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Tandem Group Plc

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FY2019 Annual Report · Tandem Group Plc
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Tandem Group plc

Annual report and accounts 
Year ended 31 December 2019

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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

01

01

02

04

08

11

13

15

15

16

17

18

19

44

45

46

47

60

Financial calendar
Annual General Meeting

Interim results for six months to 30 June 2020

Annual results for year ending 31 December 2020

25 June 2020

September 2020

April 2021

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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 
A Q Bestwick
Non-Executive Director

J C Shears
Group Finance Director
M A Taylor
Non-Executive Director

Nominated Adviser And Broker 
Cairn Financial Advisers LLP 
Cheyne House, 62–63 Cheapside,  
London, EC2V 6AX
Solicitors
Shoosmiths LLP 
2 Colmore Square, 38 Colmore Circus, 
Birmingham, B4 6BJ

Website
www.tandemgroup.co.uk 

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

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

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

Registration
Registered in England No. 00616818

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

Wheeled toys
Marvels Avengers*
Barbie*
Batman*
Bing*
Bored
Cars*
Disney Princess*
E-moto
Fireman Sam*
Frozen*
Hot Wheels*
Incredibles*
Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom*
Justice League*

* Under licence/distribution

Football training
Kickmaster
Strike
Golf
Ben Sayers
Bioflow*
Pro Rider
Garden and camping
Airwave
Airwave Four Seasons
Homewares and household
Jack Stonehouse 
Snapframes

Li-Fe
The Lion King*
L.O.L. Surprise!*
Minions*
Minnie Mouse*
Miraculous*
My Little Pony*
Nerf*
Nickelodeon Slime*
Paw Patrol*
Peppa Pig*
PJ Masks*
Ricky Zoom*
Spider-Man*

Mobility
Pro Rider
Drive*
Freerider*
Kymco*
Pride* 
Roma Medical* 
Sunrise Medical*
TGA*
Outdoor play
Airwave 
Hedstrom
Snooker, pool and 
table sports
Pot Black

Sponge Bob* 
Street Quins* 
Stunted
Thomas & Friends*
Toy Story*
Transformers* 
Trolls*
Twista
U-Move
Wigwam
Wired
Zoomies

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Tandem Group plc

Chairman's statement

Introduction
I am pleased to present the results for the year ended 31 December 
2019.  

Results
It was a strong year for the Group.  Group revenue for the year ended 
31 December 2019 increased by nearly 20% to £38,837,000 compared 
to £32,511,000 in the year ended 31 December 2018.

Revenue in the first half of the year increased by approximately 27% 
as a result of solid performances from both licensed and own brand 
properties.  Growth in the second half of 2019 was close to 15% ahead 
of  the  same  period  in  the  prior  year  despite  the  sustained  periods 
of wet weather across many parts of the country in the late Autumn 
period and macro uncertainties which hindered the excellent progress 
made earlier in the year.

We  were  pleased  with  the  performance  from  our  Disney  licence 
which included new properties including Frozen II, Lion King, Spider-
Man and Toy Story.  Coupled with our existing Disney Princess licence, 
Disney made a significant contribution to revenue.

The  stand  out  performing  licence  however  continued  to  be  LOL 
Surprise! which delivered further growth over the prior year with the 
folding inline scooter the Group’s best selling product.

Our  Batman,  Paw  Patrol  and  Peppa  Pig  licensed  ranges  and  own 
brands  Ben  Sayers,  Hedstrom,  Kickmaster,  Stunted,  U-Move  and 
Wired continued to perform strongly.

Bicycles  remained  more  challenging  overall.    Notwithstanding  the 
significant growth from Squish, other brands were similar or behind 
the  prior  year  reflecting  the  ongoing  competitive  environment  for 
bicycles.

In  our  direct  to  consumer  business  it  was  a  year  of  mixed  success.  
Certain product categories including our Pro Rider mobility and Jack 
Stonehouse cooling and small domestic appliances ranges performed 
strongly.  Margin in other categories was under greater pressure.  We 
are  mindful  that  online  selling  can  be  a  “race  to  the  bottom”  and 
therefore we believe that it is crucial to keep identifying differentiated 
products.

Operating  profit  before  exceptionals,  finance  costs  and  taxation 
was £3,033,000 for the year ended 31 December 2019 compared to 
£2,247,000 for the year ended 31 December 2018, an increase of 35%.

During the year exceptional costs of £29,000 were incurred in relation 
to redundancy costs as we streamlined our bicycle business.

Total  finance  costs  increased  to  £497,000  compared  to  £157,000  in 
the prior year principally as a result of the fair value adjustment on 
foreign exchange contracts which was a charge of £160,000 compared 
to  a  credit  of  £109,000  in  2018.    This  adjustment  will  vary  year  on 
year based on the foreign exchange contracts in place at the year end 
and their maturity date.  Pension finance costs increased to £155,000 
compared  to  £100,000  in  the  prior  year.    Interest  payable  on  bank 
loans, overdrafts and invoice finance facilities reduced from £157,000 
in 2018 to £149,000 in 2019. 

Our  cash  position  improved  again  with  cash  and  cash  equivalents 
increasing  to  £5,037,000  at  31  December  2019  compared  to 
£4,847,000  at  31  December  2018.    Most  notable  however  was  the 
overall net cash position which improved from £107,000 at the end of 
2018 to £1,846,000 at the end of 2019.

Net assets increased during the year from £12,408,000 at 31 December 
2018  to  £14,311,000  at  31  December  2019.  Further  details  of 
operational activities can be found in the Strategic Report on page 4.

Dividend
As  the  Group  moves  into  an  ongoing  net  cash  position  and  after  a 
strong  year  in  2019,  the  Board  believes  that  there  is  additional 
capacity to increase the dividend.

In accordance with our ongoing progressive policy, we are proposing 
to  pay  a  final  dividend  of  3.04  pence  per  share  (year  ended  31 
December 2018 – 2.89 pence per share).

In  addition,  we  are  proposing  a  special  dividend  of  2.00  pence  per 
share (year ended 31 December 2018 – nil). 

When combined  with  the  interim dividend  of 1.56  pence  per share 
(year ended 31 December 2018 – 1.42 pence per share), this is a total 
dividend of 6.60 pence for the year (year ended 31 December 2018 
– 4.31 pence per share) which represents an increase of over 53%.

Our  dividend  policy  remains  progressive,  paying  an  increasing 
dividend  as  trading  results  and  funds  permit.    Moreover,  we  will 
review the capacity each year to pay a special dividend where profits 
are materially ahead of the prior year.

Subject to shareholder approval at the Annual General Meeting to be 
held on 25 June 2020, the final and special dividends will be paid on or 
around 2 July 2020 to shareholders on the share register as at 15 May 
2020.  The ex-dividend date will be 14 May 2020.

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.

The  deficit  of  the  schemes  at  31  December  2019  reduced  to 
£2,480,000 compared to £2,827,000 at 31 December 2018.

The pension schemes continue to significantly utilise the Group’s cash 
resources with payments in respect of the schemes totalling £506,000 
(year  ended  31  December  2018  -  £487,000).    The  total  comprised 
deficit contributions of £336,000 and £101,000 in respect of Tandem 
and  Casket  schemes  respectively  (year  ended  31  December  2018  - 
£423,000) and government levies and administration costs of £69,000 
(year ended 31 December 2018 - £64,000).  

02

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2019

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We  have  previously  reported  on  the  current  views  of  the  Pensions 
Regulator  (tPR).    In  their  Annual  Funding  Statement  tPR  stated  “As 
the pension scheme is a key financial stakeholder, we expect to see it 
treated equitably with other stakeholders. In last year’s annual funding 
statement we highlighted our concerns about inequitable treatment 
of  schemes  relative  to  that  of  shareholders.  We  remain  concerned 
about the disparity between dividend growth and stable deficit repair 
contributions  (DRCs).  Recent  corporate  failures  have  highlighted 
the  risk  of  long  recovery  plans  while  payments  to  shareholders  are 
excessive relative to DRCs.” 

The 2019 triennial valuations for both schemes have been undertaken 
with negotiations between Company and Trustees ongoing to agree a 
suitable recovery plan and deficit repair contributions.  

The  Board  are  mindful  that  the  recovery  plans  for  both  schemes 
exceed  tPR’s  reported  median  length  of  7  years.    However,  this  is 
justifiable  on  the  basis  that  the  employer  covenant  is  stronger  and 
that  there  is  in  place  an  agreed  provision  that  in  any  calendar  year 
dividend  payments  will  not  exceed  deficit  contributions  paid  to  the 
Tandem scheme.  

Without  these  factors  it  is  likely  that  both  Trustees  and  tPR  would 
demand significantly greater contributions from the Company.

Employees
On behalf of the Board of Directors, once again I would like to take this 
opportunity  to  thank  our  teams  of  loyal,  highly  dedicated  and  hard 
working employees who are committed to the ongoing success of the 
Group.    The  Board  thanks  them  all  for  their  efforts  and  continuing 
contribution to the profitability of the businesses during the year.

Board changes
We previously reported that I have notified the Board of my intention 
to retire as Non-Executive Chairman and step down as a Director with 
effect from 31 July 2020.

After 30 years with the business, Steve Grant also informed the Board 
of his intention to step down from his role as CEO.  Steve has indicated 
his desire to remain with the Group and accordingly will take up the 
position of Non-Executive Chairman from 1 August 2020.

Jim Shears, currently Group Finance Director, will take up the position 
of  Chief  Executive  Officer  at  the  same  time.    We  have  recruited  a 
Group Financial Controller to whom Jim will hand over his day to day 
financial responsibilities.

Jim and Phil Ratcliffe, Group Commercial Director, will become Joint 
Managing  Directors  of  the  Company’s  trading  subsidiary  MV  Sports 
&  Leisure  Limited.    Phil  will  also  retain  his  sales  and  marketing 
responsibilities for the business.

I believe that these changes will maintain both continuity and retain 
the wealth of industry specific knowledge and experience within the 
Group.

Outlook
As we reported in February, this year has started more slowly for the 
Group.

COVID-19 has, as anticipated, had a material impact with none of our 
scheduled  shipments  leaving  the  Far  East  in  the  whole  of  February 
and into early March.  Fortunately, as a result of Chinese New Year 
and  the  usual  factory  closures,  it  is  normally  a  quieter  time  for  the 
Group and there is still time to recover some of the lost production.

Unfortunately,  the  situation  in  the  UK  and  Europe  is  worsening  by 
the day and on 23 March the Prime Minister announced an effective 
lockdown in the UK.  There will undoubtedly be implications for the 
whole  economy  with  an  inevitable  impact  on  our  business  and  we 
currently cannot predict the extent of this or when it will end.

In  addition,  although  we  sold  to  national  retailers  strongly  in  2019, 
we are aware that some of our major customers have carried stock 
forward into this year which will impact on their ability to re-buy.

We remain confident that we have secured all of the major wheeled 
toy licences for 2020 and have also identified a number of new product 
opportunities with own brands which we continue to develop.

We are also more actively exploring new geographical markets.

In our online business we continue to focus on existing ranges whilst 
not losing the ability to be opportunistic and take advantage of new 
products  that  we  identify.    We  remain  very  aware  of  the  ongoing 
channel  shift  to  online  sales  but  remain  focussed  on  profitable, 
differentiated product.

In  conclusion,  we  have  an  excellent  portfolio  of  both  licensed  and 
own  brands.    We  offer  different  routes  to  market  and  benefit  from 
highly  skilled  and  experienced  teams  to  continue  to  deliver  future 
profitability.    Our  balance  sheet  is  well  capitalised.    In  2019  we 
delivered  a  strong  result  and  we  believe  that  this  can  be  the  case 
again in 2021.  We are prepared, however, for the fact that 2020 could 
be seriously impacted by COVID-19.

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Mervyn Keene 
Chairman

26 March 2020

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Tandem Group plc

Strategic report 

Operating and Financial Review

Revenue 
Group revenue for the year ended 31 December 2019 was £38,837,000 
compared to £32,511,000 in the prior year, an increase of almost 20%.

Despite a third year in a row of decline in the toy industry as a whole 
with  reported  outdoor  toy  sales  declining  by  almost  10%,  revenue 
from the toys business was considerably ahead of the prior year. In 
licensed  wheeled  toy  categories,  L.O.L  Surprise!  delivered  another 
excellent result. 

The  impact  of  the  new  Disney  contract  was  significant  with  Frozen 
II,  Spider-Man,  Disney  Princess  and  Toy  Story  all  making  important 
contributions.  In  other  licences,  Peppa  Pig,  Paw  Patrol  and  Batman 
remained strong.

In own brand portfolios, we continued to develop our U-Move scooter 
range which delivered revenue growth of 85%. Ben Sayers finished the 
year over 20% ahead of the prior year which was encouraging. Most 
other  brands  including  Hedstrom,  Wired,  Kickmaster  and  Stunted 
were in line or slightly ahead of the prior year. 

Feedback from this year’s London Toy Fair to the new MV Sports & 
Leisure ranges, where we showcased all of our products for 2020 and 
a new range of lithium electric scooters under the Li-Fe brand, was 
excellent.

Overall total revenue from the bicycle businesses was down in 2019 
compared to 2018. However, revenue from our Squish bicycle range 
sold to independent bicycle dealers grew by 33% in the year. 

Claud  Butler  revenue  was  similar  to  the  prior  year  although  Dawes 
was  behind.  There  was  partly  a  substitution  effect  of  consumers 
switching from traditional Dawes kids’ bikes to lightweight Squish but 
this was at a higher average selling price. 

It was a more challenging year for our corporate bicycles range which, 
although  positively  contributing  to  profitability,  was  behind  the 
prior year.

Despite  a  strong  first  quarter,  revenue  in  our  direct  to  consumer 
business,  Expressco  Direct,  was  slightly  behind  the  previous  year.  A 
combination  of  garden  and  outdoor  leisure  products  performing 
behind  expectation  and  the  increasingly  competitive  online  retail 
environment  impacted  on  margins  and  slowed  down  the  previous 
progress that had been made.

Gross profit
Gross profit increased to £11,788,000 for the year ended 31 December 
2019 compared to £10,249,000 in the previous year.

The gross profit percentage, which reduced from 31.5% to 30.4%, was 
under greater pressure during the year partly due to an appreciating 
dollar which was approximately 4% stronger than in the previous year 
and partly due to ongoing pricing pressures in our online business.

We have a continuing focus on maintaining and improving our gross 
margin  by  improving  supplier  buying  prices,  re-sourcing  product 
where  this  is  not  possible,  discontinuing  low  margin  product  and 
introducing new, more profitable products.

Operating expenses
Group operating expenses increased to £8,755,000 in the year (year 
ended 31 December 2018 - £8,002,000) as a result of the growth in 
revenue and increased marketing costs in relation to new licences.

Operating profit
Operating profit before exceptional costs was £3,033,000 for the year 
ended 31 December 2019 compared to £2,247,000 in the prior year. 

Exceptional costs and Non-underlying items
Exceptional costs and non-underlying items are material items which 
have arisen from unusual non-recurring or non-trading events. 

Exceptional costs of £29,000 were incurred in the year to 31 December 
2019  (year  ended  31  December  2018  –  £218,000)  in  respect  of 
redundancy costs.

Other non-underlying items comprised: 

•  a  fair  value  charge  adjustment  for  foreign  currency  derivative 
contracts under IFRS9 of £160,000 (year ended 31 December 2018 
– £109,000 credit); 

•  pension  finance  costs  under  IAS19  of  £155,000  (year  ended  31 

December 2018 - £100,000); and  

•  a deferred tax charge of £48,000 (year ended 31 December 2018 - 

£55,000) in respect of pension schemes.

Finance costs
Total  net  finance  costs  increased  to  £497,000  in  the  year  ended 
31  December  2019  compared  to  £157,000  in  the  year  ended  31 
December 2018. 

Interest payable on bank loans, overdrafts, hire purchase and invoice 
finance  facilities  was  £149,000  compared  to  £157,000  in  the  prior 
year.

Notwithstanding these items, there was significant growth in mobility 
and  home  electrical  products  and  the  successful  introduction  of  a 
Christmas range.

Finance costs in respect of the pension schemes provided in line with 
IAS19  were  £155,000 compared  to  £100,000 for  the  year  ended  31 
December 2018. 

In accordance with IFRS9, there was a fair value charge of £160,000 in 
respect of derivative foreign exchange contracts which compared to a 
credit of £109,000 in the prior year.

The  net  of  pension  schemes’  financing  and  foreign  currency 
derivatives,  which  totalled  a  charge  of  £315,000  (year  ended  31 
December 2018 – £9,000 credit), is included in non-underlying items.

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Taxation
The tax expense for the year ended 31 December 2019 was £473,000 
compared to £250,000 in the prior year.

The  current  tax  charge,  which  comprised  corporation  tax  from 
the  overseas  Hong  Kong  operation,  was  £604,000  (year  ended  31 
December 2018 - £189,000).

Cash flows, working capital and net cash
Net  cash  inflow  from  operating  activities  before  movements  in 
working capital for the year ended 31 December 2019 was £2,843,000 
compared to £1,792,000 in the year ended 31 December 2018. 

Cash  generated  from  operations  was  £2,329,000  compared  to 
£1,638,000 last year.

There was a deferred tax credit of £131,000 compared to a charge of 
£61,000 in the prior year.

Net cash outflows from investing activities were £70,000 in the year 
ended 31 December 2019 against £88,000 in the previous year.

Net profit
Net profit for the year ended 31 December 2019 after non-underlying 
items,  finance  costs  and  taxation  was  £2,034,000  compared  to 
£1,622,000 for the year ended 31 December 2018.

There was a net cash outflow from financing activities of £1,773,000  
in the year ended 31 December 2019 which compared to £342,000 in 
the year ended 31 December 2018. This was principally as a result of 
the part repayment of the invoice finance facilities.

Capital expenditure
Total  capital  expenditure  incurred  during  the  year  was  £63,000 
excluding the required adjustment of £250,000 with respect to IFRS16 
(year ended 31 December 2018 - £70,000).

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 valuation was used to revalue 
the  property  as  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 2019.

As  a  result  of  these  movements  the  closing  cash  position  at  31 
December  2019  was  £5,037,000  compared  to  £4,847,000  at  31 
December 2018.

Net cash, comprising cash and cash equivalents less invoice financing 
liabilities  and  borrowings,  was  £1,846,000  at  31  December  2019 
compared to £107,000 at the end of the previous year.

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 
2019
30.4%

31 December 
2018
31.5%

£492,000

£396,000

22.5%

24.6%

20.4 

14.3 

16.4%

14.7%

40.5 

32.3 

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Tandem Group plc

Strategic report continued

Dividends
We  have  increased  total  dividends  paid  and  proposed  for  the  year 
ended  31  December  2019  by  over  53%  by  proposing  an  additional 
special  dividend  of  2.00  pence  per  share  in  addition  to  the  final 
dividend. 

A  total  dividend  of  6.60  pence  per  share  will  be  paid,  subject  to 
shareholder approval, compared to 4.31 pence per share for the year 
ended 31 December 2018. 

The dividend cover ratio was 6.1 (year ended 31 December 2018 – 7.5).

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 40.5 pence per share for the year ended 
31  December  2019  compared  to  32.3  pence  per  share  in  the  year 
ended 31 December 2018. Diluted earnings per share was 39.6 pence 
per share compared to 32.1 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  3  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.

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.

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COVID-19
The  impact  on  the  business  of  the  COVID-19  virus  is  uncertain.  
Although the supply chain is improving should the current situation 
continue  or worsen  then there  is  a  potential  for  a material adverse 
impact on profitability and future developments of the business. 
Directors' duties
The Directors of the Company are required to act in accordance with 
a set of general duties. These duties are detailed in section 172 of the 
UK Companies Act 2006 which is summarised as follows: “A director 
of a company must act in the way they consider, in good faith, would 
be most likely to promote the success of the company for the benefit 
of its shareholders as a whole”.

The  Directors  are  aware  of  their  obligations  with  regards  to  the 
matters under section 172, namely:

(a) the likely consequences of any decision in the long term;
(b) the interests of the company’s employees;
(c) the  need  to  foster  the  company’s  business  relationships  with

suppliers, customers and others;

(d) the impact of the company’s operations on the community and

the environment;

(e) the desirability of the company maintaining a reputation for high

standards of business conduct; and

(f) the need to act fairly between members of the company.

The Strategic report on page 4, the Directors’ report on page 8 and 
the Corporate governance statement on page 11 set out the ways in 
which these duties are fulfilled.

The Strategic report was approved by the Board on 26 March 2020 
and signed on its behalf by:

Steve Grant 
Chief Executive Officer 

Jim Shears 
Group Finance Director

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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 2019. 
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 4 should 
be read in conjunction with this report.
Results and dividend
The results for the year ended 31 December 2019 are set out in the 
Consolidated  income  statement  on  page  15.  To  reflect  the  stronger 
performance  of  the  Group,  there  was  an  increase  of  nearly  10%  in 
the interim dividend from 1.42 to 1.56 pence per ordinary share paid 
on 11 November 2019 in respect of the six month period to 30 June 
2019  (period  ended  30  June  2018  –  1.42  pence).  The  Directors  are 
proposing  a  final  dividend  of  3.04  pence  per  ordinary  share  (year 
ended  31  December  2018  –  2.89  pence).  In  addition,  due  to  the 
exceptional performance of the Group in 2019, a special dividend of 
2.00 pence per ordinary share (year ended 31 December 2018 – nil) 
is proposed taking the total dividend for the year to 6.60 pence per 
ordinary share (year ended 31 December 2018 – 4.31 pence), a 53% 
increase.  The  final  dividend  and  special  dividend  will  be  payable  to 
shareholders on the register on 15 May 2020 and will be paid on or 
around 2 July 2020. 
Significant shareholders
As at 26 March 2020 the Directors have been notified of the following 
interests representing 3% or more of the issued ordinary share capital. 
The percentage holdings exclude 979,389 shares held in treasury.

S Bragg

D Waldron

S J Grant

M P J Keene

Spreadex Ltd

J C Shears

B Geary

Ordinary 
Shares of 25p
 587,996 

 312,560 

 250,000 

 250,000 

187,513 

 170,000 

 160,000 

%
11.7%

6.2%

5.0%

5.0%

3.7%

3.4%

3.2%

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.

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.

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M A Taylor

Mark  joined  the  Board  in  October  2019.  He  was  a  partner  in  Grant 
Thornton  UK  LLP  for  19  years  having  spent  his  entire  career  in  the 
accounting  profession.  He  was  an  audit  and  transactions  support 
partner,  specialising  in  transaction  support  in  recent  years.  He  is 
chairman of the Grant Thornton defined benefit pension scheme.

Mark  has  considerable  experience  of  corporate  transactions  across 
many  sectors,  financial  reporting  and  the  management  of  defined 
benefit schemes. This experience enables him to support the Group 
with its financial reporting, any potential corporate transactions and 
the pension schemes.

Mark  is  a  member  of  the  Institute  of  Chartered  Accountants  in 
England and Wales.

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

26 March
2020
25p ordinary
shares

31 December
2019
25p ordinary
shares

1 January
2019
25p ordinary
shares

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 programs 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.

M P J Keene

S J Grant

J C Shears

P Ratcliffe

 250,000 

 250,000 

 170,000 

 91,732 

 250,000 

 250,000 

 170,000 

 91,732 

 250,000 

 250,000 

 170,000 

 91,732 

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.

In  accordance  with  the  Articles  of  Association,  M  P  J  Keene, 
A  Q  Bestwick  and  M  A  Taylor,  whose  service  contracts  may  be 
terminated  by  either  party  giving  six  months’  written  notice,  retire 
at the Annual General Meeting. M P J Keene and A Q Bestwick offer 
themselves for re-election and M A Taylor offers himself for 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  4. 
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.

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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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. 

Auditor
A  resolution  to  appoint  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 resolutions 8 and 
9 proposed as special business.  

Resolution 8 is a special resolution which seeks to adopt new Articles 
of  Association.    The  Company’s  Articles  of  Association  were  last 
amended  in  2009.  This  resolution  proposes  to  adopt  a  new  set  of 
Articles of Association in order to bring them up to date. 

Resolution  9  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
26 March 2020

Registered number: 00616818

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Corporate governance statement

The Board recognises the 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 4 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  Directors.  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 principal risks 
and uncertainties facing the Group is set out in the Strategic report 
on page 4.
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,  Market  Abuse 
Regulations (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  programs  for  staff  and  other 
stakeholders.

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2019

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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  principal  risks  and  uncertainties  are  disclosed  in  the 
Strategic report on page 4.
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  two  of  the  non-
executive Directors have 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 M A Taylor 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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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, M A Taylor (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 2019 there were eleven formal board 
meetings held. All Directors were in attendance for all meetings except 
A Q Bestwick who was in attendance for nine meetings. In addition 
there  were  two  Audit  Committee  meetings,  one  Remuneration 
Committee meeting and one Nominations 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 and on page 8. 
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, in conjunction with external advisers, 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 maintained 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.

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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 2019 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 2019
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.
Emphasis of matter
We draw attention to note 2 in the financial statements, which refers 
to  the  fact  that  the  Coronavirus  has  created  financial  uncertainty 
within  the  economy  and  therefore  there  is  increased  difficulty  in 
forecasting future results for the Group. Our opinion is not modified 
in respect of this matter.

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 tested significant inputs into the actuarial valuation by obtaining 
confirmation of scheme asset valuations from the custodian and
testing a sample of member data back to payroll records.

Our application of materiality
The  materiality  for  the  Group  financial  statements  as  a  whole 
was  set  at  £395,000.  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 
Group income statement.
The  materiality  for  the  parent  Company  financial  statements  as  a 
whole was set at £160,000. 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  1.5%  of  net  assets  as 
presented on the face of the parent Company’s Balance sheet.

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

26 March 2020

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Consolidated income statement

31 December 2019

31 December 2018

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

38,837 

(27,049)

11,788 

(8,755)

3,033 

–

3,033 

(182)

2,851 

(425)

2,426 

–

–

–

–

–

(29)

(29)

(315)

(344)

(48)

(392)

2

3

3

4

6

7

38,837

(27,049)

11,788

(8,755)

3,033

(29)

3,004

(497)

2,507

(473)

2,034

Pence

40.5 

39.6 

 32,511 

(22,262)

 10,249 

(8,002)

 2,247 

–

 2,247 

(166)

 2,081 

(195)

 1,886 

–

–

–

–

–

(218)

(218)

 9 

(209)

(55)

(264)

32,511

(22,262)

10,249

(8,002)

2,247

(218)

2,029

(157)

1,872

(250)

1,622

Pence

32.3 

32.1 

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:

Actuarial gain/(loss) 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. 

31 December 
2019
£’000

31 December 
2018
£’000

2,034

1,622 

(24)

102

65

24

65

2,099

(222)

37 

(83)

1,539

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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

Borrowings

Derivative financial liability held at fair value

Current tax liabilities

Non current liabilities
Borrowings

Pension schemes’ deficit

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity
Share capital

Shares held in treasury

Share premium

Other reserves

Profit and loss account

Total equity

31 December 
2019
£’000

31 December 
2018
£’000

Note

8

9

16

10

11

15

12

13

14

15

14

17

18

18

5,542 

3,590 

1,931 

5,580 

3,480 

1,776 

11,063 

10,836 

4,709 

5,443 

–

5,037 

15,189 

26,252 

 (5,507)

 (2,394)

(106)

(657)

 (8,664)

(797)

 (2,480)

 (3,277)

 (11,941)

14,311 

1,503 

(247)

286 

3,620 

9,149 

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 

14,311 

12,408 

The financial statements were approved by the Board on 26 March 2020 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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Consolidated statement of changes in equity

Share 
capital
£’000
1,503 

Shares 
held in 
treasury
£’000
 (247)

Share 
premium
£’000
286 

Merger 
reserve 
£’000
1,036 

Capital 
redemption 
reserve
£’000
1,427 

Revaluation 
reserve
£’000
530 

Translation 
reserve
£’000
549 

Profit 
and loss 
account
£’000
5,984 

Total
£’000
11,068 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

1,622 

1,622 

102 

– 

102 

– 

 (185)

 (185)

102 

1,437 

1,539 

– 

– 

– 

11 

11 

 (210)

 (210)

 (199)

 (199)

At 1 January 2018

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

At 1 January 2019

1,503 

 (247)

286 

1,036 

1,427 

530 

651 

7,222 

12,408 

Net profit for the year

Re-translation of overseas 
subsidiaries

Net actuarial gain on pension 
schemes

Total comprehensive income 
for the year attributable to 
equity shareholders

Share based payments

Dividends paid

Total transactions with 
owners

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

2,034 

2,034 

 (24)

– 

 (24)

– 

89 

89 

 (24)

2,123 

2,099 

– 

– 

– 

28 

28 

 (224)

 (224)

 (196)

 (196)

At 31 December 2019

1,503 

 (247)

286 

1,036 

1,427 

530 

627 

9,149 

14,311 

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.

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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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 

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 
2019
£’000

31 December 
2018
£’000

2,034 

1,622 

203 

45 

- 

 (437)

497 

473 

28 

2,843 

 (459)

 (1,046)

991 

2,329 

 (182)

 (90)

2,057 

 (7)

 (63)

- 

 (70)

 (407)

115 

 (1,257)

 (224)

 (1,773)

214 

4,847 

 (24)

5,037 

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 

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Notes to the Consolidated 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 8.

The financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
(including  the  comparatives  for  the  year  ended  31  December
2018)  were  approved  by  the  Board  of  Directors  on  26  March
2020.

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  and  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, 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 22.

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.

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

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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.

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Tandem Group plc

Notes to the Consolidated 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  Consolidated  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  on  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.

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

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2. Accounting policies continued

Leases
Prior to 1 January 2019 leases of property, plant and equipment
were  classified  as  either  finance  or  operating  leases  under  IAS
17. Payments made under operating leases (net of any incentives 
received  from  the  lessor)  were  charged  to  profit  or  loss  on  a
straight-line basis over the period of the lease.

Under  IFRS  16,  which  the  Group  has  adopted  effective  for  the 
period starting 1 January 2019, leases are recognised as a right-
of-use  asset  and  a  corresponding  liability  at  the  date  at  which 
the  leased  asset  is  available  for  use  by  the  Group.  Each  lease 
payment is allocated between the liability and the finance cost. 
The  finance  cost  is  charged  to  profit  and  loss  over  the  lease 
period so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on 
the remaining balance of the liability for each period. The right-
of-use asset is depreciated over the shorter of the asset’s useful 
life and the lease term on a straight-line basis.  The impact of the 
change is disclosed in note 21. 

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.

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 

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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.

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  may  be  financial  assets  held  at  fair 
value through profit and loss in accordance with the policy below.

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Tandem Group plc

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements continued

2. Accounting policies continued

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 a previous 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.

All  share  based  remuneration  is  ultimately  recognised  as
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.

The  Group  derecognises  financial  liabilities  when,  and  only 
when, the Group’s obligations are discharged, cancelled or have 
expired.  The  difference  between  the  carrying  amount  of  the 
financial  liability  derecognised  and  the  consideration  paid  and 
payable is recognised in profit or loss. 

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.

Forward exchange contracts may also be financial liabilities held 
at fair value through profit and loss in accordance with the policy 
below.

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  are  reviewed  to  ascertain  whether  they  meet  the 
criteria  for  treatment  as  an  effective  hedge.  If  they  do  not, 
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.

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2. Accounting policies continued
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 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.

Going Concern
The accounts are prepared on the going concern basis unless it is 
inappropriate to presume that the Company and the Group will 
continue  in  business.  The  financial  uncertainty  created  within 
the economy as a result of COVID-19 is clearly difficult to forecast 
and predict but the Directors have produced a range of forecasts 
based  on  their  best  estimates  of  likely  outcomes,  and  these 
indicate that for the 12 month period from the date of signing 
these  financial  statements  the  Group  will  be  able  to  operate 
within  the  financial  facilities  available  to  it,  with  significant 
headroom to allow for further lost revenues. 

The Group has significant cash reserves and the Board continually 
monitor a rolling cashflow forecast for the business as a whole. 
Given the Group’s low fixed cost base (wage costs equate to 10% 
of  revenues  in  the  current  year,  2018  -  11%)  and  the  facilities 
available  to  it  the  Board  therefore  considers  the  Group  will 
continue to be able to meet its liabilities as they fall due.

Furthermore,  the  Directors  are  comforted  by  clear  sentiment 
from the UK Government that they will support business during 
this difficult time, with a range of measures already outlined to 
protect jobs and business, with more to come. In addition, the 
recovery  of  trade  in  the  Far  East  gives  further  comfort,  as  the 
Group has now begun to receive shipments from suppliers in the 
regions previously affected by COVID-19 earlier in 2020.

On that basis, the Directors are confident that they will be able 
to  manage  the  business  in  such  a  way  that  it  will  continue  to 
operate and trade for at least 12 months from the date of the 
signing  of  the  accounts  and  have  therefore  prepared  these 
financial statements on a going concern basis.

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 information. 
Estimates  and  judgements  used  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.

Pension deficit
In accordance with the winding up provisions of the Trust deeds 
the  Directors  have  concluded  that  the  Group  may  not  have  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.

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Tandem Group plc

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements continued

2. Accounting policies continued

Standards and interpretations
The Group has applied the following standards and amendments 
for the first time for their annual reporting period commencing
1 January 2019:

• IFRS  16  Leases  Prepayment  Features  with  Negative

Compensation – Amendments to IFRS 9

• Long-term  Interests  in  Associates  and  Joint  Ventures  –

Amendments to IAS 28

• Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2015 – 2017 Cycle
• Plan Amendment, Curtailment or Settlement – Amendments

to IAS 19

• Interpretation 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments

The  Group  had  to  change  its  accounting  policies  as  a  result  of 
adopting IFRS 16. 

3. Operating expenses and Exceptional costs

The  Group  elected  to  adopt  the  new  rules  retrospectively  but 
recognised  the  cumulative  effect  of  initially  applying  the  new 
standard on 1 January 2019. This is disclosed in note 21.  

The other amendments listed above did not have any impact on 
the amounts recognised in prior periods and are not expected to 
significantly affect the current or future periods. 

Certain  new  accounting  standards  and  interpretations  have 
been published that are not mandatory for 31 December 2019 
reporting periods and have not been early adopted by the Group. 
These  standards  are  not  expected  to  have  a  material  impact 
on the entity in the current or future reporting periods and on 
foreseeable future transactions. 

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 – right to use assets

Profit on sale of tangible fixed assets

Intangible amortisation

Operating lease costs

Other expenses

31 December 
2019
£’000

31 December 
2018
£’000

4,904 

3,851 

8,755 

3,999 

112 

91 

–

45 

188 

4,320 

8,755 

4,448 

3,554 

8,002 

3,551 

126 

13 

(5)

41 

351 

3,925 

8,002 

Exceptional costs of £29,000 (year ended 31 December 2018 - £218,000) were incurred in respect of redundancy costs relating to the 
bicycles businesses and in the prior year in respect of 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 2018 - £3,000) and in 
the capacity as auditor of the subsidiary companies was £59,000 (year ended 31 December 2018 - £58,000). Non audit remuneration in 
respect of tax compliance services totalled £14,000 (year ended 31 December 2018 - £13,000).

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4. Finance costs

Interest payable on bank loans, overdrafts and invoice finance facilities

Interest payable on lease arrangements

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

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  
(resigned 27 June 2019)

A Q Bestwick

M A Taylor  
(appointed 1 October 2019)

Performance 
bonus
£’000

31 December 2019
Benefits in 
kind
£’000

Pension 
contribution
£’000

Salary/Fee
£’000

 51 

 195 

 129 

 152 

 10 

 20 

 5 

 562 

 – 

 107 

 79 

 85 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 271 

 – 

 7 

 7 

 8 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 22 

 – 

 10 

 27 

 14 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 51 

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31 December 
2019
£’000

31 December 
2018
£’000

149 

33 

155 

160 

497 

157 

9 

100 

 (109)

157 

31 December 
2019
£’000

31 December 
2018
£’000

3,503 

3,138 

301 

28 

167 

286 

11 

116 

3,999 

3,551 

Number
47 

Number
45 

32 

79 

37 

82 

31 December 
2018

Total
£’000

 51 

 319 

 242 

 259 

 10 

 20 

 5 

 906 

Total
£’000

 50 

 243 

 185 

 199 

 20 

 20 

 – 

 717 

In addition to the above the total charge for Employer’s National Insurance for the period was £120,000 (year ended 31 December 2018 
- £83,000).
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 £20,000 (year ended 31 December 2018 - £11,000) of which £8,000 (year ended 31 
December 2018 - £3,000) related to S J Grant, £6,000 (year ended 31 December 2018 - £3,000) related to J C Shears and £6,000 (year 
ended 31 December 2018 - £3,000) related to P Ratcliffe.

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Tandem Group plc

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements continued

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 2019 under the Group’s share option schemes:

At 1 January 
2019
Number of shares
2007 and 2019 Employee Share Option Schemes

Granted 
during year

Exercised/ 
lapsed during 
year

31 December 
2019

Option price 
per 25p 
ordinary 
share

Exercise period

Directors

S J Grant

J C Shears

P Ratcliffe

Other employees

27,475 

22,525 

75,000 

–

–

–

– 

50,000 

22,500 

53,222 

–

–

– 

44,278 

14,000 

17,103 

58,897 

–

–

–

– 

45,000 

23,400 

43,400 

– 

357,522 

–

–

103,200 

242,478 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

27,475 

22,525 

75,000 

50,000 

22,500 

53,222 

44,278 

14,000 

17,103 

58,897 

45,000 

23,400 

43,400 

103,200 

600,000 

107.0p

31/01/14–14/06/21

79.0p

31/12/15–29/10/23

127.5p

31/12/18–20/04/26

190.0p

31/12/21–24/05/29

107.0p

31/01/14–14/06/21

127.5p

31/12/18–20/04/26

190.0p

31/12/21–24/05/29

107.0p

31/01/14–14/06/21

79.0p

31/12/15–29/10/23

127.5p

31/12/18–20/04/26

190.0p

31/12/21–24/05/29

107.0p

31/01/14–14/06/21

127.5p

31/12/18–20/04/26

190.0p

31/12/21–24/05/29

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

Date exercisable (option life):

2014 (up to 2021)

2015 (up to 2023)

2018 (up to 2026)

2021 (up to 2029)

31 December 2019

31 December 2018

Number

Exercise price 
(pence)

Remaining 
contractual 
life (years)

Number

Exercise price 
(pence)

Remaining 
contractual 
life (years)

87,375 

39,628 

230,519 

242,478 

600,000 

107.00 

79.00 

127.50 

190.00 

1.5 

3.8 

6.3 

9.4 

87,375 

39,628 

230,519 

- 

357,522 

107.0

79.0

127.5

- 

2.5

4.8

7.3

- 

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5.   Directors' and employees' remuneration continued

The ordinary share mid-market price on 31 December 2019 was 180.0p (31 December 2018 – 110.0p). During the period, the highest mid-
market price was 217.0p (31 December 2018 – 165.0p) and the lowest was 105.5p (31 December 2018 – 90.0p). The weighted average 
exercise price of the options in issue was 146.8p (31 December 2018 – 117.1p). 

 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 2018 – 79.0p) to 190.0p (31 December 2018 – 127.5p);
•  37.3% (31 December 2018 - 37.3%) to 45.0% (31 December 2018 – 45.0%) volatility based on expected and historical share price;
•  a risk-free interest rate of 0.86% (31 December 2018 – 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 2.30% to 4.03%.

In total, £28,000 (31 December 2018 – £11,000) 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% (year ended 31 December 2018 – 19%) and  the actual tax expense recognised 
in the Consolidated income statement can be reconciled as follows:

31 December 2019

31 December 2018

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 (credit)/expense

%

19.0%

0.8%

0.4%

2.4%

1.0%

0.5%

0.0%

0.6%

(5.5)%

(0.4)%

18.9%

£’000

2,507 

19%

476 

20 

9 

60 

26 

12 

– 

16 

 (137)

 (9)

473 

604 

 (131)

473 

£’000

1,872 

19%

356 

19 

12 

 (11)

38 

 (42)

 (41)

 (12)

 (60)

 (9)

250 

189 

61 

250 

%

19.0%

1.0%

0.6%

(0.6)%

2.0%

(2.2)%

(2.2)%

(0.6)%

(3.2)%

(0.5)%

13.4%

At 31 December 2019 there are trading losses and loan relationship deficits of approximately £11,170,000 (31 December 2018 – £9,497,000) 
available for carry forward against future profits of the same trade. 

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

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Tandem Group plc

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements continued

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 
2019
£’000

31 December 
2018
£’000

2,034 

1,622 

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

5,026,091 

5,026,091 

Weighted average dilutive shares under option

Average number of shares used for diluted earnings per share

112,889 

25,005 

5,138,980 

5,051,096 

Basic earnings per share 

Diluted earnings per share

8.   Intangible fixed assets

Gross carrying amount
At 1 January 2018

Additions

At 1 January 2019

Additions

At 31 December 2019

Amortisation

At 1 January 2018

Provided in the year

At 1 January 2019

Provided in the year

At 31 December 2019

Net book value

At 31 December 2019

At 31 December 2018

Pence

40.5 

39.6 

Goodwill
£’000

Software
£’000

Brand names
£’000

10,109 

– 

10,109 

– 

10,109 

4,957 

– 

4,957 

– 

4,957 

5,152 

5,152 

94 

24 

118 

7 

125 

32 

20 

52 

24 

76 

49 

66 

441 

– 

441 

– 

441 

58 

21 

79 

21 

100 

341 

362 

Pence

32.3 

32.1 

Total
£’000

10,644 

24 

10,668 

7 

10,675 

5,047 

41 

5,088 

45 

5,133 

5,542 

5,580 

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

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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 5.56%, 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.

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Tandem Group plc

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements continued

9.   Property, plant and equipment

Freehold 
land and 
buildings
£’000

Short 
leasehold 
land and 
buildings
£’000

Vehicles
£’000

Plant and 
machinery
£’000

Gross carrying amount

At 1 January 2018

Additions

Disposals

Foreign exchange adjustments

At 1 January 2019

Additions

Foreign exchange adjustments

At 31 December 2019

Depreciation

At 1 January 2018

Provided in the year

Eliminated on disposals

Foreign exchange adjustments

At 1 January 2019

Provided in the year

Foreign exchange adjustments

At 31 December 2019

Net book value

At 31 December 2019
At 31 December 2018

3,150 

– 

– 

– 

3,150 

– 

– 

3,150 

– 

32 

– 

– 

32 

32 

– 

64 

3,086 
3,118 

415 

– 

 (8)

4 

411 

250 

 (2)

659 

331 

40 

 (8)

4 

367 

101 

 (2)

466 

193 
44 

22 

30 

– 

– 

52 

31 

– 

83 

– 

10 

– 

– 

10 

20 

– 

30 

53 
42 

Total
£’000

5,433 

70 

 (165)

9 

5,347 

313 

 (6)

5,654 

1,883 

139 

 (164)

9 

1,867 

203 

 (6)

2,064 

1,846 

40 

 (157)

5 

1,734 

32 

 (4)

1,762 

1,552 

57 

 (156)

5 

1,458 

50 

 (4)

1,504 

258 
276 

3,590 
3,480 

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 2019.

The net book value of right of use assets held under leasing arrangements was £346,000 (31 December 2018 - £187,000).

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

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Gross carrying amount

At 1 January 2018

Additions

Disposals

Foreign exchange adjustments

At 1 January 2019

Additions

Foreign exchange adjustments

At 31 December 2019

Depreciation

At 1 January 2018

Provided in the year

Eliminated on disposals

Foreign exchange adjustments

At 1 January 2019

Provided in the year

Foreign exchange adjustments

At 31 December 2019

Net book value

At 31 December 2019

At 31 December 2018

Total

£’000

5,433 

70 

 (165)

9 

5,347 

313 

 (6)

5,654 

1,883 

139 

 (164)

9 

1,867 

203 

 (6)

2,064 

1,846 

40 

 (157)

5 

1,734 

32 

 (4)

1,762 

1,552 

57 

 (156)

5 

1,458 

50 

 (4)

1,504 

3,150 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

3,150 

3,150 

– 

32 

– 

– 

32 

32 

– 

64 

3,086 

3,118 

415 

– 

 (8)

4 

411 

250 

 (2)

659 

331 

40 

 (8)

4 

367 

101 

 (2)

466 

193 

44 

22 

30 

– 

– 

52 

31 

– 

83 

– 

10 

– 

– 

10 

20 

– 

30 

53 

42 

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 2019.

The net book value of right of use assets held under leasing arrangements was £346,000 (31 December 2018 - £187,000).

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

9.   Property, plant and equipment

10.  Inventories 

Freehold 

land and 

buildings

£’000

Short 

leasehold 

land and 

buildings

£’000

Plant and 

Vehicles

machinery

£’000

£’000

Finished goods for resale

31 December 
2019
£’000

31 December 
2018
£’000

4,709 

4,250 

Cost of sales includes material costs of £23,556,000 (year ended 31 December 2018 - £19,897,000) and other costs of £3,493,000 (year 
ended 31 December 2018 - £2,365,000). 

11.   Trade and other receivables

Amounts falling due within one year:

Trade receivables

Prepayments and accrued income

Other receivables

31 December 
2019
£’000

31 December 
2018
£’000

4,927 

244 

272 

5,443 

3,931 

154 

312 

4,397 

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 expected credit loss and a loss allowance of £25,000 (year ended 31 
December 2018 - £34,000) has been made. The movement in the loss allowance can be reconciled as follows:

258 

276 

3,590 

3,480 

Amounts brought forward 

Amounts written off

Loss allowance charge

At year end

31 December 
2019
£’000

31 December 
2018
£’000

34 

 (9)

– 

25 

67 

 (34)

1 

34 

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

31 December 
2019
£’000

31 December 
2018
£’000

4,094 

824 

9 

4,927 

3,255 

654 

22 

3,931 

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Tandem Group plc

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements continued

12. Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents per Consolidated cash flow statement

31 December 
2019
£’000

31 December 
2018
£’000

5,037 

4,847 

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

31 December 
2019
£’000

31 December 
2018
£’000

 (2,404)

(186)

 (2,917)

 (5,507)

 (2,381)

(239)

(1,646)

 (4,266)

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.

14. Borrowings

Invoice finance liability

Current borrowings with contractual maturities in less than one year 

– other borrowings

– assets held under leasing arrangements

Total current borrowings

Non current borrowing with contractual maturities one to two years

– other borrowings

– assets held under leasing arrangements

Non current borrowings with contractual maturities between two to five years

– other borrowings

– assets held under leasing arrangements

Total non current borrowings

Total borrowings

31 December 
2019
£’000

31 December 
2018
£’000

 (1,849)

 (3,106)

(407)

(138)

(407)

(29)

 (2,394)

 (3,542)

(407)

(69)

(287)

(34)

(407)

(30)

(694)

(67)

(797)

 (3,191)

(1,198)

 (4,740)

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.

Lease liabilities are secured on the assets to which the liabilities relate.

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15. Financial assets and liabilities

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

31 December 2019
Financial 
assets held 
at fair value 
through 
profit and 
loss
£’000

Assets not 
within the 
scope of 
IFRS9
£’000

Loans and 
receivables
£’000

31 December 2018
Financial 
assets held 
at fair value 
through 
profit and 
loss
£’000

Assets not 
within the 
scope of 
IFRS9
£’000

Cash and cash 
equivalents:

Sterling

US Dollars

Euro

Others

Foreign exchange 
derivatives

Trade and other 
receivables

Inventories

Current assets

4,441 

534 

58 

4 

5,037 

– 

5,199 

– 

10,236 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

– 

–

The financial liabilities of the Group comprised: 

Loans and 
receivables
£’000

Total
£’000

4,441 

534 

58 

4 

5,037 

2,447 

2,100 

75 

225 

4,847 

– 

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Total
£’000

2,447 

2,100 

75 

225 

4,847 

54

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

54

–

– 

54 

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244

4,709

4,953

5,443 

4,709 

15,189 

4,243 

– 

9,090 

154

4,250

4,404 

4,397 

4,250 

13,548 

31 December 2019
Financial 
liabilities 
held at 
fair value 
through 
profit and 
loss
£’000

Liabilities 
not within 
the scope 
of IFRS9
£’000

Other 
financial 
liabilities at 
amortised 
cost
£’000

31 December 2018
Financial 
liabilities 
held at 
fair value 
through 
profit and 
loss
£’000

Liabilities 
not within 
the scope of 
IFRS9
£’000

Other 
financial 
liabilities at 
amortised 
cost
£’000

Total
£’000

Total
£’000

Trade and other 
payables

Invoice finance 
liability

Current borrowings

Assets held under 
leasing arrangements

Foreign exchange 
derivatives

Current tax liabilities

Current liabilities 

Non current liabilities

(5,321)

(1,849)

(407)

(138)

(106)

-

(7,821)

(797)

-

- 

-

-

-

- 

-

-

(186)

(5,507)

(4,027)

- 

- 

- 

- 

(657)

(843)

- 

(1,849)

(407)

(3,106)

(407)

(138)

(29)

(106)

(657)

(8,664)

(797)

–

–

(7,569)

(1,198)

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

– 

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2019

(239)

(4,266)

– 

– 

– 

– 

(143)

(382)

– 

(3,106)

(407)

(29)

– 

(143)

(7,951)

(1,198)

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Tandem Group plc

Notes to the Consolidated 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 2020 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.

31 December 2019

31 December 2018

USD
£’000
2,105 

(1,455)

650 

GBP
£’000
13,022 

(7,209)

5,813 

Other
£’000
62 

–

62 

Total
£’000
15,189 

(8,664)

6,525 

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 

Current assets

Current liabilities

Total exposure

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 £106,000 at 31 December 2019 (year ended 31 December 2018 – £54,000) are financial 
instruments held at fair value and are disclosed as a liability (year ended 31 December 2018 – asset) at the year end. These contracts are 
Level two financial assets and all expire with 12 months from 31 December 2019. All other financial assets and liabilities are Level one.

There were no transfers between Level one and Level two in 2019 or 2018.

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15. Financial assets and liabilities continued

Measurement of financial instruments
The Group has relied upon valuations performed by a 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  brand  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 2019. The fair value of the intangibles as at 31 December 2019 are included in 
the Consolidated balance sheet as £341,000 (year ended 31 December 2018 - £362,000).

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 5.56%.

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%  (31  December  2018  –  19%)  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

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

31 December 
2017
£’000

Movement in 
the year
£’000

31 December 
2018
£’000

Movement in 
the year
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

(497)

(208)

–

(1,178)

83 

(1,800)

(1,800)

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)

24

(1)

3

(98)

(83)

(455)

(216)

– 

(1,260)

–

(155)

(1,931)

(1,776)

(155)

(1,931)

–

(2)

(548)

(1,133)

(89)

(1,772)

– 

–

(57)

–

–

(57)

– 

(2)

(605)

(1,133)

(89)

(1,829)

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 being an increase of £155,000 (31 December 2018 - £24,000 decrease), a credit of £131,000 
(31 December 2018 - £61,000 charge) has been recognised in the Consolidated income statement and a credit of £24,000 (31 December 
2018 - £37,000 credit) in other comprehensive income.

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Tandem Group plc

Notes to the Consolidated 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 2019.

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 loss/(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 now aged 65

Female now aged 65

Male now aged 45

Female now aged 45

31 December 
2019
£’000

31 December 
2018
£’000

9,391 

272 

–

(128)

712 

(639)

9,608 

10,428 

269 

48

(53)

(321)

(980)

9,391 

31 December 
2019

31 December 
2018

2.30%

–%

3.00%

–%

Up to 5.00% Up to 5.00%
3.00 to 5.00% 3.00 to 5.00%
3.30%

3.15%

S3 PxA (YOB)

S2 PxA (YOB)

Life expectancy at 
age 65 (years)
19.3 

21.6 

20.2 

22.5 

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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

The value of assets in the scheme were:

Equities

Property

Alternatives

Gilts

Corporate Bonds

Cash and other

Total fair value of assets

31 December 
2019
£’000

31 December 
2018
£’000

6,635 

129 

456 

336 

(639)

6,917 

7,404 

173 

(284)

322 

(980)

6,635 

31 December 
2019
£’000

31 December 
2018
£’000

1,407 

1,215 

414 

990 

2,389 

502 

6,917 

1,470 

1,136 

358 

760 

2,388 

523 

6,635 

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
Decrease of 0.5% per annum

Increase of 0.5% per annum

Increase in life expectancy by 1 year

Change in liabilities
Increase by 5.7%

Increase by 0.1%

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 2019 is 13 years. 

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Tandem Group plc

Notes to the Consolidated 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 (loss)/gain

Deficit at the end of the year

Related deferred tax asset

Net deficit at the end of the year

31 December 
2019
£’000

31 December 
2018
£’000

(2,756)

(3,024)

336 

(143)

(128)

(2,691)

455 

(2,236)

322 

(96)

42

(2,756)

466 

(2,290)

The expected contributions in the year ending 31 December 2020 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 – (loss)/gain

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

31 December 
2019
£’000

31 December 
2018
£’000

143 

143 

96 

96

31 December 
2019
£’000

31 December 
2018
£’000

456 

–

128 

(712)

(128)

(284)

(48)

53

321

42

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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.

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 2019.  

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 due to scheme experience

Actuarial gain due to changes in demographic assumptions

Actuarial loss/(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 now aged 65

Female now aged 65

Male now aged 45

Female now aged 45

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31 December 
2019
£’000

31 December 
2018
£’000

2,890 

2,947 

84 

2 

(6)

164 

(137)

2,997 

78 

103 

(17)

(67)

(154)

2,890

31 December 
2019

31 December 
2018

2.30%

3.00%

–%

–%

3.15%

3.15%

–%

–%

3.30%

3.30%

S3 PxA (YOB)

S2 PxA (YOB)

Life expectancy at 
age 65 (years)

19.3 

21.6 

20.2 

22.5 

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

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2019

31 December 
2019
£’000

31 December 
2018
£’000

2,819 

72 

353 

101 

(137)

3,208 

3,043 

74 

(245)

101 

(154)

2,819 

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Tandem Group plc

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements continued

17.  Pension scheme arrangements continued

The value of assets in the scheme were:

Equities

Property

Gilts

Corporate Bonds

Cash and other

Total fair value of assets

31 December 
2019
£’000

31 December 
2018
£’000

1,529 

1,458 

507 

377 

523 

272 

450 

290 

358 

263 

3,208 

2,819

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
Decrease of 0.5% per annum

Increase of 0.5% per annum

Increase in life expectancy by 1 year

Change in liabilities
Increase by 5.1%

Increase by 3.1%

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 2019 is 13 years. 

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/(loss)

Surplus/(deficit) at the end of the year

Related deferred tax asset

Net surplus/(deficit) at the end of the year

31 December 
2019
£’000

31 December 
2018
£’000

(71)

101 

(12)

193 

211 

– 

211 

96 

101 

(4)

(264)

(71)

13 

(58)

The expected contributions in the year ending 31 December 2020 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.

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17. Pension scheme arrangements continued

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 – (loss)/gain

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

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 
2019
£’000

31 December 
2018
£’000

12 

12 

4 

4 

31 December 
2019
£’000

31 December 
2018
£’000

353 

(2)

6 

(164)

193 

(245)

(103)

17

67

(264)

31 December 
2019
£’000

31 December 
2018
£’000

(2,691)

211 

(2,480)

455 

–

(2,756)

(71)

(2,827)

466 

13

(2,025)

(2,348)

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The amounts recognised in the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income in the year ended 31 December 2019 are a loss of 
£128,000 in respect of the Tandem Group Pension Plan and a gain of £193,000 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 £3,191,000 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. 

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Tandem Group plc

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements continued

18.  Equity

Allotted, called up and fully paid

At 1 January 2018 and 1 January 2019 – ordinary shares 25p each 

At 31 December 2019 – ordinary shares 25p each

19.  Related parties

Number of 
shares

5,026,091 

5,026,091 

£’000

1,256 

1,256

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 
2019
£’000

31 December 
2018
£’000

11 

11 

8 

4 

1 

35 

10 

10 

7 

4 

1 

32

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

20. 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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21.  Adoption of IFRS 16

Previously leases of property, plant and equipment were classified as either finance or operating leases under IAS 17. Payments made 
under operating leases (net of any incentives received from the lessor) were charged to profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the 
period of the lease. 

Under IFRS 16 which the Group has adopted effective for the period starting 1 January 2019, leases are recognised as a right-of-use asset 
and  a  corresponding  liability  at  the  date  at  which  the  leased  asset  is  available  for  use  by  the  Group.  Each  lease  payment  is  allocated 
between the liability and the finance cost. The finance cost is charged to profit and loss over the lease period so as to produce a constant 
periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability for each period. The right-of-use asset is depreciated over the shorter of 
the asset’s useful life and the lease term on a straight-line basis. 

The Group has applied IFRS 16 on a modified retrospective basis with practical expedients from the date of initial application (1 January 
2019). In applying IFRS 16 for the first time, the Group has used the following practical expedients permitted by the standard:

•  The use of a single discount rate to a portfolio of leases with reasonably similar characteristics. 
•  The accounting for short term operating leases under IAS 17, for leases with a remaining term of less than twelve months as at the 

initial application date. 

•  The use of hindsight in determining the lease term where the contract contains options to extend or terminate the lease. 
•  The application of IFRS 16 to only those operating leases accounted for under IAS 17 as at the initial application date.

Upon transition, a lease liability of £249,789 has been recognised based on future lease payments discounted at an appropriate borrowing 
rate. Additionally, a right of use asset of the same value has been recognised. Within the income statement, the operating lease charge 
(£131,644) has been replaced by depreciation (£77,793) and interest expense (£24,979). This has resulted in a decrease in administrative 
expenses and an increase in finance costs. 

22. Post balance sheet events

The impact of the COVID-19 virus is currently unknown.  Whilst it is likely to have an impact on the Group’s operations it is currently not 
possible to quantify this.  Further commentary may be found in the Chairman’s statement on page 2 and in the Strategic report on page 4. 

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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

Profit before taxation
Tax expense

Net profit for the year

31 December 
2019
£’000

31 December 
2018
£’000

31 December 
2017
£’000

31 December 
2016 
£’000

31 December 
2015 
£’000

38,837 

(27,049)

11,788 

(8,755)

3,033 

(29)

3,004 

(497)

2,507 

(473)

2,034 

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 

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

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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

Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Borrowings

Derivative financial liability held at fair value

Non current liabilities

Borrowings

Pension scheme deficit

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity

Share capital

Shares held in treasury

Share premium

Other reserves

Profit and loss account

Total equity

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31 December 
2019
£’000

31 December 
2018
£’000

Note

4

5

6

11

7

7

8

9

10

7

10

14

12

12

213 

8,590 

3,260 

437 

213 

8,590 

3,305 

448 

12,500 

12,556 

5,495 

6,063 

– 

69 

5,564 

18,064 

 (3,683)

 (438)

 (106)

54 

– 

6,117 

18,673 

 (6,678)

 (436)

– 

 (4,227)

 (7,114)

 (761)

 (2,691)

 (3,452)

 (7,679)

10,385 

1,503 

 (247)

286 

2,993 

5,850 

10,385 

 (1,198)

 (2,756)

 (3,954)

 (11,068)

7,605 

1,503 

 (247)

286 

2,993 

3,070 

7,605

The profit of the company for the year was £3,082,000 (31 December 2018 - £222,000 loss). 

The financial statements were approved by the Board on 26 March 2020 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 2019

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Tandem Group plc

Company statement of changes in equity

Share 
capital
£’000
1,503 

Shares 
held in 
treasury
£’000
(247)

Share 
premium
£’000
286

Capital 
redemption 
reserve
£’000
1,427 

Merger 
reserve 
£’000
1,036 

Revaluation 
reserve
£’000
530 

Profit 
and loss 
account
£’000
3,457 

Total
£’000
7,992 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

 (222)

 (222)

34 

34 

 (188)

 (188)

11 

 (210)

 (199)

11 

 (210)

 (199)

Balance at 1 January 2018

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

Balance at 1 January 2019

1,503 

(247)

286

1,036 

1,427 

530 

3,070 

7,605 

Net profit for the year

Net actuarial loss on pension 
scheme

Total comprehensive income for 
the year attributable to equity 
shareholders

Share based payments

Dividends paid

Total transactions with owners

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

3,082 

3,082 

 (106)

 (106)

2,976 

2,976 

28 

 (224)

 (196)

28 

 (224)

 (196)

At 31 December 2019

1,503 

(247)

286

1,036 

1,427 

530 

5,850 

10,385

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 capital redemption reserve is non-distributable.

The revaluation reserve was created following the revaluation of property.

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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Notes to the Company financial statements

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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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  2019.  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

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

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Tandem Group plc

Notes to the Company financial statements continued

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.

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. 

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  items  denominated  in  foreign  currency  at  year-end 
exchange rates are recognised in profit or loss.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

Forward exchange contracts may be 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.

The Company derecognises financial liabilities when, and only when, 
the Company’s obligations are discharged, cancelled or have expired. 
The difference between the carrying amount of the financial liability 
derecognised and the consideration paid and payable is recognised 
in profit or loss. 

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.

Forward  exchange  contracts  may  also  be  financial  liabilities  held  at 
fair value through profit and loss in accordance with the policy below.

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 are reviewed to ascertain 
whether they meet the criteria for treatment as an effective hedge. If 
they do not, 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 

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2019

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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 14.

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.

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

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

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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 Company. 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.

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  information. 
Estimates and judgements used in the financial statements are based 
on  historical  experience  and  other  assumptions  that  the  Directors 
and  management  consider  reasonable  and  are  consistent  with  the 
Company’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.

Pension deficit
In  accordance  with  the  winding  up  provisions  of  the  Trust  deeds 
the  Directors  have  concluded  that  the  Company  may  not  have  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.

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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 2018 -
£3,000), and for tax compliance services totalled £1,000 (year ended 31 December 2018 - £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

31 December 
2019
£’000
1,003 

31 December 
2018
£’000
772 

27 

127 

20 

58 

1,235 

26 

96 

9 

57 

960 

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 2019 under the Company’s share option schemes:

Number of shares
2007 and 2019 Employee Share Option Schemes

At 1 January 
2019

Granted 
during year

Exercised/ 
lapsed during 
year

31 December 
2019

Option price 
per 25p 
ordinary 
share

Exercise period

Directors

S J Grant

J C Shears

P Ratcliffe

Other employees

27,475 

22,525 

75,000 

–

–

–

– 

50,000 

22,500 

53,222 

–

–

– 

44,278 

14,000 

17,103 

58,897 

–

–

–

– 

45,000 

23,400 

43,400 

– 

357,522 

–

–

103,200 

242,478 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

27,475 

22,525 

75,000 

50,000 

22,500 

53,222 

44,278 

14,000 

17,103 

58,897 

45,000 

23,400 

43,400 

103,200 

600,000 

107.0p

31/01/14–14/06/21

79.0p

31/12/15–29/10/23

127.5p

190.0p

107.0p

127.5p

190.0p

107.0p

31/12/18–20/04/26

31/12/21–24/05/29

31/01/14–14/06/21

31/12/18–20/04/26

31/12/21–24/05/29

31/01/14–14/06/21

79.0p

31/12/15–29/10/23

127.5p

190.0p

107.0p

127.5p

190.0p

31/12/18–20/04/26

31/12/21–24/05/29

31/01/14–14/06/21

31/12/18–20/04/26

31/12/21–24/05/29

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

Date exercisable (option life):

2014 (up to 2021)

2015 (up to 2023)

2018 (up to 2026)

2021 (up to 2029)

31 December 2019

31 December 2018

Number

Exercise price 
(pence)

Remaining 
contractual 
life (years)

Number

Exercise price 
(pence)

Remaining 
contractual 
life (years)

87,375 

39,628 

230,519 

242,478 

600,000 

107.00 

79.00 

127.50 

190.00 

1.5 

3.8 

6.3 

9.4 

87,375 

39,628 

230,519 

- 

357,522 

107.0

79.0

127.5

0.0

2.5

4.8

7.3

0.0

The ordinary share mid-market price on 31 December 2019 was 180.0p (31 December 2018 – 110.0p). During the period, the highest mid-
market price was 217.0p (31 December 2018 – 165.0p) and the lowest was 105.5p (31 December 2018 – 90.0p). The weighted average 
exercise price of the options in issue was 146.8p (31 December 2018 – 117.1p). 
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 2018 – 79.0p) to 190.0p (31 December 2018 – 127.5p);
•  37.3% (31 December 2018 - 37.3%) to 45.0% (31 December 2018 – 45.0%) volatility based on expected and historical share price;
•  a risk-free interest rate of 0.86% (31 December 2018 – 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 2.30% to 4.03%.

In total, £28,000 (31 December 2018 – £11,000) of share-based employee remuneration has been included in the income statement. 

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4.   Goodwill

Gross carrying amount

At 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019

Amortisation

At 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019

Net book value

At 31 December 2019

At 31 December 2018

5.   Investments

Gross carrying amount

At 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019

Impairment

At 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019

Net book value

At 31 December 2019
At 31 December 2018

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.

Design, development, distribution and retail of:

Tandem Group Cycles Limited*

Bicycles and accessories

MV Sports & Leisure Limited*

Sports, leisure and toy products

M.V. Sports (Hong Kong) Limited#

Sports, leisure and toy products

Expressco Direct Limited*

Garden, home, leisure and mobility products

* denotes 100% of issued ordinary shares

# denotes 100% indirect ownership of issued ordinary shares

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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 2019 and 31 December 2019

Depreciation

At 1 January 2019

Provided in the year

At 31 December 2019

Net book value

At 31 December 2019
At 31 December 2018

Property
£’000

Plant and 
equipment
£’000

Total
£’000

3,150 

257 

3,407 

32 

32 

64 

3,086 
3,118 

70 

13 

83 

174 
187 

102 

45 

147 

3,260 
3,305 

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 2019.

The net book value of assets held under leasing arrangements was £174,000 (31 December 2018 - £187,000).

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

7. Trade and other receivables

Amounts falling due within one year:
Prepayments and accrued income

Amounts due from group undertakings

Other receivables

31 December 
2019
£’000

31 December 
2018
£’000

5 

5,422 

68 

5,495 

13 

5,970 

80 

6,063 

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

There were no transfers between Level one and Level two in 2019 or 2018.

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8.   Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash at bank and in hand.  

9.   Trade and other payables  

Amounts falling due within one year:

Bank overdraft

Trade payables

Amounts due to group undertakings

Other payables

31 December 
2019
£’000

31 December 
2018
£’000

69 

–

31 December 
2019
£’000

31 December 
2018
£’000

– 

 (104)

 (3,001)

 (578)

 (3,683)

 (2,799)

 (135)

 (3,450)

 (294)

 (6,678)

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.

Forward exchange contracts which have a value of £106,000 at 31 December 2019 (year ended 31 December 2018 – £54,000) are financial 
instruments held at fair value and are disclosed as a liability (year ended 31 December 2018 – asset) at the year end. These contracts are 
Level two financial assets and all expire with 12 months from 31 December 2019. All other financial assets and liabilities are Level one.

10.  Borrowings

Current borrowings with contractual maturities in less than one year 

– other borrowings

– assets held under leasing arrangements 

Total current borrowings

Non current borrowing with contractual maturities one to two years

– other borrowings

– assets held under leasing arrangements

Non current borrowings with contractual maturities between two to five years

– other borrowings

– assets held under leasing arrangements

Total non current borrowings

Total borrowings

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

Leasing arrangments are secured on the assets to which the liabilities relate.

31 December 
2019
£’000

31 December 
2018
£’000

 (407)

 (31)

 (438)

 (407)

 (33)

 (407)

 (29)

 (436)

 (407)

 (30)

 (287)

 (34)

 (761)

 (1,199)

 (694)

 (67)

 (1,198)

 (1,634)

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Tandem Group plc

Notes to the Company financial statements continued

11.   Deferred taxation

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

Provided

Pension obligations

Property, plant and equipment

Short term temporary differences

Total

Presented as:

Deferred tax asset

Unprovided

Property, plant and equipment

Unused tax losses

Capital losses

ACT

Total

12.  Equity

31 December 
2017
£’000

Movement in 
the year
£’000

31 December 
2018
£’000

Movement in 
the year
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

512 

– 

– 

512 

(46)

(8)

(10)

(64)

466 

(8)

(10)

448 

(11)

– 

– 

(11)

455 

(8)

(10)

437 

512 

(64)

448 

(11)

437 

(5)

131 

470 

51 

647 

5 

(46)

– 

– 

(41)

– 

85 

470 

51 

606 

– 

102 

– 

– 

102 

Number of 
shares

 5,026,091 

 5,026,091 

–

187 

470 

51 

708

£’000

1,256 

1,256

Allotted, called up and fully paid

At 1 January 2018 and 1 January 2019 – ordinary shares 25p each

At 31 December 2019 – ordinary shares 25p each

13.  Contingent liabilities

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 2018 - £nil).

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14. 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 Company, 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 2019.

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 loss/(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 now aged 65

Female now aged 65

Male now aged 45

Female now aged 45

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31 December 
2019
£’000

31 December 
2018
£’000

9,391 

272 

–

(128)

712 

(639)

9,608 

10,428 

269 

48

(53)

(321)

(980)

9,391

31 December 
2019

31 December 
2018

2.30%

–%

3.00%

–%

Up to 5.00% Up to 5.00%
3.00 to 5.00% 3.00 to 5.00%
3.30%

3.15%

S3 PxA (YOB)

S2 PxA (YOB)

Life expectancy at 
age 65 (years)

19.3 

21.6 

20.2 

22.5 

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Tandem Group plc

Notes to the Company financial statements continued

14. 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

The value of assets in the scheme were:

Equities

Property

Alternatives

Gilts

Corporate Bonds

Cash and other

Total fair value of assets

31 December 
2019
£’000
6,635 

31 December 
2018
£’000
7,404 

129 

456 

336 

(639)

6,917 

173 

(284)

322 

(980)

6,635 

31 December 
2019
£’000
1,407 

31 December 
2018
£’000
1,470 

1,215 

414 

990 

2,389 

502 

6,917 

1,136 

358 

760 

2,388 

523 

6,635 

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
Decrease of 0.5% per annum

Increase of 0.5% per annum

Increase in life expectancy by 1 year

Change in liabilities
Increase by 5.7%

Increase by 0.1%

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 2019 is 13 years. 

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14. 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

31 December 
2019
£’000

31 December 
2018
£’000

(2,756)

(3,024)

336 

(143)

(128)

(2,691)

455 

(2,236)

322 

(96)

42 

(2,756)

466 

(2,290)

The expected contributions in the year ending 31 December 2020 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 – (loss)/gain

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

31 December 
2019
£’000

31 December 
2018
£’000

143 

143 

96 

96 

31 December 
2019
£’000

31 December 
2018
£’000

456 

– 

128 

(712)

(128)

(284)

(48)

53 

321 

42

15.  Related party transactions

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

16.  Ultimate controlling party   

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

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Tandem Group plc

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which is available to answer any queries you have in relation to your 
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• 
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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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 Charity10528686).

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.

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Tandem Group plc

Shareholder Notes

62

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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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