Quarterlytics / Consumer Cyclical / Furnishings, Fixtures & Appliances / Topps Tiles

Topps Tiles

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Sector Consumer Cyclical
Industry Furnishings, Fixtures & Appliances
Employees 1001-5000
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FY2012 Annual Report · Topps Tiles
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annual RepoRt and financial statements 2012
annual RepoRt and financial statements 2011

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Topps Tiles Plc
Thorpe Way, Grove Park, Enderby,
Leicestershire LE19 1SU
T 0116 282 8000 
F 0116 282 8115
toppstiles.co.uk

GREAT CHOICE. GREAT VALUE. GREAT SERVICE.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Plc 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

REviEW oF ThE bUSinESS

introduction

“Following a challenging start to our 
financial year we were encouraged 
by the progress in the second half, 
particularly considering the context 
of a tough retail environment. 
Like‑for‑like sales grew in both 
quarter three and quarter four and 
we also grew total revenues 
year‑on‑year. We have continued 
to move forward as a business and 
strengthen our market leading 
position – evolving our customer 
offer, delivering world‑class 
customer service, expanding our 
store estate, investing in infrastructure, 
and reducing net debt.”

Mathew Williams,
chief Executive officer

AddiTionAL inFoRmATion

Store Locations

16 stores operated  

by the group in

Scotland

49stores operated  

by the group in the

North

55 stores operated  

by the group in the

Midlands

16 stores operated  

by the group in

Wales

66 stores operated  

by the group in

London

123stores operated  

by the group in the

South

Plc 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

Scotland

North

Midlands

Wales

London

South

For more information visit:
toppstiles.co.uk

Topps Tiles – sTore numbers

Tile Clearing House – sTore numbers

Stores at the beginning of the period  289

Stores at the beginning of the period 

new stores opened 

Sub-total 

closures (including brand swaps) 

22

311

–3

new stores opened 

Sub-total 

closures (including brand swaps) 

Total 

308

Total 

31

1

32

–15

17

review of tHe business

Highlights

£177.7m

£16.6m

Group revenue (52 weeks ended 
1 October 2011: £175.5m)

Adjusted operating profit2
(52 weeks ended 1 October 2011: £18.2m)

–0.7%

£12.8m

Like-for-like revenue1
(52 weeks ended 1 October 2011: –2.0%)

Adjusted profit before tax3
(52 weeks ended 1 October 2011: £13.9m)

60.0%

5.11p

Gross margin
(52 weeks ended 1 October 2011: 59.6%)

Adjusted earnings per share4
(52 weeks ended 1 October 2011: 5.50p)

£15.5m

0.75p

Operating profit
(52 weeks ended 1 October 2011: £14.0m)

Final dividend
(52 weeks ended 1 October 2011: 0.6p)

£12.5m

1.25p

Profit before tax
(52 weeks ended 1 October 2011: £7.9m)

Total dividend
(52 weeks ended 1 October 2011: 1.1p)

5.14p

Basic earnings per share
(52 weeks ended 1 October 2011: 3.04p) 

1 Like-for-like revenues are defined as sales from stores that have been trading for more than 52 weeks

2 2012 adjusted operating profit excludes several items we have incurred during the period due to their nature, 

these are: the impairment of plant, property and equipment of £0.5 million (2011: £1.1 million), business 
restructuring costs of £0.4 million (2011: £nil), an increase in property related provisions of £0.2 million 
(2011: £1.9 million), 2011 also included an inventory charge of £1.3 million for which there is no equivalent 
charge this year

3 2012 adjusted profit before tax is adjusted for the effect of the items above plus:

– property disposal gain of £1.6 million (2011: £nil) 
–  £0.8 million charge relating to the interest rate derivatives and forward currency contracts the Group 

(defined as topps tiles Plc and all its subsidiaries) has in place (per iAs 39) (2011: £1.6 million charge)

4 Adjusted for the post tax effect of items highlighted above

Plc 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

1

Review of the business
1  Highlights
4  our strategy
5  Chairman’s statement
7  Chief executive’s statement
12  business review
22  Corporate social responsibility

GoveRnance
26  Directors and Advisors
28  Directors’ report
32  Corporate Governance statement
34  remuneration report

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financial statements
39  independent Auditor’s report  

– Consolidated financial statements

40   Consolidated statement of financial Performance
40   Consolidated statement of Comprehensive 

income

41  Consolidated statement of financial Position
42  Consolidated statement of Changes in equity
43  Consolidated Cash flow statement
44 notes to the Consolidated financial statements
70   independent Auditor’s report –  

Company financial statements

71  Company balance sheet
72  notes to the Company financial statements

additional infoRmation
75  five Year record
76  notice of Annual General Meeting
79   explanatory notes to the notice of 

Annual General Meeting

84  the team
92  store Locations

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2 

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Annual report and financial statements 2012

Modern and

stylish

Plc 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

3

Modern Style is depicted through 
elements of minimalist living such as simple, 
clean lines and pared-back accessorising. 
Pieces of the latest iconic designs and 
influences drawn from cutting edge 
technology captivate this style flawlessly.

Domino 

Simply Whites 

Perfect to create the minimalist look, 
Domino features a subtle, shimmering 
pattern of squares, adding interest 
and depth to a simple scheme.

Gone are the days when white tiles 
were just plain and practical, we’ve 
sourced real stone, frosted mosaics & 
glass, polished and matt finishes to 
suit any taste, style & budget.

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stylish

Here to help 

Meeting our customers desires to be 
inspired whatever their style and 
budget is a key component of our 
excellent customer service.

for more inspiration why not pop into one of our stores or visit: 

toppstiles.co.uk

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4 

Plc 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

review of tHe business

our strategy

The Topps’ strategy is focused on delivering outstanding 
value to our customers to ensure they always “return and 
recommend”. This has enabled us to increase our competitive 
advantage, by further increasing market share; built upon 
the strong foundations of Customer service, Product 
offer and Locational convenience. 

Customer 
service

Outstanding 
value

Locational 
convenience

Product 
offer

Customer service 

Product offer

Locational convenience

Customer service remains our number 
one priority and it is our policy to be 
honest, helpful and knowledgeable but 
never pushy. we invest extensively in 
training to ensure our staff have the best 
product knowledge in the industry. we 
mystery shop the customer experience in 
all our stores every month and encourage 
all customers to complete a satisfaction 
survey.

+

As a specialist we are able to offer a 
huge range of products with many of 
them in stock and available to take 
away. Many of our key lines are 
imported directly from factories all over 
the world which ensures that we can 
offer the very latest tastes and trends to 
our customers, often on an exclusive 
basis.

+

we have over 300 locations nationwide 
in easily accessible, highly visible 
locations, all with customer parking; 
thereby ensuring that the majority of the 
uK population have a store near them. 
in addition our website allows customers 
to review our range in advance, either 
purchasing directly online or visiting a 
store to discuss their project and benefit 
from our exceptional customer service.

=

Outstanding value

when these three key elements of our business are combined we believe we offer outstanding value. our existing customers’ satisfaction surveys 
are the best possible validation of this and their recommendations are an important source of future growth for the business. over the past year, 
90.6% of our customers have told us that they would recommend us to friends and family, something we are incredibly proud of.

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

5Plc 

review of tHe business

Chairman’s statement

Topps has maintained its position as the 
UK’s number one tile retailer by giving 
its customers inspiration for their home 
improvement projects, outstanding value for 
money and exceptional levels of service.

Michael Jack, 
Chairman

ouR business 

meetinG the needs of ouR customeRs

It’s reassuring to be able to report that, despite the continued tough 
retail climate, during the last 12 months Topps has both maintained 
its market leading position and delivered an overall increase in 
year-on-year sales for the first time since 2007. To achieve this 
we adopted a strategy which, at its core, focused on inspiring our 
customers, in their quest to enhance their homes and on improving 
the way we met the needs of our exacting trade customers. This 
approach enabled us to move from a position where like-for-like 
sales declined by 4.7% in the first half of our financial period to 
like-for-like growth of 3.5% during the second half.

The final trading results do, however, reflect the stagnating 
performance of the economy, a continuing low level of housing 
transactions and a lack of overall consumer confidence. Total 
revenue was £177.7 million (2011: £175.5 million) and with 
gross margin increased to 60.0% (2011: 59.6%) we were able 
to deliver an adjusted profit before tax of £12.8 million as well 
as reducing our net debt. Although this result was down from last 
year’s adjusted profit before tax of £13.9 million it was in line with 
market expectations and our internal projections.

In our previous Annual Report we committed ourselves to prudent 
cost management, further investment in key infrastructure, and 
achieving our target for growing the store estate. Good progress 
has been made on these targets enabling us to:
 a Deliver an underlying cost increase of just 2.5%, c.£2 million 

lower than inflationary and store space growth

 a Grow the overall store estate to 325 stores at year end 

(2011: 320) whilst simultaneously closing unprofitable units

 a Enhance the overall appearance of our stores
 a Convert 10 Tile Clearing House sites to the more profitable 

Topps format

 a Fully integrate our second Grove Park warehouse to enable more 
direct sourcing of product and thus secure additional margin gains

 a Further develop the awareness of Topps, as a brand, through 

national television advertising campaigns 

 a Increase our share of the tile market by a further 1% to 27%

These results could not have been achieved in the current retail 
environment if Topps had not maintained its absolute focus on the 
needs of our customers. Our objective of inspiring our customers 
whilst giving them top quality advice and guidance has once 
again resulted in Topps being rated in the top 10% of European 
Retailers when it comes to levels of customer satisfaction. This result 
is not only a tribute to the quality of our staff but it also underscores 
the importance we attach to our continuous on the job staff training 
and the development of our Company apprenticeship scheme.

On behalf of the Board I would like to thank every one of our 
employees for the personal contribution they have made in helping 
to maintain Topps’ position as the UK’s number one tile retailer. 

Our people have also demonstrated their appreciation of the wider 
responsibilities that a business like Topps has by again making 
“Help for Heroes” the Company’s chosen charity. Their fundraising 
efforts have been inspiring and have included everything from local 
cake sales to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

coRpoRate GoveRnance

This year we strengthened the depth and independence of the 
Board with the appointment of two new Non-Executive Directors. 
In December 2011 Claire Tiney joined the Board, bringing with 
her a wealth of human resources experience gained from a retail 
career spent with Marks and Spencer, Mothercare, Woolworths 
and McArthur Glen. In January 2012 Andy King, currently CEO of 
Nottcuts and formerly with Boots and Bodyshop, also joined the 
Board. His arrival has brought to Topps strong strategic marketing 
and general management experience gained from his 
comprehensive retailing career.

These appointments have enabled us to further strengthen the 
Board’s committee structure. Alan White has now been appointed 
Senior Independent Director and chair of the Audit Committee. 
Claire Tiney has taken on the chair of the Remuneration Committee. 

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6 

Plc 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

review of tHe business

Chairman’s statement continued

 1 

 2 

 1  Metallic Random 
Mix Mosaic 
this glass mosaic with 
metallic effect pieces adds 
a dramatic effect to any 
modern scheme.

 2  Stratum 
bang-on-trend, this 
textured tile is designed to 
be butted up together for 
a seamless finish.

Andy King has been appointed as chair of the Nominations 
Committee and, in addition, has accepted responsibility for 
reviewing the Company’s Environmental and Corporate Social 
Responsibility policies. 

During the year, we also said goodbye to a very long serving 
member of our Board, when in April Nick Ounstead announced 
that he was to retire. During his 15 years with the business Nick 
made an outstanding contribution to Topps helping us move from 
a small unquoted business to today’s position as the UK’s number 
one tile retailer. On behalf of the Board I would like to record our 
sincere appreciation for all he did for Topps and send him our 
very best wishes for the future.

dividend

This year’s trading, and particularly our second half performance, 
has reinforced the Board’s view that the business is on a secure 
financial footing. In pursuit of our progressive dividend policy, we 
will be recommending to shareholders a final dividend of 0.75p 
per share (2011: 0.6p per share). This will cost £1.4 million 
(2011: £1.1 million). The shares will trade ex dividend on 
24 December 2012 and, subject to approval at the Annual 
General Meeting, the dividend will be payable on 31 January 
2013. This brings the total dividend for the year to 1.25p per 
share (2011: 1.1p per share), an increase of 13.6%.

ouR futuRe 

Our results for the year have confirmed that in spite of challenging 
economic conditions Topps’ fundamental retail formula is sound. 
We recognise, however, that if we are to continue to grow our 
share of the market in this retail environment, innovative thinking 
will be required. In June we unveiled some new approaches to 
the marketing of our products in our Lab Store at Milton Keynes. 
We are continuing to evaluate these new approaches and they 
will help set the tone for the future appearance of our stores.

The commercial success of these new initiatives will be greatly 
assisted if UK economic policy can deliver a sustained 
improvement in consumer confidence. In addition, the success 
of any of the initiatives designed to stimulate the market for 
houses and their refurbishment will be of considerable value 
to the business.

For our part we will continue to inspire our customers’ home 
improvement plans whilst at the same time investing in our people 
– our greatest strength and most important asset. We also 
recognise the increasingly important role being played in retailing 
online and so we plan to further develop our web presence 
in order to make it even easier for our customers to research their 
purchases and find the combination of tiles and wood flooring 
that is just right for them.

By combining all these elements in a package that offers unrivalled 
in-store service, unparalleled ranges, industry leading technical 
advice and great value for money for both our trade and retail 
customers, we will have a strong platform upon which to build 
our success in the new financial year.

Michael Jack, 
Chairman

26 November 2012

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

7Plc 

review of tHe business

Chief executive’s statement

Looking ahead, we recognise that economic conditions are likely 
to remain uncertain throughout 2013. However I believe that we 
are operating in an environment where customers value Topps 
unique blend of outstanding product range, affordability, industry 
leading customer service and locational convenience. These key 
differentiators provide us with a platform to achieve both further 
growth and market share gains as we consolidate our position 
as the UK’s number one tile retailer.

Matthew Williams, 
Chief executive officer

We started this year knowing that the economic outlook would 
be challenging for businesses dependent on consumer confidence 
and discretionary spending. This cautious approach proved well 
founded as we experienced a decline in revenues during the first 
half. I am very pleased, however, with the way in which the 
business, and specifically our store colleagues, responded – 
arresting the decline and then returning the business to both 
like-for-like sales growth during the second half and overall sales 
growth across the year. 

We maintained our focus on strengthening our market leading 
position by continuing to deliver outstanding service and excellent 
value, high quality products to our customers. We further upgraded 
and expanded our store estate, strengthened our offer and 
supported this with new marketing initiatives in-store, on television 
and online. In addition, we have seen the first benefits of our 
investments in both stores and supply chain infrastructure. 

We remain focused on maintaining an efficient cost base but also 
recognise a continuing need to invest in key areas of the business 
as we move forwards. We have maintained our investment in 
marketing over the last year and will continue to ensure that our 
stores are sufficiently resourced to continue to offer the high 
standards of customer service we pride ourselves on.

the maRket 

Topps has seen its position as the UK’s leading tile retailer 
strengthen further during the period, with our share of the non-
contract tile market growing to 27% (2011: 26%) (source: Market 
and Business Development “MBD”). Our unwavering focus on 
offering our customers outstanding service and value enabled 
the Group to, once again, outperform the market.

Tile consumption in the UK continues to be low in comparison 
to the rest of Europe (roughly one-third of the demand experienced 
in Northern Europe, source: MBD). However, long-term growth, 
based on projections of an increase in housing stock and consumer 
usage of tiles, remains attractive.

stoRe development and expansion

We have continued to focus on optimising returns from the existing 
store estate, adding new stores selectively where we believe strong 
opportunities exist and targeting tactical relocations of individual 
stores where this is supported by the local market opportunity.

In the last 12 months we opened 13 new stores and closed eight 
stores (of which one was a relocation), resulting in a net increase 
of five stores to bring the total at year end to 325 stores. These 
new stores have performed well and we remain very encouraged 
with the return on investment. In the year ahead we have plans in 
place to increase the estate by a further five new stores.

We have continued to invest across all parts of our store estate 
and this year have progressed a programme of “light touch” refits 
– spending around £20,000 per store on a range of minor 
improvements such as store signage, counters, floors, lighting, etc. 
18 stores have benefited from the programme this year and we 
intend to continue this into 2013.

We converted 10 further Tile Clearing House stores to the more 
profitable Topps Tiles format. Trading results from these conversions 
have been strong, on average generating c.25% more sales post 
the conversion. 

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8 

Plc 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

review of tHe business

Chief executive’s statement continued

 1 

£177.7m

Group revenue 
(52 weeks ended 1 October 2011: 
£175.5m)

 3 

We have continued to improve our online presence and see our 
website as very much a way of driving additional footfall to stores. 
We know increasing numbers of customers are undertaking the 
research phase of their project online but prior to actual purchase. 
However, most of our customers tell us that they still prefer to visit 
our store, physically see the products they are interested in and 
benefit from our expert in-store advice before they buy. To help 
them with this process we have focused our online efforts on 
incorporating more inspirational room set photography, a greater 
variety of design ideas and the integration of our market-leading 
interactive “visualiser” into the online experience. This enables 
customers to choose from our extensive range of wall and floor 
tiles and model them into a variety of different room settings. 

customeR seRvice

As the UK’s leading tile specialist, the provision of exceptional 
levels of customer service is a key differentiator of the Topps Tiles 
brand. 

We measure customer satisfaction based on the “Net Promoter” 
scoring system. The net promoter score is calculated based on 
customers’ feedback to the question of how likely they are to 
recommend Topps Tiles to friends or colleagues. The scores are 
based on a numerical scale from 0–10 which allows customers to 
be split into promoters (9–10), passives (7–8) and detractors (0–6). 
The final score is based on the percentage of promoters less the 
percentage of detractors, thereby creating a possible range of 
–100% to +100%. Over the financial period our Net Promoter 
Score has averaged 90.6% (2011: 88.1%) – well within the 
top 10% of European retailers when it comes to customer service 
quality, which we consider to be a very clear endorsement of 
our customer service ethic.

 2 

pRoduct offeR

We continue to lead the market with our wide range of products to 
suit all tastes. We offer a core range of c.1,500 items which are 
available in stock to take away and a further c.3,000 items which 
are available to order on short lead times.

Our customers are choosing a wider variety of tiles than we have 
seen previously and are becoming increasingly adventurous in their 
tastes through greater use of colour and larger format tiles. 
Maintaining innovation in our product range is a key driver 
of success and on average we refresh around 20% of our core 
range each year. 

Our diverse product sourcing strategy is also a key driver of our 
business – we have a specialist team of buyers who are able 
to shop all over the world, and, combined with our operational 
flexibility, are able to bring product to market quicker than 
our competitors.

We have also reviewed our wood flooring offer and have 
completely relaunched the range from October 2012 featuring 
a broad offer that will cater for all our customers needs. 

maRketinG, adveRtisinG and sponsoRship

The evolution of the Topps Tiles brand continued during the period, 
in line with our greater emphasis on inspiring customers and 
reaching beyond our traditional customer base. Our product 
brochures and in-store merchandising have been repositioned to 
reflect customers’ increased focus on style as the principal driver in 
their purchase decision. This approach also provides consistency 
with our improved consumer website. More emphasis has also 
been placed on promoting the breadth of our ranges, with a 
greater focus on being able to attract high end customers, as well 
as retaining those attracted by our traditional value message. 

review of tHe business

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

9Plc 

£16.6m

Adjusted operations profit2
(52 weeks ended 1 October 2011: 
£18.2m)

–0.7%

Like-for-like revenue 
(52 weeks ended 1 October 2011: –2.0%)

 1  Diamante this supersized version of the popular 
Metro brick-effect tile adds a stylish dimension to 
any setting.

 2  Kula Splashback Part of our range of 
designer splashbacks, the union Jack design is a 
real show stopper.

 3  Polished Porcelain & Expresso Marble 
Mosaic A feature panel of natural stone mosaics 
creates a stylish look with timeless appeal.

 4  Essentials & Hammered Pearl Mosaic 
for a more funky style, this Aqua pairing makes 
a bold statement.

 4 

Over the course of the last financial period we have continued 
to invest around 2% of sales in marketing expenditure with the 
objectives of driving footfall and increasing market share. Television 
advertising and sponsorship has proved to be the most effective 
way to build consumer awareness of the Topps brand. This year 
we resumed our previously successful weather sponsorship and 
have featured on both Daybreak and Channel 4 News. We have 
also continued our campaign of communicating our inspirational 
agenda through home interest magazines and PR. Our trade 
specific campaigns have included a Talksport radio campaign and 
increased use of direct mail and email and these initiatives have 
been successful in increasing our overall share of trade business. 

community

Topps’ commitment to its local communities through sponsorship 
and charitable activity remains strong. We aim to make 
positive contributions to those communities served by our stores, 
working closely with them to promote our primary aim of being 
a “good neighbour”. 

We currently sponsor over 300 youth football teams nationwide, 
providing the teams with support, new kits and equipment. 

Our work for the charity Help for Heroes, which we have been 
supporting since 2008, has gone from strength to strength and 
we have already helped to raise over £200,000 for this very 
worthy cause. We also work with the British Association of Modern 
Mosaic (”BAMM”), sponsoring two national competitions and 
supporting the promotion of mosaic art in schools and community 
groups countrywide.

2 As explained on page 1

staff development

Our people are fundamental to fulfilling our key objective of 
delivering excellent customer service which remains as important 
as ever. We continue to invest in their professional development 
through a sophisticated in store e-learning system, which is 
developed and administered in-house, providing new courses 
and regular updates. In addition to this, under the Government’s 
vocational educational initiative we have seen in excess of 700 
colleagues successfully achieve nationally recognised qualifications 
in retail skills and retail management skills. 

All our staff are incentivised with competitive benefit packages 
and performance based rewards, and we encourage internal 
promotion. We anticipate that staffing levels will increase in 
the coming year in line with the progressive expansion of the 
store base.

cuRRent tRadinG and outlook

In the first seven weeks of the new financial period Group revenues 
increased by 1.0% on a like-for-like basis.

Looking ahead, whilst we recognise that there are a number 
of uncertainties facing our customers, we also believe that by 
continuing to deliver our core qualities of excellent customer service, 
great inspirational product ranges and outstanding overall value for 
money we can continue to deliver our primary goal of increasing 
market share and maximising returns for our shareholders. 

Matthew Williams, 
Chief executive officer

26 November 2012

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10 

Plc 

Annual report and financial statements 2012

simply

classic

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012 11

Plc 

Classic style is a timeless choice that 
is quietly elegant, this perpetual look 
embodies form and function with muted 
primary hues and a neutral colour scheme.

Rina (Black) & Cora 
(Cotta & Beige) 

earthy shades paired with neutral 
tones help to create the right 
classic balance.

real and special-effect natural textures 
dominate the classic style, from 
travertine and Marble to wood and 
stone-effect tiles & mosaics, there’s 
an abundance of choice.

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classic

Here to help 

Customer service lies at the heart of our 
philosophy, we go way beyond the tile 
to ensure our customers have everything 
they could possibly need.

for more inspiration why not pop into one of our stores or visit: 

toppstiles.co.uk

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12 

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Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

review of tHe business

business review

Our primary objectives continue to be focused on 
optimising returns from the existing estate, careful 
management of our cost base and improving our 
financial flexibility. Whilst our most recent trading 
period offers some encouragement, we continue 
to be cautious in our outlook and believe that 
our current strategy and objectives are therefore 
appropriate for the business at the present time. 

Rob Parker, Chief financial officer (right)

Matthew Williams, Chief executive officer (left)

cautionaRy statement

This Business Review, Chairman’s Statement and Chief Executive’s 
Statement have been prepared solely to provide additional 
information to shareholders to assess the Group’s strategies and the 
potential for those strategies to succeed. These reports should not 
be relied on by any other party or for any other purpose.

The Business Review, Chairman’s Statement and Chief Executive’s 
Statement contains certain forward-looking statements. These 
statements are made by the Directors in good faith based on the 
information available to them up to the time of their approval of this 
report and such statements should be treated with caution due to 
the inherent uncertainties, including both economic and business 
risk factors, underlying any such forward-looking information.

The Directors, in preparing this Business Review, have complied 
with section 417 of the Companies Act 2006. This Business 
Review has been prepared for the Group as a whole and therefore 
gives greater emphasis to those matters which are significant to 
Topps Tiles Plc and to its subsidiary undertakings when viewed 
as a whole.

natuRe, objectives and stRateGies 
of the business

Topps Tiles is the UK’s leading specialist tile retailer with a 27% 
market share. As a true specialist, the Topps’ offer covers a wide 
range and includes wall and floor tiles, natural stone, laminate 
flooring, solid wood flooring and a comprehensive range of 
associated products such as under-floor heating, adhesives 
and grouts.

The Group strategy is focused on delivering outstanding value and 
service to our customers. The key elements to the success of this 
strategy are the friendly professionalism and expertise of our staff, 
store locations, product choice and availability. 

key operational objectives:
 a Deliver outstanding value for money and service to ensure 

customers always “return and recommend”

 a Maintain and extend our market leading position 
 a Manage the store estate prudently, opening new stores where 

opportunities arise that complement the existing estate and review 
of the existing store portfolio to ensure we are keeping track with 
consumer shopping patterns and that our cost base is as efficient 
as possible

 a Continued evolution of the in-store customer offer to maintain 

our competitive advantage

 a Further development of the e-commerce offering to maintain 

leading edge customer service

 a Ensure our business model continues to address the particular 

requirements of both retail and trade customers

key financial objectives: 
 a Primary focus on increasing revenues and cash generation, 
maintaining tight cost control and optimising gross margins

 a Maximising earnings per share and shareholder returns, including 

bi-annual review of our dividend policy

 a Maintaining a capital structure which enables an appropriate 

balance of financial flexibility and capital efficiency

Progress against these objectives is discussed throughout this report 
and, where appropriate measures are utilised, these are included 
in the Key Performance Indicators section.

Plc 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

13

review of tHe business

financial kpis 

–0.7%

Like-for-like sales growth year-
on-year (52 weeks to 1 October 2011: 
–2.0%)

60.0%

£45.6m

Gross margin 
(52 weeks to 1 October 2011: 59.6%)

Net debt
(52 weeks to 1 October 2011: £50.9m)

1.3%

£12.8m

133

Total sales growth year-on-year 
(52 weeks to 1 October 2011: –3.8%)

Adjusted PBT*
(52 weeks to 1 October 2011: £13.9m)

Inventory days 
(52 weeks to 1 October 2011: 123)

*Adjusted Pbt as defined on page 1

opeRational Review 

Risks and unceRtainties

Our primary objectives continue to be focused on optimising returns 
from the existing estate, careful management of our cost base and 
improving our financial flexibility. Whilst our most recent trading 
period offers some encouragement, we continue to be cautious 
in our outlook and believe that our current strategy and objectives 
are therefore appropriate for the business at the present time. 

Over the financial period we have maintained our focus on cost 
control and have only seen increases in costs resulting from 
inflationary factors, one-off items or where we have decided that 
additional investment was appropriate. Further detail of expenditure 
is provided within the Financial Review. 

The Directors receive regular information on these and other metrics 
for the Group as a whole. This information is reviewed and 
updated as the Directors feel appropriate.

The Board conducts a continuing review of key risks and 
uncertainties. The Board’s primary focus when reviewing these 
risks and uncertainties over the last 12 months has included:
 a The continuing challenges of the UK economy and the subsequent 

business impact

 a Balancing our longer term investment needs against the uncertain 

economic outlook

 a Ensuring that the Group’s capital structure remains appropriate 

and that future funding requirements are accessible

uk economy
The business has made good progress this year. Having started 
from a position of weak consumer confidence and declining 
revenues the business has returned to growth over the second half 
of the financial period and we have been successful in our goal of 
growing our market share. The Board believes that the economic 
climate will remain uncertain and as a result consumer confidence 
could also be impacted. 

The Board believes the business is well positioned to deal with 
these challenges and will continue to generate healthy profits whilst 
remaining cash generative.

balancing our longer term investment needs 
against the uncertain economic outlook
Having made some larger infrastructure investments in the previous 
financial period the Board considered that a reduction to an 
ongoing level of investment in this period was appropriate. 
We have invested £6.1 million, the majority of which is for either 
new stores, refits or store improvement works. The Board intends 
to continue with this cautious expansionary approach and we will 
continue to open new stores where strong trading locations become 
available. We will also continue to invest in older parts of the store 
estate through a programme of minor store improvements. 

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14 

Plc 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

review of tHe business

business review continued

 2 

 1 

 3 

non-financial kpis 

27%

Market share 
(52 weeks to 1 October 2011: 26%)

90.6%

Net Promoter Score 
(52 weeks to 1 October 2011: 88.1%)

325

Number of stores 
(52 weeks to 1 October 2011: 320)

note – net Promoter score is calculated based 
on customers’ feedback to the question of how 
likely they are to recommend topps tiles to 
friends or colleagues. the scores are based 
on a numerical scale from 0–10 which allows 
customers to be split into promoters (9–10), 
passives (7–8) and detractors (0–6). the final 
score is based on the percentage of promoters 
minus the percentage of detractors.

appropriate capital structure
The Group has a £75.0 million committed revolving credit facility 
in place which expires in May 2015. As at the financial period 
end £60.0 million of this facility was drawn, with a further £15.0 
million of undrawn financing available. The business also had 
£14.4 million in cash balances as at the financial period end, 
resulting in a net debt position of £45.6 million. The loan facility 
contains financial covenants which are tested on a bi-annual basis. 

other key risks
In addition to the above, the Board considers other key risks 
including its relationship with key suppliers, the potential threat 
of new competitors, the risk of failure of key information technology 
systems, possible impacts on costs of sourcing due to weakness 
of Sterling in comparison to the Euro and US dollar currencies, 
loss of key personnel and the development of substitute products. 
The Board’s response to these risks is articulated throughout this 
report and includes:
 a Continuing improvement in our existing retail operations, including 
regular review of our product offer and customer service to ensure 
that we are maximising the opportunity to deliver sales

 a Careful management of costs across all areas of the business with 
increases in expenditure only in areas that the Board decides are 
appropriate in order to either drive short-term gains or generate 
longer term strategic benefits

 a Tight management of cash and continued reduction in net debt 

to improve financial flexibility

 a Continuing review of the Group’s global sourcing strategy to 

enable us to deliver greater value for money whilst maintaining 
returns and minimising the risk of over reliance on any individual 
supplier

The Directors will continue to monitor all of the key risks and 
uncertainties and the Board will take appropriate actions 
to mitigate these risks and their potential outcomes.

review of tHe business

Plc 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

15

 1   Arteak these wood-effect tiles enable you to 
achieve the aesthetic beauty of real wood with the 
benefits of hardwearing, high quality porcelain.

 2  Wood Antartic Part of our new wood flooring 
range, Antartic features half-filled surface 
imperfections for an authentic & rustic look. 

 3  Metro this much-loved design classic can 
be worked into any style or scheme.

 4  Travertine the most popular of stones, travertine 
used on the wall and floor provides a unique and 
timeless look that oozes elegance.

 4 

GoinG conceRn

Based on a detailed review of the above risks and uncertainties 
and management’s current expectations the Board believes that the 
Group will continue to meet all of its financial commitments as they 
fall due and will be able to continue as a going concern. 

The current economic climate creates a degree of uncertainty 
in the outlook which when combined with the financial covenants 
included in our loan facilities, has led the Board to conduct a 
detailed review of a number of different trading scenarios as 
well as possible mitigating actions, should they be required. 

Based on this analysis the Board has concluded that the Company 
would be able to fully meet all of its future financial commitments 
and therefore considers it appropriate to prepare the financial 
statements on the going concern basis.

financial Review

profit and loss account
Revenue
Revenue for the period ended 29 September 2012 increased by 
1.3% to £177.7 million (2011: £175.5 million). Like-for-like store 
sales decreased by 0.7% in the period, which consisted of a 4.7% 
decrease in the first half of the financial period and a 3.5% 
increase in the second half. 

Gross margin
Overall gross margin was 60.0% compared with 59.6% in the 
previous financial period. At the interim stage of this period gross 
margin was 59.7%, and we have recorded a gross margin of 
60.3% in the second half of the period. The environment in which 
we operate continues to be a highly competitive one and we 
are able to utilise our scale to ensure that we can offer customers 
outstanding value whilst also generating increasing levels of returns. 
Continued improvement in the efficiency of our supply chain and 
further vertical integration have been the key drivers of the 

improvements over the financial period. We will continue to invest 
margin in a controlled way to drive transaction volume where we 
consider it appropriate to do so.

Operating expenses
Total operating costs have risen from £90.6 million to £91.1 
million, an increase of 0.5%. Costs as a percentage of sales were 
51.3% compared to 51.6% in the previous period. When 
adjusting items, detailed below, are excluded operating costs were 
£90.0 million (2011: £87.7 million), equivalent to 50.6% of sales 
(2011: 50.0% of sales).

The movement in adjusted operating costs is explained by 
the following key items:
 a Inflation at an average of approximately 2% has increased 

our cost base by around £1.7 million 

 a The average number of UK stores trading during the financial 
period was 320 (2011: 313), which would imply a 2.2% 
increase in store costs, generating approximately £1.7 million 
of additional costs

 a Additional costs following the opening of our second warehouse 

account for a £0.7 million increase year-on-year

 a Employee profit share costs have decreased by £0.6 million
 a Stores costs have fallen by c.£1.5 million on an underlying basis 

due to a variety of cost saving initiatives

 a The remaining elements of the cost base are broadly flat when 

compared to the prior year

During the period we have incurred several charges which we 
have excluded from our adjusted operating costs due to their 
nature. These charges relate to impairments of plant, property 
and equipment of £0.5 million (2011: £1.1 million), business 
restructuring costs of £0.4 million (2011: £nil), and an increase in 
property related provisions of £0.2 million (2011: £1.9 million). 
2011 also included an inventory charge of £1.3 million for which 
there is no equivalent charge this year.

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16

Plc 

Annual report and financial statements 2012

time to get

funky

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012 17

Plc 

Not just for the young, Funky style is 
for those confident enough to experiment 
with design and create a really individual 
statement through the use of bold colours, 
rich patterns & textures and contemporary 
glossy finishes.

{Left to right:) Stardust Red, 
Fusion Yellow, Matrix Red, 
Diamante Blue 

vibrant colours and eclectic mixes 
are back in fashion, it’s time to be 
adventurous and make a statement 
with your individual style.

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Here to help 

our in-store experts use their knowledge and 
expertise to ensure our customers make the right 
decisions for their homes as we know that 
choosing tiles or wood flooring can sometimes 
be a little daunting.

for more inspiration why not pop into one of our stores or visit: 

toppstiles.co.uk

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18 

Plc 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

review of tHe business

business review continued

 2 

 1 

£45.6m

Net debt
(52 weeks ended 1 October 2011: 
£50.9m)

325

133

Inventory days
(52 weeks ended 1 October 2011: 123)

Number of stores
(52 weeks ended 1 October 2011: 320)

Net interest cover was 5.3 times (2011: 4.3 times) based on 
earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and the impairment 
of plant, property and equipment, excluding the impact of IAS 39 
in finance charges.

Profit before tax
Reported profit before tax is £12.5 million (2011: £7.9 million). 

Group profit before tax margin was 7.0% (2011: 4.5%)

Excluding the adjusting items detailed on page 1 profit before tax 
is £12.8 million (2011: £13.9 million).

Tax
The effective rate of Corporation Tax for the period was 21.8% 
(2011: 27.7% (continuing operations)). 

The effective rate of Corporation Tax is lower than the UK expected 
rate for the year of 25% due to prior year adjustments. The 
underlying rate, excluding prior year adjustments, is 26.3%. This is 
slightly higher than the UK expected rate due to non-deductible 
expenditure and depreciation on assets not qualifying for capital 
allowances. 

Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share were 5.14p (2011: 3.04p 
– continued and discontinued operations).

Diluted earnings per share were 5.09p (2011: 2.97p 
– continued and discontinued operations). 

Operating profit
Operating profit for the period was £15.5 million 
(2011: £14.0 million).

Operating profit as a percentage of sales was 8.7% 
(2011: 8.0%).

Excluding the adjusting items detailed on page 1 operating profit 
was £16.6 million (2011: £18.2 million). 

Other gains and losses
During the period we disposed of three freehold properties giving 
rise to a gain of £1.6 million (2011: £nil). 

Financing
The net cash interest charge for the year was £3.8 million (2011: 
£4.4 million), excluding the impact of revaluations and cancellation 
of derivative instruments. The underlying interest charge has fallen 
compared to the prior financial period due to a decision to cancel 
50% of the interest rate derivatives the Company had in place. 
The impact of this cancellation is a saving of c.£1.25 million per 
annum for five years and the cash cost of the cancellation was 
£6.7 million (2011: £nil). As this cost had been previously 
charged to the Company’s income statement in the form of a 
“marked to market” transaction it is effectively offset by a reversal 
of the historical charge, detailed in the following section. 

The remaining interest rate derivatives and forward currency 
contracts gave rise to a “marked to market” revaluation as required 
by IAS 39 “Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement”. 
This revaluation has generated a fair value (non cash) gain of £5.9 
million (2011: £1.6 million charge), primarily driven by the partial 
cancellation of the derivative, detailed in the previous section. The 
combined net charge for the year is therefore £0.8 million (2011: 
£1.6 million charge). Due to the nature of the underlying financial 
instruments, IAS 39 does not allow hedge accounting to be 
applied to these losses and hence any gains or losses against these 
derivatives are applied directly to the income statement rather than 
being offset against balance sheet reserves.

review of tHe business

 3 

Plc 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

19

60.0%

Gross margin
(52 weeks ended 1 October 2011: 59.6%)

 1  Features pieces of Ceramic Pool Mosaic 
beautifully versatile, this gloss ceramic mosaic is 
perfect for use in any wet room area.

 2  Features Metro Glass An ultra-modern twist on 
this much loved design classic, our Metro glass range 
is available in a vivid colour palette. 

 3  Metro Blue (wall) & Henley Cool (floor) 
A clever mix & match of colour, pattern & plain tiles 
creates a stunning funky style kitchen-diner.

Dividend and dividend policy
Trading across the year, and in particular the second half, gives the 
Board confidence that the business is on a secure financial footing. 
We strongly believe that it is appropriate to continue to reward our 
shareholders through a progressive dividend policy. To this end we 
are recommending to shareholders a final dividend of 0.75p per 
share (2011: 0.6p per share). This will cost £1.4 million 
(2011: £1.1 million). The shares will become ex dividend on 
24 December 2012 and, subject to approval at the Annual General 
Meeting, the dividend will be payable on 31 January 2013.

This brings the total dividend for the year to 1.25p per share 
(2011: 1.1p per share), an increase of 13.6%.

balance sheet

Capital expenditure
Capital expenditure in the period amounted to £6.1 million 
(2011: £10.8 million), a decrease of 43.5%. The previous 
financial period included an investment of £3.1 million in a second 
warehouse at our central office location in Leicester, whereas this 
year’s expenditure is more reflective of the planned future level of 
expenditure. Capital expenditure includes the cost of 12 new 
openings, 10 conversions, one relocation and 18 partial store 
refits at a cost of £5.2 million (2011: £5.3 million). The remaining 
expenditure includes the purchase of two freehold stores at a cost 
of £0.5 million (2011: £1.6 million) and £0.4 million towards the 
implementation of a new IT system (2011: £0.8 million).

At the period end the Group held seven freehold or long leasehold 
sites including two warehouses and distribution facilities with a total 
carrying value of £14.2 million (2011: eight freehold or long 
leasehold valued at £17.8 million).

Property disposals
During the period we disposed of three freehold properties, 
generating proceeds of £5.4 million (2011: £nil).

Inventory
Inventory at the period end was £25.9 million (2011: £23.8 
million) representing 133 days turnover (2011: 123 days 
turnover). This increase in stockholding is driven by the combination 
of an increase in the number of stores and the new warehousing 
facility we have opened which is allowing us to drive gross 
margin improvements.

Capital structure and treasury
Cash and cash equivalents at the period end were £14.4 million 
(2011: £9.1 million) with repayable borrowings at £60.0 million 
(2011: £60.0 million). 

This gives the Group a net debt position of £45.6 million 
(2011: £50.9 million).

Cash flow 
Cash generated by operations was £19.7 million, compared 
to £20.7 million last period. 

Matthew Williams, 
Chief executive officer

Rob Parker, 
Chief financial officer

26 November 2012

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20 

Plc 

Annual report and financial statements 2012

Period

elegan ce

elegan ce

Plc 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

21

The resurgence of styles from bygone eras 
culminate together in our Period style, 
whether you aspire to Georgian simplicity, 
Shabby Chic, or Vintage glamour, 
you can add a touch of period style 
with time honoured tiles packed with 
nostalgic character.

Metro, Tangier 

Delicate patterns, smaller tile shapes 
and soft pastel hues are essential for 
capturing period character.

Provenza, Antic 

Delicate floral patterns, romantic 
pastel tones and crackle glaze finishes 
are key tile designs for this style.

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Here to help 

with over 1,500 experts across our 
network of stores, our staff are on hand 
every step of the way to help 
our customers with their home 
improvement project.

for more inspiration why not pop into one of our stores or visit: 

toppstiles.co.uk

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22 

Plc 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

review of tHe business

Corporate social responsibility

“Since we launched our partnership with Topps Tiles, we have seen people climb 
mountains, run marathons, sell thousands of wristbands, in fact, do just about 
anything honest and decent to raise money for Help for Heroes. The fundraising 
has been nothing short of extraordinary and the money raised has allowed us to 
provide direct, practical support to those wounded in the service of our country.’’

Taking responsibility for our impact on society is important to us as 
a business and we have been developing our Corporate Social 
Responsibility (CSR) agenda since 2004. Over the past nine years, 
we have evolved and enhanced our programme to ensure we are 
active within the communities in which we work, that we work in 
an environmentally conscious manner, and that we ensure our 
employees feel supported, developed and engaged.

We are proud of our achievements in this area and focus our 
attention across three primary areas:
 a Community and Charity 
 a Environment
 a Our People 

community and chaRity

An important part of being a “good neighbour” for Topps Tiles is 
ensuring that we are active in the communities local to our stores 
and places where we work. We have a strong CSR ethic at Topps 
and this is reflected in the work we do within our community and 
charity programmes.

In its ninth year, our CSR programme has evolved and been 
enhanced since its inception, providing the framework and impetus 
for stores to support local activities that are a “perfect fit” for the 
values and culture of our Group.

topps in the community
Mosaic art is a growing craft across the UK, and Topps is proud to 
lead the way in promoting and supporting the craft, both as a 
public art and as an educational craft skill for children and adults. 

Our mosaic programme is broken down into two key areas, 
sponsoring two major competitions that have been designed 
to showcase the work of novice mosaic artists:
aa MegaaMosaicaMakersais a primary school competition organised 
by The British Association for Modern Mosaic (“BAMM”); and

 a our own landmark competition for adults learning mosaic in 

community workshops and further education centres, the Topps 
Tiles Award for Achievements in Mosaics.

youth football
Sponsorship of youth football is an important part of our community 
relations programme. It is an exciting way for Topps to be involved 
in helping the children in our local communities get outdoors and 
become active.

We are one of the biggest supporters of youth football in the UK 
and whenever we open a new store we encourage the store team 
to look for sponsorship opportunities. Our stores are encouraged 
to build close relationships with teams, and not only support them 
emotionally, but also with the equipment needed to ensure they can 
get active without the worry of buying items such as kit, footballs 
and kitbags. 

We currently support over 300 youth teams nationwide and are 
very proud of this association. All the activity culminates in an 
annual tournament where teams from across the country are invited 
to come together at The King Power Stadium, Leicester City FC.

Plc 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

23

review of tHe business

 1 

 1  Youth Football our annual youth football 
tournament at Leicester City’s King Power stadium.

 2   3   All our store & office teams regularly organise 
Help for Hero’s Charity events. 

charity
In 2008, Topps became the first corporate sponsor of the fledgling 
charity, Help for Heroes. Since then, we have taken their cause to 
our hearts in a big way. Founded in 2007, the charity funds 
specialist rehabilitation projects for members of the armed forces 
wounded in front-line conflicts, including Afghanistan. Undoubtedly 
one of Britain’s most high-profile charities, Help for Heroes enjoys 
phenomenal support from the British public, as it does from 
colleagues across our business. The last year has seen an amazing 
fundraising drive by our employees, with individuals arranging 
events in their local communities (comedy nights, fun days and 
auctions ) as well as participating in companywide fundraisers 
such as our ”Midsummer Madness” day. 

All the hard work and commitment that our employees put into our 
partnership has been recognised by Help for Heroes. The Group 
received an award for ”Outstanding Support”. To date, we have 
raised in excess of £200,000 for Help for Heroes, and will 
continue to support them throughout the duration of our partnership.

Bryn Parry, founder of Help for Heroes, commented “Since we 
launched our partnership with Topps Tiles, we have seen people 
climb mountains, run marathons, sell thousands of wristbands, 
in fact, do just about anything honest and decent to raise money 
for Help for Heroes. The fundraising has been nothing short 
of extraordinary and the money raised has allowed us to 
provide direct, practical support to those wounded in the service 
of our country’’. 

300+

Number of football teams we sponsor 
in the UK

 3 

 2 

enviRonment

energy
Energy is a major driver of cost for the business and also forms a 
significant part of our environmental impact. The biggest use of 
energy across the business is in our stores and specifically our store 
lighting. Energy efficient technology including low energy lighting 
helps to reduce our environmental impact and we continually 
review opportunities to adopt new technology on a cost efficient 
basis wherever possible.

Following a review of our existing energy procurement and 
renegotiation with our supplier we now source 14% of our energy 
needs from renewable sources. 

In 2010, in liaison with the Carbon Trust, we commenced a pilot 
scheme for the replacement of old inefficient lighting installations 
with new efficient systems at 11 of our sites. This scheme proved 
successful, achieving our objective of providing an improved 
environment for our customers and staff, cost savings from lower 
electricity consumption and maintenance costs and a reduction 
in our carbon footprint. We built on this success in 2012 by 
completing installations at a further 21 sites and are on target 
to complete a further 27 sites during the coming financial year.

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24 

Plc 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

review of tHe business

Corporate social responsibility continued

 1 

 2 

waste
Waste management has been very much a continued area of 
focus during the period and remains an important area for our 
business. We have continued to actively manage our store waste 
in conjunction with our chosen refuse partner and all stores use Dry 
Mixed Recycling which includes cardboard, paper, newspapers, 
plastic films, bottles, steel and aluminium cans all being collected in 
one bin. Our two warehouses have further reduced waste going to 
landfill by 34% giving a two year benefit of just under 75% and an 
associated reduction in the landfill skips required at the sites. Further 
initiatives include recycling waste wood, cardboard, plastic and 
paper on site before selling on to recycling companies. In the year 
ahead we will be reviewing our disposal of wooden crates and 
we are working with an environmental company that is proposing 
more environmental solutions.

transport
The Topps HGV fleet continues to be bolstered by fuel efficient “Euro 
5 and 6” low emission vehicles, all of our fleet now being the latest 
specification models. The telematics systems on all these vehicles 
allows full monitoring of driving standards and efficiency with the 
subsequent formation being utilised for tailored driver training. Drivers 
are also incentivised to achieve fuel efficiency levels by inclusion in 
their bonus scheme. The total CO2 emissions on the Topps fleet for 
the period was 2,590 tonnes (2011: 2,460 tonnes), an increase 
of 5.3%. This increase in our own emissions has been driven by a 
reduction in third party haulage. As a result of this we have been 
able to achieve improved overall efficiencies in terms of our 
combined emissions. We have invested in “teardrop” trailer 
technology for our latest generation of trailers and this is expected to 
show a well proven 7% fuel efficiency on associated journeys during 
2013. We have also purchased a bespoke multi urban double 
deck trailer that will reduce our smaller vehicle usage and allow stem 
mileage reductions. Our commitment to collaborating with other 
retailers continues to maximise efficiencies with routes shared through 
Scotland and plans to roll-out others in the South West. 

supply chain
We source our goods for resale from around the world. Labour 
standards, factory conditions and human rights are issues we take 
seriously. To address any possible concerns our buyers conduct 
regular supplier visits and factory tours and also ensure that all 
contracts for supply of goods include our requirements in relation 
to each of the above issues. We have a policy on timber products 
and have adopted the principles and criteria of the Forest 
Stewardship Council as our benchmark.

Our full policy can be found on our website at toppstiles.co.uk in 
the investor section under Corporate Responsibility.

ouR people

Our employees are a central focus for us and we want them to feel 
engaged and proud of their Company. We want to ensure that not 
only do we give our customers an inspiring place to shop but we 
also give our employees an inspiring place to work. 

employee wellbeing
We provide an employee helpline service for all employees to 
give them a channel for expressing concerns and seeking advice. 

Our in-house Health & Safety team maintains regular dialogue with 
staff and carries out periodical inspections and assessments to 
ensure risks are minimised or removed in our stores, warehouse 
and offices. To promote effective communication and employee 
involvement, we also operate a Health & Safety Committee, which 
meets on a regular basis and is chaired by a main Board Director.

Plc 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

25

review of tHe business

 3 

 4 

 1   2   our national Distribution Centre and transport 
fleet based at Leicester.

 3  staff at our store in Milton Keynes meet 
Julia Kendall (celebrity interior designer). 

 4  support office staff celebrating all things british.

employee development
As a Group, we actively encourage employee development. 
We have a strong culture and history of growing and developing 
our people within the organisation and it is important to us that 
our employees fulfil their potential whilst they are working with us. 
 a 2012 has seen over 500 of our retail employees gain Level Two 

Qualifications in Retail Skills with a further 200 colleagues 
successfully achieving the Level Three qualification.

 a The Topps Tiles Young Apprenticeships programme has continued 
to flourish, with a number of the programme’s graduates now 
working in full time roles within our retail network.

In April 2011 the Group retained its Investors in People award 
for a further three years. 

Topps Tiles is pleased to be a constituent member of the 
FTSE4Good UK Index.

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communication and engagement
Communication with our employees is vital and we have initiatives 
in place to ensure regular and effective dialogue with colleagues. 
We have introduced a three year communication and engagement 
plan to support the business plan for the future.
 a We have a number of existing communication channels, including 
an internal magazine and a weekly stores bulletin. We also have 
an intranet that is being redesigned and which we expect to play 
an increasingly important part in our communication plans as we 
move forward. As part of our communication commitment, we 
have conducted a series of management roadshows, taking 
around 500 of our leaders through our strategic plans for the next 
three years, and ensuring all employees understand, and are part 
of, our vision. 

 a This year saw our employee representative forum (TEAM Talk) 

firmly embedded across the entire business, following its successful 
launch last year. We have also recently completed our annual 
Employee Opinion Survey, with a significant increase in response 
rates, proving that our communications programme is working 
effectively. These initiatives deliver a framework for employees 
to participate in two-way dialogue, giving them a platform from 
which to help shape and influence decision making within 
the Group.

 a We are developing our internal employee brand in a drive to 

attract and retain the talent needed to support our growth plans. 
We actively encourage colleagues to apply for internal vacancies 
and promotions.

 a Rewarding our employees for all their hard work is part of the 

Topps ethos and every employee has the opportunity to enhance 
their basic pay through additional performance-related incentives. 
 a In addition to the above measures, we have an annual “back to 
the floor” programme where every member of the management 
team spends time working in our stores – we believe this provides 
us with a much greater level of understanding of our business and 
our colleagues’ needs.

 
 
 
 
 
26 

Plc 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

GOVERNANCE

Directors and Advisors

3 

4 

2 

6

5 

1

GOVERNANCE

Plc 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

27

1 Rt. Hon. MicHAel JAck
Privy councillor MP
non-executive chairman (aged 66)

In business Michael’s management experience 
came from P&G, Marks and Spencer’s and a part 
of Northern Foods. His career as an MP 
concluded in 2010 after 23 years during which 
he served as a Minister in four Departments 
including the Treasury, as a Financial Secretary. 
Additionally he chaired the EFRA Select 
Committee. Now he chairs the recently formed 
Office of Tax Simplification. He joined the Board 
of Topps Tiles in 1999.

2 MAttHeW WilliAMS
chief executive officer (aged 38)

Matt joined the Company in 1998 after 
completing his Chartered Surveyors exams and 
took up the role of Property Director. In 2004 he 
was promoted to Chief Operating Officer and on 
1 April 2006 joined the Plc Board. In 2007 he 
was promoted to Chief Executive Officer.

3 RoBeRt PARkeR
chief Financial officer (aged 40) 
company Secretary

Secretary of Audit Committee,

Chairman of Health and Safety Committee

Rob Joined Topps Tiles in 2007 as Finance 
Director. Rob’s previous role before joining the 
Group was Director of Finance & IT for Savers 
Health & Beauty Ltd. Prior to that Rob was with the 
Boots Group Plc for 10 years, ultimately as 
Director of Finance for Boots Retail International. 
He is responsible for all aspects of finance, 
human resources, property, IT, company legal and 
Group secretarial matters.

4 AlAn WHite
non-executive Director (aged 57)

5 clAiRe tiney
non-executive Director (aged 52)

6 AnDy king
non-executive Director (aged 51)

Chairman of Audit Committee,

Chairman of Remuneration Committee, 

Chairman of Nomination Committee, 

Member of Nomination Committee,

Member of Nomination Committee,

Member of Audit Committee,

Member of Remuneration Committee

Member of Audit Committee 

Member of Remuneration Committee 

Alan is the Chief Executive of N Brown Group 
plc, a role he was appointed to in 2002. 
He qualified as a chartered accountant with 
Arthur Andersen and has been Group Finance 
Director for Sharp Electronics (UK), N Brown 
Group plc and Littlewoods plc. He joined the 
Board of Topps Tiles in April 2008.

Claire runs her own business as an HR 
Consultant, Executive coach and facilitator, having 
spent 15 years as an Executive Director in a 
number of retail businesses including Mothercare 
and WH Smith. Most recently she was HR 
Director at McArthurGlen, the developer and 
owner of designer outlet villages throughout 
Europe. She has also been Non-Executive 
Director of Family Mosaic, since June 2010. 
Claire joined the Board of Topps Tiles in 
December 2011.

Andy is the Chief Executive of Notcutts Garden 
Centres Ltd., a post he has held since 2007. 
Prior to that he held Global Marketing Director 
roles at The Body Shop, Mothercare and 
WH Smith, having previously spent nine years at 
Boots The Chemists. Until December 2011 Andy 
was a Non-Executive Director at The Chartered 
Institute of Environmental Health. Andy joined the 
Board of Topps Tiles in January 2012.

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Advisors

Directors
The RT. Hon. J.M. Jack,  
Privy Counsellor 
Non-Executive Chairman

M.T.M. Williams 
Chief Executive Officer

R. Parker acma
Chief Financial Officer

A. White fca
Non-Executive Director

C. Tiney  
Non-Executive Director

A. King  
Non-Executive Director

Secretary
R. Parker acma

Registered number
3213782

Registered office
Thorpe Way 
Grove Park 
Enderby 
Leicestershire 
LE19 1SU

Auditor
Deloitte LLP
Manchester 
United Kingdom

Bankers
HSBC Bank Plc
56 Queen Street 
Cardiff 
CF10 2PX

Registrars
Capita IRG Plc
Bourne house 
34 Beckenham road 
Beckenham 
Kent 
BR3 4TU

Solicitors
Beachcroft LLP 
St. Ann’s House 
St. Ann Street 
Manchester

Sinclair Abson Smith Lawyers 
19 Market Place 
Stockport 
SK1 1HA

Brokers
Peel Hunt 
111 Old Broad Street 
London 
EC2N 1PH

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28 

Plc 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

GOVERNANCE

Directors’ Report

The Directors present their Annual Report on the affairs of the Group, together with the Financial Statements and Auditor’s Report, for the 
52 week period ended 29 September 2012. The Corporate Governance Statement set out on pages 32 to 33 forms part of this report.

Principal activity
The principal activity of the Group comprises the retail and wholesale distribution of ceramic tiles, wood flooring and related products.

Business Review
The Company, being the listed entity Topps Tiles Plc, is required by the Companies Act to set out in this report a fair review of the business 
of the Group during the financial period ended 29 September 2012 and of the position of the Group at the end of that financial period. 
The Company is also required to set out a description of the principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group.

The information that fulfils the requirements of the enhanced business review can be found within the Chairman’s statement on page 5, 
the CEO’s statement on page 7, strategy summary on page 4, the Business Review on pages 12 to 19 and the Corporate and Social 
Responsibility statement on pages 22 to 25, which are incorporated in this report by reference.

The future prospects of the Group are highlighted in both the Chairman’s and CEO’s statement and also in the going concern section 
of the Business Review.

The Directors monitor a number of financial and non-financial key performance indicators (KPIs) for the Group and by store and these are  
detailed on pages 13 and 14.

Results and dividends
The audited Financial Statements for the 52 week period ended 29 September 2012 are set out on pages 40 to 75. The Group’s profit 
for the period from continuing operations, after taxation, was £9,769,000 (2011: £5,714,000).

During the interim period a dividend of 0.5p per share was declared and paid (2011: interim dividend of 0.5p per share was paid).

Following careful consideration, and for the reasons given in the Chairman’s statement of this report, the Board is recommending the 
payment of a final dividend of 0.75p per share, totalling £1,439,000 (2011: 0.6p per share, totalling £1,130,000). 

Directors
The Directors of the Company, who served throughout the year and thereafter, except as noted, were as follows:

J.M. Jack 
M.T.M. Williams 
R. Parker 
N. Ounstead 
A. White  
C. Tiney 
A. King 

Non-Executive Chairman
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Financial Officer
Marketing Director (resigned 25 April 2012)
Senior Independent Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director (appointed on 12 December 2011)
Non-Executive Director (appointed on 23 January 2012)

In line with the updated Code on Corporate Governance all Directors will be subject to annual re-election from the next Annual General 
Meeting.

The Company provides insurance against Directors’ and Officers’ liabilities to a maximum value of £7,500,000.

The Directors’ interests in the shares of the Company are set out on page 38.

Details of directors’ share options are provided in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on page 37.

Share capital
Details of the Company’s authorised and issued share capital, together with details of the movements in the Company’s issued share capital 
during the period, are shown in note 22 to the Financial Statements.

The Company has one class of ordinary shares in issue, which carry no right to fixed income. Each share carries the right to one vote at 
general meetings of the Company.

There are no specific restrictions on the size of a holding nor on the transfer of shares, which are both governed by the general provisions 
of the Articles of Association and prevailing legislation. The Directors are not aware of any agreements between holders of the Company’s 
shares that may result in restrictions on the transfer of securities or on voting rights.

No person has any special rights of control over the Company’s share capital and all issued shares are fully paid.

Plc 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

29

GOVERNANCE

change of control – Significant Agreements
The Group is party to significant agreements, including commercial contracts, financial and property agreements and employees’ share 
plans, which contain certain termination and other rights for the counterparties upon a change of control of the Company. Should the 
counterparties choose to exercise their rights under the agreements on a change of control such arrangements would need to be 
renegotiated. None of these are considered to be significant in terms of the likely impact on the business of the Group as a whole. 
There are no agreements between any Group company and any of its employees or any Director of the Company which provides for 
compensation to be paid to the employee or Director for termination of employment or for loss of office as a consequence of a takeover 
of the Company, other than provisions that would apply on any termination of employment.

Supplier payment policy
The Group’s policy is to negotiate terms of payment with suppliers when agreeing the terms of each transaction, ensuring that suppliers 
are made aware of the terms of payment and that both parties abide by those terms.

The effect of the Group’s negotiated payment policy is that trade payables at the period end represented 43 days purchases 
(2011: 38 days). Trade payables days is calculated by dividing the trade and other payables by the aggregate of cost of sales and 
relevant non inventory expenditure, multiplied by 365.

charitable and political contributions
During the period the Group made no charitable donations (2011: £nil). The Group made no political contributions (2011: £nil).

Substantial shareholdings
In addition to the Directors’ shareholdings noted on page 38, on 16 November 2012 the Company had been notified, in accordance 
with Chapter 5 of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, of the following interests in 3% or more of its issued share capital.

B.F.J. Bester
Williams S K M Esq
Aberforth
AXA Investment Managers SA
Aviva plc
Cazenove Capital Management
Blackrock Inc
River & Mercantile Asset Management
Ernstrom Finans AB

Number

22,956,790
20,593,950
18,770,168
15,101,888
11,591,935
9,707,314
9,781,179
9,169,994
8,824,477

% held

12.0%
10.7%
9.8%
7.9%
6.0%
5.1%
5.1%
4.8%
4.6%

equal opportunities
At Topps Tiles we are committed to equal opportunities and ensure that we hire on potential, promote on talent and reward on success. 

We aim to promote equality of opportunity in employment regardless of age, gender, colour, ethnic or national origin, culture, religion 
or other philosophical belief, disability, marital or civil partnership status, political affiliation, sexual identity or sexual orientation.

employee consultation
The Group places considerable value on communication with and involvement of employees and has continued to keep all employees 
informed on matters affecting them and on the various factors affecting the performance of the Group. This is achieved through formal and 
informal meetings, electronic announcements and the Company magazine. Regular forums have been established to ensure that employee 
representatives are consulted on a wide range of matters affecting their current and future interests. All employees are also asked to 
complete a confidential annual opinion survey to ascertain their views on working for the Group and to identify any actions that can be 
taken to improve employee satisfaction and engagement.

Financial risk management, objectives and policies
The Group is exposed to certain financial risks, namely interest rate risk, currency risk and credit risk. Information regarding such financial 
risks is detailed in notes 16,17,18,19 and 20. The Group’s risk management policies and procedures are also discussed in the Business 
Review on pages 12 to 19.

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30 

Plc 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

GOVERNANCE

Directors’ Report continued

Share option schemes
The Directors recognise the importance of motivating employees and believe that one of the most effective incentives is increased employee 
participation in the Company through share ownership.

This has been achieved through the introduction of a number of employee sharesave, share bonus, approved and unapproved share 
option schemes, since the flotation in 1997.

The total number of options held by employees, including Directors, is 1,972,894 (2011: 6,229,563). 

During the year the Company has not offered any new employee share purchase plans however the Company plans to reintroduce an 
annual all employee sharesave scheme from 2013 onwards.

Details of Directors’ share options are provided in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on page 37.

information given to the auditor
Each of the Directors at the date of approval of this annual report confirms that:
 a So far as the Director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company’s auditor is unaware; and
 a The Director has taken all the steps that he ought to have taken as a Director in order to make himself or herself aware of any relevant 

audit information and to establish that the Company’s auditor is aware of that information.

This confirmation is given and should be interpreted in accordance with the provisions of s418 of the Companies Act 2006.

Auditor
A resolution to re-appoint Deloitte LLP as the Company’s auditor will be proposed at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

Directors’ Responsibilities statement
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report, Directors Remuneration 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 are required 
to prepare the Group Financial Statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the 
European Union and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation and have elected to prepare the parent Company Financial Statements in accordance 
with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under 
company law the Directors must not approve the accounts unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs 
of the Company and of the profit or loss of the Company for that period. 

In preparing the parent Company Financial Statements, the Directors are required to:
 a select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
 a make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
 a state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained 

in the Financial Statements; and

 a prepare the Financial Statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will continue 

in business.

In preparing the Group Financial Statements, International Accounting Standard 1 requires that Directors:
 a properly select and apply accounting policies;
 a present information, including accounting policies, in a manner that provides relevant, reliable, comparable and understandable 

information; 

 a provide additional disclosures when compliance with the specific requirements in IFRSs are insufficient to enable users to understand the 

impact of particular transactions, other events and conditions on the entity’s financial position and financial performance; and

 a make an assessment of the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

Plc 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

31

GOVERNANCE

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 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.

Responsibility statement 
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:
 a the Financial Statements, prepared in accordance with the relevant financial reporting framework, give a true and fair view of the assets, 
liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole; and
 a the management report, which is incorporated into the Directors’ Report, includes a fair review of the development and performance of 
the business and the position of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with a 
description of the principal risks and uncertainties that they face.

By order of the Board

R. Parker,
Director and Company Secretary
26 November 2012

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32 

Plc 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

GOVERNANCE

Corporate Governance Statement

Rt. Hon. Michael Jack (Chairman of the Board)

Dear shareholder, 

The Company is committed to the principles of corporate governance contained in the 2010 UK Corporate Governance Code issued by 
the Financial Reporting Council (“the Code”) for which the Board is accountable to shareholders. 

Statement of compliance with the code 
The Company has complied throughout the period with the Provisions of the Code except for provision B.6.1 and B.6.2, as the Board 
does not currently undertake formal appraisal of its own performance and that of its committees on the basis that it considers an informal 
rolling programme of review appropriate. 

The Company complies with all other provisions of the Code. During 2012 the Board has been strengthened with the addition of two new 
independent Non-Executive Directors.

The Board of Directors comprises six members, of which four are considered independent including the Company’s Non-Executive 
Chairman, RT. Hon. Michael Jack. The Senior Independent Non-Executive Director is Alan White, who also chairs the Audit Committee. 
Brief biographical details of all Directors are given on pages 26 and 27. The Board meets at least ten times a year. Certain defined issues 
are reserved for the Board including approval of Financial Statements and circulars, annual budgets, strategy, Directors’ appointments, 
internal control and risk management, corporate governance, key external and internal appointments and pensions and employee 
incentives.

In advance of Board Meetings Directors are supplied with up to date information about trading performance, the Group’s overall financial 
position and its achievement against prior year, budgets and forecasts. 

Where required, a Director may seek independent professional advice at the expense of the Company. All Directors have access to the 
Company Secretary and they may also address specific issues to the Senior Independent Non-Executive Director. 

In line with the updated UK Corporate Governance Code all Directors are subject to annual re-election. Directors are elected at the first 
AGM after appointment. All Non-Executive Directors have written letters of appointment. 

The Board considers that the Rt. Hon. Michael Jack, Alan White, Claire Tiney and Andy King are independent for the purposes of the 
Code. The terms and conditions for the appointment of Non-Executive Directors are available for inspection on request.

The Board acknowledges the Code’s position with respect to the potential loss of independence for any Non-Executive Director who has 
served for nine years or more. Although the Rt. Hon. Michael Jack has exceeded this term the Board regards him to be independent and 
considers his broad based commercial experience and extensive business specific knowledge to be extremely beneficial. 

The Board will review the independence of Non-Executive Directors on an ongoing basis.

The Board operates three committees. These are the Nomination Committee, the Remuneration Committee and the Audit Committee. 
All of these committees meet regularly and have formal written terms of reference which are available for inspection on request.

Attendance at Board/committee meetings
The following table shows the number of Board and Committee meetings held during the 52 week period ended 29 September 2012 
and the attendance record of the individual Directors.

Number of meetings
J.M. Jack
M.T.M. Williams
N.D. Ounstead (resigned 25 April 2012)
R. Parker
A. White
C. Tiney (appointed 12 December 2011)
A. King (appointed 23 January 2012)

Board
of Directors

Audit
Committee

Remuneration
Committee

Nomination
Committee

11
11
11
7
11
11
9
7

2
2
2
1
2
2
1
1

5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
5
5
5

2
N/A
N/A
N/A 
N/A
2
2
2

Statement about applying the principles of the code
The Company has applied the principles of the UK Corporate Governance Code as reported above. Further explanation of how the 
principles of the Code have been applied in connection with Directors’ remuneration is set out in the Remuneration Report.

Plc 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

33

GOVERNANCE

Audit committee
The Audit Committee consists of the Non-Executive Directors. The Chairman is Alan White and the other members are Claire Tiney and 
Andy King. The qualifications of the Audit Committee members are detailed on page 27.

The Audit Committee considers the nature and scope of the audit process (both internal and external) and its effectiveness. The Committee 
reviews and approves the internal audit programme, meets with the external auditor and considers the Annual and Interim Financial 
Statements before submission to the Board. The Committee reviews the arrangements by which staff may, in confidence, raise concerns 
about possible improprieties in matters of financial reporting or other matters. The Committee is responsible for the review of the Company’s 
key strategic risks and this process is performed by the Committee Chairman in conjunction with a number of senior operational managers. 
The Committee also reviews the Group’s system of internal control and reports its findings twice a year to the Board. The Committee meets 
with the external auditor and the rest of the Board attend at the invitation of the Audit Committee Chairman.

Part of the role of the Audit Committee is to review the independence of the Company’s auditor. The Company’s external auditor, Deloitte LLP 
(“Deloitte”), has provided non-audit services to the Company in the form of tax advice. The Audit Committee is satisfied that Deloitte LLP has 
adequate policies and safeguards in place to ensure that auditor objectivity and independence is maintained. The Audit Committee is 
aware that providing audit and non-audit advice could lead to a potential conflict of interest. The level of fees paid to Deloitte LLP for 
non-audit services has been considered by the Audit Committee and is not perceived to be in conflict with auditor independence. In order 
to ensure the continued independence and objectivity of the external auditor, there is an established policy regarding the provision of 
non-audit services. The Audit Committee has concluded that the auditor, Deloitte, is independent.

Deloitte has been auditor for the Group since September 2003. The current audit partner’s first period of signing partner was the financial 
period ending 1 October 2011. The Audit Committee considers the work of Deloitte and their independence in deciding whether an audit 
tender is required and, at this point in time, is satisfied by the work of Deloitte and their independence, and so has proposed their 
re-appointment.

nomination committee
The Nomination Committee is chaired by Andy King. The other members are Alan White and Claire Tiney. The formal terms of reference 
for this Committee require it to make recommendations to the Board for appointments of Directors and other senior executive staff. 

Appointments to the Board are made on merit, against objective criteria, taking into account the skills and experience required. Where 
appropriate, external search consultants are enlisted.

Dialogue with institutional shareholders
The Directors seek to build on a mutual understanding of objectives between the Company and its institutional shareholders by making 
annual presentations and communicating regularly throughout the year. The Company also posts financial information on its website www.
toppstiles.co.uk.

Maintenance of a sound system of internal control
The Board has applied Principle C.2 of the Code by establishing a continuous process for identifying, evaluating and managing the 
significant risks the Group faces. The Board regularly reviews the process, which has been put in place from the start of the period to the 
date of the approval of this report and which is in accordance with the revised guidance on internal control published in October 2005 
(The Turnbull Guidance). The Board is responsible for the Group’s system of internal control and for reviewing its effectiveness. Such a 
system is designed to manage rather than eliminate the risk of failure to achieve business objectives and can only provide reasonable and 
not absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss. A summary of the key risks and uncertainties are detailed in the Business 
Review section of this report.

In compliance with Provision C.2.1 of the Code, the Board continuously reviews the effectiveness of the Group’s system of internal control. 
The Board’s monitoring covers all controls, including financial, operational and compliance controls and risk management. It is based 
principally on reviewing reports from management to consider whether significant risks are identified, evaluated, managed and controlled 
and whether any significant weaknesses are promptly remedied and indicate a need for more extensive monitoring. The Board has also 
performed a specific assessment for the purposes of this Annual Report. This assessment considers all significant aspects of internal control 
arising during the period covered by the report including the work of Internal Audit. The Audit Committee assists the Board in discharging 
its review responsibilities.

During the course of its review of the system of internal control, the Board has not identified nor been advised of any failings or weaknesses 
which it has determined to be significant. Therefore a confirmation in respect of necessary actions has not been considered necessary.

Rt. Hon. Michael Jack,
Chairman of the Board
26 November 2012

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Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

GOVERNANCE

Remuneration Report

introduction
This report has been prepared in accordance with Schedule 8 of the Accounting Regulations under the Companies Act 2006. The report 
also meets the relevant requirements of the Listing Rules of the Financial Services Authority and describes how the Board has applied the 
principles relating to the Directors’ remuneration in the Code. As required by the Act, a resolution to approve the report will be proposed 
at the Annual General Meeting of the Company at which the Financial Statements will be approved.

The Act requires the auditor to report to the Company’s members on certain parts of the Directors’ Remuneration Report and to state whether 
in their opinion those parts of the report have been properly prepared in accordance with the Accounting Regulations. The report has 
therefore been divided into separate sections for the audited and unaudited information.

UnAUDiteD inFoRMAtion

Remuneration committee
The Company has a Remuneration Committee (“the Committee”), which is constituted in accordance with the recommendations of the 
Code. The members of the Committee are Claire Tiney, Alan White and Andy King. The Committee is chaired by Claire Tiney and has 
met five times during the financial period to discuss the remuneration of the senior management team and the Non-Executive Directors. 
None of the Committee has any personal financial interest (other than as shareholders), conflicts of interest arising from cross-directorships 
or day-to-day involvement in running the business. The Committee makes recommendations to the Board on the individual remuneration 
packages of each Executive Director. No Director plays a part in any discussion about his own remuneration. The terms of reference for 
the Committee are available on written request from the Company Secretary.

The Committee has engaged the services of Deloitte to conduct a review of remuneration and assist in proposals for a new management 
incentive plan. Deloitte’s appointment was subject to a competitive tendering process.

During the financial period the main areas reviewed by the Committee have been the executive annual pay award, non-executive fees, 
chairman remuneration, board sub-committee fees and executive salary benchmarking.

Remuneration policy
Executive remuneration packages are prudently designed to attract, motivate and retain Directors of the high calibre needed to maintain 
the Group’s position as a market leader and to reward them for enhancing value to shareholders. The performance measurement of the 
Executive Directors and key members of senior management and the determination of their annual remuneration package are 
undertaken by the Committee. The remuneration of the Non-Executive Directors is determined by the Board within limits set out in the 
Articles of Association.

There are four main elements of the remuneration package for Executive Directors:
 a basic annual salary and benefits;
 a annual cash based bonus payments; 
 a deferred share-based long-term incentives; and
 a pension arrangements.

Basic salary
An Executive Director’s basic salary is reviewed and determined by the Committee prior to the beginning of each financial period and 
when an individual changes position or responsibility. In deciding appropriate levels, the Committee considers the Group as a whole, 
including levels of increases appropriate to other employees in the Group, and relies on objective research which gives up-to-date 
information on a comparator group of companies. In line with the general pay award for all staff, basic salaries were reviewed in June 
2012 and were increased by 2%, effective from that date, in consideration of general inflation. In addition the Chief Financial Officer 
received an additional 3% to reflect additional responsibilities. Executive Directors’ contracts of service, which include details of 
remuneration, will be available for inspection at the Annual General Meeting. Executive Directors’ pay and the employment conditions 
of the Group are taken into account when determining the Directors’ remuneration for the financial period. In addition to basic salary, 
the Executive Directors receive certain benefits-in-kind, principally a car and private medical insurance.

Annual bonus payments
A discretionary annual cash bonus scheme represents the short-term incentive element of the overall remuneration package for Mr. Williams 
and Mr. Parker. The Committee establishes the objectives that must be met in the financial period if a cash bonus is to be paid. 
The maximum bonus achievable in the period was 125% of basic salary based on the Group out-performing the budgeted EBITDA target. 
For the period ending 29 September 2012 an award of approximately 44% of salary has been made. As set out below, a proportion 
of the annual bonus will be deferred under the deferred bonus long-term incentive plan. 

Plc 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

35

GOVERNANCE

Deferred bonus long-term incentive plan
Under this long-term incentive plan 25% of the annual bonus earned (net of tax) is deferred in the form of shares for a two year period, 
with a one for one matching share award (on a gross basis) that vests at the end of two years subject to the achievement of performance 
conditions relating to continuing employment within the business and EBITDA earnings growth in line with RPI measured over the two year 
deferral period. 

Proposed changes to the management incentive plans
During the year, the Committee carried out a comprehensive review of the existing structure of the management incentive plans and as 
a result, beginning with the 2012/13 financial year, we are proposing to make the following changes which are subject to shareholder 
approval at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting in January 2013:
 a the introduction of a long-term share-based award under the proposed new Topps Tiles 2013 Long-term Incentive Plan which, in 

conjunction with the proposed reduction in the maximum level of annual bonus from 125% of basic salary to 75% of basic salary and the 
removal of the current two year share matching provisions, will achieve a longer-term focus on performance.

 a simplification of the management incentive plans by removing the deferred and matching share elements.
 a a requirement of more stretching performance targets measured over a three year period to replace the current arrangements which give 

a one for one match on deferred shares subject to EBITDA growth in line with RPI over a two year deferral period; and

 a the introduction of share ownership guidelines for Executive Directors requiring them to build up a shareholding equivalent to their basic 

salary.

It is proposed that the annual bonus will be based on a mixture of Company performance and upon achievement of strategic objectives 
– specifically delivering the growth drivers of the plan.

Under the proposed Topps Tiles 2013 Long-term Incentive Plan:
 a participants will be granted an award over whole shares. For Executive Directors, it is proposed that the face value of the award will be 

up to a maximum of 100% of salary. The Committee believes that this level of award is competitive against the market and when 
considered in the context of our total remuneration package this does not significantly increase the overall quantum of the package.

 a It is proposed that awards will be subject to the achievement of stretching cumulative adjusted Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) targets measured 
over a three year performance period. The Committee believes this to be an appropriate and transparent measure for judging the success 
of our growth strategy. To ensure that the EPS performance will also deliver shareholder value, before any vesting can occur, the 
Committee must be satisfied that this is justified. The Committee considered the environment, external forecasts and other relevant factors 
(including anticipated growth rates in our major markets) when setting the EPS targets.

Further details of the principal terms of the Topps Tiles 2013 Long-term Incentive Plan are included in the documents for the AGM.

Overall these changes are designed to provide better alignment with our business strategy, our commitment towards generating long-term 
value and with shareholders’ interests. In line with corporate governance best practice shareholders with greater than 2% ownership of the 
Company have been consulted in advance of these proposals and offered an opportunity to provide feedback.

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Pension arrangements
This has been an area of review for the business as a whole as we prepare for auto enrolment in 2013. The level of employer contribution 
being made to the Company defined contribution scheme for Executive Directors is on a sliding scale up to 10% of salary per annum on 
a 2:1 basis – providing the employee is also contributing to the scheme. We recognise that at this level it is towards the lower end of the 
competitive market and would aim to improve this over time as we are committed to employees saving towards retirement. For the 
management team below Executive Directors the maximum Company contribution is 8% per annum.

Mr. Williams, Mr. Ounstead and Mr. Parker received contributions into their own personal pension schemes as disclosed in the table on 
page 37.

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36 

Plc 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

GOVERNANCE

Remuneration Report continued

DiRectoRS’ contRActS

executive Directors
It is the Company’s policy that Executive Directors are offered permanent contracts of employment with a 12 month notice period. Under 
an event of contract termination any severance payment would be subject to negotiation but would be with regard to length of service and 
the prevailing notice period.

non-executive Directors
Non-Executive Directors have specific terms of engagement and their remuneration is determined by the Board within the limits set by the 
Articles of Association and based on independent surveys of fees paid to Non-Executive Directors of similar companies. The basic fee paid 
to each Non-Executive Director in the period was £35,000 (2011: £34,000). In addition to the basic fee there is an additional 
allowance paid to the Senior Independent Non-Executive Director of £6,000 (2011: £3,026). With respect to the sub-committees of the 
Board there is a fee paid for the additional role of Sub-Committee Chair of £5,000 (2011: £3,000). No additional fees are payable for 
members of each sub-committee (2011: £2,000) and each Non-Executive Director may only be paid one additional fee. It is the 
Company’s policy that Non-Executive Directors should have contracts with an indefinite term providing for a maximum of six months notice. 
Independent Non-Executive Directors cannot participate in any of the Company’s share option schemes and are not eligible to join the 
Company’s pension scheme.

The role of Chairman is also non-executive, with an indefinite term contract and a maximum six months’ notice. The Rt. Hon. Michael Jack 
served as Chairman throughout the period and has received total remuneration of £100,000 (2011: £66,000).

The details of the Non-Executive Directors’ contracts are summarised in the table below:

Name of Director

J.M. Jack
A. White
C. Tiney
A. King

Date of contract or letter of appointment

Unexpired term

Notice period

26 January 1999
1 April 2008
12 December 2011
23 January 2012

N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A

6 months
6 months
6 months
6 months

Performance graph
The following graph shows the Company’s performance, measured by total shareholder return (“TSR”), compared with the performance of 
the FTSE 250 Index also measured by TSR. The index chosen for the comparison demonstrates the Group’s TSR in comparison to the 
average for FTSE 250 companies.

The FTSE 250 index is considered a relevant comparator for the business.

Total Shareholder Return Charting %

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0
Oct-07

Topps Tiles Plc

FTSE 250

Oct-08

Oct-09

Oct-10

Oct-11

Oct-12

Plc 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

37

GOVERNANCE

AUDiteD inFoRMAtion

Aggregate Directors’ remuneration
The total amounts for Directors’ remuneration were as follows: 

Emoluments
Money purchase pension contributions
Share-based payments 
Amounts receivable under long-term incentive schemes

Directors’ emoluments

2012
£’000

1,391
46
65
–
1,502

Name of Director

M.T.M. Williams 
N.D. Ounstead  
(resigned 25 April 2012) 
R. Parker 
Non‑Executive Directors
J.M. Jack
A. White 
C. Tiney** 
A. King** 
B.F.J. Bester (resigned 17 May 2011) 

Basic 
salary
£’000

Vehicle 
allowance
£’000

Benefits 
in kind
£’000

Money 
purchase 
pension 
contributions
£’000

Share‑  
based 
payments
£’000

370

 336
214

100
41
31
27
–
 1,119

25

30
21

–
–
–
–
–
76 

1

1
1

–
–
–
–
–
3 

20

13
13

–
–
–
–
–
46 

41

–
24

–
–
–
–
–
65

Bonus
£’000

123

–
72

–
–
–
–
–
195 

2012
£’000

579

380*
344

100
41
31
27
–
 1,502

2011
£’000

1,013
23
–
66
1,102

2011
£’000

384

243
236

66
42
–
–
131
1,102

* Includes payment of £240,000 for notice period plus the amount earned prior to resignation.

** Due to being appointed during the financial period these payments are not reflective of annualised costs moving forwards. Full details of fees payable to Non-Executive 
Directors are included above.

Directors’ share options
Share options held by the Directors relate to the 2009 and 2011 Save As You Earn schemes, which was eligible to all employees. 
Mr. Williams and Mr. Ounstead exercised the options on the 2009 Save As You Earn scheme during the period.

Name of Director

Scheme

R. Parker

M. Williams

Save As You Earn April 2009
Save As You Earn April 2011
Save As You Earn April 2011

1 Oct 
2011

44,727
5,625
5,625

Acquired

29 Sep 
2012 

Exercise
price

Date from 
which 
exercisable

Expiry
date

–
–
–

44,727
5,625
5,625

£0.165 1 Apr ‘14 1 Oct ‘14
£0.64 1 Apr ‘14 1 Oct ‘14
£0.64 1 Apr ‘14 1 Oct ‘14

There were no outstanding share options held by Directors departing during the period.

The market price of the ordinary shares at 28 September 2012 was 46.0p and the range during the period was 21.5p to 51.75p.

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38 

Plc 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

GOVERNANCE

Remuneration Report continued

Directors’ interests
The Directors had the following interest in the shares of the Company at the period end (all interests relate solely to ordinary shares).

M.T.M. Williams
R. Parker
J.M. Jack
A. White
C. Tiney
A. King

2012 
No. of 
ordinary 
shares of 
3.33p each 

630,145
117,385
74,250
41,499
15,480
–

2012 
Holding as % 
of basic salary

69.9%
24.1%
–
–
–
–

2011 
No. of 
ordinary 
shares of 
3.33p each 

567,000
72,500
74,250
41,499
–
–

2011 
Holding as % 
of basic salary

52.7%
11.8%
–
–
–
–

Holding as % of basic salary is calculated using the closing share price of 46p (2011: 34p).

Approval
This report was approved by the Board of Directors on 26 November 2012 and signed on its behalf by:

Claire Tiney,
Chair of Remuneration Committee

Plc 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

39

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor’s Report to the members of Topps Tiles Plc

We have audited the group financial statements of Topps Tiles Plc for the 52 week period ended 29 September 2012 which comprise the 
consolidated statement of financial performance, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated statement of 
financial position, the consolidated statement of changes in equity, the consolidated cash flow statement and the related notes 1 to 31. The 
financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union.

This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with chapter 3 of part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. 
Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an 
auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other 
than the company and the company’s members as a body for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditor
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities statement, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the group financial 
statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the group 
financial statements in accordance with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require 
us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.

Scope of the audit of the financial statements
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give reasonable assurance that the 
financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This includes an assessment of: whether the accounting 
policies are appropriate to the group’s circumstances and have been consistently applied and adequately disclosed; the reasonableness of 
significant accounting estimates made by the directors; and the overall presentation of the financial statements.

In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information in the annual report to identify material inconsistencies with the audited financial 
statements. If we become aware of any apparent material misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report.

opinion on financial statements
In our opinion the group financial statements:
 a give a true and fair view of the state of the group’s affairs as at 29 September 2012 and of its profit for the 52 week period then ended;
 a have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union; and
 a have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

Separate opinion in relation to iFRSs as issued by the iASB
As explained in note 2 to the group financial statements, the group in addition to complying with its legal obligation to apply IFRSs as 
adopted by the European Union, has also applied IFRSs as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).

In our opinion the group financial statements comply with IFRSs as issued by the IASB.

opinion on other matter prescribed by the companies Act 2006
In our opinion the information given in the Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is 
consistent with the group financial statements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following:

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:
 a certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or
 a we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Under the Listing Rules we are required to review:
 a the directors’ statement contained within the Business Review in relation to going concern; and
 a the part of the Corporate Governance Statement relating to the company’s compliance with the nine provisions of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code specified for our review certain elements of the report to shareholders by the Board on Directors’ remuneration.

other matter
We have reported separately on the parent company financial statements of Topps Tiles Plc for the period ended 29 September 2012 
and on the information in the Directors’ Remuneration Report that is described as having been audited.

Timothy Edge (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Deloitte LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor Manchester, United Kingdom 26 November 2012

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40 

Plc 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated Statement of Financial Performance
For the 52 weeks ended 29 September 2012

Group revenue – continuing operations

Cost of sales

Gross profit 

Employee profit sharing

Distribution and selling costs

Other operating expenses

Administrative costs

Sales and marketing costs

Group operating profit before exceptional items

Impairment of plant, property and equipment

Write off of display inventories

Property related provisions

Group operating profit

Other gains 

Investment revenue

Finance costs

Fair value (loss) on interest rate derivatives

Profit before taxation

Taxation 

Profit for the period attributable to equity holders of the Company

Earnings per ordinary share

From continuing operations

 – basic

 – diluted

52 weeks 
ended
29 September
2012 
£’000

Notes

52 weeks 
ended
1 October
2011 
£’000

3

177,693

175,525

(71,144)

106,549

(6,023)

(67,618)

(4,755)

(7,231)

(5,460)

15,462

 –

 –

–

(70,904)

104,621

(6,638)

(65,883)

(6,393)

(6,624)

(5,103)

18,174

(1,051)

(1,281)

(1,862)

15,462

13,980

1,624

152

(4,108)

(637)

12,493

(2,724)

9,769

–

356

(4,798)

(1,630)

7,908

(2,194)

5,714

5.14p

5.09p

3.04p

2.97p

5

5

5

8

9

9

9

6

10

28

12

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the 52 weeks ended 29 September 2012

Profit for the period

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

52 weeks 
ended
29 September
2012 
£’000

9,769

52 weeks 
ended
1 October
2011 
£’000

5,714

9,769

5,714

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
As at 29 September 2012

Non-current assets

Goodwill

Property, plant and equipment

Deferred tax asset

Current assets

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Current tax liabilities

Provisions

Net current assets

Non-current liabilities

Bank loans

Derivative financial instruments

Provisions

Total liabilities

Net liabilities

Equity

Share capital

Share premium

Own shares

Merger reserve

Share-based payment reserve

Capital redemption reserve

Retained earnings

Total deficit attributable to equity holders of the parent

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

Plc 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

41

52 weeks 
ended
29 September
2012 
£’000

Notes

52 weeks*
ended
1 October
2011 
£’000

13

14

21

16

17

18

21

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

245

35,016

139

35,400

25,917

7,085

14,442

47,444

82,844

245

37,221

595

38,061

23,800

7,261

9,088

40,149

78,210

(26,099)

(24,105)

(5,809)

(820)

(5,537)

(1,075)

(32,728)

(30,717)

14,716

9,432

(59,555)

(6,107)

(1,802)

(59,289)

(12,186)

(1,480)

(100,192)

(103,672)

(17,348)

(25,462)

6,395

1,481

(4)

(399)

566

20,359

(45,746)

(17,348)

6,279

1,022

(4)

(399)

543

20,359

(53,262)

(25,462)

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* The prior period balance sheet has been represented in order that the classification of financial instruments better reflect the requirements of IAS 1. See note 20 for 

further detail. 

The financial statements of Topps Tiles Plc, registered number 3213782, on pages 40 to 69 were approved by the Board of Directors 
and authorised for issue on 26 November 2012. They were signed on its behalf by:

M.T.M. Williams,  
Director 

R. Parker,
Director

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42 

Plc 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
For the 52 weeks ended 29 September 2012

Balance at 2 October 2010
Profit and total comprehensive 
income for the period

Issue of share capital

Dividends

Own shares purchased in the period
Credit to equity for equity-settled 
share-based payments
Deferred tax on share-based 
payment transactions

Balance at 1 October 2011
Profit and total comprehensive 
income for the period

Issue of share capital

Dividends
Credit to equity for equity-settled 
share-based payments
Deferred tax on share-based 
payment transactions

Share
capital
£’000

6,273

Share 
premium
£’000

1,001 

–

6

 –

 –

 –

 –

–

21

 –

 –

 –

 –

6,279

1,022

 –

116

 –

 –

 –

 –

459

 –

 –

 –

Balance at 29 September 2012

6,395

1,481

Own 
shares
£’000

Merger
reserve
£’000

Share- 
based 
payment
reserve
£’000

Capital 
redemption
reserve
£’000

Retained 
earnings
£’000

Total 
equity
£’000

–

–

–

 –

(4)

 –

 –

(4)

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

(4)

(399)

367

20,359 

(56,131)

(28,530)

–

–

 –

 –

 –

 –

–

–

 –

 –

176

 –

–

–

 –

 –

 –

 –

5,714

5,714

–

27

(2,817)

(2,817)

 –

 –

(4)

176

(28)

(28)

(399)

543

20,359

(53,262)

(25,462)

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

23

 –

9,769

 –

9,769

575

(2,087)

(2,087)

–

23

(166)

(166)

 –

 –

 –

 –

(399)

566 20,359 (45,746) (17,348)

Plc 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

43

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
For the 52 weeks ended 29 September 2012

Cash flow from operating activities

Profit for the period

Taxation

Fair value loss on interest rate derivatives

Finance costs

Investment revenue

Other gains 

Group operating profit

Adjustments for:

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

Impairment of property, plant and equipment

Property related provisions

Write off of display inventories

Share option charge

Decrease in trade and other receivables

Increase in inventories

Increase/(decrease) in payables

Cash generated by operations

Interest paid

Taxation paid

Net cash from operating activities

Investing activities

Interest received

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment

Net cash used in investment activities

Financing activities

Dividends paid

Proceeds from issue of share capital

New loans

Partial settlement of interest rate hedge

Loan issue costs

Repayment of bank loans

Net cash used in financing activities

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

52 weeks 
ended
29 September
2012 
£’000

Note

52 weeks 
ended
1 October
2011 
£’000

9,769

2,724

637

4,108

(152)

(1,624)

15,462

3,988

525

 –

 –

23

62

(2,117)

1,782

19,725

(3,145)

(2,161)

14,419

5,714

2,194

1,630

4,798

(356)

–

13,980

4,128

1,051

1,862

1,281

176

337

(207)

(1,888)

20,720

(4,795)

(3,883)

12,042

266

616

(6,522)

(10,535)

5,419

(837)

5

(9,914)

(2,087)

(2,817)

575

 –

(6,716)

 –

 –

(8,228)

5,354

9,088

14,442

23

60,000

 –

(1,125)

(91,000)

(34,919)

(32,791)

41,879

9,088

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44 

Plc 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Financial Statements 
For the 52 weeks ended 29 September 2012

1 General information

Topps Tiles Plc is a company incorporated in the United Kingdom under the Companies Act 2006. The address of the registered office 
is given on page 27. The nature of the Group’s operations and its principal activity are set out in the Directors’ Report on page 28.

These financial statements are presented in pounds sterling because that is the currency of the primary economic environment in which 
the Group operates. Foreign operations are included in accordance with the policies set out in note 20.

adoption of new and revised standards
In the current period, the following new and revised standards and interpretations have been adopted and may affect the future amounts 
reported in the financial statements.

Amendment to IFRS 1 Limited Exemption from Comparative IFRS 7 Disclosures for First-time Adopters. The amendment provides a limited 
exemption for first-time adopters from providing comparative fair-value hierarchy disclosures under IFRS 7.

IAS 24 (2009) Related Party Disclosures. The revised Standard has a new, clearer definition of a related party, with inconsistencies 
under the previous definition having been removed.

Improvements to IFRSs 2010. Aside from those items already identified above, the amendments made to standards under the 2010 
improvements to IFRSs have had no impact on the Group.

At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, the following Standards and Interpretations which have not been applied in 
these financial statements were in issue but not yet effective (and in some cases had not yet been adopted by the EU):

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments. IFRS 9 will impact both the measurement and disclosures of Financial Instruments.

FRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements.

IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement IFRS 13 will impact the measurement of fair value for certain assets and liabilities as well as the 
associated disclosures.

IAS 1 (amended) Presentation of Items of Other Comprehensive Income.

IAS 27 (revised) Separate Financial Statements.

The Directors anticipate that the adoption of these standards and interpretations in future periods will have no material impact on the 
financial statements of the Group. 

2 accountinG policies

a) Basis of accounting
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards “IFRSs”. The financial 
statements have also been prepared in accordance with IFRSs adopted by the European Union and therefore the Group financial 
statements comply with Article 4 of the EU IAS regulation. The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, 
except for the revaluation of derivative financial instruments. Historical cost is generally based on the fair value of the consideration 
given in exchange for the assets.

b) Going concern
Based on a detailed review of the risks and uncertainties discussed within the Business Review, and management’s current expectations 
the Board believes that the Group will continue to meet all of its financial commitments as they fall due and will be able to continue as 
a going concern. 

The current economic climate creates a degree of uncertainty in the outlook which, when combined with the financial covenants 
included in our loan facilities, has led the Board to conduct a detailed review of a number of different trading scenarios as well as 
possible mitigating actions, should they be required. 

Based on this analysis the Board has concluded that the Company would be able to fully meet all of its financial commitments for 
the foreseeable future and therefore consider it appropriate to prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Plc 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

45

2 accountinG policies (continued)

The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

c) Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and entities controlled by the Company 
(its subsidiaries). Control is achieved where the Company has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an investee 
entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.

The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the period are included in the consolidated statement of financial performance 
from the effective date of acquisition or up to the effective date of disposal, as appropriate. Where necessary, adjustments are made 
to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies used into line with those used by the Group. All intra-group 
transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated on consolidation.

d) financial period
The accounting period ends on the Saturday which falls closest to 30 September, resulting in financial periods of either 52 or 53 weeks.

Throughout the financial statements, Directors’ Report and Business Review, references to 2012 mean at 29 September 2012 or the 
52 weeks then ended; references to 2011 mean at 1 October 2011 or the 52 weeks then ended. 

e) Goodwill
Goodwill arising in a business combination is recognised as an asset at the date that control is acquired (the acquisition date). Goodwill 
is measured as the excess of the sum of the consideration transferred, the amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and the 
fair value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest (if any) in the entity over the net of the acquisition-date amounts of the identifiable 
assets acquired and the liabilities assumed.

If, after reassessment, the Group’s interest in the fair value of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets exceeds the sum of the consideration 
transferred, the amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and the fair value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest 
in the acquiree (if any), the excess is recognised immediately in profit or loss as a bargain purchase gain.

Goodwill is not amortised but is reviewed for impairment at least annually. For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated 
to each of the Group’s cash-generating units expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination. Cash-generating units to which 
goodwill has been allocated are tested for impairment annually, or more frequently when there is an indication that the unit may be 
impaired. If the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit is less than the carrying amount of the unit, the impairment loss is 
allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the unit and then to the other assets of the unit pro-rata on the 
basis of the carrying amount of each asset in the unit. An impairment loss recognised for goodwill is not reversed in a subsequent period.

On disposal of a subsidiary, the attributable amount of goodwill is included in the determination of the profit or loss on disposal.

Goodwill arising on acquisitions before the date of transition to IFRSs has been retained at the previous UK GAAP amounts subject 
to being tested for impairment at that date. Goodwill of £15,080,000 written off to reserves under UK GAAP prior to 1998 has not 
been reinstated and is not included in determining any subsequent profit or loss on disposal.

f) revenue recognition
Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable and represents amounts receivable for goods and 
services provided in the normal course of business, net of discounts, VAT and other sales-related taxes. 

Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when all the following conditions are satisfied: 
 a the Group has transferred to the buyer the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods;
 a the Group retains neither continuing managerial involvement to the degree usually associated with ownership nor effective control over 

the goods sold;

 a the amount of revenue can be measured reliably;
 a it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the entity; and
 a the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably.

Revenue for the Tesco Clubcard scheme is recognised on a gross profit basis as services are provided on an agency basis.

Sales returns are provided for based on past experience and deducted from income.

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46 

Plc 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Financial Statements continued

2 accountinG policies (continued)

f) revenue recognition (continued)
Interest income is recognised when it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Group and the amount of income can 
be measured reliably. Interest income is accrued on a time basis, by reference to the principal outstanding and at the effective interest 
rate applicable, which is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial asset 
to that asset’s net carrying amount on initial recognition.

Dividend income from investments is recognised when the shareholders’ rights to receive payment have been established (provided that 
it is probable that the economic benefit will flow to the Group and the amount of income can be measured reliably).

g) exceptional items
In the prior period the Group identified certain items as exceptional where they related to one-off costs incurred in the period that the 
Directors do not expect to be repeated in the same magnitude on an annual basis, or where the Directors consider the separate 
disclosure to be necessary to understand the Group’s performance. The principles applied in identifying exceptional costs are consistent 
between periods.

h) property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any recognised impairment loss.

Depreciation is charged so as to write off the cost of assets, less estimated residual value, over their estimated useful lives, on the 
following bases:

Freehold buildings 

2% per annum on cost on a straight-line basis

Short leasehold land and buildings 

over the period of the lease, up to 25 years on a straight-line basis

Fixtures and fittings 

Motor vehicles 

Freehold land is not depreciated.

over 10 years or at 25% per annum on a reducing balance basis as appropriate

25% per annum on a reducing balance basis

Residual value is calculated on prices prevailing at the date of acquisition.

Assets held in the course of construction for production, supply or administrative purposes, or for purposes not yet determined, are carried 
at cost, less any recognised impairment loss. Cost includes professional fees and, for qualifying assets, borrowing costs capitalised in 
accordance with the Group’s accounting policy. Depreciation of these assets, on the same basis as other property assets, commences 
when the assets are ready for their intended use.

The gain or loss arising on the disposal or retirement of an asset is determined as the difference between the sales proceeds and the 
carrying amount of the asset and is recognised in the statement of financial performance.

i) impairment of tangible and intangible assets excluding goodwill
At each period end, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those 
assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to 
determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where the asset does not generate cash flows that are independent from other 
assets, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. An intangible asset with an 
indefinite useful life is tested for impairment at least annually and whenever there is an indication that the asset may be impaired.

Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future post-tax 
cash flows are discounted to their present value using a post-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of 
money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.

If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the 
asset (cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised as an expense immediately, unless the 
relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease.

Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (cash-generating unit) is increased to the revised 
estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have 
been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset (cash-generating unit) in prior years. A reversal of an impairment 
loss is recognised as income immediately, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the reversal of the 
impairment loss is treated as a revaluation increase.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Plc 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

47

2 accountinG policies (continued)

j) inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value and relate solely to finished goods for resale. Cost comprises the 
purchase price of materials and an attributable proportion of distribution overheads based on normal levels of activity and is valued at 
standard cost. Net realisable value represents the estimated selling price, less costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution. 
Provision is made for those items of inventory where the net realisable value is estimated to be lower than cost. The net replacement 
value of inventories is not considered materially different from that stated in the consolidated statement of financial position.

k) taxation
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.

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

Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the 
financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit, and is accounted for using the balance 
sheet liability method. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are 
recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be 
utilised. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or from the 
initial recognition (other than in a business combination) of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the tax profit nor 
the accounting profit.

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries, and interests in jointly 
controlled entities, except where the Group is able to control the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the 
temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised 
based on tax laws and rates that have been enacted at the balance sheet date. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the statement of 
financial performance, except when it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt 
with in equity.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax 
liabilities and when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the Group intends to settle its current tax assets 
and liabilities on a net basis.

l) foreign currency
The individual financial statements of each Group company are presented in the currency of the primary economic environment in which 
it operates (its functional currency). For the purpose of the consolidated financial statements, the results and financial position of each 
Group company are expressed in pounds sterling, which is the functional currency of the Company, and the presentation currency for the 
consolidated financial statements.

Transactions in currencies other than the entity’s functional currency (foreign currencies) are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing 
on the dates of transactions. At each period end, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are 
retranslated at the rates prevailing on that date. Non-monetary items carried at fair value that are denominated in foreign currencies are 
retranslated at the rates prevailing at the date when the fair value was determined. Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of 
historical cost in a foreign currency are not retranslated.

Exchange differences arising on the settlement of monetary items, and on the retranslation of monetary items, are included in the 
statement of financial performance for the period.

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48 

Plc 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Financial Statements continued

2 accountinG policies (continued)

l) foreign currency (continued)
Exchange differences arising on the retranslation of non-monetary items carried at fair value are included in statement of financial 
performance for the period.

Exchange differences are recognised in profit or loss in the period in which they arise except for:
 a exchange differences on transactions entered into to hedge certain foreign currency risks (see below under financial instruments/

hedge accounting); and

 a exchange differences on monetary items receivable from or payable to a foreign operation for which settlement is neither planned nor 

likely to occur (therefore forming part of the net investment in the foreign operation), which are recognised initially in other comprehensive 
income and reclassified from equity to profit or loss on disposal or partial disposal of the net investment.

m) leases
Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to income on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease except where 
another more systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the lease asset are consumed. 
Contingent rentals arising under operating leases are recognised as an expense in the period in which they are incurred.

In the event that lease incentives are received to enter into operating leases, such incentives are recognised as a liability. The aggregate 
benefit of incentives is recognised as a reduction of rental expense on a straight-line basis, except where another systematic basis 
is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leased asset are consumed.

n) investments
Fixed asset investments are shown at cost less provision for impairment.

o) retirement benefit costs
For defined contribution schemes, the amount charged to the statement of financial performance in respect of pension costs is the 
contributions payable in the period. Differences between contributions payable in the period and contributions actually paid are shown 
as either accruals or prepayments in the balance sheet.

p) finance costs
Finance costs which are directly attributable to the construction of tangible fixed assets are capitalised as part of the cost of those assets. 
The commencement of capitalisation begins when both finance costs and expenditures for the asset are being incurred and activities that 
are necessary to get the asset ready for use are in progress. Capitalisation ceases when substantially all the activities that are necessary 
to get the asset ready for use are complete.

All other finance costs of debt are recognised in the statement of financial performance over the term of the debt at a constant rate on 
the carrying amount.

q) financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised in the Group’s balance sheet when the Group becomes a party to the contractual 
provisions of the instrument.

All financial assets are recognised and derecognised on a trade date where the purchase or sale of a financial asset is under a contract 
whose terms require delivery of the financial asset within the timeframe established by the market concerned, and are initially measured 
at fair value, plus transaction costs, except for those financial assets classified as at fair value through profit or loss, which are initially 
measured at fair value.

Financial assets are classified into the following specified categories: financial assets “at fair value through profit or loss” (FVTPL), 
“held-to-maturity” investments, “available-for-sale” (AFS) financial assets and “loans and receivables”. The classification depends on 
the nature and purpose of the financial assets and is determined at the time of initial recognition.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Plc 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

49

2 accountinG policies (continued)

q) financial instruments (continued)
Financial assets at FVTPL
Financial assets are classified as at FVTPL where the financial asset is either held for trading or it is designated as at FVTPL. The Group 
has no designated FVTPL financial assets.

A Financial asset is classified as held for trading if:
 a it has been acquired principally for the purpose of selling in the near future; or
 a it is a part of an identified portfolio of financial instruments that the Group manages together and has a recent actual pattern of 

short-term profit-taking; or

 a it is a derivative that is not designated and effective as a hedging instrument.

Financial assets at FVTPL are stated at fair value, with any resultant gain or loss recognised in profit or loss. Fair value is determined in the 
manner described in note 2v.

Loans and receivables
Trade receivables, loans, and other receivables that have fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market are 
classified as loans and receivables. Loans and receivables are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any 
impairment. Interest income is recognised by applying the effective interest rate, except for short-term receivables when the recognition of 
interest would be immaterial.

Effective interest method
The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a debt instrument and of allocating interest income over the 
relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts (including all fees on points paid 
or received that form an integral part of the effective interest rate, transaction costs and other premiums or discounts) through the expected 
life of the debt instrument, or, where appropriate, a shorter period, to the net carrying amount on initial recognition.

Income is recognised on an effective interest basis for debt instruments other than those financial assets and liabilities classified as at 
FVTPL.

Impairment of financial assets
Financial assets, other than those at FVTPL, are assessed for indicators of impairment at each balance sheet date. Financial assets are 
impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the 
financial asset, the estimated future cash flows of the investment have been impacted.

For certain categories of financial asset, such as trade receivables, assets that are assessed not to be impaired individually are 
subsequently assessed for impairment on a collective basis. Objective evidence of impairment for a portfolio of receivables could include 
the Group’s past experience of collecting payments, an increase in the number of delayed payments in the portfolio past the average 
credit period of 43 days, as well as observable changes in national or local economic conditions that correlate with default on 
receivables.

For financial assets carried at amortised cost, the amount of the impairment is the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the 
present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate.

The carrying amount of the financial asset is reduced by the impairment loss directly for all financial assets with the exception of trade 
receivables, where the carrying amount is reduced through the use of an allowance account. When a trade receivable is considered 
uncollectible, it is written off against the allowance account. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited against 
the allowance account. Changes in the carrying amount of the allowance account are recognised in profit or loss.

If, in a subsequent period, the amount of the impairment loss decreases and the decrease can be related objectively to an event 
occurring after the impairment was recognised, the previously recognised impairment loss is reversed through profit or loss to the extent 
that the carrying amount of the investment at the date the impairment is reversed does not exceed what the amortised cost would have 
been had the impairment not been recognised.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and demand deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily 
convertible to a known amount of cash within three months and are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value.

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50 

Plc 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Financial Statements continued

2 accountinG policies (continued)

Derecognition of financial assets

The Group derecognises a financial asset only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire; or it transfers 
the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset to another entity. If the Group neither transfers 
nor retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership and continues to control the transferred asset, the Group recognises 
its retained interest in the asset and an associated liability for amounts it may have to pay. If the Group retains substantially all the risks 
and rewards of ownership of a transferred financial asset, the Group continues to recognise the financial asset and also recognises 
a collateralised borrowing for the proceeds received.

Financial liabilities and equity
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. 
An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the Group after deducting all of its liabilities. 
Equity instruments issued by the Group are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.

Financial liabilities are classified as at FVTPL where the financial liability is either held for trading or it is designated as at FVTPL. 
The Group does not have any designated FVTPL liabilities.

A financial liability is classified as held for trading if:
 a it has been incurred principally for the purpose of disposal in the near future; or 
 a it is a part of an identified portfolio of financial instruments that the Group manages together and has a recent actual pattern of 

short-term profit taking; or

 a it is a derivative that is not designated and effective as a hedging instrument.

Financial liabilities at FVTPL are stated at fair value, with any resultant gain or loss recognised in profit or loss. Fair value is determined 
in the manner described in note 2v.

Other financial liabilities
Other financial liabilities, including borrowings, are initially measured at fair value, net of transaction costs. Other financial liabilities are 
subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, with interest expense recognised on an effective yield basis. 
The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial liability and of allocating interest expense over 
the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash payments through the expected life 
of the financial liability, or, where appropriate, a shorter period, to the net carrying amount on initial recognition.

Derecognition of financial liabilities
The Group derecognises financial liabilities when, and only when, the Group’s obligations are discharged, cancelled or they expire.

Derivative financial instruments
The Group’s activities expose it primarily to the financial risks of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates.

The Group uses foreign exchange forward contracts and interest rate swap contracts to manage these exposures. The Group does not 
hold or issue derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.

The use of financial derivatives is governed by the Group’s policies approved by the Board of Directors, on the use of financial 
derivatives.

Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value at the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured to their 
fair value at each period end date. The resulting gain or loss is recognised in profit or loss immediately.

A derivative is presented as a non-current asset or a non-current liability if the remaining maturity of the instrument is more than 12 months 
and it is not expected to be realised or settled within 12 months. Other derivatives are presented as current assets or current liabilities.

Derivatives embedded in other financial instruments or other host contracts are treated as separate derivatives when their risks and 
characteristics are not closely related to those of the host contracts and the host contracts are not measured at fair value with changes 
in fair value recognised in profit or loss.

An embedded derivative is presented as a non-current asset or a non-current liability if the remaining maturity of the hybrid instrument 
to which the embedded derivative relates is more than 12 months and is not expected to be realised or settled within 12 months. 
Other derivatives are presented as current assets or current liabilities.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Plc 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

51

2 accountinG policies (continued)

r) share-based payments
The Group has applied the requirements of IFRS 2 Share-based Payments. In accordance with the transitional provisions, IFRS 2 has 
been applied to all grants of equity instruments after 7 November 2002 that were unvested as of 1 October 2005.

The Group issues equity settled share-based payments to certain employees. Equity settled share-based payments are measured at fair 
value (excluding the effect of non market-based vesting conditions) at the date of grant. The fair value determined at the grant date of 
the share-based payment is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the Group’s estimate of shares that will 
eventually vest. Fair value is measured by use of the Black-Scholes model.

The Group provides employees with the ability to purchase the Group’s ordinary shares at 80% of the current market value through 
the operation of its share save scheme. The Group records an expense, based on its estimate of the 20% discount related to shares 
expected to vest on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.

s) trade payables
Trade payables are initially measured at fair value and are subsequently measured at amortised cost, using the effective interest 
rate method.

t) operating profit
Operating profit is stated after charging restructuring costs but before property disposals, investment income and finance costs.

u) provisions
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, and it is probable 
that the Group will be required to settle that obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of that obligation. Provisions 
are measured at the Directors’ best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the obligation at the balance sheet date, and are 
discounted to present value where the effect is material.

v) critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
In the application of the Group’s accounting policies, which are described above, the Directors are required to make judgements, 
estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. 
The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. 
Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in 
the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if 
the revision affects both current and future periods.

The critical judgement, apart from those involving estimations (which are dealt with separately below), that the Directors have made in 
the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies and that has the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in financial 
statements is the detailed criteria for the recognition of revenue from the sale of goods set out in IAS 18 Revenue and, in particular, 
whether the Group has transferred to the buyer the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods. The Group only recognises 
revenue where this is the case.

Key sources of estimation uncertainty
The key assumptions concerning the future, and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the period end date, that have 
a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial period, 
are discussed below:

Impairment of property, plant and equipment
During the period, the Group has closed eight stores in the UK, including one before its lease end date. As the fixtures and fittings within 
these stores cannot be re-used in other locations within the Group, the carrying value of these assets has been fully provided for in the 
period. Additional impairments have been made for stores which are identified for conversion during the next financial period and for 
loss-making stores.

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52 

Plc 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Financial Statements continued

2 accountinG policies (continued)

v) critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty (continued)
Onerous lease provisions
During the period the Group has continued to review the performance of its store portfolio, which has resulted in one further store being 
exited before its lease term has expired (2011: nil stores). In respect of the leases in relation to stores exited before lease end dates 
in prior periods that are still vacant, the Group has provided for what it considers to be the unavoidable costs prior to lease termination 
or sublease. The Group has further reviewed any trading loss making stores and provided for those leases considered to be onerous. 
These estimates are based upon available information and knowledge of the property market. The ultimate costs to be incurred in this 
regard may vary from the estimates.

Dilapidations provision
The Group has estimated its likely dilapidation charges for its store portfolio and provided accordingly. This estimate involves an 
assessment of average costs per store and the expected exit period for the current portfolio, and is based on management’s best 
estimate, taking into account knowledge of the property market and historical trends. The ultimate costs to be incurred may vary from 
the estimates.

Fair value of derivatives and other financial instruments
As described above, the Directors use their judgement in selecting an appropriate valuation technique for financial instruments not quoted 
in an active market. Valuation techniques commonly used by market practitioners are applied, such as discounted cash flows and 
assumptions regarding market volatility.

Tax
The Directors are aware of the material impact that corporation tax has on the Group accounts and therefore they ensure that the Group 
continues to provide at a sufficient level for both current and deferred tax liabilities.

3 revenue

An analysis of Group revenue is as follows:

Revenue from the sale of goods

Interest receivable

Fair value gain on forward currency contracts

Total revenue

52 weeks 
ended
29 September
2012 
£’000

52 weeks 
ended
1 October
2011 
£’000

177,693

175,525

152

 –

316

40

177,845

175,881

Interest receivable represents gains on loans and receivables. There are no other gains recognised in respect of loans and receivables.

4 Business seGments

IFRS 8 requires operating segments to be identified on the basis of internal reports about components of the Group that are regularly 
reviewed by the Chief Executive to allocate resources to the segments and to assess their performance. As there is one segment, being 
the operation of retail stores in the UK, and the Chief Executive bases decisions on the performance of the Group as a whole, separate 
operating segments have not been identified.

In 2011, information was provided to the Chief Executive concerning the TCH and Topps business units. Over time a number of TCH 
stores have been converted to Topps units and there are only 17 TCH stores still operating within the Group. Therefore the TCH business 
unit is no longer a material segment, and because strategic decisions by the Chief Executive are made on the basis of the combined 
Group, no separate segment information has been provided for TCH this year.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Plc 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

53

5 exceptional items

During the prior period the Group incurred charges which were deemed exceptional due to their magnitude. In the current period similar 
types of costs have been incurred but based on their limited magnitude are not deemed exceptional.

In the prior period nine stores were closed or converted and the Group conducted an impairment review of the fixed assets held by 
its loss-making stores resulting in an impairment of property, plant and equipment totalling £1,051,000. The Group also reviewed its 
potential exposure to future lease commitments pertaining to closed stores and future dilapidation costs resulting in a charge of 
£1,862,000. Additionally an assessment of the carrying value of display inventories lead to a write off of £1,281,000.

Included in cost of sales:

Write off of display inventories

Included in administrative expenses:

Property related provisions

Impairment of property, plant and equipment

6 profit Before taxation

Profit before taxation for the period has been arrived at after charging/(crediting):

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

Impairment of property, plant and equipment

Disposal of property, plant and equipment (gain)/loss

Property related provisions

Staff costs (see note 7)

Operating lease rentals

Write down of inventories recognised as an expense

Write off of display inventories

Cost of inventories recognised as expense

Net foreign exchange gain

52 weeks 
ended
29 September
2012 
£’000

52 weeks 
ended
1 October
2011 
£’000

–

–

–

–

1,281

1,862

1,051

4,194

52 weeks 
ended
29 September
2012 
£’000

3,988

525

(1,624)

208

42,801

19,295

2,594

 –

68,550

(30)

52 weeks 
ended
1 October
2011 
£’000

4,128

1,051

58

1,862

42,216

20,881

2,292

1,281

67,331

(84)

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54 

Plc 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Financial Statements continued

6 profit Before taxation (continued)

Analysis of auditor’s remuneration is provided below:

Fees payable to the Company’s auditor with respect to the Company’s annual accounts

Fees payable to the Company’s auditor and their associates for other audit services  
to the Group:

Audit of the Company’s subsidiaries pursuant to legislation

Total audit fees

Tax services:

compliance services

advisory services

Total non-audit fees

52 weeks 
ended
29 September
2012 
£’000

40

108

148

52

–

52

200

52 weeks 
ended
1 October
2011 
£’000

40

104

144

34

75

109

253

A description of the work of the Audit Committee is set out on page 33 and includes an explanation of how auditor objectivity and 
independence is safeguarded when non-audit services are provided by the author.

7 staff costs

The average monthly number of persons and their full time equivalents employed by the Group and Company in the UK during the 
accounting period (including executive directors) was:

Selling

Administration

Their aggregate remuneration comprised:

Wages and salaries (including LTIP, see note 30)

Social security costs 

Other pension costs (see note 29b)

52 weeks 
ended
29 September
2012
Number 
employed

1,488

166

1,654

2012
£’000

39,148

3,478

175

42,801

52 weeks 
ended
1 October
2011
Number 
employed

1,467

194

1,661

2011
£’000

38,410

3,657

149

42,216

Details of Directors’ emoluments are disclosed on page 37. Employee profit sharing of £6.0 million (2011: £6.6 million) is included 
in the above and comprises sales commission and bonuses.

8 other Gains

Other gains in 2012 relate to the sale of three freehold properties.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Plc 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

55

9 investment revenue, finance costs and fair value loss on interest rate derivatives

Investment revenue

Bank interest receivable and similar income

Fair value gain on forward currency contracts

Finance costs

Interest on bank loans and overdrafts

Fair value loss on forward currency contracts

52 weeks 
ended
29 September
2012 
£’000

52 weeks 
ended
1 October
2011 
£’000

152

 –

152

(3,940)

(168)

(4,108)

316

40

356

(4,798)

 –

(4,798)

No finance costs are appropriate to be capitalised in the period, or the prior period.

Interest on bank loans and overdrafts represents gains and losses on financial liabilities measured at amortised cost, including interest 
charges levied, together with interest paid on the interest rate derivatives of £821,000 (2011: £2,075,000). There are no other gains 
or losses recognised in respect of financial liabilities measured at amortised cost. Net losses from the movement in fair value on held 
for trading assets and liabilities (derivative instruments) were £805,000 (2011: £1,590,000), which include fair value losses on 
interest rate swaps of £637,000 (2011: £1,630,000) and fair value losses on forward currency contracts of £168,000 
(2011: £40,000 gains). 

10 taxation

Continuing operations

Current tax – charge for the period

Current tax – adjustment in respect of previous periods

Deferred tax – effect of reduction in UK corporation tax rate

Deferred tax – charge/(credit) for period (note 21)

Deferred tax – adjustment in respect of previous periods (note 21)

52 weeks 
ended
29 September
2012 
£’000

2,573

(139)

48

661

(419)

2,724

52 weeks 
ended
1 October
2011 
£’000

3,620

(381)

168

(1,097)

(116)

2,194

Corporation tax in the UK is calculated at 25% (2011: 27%) of the estimated assessable profit for the period.

Taxation for other jurisdictions is calculated at the rates prevailing in the respective jurisdictions.

The charge for the period can be reconciled to the profit per the statement of financial performance as follows:

Continuing operations

Profit before taxation

Tax at the UK corporation tax rate of 25% (2011: 27%)

Tax effect of expenses that are not deductible in determining taxable profit

Tax effect of chargeable gain lower than profit on sale of freehold property

Tax effect of tangible fixed assets which do not qualify for capital allowances 

Tax effect of adjustment in respect of prior periods

Tax expense for the period

52 weeks 
ended
29 September
2012 
£’000

52 weeks 
ended
1 October
2011 
£’000

12,493

3,123

59

(159)

259

(558)

2,724

7,908

2,135

262

 –

294

(497)

2,194

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56 

Plc 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Financial Statements continued

11 dividends

Interim dividend for the 52 week period ended 29 September 2012  
of £0.005 (2011: £0.005) per share

Proposed final dividend for the 52 week period ended 29 September 2012  
of £0.0075 (2011: £0.006) per share

52 weeks 
ended
29 September
2012 
£’000

52 weeks 
ended
1 October
2011 
£’000

958

942

1,439

1,129

The proposed final dividend is subject to approval by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting and has not been included as a 
liability in these financial statements.

12 earninGs per share

The calculation of earnings per share is based on the earnings for the financial period attributable to equity shareholders and the 
weighted average number of ordinary shares.

Weighted average number of shares

For basic earnings per share

Weighted average number of shares under option

For diluted earnings per share

2012
Number of
Shares

2011
Number of
Shares

190,006,223 188,271,731

1,749,687

3,873,411

191,755,910 192,145,142

The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share used the denominators as shown above for both basic and diluted earnings 
per share. The adjusted earnings figure is based on the following data:

From continuing operations

Profit after tax for the period

Post tax effect of:

Impairment of property, plant and equipment

Property disposal gain

Interest rate derivative charge

Fair value loss/(gain) on foreign currency forward contracts

Restructuring costs

Loan issue cost write off

Display inventory write off

Property related provisions

Adjusted profit after tax for the period

13 Goodwill

Cost and carrying amount at 2 October 2010 and 1 October 2011 and 29 September 2012

52 weeks 
ended
29 September
2012 
£’000

9,769

525

(1,624)

478

126

288

 –

 –

155

9,717

52 weeks 
ended
1 October
2011 
£’000

5,714

1,051

 –

1,190

(29)

 –

133

935

1,360

10,354

£’000

245

The balance of goodwill remaining is the carrying value that arose on the acquisition of Surface Coatings Ltd in 1998.

The Group tests goodwill annually for impairment, or more frequently if there are indications that goodwill might be impaired. 

The recoverable amounts are determined from value in use calculations. The key assumptions for the value in use calculations are those 
regarding the discount rates, growth rates and expected changes to selling prices and direct costs during the period. 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Plc 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

57

13 Goodwill (continued)

Management estimates discount rates based on the Group’s weighted average cost of capital. The growth rates are based on industry 
growth forecasts. Changes in selling prices and direct costs are based on past practices and expectations of future changes in the 
market. Discounted cash flows are calculated using a post-tax rate of 10.9% (2011: 8.4%).

The Group prepares cash flow forecasts derived from the most recent financial budgets approved by management for the next five years 
and extrapolates cash flows for the following five years. The growth rate applied does not exceed the average long-term growth rate for 
the relevant markets. There are no reasonable changes that would result in the carrying value of goodwill being reduced to its 
recoverable amount.

The accounting judgements and sources of estimation uncertainty involved in assessing any impairment loss are referred to in note 2 
to the financial statements.

As a result of the annual test of impairment of goodwill, no impairment has been identified for the current period. 

14 property, plant and equipment

Land and buildings

Cost

At 2 October 2010
Additions
Disposals
At 1 October 2011
Additions
Disposals
At 29 September 2012
Accumulated depreciation and impairment
At 2 October 2010
Charge for the period 
Provision for impairment
Eliminated on disposals
At 1 October 2011
Charge for the period 
Provision for impairment
Eliminated on disposals
At 29 September 2012
Carrying amount
At 29 September 2012
At 1 October 2011

Short
leasehold
£’000

Fixtures
and fittings
£’000

Motor
vehicles
£’000

Freehold
£’000

15,006
4,699
 –
19,705
528
(4,432)
15,801

1,591
243
81
 –
1,915
290
65
(638)
1,632

1,842
 –
 –
1,842
 –
 –
1,842

1,449
88
 –
 –
1,537
74
 –
 –
1,611

47,551
6,058
(3,343)
50,266
5,591
(2,823)
53,034

29,736
3,780
970
(3,280)
31,206
3,599
460
(2,806)
32,459

14,169
17,790

231
305

20,575
19,060

Total 
£’000

64,422
10,824
(3,343)
71,903
6,119
(7,255)
70,767

32,783
4,128
1,051
(3,280)
34,682
3,988
525
(3,444)
35,751

35,016
37,221

23
67
 –
90
 –
 –
90

7
17
 –
 –
24
25
 –
 –
49

41
66

Freehold land and buildings include £4,104,000 of freehold land (2011: £4,104,000) on which no depreciation has been charged 
in the current period. There is no material difference between the carrying and market values.

Cumulative finance costs capitalised in the cost of tangible fixed assets amount to £nil (2011: £nil).

Contractual commitments for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment are detailed in note 29.

During the period, the Group has closed eight stores in the UK. As the fixtures and fittings within these stores cannot be re-used in other 
locations within the Group, the carrying value of these assets has been fully provided for in the period, with the associated impairment 
charge included within other operating expenses.

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58 

Plc 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Financial Statements continued

15 suBsidiaries

A list of the significant subsidiaries, including the name, country of incorporation and proportion of ownership interest is given in note 3 
to the Company’s separate financial statements.

16 trade and other receivaBles

Amounts falling due within one year:

Amounts receivable for the sale of goods

Allowance for doubtful debts

Other debtors and prepayments

– Rent and rates

– Other

2012
£’000

750

(104)

5,090

1,349

7,085

2011
£’000

661

(104)

5,053

1,651

7,261

The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other receivables at 29 September 2012 and 1 October 2011 
approximates to their fair value on the basis of discounted cash flow analysis.

credit risk
The Group’s principal financial assets are bank balances and cash and trade receivables.

The Group considers that it has no significant concentration of credit risk. The majority of sales in the business are cash based sales 
in the stores.

Total trade receivables (net of allowances) held by the Group at 29 September 2012 amounted to £0.6 million (2011: £0.6 million). 
These amounts mainly relate to insurance generated sales, sundry trade accounts and Tesco Clubcard Scheme generated sales. 
In relation to these sales, the average credit period taken is 58 days (2011: 41 days) and no interest is charged on the receivables. 
Trade receivables between 60 days and 120 days are provided for based on estimated irrecoverable amounts from the sale of goods, 
determined by reference to past default experience.

Before accepting any new customer, the Group uses an external credit scoring system to assess the potential customer’s credit quality and 
defines credit limits by customer. Limits and scoring attributed to customers are reviewed periodically. Of the trade receivables balance 
at the end of the year, £69,000 (2011: £105,000) is due from Independent Inspections and £176,000 (2011: £105,000) is due 
from Tesco Plc, the Group’s two largest customers.

Included in the Group’s trade receivable balance are debtors with a carrying amount of £211,000 (2011: £131,000) which are past 
due at the reporting date for which the Group has not provided as there has not been a significant change in credit quality and the 
amounts are still considered recoverable. The Group does not hold any collateral over these balances. The average age of these 
receivables is 197 days (2011: 168 days), however this ageing is distorted by six accounts totalling £76,000 (2011: £nil) which 
are overdue by 305 days (2011: 299 days).

Ageing of past due but not impaired receivables

60 – 120 days

121 – 200 days

Greater than 200 days

2012
£’000

80

55

76

2011
£’000

63

68

–

The allowance for doubtful debts was £104,000 by the end of the period (2011: £104,000). Given the minimal receivable balance, 
the Directors believe that there is no further credit provision required in excess of the allowance for doubtful debts.

The allowance for doubtful debts includes £104,000 relating to individually impaired trade receivables (2011: £104,000) which are 
due from companies that have been placed into liquidation. 

The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other receivables is approximately equal to their fair value.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Plc 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

59

17 cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash held by the Group and short term bank deposits (with associated right of set off) net of 
bank overdrafts, with an original maturity of three months or less. The carrying amount of these assets approximates their fair value. 
A breakdown of significant bank and cash balances by currency is as follows:

Sterling

US dollar

Euro

Total cash and cash equivalents

18 other financial liaBilities

Trade and other payables

Amounts falling due within one year

Trade payables

Other payables

Accruals and deferred income

2012
£’000

14,023

254

165

14,442

2011
£’000

7,607

715

766

9,088

2012
£’000

2011
£’000

12,916

3,331

9,852

26,099

11,316

3,419

9,370

24,105

Trade payables and accruals principally comprise amounts outstanding for trade purchases and ongoing costs. The average credit 
period taken for trade purchases is 43 days (2011: 38 days). No interest is charged on these payables. 

The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade payables at 29 September 2012 and 1 October 2011 approximates to their 
fair value on the basis of discounted cash flow analysis.

19 Bank loans

Bank loans (all sterling)

The borrowings are repayable as follows:

On demand or within one year

In the second year

In the third to fifth year

Less: Total unamortised issue costs

Issue costs to be amortised within 12 months

Amount due for settlement after 12 months 

2012
£’000

2011
£’000

59,289

59,024

 –

 –

60,000

60,000

(711)

59,289

266

59,555

 –

 –

60,000

60,000

(976)

59,024

265

59,289

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60 

Plc 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Financial Statements continued

19 Bank loans (continued)

The Directors consider that the carrying amount of the bank loan at 29 September 2012 and 1 October 2011 approximates to its fair 
value since the amounts relate to floating rate debt.

The average weighted interest rates paid on the loan were as follows:

Loans

2012
%

4.54

2011
%

3.11

The Group borrowings are arranged at floating rates, thus exposing the Group to cash flow interest rate risk.

The Group has in place a £75.0 million committed revolving credit facility, expiring in May 2015. As at the financial period end 
£60.0 million of this facility was drawn, with a further £15.0 million of undrawn financing available. The loan facility contains financial 
covenants which are tested on a bi-annual basis.

At 29 September 2012, the Group had available £15 million (2011: £15 million) of undrawn committed banking facilities.

20 financial instruments

Financial liabilities held for trading have been reclassified in the current year in order to more appropriately reflect the requirements 
of IAS 1. Classification as non-current liabilities ensures the instrument mirrors the cash flows of the loan facility, which it is in place 
to hedge against. Prior period comparative amounts have been reclassified on the same basis, which has reduced prior period current 
liabilities by £12.2 million, with no overall impact on net liabilities.

capital risk management
The Group manages its capital to ensure that entities in the Group will be able to continue as a going concern while maximising 
the return to stakeholders through the optimisation of the debt and equity balance. The Group’s overall strategy remains unchanged 
from 2011. The capital structure of the Group consists of debt, which includes the borrowings disclosed in note 19, cash and cash 
equivalents disclosed in note 17 and equity attributable to equity holders of the parent, comprising issued capital, reserves and 
retained earnings as disclosed in notes 22 to 28.

The Group is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements.

significant accounting policies
Details of the significant accounting policies and methods adopted, including the criteria for recognition, the basis of measurement 
and the basis on which income and expenses are recognised, in respect of each class of financial asset, financial liability and equity 
instrument are disclosed in note 2q to the financial statements.

Categories of financial instruments

Financial assets

Carrying value and fair value

2012
£’000

2011
£’000

Loans and receivables (including cash and cash equivalents)

15,088

9,645

Financial liabilities

Held for trading

Fair value through profit and loss

Amortised cost

6,107

102

12,186

–

85,552

83,394

The Group considers itself to be exposed to risks on financial instruments, including market risk (including currency risk), credit risk, 
liquidity risk and cash flow interest rate risk. 

The Group seeks to mitigate the effects of these risks by using derivative financial instruments to hedge these risk exposures economically. 
The use of financial derivatives is governed by the Group’s policies approved by the Board of Directors, which provide written principles 
on foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk, credit risk, the use of financial derivatives and non-derivative financial instruments and the 
investment of excess liquidity. The Group does not enter into or trade financial instruments, including derivative financial instruments, 
for speculative purposes. 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Plc 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

61

20 financial instruments (continued)

market risks
The Group’s activities expose it primarily to the financial risks of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. 
The Group enters into a variety of derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure to interest rate and foreign currency 
risk, including: 
 a forward foreign exchange contracts to hedge the exchange rate risk arising on the import of goods from South America and China; 

and 

 a interest rate swaps and collars to mitigate the risk of movements in interest rates.

foreign currency risk management
The Group undertakes certain transactions denominated in foreign currencies. Hence, exposures to exchange rate fluctuations arise. 
Exchange rate exposures are managed within approved policy parameters utilising forward foreign exchange contracts. 

The carrying amounts of the Group’s foreign currency denominated monetary assets and monetary liabilities at the reporting date are 
as follows:

Euro
US dollar

Assets

Liabilities

2012
£’000

177
254

2011
£’000

766
715

2012
£’000

1,253
434

2011
£’000

1,027
128

foreign currency sensitivity analysis
The Group is mainly exposed to the currency of China and Brazil (US dollar currency) and from various European countries (Euro) 
as a result of inventory purchases. The following table details the Group’s sensitivity to a 10% increase and decrease in Sterling against 
the relevant foreign currencies. 10% represents management’s assessment of the reasonably possible change in foreign exchange rates. 
The sensitivity analysis includes only outstanding foreign currency denominated monetary items and adjusts their translation at the period 
end for a 10% change in foreign currency rates. The sensitivity analysis includes external loans as well as loans to foreign operations 
within the Group where the denomination of the loan is in a currency other than the currency of the lender or the borrower. A positive 
number below indicates an increase in profit and other equity where Sterling strengthens 10% against the relevant currency.

Profit or Loss movement on a 10% strengthening in Sterling against the Euro

Profit or Loss movement on a 10% strengthening in Sterling against the US Dollar

Profit or Loss movement on a 10% weakening in Sterling against the Euro

Profit or Loss movement on a 10% weakening in Sterling against the US Dollar

2012
£’000

98

16

(120)

(20)

2011
£’000

24

(53)

(29)

65

currency derivatives
The Group utilises currency derivatives to hedge significant future transactions and cash flows. The Group uses foreign currency forward 
contracts in the management of its exchange rate exposures. The contracts are denominated in US dollars and Euros.

At the balance sheet date, the total notional amounts of outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts that the Group has committed 
to  are as below:

Forward foreign exchange contracts

2012
£’000

5,132

2011
£’000

4,778

These arrangements are designed to address significant exchange exposures for the first half of 2012 and are renewed on a revolving 
basis as required.

At 29 September 2012 the fair value of the Group’s currency derivatives is a £102,000 liability within accruals and deferred income 
(note 18) (2011: an asset of £70,000). These amounts are based on market value of equivalent instruments at the balance sheet date.

Losses of £168,000 are included in finance costs (note 9) (2011: £40,000 gain).

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62 

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Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Financial Statements continued

20 financial instruments (continued)

interest rate risk management
The Group is exposed to interest rate risk as entities in the Group borrow funds at floating interest rates. The risk is managed by the 
Group by maintaining an appropriate mix between fixed and floating rate borrowings, by the use of interest rate swap contracts and 
collars. The Group’s exposures to interest rates on financial assets and financial liabilities are detailed in the liquidity risk management 
section of this note.

interest rate sensitivity analysis
The sensitivity analyses below have been determined based on the exposure to interest rates for both derivatives and non-derivative 
instruments at the balance sheet date. For floating rate liabilities, the analysis is prepared assuming the amount of liability outstanding at 
the balance sheet date was outstanding for the whole year. A 50 basis points increase or decrease is used when reporting interest rate 
risk internally to key management personnel and represents management’s assessment of the possible change in interest rates.

If interest rates had been 50 basis points higher/lower and all other variables were held constant, the Group’s profit would be impacted 
as follows:

Profit or (loss)

50 basis points increase  
in interest rates

50 basis points decrease  
in interest rates

2012
£’000

723

2011
£’000

1,553

2012
£’000

(441)

2011
£’000

(1,280)

The Group’s sensitivity to interest rates mainly relates to the interest rate derivatives.

interest rate derivatives
The Group uses interest rate derivatives to manage its exposure to interest rate movements on its bank borrowings. 

The Group’s interest rate derivative comprises of a 10 year cancellable collar with a notional value of £30 million (2011: £20 million) 
with a cap of 5.6% and a floor of 4.49%. The interest rate within this range is LIBOR less 0.4%. Where LIBOR falls below the floor the 
interest rate resets to a fixed level of 5.55% 

The fair value liability of the swaps entered into at 29 September 2012 is estimated at £6,107,000 (2011: £12,186,000). An 
amount of £637,000 has been charged to the statement of financial performance in the period (2011: £1,630,000) to reflect the fair 
value loss.

On 27 October 2011 the Group settled the five year interest rate swap for a consideration of £476,000, additionally on 1 November 
2011 the Group entered into a legally binding agreement committing it to a partial trade termination amounting to 50% of the 10 year 
cancellable collar, which was settled on 3 April 2012 for a consideration of £6,240,000.

credit risk management
Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty will default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to the Group. 
Management has considered the counterparty risk associated with the cash and derivative balances and do not consider there to be a 
material risk. The Group has a policy of only dealing with creditworthy counterparties. The Group’s exposure to its counterparties is 
reviewed periodically. Trade receivables are minimal consisting of a number of insurance companies and sundry trade accounts, further 
information is provided in note 16. 

The carrying amount of financial assets recorded in the financial statements, which is net of impairment losses, represents the Group’s 
maximum exposure to credit risk without taking account of the value of any collateral obtained.

liquidity risk management
Ultimate responsibility for liquidity risk management rests with the Board of Directors. The Group manages liquidity risk by maintaining 
adequate reserves, banking facilities and reserve borrowing facilities by continuously monitoring forecast and actual cash flows and 
matching the maturity profiles of financial assets and liabilities. Included in note 19 is a description of additional undrawn facilities that 
the Group has at its disposal to reduce liquidity risk further.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Plc 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

63

20 financial instruments (continued)

liquidity and interest risk tables
The following tables detail the Group’s remaining contractual maturity for its non-derivative financial liabilities. The tables have been 
drawn up based on the undiscounted cash flows (and on the assumption that the variable interest rate remains constant at the latest fixing 
level of 3.54658% (2011: 3.42009%)) of financial liabilities based on the earliest date on which the Group can be required to pay. 
The table includes both interest and principal cash flows.

2012

Non-interest bearing
Variable interest rate instruments

2011

Non-interest bearing
Variable interest rate instruments

Less than
1 month
£’000

26,099
197

Less than
1 month
£’000

24,105
 –

1–3 months
£’000

 –
379

1–3 months
£’000

 –
555

3 months 
to 1 year
£’000

 –
1,742

3 months 
to 1 year
£’000

 –
1,107

1–5 years
£’000

 –
63,888

1–5 years
£’000

 –
66,595

Total 
£’000

26,099
66,206

Total 
£’000

24,105
68,257

The Group is financed through a £75 million (£60 million utilised) revolving credit facility. In the current and prior periods the total 
unused amount of financing facilities was £15 million at the balance sheet date. The Group expects to meet its other obligations from 
operating cash flows and proceeds of maturing financial assets.

The following table details the Group’s liquidity analysis for its derivative financial instruments. The table has been drawn up based on 
the undiscounted net cash inflows/(outflows) on the derivative instruments that settle on a net basis and the undiscounted gross inflows 
and (outflows) on those derivatives that require gross settlement. When the amount payable or receivable is not fixed, the amount 
disclosed has been determined by reference to the projected interest and foreign currency rates as illustrated by the yield curves existing 
at the reporting date.

2012

Interest rate swaps payments
Foreign exchange forward  
contracts payments
Foreign exchange forward  
contracts receipts 

2011

Interest rate swaps payments
Foreign exchange forward  
contracts payments
Foreign exchange forward  
contracts receipts 

Less than
1 month
£’000

1–3 months
£’000

3 months 
to 1 year
£’000

1–5 years
£’000

5+ years
£’000

 –

 –

 –

(364)

(1,103)

(3,883)

(3,296)

(1,836)

3,199

1,839

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

Total 
£’000

(5,350)

(5,132)

5,038

Less than
1 month
£’000

(476)

1–3 months
£’000

(119)

3 months 
to 1 year
£’000

(795)

1–5 years
£’000

(11,704)

5+ years
£’000

Total 
£’000

(688)

(13,782)

 –

 –

(2,356)

(2,422)

2,399

2,449

 –

 –

 –

 –

(4,778)

4,848

fair value of financial instruments
The fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities are determined as follows:
 a Foreign currency forward contracts are measured using quoted forward exchange rates and yield curves derived from quoted interest 

rates matching maturities of the contracts.

 a Interest rate swaps are measured at the present value of future cash flows estimated and discounted based on the applicable yield 

curves derived from quoted interest rates.

 a Interest rate collars are measured using applicable yield curves derived from quoted interest rates and market volatilities.

The fair values are therefore categorised as Level 2, based on the degree to which the fair value is observable. Level 2 fair value 
measurements are those derived from inputs other than unadjusted quoted prices in active markets (level 1 categorisation) that are 
observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices).

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64 

Plc 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Financial Statements continued

21 provisions

Onerous lease provision

Dilapidations provision

Current

Non-current

At 1 October 2011

Additional provision in the year

Utilisation of provision

Release of provision in the year

At 29 September 2012

2012
£’000

1,080

1,542

2,622

820

1,802

2,622

Onerous lease 
provision
£’000

Dilapidations 
provision
£’000

1,097

1,458

657

(391)

(283)

249

(165)

 –

2011
£’000

1,097

1,458

2,555

1,075

1,480

2,555

Total
£’000

2,555

906

(556)

(283)

1,080

1,542

2,622

The onerous lease provision relates to estimated future unavoidable lease costs in respect of closed, non-trading and loss making stores. 
The provision is expected to be utilised over the following four financial periods. The dilapidations provision represents management’s 
best estimate of the Group’s liability under its property lease arrangements based on past experience and is expected to be utilised over 
the following eight financial periods.

The following are the deferred tax liabilities/(assets) recognised by the Group and movements thereon during the current and prior 
reporting period.

Accelerated 
tax 
depreciation 
£’000

Other 
short-term 
timing 
differences 
£’000

Share-based 
payments 
£’000

Exchange 
rate 
differences 
£’000

Interest rate 
hedging 
£’000

Rent free 
£’000

(51)

(345)

As at 2 October 2010

(Credit)/Charge to income

Impact of rate change

Charge to equity

As at 1 October 2011

(Credit)/Charge to income

Credit in respect of previous 
periods

Impact of rate change

Charge to equity

2,197

(204)

(146)

 –

1,847

(9)

28

(147)

 –

7

2

 –

(42)

(14)

 –

2

 –

9

 –

28

(308)

(23)

 –

25

166

(140)

8

10

(1)

 –

17

(39)

 –

(1)

 –

(1,331)

(909)

166

 –

(2,074)

845

 –

166

 –

(56)

19

2

 –

(35)

(99)

(447)

3

 –

(23)

(1,063)

(578)

As at 29 September 2012

1,719

(54)

Total 
£’000

422

(1,068)

23

28

(595)

661

(419)

48

166

(139)

The Government announced in March 2012 that it intends to further reduce the rate of corporation tax to 22% by 1 April 2014, and 
the Finance Act 2012, which was substantively enacted in July 2012, included provisions to reduce the rate of corporation tax to 23% 
with effect from 1 April 2013. Accordingly, deferred tax balances have been revalued to the lower rate of 23% in these accounts, 
which has resulted in a charge to the income statement of £48,000.

 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Plc 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

65

22 called-up share capital

Authorised 240,000,000 (2011: 240,000,000) ordinary shares of 3.33p each (2011: 3.33p)

Authorised 37,000,000 (2011: 37,000,000) redeemable B shares of £0.54 each

Authorised 124,890,948 (2011: 124,890,948) irredeemable C shares of £0.001 each

Issued and fully-paid 191,852,710 (2011: 188,365,802*)  
ordinary shares of 3.33p each (2011: 3.33p)

Total

2012
£’000

8,000

19,980

125

28,105

6,395

6,395

2011
£’000

8,000

19,980

125

28,105

6,279

6,279

During the period the Group issued 3,486,908 (2011: 163,479) ordinary shares with a nominal value of £116,229 (2011: 
£5,449) under share option schemes for an aggregate cash consideration of £575,340 (2011: £26,694).

* During the previous period 122,000 (£4,000) shares were purchased by Topps Tiles Employee Benefit Trust on behalf of the Directors and Senior Management Team. These 
have not been paid for at the balance sheet date.

23 share premium

At start of period

Premium on issue of new shares

At end of period

24 own shares

At start of period

Issued in the period

At end of period

2012
£’000

1,022

459

1,481

2012
£’000

(4)

 –

(4)

2011
£’000

1,001

21

1,022

2011
£’000

 –

(4)

(4)

A subsidiary of the Group holds 122,000 shares with a nominal value of £4,000 and therefore these have been classed as own shares.

25 merGer reserve

At start and end of period

26 share-Based payment reserve

At start of period

Credit to equity for equity-settled share-based payments

At end of period 

2012
£’000

(399)

2012
£’000

543

23

566

2011
£’000

(399)

2011
£’000

367

176

543

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66 

Plc 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Financial Statements continued

27 capital redemption reserve

At start and end of period

2012
£’000

2011
£’000

20,359

20,359

The capital redemption reserve arose on the cancellation of treasury shares and as a result of a share reorganisation in 2006.

28 retained earninGs

At 2 October 2010

Dividends (note 11)

Deferred tax on sharesave scheme taken directly to equity

Net profit for the period

At 1 October 2011

Dividends (note 11)

Deferred tax on sharesave scheme taken directly to equity

Net profit for the period

At 29 September 2012

29 financial commitments

£’000

(56,131)

(2,817)

(28)

5,714

(53,262)

(2,087)

(166)

9,769

(45,746)

a) capital commitments
At the end of the period there were capital commitments contracted of £300,000 (2011: £300,000).

b) pension arrangements
The Group operates separate defined contribution pension schemes for employees. The assets of the schemes are held separately from 
those of the Group in independently administered funds. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the Group to the 
funds and amounted to £175,000 (2011: £149,000).

c) lease commitments
Minimum future sublease payments expected to be received under non-cancellable subleases amount to £1,805,000.

The Group has entered into non-cancellable operating leases in respect of motor vehicles, equipment and land and buildings.

Minimum lease payments under operating leases recognised as an expense for the period were £19,295,000 which includes property 
service charges of £591,000 (2011: £20,881,000 including property service charges of £699,000).

At the balance sheet date, the Group had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating 
leases which fall due as follows:

 – within 1 year
 – within 2 – 5 years
 – after 5 years

2012

2011

Land and 
buildings
£’000

19,335
63,334
65,646
148,315

Other
£’000

1,025
1,160
25
2,210

Land and 
buildings
£’000

18,401
61,188
66,485
146,074

Other
£’000

1,156
1,738
39
2,933

Operating lease payments primarily represent rentals payable by the Group for certain of its office and store properties. Leases are 
negotiated for an average term of 15 years and rentals are fixed for an average of five years (2011: five).

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Plc 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

67

30 share-Based payments

The Group operates three share option schemes in relation to Group employees.

equity-settled share option scheme
Options are exercisable at the middle market closing price for the working day prior to the date of grant and are exercisable three years 
from the date of grant if the employee is still employed by the Group at that date.

Details of the share options outstanding during the period are as follows:

Date of grant

26 January 2001
12 February 2002

Movements in share options are summarised as follows:

Outstanding at beginning of period
Exercised during the period
Expired during the period 
Outstanding at end of period 
Exercisable at end of period

Option
price

Exercisable 
period

54p
54p

7 Years
7 Years

No. of options outstanding

2012

 –
 –
 –

2011

 –
40,779
40,779

2012
Number  
of share 
options

2012 
Weighted 
average 
exercise price 
£

40,779
 –
(40,779)
 –
 –

0.54
 –
0.54
 –
 –

2011 
Number  
of share  
options

118,799
(41,520)
(36,500)
40,779
40,779

2011 
Weighted 
average  
exercise price 
£

0.54
0.54
0.54
0.54
0.54

other share-based payment plans
Employee share purchase plans are open to almost all employees and provide for a purchase price equal to the daily average market 
price on the date of grant, less 20%. The shares can be purchased during a two-week period each financial period. The shares so 
purchased are generally placed in the employee share savings plan for a three or five year period.

Movements in share-based payment plan options are summarised as follows:

2012
Number  
of share 
options

2012 
Weighted 
average 
exercise price 
£

2011 
Number  
of share  
options

2011 
Weighted 
average  
exercise price 
£

Outstanding at beginning of period
Issued during the period
Expired during the period
Exercised during the period
Outstanding at end of period
Exercisable at end of period

6,229,563
 –
(769,761)
(3,486,908)
1,972,894
1,972,894

0.25
5,452,947
 –
1,259,204
0.48
(482,588)
0.17
 –
0.32 6,229,563
0.32 6,229,563

The inputs to the Black-Scholes Model for the above two schemes are as follows:

Weighted average share price  
– pence
Weighted average exercise price   – pence
Expected volatility (3 and 5 years)  – %
Expected life  
Risk-free rate of interest 
Dividend Yield 

– years
– %
– %

2012

39.8
31.8
47.3 and 70.6
3 or 5
0.2
4.09

0.19
0.64
0.46
 –
0.25
0.25

2011

31.5
25.2
74.1 and 67.9
3 or 5
0.7
5.37

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68 

Plc 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Financial Statements continued

30 share-Based payments (continued)

Expected volatility was determined by calculating the historical volatility of the Group’s share price over the previous three or five years 
(2011: three or five years). The expected risk used in the model has been adjusted, based on management’s best estimate, for the 
effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions and behavioural forces.

deferred bonus long-term incentive plan
At the AGM in January 2010 a new deferred bonus long-term incentive plan (LTIP) for the Senior Management Team was approved by 
shareholders. Under this long-term incentive plan a proportion of the annual bonus is deferred in the form of shares for a two year period 
with a matching share award that vests at the end of two years subject to the achievement of performance conditions. 25% of the annual 
bonus has been deferred into shares, on a net basis, for a two year period, with a further match on a gross basis which vests two years 
later subject to the achievement of performance conditions relating to continued employment in the business and EBITDA earnings growth 
measured over the two year period.

For the period ended 2 October 2010 it was determined that a bonus be paid equivalent to 50% of basic salary for Executive Directors 
and the members of the Senior Management Team. 25% of the annual bonus was deferred under the deferred bonus long-term incentive 
plan. The total number of shares due to be awarded was 121,959, and the fair value of these deferred shares as at 29 September 
2012 was £73,000 (2011: £73,000).

The total number of matching shares that are expected to be awarded, subject to fulfilment of the performance conditions is nil, and the 
fair value of these matching shares as at 29 September 2012 was £nil. No options were granted or exercised during the period 
(2011: None). There were no options outstanding at 29 September 2012.

During the period, matching shares concerning the 2011 bonus award were recognised as a credit. This amounted to £66,000 
(2011: £66,000 expense).

A new deferred bonus long-term incentive plan (LTIP) has been proposed for the Senior Management Team, to run from October 
2012 to October 2014. Under this long-term incentive plan 25% of the annual bonus (net of tax) is deferred in the form of shares 
for a two year period, with a matching share award (on a gross basis) that vests at the end of two years subject to the achievement 
of performance conditions relating to continuing employment within the business and EBITDA earnings growth measured over the 
two year period. 

For the period ended 29 September 2012 it was determined that a bonus be paid equivalent to 44.4% of basic salary for Executive 
Directors and the members of the Senior Management Team. 25% of the annual bonus was deferred under the deferred bonus long-term 
incentive plan. The total number of shares due to be awarded was 191,084, and the fair value of these deferred shares as at 
29 September 2012 was £95,000 (2011: £nil).

The inputs to the Black-Scholes Model are as follows:

Weighted average share price   – pence 

Weighted average exercise price  – pence

Expected volatility  

Expected life  

Risk-free rate of interest  

– %

– years

– %

2012

49.7

–

53.4

2

0.2

2011

65.8

–

45.3

2

0.6

Expected volatility was determined by calculating the historical volatility of the Group’s share price over the 2010/11 and 2011/12 
financial periods (2011: 2009/10 and 2010/11 financial period). The expected risk used in the model has been adjusted, based on 
management’s best estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions and behavioural forces.

In total, the Group recognised a total expense of £23,000 (2011: £176,000 expense) relating to share-based payments.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Plc 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

69

31 related party transactions

S.K.M. Williams had the non-statutory role of President (resigned March 2012), advising on property matters and is a related party by 
virtue of his 10.8% shareholding (20,953,950 ordinary shares) in the Group’s issued share capital (2011: 10.6% shareholding of 
19,903,950 ordinary shares).

At 29 September 2012 S.K.M. Williams was the landlord of four properties leased to Multi Tile Limited, a trading subsidiary of Topps 
Tiles Plc, for £178,000 (2011: three properties for £136,000) per annum.

No amounts were outstanding with S.K.M. Williams at 29 September 2012 (2011: £nil).

The lease agreements on all properties are operated on commercial arm’s-length terms. His salary for the year in his role as President 
was £24,000 (2011: £41,000).

Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties, have been eliminated on consolidation and are not 
disclosed in this note, in accordance with the exemption available under IAS 24.

The remuneration of the Board of Directors, who are considered key management personnel of the Group was £1.5 million 
(2011: £1.1 million) as well as share-based payments of £65,000 (2011: £nil). Further information about the remuneration of 
the individual Directors is provided in the Remuneration Report on pages 34 to 38.

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70 

Plc 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Topps Tiles Plc

We have audited the parent company financial statements of Topps Tiles Plc for the period ended 29 September 2012, which comprise 
the Company balance sheet and the related notes 1 to 7. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is 
applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. 
Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in 
an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone 
other than the company and the company’s members as a body for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Respective responsibilities of Directors and auditor
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement, the Directors are responsible for the preparation of the parent 
company financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to audit and express an 
opinion on the parent company financial statements in accordance with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK 
and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.

Scope of the audit of the financial statements
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give reasonable 
assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This includes an assessment 
of: whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the parent company’s circumstances and have been consistently applied and 
adequately disclosed; the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the Directors; and the overall presentation of the 
financial statements. In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information in the annual report to identify material 
inconsistencies with the audited financial statements. If we become aware of any apparent material misstatements or inconsistencies we 
consider the implications for our report.

Opinion on financial statements
In our opinion the parent company financial statements:
 a give a true and fair view of the state of the parent company’s affairs as at 29 September 2012;
 a have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
 a have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion:
 a the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006; and
 a the information given in the Directors’ Report for the financial period for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the 

parent company financial statements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our 
opinion:
 a adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received 

from branches not visited by us; or

 a the parent company financial statements and the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited are not in agreement with the 

accounting records and returns; or

 a certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or
 a we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

Other matter
We have reported separately on the group financial statements of Topps Tiles Plc for the period ended 29 September 2012.

Timothy Edge (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Deloitte LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor Manchester, United Kingdom 26 November 2012

Plc 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

71

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Company Balance Sheet
As at 29 September 2012

Fixed assets

Investments

Current assets

Debtors due within one year

Debtors due after one year

Cash at bank and in hand

Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Net current assets

Net assets

Capital and reserves

Called-up share capital

Share premium

Share-based payment reserve

Capital redemption reserve

Other reserve

Profit and loss account

Equity shareholders’ funds

52 weeks 
ended
29 September
2012 
£’000

Notes

52 weeks 
ended
1 October
2011 
£’000

3

4

4

5

6,7

7

7

7

7

7

2,920

2,928

35

221,200

20,270

241,505

38

221,200

24,157

245,395

(1,139)

(615)

240,366

243,286

244,780

247,708

6,395

1,481

532

20,359

6,200

208,319

243,286

6,279

1,022

482

20,359

6,200

213,366

247,708

The financial statements of Topps Tiles Plc, Companies House number 3213782, were approved by the Board of Directors on 
26 November 2012 and signed on its behalf by:

M.T.M. Williams,  
Director 

R. Parker,
Director

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72 

Plc 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Company Financial Statements 
For the 52 week period ended 29 September 2012

1 BASiS Of ACCOunting

The separate financial statements of the Company are presented as required by the Companies Act 2006. They have been prepared 
under the historical cost convention and in accordance with United Kingdom Accounting Standards and law.

Based on a detailed review of the risks and uncertainties discussed within the Business Review, and management’s current expectations 
the Board believes that the Group will continue to meet all of its financial commitments as they fall due and will be able to continue as a 
going concern. 

The current economic climate creates a degree of uncertainty in the outlook which when combined with the financial covenants included 
in our loan facilities, has led the Board to conduct a detailed review of a number of different trading scenarios as well as possible 
mitigating actions, should they be required. 

Based on this analysis the Board has concluded that the Company would be able to fully meet all of its future financial commitments and 
therefore consider it appropriate to prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis.

There have been no changes to the principal accounting policies in the period, all of which have been applied consistently throughout 
the period and the preceding period.

The Company issues equity-settled share-based payments to certain employees. Equity-settled share-based payments are measured at 
fair value at the date of grant. The credit added to the cost of investment in those subsidiaries whose employees receive the benefit of 
the share options is £8,000 (2011: £127,000). In respect of the deferred long-term bonus incentive plan, the share-based payment 
charge within the Company is £57,000 in respect of the matching share award (2011: £32,000 in respect of the deferred 
share award).

Fixed asset investments are shown at cost less provision for impairment.

The Company has taken advantage of the exemption in FRS 8 from disclosing transactions with other members of the Group and the 
exemption in FRS 29 for making disclosures relating to financial instruments. 

2 PROfit fOR the yeAR

As permitted by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 the Company has elected not to present its own profit and loss account for the 
period. Topps Tiles Plc reported a retained loss for the financial period ended 29 September 2012 of £5,047,000 (2011: 
£4,858,000).

The auditor’s remuneration for services to the Company was £40,000 for audit related work (2011: £40,000 for audit related work). 
Fees relating to non-audit work totalled £nil (2011: £nil), see note 6 to the Group financial statements for further details.

The Company had no other employees other than the Directors (2011: same), whose remuneration is detailed on page 37.

3 fixeD ASSet inveStMentS

At 1 October 2011

Movement in share options granted to employees 

At 29 September 2012

Shares
£’000

2,928

(8)

2,920

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Plc 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

73

3 fixeD ASSet inveStMentS (COntinueD)

The Company has investments in the following subsidiaries which principally affected the profits or net assets of the Group. To avoid a 
statement of excessive length, details of investments which are not significant have been omitted.

Subsidiary undertaking

% of issued shares held

Principal activity

Topalpha Limited*

Multi Tile Limited

Topps Tiles Holdings

Topps Tiles (UK) Limited

100%

100%

100%

100%

Property management and investment

Retail and wholesale of ceramic tiles, wood flooring and related products

Intermediate holding company.

Retail and wholesale of ceramic tiles, wood flooring and related products

Topps Tiles Distribution Ltd 100%

Wholesale and distribution of ceramic tiles, wood flooring and related products.

*Held directly by Topps Tiles Plc.

The investments are represented by ordinary shares.

All undertakings are incorporated in Great Britain and are registered and operate in England and Wales. 

4 DeBtORS

Amounts falling due within one year:

Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings

Other debtors

Prepayments and accrued income

Amounts falling due after one year:

Amounts owed by subsidiary undertaking

2012
£’000

2011
£’000

 –

22

13

35

4

28

6

38

221,200

221,200

In respect of the deferred bonus share award, a deferred tax asset has not been recognised as it is probable that there will be insufficient 
suitable profits arising when the shares are awarded against which to relieve the deduction.

5 CReDitORS: AMOuntS fAlling Due within One yeAR

Trade and other creditors

Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings

Accruals and deferred income

2012
£’000

16

130

993

1,139

2011
£’000

49

292

274

615

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74 

Plc 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Company Financial Statements continued

6 CAlleD-uP ShARe CAPitAl

Authorised 240,000,000 (2011: 240,000,000) ordinary shares  
of 3.33p each (2011: 3.33p)

Authorised 37,000,000 (2011: 37,000,000) redeemable B shares of £0.54 each

Authorised 124,890,948 (2011: 124,890,948) irredeemable C shares of £0.001 each

Issued and fully-paid 191,852,710 (2011: 188,365,802*) ordinary shares  
of 3.33p each (2011: 3.33p)

2012
£’000

2011
£’000

8,000

19,980

125

28,105

8,000

19,980

125

28,105

6,395

6,279

*During the prior period 122,000 (£4,000) shares were purchased by Topps Tiles Employee Benefit Trust on Behalf of the Directors and Senior Management Team. These 
have not been paid for at the balance sheet date.

During the period of the Group allotted 3,486,908 (2011: 163,479) ordinary shares with a nominal value of £116,230 
(2011: £5,449) under share option schemes for an aggregate cash consideration of £575,340 (2011: £26,694).

7 ReSeRveS

Company

At 1 October 2011
Loss for the period
Issue of new shares
Credit to equity for equity-settled 
share-based payments
At 29 September 2012

Share
capital
£’000

6,279
 –
116

 –
6,395

Share 
premium
£’000

Share-based 
payment
reserve
£’000

Capital 
redemption
reserve
£’000

Other
reserves
£’000

6,200
 –
 –

Profit 
and loss 
account
£’000

213,366
(5,047)
 –

Total 
equity
£’000

247,708
(5,047)
575

20,359
 –
 –

 –
20,359

 –
6,200

 –

50
208,319 243,286

1,022
 –
459

 –
1,481

482
 –
 –

50
532

At 29 September 2012, the Directors consider the other reserves of £6,200,000 to remain non-distributable.

The Directors consider £203,106,000 of profit and loss account reserves not to be distributable at 29 September 2012. This arose on 
an unrealised gain on the intragroup disposal of subsidiary companies.

Plc 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

75

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Five Year Record
Unaudited

Group revenue

Group operating profit

Profit before taxation

Shareholders’ deficit

Basic earnings per share

Dividend per share

Dividend cover

Average number of employees

Share price (period end)

52 weeks 
ended 
27 September
2008
£’000

52 weeks 
ended 
26 September
2009
£’000

53 weeks 
ended 
2 October
2010
£’000

52 weeks 
ended 
1 October
2011
£’000

52 weeks 
ended 
29 September
2012
£’000

208,084

186,061

183,420

175,525

177,693

34,620

27,723

16,425

4,904

20,899

13,397

13,980

7,908

15,462

12,493

(55,113)

(53,282)

(28,530)

(25,462)

(17,348)

9.56p

3.00p

3.19

1,743

58.25p

1.00p

5.37p

 –

 –

1,625

94.41p

 –

 –

1,615

60.0p

3.04p

1.50p

1.92

1,661

34.0p

5.14p

1.10p

4.68

1,654

46.0p

All figures quoted are inclusive of continued and discontinued operations.

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76 

Plc 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Notice of Annual General Meeting

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual General Meeting of Topps Tiles Plc (the “Company”) will be held at Topps Tiles Plc, Thorpe 
Way, Grove Park, Enderby, Leicestershire LE19 1SU on Wednesday 23rd January 2013 at 10.30am for the purpose of considering 
the following resolutions:- resolutions 1 to 11, (inclusive) and resolution 15 as ordinary resolutions and resolutions 12 to 14 (inclusive) as 
special resolutions.

ORDinARy BuSineSS

1. 

 To receive and adopt the Company’s Annual Report and Financial Statements for the financial period ended 29th September 2012 
together with the last Directors’ Report, the last Directors’ Remuneration Report and the Auditors’ Report on those accounts and the 
auditable part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report.

2.  To declare a final dividend of 0.75 pence per Ordinary Share on the Ordinary Shares for the period.

3.  To re-elect Matthew Williams as a Director of the Company.

4.  To re-elect Robert Parker as a Director of the Company.

5.  To re-elect The Rt. Hon. Michael Jack as a Director of the Company.

6.  To re-elect Alan White as a Director of the Company.

7.  To re-elect Claire Tiney as a Director of the Company.

8.  To re-elect Andy King who has been appointed since the last Annual General Meeting as a Director of the Company

9. 

 To re-appoint Deloitte LLP as Auditors to hold office from the conclusion of the meeting to the conclusion of the next meeting at which 
the Annual Report and Financial Statements are laid before the Company at a remuneration to be determined by the Directors.

10.  To approve the Directors’ Remuneration Report for the financial period ended 29th September 2012 as set out in the Annual Report 

and Financial Statements for that period.

SPeCiAl BuSineSS

To consider and, if thought fit, to pass the resolutions set out below which, in the case of Resolutions 11 and 15 will be proposed as 
Ordinary Resolutions and, in the case of Resolutions 12 to 14 (inclusive) will be proposed as Special Resolutions.

11.  THAT, the Directors of the Company be generally and unconditionally authorised for the purposes of and pursuant to section 551 
of the Companies Act 2006 (the “2006 Act”) to allot Relevant Securities (as defined in the explanatory notes to this resolution) 
up to an aggregate nominal amount of £2,127,435 provided that this authority shall, unless renewed, varied or revoked by the 
Company, expire 15 months from the passing of this resolution or, if earlier, on the date of the next annual general meeting of the 
Company save that the Company may, before such expiry, make offers or agreements which would or might require Relevant 
Securities to be allotted and the Directors may allot Relevant Securities in pursuance of such offer or agreement notwithstanding that 
the authority conferred by this resolution has expired.

12.  THAT, subject to the passing of Resolution 11 above, the Directors of the Company be given the general power to allot equity 

securities (as defined by section 560 of the 2006 Act) for cash, either pursuant to the authority conferred by Resolution 11 or by 
way of a sale of treasury shares, as if section 561(1) of the 2006 Act did not apply to any such allotment, provided that this power 
shall be limited to:

(a) 

 the allotment of equity securities pursuant to a rights issue or similar offer to Ordinary Shareholders where the equity securities 
respectively attributable to the interests of all Ordinary Shareholders are proportionate or as nearly as practical (and taking into 
account any prohibitions against or difficulties concerning the making of an offer of allotment to shareholders whose registered 
address or place of residence is overseas and subject to such exclusions as the Directors of the Company may deem 
necessary or expedient to deal with fractional entitlement or record dates) to the respective numbers of Ordinary Shares held 
by them; and

(b)    the allotment (otherwise than pursuant to paragraph (a) above) of equity securities up to an aggregate nominal amount of the 

greater of £319,435 or 5% of the issued share capital of the Company.

 The power granted by this resolution will expire 15 months from the passing of this resolution or, if earlier, the conclusion of the 
Company’s next annual general meeting (unless renewed, varied or revoked by the Company prior to or on such date) save that 
the Company may, before such expiry make offers or agreements which would or might require equity securities to be allotted after 
such expiry and the Directors may allot equity securities in pursuance of any such offer or agreement notwithstanding that the power 
conferred by this resolution has expired.

 
 
 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Plc 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

77

13.  THAT, the Company be generally and unconditionally authorised for the purposes of section 701 of the 2006 Act to make market 
purchases (within the meaning of section 693(4) of the 2006 Act) of Ordinary Shares of 31⁄3p each in the capital of the Company 
(“Ordinary Shares”) provided that:

(a) 

 the maximum number of Ordinary Shares hereby authorised to be purchased is 28,586,053. (representing 14.9% of the 
Company’s issued Ordinary Share capital);

(b) 

the minimum price, exclusive of any expenses, which may be paid for an Ordinary Share is 31⁄3p; 

(c) 

(d) 

(e) 

 the maximum price, exclusive of any expenses, which may be paid for an Ordinary Share is an amount equal to 105% of the 
average of the middle market quotations for an Ordinary Share derived from the London Stock Exchange Daily Official List for 
the five business days immediately preceding the date on which such Ordinary Share is Contracted to be purchased;

 unless previously renewed, varied or revoked, the authority conferred shall expire at the close of the next Annual General 
Meeting of the Company or 12 months from the date of this resolution, if earlier; and

 the Company may make a contract for the purchase of Ordinary Shares under this authority before the expiry of this authority 
which would or might require to be executed wholly or partly after the expiry of such authority, and may make purchases of 
Ordinary Shares in pursuance of such a contract as if such authority had not expired.

14. THAT, a general meeting other than an annual general meeting may be called on not less than 14 clear days’ notice.

15. THAT:

(a) 

 the rules of the Topps Tiles 2013 Long Term Incentive Plan in the form produced to the meeting and initialled by the Chairman 
of the meeting for the purposes of identification (the “Plan”), the principal terms of which are summarised in the explanatory 
notes to this Notice of Annual General Meeting be and are hereby approved and the Directors of the Company be and are 
hereby authorised to adopt the Plan and do all acts and things which they may, in their absolute discretion, consider necessary 
or expedient to give effect to the Plan; and

(b) 

 the Directors of the Company be authorised to establish further schemes based on the Plan but modified to take account of 
local tax, exchange, control or securities laws in overseas territories, provided that any shares made available under such 
further schemes are treated as counting against any limits on individual or overall participation in the Plan.

nOteS

1. 

2. 

3. 

 The right to vote at the meeting is determined by reference to the register of members. Only those members registered in the register 
of members of the Company as at 6:00pm on 21st January 2013 or, in the event that the meeting is adjourned, close of business 
on such date being not more than 2 days prior to the date fixed for the adjourned meeting. Changes to entries in the register of 
members after 6:00pm on 21st January 2013 or, in the event that the meeting is adjourned, after 2 working days before the time 
of any adjourned meeting, shall be disregarded in determining the rights of any person to attend or vote at the meeting.

 A member is entitled to appoint one or more persons as proxies to exercise all or any of his rights to attend, speak and vote at the 
meeting. A proxy need not be a member of the Company. A form of proxy is enclosed and notes for completion can be found on 
the form and should be read carefully before it is completed. To be valid, the form of proxy must be completed, signed and sent to 
the offices of the Company’s registrars, Capita Registrars, PXS, The Registry, 34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 4TU 
together with the power of attorney or other authority (if any) under which it is signed or a notarially certified or office copy of the 
same, so as to arrive no later than 10.30 am on 21 January 2013 (or, in the event that the meeting is adjourned, no later than 2 
working days before the time of any adjourned meeting).

 A member may appoint more than one proxy in relation to the meeting provided that each proxy is appointed to exercise the rights 
attached to a different share or shares held by him. To appoint more than one proxy, you will need to complete a separate proxy 
form in relation to each appointment. You may photocopy the enclosed proxy form, indicating clearly on each proxy form the name 
of the proxy you wish to appoint and the number of shares in relation to which the proxy is appointed. All forms must be signed and 
should be returned together in the same envelope. You can only appoint a proxy using the procedures set out in these notes and the 
notes to the proxy form. The right of a member under section 324 of the Companies Act 2006 (“2006 Act”) to appoint a proxy 
does not apply to a person nominated to enjoy information rights under section 146 of the 2006 Act.

4.  The appointment of a proxy will not preclude a member from attending and voting in person at the meeting if he or she so wishes.

5. 

 As at the close of business on the date of this notice, the Company’s issued share capital comprised 191,852,710 ordinary shares 
of 31⁄3p each. Each ordinary share carries the right to one vote at a general meeting of the Company.

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78 

Plc 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Notice of Annual General Meeting continued

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

 A vote withheld is not a vote in law, which means that the vote will not be counted in the calculation of votes for or against the 
resolution. If no voting indication is given, your proxy will vote or abstain from voting at his or her discretion. Your proxy will vote (or 
abstain from voting) as he or she thinks fit in relation to any other matter which is put before the meeting. The notes to the proxy form 
explain how to direct your proxy to vote on each resolution or withhold their vote.

 In the case of joint holders, where more than one joint holders purports to appoint a proxy, only the appointment submitted by the 
most senior holder will be accepted. Seniority is determined by the order in which the names of the joint holders appear in the 
Company’s register of members in respect of the joint holding (the first named being the most senior).

 CREST members who wish to appoint a proxy or proxies through the CREST electronic proxy appointment service may do so by 
using the procedures described in the CREST Manual. CREST personal members or other CREST sponsored members and those 
CREST members who have appointed a voting service provider(s), should refer to their CREST sponsor or voting service provider(s) 
who will be able to take the appropriate action on their behalf.

 In order for a proxy appointment or instruction made using the CREST service to be valid, the appropriate CREST message (a 
“CREST Proxy Instruction”) must be properly authenticated in accordance with Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited (formerly CRESTCo’s) 
specifications and must contain the information required for such instructions, as described in the CREST Manual. The message, 
regardless of whether it constitutes the appointment of a proxy or an amendment to the instruction given to a previously appointed 
proxy, must, in order to be valid, be transmitted so as to be received by the issuers’ agent (ID RA10) by the latest time for receipt of 
proxy appointments specified in this notice. For this purpose, the time of receipt will be taken to be the time (as determined by the 
timestamp applied to the message by the CREST Applications Host) from which the registrars are able to retrieve the message by 
enquiry to CREST in the manner prescribed by CREST. After this time, any change of instructions to proxies appointed through 
CREST should be communicated to the appointee through other means. CREST members and, where applicable, their CREST 
sponsors or voting service provider(s) should note that Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited does not make available special procedures in 
CREST for any particular messages. Normal system timings and limitations will therefore apply in relation to the input of CREST Proxy 
Instructions. It is the responsibility of the CREST member concerned to take (or, if the CREST member is a CREST personal member or 
sponsored member or has appointed a voting service provider(s), to procure that his CREST sponsor or voting service provider(s) 
take(s)) such action as shall be necessary to ensure that a message is transmitted by means of the CREST system by any particular 
time. In this connection, CREST members and, where applicable, their CREST sponsors or voting service providers are referred, in 
particular, to those sections of the CREST Manual concerning practical limitations of the CREST system and timings.

10.  The Company may treat as invalid a CREST Proxy Instruction in the circumstances set out in Regulation 35(5)(a) of the Uncertificated 

Securities Regulations 2001.

11.  Where a copy of this notice is being received by a person who has been nominated to enjoy information rights under section 146 

of the 2006 Act (“nominee”):

(a) 

(b) 

 the nominee may have a right under an agreement between the nominee and the member by whom he was appointed, 
to be appointed, or to have someone else appointed, as a proxy for the meeting; or

 if the nominee does not have any such right or does not wish to exercise such right, the nominee may have a right under any 
such agreement to give instructions to the member as to the exercise of voting rights.

12.  Capita Registrars maintain the Company’s share register. They also provide a telephone helpline service on 0871 664 0300 

(calls cost 10p a minute plus network extras. Lines are open from 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. If you have any queries 
about voting or about your shareholding, please contact Capita Registrars.

13. Members have the right to ask questions at the meeting in accordance with section 319A of the 2006 Act.

14.  The following documents are available for inspection by members at the registered office of the Company (except Bank Holidays) 

during the normal business hours and at the place of the meeting not less than 15 minutes prior to and during the meeting:

(a) 

the register of Directors’ interests required to be kept under section 809 of the 2006 Act; and

(b)  copies of the Directors’ service contracts.

15.  Information regarding the AGM, including the information required by section 311A of the 2006 Act, is available from the 

Company’s website – www.toppstiles.co.uk.

Rob Parker 

Company Secretary

26 November 2012

Registered Office:

Thorpe Way, 
Grove Park, 
Enderby, 
Leicestershire, LE19 1SU

Registered No:

3213782

 
 
 
 
Plc 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

79

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Explanatory Notes to the Notice of Annual General Meeting

THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the Company will be held at the Company’s premises at Thorpe Way, Grove Park, Enderby, 
Leicestershire LE19 1SU on Wednesday 23 January 2013 at 10.30am.

Five of the resolutions are to be taken at this year’s Annual General Meeting as special business. By way of explanation of these and 
certain other resolutions:

ORDinARy BuSineSS

Resolution 2
Declaration of Final Dividend 
A final dividend of 0.75 pence per Ordinary Share is recommended by the Directors for payment to shareholders on the register of 
members of the Company at 6pm on 21 January 2013. Subject to approval by the Ordinary Shareholders at the Annual General 
Meeting, the dividend will be paid on 31 January 2013. An interim dividend of 0.50p was declared which means the total dividend 
level will be 1.25 pence per Ordinary Share for the 52 weeks prior to 29 September 2012.

Resolutions 3 to 8
Re-election of Directors
The Company’s articles of association require that all members of the Board of Directors submit themselves for re-election at least every 
three years with the exception of the Rt. Hon. J.M. Jack who has served for at least nine years and therefore retires and offers himself 
for re-election annually. Although not required by the Company’s articles (except in relation to Andy King who has been appointed since 
the last Annual General Meeting), each of the remaining Directors will, in the interests of good corporate governance, retire voluntarily 
and offer himself for re-election. Brief biographical details about all the Directors appear on pages 27 of the Annual Report and 
Financial Statements.

SPeCiAl BuSineSS

Resolution 11
Appointment of authority to issue shares
The right of the Directors to allot further shares in the capital of the Company requires in most cases the prior authorisation of the 
shareholders in general meeting under section 551 of the Companies Act 2006 (“the 2006 Act”). Resolution 11 will be put to members 
as special business to authorise the Directors to allot Ordinary Shares with a nominal value of £2,127,435 out of the Company’s 
unissued share capital representing approximately 33.3% of the Company’s current issued share capital (excluding shares held in 
treasury). The Company currently holds nil Ordinary Shares in treasury. The Directors have no current intention of exercising the authority 
contained in Resolution 11 to allot further shares. The authority shall expire immediately following the Annual General Meeting next 
following the resolution or, if earlier, 15 months following the resolution being passed.

Relevant Securities means:
 a Shares in the Company other than shares allotted pursuant to an employee share scheme (as defined by section 1166 of the 2006 

Act); a right to subscribe for shares in the Company where the grant of the right itself constituted a Relevant Security; or a right to convert 
securities into shares in the Company where the grant of the right itself constituted a Relevant Security.

 a Any right to subscribe for or to convert any security into shares in the Company other than rights to subscribe for or convert any security 
into shares allotted pursuant to an employee share scheme (as defined by section 1166 of the 2006 Act). References to the allotment 
of Relevant Securities in the resolution include the grant of such rights.

Resolution 12
Disapplication of statutory rights of pre-emption
This proposed resolution seeks to obtain power under section 571 of the 2006 Act to enable the Directors to allot, for cash, shares with 
an aggregate nominal value of £319,435 equal to approximately 5% of the Company’s current issued share capital without being 
required first to offer such securities to existing shareholders. The Company will thereby be given greater flexibility when considering 
future opportunities but the interests of existing shareholders will be protected as, except in the case of a rights issue or the allotment of 
shares under the Company’s share option schemes, the Directors have no present intention to exercise its authority under this resolution to 
allot any part of the unissued share capital of the Company or, without the prior approval of the Company in general meeting, to make 
any issue which would effectively alter the control of the Company or the nature of its business. This authority will expire immediately 
following the Annual General Meeting next following the resolution or, if earlier, 15 months following the resolution being passed.

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80 

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Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Explanatory Notes to the Notice of Annual General Meeting
continued

Resolution 13
Authority to purchase Ordinary Shares
At the Annual General Meeting, Ordinary Shareholders are being invited under Resolution 13 to grant authority to the Company to 
make market purchases of its Ordinary Shares. It is proposed such authority shall expire on the conclusion of the Annual General 
Meeting to be held in 2013 or 12 months from the date of this resolution, if earlier. This authority will be limited to the purchase of not 
more than 14.9% of the Ordinary Shares currently in issue. This represents the maximum amount of Ordinary Share capital in issue 
which is permitted before tender or partial offer to all shareholders is required to be made to perform any share buy-back. The maximum 
price payable under this authority will be 105% of the average of the middle market quotations of an Ordinary Share for the five 
business days before the relevant purchase and the minimum price will be 31⁄3p per Ordinary Share. In considering whether or not to 
purchase Ordinary Shares under the market purchase authority, the Directors will take into account cash resources, the effect on gearing 
and other investment opportunities before exercising the authority. In addition, the Company will only exercise the authority to make such 
a purchase in the market when the Directors consider it is in the best interests of the shareholders generally to do so and it should result in 
an increase in Earnings per Ordinary Share. As at 29 September 2012, there were options to subscribe for 1,972,894 equity shares 
outstanding under various schemes representing approximately 1% of the current issued share capital of the Company. If the authority 
sought by Resolution 13 was exercised in full, the number of outstanding options would represent approximately 1.2% of the issued 
share capital following the repurchase of shares. 

Resolution 14
Notice period for general meetings
This resolution is required to reflect the implementation in August 2009 of the Shareholder Rights Directive. The regulation implementing 
this Directive increased the notice period for general meetings of the Company to 21 days. Previously the Company was able to call 
general meetings (other than an AGM) on 14 clear days’ notice and would like to preserve this ability going forward. In order to be 
able to do so shareholders must approve the calling of meetings on 14 days’ notice. Resolution 14 seeks such approval. The approval 
will be effective until the Company’s next Annual General Meeting, when it is intended that a similar resolution will be proposed. 
The Company will also need to meet the requirements for electronic voting under the Directive before it can call a general meeting 
on 14 days’ notice.

Resolution 15
Proposal to adopt a Long Term Incentive Plan
Resolution 15 proposes that the Directors be authorised to adopt the Topps Tiles 2013 Long Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”).

Following a comprehensive review by the Remuneration Committee (“the Committee”) of the existing structure of the management 
incentive plans shareholder approval is being sought for the Plan to replace the current deferred bonus long term incentive plan from the 
2013 financial year. As part of these changes, and subject to shareholder approval for the new Plan, we are also reducing the levels of 
annual bonus.

The rationale for the new Plan is set out on page 35 of the Remuneration Report for 2012 and the principal terms are summarised 
below.

1. eligibility
Employees (including Executive directors of the Company) will be eligible to participate in the Plan. However, the Plan will operate 
selectively, at the discretion of the Committee.

2. form of Awards
Awards may be in the form of:
 a a conditional right to acquire ordinary shares in the Company (“Shares”) at no cost to the participant (“Conditional Award”); 
 a an option to acquire Shares at no cost to the participant (a “Nil-Cost Option”); 

In this summary, the term “Award” means an award granted under the Plan in either of these forms. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Plc 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

81

3. Performance Conditions
The vesting of Awards will be subject to the satisfaction of a performance condition measured over a performance period of at least 
three years. 

For Awards made to an Executive director of the Company, the performance condition for the performance period from 2012/13 to 
2014/15 will be based on the Company’s Earnings Per Share (EPS) performance and vesting of the Awards will also be subject to an 
additional underpin as described in more detail below.

EPS Targets
For the first three year performance period, EPS performance will be measured based on the cumulative adjusted EPS achieved over the 
performance period from 2012/13 to 2014/15. The cumulative EPS target is expressed post the charges for all management 
incentives. The cumulative adjusted EPS targets for the period 2012/13 to 2014/15 are:

Cumulative EPS for the period 2012/2013 
to 2014/2015

17.1 pence per Share
Greater than 17.1 pence per Share but less than  
18.4 pence per Shares

Percentage of the Award that will vest

25%

Determined on a straight line basis between 25% and 100%

18.4 pence per Share

100%

The above targets equate to adjusted EPS growth from the 2011/12 outturn of c.7% growth per annum for 25% vesting and c.11% per 
annum for 100% vesting. 

Underpin
The vesting of these Awards will be subject to an additional test based on a qualitative assessment of the underlying financial 
performance of the Company by the Committee including consideration of market share, margin performance, net debt and overall 
returns to shareholders. The key conclusions from this assessment and the basis for any adjustment to the levels of vesting determined 
using the EPS targets will be disclosed retrospectively following vesting. 

Variation of performance conditions
The Committee may amend or substitute the performance conditions if it considers it necessary taking into account, for example:
 a the materiality and timing of any transaction; 
 a the need to ensure performance is measured on a consistent and fair basis from year to year; and
 a the need to encourage the right behaviours (e.g. incentivising management to take actions which enhance shareholder value).

Any amended or substituted performance condition would not be materially less difficult to satisfy. Any adjustment under this paragraph 
may be up or down. Any variation in targets will be disclosed in the Remuneration Report for the financial year in which such variation 
is made.

4. individual limits
Ordinarily, Awards will not be granted to a participant under the Plan over Shares with a market value (as determined by the 
Remuneration Committee) in excess of 100 per cent of salary in respect of any financial year. However, the Remuneration Committee 
may, in exceptional circumstances, grant Awards to a participant under the Plan in respect of shares with a market value (as determined 
by the Remuneration Committee) of up to 200 per cent of salary in respect of any financial year.

It is the Remuneration Committee’s intention that the first grant of Awards to participants who are Executive directors will be over Shares 
with a market value equal to 100 per cent of salary.

5. grant of Awards
Awards may only be granted within the six week period following the approval of the Plan by the Company’s shareholders, the 
announcement of the Company’s results for any period, any day on which a restriction on the grant of Awards is lifted, or on any day on 
which the Committee determines that exceptional circumstances exist. 

The first grant of awards is intended to be made as soon as practicable following approval of the Plan at the Annual General Meeting.

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82 

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Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Explanatory Notes to the Notice of Annual General Meeting
continued

6. terms of Awards
Awards may be granted over newly issued Shares, treasury Shares or Shares purchased in the market. Awards are not transferable 
(other than on death). No payment will be required for the grant of an Award. Awards will not form part of pensionable earnings. 

7. entitlement to Dividends
The Committee may determine that the number of Shares to which a participant’s Award relates shall increase to take account of 
dividends paid on vested Shares from the grant date until the date of vesting on such terms as determined by the Committee. The 
Committee may determine that the participant shall receive the cash equivalent of the additional Shares. 

8. Overall limits
The Plan is subject to the following overall limits:
 a in any ten year period, the number of Shares which may be issued under the Plan and under any other discretionary share plan 

adopted by the Company may not exceed five per cent of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company from time to time; and
 a in any ten year period, the number of Shares which may be issued under the Plan and under any other employees’ share plan adopted 

by the Company may not exceed ten per cent of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company from time to time.

Treasury Shares will be treated as newly issued for the purpose of these limits until such time as guidelines published by institutional 
investor representative bodies determine otherwise.

9. Reduction for Malus 
The Committee may, in its absolute discretion, determine at any time prior to the vesting of an Award to: 
 a reduce the number of Shares to which an Award relates;
 a cancel an Award; or
 a impose further conditions on an Award;

in circumstances in which the Committee considers such action is appropriate. Such circumstances include, but are not limited to:
 a a material misstatement of the Company’s audited financial results;
 a a material failure of risk management by the Company, any Group member or a relevant business unit; and
 a serious reputational damage to the Company, any Group member or a relevant business unit as a result of the participant’s misconduct 

or otherwise.

10. vesting and exercise
Awards will normally vest as soon as practicable after the end of the relevant performance period (or on such later date as the 
Committee determines) and then only to the extent that any performance condition has been satisfied. Nil-Cost Options will then normally 
be exercisable until the tenth anniversary of the grant date.

The vesting of a Conditional Award or the exercise of a Nil-Cost Option is subject to obtaining any necessary approvals or consents 
from the United Kingdom Listing Authority, the Company’s share dealing policy and any other applicable laws or regulations.

At any time before or after the point at which an Award has vested, or a Nil-Cost Option has been exercised, but the underlying Shares 
have yet to be issued or transferred to the participant, the Committee may decide to pay a participant a cash amount equal to the value 
of the Shares he would otherwise have received. 

Any Shares or cash that are to be issued, transferred or paid (as appropriate) to a participant in respect of a vested Award or an 
exercised Nil-Cost Option will be issued, transferred or paid (as appropriate) within 30 days of the date of vesting or exercise (as 
appropriate).

11. Cessation of employment
If a participant dies, an unvested Award will, unless the Committee determines otherwise, vest as soon as reasonably practicable 
after the participant’s death to the extent that the Committee determines, taking into account the satisfaction of the relevant performance 
condition at that time and, if the Committee so determines, the period of time that has elapsed since the start of the performance 
period until the date of death. Where Awards vest in these circumstances, Nil-Cost Options will normally be exercisable for 12 months 
after vesting.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Plc 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

83

If a participant ceases to be employed by the Group by reason of ill-health, injury, disability, sale of the entity that employs him out of the 
Group or for any other reason at the Committee’s discretion (except where a participant is dismissed lawfully without notice), a 
participant’s unvested Award will usually continue until the normal vesting date unless the Committee determines that the Award will vest 
as soon as reasonably practicable following the date on which the participant ceases to be employed by the Group. The Committee 
will decide the extent to which an unvested Award vests in these circumstances, taking account of the extent to which the relevant 
performance condition is satisfied at the end of any performance period or, as appropriate, at the date on which the participant ceases 
to be employed by the Group. Unless the Committee in its discretion determines otherwise, the period of time that has elapsed since the 
start of the performance period until the date on which the participant ceases to be employed by the Group will also be taken into 
account. Where Awards vest in these circumstances, Nil-Cost Options will normally be exercisable for six months after vesting.

If a participant ceases employment with the Group in any other circumstances an Award shall lapse on the date on which the participant 
ceases employment. 

12. Corporate events
In the event of a change of control of the Company, Awards will vest to the extent that the relevant performance condition has been 
satisfied up to the date of change of control, and, unless the Committee determines otherwise, taking into account the period of time 
which has elapsed between the start of the performance period and the relevant event. Nil-Cost Options will then be exercisable for a 
period of one month.

Alternatively, the Committee may permit or, in the case of an internal reorganisation, or if the Board determined any other event, require 
Awards to be exchanged for equivalent awards which relate to shares in a different company. 

If other corporate events occur such as a demerger, delisting, special dividend or other event which, in the opinion of the Committee 
may affect the current or future value of Shares, the Committee may determine that Awards will vest conditional on the event occurring. 
Vesting will be subject to the satisfaction of the performance condition up to the date of the other corporate event and, unless the 
Committee determines otherwise, pro-rating to reflect the period from the start of the performance period to the date of the relevant event. 
If the event does not occur, Awards will continue.

13. Adjustments
In the event of a variation of the Company’s share capital or a demerger, delisting, special dividend, rights issue or other event, which 
may, in the Committee’s opinion, affect the current or future value of Shares, the number of Shares subject to an Award and/or any 
performance condition attached to Awards, may be adjusted.

14. Amendment and termination
The Committee may amend the Plan at any time, provided that prior approval of the Company’s shareholders in a general meeting will 
be required for amendments to the advantage of participants relating to eligibility, limits, the basis for determining a participant’s 
entitlement to, and the terms of, the Shares or cash comprised in an Award and the impact of any variation of capital. 

However, any minor amendment to benefit administration, to take into account legislative changes, or to obtain or maintain favourable 
tax, exchange control or regulatory treatment may be made by the Committee without shareholder approval.

No amendment may be made to the material disadvantage of participants in the Plan unless consent is sought from the affected 
participants and given by a majority of them. 

The Plan will usually terminate on the tenth anniversary of its approval by shareholders but the rights of existing participants will not be 
affected by any termination. 

15. governing law
The Plan will be governed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales and the parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the 
Courts of England and Wales.

16. Documents available for inspection 
The rules of the Plan will be available for inspection from the date on which this Notice of Annual General Meeting is sent until the close 
of the Annual General Meeting, at the offices of Deloitte LLP, Company Secretarial Department, 2 New Street Square, London, EC4A 
3BZ on any weekday (Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays excluded) and at the place of the Annual General Meeting from 
9.30am and until the end of the meeting.

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84 

Plc 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Team

A

Aaron Foster

Aaron Henley

Aaron Smith

Abdul Rouf

Abdurrahim Mahmood

Abul Khashad

Adam Boshir

Adam Clarke

Adam Close

Adam Cook

Adam Crowe

Adam Davidson

Adam Gale

Adam Green

Adam Ireland

Adam King

Adam Nuttall

Adam Palmer

Adam Parsons

Adam Riley

Adam Rodriguez

Adam Shearsmith

Adam Venmore

Adam Ward

Adam Whittaker

Adam Williams

Adam Wolniewicz

Adil Rajah

Adnan Abdullah

Adrian Kimber

Adrian Rimmington

Aileen Crossley

Ajantha Tharmarajah

Ajay Arya

Ajay Bhakri

Akiyemi Orekoya

Aklakud Duha

Akshey Vadgama

Alan Britton

Alan Collins

Alan Haji

Alan Hughes

Alan Monk

Alan Parker

Alan Saunders

Anthony Docherty

Ben Holloway

Alan Shepherd

Alan Sinclair

Alan Smalley

Alan Sproston

Alan White

Alan Wrighting

Albert Kujur

Alex Hayman

Alex Heskett

Alex Paton

Alex Whitmore

Andrew Cox

Andrew Curr

Andrew Curtis

Andrew Davis

Andrew Faulkner

Andrew Green

Andrew Hainge

Andrew Hanson

Andrew Harrison

Andrew Hastings

Andrew Hamilton

Anthony Martin

Anthony Gibby

Anthony Gilbert

Anthony Gregory

Anthony James

Anthony Linsell

Anthony Marshall

Anthony Molyneux

Anthony Wood

Antonia Rogers

Antonio Perkins

Antony Belham

Anub Varghese

Alexander Armstrong

Andrew Hill

Alexander Esposito

Andrew Keattch

Alexander Onions

Andrew Middleton

Alexandria Ferguson

Andrew Page

Anuraag Parashar

Alfred Kamara

Ali Rizvi

Alison Chapman

Alison Hunt

Andrew Phillips

Andrew Riley

Andrew Salkeld

Andrew Scorgie

Anwar Marshall

Anya Parsons

Arnold Harrison

Aron Hoff

Ben Maguire

Ben Sawyer

Ben Woollins

Benjamin Hardie

Benjamin Morais

Benjamin Rich

Benjamin Rowe

Benjamin Willis

Bernadette Peasland

Bernard Fallon

Beth Boulton

Bhavna Sudera

Bill Wylie

Billy Hutchins

Billy Lodge

Bjorn Bjergfelt

Bob Barlow

Bolaji Adeyanju

Alison Walkinshaw

Andrew Taylor

Arthur van Aswegen

Bradley Ball

Alister Watt

Allan Harper

Allan Powell

Alvin Chinyanga

Amanda Green

Amanda Hullett

Amanda Samuel

Amandeep Singh

Amir Hussain

Amit Bhargava

Amy Martin

Amy Randall

Anantharupan 
Ananthapuvirajh

Andre Oliveira

Andrea Moon

Andrew Baillie

Andrew Bartlett

Andrew Belson

Andrew Bowden

Andrew Brookfield

Andrew Canham

Andrew Chapman

Andrew Clay

Andrew Clayton

Andrew Collins

Andrew Warne

Ashleigh Mackinnon

Bradley Moore

Andrew Waterfield

Andrew Winterburn

Andrew Wood

Ashley Cutler

Ashley Martin

Ashley Siddons

Andrew Woodhouse

Asim Ali

Andrew Woods

Andrew Young

Andy King

Andy Playfoot

Andy Shaw

Angela Capp

Angela Tremelling

Angelique Da Silva

Ann Mathias

Anna Forden

Anna Still

Anna Wedrzyk

Annabelle Price

Annmarie Malone

Ansar Ahmed

Anthony Ashton

Anthony Bennett

Anthony Christopher

Anthony Cox

Anthony Daly

Anthony Davies

Astone Davids

B

Barbara Connor

Barbara Smith

Barclay Harding

Barrie Palmer

Barry Edwards

Barry Hodges

Barry Jones

Barry Taylor

Barry Theobald

Barry Thomas

Barry Veasey

Barry Webber

Beata Suchon

Ben Armitage

Ben Bright

Ben Brooker

Ben Freegard

Ben Hawkins

Brandon Abels

Brant Wells

Bregetta Hill

Brenda Gomes De 
Almeida

Brendan Flynn

Brendan Holdaway

Brett Goulden

Brett Shepherd

Brian Cariello

Brian Cook

Brian Cooper

Brian Cox

Brian Crews

Brian Dicks

Brian Flatters

Brian King

Brian Lockart

Brigette Hale

Bruce Fielding

Bruce Garrod

Bruno Bernasconi

Bryan Torres Teran

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Plc 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

85

C

Cade Somerville

Calbert Hall

Cameron Edwards

Cameron Lowerson

Campbell Marr

Carl Cook

Carl Courtney

Carl Cumberbatch

Carl Dyke

Carl Foster

Carl Fraser

Carl Hermitt

Carl Jones

Carl Paternoster

Carl Roberts

Carl Whatley

Carlos Chowdhury

Carly Porter

Carol English

Caroline Bailey

Caroline Bennett

Caroline May

Caroline Vernon-ball

Catherine Platt

Charlene Walpole

Charles Ross

Charles Taylor

Charles Woodward

Charlotte Armstrong

Charlotte Driscoll

Charlotte Lamming

Chelsee Gee

Cheryl Vearncombe

Chetna Shah

Chia Abdulla

Chirag Shah

Chloe Dignan

Choudre Grobler

Chris Bland

Chris Brereton

Chris Cartey

Chris Curtis

Chris Foster

Chris Gage

Chris Heyes

Chris Howe

Chris Jensen

Chris Nicholls

Chris Nixon

Chris Sansby

Chris White

Christer Leth

Christian Banham

Colin Skinner

Colin Taylor

Connor Rump

Connor Turner

Conrad Harrup

Cora Morrison

Corrina Bowers

Craig Connor

Daniel Musguin

Daniel Robinson

Daniel Saltmarsh

David Burnikell

David Butler

David Carpenter

Daniel Sheppard-brown

David Coupland

Daniel Thompson

David Critchlow

Daniel Thornley

Daniel Weatherley

David Dorney

David Drydale

Daniel Woodford

David Godbold

Christina Langridge

Craig Deveson

Daniel Wren

Christine Hendry

Craig Dolling

Christine Thistlethwaite

Craig Hill

Daniel Zanettacci

Daniella Cudner

David Harper

David Hatton

David Hayers

Christopher Beeson

Craig Lewis

Danielle Whittaker

David Henderson

Christopher Bowles

Craig Murphy

Christopher Burgess

Craig Nammontri

Dannielle Fry

Danny Burgess

David Hill

David Hirst

Christopher Collins

Craig Nicholson

Darone Dubois-Gayere

David Hope

Christopher Cooper

Craig Ollard

Christopher Handscomb

Craig Reed

Darran Wood

Darren Bebbington

Christopher Harbutt

Christopher Holland

Christopher Hudson

Christopher Jarvis

Christopher Lamb

Christopher Nottle

Christopher Potter

Christopher Santos

Christopher Stobbs

Christopher Turley

Christopher Walley

Christopher Warren

Craig Tetlow

Cristina Cole

Curtis Hatton

Czeslaw Majorek

D

Dale Benford

Dale Huckle

Dale Loy

Dale Stone

Daniel Biggs

Daniel Brain

Christopher Williamson

Daniel Branson

Chudry Ghani

Cindy Cox

Claire Chaffe

Claire Rayton

Claire Tiney

Clare Barden

Clare Bytheway

Clifford Afe

Colin Bell

Colin Gadd

Colin Griffiths

Colin Harvey

Colin Hoban

Colin Joy

Colin Markham

Colin Rymer

Daniel Chant

Daniel Childs

Daniel Cox

Daniel Evans

Daniel Fallows

Daniel Fifield

Daniel Findlay

Daniel Friend

Daniel Halpin

Daniel Hill

Daniel Ingham

Daniel Jones

Daniel Lee

Daniel Little

Daniel Loft

Daniel Mclean

Darren Bentley

Darren Bradley

Darren Chester

Darren Connor

Darren Doughty

Darren Harper

Darren Hyman

Darren Irving

Darren Mitchell

Darren Morgan

Darren Rawlings

Darren Read

Darren Rutledge

Darren Square

Darren Wagg

Darron Kerr

Darryl Ferry

Darryl Roberts

Dave Beasley

Dave Brooks

Dave Elliott

Dave Jobling

Dave Marsh

David Atherton

David Augustus

David Ayres

David Binns

David Blades

David Jones

David Kershaw

David Kettlewell

David Knight

David Lane

David Linwood

David Locke

David Macartney

David Martin

David Matthews

David Meers

David Miller

David Morris

David Murray

David Nichol

David Oliver

David Palmer

David Parr

David Prime

David Roper

David Rowlands

David Savage

David Sheehy

David Shewan

David Smith

David Steel

David Stott

David Sutcliffe

David Tempest

David Thomasson

David Bolingbroke

David Thompson

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86 

Plc 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Team continued

David Townsley

David Webb

David Whitelaw

David Wilson

David Yallop

Dawn Allan

Dawn Gale Curtis

Dawn Stares

Dean Bull

Dean Harper

Dean Johnson

Dean Kelly

Dean Macmillan

Dean Marshall

Dean Miller

Dean Newell

Dean Stokes

Dean Titchen

Dean Woolley

Debra Edwards

Decland Speede

Deji Babatope

Delreena Richardson

Denis O Brien

Denise Fishwick

Dennis Jepson

Dennis Jovellanos

Dennis Lammas

Denzil Johns

Derek Amoo

Derek Lambourn

Derek Sim

Derek Smith

Derek Wooller

Dominic Reilly

Dominic Summers

Donald Magullian

Donna Boulton

Douglas Hartness

Douglas Macquarrie

Duane Glover

Duncan Foy

Duncan Fraser

Dylan Roberts

e

Eamonn Clancy

Edward Kingham

Edward Murphy

Edward Owens

Elizabeth Harbord

Elizabeth Morrissey

Elizabeth Selfridge

Emily Grice

Emily Lenton

Emily Williams

Emma Fortes

Emma Hatton

Emma Leavis

Emma Whatson

Emmanuel Liwao

Emran Mannan

Entiliano Marku

Eric Asuming

Ermiyas Girma

Esther Ezegbe

Ethan Short

Ewa Lukaszewska

Devindren Govender

Devon Brown

f

Dexter Hemmise-williams

Dhanvir Sandhu

Dilawar Ali

Dilip Parmar

Dinesh Amin

Dipal Parikh

Dishon Meade

Divyesh Javiya

Faisal Ashraf

Faizar Ali

Felipe Da Rocha West

Finbarr Mcquaid

Fiona Grant

Fitz Martin

Frances Aylward

Francesca Wright

g

Gail Purves

Gareth Carnegie

Gareth Carruthers

Gareth Davies

Gareth Hammond

Gareth Moss

Gareth Pye

Gareth Roberts

Gareth Ward

Garry Case

Garry Hardy

Garry Pilling

Garry Royle

Gary Ashdown

Gary Bloomfield

Gary Curtis

Gary Gear

Gary Gee

Gary Gledhill

Gary Marsden

Gary Marshall

Gary Roberts

Gary Shapcott

Gary Thatcher

Gary Wilcox

Gary Woolmore

Gaurav Daru

Gavin Bennett

Gavin Collins

Gavin Magwood

Gavin Mitchell

Gavin Richardson

Gemma Mcbirnie

Gemma Stephens

George Latham

George Martinesz

George Peck

George Tuplin

Georgina Joynson

Georgios Vamvakidis

Geraint Thorne

Gerard Mallon

Gethin Jordan

Domantas Jankauskas

Dominic Hall

Francois Van Aswegen

Frank Hibbert

Gianfranco Zanolini

Giles Wheatley

Gillian Grace

Glen Holloway

Glendale Canoville

Glenn Alford

Glenn Claridge

Glenn Elgy

Glyn Rogers

Gordon Davies

Goutam Saha

Graham Beaney

Graham Brophy

Graham Cameron

Graham Cooper

Graham Davidson

Graham Jones

Graham Vance

Grant Harris

Grant Woolway

Gregory Barwick

Gregory Mchugh

Grzegorz Kaminski

Gurdeep Panesar

Gursharn Ladhar

Guy Ferguson

h

Hammad Hussain

Harjit Dhaliwal

Harmeet Jassal

Harriet Manning

Harry Biggs

Harry Brazier

Hassan Rajah

Hayley Bryant

Hazel Millington

Heidemarie Mcgonigle

Helen Gosling

Helen Hughes

Henry Rowe

Hitesh Nathu

Hitesh Patel

Holly Nettleton

Hugh Selley

Hunar Qudeer

i

Iain Arnott

Iain Masters

Ian Aikman

Ian Bird

Ian Bloomfield

Ian Gould

Ian Hughes

Ian Jones

Ian Marshall

Ian Mcalinden

Ian Mcloughlin

Ian Mcneish

Ian Noon

Ian Paterson

Ian Sykes

Ian Tivendale

Ian Winterburn

Ibrahim Cisse

Ima Ekanem

Imran Ashraf

Imran Isat

Iona Venn

Iqbal Hussain

Irene Dickinson

Irfan Suleri

Isaac Halstead

Iwan Jones

Izabela Krzyszkowska

J 

Jabbar Shah

Jacek Zebrowski

Jack Cairns

Jack Campany

Jack Cassidy

Jack Coker

Jack Lawrence

Jack Maddison

Jack O’Neill

Jack Thornley

Jack Whitehead

Jacob Coleman

Jacqueline Byrne

Jagjit Sandhu

Jailuene Peake

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Plc 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

87

Jair Sharp

Jajwinder Harar

Jake Batty

Jake Haudiquet

Jake Lancaster

Jake Leach

Jake Missen

Jake Shopland

Jake Woods

Jake Wright

James Bayley

James Biesty

James Butler

James Cameron

James Clifford

James Fox

James Heard

James Hollingshead

James Hubball

James Judkins

James Mcardle

James Mcgeoch

James Metcalf

James Morgan

James Murphy

James Pascoe

James Patston

James Pearson

James Pilfold

James Robertson

James Rolfe

James Saunders

James Taylor

James Thorning

Jason Bennett

Jason Buckley

Jason Clare

Jason Coupland

Jason Darcy

Jason Ealden

Jason Field

Jason Harper

Jason Knox

Jason Meadows

Jason Morley

Jason Nettleford

Jason Oliver

Jason Perry

Jason Pratt

Jason Rose

Jason Stapleton

Jason Thomas

Jay Strawford

Jayandrie Chetty

Joe Smith

Joe Sweeney

Joelle Cochrane

John Bourke

John Boxall

John Chinn

John Coleman

John Cook

John Cooper

John Duffy

John Ellis

John Fawkes

John Forden

John Foster

John Gardner

John Harris

John Harrison

John Hesp

John Hickey

John Hughes

Jayaprakash Paragjee

John Keouski

Jayash Patel

Jayde Bailey

Jaymal Arjan

Jean-luc Brocklehurst

Jeannette Hastie

Jedrzej Politowski

Jeffrey Adubofour

Jeffrey Armstrong

Jemma Jordan

Jemma Wyatt

Jenna Sysum

Jennifer Donlan

Jennifer Wall

John Lewis

John Marris

John Mclaren

John Mills

John Moat

John Page

John Paine

John Pilling

John Shaw

John Smith

John Tait

John Taylor

John Thompson

John Williams

John Wright

Johnathan Mccallum

John-Paul Jones

Jon Pringle

Jon Reynolds

Jon Thatcher

Jonathan Bainbridge-
Coombs

Jonathan Benn

Jonathan Bryant-williams

Jonathan Hicks

Jonathan Morgan

Jonathan Sheerin

Jonathan Smith

Jonathan Wade

Jonathan Wallace

Jonathan Williams

Karl Batterham

Karl Harriman

Karl Johansson

Karl Stephens

Karl Verry

Kashan Riley

Kashif Munir

Jonathan Woodroff

Katarzyna Roberts

Jonathon Hall

Jonathon Ludlow

Jon-Paul Hughes

Jon-Paul Russell

Katherine Davis

Katherine Logan

Katherine Rudkin

Kathryn Baird

Jordan Macdonald

Kathryn Robinson

Josef Kinski

Joseph Lawton

Josh Badrick

Josh Batterham

Josh Dempster

Josh Wood

Joshua Gaston

Joshua Groener

Joshua Harris

Joshua Rapley

Joshua Skinner

Jubair Ahmed

Juginder Gill

Katie Brindley

Katrina Gunter

Kawaljit Gulati

Keith Ambrose

Keith Earl

Keith Fitzpatrick

Keith Hughes

Keith Johnson

Keith Rudkin

Keith Storrier

Kellie Harris

Kelly Carvell

Kelly Savile

Julie Brachtvogel

Kelly-anne O Connor

Julie Christie

Julie Cox

Julie Fewings

Julie Jordan

Juliet Wilford

Justin Bradley

Justin Evans

Kendra Jackson

Kenneth Owen

Kenneth Pettengale

Kenneth Westley

Kenneth Williams

Kerim Ozkolaci

Kerri Atkinson

Justin Korankye-addai

Kerry Bates

K

Kabir Maan

Kalpik Singh

Kamil Janas

Kamlesh Shah

Karen Brook

Karen Dodds

Karen Leimetter

Karen Sutcliffe

Kerry Hume

Kevan Richardson

Kevin Baker

Kevin Bowtle

Kevin Fox

Kevin Hailes

Kevin Hartley

Kevin Hodson

Kevin Jeans

Kevin Jones

Kevin Nicol

Jonathan Hargreaves

Karl Atkins

James Vander Plank

Jenny Seabrook

James Walker

James Worden

Jamie Axten

Jamie Evans

Jamie Sia

Jamie Thain

Jamie Wenborn

Jan Reddi

Janet Riley

Janice Millett

Jarreth Hawkins

Jessica Mccarthy

Jessica Thiari

Jill Cox

Jim Tuvey

Joanna Morby

Joanne Cox

Joanne Elton

Jodie Baigrie

Joe Cox

Joe Gregorace

Joe Lamond

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88 

Plc 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Team continued

Kevin Rowe

Kevin Sherwood

Kevin Thorne

Keyur Pathak

Lee Hutchinson

Lee Jacovou

Lee James

Lee Johnstone

Kieran Barnes-Warden

Lee Mayfield

Kieran Eliot

Kieron Clarke

Kim Liddle

Kirsti Altass

Kirstie Leonard

Kris Bailey

Kristian Catterall

Kristian Powell

Lee Mcconnell

Lee Morris

Lee Phillips

Lee Pinder

Lee Read

Lee West

Lee Wilkinson

Leema Sabir

Lloyd Jackson

Loren Sherwin

Lorna Bray

Lorna Hislop

Loucas Louca

Louis Crowther

Louis Johnson

Louise Sprigg

Louise Wilson

Mark Bradbury

Mark Braithwaite

Mark Brown

Mark Bryan

Mark Burgess

Mark Coe

Mark Davenport

Mark Discombe

Mark Dutton

Lucy Mcginnity-bane

Mark Finucane

Luke Anderson

Luke Gibbons

Luke Gynnette

Krystal Miller-hazelden

Leena Ramsaha

Luke Kerr

Krystle Milan

Kuldeep Singh

Kunal Pandya

Kyle Hardie

Kyle Langley

l

Lance Cale

Laura Brice

Laura Edwards

Laura Henry

Laura James

Laura Johnson

Lauren Bettison

Laurence Jones

Lauretta Clarke

Leah Norris

Leanne Palmer

Lee Arrowsmith

Lee Baxter

Lee Clarke

Lee Culley

Lee Davis

Lee Dering

Lee Dover

Lee Durrant

Lee Etheridge

Lee Fisher

Lee Galloway

Lee Gardner

Lee Gibson

Lee Henry

Leigh Hyam

Leighton Davies

Leo Odoherty

Leon Oneill

Leon Strange

Leonard Finch

Lesley Watson

Lesley Willcox

Lesley Wilson

Leslie Shemmeld

Lester Marshall

Lewis Adkins

Lewis Axford

Lewis Edwards

Lewis Franklin

Lewis Hall

Lewis Saunders

Lewis Walter

Liam Allen

Liam Fields

Liam Fortin

Liam Gulliver

Liam Hunt

Liam Mulhall

Liam Piper

Luke Livermore

Luke Mcnally

Luke Potiphar

Luke Sargent

Luke Saunders

Luke Tilley

Lynette Grimes

Lynn Pearson

M

Maciej Rabczewski

Malcolm Ferguson

Malcolm Temple

Malik Khaliq

Mandeep Singh

Mandy Aidney

Manjit Ahluwalia

Mansoor Ali

Marc Breeze

Marc Stevens

Marcin Kupczyk

Marcin Sakowicz

Marcus Scott

Margaret Lawrie

Margaret Potter

Lianne Harrison-Allcock

Margot Mcdermott

Lilian Pilling

Linda Scott

Lindsey Thorburn

Lisa Algar

Lisa Bannister

Lisa Holmes

Maria Furniss

Marie Rushworth

Marion Holliday

Mark Allman

Mark Barrett

Mark Bianchi

Mark Frisby

Mark Fuller

Mark Gasson

Mark Geary

Mark Hunter

Mark Johnson

Mark Johnston

Mark Keymer

Mark Kirton

Mark Lever

Mark Maciver

Mark Mott

Mark Norcott

Mark Owen

Mark Palmer

Mark Pancott

Mark Stephens

Mark Stokoe

Mark Stone

Mark Sweet

Mark Tennant

Mark Thompson

Mark Vaughan

Mark Waldock

Mark Walters

Mark Winder

Mark Winger

Mark Wright

Marlon Barnes

Martin Byers

Martin Derricott

Martin Evans

Martin Fagan

Martin Foster

Martin Morris

Martin Osborne

Martin Pickard

Martin Sloggett

Martin Smyth

Martin Watt

Martin Williams

Martin Winterburn

Martin Wys

Martina Way

Martyn Perry

Martyn Spring

Mary Smith

Mary Syme

Mathew Clucas

Mathew Tapp

Mathew Voysey

Matt Hammersley

Matt Hay

Matthew Antell

Matthew Attwood

Matthew Britton

Matthew Charleston

Matthew Clamp

Matthew Clayton

Matthew Dunne

Matthew Eeles

Matthew Fisher

Matthew Foster

Matthew Foulger

Matthew Harlow

Matthew Hawley

Matthew Hill

Matthew Hollinshead

Matthew King

Matthew Mcphee

Matthew Moore

Matthew Robinson

Matthew Sigley

Matthew Singleton

Matthew Stewart

Matthew Wesson

Matthew Whitlock

Matthew Williams

Martin Kavanagh

Matthew Woodhouse

Martin Leon

Matthew Wright

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Max Whitfield

Megan Stuart

Michele Poxon

Michelle Furber

Mehmet Asdoyuran

Michelle Hartley

Melanie Gray

Melanie Toole

Michelle Hill

Michelle Kempson

Melissa Wadman

Michelle le Monnier

Melton Thompson

Melvyn Chamberlain

Mick Wells

Mike Butler

Metimiku Yohannes

Mike Ingham

Michael Asumadu

Michael Blinkhorne

Michael Booth

Mike King

Mike Potter

Miles Burden

Michael Boughton

Mitchell Williams

Michael Bowden

Mitul Patel

Nathan Wolowicz

O

Navesh Naidoo

Ndumiso Mafa

Neil Ammon

Neil Brownley

Neil Donkin

Neil Hendy

Neil Homan

Neil Jones

Neil Southgate

Neil Topping

Neil Wardlaw

Neil Williams

Neill Wiltshire

Michael Braithwaite

Mohamed Akhtar

Michael Buckley

Mohamed Patel

Nichloas Knowles

Nicholas Billyeald

Michael Campbell

Mohammad Mukhtar

Nicholas Gadd

Michael Cosgrove

Mohammed Amin

Nicholas Kershaw

Michael Darroch

Mohammed Jamil

Nicholas Lawrence

Michael Dinter

Michael Earls

Mohammed Jimale

Nicholas Smith

Mohammed Khalid

Nicholas Walch

Michael Fannon

Mohammed Memi

Nicholas Withers

Michael Finn

Michael Foley

Mohammed Nawaz

Nicholaus Buchanan

Mohammed Parvaz

Nick Donkin

Michael Haggett

Mohammedraza Hudda

Nick Gussow

Michael Hall

Michael Harvey

Michael Hopper

Michael Huskisson

Michael Jack

Michael Jenks

Michael Lay

Michael Litster

Michael Lovelock

Michael Mullaney

Michael Nicolson

Michael Patrick

Michael Queen

Michael Sarkey

Michael Simcoe

Michael Slater

Michael Stewart

Michael Van Sittert

Michael Weeks

Michaela Thomas

Michal Politowski

Mubashir Uddin

Nick Lodge

Nick Wardman

Nicky Glenister

Nicola Coulter

Nicola Mcwatt

Nicola Spink

Nicola Squires

Nicole Andrews

Nigel Fleming

Nigel Hickman

Nigel Parry

Niki Savva

Nikki Emerson

Nikki Jury

Nikola Sutton

Nikunjkumar Patel

Norberto Estrada

Muhammad Anaib 
Mehmood

Muhammad Mirza

Murat MacitMurdo 
Martin

Mr Topps (retired)

n

Narinder Chatha

Narinder Rai

Natalie Frankum

Natalie Mccuaig-finlay

Nathan Austin

Nathan Bentley-Hicks

Nathan Channing

Nathan Coulthard

Nathan Hands

Nathan Harry

Nathan Lowe

Nathan Sobers

Nathan Winterton

Oliver Clancy

Omar Malik

Omid Ibrahimi

Osemua Masaya

P

Paige Makepeace

Pamela Cuffin

Paolo Segagni

Patricia Evans

Patrick Coleman

Paul Baxter

Paul Burkett

Paul Burrow

Paul Carleton

Paul Carter

Paul Cartledge

Paul Cavell

Paul Chapman

Paul Clark

Paul Collett

Paul Cowen

Paul Cull

Paul Dalby

Paul Davey

Paul Fitzsimmons

Paul Fluester

Paul Galvin

Paul Gillham

Paul Holmes

Paul Hutchins

Paul Irving

Paul Kelly

Paul Lathrope

Paul Laverty

Paul McCabe

Paul Miller

Paul Mills

Paul Nicholls

Paul Noyes

Paul Ruddle

Paul Silvester

Paul Smith

Paul Starkey

Paul Tennant

Plc 
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Paul Tregaskis

Paul Vandendyck

Paul Welton

Paul Whittington

Paul Wiltshaw

Paula Budsworth

Pauline Harrison

Pawel Warych

Per Sachs

Pete Bauer

Peter Anderson

Peter Brooks

Peter Callan

Peter Charters

Peter Davey

Peter Higgins

Peter Hogg

Peter Hughes

Peter Jones

Peter Manning

Peter Nicholson

Peter Oldman

Peter Simmonds

Peter Turtle

Peter Walmsley

Peter Young

Petr Stepan

Phil Kelly

Philip Cranston

Philip Dunn

Philip English

Philip Gallop

Philip Hibbert

Philip Mccarney

Philip Quane

Phillip Goodeve

Phillip Hunt

Phillip Walters

Phillipa Hewitt

Prakash Mistry

Prakash Patel

Premyslaw Swislocki

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90 

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Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Team continued

Q

Quadeer Ahmed

Quang Pham

R

Rachel Carey

Rachel Willcock

Rachit Vadgama

Rae Williams

Rafal Wojtasik

Raj Surani

Rajiv Vadgama

Ravendra Bishun

Ravikumar Patel

Ray Higgins

Raymond Johnson

Raymond Thompson

Rea Tarran

Rebecca Julier-goodwin

Rebecca Lively

Rebecca Oblein

Rebekah Noakes

Reece Morgan

Reg Anderton

Rhea Kelly

Rhys Hedges

Rhys Kelland

Rhys Sheridan

Ricardo Malcolm

Richard Bickers

Richard Brooks

Richard Carter

Richard Clark

Richard Davies

Richard Edwards

Richard Fagan

Richard Fellows

Richard Harris

Richard Hickman

Richard Hopkin

Richard Lewington

Richard Oates

Richard O’donnell

Richard Oldale

Richard Slack

Richard Small

Richard Sumner

Rickey Singleton

Ricky Bishop

Robbie Perry

Ross Hunt

Ross Langford

Ross Mcnair

Ross Usher

Robel Ghebrewold

Roxanne Evans

Sarah Drake

Sarah Harrup

Sarah Jamieson

Sarah Jordan

Sarah Kite

Roxanne Martin

Sarah Newcomb

Sasek Miah

Sheila Myrie

Shelley Carey

Shelley Rutter

Sherise Binns

Shirley Moore

Shohale Ali

Sian Austen

Robert Adams

Robert Adkins

Robert Bindon

Robert Brewin

Robert Chawner

Robert Clarke

Robert Collins

Robert Exley

Roy Peasland

Roy Redgate

Russ Davis

Russell Adgey

Ruth Wells

Ryan Apark

Ryan Curd

Robert Fernandes

Ryan Gomersall

Robert Frickey

Robert George

Robert Gilbert

Robert Howes

Robert Howker

Robert Jay

Robert Keohone

Robert King

Robert Kreamer

Robert Kweli

Robert Lynch

Robert Mccormick

Robert Mcgowan

Robert Moss

Robert Myers

Robert Parker

Robert Philpott

Robert Prince

Robert Swift

Robin Moore

Robin Perrin

Robin Thomson

Rodney Meyer

Roger Gridley

Roger Mark Lazenby

Romaldo Rodrigues

Ron Woolgar

Ronald Forester

Rose Kirby

Ross Ashbrook

Ross Copley

Ross Harris

Ryan Jones

Ryan Mason

Ryan Randall

Ryan Sinclair

S

Saleh Idris

Salman Bawani

Sam Francis

Sam Harvey

Sam Newman

Sam Nortey

Sam Orton

Sam Ripley

Samantha Brown

Samantha Hunter

Samantha Leavis

Samantha Mussett

Samantha Sumbler

Sameer Jamdar

Sampson Coomber

Samson Okolosi

Samuel Carey

Samuel Carry

Samuel Heath

Samuel Lenny

Sandip Sahota

Sandra Ramsay

Saqib Ishfaq

Sarah Bacon

Sarah Cassam

Sarah Dobson

Sayanthan Nallanathan

Silvi Atanasova

Scott Ahmad

Scott Birdseye

Scott Bond

Scott Bunting

Silvonne Mclean

Simon Beare

Simon Brookfield

Simon Chappell

Scott Campbell

Simon Cole

Scott Currie

Scott Hatton

Scott Meadows

Scott Williams

Sean Baxter

Sean Cahill

Sean Collins

Sean Dare

Sean Gee

Sean Green

Sean Mcintyre

Sean Mclean

Sean Sheehan

Sean Taylor

Simon Coombs

Simon Crossland

Simon Frew

Simon Green

Simon Grimmett

Simon Jones

Simon Lasham

Simon Leslie

Simon Lewis

Simon Loach

Simon Morgan

Simon Neal

Simon Palmer

Simon Partridge

Sean Weatherby

Simon Pitt

Sergio Antunes

Simon Roberts

Shahid Mahmood

Simon Rule

Shana Doherty

Shane England

Shane Malone

Shane Till

Shannon Woods

Sharon Beckett

Sharon Buckley

Sharon Simmonds

Shaun Barrett

Shaun Bryan

Shaun Douglas

Shaun Harwood

Shaun Henry

Shaun Mayes

Shaun Pawsey

Shaun Scott

Simon Witham

Simone Turner

Siobhan Ashman

Sophie Doggart

Sophie Hobbs

Spyros Spyriadis

Stefan White

Steffan Burns

Stephanie Ailwood

Stephanie Nevett

Stephen Adams

Stephen Ainsworth

Stephen Bell

Stephen Benson

Stephen Bloomfield

Stephen Brown

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Plc 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

91

Stephen Buckley

Stephen Carr

Stephen Creasey

Stephen Foote

Stephen France

Stephen Freeman

Stephen Green

Stephen Hall

Stephen Kelly

Stephen Lewis

Stephen Lopes

Stephen Machin

Stephen Marshall

Stephen Morris

Stephen Nicol

Stephen Seymour

Stephen Spurgeon

Stephen Starkie

Stephen Watson

Stephen West

Steve Bristow

Steve Dyer

Steve Gaylor

Steve Larner

Steve Smith

Steve Wood

Steven Buxton

Steven Christie

Steven Darbyshire

Steven Dooley

Steven Godwin

Steven Harris

Steven Higgins

Steven Howells

Steven Jenkins

Steven Kernot

Steven Macarthur

Steven Mackie

Steven Ohara

Steven Pressley

Steven Richards

Steven Shooter

Steven Walker

Steven Whitehead

Stuart Baigent

Stuart Barrett

Stuart Bartlett

Stuart Clarke

Stuart Corlett

Stuart Davey

Stuart Dixon

Stuart Gorry

Stuart Hall

Stuart Munton

Stuart Pemberton

Stuart Rees

Stuart Ross

Stuart Sutherland

Stuart Whitby

Stuart Williams

Sue Bill

Suresh Mistry

Susan Attwell

Susan Black

Susan Henshall

Susan Hulme

Susan Law

Suzanne Kenyon

Suzanne Owen

t

Tami Robinson

Tanveer Dogra

Tanya Sharpe

Tara Pace

Terence Dooley

Terence Downing

Terry Salisbury

Thea de Gallier

Theophilus Walker

Thomas Boulton

Thomas Brien

Thomas Cantle

Thomas Crawford

Thomas Cunningham

Thomas Hudspith

Thomas Moran

Thomas Murray

Thomas Newman

Thomas Otley

Thomas Parkes

Thomas Ryan

Thomas Smith

Thomas Swain

Thomas Treadwell

Thomas Wade

Tiffany Rose

Tim Bird

Tim Ives

Tim Tatlock

Timmy Sandwell

Timothy Bentley

Timothy Boardman

Timothy Coupland

Timothy Hartwick

Timothy Stanhope

Timothy Tuff

Tirup Patel

Toby Collins

Todd Routledge

Tom Evans

Tom Fernley

Tom Lewis

Tom Rice-owen

Tom Wood

Tomas Smith

Tony Dedman

Tony Havvas

Tony Nunn

Tracey Forrest

Tracey Hansard

Tracy Ryan

Tracy Wickenden

Trashgim Syla

Trevor Routley

Trevor Thomas

Tristan Conoley

Tristan Hodge

Tyrell Beckham

Tyrone Gambrell

u

Umair Qureshi

Upendra Dudhaiya

Urmila Bhudia

Usman Ahmed

Uthayakumar 
Kulasegarampillai

v

Veronica Evett

Victor Omeife

Vikki Moore

Vikram Singh

Vilius Meilus

Vince Barber

Vinod Joshi

Vishaal Nath

Vishal Maratha

w

Walkey Hilaire

Warren Bester

Wayne Farini

Wayne Randall

Wayne Reed

Wayne Wheeler

Wendy Bruce

Wesley Neukermans

Will Bailey

Will Parsons

William Barreda

William Brownsell

William Gunshon

William Lewinton

William Mason

William Mcphee

William Ralls

William Ryves

y

Yohannes Getachew

Yvonne Archer

Yvonne Burgess

Z

Zaccai Newman

Zachary Gibbs

Zachary Mcdowell

Zack Shine

Zahid Hossain

Zainab Idris

Zlatko Milovanovic

Zoe Atkinson

Zoe Derry

Zoe Mills

Zornitsa Titeva

Zuhail Pervez

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92 

Plc 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Store Locations

tOPPS tileS 

lOnDOn
Chingford
Edmonton
Stamford Hill
Enfield
Waltham Cross
Shoreditch
Southall
Staples Corner
New Southgate
Colindale
Wembley
Hayes
Uxbridge
Golders Green
North Finchley
Ruislip
Westfields
Harrow
Acton
Ilford
Beckton
Mile End Topps
Wapping
Barking Topps
Ilford Seven Kings
Dartford Topps
Charlton
Penge
West Wickham
Beckenham Topps
Orpington
Catford
Eltham 
Bromley Common
Mitcham
Forest Hill
Old Kent Road
Feltham
Croydon
Croydon Purley Way
Gunnersbury
Brentford
Highgate
Camden
Vauxhall
Twickenham
Fulham
Wandsworth
East Sheen

Maida Vale
Streatham
Battersea
Brixton
Wimbledon
Dagenham
Romford
Raynes Park
Cheam
St Albans
Hemel Hempstead
Chesham
Borehamwood

MiDlAnDS
Worksop
Hull
Grimsby
Rotherham
Meadow Hall
Barnsley
Doncaster
Doncaster  
Sprotborough
Congleton
Northwich
Lincoln
Newark
Boston
Mansfield
Grantham
Spalding
Lincoln Outer Circle
Chesterfield
Nottingham — 
Lady Bay
Nottingham
Long Eaton
Derby Osmaston
Derby
Telford
Shrewsbury
Stoke On Trent
Newcastle-Under-Lyme
Leek
Nantwich
Crewe
Cannock
Stoke on Trent — 
Fenton

Birmingham — 
Great Barr
Birmingham — 
Solihull
Wolverhampton
Birmingham — 
Erdington
Birmingham — 
Sheldon
West Bromwich
Tamworth
Burton on Trent
Lichfield
Coventry
Coventry — Binley
Stratford upon Avon
Nuneaton Topps
Redditch
Kidderminster
Kings Heath
Rugby
Leicester
Leicester — Grove 
Park

nORth
Carlisle
Penrith
Workington
Stockton
Newcastle upon Tyne
Durham
Darlington
York
Harrogate
Scarborough
Wakefield
Pontefract
Gateshead
Bolton
Blackburn
Morecambe
Barrow
Blackpool
Preston
Cleveleys
Chorley
Ormskirk
Blackpool Marton
Chester

Warrington
Birkenhead
Wigan
Anfield
Aintree
St Helens
Manchester — 
Salford
Manchester — 
Audenshaw
Cheadle
Manchester — 
Green Quarter
Manchester — Sale
Manchester — 
Stockport
Manchester — 
Failsworth
Manchester — Hyde
Oldham
Manchester — 
Openshaw
Huddersfield
Macclesfield
Leeds
Birstall
Bradford

SCOtlAnD
Glasgow — Hillington
Wishaw
Glasgow — 
Greenock
Falkirk
Glasgow
Glasgow — 
Shawfield
Edinburgh — Leith
Aberdeen
Inverness
Dundee
Edinburgh — Sighthill
Aberdeen — Bridge 
of Don
Edinburgh — Kinnaird
Glasgow — Govan
Dumfries
Ayr

SOuth
Kings Lynn
Wisbech
Peterborough
Peterborough — 
Maskew Ave
Stamford
Chelmsford
Colchester
Sudbury
Braintree
Clacton on Sea
Chelmsford 
Springfield
Harlow
Bishops Stortford
Norwich Mile Cross
Ipswich Martlesham
Ipswich
Norwich
Cambridge
Great Yarmouth
Bury St Edmunds
Thetford
Cromer
Lowestoft
Bristol
Swindon
Hengrove
Frome
Bristol — Clevedon
Chippenham
Gloucester
Cheltenham
Worcester
Evesham
Hereford
Cirencester
Northampton — 
Gladstone Road
Portsmouth
High Wycombe
Fareham
Isle Of Wight
Basingstoke
Winchester
Reading
Newbury
Southampton — 
Millbrook

Southampton — 
Hedgend
Oxford
Oxford Abingdon
Oxford Watlington
Northampton
Banbury
Bicester
Buckingham
Brentwood
Crayford
Erith
Southend
Basildon
Rayleigh
Grays
Sevenoaks
Bexhill
Maidstone
Sittingbourne
Tunbridge Wells
Strood
Broadstairs
Tonbridge
Canterbury
Folkestone
Ashford
Guildford
Farnborough
Farnham
Camberley
Byfleet
Brighton
Gatwick
Horsham
Uckfield
Newhaven
East Molesey
Chichester
Lewes
Bognor Regis
Windsor
Slough
Eastbourne
Bournemouth Topps
Bridgewater
Weston Super Mare
Salisbury
Christchurch
Poole

Bristol — Cribbs 
Causeway
Yeovil
Exeter
Torquay
Barnstaple
Plymouth
Taunton
Launceston
Exmouth
Bodmin
Truro
Huntingdon
Market Harborough
Kettering
Wellingborough
Milton Keynes
Luton
St Neots
Bedford Elms
Letchworth
Aylesbury
Welwyn Garden City
Stevenage
Watford

wAleS
Wrexham
Cardiff — 
Hadfield Rd
Swansea — 
Llansamlet
Bridgend
Merthyr Tydfil
Cross Hands
Neath
Cardiff — 
Newport Rd
Carmarthen
Barry
Haverfordwest
Swansea — Fforest 
Fach
Flint
Rhyl
Holyhead
Bangor

tile CleARing hOuSe

lOnDOn 
Richmond TCH
Orpington TCH
New Southgate TCH
Park Royal TCH

MiDlAnDS
Cheltenham TCH
Stoke On Trent TCH
Wolverhampton TCH
Kettering TCH

nORth 
Hull TCH
Stockport TCH
Wigan TCH
Liverpool — Maghull

SOuth
Harlow TCH
Swindon TCH
Eastbourne TCH
Exeter TCH
Plymouth TCH

Designed and produced  
by Radley Yeldar www.ry.com

Plc 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

REviEW oF ThE bUSinESS

introduction

“Following a challenging start to our 
financial year we were encouraged 
by the progress in the second half, 
particularly considering the context 
of a tough retail environment. 
Like‑for‑like sales grew in both 
quarter three and quarter four and 
we also grew total revenues 
year‑on‑year. We have continued 
to move forward as a business and 
strengthen our market leading 
position – evolving our customer 
offer, delivering world‑class 
customer service, expanding our 
store estate, investing in infrastructure, 
and reducing net debt.”

Mathew Williams,
chief Executive officer

AddiTionAL inFoRmATion

Store Locations

16 stores operated  

by the group in

Scotland

49stores operated  

by the group in the

North

55 stores operated  

by the group in the

Midlands

16 stores operated  

by the group in

Wales

66 stores operated  

by the group in

London

123stores operated  

by the group in the

South

Plc 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

Scotland

North

Midlands

Wales

London

South

For more information visit:
toppstiles.co.uk

Topps Tiles – sTore numbers

Tile Clearing House – sTore numbers

Stores at the beginning of the period  289

Stores at the beginning of the period 

new stores opened 

Sub-total 

closures (including brand swaps) 

22

311

–3

new stores opened 

Sub-total 

closures (including brand swaps) 

Total 

308

Total 

31

1

32

–15

17

annual RepoRt and financial statements 2012
annual RepoRt and financial statements 2011

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Topps Tiles Plc
Thorpe Way, Grove Park, Enderby,
Leicestershire LE19 1SU
T 0116 282 8000 
F 0116 282 8115
toppstiles.co.uk

GREAT CHOICE. GREAT VALUE. GREAT SERVICE.