrying amount of the instrument to the extent that they 
are not settled in the period in which they arise.

Trade and other payables are recognised initially at their fair value 
and  subsequently  measured  at  amortised  cost  less  settlement 
payments.

Invoice finance liabilities are recognised at the time the Company 
becomes  a  party  to  the  contractual  provisions  of  the  invoice 
finance agreement.

Foreign exchange forward and option contracts
From time to time the Company enters into forward and option 
contracts for the purchase or sale of foreign currencies. These are 
classified  as  derivatives  and  carried  at  fair  value  through  profit 
or loss in the financial statements. Any re-measurement gains or 
losses are taken to the income statement.

Forward  and  option  exchange  contracts  are  entered  into  to 
mitigate  exposure  to  foreign  exchange  fluctuations  relating 
to  purchases  made  in  foreign  currencies,  principally  the  US 
dollar.  The  Company’s  policy  is  to  reduce  substantially  the  risk 
associated with purchases denominated in foreign currencies by 
using forward fixed rate currency purchase contracts, taking into 
account  any  foreign  currency  cash  flows.  The  foreign  exchange 
contracts do not meet the criteria for treatment as an effective 
hedge and accordingly any gain or loss is recognised immediately 
in the income statement as a finance cost.

Deferred taxation
Calculation  of  deferred  tax  is  based  on  tax  rates  and  laws  that 
have  been  enacted  or  substantively  enacted  by  the  end  of  the 
reporting  period  that  are  expected  to  apply  when  the  asset  is 
realised or the liability is settled. 

The measurement of deferred tax reflects the tax consequences 
that would follow from the manner in which the entity expects 
to  recover  the  related  asset  or  settle  the  related  obligation. 
Certain of the Company's investment property portfolio is to be 
recovered  through  sale  whereas  investment  property  occupied 
by Group companies is expected to be recovered through use.

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018

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Deferred  tax  assets  are  recognised  to  the  extent  that  it  is 
probable  that  the  underlying  tax  loss  or  deductible  temporary 
difference will be utilised against future taxable income. This is 
assessed  based  on  the  Company’s  forecast  of  future  operating 
results, adjusted for significant non-taxable income and expenses 
and  specific  limits  on  the  use  of  any  unused  tax  loss  or  credit. 
Deferred tax assets are not discounted.

Deferred  tax  liabilities  are  generally  recognised  in  full  with  the 
exception  on  the  initial  recognition  of  goodwill  on  investments 
in  subsidiaries  and  joint  ventures  where  the  Company  is  able 
to  control  the  timing  of  the  reversal  of  the  difference  and  it  is 
probable that the difference will not reverse in the foreseeable 
future  on  the  initial  recognition  of  a  transaction  that  is  not  a 
business combination and at the time of the transaction affects 
neither accounting or taxable profit. 

Pension costs
Retirement  benefits  to  employees  are  funded  by  contributions 
from the Company and employees. Payments to the Company’s 
pension  plans,  which  are  financially  separate  and  independent 
from  the  Company,  are  made  in  accordance  with  periodic 
calculations  by  independent  consulting  actuaries.  The  costs  of 
funding the plans are accounted for over the period covering the 
employees’ service.

The difference between the fair values of the assets held in the 
Company’s  defined  benefit  pension  scheme  and  the  scheme’s 
liabilities  measured  on  an  actuarial  basis  using  the  projected 
unit method are recognised in the Company’s balance sheet as 
a pension scheme asset or liability as appropriate. The carrying 
value of any resulting pension scheme asset is restricted to the 
extent  that  the  Company  is  able  to  recover  the  surplus  either 
through reduced contributions in the future or through refunds 
from the scheme.

For further pension information see note 13.

Equity
An  equity  instrument  is  any  contract  that  evidences  a  residual 
interest in the assets of an entity after deducting all of its liabilities. 
When the Company purchases its own equity share capital, the 
consideration  paid  is  deducted  from  equity  attributable  to  the 
Company’s equity shareholders until the shares are cancelled or 
reissued.

Share  capital  is  determined  using  the  nominal  value  of  shares 
that have been issued.

The merger reserve was created as a result of merger relief being 
claimed in respect of previous share issues. 

The revaluation reserve was created following the revaluation of 
property, plant and equipment during the year.

Other  reserves  include  a  capital  redemption  reserve  and  a 
translation reserve. These reserves are non-distributable. 

The profit and loss account includes all current and prior period 
results and share based payments as disclosed in the consolidated 
income statement.

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Tandem Group plc

Notes to the Company financial statements continued

1.   Accounting policies continued
Share based employee remuneration 
All share-based payment arrangements granted after 7 November 
2002 that had not vested prior to 1 February 2006 are recognised 
in the financial statements. The Company operates equity settled 
share based remuneration plans for its senior employees.

All employee services received in exchange for the grant of any 
share  based  remuneration  are  measured  at  their  fair  values. 
These  are  indirectly  determined  by  reference  to  the  fair  value 
of  the  share  options  awarded.  Their  value  is  appraised  at  the 
grant  date  and  excludes  the  impact  of  any  non-market  vesting 
conditions.

Where equity settled share options are awarded by the parent 
company  to  employees  of  this  Company  the  fair  value  of  the 
options at the date of grant is charged to profit or loss over the 
vesting period with a corresponding entry in retained earnings.

Non-market  vesting  conditions  are  taken 
into  account  by 
adjusting the number of equity instruments expected to vest at 
each reporting date so that, ultimately, the cumulative amount 
recognised  over  the  vesting  period  is  based  on  the  number  of 
options that eventually vest.

Non-vesting  conditions  and  market  vesting  conditions  are 
factored  into  the  fair  value  of  the  options  granted.  As  long 
as  all  other  vesting  conditions  are  satisfied,  a  charge  is  made 
irrespective  of  whether  the  market  vesting  conditions  are 
satisfied.  The  cumulative  expense  is  not  adjusted  for  failure 
to  achieve  a  market  vesting  condition  or  where  a  non-vesting 
condition is not satisfied.

Significant accounting estimates and judgements
Certain  estimates  and  judgements  need  to  be  made  by  the 
Directors of the Company which affect the results and position of 
the Company as reported in the financial statements. Estimates 
and judgements are required if, for example, as at the reporting 
date not  all  liabilities  have  been settled  and  certain  assets  and 
liabilities are recorded at fair value which requires a number of 
estimates and assumptions to be made. 

Key areas of estimation uncertainty
Impairment of goodwill
The  annual  impairment  assessment  in  respect  of  goodwill 
requires  estimates  of  the  value  in  use  of  cash  generating  units 
to  which  goodwill  has  been  allocated  to  be  calculated.  As  a 
result, estimates of future cash flows are required, together with 
an  appropriate  discount  factor  for  the  purpose  of  determining 
the  present  value  of  those  cash  flows.  The  basis  of  review  of 
the  carrying  value  of  goodwill  is  as  detailed  in  note  8  to  the 
consolidated financial statements.

Financial instruments valuation
Forward contracts and options are used to minimise the impact 
of foreign exchange fluctuations on the group. An asset or liability 
is  recognised  representing  the  fair  value  of  the  instruments  in 
place at the year end. The fair value is calculated using certain 
estimates and valuation models by reference to significant inputs 
including;  implied  volatilities  in  foreign  currency  and  historical 
movements in foreign currency exchange rates. Changes in the 
fair value of the instruments are recognised in profit or loss in the 
income statement. 

Pension scheme valuation
The liabilities in respect of defined benefit pension schemes are 
calculated by qualified actuaries and reviewed by the Company, 
but  are  necessarily  based  on  subjective  assumptions.  The 
principal  uncertainties  relate  to  the  estimation  of  the  discount 
rate,  life  expectancies  of  scheme  members,  future  investment 
yields  and  general  market  conditions  for  factors  such  as 
inflation  and  interest  rates.  The  specific  assumptions  adopted 
are  disclosed  in  detail  in  note  17  to  the  consolidated  financial 
statements. Profits and losses in relation to changes in actuarial 
assumptions are taken directly to reserves and therefore do not 
impact on the profitability of the business, but the changes do 
impact on net assets.

information.  Estimates  and 

Key judgements
Deferred tax assets
In  determining  the  deferred  tax  asset  to  be  recognised  the 
Directors  carefully  review  the  recoverability  of  these  assets 
on  a  prudent  basis  and  reach  a  judgement  based  on  the  best 
in 
available 
the  financial  statements  are  based  on  historical  experience 
and  other  assumptions  that  the  Directors  and  management 
consider  reasonable  and  are  consistent  with  the  Group’s  latest 
budgeted forecasts where applicable. Judgements are based on 
the information available at each balance sheet date. Although 
these estimates are based on the best information available to 
the  Directors,  actual  results  may  ultimately  differ  from  those 
estimates.

judgements  used 

Pension deficit
In  accordance  with  the  winding  up  provisions  of  the  Trust 
deeds  the  Directors  have  concluded  that  the  Company  has  a 
discretionary  right  to  receive  returns  of  contributions  if  the 
scheme  was  to  be  in  surplus.  Accordingly,  and  where  material, 
any excess funding has not been recognised on the balance sheet.

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018

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2.   Profit for the financial year

Auditor’s remuneration incurred by the Company during the period for audit services totalled £3,000 (year ended 31 December 2017 - 
£3,000), and for tax compliance services totalled £1,000 (year ended 31 December 2017 - £1,000).

3.   Directors' and employees' remuneration

Expenses recognised for employee benefits is analysed as follows:

Salaries

Benefits in kind

Social Security costs

Share based employee remuneration

Pension scheme contributions - defined contribution schemes

The average number of persons employed by the Company during the year

At 
31 December 
2018
£’000

At 
31 December 
2017
£’000

772 

26 

96 

9 

57 

960 

861 

23 

108 

13 

57 

1,062 

Number

Number

8 

8 

During the year and in the previous year the Company contributed to a defined contribution pension scheme for S J Grant, J C Shears and 
P Ratcliffe. An analysis of Directors’ remuneration is shown in note 5 to the consolidated financial statements.

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Tandem Group plc

Notes to the Company financial statements continued

3.   Directors' and employees remuneration continued 

Share based employee remuneration
The following options were held at 31 December 2018 under the Company's share option schemes:

At 
1 January 
2018

Granted 
during year

Exercised/
lapsed during 
year

At
31 December
2018

Option price 
per 25p 
ordinary 
share

Exercise period

Number of shares
2007 Employee Share Option Scheme

Directors

S J Grant

J C Shears

P Ratcliffe

Other employees

27,475 

22,525 

75,000 

22,500 

53,222 

14,000 

17,103 

58,897 

23,400 

43,400 

357,522 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

27,475 

22,525 

75,000 

22,500 

53,222 

14,000 

17,103 

58,897 

23,400 

43,400 

357,522 

107.0p

31/01/14-14/06/21

79.0p

31/12/15-29/10/23

127.5p

107.0p

127.5p

107.0p

31/12/15-29/10/24

31/01/14-14/06/21

31/12/15-29/10/24

31/01/14-14/06/21

79.0p

31/12/15-29/10/23

127.5p

107.0p

127.5p

31/12/15-29/10/24

31/01/14-14/06/21

31/12/15-29/10/24

The Company has the following outstanding share options and exercise prices: 

Date exercisable (option life):

2014 (up to 2021)

2015 (up to 2023)

2016 (up to 2024)

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

Exercise
price
(pence) 

Remaining 
contractual 
life
(years)

107.0 

79.0 

127.5 

2.5 

4.8 

5.8 

 Exercise 
price
(pence) 

Remaining 
contractual 
life
(years)

107.0

79.0

127.5

3.5

5.8

6.8

Number

87,375 

39,628 

230,519 

357,522

Number

87,375 

39,628 

230,519 

357,522 

The ordinary share mid-market price on 31 December 2018 was 110.0p (31 December 2017 – 100.0p). During the period, the highest 
mid-market price was 165.0p (31 December 2017 – 155.0p) and the lowest was 90.0p (31 December 2017 – 95.0p). The weighted average 
exercise price of the options in issue was 117.1p (31 December 2017 – 117.7p). 

The fair value of options granted was determined for IFRS 2 using the Black-Scholes valuation model. Significant inputs into the calculations 
were:

exercise prices of 79.0p (31 December 2017 – 79.0p) to 127.5p (31 December 2017 – 127.5p);
37.3% (31 December 2017 - 37.3%) to 45.0% (31 December 2017 – 45.0%) volatility based on expected and historical share price;
a risk-free interest rate of 0.86% (31 December 2017 – 0.86%);
all options are assumed to vest after three and a half years from the date of grant of the options; and
dividend yield of 4.03%.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
In total, £11,000 (31 December 2017 – £13,000) of share-based employee remuneration has been included in the Consolidated income 
statement. 

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018

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4.   Goodwill 

Gross carrying amount

At 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018

Amortisation

At 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018

Net book value

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

5.   Investments

Gross carrying amount

At 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018

Impairment

At 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018

Net book value

At 31 December 2018
At 31 December 2017

52 ❘ 53

Goodwill
£’000

2,506 

2,293 

213 

213 

Unlisted 
investments 
in subsidiary 
undertakings
£’000

17,824 

9,234 

8,590 
8,590 

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The principal wholly owned subsidiary undertakings of the Company at the year end are listed below. M.V. Sports (Hong Kong) Limited was 
incorporated in and operates in Hong Kong. The Registered Office address is Level 54, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen's Road East, Hong Kong. 
The other companies were incorporated in and operate in the United Kingdom. The Registered Office address of the other companies is 
the same as Tandem Group plc.

Tandem Group Cycles Limited* 
MV Sports & Leisure Limited* 
M.V. Sports (Hong Kong) Limited# 
Expressco Direct Limited* 

* denotes 100% of issued ordinary shares 

# denotes 100% indirect ownership of issued ordinary shares 

Design, development, distribution and retail of:
Bicycles and accessories
Sports, leisure and toy products
Sports, leisure and toy products
Garden, home, leisure and mobility products 

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018

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Tandem Group plc

Notes to the Company financial statements continued

6.   Property, plant and equipment

Gross carrying amount

At 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018

Depreciation

At 1 January 2018

Provided in the year

At 31 December 2018

Net book value

At 31 December 2018
At 31 December 2017

Investment
property
£’000

Plant and 
equipment
£’000

Total
£’000

3,150 

257 

3,407 

– 

32 

32 

3,118 
3,150 

57 

13 

70 

187 
200 

57 

45 

102 

3,305 
3,350 

A valuation of the property was carried out in January 2018 in accordance with the RICS Valuation – Professional Standards January 2014, 
published by The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. The value placed on the property at that date was £3,150,000. The Directors of 
the Company consider this to materially represent the fair value at 31 December 2018.

The net book value of assets held under hire purchase agreements was £187,000 (31 December 2017 - £199,000).

The borrowings of the Group are secured by a fixed and floating charge over the assets of the Group.

7.   Trade and other receivables

Amounts falling due within one year:
Prepayments and accrued income

Other receivables

31 December 
2018
£’000

31 December 
2017
£’000

13 

6,050 

6,063 

9 

5,460 

5,469 

Fair value measurement of financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value in the statement of financial position are grouped into three levels of fair 
value hierarchy. The three levels are defined based on the observability of significant inputs to the measurement as follows:

• 
• 

• 

Level one : quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level two: inputs other than quoted prices included within Level one that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or 
indirectly
Level three: unobservable inputs for the asset or liability

Forward exchange contracts which have a value of £54,000 at 31 December 2018 (year ended 31 December 2017 – £55,000) are financial 
instruments held at fair value and are disclosed as an asset (year ended 31 December 2017 – liability) at the year end. These contracts are 
Level two financial assets and all expire with 12 months from 31 December 2018. All other financial assets and liabilities are Level one.

There were no transfers between Level one and Level two in 2018 or 2017.

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018

www.tandemgroup.co.u3

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54 ❘ 55

31 December 
2018
£’000

31 December 
2017
£’000

 (2,799)

 (135)

 (3,744)

 (6,678)

 (2,117)

 (154)

 (2,723)

 (4,994)

8.   Trade and other payables

Amounts falling due within one year:

Bank overdraft

Trade payables

Other payables

The Directors consider, due to their short duration, that the carrying amounts recognised in the Company balance sheet to be a reasonable 
approximation of the fair value of trade and other payables.

 9.  Other liabilities

Current borrowings with contractual maturities in less than one year 

– other borrowings

– assets held under hire purchase agreements 

Total current borrowings

Non current borrowing with contractual maturities one to two years

– other borrowings

– assets held under hire purchase agreements

Non current borrowings with contractual maturities between two to five years

– other borrowings

– assets held under hire purchase agreements

Total non current borrowings

Total borrowings

Borrowings are secured by a fixed and floating charge over the assets of the Group.

Hire purchase liabilities are secured on the assets to which the liabilities relate.

31 December 
2018
£’000

31 December 
2017
£’000

 (407)

 (29)

 (436)

 (407)

 (30)

 (407)

 (27)

 (434)

 (407)

 (29)

 (694)

 (67)

 (1,198)

 (1,634)

 (1,102)

 (97)

 (1,635)

 (2,069)

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Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018

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Tandem Group plc

Notes to the Company financial statements continued

10.  Deferred taxation 

Deferred taxation arising from temporary differences and unused tax losses can be summarised as follows: 

At 
31 December
2016
£’000

Movement in 
the year
£’000

At 
31 December
2017
£’000

Movement 
in the year
£’000

At 
31 December
2018
£’000

Provided

Pension obligations

Property, plant and equipment

Short term temporary differences

Share based payments

Total
Presented as:

Deferred tax asset

Unprovided
Property, plant and equipment

Unused tax losses

Capital losses

ACT

Total

11.   Equity 

Allotted, called up and fully paid
At 1 January 2017 – ordinary shares 25p each 

Exercise of share options

At 1 January 2018 – ordinary shares 25p each 

At 31 December 2018 – ordinary shares 25p each

12.  Contingent liabilities

605 

– 

– 

88 

693 

693 

– 

39 

470 

51 

560 

(93)

– 

– 

(88)

(181)

(181)

(5)

92 

– 

– 

87 

512 

– 

– 

– 

512 

512 

(5)

131 

470 

51 

647 

(46)

(8)

(10)

– 

(64)

(64)

5 

(46)

– 

– 

(41)

Number of 
Shares

 4,926,351 

 99,740 

 5,026,091 

 5,026,091 

466 

(8)

(10)

– 

448 

448 

– 

85 

470 

51 

606 

£’000

1,231 

25 

1,256 

1,256

A cross guarantee exists between all companies in the Group for all amounts payable to HSBC Bank Plc. The maximum potential liability to 
the Company at the year end in respect of bank overdrafts was £nil (31 December 2017 - £67,000).

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018

www.tandemgroup.co.u3

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56 ❘ 57

13.  Pension scheme arrangements

The Tandem Group Pension Plan
A contributory pension scheme, the Tandem Group Pension Plan, has two sections. One provides benefits based on final pensionable 
salary, the other provides benefits based on defined contributions. The scheme is closed to new members. 

The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Group, being invested with managed funds.

Contributions to the final salary section are determined by an independent qualified actuary on the basis of the triennial valuation using 
the Defined Accrued Benefit Method. The date of the last triennial valuation was 1 October 2013.  

The present value of the defined benefit obligations as at the balance sheet dates is as follows:

Defined benefit obligation at the beginning of the year

Interest cost

Actuarial loss due to scheme experience

Actuarial gain due to changes in demographic assumptions

Actuarial gain due to changes in financial assumptions

Benefits paid

Defined benefit obligation at the end of the year

For determination of the pension obligation, the following actuarial assumptions were used:

Discount rate

Increase in pensionable salaries*

Increase in pensions in payment

Increase in deferred pensions

Inflation assumption

Mortality assumption table

* There are no members whose benefits are linked to salaries

The mortality assumptions in the table above imply the following life expectancies:

Male retiring in 2018

Female retiring in 2018

Male retiring in 2038

Female retiring in 2038

31 December 
2018
£’000

31 December 
2017
£’000

10,428 

269 

48 

(53)

(321)

(980)

10,806 

261 

1,420 

(1,038)

(324)

(697)

9,391 

10,428 

31 December
2018

31 December 
2017

3.00%

-%

2.70%

-%

Up to 5.00% Up to 5.00%
3.00 to 5.00% 3.00 to 5.00%
3.20%

3.30%

S2 PxA (YOB)

S2 PxA (YOB)

Life expectancy 
at age 65 (years)

19.5 

21.4 

20.2 

22.3 

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Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018

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Tandem Group plc

Notes to the Company financial statements continued

13.  Pension scheme arrangements continued

The assets held for the defined benefit obligations can be reconciled from the opening balance to the balance sheet date as follows: 

Fair value of scheme assets at the beginning of the year

Interest income

Return on plan assets

Contributions

Benefits paid

Fair value of scheme assets at the end of the year

31 December 
2018
£’000

31 December 
2017
£’000

7,404 

173 

(284)

322 

(980)

6,635 

7,233 

168 

536 

164 

(697)

7,404 

The actual return on scheme assets over the year ended 31 December 2018 was £(111,000) (31 December 2017 - £704,000). 

The value of assets in the scheme were:

Equities

Property

Alternatives

Gilts

Corporate Bonds

Cash and other

Total fair value of assets

31 December
2018
£’000

31 December 
2017
£’000

1,470 

1,136 

358 

760 

2,388 

523 

6,635 

2,816 

803 

1,139 

654 

1,802 

190 

7,404 

None of the fair value of the assets shown above include any of the company's own financial instruments or any property occupied by, or 
other assets used by, the company. All debt and equity instruments have quoted prices in active markets (Level one). Fair values of real 
estate properties do not have quoted prices and have been determined based on professional appraisals that would be classed as Level 
three of the fair value hierarchy as defined in IFRS13 ‘Fair value measurements’.

Sensitivities to the principal assumptions of the present value of the defined benefit obligation may be analysed as follows:

Discount rate

Inflation

Rate of mortality

Change in assumptions

Change in liabilities

Decrease of 0.5% per annum

Increase by 5.8%

Increase of 0.5% per annum

Increase by 0.2%

Increase in life expectancy by 1 year

Increase by 5.1%

The Directors believe that changes in the other assumptions noted above do not have a material impact on the defined benefit obligation. 

The sensitivity analyses are based on a change in one assumption while not changing all other assumptions. This analysis may not be 
representative  of  the  actual  changes  in  the  defined  benefit  obligation  as  it  is  unlikely  that  the  change  in  assumptions  would  occur  in 
isolation of one another as some of the assumptions may be correlated. 

The average duration of the defined benefit obligation at 31 December 2018 is 13 years. 

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018

www.tandemgroup.co.u3

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58 ❘ 59

31 December 
2018
£’000

31 December 
2017
£’000

(3,024)

(3,573)

322 

(96)

42 

(2,756)

466 

(2,290)

164 

(93)

478 

(3,024)

512 

(2,512)

13.  Pension scheme arrangements continued
The reconciliation of movements in the year were as follows:

Deficit at the beginning of the year

Movement in year:

Contributions

Finance cost

Actuarial gain

Deficit at the end of the year

Related deferred tax asset

Net deficit at the end of the year

The expected contributions in the year ending 31 December 2019 are £336,000 in accordance with the agreed schedule of contributions. 
The trustees and employer have agreed a schedule of contributions covering the period to March 2029.

Defined benefit costs recognised in profit or loss are as follows:

Net interest cost

Defined benefit costs recognised in profit or loss

Defined benefit costs recognised in other comprehensive income are as follows: 

Return on plan assets (excluding amounts included in net interest cost) 

Experience loss arising on the defined benefit obligation

Effects of changes in the demographic assumptions underlying the present value of the defined  
benefit obligation – gain

Effects of changes in the financial assumptions underlying the present value of the defined benefit 
obligation – gain

Total actuarial gains and losses and total amount recognised in other comprehensive income – gain

31 December 
2018
£’000

31 December 
2017
£’000

96 

96 

93 

93 

31 December
2018
£’000

31 December 
2017
£’000

(284)

(48)

53 

321 

42 

536 

(1,420)

1,038 

324 

478 

14.  Related party transactions 

As permitted by FRS101 related party transactions with wholly owned members of Tandem Group plc have not been disclosed. 

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Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018

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Tandem Group plc

Notes to the Company financial statements continued

15.  Financial commitments

The total charge for the year for operating lease rentals in respect of operating leases was £19,000 (31 December 2017 - £18,000).

Total future minimum payments under operating leases:

Within one year

Within two to five years

31 December
2018
Other
£’000

31 December 
2017
Other
£’000

19 

78 

97 

18 

37 

55 

16.  Ultimate controlling party 

The Company has no ultimate controlling party by virtue of being a public company listed on the Alternative Investment Market. 

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018

www.tandemgroup.co.u3

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60 ❘ 61

Shareholder Information

Link  Asset  Services  is  our  registrar  and  they  offer  many  services  to 
make managing your shareholding easier and more efficient. 
Signal Shares
Signal  Shares  is  a  secure  online  site  where  you  can  manage  your 
shareholding quickly and easily. You can:

•  View your holding and get an indicative valuation
•  Change your address
•  Arrange to have dividends paid into your bank account
•  Request  to  receive  shareholder  communications  by  email  rather 

than post

•  View your dividend payment history
•  Make dividend payment choices
•  Buy and sell shares and access a wealth of stock market news and 

information

•  Register your proxy voting instruction
•  Download a stock transfer form

To  register  for  Signal  Shares  just  visit  www.signalshares.com.  All 
you  need  is  your  investor  code,  which  can  be  found  on  your  share 
certificate or your dividend tax voucher. 
Customer Support Centre
Alternatively,  you  can  contact  Link’s  Customer  Support  Centre 
which is available to answer any queries you have in relation to your 
shareholding:

By  phone  –  UK  –  0871  664  030,  overseas  –  +44  (0)  371  664  0300. 
Calls cost 12p per minute plus your phone company's access charge. 
Calls  outside  the  United  Kingdom  will  be  charged  at  the  applicable 
international  rate.  The  Customer  Support  Centre  is  open  between 
09:00 - 17:30, Monday to Friday excluding public holidays in England 
and Wales.

By email – enquiries@linkgroup.co.uk  

By  post  –  Link  Asset  Services,  The  Registry,  34  Beckenham  Road, 
Beckenham, Kent, BR3 4TU.
Sign up to electronic communications
Help us to save paper and get your shareholder information quickly and 
securely by signing up to receive your shareholder communications 
by email. 

Registering for electronic communications is very straightforward. Just 
visit www.signalshares.com. All you need is your investor code, which 
can be found on your share certificate or your dividend tax voucher. 

Dividend payment options
Re-invest your dividends
Link’s  Dividend  Re-investment  Plan  offers  a  convenient  way  for 
shareholders to build up their shareholding by using dividend money 
to  purchase  additional  shares.  The  plan  is  provided  by  Link  Asset 
Services,  a  trading  name  of  Link  Market  Services  Trustees  Limited 
which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. 

For  more  information  and  an  application  pack  please  call  0371  664 
0381 (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).

Alternatively  you  can  email  shares@linkgroup.co.uk  or  log  on  to 
www.signalshares.com.

It is important to remember that the value of shares and income from 
them can fall as well as rise and you may not recover the amount of 
money you invest. Past performance should not be seen as indicative 
of  future  performance.  This  arrangement  should  be  considered  as 
part of a diversified portfolio.

Arrange to have your dividends paid direct into your bank account
This means that:

•  Your dividend reaches your bank account on the payment date
• 
It is more secure – cheques can sometimes get lost in the post
•  You don’t have the inconvenience of depositing a cheque
•  Helps reduce cheque fraud

If  you  have  a  UK  bank  account  you  can  sign  up  for  this  service  on 
Signal shares (by clicking on ‘your dividend options’ and following the 
on screen instructions) or by contacting the Customer Support Centre.

Choose to receive your next dividend in your local currency
If you live outside the UK, Link has partnered with Deutsche Bank to 
provide  you  with  a  service  that  will  convert  your  sterling  dividends 
into your local currency at a competitive rate.

You  can  choose  to  receive  payment  directly  into  your  local  bank 
account, or alternatively, you can be sent a currency draft.

You can sign up for this service on Signal shares (by clicking on ‘your 
dividend  options’  and  following  the  on  screen  instructions)  or  by 
contacting the Customer Support Centre.

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Tandem Group plc

Shareholder Information

Dividend payment options continued
For further information contact Link Asset Services:

By phone – 0371 664 0385 

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).

By e-mail - ips@linkgroup.co.uk

Online - http://ips.linkassetservices.com/

Buy and sell shares
A  simple  and  competitively  priced  service  to  buy  and  sell  shares  is 
provided by Link Asset Services. There is no need to pre-register and 
there  are  no  complicated  application  forms  to  fill  in  and  by  visiting 
www.linksharedeal.com you can also access a wealth of stock market 
news and information free of charge.

For further information on this service, or to buy and sell shares visit 
www.linksharedeal.com or call 0371 664 0445. 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  08:00  –  16:30,  Monday  to  Friday 
excluding public holidays in England and Wales).

This is not a recommendation to buy and sell shares and this service 
may not be suitable for all shareholders. The price of shares can go 
down as well as up and you are not guaranteed to get back the amount 
you originally invested. Terms, conditions and risks apply. Link Asset 
Services  is  a  trading  name  of  Link  Market  Services  Trustees  Limited 
which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. 
This service is only available to private shareholders resident in the 
European Economic Area, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.

Link Asset Services is a trading name of Link Market Services Limited 
and  Link  Market  Services  Trustees  Limited.  Share  registration  and 
associated  services  are  provided  by  Link  Market  Services  Limited 
(registered in England and Wales , No. 2605568). Regulated services 
are provided by Link Market Services Trustees Limited (registered in 
England and Wales No. 2729260), which is authorised and regulated 
by the Financial Conduct Authority.

The  registered  office  of  each  of  these  companies  is  The  Registry, 
34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 4TU.

Donate your shares to charity
If you have only a small number of shares which are uneconomical to 
sell you may wish to donate them to charity free of charge through 
ShareGift (Registered Charity 10528686).

Find out more at www.sharegift.org.uk or by telephoning 020 7930 
3737.
Share fraud warning
Share  fraud  includes  scams  where  investors  are  called  out  of  the 
blue and offered shares that often turn out to be worthless or non-
existent,  or  an  inflated  price  for  shares  they  own.  These  calls  come 
from  fraudsters  operating  in  ‘boiler  rooms’  that  are  mostly  based 
abroad. 

While high profits are promised, those who buy or sell shares in this 
way usually lose their money.

The  Financial  Conduct  Authority  (FCA)  has  found  most  share  fraud 
victims  are  experienced  investors  who  lose  an  average  of  £20,000, 
with around £200m lost in the UK each year.
Protect yourself
If you are offered unsolicited investment advice, discounted shares, 
a  premium  price  for  shares  you  own,  or  free  company  or  research 
reports, you should take these steps before handing over any money:

•  Get the name of the person and organisation contacting you
•  Check the Financial Services Register at www.fca.org.uk to ensure 

they are authorised

•  Use the details on the FCA Register to contact the firm
•  Call the FCA Consumer Helpline on 0800 111 6768 if there are no 
contact details on the Register or you are told they are out of date
•  Search our list of unauthorised firms and individuals to avoid doing 

business with

REMEMBER: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

If  you  use  an  unauthorised  firm  to  buy  or  sell  shares  or  other 
investments,  you  will  not  have  access  to  the  Financial  Ombudsman 
Service  or  Financial  Services  Compensation  Scheme  (FSCS)  if  things 
go wrong.
Report a Scam
If  you  are  approached  about  a  share  scam  you  should  tell  the  FCA 
using  the  share  fraud  reporting  form  at  http://www.fca.org.uk/
scams,  where  you  can  find  out  about  the  latest  investment  scams. 
You can also call the Consumer Helpline on 0800 111 6768.

If you have already paid money to share fraudsters you should contact 
Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018

www.tandemgroup.co.u3

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Tandem Group plc
35 Tameside Drive

Castle Bromwich

Birmingham

B35 7AG

Telephone: +44 (0)121 748 8075

Email: info@tandemgroup.co.uk
www.tandemgroup.co.uk

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