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Tandem Group Plc

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FY2020 Annual Report · Tandem Group Plc
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Tandem Group plc

Annual report and accounts 
Year ended 31 December 2020

 
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

16

16

17

18

19

20

45

46

47

48

61

Financial calendar
Annual General Meeting

Interim results for six months to 30 June 2021

Annual results for year ending 31 December 2021

24 June 2021

September 2021

March 2022

Directors and advisers
Directors and advisers

Directors
S J Grant 
Non-Executive Chairman 
M A Taylor
Non-Executive Director
Company Secretary
D S Rock (appointed 1 January 2021)

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

Registration
Registered in England No. 00616818

J C Shears
Chief Executive Officer
J E Barratt
Non-Executive Director

Statutory Auditor
Cooper Parry Group Limited
Sky View, Argosy Road, East Midlands 
Airport, Castle Donington, Derby, DE74 2SA
Registrars
Link Group
10th Floor, Central Square  
29 Wellington Street, Leeds, LS1 4DL
Telephone 0371 664 0300

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

P Ratcliffe
Group Commercial Director

Websites
www.tandemgroup.co.uk
www.mvsports.com
www.tgc.bike
www.squish.bike
www.bensayers.co.uk
www.garden-camping.com
www.jackstonehouse.com
www.proridermobility.com
www.proriderleisure.com
www.snap-frames.net

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

Wheeled toys
Baby Shark*
Barbie*
Batman*
Bing*
Blues Clues & You*
Bored
Brandalised Banksy’s Graffitti*
Cars*
CoComelon*
Cutie Quins
Disney Princess*
E-moto

* 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

Fireman Sam*
Frozen 2*
Hey Duggee*
Hot Wheels*
Justice League*
Kindi Kids*
Li-Fe
L.O.L. Surprise!*
Marvel Avengers*
Marvel Eternals*
Minions*
Nerf*

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

Paw Patrol*
Peppa Pig*
Pixar*
Ricky Zoom*
Spider-Man*
Stunted
Thomas & Friends*
Toy Story*
Trolls*
uMoVe
Wired
Zoomies

01

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020GovernanceFinancialsChairman's statement

Introduction
I am pleased to present the results for the year ended 31 December 
2020.  Despite  a  reduction  in  revenue,  profitability  increased 
significantly and it was a further year of development for the Group. 

Group operating profit before exceptionals, finance costs and taxation 
was £4,095,000 for the year ended 31 December 2020 compared to 
£3,033,000 for the year ended 31 December 2019. This represented 
an increase of 35% for the second consecutive year.

Cash and cash equivalents increased to £6,076,000 at 31 December 
2020 compared to £5,037,000 at 31 December 2019. The overall 
net cash position improved from £1,846,000 at the end of 2019 to 
£3,779,000 at the end of 2020. This was the fifth consecutive year of 
increased net cash.

Net assets also increased during the year from £14,311,000 at 31 
December 2019 to £16,608,000 at 31 December 2020.

Further details of operational activities can be found in the Strategic 
Review.

Dividend
It is the Board’s view that following a further strong year there is 
capacity to again increase the dividend.

We are therefore proposing to pay a final ordinary dividend of 5.50 
pence per share (year ended 31 December 2019 – 5.04 pence per 
share including a special dividend of 2.00 pence per share).

With the addition of the interim dividend of 3.12 pence per share 
(year ended 31 December 2019 – 1.56 pence per share), this is a total 
dividend of 8.62 pence per share for the year. This compared to 6.60 
pence per share in the year ended 31 December 2019 which included 
a special dividend of 2.00 pence per share. 

As  in  previous  years  it  is  the  Board’s  intention  to  maintain  the 
progressive dividend as trading results and funds permit. 

Subject to shareholder approval at the Annual General Meeting to be 
held on 24 June 2021, the final dividend will be paid on or around 1 
July 2021 to shareholders on the share register as at 14 May 2021. The 
ex-dividend date will be 13 May 2021.

In accordance with the provision that in any calendar year should 
dividend payments exceed pension deficit contributions, an additional 
contribution, equal to the excess, is paid into the scheme, an additional 
payment of approximately £100,000 will be paid into the Tandem 
Group Pension Plan.

Employees
In a very challenging year the Board thanks all staff for their efforts and 
contribution to the profitability of the businesses in 2020. Our teams 
remain committed, loyal and hard working and deserve great credit.

Outlook
We are optimistic about the outlook for 2021. As we reported in 
February, we are pleased with the encouraging start to 2021 with year 
to date revenue in the 11 weeks to 21 March 2021 approximately 90% 
ahead of the same period last year, despite a number of pressures 
facing the Group. 

Results
Group revenue for the year ended 31 December 2020 was £37,056,000 
compared to £38,837,000 in the year ended 31 December 2019, a 
reduction of 4.6%.

In the first half of the year revenue increased by approximately 6% 
as a result of strong growth in cycling and sales of outdoor products, 
partially offset by cautious national retailer FOB (where product is 
purchased in full containers and shipped direct from the country of 
origin) wheeled toy buying. 

In the second half of the year revenue in the Summer period and to 
the end of Quarter 3 was behind the prior year due to the ongoing 
cautious national retailer FOB buying and stock availability. However, 
Quarter 4 revenue was approximately 6% ahead of the prior year 
which recovered some of the reduction in Quarter 3. 

In our character licensed wheeled toy business Peppa Pig, Batman, 
Frozen, Paw Patrol and Spiderman all made a significant contribution 
to revenue.

In our own branded ranges Hedstrom, Wired, Kickmaster and Stunted 
made solid contributions.

Our Ben Sayers golf brand had a particularly successful year with 
revenue  more  than  double  the  prior  year.  The  quality  and  value 
proposition  offered  from  the  range  enabled  us  to  benefit  once 
consumers took advantage of golf courses reopening in May 2020.

The  impact  of  COVID-19  led  to  a  material  change  in  the  bicycle 
market. Consumers were keen to cycle which was very positive for 
the business. From Quarter 2 onwards, revenues were at exceptional 
levels with significant growth with both independent bicycle dealers 
(IBD) and national retailer customers. 

Stock availability, although slower than we would have hoped for, 
improved towards the end of the year to enable a strong finish to 
2020 for all parts of the cycling businesses from the flagship Dawes 
and Claud Butler ranges through to our national retailer brands, Falcon, 
Boss, Elswick, Townsend and Zombie.

The continued growth in our lightweight Squish junior bikes range was 
particularly pleasing; we increased market share and that part of the 
business was ahead of the same period in the prior year. 

The ebikes and escooter ranges continued to grow significantly in 
Quarter 3 and Quarter 4, utilising our own bicycle brands Dawes and 
Falcon for ebikes and Li-Fe and Wired for escooters.

Our Expressco Direct group of online businesses significantly increased 
turnover and profitability, with growth from many of our outdoor and 
indoor product ranges.

In the Spring and Summer months our outdoor living, garden storage 
and outdoor play ranges were ahead of the prior year. From Autumn 
onwards, our ranges of small domestic appliances and household 
products performed well. 

02

www.tandemgroup.co.ukTandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020Tandem Group plcIn our online businesses our focus remains on both existing profitable 
ranges and being opportunistic to take advantage of new products 
that we identify. 

The full redesign of our online websites towards the end of 2020 is 
paying dividends with revenues from Garden Comforts by Garden & 
Camping (www.garden-camping.com) and At Home Comforts by Jack 
Stonehouse (www.jackstonehouse.com) in particular delivering double 
digit revenue growth in 2021 year to date and website visitors well 
ahead of the prior year.

We recently announced the acquisition of freehold land next to our 
existing Birmingham building. The construction of a new warehousing 
and  distribution  facility  will  provide  us  with  the  springboard  for 
future growth and, in particular, will help us to further grow domestic 
business.

We  remain  mindful  of  macro-economic  uncertainties  and  the 
challenges that we have highlighted but with an excellent start to 2021 
and a very strong order book we expect to achieve turnover growth 
and we continue to be confident that we will deliver another year of 
profitability to our shareholders.

S J Grant 
Chairman

25 March 2021

COVID-19 continues to have an impact on the supply chain and on 
our ability to travel overseas. We are being hindered in our ability 
to identify and source new products as efficiently as before and to 
exhibit our products at the various fairs and shows that we would 
normally attend. As we have previously reported both the Hong Kong 
and London toy fairs were cancelled in 2021 and the Nuremburg fair 
provisionally deferred until Summer.

The freight issues which we reported on in February are showing signs 
of improvement. There is now more capacity in the system to fulfil 
demand, ports are reporting being less congested and consequently 
container costs are reducing. We have continued to import products 
during this period to ensure stock availability although in some cases, 
due to these costs, we have chosen not to. We are, however, still 
paying much higher shipping rates than we were paying last year 
but we believe that rates will settle further in forthcoming months. 
Clearly this has and will continue to have an impact on margin as we 
are not able to pass all these costs on to our customers albeit we are 
maximising the opportunities to mitigate the situation.

Lead times are becoming an increasingly prevalent issue, particularly 
with regard to bicycles due to global demand for components and we 
are therefore committing to purchases much further into the future.

The US dollar is currently weaker than previously which is a positive 
although Far East costs are under great pressure due to component 
and raw material price increases, global demand and the adverse 
relationship between the US dollar and Chinese renminbi.

Notwithstanding these issues the forward order book is substantially 
greater than it was at the same time last year, so we have reason to 
look forward with some optimism.

We have signed a number of new licences for 2021 and beyond, 
including Brandalised Banksy’s Graffiti, Baby Shark, CoComelon, Hey 
Duggee and Kindi Kids.  We believe each of these properties has the 
potential to make a solid contribution to the business and initial 
feedback from retailers is encouraging.  There is a strong resurgence 
in Barbie and our classic licences including Batman, Frozen, Paw Patrol, 
Peppa Pig and Spiderman continue to perform well.

Our 2021 range of bicycles has been well received by customers and 
the demand for bicycles is showing no sign of abatement.  We have 
now presold nearly all Squish bicycles for 2021 with an order book 
well into 2022 and demand for ebikes is strong.  We are investing 
more into our cycling business this year with additional recruitment in 
the digital marketing area and the full redesign of all bicycle websites 
underway.  As part of this redesign we will be enabling ‘click and 
collect’ functionality for bicycle purchases which will be fulfilled by 
participating independent bicycle retailers.

We have expanded our Ben Sayers golf range to cater for a wider range 
of golfers and we believe that this strategy will be successful, once golf 
courses reopen again, in light of the increased popularity in golf over 
the last year.

03

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020GovernanceFinancialsStrategic report 

Operating and Financial Review
Revenue 
Group revenue for the year ended 31 December 2020 was £37,056,000 
compared to £38,837,000 in the prior year. Increased domestic B2B 
and B2C business across our sports, leisure, toy and bicycle ranges 
helped to partly offset a reduction in FOB revenues.

Gross profit
Gross profit of £11,788,000 in 2019 increased by 3.4% to £12,192,000 
in 2020. 

The gross profit margin percentage increased from 30.4% to 32.9%. 
This reflected the strong domestic demand for products across the 
ranges and was achieved by controlling supplier cost prices, re-sourcing 
product where necessary, discontinuing low margin product lines and 
introducing new, more profitable products. There was also very little 
discounting necessary during the year.

Operating expenses
Group operating expenses decreased by 7.5% to £8,097,000 in the 
year (year ended 31 December 2019 - £8,755,000). This was driven 
by a reduction in travel, exhibition costs and employment expenses. 
In addition, there were reduced third party storage costs incurred as 
stock holdings were lower.

Operating profit
Operating profit before exceptional costs was £4,095,000 for the year 
ended 31 December 2020 compared to £3,033,000 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. 

There were no exceptional costs incurred in the year to 31 December 
2020 (year ended 31 December 2019 – £29,000).

Other non-underlying items comprised:

•  a fair value adjustment for foreign currency derivative contracts 
under IFRS9 of £106,000 credit (year ended 31 December 2019 – 
charge of £160,000); 

•  pension  finance  costs  under  IAS19  of  £132,000  (year  ended 

31 December 2019 - £155,000); and 

•  a deferred tax charge of £143,000 (year ended 31 December 2019 

– £48,000) in respect of pension schemes.

Finance costs
Total net finance costs decreased to £91,000 in the year ended 31 
December 2020 compared to £497,000 in the year ended 31 December 
2019.

The Group adopted hedge accounting from 1 January 2020 and, as 
such, gains and losses designated as hedges are now reflected in 
other comprehensive income rather than in the Consolidated Income 
Statement. In accordance with IFRS9, there was a fair value credit of 
£106,000 in respect of derivative foreign exchange contracts entered 
into prior to us adopting a formal hedging policy which compared to a 
charge of £160,000 in the prior year. 

04

There was also a significant reduction in interest payable on bank 
loans, overdrafts, hire purchase and invoice finance facilities from 
£149,000 in the prior year to £26,000 in 2020. 

Interest payable on lease arrangements was £39,000 compared to 
£33,000 in 2019.

Finance costs in respect of the pension schemes provided in line with 
IAS19 were £132,000 compared to £155,000 for the year ended 31 
December 2019. 

Taxation
The tax expense for the year ended 31 December 2020 was £546,000 
compared to £473,000 in the prior year.

The current tax credit, which comprised corporation tax from the 
overseas Hong Kong operation and a refund provision for UK research 
and development, was £98,000 (year ended 31 December 2019 - 
charge of £604,000). This reduction reflects the increase in domestic 
business which enables the brought forward tax losses to be utilised. 

There was a deferred tax charge of £644,000 compared to a credit of 
£131,000 in the prior year as tax losses were utilised. 

Net profit
Net profit for the year ended 31 December 2020 after non-underlying 
items,  finance  costs  and  taxation  was  £3,458,000  compared  to 
£2,034,000 for the year ended 31 December 2019.

Capital expenditure
Total  capital  expenditure  incurred  during  the  year  was  £72,000 
excluding the required adjustment of £92,000 with respect to IFRS16 
(year ended 31 December 2019 - £63,000 excluding £250,000 with 
respect to IFRS16). 

Cash flows, working capital and net cash
Net  cash  inflow  from  operating  activities  before  movements  in 
working capital for the year ended 31 December 2020 was £3,986,000 
compared to £2,843,000 in the year ended 31 December 2019. 

Cash  generated  from  operations  was  £3,100,000  compared  to 
£2,329,000 last year.

Net cash outflows from investing activities were £49,000 in 2020 
against £70,000 in the previous year.

There was a net cash outflow from financing activities of £1,361,000 
in 2020 which compared to £1,773,000 in 2019. 

As  a  result  of  these  movements  the  closing  cash  position  at  31 
December  2020  was  £6,076,000  compared  to  £5,037,000  at  31 
December 2019.

Net cash, comprising cash and cash equivalents less invoice financing 
liabilities and borrowings, was £3,779,000 at 31 December 2020 
compared to £1,846,000 at the end of the previous year.

www.tandemgroup.co.ukTandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020Tandem Group plcDividends
A  final  dividend  of  5.50  pence  per  share  will  be  paid,  subject  to 
shareholder approval, compared to 5.04 pence per share for the year 
ended 31 December 2019. The prior year included a special dividend 
of 2.00 pence per share.

Total dividends paid and proposed for the year ended 31 December 
2020 of 8.62 pence per share have increased by over 30%. As the 
total dividend will exceed the deficit repair contributions paid to 
the Tandem Group Pension Plan, an additional contribution, equal 
to the excess of approximately £100,000, is expected to be paid into 
the scheme.

The dividend cover ratio was 7.9 (year ended 31 December 2019 – 6.1).

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 68.5 pence per share for the year ended 
31 December 2020 compared to 40.5 pence per share in the year 
ended 31 December 2019. Diluted earnings per share was 64.7 pence 
per share compared to 39.6 pence per share in the prior year.
Product range review
B2B
Our B2B business comprises character licensed products which are 
mostly wheeled toys, own brand sports and leisure products and 
bicycles, sold to both independent and national retailers.

Industry data reported that the toy market showed growth of 5% 
in 2020. In our character licensed wheeled toy business we were 
impacted by two significant retail accounts who adopted a cautious 
FOB buying strategy. This had a major impact on turnover for the year. 

Despite this, our classic licences including Peppa Pig, Batman, Frozen, 
Paw Patrol, Spiderman and Thomas all contributed to licensed revenue.

LOL Surprise and Disney Princess also made valuable contributions.

Our  range  of  stunt  scooters  under  the  Stunted  brand  and  our 
Kickmaster football training products were both ahead of the prior 
year. 

Although FOB revenues for Hedstrom outdoor play products were 
behind the prior year, domestic revenues increased significantly. 

uMoVe scooters were ahead of the prior year and Wired escooters 
made a good contribution to revenue from a standing start.

Ben Sayers, our golf brand, had a very strong year with revenue more 
than doubling over the prior year. 

Revenue from our three IBD brands Claud Butler, Dawes and Squish 
increased  to  IBD  customers.  We  were  impeded  by  lack  of  stock 
availability which improved towards the end of the year to enable a 
strong finish to 2020.

There was also particularly strong growth from national retailer brand 
Falcon for adult and junior bike and our Boss mountain bike ranges. 
Our other brands including Elswick for heritage, Townsend for junior 
and Zombie for BMX also contributed to the year.

Our ranges of ebikes and escooters continued to grow significantly, 
particularly in the second half of the year, utilising our bicycle brands 
Dawes and Falcon for ebikes and Li-Fe and Wired for escooters.

B2C
Our Expressco Direct group of online businesses significantly increased 
turnover and profitability, with growth in 2020 from many of our 
outdoor and indoor product ranges.

Our outdoor living, garden storage and outdoor play ranges were 
well ahead of the prior year. Sales of parasols and trampolines were 
especially strong during the Summer months. 

From Autumn onwards, our ranges of small domestic appliances 
including kitchen products and household furniture ranges performed 
well.

It was a more challenging year for mobility scooters as the COVID-19 
lockdown impacted on this demographic. However, sales of rise and 
recline chairs were well ahead of the previous year.

As  soon  as  golf  courses  reopened  our  electric  golf  trolley  sales 
recovered and finished ahead of 2019.
Property and IT
A valuation of the Castle Bromwich property was carried out by CBRE 
Ltd in October 2020 in accordance with the RICS Valuation – Global 
Standards (incorporating the International Valuation Standards) and 
the UK national supplement (the “Red Book”). The valuation showed 
a movement in gross carrying amount of £1,050,000 (£1,141,000 after 
depreciation adjustment)  which increased the total valuation of the 
property to £4,200,000. The uplift in the valuation is reflected through 
other comprehensive income in the year.

In addition, a further £10,000 of costs have been capitalised with 
respect to the acquisition of the freehold land adjacent to our existing 
site in Birmingham, as announced on 11 March 2021.

We expect to complete on this transaction in April 2021 and whilst we 
continue with our preparations and obtain formal planning consent, 
we are finalising a short-term lease with the vendor, Flogas Britain Ltd, 
who will remain as a tenant on the site until 30 June 2021, generating 
a rental income of £48,500.  From 1 July 2021 we are planning to 
enter into a 10-year lease at a rent of £44,500 per annum with Flogas 
Britain Ltd to occupy approximately 0.5 acres of the site, surplus to our 
development requirements.

Following  completion  of  the  land  acquisition,  as  we  recently 
announced, we anticipate the construction of a new warehousing and 
distribution facility will be completed by June 2022. The new building 
will more than double existing warehouse capacity in Birmingham to 
approximately 160,000 square feet. Aside from the financial returns 
of undertaking the project, there are significant commercial and 
strategic benefits which we believe will enhance the Group and help 
to maximise long term shareholder value.

We are also in the process of implementing a new Enterprise Resource 
Planning and finance system across the Group which is expected to 
considerably improve operational and distribution efficiency. It is our 
objective to go live on or before 1 January 2022.

05

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020GovernanceFinancialsStrategic report continued

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  2020  increased  to 
£4,157,000 compared to £2,480,000 at 31 December 2019. Low bond 
yields impacted on the assumptions used to calculate the deficit with 
a discount rate of 1.60% (31 December 2019 – 2.30%) used in the 
IAS19 calculation.

The pension schemes continue to utilise the Group’s cash resources 
with payments in respect of the schemes totalling £477,000 (year 
ended 31 December 2019 - £506,000). The total comprised deficit 
contributions of £336,000 and £101,000 in respect of Tandem and 
Casket  schemes  respectively  (year  ended  31  December  2019  - 
£437,000) and government levies and administration costs of £40,000 
(year ended 31 December 2019 - £69,000). 

The 2019 triennial valuations for both schemes have been concluded 
and recovery plan agreed between Company and trustees for deficit 
repair contributions to increase by 5% per annum for the Tandem 
scheme  and  level  contributions  for  the  Casket  scheme  which  is 
better funded. 

The Board remain mindful that the recovery plans for both schemes 
exceed the Pension Regulator’s reported median length of 7 years. 
However,  this  continues  to  be  justifiable  on  the  basis  that  the 
employer  covenant  is  stronger  and  with  respect  to  the  Tandem 

scheme  there  is  an  agreed  provision  that  in  any  calendar  year 
should dividend payments exceed deficit contributions paid to the 
scheme, an additional contribution equal to the excess will be made. 
As a consequence of the total dividend for 2020 this will lead to an 
additional contribution of approximately £100,000.
Employees
Whilst  we  have  continued  to  operate  our  warehouse  and  sales 
administration functions in a COVID secure environment, from March 
2020 onwards most of our employees have been working remotely. 
Although challenging, they have adapted to this with great fortitude 
which has enabled the Group to function as normally as possible. 

We currently employ 73 people and they remain our most important 
asset. We express our gratitude to them for their ongoing hard work 
and dedication during a difficult period. 
Annual General Meeting
The 2021 Annual General Meeting with be held on 24 June 2021. 
At  this  juncture  we  are  hopeful  that  we  will  be  able  to  hold  a 
physical meeting at our Birmingham offices. However, we will keep 
shareholders informed as the position becomes clearer.
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 

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

31 December 
2020

31 December 
2019

32.9%

30.4%

£488,000

£492,000

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

21.9%

22.5%

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

157.5 

20.4 

24.2%

16.4%

68.5 

40.5 

06

www.tandemgroup.co.ukTandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020Tandem Group plclicence agreements for the most successful character toy licences and 
to develop new and interesting own brand product ranges which offer 
both quality and value to the consumer. 

The Chairman’s statement on page 2 provides an overview of the 
current outlook for the Group in the forthcoming year.
Principal risks and uncertainties
The  management  of  the  business  and  the  nature  of  the  Group’s 
strategy  are  subject  to  a  number  of  risks  and  uncertainties.  The 
principal risks facing the business are set out as follows:

Suppliers
In order to achieve competitively priced products the Group has 
outsourced  production,  mainly  to  countries  in  Asia.  Risks  and 
uncertainties  of  this  strategy  include  management  issues  at  the 
factories, the possibility of changes in import duties, the potentially 
significant cost of freight 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 and has adopted 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.

Warehouse project
Whilst  we  have  mitigated  many  of  the  risks  associated  with  the 
purchase of land and proposed construction of the new warehouse, 
including a full financial and pre-planning application assessment of 
the project, there is a risk that we may not be able to obtain planning 
consent, costs are greater than we anticipate or the project is impacted 
by a force majeure event that delays or suspends construction.

COVID-19 and Brexit
Although the global COVID-19 pandemic appears to be improving, we 
remain mindful of the impact that it is having on our supply chain 
and of the necessary safeguards that need to be in place to manage 
the risks associated with it. We have mitigated these risks by ensuring 
that we operate our premises in line with government guidance, 
continuing to work with our suppliers to maintain a timely supply of 
stock and help to expedite sales orders as efficiently as possible to our 
customers.

The advent of new post Brexit rules has required additional measures 
to be in place with respect to transportation of goods and labelling and 
markings on products that we sell to Ireland and other EU countries. 
We have carefully assessed and implemented these measures as 
appropriate.
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.

This Strategic report, 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 25 March 2021 and 
signed on its behalf by:

J C Shears
Chief Executive Officer

07

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020GovernanceFinancialsDirectors' report

The Directors submit their annual report with the audited financial 
statements for the year ended 31 December 2020. 
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 2020 are set out in the 
Consolidated income statement on page 16. To reflect the stronger 
performance of the Group the interim dividend doubled from 1.56 to 
3.12 pence per ordinary share paid on 10 November 2020 in respect 
of the six month period to 30 June 2020 (period ended 30 June 2019 
– 1.56 pence per share). The Directors are proposing a final dividend 
of 5.50 pence per ordinary share (year ended 31 December 2019 – 
5.04 pence per share which included a special dividend of 2.00 pence 
per share). The final dividend will be payable to shareholders on the 
register on 14 May 2021 and will be paid on or around 1 July 2021. 
Significant shareholders
As at 25 March 2021 the Directors have been notified of the following 
interests representing 3% or more of the issued ordinary share capital. 
The percentage holdings exclude 959,389 shares held in treasury.

S Bragg

D Waldron

S J Grant

B Geary

J C Shears

Ordinary 
Shares of 25p

 560,796 

 358,400 

 250,000 

 217,363 

 170,000 

%

11.1%

7.1%

4.9%

4.3%

3.4%

Directors
The present Directors are as follows:

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 CEO of the 
Group in June 2010. He was appointed Non-Executive Chairman on 1 
August 2020.

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.

Throughout his career he was 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, Group Finance Director in June 
2010 and CEO on 1 August 2020. 

Jim brings a wealth of 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,  licensing,  product 
development, Far East sourcing and account management.

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

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 the latter years. He is 
chairman of a number of defined benefit pension schemes.

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 and an Accredited Member of the Association of 
Professional Pension Trustees.

J E Barratt
Juliet joined the Board in September 2020. She was the Co-Founder 
and former Chief Marketing Officer of the sports nutrition brand 
‘Grenade’, and brings with her a considerable wealth of experience in 
sales, marketing and product development.

The Grenade brand experienced rapid growth since it was launched 
in 2010 and attained industry recognition, being listed in the Sunday 
Times Fast Track 100 and entering the SME Export Track 100 in 2017. 
Grenade was also a regional winner and National Finalist of GBEA 
Entrepreneur of the Year in 2018.

Juliet spends a lot of her spare time mentoring young entrepreneurs 
and assisting them with start-ups as well as holding Chairperson and 
NED roles in a number of other branded goods businesses.

08

www.tandemgroup.co.ukTandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020Tandem Group plcTo ensure that we robustly identify our carbon footprint, and track and 
measure the success of our carbon reduction plans, we have spent 
time this year planning for data collection and reporting to enable 
us to include relevant data required by the Streamlined Energy and 
Carbon Reporting regulations. This data is in the process of being 
collated and once available will be included in future years.
Corporate social responsibility
The Group has a Corporate Social Responsibility Committee (CSRC), 
with members from each of the Group’s operations, including the Hong 
Kong office.

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

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

The  Group  continues  to  be  engaged  in  a  number  of  projects,  in 
conjunction with stakeholders, to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, 
safely and efficiently dispose of waste and, where possible, re-use and 
recycle products and packaging. 
Employment policies
It  is  the  policy  of  the  Group  that  there  should  be  no  unfair 
discrimination in considering applications for employment, including 
those  from  disabled  persons.  All  employees  are  given  equal 
opportunities for career development and promotion. Health and 
safety committee meetings are held within the operating businesses.

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

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:

25 March
2021
25p ordinary
shares

31 December
2020
25p ordinary
shares

1 January
2020
25p ordinary
shares

 250,000 

 170,000 

 91,732 

 250,000 

 170,000 

 91,732 

 250,000 

 170,000 

 91,732 

S J Grant

J C Shears

P Ratcliffe

In accordance with the Articles of Association, S J Grant and J C Shears, 
whose service contracts may be terminated by either party giving six 
months’ and twelve months’ respectively written notice, retire at the 
Annual General Meeting. S J Grant and J C Shears offer themselves for 
re-election and J E Barratt offers herself 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.
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.

09

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020GovernanceFinancials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  United  Kingdom, 
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  resolution 
7  proposed  as  special  business  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

D S Rock
Company Secretary
25 March 2021

Registered number: 00616818

10

www.tandemgroup.co.ukTandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020Tandem Group plcCorporate governance statement

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 7.
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  two  executive  Directors  and  three 
independent non-executive Directors. 

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 two 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 M A Taylor (Chairman), S J Grant, and J E Barratt 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.

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 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 7.
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, releases an investor 
presentation and hosts an investor day and regards these and 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 at the Annual 
General Meeting 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.

11

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020GovernanceFinancialsCorporate governance statement continued

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 and Chief Executive Officer.

Throughout the year, the Board maintained a regular dialogue with its 
major investors, 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  Annual  General  Meeting  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.

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 Chief Executive 
Officer 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.  S J Grant and M A Taylor (Chairman 
– Audit, Remuneration and Nominations Committee) and J E Barratt 
(Remuneration and Nominations Committee) are members of these 
committees and take independent external advice when appropriate.

In the year ended 31 December 2020 there were eight formal board 
meetings  held,  which  was  fewer  than  the  previous  year  due  to 
COVID-19 restrictions. All Directors were in attendance for all meetings 
except for M P J Keene and A Q Bestwick who were in attendance for 
four meetings. In addition there were two Audit Committee meetings, 
two  Remuneration  Committee  meetings  and  two  Nominations 
Commmittee meetings 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 informal evaluations of 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. 

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.

12

www.tandemgroup.co.ukTandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020Tandem Group plc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 2020 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 United Kingdom. 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 2020 
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 United Kingdom;

•  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 
as applied to listed entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical 
responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe 
that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate 
to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the 
director’s  use  of  the  going  concern  basis  of  accounting  in  the 
preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. Our evaluation 
of the directors assessment of the entity’s ability to continue to adopt 
the going concern basis of accounting included:

•  reviewing management’s cash flow forecasts for a period of 12 
months from the date of approval of these financial statements;
•  applying reasonable “worst case” sensitivities to management’s 
forecasts and assessing remaining cash headroom within those 
scenarios; and 

•  review of results post year end to the date of approval of these 
financial statements and assessment against original budgets.

From our work we noted that the Group has significant cash balances 
and forecasts support that the Group will continue to be able to meet 
its liabilities as they fall due.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any 
material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually 
or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to 
continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months 
from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with 
respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this 
report.
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 three reporting components, we subjected all three 
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 95% 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.
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.

13

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020GovernanceFinancialsReport of the Independent Auditor continued

to the members of Tandem Group plc

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,  or  returns 
adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not 
visited by us; or

•  the parent company financial statements are not in agreement with 

the accounting records and returns; or

•  certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law are 

not made; or

•  we have not received all the information and explanations we 

require for our audit.

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.

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 £370,000. This has been determined with reference to the 
benchmark  of  the  Group’s  revenue  and  represents  1%  of  Group 
revenue as presented in the Group income statement. In determining 
the level of testing to be performed during our audit work, we used 
performance materiality of £330,000.

The materiality for the parent Company financial statements as a 
whole was set at £158,000. This has been determined with reference 
to  the  parent  Company’s  net  assets  and  represents  1.5%  of  net 
assets as presented on the face of the parent Company’s Balance 
sheet. In determining the level of testing to be performed we applied 
performance materiality of £142,000.
Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the 
annual report, other than the financial statements and our audit 
report.  The  Directors  are  responsible  for  the  other  information. 
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.

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 
course of 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 this gives rise 
to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. 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.

14

www.tandemgroup.co.ukTandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020Tandem Group plc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

25 March 2021

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.

Irregularities,  including  fraud,  are  instances  of  non-compliance 
with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our 
responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements 
in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our 
procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is 
detailed below:

Our assessment focused on key laws and regulations the company 
has to comply with and areas of the financial statements we assessed 
as  being  more  susceptible  to  misstatement.  These  key  laws  and 
regulations included but were not limited to compliance with the 
Companies Act 2006, International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRSs) as adopted by the United Kingdom, and relevant tax legislation.

We are not responsible for preventing irregularities. Our approach to 
detecting irregularities included, but was not limited to, the following:

•  obtaining an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework 
applicable to the entity and how the entity is complying with that 
framework;

•  obtaining an understanding of the entity’s policies and procedures 
and how the entity has complied with these, through discussions 
and sample testing of controls;

•  obtaining an understanding of the entity’s risk assessment process, 

including the risk of fraud;

•  designing our audit procedures to respond to our risk assessment; 

and

•  performing audit testing over the risk of management override of 
controls, including testing of journal entries and other adjustments 
for appropriateness, evaluating the business rationale of significant 
transactions outside the normal course of business and reviewing 
accounting estimates for bias.

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.

15

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020FinancialsGovernanceConsolidated income statement

31 December 2020

31 December 2019

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

37,056 

(24,864)

12,192 

(8,097)

4,095 

– 

4,095 

(65)

4,030 

(403)

3,627 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(26)

(26)

(143)

(169)

2

3

3

4

6

7

37,056 

(24,864)

12,192 

(8,097)

4,095 

– 

4,095 

(91)

4,004 

(546)

3,458 

Pence

68.5 

64.7 

 38,837 

(27,049)

 11,788 

(8,755)

 3,033 

 – 

 3,033 

(182)

 2,851 

(425)

 2,426 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(29)

(29)

(315)

(344)

(48)

(392)

 38,837 

(27,049)

 11,788 

(8,755)

 3,033 

(29)

 3,004 

(497)

 2,507 

(473)

 2,034 

Pence

40.5 

39.6 

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

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

Forward foreign exchange contracts

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

Revaluation of property, plant and equipment

Actuarial (loss)/gain on pension schemes

Movement in pension schemes’ deferred tax provision

Other comprehensive (loss)/profit 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. 

16

31 December 
2020
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

3,458

2,034 

(28)

(410)

1,141

(1,982)

474

(805)

2,653

(24)

– 

– 

65 

24 

65 

2,099 

www.tandemgroup.co.ukTandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020Tandem Group plc 
 
 
Consolidated balance sheet

Non current assets

Intangible fixed assets

Property, plant and equipment

Deferred taxation

Current assets

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

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

The financial statements were approved by the Board on 25 March 2021 and signed on its behalf by: 

S J Grant  
Director 

J C Shears 
Director

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

31 December 
2020
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

Note

8

9

16

10

11

12

13

14

15

15

14

17

18

18

5,481 

4,624 

1,761 

5,542 

3,590 

1,931 

11,866 

11,063 

4,512 

9,971 

6,076 

20,559 

32,425 

 (8,952)

 (1,562)

 (410)

 (1)

4,709 

5,443 

5,037 

15,189 

26,252 

 (5,507)

 (2,394)

 (106)

 (657)

 (10,925)

 (8,664)

 (735)

 (4,157)

 (4,892)

 (15,817)

16,608 

1,503 

 (240)

315 

4,323 

10,707 

16,608 

 (797)

 (2,480)

 (3,277)

 (11,941)

14,311 

1,503 

 (247)

286 

3,620 

9,149 

14,311 

17

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020FinancialsGovernance 
 
Consolidated statement of changes in equity

Shares 
held in 
treasury
£’000
 (247)

Share 
capital
£’000
1,503 

Share 
premium
£’000
286 

Cash flow 
hedge 
reserve
£’000
– 

At 1 January 2019

Capital 
redemption 
reserve
£’000
1,427 

Revaluation 
reserve
£’000
530 

Translation 
reserve
£’000
651 

Profit 
and loss 
Total
account
£’000
£’000
7,222  12,408 

Merger 
reserve 
£’000

1,036 

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

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

At 1 January 2020

1,503 

 (247)

286 

Net profit for the year

Re-translation of overseas 
subsidiaries

Revaluation of property

Forward contracts

Net actuarial loss on 
pension schemes

Total comprehensive income 
for the year attributable to 
equity shareholders

Share based payments

Exercise of share options

Dividends paid

Total transactions with 
owners

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

7 

– 

7 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

29 

– 

29 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

 (410)

– 

 (410)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

2,034 

2,034 

 (24)

– 

 (24)

– 

89 

89 

 (24)

2,123 

2,099 

– 

– 

– 

28 

28 

 (224)

 (224)

 (196)

 (196)

1,036 

1,427 

530 

627 

9,149  14,311 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

1,141 

– 

– 

– 

3,458 

3,458 

 (28)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

 (28)

1,141 

 (410)

 (1,508)

 (1,508)

1,141 

 (28)

1,950 

2,653 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

19 

– 

19 

36 

 (411)

 (411)

 (392)

 (356)

At 31 December 2020

1,503 

 (240)

315 

 (410)

1,036 

1,427 

1,671 

599 

10,707  16,608 

The share premium was created following the exercise of share options.
The cash flow hedge reserve comprises of gains and losses arising on the effective portion of hedging instruments and is carried at fair value in 
a qualifying cash flow hedge. 
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.
The capital redemption reserve and the translation reserve are non-distributable.

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

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

18

www.tandemgroup.co.ukTandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020Tandem Group plcConsolidated cash flow statement

Cash flows from operating activities

Net profit for the year 

Adjustments:

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

Amortisation of intangible fixed assets

Profit on sale of property, plant and equipment

Contribution to defined benefit pension plans

Finance costs

Tax expense

Share based payments

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

Change in trade and other receivables

Change in trade and other payables

Cash generated from operations
Interest paid

Tax paid

Net cash flows from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of intangible fixed assets

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

Sale of property, plant and equipment

Net cash flows from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Loan repayments

Finance lease repayments

Movement in invoice financing 

Exercise of share options

Dividends paid

Net cash flows from financing activities

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

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

31 December 
2020
£’000

31 December 
2019 
£’000

3,458 

2,034 

245 

65 

 (1)

 (437)

91 

546 

19 

3,986 

197 

 (4,528)

3,445 

3,100 

 (65)

 (558)

2,477 

 (4)

 (72)

27 

 (49)

 (314)

 (80)

 (592)

36 

 (411)

 (1,361)

1,067 

5,037 

 (28)

6,076 

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 

19

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020FinancialsGovernanceNotes to the Consolidated financial statements

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

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

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

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

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

•  the Group has transferred to the buyer the significant risks 
and rewards of ownership of the goods which is generally 
when they are received by the customer at the agreed place 
of delivery;

•  the Group retains neither continuing managerial involvement 
to the degree usually associated with ownership nor effective 
control over the goods sold;

•  the amount of revenue can be measured reliably;
• 

it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the 
transaction will flow to the Group; and

•  the  costs  incurred  or  to  be  incurred  in  respect  of  the 

transaction can be measured reliably.

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 2020 
(including the comparatives for the year ended 31 December 
2019) were approved by the Board of Directors on 25 March 2021.

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 of the ineffective 
proportion of the hedge. 

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 except for the adoption of formal hedge accounting 
for the first time this year as outlined in note 21.

Overall considerations
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared using 
the measurement bases specified by IFRS as adopted by the 
UK 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 24.

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.

20

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements continuedwww.tandemgroup.co.ukTandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020Tandem Group plc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 cash flows 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 asset 
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
Freehold property is held under the revaluation model, whereby 
it is revalued periodically and held at its revalued amount. 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 
not depreciated
Assets under the course of construction  not depreciated
Freehold building 
Short leasehold land and buildings 
Vehicles 
Plant and equipment 

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.

21

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020FinancialsGovernance2.   Accounting policies continued

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

Leases
Under IFRS 16 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. 

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 a 
pension plan under which the Group pays fixed contributions into 

22

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.

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements continuedwww.tandemgroup.co.ukTandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020Tandem Group plc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 cash flow hedge reserve was created following the adoption 
of hedge accounting during this year.

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.

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 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  in  the 
consolidated financial statements.

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

23

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020FinancialsGovernance 
2.   Accounting policies continued

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

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

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

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.

24

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. At the date of signing these accounts, 
the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing. The Group has 
continued  to  trade  throughout  and  is  expected  to  continue 
trading  throughout  any  subsequent  restrictions  which  are 
imposed.

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 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.

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.

Freehold property revaluation
In ascertaining an accurate estimate of the value of freehold 
property, the Directors utilise the latest professional valuation 
conducted along with available information on local property 
value movements since the valuation date.

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. 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements continuedwww.tandemgroup.co.ukTandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020Tandem Group plc 
2.   Accounting policies continued

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.

Cash flow hedging
In  determining  the  proportion  of  forward  foreign  exchange 
contracts that are effective hedges against currency fluctuations, 
the Directors produce detailed forward forecasts to carefully 
determine the requirements of a particular foreign currency to 
match future planned supplier payments.

3.   Operating expenses and Exceptional costs

Standards and interpretations 
The Group has applied the following standards and amendments 
for the first time for their annual reporting period commencing 
1 January 2020: 

•  Amendments to References to the Conceptual Framework in 

IFRS Standards

•  Amendments to IFRS 3 Definition of a business
•  Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8 Defintion of material

Their adoption has not had any material impact on the disclosures 
or on the amounts reported in these financial statements.

Certain  new  accounting  standards  and  interpretations  have 
been published that are not mandatory for 31 December 2020 
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 of use assets

Profit on sale of tangible fixed assets

Intangible amortisation

Operating lease costs

Other expenses

31 December 
2020
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

4,787 

3,310 

8,097 

3,706 

98 

147 

 (1)

65 

149 

3,933 

8,097 

4,904 

3,851 

8,755 

3,999 

112 

91 

– 

45 

188 

4,320 

8,755 

Exceptional costs of £nil (year ended 31 December 2019 - £29,000) were incurred. In the prior year they were in respect of redundancy 
costs relating to the bicycles businesses. 

Auditor’s remuneration in the capacity as auditor of the parent Company was £3,000 (year ended 31 December 2019 - £3,000) and in the 
capacity as auditor of the subsidiary companies was £44,000 (year ended 31 December 2019 - £59,000). Non audit remuneration in respect 
of tax compliance services totalled £13,000 (year ended 31 December 2019 - £14,000). 

25

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020FinancialsGovernance 
 
 
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 (resigned 31 July 2020)

S J Grant

J C Shears

P Ratcliffe

J S T Morris (resigned 27 June 2019)

A Q Bestwick (resigned 31 July 2020)

M A Taylor (appointed 1 October 2019)

J E Barratt (appointed 9 October 2020)

Performance 
bonus
£’000

31 December 2020
Benefits in 
kind
£’000

Pension 
contribution
£’000

Salary/Fee
£’000

 31 

 137 

 144 

 158 

 – 

 21 

 21 

 6 

 518 

 – 

 64 

 87 

 89 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 7 

 7 

 8 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 240 

 22 

 – 

 12 

 19 

 14 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 45 

31 December 
2020
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

26 

39 

132 

 (106)

91 

149 

33 

155 

160 

497 

31 December 
2020
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

3,168 

3,503 

296 

19 

223 

301 

28 

167 

3,706 

3,999 

Number
38 

Number
47 

38 

76 

32 

79 

31 December 
2019

Total
£’000

 31 

 220 

 257 

 269 

 – 

 21 

 21 

 6 

 825 

Total
£’000

 51 

 319 

 242 

 259 

 10 

 20 

 5 

 – 

 906 

In addition to the above the total charge for Employer’s National Insurance for the period was £99,000 (year ended 31 December 2019 - 
£120,000).  
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 £13,000 (year ended 31 December 2019 - £20,000) of which £5,000 (year ended 
31 December 2019 - £8,000) related to S J Grant, £4,000 (year ended 31 December 2019 - £6,000) related to J C Shears and £4,000 (year 
ended 31 December 2019 - £6,000) related to P Ratcliffe.

26

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements continuedwww.tandemgroup.co.ukTandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020Tandem Group plc 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 2020 under the Group’s share option schemes:

1 January 
2020
Number of shares
2007 and 2019 Employee Share Option Schemes

Granted 
during year

Exercised/ 
lapsed during 
year

31 December 
2020

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 

103,200 

600,000

–

–

–

– 

–

–

– 

–

–

–

– 

–

–

– 

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

 (28,000)

– 

(28,000)

27,475 

22,525 

75,000 

50,000 

22,500 

53,222 

44,278 

14,000 

17,103 

58,897 

45,000 

23,400 

15,400 

103,200 

572,000

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 2020

31 December 2019

Number

Exercise price 
(pence)

Remaining 
contractual 
life (years)

Number

Exercise price 
(pence)

Remaining 
contractual 
life (years)

87,375 

39,628 

202,519 

242,478 

572,000 

107.00 

79.00 

127.50 

190.00 

0.5 

2.8 

5.3 

8.4 

87,375 

39,628 

230,519 

242,478 

600,000 

107.0

79.0

127.5

190.0 

1.5

3.8

6.3

9.4 

27

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020FinancialsGovernance 
5.   Directors' and employees' remuneration continued

The ordinary share mid-market price on 31 December 2020 was 515.0p (31 December 2019 – 180.0p). During the period, the highest 
mid-market price was 585.0p (31 December 2019 – 217.0p) and the lowest was 115.0p (31 December 2019 – 105.5p). The weighted average 
exercise price of the options in issue was 147.5p (31 December 2019 – 146.8p). 

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

•  exercise prices of 79.0p (31 December 2019 – 79.0p) to 190.0p (31 December 2019 – 190.0p);
•  37.3% (31 December 2019 - 37.3%) to 45.0% (31 December 2019 – 45.0%) volatility based on expected and historical share price;
•  a risk-free interest rate of 0.86% (31 December 2019 – 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, £19,000 (31 December 2019 – £28,000) 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 2019 – 19%) and the actual tax expense recognised 
in the Consolidated income statement can be reconciled as follows:

31 December 2020

31 December 2019

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 (credited)/charged 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 (credit)/expense

Deferred expense/(credit)

%

19.0%

0.8%

0.4%

2.4%

1.0%

0.5%

0.0%

0.6%

(5.5)%

(0.4)%

18.9%

%

19.0%

0.4%

0.2%

(4.0)%

11.8%

(8.4)%

(1.4)%

(2.8)%

(1.1)%

0.0%

13.6%

£’000

4,004 

19%

761 

16 

8 

(162) 

474 

 (336)

 (57)

 (114)

 (44)

–

546 

 (98)

644 

546 

£’000

2,507 

19%

476 

20 

9 

60 

26 

12 

– 

16 

 (137)

 (9)

473 

604 

 (131)

473 

At 31 December 2020 there are trading losses and loan relationship deficits of approximately £7,350,000 (31 December 2019 – £11,170,000) 
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 of 19% at 31 December 2020 (17% at 31 
December 2019) and reflected in these financial statements. 

28

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements continuedwww.tandemgroup.co.ukTandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020Tandem Group plc 
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 
2020
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

3,458 

2,034 

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

5,048,453 

5,026,091 

Weighted average dilutive shares under option

Average number of shares used for diluted earnings per share

296,085 

112,889 

5,344,538 

5,138,980 

Basic earnings per share 

Diluted earnings per share

8.   Intangible fixed assets

Gross carrying amount

At 1 January 2019

Additions

At 1 January 2020

Additions

At 31 December 2020

Amortisation

At 1 January 2019

Provided in the year

At 1 January 2020

Provided in the year

At 31 December 2020

Net book value

At 31 December 2020

At 31 December 2019

Pence

68.5 

64.7 

Goodwill
£’000

Software
£’000

Brand names
£’000

10,109 

– 

10,109 

– 

10,109 

4,957 

– 

4,957 

– 

4,957 

5,152 

5,152 

118 

7 

125 

4 

129 

52 

24 

76 

44 

120 

9 

49 

441 

– 

441 

– 

441 

79 

21 

100 

21 

121 

320 

341 

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

Pence

40.5 

39.6 

Total
£’000

10,668 

7 

10,675 

4 

10,679 

5,088 

45 

5,133 

65 

5,198 

5,481 

5,542 

29

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020FinancialsGovernance 
 
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 9.87%, 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.

30

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements continuedwww.tandemgroup.co.ukTandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020Tandem Group plc9.   Property, plant and equipment

Assets in the 
course of 
construction
£’000

Freehold 
land and 
buildings
£’000

Short 
leasehold 
land and 
buildings
£’000

Vehicles
£’000

Plant and 
machinery
£’000

Gross carrying amount

At 1 January 2019

Additions

Foreign exchange adjustments

At 1 January 2020

Additions

Revaluation

Disposals

Foreign exchange adjustments

At 31 December 2020

Depreciation

At 1 January 2019

Provided in the year

Foreign exchange adjustments

At 1 January 2020

Provided in the year

Revaluation

Eliminated on disposals

Foreign exchange adjustments

At 31 December 2020

Net book value

At 31 December 2020
At 31 December 2019

– 

– 

– 

– 

10 

– 

– 

– 

10 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

3,150 

– 

– 

3,150 

– 

1,050 

– 

– 

4,200 

32 

32 

– 

64 

34 

 (91)

– 

– 

7 

10 
– 

4,193 
3,086 

411 

250 

 (2)

659 

92 

– 

– 

 (2)

749 

367 

101 

 (2)

466 

142 

– 

– 

 (2)

606 

143 
193 

52 

31 

– 

83 

30 

– 

 (49)

– 

64 

10 

20 

– 

30 

18 

– 

 (23)

– 

25 

39 
53 

Total
£’000

5,347 

313 

 (6)

5,654 

164 

1,050 

 (49)

 (6)

6,813 

1,867 

203 

 (6)

2,064 

245 

 (91)

 (23)

 (6)

1,734 

32 

 (4)

1,762 

32 

– 

– 

 (4)

1,790 

1,458 

50 

 (4)

1,504 

51 

– 

– 

 (4)

1,551 

2,189 

239 
258 

4,624 
3,590 

A valuation of the property was carried out by CBRE Limited in October 2020 in accordance with the RICS Valuation – Global Standards 
(incorporating the International Valuation Standards) and the UK national supplement (the “Red Book”) current as at the valuation date.   
The value placed on the property at that date was £4,200,000.  The Directors of the Company consider this to materially represent the fair 
value at 31 December 2020.

The net book value of right of use assets held under leasing arrangements was £291,000 (31 December 2019 - £346,000).

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

31

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020FinancialsGovernance10.  Inventories 

Finished goods for resale

31 December 
2020
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

4,512 

4,709 

Cost of sales includes material costs of £21,987,000 (year ended 31 December 2019 - £23,556,000) and other costs of £2,877,000 (year 
ended 31 December 2019 - £3,493,000). 

11.   Trade and other receivables

Amounts falling due within one year:

Trade receivables

Prepayments and accrued income

Other receivables

31 December 
2020
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

6,658 

201 

3,112 

9,971 

4,927 

244 

272 

5,443 

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 £21,000 (year ended 
31 December 2019 - £25,000) has been made. The movement in the loss allowance can be reconciled as follows:

Amounts brought forward 

Amounts written off

Loss allowance charge

At year end

31 December 
2020
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

25 

 (13)

9 

21 

34 

 (9)

– 

25 

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

31 December 
2020
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

5,424 

1,234 

– 

6,658 

4,094 

824 

9 

4,927 

Not past due

Past due 0 – 90 days

Past due 91 – 180 days

32

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements continuedwww.tandemgroup.co.ukTandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020Tandem Group plc12.  Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents per Consolidated cash flow statement

31 December 
2020
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

6,076 

5,037 

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 
2020
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

 (5,835)

 (276)

 (2,841)

 (8,952)

 (2,404)

 (186)

 (2,917)

 (5,507)

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 
2020
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

 (1,257)

 (1,849)

 (86)

 (219)

 (407)

 (138)

 (1,562)

 (2,394)

 (407)

 (34)

 (407)

 (69)

 (294)

– 

 (735)

 (2,297)

 (287)

 (34)

 (797)

 (3,191)

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.

33

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020FinancialsGovernance15.  Financial assets and liabilities

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

31 December 2020

Loans and 
receivables
£’000

Financial 
assets held 
at fair value 
£’000

Assets not 
within the 
scope of 
IFRS9
£’000

Loans and 
receivables
£’000

Total
£’000

31 December 2019
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

Trade and other 
receivables

Inventories

Current assets

5,274 

692 

92 

18 

6,076 

9,770 

– 

15,846 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

5,274 

692 

92 

18 

4,441 

534 

58 

4 

6,076 

5,037 

201 

4,512 

4,713 

9,971 

4,512 

20,559 

5,199 

– 

10,236 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Total
£’000

4,441 

534 

58 

4 

5,037 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

244 

4,709 

4,953 

5,443 

4,709 

15,189 

The financial liabilities of the Group comprised:

31 December 2020

Other 
financial 
liabilities at 
amortised 
cost
£’000

Financial 
liabilities 
held at fair 
value
£’000

Liabilities 
not within 
the scope 
of IFRS9
£’000

Other 
financial 
liabilities at 
amortised 
cost
£’000

Total
£’000

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

Liabilities 
not within 
the scope of 
IFRS9
£’000

Total
£’000

Trade and other 
payables

Invoice finance 
liability

Current borrowings

Assets held under 
leasing arrangements

Foreign exchange 
derivatives

Current tax liabilities

(8,676)

(1,257)

(86)

(219)

– 

– 

Current liabilities 

(10,238)

– 

– 

– 

– 

(410)

– 

(410)

(276)

(8,952)

(5,321)

– 

– 

– 

– 

(1)

(1,257)

(86)

(1,849)

(407)

(219)

(138)

(410)

(1)

– 

– 

(277)

(10,925)

(7,715)

– 

– 

– 

– 

(106)

– 

(106)

(186)

(5,507)

– 

– 

– 

– 

(657)

(843)

(1,849)

(407)

(138)

(106)

(657)

(8,664)

Non current liabilities

(735)

– 

– 

(735)

(797)

– 

– 

(797)

34

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements continuedwww.tandemgroup.co.ukTandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020Tandem Group plc 
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 2021 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 and are 
formally designated as such. 

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 2020

31 December 2019

USD
£’000
692 

(3,757)

(3,065)

GBP
£’000
19,756 

(7,184)

12,572 

Other
£’000
111 

16 

127 

Total
£’000
20,559 

(10,925)

9,634 

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 

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 £410,000 at 31 December 2020 (year ended 31 December 2019 – £106,000) are financial 
instruments held at fair value and are disclosed as a liability at the year end. These contracts are Level two financial assets and all expire 
with 12 months from 31 December 2020. All other financial assets and liabilities are Level one.

There were no transfers between Level one and Level two in 2020 or 2019.

35

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020FinancialsGovernance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 assets held by the Group, as disclosed in note 8, are classified as Level 3 within the hierarchy of non-financial assets 
measured at fair value on a recurring basis at 31 December 2020. The fair value of the intangibles as at 31 December 2020 are included in 
the Consolidated balance sheet as £320,000 (year ended 31 December 2019 - £341,000). 

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 9.87%.

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

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 
2018
£’000

Movement in 
the year
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

Movement in 
the year
£’000

31 December 
2020
£’000

(479)

(215)

(3)

(1,162)

83 

(1,776)

24 

(1)

3 

(98)

(83)

(455)

(216)

– 

(1,260)

– 

(155)

(1,931)

(331)

– 

– 

501 

– 

170 

(786)

(216)

– 

(759)

– 

(1,761)

(1,776)

(155)

(1,931)

170 

(1,761)

– 

(2)

(548)

(1,133)

(89)

(1,772)

– 

– 

(57)

– 

– 

(57)

– 

(2)

(605)

(1,133)

(89)

(1,829)

(22)

(19)

(54)

67 

– 

(28)

(22)

(21)

(659)

(1,066)

(89)

(1,857)

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.  

Unprovided capital losses is net of the notional gain realised on revaluation.

Of the deferred tax movement in the year, a decrease of £170,000 (31 December 2019 - £155,000 increase), and a charge of £644,000 (31 
December 2019 - £131,000 credit) has been recognised in the Consolidated income statement and a credit of £474,000 (31 December 
2019 - £24,000 credit) in other comprehensive income.

36

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements continuedwww.tandemgroup.co.ukTandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020Tandem Group plc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 funded 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 loss/(gain) due to changes in demographic assumptions

Actuarial loss 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 
2020
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

9,608 

9,391 

212 

806 

50 

785 

(757)

10,704 

272 

– 

(128)

712 

(639)

9,608 

31 December 
2020

31 December 
2019

1.60%

–%

2.30%

–%

Up to 5.00% Up to 5.00%
3.00 to 5.00% 3.00 to 5.00%
3.15%

2.85%

S3 PxA (YOB)

S3 PxA (YOB)

Life expectancy at 
age 65 (years)
19.4 

21.7 

20.1 

22.6 

37

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020FinancialsGovernance 
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 
2020
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

6,917 

6,635 

96 

171 

336 

(757)

6,763 

129 

456 

336 

(639)

6,917 

31 December 
2020
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

1,545 

1,074 

987 

678 

2,147 

332 

6,763 

1,407 

1,215 

414 

990 

2,389 

502 

6,917 

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 assets other than real estate properties 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 5.9%

Increase by 0.4%

Increase by 4.8%

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 2020 is 11 years. 

38

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements continuedwww.tandemgroup.co.ukTandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020Tandem Group plc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

Deficit at the end of the year

Related deferred tax asset

Net deficit at the end of the year

31 December 
2020
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

(2,691)

(2,756)

336 

(116)

(1,470)

(3,941)

746 

(3,195)

336 

(143)

(128)

(2,691)

455 

(2,236)

The expected contributions in the year ending 31 December 2021 are £340,000 in accordance with the agreed schedule of contributions.  
Subject to the final 2020 dividend being approved by shareholders at the Company’s Annual General Meeting an additional contribution 
of approximately £100,000 will be paid to the scheme. 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 – (loss)/gain

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

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

31 December 
2020
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

116 

116 

143 

143 

31 December 
2020
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

171 

(806)

(50)

(785)

(1,470)

456 

– 

128 

(712)

(128)

39

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020FinancialsGovernance 
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 loss/(gain) due to changes in demographic assumptions

Actuarial loss 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 
2020
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

2,997 

2,890 

66 

144 

15 

237 

(250)

3,209 

84 

2 

(6)

164 

(137)

2,997 

31 December 
2020

31 December 
2019

1.60%

2.30%

–%

–%

2.90%

2.90% to 3.20%

–%

–%

3.15%

3.15%

S3 PxA (YOB)

S3 PxA (YOB)

Life expectancy at 
age 65 (years)

19.4 

21.7 

20.1 

22.6 

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

40

31 December 
2020
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

3,208 

50 

(116)

101 

(250)

2,993 

2,819 

72 

353 

101 

(137)

3,208 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements continuedwww.tandemgroup.co.ukTandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020Tandem Group plc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 
2020
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

1,611 

1,529 

382 

117 

526 

357 

507 

377 

523 

272 

2,993 

3,208 

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 6.0%

Increase by 3.5%

Increase by 3.5%

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 2020 is 15 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 (loss)/gain

(Deficit)/surplus at the end of the year

Related deferred tax asset

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

31 December 
2020
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

211 

101 

(16)

(512)

(216)

40 

(176)

(71)

101 

(12)

193 

211 

– 

211 

The expected contributions in the year ending 31 December 2021 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.

41

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020FinancialsGovernance 
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 – (loss)/gain

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

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

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 
2020
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

16 

16 

12 

12 

31 December 
2020
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

(116)

(144)

(15)

(237)

(512)

353 

(2)

6 

(164)

193 

31 December 
2020
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

(3,941)

(216)

(4,157)

746 

40 

(2,691)

211 

(2,480)

455 

– 

(3,371)

(2,025)

The amounts recognised in the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income in the year ended 31 December 2020 are a loss of 
£1,470,000 in respect of the Tandem Group Pension Plan and a loss of £512,000 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 £4,841,000 net of deferred tax 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. 

42

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements continuedwww.tandemgroup.co.ukTandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020Tandem Group plc18.  Equity

Allotted, called up and fully paid

At 1 January 2019 and 1 January 2020 – ordinary shares 25p each 

Exercise of share options

At 31 December 2020 – ordinary shares 25p each

Number 
of shares

5,026,091 

28,000 

5,054,091 

£’000

1,256 

7 

1,263 

19.  Related parties

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

M P J Keene (resigned 31 July 2020)

S J Grant

J C Shears 

P Ratcliffe

J S T Morris (resigned 27 June 2019)

31 December 
2020
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

20 

20 

14 

7 

– 

54 

11 

11 

8 

4 

1 

35 

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. 

43

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020FinancialsGovernance21.  Adoption of Hedge accounting

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

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

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

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

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

44

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements continuedwww.tandemgroup.co.ukTandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020Tandem 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 
2020
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

31 December 
2018
£’000

31 December 
2017
£’000

31 December 
2016 
£’000

37,056 

(24,864)

12,192 

(8,097)

4,095 

– 

4,095 

(91)

4,004 

(546)

3,458 

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 

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

45

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020FinancialsGovernanceCompany balance sheet

Non current assets

Goodwill

Investments

Property, plant and equipment

Deferred taxation

Current assets

Trade and other receivables

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

The profit of the company for the year was £829,000 (31 December 2019 - £3,082,000).

The financial statements were approved by the Board on 25 March 2021 and signed on its behalf by:

S J Grant  
Director 

J C Shears 
Director

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

46

31 December 
2020
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

Note

4

5

6

11

7

8

9

10

9

10

14

12

12

213 

8,590 

4,369 

728 

213 

8,590 

3,260 

437 

13,900 

12,500 

3,290 

183 

3,473 

17,373 

5,495 

69 

5,564 

18,064 

 (1,656)

 (3,683)

 (119)

 (410)

 (438)

 (106)

 (2,185)

 (4,227)

 (735)

 (3,941)

 (4,676)

 (6,861)

10,512 

1,503 

 (240)

315 

3,724

5,210 

 (761)

 (2,691)

 (3,452)

 (7,679)

10,385 

1,503 

 (247)

286 

2,993 

5,850 

10,512 

10,385 

www.tandemgroup.co.ukTandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020Tandem Group plc– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

– 

– 

– 

 (410)

– 

Company statement of changes in equity

Share 
capital
£’000
1,503 

Shares held 
in treasury
£’000
 (247)

Share 
premium
£’000
286 

Cash flow 
hedge 
reserve
£’000
– 

Merger 
reserve 
£’000
1,036 

Capital 
redemption 
reserve
1,427 

Revaluation 
reserve
530 

Balance at 1 January 2019

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

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Profit 
and loss 
account
£’000
3,070 

– 

– 

Total
£’000
7,605 

3,082 

 (106)

2,976 

2,976 

28 

28 

 (224)

 (224)

 (196)

 (196)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Balance at 1 January 2020

1,503 

 (247)

286 

1,036 

1,427 

530 

5,850 

10,385 

Net profit for the year

Revaluation of property

Forward contracts

Net actuarial loss on 
pension scheme

Total comprehensive 
income for the year 
attributable to equity 
shareholders

Share based payments

Exercise of share options

Dividends paid

Total transactions with 
owners

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

7 

– 

7 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

 (410)

– 

29 

– 

29 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

829 

829 

1,141 

 (410)

– 

– 

 (1,077)

 (1,077)

1,141 

– 

– 

1,141 

 (248)

483 

– 

– 

– 

– 

19 

– 

19 

36 

 (411)

 (411)

 (392)

 (356)

At 31 December 2020

1,503 

 (240)

315 

 (410)

1,036 

1,427 

1,671 

5,210 

10,512 

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

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

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.

47

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020FinancialsGovernanceNotes to the Company financial statements

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

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

Parent company
The  Company  is  a  parent  company  which  prepares  publicly 
available consolidated financial statements in accordance with 
IFRS. This Company is included in the consolidated financial 
statements of Tandem Group plc for the year ended 31 December 
2020. 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) 

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.

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 cash flows 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.

Property, plant and equipment
Freehold property is held under the revaluation model, whereby 
it is revalued periodically and held at its revalued amount. 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 
Assets under the course of construction 
Freehold building 
Plant and equipment 

not depreciated
not depreciated
50 years
3 – 20 years

48

www.tandemgroup.co.ukTandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020Tandem Group plc1.   Accounting policies continued

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.

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.

Financial assets
The Company’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 using the effective interest rate method, 
regardless of how the related carrying amount of financial assets 
is measured.

Receivables are provided against when objective evidence is 
received that the Company 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 in accordance with the policy below.

49

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020FinancialsGovernanceNotes to the Company financial statements continued

1.   Accounting policies continued

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

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.

Forward exchange contracts may also be financial liabilities held 
at fair value 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 in the financial 
statements. 

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

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

The measurement of deferred tax reflects the tax consequences 
that would follow from the manner in which the entity expects to 
recover the related asset or settle the related obligation. 

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 

50

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.

The cash flow hedge reserve was created following the adoption 
of hedge accounting during this year.

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.

www.tandemgroup.co.ukTandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020Tandem Group plc1.   Accounting policies continued
Share based employee remuneration 
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.

All share based remuneration is ultimately recognised as an 
expense in the 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.

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. 

Pension scheme valuation
The liabilities in respect of the defined benefit pension scheme 
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 14. 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.

Freehold property revaluation
In ascertaining an accurate estimate of the value of freehold 
property, the Directors utilise the latest professional valuation 
conducted along with available information on local property 
value movements since the valuation date.

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.

Cash flow hedging
In  determining  the  proportion  of  forward  foreign  exchange 
contracts that are effective hedges against currency fluctuations, 
the Directors produce detailed forward forecasts to carefully 
determine the requirements of a particular foreign currency to 
match equal future planned supplier payments.

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  2019  -  £3,000),  and  for  tax  compliance  services 
totalled £1,000 (year ended 31 December 2019 - £1,000).

51

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020FinancialsGovernanceNotes to the Company financial statements continued

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 
2020
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

968 

27 

112 

13 

52 

1,003 

27 

127 

20 

58 

1,172 

1,235 

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.

Share based employee remuneration
The following options were held at 31 December 2020 under the Company’s share option schemes:

Number of shares
2007 and 2019 Employee Share Option Schemes

1 January 
2020

Granted 
during year

Exercised/ 
lapsed during 
year

31 December 
2020

Option price 
per 25p 
ordinary 
share

Exercise period

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 

–

–

–

– 

–

–

– 

–

–

–

– 

–

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

 (28,000)

– 

 (28,000)

27,475 

22,525 

75,000 

50,000 

22,500 

53,222 

44,278 

14,000 

17,103 

58,897 

45,000 

23,400 

15,400 

103,200 

572,000 

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

Directors
S J Grant

J C Shears

P Ratcliffe

Other employees

52

www.tandemgroup.co.ukTandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020Tandem Group plc3.   Directors' and employees' remuneration continued

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 2020

31 December 2019

Number

Exercise price 
(pence)

Remaining 
contractual 
life (years)

Number

Exercise price 
(pence)

Remaining 
contractual 
life (years)

87,375 

39,628 

202,519 

242,478 

572,000 

107.00 

79.00 

127.50 

190.00 

0.5 

2.8 

5.3 

8.4 

87,375 

39,628 

230,519 

242,478 

600,000 

107.0

79.0

127.5

190.0

1.5

3.8

6.3

9.4

The ordinary share mid-market price on 31 December 2020 was 515.0p (31 December 2019 – 180.0p). During the period, the highest mid-
market price was 585.0p (31 December 2019 – 217.0p) and the lowest was 115.0p (31 December 2019 – 105.5p). The weighted average 
exercise price of the options in issue was 147.5p (31 December 2019 – 146.8p). 

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

•  exercise prices of 79.0p (31 December 2019 – 79.0p) to 190.0p (31 December 2019 – 190.0p);
•  37.3% (31 December 2019 - 37.3%) to 45.0% (31 December 2019 – 45.0%) volatility based on expected and historical share price;
•  a risk-free interest rate of 0.86% (31 December 2019 – 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, £19,000 (31 December 2019 – £28,000) of share-based employee remuneration has been included in the income statement. 

4.   Goodwill 

Gross carrying amount

At 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020

Amortisation

At 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020

Net book value

At 31 December 2020

At 31 December 2019

Goodwill
£’000

2,506 

2,293 

213 

213

53

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020FinancialsGovernanceNotes to the Company financial statements continued

5.   Investments

Gross carrying amount

At 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020

Impairment

At 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020

Net book value

At 31 December 2020
At 31 December 2019

Unlisted 
investments 
in subsidiary 
undertakings
£’000

17,824 

9,234 

8,590 
8,590 

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

Tandem Group Cycles Limited*

MV Sports & Leisure Limited*

Design, development, distribution and retail of:

Dormant

Sports, leisure and toy products, and bicycles and 
accessories hived up from Tandem Group Cycles Limited

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

54

www.tandemgroup.co.ukTandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020Tandem Group plc6.   Property, plant and equipment

Gross carrying amount

At 1 January 2020

Additions

Assets under the course of construction

Revaluation of investment property

At 31 December 2020

Depreciation

At 1 January 2020

Provided in the year

Revaluation of investment property

At 31 December 2020

Net book value

At 31 December 2020
At 31 December 2019

Assets in the 
course of 
construction
£’000

£'000

Property
£’000

Plant and 
equipment
£’000

Total
£’000

3,150 

257 

3,407 

– 

10 

– 

10 

– 

– 

– 

– 

10 
– 

10 

10 

1,050 

4,210 

64 

34 

 (91)

7 

4,203 
3,086 

5 

– 

– 

262 

83 

13 

– 

96 

166 
174 

15 

10 

1,050 

4,472 

147 

47 

 (91)

103 

4,369 
3,260 

A valuation of the property was carried out in by CBRE Limited in October 2020 in accordance with the RICS Valuation – Global Standards 
(incorporating the International Valuation Standards) and the UK national supplement (the “Red Book”) current as at the valuation date.   
The value placed on the property at that date was £4,200,000.  The Directors of the Company consider this to materially represent the fair 
value at 31 December 2020.

The net book value of right of use assets held under leasing arrangements was £162,000 (31 December 2019 - £174,000).

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 
2020
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

5 

3,167 

118 

3,290 

5 

5,422 

68 

5,495 

55

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020FinancialsGovernanceNotes to the Company financial statements continued

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:

Trade payables

Amounts due to group undertakings

Other payables

31 December 
2020
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

183 

69 

31 December 
2020
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

 (119)

 (1,009)

 (528)

 (1,656)

 (104)

 (3,001)

 (578)

 (3,683)

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.

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 2020 or 2019.

Forward exchange contracts which have a value of £410,000 at 31 December 2020 (year ended 31 December 2019 – £106,000) are financial 
instruments held at fair value and are disclosed as a liability at the year end. These contracts are Level two financial assets and all expire 
with 12 months from 31 December 2020. All other financial assets and liabilities are Level one.

56

www.tandemgroup.co.ukTandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020Tandem Group plc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

31 December 
2020
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

 (87)

 (32)

 (119)

 (407)

 (35)

 (293)

– 

 (735)

 (854)

 (407)

 (31)

 (438)

 (407)

 (33)

 (287)

 (34)

 (761)

 (1,199)

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

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

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

Short term temporary differences

Unused tax losses

Capital losses

ACT

Total

31 December 
2018
£’000

Movement in 
the year
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

Movement in 
the year
£’000

31 December 
2020
£’000

466 

(8)

(10)

448 

(11)

– 

– 

(11)

455 

(8)

(10)

437 

291 

– 

– 

291 

746 

(8)

(10)

728 

448 

(11)

437 

291 

728 

– 

85 

470 

51 

606 

– 

102 

– 

– 

102 

– 

187 

470 

51 

708 

2 

(22)

55 

– 

35 

2 

165 

525 

51 

743 

57

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020FinancialsGovernanceNotes to the Company financial statements continued

12.  Equity

Allotted, called up and fully paid

At 1 January 2019 and 1 January 2020 – ordinary shares 25p each 

Exercise of share options

At 31 December 2020 – ordinary shares 25p each

13.  Contingent liabilities

Number of 
shares

 5,026,091 

 28,000 

 5,054,091 

£’000

1,256 

7 

1,263 

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 2019 - £nil).

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:

31 December 
2020
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

9,608 

9,391 

212 

806 

50 

785 

(757)

10,704 

272 

– 

(128)

712 

(639)

9,608 

31 December 
2020

31 December 
2019

1.60%

–%

2.30%

–%

Up to 5.00% Up to 5.00%
3.00 to 5.00% 3.00 to 5.00%
3.15%

2.85%

S3 PxA (YOB)

S3 PxA (YOB)

Defined benefit obligation at the beginning of the year

Interest cost

Actuarial loss due to scheme experience

Actuarial loss/(gain) due to changes in demographic assumptions

Actuarial loss 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

58

www.tandemgroup.co.ukTandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020Tandem Group plc 
 
 
14.  Pension scheme arrangements continued

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

Life expectancy at 
age 65 (years)

19.4 

21.7 

20.1 

22.6 

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 
2020
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

6,917 

6,635 

96 

171 

336 

(757)

6,763 

129 

456 

336 

(639)

6,917 

31 December 
2020
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

1,545 

1,074 

987 

678 

2,147 

332 

6,763 

1,407 

1,215 

414 

990 

2,389 

502 

6,917 

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 assets other than real estate properties 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 5.9%

Increase by 0.4%

Increase by 4.8%

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 2020 is 11 years. 

59

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020FinancialsGovernance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

Deficit at the end of the year

Related deferred tax asset

Net deficit at the end of the year

31 December 
2020
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

(2,691)

(2,756)

336 

(116)

(1,470)

(3,941)

746 

(3,195)

336 

(143)

(128)

(2,691)

455 

(2,236)

The expected contributions in the year ending 31 December 2021 are £340,000 in accordance with the agreed schedule of contributions.  
Subject to the final 2020 dividend being approved by shareholders at the Company’s Annual General Meeting an additional contribution 
of approximately £100,000 will be paid to the scheme.  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 – (loss)/gain

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

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

31 December 
2020
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

116 

116 

143 

143 

31 December 
2020
£’000

31 December 
2019
£’000

171 

(806)

(50)

(785)

(1,470)

456 

– 

128 

(712)

(128)

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.

60

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements continuedwww.tandemgroup.co.ukTandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020Tandem Group plcShareholder Information

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61

Tandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020FinancialsGovernanceShareholder Information continued

Dividend payment options continued
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market news and information free of charge.

For further information on this service, or to buy and sell shares 
visit ww2.linkgroup.eu/share-deal 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 Group 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 Central Square, 
10th Floor, 29 Wellington Street, Leeds, LS1 4DL.

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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www.tandemgroup.co.ukTandem Group plc  Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020Tandem Group plc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