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Travis Perkins

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FY2012 Annual Report · Travis Perkins
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TRAVIS PERKINS PLC

Travis Perkins  
The largest supplier of building materials in the UK

A n n uAl   R e p oRt  An d   A c c o u n t s   2 0 1 2

TRAVIS PERKINS PLC

General 
Merchanting 
Division

travis perkins  
Midlands  
and north West

travis perkins  
northern

travis perkins  
south east

travis perkins  
south West and Wales

Consumer 
Division

tile Giant

toolstation

Wickes

Specialist 
Merchanting 
Division

Plumbing  
and Heating 
Division

Benchmarx

Birchwood price tools

ccF

Keyline

Bss

city Heating spares

city plumbing

connections

dHs

F&p Wholesale

pts

this document is important and requires your immediate attention. If you are in any doubt as to what action you should take, you are recommended to seek 
your own financial advice from your stockbroker or other independent adviser authorised under the Financial services and Markets Act 2000. If you have sold or 
transferred all of your shares in travis perkins plc, please forward this document, together with the accompanying documents, as soon as possible either to the 
purchaser or transferee or to the person who arranged the sale or transfer so they can pass these documents to the person who now holds the shares.

T R A V I S   P E R K I N S   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

Contents

Overview

Reports

Governance

18
Chairman’s Statement
20
Chief Executive’s 
Review of the Year 
30
Deputy Chief Executive’s 
Review of the Year
38
Finance Director’s 
Review of the Year
44
Statement of Principal 
Risks and Uncertainties
46
Environmental Report
50
Health & Safety Report

2
Financial Highlights
2
Operating Highlights
3
Financial Summary
5
Key Performance 
Indicators
6
Our Group Mission, 
Vision and Values
7
Who we are
12
Our Investment Case
14
Our Strategy
15
Delivering our Strategy
17
Our Business Model

54
Directors
56
Corporate 
Responsibility Statement
56
Committees and 
Professional Advisers
57
Corporate Governance
61
Audit Committee Report
64
Directors’ 
Remuneration Report
75
Nominations 
Committee Report
76
Directors’ Report
80
Statement of 
Directors’ Responsibilities
81
Independent 
Auditor’s Report

Financial
Statements

82
Income Statements
83
Statements of 
Comprehensive Income
84
Balance Sheets
86
Consolidated Statement 
of Changes in Equity
87
Statement of 
Changes in Equity
88
Cash Flow Statements
89
Notes to the 
Financial Statements
130
Five Year Record

Shareholder 
Information

132
Notice of Annual 
General Meeting
134
Notes to Notice of 
Annual General Meeting
136
Directions to Annual 
General Meeting
137
Other Shareholder 
Information

Forward looking statements
The review of the businesses contained in the annual report and accounts contains forward looking statements with respect to the financial 
condition, results, operations and business of the Travis Perkins plc group. These statements and forecasts include risk and uncertainty because 
they relate to events and depend on circumstances that occur in the future. There are a number of factors that could cause actual results or 
developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward statements. 

1

Financial 
Highlights

Operating 
Highlights

Increased BSS synergy 
target achieved and 
integration programme 
near completion

Toolstation network 
expansion to 123 
branches and Toolstation 
Europe trial launched

Gross margin 
before synergies 
increased by 0.2%

Tight cost control, like-for-
like overheads down 2.3%

Solfex systems acquired 
on 30 January 2013 
for initial consideration 
of £8m

Group revenue up 1.4% 
at £4,845m, down 1.4% 
on a like-for-like basis

Adjusted operating 
profit, up 4.3% to £327m, 
adjusted PBT up 1.1% to 
£300m, and adjusted EPS 
up 2.1% to 95.1p

Sustained adjusted 
operating margin at 6.7%

Reported PBT after 
exceptional items up 
16.2% to £313m

Free cash flow 
generated of £242m

Underlying £155m debt 
reduction, net debt down 
to £452m, and financing 
ratios further improved

Full year dividend of 25p 
per share up 25%, 
with adjusted dividend 
cover now 3.8 times

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T R A V I S   P E R K I N S   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

Financial Summary

Revenue 

Adjusted:* 

Operating profit 

Profit before taxation 

Profit after taxation 

2012 

£m 

2011

£m

% 

4,844.9 

1.4 

4,779.1

Note 

5a 

5b 

5b 

326.6 

299.9 

226.8 

4.3 

1.1 

3.6 

2.1 

3.4 

16.2 

22.2 

20.6 

313.2

296.7

219.0

93.1

290.5

269.6

212.4

90.3

Adjusted earnings per ordinary share (pence)   11b 

95.1 

Statutory:

Operating profit  

Profit before taxation  

Profit after taxation  

Basic earnings per ordinary share (pence) 

300.5 

313.3 

259.6 

108.9 

Total dividend declared 

per ordinary share (pence) 

12 

25.0p 

25.0 

20.0p

* Throughout this Annual Report the term ‘adjusted’ has been used to signify that the effects of the exceptional items, amortisation of intangible assets 
and the associated tax impacts have been excluded from the disclosure being made. 

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Gareth Hurst, Driver 
and  Trevor Horwood, 
Branch Supervisor  
at Travis Perkins 
4
Managed Services, 
Aylesbury

T R A V I S   P E R K I N S   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

Key Performance Indicators

Revenue 
(£m) 

Like-for-like
sales growth (%) 

Adjusted profit 
before taxation (£m) 

Adjusted earnings 
per share (pence)

2011

2012

2011

2010

2011

2012

2011

2012

2010

2010

2010

2012

Adjusted pre-tax 
return on capital (%) 

Free cash flow (£m) 

Net debt to
EBITDA 

Employee 
retention (%)

2010

2011

2012

2010

2011

2010

2012

2010

2011

2012

2011

2012

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Our Group Mission, Vision and Values

Our Group Mission

Our Group Values

‘Continue to deliver better 
returns by... putting in place and 
growing the best businesses, with 
outstanding people and operations, 
providing comprehensive building 
material solutions, to everyone 
creating, maintaining, repairing or 
improving the built environment,… 
helping to build Britain’.

At Travis Perkins, we:

Know our customers – we understand their needs, beat their expectations, 
treat them with respect, and know our major customers personally.

Talk and listen – we say what we mean clearly and honestly, we listen 
carefully; we respond objectively, we explain our decisions.

Are with you, not against you – we seek mutual benefits with all stake-
holders; we think about the impact of our actions; we search for similarities.

Our Group Vision

Know how to do our jobs – not just today, but for the next job; we equip 
ourselves with the skills needed to perform and be confident we can perform.

To ensure that anyone in Britain 
who wants to access any kind of 
building materials through any 
form of supply channel will have a 
Travis Perkins group operation as 
their first or first alternative choice.

Like to deliver – we enjoy being the best; we know exactly what each of us 
is expected to achieve; we focus on getting results, simply.

Work together – we actively work with each other; when something goes 
wrong, the first thing we will do is fix the problem; not look for someone 
to blame.

Always try to get better – we constructively challenge how we work; we 
look for fresh ideas that are different; we only have rules where they are 
necessary because we use our common sense.

Are proud to be here – this is a great company; everyone working with us 
is welcome; we make work enjoyable for everyone.

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T R A V I S   P E R K I N S   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

Who we are

TRAVIS 
PERKINS 
PLC

Norman Bell
Group Development 
Director 

Carol Kavanagh
Group Human 
Resources Director

Martin Meech
Group Property 
Director

Andrew Pike
Company Secretary 
and General Counsel

Robin Proctor
Supply Chain 
Director

Jean-Jacques 
Van Oosten
Chief Informatioin 
Officer

Travis Perkins plc, is the UK’s 
largest supplier to the building and 
construction market, one of the most 
economically significant activities 
in the UK.

The present day Company was 

formed in 1988 out of a merger 
between Travis and Arnold plc, a 
company with strong Midlands 
and Northern based business, and 
Sandell Perkins plc, a company with 
an equivalent strength in the South 
of England.

The origins of Sandell Perkins 
can be traced back over 200 years 
to 1797 when a carpentry company 
was first established in London; 
Travis and Arnold was initially 
formed as a partnership in 1899. 
During the early to mid 20th 
century both businesses expanded 
before eventually becoming listed 
public companies, Travis and 
Arnold was the first to the market 
in 1964, followed 22 years later by 
Sandell Perkins. 

Group reorganisation

On 1 January 2012 we reorganised the business into four divisions, General 
Merchanting, Specialist Merchanting, Consumer and Plumbing & Heating. 
It is on the new divisional structure described in this section that we have 
prepared the Annual Report.

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GENERAL 
MERCHANTING 
DIVISION

Kevin Appleton
Divisional Chairman

Phil Gransden
MD South East

Kieran Griffin
MD Midlands and 
North West

David Kelman
MD North

Mark Nottingham
MD South West 
and Wales

network expansion, entry into new 
market segments and exploitation 
of multi channel opportunities. 
The Best Practice programme is 
designed to enhance our overall 
service to trade customers and 
covers all of their key requirements: 
even though all four general 
merchanting businesses are already 
operating to high standards in 
these areas they have stretching 
targets in place to deliver further 
improvements.

Network expansion will be 
concentrated on identifying prime 
locations through brownfield 
openings and small acquisitions. 
In addition, store projects and 
framework agreements will continue 
to be expanded with Local Authorities 
and Housing Associations. 

Our general merchanting division, 
trades nationally through the Travis 
Perkins brand and comprises four 
geographically organised individual 
businesses. It has 636 branches, 
supplying building materials to 
professional building companies, 
contractors and tradesmen 
throughout Great Britain. 

Kevin Appleton, who joined the 
Group in 2011, leads the General 
Merchanting business in his role as 
Divisional Chairman. The Managing 
Directors of the four businesses 
are Kieran Griffin (Travis Perkins 
Midlands and the North West), Phil 
Gransden (Travis Perkins South 
East), David Kelman (Travis Perkins 
North) and Mark Nottingham 
(Travis Perkins South West and 
Wales). The customers of the four 
general merchanting businesses are 
primarily professional tradesmen, 
ranging from sole traders to 
national housebuilders, whose key 
requirements are product range and 
availability, competitive pricing and 
customer service.

The strategy of the general 
merchanting business aims to 
increase market share through 
implementation of our best practice 
programme, ongoing branch 

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SPECIALIST 
MERCHANTING 
DIVISION

Arthur Davidson
Divisional Chairman

Andrew Harrison
MD Keyline

Chris Larkin
MD Benchmarx

Howard Luft
MD CCF

In 2006 Benchmarx became the 

first group brand to be created as 
a completely new business within 
a market adjacent to the markets 
already served by the Group. The 
business is a leading supplier of 
kitchen and joinery products to the 
trade through its competitive pricing, 
quality products and knowledgeable 
staff. Benchmarx is led by Chris 
Larkin, formerly a Regional Director 
within Travis Perkins South East, 
who became Managing Director in 
July 2009.

Rinus Roofing Supplies, an 
associate company in which the 
Group holds a 25% interest, is 
a supplier of roofing materials. 
The Group has entered into a 
development agreement with Rinus 
aimed at creating a new competitor 
in this adjacent market. Although 
the Group sells many of the products 
available through Rinus, specialist 
roofing contractors prefer using 
specialist distributors in this market.

The specialist merchanting business 
consists of three separate businesses 
trading from 203 branches under 
the following brands; Keyline, CCF 
and Benchmarx. We also have an 
interest in an associate company, 
Rinus Roofing Supplies which has 
12 branches. Arthur Davidson is 
the Divisional Chairman. He has 
worked in merchanting for over 
thirty years having joined Keyline 
prior to its acquisition by the Travis 
Perkins Group.

Andrew Harrison, the Managing 
Director of Keyline has been with 
the Group since 1989. Keyline is 
a specialist merchant supplying 
heavy building materials and 
civils and drainage solutions to the 
construction industry throughout 
the UK. Keyline is known for its 
knowledgeable staff and excellent 
delivery service. 

CCF is a leading supplier of 
interior building products to the 
construction industry. It operates 
throughout the UK, offering a 
one-stop-shop to its customers from 
its nationwide branch network. CCF’s 
Managing Director is Howard Luft, 
formerly managing director of Buck 
and Hickman, which was sold by the 
Group in September 2011. 

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CONSUMER 
DIVISION

Jeremy Bird
Divisional Chairman

Neil Carroll
MD Toolstation

Simon King
MD Wickes

Andy Morrison
MD Tile Giant

10

The consumer division comprises 
three businesses; Wickes, a national 
chain of DIY retail outlets, Tile 
Giant a ceramic tile merchant 
acquired in 2007 and Toolstation a 
multi-channel operator, which was 
acquired by the Group on 3 January 
2012. We have 458 branches in the 
consumer division.

The Chairman of the Consumer 
Division is Jeremy Bird who joined 
Wickes 19 years ago and has held 
a number of senior positions in the 
Group including that of Managing 
Director of Wickes. The present 
managing director of Wickes is 
Simon King who joined the Company 
at the end of 2011 and has fulfilled 
various external retail roles including 
chief operating officer of Asda.

Wickes, which opened its first 
store in the UK in 1972 at Whitefield 
in Manchester, was acquired by 
Travis Perkins in 2005 and the 
Company now operates from 224 
stores nationwide. 

Wickes stores are designed to 
appeal to tradesmen, who undertake 
general repairs, maintenance and 
improvement projects for households 
and small businesses, and to serious 
DIY customers, who undertake 
more complete DIY projects. These 
customers are more demanding in 

terms of service, quality and price.

The business meets its customers’ 

expectations by offering a focussed 
range of high quality, primarily own 
brand, competitively priced home 
improvement products, such as 
timber, building materials, tools and 
decorative materials. In addition, 
Wickes stores offer a range of 
kitchens and bathrooms, which are 
sold through both in-store showrooms 
and 11 standalone specialist kitchen 
and bathroom stores.

In 2007, Travis Perkins acquired 

its seventh brand, Tile Giant. The 
brand is now trading from 106 
stores. Under the leadership of 
managing director Andy Morrison, 
the brand offers a strong pipeline for 
further expansion.

The Group first took a minority 
investment in Toolstation, a direct 
retailer of lightside products, during 
2008 before acquiring the remaining 
shares in 2012. Since then, led by 
its founder Mark Goddard-Watts, 
with support from the Group, this 
multi-channel retailer of lightside 
products has rapidly expanded 
its trade counter network and 
now occupies 123 trade counters 
throughout Great Britain. It also 
operates a very successful catalogue 
based internet business. 

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Direct Heating Spares

PLUMBING 
AND HEATING 
DIVISION

Paul Tallentire
Divisional Chairman

Ian Church
MD PTS Group

Frank Elkins
MD BSS Industrial

John Frost
MD City Plumbing

Paul Nieduszynski
MD Birchwood 
Price Tools

plumbers, independent merchants 
and industrial end users through 
a network of 397 branches. 395 
branches are located in the United 
Kingdom and two in the Republic 
of Ireland. 

PTS operates from 314 branches 

and supplies a wide range of 
customers from national contractors 
to sole trading plumbers and heating 
engineers.

The industrial, commercial, 

process, construction and warehouse 
markets are serviced through a 
network of sixty two branches of BSS 
Industrial in the UK and Ireland.
Birchwood Price Tools is a 
wholesaler of power tools and 
accessories, hand tools, safety wear 
and general consumables and F&P 
Wholesale supply heating, plumbing 
and sanitaryware to smaller 
merchanting businesses.

The new plumbing and heating 
division was established on 1 
January 2012 under the leadership 
of its Chairman, Paul Tallentire. 
The division consists of the original 
plumbing business of the Travis 
Perkins group, City Plumbing 
Supplies together with the 
businesses of The BSS Group, which 
were acquired on 14 December 2010. 
It is now the leading plumbing and 
heating business in the UK operating 
from 587 locations.

City Plumbing Supplies, run by 
managing director John Frost, is a 
major nationwide plumbing and 
heating merchant serving both the 
contract market and the general 
plumbing and heating market from 
189 branches. The business offers 
high quality products and expert 
service to the trade. In 2010, a new 
operation was formed, City Heating 
Spares, the spare parts division of 
City Plumbing. 

The ex-BSS businesses are 
leading distributors of plumbing 
and heating products to specialist 
trades. Their principal activities 
are the distribution and sale of 
heating, ventilation and plumbing 
products, tools and industrial 
supplies to, amongst others, 
industrial contractors, domestic 

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Our Investment Case

Market prospects are good for the medium term…
Prospects for growth in our markets in the medium term 
are strong. Construction activity is at unsustainably 
low levels when compared to long run trends. It is clear 
that there is a significant requirement for more housing 
across the UK to address household composition and 
for significant upgrading and repair of infrastructure, 
domestic and public buildings. Climate change concerns 
also indicate the value of the building materials market 
will increase significantly.

On-going expansion…
There is still significant scope to grow the existing 
branch network by extending our multi-channel and 
geographic coverage further in the UK. Our estimates 
suggest that sufficient opportunities exist for us to 
extend our operations to around 3,000 locations, backed 
up by an increasingly sophisticated national supply 
chain network. We have a significant and popular multi-
channel capabilities across the Group, led by Wickes 
and Toolstation, with sales now growing at over 25% p.a.

Potential to enter new market adjacencies…
There is large untapped potential in specialised building 
materials distribution market segments where the Group 
does not have a presence. The Group has successfully 
established itself in six specialist channels since 1999, 
with BSS, Toolstation and Tile Giant being the most 
recent examples. 

UK market leadership allows economies of scale… 
Travis Perkins is the largest supplier of building 
materials in the UK, a position it has achieved through 
major acquisitions, the ‘roll up’ of smaller operators 
and the organic development of new branches. Our size 
allows us to benefit from economies of scale through 
both our centralised back office, business services and 
sourcing model. The Group has a history of producing 
like-for-like and total market share gains in competitive 
trade and consumer markets. It has achieved this 
by focussing its operating management on offering 
a compelling customer proposition in the market 
segments in which it trades. 

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Attracting and retaining the best people at all levels…
We have a high quality team, with huge experience of 
our industry that has consistently delivered a strong 
profit performance regardless of the economic climate 
it faces. We attract and retain the best people in our 
sector and operate at high levels of engagement having 
a culture of continuous improvement, which encourages 
colleagues to develop new skills that allow them to excel 
in their jobs. 

Strong customer proposition and brand identity… 
greater focus for each business 
Travis Perkins trades through sixteen national brands 
via a network of nearly 1,900 locations. Each brand 
has developed an overall proposition and customer 
experience, which recognises the requirements of its 
customers, and has defined a brand essence and values 
by which each business will operate. This approach 
has improved customer loyalty and its continued 
deployment is key to growing both our customer 
base and operating margin. All of our businesses are 
challenged to achieve a best in class rating by customers 
and a best in class operating margin ahead of any 
comparable business,

Best practice… leading operational efficiency
We have a strong track record of improving our 
operational efficiency through the automation 
of systems and processes designed to increase 
productivity, improve availability, reduce the cost of 
buying and holding stock and manage our property 
portfolio to reduce costs and leverage value in our assets. 
Our objective is to ensure that each enhancement will 
deliver improved returns for shareholders going forward.

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Our Strategy 

• 

• 

• 

 Operating a performance management system, 
closely matched to arrangements for incentives, that 
encourages the right economic behaviour and allows 
all colleagues to participate in the financial success of 
the Group;
 Recruiting and developing people whose personal 
characteristics are consistent with a culture of 
customer sensitivity, continuous improvement and a 
drive for performance;
 Cautiously, with a low-risk and low-capital approach 
that does not adversely affect profits and debt 
reduction, exploring the prospects for expansion in 
new markets. 

Management, at Executive Director, Executive 
Committee, Division and individual business levels, are 
held to account on both current performance and the 
delivery of improved capabilities on each of these aspects 
of strategy via a balanced scorecard. This scorecard 
forms part of the metrics for incentives for Executive 
Directors and the Executive Committee. The balance of 
measures is designed to ensure that management are 
focussed on both current performance and the long-term 
improvement and quality of the Group.

The statements of Mission, Vision, and Values on 
page 6 of this annual report set out what we exist to do, 
the direction we aim to take the Group, and the way in 
which we believe we should work. The strategy we are 
following to achieve these aims is designed to maximise, 
over the long-term, shareholder returns through 
innovation, organic self-help initiatives and targeted 
expansion. It involves:
• 

 Creation, acquisition and development of businesses 
that seek to serve all the segments for the distribution 
of building materials in the UK;
 Continuously improving the customer and supplier 
proposition in all our businesses to become the 
highest rated in each segment, as measured by 
customers, and as tested by seeking to outperform 
markets on a like-for-like basis;
 Exploit the economies of scale this creates through 
the centralisation of common activities and common 
purchasing into low cost, highly efficient and powerful 
central functions;
 Sustaining an organisational model that devolves 
authority to operating managers and allows them 
to compete with the most effective competitors with 
minimal constraints, but always maintaining very 
strong controls;

• 

• 

• 

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Delivering our Strategy

The table below shows how we approach the various 
dimensions of our strategy, how we judge progress and 
how our strategy is integrated with our management of 
the principal risks faced by the Group, which are set out 
on pages 44 and 45.

Successful execution of our strategy is dependent 
upon maintaining our IT capabilities, purchasing and 

distributing goods effectively and recruiting and retaining 
the best people. We operate a strong and well-resourced 
shared service model, which enables branches to 
concentrate on delivering excellent customer service, 
whilst allowing the central teams to concentrate on 
innovation and leadership across the Group.

STRATEGIC 
DIMENSION 

APPROACH

People

Devolving authority to managers to allow them to compete in the
market, but without weakening our control environment.
Recruiting and developing people with attributes that support our core 
values.
Operating a performance management system closely aligned to
incentives.
Coaching, guiding and holding people to account for their attitude as
much as their performance.
Meeting our corporate social responsibilities in areas such as health and
safety, environmental and community relations.

KEY PERFORMANCE 
INDICATORS

Colleague retention.
Colleague engagement.

Sales and
margin
management

Exploiting economies of scale from growth to improve our proposition, 
gain further market share and improve operating margins.
Centralising purchasing to increase the benefits of common purchasing.
Improving our supply chain capabilities.
Expanding our global sourcing activities to support our own brand 
proposition. 
Continuously improving our customer and supplier proposition.
Harmonising product specifications across our businesses.

Like-for-like revenue growth.
Like-for-like sales outperformance.
Gross margin gains from sourcing
projects, less margin investment in
proposition.
Adjusted operating profit/margin.

Cost control
and asset
management

Exploiting the economies of scale delivered by growth and centralisation 
to improve our operating margins.
Centralising most support services.
Operating a well resourced and innovative property function to improve 
asset turn, lower property costs and realise surplus assets.

Group overheads to sales ratio.
Colleague productivity ratio.
Adjusted ROCE.

PRINCIPAL 
RISKS AND 
UNCERTAINTIES

Colleague
recruitment, 
retention and
succession.

Competitive
pressures.
Information
technology failure.
Supplier
dependency and
direct sourcing
operational
difficulties.

Information
technology failure.
Defined benefit
pension scheme
funding.

Expansion

Financial

Using our superior financial performance to expand our branch network 
so ensuring we penetrate all catchments in the UK.
Extending our multi-channel capabilities.
Adding additional channels or creating businesses to serve all segments 
of the UK building materials market where we can achieve synergies.
Developing and owning trade parks and multiple brand sites.

Shareholder Value created from
expansion projects (at individual
site and whole business level).

Information
technology failure.

Achieving market leading returns on sales and returns on capital 
employed.
Reducing debt through cash generation.
Increasing adjusted earnings per share.
Optimising our dividend cover.

Market conditions.

Lease adjusted net debt to EBITDAR.
Free cash flow.
Adjusted ROCE.
Adjusted EPS.
Adjusted PBT.
Adjusted Dividend cover.

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T R A V I S   P E R K I N S   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

Our Business Model

Travis Perkins is a multi-channel operator selling a wide range of building materials through four divisions to the 
trade and consumer primarily through a network of mainly UK branches. 

Source products
from over
10,500 suppliers

Stock and then 
distribute goods
from 1,890 branches
and 24 warehouses
using a fleet of over 
2,300 vehicles

Sell goods and
services to over 
190,000 account
and countless cash
customers

Our business model is based upon:

• 

• 

 Being the number one or number two distributor in 
the markets in which we operate;

 Achieving growth through investing in organic 
initiatives and acquisitions that leverage our fixed 
and central costs to deliver further benefits from 
increasing economies of scale; An organisation 
structure, which devolves responsibilities to those 
colleagues close to our customers whilst providing 
the benefits of shared central services;

• 

 Thorough performance management monitoring 
systems and processes;

• 

• 

• 

 A technology approach, where retaining control 
by writing our own systems delivers lower cost, 
more flexibility and higher matched functionality, 
particularly in areas such as logistics, supply chain 
and multi-channel;

 Incentivisation structures that are linked to 
performance and encourage improvement;

 A strong culture, which extends to the types of 
people we employ and the values and leadership 
behaviours we encourage.

In delivering our product 
solutions we...

Our products are distributed to 
the end user through a supply
chain network which…

We strive to provide our
customers with the highest levels 
of service possible by…

Are committed to ensuring that we
buy quality goods and materials
from responsible and ethical
sources, at prices that are fair to all.
Purchase a broad range of over
100,000 products from UK and
overseas manufacturers and
distributors.
Stock a wide range of own brand
products, particularly in our
consumer business, as well as
branded goods supplied by market
leading companies.
Achieve economies of scale by
focussing our purchases towards a
limited number of key suppliers.
Are the largest or second largest
customer for a considerable number
of our suppliers, many of whom
have forged close relationships with
the Group over a long period of time.

Operates from 24 central
warehouses, enabling us to buy
goods in bulk and distribute them to
our branches in smaller quantities.
Utilises a distribution fleet of
192 vehicles to transport product
between warehouses and branches.
Makes around 350,000 branch
deliveries p.a.
Engages over 1,650 colleagues to
ensure the efficient movement of
stock throughout our organisation.
Improves branch efficiency by
ensuring we have an appropriate
mix of suppliers delivering either
direct to our branches or to our
central warehouses.
Gives customers the opportunity
to transact with our multi-channel
businesses through a nationwide
branch network, via the telephone or
over the internet.

Employing the best available people
and investing in their training and
development.
Ensuring branches maintain high
levels of stock availability in full
project quantities.
Offering advice and building related
services that support our customer’s
needs.
Using a fleet of 2,300 vehicles to
provide an efficient, on-time-in–
full, local delivery service, where
customers have chosen not to
collect goods from our sites.
Making credit available for
approximately 80% of customer
purchases in our merchanting
businesses.
Ensuring our prices reflect both the
quality of the goods we sell and the
service we provide, whilst remaining  
competitive.

Neil Ives, 
P & H Product 
Leader and 
Danny 
Mackintosh, 
Branch 
Supervisor, 
City Plumbing

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Chairman’s 
Statement

F O R   T H E   Y E A R   E N D E D   3 1   D E C E M B E R   2 0 1 2

Robert Walker
Chairman

Introduction
Travis Perkins is the UK’s largest supplier of materials to 
the building and construction markets. 

We aim to grow the business by providing the widest 
possible range of products and materials, coupled with 
the highest levels of consumer service; and in so doing, 
provide our shareholders with growing and sustainable 
returns, based on market leading margins and return 
on capital. 

We reacted quickly to the start of the downturn five 

years ago by managing costs and trading margins 
through the worst construction downturn in living 
memory. Since then we have transformed the Group, 
through acquisitions and strong organic growth, to 
become the leading player in the sector today. Our 
trading businesses have market leading propositions 
that provide a platform for further growth through 
network expansion; supported by value adding, shared 
central functions. In the past year, we have made good 
progress in strengthening our senior executive bench 
through recruitment and management development, 
and are well positioned for the next phase in the 
Company’s growth story. 

2012 was a year of consolidation and steady progress 
for many of the Group’s businesses and trading formats. 
Progress was achieved despite some very difficult 
trading conditions, particularly during the unusually 
wet summer months and the disruption and distraction 
caused by the London Olympics. 

Despite this, we were pleased to complete the 

acquisition of Toolstation, adding further branches and 
taking initial steps to test the validity of the concept in 

Holland. More recently, in January 2013, we acquired 
Solfex, an important and fast-growing distributor of 
environmental products and building materials. This 
will add significantly to the Group’s eco-building range 
and environmental credentials. Good progress continued 
in integrating the former BSS businesses, and both 
cost synergies and progress on systems integration are 
ahead of our original targets. We also added additional 
branches across the rest of the Group’s trading formats, 
bringing the total number of operating branches at the 
year end to 1,896. 

Results
The markets that our businesses operate in remain 
very competitive, having contracted in volume terms 
for the fifth year running. Against that background, our 
revenue increased by 1.4% to £4.9bn (2011: £4.8bn) with 
adjusted pre-tax profits rising by 1% to £300m; adjusted 
earnings per share were up by 2.1% to 95.1 pence. 

A continued focus on cash generation has reduced 
debt by a further £131m to £452m at 31 December 2012 
after allowing for the £24m paid to acquire the 70% of 
Toolstation shares we did not already own. 

Our integration of BSS has made good progress and 
our excellent work to realise synergies has resulted in 
£32m being recognised in 2012, £7m higher than our 
original expectation for 2013. 

We are pleased with the performance of the 

Toolstation business in its first year of our ownership 
and have added a further 20 branches to its portfolio 
during 2012.

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“Progress was achieved despite some very 
difficult trading conditions, particularly during 
the unusually wet summer months.”

Dividend
Supported by good operational delivery and having 
carefully considered the current condition of the market 
in which the Group operates the Board has decided it 
is appropriate to continue increasing dividends ahead 
of earnings growth, reducing dividend cover towards its 
previously stated target range of 2.5 times to 3.5 times. 
The Board is pleased to recommend a final dividend 
of 17 pence per share, payable to shareholders on the 
register on 3 May 2013, which will give a total dividend 
for 2012 of 25 pence per share. With a proposed 25% 
increase in full year dividend, dividend cover for the year 
based on adjusted earnings per share is now 3.8x (2011: 
4.7x). The total cash outflow for dividends declared in 
2012 will be £60m.

Board of directors
In September, we announced that Paul Hampden Smith, 
our Group Finance Director for the past 16 years, had 
decided to retire from the Board in March 2013. It is 
impossible to overestimate the contribution that Paul 
has made to the Group’s success during his years as 
Finance Director and everyone in the Group will want 
to join me in wishing Paul every success for the future. 
In replacing Paul, we have recruited Tony Buffin as 
Group Finance Director, who will join us on 8 April 2013. 
He was previously Group CFO for Coles, the substantial 
Australian supermarket chain and had previously 
worked for Groupe Aeroplan, Loyalty Management 
Group, and Alliance Boots.

In January 2013 John Coleman was appointed as our 
Senior Independent Director replacing Chris Bunker, who 

had held that position for the previous four years. Chris 
has been Chairman of the Audit Committee since April 
2004, and will step down from this role during 2013.

Employees
Difficult trading conditions always seem to bring the 
best out of our colleagues in the business. Once again, 
they have produced good results in the most difficult 
of circumstances. I would like to pass on my thanks on 
behalf of both the Board and our Shareholders.

Outlook
We anticipate difficult conditions in the first half year, 
but there are reasons to be more optimistic about the 
second half, when recent rises in mortgage and housing 
transactions should feed into improved volumes. We will 
continue to monitor these lead indicators and trends 
carefully, and expect that our next move will be to a 
more expansionary stance on volume, whilst continuing 
our restrained approach on costs, further benefitting 
from overhead gearing and improving operating margins. 

Robert Walker
Chairman

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Chief Executive’s 
Review of the Year

F O R   T H E   Y E A R   E N D E D   3 1   D E C E M B E R   2 0 1 2

Geoff Cooper
Chief Executive

Introduction
The Group made good progress in 2012, despite a 
challenging construction industry background resulting 
from a combination of continuing economic uncertainty, 
the wettest weather conditions in living memory and 
continued reductions in public sector activity and weak 
consumer confidence. 

Action in both like-for-like (‘LFL’) and expanded 
operations has enabled the Group to achieve increases 
in turnover, adjusted operating profits, profits before tax, 
earnings per share and to recommend a 25% increase in 
the full year dividend.

Construction activity in 2012 fell by about 9%, whilst 

the materials distribution market fell in volume by 
about 4%.

We have continued to execute trading tactics finely 

tuned to the current environment with the aim of 
maximising operating profits and operating margin. This 
has meant that for most of our businesses and branches 
we have focussed on gross margin protection, which 
has caused us to turn away some unprofitable sales, 
balancing cost control with protecting service levels and 
carefully managing working capital. 

By focussing more on gross margin we have 
de-emphasised our goal of out-performing markets 
on a LFL basis, reducing our previous rate of sales 
out-performance. For the year as a whole we have 
sustained our market share and a market position 
consistent with our objective of trading sensibly in a 
disappointing market. 

Against contracting market volumes, our trading 

stance and our continued programme of self-help 
initiatives has increased profits by 4.5%, with the main 

drivers of our improved financial performance coming 
from; Toolstation, for which we acquired the remaining 
70% of its share capital on 3 January 2012; the 13 new 
ex-Focus stores which were opened in the autumn of 
2011; and our BSS synergy programme. 

Having acquired Toolstation in 2012 and previously 
having acquired BSS, we chose to limit other network 
expansion to ‘tidying up’ the estate and a few high 
returning projects. However, the economic environment 
also presented us with a few other opportunities. In 2012 
we saw a small, but clearly discernible worsening in the 
outlook for a number of competitor companies in our 
sector. Our Specialist division benefited from the slow 
demise of the leading civils and heavyside distributor 
during the second half of the year and a number of 
company administrators and independent owners 
offered to sell us small businesses. In most cases we 
declined the opportunity, preferring to let the capacity 
fall out of the market, but we were able to agree terms to 
acquire the trade and assets for five businesses. Overall 
this expansion has increased our turnover by 2.8%.
On 1 January we established our new Plumbing 
and Heating division under the chairmanship of Paul 
Tallentire. He has been closely involved with our BSS 
integration programme which has seen a restructuring 
of the PTS management team, the roll out of a new 
point-of-sales system with enhanced functionality 
into PTS and the closure of several poorly performing 
branches. Further work remains in the BSS integration 
programme, however a significant value of synergies 
has been achieved, and many of the organisational and 
technology changes have been implemented.

The BSS synergy programme has continued to 

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“For the year as a whole we have sustained our 
market share and a market position consistent 
with our objective of trading sensibly in a 
disappointing market.”

exceed our expectations. Having beaten our original 
£8m synergy target for 2011 by £12m, we reset our 
2012 target to £30m. Thanks to the excellent work of 
a large number of colleagues, synergies for 2012 have 
totalled £32m of which £6m related to overheads and 
£26m to buying gains. Despite this success, our work to 
maximise synergies is not yet fully complete. We have 
identified further opportunities of around £5m for 2013, 
but these will be more difficult to deliver as it will involve 
structural change to supply chain activities.

Markets and our response
According to the Consumer Products Association, 
construction output in 2012 fell by about 9% as a result 
of a significant reduction in public spending coupled 
with a slowdown in private sector investment caused 
by economic uncertainty. That reduction is the worst 
market performance since the depths of the recession 
back in 2009. 

Despite a relatively strong start to 2012, we predicted, 

in early 2012, that volumes in our markets would fall 
for the year as a whole. In reality the performances 
of our end markets have been mixed. Volumes in the 
merchanting market actually reduced by around 2% 
whilst retail market volumes are down by around 
7% year-on-year, which has resulted in even greater 
competition for sales.

The majority of our business is related to RMI 

activities which have been a little more robust than the 
other parts of the market that we operate in. 

for new housing has increased, but low consumer 
confidence and restricted funding availability has 
caused subdued numbers of mortgage approvals and 
housing transactions, which remain at half the level they 
were in 2006. The Government’s action to encourage first 
time buyers through Funding for Lending, Firstbuy and 
the Newbuy guarantee scheme are to be welcomed, but 
the overall housing market remains in desperate need of 
a kick start.

Public sector spend on construction has contracted 

sharply, particularly in new build as the government 
cuts have taken effect, but opportunities remain in some 
segments such as rail and utilities. 

The economic uncertainty continues to impact 
consumers, with confidence levels little higher than in 
December 2011. Consumers remain cautious because 
wage awards are once again below the rate of inflation, 
and until recently money has been hard to come by. 
This has adversely impacted the consumers’ desire to 
make big money purchases. 

Financial performance
Throughout this annual report, consistent with our 
approach last year, the term ‘adjusted’ has been used 
to signify that the effects of exceptional items and 
amortisation of intangible assets have been excluded 
from the disclosures being made. Details of the 
exceptional items are given in the Finance Director’s 
review of the year on page 39. 

A combination of the economy and the extreme 

In the private sector new build has been relatively flat 
for most of the year although we have seen some gentle 
expansion towards the end of the year. Latent demand 

weather conditions had a significant impact on 
construction activity and constrained the performance 
of our heavy-side businesses. 

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Total revenue is 1.4% higher than for 2011 at 
£4,845m (2011: £4,779m), driven by the Toolstation 
acquisition and the 13 ex-Focus stores opened during 
the autumn of 2011. 

We have modified our group trading stance to reflect 
the more competitive environment we have experienced 
during 2012 with the result that we have traded some 
volume to protect margin. Even so, by concentrating 
on our customer propositions, we have sustained our 
performance relative to the market, which together with 
our ability to pass through the bulk of cost inflation 
from suppliers has restricted the like-for-like sales 
volume reduction to 2.4% in markets that we estimate 
fell by around 4%.

The pricing environment has weakened as the year 
has progressed with full year price inflation of 1% rather 
than a more normal 3%. By quarter 4 month-on-month 
sales price inflation for the Group was virtually zero, 
with merchanting slightly positive, consumer flat and 
plumbing and heating negative due to the impact of 
reducing basic commodity pricing. 

With the exception of the plumbing and heating 
division, like-for-like volumes improved in the second 
half of the year when compared with the first half, 
particularly in our Specialist division where Keyline 
benefited from the failure of a major competitor. 

acquisition and our subsequent investment in opening 
a further 20 new branches and the full year effect of the 
13 new Wickes stores opened in 2011. In our plumbing 
and heating division 2012 total sales show a reduction 
compared with 2011 principally because of the sale of 
Buck and Hickman during September 2011. 

With a competitive market we concentrated on 
carefully managing our overhead base with the result 
that each of our businesses showed an improvement 
in operating margin, or at worst a very slight decline 
when compared with 2011.  Group operating margin has 
improved by 0.1% to 6.7% due to an improvement in 
overall gross margins for the Group and the additional 
benefits from our synergy programme.  Whilst the 
overhead to sales ratio has increased by 0.3%, this 
was principally a mix effect of Toolstation being 
consolidated for the first time. 

Adjusted operating profit increased by £14m to 
£327m (2011: £313m), which resulted in an adjusted 
group operating margin of 6.7%, a 0.1% improvement 
over 2011. Even though the effect of currency 
fluctuations on our portfolio of derivatives increased 
financing costs by 62% to £27m (2011: £17m), the 
Group still improved adjusted pre-tax profits by £3m 
(1%) to £300m (2011: £297m).

Adjusted earnings per share increased by 2.1% to 95.1 

Sales expansion arose primarily from the Toolstation 

pence (2011: 93.1 pence). 

Revenue 

Volume 

Price 

Like-for-like per day 

Trading day impact 

Expansion / disposals 

Total revenue change 

General 
Merchanting 
% 

Specialist 
Merchanting 
% 

Consumer 
% 

Plumbing
& Heating 
% 

(1.5) 

1.5 

- 

- 

0.9 

0.9 

(0.2) 

2.5 

2.3 

- 

1.3 

3.6 

(6.6) 

1.0 

*(5.6) 

0.3 

18.5 

13.2 

(1.6) 

- 

(1.6) 

- 

(4.4) 

(6.0) 

*Including Toolstation on a proforma basis would result in like-for-like sales for Consumer being -3.1% and for the Group being -0.8%.

Adjusted operating 
margin 

General 
Merchanting 
% 

Specialist 
Merchanting 
% 

Consumer 
% 

Plumbing
& Heating 
% 

2011 operating margin 

Gross margin 

Synergies 

Overheads 

11.8 

(0.9) 

0.2 

0.6 

2012 property differential  

(0.2) 

2012 operating margin 

11.5 

4.5 

- 

0.1 

0.5 

0.1 

5.2 

4.5 

0.4 

0.1 

0.6 

- 

5.6* 

4.6 

(0.6) 

0.7 

(0.2) 

- 

4.5 

Total
%

(2.4)

1.0

(1.4)*

-

2.8

1.4

Total
%

6.6

0.2

0.2

(0.3)

-

6.7

*Excluding Toolstation, gross margin improved by 1.1%, overheads to sales rose by 0.1% and property profits to sales rose by 0.1% giving a year-on-year 
divisional operating margin increase of 1.2%.

Joanne 
Kavanagh, 
Customer Service 
Assistant at 
Travis Perkins, 
Rickmansworth, 
with tile display

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Divisions

General Merchanting

2012 
£m 

2011  Change
%

£m 

Turnover 

1,457  1,443 

0.9%

Adjustment segment profit 

167 

170 

-1.9%

The growth in sales in our General Merchanting 
division has arisen from the limited expansion we have 
undertaken during the year – LFL sales growth was 
zero. Volumes were only 1.5% lower than 2011, whilst 
sales prices rose by an average of 1.5% over the course 
of the year. 

Gross margin declined by 0.9% due to reduced 

product inflation (0.5%), customer mix changes arising 
from the better performance of large contractors 
compared to their smaller competitors (0.2%), and more 
competitive market conditions as construction activity 
fell (0.2%). In a stable, or even a rising market, we would 
expect each of these drivers to reverse.

The tough gross margin conditions were balanced by 
management in the division exercising tight cost control, 
and the overhead to sales ratio improved by 0.6%. 
Divisional operating margin was only 0.1% below 2011, 
adjusting for the change in property profits.

Kevin Appleton, the divisional chairman, and his 
team have implemented a number of initiatives to drive 
profitability. On a selective basis low margin business 
is being turned away and customer and product 
profitability is being closely monitored to manage mix. 
Marketing initiatives are in place to target profitable 
segments, and the overall customer service is being 
enhanced through the development of dedicated 
customer contact centres.

Further opportunities to improve efficiency have been 

identified via selective actions aimed at employee and 
vehicle productivity. 

Specialist Merchanting

2012 
£m 

2011  Change
%

£m 

Turnover 

604 

582 

3.6%

Adjusted segment profit 

32 

26  20.2%

Under the guidance of Arthur Davidson, the Specialist 
division recorded a strong performance driven by 
Keyline, our heavy-side, civils and drainage business. 
The division gained further market share and reported 
a 2.3% like-for-like sales growth on the back of above 
average price inflation. The team did well to protect 
gross margin recording a flat year-on-year performance 
in increasingly competitive markets. 

The failure of the largest civils merchant brought 
some short-term benefit to Keyline as both customers 

and suppliers sought to put more business our way. 
Even though many of the closed branches have now 
been sold and re-opened, the Keyline team is working 
hard to retain the new business they have won. New 
opportunities in rail and utilities are being pursued by 
dedicated teams established during the year.

Net margin progress in Keyline was good and 

according to our key suppliers our business growth with 
them outperformed their respective markets. Having 
suffered from the lack of buying gains in the first half, we 
created opportunities which crystallised in the second 
half without a rise in stock levels.

CCF faced intensified competition during the 
year as its markets have been particularly difficult. 
The commercial market is affected by both lower 
commercial construction activity and reduced new 
public sector spending in buildings such as hospitals 
and schools, which has all but dried up. 

Benchmarx has seen another improvement in its 
performance with sales growing by nearly 20%. LFL 
sales growth was close to double digits and at the same 
time gross margin advanced. The business has been 
targeting the contracts market and the investment made 
is now starting to pay off.

As with our other divisions, the Specialist businesses 
paid close attention to managing the overhead base with 
the result that the ratio of overheads to sales fell by 0.5% 
equivalent to savings of approximately £3m.

Consumer

2012 
£m 

2011  Change
%

£m 

Turnover 

1,152  1,018  13.2%

Adjusted segment profit  

65 

46  40.7%

Our Consumer Division, led by Jeremy Bird has 
significantly outperformed in 2012, with the Wickes, Tile 
Giant and Toolstation businesses all producing excellent 
results. The consumer division markets were the hardest 
hit of any that our divisions operate in, so that makes 
the result achieved in 2012 even more remarkable. A 
combination of careful margin management, strong 
overhead control and targeted investment resulted in 
profits rising by 40.7% whilst turnover on a reported 
basis was up only 13.2%. If Toolstation is excluded from 
the 2012 result, divisional turnover was flat year-on-
year, whilst profits increased by 26.5%.

Wickes has made further market share gains, for the 

sixth year in a row. Both the Trade and Kitchen and 
Bathroom offerings have done well, but our performance 
in the DIY segment has been less strong as discretionary 
spend has been under pressure.

Our trading tactics continue to deliver both higher 

gross margins and sustained market share through 
careful management of promotions, range developments 
and working with suppliers to reduce supply chain costs. 

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Research continues to indicate the clarity and simplicity 
of the Wickes and Tile Giant propositions are compelling 
for many customers.

Toolstation performed strongly as those stores opened 
with our support pre-acquisition moved further towards 
maturity. Like-for-like sales are up 21%, significantly 
ahead of other multi-channel operators, profits are 
approximately 280% higher and the estate has grown by 
20 branches during the year.

Overheads were well controlled throughout the 
division with the ratio of overheads to sales for Wickes 
and Tile Giant increasing by only 0.1% despite turnover 
remaining flat. Wickes like-for-like costs fell as a result of 
changing the store colleague structure late in 2011 and 
from re-targeting their marketing spend.

Plumbing and Heating

2012 
£m 

2011  Change
%

£m 

Gross turnover 

1,632  1,736 

-6.0%

Adjusted segment profit 

73 

80 

-8.7%

If the results of Buck and Hickman and 17 P&H 
branches divested in 2011 are excluded from the 2011 
comparative, turnover has decreased by £21m (1.2%), 
whilst net profit fell by £5m (6.3%). 

Throughout 2012, trading in both the commercial 
and domestic markets has been difficult. The domestic 
heating market was subdued all year with the markets for 
the key product groups of boilers and radiators 2% and 
10% down year-on-year respectively. The ending of the 
last phase of government subsidies impacted demand 
and new initiatives such as Green Deal, Renewable Heat 
Incentive and the energy company ECO commitments 
did not have any real impact during the year. 

In a low demand market, competition remained 
intense and throughout the year decisions were taken 
to improve pricing and monitor customer profitability. 
In PTS several long standing supply relationships were 
re-negotiated or terminated altogether. 

The Group has a good record of pre-price increase 
stock buying. With sales price deflation in our plumbing 
market those opportunities to bolster margins through 
buying gains have been considerably more limited.

The industrial businesses of BSS were the strongest 
performer in a weakening plumbing market. Some major 
contract wins helped protect sales with margins slightly 
above last year’s levels due to a number of self-help 
measures improving product mix. Good overhead control 
resulted in an improvement in overall operating margin.
The domestic business, which includes PTS and 
F&P, our wholesale distribution business supplying 
second tier merchants, has suffered as a result of a sharp 
contraction in the boiler and radiator markets and low 
product inflation. Tight competitive conditions have 
resulted in a reduction in margins, and management 

have taken action to cut costs by restructuring the 
network, closing nine branches.

City Plumbing performed well and whilst its like-
for-like turnover is slightly down, it has improved its 
gross margin compared with 2011. Our ‘Endeavour’ new 
showroom concept has continued to outperform the 
rest of the estate and so we will extend their presence 
throughout the estate during 2013. 

P&H divisional overheads were tightly controlled 
with some additional costs being incurred by PTS for 
the full year administration of the solus British Gas 
contract to whom we are proud to provide an industry 
leading service. 

Overseas expansion
During the year we have taken our first tentative 
step into international markets. In conjunction with 
the founder of Toolstation, we have made a small 
investment of less than €2m in five Toolstation branches 
located in the Netherlands that were previously 
franchised to an independent operator. The initial focus 
has been on expanding the product range and improving 
marketing, but much work still needs to be done. Whilst 
we anticipate making further small investments in 2013 
and 2014, it will be some time before we are able to 
determine whether the venture will be successful.

Investors and lenders
Holders of the Company’s equity are concentrated 
primarily in the UK and North America, with North 
American investors now holding 26% of the Company’s 
shares. We are committed to frequent and open dialogue 
with our shareholders and we take a pro-active stance to 
ensure we meet with as many of them as possible. 

During the year a combination of me, Paul Hampden 

Smith and John Carter met with 44 investors holding 
55% of our shares at least once. We also met with a 
significant number of non-holders as we sought to widen 
our investor base. 

We find that both investors, members of the analyst 

community and our lenders benefit from seeing 
our operations first hand. It provides them with an 
opportunity to see our sites and talk with the hard 
working colleagues who make Travis Perkins such a 
strong company. During 2012 we undertook 3 store, 
warehouse and branch visits and we intend to continue 
this in 2013. In the autumn, once we have completed our 
annual strategy review, we expect to combine a site tour 
with a strategic update for both investors and analysts.
I reported last year that in difficult markets for 

raising finance we had secured a £550m revolving credit 
facility that is available to draw down from April 2013. 
As with our investors, we think it is important to build 
relationships with our banks and other lenders and 
so we maintain regular contact throughout the year. 
I am pleased to report that the confidence the banks 
showed in the Group last year has continued. Following 

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discussions with several banks who were interested in 
making further funds available to the Group at improved 
rates, we have secured a £50m of medium term 
committed funding by way of a bilateral loan.

Executive committee
If we are to maintain our position as the UK’s leading 
supplier of building materials we need to invest in 
our executive team to ensure we have the best talent 
available to develop and deliver our strategy. During 
2012 there have been two significant changes to our 
Executive Committee. 

After 40 years of service with the Group, Joe Mescall 

retired on 31 December 2012. Whilst the phrase ‘can 
never be replaced’ is over-used and is rarely true, it 
should be applied to unique people and Joe is definitely 
one of these. He has a great blend of long and varied 
experience, well honed leadership skills and first class 
trading ‘nous’ which is admired by everyone who has 
had the privilege to work with him.

Joe’s position has been taken by Kevin Appleton. 
Kevin joined us from the Lavendon Group where he 
held the position of CEO for 10 years. He brings a lot of 
relevant experience from the customer-focused delivery 
services and logistics sectors having previously held 
managing director roles for a division of FedEx and the 
Dexlon group. I am confident that the new experiences 
Kevin brings will build on the achievements of Joe and 
the TP team to ensure that we continue to stay ahead of 
our competitors. 

Our second key appointment was Jean-Jacques 
(‘JJ’) Van Oosten to the position of Chief Information 
Officer. This position is critical to the Group’s continued 
development so it was important that we employed a 
person with a proven track record of determining IT 
strategy, leading large teams and delivering complex IT 
projects in a multichannel environment. 

JJ was previously at Tesco plc where he held the 
role of CIO and Market place Director both reporting 
to the CEO of Tesco.com. He led and delivered critical 
programmes which established Tesco’s multi channel 
IT capability. Prior to that he was the Group CIO for 
Kingfisher plc, where he established and led a shared 
service centre for IT that combined twelve technology 
teams across multiple geographies. He was also 
responsible for delivering systems for B&Q Trade 
counter and leading the multi-channel agenda.

Charitable and community activities
We are passionate about the charitable work we 
undertake, and we continue to have strong and 
extremely valuable partnerships with a number of 
British charities. The enthusiasm and commitment 
shown by our colleagues as they fundraise is something 
we are enormously proud of. We are also delighted by 

the support frequently provided by our customers and 
our suppliers. 

Each of our 16 businesses supports their preferred 

charity, selected by employees, and throughout 
2012 they pursued a range of activities to raise 
funds. An army of employees across the Group grew 
dubious moustaches in support of Movember and 
Prostate Cancer UK, the charity partner of our Keyline 
business, while Tim Parsons and Paul Widger from 
our PTS business braved sweltering heat to cycle 500 
kilometres from Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam to Angkor 
Wat in Cambodia, raising over £14,400 for Cancer 
Research UK. 

The Travis Perkins business was awarded ‘Business 

of the Year’ at the 2012 Business Charity Awards, 
sponsored by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), for its 
outstanding partnership with Breast Cancer Campaign 
and Together for Short Lives over the last three years. 
As the driving force behind a number of charitable 
initiatives, including painting a number of Travis Perkins 
delivery trucks pink, Ian Church was awarded ‘Business 
Charity Champion 2012’. Ian, formerly Managing 
Director of Travis Perkins in the Midlands and now 
Managing Director of our PTS business, understands 
the power of charitable activity as a way of driving the 
engagement of employees and customers.

Internally, our employees can support additional 

charitable activity through payroll-giving and a 
‘Colleague Lottery’, and the popularity of these schemes 
remains undiminished. 

Thanks to wonderful activities like these, we are 

pleased to have donated more than £2.1m (2011: £1.9m) 
through group activities, including £165,716 (2011: 
£146,217) directly from the Group, to worthwhile causes 
in the fields of cancer research, support for children and 
young people, and the hospice movement, to name a few.

We encourage our colleagues and businesses to 

support community activities in the areas they live, work 
and operate. During the year many opportunities arose 
where we were able to help; here are just a few examples.
BSS Industrial donated sleeping bags to charities 
across various locations in December, giving a small 
helping hand to the homeless over the harsh winter. 
Travis Perkins supported the next generation of builders 
by donating materials to Live Train, a London-based 
training scheme which equips unemployed people with 
the skills and experience to start a sustainable career in 
the construction industry. 

CCF and Travis Perkins branches in Reading teamed 

up to fit new flooring for West Street, a house for 
severely disabled children in Henley on Thames, whilst 
colleagues from Travis Perkins Hyde helped create a 
memorial garden in memory of PCs Fiona Bone and 
Nicola Hughes, the two Greater Manchester Police 
officers who were tragically killed in September.

Piotr 
Trebiatowski, 
Warehouse 
Operative
  at Brackmills 
distribution 
centre

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Post year end acquisition
We expect the renewables market for construction 
materials to show growth ahead of market averages for 
some time, as consumers become better informed and 
invest to reduce their energy costs whilst improving 
carbon generated.

On 30 January we acquired the renewable energy 
distribution specialists, Solfex Energy Systems (‘Solfex’), 
a company that in December 2012 was listed as the UK’s 
fifth fastest growing private company in the Sunday 
Times Virgin Fast Track 100.

Solfex uses its distribution platform to integrate and 
supply components to the UK’s renewable companies 
and provides a value-added service to customers through 
comprehensive technical and customer support. It is a 
valuable addition to the Plumbing and Heating Division 
of our Group.

Our strategy of offering our customers an integrated 

approach to energy efficient building will be greatly 
enhanced by the market leading proposition created by 
the Solfex team.

2013 performance
It is difficult to draw any conclusions from the first few 
weeks of trading because the January 2012 comparator 
was quite strong whilst 2013 has seen a continuation of 
the poor weather conditions experienced in 2012. Overall 
group LFL sales, on a delivered basis, for the first seven 
weeks were down 5.1%. 

General 

Specialist 

  Plumbing 
 Merchanting  Merchanting   Consumer  & Heating 
% 
% 

% 

% 

(4.5) 

2.0 

(7.6) 

(5.4) 

Total
%

(5.1)

We view underlying like-for-like sales in February as 

broadly flat.

Outlook
Our like-for-like sales in quarter 4 of 2012 showed an 
improving trend on the two previous quarters in most 
of our businesses making it difficult to read for signals 
of underlying activity. Accordingly, we look to medium 
term indicators to plan our resource levels for 2013 
and beyond. 

In the short term, trends will be volatile; we 

currently anticipate that our markets will be stronger 
in the second quarter, mainly due to a relatively weak 
comparator in 2012 and potential recovery from low 
activity levels expected in first three months of this year. 
Whilst this suggests difficult conditions will remain 

in the first half year, there are reasons to be more 

optimistic about the second half. The recent rise in 
mortgage and housing transaction activity should feed 
into improved volumes in the market by the second 
half of the year. In the public sector market, the huge 
potential spending on various infrastructure programmes 
announced by the government should begin to gradually 
show in real activity on (and in) the ground. 

Overall we believe that market volumes for 2013 are 
likely to be lower than 2012, but the rate of decrease will 
be smaller than last year at around 1% to 2%. Inflation is 
likely to stay low with early indications suggesting it will 
be around 1% to 2% for the second year running.

Since the financial crisis in 2008, the term ‘roller 
coaster’ could fairly be applied to the gradient of annual 
and monthly change in our markets. Five years later, 
we have yet to experience a flatter track, and we wait 
for evidence of a steady recovery from the current 
unsustainably low levels of activity.

We have an excellent track-record of matching our 
margin and costs to the prevailing market conditions, 
and we judge our cautious stance to be appropriate. 
However, we shall be monitoring lead indicators 
carefully, and expect that our next change will be to 
a more expansionary stance in volume. We plan to 
combine this with a restrained approach to costs, so as 
to benefit from overhead gearing and further improve 
operating margins. We anticipate increasing expenditure 
only for unavoidable inflation and pension increases and 
subject to satisfactory trading continuing, we plan to 
invest further in pursuing our multichannel strategy.
Whilst, for most of our businesses, our operating 
margins remain ahead of our competitors, the ‘trough’ 
levels of market activity are consistent with, against 
recent history, operating margins, which we regard 
as unsatisfactory for three of our four divisions. For 
Specialist, P&H and Consumer divisions a combination 
of self help initiatives and a recovering market should 
deliver steady growth in operating margins. For Travis 
Perkins, investments in improvements to the proposition 
will be applied to increasing market share on a LFL 
basis, whilst sustaining operating margins.

So in summary, we think the performance of our 

markets in 2013 may begin to turn, but it will be 
mainly through our own endeavours to outperform our 
competition and manage our operating margin that the 
Group will be driven forward.

Geoff Cooper
Chief Executive

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Cain Doolan, 
Manager, 
BSS Industrial, 
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Deputy Chief 
Executive’s 
Review of the Year

F O R   T H E   Y E A R   E N D E D   3 1   D E C E M B E R   2 0 1 2

John Carter
Deputy Chief Executive

Introduction
After planning our new divisional structure during 
2011 and ensuring that we had the right people in 
place with the right blend of skills to take our business 
forward, 2012 has been a year where our efforts have 
been directed towards consolidating our previous 
achievements whilst managing in a commercially 
challenging environment.

Early in the year we changed slightly our approach to 
generating sales. We retreated from our previous stance 
where we had sought to outperform the market and took 
a more long term view of accepting slightly lower, but 
more sustainable growth in order to protect our gross 
margins from significant erosion. 

Improving the overall operating margin of the Group 
remains a priority and that has required us to maintain 
our focus on costs. Mindful that we do not want to 

Like-for-like revenue change – General Merchanting 

Like-for-like revenue change – Specialist Merchanting 

Like-for-like revenue change – Consumer 

Like-for-like revenue change – P&H  

Like-for-like revenue outperformance 

Colleague retention 

Revenue from expansion 

damage the Group’s ability to take advantage of the 
market once it starts to improve we have proactively 
managed each business to achieve a gentle reduction 
of costs rather than undertaking wholesale cost cutting. 
Our priority has been to review all businesses to ensure 
they have the right cost structure for the business they 
are currently handling.

Business model
Our strategy is set out on page 14. The business model 
we deploy to execute that strategy is shown in the table 
on page 17.

Operationally we measure our success through a 
comprehensive ‘balanced scorecard’ of key performance 
indicators (‘KPI’), which are aligned to achieving our 
strategy:

2012 

0.0% 

2.3% 

(5.6)% 

(1.6)% 

1.4% 

84.0% 

2.8% 

2011

9.3%

11.5%

(1.3)%

3.4%

5.0%

87.0%

2.0%

Health and safety – see separate report on pages 50 to 52. Environment – see separate report on pages 46 to 49.

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“Improving the overall operating margin of the 
Group remains a priority and that has required 
us to maintain our focus on costs.”

2012 has not been a year for making large 

investments in new initiatives. We started the year 
determined to continue with a number of operational 
initiatives where we had already achieved improvements 
and could envisage further progress. We also wanted to 
ensure that any new investments either resulted in a 
rapid payback or were necessary to maintain progress 
toward our longer term strategies. As a result the main 
areas of focus have been:
• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Continuing our drive to eliminate accidents and 
injuries from the Group;
 Investigating and further improving our customer 
proposition;
 Reducing the administrative burden on branch 
colleagues so they can spend more time with 
customers; 
 Generating additional purchasing and overhead 
synergies from the BSS acquisition and continuing 
with the integration of that business into the Group;
 Leveraging our investment in our direct sourcing 
operations;
 Dealing with the opportunities for improvement 
identified by our bi-enniel colleague engagement 
survey.

given on pages 50 to 52, but in summary we are intent 
on eliminating accidents and injuries and making 
everyone associated with our group fully understand the 
role that we all play, and the responsibilities we all have, 
in maintaining a safety culture across all our locations. 
The training and culture journey for managers and 
colleagues is the most critical part of winning hearts 
and minds to keep colleagues safe, and great progress 
has been made in engagement and in improving the 
communication process across the network.

Sales and margin management
We are set up to be the best whatever the market 
circumstances – in good times we take advantage 
to grow, in bad times we undertake the careful 
management of costs. In the current markets the 
approach our operators must take is to:
• 

• 

• 

 Focus on customers – manage our resources so we get 
the most out of what we have;
 Concentrate on the quality of trading – review our 
trading stance to drive profit and ensure we are not 
letting the competition take our business;
 Trust our central resources to deliver the right 
improvements that will enable branches to improve 
profitability.

Stay Safe
Following the reorganisation of the group health and 
safety team in 2012, which enables us to manage safety 
in a different way; we have invested a lot of energy and 
resource into Stay Safe during the year. Full details are 

We pride ourselves on the service we provide to our 
customers, but we are not complacent and we recognise 
the need to continually improve. Our customer 
proposition team under the leadership of Norman 
Bell is working on a major project to look at how we 

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can streamline our processes and make it easier for 
customers to deal with us. We are reviewing all aspects 
of our customer touch points from ease of opening a 
new trading account through to the simplification of our 
invoices and statements.

We know that regular targeted communication with 

our customers helps build a relationship based on 
trust and can stimulate sales. We are looking at ways 
of improving our customer segmentation and from 
that how we can better inform our customers of our 
capabilities and then help them transact with the Group. 

The quality of our customer proposition is partly 
dependent upon product range availability and the 
services we provide. Our supply chain team’s mission 
is to make building materials supply ‘Easy’ for both 
branches and customers, their ‘Easy Supply of Products’ 
(ESP) programme being a key pillar of the Group’s 
plans for growth and the continued development of its 
multichannel offer.

Our new Chief Information Officer, JJ Van Oosten 
joined us mid year and undertook a fundamental review 
of our IT strategy and capability. Our strategically 
important multi-channel project is focussing on 
using alternative technology, with the result that our 
website redesign project continued, albeit at a slower 
pace during 2012. In 2013 the pace of multichannel 
developments will accelerate and the new site, which 
will allow customers to trade on-line, will be introduced 
into Wickes initially before being rolled out to our 
merchanting businesses.

We are challenging the way building materials have 
traditionally been supplied to our businesses through 
collaborating with our suppliers. For example, we now 
have 12 colleagues from key suppliers implanted within 
the Group, working with us to create the best route to 
market for their products. As a result, our availability and 
service offer with these suppliers continues to improve 
with customers more likely to source these suppliers’ 
products through our branches.

With the Group providing access to over 100,000 

products, sourced from over 10,500 suppliers, it is 
essential that the distribution infrastructure and 
systems can support our branches and customers to 
complete their transactions and projects as quickly as 
possible, making them and the Group more profitable.

The integration of BSS continues to progress well and 

in most cases well ahead of expectations. The synergy 
program delivered a net £32m benefit versus the initial 
projection of £25m announced at the point of acquisition 
and the forecast of £30m at the end of last year. 

The implementation of the new PTS point of sale 
computer system (POS) has progressed very well during 
2012 with over 120 PTS branches, representing more 
than 50% of revenue, now being on the system. This will 
be a landmark in PTS’ history as it will be the first time 
that each branch manager will have an unequivocal view 

of daily performance in real time. We plan to complete 
the PTS roll out by mid 2013 before transferring both 
BSS Industrial and F&P Wholesale to a version of the 
same system.

The General Merchanting division has been targeting 

branches to improve the quality of orders taken and 
the mix of products sold. It is currently piloting four 
regional customer centres designed to improve account 
management for our smaller customers and engineer 
opportunities to upsell.

In August an improved search capability was 

launched on the General Merchanting website allowing 
customers to search and request quotes for over 9,000 
products on line. This is the start of a journey to improve 
our multi-channel offering, but it is already generating a 
good level of sales. 

Both Wickes and Tile Giant have improved their 

performance in 2012. Despite tough competition, 
both have increased their gross margins and overall 
profitability. Dropping Mycard in June allowed the 
Wickes team to invest some of the subsequent savings 
into selectively reducing prices. 

A lot of work has been undertaken to complete the 
integration of ten UGS branches into Keyline. We have 
invested in infrastructure, systems and stock availability 
to bring them up to the standard we expect of our 
branches and given our colleagues the tools they need to 
maximise their effectiveness. 

Our work on leveraging the strength of our own brand 
products has continued. The popular Scruffs safety-wear 
range, supplied by Birchwood Price Tools, has replaced 
ranges previously stocked in Wickes and Travis Perkins; 
sales have exceeded our expectations.

We have also invested in our geotechnics expertise 
having previously had a limited capability. On 3 October 
a new team joined us from a competitor and we look 
forward to expanding our presence in this increasingly 
important market. 

Tight cost control and asset management
Group scale means we are able to develop solutions that 
can often be shared across multiple businesses and 
markets, improving services, return on investment and 
lowering cost. We undertake a large number of projects 
during the course of a year, each of which contributes 
to improving our operating margin. It is not possible to 
discuss all of them, but the following paragraphs set 
out details of some of the more significant changes we 
have made.

In 2012 Keyline transferred responsibility for much 

branch administration to a central team based in 
Northampton. This freed up branch colleague time to 
enable them to focus on customers whilst improving 
the efficiency with which we deal with suppliers and 
customers. In 2013 we will be taking a similar step in our 
General Merchanting division.

Stephen Doody, 
Yard Supervisor
 at Keyline

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Our property department under the direction of 
Martin Meech is an important profit generating centre, 
but it also has an important part to play in controlling 
our cost base. Where possible we will look to exit leases 
if a branch is performing poorly and we can integrate 
the branch activity into a nearby branch. There are a 
number of opportunities in PTS and we believe that 
opportunities exist in respect of a number of Wickes 
properties as we target smaller 20,000 sq. ft. footprint 
stores to lower property costs. This will also allow us to 
open in previously unattractive locations that could not 
support larger stores. 

Supply chain continues to leverage our group 
distribution infrastructure. During the year we have 
transferred the:
• 

 Wickes bathroom home delivery operation in-house, 
without increasing our space footprint, which has 
improved service at the same time as reducing costs; 
 Moved our PTS radiator supply to an in-house 
solution, improving service and margins;
 Provided our biggest customer, British Gas, with a 
supply chain for its insulation installation business.

• 

• 

By selectively investing in GPS in our distribution 
vehicles to get a return we have been able to strengthen 
the management of our vehicle costs whilst also 
reducing our environmental impact.

Our IT department is being restructured and 

re-focused so we can reduce the costs of ‘keeping the 
lights on’ and divert more resource towards developing 
the IT infrastructure that will support the business on its 
strategic journey. One of the first changes will be moving 
from Microsoft to Google Enterprise allowing us to use 
new technologies to improve utilisation and efficiency. 

Improve return on capital
We spend a considerable amount of time finding ways 
to improve our management of working capital. A lot 
of colleagues are involved in ensuring that we receive 
prompt payments from our customers. In 2012 we have 
piloted giving CCF drivers PDF devices that allow them to 
electronically process proof of delivery documents at the 
time of making the delivery. We are also developing our 
central cash allocation systems to reduce the time we 
spend dealing with receipts and to make it easier for our 
customers to manage their accounts.

Achieving the balance between maintaining stock 
availability in nearly 2,000 outlets and controlling the 
value of stock in our balance sheet requires a great deal 
of skill. We continue to manage our branch mandated 
stock and are currently considering making it more 
branch specific to reduce the level of slow moving stock 
that can accumulate from a one-size fits all approach. 
We are also seeking to improve the co-ordination 
of inventory reduction across the Group by sharing 
knowledge and best practice.

We have developed and implemented i-Replen, a 

34

new automated stock ordering system for Wickes 
stores that improves availability reduces stock and 
frees up management time. We believe that in due 
course this will help reduce Wickes stock without 
impacting availability.

Our distribution infrastructure has been developed 
with a flexible approach and low levels of automation, 
to ensure that we can respond quickly to the rapidly 
changing service demands of the market, driven in part 
by the growth of multichannel business. The success of 
the model in improving sales, profitability and service 
means the business will open a further 650,000 sq. ft., 
warehouse in Warrington in 2015 to support the Groups 
growth and multichannel ambitions. This investment 
will see the Group take a further step in improving 
service by providing access to more centralised products 
and reducing delivery lead times.

External expansion
With our aim of increasing our return on capital, we 
have been more selective when making investments 
to improve our proposition. At 31 December 2012 we, 
and our associate companies, operated from 1,896 
branches (including 12 Rinus Roofing and 5 Toolstation 
Netherlands sites) a net increase of 28 during the year. 

We opened 48 new sites, 20 of which were for 
Toolstation where new branches rapidly achieve 
profitability and have an above group average return on 
incremental capital employed. We also closed 17 under-
performing sites, 9 of which were in our plumbing and 
heating division and sold 3 others.

We now have tool-hire operations situated on 200 sites 

including 8 new implants for the commercial contract 
market in BSS Industrial branches. The dedicated teams 
installed in each of the BSS locations have delivered 
excellent service and sales and the number of customers 
using the service is ahead of projections. In 2013 further 
roll out of the offering is planned.

Our managed services offering goes from strength 
to strength and we opened another 8 sites in 2012. Our 
record of winning more than our expected share of 
these opportunities continues as those tendering the 
contracts recognise the skills that we possess and the 
opportunities that will give them to improve their own 
profitability.

Sales of spares grew by 11% year-on-year due to 
the good like-for-like performance from the existing 
plumbing and heating locations and the opening of 
new sites. We now operate from over 200 sites across 
the Group. 

We opened 39 new bathroom showrooms, 13 of 
which were in Travis Perkins General merchant sites 
and now have 51 showrooms in the Group with plans 
to continue the roll out in 2013. The new showroom 
concept, which has received excellent feedback from 
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“Developing highly skilled colleagues 
who can progress as our business grows 
is of paramount importance to us.”

tradesmen, has resulted in significant sales growth and 
improvements in product mix have been seen across the 
new network. 

People
Our vision is to create a great place to work; one that is 
safe, rewarding and empowering and so we were pleased 
that for the third year running we were independently 
assessed to be one of Britain’s top employers. 

We employ over 23,400 people. Our customer insight 
work indicates that high levels of colleague engagement 
have a very positive impact on customer experience, 
both in terms of satisfaction and ratings of customer 
service. Therefore, seeking feedback from those 
colleagues is vital, especially when we face a challenging 
trading environment. 

In 2012 we undertook our biennial ‘You Talk We 
Listen’ employee survey in our head office locations, 
and our General and Specialist Merchanting and our 
Consumer divisions. 79% (2011: 63%) of colleagues 
responded with overall engagement scores increasing 
when compared with 2011. 84% of colleagues were 
proud to work in their location. Teams across the Group 
reviewed the results, then identified and implemented 
actions to address any issues. 

Developing highly skilled colleagues who can progress 

as our business grows is of paramount importance 
to us, so we work hard to support them throughout 
their career. In 2012 51% (2011: 44%) of management 
appointments were filled by internal candidates.

• 

• 

During 2012:
 In partnership with Ashridge business school 
we delivered the ‘Horizons’ business leadership 
programme to 60 directors. It focused on leadership 
behaviours, business strategy and fostering 
collaboration across the Group;
 Our branch managers were able to attend the 6 day 
‘Evolve’ management development programme which 
delivers leadership, sales and commercial modules.
We provide a diverse range of development opportunities 
for all our colleagues ranging from practical job skills 
and product knowledge through to management and 
leadership development. We also invest in training 
technology and during the year we launched iLearn. 

It is a platform, which enhances the online learning 
options available to all colleagues, whilst also providing 
technology to manage and record colleagues’ learning 
and development activity. 

Our commitment to apprenticeships continued 
with high levels of activity throughout the year. This 
commitment was supported by the development of 
our apprenticeship website, designed to attract young 
people into our business.

The Travis Perkins Group ‘Building People’ 
Apprenticeship scheme (which replaced our 
management trainee scheme in 2011) is aimed at 
attracting and developing the skills and knowledge 
of young people within our branch operations and 
management roles. We hope that this new scheme 
will develop the same high quality future leaders and 
managers that we see in our business today. There are 
two parts to the scheme:
• 

 The branch scheme is aimed at attracting those who 
are new to merchanting, with many joining as their 
first job;
 The management apprenticeship scheme is focused 
on attracting talent from other merchanting branch 
networks, with apprentices’ development being 
accelerated through completion of the scheme. 
Over 30 apprentices graduated with a nationally-
recognised qualification during the year and a second 
tranche of 30 high calibre ‘Building People’ apprentices 
joined us during the autumn. We also have 500 
apprentices enrolled onto the Wickes Level Two Retail 
Apprenticeship Scheme. 

• 

Sharing knowledge with our people is key to 

engagement so they can see, where we are going as a 
business, the part each of us plays in that journey, and 
that we listen to what they are saying. 

Many of our brands produce internal magazines 
and newsletters, so that everyone can see and better 
understand what is happening across the Group. 
However, we have reviewed our internal and external 
communications activity this year and realised there is 
more we can do to raise awareness of the Travis Perkins 
Group as a whole. 

We have also appointed a Head of Corporate 

Communications to support the internal and employee 

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“In 2013, we will continue to take a balanced 
view when managing sales, seeking to protect 
margin where necessary, but all the time 
ensuring that our costs are well controlled.”

communications work already underway in our 
businesses. She will also identify areas to improve 
communication with new and existing audiences, and 
so build our brand reputation and influence opinion in 
our sector. 

Our Save as You Earn (SAYE) scheme is a real success 

with 1,200 or 19% more colleagues, joining in 2012. 
It’s really encouraging that 7,500 (2011: 6,300) of our 
colleagues are keen to share in the success of the Group 
through the SAYE scheme, even when there are so many 
other demands on their money. 

Pension membership increased during the year as 
a result of our work to introduce a new pension plan 
which meets the government’s requirements for auto-
enrolment from March 2013. In total, at January 2013 
42% (2011: 27%) of our colleagues are now members of a 
group pension plan. 

Awards
For the second year running the innovation, skills and 
performance of our supply chain team and our Wickes 
distribution team were recognised during 2012. Between 
them, they were shortlisted for 5 awards of which they 
won four:
• 

 Hermes Retail Week – Supply Chain Leader of the Year 
was our group supply chain director Robin Proctor;
 Hermes Retail Week – Multichannel Project of the 
Year Award went to the Wickes National Delivery 
Service.
 Hermes Retail Week – Grand Prix Award (Overall 
Winner) was also awarded to the Wickes National 
Delivery Service.
 The European Supply Chain Excellence Awards – 
Public Sector was won jointly by British Gas and Travis 
Perkins for our collaboration project.

• 

• 

• 

Management changes
There have been few changes in our senior management 
group during 2012. 

Chris Bosworth was appointed managing director of 

Group spares; a new role that will focus on the multi-
channel growth of spares across the Travis Perkins group.
On 31 December 2012 Mo Iqbal left our business, 
six years after we purchased Tile Giant and he came 
on board to oversee its integration and expansion. Mo 
brought great expertise and knowledge to the Group 
and has had a huge influence in the success of our tile 
business. We wish him well in his new endeavours.

Outlook
I think it is important that I place on record my 
appreciation for the work undertaken by all colleagues 
in all our businesses and supporting functions. The 
success of our Group is founded on the quality and the 
commitment of people throughout our organisation. 
2012 has been another testing year for them, but once 
again, they have excelled. Early indications are that 
in the short term certainly, 2013 may be not be any 
better, but I know that colleagues will continue to deliver 
outstanding results regardless of the circumstances.
We have many initiatives underway to deliver 

improvements across the Group, some of which I have 
described in this report. In 2013, we will continue to take 
a balanced view when managing sales, seeking to protect 
margin where necessary, but all the time ensuring that 
our costs are well controlled. In that way we will continue 
to maximise the advantage of our operational gearing 
and so sustain our overall operating margin. 

In addition our marketing team won the ‘Best Use of 
Direct Marketing’ award at the Construction marketing 
awards in December. That was followed in February 
2013 by the team winning the award for ‘Best B2B’ for 
its customer lifestyle optimisation campaign at the Data 
Strategy Awards. 

John Carter
Deputy Chief Executive

John Williams, 
Warehouse 
Supervisor at CCF 
Birmingham

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Finance Director’s 
Review of the Year

F O R   T H E   Y E A R   E N D E D   3 1   D E C E M B E R   2 0 1 2

Paul Hampden Smith
Finance Director

Financial achievements
2012 has been a year of consolidation as we have 
continued to manage our businesses so they are well 
positioned to take advantage of the opportunities that 
will arise when our markets start to improve. Our balance 
sheet is stronger, with lease adjusted net debt to adjusted 
EBITDAR reducing from 3.4 times to 3.2 times, our 
dividend up by 25% and in January 2013 we have secured 
a £50m increase in our medium term funding.

Investment has been carefully targeted towards 

projects that give the best short-term returns, in 
particular Toolstation expansion, our focus on lowering 
debt has realised a further £155m reduction in 

underlying debt (before business acquisitions of £24m) 
and we have made significant progress on the BSS 
synergy and integration projects. 

Our operating margin has improved and we have 

maintained strong cost control; even though RPI 
annual inflation in 2012 was 3.1% we have reduced our 
like-for-like overheads by 2.3% whilst continuing to 
invest in the business. 

Financial performance
The following table shows the Group’s key financial 
performance indicators: 

Adjusted operating profit to revenue 

Group adjusted overheads to revenue 

Profit before tax growth  

Adjusted profit before tax growth 

Adjusted earnings per share 

Adjusted dividend cover 

Free cash flow (note 35) 

Lease adjusted net debt to adjusted EBITDAR (note 36) 

Adjusted pre-tax return on capital (note 37) 

2012 

6.7% 

23.8% 

16.2% 

1.1% 

95.1p 

3.8x 

£242m 

3.2x 

11.5% 

2011

6.6%

23.6%

37.0%

36.9%

93.1p

4.7x

£294m

3.4x

11.3%

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“Investment has been carefully targeted 
towards projects that give the best short-term 
returns, in particular Toolstation expansion.”

Financial results
Changes in turnover, operating profit and operating 
margins have been discussed in the Chief Executive’s 
Review of the year.

Net financing costs before exceptional charges 
have increased by £10m to £27m. The primary cause 
of the increase was £4m of mark-to-market losses 
(2011: £4m of gains) from revaluing forward currency 
contracts taken out during the course of the year to fix 
the exchange rate at which goods sourced in foreign 
currency will be purchased. In addition, as highlighted 
in last year’s report, putting in place the Group’s new 
borrowing facility increased interest costs by around 
£4m. The average interest rate during the year was 3.9% 
(2011: 3.0%).

 Pre-tax exceptional items of £31m were credited to 

the income statement (2011: debit £14m) during the 
year due to:
• 

 £15m (2011: £14m) of costs arising from the BSS 
integration programme, which continues to progress 
well;
 Sub-letting several vacant retail sites, for which 
£6m of the exceptional onerous lease provisions, 
established in 2008, were released;
 Applying the requirements of the International 
Financial Reporting Standard relating to acquisitions, 
which resulted in a £36m non-taxable revaluation 
gain in respect of the Group’s 30% investment 
in Toolstation immediately prior to the Group’s 
acquisition of the remaining 70% of its shares;

• 

• 

• 

 Fair valuing the outstanding consideration for 
Toolstation at the year-end resulted in a £4m credit to 
the income statement.

After exceptional items, profit before tax, rose by £43m 
to £313m, a 16.2% increase (2011: £270m). 

The tax charge was £54m (2011: £57m). If the impact 

of the non-taxable exceptional items is excluded from 
profit before tax and the £13m (2011: £13m) exceptional 
deferred tax credit (caused by the 1% corporation tax 
rate reduction in April 2012) is ignored, the underlying 
tax charge was £69m (2011: £75m). That represents 
an effective rate of 24.5% (2011: 26.5%). We expect our 
corporation tax rate to reduce further in the coming 
years in line with government announced falls in the 
statutory tax rate to 23.25% in 2013, 21.5% in 2014 
and 21.0% in 2015. The reduction in the effective rate 
from last year reflects the drop in the statutory tax rate 
during the year. 

Basic earnings per share were 20.6% higher at 108.9 
pence (2011: 90.3 pence). Adjusted earnings per share 
(note 11) were 95.1 pence (2011: 93.1 pence). There 
is no significant difference between basic and diluted 
earnings per share and between adjusted and diluted 
adjusted earnings per share.

Capital employed and balance sheet
Our balance sheet remains strong with over £2bn of net 
assets and once again our calculations show there were 
no impairments to the carrying values of goodwill and 
other intangible assets. Across the Group, our operating 

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assets continue to be highly cash and profits generative.
Capital employed at the end of 2012 was £2,308m 
(2011: £2,108m). The Group’s adjusted pre-tax return 
on capital for the year was 11.5%, (2011: 11.3%), which 
continues to be above our weighted average cost of 
capital (‘WACC’). 

During the year, the daily closing share price ranged 
between 794p (2011: 711p) and 1,149p (2011: 1,127p). 
The shares closed the year at a price of 1,088p (2011: 
796p), increasing the Group’s market capitalisation 
over the year by 37% to £2.66bn (2011 £1.94bn). This 
represented 1.2 times shareholders funds (31 December 
2011: 0.9 times).

Extracting value from our business assets
The Group’s property team has continued to make an 
important contribution to group profits by realising 
£15m of gains (2011: £16m) from 10 projects. The largest 
contribution came from the St Pancras development, 
the contract for which became unconditional in July. 
Property disposals realised £30m of cash in 2012, but 
a further £9m of proceeds on the St Pancras deal does 
not fall due, and so will not be recognised, until the 
development is completed.

At the year-end, the carrying value of our freehold 
and long leasehold property portfolio was £287m (2011: 
£285m).

Pension fund performance
At 31 December 2012 the combined accounting net 
deficit of the Group’s defined benefit pension schemes 
was £45m (2011: £34m), which represents an £11m 
worsening over the course of the year. The Travis 
Perkins final salary pension scheme has a surplus of 
£2m (2011: £19m), whilst the aggregate gross deficits 
on the two BSS related defined benefit schemes totalled 
£59m (2011: £65m). 

Positive influences on the gross deficit in the year 

were due to:
• 

 Returns on scheme assets exceeding expectations by 
£28m due to strong equity performance;
 The impact of changes in inflation which reduced the 
combined deficit by around £12m;
 £23m of excess contributions and £11m of other 
finance income.

• 

• 

Two factors had an adverse effect on the combined 
deficit:
• 

 A 0.3% reduction in the discount rate to 4.6%, which 
reflects another year of falling yields on high quality 
corporate bonds, has increased the deficit by £61m;
 The allowance for scheme experience between the 
2008 actuarial valuation and the 2011 actuarial 
valuation of the Travis Perkins scheme impacted the 
deficit by £21m;

• 

salaries. In addition, the employing companies have 
agreed to increase their annual combined deficit cash 
contribution by £2m to £15m backdated to September 
2011. Future deficit contributions will increase, although 
not significantly, if the Company’s investment rating 
changes or dividends rise above a pre-agreed limit.

The triennial valuation of the BSS defined benefit 
scheme as at 1 June 2012 has been agreed with the 
Trustees. The future service contribution rate, based 
on the projected unit approach is 10.3%. In order to 
eliminate the deficit, additional payments of £10m per 
annum will be made over the ten years to May 2022.

Having finalised the triennial actuarial valuations of 

the Travis Perkins and the BSS Group defined benefit 
schemes, the cash contribution to reduce the combined 
deficits will increase by £5m in 2013 to £28m before 
reducing to £26m thereafter.

In 2013 we will apply the new requirements of 
IAS 19, the accounting standard on pensions, for the 
first time. This will result in other finance income (a 
non-cash item) in the income statement reducing by 
approximately £12m. 

Continued focus on debt reduction
Net debt was £131m lower than the previous year-end 
at £452m (2011: £583m) as a result of a continuing 
focus on capital investment and working capital 
management. Free cash flow for the year was £242m 
(2011: £294m) (note 35), lower than 2011 partly as a 
result of not repeating the prior year tax cash benefit 
from the BSS acquisition. 

Gross capital and investment expenditure totalled 
£110m (2011: £121m). £54m (2011: £55m) was spent 
on capital replacements, and £56m (2011: £66m) on 
expansion. 

The peak and minimum levels of daily borrowings on 
a cleared basis during the year ended 31 December 2012 
were £827m and £468m respectively (2011: £949m and 
£597m). The maximum month end cleared borrowings 
were £682m (2011: £867m). 

Toolstation
On the 3 January 2012 the Group acquired the 
remaining 70% of the issued share capital of Toolstation 
Limited for an initial £24m with additional and final 
consideration becoming payable in early 2014 based 
upon the performance and expansion of the business in 
the year ending 31 December 2013. 

After taking into account the requirements of the 
purchase and sale agreement the cash payment in 
2014 is currently expected to be £51m. This acquisition 
resulted in goodwill of £103m being recognised in the 
balance sheet during 2012.

The triennial valuation of the Travis Perkins defined 
benefit scheme for September 2011 was finalised during 
the year. The future service contribution rate has been 
increased to 13.1% (previously 11.5%) of pensionable 

Financial capital management
Strong financial capital management is a fundamental 
component of the overall group strategy.

The Directors are committed to the generation of 

Wickes 
Kettering

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long-term shareholder value, which we believe will be 
achieved through:
• 

 Increasing the Group’s market share via a 
combination of LFL sales growth and targeted 
expansion through acquisitions, brown field openings 
and in-store development;
 Investing in projects and acquisitions where the 
post-tax return on capital employed exceeds the 
weighted average cost of capital of the Group;
 Generating sufficient free cash flow to enable the 
Group to expand its operations whilst funding 
attractive returns to shareholders and reducing its 
debt and pension deficit;
 Operating an efficient balance sheet, by structuring 
sources of capital to minimise the Group’s weighted 
average cost of capital consistent with maintaining 
an investment grade financial profile. On a lease 
adjusted basis this would mean a ratio of net debt and 
capitalised operating leases to EBITDAR would be less 
than three times (31 December 2012: 3.2 times); 
 Maintaining long-term adjusted dividend cover at 
between two and a half and three and a half times 
earnings (2012: 3.8 times).

• 

• 

• 

• 

The Group maintains a capital structure that is both 
appropriate to the on-going needs of the business and 
ensures it remains within the covenant limits that apply 
to its banking arrangements. 

The capital structure is formally reviewed by the Board 

as part of its annual strategy review, but it is kept under 
review by me throughout the year. As necessary, the 
Company will rebalance its capital structure by raising or 
repaying debt, issuing equity or paying dividends.

The Group’s capital structure is intended to balance 

equity and debt in a way, which comfortably retains 
the Group’s investment grade status, maintains the 
financial flexibility for business development and 
optimises the efficiency of its finance costs given that 
the cost of debt is below the cost of equity. This equates 
to a maximum lease adjusted net Debt / EBITDAR 
target of sub 3 times ratio. 

The current preferred capital structure of the Group 
consists of debt, which includes the bank borrowings 
and the US private placement notes, cash and cash 
equivalents and equity attributable to equity holders 
of the parent, comprising issued capital, reserves and 
retained earnings. However, the Board regularly reviews 
the sources of debt available to the Group with the aim 
of maintaining both diversified sources and diversified 
maturities. 

The Group is also party to a large number of leases, 
most of which relate to premises occupied by the Group 
for trading purposes. Note 30 gives further details 
about the Group’s operating lease commitments. At 31 
December 2012, the annual rent roll for leased properties 
was approximately £189m. Our aim is to maintain a 
ratio approximating to 20% of properties owned, 80% 
leased, by value. 

42

The capital structure of the Group at 31 December 

comprised:

Cash and cash equivalents 

Bank loans 

2012 
£m 

139 

2011
£m

79

(264) 

(323)

US private placement notes at fair value  (261) 

(279)

Loan notes 

Finance leases 

Liability to pension scheme 

Pension fund deficit 

(3) 

(26) 

(37) 

(45) 

(3)

(20)

(37)

(34)

Equity attributable to shareholders 

(2,308) 

(2,108)

Total balance sheet capital employed 

(2,805) 

(2,725)

Operating leases (8x property rentals) 

(1,512) 

(1,408)

Total capital employed 

(4,317) 

(4,133)

Liquidity and funding
In addition to its equity, the Group is financed through 
a combination of unsecured bank borrowings and 
unsecured guaranteed private placement notes at 
fixed and floating rates of interest. The Board regularly 
reviews the facilities available and seeks to maintain 
them at a level sufficient to facilitate execution of its 
strategy, whilst ensuring that liquidity headroom will 
cover reasonably possible contingencies.

At 31 December 2012, the Group had a committed 
UK bank facility of £739m and $400m of $US private 
placement notes in issue. In addition, it had £40m of 
uncommitted overdraft facilities. The UK bank facility 
expires in April 2013 when it will be replaced by a 
£550m revolving credit facility advanced by a syndicate 
of 10 banks, which runs until December 2016. 

Since the year-end, there have been several changes 

to the Group’s debt facilities. On 26 January 2013, 
7 years after they were issued, $200m of US senior 
notes fell due for repayment. The Board has decided 
not to issue replacement notes for the time being, so, 
to increase the Group’s liquidity headroom, it entered 
into a new £50m bilateral committed revolving credit 
facility of fifteen-months duration. In addition, to 
reduce excess liquidity headroom on its existing 
syndicated loan facility £50m was prepaid two months 
early. As a result of these changes borrowing costs have 
been reduced. 

The remaining $200m of funding from US senior 
notes, which is available until January 2016, together 
with the existing committed bilateral and syndicated 
bank facilities provide the Group with the liquidity it 
requires for the foreseeable future.

At 31 December 2012, the Group had undrawn 
committed facilities of £475m (2011: £475m). The 
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Committed facilities available at the year-end  

January 2013 (fully drawn) 

April 2013 (£264m drawn) 

January 2016 (fully drawn) 

£m

126

739

135

Committed facilities at 31 December 2012 

1,000

Known changes in 2013 

January 2013 repayment  

New facility committed to March 2014 

April 2013 repayment 

New facility committed to December 2016 

Committed facilities from 4 April 2013 

• 

• 

• 

(126)

50

(739)

550

735

Effective financial risk management
The overall aim of the Group’s financial risk 
management policies is to minimise potential adverse 
effects on financial performance and net assets. The 
Group manages the principal financial risks within 
policies and operating parameters approved by the 
Board of Directors and does not enter into speculative 
transactions. Treasury activities, which fall under my 
day-to-day responsibilities, are managed centrally under 
a framework of policies and procedures approved by and 
monitored by the Board. 

The Group’s policy is to enter into derivative contracts 
only with members of its UK banking facility syndicate, 
provided such counterparties meet the minimum rating 
set out in the Board approved derivative policy.

The Group’s hedging policy is to generate its preferred 

interest rate profile, and so manage its exposure 
to interest rate fluctuations, by using interest rate 
derivatives. Currently the policy is to maintain between 
33% and 75% of drawn borrowings at fixed interest rates.

The Group has entered into a number of interest 
rate derivatives designed to protect it from fluctuating 
interest and exchange rates on its borrowings. At 
the year-end, the Group had £175m notional value 
of interest rate derivatives fixing interest rates on 
approximately 39% (2011: 38%) of the Group’s cleared 
gross debt (before cash and cash equivalents). In total 
53% (2011: 66%) of the Group’s gross debt is at fixed 
interest rates.

The Group settles its currency related trading 

obligations using a combination of currency purchased 
at spot rates and currency bought in advance on forward 
contracts. Its policy is to purchase forward contracts for 
between 30% and 70% of its anticipated requirements 
twelve months forward. At 31 December 2012 the 
nominal value of currency contracts, all of which were 
$US denominated, was $113m. 

To protect itself against adverse currency movements 

and enable it to achieve its desired interest rate profile, 
the Group has entered into 4 cross currency swaps and 4 

forward contracts in respect of its $400m of $US private 
placement notes.

In summary, the key points of our financial risk 

management strategy are that we: 
•  Seek to maintain a strong balance sheet;
• 

 Accord top priority to effective cash and working 
capital management;
 Maintain borrowing facility liquidity headroom of 
over £100m and continue good relationships with our 
bankers;
 Manage counterparty risk by raising funds from a 
syndicate of lenders, the members of which maintain 
investment grade credit ratings;
 Operate within comfortable margins to our banking 
covenants:
• 

 The ratio of net debt to EBITDA (earnings before 
interest, tax depreciation and amortisation) has to 
be lower than 3.0; it was 0.95 at the year-end (note 
36); and
 The number of times operating profit covers 
interest charges has to be a least 3.5 times and it 
was 13.1 times at 31 December 2012.

• 

• 

 Have a conservative hedging policy that reduces 
the Group’s exposure to currency and interest rate 
fluctuations.

Going concern
After reviewing the Group’s forecasts and risk 
assessments and making other enquiries, the Directors 
have formed a judgement at the time of approving 
the financial statements, that there is a reasonable 
expectation that the Group and the Company have 
adequate resources to continue in operational existence 
for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue 
to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the 
financial statements.

 In arriving at their opinion the Directors considered 

the:
•  Group’s cash flow forecasts and revenue projections;
•  Reasonably possible changes in trading performance;
 Committed facilities available to the Group to late 
• 
2016 and the covenants thereon;
 Group’s robust policy towards liquidity and cash flow 
management; and
 Group management’s ability to successfully manage 
the principal risks and uncertainties outlined on 
pages 44 and 45 during periods of uncertain economic 
outlook and challenging macro economic conditions. 

• 

• 

Paul Hampden Smith 
Finance Director

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Statement of Principal 
Risks and Uncertainties

F O R   T H E   Y E A R   E N D E D   3 1   D E C E M B E R   2 0 1 2

A number of factors affect the operating results, 
financial condition and prospects of each of the 
businesses in the Travis Perkins Group. This section 
describes the risk factors that are considered by the 
Directors to be material, their potential impacts and the 
factors that mitigate them. However, these should not be 

regarded as a complete and comprehensive statement 
of all potential risks and uncertainties. Additional risks 
and uncertainties that are not presently known to the 
Directors, or which they currently deem immaterial, 
may also have an adverse effect on the Group’s operating 
results, financial condition or prospects.

RISK DESCRIPTION

Market conditions

IMPACT 
DIRECTION

RISK MITIGATION

The Group’s products are sold to
tradesmen and retail customers for a 
broad range of end uses in the built
environment. The performance of the
market is affected by general economic
conditions and a number of specific
drivers of construction and DIY activity,
including housing transactions, net
disposable income, house price inflation,
consumer confidence, interest rates and
unemployment.

Competitive pressures

Market trends, particularly in respect of
customers’ preferences for purchasing
materials through a range of supply
channels and not just through our
traditional competitors may affect the
Group’s performance so making traditional
branch based operations less relevant.

Public sector buying groups could reduce
sales if public bodies chose to buy direct
from the manufacturers.

Disintermediation may become more of
a threat if manufacturers decide to deal
directly with the end user.

Information technology

The operations of the Group depend
on a wide range of complex IT systems
operating efficiently and effectively.

The rapid expansion of the Group together
with an increasing demand for IT services,
particularly as we embrace modern and
future platforms such as multi-channel,
could result in development programmes
being delayed.

Increasing levels of cyber crime represent
a significant threat with the potential
to cause loss of system availability or
financial loss.

Adverse 
effect on 
financial 
results.

Adverse 
effect on 
financial 
results.

The Board conducts an annual review of strategy, which includes an
assessment of likely competitor activity, market forecasts and possible
future trends in products, channels of distribution and customer
behaviour.

The Group maintains a comprehensive tracking system for lead
indicators that influence the market for the consumption of building
materials in the UK.

Significant events including those in the supply chain that may affect
the Group are monitored by the Executive Committee and reported to
the Board monthly by the Group Chief Executive.

Changes to market practice are tracked on an on-going basis and reported
to the Board each month.

We are building our multi-channel capabilities so they compliment our
existing operations and provide our customers with the opportunity to
transact with the group as they wish.

The Group is leading the industry in terms of the development of new 
and innovative supply solutions, and works closely with customers and
suppliers on a programme of continuous improvement of current models.

We continue to refine our pricing strategies to ensure we retain our
competitiveness.

The Group’s branding strategy allows it to use sites flexibly. Alternative
space utilisation models are possible, including maintaining smaller
stores and implanting additional services into existing branches.

Adverse 
effect on 
financial 
results.

Adverse 
effect on the 
Company’s
reputation.

The strategic demands of the business, resources available to IT,
performance levels of key systems and IT security are kept under review 
by the Executive Committee.

Maintenance is undertaken on an on-going basis to ensure the resilience
of group systems, with escalation procedures operating to ensure any
performance issues are resolved at an early stage. Our three data centres
mirror each other with data processing switched from one to the other on
a regular basis. An IT disaster recovery plan exists and is tested regularly
together with the business continuity plan with arrangements in place
for alternative data sites for both trade and consumer businesses. Off-site
back-up routines are in place.

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RISK DESCRIPTION

Colleague recruitment, retention and succession

IMPACT 
DIRECTION

RISK MITIGATION

Many colleagues have worked for the Group for some
considerable time during which they have gained valuable
knowledge and expertise.

The ability to recruit, retain and motivate suitably qualified
staff is an important driver of the Group’s overall performance.

Ensuring succession for key positions throughout the Group is
important if it is to continue to be successful in the future.

Avoiding ‘recession fatigue’ amongst our key management
layers and ensuring a continuous flow of innovation in the
Group. 

Inability to
develop and
execute our
development
plans.

Competitive
disadvantage.

The Group Human Resources Director monitors
staff engagement and turnover by job type and
reports to the Executive Committee regularly
and to the Board annually. Succession plans are
established for the most senior positions within the
Group and these are reviewed annually.

Our reward and recognition systems are actively
managed to ensure high levels of employee
engagement.

A wide-range of training programmes are in
place to encourage staff development, whilst
management development programmes are used
to assist those identified for more senior positions.

Salaries and other benefits are benchmarked
annually to ensure that the Group remains
competitive.

Supplier dependency and direct sourcing

The Group is the largest customer of many of its suppliers.
In some cases, those suppliers are large enough to cause
significant difficulties to the Group if they become unable to
meet their supply obligations.

Alternative sourcing is available, but the volumes required and
the time it may take those suppliers to increase production
could result in significant stock-outs for some considerable
time.

We have rapidly expanded our direct sourcing capabilities,
which has increased the Group’s reliance on overseas factories
producing product. This increases the Group’s exposure to
sourcing, quality, trading, warranty and currency issues.

Potential for European anti-dumping legislation to be extended
to cover further Asian countries so increasing the cost of some
imported products.

Defined benefit pension scheme funding

The Group is required by law to maintain a minimum funding
level in relation to its on-going obligations to provide current
and future pensions for members of its pension schemes who
are entitled to defined benefits.

Some issues could adversely affect the funding of these
obligations including poor performance of the pension fund
investments and increasing longevity of pension scheme
members.

The level of contributions required from the Group to meet
the benefits promised in the final salary schemes will vary
depending upon the funding position of those schemes.

Adverse
effect on
financial
results.

Adverse
effect on the
Company’s
reputation.

The commercial and financial teams monitor the
financial position of the Group’s key suppliers.
Where possible, contracts exist with more than one
supplier for key products.

The Group has made a significant investment in
a new Far East infrastructure to support its direct
sourcing operation.

Comprehensive checks are undertaken on the
factories producing product, the quality and
suitability of that product before it is shipped to 
the UK.

Adverse
effect on
financial
condition.

All of the Group’s final salary pension schemes are 
closed to new members.

For the Travis Perkins scheme, pensionable salary 
inflation has been capped at 3% per annum.

The scheme’s investment policy is kept under
regular review to ensure asset profiles are kept in 
line with the profile of liabilities.

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Environmental Report

F O R   T H E   Y E A R   E N D E D   3 1   D E C E M B E R   2 0 1 2

Introduction
In 2012, we were awarded Retro Expo’s Outstanding 
Achievement Award in recognition of the positioning 
work we have done to ensure we take advantage of the 
low carbon construction economy. We have set targets 
for 2020 and have invested to improve our analysis of 
our supply chain carbon opportunities and liabilities. 
The environmental impact of all group activities is 

included in this report. 

Process improvements and outside influences
Management systems 
The Group’s certified Environmental Management System 
now covers BSS and PTS, but does not yet fully cover 
Toolstation or businesses not wholly owned by the Group.
The strategic management of our environmental 

approach was improved in 2012 by adopting key 
environmental metrics and targets out to 2020. We 
regard responsible operations as both important and 
financially prudent. Our zero waste to landfill ambition 
has been transposed to a 2017 target. By 2020, we 
expect to reduce our carbon dioxide intensity by 48%. 

The effect of the law 
What we do, and how we do it, is partially a response 
to regulatory drivers. We estimate that it costs us 
£2.2 million in direct fees to comply with current 
environmental regulations. We have increased our 
direct advocacy and interest in industry bodies like the 
Construction Products Association (CPA), British Retail 
Consortium (BRC) and the Green Building Council (GBC) 
so we can help achieve better regulation. 

Opportunities from environmental regulation such as 
The Green Deal, which officially launched on January 28 
2013, have yet to materialise – however, we expect this 
to build gradually as consumers become more informed. 
Travis Perkins and our Green Deal Provider Partner, 
Toriga, were among the first organisations to create an 
approved Green Deal Plan. The Travis Perkins Toriga 
Green Deal proposition will allow customers to gain 
access to this growing market opportunity as it develops 
over the coming years.

The effect of stakeholder views
In 2012, excluding regular support for our contractor 
customers tendering activities and routine dialogue 
with WWF, CPA, BRC, GBC or our own environmental 

advisory bodies, we spoke to approximately 200 people 
or organisations about our environmental approach. 
Regrettably, 28 of these (30 in 2011) were complaints. 
We recognise that from time to time conflicts can arise 
with neighbours, or we will have supplied materials 
customers regard as lacking environmental credentials. 
On each occasion we seek to listen, react and agree 
changes where possible. 

Encouragingly, we had a positive engagement with 
investors in 2012 about our environmental approach 
and this has improved the level of disclosure in this 
report. Wherever possible, we now include absolute 
levels of emissions or consumption and an indicator 
stating the level of measured versus estimated data.
Our strategic priorities, themes and objectives 
are formally reviewed regularly against solicited 
or unsolicited commentary we receive about our 
environmental approach along with the feedback from 
our Non Executive Environmental Advisory Panel. We 
believe this makes our approach more effective and 
closer to stakeholder expectations. 

What we report
For the 2013 calendar year we will report under the 
proposed Green House Gas mandatory reporting rules 
and restate comparatives to ensure consistency. For 2012 
data we reviewed the calculations of our metrics, which 
are produced by combining measured, estimated and 
extrapolated data, but did not materially change them. 
We have increased our content of environmental 
information on the Web and in other publications and 
have continued to have this report and its contents 
verified by Lloyds Register of Quality Assurance. A copy 
of the verification statement is downloadable from the 
Travis Perkins plc. environment web pages.

Buying Responsibly
Timber and timber products

In 2012, we estimate that 90% by value of the timber 
and timber products purchased by the Group was from 
certified well managed or controlled forests.

Over 85% of the timber data comes from our central 
sales records, with the remaining estimated. 

All centrally purchased major timber product groups 
are either fully certified or a plan for full certification 
is underway. By Q2 of 2013, all materials we import 

Wickes 
Call Centre 
Brackmills

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E N V I R O N M E N T A L   R E P O R T

directly from outside of the EU, which are the focus 
of the EU timber regulations (EUTR), will have the 
assurance of full chain of custody from credible 
certification schemes. 

However, we are now faced with the prospect of 

considerable supply uncertainty and significant 
upheaval to our internal processes as the certification 
bodies adapt from being a voluntary label of 
environmental quality to a compliance tool under the 
EUTR. Whilst we are confident the change will happen, 
the timing and requirements are unclear, and therefore 
we have chosen not to engage with colleagues and local 
suppliers until we can communicate clear expectations. 
This engagement is vital to achieve and sustain full 
certification with 10% of timber still specified and 
purchased locally by our merchant branch managers. 
We have therefore reluctantly concluded that, given the 
short amount of time remaining, we will not achieve 
100% certified timber and timber product purchases 
by 2014 as we had hoped. Our new target for 2014 is to 
purchase 95% of timber and timber products by value 
from credibly certified well managed or controlled 
wood sources.

Resource efficiency
In 2012, we continued to source products with recycled 
content and worked with our suppliers to reduce 
packaging. Wickes has achieved the 15% packaging 
reduction target under the WRAP Home Improvement 
Sector Commitment.

We are currently examining the Construction 
Excellence/WRAP construction product resource 
efficiency plans to determine how we might act to 
deliver the greatest leverage and resource efficiency gain 
in 2013 and beyond.

We will measure our performance in this area with a 
single resource efficiency target, which we are hoping to 
set in 2013.

Embedded impacts
How we manage carbon emissions in our supply chain 
represents a significant, sustainable competitive 
advantage. In 2012, we embarked on a partnership 
with Carbon River to model how much, and where, 
carbon was being emitted in the entire value chain 
of our products and bought in goods and services. We 
propose to use this measure as a broad indicator of our 
environmental health and robustness. We expect to 
publish our initial findings in mid 2013. 

Supply chain environmental management
We continue to scrutinise our supply chain for 
environmental risk and require our partners to make 
a commitment to environmental management. Our 
figures suggest that approximately 66% by value of the 
products our merchant division distributes come from 
supply chains, which are regarded as responsible by 
a BREEAM assessment, helping our customers meet 
higher building codes. 

Operating responsibly
Carbon dioxide intensity

In 2012, 101,954 tonnes of carbon dioxide were emitted 
as a result of our consumption of energy (96,348 tonnes 
in 2011) and 104,602 tonnes of carbon dioxide from our 
transport activities (104,082 tonnes in 2011).

Over 95% of the data is from measured sources with the 
remainder extrapolated from expenditure on fuel. 

A combination of relatively benign temperatures, 
more grid energy coming from renewable sources 
and changing colleague behaviours has kept our 
performance flat in 2012 despite increased vehicle miles 
as a result of our supply chain network expansion. 

Out of hours electricity useage within the Wickes 
estate has fallen by a cumulative value of 7% in 2012 
over 2011 as a result of our Environmental Improvement 
Scheme. Approximately 400 branches now use route-
planning software to increase vehicle efficiency, leading 
to fewer emissions. In total, we estimate that these 
changes in behaviour have reduced carbon dioxide 
emissions by 4,139 tonnes.

We have chosen to concentrate on changing 
behaviours in the early part of our carbon strategy, 
as a cost effective way of keeping emissions in check. 
Addressing consumption choices will remain our priority 
in 2013 and 2014, even if this means that progress will 
be modest. Our previous targets were overambitious and 
need to be revised. Our new target is for a 20% reduction 
by 2014 (20% by 2013 previously). Our carbon strategy 
is now based on achieving a 48% reduction in intensity 
by 2020 (on our 2005 levels) with a 37% reduction by 
2017 against the same baseline.

Waste

In 2012 we created 41,241 tonnes of waste with 31,805 
tonnes, 77%, being diverted from landfill (60% in 2011).

Over 95% of the data provided by our waste contractors 
are measured and the remainder extrapolated on an 
average branch-tonnage basis.

In 2012, our waste to landfill intensity was at an all time 
low at 2.9 tonnes per million pounds of yard and core 
sales. We confirmed our zero waste landfill target for 
2017 and introduced a further interim target of a 90% 
reduction to landfill from 2005 levels by 2014. 

We have achieved our leading performance in waste 
management by having strong partnerships with waste 
management companies, particularly in respect of 
our customer waste offering, a service that now turns 
over £4.1 million. Here, Hippo Waste Solutions have 
been helpful and we have worked together to develop 
recycling solutions for managed service customers and 
our consumer kitchen and bathroom installer service. 
More excitingly, our collaboration with Recipro in Wales 
and the North West has enabled us to supply unwanted 
stock to community projects, 

More managers are choosing to introduce branch-
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Waste tonnage
OECD sales deflated figures.
Tonnes waste per £m yard and 
core sales.

CO2 emissions
OECD sales deflated figures.
Tonnes CO2 per £m group sales.

Timber certification
Timber purchased (£).

Environmental 
 incidents  and 
complaints

0
1

.

20

7
1

.

1
8 3
2

.

.

60

80

6
5

.

10

7
7

.

.

6
7
2

.

9
6
2

.

7
6
2

.

1
7
2

.

5
6
2

.

6
5
2

30

.

3
8
2

.

4
7
2

%
4
2

%
8
2

40

%
4
3

%
2
% 2
0
2

%
5
% 2
6
% 2
6
2

50

25

0
3

5
2

T
E
G
R
A
T

8
6

.

T
E
G
R
A
T

8
9

.

T
E
G
R
A
T

T
E
G
R
A
T

.

9
1
2

.

6
9
1

.

0
8
1

.

4
8
1

.

3
3
1

0
9

.

5
4

.

9
2

.

2
2

.

05

06 07 08 09 10 11 12 14

0

.

6
2
3

.

9
1
3

.

8
7
2

.

6
2
3

.

3
2
3

.

7
3
3

.

3
5
2

.

5
7
2

.

8
7
4

05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 14

0

%
6
3

%
9
4

%
8
4

%
4
5

%
8
5

%
3
6

%
5
6

%
8
6

%
5
9

05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 14

0

0
0 1

5 1

7
3

7
1

1
2

0

5 5 6 4 3 5

5
2

8
1

0
1

05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 14

Landfill

Diverted from landfill

Energy

Transport

FSC

Other certified schemes

Incidents

Complaints

The data for 2011 has been slightly amended 
due to a small data error in the 2011 report.

The data for 2011 has been slightly amended 
due to a small data error in the 2011 report.

2005 data excludes Wickes timber figures.

our Environmental Improvement Scheme. In 2013, we 
are planning to introduce even more opportunities for 
managers to increase recycling through segregation to 
reduce still further the component of our waste that goes 
to landfill.

Water 

In 2012, we used 312,959 m3 of water. 

Data provided by our energy bureau contractor 
from invoices.

Our water consumption is equivalent to 85m3 for every 
million pounds of sales. We continue to actively identify 
irregular consumption patterns and address their causes 
and through these actions believe we will achieve a 45% 
reduction on 2008 levels by 2014.

Pollution prevention 
Small oil and paint spills continue to number most 
amongst environmental incidents we experience and we 
have increased the priority accorded to dealing with these. 
In 2012, we recorded 16 incidents of which 13 needed 

reporting to the regulator because of a potential risk to 
pollution of controlled environments. In each case the 
regulator was satisfied with the remedial actions we 
took and chose not to investigate further. We were not 
prosecuted for any environmental offence in 2012.

In 2013, because we have raised the profile of effective 
pollution prevention, we are targeting a reduction in the 
total number of incidents to less than 10.

with the launch of a suite of new build and retrofit 
construction plans, providing the construction industry 
with easy to follow guidelines to meet the changing 
requirements of building regulations and the Code for 
Sustainable Homes. The SBS website now has over 400 
pages of information on sustainable building, covering, 
products, specifications and practical advice. In 2013 
SBS will be heavily involved in delivering the Green Deal 
and ECO home improvement measures, and continuing 
to bring innovative products and services to the UK 
construction market.

Selling certified timber and timber products
Our customers, both large and small, are increasingly 
concerned about purchasing well-managed timber and 
timber products and we anticipate this concern will only 
grow with the introduction of the EUTR. We are well 
placed to deal with such increased interest as we retain 
one of the largest multi-site Chain of Custody certificates 
in Europe, which means certified products are widely 
available from our network.

We are really pleased that the UK Construction 
Group has agreed a common position on both certified 
material requirements and reporting, and welcome 
the opportunity to work in partnership with our 
customers on improving timber traceability in the 
construction sector. 

Selling responsibly 
Sustainable building solutions
Sustainable Building Solutions (SBS), a business we 
started in 2010, continued its development in 2012, 

Geoff Cooper
Chief Executive

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Health and Safety Report

F O R   T H E   Y E A R   E N D E D   3 1   D E C E M B E R   2 0 1 2

Our Stay Safe philosophy and objectives
Health and safety continues to be integral to everything 
we do, from the Group Board right down to each 
colleague in every branch, store, warehouse and 
office. We believe that all injuries are avoidable, but 
we appreciate that achieving a zero injury rate is a 
major challenge to a business of our size and variety. 
Nevertheless, we aim to be the leader in reducing and 
eliminating workplace injuries in our industry, and this 
is embodied in our ‘Stay Safe’ ethos. This will require 
dedicated effort and perseverance before we can be even 
slightly satisfied with our performance. It is vital that, as 
an organisation, we recognise our room for improvement 
and remain open to challenge on new ideas, equipment 
and processes.

Underpinning our Stay Safe philosophy is the 
importance of reporting; not just incidents that result 
in injury, but near miss occurrences that we can learn 
from and respond to with actions to prevent our people 
getting hurt in the future. As a result, we have improved 
both our online reporting tools and the subsequent 
analysis and review of all incidents and near miss 
occurrences. We have recently raised the bar in terms of 
what we now classify as a safe branch - we only regard a 
store or branch as a safe site if they report no incidents 
of injury, but also report near miss occurrences and 
receive a ‘green’ audit score for safety.

Background to our journey
Our journey to Stay Safe started in 2008 following two 
very serious incidents in the previous two years.

The transition to adopting Stay Safe

1974: Health and Safety at Work Act

1974-2007: Reactive and stay legal approach

2006: Serious injury to one of our Keyline drivers

2006-2007: Review risk assessments and 
safe working procedures

2007: Fatality of a building site labourer during a 
site delivery

2008: Stay Safe vision and initiative created. 
Start of new journey

Between 2008 and 2011: Significant reduction in 
accident frequency rate

2012: Responsibility for Stay Safe 
devolved to our divisions

Data trends
Whilst there is no excuse for accidents, the Group faces 
many challenges: our 3,400 vehicles make 7.8 million 
deliveries every year, travelling in excess of 100 million 
miles. We would welcome any opportunity to refresh the 
contacts we have had historically with our immediate 
competitors and widen further this network in order to 
engage in meaningful exchanges in relation to safety 
best practice and innovations.

Group accident frequency rates
Our accident frequency rate (lost time injuries versus the 
hours worked) initially fell then plateaued from 2009 to 
2011. A slight rise in 2012 is not acceptable to us and so 
we have adopted a new approach to the way we manage 
safety throughout our Group.

The Board reviewing a re-enactment of a serious accident.

Trend in accident frequency rates

All Stay Safe activity is reviewed by the Plc Stay Safe 

Committee, which comprises me as Chairman with 
Group Board members Ruth Anderson, John Carter and 
Robert Walker. The Committee met with representatives 
of group management on three occasions during 2012 
to discuss Stay Safe progress, and also visited several 
sites, including one where we witnessed and reviewed a 
re-enactment of a serious accident.

2009

2010

2011

2012

Hours worked (m)               Accident frequency rate

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Lost time injuries in 2012
The type of lost time injuries we experienced has not 
changed from 2011, despite our prioritising training 
activity towards preventing the most frequently 
occurring types of injury: 

Over 40 senior managers are currently working 
on Stay Safe projects as part of our senior manager 
development programme, which is being run in 
conjunction with Ashridge. 

2012 Lost time injuries

4%

5%

4%

30%

11%

23%

23%

Injured while 
manual handling

Hit by moving / 
falling object

Slipped, tripped or 
fell on the same level

Cuts and bruises

Hit something fixed 
or stationary

Fell from a height

Other*

*Other includes: hit by a moving vehicle, contact with machinery or 
material being machined, exposure to a harmful substance, injured by 
an animal or physically assaulted by a person.

Non-colleague injuries during 2012
789 injuries to people not employed by the Group were 
reported in 2012 (2011: 729) of which 64% occurred in 
our Consumer division. The majority were minor (slips, 
trips, falls and cuts), however two incidents resulted in 
major injuries and one tragically resulted in a death in 
one of our branches.

All of these very regrettable incidents have, or are 
in the process of being thoroughly investigated; any 
lessons learned will be acted upon.

Our organisation structure
In 2011 we improved our Stay Safe performance, 
however we felt that next stage on our Stay Safe journey 
was increased ownership of safety at the business level. 
At the end of the first quarter of 2012, we reorganised 
our group safety team to ensure their focus mirrored our 
divisional structure and increase personal ownership 
and accountability for Stay Safe amongst regional and 
branch management teams. This move allows each of 
our businesses to tailor health and safety actions to the 
specific issues they face.

Support from our Stay Safe central team
Our divisions can still draw on the support of an expert 
team of safety trainers within our operational training 
function. During 2012, they have trained more than 
1,000 managers in accident prevention and reporting, 
risk assessment and on-site traffic management, as 
well as promoting the adoption of a safety culture in 
our branches. 

A small central team provides expert health and 
safety advice by telephone and online to more than 
2,000 managers. The team also analyse all entries in our 
online injury reporting system, identifying statistical 
trends that help our divisions pinpoint and tackle key 
safety issues. 

The strategy behind our approach
Devolving responsibility and cultivating a more 
committed level of ownership is underpinned by:
• 

 Leadership – our business leaders demonstrate that 
they own and drive the Stay Safe message in their 
business;
 Personal responsibility and belief – all colleagues 
believing that all injuries are preventable and acting 
accordingly;
 Stay Safe behaviour – our systems and safe operating 
procedures being simple and realistic whilst being 
understood and followed by us all.

• 

• 

We have worked hard to re-intone this philosophy in 
all our communications. For instance at our Group 
Conference in 2012, we presented all our business 
leaders with a two minute video entitled ‘I am not a 
number’, involving a large number of colleagues from 
across the business with the simple message: ‘Safety is 
not about numbers, but always about people’. The video 
can be viewed on YouTube.com

Recent activities
Colleague opinions about safety
Our Stay Safe programme continues to yield high 
levels of awareness and ‘buy in’ from our colleagues. All 
our divisional colleague opinion surveys during 2012 
recorded that over 90% of our colleagues ‘feel safe at 
work’; that their manager genuinely cares about their 
safety at work and that they have received the Stay Safe 
training they need to do their jobs safely.

Differences in Stay Safe performance 
across our divisions and brands
We recognise that when measured by their specific 
accident frequency and severity rates some divisions 
and brands are further ahead in their Stay Safe change 
process than others. The main difference in many 
cases is that some have been more successful at 
engaging colleagues with the Stay Safe journey. Beyond 
those differences in culture, values and attitudes, the 
inconsistent approaches have been affected further by 
the varying challenges each business has faced this 
year in their trading patterns, resource levels, business 
change projects – even the weather! Whilst our reporting 
of, and learning from, actual accidents and from near 
misses across all of our business continues to improve it 
is frustrating that this is not translating into consistent 
performance improvements.

We acknowledge that realising our Stay Safe Vision 
consistently across all divisions will not be easy and will 
demand leadership, consistency of focus and attention 
to detail to instil the required behaviours, culture and 
ways of working. 

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H E A L T H   A N D   S A F E T Y   R E P O R T

“Stay Safe 
is not about 
numbers, it’s 
always about 
people”

Innovations in Stay Safe during the year
We have introduced a number of Stay Safe innovations 
in 2012:
• 

 Our group transport team has introduced a number of 
initiatives to improve HGV vehicle safety including:
• 

 The introduction of bag nipping vehicle grabs on our 
delivery lorries which removes the need to work at 
height;
 The trialling of CCTV in lorry cabs which we believe 
will have a positive impact on driver behaviour;
 The trialling of proximity sensors on vehicles to help 
detect cyclists and more visible ‘yellow’ lorry wing 
mirrors;

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Our ‘Full Stop’ initiative where all Supply Chain sites 
stopped work for an hour at 3 a.m. and 3 p.m. on the 
same day in August whilst members of the senior team 
walked around the site, discussing hazards;
 Our Consumer division has introduced incident 
simulations to learn what can be done to prevent 
certain types of incidents;

•  
•

 Branch managers 
are being issued 
with a Stay Safe 
wall planner aimed 
at reminding them 
of the key practical 
things they should 
be doing to maintain 
a safe branch. 

Supplier safety initiative
During the summer of 2012 we held our annual group-
suppliers’ conference. This year it focused on our Stay 
Safe strategy in order to engage our suppliers in playing 

a proactive and collaborative role in our 
safety programmes. By making safety 
integral to our commercial relationship, 
our message to suppliers is that ‘Safe 
Suppliers are the Best Suppliers’. A simple 
but effective leaflet has also been produced 
for issue to all suppliers to help them make 
safe deliveries to our premises.

Looking ahead to 2013
We are encouraged that in 2012, 87% of our branches 
were free from any reported lost time injuries. In 2013 
we will encourage and recognise all such branches by 
creating a new Stay Safe ‘high standard’ performance 
measure, namely that of the ‘safe branch’. 

To be identified as a safe branch at the end of the 

year, that location has to satisfy three key criteria:
•  No lost time injuries have been reported;
• 

 Near miss incidents are being reported using our 
on-line reporting system;
 The Group’s audit team has given its region a ‘green’ 
(i.e. good) audit score specifically for its safety 
performance. 

• 

52

In 2013 we will:
• 

 Continue our drive to win the hearts and minds of 
colleagues, managers and business leaders in support 
of our Stay Safe agenda;
 Recognise safe behaviour wherever and whenever it 
occurs;
 Simplify and improve our systems and procedures 
and make clear the outcomes of non compliance. 

• 

• 

We are embarking on further research that will 
explore the links between our colleague engagement 
survey data, safety metrics and business performance 
measures. We hope the findings will increase the focus 
of our business leaders and managers on the additional 
changes we need to adopt to deliver the improvements 
and consistency in safety performance we seek. 

Culture change and local empowerment approach

Expert 
review

Organisation 
cultural

Predictors 
of accidents

Safety 
culture 
change

Organisation 
focus – 
systems

Embedding 
safe behaviour 
by aligning 
‘systems’ 
to support 
change 
journey at a 
local level

Safety 
culture 
change

Divisional 
focus – 
systems, 
values, 
beliefs, style 
and staff

Specific 
change 
management 
journeys 
using ‘cultural 
predictors’ at a 
local level

We need to keep focusing on those areas which show 
a strong link between organisational culture and injury 
rates and where possible action further improvements. 
With those in place, the resulting changes in behaviour 
and culture will mean that our employees and 
customers go home safely at the end of every day.

The business impact we are seeking will:
•  I ncrease employee engagement, morale and 

performance, and not only in those areas linked to 
safety;
 Increase our safety performance and enhance our 
reputation as a safe place to work, to buy from and to 
supply;
 Reduce our long-term-injuries so we have fewer lost 
working days, which will improve customer service.

• 

• 

Andrew Simon
Chairman, Plc Board Health & Safety Committee

Toolstation 
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Directors

Robert Walker

Geoff Cooper

John Carter

Paul Hampden Smith

Deputy Chief Executive
John Carter joined Sandell Perkins as a management 
trainee in 1978. He held a number of regional 
management positions, before being appointed 
Managing Director, Operations in 1996, and a director 
of Travis Perkins plc in July 2001. He became Chief 
Operating Officer in February 2005 and was appointed 
Deputy Chief Executive in December 2011. He is a 
trustee of the Building Research Establishment. He is a 
member of the Health & Safety Committee.

Finance Director
Paul Hampden Smith served as Finance Director 
throughout 2012 and retired from the Board on 
28 February 2013. 

Tony Buffin is to be appointed as Finance Director 
on 8 April 2013. He is a chartered accountant and joins 
us from the Coles Group in Australia where he was Chief 
Financial Officer from 2009. He was formally Chief 
Financial Officer of the Loyalty Management Group.

Chairman
Robert Walker was appointed as a non-executive 
director in September 2009 and became Chairman in 
May 2010. He is chairman of Enterprise Inns plc and 
Americana International Holdings Ltd, and a senior 
independent director of Tate & Lyle PLC He was 
previously chairman of W H Smith PLC, Williams Lea 
Group Ltd and BCA Europe and Group Chief Executive of 
Severn Trent Plc. He spent over 30 years with Procter & 
Gamble, McKinsey and PepsiCo and has also served as a 
non executive director on a number of FTSE 100 and 250 
boards. He is Chairman of the Nominations Committee 
and a member of the Remuneration and Health & Safety 
Committees. 

Chief Executive
Geoff Cooper joined the Company in February 2005 
and was appointed Chief Executive in March that year. 
He is a chartered management accountant and had 
a career in management consultancy before joining 
Gateway as Finance Director in 1990. In 1994 he became 
Finance Director of UniChem plc, subsequently Alliance 
UniChem plc (which later became part of Alliance Boots 
plc), where he was appointed Deputy Chief Executive 
in 2001. He is non-executive Chairman of Dunelm 
Group Plc, and Chairman of the Construction Products 
Association. He is Chairman of the Executive Committee.

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Ruth Anderson

Chris Bunker

John Coleman

Philip Jansen

Andrew Simon O.B.E.

Ruth Anderson was appointed as a non-executive 
director in 2011. She is a chartered accountant and held 
a number of positions in KPMG (UK) from 1976 to 2009, 
being a member of its board from 1998 to 2004 and Vice 
Chair from 2005 to 2009. She is a non-executive director 
of Ocado plc. She is a member of the Audit and Health & 
Safety Committees. 

Chris Bunker was appointed as a non-executive director 
in 2004. He is a chartered management accountant 
and was Finance Director of Thames Water plc, from 
2000 until March 2004. He was previously Finance 
Director of Tarmac PLC and Westland Group PLC. He is 
a non-executive director of D S Smith Plc and formerly 
was a non-executive director of John Mowlem & Co plc, 
Baltimore Technologies plc and Xansa PLC. He was the 
Senior Independent Director until January 2013 and is 
Chairman of the Audit Committee and a member of the 
Nominations and Remuneration Committees. He will be 
retiring from the Board in October 2013.

John Coleman was appointed as a non-executive 
director in 2005. He is a chartered management 
accountant and Chairman of AGA Rangemaster Group 
plc. He has previously been Chairman of Holiday 
Break plc, Chief Executive of House of Fraser plc and 
Chief Executive of Texas Homecare and of a number 
of businesses within Burton Group PLC. He succeeded 
Chris Bunker as Senior Independent Director in January 
2013, and is a member of the Remuneration, Audit and 
Nominations Committees.

Philip Jansen was appointed as a non-executive 
director in April 2009. He is Chairman of Brakes Group, 
Group Chief Executive of Worldpay and a senior advisor 
to Bain Capital,the private equity group. He is also a 
trustee of the charity, Wellbeing of Women. He has 
previously been Group Chief Operating Officer and Chief 
Executive of Europe for Sodexo, Chief Operating Officer 
of MyTravel plc and Managing Director, Consumer 
Division of Telewest Communications PLC. He has 
also held senior positions with Procter & Gamble 
and Dunlop Slazenger Group. He is a member of the 
Remuneration Committee. He will be retiring from the 
board in May 2013.

Andrew Simon O.B.E. was appointed as a non-executive 
director in 2006. He is a non-executive director of 
Finning International Inc. (Canada), Management 
Consulting Group plc, SGL Carbon SE (Germany), 
Exova Group plc, Icon Infrastructure Management 
Limited (Guernsey) and British Car Auctions. He was 
previously Deputy Chairman of Dalkia plc, Chairman 
and / or Chief Executive of Evode Group plc and has 
also held non-executive directorships with Severn 
Trent Plc, Ibstock PLC, Laporte Plc, Associated British 
Ports Holdings PLC, and Brake Bros Holdings Ltd. He 
is chairman of the Remuneration and Health & Safety 
Committees. 

E
C
N
A
N
R
E
V
O
G

55

Corporate Responsibility Statement 

FOR TH E YE AR ENDED 31  DEC EMBE R   20 1 2

The Company has not produced a separate corporate responsibility 
statement in the report and accounts since it believes these 
matters are sufficiently important to receive the personal attention 
of individual directors rather than risking less focus through the 
exercise of collective responsibility. Instead, full details of those areas 
normally covered by such a report are contained either in the reports 
of the directors responsible for such matters, or in a separate report, 
as explained below:

Environment
CEO, Geoff Cooper, responsibility - Environmental report on pages 
46 to 49.

Health & safety
NED, Andrew Simon, responsibility - Health & Safety report on pages 
50 to 52.

Supply chain
Deputy Chief Executive - John Carter’s review of the year.

 Employees
Deputy Chief Executive, John Carter’s review of the year; and

 Community relations 
Chief Executive, Geoff Cooper’s review of the year.

The Board takes into account, environmental, social and governance 
matters in its conduct of the Company’s business. The Board believes 
that it has adequate information to identify and assess the major 
environmental, social and governance risks and as part of the system 
of internal control receives reports on the risks associated with these 
matters. The Board has received briefings on such matters during 2012.

Robert Walker
Chairman

Committees and Professional Advisers

Secretary:
A. S. Pike

Audit Committee:
C. J. Bunker (Chairman), R. Anderson, J. Coleman

Remuneration Committee:
A. H. Simon (Chairman), C. J. Bunker, J. Coleman, P. Jansen, R. Walker

Nominations Committee:
R. Walker (Chairman), C. J. Bunker, J. Coleman

Health & Safety Committee:
A. H. Simon (Chairman), R. Anderson, J. P. Carter, R. Walker

Executive Committee:
G. I. Cooper (Chief Executive and Committee Chairman)
J. P. Carter (Deputy Chief Executive)
A. Buffin (Finance Director) (with effect from 8 April 2013)
K. Appleton (Chairman, General Merchanting Division)
N. G. Bell (Group Development Director) 
J. Bird (Chairman, Consumer Division) 
A. J. Davidson (Chairman, Specialist Merchanting Division)
C. Kavanagh (Group HR Director) 
M. R. Meech (Group Property Director)

A. S. Pike (Company Secretary & General Counsel)
R. D. Proctor (Group Supply Chain Director)
P. Tallentire (Chairman, Plumbing & Heating Division)
J. J. Van Oosten (Chief Information Officer)

Investment Bankers / Advisors: 
HSBC Bank plc. Nomura International plc

Corporate Broker:
Citibank, Credit Suisse

Bankers:
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc. Barclays Bank plc
Lloyds TSB Bank plc

Solicitors: 
Linklaters LLP, London. Clifford Chance LLP, London

Auditor: 
Deloitte LLP, London

Registrars: 
Capita Registrars, Beckenham

56

 
Corporate Governance

FOR  T HE YEAR E NDE D 31  DEcEmbE R 2 0 12

UK corporate governance code
We explain below how the company has applied the principles and 
provisions of the UK corporate Governance code (‘the code’) in 2012. 
We do so by reference to the five main sections of the code. Where 
practicable, we have complied early this year with changes to the 
code, and with forthcoming regulations on executive remuneration 
reporting, which will not technically apply to the company until next 
year’s annual report.

1. Leadership
The company is governed by a board of directors, of which I am 
chairman. In addition, there are three executive and five non-
executive directors. Geoff cooper is chief Executive. chris bunker 
was the Senior Independent Director throughout 2012 and until 
succeeded in that role in January 2013 by John coleman. Ruth 
Anderson, Philip Jansen and Andrew Simon are also independent 
non-executive directors. 

The board has a schedule of matters reserved to it, which 
is reviewed annually. No changes were made in 2012. Its key 
responsibilities are for overall group strategy, policy on corporate 
governance, approval of expansion plans and major capital 
expenditure, consideration of significant financial and operational 
matters and the company’s exposure to key risks. It also reviews 
the strategy of the individual businesses, their annual budgets and 
progress towards the achievement of those budgets and long-
term objectives. Legislative, environmental, health and safety and 
employment issues are also considered. The board has also approved 
a written statement of the division of key responsibilities between 
myself, as chairman, and the chief Executive; again, we review this 
annually and no changes were made in 2012. 

The company maintains directors & officers’ insurance in respect 

of the risk of claims against directors. This is reviewed annually.
All directors have direct access to the company Secretary and 
may take independent professional advice in the furtherance of their 
duties if necessary.

Communication
As chairman, I take care to ensure that each director is able to make 
an effective contribution within an atmosphere of transparency 

and constructive debate. I agree the agenda for board meetings in 
conjunction with the chief Executive and the company Secretary. 
Agendas are based upon an annual plan but also include matters of 
particular interest or concern to the board at any particular time. 
I discuss the meeting papers with any director who is unable to 
attend a meeting, to obtain that director’s view prior to the meeting. 
I also monitor the information provided to the board to ensure it is 
sufficient, timely and clear, and the board reviews the adequacy of this 
information as part of its annual evaluation process, described below. 
I make a habit of contacting all the non-executive directors in 
advance of board meetings, to suggest the key issues for discussion 
during the meeting; this also helps the directors to prepare, during 
their reading of the papers in advance of the meeting. 

I maintain regular direct contact with the executive directors and 
keep the non-executive directors informed of material developments 
between board meetings. I have regular, mostly weekly meetings with 
the Group chief Executive and meet from time to time throughout 
the year with the Finance Director and Deputy chief Executive. I held 
a number of meetings during the year with all the non-executive 
directors, without the executive directors being present. 

Board meetings
We held twelve board meetings in 2012 (two by conference call), 
One meeting was dedicated to consideration of the company’s long-
term strategy. Nine meetings included either visits to parts of the 
company’s operations, presentations by senior executives on their 
areas of responsibility or, in one case, a visit to the factory of a major 
supplier. The latter visit was prompted by a recommendation in the 
previous year’s externally-conducted performance evaluation, in 
which it was suggested the board have more contact with its wider, 
external partners. Non-executive directors also made individual visits 
to operational sites. In addition to the regular board meetings, key 
financial information is circulated to directors outside of meetings. 
The number of board and committee meetings attended by each 
director (in whole or in part) during the year is detailed in the table 
below. The larger number of Remuneration committee meetings is 
unusual and was prompted by the need to give full consideration to 
the Group’s proposed new replacement deferred share bonus plan 
(see Remuneration Report, page 65).

PLc board 
No. 

Audit 
No. 

Remuneration 
No. 

Nomination 
No. 

Health & Safety 
No. 

Executive
No.

Number of meetings 

Attendances: 

R. Anderson 

c. J. bunker 

J. P. carter 

J. coleman 

G. I. cooper 

P. N. Hampden Smith 

P. Jansen 

A. H. Simon 

R. Walker 

12 

11 

12 

12 

12 

12 

11 

12 

12 

12 

4 

4 

4 

- 

4 

- 

4 

- 

- 

4 

9 

- 

9 

- 

9 

9 

2 

8 

9 

9 

5 

5 

5 

- 

5 

3 

- 

5 

5 

5 

3 

3 

- 

3 

- 

- 

- 

- 

3 

3 

12

-

-

11

-

12

12

-

-

-

57

GOVERNANCETRAVIS PERKINS ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2012 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
C o r p o rA tE  G o vErN A N C E

Board committees
We have five board committees: the Audit committee, the 
Remuneration committee, the Nominations committee, the Health 
& Safety committee and the Executive committee, which operate 
within defined terms of reference, which we review annually. These 
are available on the company’s website or may be obtained from 
the company Secretary. The minutes of committee meetings are 
circulated to all the Directors. 

The Executive committee is chaired by the Group cEO and its 
members are listed on page 56. Other executives are invited to attend 
from time to time in relation to specific matters. The main purpose of 
this committee is to assist the executive directors in the performance 
of their duties in relation in particular to:
•	 Strategy,	operational	plans,	policies,	procedures	and	budgets;
•	 The	monitoring	of	operational	and	financial	performance;
•	 The	assessment	and	control	of	risk;
•	 The	prioritisation	and	allocation	of	resources.
This committee is in the process of establishing a number of sub-
committees to carry out more detailed review in areas such as trading 
performance or financial control, which will allow the committee to 
focus on key strategic issues. 

2. Effectiveness
The board is satisfied that I and the five non-executive directors are 
all independent. In particular, none of the specific circumstances 
set out in code provision b.1.1 apply. Appointments of new directors 
are made by the board on the recommendation of the Nominations 
committee. I chair that committee and all the other members are 
independent non-executive directors. A report of the committee’s 
work in 2012 is on page 75.

Appointments 
With regard to the appointment of non-executive directors, our policy 
is to recruit people of the highest calibre, with a breadth of skills 
and experience appropriate for the company’s business. We support 
the principles of the Davies Review and the need for a diverse range 
of attributes among board members, although we do not intend to 
commit to specific quotas. We use search firms who have committed 
to abide by the voluntary code of conduct which followed the Davies 
Review. We will establish a diversity policy during 2013 as required 
by the code. We will report on this next year. 

Non-executive directors are appointed for a period of three years, 

at the end of which the appointment may be renewed by mutual 
agreement. It is the board’s policy that non-executive directors should 
generally serve for six years (two three-year terms) and that any 
term beyond this should be subject to a rigorous review. This review 
takes into account the need for progressive refreshing of the board, 
maintenance of a balance of skills and experience and the particular 
requirements of the company at the time of the possible extension. 

Non-executive directors do not have a service contract, but each has 

received a letter of appointment. These appointments expire on the 
following dates, and the length of service at that date is also shown.

Ruth Anderson 

chris bunker 

John coleman 

Philip Jansen 

Andrew Simon 

Robert Walker 

October 2014 (3 years)

October 2013 (9 years, 9 months)

February 2014 (9 years)

April 2015 (6 years)

February 2015 (9 years)

September 2015 (6 years)

The letters of appointment will be available for inspection at the 

Annual General meeting.

chris bunker has now served on the board for over 9 years. However, 

with the arrival of a new Finance Director in April 2013, and as the 
board will be conducting a key strategic review in the Autumn of this 
year, it was agreed that the board would greatly benefit from retaining 
chris’ skills and experience for a few more months. He will therefore, 
now retire from the board in October 2013. The chairman consulted 
with major shareholders who were supportive of this extension.
Regrettably, because of the extent of his other executive 

commitments, Philip Jansen has also decided to retire from the board 
with effect from the end of the Annual General meeting in may 2013.

Induction
We have an induction process for new directors, which is facilitated 
by the company Secretary. In particular, this includes a programme 
of meetings with senior management in both operations and central 
functions, and visits to a range of branches and stores. I ensure that 
all directors receive appropriate training on appointment and then 
subsequently as required, taking into account the need to update 
their skills and their knowledge of the company’s business. Non-
executive directors are also regularly provided with information on 
forthcoming legal and regulatory changes and corporate governance 
developments, and briefings on the key risks facing the company, 
including those identified in the corporate Responsibility statement 
on page 56.

Executive mentoring by NEDs
Since 2011, and conscious of the potential impact of the Group’s 
growth on communication between the board and senior 
management, we have adopted a new approach to involving our 
non-executive directors (including myself) more closely with the 
individual businesses. Each non-executive director is allocated to 
one or more of the Group’s businesses and one of the Group’s central 
functions to mentor during the year. The precise process is left to 
each non-executive director to decide, but involves a programme of 
contact and meetings with the management of those businesses or 
functions, and a number of site visits. The intention is to give the 
non-executive directors a better understanding of our businesses 
and functions, their people and strategies, while allowing them 
to use their skills and experience to bring a fresh, independent, 
viewpoint to those parts of the Group. This mentoring arrangement 
will continue in 2013.

58

Evaluation of performance
During the year, the board undertook an evaluation of its 
performance and the performance of its committees and the 
individual directors. The board’s policy is to engage an external 
facilitator to assist this process every three years, while recognising 
the difficulty in finding fully capable expertise in this area. It 
is a fact of life that new government regulations often spawn 
new businesses and it has been board members’ experience 
that individuals who set out to provide this service in the past 
were simply not fit for purpose. Previously, the board has very 
successfully utilised the service of Egon Zehnder, one of the largest 
providers of board evaluation services in the UK, since there has 
been no conflict of interest. Going forward, we are encouraged to see 
the emergence in the past year or so of more professionally qualified 
evaluation service providers 

Having appointed an external facilitator in 2011, in 2012 the board 

carried out an internal review of its performance. This entailed each 
director and the company secretary completing a questionnaire 
about the performance of the board and its committees, which 
was followed by interviews with the chairman, who subsequently 
prepared a report, which was presented to the board in December. 
chris bunker, as senior independent director also conducted a review 
of the performance of the chairman on which he reported separately 
to the other directors. Having considered the outcome of these 
reports, the board believes that it has operated effectively during 
the year but it will focus on a number of areas in 2013 where it may 
further improve its performance. Those areas are:
•	 Succession	planning,	including	among	non-executive	directors;
•	

	Support	for	the	further	development	of	management	development	
programmes;

•	 The	development	of	financial	reporting	to	the	Board;
•	

	Receiving	independent	views	from	external	sources,	whether	
through discussions or site visits, to gain greater insight in to best 
practice in a number of areas.

In 2013, the board will conduct an internal review of its performance.

re-election
At the AGm, all directors (except Philip Jansen) will submit 
themselves for re-election. As a result of the board evaluation exercise, 
as chairman I am satisfied that each director continues to show the 
necessary level of commitment to the Group, and has sufficient time 
available to fulfil his or her duties, to justify their re-election. The 
other directors, in a process led by the Senior Independent Director, 
have reached a similar view in regard to my own re-election, and in 
particular have recognised that my appointment as chairman of 
Enterprise Inns during 2012 has not affected my commitment to and 
time available for my role at Travis Perkins.

The board believes that there is presently a blend of skills and 
experience among the non-executive directors, which is appropriate 
for the Group. The skills required for our board, include experience 
in the merchanting and retail sectors, capital project and m&A 
evaluation and experience of international markets, as well as 

the essential understanding of financial controls and accounting 
background. An understanding of information technology will 
become increasingly important.

3. Accountability 
A review of the performance of the Group’s businesses and the 
financial position of the Group is included in the reports of the chief 
Executive, the Deputy chief Executive and Finance Director set out 
on pages 20 to 43. The board uses them, together with my statement 
on pages 18 and 19 to present a full assessment of the company’s 
position and prospects, its business model, and its strategy for 
delivering that model. The Directors’ responsibilities for the financial 
statements are described on page 80. Their consideration of the 
Group as a going concern is dealt with in the Finance Director’s report 
on page 43.

Internal control
The board is responsible for the Group’s system of internal control 
and for reviewing its effectiveness. In the design of the system of 
internal control, consideration has been given to the significant risks 
to the business, the probability of these risks manifesting themselves 
and the most cost effective means of controlling them. The threat 
posed by those risks, and any perceived change in that threat, is 
reviewed quarterly by both the Executive committee and the board. 
The system manages rather than eliminates risk and therefore can 
only provide reasonable, and not absolute, assurance against material 
misstatement or loss.

The day-to-day operation of the system of internal control is 
delegated to executive directors and senior management, but the 
effectiveness of the system is regularly reviewed by the Audit 
committee and the board in a process that accords with the 
Turnbull Guidance. 

risk assessment
The board and the Executive committee receive reports on specific 
areas of risk at each meeting, in accordance with a rolling timetable. 
They also receive reports of Internal Audit reviews. If appropriate, 
these reports include recommendations for improvement in controls 
or for the management of those risks. measures to integrate risk 
management processes into the Group’s operations, to extend 
awareness of the importance of risk management and to ensure 
that recommended improvements are implemented, are regularly 
reviewed and refreshed. Senior executives are asked, each year, 
to confirm the adequacy of internal controls in their areas of 
responsibility, identify any control weaknesses, and to confirm the 
accuracy and completeness of information given to the directors and 
to the external auditors. This process was extended further through 
the management structure in 2012. 

In conjunction with the Audit committee, the board has carried out 
an annual review of the overall effectiveness of the system of internal 
control and risk management, during the year and up until the date of 
approval of this Annual Report. 

59

GOVERNANCETRAVIS PERKINS ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2012 
C o r p o rA tE  G o vErN A N C E

Audit committee and auditors 
The board has established an Audit committee consisting of three 
independent non-executive directors. Its key responsibilities and a 
description of its work in 2012 are contained in its report, which is set 
out on pages 61 to 63.

4. remuneration 
The board has established a Remuneration committee consisting 
of the chairman and four independent non-executive directors. 
Its responsibilities include remuneration policy, a review of the 
performance of executive directors prior to determining their 
remuneration and the approval of incentive arrangements, including 
performance criteria. The remuneration of the non-executive 
directors is determined by the board as a whole, except that the 
Remuneration committee makes a recommendation in respect of the 
chairman’s fee. No director plays a part in the discussion about his 
own remuneration. 

The committee’s key responsibilities and a description of its work in 

2012 are contained in its report, which is set out on pages 64 and 74.

5. relations with shareholders
The company encourages two-way communication with both its 
institutional and private investors and responds promptly to all 
enquiries received. In 2012, the chairman, the Senior Independent 
Director and the executive directors, either separately or together, 
attended a large number of meetings with analysts, and with 
shareholders representing about 55% of the issued share capital. In 
particular, three strategy presentations (including site visits), were 
held for analysts and investors during the year. We also make it clear 
that the Senior Independent Director is available as a direct contact 
for shareholders, if they wish. The chairman and executive directors 
report to the board on any meetings with shareholders or analysts. In 

addition, written reports about the company by analysts or brokers 
are circulated to all directors. 

As regards governance issues, the chairman aims to meet 
with major shareholders shortly after the previous year’s annual 
shareholders meeting. These meetings are deliberately timed early in 
the year so that the board can consider and respond to shareholder 
concerns well in advance of the following year’s annual report and 
shareholder meeting. I normally contact our 20 largest shareholders 
to ensure the widest consultation possible and particularly, given 
market volatility, to ensure that the views of a shareholder who 
substantially increases its stake during the year have been fully 
taken into account.

As well as sending the annual report to shareholders, during the 

year, the company published its interim results on its website, 
issued two interim management statements, and one further trading 
update. Shareholders receive at least twenty working days notice 
of the Annual General meeting at which all directors are available 
for questions and a short business presentation takes place. Each 
substantive issue is the subject of a separate resolution. I announce 
the numbers of proxy votes for and against each resolution at the 
meeting, after the voting has taken place, and these numbers are 
subsequently published on the company’s website.

Corporate governance compliance statement
I am pleased to report that the company has complied throughout the 
year ended 31 December 2012 with the provisions set out in the code.

robert Walker
chairman

60

Audit Committee Report

FOR  T HE YEAR E NDE D 31  DEcEmbE R 2 0 12

As chairman of the Audit committee, I am pleased to report below on 
the committee’s activities in 2012. 

role of the audit committee
The committee is primarily responsible for:
•	

	The	integrity	of	the	financial	statements	of	the	Company	and	
any formal announcements relating to the company’s financial 
performance, and reviewing significant financial reporting 
judgments contained therein;
	Reviewing	the	Company’s	internal	financial	controls	and	its	
internal control and risk management systems;
	Monitoring	and	reviewing	the	effectiveness	of	the	Company’s	
internal audit function;
	Reviewing	the	audit	plans	of	the	external	auditors	and	for	
monitoring the conduct of the audit;
	Reviewing	the	external	auditor’s	independence	and	objectivity	and	
the effectiveness of the audit process, taking into consideration 
relevant UK professional and regulatory requirements;
	Reviewing	and	implementing	the	Company’s	policy	on	the	
engagement of the external auditors to supply non-audit services, 
taking into account relevant guidance regarding the provision of 
non-audit services by an external audit firm;
	Conducting	any	tender	process	for	the	provision	of	the	external	
audit, and making recommendations to the board, for a resolution 
to be put to the shareholders in relation to the appointment and 
remuneration of the external auditors.

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

Shortly after each meeting, I report to the board on the work of the 
committee, identifying any matters where it considers that action or 
improvement is needed, and make recommendations as to the steps 
to be taken.

The committee’s full terms of reference are available on the 

company’s website, or on request to the company Secretary.

Composition of the audit committee 
I was chairman, and Ruth Anderson and John coleman were 
members, of the committee throughout 2012. All members of the 
committee are considered to be independent and have considerable 
financial and commercial experience from a variety of corporate and 
professional backgrounds. In particular, the board considers that 
both I and Ruth Anderson have the recent and relevant financial 
experience required by the UK corporate Governance code (see also 
the board profiles on pages 54 and 55). The company Secretary is 
secretary to the committee. 

Meetings and attendance
The committee held four meetings during 2012, and attendance at 
the meetings is shown on page 57. I also invited the Group chairman, 
the chief Executive, the Finance Director, the Deputy chief Executive, 
the Group Financial controller, the Director of business Risk and 
Assurance and the external auditor to attend the meetings. At each 
meeting I gave the external auditor and the Director of business 
Risk and Assurance the opportunity to discuss with the committee, 
any matters which they wished to raise without the presence 
of management. In addition, during the year, I held a number of 

meetings with the Director of business Risk and Assurance and 
with the external auditors, without management being present. 
committee members meet regularly with operational and functional 
staff throughout the year and participate in relevant technical update 
programmes. I am satisfied that the committee received sufficient, 
reliable and timely information from management to enable it to 
fulfil its responsibilities during the year.

Main activities of the committee during the year
At our meeting in February, the committee reviewed the annual 
financial statements of the company. It took into account regular 
management accounting information, a report from the internal 
auditors on internal control matters and the external auditors’ report 
on the conduct of their audit, their review of accounting policies and 
areas of judgment in the financial statements and their comments on 
statements concerning risk and internal control. A similar review was 
undertaken at the July meeting when the interim statements were 
considered. During the year the committee also reviewed:
•	

	Lessons	learned	from	the	process	to	integrate	the	BSS	Group’s	
financial systems, the costs of that integration, and the associated 
exceptional items;
	The	impairment	testing	of	goodwill	and	other	non-monetary	assets	
and the accounting processes and disclosures related thereto;
	The	accounting	treatment	of	the	acquisition	of	the	remaining	share	
capital in Toolstation in January 2012;
	The	progress	of	training	on	the	Bribery	Act;	
	The	Company’s	tax	management	and	its	compliance	with	
tax legislation, the tax impact of significant projects, and the 
relationship with HmRc; 
	An	evaluation	of	the	Committee’s	work	carried	out	as	part	of	the	
board evaluation process referred to on pages 58 and 59. 
I subsequently reported to the board on this evaluation;
	The	Committee’s	terms	of	reference;	changes	were	recommended	
to the board in the light of changes to the UK corporate Governance 
code; 
	Comments	received	on	its	2011	report	from	institutional	investor	
bodies;
	The	effectiveness	of	the	system	of	internal	financial	control	and	
the system for monitoring and reporting on risks faced by the 
Group; the committee considered these systems to have been 
effective during the year;
	The	terms	of	reference,	strategy,	staffing,	processes	and	
effectiveness of the internal audit department, taking into account 
the results of an exercise to benchmark its performance against 
other companies;
	The	status	of	actions	taken	in	response	to	recommendations	
arising from internal and external audit work;

•	

•	

•	
•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	 The	effectiveness	of	the	Group’s	‘whistleblowing’	policy;
•	

	The	policy	on	engagement	of	the	external	auditor	for	non-audit	
work, as referred to below, and the policy on the employment of 
anyone previously employed by the external auditor;
	The	plans	presented	by	the	external	auditor	for	conduct	of	the	
year-end audit and half-year review including the related risk 
analyses, terms of engagement, fees and letters of representation;

•	

61

GOVERNANCETRAVIS PERKINS ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2012AU D It   C oM M It tE E r Ep o r t

•	

	The	effectiveness,	independence,	and	objectivity	of	the	external	
auditor, taking into account information and written assurances 
provided by Deloitte LLP, on its quality and independence controls, 
and its ethical standards, and reports of the FRc Audit Inspection 
Unit;

•	 The	security	of	the	Group’s	information	technology	systems;
•	

	The	Group’s	systems	for	ensuring	the	eligibility	of	employees	to	
work in the UK; 
	The	Group’s	accounting	policies,	forthcoming	changes	to	
International Financial Reporting Standards and other regulations, 
and the Financial Reporting council’s 2012 report and guidance 
notes;
	The	effectiveness	of	the	Group’s	policies	and	processes	for	fraud	
prevention.

•	

•	

No matters of material significance were identified by the auditors 
during the year and there were no material audit-related matters that 
were discussed with investors. Two members of the committee are 
also members of the Remuneration committee. The Audit committee 
is satisfied that the Group’s remuneration policies are compatible 
with a robust control environment and good stewardship. 

The key areas of risk and sensitivity, the major accounting 
policies, and the principal assumptions with regard to fair values 
are described in the Annual Report and notes to the accounts. The 
committee reviewed these during the year and after taking into 
account discussions with the Financial Reporting council’s conduct 
committee about impairment calculations and disclosures (see note 
13 to the annual report and accounts), and after including some 
additional disclosures in the Group’s 2012 annual report and accounts 
the committee was satisfied that they were appropriate.

External auditor
We place great importance on the effectiveness and independence 
of the external auditor and, together with them, are careful to ensure 
their objectivity is not compromised. At our October meeting, the 
auditors presented their plans for the forthcoming audit together with 
their proposed fees and information on how they ensure that their 
objectivity and independence are not compromised. Deloitte LLP (or 
its predecessor firms) is a leading international audit partnership, 
and was first appointed as auditor to group companies more than 30 
years ago. There are no contractual restrictions on the Group with 

Permitted work

Audit related

Activities required by 
law or legislation to 
be undertaken by the 
Auditors;

Reviews of interim 
financial information;

managed service reports 
to housing associations 
and local authorities.

Non-audit related

Tax compliance services;

Tax advisory services;

Public reporting on investment 
circulars and similar documents;

Private reporting to sponsors and 
similar parties in connection with 
investment circulars and similar 
documents;

Employee benefit plan audits.

62

regard to their appointment. In accordance with current professional 
standards, the partner responsible for the audit changes every 5 
years; the last change occurred in 2010. 

The committee considers that Deloitte provide a high quality, 
efficient and cost effective audit service. Accordingly, following our 
February 2013 meeting at which we reviewed the 2012 audit process, 
the committee recommended to the board that resolutions be put to 
shareholders at the Annual General meeting for the re-appointment 
of the external auditor, and to authorise the Directors to fix their 
remuneration. It is the Group’s intention to put the audit out to tender 
at least every 10 years, in accordance with the recent change to the 
UK corporate Governance code, and to do so in 2014, the last year 
before the Deloitte audit partner is due to change. The tender process 
will be completed in time for the 2015 year-end. 

One of the committee’s responsibilities is to ensure compliance 
with the board’s policy in respect of services provided by, and fees 
paid to, the auditor. Audit fees, which are regularly compared with peer 
companies by the committee, are initially negotiated by the Finance 
Director, but are then approved by the committee. The policy in 
relation to other services that could be provided by the external auditor, 
which has been approved by the board, can be summarised as follows:

General principles
There is a presumption against the external auditor providing non-
audit services and they should only be chosen to carry out such work 
where its nature makes it more cost effective and efficient to select 
advisors who have a good understanding of the Group or the work is of 
a particularly confidential or specialist nature. The external auditors 
should not provide non-audit services where either the nature of the 
work or the extent of such services might impair their independence 
or objectivity in carrying out the audit. Any engagement of the 
external auditor for non-audit work with a fee over £25,000 requires 
my approval.

Areas of work 
Our policy sets out certain non-audit services where it would be usual 
to engage the external auditor because they are best placed to advise 
the Group and their independence would not be compromised and 
those where their engagement is not permitted. I am consulted in 
relation to any proposed work not covered by the list below.

Prohibited work

book-keeping and work related to the preparation of accounting records;

Financial information system design or implementation;

Appraisal and valuation services;

Internal audit services;

Actuarial services;

Forensic work;

Recruitment services;

Secondment of staff to a supervisory or management position;

Provision of investment advice, broking or legal services.

value of work
Non-audit services require approval as follows:
•	

	Up	to	£5,000	–	no	formal	approval	is	required	provided	the	work	is	
permitted under the list referred to on the previous page;

•	 £5,000	to	£25,000	–	Finance	Director;
•	 £25,000	to	£50,000	–	Finance	Director	and	Committee	Chairman;
	£50,000	and	above	–	Finance	Director	and	Committee	Chairman	
•	
following a competitive tender.

Formal approval by the committee is also required if the aggregated 
level of forecast fees for non-audit services exceeds 50% of the 
statutory audit fee.

reporting
The Finance Director reports twice yearly to the committee on fees 
for non-audit services payable to the auditors.
As shown in note 5 to the accounts, during the year the Auditors were 
paid £431k (2011; £401k) for audit-related work, and £129k (2011: 
£299k) for non-audit work.

The principal items of non-audit fees related to reviewing the 
Group’s interim announcement to shareholders and sundry tax 
advice. In view of Deloitte’s detailed understanding of the Group’s 
operations and accounting policies, and being mindful of future 
Auditor reporting obligations, the Audit committee decided that it 
was appropriate for Deloitte to undertake this work. In addition, £347k 
(2011: £119k) of fees was paid to other accounting firms for non-audit 
work, including advice to the Remuneration committee.

The committee understands that the total fees paid by the Group 

to Deloitte in 2012 amount to less than, 0.03% of Deloitte’s UK fee 
income and considers that the Auditors independence has not been 
impaired by the non-audit fees paid in 2012.

Internal audit
As well as its reviews of the internal audit department’s strategy 
and processes, as described above, during its meetings in 2012, the 
committee received presentations from the Director of business 
Risk and Assurance, about the results of work undertaken by the 
department, and approved its risk-based plans for work in 2013. The 
committee was satisfied with the overall effectiveness of the internal 
audit function.

overview
As a result of our work during the year, and taking into account the 
result of the board and committee evaluation process described on 
page 59, the committee considers that it has acted in accordance 
with its terms of reference and has ensured the independence, 
objectivity and effectiveness of the external and internal auditors. 
The committee has also concluded that the Group’s internal control 
and risk management systems were effective during the year. 
I will be available at the Annual General meeting to answer any 
questions about the work of the committee.

Chris Bunker
chairman, Audit committee

63

GOVERNANCETRAVIS PERKINS ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2012Directors’ Remuneration Report

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31  DEcEmbE R 2 0 12

Introduction
This report sets out the Group’s remuneration policies for its directors 
and senior executives and describes how those policies are applied in 
practice.

Unaudited information
remuneration committee chairman’s statement
Dear Shareholder,
As an introduction to our remuneration report, I want to highlight the 
key features of our remuneration policy and describe how these relate 
to the strategic achievements of the Group. This executive summary 
will fall into three parts; the context of our remuneration approach, 
including strategic goals; pay and incentive challenges and outcomes 
in the year; and future priorities. 

Context
We remain committed to a remuneration policy that provides value for 
shareholders whilst retaining and motivating top quality executives: 
•	

	Remuneration	should	be	competitive	and	contribute	to	the	delivery	
of short and long-term shareholder value;
	Remuneration	should	contain	significant	performance	related	
incentive elements;
	All	colleagues	should	be	able	to	share	in	the	success	of	the	Group	
through participation in both annual bonus schemes and longer 
term share plans.

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

The key strategic achievements which have driven the share price 
from around £2.23 on 5 December 2008 to £12.52 at the time of 
writing this report were:
•	

	Decisive	and	robust	implementation	of	an	emergency	plan	to	
manage costs and trading margins through the worst downturn in 
construction in living memory;
	Transformation	of	the	Group,	through	acquisitions	and	superior	
organic growth, to become the largest UK distributor and retailer 
of building materials from its previous number 3 position in the 
market;
	Development	of	a	balanced	business	model,	selling	all	main	
material types to all main customer types, reducing segment risk;
	Creation	of	market	leading	propositions	in	our	trading	businesses,	
leading to market outperformance and providing a platform for 
growth through network expansion;
	Development	of	online	trading	capabilities	through	acquisition	and	
expansion of the fastest growing national lightside multi-channel 
business, and use of this model to accelerate the multi-channel 
propositions of core businesses;
	Creation	of	value	adding	shared	central	functions	that	support	
our trading businesses, capturing synergies across category 
management, buying, finance, supply chain and technology;
	Strengthening	management	capabilities	through	the	recruitment	
and development of members of the Group’s Executive committee 
and middle management;
•	 Adjusted	EPS	growth	of	2.1%;
•	 Free	Cash	flow	generation	of	£242m.

•	

•	

•	

Our short and long term incentive performance measures are 
directly linked to driving and rewarding strategic growth initiatives 
and include the following; EPS, TSR, cashflow, ROcE, and broader 

64

goals such as market share and health & safety.

During the past 5 years, the basic salary increase of the executive 
committee and executive directors (other than through promotion ) 
has averaged 2% p.a, in line with all other colleagues in the business. 
Over the same period only 37% of variable pay potential has been 

triggered, despite our management team’s superior performance 
relative to competitors, which reflects the depressed state of the 
construction market. 

pay and incentive challenges and outcomes
2012 was a very busy year for the Remuneration committee. The 
full review of executive remuneration I mentioned in my statement 
last year was completed. As a result a number of changes were 
contemplated and we undertook an extensive consultation exercise 
with all our major shareholders. Further information on these 
proposals is attached in the separate letter from our chairman. In 
addition, the Remuneration committee needed to consider and 
determine the appropriate salary increase to reflect the promotion 
of John carter to Deputy chief Executive as well as remuneration 
arrangements for Tony buffin, our new Group Finance Director who 
joins in 2013, replacing Paul Hampden Smith who will retire from 
the Group in September 2013. Again, we consulted with our major 
shareholders on both matters and the outcomes are described below.

Deputy chief Executive Officer
As indicated in last year’s report, we commissioned specific external 
benchmarking work to assist us in determining an appropriate 
remuneration package for John carter’s new role. The committee 
considered a number of factors including external market data from 
independent experts and agreed that his base salary should increase 
to £500,000 per annum with effect from the date of his appointment. 
The structure of his total remuneration package will remain 
unchanged. We consulted with our major shareholders on this matter 
and again, we were pleased that a majority supported this decision.

New Group Finance Director
Tony buffin is due to join the company on 8 April 2013 as Group 
Finance Director. He was previously employed by a company in 
Australia and had significant awards of earned, but deferred, cash 
compensation which he forfeited when he resigned.

The structure of his remuneration package with Travis Perkins 

will be the same as other executive directors. The only addition 
will be a special, one-off award of deferred shares granted to him 
because they were vital in securing his services. He will be required 
to invest from his own resources £500,000 in the company’s shares 
and will, in return, receive a share award on a 2:1 basis, half of which 
will vest after 1 year from the award date and the balance vesting 2 
years from the award date, subject to continuing employment and 
performance targets in relation to his function being met. Other 
terms of the award, which will be granted pursuant to the authority 
contained in Listing Rule 9.4.2 R(2), will reflect the terms of the 
2007 Share matching Scheme. Full details of the award, as required 
by Listing Rule 9.4.3, will be disclosed in the next year’s Directors’ 
Remuneration Report. 

It is important to note that this one-off award only partially 
compensates mr. buffin for the awards he has forfeited. major 

shareholders consulted on this matter were generally very 
supportive of this arrangement.

Other
In line with all other colleagues at management grades in the group, 
Executive Directors were not awarded an increase in basic pay in 
January 2013. This means that for the sixth successive year the same 
basic salary increase percentage has been applied to all management 
levels. The Remuneration committee has agreed to review the 
position again in July 2013, when all management may become 
entitled to an increase of 1.5%, being the award given to colleagues 
below management grades in January 2013. Any increase made 
during the year will not be backdated. 

The committee is delighted that more than 1,300 colleagues 

benefited from another pay-out under the Group’s Sharesave Scheme. 
In addition to this, executives benefited from the partial vesting of 
awards under the Performance Share Plan (‘PSP’) and, for the first 
time, full vesting of awards under the Share matching Scheme (‘SmS’). 
Our executive directors are entitled to awards of up to 27% of their 

maximum opportunity under the Annual bonus Plan as a result 
of the Group partially meeting the targets set for 2012 (which are 
described in more detail later in this report). These targets were set at 
a more stretching level in 2012, evaluated by considering the likely 
value of risks and opportunities pertaining to the Group’s annual 
budget. In 2012, the net risks were valued at the outset of the year at 
a higher level than in previous years. In 2013, the level of stretch has 
increased yet further. 
•	

	Annual	bonuses	for	Executive	Directors	are	linked	to	performance	
on EPS, ROcE and strategic developments. The relevant strategic 
achievements during 2012 were: Successful delivery against plans 
for the second year of integration of the bSS businesses, including 
over achievement of synergy targets and design and initial 
implementation of new IT systems based on Travis Perkins’ proven 
merchanting technology;
	Continued	growth	and	roll	out	of	the	Toolstation	business	and	
branch network following acquisition of the remaining 70% of 
Toolstation’s equity in January 2012;
	Further	growth	and	deployment	of	Category	Management,	Global	
Sourcing and Supply chain activities, achieving gross margin 
benefits ahead of plan, offsetting some margin pressure from an 
increasingly tough trading environment as the year progressed;
	Development	of	strategic	partnerships	and	investment	in	activities	
to position the Group strongly as a provider of sustainable building 
retrofit solutions ahead of the launch of the ‘Green Deal’;
	Successfully	trialling	and	launching	a	pilot	for	co-ordinated	national,	
regional and area distribution facilities to support the phased 
introduction of multi-channel trading for all Group businesses.

•	

•	

•	

•	

stretching targets on metrics for health and safety, and cash flow 
return on invested capital. Executives are awarded a bonus within the 
range determined by the Remuneration committee, with the position 
in the range determined by the behaviour and attitude displayed by 
each individual, as assessed by their superior and reviewed by the 
cEO, Deputy cEO and Group HR Director.

Future priorities
We intend to maintain a strong correlation between the strategic 
drivers for shareholder value creation and the metrics used for long 
term and short term incentive schemes. We will continuously seek 
to improve our communication with shareholders both through 
learnings and guidance from the final bIS proposals as well as the 
open dialogue with shareholders which has been very helpful in 
shaping our thinking over the last 12 months.

Following the successful integration of the bSS group of 
companies, it was necessary to plan for the next stage of our 
development to ensure that remuneration continues to support 
our aim to build sustainable shareholder value and give our senior 
managers opportunities to share in our success.

After a period of extensive consultation both internally and 
externally with our major shareholders, the eventual proposal was 
as follows:

“One change is proposed for variable pay. We plan to replace 
the current Annual Deferred bonus Plan with a revised plan which 
does not increase the level of cash bonus potential, but provides an 
opportunity for an increased deferred share bonus. A material further 
condition that would be applied is that if the total shareholder return 
fails to meet future targets, that part of the bonus being delivered as a 
deferred share award would be subject to forfeiture conditions.
Under our proposal, the executives cannot benefit from this 

element of annual bonus unless shareholders have the opportunity to 
benefit at the same time. We believe that these proposals represent a 
significantly more stringent and shareholder-oriented approach than 
found elsewhere.

The remainder of the remuneration package will remain 
unchanged, although a significantly increased shareholding 
requirement for the executive directors is proposed of two times basic 
salary up from the current one times salary policy.”

The full remuneration package is detailed in the policy table shown 

on pages 66 and 67.

The committee believes that the proposals, outlined above and 

in full detail in the separate chairman’s letter, will support the 
company achieving its goals and we are pleased that a majority of the 
shareholders we consulted gave their support. 

In all, we had 30 discussions (either in person or teleconference) 

with 14 major shareholders and representative bodies.

A proportion (20% of total bonus opportunity) of Executive Directors’ 
and other senior managers’ bonuses are based on achievement 
of quantified targets on a balanced scorecard covering financial 
metrics, relative performance on sales, market share and returns, 
potential for growth, business capabilities and business quality. This 
scorecard identifies annual targets that lead to a five-year ambition 
for development and performance of the business. The Remuneration 
committee judged that management achieved performance on 
this scorecard at 60% of potential, with particular shortfalls against 

our remuneration policy
Our Remuneration Policy is first and foremost designed to support 
the group goal of creating shareholder value through consistently 
outperforming in our markets. With this in mind, we continue to 
focus our efforts on achieving the right blend of fixed and variable 
remuneration and ensuring that our senior executives are paid at 
a level appropriate to the size of our group. We are mindful of our 
responsibilities to other stakeholders, especially employees, and 

65

GOVERNANCETRAVIS PERKINS ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2012DIrE Ct o r s ’  r E M U N ErA

tIoN r Ep o r t

take into account remuneration elsewhere in the Group when setting 
pay for senior executives. A key principle applied for directors and 
colleagues throughout the Group is that base salaries should be 
competitive and set at the median for the relevant comparator group.
Appropriate levels of incentives are just as important. External 
guidance received indicates that over the longer term, more than 50% 
of total remuneration should be performance related. The framework 
we now have in place means that if all incentives vested at their 
maximum, 80% of total remuneration would be performance related. 
In determining our policy, all associated risks are considered, so that 
the overall remuneration structure and targets in incentive schemes 
do not give rise to any undue risk taking.

We believe that it is important for all our most senior executives 
to build up a shareholding in the company and so going forward we 
are increasing this requirement for Executive Directors to two times 
basic salary. Participation in our long term incentive schemes will be 
restricted or withdrawn if the required shareholding is not acquired 
and maintained. At 31 December 2012 all senior executives had 
exceeded their target level of holdings.

We take into account a number of factors when setting targets for 
our incentive schemes. Taken together, they represent a balance that 
means executives should not be unduly rewarded for one-off, short 
term factors. Instead, performance over and above stretching targets 
should result in greater shareholder value and, in turn, higher rewards 
for executives. 

remuneration elsewhere in the Group
The committee takes into account remuneration packages available 
to all colleagues when considering executive pay. As with many 
companies, senior management participate in a wider rage of 
incentives than the majority of colleagues. We recognise that we have 
to operate on this basis to attract and retain high-quality managers.

All colleagues are entitled to a competitive remuneration package 

that includes basic pay, bonus, pension, Sharesave, buy as You 
Earn shares, colleague discount, a range of ‘voluntary benefits’, tax-
efficient childcare vouchers and paid annual leave. We have recently 
taken steps to ensure that all colleagues will have life insurance 
cover in 2013.

The Group operates a number of pension schemes and is in the 

process of streamlining these arrangements as pensions auto-
enrolment approaches. Over 10,000 colleagues are active members 
of a Group pension scheme. contribution rates made by the Group 
range from 1% to 20% of salary under the defined contribution 
scheme whilst over 2,400 colleagues are active members of a defined 
benefit scheme where company contribution rates will be 10.3% 
for the bSS Group scheme and 13.1% for the Travis Perkins scheme. 
None of the executive directors are active members of a company 
pension scheme, primarily as a consequence of recent changes in 
tax rules. Instead, the company pays a gross cash allowance at 25% 
of salary. As this allowance is fully taxed, unlike the contributions to 
an approved pension scheme, the equivalent net benefit for executive 
directors is currently 12% of salary.

Key elements of remuneration

PURPOSE AND  
LINK TO STRATEGY

OPERATION

PERFORmANcE mETRIcS

66

Core element of total package, essential to support recruitment and retention of top quality executives.Maintain competitive package with range of benefits for the director and their familyHelp executives provide for retirement. Aids retention.Reviewed annually as at 1 January. Factors influencing decisions include:· Role, experience and individual performance;· Total group salary budgets;· Pay awards elsewhere in the Group;· External market; · General economic environment.Benchmarked against FTSE 75-125 companies and sector.Directors are entitled to:· Private medical insurance ;· Income protection;· Annual leave – 28 days;· Fully expensed company car, or cash alternative;· Life insurance at 5 times salary.No director actively participates in a defined benefit pension scheme. A cash allowance at 25% (gross) of base salary is paid to each director. This is subject to statutory deductions and results in a net benefit of 12% of salary.Base salaryBenefitsPensionNone.None.None.PURPOSE AND  
LINK TO STRATEGY

OPERATION

PERFORmANcE mETRIcS

67

GOVERNANCETRAVIS PERKINS ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2012Rewards achievement of annual financial and key business strategy objectives.Rewards personal performance measured against key objectives.Deferred element encourages longer term shareholding. Clawback and forfeiture provisions discourage excessive risk taking and short term outlook ensuring that executive and shareholder interests are aligned.Targets are set annually in line with the performance metrics (see aside).Relative weighting of metrics subject to discretion of Committee annually.Total bonus level is determined after the year end, based on achievement of targets.50% of the total bonus will be paid in cash within 4 months of the year end.Remainder of total bonus deferred in share bonus bank. No withdrawals from bonus bank until after year 2.From year 3, annual withdrawal of 50% of shares held in bonus bank.Shares in bonus bank subject to clawback and forfeiture. For 2013 the maximum opportunity will beCEO 180%DCEO 150%GFD 150%There will be no increases to these percentages in future years without prior shareholder approval.Deferred share bonus planBonus measures and weightings:EPS 50%ROCE 30%Business strategy 20%Financial targets based on group Annual Operating Plan (‘AOP’) with no bonus paid if outcome is less than 95% of AOP.The target bonus levels are 50% of the maximum.Shares held in the bonus bank are subject to forfeiture if target share prices are not achieved. Target share prices are based upon the average share price during the bonus year inclusive of a compounded long-term equity rate of return (currently 8%).The banked shares are split into two equal tranches. Tranche 1 vests if after one year, by comparison to the highest 30 day average share price during the period, the target share price is met. If the target share price is not met 50% of tranche 1 is forfeited. Tranche 2 vests if after two years, by comparison to the highest 30 day average share price during the period, the target share price is met. If the target share price is not met at the end of two years 50% of tranche 2 is forfeited. In determining achievement of target share prices dividends paid per share during the period will be added.Incentivises participants to deliver key financial targets over a longer term.Helps retain top quality executives.Encourages participants to build up a shareholding in the company.Incentivises participants to deliver key financial targets over a longer term.Helps retain top quality executives.Aligns the interests of executives and shareholders.Awards, in the form of nil-cost options, are made annually to participants.Awards vest after 3 years subject to achievement of performance measures (see aside).Participants will only participate if they meet the shareholding requirements set by the Committee.The maximum annual award for all executive directors is 150% of salary.Participants are invited to participate annually.Each participant buys shares from their own resources with a value of up 50% of their post-tax base salary.Matching share award on a 2:1 basis made to each participant.Matching share award is in the form a nil-cost option which will vest after 3 years subject to achievement of performance target (see aside).Formal requirements (not voluntary guidelines) apply to directors and senior executives.Participation in long-term incentives will be scaled back, or withheld, if the requirements are not met and maintained.From 2013, executive directors are required to hold shares valued at two times salary within 5 years.Performance share planShare matching schemeShareholding requirementsNone.Performance measures and weightings are: EPS growth 40%Aggregate cashflow 40%Relative TSR 20%Cashflow targets are set for each award based on the Group’s projections for the next 3 years. From 2013 TSR awards made will be measured against the FTSE 50 to 150 index better reflecting the position of the business. EPS growth has to be a minimum of 3% p.a. in addition to RPI over 3 years with full vesting at 10% p.a. plus RPI.Performance target is Cash Return on Capital Employed (CROCE).Vesting range is based on company’s projections for next 3 years. DIrE Ct o r s ’  r E M U N ErA

tIoN r Ep o r t

remuneration in 2012

Annual bonus
The performance measures were the same as for 2011. The targets and results are as follows:

measure 

EPS 
ROcE 
Personal objectives* 

Weighting 

50% 
30% 
20% 

 Target range 

95% - 105% 
95% - 105% 
0% - 20% 

Achieved

15%
Nil
12%

*The evaluation of personal objectives involved the Remuneration committee considering personal development and performance by the Executive 
Directors on a balanced scorecard of measures, including the following main topics:
•	 Market	outperformance;
•	 Risk	monitoring;
•	 Health	and	safety;
•	 Integration	of	BSS;
•	 Global	sourcing	initiatives;
•	 Category	management	capability;
•	 Supply	chain	optimisation;
•	 Succession.

The Remuneration committee assessed the specific achievements against these objectives by reviewing the detailed measures attached to each 
one as well as reviewing the performance of each director overall. more detail on the specific achievements and shortfalls was described earlier in 
the Remuneration Report. The annual bonus for each of the executive directors is as follows:

John carter 
Geoff cooper 
Paul Hampden-Smith 

% bonus 

27% 
32.4% 
27% 

Full bonus 

£135,000 
£211,312 
£105,867 

cash bonus 

£101,250 
£158,484 
£79,400 

Deferred in shares

33,750
52,828
26,467

Long term incentives
This  is  the  first  time  for  five  years  where  all  employees  participating  in  share  plans  have  been  able  to  share  in  the  Group’s  success  through 
achieving stretching performance targets and delivering increased shareholder value. 

Performance share plan
The targets set in 2009 were met partially and 80.0% of the awards vested in 2012. This is the first time such awards have vested in the last five 
years.

Share matching scheme
There was full vesting of the awards made in 2009. This is the first full vesting of these awards in the last five years. 

All employee share plans
Over 1,300 colleagues shared a pay-out of approximately £6m under the Sharesave scheme. None of the executive directors received this benefit 
as their savings and share options under the scheme do not mature until December 2013.

remuneration for 2013
As described above, the only significant change to the remuneration structure is the Replacement Deferred Share bonus Plan. Full details of the 
new scheme are set out in a separate resolution 14.

Basic salaries
basic salaries are reviewed annually for each director and are normally set with reference to individual performance, experience and contribution 
together with developments in the relevant employment market, internal relativities and reference to the general economic environment; it is this 
last point which has outweighed all others in determining pay awards for 2013. 

68

 
 
From 1 January 2013, the executive directors’ salaries remain unchanged from 2012:
•	 John	Carter	£500,000;
•	 Geoff	Cooper	£652,200;
•	 Paul	Hampden	Smith	£392,100.
As described in the introduction to this report, the position will be reviewed in July 2013, but any increase at that time will not exceed 1.5% and 
will not be backdated. 

Annual bonus
As described in detail above, the executive directors will participate in the Replacement Deferred Share bonus Plan. The maximum award will 
be 180% for the cEO and 150% for the other executive directors. 50% of the full bonus will be paid in cash after the year end and the remainder 
will be held in shares deferred for at least 2 years and subject to a total shareholder return target. The new plan will be extended to the Executive 
committee members in 2014.

performance share plan
The maximum award levels will be 150% of basic salary for each of the executive directors. The performance targets will again be Aggregate 
cashflow, Relative Total Shareholder Return (‘TSR’) and adjusted Earnings per Share (‘EPS’) with the same relative weighting as last year.

measure 

EPS growth 

Rationale  

A reasonable and well understood proxy for an increase in shareholder value  
for the benefit of all shareholders, provided undue leverage is controlled. 

Aggregate cashflow 

Reinforces importance of cash generation at a time when the Group  
wishes to reduce the financial leverage taken on in respect of acquisitions. 

Relative TSR 

External measure of shareholder value. 

measure 

EPS growth 

Target Detail 

RPI + 3% p.a. 
RPI + 10% p.a. 
Straight-line between these points 

Aggregate cashflow over  
three years up to 2015 

Three aggregate cash flow targets 
No vesting below lower target
Straight line increase until full vesting at upper target 

company TSR relative to   Upper (top 50%) 
FTSE 50 - 150 Index 

Upper quartile (top 25%) 
Straight-line between these points 

Weighting

40%

40%

20%

Range 

30% vests
100% vests

£766.7m - £847.4m

30% vests
100% vests

The earnings per share targets are calculated on a compound annual basis and include the increase in the Retail Prices Index (‘RPI’). Increases in 
RPI have been well above 3% in recent years and the outlook remains uncertain. If RPI reduces to average 3% over the next 3 years, the aggregate 
EPS growth will have to be 44% in 3 years time for this part of the award to vest in full. Given the current economic climate, this would represent 
an outstanding achievement. 

The three-year targets for aggregate cash flow and cROcE below reflect a poorer market outlook for construction than the prior year. However, 

the targets require a more stretching performance when taken into account as part of the 3 year rolling forecast targets.

share matching scheme
Once again the maximum investment will be 50% of post-tax salary and the other features of the scheme will also be unchanged. The performance 
target will be cash Return on capital Employed (‘cROcE’). 

measure 

cROcE 

Rationale  

Range 

matching ratio

Reinforces importance of cash generation and 
Return on capital employed 

8.68% - 9.60% 

0.6 for 1
2 for 1 
Straight-line between the two

69

GOVERNANCETRAVIS PERKINS ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2012 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DIrE Ct o r s ’  r E M U N ErA

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Expected value of total remuneration package
The following charts show the split between fixed and variable remuneration excluding benefits in kind for ‘on-target’ performance and 
‘maximum’ performance. 

CEO	–	target	
CEO	–	maximum	
DCEO/FD	–	target	
DCEO/FD	–	max	

Fixed 

28%	
19%	
30%	
20%	

cash bonus 

13%	
17%	
11%	
15%	

LTIPs

59%
64%
59%
65%

Non-executive directors
The  remuneration  of  the  non-executive  directors  is  determined  by  the  board  (in  the  case  of  the  chairman,  on  the  recommendation  of  the 
Remuneration committee). Each non-executive director receives an annual fee. In addition, chris bunker receives additional fees for chairing the 
Audit committee and until 8th January 2013 for the role of Senior Independent Director in which he was succeeded by John coleman. Andrew 
Simon also receives fees for chairing the Remuneration and Health & Safety committees. The fees were last reviewed in 2011 and were set as:
•	 Base	fee	–	£50,000	p.a.
•	 Additional	fee	for	Senior	Independent	Director	–	£7,000	p.a.	
•	 Additional	fee	for	committee	chairmanship	–	£10,000	p.a.
•	 Additional	fee	for	second	committee	chairmanship	–	£4,000	p.a.
We plan to review non-executive directors’ fees during 2013.

Non-executive directors do not receive any other benefits (other than a staff discount card for purchasing products) and are not eligible to join 
a company pension scheme. No compensation is payable on termination of their employment, which may be without notice from the company. 
They cannot participate in any of the company’s share schemes.

Who attends remuneration committee meetings?
During the year the committee comprised Andrew Simon (chairman), chris bunker, John coleman, Philip Jansen and Robert Walker all of whom 
are independent non-executive directors. 

The committee met 9 times in 2012. Attendance at the meetings is shown on page 57. 
The committee is responsible for the broad policy on directors’ and senior executives’ remuneration. It determines all aspects of the remuneration 
packages of the executive directors and reviews, with the chief Executive, the remuneration packages of other senior executives. It also oversees the 
administration of the share schemes. The committee’s terms of reference are available on our website or from the company Secretary.

Pwc LLP was appointed by the committee to provide it with advice during the year on executive remuneration. A different specialist area of Pwc 
LLP provided advice in connection with the Toolstation brand valuation. In addition, Geoff cooper (chief Executive), Paul Hampden Smith (Finance 
Director),  Andrew  Pike  (Group  company  Secretary),  carol  Kavanagh  (Group  Human  Resources  Director)  and  Stella  Girvin  (Deputy  company 
Secretary) have assisted the committee in its work, but never in respect of their own remuneration. The committee keeps itself fully informed of 
relevant developments and best practice in remuneration matter and seeks advice where appropriate from external advisors.

total shareholder return

150%

100%

50%

0%

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

 Travis Perkins plc 

 FTSE 250

Audited information
Contracts of executive directors
Each of the executive directors has a service contract, the date of which is shown below, which will be available for inspection at the Annual 
General meeting. These contracts provide for six month’s notice from the directors and 12 month’s notice from the company. They do not specify 
any particular level of compensation in the event of termination or change of control.
John carter 
Geoff cooper 
Paul Hampden Smith 

6 August 2001
1 February 2005
8 October 1996 (retired on 28 February 2013)

70

 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
In addition, Tony buffin has a service contract which will take effect from 8 April 2013.
It is the company’s policy to allow each executive director to hold one non-executive directorship in another company (and to retain the fee 

payable).

Amount of directors’ emoluments
Part of each executive director’s remuneration may consist of benefits in kind not payable in cash, such as the provision of a company car, a fuel 
card, and private healthcare insurance. No director receives an expense allowance, which is chargeable to tax. Details of directors’ remuneration 
are set out in the table below.

basic salary 
2012 
£’000 

Annual bonus 
2012 
£’000 

benefits in kind 
2012 
£’000 

Executive
Geoff cooper1 
Paul Hampden Smith2 
John carter3 

Non-executive
Ruth Anderson 
chris bunker 
John coleman 
Philip Jansen 
Andrew Simon 
Robert Walker 

652 
392  
500  

50 
67 
50 
50 
64 
200 

211 
106 
135 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

164 
116 
159 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

Total remuneration

2012 
£’000 

1,027 
614 
794 

50 
67 
50 
50 
64 
200 

2011
£’000

1,389
756
807

9
67
50
50
64
200

2,025 

452 

439 

2,916 

3,392

Notes:
1.   Highest paid director - benefits include a cash allowance of £163,050 (2011: £159,851) in lieu of pension accrual. This does not count when calculating annual bonus and 
granting share incentives. Geoff cooper also received, and retained, in 2012, £100,000 (2011: £100,000) in respect of his non-executive chairmanship of Dunelm Group Plc.

2.   benefits include a £16,000 ‘cash for car’ allowance, a £1,500 fuel allowance and £98,025 cash allowance in lieu of pension accrual, which do not count when calculating 

annual bonus and granting share incentives. Paul Hampden Smith also received, and retained, in 2012, £41,250 (2011: £45,000) in respect of his non-executive directorship 
of Redrow plc.

3.   benefits include a cash allowance of £125,000 in lieu of pension accrual which does not count when calculating annual bonus and granting share incentives.
4.   Gains on options exercised during 2012 were: Paul Hampden Smith £210,328.05, John carter £177,787.51. Gains on options exercised during 2011 were: Paul Hampden 

Smith £277,140.72, John carter £77,430.00, Geoff cooper £135,504.36. 

Directors’ pension entitlements
Pension entitlements of the executive directors during the year were as follows:

Age at 31 December 2012 

John carter 
51 

Paul Hampden Smith 
52 

Accrued pension at 31 December 2011 including revaluation if applicable 
Accrued pension at 31 December 2012 including revaluation if applicable  

Increase in accrued pension in 2012 

Real increase in accrued pension in 2012 

Transfer value of the real increase in accrued pension net of member’s contributions 
Value of increase in accrued benefit 

member’s contributions towards pension 
Increase in transfer value net of member’s contributions 
Transfer value of benefits accrued at 31 December 2011 

Transfer value of benefits accrued at 31 December 2012 

£’000 

258 
264 

6 

- 

- 
- 

- 
49 
5,089 

5,138 

£’000 

83 
87 

4 

- 

- 
- 

- 
17 
1,642 

1,659 

Geoff cooper
58

£’000

5
5

-

-

-
5

-
9
135

144

Notes:
1.  Geoff cooper ceased future accrual on 5 April 2006, but benefits up to that date retain a link to current salary.
2.  John carter ceased future accrual on 31 December 2010. benefits on leaving were calculated using a 3 year averaging of pensionable salaries.
3.  Paul Hampden Smith ceased future accrual on 31 march 2011. benefits on leaving were calculated using a 3 year averaging of pensionable salaries.
4.    Any pensions paid on early retirement are subject to abatement.

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travis perkins’ share price information

mid-market price at the year end 
Highest mid-market price during the year 
Average mid-market price during the year 
Lowest mid-market price during the year 

2012 

1,088p 
1,149p 
1,024p 
794p 

2011

796p
1,127p
928p
711p

Directors’ shareholdings
The Directors’ holdings of ordinary 10p shares of Travis Perkins plc at 27 march 2013, 31 December 2012 and 31 December 2011 were as follows:

Director 

Ruth Anderson 
chris bunker 
John carter 
John coleman 
Geoff cooper 
Paul Hampden Smith 
Philip Jansen 
Andrew Simon 
Robert Walker 

Interest  

beneficial owner 
beneficial owner 
beneficial owner 
beneficial owner 
beneficial owner 
beneficial owner 
beneficial owner 
beneficial owner 
beneficial owner 

2013 
27 march* 
No. 

1,000 
11,900 
73,837 
2,465 
120,570 
53,916 
- 
3,400 
82,333 

2012 
31 December 
No. 

2011
31 December
No.

1,000 
11,900 
73,436 
2,465 
132,190 
99,944 
- 
3,400 
82,333 

-
11,900
61,918
2,465
195,053
283,933
-
3,400
80,595

*The figures for P. Hampden Smith are as at 28 February 2013, the date of his resignation as a director.

share matching scheme
Participation by directors in investment matching shares is as follows:

Grant date 

Geoff cooper 

1 April 2008 
19 may 2009 
16 march 2010 
15 march 2011 
14 march 2012 

Paul Hampden Smith
1 April 2008 
19 may 2009 
16 march 2010 
15 march 2011 
14 march 2012 

John carter 

19 may 2009 
16 march 2010 
15 march 2011 
14 march 2012 
4 December 2012 

Outstanding 
1 January 2012 
No. 

Granted 
during year 
No. 

Outstanding 
31 December 2012 
No. 

Vested
during year
No.

53,033 
157,785 
71,853 
65,580 
- 

37,121 
110,450 
50,296 
39,424 
- 

63,974 
50,296 
39,424 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
60,536 

- 
- 
- 
- 
36,396 

- 
- 
- 
36,396 
9,676 

53,033 
157,785 
71,853 
65,580 
60,536 

37,121 
110,450 
50,296 
39,424 
36,396 

63,974 
50,296 
39,424 
36,396 
9,676 

-
157,785
-
-
-

-
110,450
-
-
-

63,974
-
-
-
-

Notes:
1.  Vesting is on the third anniversary of the grant date.
2.  Award/purchase prices (restated for the rights issue as appropriate) are: 19 may 2009, 553p, 16 march 2010, 740p, 15 march 2011, 968p, 14 march 2012 1,069p
3.   Performance criteria apply. For the share matching shares granted in 2009, which vested during 2012, minimum vesting required cROcE of 6.45%, and full vesting required 

8.82%. The Award vested in full. For investment matching shares granted in 2010, 2011 and 2012 a condition based on a three-year average of cash return on capital 
employed (‘cROcE’) applies as described on page 69. For 2010 the target range was 7.5% - 9.0%, for 2011 the target range was 10.75% to 11.89% and for 2012 the target 
range was 9.53% to 10.53%.

4.  The 4 December 2012 grant in respect of John carter related to the backdated pay increase as described on page 64. 

72

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
performance share plan
Participation by directors is as follows:

Grant date 

Geoff cooper 

23 June 2009 
5 march 2010 
4 march 2011 
4 April 2011 
2 march 2012 

Paul Hampden Smith 
23 June 2009 
5 march 2010 
4 march 2011 
4 April 2011 
2 march 2012 

John carter 

23 June 2009 
5 march 2010 
4 march 2011 
4 April 2011 
2 march 2012 
4 December 2012 

Outstanding 
1 January 2012 
No. 

Granted 
during year 
No. 

Lapsed 
during year 
No. 

Outstanding 
31 December 2012 
No. 

Vested
during year
No.

131,289 
92,437 
75,224 
18,605 
- 

76,585 
53,921 
37,686 
18,642 
- 

76,585 
53,921 
37,686 
18,642 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
90,082 

- 
- 
- 
- 
54,157 

- 
- 
- 
- 
54,157 
14,548 

(26,258) 
- 
- 
- 
- 

(15,317) 
- 
- 
- 
- 

(15,317) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

105,031 
92,437 
75,224 
18,605 
90,082 

61,268 
53,921 
37,686 
18,642 
54,157 

61,268 
53,921 
37,686 
18,642 
54,157 
14,548 

105,031
-
-
-
-

61,268
-
-
-
-

61,268
-
-
-
-
-

Notes:
1.  Vesting is on the third anniversary of the grant date.
2.   Award prices (restated for the 2009 rights issue as appropriate) are: 23 June 2009, 473p, 5 march 2010, 695.5p, 4 march 2011, 1,020p, 4 April 2011, 1,031p. 2 march 2012, 

1,085p, 4 December 2012, 1,121p

3.   Performance criteria apply. For performance shares granted in 2009, vesting was at 80%. Performance conditions for the 2010 award are: vesting is at 30% if EPS exceeds 

inflation by 3% a year, TSR is in the top 50% of the FTSE 250 and Aggregate cashflow is at least £470m, vesting is at 100% if EPS exceeds inflation by 10% a year, TSR is in 
the top 25% and Aggregate cash flow is at least £520m. There is a straight-line vesting between these points. conditions for the 2011 and 2012 award performance were the 
same as 2010 except the range for Aggregate cash flow is £844m to £977m for 2011 and £761m to £841m for 2012.
4.  The 4 December 2012 grant in respect of John carter related to the backdated pay increase as described on page 64. 

Deferred share bonus plan
Participation by directors is as follows:

Geoff cooper 

3 march 2010 
2 march 2011 
2 march 2012 

Paul Hampden Smith 
3 march 2010 
2 march 2011 
2 march 2012 

John carter 

3 march 2010 
2 march 2011 
2 march 2012 

Outstanding  
1 Jan 2012 
No. 

Granted 
During year 
No. 

Outstanding
31 Dec 2012
No.

19,862 
16,729 
- 

11,586 
9,496 
- 

11,586 
9,496 
- 

- 
- 
18,180 

- 
- 
8,626 

- 
- 
9,106 

19,862
16,729
18,180

11,586
9,496
8,626

11,586
9,496
9,106

Notes:
1.  Vesting is on the third anniversary of the grant date.
2.  The award price for the 3 march 2010 grant was 801.1667p,for the 2 march 2011 grant was 987.3p and for the 2012 grant was 800.9737p.

73

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Executive share options 
Participation by directors in the 2001 Executive Share Option Scheme is as follows:

. 

Geoff cooper 

Paul Hampden Smith 

John carter 

share award for John Carter 

Grant date 

10 November 2009 

Outstanding 
1 Jan 2012 
No. 

Exercised 
during year 
No. 

Outstanding
31 Dec 2012
No. 

Exercise price  

Exercise period

17,980 

39,368 
51,994 
23,787 
10,489 

37,296 
41,594 
22,058 
10,487 

- 

(39,368) 
(51,994) 
- 
- 

(37,296) 
(41,594) 
- 
- 

17,980 

- 
- 
23,787 
10,489 

- 
- 
22,058 
10,487 

1,320p 

845p 
841p 
1,033p 
1,320p 

845p 
841p 
1,033p 
1,320p 

Anytime until 31/3/15

Anytime until 15/3/14
Anytime until 31/3/15

Anytime until 15/3/14
Anytime until 31/3/15

Outstanding 1 Jan and 31 Dec 2012
No.

47,612

Notes:
1.  The one off Award structured as a nil cost share option was made following consultation with principal shareholders in 2009.
2.  The Award vests in equal tranches after completion of years four, five and six, the first year being 2009.
3.   The performance conditions are linked to procurement improvement initiatives agreed annually by the Remuneration committee together with delivery of John carter’s 

objectives as part of Travis Perkins’ strategic plan.

sharesave options
Participation by directors in the 2002 Travis Perkins’ Sharesave Scheme is as follows:

Geoff cooper 
Paul Hampden Smith 
John carter 

Outstanding 1 Jan and 31 Dec 2012
No.

3,670
3,670
3,670

Notes:
1.  No performance conditions apply.
2.  All options are exercisable from 1 December 2013 to 31 may 2014 at a price of 442p (restated for the 2009 rights issue).

share dilution
At 31 December 2012, shares under grant for executive share schemes over a 10 year period represented 2.82% of issued share capital and shares 
under grant for all employee share schemes over the previous 10 years represented 5.37%. There were 5,024,649 (2.05% of issued share capital) 
unallocated shares and 289,142 allocated shares (0.12%) held in the employee trust. 

shareholders’ approval
The directors confirm that this report has been drawn up in accordance with the requirements of the companies Act 2006 and the UK corporate 
Governance code. 

The shareholders will be invited to approve the remuneration policy set out in this report at the Annual General meeting, at which the 

chairman of the committee will be available to answer any questions.

Approved by the board and signed on its behalf by:

Andrew simon 
chairman Remuneration committee

74

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nominations Committee Report

FOR  T HE YEAR E NDE D 31  DEcEmbE R 2 0 12

Just as the Audit committee is responsible for monitoring the 
performance and condition of the Group’s financial and physical 
assets, so the Nominations committee is responsible for monitoring 
the performance, appropriateness and future succession of the 
Group’s executive and board talent. Reflecting this importance, the 
Nominations committee has met as frequently as the board’s other 
major committees over the past two years. The committee met five 
times in 2012 and comprises myself as chair, chris bunker and John 
coleman, although all the other Non-Executive Directors also came 
to the meetings. Frequent attendees at the meetings were the Group’s 
chief Executive and Group HR Director, depending on the relevance of 
the issues under discussion. 

The principal role of the Nominations committee is to identify, 
and nominate for board approval, candidates to fill board vacancies 
as and when they arise. Of course, these days it is more and more 
important to plan for board and executive succession well in advance, 
in order to ensure smooth succession and ensure that the Group’s 
board and executive leadership skills are fully aligned to the Group’s 
long term strategy.

•	

•	

•	

In planning these appointments, the Nominations committee will:
	Prepare	a	full	description	of	the	role,	skills	and	capabilities	
required;
	Appoint	external	search	firms,	each	time	reviewing	alternative	
options, and ensuring that the chosen firm has signed up to the 
relevant industry codes, for example, on diversity;
	Engage	with	the	Group’s	major	shareholders	on	future	skill	
requirements and ideas for potential candidates. 

A further important role for the committee is to ensure that there 
is a continuous pipeline of high performing and executive talent 
at the two levels below executive director. These discussions 
would normally take place at least once a year. In this sense, the 
Nominations committee has a broader HR function.

•	

The focus of the committee’s work in 2012 was on four topics:
	The	search	for	a	high	calibre	candidate	to	succeed	Paul	Hampden	
Smith as Group cFO, given his intention to retire. Russell Reynolds 
was chosen, after considering a number of alternatives, to 
conduct the search and was given a wide remit and demanding 
specification, covering both the UK and international markets, 

•	

•	

•	

private equity as well as plc companies. We were delighted to 
announce the appointment of Tony buffin, who will join the Group 
on April 8 2013; Tony was previously Group cFO at the £20bn 
revenue coles Group in Australia;
	Detailed	plans	for	the	further	personal	development	of	John 	
carter, following his appointment as Deputy chief Executive. 
All our Non Executive Directors were individually and 
collectively involved in contributing to John’s development, 
as well as specifically tailored courses;
	A	performance	review	of	new	hires	and	new	appointments	to	the	
Group below executive director level and the available pipeline of 
internal talent feeding into those management levels;
	Approval	for	future	use	of	new	service	contracts	that	take	into	
account recent legal and corporate governance developments.
In the coming year, the focus of the committee’s work will switch to 
planning the future Non Executive membership of the board. This 
is because three of our current NEDs are due for retirement in the 
next three years and in addition, Philip Jansen has decided to retire 
from the board after the Annual General meeting because of his 
other executive commitments. We plan to conduct a comprehensive 
assessment of the board’s skills, given our long-term strategy, to 
ensure that our future NEDs are fully able to complement and 
support the executive leadership. In leading this process on the 
Nominations committee, I will be discussing this skills assessment 
with each of our major investors, seeking their input and where 
possible their suggestions as to possible nominees.

Importantly, we will also continue the development work 
undertaken in 2012 on preparing for future senior executive 
succession. 

As chairman of the committee, I will be available at the Annual 
General meeting to answer any questions about the committee’s work.

robert Walker
chairman

75

GOVERNANCETRAVIS PERKINS ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2012 
Directors’ Report

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31  DEcEmbE R 2 0 12

The Directors present their annual report and audited accounts 
for the year ended 31 December 2012. The corporate Governance 
statement on pages 57 to 60 forms part of the Directors’ report.

principal activities
Travis Perkins is one of the largest builder’s merchants and home 
improvement retailers in the UK. The principal activities of the Group 
are the sale of timber, building materials, and plumbing and heating 
products, and the hiring of tools, to the building trade, industry 
generally and the general public, within the United Kingdom. The 
Directors are not aware, at the date of this report, of any likely major 
changes in the Group’s activities in the next year.

Business review
A review of the Group’s position, developments and future prospects 
is contained in the chairman’s statement on pages 18 and 19, the 
chief Executive’s review of the year on pages 20 to 28, the Deputy 
chief Executive’s review of the year on pages 30 to 36 and the Finance 
Director’s review of the year on pages 38 to 43. A review of the Group’s 
environmental performance is on pages 46 to 49.

results and dividends 
The Group results for the year ended 31 December 2012 and dividends 
for the year ending 31 December 2012 are set out on page 82. If 
approved, the final dividend will be paid on 30 may 2013 to those 
shareholders on the register at the close of business on 3 may 2013.

Balance sheet and post balance sheet events
The balance sheet on pages 84 and 85 shows the Group’s financial 
position. No significant events have occurred since the balance 
sheet date.

principal risks and uncertainties
A review of the Group’s principal risks and uncertainties are on pages 
44 and 45.

Financial risk management 
Details of the Group’s approach to capital management and the 
alleviation of risk through the use of financial instruments are 
given in the Finance Director’s Review of the Year on pages 38 to 
43. Specific quantitative information on borrowings and financial 
instruments is given in notes 23 and 24 on pages 112 to 118 of the 
annual financial statements.

Directors and their interests 
In accordance with the company’s Articles of Association, Tony 
buffin will be standing for election by shareholders at the Annual 
General meeting, having been appointed to the board since the last 
Annual General meeting. The board believes that Tony buffin’s 
exceptionally strong track record in financial management, corporate 
finance and in creating and achieving organic growth strategies will 
greatly benefit the company, complement the skills of the other 
board members, and make him an excellent choice as Group Finance 
Director. His biographical details are set out on page 54.

The UK corporate Governance code (‘the code’) requires that 

all directors of FTSE 350 companies are subject to re-election at 
the company’s Annual General meeting each year, and therefore 
executive directors, Geoff cooper and John carter, and non executive 
directors Robert Walker, chris bunker, John coleman, Andrew 
Simon and Ruth Anderson will all seek re-election at the Annual 
General meeting. Philip Jansen will not seek re-election because as 
explained on page 58 he will be retiring from the board at the end of 
the meeting.

After 22 years in senior finance roles, including the last 17 years 
as the company’s Group Financial Director, Paul Hampden Smith 
resigned as a director on 28 February 2013. He has agreed to continue 
in our employment until September 2013, to ensure a smooth and 
complete handover to his successor, Tony buffin. 

The names of the Directors at 31 December 2012, together with 
their biographical details are set out on pages 54 and 55. All of these 
Directors held office throughout the year. Tony buffin was appointed 
with effect from 8 April 2013. The executive directors have rolling 12 
month notice periods in their contracts. The non executive directors 
do not have service contracts. In the light of the formal evaluation of 
their performances as a result of the process described on page 58, 
Robert Walker, chairman, confirms on behalf of the board that all 
directors continue to be effective in, and committed to, their roles.

Directors and officers of the company are entitled to be 
indemnified out of the assets of the company in respect of any 
liability incurred in relation to the affairs of the company, or any 
associate company, to the extent the law allows. In this regard, 
the company is required to disclose that under article 140 of the 
company’s Articles of Association, the Directors have the benefit of 
an indemnity, to the extent permitted by the companies Act 2006 
against liabilities incurred by them in the execution of their duties 
and exercise of their powers. This indemnity is currently in force. In 
addition, if proceedings against directors are instituted subsequent 
to any person acquiring control of the company, the company has 
agreed with each of the Directors that pursuant to article 140(D) of 
the company’s Articles of Association, the company shall provide 
a Director with funds (subject to certain restrictions) to meet 
expenditure incurred by that Director in defending any criminal or 
civil proceedings.

A copy of the company’s Articles of Association (which contains 

this indemnity) is available for inspection at the company’s 
registered office during normal business hours and will be available 
for inspection at (and during the period of 30 minutes prior to) the 
company’s forthcoming Annual General meeting. 

None of the Directors had an interest in any contract to which the 

company or any of its subsidiaries was a party during the year.

The company has undertaken to comply with the best practice 
on approval of directors’ conflicts of interests in accordance with the 
company’s Articles of Association. These provisions have operated 
effectively. Under the companies Act 2006, a director must avoid a 
situation where he has, or can have, a direct or indirect interest that 
conflicts, or possibly may conflict, with the company’s interests. 
The disclosable interests of Directors at 31 December 2012, 

including holdings, if any, of spouses and of children aged under 18, 
were as detailed in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 72 
to 74.

76

Nominations committee report. The company has an equal 
opportunities policy aimed at ensuring that employment decisions 
are based on ability and potential regardless of gender, race, colour, 
ethnic origin, sexual orientation, age or disability. In particular, 
applications for employment by disabled persons are always fully 
considered, bearing in mind the aptitudes of the person concerned. 
In the event of a member of staff becoming disabled, every effort is 
made to ensure that their employment with the Group continues 
and that appropriate training is arranged. It is the policy of the 
company that the training, career development and promotion of 
disabled persons should, as far as possible, be identical to that of 
other employees.

The Group’s policies and practices have been designed to 

keep employees informed on matters relevant to them as 
employees through regular meetings and newsletters. Employee 
representatives are consulted regularly on a wide range of matters 
affecting their interests. All employees with more than three months’ 
service are eligible to participate in the company’s Sharesave 
and buy As You Earn plans. Details are provided in the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report.

political donations
The Group did not give any money for political purposes nor did it 
make any donations to political organisations or incur any political 
expenditure during the year.

supplier payment policy 
The Group’s policy is to pay all of its suppliers in accordance with 
established terms. Group trade creditors at 31 December 2012 
represented 53 days (31 December 2011: 57 days) of average 
purchases of goods and services. The company’s trade creditors at 31 
December 2012 represented 30 days (2011: 30 days).

Auditor
Resolutions to re-appoint Deloitte LLP as the company’s auditor and 
to authorise the Directors to fix the auditor’s remuneration will be 
proposed at the Annual General meeting.

statement on disclosure of information to the auditor
Each of the persons who is a director at the date of approval of this 
report confirms that:
•	

	So	far	as	the	director	is	aware,	there	is	no	relevant	audit	
information of which the company’s auditor is unaware; and
	The	director	has	taken	all	reasonable	steps	that	he	ought	to	have	
taken as a director in order to make himself aware of any relevant 
audit information and to establish that the company’s auditor is 
aware of that information. 

substantial shareholdings 
As at 31 December 2012, the company had been notified of the 
following interests amounting to 3% or more of the voting rights in 
the issued ordinary share capital of the company. 

Number 

%

Scottish Widows Investment Partnership Ltd  14,858,234 

6.08%

Sprucegrove Investment management Ltd 

13,506,856 

5.53%

Pzena Investment management LLc 

10,080,127 

4.13%

Investec Ltd. 

Dimensional Fund Advisors LP 

9,159,663 

3.75%

9,022,439 

3.69%

Sanderson Asset management Ltd 

8,926,940 

3.65%

Legal & General Investment 
management Ltd (UK) 

Standard Life Investments Ltd 

AXA Investment managers UK 

8,735,399 

3.57%

7,891,153 

3.23%

7,559,946 

3.09%

As at 27 march 2013, the company had been notified of the 
following interests amounting to 3% or more of the voting rights in 
the issued ordinary share capital of the company. 

Number 

%

Scottish Widows Investment Partnership Ltd  16,068,747 

6.56%

Sprucegrove Investment management Ltd 

13,413,946 

5.48%

TIAA Group 

10,058,410 

4.11%

Pzena Investment management LLc 

9,298,675 

3.80%

Dimensional Fund Advisors LP 

9,097,983 

3.71%

Sanderson Asset management Ltd 

8,949,207 

3.65%

Legal & General Investment 
management Ltd (UK) 

AXA S.A. 

Investec Ltd 

morgan Stanley & co Inc 

8,569,743 

3.50%

8,404,654 

3.43%

7,751,263 

3.16%

7,435,324 

3.04%

Close company status 
The close company provisions of the Income and corporation Taxes 
Act 1988 do not apply to the company.

•	

Employees and charitable donations
Statements on these matters are contained in the chief Executive’s 
review of the year on pages 20 to 28 and in the Deputy chief 
Executive’s review of the year on page 35. 

Details of the number of employees and related costs can be found 

in note 7 to the financial statements. 

The company is committed to equality of opportunity and 

recognises the benefit of diversity within its workforce. Its approach 
to the matter of diversity on company boards is set out in the 

This confirmation is given and should be interpreted in accordance 
with the provisions of section 418 of the companies Act 2006. 

share capital and change of control
As at 31 December 2012 the company had an allotted and fully paid 
share capital of 244,853,057 ordinary shares of 10 pence each, with 
an aggregate nominal value of £24,485,306 (including shares owned 
by the employee share ownership trust). The ordinary shares are 

77

GOVERNANCETRAVIS PERKINS ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2012 
 
 
 
 
DIrE Ct o r s ’  r Ep o r t

listed on the London Stock Exchange. All the shares rank pari passu. 
The rights and obligations attaching to the shares are set out in the 
company’s Articles of Association. Fully paid shares in the company 
are freely transferable. There are no persons that hold securities 
carrying special rights with regard to the control of the company. 
Details of the structure of the company’s share capital and changes 
in the share capital during the year are also included in note 20 to the 
financial statements.

As at 31 December 2012 The Travis Perkins Employee Share 
Ownership Trust owned 5,313,791 shares in the company (2.17% 
of issued share capital) for use in connection with the company’s 
share schemes. Any voting or other similar decisions relating to those 
shares would be taken by the trustees, who may take account of any 
recommendation of the company.

There are no restrictions on voting rights attaching to the 
company’s ordinary shares. The company is not aware of any 
agreements between holders of securities that may result in 
restrictions on the transfer of securities or on voting rights.

The rules governing the appointment and replacement of board 

members and changes to the Articles of Association accord with 
usual English company law provisions. The powers of the company’s 
Directors are set out in the company’s Articles of Association. In 
particular, the board has the power to issue shares and to purchase its 
own shares and is seeking renewal of these powers at the forthcoming 
Annual General meeting in accordance with the restrictions and 
within the limits set out in the notice of that meeting.

There are a number of agreements to which the company is 
a party that may take effect, alter or terminate upon a change 
of control following a takeover bid. None of these agreements is 
considered significant in the context of the company as a whole. 

forthcoming Annual General meeting. The board considers that all of 
the resolutions proposed are in the best interests of the company and 
of its shareholders as a whole and unanimously recommends that 
shareholders vote in favour of all resolutions put before the Annual 
General meeting.

resolution 13:  
Directors’ remuneration report
In accordance with the section 439 of the companies Act 2006, 
this resolution seeks shareholders’ approval of the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report as set out on pages 64 to 74. This vote is 
advisory and the directors’ entitlement to receive remuneration is not 
conditional on it

resolution 14:  
replacement deferred share bonus plan amendments
This resolution seeks shareholder approval of the replacement 
Deferred Share bonus Plan (amending the existing Plan following the 
review of executive remuneration referred to on page 65). A description 
of the Plan is set out in the chairman’s letter which has been sent to 
shareholders with the notice of the Annual General meeting.

resolution 15:  
renewal of authority to allot shares
Paragraph (a) of this resolution would give the Directors the authority 
to allot ordinary shares up to an aggregate nominal amount equal 
to £8,166,764 (representing 81,667,644 ordinary shares of 10 pence 
each). This amount represents approximately one-third of the issued 
ordinary share capital of the company as at 27 march 2013, the latest 
practicable date prior to publication of this Notice. 

There are no agreements providing for compensation for Directors 

In line with guidance issued by the Association of british Insurers 

or employees on change of control. As set out in the Directors 
Remuneration Report on page 70, service contracts for executive 
directors do not specify any particular level of compensation in the 
event of termination following change of control of the company. As 
noted above, the company has agreed with each of the Directors that 
it shall provide a director with funds (subject to certain restrictions) 
to meet expenditure incurred in defending any criminal or civil 
proceedings if such proceedings are instituted subsequent to any 
person acquiring control of the company.

Annual general meeting 
The Annual General meeting of the company will be held at 
Northampton Rugby Football club, Franklin’s Gardens, Weedon 
Road, Northampton, NN5 5bG on Thursday 23 may 2013 at 12.00 
noon. A buffet lunch will be available. In addition to the resolutions 
to approve the receipt of the company’s annual accounts, the 
declaration of a final dividend, the appointment and re-appointment 
of the company’s directors, the re-appointment of the company’s 
auditor and to give the directors authority to fix the auditor’s 
remuneration, the following items are to be proposed at the 

(the ‘AbI’), paragraph (b) of this resolution would give the Directors 
authority to allot ordinary shares in connection with a rights issue 
in favour of ordinary shareholders up to an aggregate nominal 
amount equal to £16,333,529 (representing 163,335,288 ordinary 
shares of 10p each), as reduced by the nominal amount of any shares 
issued under paragraph (a) of this resolution. This amount (before 
any reduction) represents approximately two-thirds of the issued 
ordinary share capital of the company as at 27 march 2013, the latest 
practicable date prior to publication of this Notice. The authorities 
sought under paragraphs (a) and (b) of this resolution will expire at 
the earlier of 30 June 2014 (the last date by which the company must 
hold an annual general meeting in 2014) and the conclusion of the 
annual general meeting of the company held in 2014. If this authority 
is exercised, the Directors intend to follow AbI guidance issued from 
time to time, including as to the re-election of directors. It is now our 
practice to propose all directors for annual re-election at each Annual 
General meeting in accordance with the code.

The Directors have no present intention to exercise either of the 
authorities sought under this resolution, except, under paragraph (a), to 
satisfy options under the company’s employee share option schemes.

78

resolution 16:  
Limited authority to allot shares for cash
This resolution would give the Directors the authority to allot 
ordinary shares (or sell any ordinary shares which the company 
elects to hold in treasury) for cash without first offering them to 
existing shareholders in proportion to their existing shareholdings.

Except as provided in the next paragraph, this authority would be 
limited to allotments or sales in connection with pre-emptive offers 
and offers to holders of other equity securities if required by the 
rights of those shares or as the board otherwise considers necessary, 
or otherwise up to an aggregate nominal amount of £1,225,015 
(representing 12,250,147 ordinary shares). This aggregate nominal 
amount represents approximately 5% of the issued ordinary share 
capital of the company as at 27 march 2013, the latest practicable 
date prior to publication of this Notice. In respect of this aggregate 
nominal amount, the Directors confirm their intention to follow 
the provisions of the Pre-Emption Group’s Statement of Principles 
regarding cumulative usage of authorities within a rolling 3-year 
period where the Principles provide that usage in excess of 7.5% 
should not take place without prior consultation with shareholders.
Allotments made under the authorisation in paragraph (b) of 
resolution 15 would be limited to allotments by way of a rights 
issue only (subject to the right of the board to impose necessary 
or appropriate limitations to deal with, for example, fractional 
entitlements and regulatory matters).

The authority will expire at the earlier of 30 June 2014 (the last 
date by which the company must hold an Annual General meeting 
in 2014) and the conclusion of the Annual General meeting of the 
company held in 2014. Any issue of shares for cash will, however, still 
be subject to the requirements of the UK Listing Authority.

resolution 17:  
Notice of meetings
The companies Act 2006 requires that the notice period for general 
meetings of a company is 21 days unless certain requirements are 
satisfied, including that shareholders approve a shorter notice period, 
which cannot be less than 14 clear days. At the Annual General 
meeting held in 2012, shareholders approved a notice period for 
general meetings (other than AGms) of not less than 14 clear days 
effective until the AGm to be held in 2013. This resolution is proposed 
to allow the company to continue to call general meetings (other 
than AGms) on 14 clear days notice. The Directors believe it is in the 
best interests of the shareholders of the company to preserve the 
shorter notice period and accordingly are putting this resolution, 
to be proposed as a special resolution to the meeting. The shorter 
notice period would not be used as a matter of routine for general 
meetings, but only where the flexibility is merited by the business 
of the meeting and is thought to be to the advantage of shareholders 
as a whole. Examples of when it might be appropriate to call a 
general meeting at 14 days notice include when emergency capital 
raising proposals or other price sensitive transactions are being put 

to shareholders for approval. The approval will be effective until the 
company’s Annual General meeting in 2014, when it is expected that 
a similar resolution will be proposed. Under the companies Act 2006 
in order to be able to call a general meeting on less than 21 clear 
days notice, the company must make a means of electronic voting 
available to all shareholders.

resolution 18:  
Authority to purchase own shares
The authority for the company to purchase its own shares of 10 
pence each granted at last year’s Annual General meeting will 
expire on the date of the forthcoming Annual General meeting. The 
Directors wish to renew this authority and a special resolution, which 
is set out in full in the Notice of Annual General meeting on page 
132, will be proposed at the forthcoming Annual General meeting 
to give the company the authority to purchase its own ordinary 
shares in the market as permitted by the companies Act 2006. The 
authority limits the number of shares that could be purchased to a 
maximum of 24,500,293 (representing 10% of the issued ordinary 
share capital of the company as at 27 march 2013) and sets 
minimum and maximum prices. This authority will expire no later 
than 30 June 2014.

The Directors consider that it is in the best interests of 
the company to have available this authorisation, in case of 
circumstances when it would be appropriate to use it. They would 
only use it after consideration of the effect on earnings per share and 
the longer-term benefit for the company and shareholders generally. 
The fact that such authorisation is being sought should not be taken 
to imply that shares would be purchased at any particular price 
or indeed at all. Any ordinary shares purchased pursuant to this 
authority may either be held as treasury shares or cancelled by the 
company, depending on which course of action is considered by the 
Directors to be in the best interests of shareholders at the time.

As at 27 march 2013, there were options over 12,485,868 ordinary 

shares in the capital of the company, which represent 5.1% of the 
company’s issued ordinary share capital (excluding any treasury 
shares). If the authority to purchase the company’s ordinary shares 
were exercised in full, these options would represent 5.66% of the 
company’s issued ordinary share capital (excluding any treasury 
shares). As at 27 march 2013, the company did not hold any treasury 
shares in the company and no warrants over ordinary shares in the 
capital of the company existed.

by order of the board,

Andrew pike 
company Secretary
3 April 2013

79

GOVERNANCETRAVIS PERKINS ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2012Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31  DEcEmbE R 2 0 12

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.

Directors’ responsibility statement
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:
1.   The financial statements, prepared in accordance with 

International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU, 
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

2..  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

Geoff Cooper
chief Executive

John Carter 
Deputy chief Executive

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and 
the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and 
regulations.

company law requires the Directors to prepare such 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 
also chosen to prepare the parent company financial statements 
under IFRSs as adopted by the European Union. 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 these financial statements, International Accounting 

Standard 1 requires that directors:
•	 Properly	select	and	apply	accounting	policies;
•	

	Present	information,	including	accounting	policies,	in	a	manner	
that provides relevant, reliable, comparable and understandable 
information; 
	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
	Make	an	assessment	of	the	Company’s	ability	to	continue	as	a	
going concern.

•	

•	

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.

80

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Travis Perkins plc 

FOR  T HE YEAR E NDE D 31  DEcEmbE R 2 0 12

We have audited the financial statements of Travis Perkins plc 
for the year ended 31 December 2012 which comprise Group 
and Parent company Income Statements, the Group and Parent 
company Statements of comprehensive Income, the Group and 
Parent company balance Sheets, the Group and Parent company 
Statements of changes in Equity, the Group and Parent company 
cash Flow Statements and the related notes 1 to 37. 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 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 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 and 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	financial	statements	give	a	true	and	fair	view	of	the	state	of	
the Group’s and of the Parent company’s affairs as at 31 December 
2012 and of the Group’s and the Parent company’s profit for the 
year then ended;
	The	financial	statements	have	been	properly	prepared	in	
accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union; and

•	

•	

	The	financial	statements	have	been	prepared	in	accordance	with	
the requirements of the companies Act 2006 and, as regards the 
Group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

separate opinion in relation to IFrss as issued by the IAsB
As explained in note 1 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 matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion:
•	

	The	part	of	the	Directors’	Remuneration	Report	to	be	audited	has	
been properly prepared in accordance with the companies Act 
2006; and
	The	information	given	in	the	Directors’	Report	for	the	financial	year	
for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with 
the 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:
•	

	Adequate	accounting	records	have	not	been	kept	by	the	Parent	
company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received 
from branches not visited by us; or
	The	Parent	Company	financial	statements	and	the	part	of	the	
Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited are not in agreement 
with the accounting records and returns; or
	Certain	disclosures	of	directors’	remuneration	specified	by	law	are	
not made; or
	We	have	not	received	all	the	information	and	explanations	we	
require for our audit.

•	

•	

•	

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review:
•	

	The	Directors’	statement,	contained	within	the	Finance	Director’s	
review of the year, in relation to going concern; 
	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; and
	Certain	elements	of	the	report	to	shareholders	by	the	Board	on	
directors’ remuneration.

•	

•	

Colin Hudson FCA (Senior statutory auditor)
for and on behalf of Deloitte LLP
chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor
London, United Kingdom
3 April 2013

81

GOVERNANCETRAVIS PERKINS ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2012Income Statements

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31  DEcEmbE R 2 0 12

THE GROUP
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012 
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 

2011
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Pre-exceptional 
items 
£m 

Notes 

Exceptional 
items 
£m 

Total 
£m 

Pre-exceptional  
items 
£m 

Exceptional 
items 
£m 

Total
£m

4,844.9 

- 

4,844.9 

4,779.1 

- 

4,779.1

Revenue 

Operating profit before amortisation 

Amortisation of intangible assets 

Operating profit  

Exceptional investment income 

Finance income  

Finance costs  

Profit before tax 

Tax 

Profit for the year 

4 

5 

5 

9 

9 

10 

Earnings per ordinary share  

11 

basic 

Diluted 

Total dividend declared

per ordinary share  

12 

313.2 

(12.9) 

300.3 

- 

22.4 

(38.9) 

283.8 

(74.5) 

209.3 

326.6 

(17.4) 

309.2 

- 

13.8 

(40.5) 

282.5 

(69.2) 

213.3 

(8.7) 

- 

(8.7) 

39.5 

- 

- 

30.8 

15.5 

46.3 

317.9 

(17.4) 

300.5 

39.5 

13.8 

(40.5) 

313.3 

(53.7) 

259.6 

108.9p 

105.0p 

25.0p 

All results relate to continuing operations. Details of exceptional items are given in notes 5, 9 and 10.

Revenue 

Operating profit  

Exceptional investment income 

Finance income  

Finance costs  

Profit before tax 

Tax 

Profit for the year 

Notes 

4 

5 

5 

9 

9 

10 

All results relate to continuing operations.

82

(9.8) 

- 

303.4

(12.9)

(9.8) 

290.5

- 

- 

(4.4) 

(14.2) 

17.3 

3.1 

-

22.4

(43.3)

269.6

(57.2)

212.4

90.3p

87.3p

20.0p

THE cOmPAN Y
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012 
£m 

82.1 

62.3 

37.4 

3.7 

(50.8) 

52.6 

13.2 

65.8 

2011 
£m

86.0

68.9

-

19.5

(39.8)

48.6

10.1

58.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statements of Comprehensive Income 

FOR  T HE YEAR E NDE D 31  DEcEmbE R 2 0 12

THE GROUP  
–––––––––––––––––––––––––– 

THE cOmP ANY
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Notes 

Profit for the year 

Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit and loss 

Actuarial losses on defined benefit pension schemes 

Deferred tax rate change 

Income tax relating to items not reclassified 

28 

10 

10 

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit and loss 

cash flow hedges: 

Losses arising during the year 

Reclassification adjustments for losses included in profit 

movement on cash flow hedge cancellation payment 

Income tax relating to items that may be reclassified 

10 

Other comprehensive income for the year net of tax 

Total comprehensive income for the year 

2012 
£m 

259.6 

(45.8) 

(5.5) 

10.4 

(40.9) 

(8.5) 

8.8 

4.1 

(0.9) 

3.5 

(37.4) 

222.2 

2011 
£m 

212.4 

(49.8) 

(4.9) 

12.6 

(42.1) 

(4.6) 

2.8 

4.2 

(0.6) 

1.8 

(40.3) 

172.1 

2012 
£m 

65.8 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(8.5) 

8.8 

4.1 

(0.9) 

3.5 

3.5 

69.3 

2011 
£m

58.7

-

-

-

-

(4.6)

2.8

4.2

(0.6)

1.8

1.8

60.5

83

FINANCIALSTATEMENTSTRAVIS PERKINS ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2012 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance Sheets

AS AT 31 DEcEmbER 2 0 12

THE GROUP  
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 

THE cOmPAN Y
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Assets

Notes 

2012 
£m 

2011 
£m 

2012 
£m 

- 

- 

0.2 

12.8 

- 

6.2 

2011 
£m

-

-

0.2

40.3

-

58.5

3,572.9 

2,872.8

- 

- 

14.2 

-

-

9.9

1,807.5 

1,706.2 

424.8 

578.4 

12.8 

0.4 

6.7 

- 

2.4 

1.6 

- 

388.9 

562.6 

40.3 

0.4 

51.3 

- 

1.5 

19.3 

- 

2,834.6 

2,770.5 

3,606.3 

2,981.7

637.1 

733.7 

12.7 

139.1 

596.0 

743.0 

3.1 

78.6 

1,522.6 

1,420.7 

- 

180.7 

12.7 

74.0 

267.4 

-

214.1

3.1

-

217.2

4,357.2 

4,191.2 

3,873.7 

3,198.9

NON-cURRENT ASSETS

Goodwill 

Other intangible assets 

Property, plant and equipment 

Derivative financial instruments 

Investment property 

Interest in associates 

Investment in subsidiaries 

Available-for-sale investments 

Retirement benefit asset 

Deferred tax asset 

Total non-current assets 

cURRENT ASSETS

Inventories 

Trade and other receivables 

Derivative financial instruments 

cash and cash equivalents 

Total current assets 

Total assets 

13 

14 

15 

24 

16 

17 

17 

17 

28 

26 

18 

24 

19 

84

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity and liabilities

cAPITAL AND RESERVES 

Issued capital 

Share premium account 

merger reserve 

Revaluation reserve 

Hedging reserve 

Own shares 

Accumulated profits 

Total equity 

NON-cURRENT LIAbILITIES 

Interest bearing loans and borrowings 

Derivative financial instruments 

Retirement benefit obligations 

Long-term provisions 

Long term other payables 

Amounts due to subsidiaries 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Total non-current liabilities 

cURRENT LIAbILITIES 

Interest bearing loans and borrowings 

Trade and other payables 

Derivative financial instruments 

Tax liabilities 

Short-term provisions 

Total current liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Total equity and liabilities 

THE GROUP  
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 

THE cOmP ANY
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Notes 

2012 
£m 

2011 
£m 

20 

22 

22 

22 

22 

22 

22 

23 

24 

28 

25 

29 

26 

23 

27 

24 

25 

24.5 

487.2 

326.5 

20.1 

(1.6) 

(62.4) 

1,513.8 

2,308.1 

195.2 

4.9 

59.1 

20.0 

47.0 

- 

85.0 

411.2 

396.1 

1,107.6 

2.6 

74.8 

56.8 

24.4 

480.8 

326.5 

20.8 

(5.1) 

(75.2) 

1,335.6 

2,107.8 

598.2 

5.9 

65.0 

28.9 

- 

- 

97.4 

795.4 

63.6 

1,088.3 

- 

75.9 

60.2 

1,637.9 

1,288.0 

2,049.1 

2,083.4 

4,357.2 

4,191.2 

2012 
£m 

24.5 

486.1 

326.5 

- 

(1.6) 

(62.4) 

204.0 

977.1 

134.9 

4.9 

- 

- 

47.0 

2,243.4 

- 

2011 
£m

24.4

479.7

326.5

-

(5.1)

(75.2)

192.5

942.8

592.8

5.9

-

-

-

1,563.5

-

2,430.2 

2,162.2

444.9 

18.9 

2.6 

- 

- 

466.4 

2,896.6 

3,873.7 

74.9

19.0

-

-

-

93.9

2,256.1

3,198.9

The financial statements of Travis Perkins plc, registered number 824821, were approved by the board of Directors on 3 April 2013 and 

signed on its behalf by:

Geoff Cooper 
chief Executive 

John Carter  
Deputy chief Executive

85

FINANCIALSTATEMENTSTRAVIS PERKINS ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2012 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31  DEcEmbE R 2 0 12

THE GR OUP

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Issued 
share 
capital 
£m 

Share 
premium 
account 
£m 

merger  Revaluation 
reserve  
reserve 
£m 
£m 

Hedging 
reserve 
£m 

Own 
shares 
£m 

Retained 
earnings 
£m 

Total
equity
£m

24.2 

471.5 

325.9 

21.3 

(6.9) 

(83.4) 

1,199.2 

1,951.8

At 1 January 2011 

Profit for the year 

Other comprehensive income  
for the period net of tax 

Total comprehensive income for the year 

Dividends 

Issue of share capital 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

0.2 

9.3 

0.6 

Realisation of revaluation reserve in
respect of property disposals 

Difference between depreciation of assets on

a historical basis and on a revaluation basis 

Deferred tax rate change 

Foreign exchange differences 

Tax on share based payments (note 10) 

credit for equity-settled share based payments 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(1.1) 

(0.3) 

0.9 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1.8 

1.8 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

212.4 

212.4

(42.1) 

(40.3)

170.3 

172.1

(38.8) 

(38.8)

8.2 

(7.1) 

11.2

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1.1 

0.3 

- 

(0.1) 

(3.2) 

13.9 

-

-

0.9

(0.1)

(3.2)

13.9

24.4 

480.8 

326.5 

20.8 

(5.1) 

(75.2) 

1,335.6 

2,107.8

At 31 December 2011 

Profit for the year 

Other comprehensive income for the

period net of tax 

Total comprehensive income for the year 

Dividends 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Issue of share capital 

0.1 

6.4 

Realisation of revaluation reserve in
respect of property disposals 

Difference between depreciation of assets on 
a historical basis and on a revaluation basis 

Deferred tax rate change 

Tax on share based payments (note 10) 

credit for equity-settled share based payments 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(1.4) 

(0.2) 

0.9 

- 

- 

- 

3.5 

3.5 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

259.6 

259.6

(40.9) 

(37.4)

218.7 

222.2

(51.2) 

(51.2)

12.8 

(10.4) 

8.9

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1.4 

0.2 

- 

4.3 

-

-

0.9

4.3

15.2 

15.2

At 31 December 2012 

24.5 

487.2 

326.5 

20.1 

(1.6) 

(62.4) 

1,513.8 

2,308.1

86

 
	
 
 
  
 
Statement of Changes in Equity

FOR  T HE YEAR E NDE D 31  DEcEmbE R 2 0 12

THE cOmPA NY

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Issued 
share 
capital 
£m 

Share 
premium 
account 
£m 

merger 
reserve 
£m 

Hedging 
reserve  
£m 

Own 
shares 
£m 

Retained 
earnings 
£m 

Total
equity
£m

24.2 

470.4 

325.9 

(6.9) 

(83.4) 

178.7 

908.9

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

0.2 

9.3 

0.6 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1.8 

1.8 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

8.2 

- 

- 

58.7 

- 

58.7 

58.7

1.8

60.5

(38.8) 

(38.8)

(7.1) 

(4.1) 

5.1 

11.2

(4.1)

5.1

24.4 

479.7 

326.5 

(5.1) 

(75.2) 

192.5 

942.8

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

0.1 

6.4 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

3.5 

3.5 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

12.8 

- 

- 

65.8 

- 

65.8 

(51.2) 

(10.4) 

3.0 

4.3 

65.8

3.5

69.3

(51.2)

8.9

3.0

4.3

At I January 2011 

Profit for the year 

Other comprehensive income for the period net of tax  

Total comprehensive income for the year 

Dividends  

Issue of share capital 

Tax on share based payments (note 10) 

credit for equity-settled share based payments 

At 31 December 2011 

Profit for the year 

Other comprehensive income for the period net of tax  

Total comprehensive income for the year 

Dividends  

Issue of share capital 

Tax on share based payments (note 10) 

credit for equity-settled share based payments 

At 31 December 2012 

24.5 

486.1 

326.5 

(1.6) 

(62.4) 

204.0 

977.1

87

FINANCIALSTATEMENTSTRAVIS PERKINS ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2012 
	
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Flow Statements 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31  DEcEmbE R 2 0 12

THE GROUP  
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 

THE cOmPAN Y
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Operating profit before amortisation and exceptional items 

Adjustments for: 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment  

Other non cash movements 

Losses of associate 

2012 
£m 

326.6 

69.4 

15.2 

0.3 

Gain on disposal of property, plant, equipment and investments  

(17.1) 

Operating cash flows before movements in working capital 

Increase in inventories 

Decrease / (increase) in receivables 

(Decrease) / increase in payables 

Payments on exceptional items 

Pension payments in excess of the charge to profits 

cash generated from operations 

Interest paid 

Income taxes paid 

Net cash from operating activities 

cash flows from investing activities 

Interest received 

Proceeds on disposal of property, plant, equipment and investments  

Purchases of property, plant and equipment 

Interest in associate 

Disposal of business  

Investments in subsidiaries 

Provision of funding to subsidiary undertaking 

Acquisition of businesses net of cash acquired 

Net cash used in investing activities 

Financing activities 

Net proceeds from the issue of share capital 

bank facility fees paid 

Net movement in finance lease liabilities 

Decrease in loans 

Dividends paid 

Net cash from financing activities 

Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 

cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 

cash and cash equivalents at end of year (note 19) 

394.4 

(19.2) 

5.1 

(25.0) 

(4.7) 

(23.0) 

327.6 

(27.4) 

(64.5) 

235.7 

0.1 

32.6 

(82.3) 

(2.9) 

- 

- 

- 

(24.5) 

(77.0) 

8.9 

- 

5.7 

(61.6) 

(51.2) 

(98.2) 

60.5 

78.6 

139.1 

2011 
£m 

313.2 

63.9 

13.9 

0.6 

(17.6) 

374.0 

(36.1) 

(62.0) 

107.1 

(17.8) 

(20.1) 

345.1 

(24.2) 

(26.3) 

294.6 

0.7 

15.0 

(109.2) 

(2.3) 

26.9 

- 

- 

(9.9) 

(78.8) 

10.6 

(6.1) 

(1.6) 

(152.2) 

(38.8) 

(188.1) 

27.7 

50.9 

78.6 

2012 
£m 

62.3 

- 

4.3 

- 

- 

66.6 

- 

81.8 

682.8 

- 

- 

831.2 

(41.2) 

- 

790.0 

0.1 

- 

- 

(2.2) 

- 

(600.6) 

- 

- 

(602.7) 

8.9 

- 

- 

(70.0) 

(51.2) 

2011 
£m

68.9

-

5.1

-

-

74.0

-

1.5

231.9

(5.4)

-

302.0

(29.2)

-

272.8

11.6

-

(0.1)

(2.3)

-

-

(168.2)

(1.6)

(160.6)

10.6

(6.1)

-

(90.0)

(38.8)

(112.3) 

(124.3)

75.0 

(1.6) 

73.4 

(12.1)

10.5

(1.6)

88

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

FOR  T HE YEAR E NDE D 31  DEcEmbE R 2 0 12

1. General information 

overview
Travis Perkins plc is a company incorporated in the United Kingdom 
under the companies Act 2006. The address of the registered office is 
given on page 137. The nature of the Group’s operations and its principal 
activities are set out in the chief Executive’s review of the year, the 
Deputy chief Executive’s review of the year and the Finance Director’s 
review of the year on pages 38 to 43.

These financial statements are presented in pounds sterling, the 
currency of the primary economic environment in which the Group 
operates.

Basis of accounting
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’) issued by the 
International Accounting Standards board. The financial statements have 
also been prepared in accordance with IFRS adopted by the European 
Union and therefore the Group financial statements comply with Article 4 
of the EU IAS Regulations.

Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared on the historic cost basis, 
except that derivative financial instruments are stated at their fair value. 
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the 
company and all entities controlled by the company (its subsidiaries) 
(together referred to as ‘the Group’) from the date control commences 
until the date that control ceases. control is achieved where the company 
has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an 
investee entity to obtain benefits from its activities. As such, the results 
of subsidiaries acquired during the year are included in the consolidated 
income statement from the effective date of acquisition.

In the current financial year, the Group has adopted the following, 

		IAS	1	amendments	Presentation	of	financial	statements

which did not have a material impact:
•	
At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, the following 
Standards and Interpretations, which have not yet been applied in these 
financial statements, were in issue, but not yet effective: 
•	 IAS	19	(revised)	Employee	benefits;	
•	 IAS	27	(revised)	Separate	Financial	Statements;
•	 IAS	28	(revised)Investments	in	Associates	and	Joint	Ventures	(2011);
•	 IAS	32	(amended)	Offsetting	Financial	Assets	and	Liabilities;
•	 IFRS	9	Financial	Instruments	(2009);
•	 IFRS	10	Consolidated	Financial	Statements;
•	 IFRS	11	Joint	Arrangements;
•	 IFRS	12	Disclosure	of	Interests	in	Other	Entities;
•	 IFRS	13	Fair	Value	Measurement.
The Directors anticipate that adoption of these Standards and 
Interpretations in future periods will have no material impact on the 
financial statements of the Group except as follows:

As the Group has always recognised actuarial gains and losses 

immediately, there will be no effect on the defined benefit obligation of all 
defined benefit schemes and consequently no effect on the balance sheet 
disclosures. IAS 19 revised requires interest cost and return on scheme 
assets calculated under the previous version of IAS 19 to be replaced with 
a net interest amount calculated by applying a discount rate to the net 
defined liability or asset. The impact of this revision on profit before tax in 
2012 would be to lower profit before tax by approximately £12m.

management is currently of the opinion that the Group’s forecasts 
and projections, show that the Group should be able to operate within 
its current facilities and comply with its banking covenants. The Group 
is, however, exposed to a number of significant risks and uncertainties, 

which could affect the Group’s ability to meet management’s forecast and 
projections and hence its ability to meet its banking covenants. 

The Directors believe that the Group has the flexibility to react to 
changing market conditions and is adequately placed to manage its 
business risks successfully despite the current uncertain economic 
outlook and challenging macro economic conditions. 

A detailed consideration of going concern, risks and uncertainties is 
provided in the Finance Director’s review of the year on pages 38 to 43.

After making enquiries, the Directors have formed a judgement at the 

time of approving the financial statements, that there is a reasonable 
expectation that the company and the Group have adequate resources 
to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this 
reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the 
financial statements.

2. significant accounting policies

The principal accounting policies adopted in preparing the financial 
statements are set out below.

revenue recognition
Revenue is recognised when goods or services are received by the 
customer and the risks and rewards of ownership have passed to them. 
Revenue is measured at the fair value of consideration received or 
receivable and represents amounts receivable for goods and services 
provided in the normal course of business, net of discounts and value 
added tax. For the Parent company, revenue comprises management 
charges receivable and dividend income received.

Exceptional items
Exceptional items are those items of income and expenditure that 
by reference to the Group are material in size or unusual in nature or 
incidence, that in the judgement of the Directors, should be disclosed 
separately on the face of the financial statements (or in the notes in 
the case of a segment) to ensure both that the reader has a proper 
understanding of the Group’s financial performance and that there is 
comparability of financial performance between periods.

Items of income or expense that are considered by the Directors 
for designation as exceptional items include, but are not limited to, 
significant restructurings, onerous contracts, write-downs or impairments 
of current and non-current assets, the costs of acquiring and integrating 
businesses, gains or losses on disposals of businesses and investments, 
re-measurement gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value of 
derivative financial instruments to the extent that hedge accounting is 
not achieved or is not effective and pension scheme curtailment gains.

Business combinations and goodwill
All business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition 
method. The cost of an acquisition represents the cash value of the 
consideration and/or the fair value of the shares issued on the date the 
offer became unconditional. The acquiree’s identifiable assets, liabilities 
and contingent liabilities that meet the conditions for recognition under 
IFRS 3 (2008) are recognised at their fair value at the acquisition date 
except that:
•	

	Deferred	tax	assets	or	liabilities	and	liabilities	or	assets	related	to	
employee benefit arrangements are recognised and measured in 
accordance with IAS 12 Income Taxes and IAS 19 Employee benefits 
respectively;
	Liabilities	or	equity	instruments	related	to	the	replacement	by	the	
Group of an acquiree’s share-based payment awards are measured in 
accordance with IFRS 2 Share-based Payment;

•	

89

FINANCIALSTATEMENTSTRAVIS PERKINS ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2012•	

	Assets	(or	disposal	groups)	that	are	classified	as	held	for	sale	in	
accordance with IFRS 5 Non-current Assets Held for Sale and 
Discontinued Operations are measured in accordance with that 
Standard

Where a business combination is achieved in stages, the Group’s 
previously held interests in the acquired entity are remeasured to fair 
value at the acquisition date and the resulting gain or loss, if any, is 
recognised in the income statement.

Goodwill arising on acquisition represents the excess of the cost of 
acquisition over the share of the aggregate fair value of identifiable net 
assets (including intangible assets) of a business or a subsidiary at 
the date of acquisition. All material intangible fixed assets obtained on 
acquisition have been recognised separately in the financial statements. 
Goodwill is initially recognised as an asset and allocated to cash 
generating units or groups of cash generating units that are expected to 
benefit from the synergies of the combination, then at least annually, is 
reviewed for impairment. Any impairment is recognised immediately in 
the income statement and is not subsequently reversed, as such, goodwill 
is stated in the balance sheet at cost less any provisions for impairment 
in value.

Goodwill arising on acquisitions before the date of transition to IFRS 
(1 January 2004) has been retained at the previous UK GAAP amounts 
subject to being tested for impairment at that date. Goodwill 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.

Liabilities for contingent consideration are classified as fair value 

through profit and loss.

Investments in associates
An associate is an entity over which the Group has significant influence, 
but not control or joint control through participation in the financial 
and operating policy decisions of the investee. The results, assets, and 
liabilities of associates are incorporated in these financial statements 
using the equity method of accounting. Investments in associates are 
carried in the balance sheet at cost as adjusted by post acquisition 
changes in the Group’s share of the net assets of the associate, less any 
impairment in the value of individual investments.

Intangible assets
Intangible assets identified as part of the assets of an acquired business 
are capitalised separately from goodwill if the fair value can be measured 
reliably on initial recognition. Intangible assets are amortised to the 
income statement on a straight-line basis over a maximum of 20 years 
except where they are considered to have an indefinite useful life. In the 
latter instance, they are reviewed annually for impairment.

Investment properties
Investment properties, which are held to earn rental income or for capital 
appreciation or for both, are stated at deemed cost less depreciation. 
Properties are depreciated to their estimated residual value on a straight-
line basis over their estimated useful lives, up to a maximum of 50 years. 
Rental income from investment property is recognised in the income 

statement on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

Assets held for sale
Assets held for sale are measured at the lower of carrying amount and fair 
value less costs to sell. Assets are held for sale if their carrying amount 
will be recovered through a sale transaction rather than continuing use. 
This condition is regarded as met only when the sale is highly probable 
and the asset is available for sale in its present condition.

property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost or deemed cost less 
accumulated depreciation and any impairment in value. Assets are 
depreciated to their estimated residual value on a straight-line basis over 
their estimated useful lives as follows:
•	

	Buildings	-	50	years	or	if	lower,	the	estimated	useful	life	of	the	building	
or the life of the lease;

•	 Plant	and	equipment	-	4	to	10	years;
•	 Freehold	land	is	not	depreciated.
Assets held under finance leases are depreciated over their expected 
useful lives on the same basis as owned assets, or where shorter, the term 
of the relevant lease. 

The gain or loss arising on the disposal or retirement of an asset is 
determined as the difference between the sale proceeds net of expenses 
and the carrying amount of the asset in the balance sheet and is 
recognised in the income statement. Where appropriate, the attributable 
revaluation reserve remaining in respect of properties revalued prior to 
the adoption of IFRS is transferred directly to accumulated profits.

Leases
Finance leases, which transfer to the Group substantially all the risks 
and benefits incidental to ownership of the leased item, are capitalised at 
the inception of the lease at the fair value of the leased asset or, if lower, 
at the present value of the minimum lease payments. Lease payments 
are apportioned between the finance charges and reduction of the lease 
liability to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance 
of the liability. Finance charges are charged directly against income. 
capitalised leased assets are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated 
useful life of the asset or the lease term. Leases where the lessor retains 
substantially all the risks and benefits of ownership of the asset are 
classified as operating leases. 

Operating lease rental payments are recognised as an expense in the 

income statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term. 

Reverse lease premia and other incentives receivable for entering into a 
lease agreement are recognised in the income statement on a straight line 
basis over the life of the lease.

Impairment of tangible and intangible assets excluding goodwill
The carrying amounts of the Group’s tangible and intangible assets 
are reviewed at each balance sheet date to determine whether there is 
any indication of impairment. If such an indication exists, the asset’s 
recoverable amount is estimated and compared to its carrying value. 
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 (‘cGU’) to which the asset belongs. Where the carrying 
value exceeds the recoverable amount a provision for the impairment loss 
is established with a charge being made to the income statement.

For intangible assets that have an indefinite useful life the recoverable 

amount is estimated at each annual balance sheet date.

Impairment losses recognised in respect of a cGU are allocated first 
to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the cGU and 
then to reduce the carrying amount of the other assets in the unit on a 
pro-rata basis.

Inventories
Inventories, which consist of goods for resale, are stated at the lower of 
average weighted cost and net realisable value. cost comprises direct 
materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads 
that have been incurred in bringing the inventories to their present 
location and condition. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price 
less the estimated costs of disposal.

90

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFinancial instruments
Financial assets and liabilities are recognised in the balance sheet 
when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the 
instrument.

trade receivables
Trade receivables are measured at amortised cost, which is carrying 
amount less provision for irrecoverable amounts. Allowances for the 
estimated irrecoverable amounts are made in the income statement when 
the receivable is considered to be uncollectible.

Impairment of financial assets
Financial assets are treated as impaired when in the opinion of the 
Directors, the likelihood of full recovery is diminished by either events or 
change of circumstance.

Cash and cash equivalents
cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and call deposits with 
an original maturity of three months or less. 

Bank and other borrowings
Interest bearing bank loans and overdrafts, loan notes and other loans 
are recognised in the balance sheet at amortised cost. Finance charges 
associated with arranging a bank facility are recognised in the income 
statement over the life of the facility. All other borrowing costs are 
recognised in the income statement in the period in which they are 
incurred.

trade payables
Trade payables are measured at amortised cost.

Foreign currencies
Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are recorded at the rates 
ruling on the date of the transaction.

At the consolidated balance sheet date, unhedged monetary assets 
and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rate 
of exchange ruling at that date. Foreign exchange differences arising on 
translation are recognised in the income statement.

Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting
The Group uses derivative financial instruments to hedge its exposure to 
interest rate and foreign exchange risks arising from financing activities. 
The Group does not enter into speculative financial instruments. In 
accordance with its treasury policy, the Group does not hold or issue 
derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. 

Derivative financial instruments are stated at fair value. The fair value 

of derivative financial instruments is the estimated amount the Group 
would receive or pay to terminate the derivative at the balance sheet date, 
taking into account current interest and exchange rates and the current 
creditworthiness of the counterparties. 

changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments, that 
are designated and effective as hedges of the future variability of cash 
flows, are recognised in equity and the ineffective portion is recognised 
immediately in the income statement.

For an effective hedge of an exposure to changes in the fair value 
of a hedged item, the hedged item is adjusted for changes in fair value 
attributable to the risk being hedged with the corresponding entry in the 
income statement. 

For derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting, any gains 

or losses arising from changes in fair value are taken to the income 
statement as they arise.

Derivatives embedded in commercial contracts are treated as separate 
derivatives when their risks and characteristics are not closely related to 
those of the underlying contracts, with unrealised gains or losses being 
reported in the income statement. 

The fair value of hedged derivatives is classified as a non-current 
asset or non-current liability if the remaining maturity of the hedge 
relationship is more than 12 months, otherwise they are classified as 
current.

Foreign currency forward contracts not designated effective hedges 
are marked to market at the balance sheet date, with any gains or losses 
being taken through the income statement.

Financial assets and financial liabilities
Financial assets are classified into the following specified categories: 
financial assets at ‘fair value through profit or loss’ (‘FVTPL’), ‘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 liabilities are classified as either financial liabilities ‘at 
FVTPL’ or ‘other financial liabilities’ and trade and other payables.
The Group has defined the classes of financial assets to be other 

financial assets, cash and borrowings and derivative financial 
instruments.

Financial assets and financial liabilities at FvtpL
Financial assets and financial liabilities are classified as at FVTPL where 
the financial asset or the financial liability is either held for trading or it is 
designated as FVTPL.
A financial asset or financial liability is classified as held for trading if it:
	Has	been	acquired	principally	for	the	purpose	of	selling	or	of	disposal	
•	
in the near future; or
	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
	Is	a	derivative	that	is	not	designated	and	effective	as	a	hedging	
instrument.

•	

•	

Financial assets and financial liabilities at FVTPL are stated at fair value, 
with any resultant gain or loss recognised in the income statement unless 
it is an effective cash flow relationship. The net gain or loss recognised 
in the income statement incorporates any interest earned or paid on the 
financial asset and financial liability respectively.

Loans and receivables
Trade receivables 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, which applies to all amounts owed to the Group when the 
recognition of interest would be immaterial. 

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 is the rate that exactly discounts estimated 
future cash payments through the expected life of the financial liability, 
or, where appropriate, a shorter period.

91

FINANCIALSTATEMENTSTRAVIS PERKINS ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2012 
Derecognition of financial assets and financial liabilities
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.

The Group derecognises financial liabilities when, and only when, the 

Group’s obligations are discharged, cancelled or they expire.

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

The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable 
profit differs from net profit as reported in the income statement because 
it  excludes  items  of  income  and  expense  that  are  taxable  or  deductible 
in  other  years  and  it  further  excludes  items,  which  are  never  taxable  or 
deductible. The Group’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates 
that have been enacted or substantially 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. This 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 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 is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in 

the period when the liability is settled or the asset realised. Deferred tax 
is charged or credited in the income statement, except when it relates to 
items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred 
tax is also dealt with in equity.

pensions and other post-employment benefits
For defined benefit schemes, operating profit is charged with the cost 
of providing pension benefits earned by employees in the period. The 
expected return on pension scheme assets less the interest on pension 
scheme liabilities is shown as finance income or as a finance cost within 
the income statement.

Actuarial gains and losses arising in the period from the difference 

between actual and expected returns on pension scheme assets, 
experience gains and losses on pension scheme liabilities and the effects 
of changes in demographics and financial assumptions are included in 
the statement of comprehensive income.

Recoverable pension scheme surpluses and pension scheme deficits 

and the associated deferred tax balances are recognised in full in the 
period in which they occur and are included in the balance sheet.

Obligations for contributions to defined contribution pension plans are 

recognised as an expense in the income statement as incurred.

Employee share incentive plans
The Group issues equity-settled share-based payments to certain 
employees (long-term incentives, executive share options and Save as 
You Earn). These payments are measured at fair value at the date of grant 
by the use of the black Scholes option-pricing model taking into account 
the terms and conditions upon which the options were granted. The cost 
of equity-settled awards is recognised on a straight-line basis over the 
vesting period, based on the Group’s estimate of the number of shares that 
will eventually vest. 

provisions
A provision is recognised in the balance sheet when the Group has a 
present legal or constructive obligation because of a past event, and it is 
probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle 
the 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.

Equity instruments and own shares 
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 at 1 January 2005.

Equity instruments represent the ordinary share capital of the Group 

and are recorded at the proceeds received, net of directly attributable 
incremental issue costs.

consideration paid by the Group for its own shares is deducted from 
total shareholders’ equity. Where such shares vest to employees under 
the terms of the Group’s share incentive schemes or the Group’s share 
save schemes or are sold, any consideration received is included in 
shareholders’ equity.

Dividends
Dividends proposed by the board of Directors and unpaid at the period 
end are not recognised in the financial statements until they have been 
approved by shareholders at the Annual General meeting.

3. Critical judgements and  
key sources of estimation and uncertainty

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in 
accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASb. The preparation of financial 
statements requires the Directors to make estimates and assumptions 
about future events that affect the reported amounts of assets and 
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Future events 
and their effects cannot be determined with certainty. Therefore, the 
determination of estimates requires the exercise of judgement based 
on various assumptions and other factors such as historical experience, 
current and expected economic conditions. The Directors frequently 
re-evaluate these significant factors and make adjustments where facts 
and circumstances dictate. The Directors believe that the following 
accounting policies are critical due to the degree of estimation required 
and / or the potential material impact they may have on the Group’s 
financial position and performance.

Income taxes
The Group is subject to the income tax laws of the United Kingdom. These 

92

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSlaws are complex and subject to different interpretations by taxpayers 
and tax authorities. When establishing income tax provisions, the 
Directors make a number of judgements and interpretations about the 
application and interaction of these laws. changes in these tax laws or 
in their interpretation could affect the Group’s effective tax rate and 
the results of operations in a given period. Accordingly, potentially 
significant tax benefits will not be recognised until there is sufficient 
certainty that they will be accepted by HmRc.

Cash generating units
The Directors consider that individual assets do not generate cash 
flows that are largely independent of those from other assets and 
consequently that, for the purposes of impairment testing, each branch 
in the Group is a cash generating unit. Impairment testing of property 
plant and equipment is carried out at individual branch level. Goodwill 
and other intangibles impairment testing is carried out at brand level as 
described in note 13. 

Goodwill and intangible assets
In testing for impairment, the recoverable amount of goodwill and 
intangible assets is determined by reference to the value in use of the 
cGU grouping to which they are attributed. In addition the Directors 
have made certain assumptions concerning discount rates and the 
future development of the business that are consistent with its five-year 
plan. Whilst the Directors consider their assumptions to be realistic, 
should actual results, including those for market volume changes, be 
different from expectations, for instance due to a worsening of the UK 
economy, then it is possible that the value of goodwill and intangible 
assets included in the balance sheet could become impaired. 

The pre-tax discount rate is derived from the Group’s weighted 

average cost of capital (‘WAcc’) calculated by the Group’s advisors. The 
WAcc is based upon the risk free rate for ten-year UK gilts, adjusted 
for the UK market risk premium, which reflects the increased risk of 
investing in UK equities and the relative volatilities of the equity of the 
Group compared to the market as a whole. In arriving at the discount 
rate the Directors have applied an adjustment to reflect their view of the 
relative risk of the Group’s operations. Further details concerning the 
judgements made by the Directors in respect of goodwill and intangible 
assets and the impairment testing thereof, are given in note 13.

toolstation consideration
The final consideration for Toolstation will be determined by reference 
to a multiple of the EbITDA of the business in 2013. At the balance 
sheet date, the Directors have estimated Toolstation’s 2013 EbITDA 
from which they have calculated an estimated creditor for the final 

consideration payable and included it in the balance sheet. Should 
the company’s 2013 EbITDA change from that estimated, the final 
consideration will be different, but in the opinion of the directors any 
difference is unlikely to be material. 

pension assumptions
The Group has chosen to adopt assumptions that the Directors believe 
are generally in line with the median for comparable companies. If the 
future return on equities is lower than anticipated, which from 2013, will 
be equal to the discount rate applied to the pension scheme liability, 
or if the difference between actual inflation and the actual increase 
in pensionable salaries is greater than that assumed, or if long term 
interest rates were lower than assumed, or if the average life expectancy 
of pensioners increases, then the pension deficit would be greater than 
currently stated in the balance sheet.

property leases
The Group is party to a number of leases on properties that are no longer 
required  for  trading.  Whilst  every  effort  is  made  to  profitably  sub-let 
these properties, it is not always possible. Where a lease is onerous to 
the Group, a provision is established for the difference between amounts 
contractually payable to the property owner and to local authorities and 
amounts expected to be received from the tenant (if any) for the period 
up until the point it is judged that the lease will no longer be onerous. The 
Directors believe that their estimates, which are based upon the current 
state of the UK property market, are appropriate. However, it is possible 
that it will take longer (or in some cases less time) to dispose of leases 
than they anticipate. As a result, the provisions may be mis-stated, but in 
the opinion of the Directors, this is unlikely to be material.

Insurance provisions
The Group has been substantially self-insured since 2001. The nature 
of insurance claims is that they frequently take many years to fully 
crystallise, therefore the Directors have to estimate the value of 
provisions to hold in the balance sheet in respect of historical claims. 
Under the guidance of the Group’s insurance advisors, the value of 
incurred claims is estimated using the Generalised cape cod method. 
The provision is determined by deducting the value of claims settled to 
date from the estimated level of claims incurred. Whilst the Generalised 
cape cod method is an insurance industry standard methodology, it 
relies on historical trends to determine the level of expected claims. 
To the extent that the estimates are inaccurate the Group may be 
underprovided, but in the opinion of the Directors, any under-provision 
is unlikely to be material.

93

FINANCIALSTATEMENTSTRAVIS PERKINS ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 20124. revenue

Sale of goods 
management charges 
Dividends from subsidiaries 

Other operating income 
Finance income 

5. profit

a. Operating profit

Revenue 
cost of sales 

Gross profit 
Selling and distribution costs 
Administrative expenses 
Other operating income 
Share of results of associate 

Operating profit 
Add back exceptional items  
Add back amortisation of intangible assets 

Adjusted operating profit  

Exceptional items

bSS integration costs 
Onerous lease provision release 
Toolstation investment fair value adjustment 
Toolstation consideration fair value adjustment 

T HE  GRO UP 
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––		

T HE  cOmPAN Y
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012  
£m 

4,844.9 
- 
- 

4,844.9 
19.3 
13.8 

4,878.0 

2011 
£m 

4,779.1 
- 
- 

4,779.1 
20.5 
22.4 

4,822.0 

2012 
£m 

- 
7.9 
74.2 

82.1 
- 
3.7 

85.8 

2011 
£m

-
6.9
79.1

86.0
-
19.5

105.5

T HE  GRO UP 
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––		

T HE  cOmPAN Y
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012  
£m 

4,844.9 
(3,381.1) 

1,463.8 
(907.8) 
(274.5) 
19.3 
(0.3) 

300.5 
8.7 
17.4 

326.6 

2011 
£m 

4,779.1 
(3,355.8) 

1,423.3 
(882.1) 
(270.6) 
20.5 
(0.6) 

290.5 
9.8 
12.9 

313.2 

2012 
£m 

82.1 
- 

82.1 
- 
(19.8) 
- 
- 

62.3 
- 
- 

62.3 

2012 
£m 
(14.7) 
6.0 
35.3 
4.2 

30.8 

2011 
£m

86.0
-

86.0
-
(17.1)
-
-

68.9
-
-

68.9

2011 
£m
(9.8)
-
-
-

(9.8)

The Group incurred £14.7m of exceptional operating charges in 2012 (2011: £9.8m) as a result of integrating bSS into the Group. The charges arose mainly 
as a result of the on-going programme to integrate bSS colleagues, systems and processes into the Group, although in 2011 there was a £2.2m charge due 
to the closure and disposal of businesses that were determined to be non-core to the Group’s operations.

The Group released £6.0m through operating profit as exceptional items for onerous lease provisions that are no longer required because properties have 

been sublet.

The Group recognised £35.3m of exceptional fair value gains in investment income when the requirements of IFRS 3 (2008) business combinations were 
applied to the investments held in Toolstation. This acquisition has resulted in the Group’s existing 30% associate interest being re-measured to its fair 
value at the acquisition date. The exceptional item recognised by the Group was £2.1m higher due to the revaluation of the intra-group loan. 

In accordance with IAS 39 the contingent consideration payable in respect of Toolstation has been reassessed at 31 December 2012 and as a result 
the discounted amount previously recognised of £51.2m has been reduced to £47.0m with the difference of £4.2m being credited to income statement as 
exceptional investment income.

To enable readers of the financial statements to obtain a clear understanding of underlying trading, the Directors have shown the exceptional items 

separately in the group income statement. 

94

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5. Profit continued

Operating profit has been arrived at after charging / (crediting):

T HE  GRO UP 
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––		

T HE  cOmPAN Y
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

movement of provisions against inventories 
cost of inventories recognised as an expense 
Pension costs included in cost of sales 
Pension costs in administration expenses 
Pension costs in selling and distribution costs 
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 
Staff costs (see note 7) 
Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment 
Rental income 
Hire of vehicles, plant and machinery 
Other	leasing	charges	–	property	
Amortisation of intangible assets 
Auditor remuneration for audit services 

2012  
£m 

(0.4) 
3,381.5 
0.5 
4.1 
12.6 
69.4 
605.1 
(17.1) 
(4.2) 
34.0 
175.6 
17.4 
0.4 

2011 
£m 

(0.3) 
3,356.1 
0.5 
1.4 
10.9 
63.9 
579.7 
(16.3) 
(4.2) 
33.4 
164.3 
12.9 
0.4 

During the year the Group incurred the following costs for services provided by the company’s auditor:

Fees payable to the company’s auditor for the audit of the company’s annual accounts 
Fees payable to the company’s auditor for the audit of the company’s subsidiaries 
Fees paid to the company’s auditor for other services: 

Audit related assurance services 
Other	services	relating	to	taxation	–	advisory	

2012 
£m 

- 
- 
- 
0.4 
- 
- 
11.5 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
0.1 

2011 
£m

-
-
-
0.4
-
-
12.4
-
-
-
-
-
0.1

T HE  GRO UP
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012 
£000 

106 
325 

73 
56 

560 

2011 
£000

104
297

107
192

700

Audit related assurance services includes £18,000 (2011: £17,000) which was paid to the auditor by the Travis Perkins Pension and Dependents benefit 
Scheme. 

A description of the work of the Audit committee is set out in the Audit committee report on pages 61 to 63, and includes an explanation of how auditor 

objectivity and independence is safeguarded when non-audit services are provided by the auditor.

b. Adjusted profit before and after tax

Profit before tax 
Exceptional items  
Amortisation of intangible assets 

Adjusted profit before tax 

Profit after tax 
Exceptional items 
Amortisation of intangible assets 
Tax on exceptional items and amortisation 
Effect of reduction in corporation tax rate on deferred tax 

Adjusted profit after tax  

T HE  GRO UP
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012 
£m 

313.3 
(30.8) 
17.4 

299.9 

2011 
£m

269.6
14.2
12.9

296.7

T HE  GRO UP
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012 
£m 

259.6 
(30.8) 
17.4 
(6.1) 
(13.3) 

226.8 

2011 
£m

212.4
14.2
12.9
(7.9)
(12.6)

219.0

95

FINANCIALSTATEMENTSTRAVIS PERKINS ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2012 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5. Profit continued

 c. Adjusted operating margin

General 
merchanting 
––––––––––––––––––––––	

2012 
£m 

2011 
£m 

Specialist 
merchanting 
––––––––––––––––––––––	

2012 
£m 

2011 
£m 

consumer 
––––––––––––––––––––––	

2012 
£m 

2011 
£m 

Plumbing 
& Heating 
––––––––––––––––––––––	

2012 
£m 

2011 
£m 

Revenue 

1,456.7  1,443.3 

603.6 

582.2 

1,152.5  1,017.8 

1,632.1  1,735.8 

Unallocated 
––––––––––––––––––––––	

2011 
£m 

2012 
£m 

- 

Group
––––––––––––––––––––––

2012 
£m 

2011 
£m

- 

4,844.9  4,779.1

Segment result 
Amortisation of

intangible assets 

Exceptional items 

Adjusted segment

result 

Adjusted operating 

167.3 

164.6 

31.3 

25.3 

65.8 

46.0 

45.8 

63.6 

(9.7) 

(9.0) 

300.5 

290.5

- 
- 

- 
5.9 

- 
0.2 

- 
0.6 

4.9 
(6.0) 

- 
- 

12.5 
14.5 

12.9 
3.3 

- 
- 

- 
- 

17.4 
8.7 

12.9
9.8

167.3 

170.5 

31.5 

25.9 

64.7 

46.0 

72.8 

79.8 

(9.7) 

(9.0) 

326.6 

313.2

margin 

11.5% 

11.8% 

5.2% 

4.4% 

5.6% 

4.5% 

4.5% 

4.6% 

- 

- 

6.7% 

6.6%

Segmental information is shown in note 6. As outlined in note 6, on 1 January 2012 the Group was reorganised into four divisions, General merchanting, 
Specialist merchanting, consumer and Plumbing and Heating. 

6. Business and geographical segments

As required by IFRS 8 the operating segments are identified on the basis of internal reports about components of the Group that are regularly reviewed 
by the chief Executive to assess their performance. On 1 January 2012, the Group was reorganised into four divisions, General merchanting, Specialist 
merchanting,  consumer  and  Plumbing  and  Heating.  Prior  year  figures  have  been  restated  to  reflect  the  new  segments.  All  four  divisions  sell  building 
materials  to  a  wide  range  of  customers,  none  of  which  are  dominant,  and  operate  almost  exclusively  in  the  United  Kingdom  and  consequently  no 
geographical information is presented.

Segment profit represents the profit earned by each segment without allocation of certain central costs, finance income and costs and income tax 
expense.  Unallocated  segment  assets  and  liabilities  comprise  financial  instruments,  current  and  deferred  taxation,  cash  and  borrowings  and  pension 
scheme assets and liabilities.

 Inter-segment sales are eliminated. During 2012 and 2011 there were no impairment losses or reversals of impairment losses recognised in profit or loss 

or in equity in any of the reportable segments.

2012
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

General  
merchanting 
£m 

Specialist 
merchanting 
£m 

1,456.7 

603.6 

consumer  
£m 

1,152.5 

Plumbing 
& Heating 
£m 

1,632.1 

Unallocated 
£m 

Eliminations 
£m 

consolidated
£m

- 

(9.7) 

- 
13.8 
(40.5) 

(36.4) 
(53.7) 

(90.1) 

- 

- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

- 

4,844.9

300.5

39.5
13.8
(40.5)

313.3
(53.7)

259.6

65.8 

39.5 
- 
- 

105.3 
- 

105.3 

45.8 

- 
- 
- 

45.8 
- 

45.8 

1,653.4 

1,166.6 

179.3 

(1,233.5) 

4,357.2

(415.5) 

(232.4) 

(1,961.3) 

1,233.5 

(2,049.1)

1,237.9 

934.2 

(1,782.0) 

(6.0) 
17.8 
4.9 
17.8 

14.5 
11.0 
12.5 
9.7 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

2,308.1

8.7
84.5
17.4
69.4 

167.3 

31.3 

- 
- 
- 

167.3 
- 

167.3 

2,121.7 

(659.7) 

1,462.0 

- 
44.2 
- 
33.6 

- 
- 
- 

31.3 
- 

31.3 

469.7 

(13.7) 

456.0 

0.2 
11.5 
- 
8.3 

Revenue 

Result 
Segment result 

Exceptional investment income 
Finance income 
Finance costs 

Profit before taxation 
Taxation 

Profit for the year 

Segment assets 

Segment liabilities 

consolidated net assets 

Exceptional items 
capital expenditure 
Amortisation 
Depreciation 

96

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6. business and geographical segments continued

2011
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

General  
merchanting 
£m 

Specialist 
merchanting 
£m 

1,443.3 

582.2 

consumer  
£m 

1,017.8 

Plumbing &
Heating 
£m 

1,735.8 

Revenue 

Result 
Segment result 

Finance income 
Finance costs 

Profit before taxation 
Taxation 

Profit for the year 

Segment assets 

Segment liabilities 

consolidated net assets 

Exceptional items 
capital expenditure 
Amortisation 
Depreciation 

164.6 

- 
- 

164.6 
- 

164.6 

2,096.3 

(655.6) 

1,440.7 

5.9 
58.1 
- 
32.6 

25.3 

- 
- 

25.3 
- 

25.3 

457.9 

(17.6) 

440.3 

0.6 
14.8 
- 
7.7 

Unallocated segment assets and liabilities comprise the following:

Assets
Interest in associates 
Financial instruments 
cash and cash equivalents 
Retirement benefit asset  
Unallocated corporate assets 

Liabilities 
Financial instruments 
Tax liabilities 
Deferred tax liabilities 
Retirement benefit obligations 
Interest bearing loans, borrowings and loan notes  
Intra-group creditors 
Unallocated corporate liabilities 

Unallocated 
£m 

Eliminations 
£m 

consolidated
£m

- 

(9.0) 

22.4 
(43.3) 

(29.9) 
(57.2) 

(87.1) 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 

4,779.1

290.5

22.4
(43.3)

269.6
(57.2)

212.4

46.0 

- 
- 

46.0 
- 

46.0 

63.6 

- 
- 

63.6 
- 

63.6 

1,520.3 

1,145.2 

198.7 

(1,227.2) 

4,191.2

(398.7) 

1,121.6 

3.3 
25.8 
- 
13.9 

(288.9) 

(1,949.8) 

1,227.2 

(2,083.4)

856.3 

(1,751.1) 

- 
9.3 
12.9 
9.7 

- 
0.1 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

2012 
£m 

6.7 
25.5 
139.1 
1.6 
6.4 

179.3 

(7.5) 
(74.8) 
(85.0) 
(59.1) 
(591.3) 
(1,124.2) 
(19.4) 

(1,961.3) 

2,107.8

9.8
108.1
12.9
63.9

2011 
£m

51.3
43.4
78.6
19.3
6.1

198.7

(5.9)
(75.9)
(97.4)
(65.0)
(661.8)
(1,026.8)
(17.0)

(1,949.8)

97

FINANCIALSTATEMENTSTRAVIS PERKINS ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2012 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7. staff costs

a. The average monthly number of persons employed (including executive directors)

Sales 
Distribution 
Administration 

b. Aggregate remuneration

Wages and salaries 
Share based payments (note 8) 
Social security costs  
Other pension costs (note 28) 

8. share-based payments

T HE  GRO UP 
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––		

T HE  cOmPAN Y
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012  
No. 

16,150 
3,138 
2,599 

21,887 

2011 
No. 

15,923 
3,240 
2,260 

21,423 

2012 
No. 

- 
- 
50 

50 

2011 
No.

-
-
42

42

T HE  GRO UP 
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––		

T HE  cOmPAN Y
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012  
£m 

541.5 
15.2 
48.4 
17.2 

622.3 

2011 
£m 

519.0 
13.9 
46.8 
12.8 

592.5 

2012 
£m 

6.5 
4.3 
0.7 
0.4 

11.9 

2011 
£m

6.7
5.1
0.6
0.4

12.8

The following disclosures relate to share option and SAYE grants made after 7 November 2002.

The  black-Scholes  option-pricing  model  is  used  to  calculate  the  fair  value  of  the  options  and  the  amount  to  be  expensed.  The  probability  of  the 
performance conditions being achieved was included in the fair value calculations. The inputs into the model for options granted in the year expressed as 
weighted averages are as follows: 

2012 
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––		

2011
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Share price at grant date (pence) - Group 
Option exercise price (pence) - Group 
Share price at grant date (pence) - company 
Option exercise price (pence) - company 
Volatility	(%)	–	Group	and	Company	
Option	life	(years)	–	Group	and	Company	
Risk-free	interest	rate	(%)	–	Group	and	Company	
Expected	dividends	as	a	dividend	yield	(%)	–

 Executive 
options 

912 
806 
912 
806 
53.0% 
3.0 
1.0% 

SAYE 

1,114 
818 
1,114 
818 
38.4% 
3.3 
0.4% 

Group and company 

1.7% 

2.3% 

Nil price  
options 

1,062 
- 
1,062 
- 
40.9% 
3.0 
0.5% 

2.3% 

SAYE 

833 
657 
833 
657 
48.6% 
3.5 
0.9% 

1.8% 

Nil price
options

975
-
975
-
61.4%
3.0
1.7%

1.9%

Volatility was based on historic share prices over a period equal to the vesting period. Option life used in the model has been based on options being 
exercised in accordance with historical patterns. For executive share options the vesting period is 3 years. If options remain unexercised after a period of 10 
years from the date of grant, these options expire. Options are forfeited if the employee leaves the Group before options vest. SAYE options vest after 3 or 5 
years and expire 3½ or 5½ years after the date of grant. 

The risk-free interest rate of return is the yield on zero-coupon UK Government bonds on a term consistent with the vesting period. Dividends used are 

based on actual dividends where data is known and future dividends estimated using a dividend cover of three times. 

The expected life used in the model has been adjusted, based upon management’s best estimate, for the effect of non-transferability, exercise restrictions 

and behavioural considerations.

SAYE  options  were  granted  on  27  September  2012.  The  estimated  fair  value  of  the  shares  at  that  date  was  £5.4m  for  the  Group  and  £0.1m  for  the 

company. 

Shares were granted under the share-matching scheme on 14 march 2012 and 9 may 2012. The estimated fair value of the shares at those dates was 

£5.1m for the Group and £2.4m for the company.

Shares were granted under the performance share plan on 2 march 2012, 20 April 2012 and 22 August 2012. The estimated fair value of the shares at 

those dates was £7.4m for the Group and £2.5m for the company.

Shares were granted under the deferred share bonus plan on 2 march 2012. The estimated fair value of the shares at that date was £1.1m for the Group 

and £0.6m for the company. 

The Group charged £15.2m (2011: £13.9m) and the company charged £4.3m (2011: £5.1m) to the income statement in respect of equity-settled share-

based payment transactions.

98

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
  
8. Share-based payments continued

The number and weighted average exercise price of share options is as follows:

T HE  GRO UP
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012 
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––	

2011
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Weighted 
average 
exercise price 
p 

636 
598 
552 
839 

695 

792 

Number 
of 
 options 
No. 

8,050 
(536) 
(1,379) 
1,583 

7,718 

1,227 

Number 
of nil price 
options 
No. 

Weighted 
average 
exercise price 
p 

Number 
of options 
No. 

Number 
of nil price 
options
No.

4,875 
(92) 
(500) 
1,416 

5,699 

1,540 

582 
778 
392 
657 

636 

718 

8,917 
(1,290) 
(2,473) 
2,896 

8,050 

1,656 

4,454
(712)
(248)
1,381

4,875

-

In thousands of options 
Outstanding at the beginning of the period 
Forfeited during the period 
Exercised during the period 
Granted during the period 

Outstanding at the end of the period 

Exercisable at the end of the period 

Share options were exercised on a regular basis throughout the year. The weighted average share price for options exercised during the year was 1,037 
pence (2011: 837 pence).

Details of the options outstanding at 31 December 2012 were as follows:

Range of exercise prices (pence) 
Weighted average exercise price (pence)  
Number of shares (thousands) 
Weighted average expected remaining life (years) 
Weighted average contractual remaining life (years) 

T HE  GRO UP
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012 
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––	

2011
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Executive 
options 

201-1,611 
880 
1,499 
0.7 
4.9 

SAYE 

442-1,114 
651 
6,220 
2.1 
2.6 

Nil price 
options 

- 
- 
5,699 
0.9 
7.7 

Executive 
options 

201-1,611 
733 
1,992 
0.7 
5.3 

SAYE 

442-1,114 
604 
6,058 
2.6 
3.1 

Nil price  
options

-
-
4,874
1.2
8.2

If all 1.5 million outstanding executive options vest and then are exercised on the date of vesting, or in the case of SAYE all 6.2 million shares are acquired 
on the first possible day, 7.7 million of shares will be issued for a consideration of £53.7m in the years ending 31 December:

31 December 

2013 

2014 

2015 

2016 

2017

Options 

SAYE 

No. 
m 

1.2 

1.9 

Value  
£m 

10.4 

9.5 

No. 
m 

0.2 

2.1 

Value 
£m  

1.4 

13.8 

No. 
m 

0.1 

1.4 

Value 
£m  

1.4 

11.2 

No. 
m 

- 

0.6 

Value 
£m 

- 

4.1 

No. 
m 

- 

0.2 

Value 
£m

-

1.9

The table above shows theoretical amounts. For the company to receive the cash indicated in the periods shown, the following must occur:
•	 All	performance	conditions	on	executive	share	options	must	be	fully	met;
•	 Options	must	be	exercised	on	the	day	they	vest	(option	holders	generally	have	a	7	year	period	post	vesting	to	exercise	the	option);
•	 The	share	price	at	the	exercise	date	for	SAYE	options	must	exceed	the	exercise	price	and	every	holder	must	exercise;
•	 All	option/SAYE	holders	must	remain	with	the	Company,	or	leave	on	good	terms.
If none of the requirements are met then the company will receive no consideration.

The number and weighted average exercise price of share options is as follows:

In thousands of options 
Outstanding at the beginning of the period 
Forfeited during the period 
Exercised during the period 
Transferred from other group companies 
Granted during the period 

Outstanding at the end of the period 

Exercisable at the end of the period 

T HE  cOmPA NY
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012 
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––	

2011
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Weighted 
average 
exercise price 
p 

Number 
of 
 options 
No. 

Number 
of nil price 
options 
No. 

Weighted 
average 
exercise price 
p 

Number 
of options 
No. 

Number 
of nil price 
options
No.

606 
746 
372 
746 
918 

756 

784 

111 
(96) 
(44) 
317 
12 

300 

219 

2,197 
- 
(15) 
80 
575 

2,837 

126 

698 
362 
952 
- 
657 

606 

713 

473 
(55) 
(318) 
- 
11 

111 

33 

2,166
(361)
(168)
-
560

2,197

-

99

FINANCIALSTATEMENTSTRAVIS PERKINS ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2012 
	
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
8. Share-based payments continued

Details of the options outstanding at 31 December 2012 were as follows:

T HE  cOmPAN Y
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012 
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––	

2011
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Executive 
options 

201 - 1,611 
806 
241 
0.3 
4.0 

SAYE 

442 - 1,114 
548 
58 
1.5 
2.0 

Nil price 
options 

- 
- 
2,837 
0.7 
7.5 

Executive 
options 

201 - 1,611 
700 
54 
1.0 
6.0 

SAYE 

442 - 1,114 
516 
56 
2.2 
2.7 

Nil price  
options

-
-
2,196
1.1
8.1

Range of exercise prices (pence) 
Weighted average exercise price (pence) 
Number of shares (thousands) 
Weighted average expected remaining life (years) 
Weighted average contractual remaining life (years) 

9. Net finance costs

Interest on bank loans and overdrafts* 
Interest on obligations under finance leases 
Unwinding of discounts 
Amortisation of cancellation payment for swaps accounted for as cash flow hedges   
Other interest 
Net loss on settlement of private placement 
Net loss on re-measurement of derivatives at fair value 

Finance costs 

Other finance income - pension scheme 
Amortisation of cancellation receipt for swap accounted for as fair value hedge 
Net gain on re-measurement of derivatives at fair value 
Interest receivable 

Finance income 

Net finance costs 

Adjusted interest cover 

*Includes £1.2m (2011: £3.1m) of amortised bank finance charges.

T HE  GRO UP
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2011  
Pre-exceptional 
items 
£m 

2011  
Exceptional 
items 
£m 

(26.6) 
(1.2) 
(5.7) 
(4.2) 
(1.2) 
- 
- 

(38.9) 

11.8 
1.1 
5.1 
4.4 

22.4 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(4.4) 
- 

(4.4) 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

(16.5) 

(4.4) 

2012  

£m 

(24.7) 
(1.1) 
(5.0) 
(4.1) 
(1.7) 
- 
(3.9) 

(40.5)  

11.1 
1.0 
1.3 
0.4 

13.8 

(26.7) 

13.1x 

2011

Total 
£m

(26.6)
(1.2)
(5.7)
(4.2)
(1.2)
(4.4)
-

(43.3)

11.8
1.1
5.1
4.4

22.4

(20.9)

15.4x

Adjusted interest cover is calculated by dividing, adjusted operating profit of £326.6m (2011: £313.2m) less £1.5m (2011: £1.5m) of specifically excluded 
IFRS adjustments, by the combined value of interest on bank loans and overdrafts (excluding amortised bank finance charges), other interest payable and 
interest receivable, which total £24.8m (2011: £20.3m). 

The pre exceptional unwinding of the discounts charge arises principally from the property provisions created in 2008 and the liability to the pension 

scheme associated with the SPV.

During 2011 the Group repaid $125m of the bSS unsecured senior notes and terminated the associated derivatives. This resulted in a net loss of £4.4m, 

which was shown as exceptional.

100

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
	
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9. Net finance costs continued

Interest on bank loans and overdrafts* 
Interest payable to group companies 
Amortisation of cancellation payment for swaps accounted for as cash flow hedges 
Other interest 
Net loss on re-measurement of derivatives at fair value 

Finance costs 

Amortisation of cancellation receipt for swap accounted for as fair value hedge 
Net gain on re-measurement of derivatives at fair value 
Interest receivable from group companies 
Interest receivable 

Finance income 

Net finance costs 

*Includes £1.2m (2011: £3.1m) of amortised bank finance charges.

10. tax

current tax
UK corporation tax  
–	current	year	
–	prior	year	

Total current tax 

Deferred tax 
–	current	year	
–	prior	year	

Total deferred tax 

Total tax charge 

T HE  GRO UP 
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––	

2012 
Pre-exceptional 
items 
£m 

2012 
Exceptional 
items 
£m 

2012 

Total 
£m 

2011 
  Pre-exceptional 
items 
£m 

68.0 
(1.1) 

66.9 

1.6 
0.7 

2.3 

69.2 

(2.2) 
- 

(2.2) 

(13.3) 
- 

(13.3) 

(15.5) 

65.8 
(1.1) 

64.7 

(11.7) 
0.7 

(11.0) 

53.7 

72.5 
(1.1) 

71.4 

2.8 
0.3 

3.1 

74.5 

2011 
Exceptional
items 
£m 

(3.3) 
(1.4) 

(4.7) 

(12.6) 
- 

(12.6) 

(17.3) 

2011 

Total 
£m 

69.2 
(2.5) 

66.7 

(9.8) 
0.3 

(9.5) 

57.2 

T HE  cOmPA NY
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012 
£m 

(25.5) 
(15.6) 
(4.1) 
(1.7) 
(3.9) 

(50.8) 

1.0 
1.3 
1.0 
0.4 

3.7 

2011 
£m

(26.4)
(6.4)
(4.2)
(1.2)
(1.6)

(39.8)

1.1
5.1
-
13.3

19.5

(47.1) 

(20.3)

T HE  cOmPAN Y
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012 

2011

£m 

£m

(13.5) 
2.5 

(11.0) 

(2.3) 
0.1 

(2.2) 

(8.1)
(1.4)

(9.5)

(0.6)
-

(0.6)

(13.2) 

(10.1)

The differences between the total tax charge shown above and the amount calculated by applying the standard rate of UK corporation tax to the profit 
before tax are as follows:

T HE  GRO UP
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012 
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––		

2011
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Profit before tax 

Tax at the UK corporation tax rate  
Tax effect of expenses / credits that are not deductible / 

taxable in determining taxable profit 
Depreciation of non-qualifying property 
Exceptional valuation gain not taxable 
Exceptional fair value movement not taxable 
Deferred tax rate change 
Property sales 
Exceptional prior period adjustment 
Prior period adjustment 

Tax expense and effective tax rate for the year 

£m 

313.3 

76.7 

1.1 
2.8 
(8.6) 
(1.0) 
(13.3) 
(3.6) 
- 
(0.4) 

53.7 

% 

24.5 

0.4 
0.9 
(2.7) 
(0.3) 
(4.4) 
(1.2) 
- 
(0.1) 

17.1 

£m 

269.6 

71.4 

1.9 
2.3 
0.5 
- 
(12.6) 
(4.1) 
(1.4) 
(0.8) 

57.2 

%

26.5

0.7
0.8
0.2
-
(4.7)
(1.5)
(0.5)
(0.3)

21.2

101

FINANCIALSTATEMENTSTRAVIS PERKINS ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2012 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
	
 
 
 
10. Tax continued

The tax rate for the year of 24.5% is a blended rate of 26% up to 1 April 2012 and 24% thereafter. The tax charge for 2012 includes an exceptional credit 
of £13.3m arising from the reduction in the rate of UK corporation tax from 25% to 23% on 1 April 2013. Future changes reducing the corporation tax rate 
by 2% to 21% on 1 April 2014 and a further 1% to 20% on 1 April 2015 have been announced, but not substantively enacted and therefore have not been 
taken into account.

If the government announced plans are fully enacted then the statutory rate of corporation tax will fall to 23.25% in 2013, 21.5% in 2014 and 20.25% in 

2015.

In addition to the amount charged to the income statement the following amounts relating to tax have been recognised in other comprehensive income:

Deferred tax
cash flow hedge movement 
Actuarial movement 
Rate change 

T HE  GRO UP 
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––		

T HE  cOmPAN Y
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012  
£m 

(0.9) 
10.4 
(5.5) 

4.0 

2011 
£m 

(0.6) 
12.6 
(4.9) 

7.1 

2012 
£m 

(0.9) 
- 
- 

(0.9) 

2011 
£m

(0.6)
-
-

(0.6)

In addition to the amounts charged to the income statement and other comprehensive income, the following amounts relating to tax have been recognised 
directly in equity:

current tax
Excess tax deductions related to share based payments on exercised options 
Deferred tax 
Rate change on revaluation reserve 
Share based payments 

Profit before tax 
Intercompany dividends 

Loss before tax and dividends received 

Tax at the UK corporation tax rate of 24.5% / 26.5% 
Tax effect of expenses / credits that are not deductible / 

taxable in determining taxable profit 

Prior period adjustment 
Deferred tax rate change 
Exceptional valuation gain not taxable 
Exceptional fair value movement not taxable 
Receipts in subsidiary taxable in company 

Tax expense and effective tax rate for the year 

T HE  GRO UP 
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––		

T HE  cOmPAN Y
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012  
£m 

1.4 

0.9 
2.9 

5.2 

2011 
£m 

1.0 

0.9 
(4.2) 

2.3 

2012 
£m 

- 

- 
3.0 

3.0 

2011 
£m

-

-
(4.1)

(4.1)

T HE  cOmPA NY
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012 
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––		

2011
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

£m 

52.6 
(74.2) 

(21.6) 

(5.3) 

(1.7) 
2.6 
0.4 
(8.2) 
(1.0) 
- 

(13.2) 

% 

(24.5) 

(7.9) 
12.0 
1.9 
(38.0) 
(4.6) 
- 

(61.1) 

£m 

48.6 
(79.1)

(30.5) 

(8.1) 

(1.5) 
(1.4) 
0.6 
- 
- 
0.3 

%

(26.5)

(5.0)
(4.6)
2.0
- 
-
1.0

(10.1) 

(33.1)

102

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
11. Earnings per share

a. basic and diluted earnings per share

Earnings 
Earnings for the purposes of basic and diluted earnings per share 
being net profit attributable to equity holders of the Parent company 

Number of shares 
Weighted average number of shares for the purposes of basic earnings per share 
Dilutive effect of share options on potential ordinary shares 

2012 
£m 

2011 
£m

259.6 

212.4

No. 
238,388,160 
8,809,106 

No.
235,151,104
8,057,058

Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purposes of diluted earnings per share 

247,197,266 

243,208,162

At 31 December 2012, 692,839 (2011: 796,390) share options had an exercise price in excess of the market value of the shares on that day. As a result, these 
share options are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share.

b. Adjusted earnings per share

Adjusted earnings per share is calculated by excluding the effect of the exceptional items and amortisation from earnings.

Earnings for the purposes of basic and diluted earnings per share 

being net profit attributable to equity holders of the Parent company 

Exceptional items 
Amortisation of intangible assets 
Tax on amortisation of intangible assets 
Tax on exceptional items 
Effect of reduction in corporation tax rate on deferred tax 

Adjusted earnings 

Adjusted earnings per share 

Adjusted diluted earnings per share 

12. Dividends

Amounts were recognised in the financial statements as distributions to equity shareholders as follows:

Final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2011 of 13.5p (2010: 10.0p) per ordinary share 
Interim dividend for the year ended 31 December 2012 of 8.0p (2011: 6.5p) per ordinary share 

Total dividend recognised during the year 

2012 
£m 

259.6 
(30.8) 
17.4 
(4.0) 
(2.1) 
(13.3) 

226.8 

95.1p 

91.7p 

2012 
£m 

32.1 
19.1 

51.2 

2011 
£m

212.4
14.2
12.9
(3.2)
(4.7)
(12.6)

219.0

93.1p

90.0p

2011 
£m

23.5
15.3

38.8

The company is proposing a final dividend of 17.0p in respect of the year ended 31 December 2012. 

Adjusted dividend cover of 3.8x (2011: 4.7x) is calculated by dividing adjusted earnings per share (note 11) of 95.1p (2011: 93.1p) by the total dividend 

for the year of 25.0p (2011: 20.0p).

There are no income tax consequences in respect of the dividends declared, but not recognised in the financial statements.

The dividends declared for 2012 at 31 December 2012 and for 2011 at 31 December 2011 were as follows:

Interim paid 
Final proposed 

Total dividend for the year 

The anticipated cash payment in respect of the proposed final dividend is £40.7m (2011: £32.1m).

2012 
Pence 

8.0 
17.0 

25.0 

2011 
Pence

6.5
13.5

20.0

103

FINANCIALSTATEMENTSTRAVIS PERKINS ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2012 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
13. Goodwill

cost 
At 1 January 2011 
Recognised on acquisitions during the year  

At 1 January 2012 
Recognised on acquisitions during the year (note 29)  
Adjustment to Tile Giant consideration 

At 31 December 2012 

T HE  GRO UP
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

P&H 
£m 

consumer  
£m 

General 
merchanting 
£m 

Specialist
merchanting  
£m 

367.2 
- 

367.2 
- 
- 

367.2 

719.9 
8.4 

728.3 
102.9 
(2.2) 

829.0 

465.6 
- 

465.6 
0.6 
- 

466.2 

145.1 
- 

145.1 
- 
- 

145.1 

Total
£m

1,697.8
8.4

1,706.2
103.5
(2.2)

1,807.5

There has been no impairment to the carrying value of goodwill. The company has no goodwill.

The Group has recently concluded discussions with the Financial Reporting council’s conduct committee (‘FRccc’) with regard to certain aspects of its 
asset impairment testing process. As a result, the Group has (i) amended its definition of a cash generating unit so that non-monetary assets are reviewed 
for impairment at a branch level, rather than at a brand level; (ii) refined its calculation of the pre-tax discount rate; and (iii) restated and extended the 
comparative sensitivity disclosures made below in respect of 2011. 

The changes agreed with the FRccc have not impacted the income statement, balance sheet or cash flow statement for 2011 or 2012; the Directors’ 
original  assessment  that  no  impairment  had  occurred  to  goodwill,  other  intangible  assets  or  other  non-monetary  assets  remains  unchanged.  Further 
details are given below. 

cash Generating Units
The Directors consider that each branch in the Group is an individual cash Generating Unit (‘cGU’). Goodwill and intangible assets have been allocated 
and monitored for impairment testing purposes to groups of individual cGUs within the same brand. The following analyses goodwill and intangible 
assets with indefinite useful lives by cGU grouping. 

cGU Grouping

Specialist merchanting 

ccF 
Keyline 
Generalist merchanting 
Travis Perkins 

consumer 

Tile Giant 
Toolstation 
Wickes 

Plumbing and Heating 

PTS 
bSS Industrial 
city Plumbing Supplies 
F&P 
Other 

2012 
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––	
Intangibles 
(Note 14) 
£m 

Goodwill 
£m 

Total  
£m 

2011
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Intangibles
(Note 14) 
£m 

Goodwill 
£m 

Total
£m

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
162.5 

40.9 
49.3 
- 
8.5 
3.9 

43.6 
101.5 

43.6 
101.5 

466.2 

466.2 

24.6 
102.9 
701.5 

133.7 
27.8 
175.4 
30.3 
- 

24.6 
102.9 
864.0 

174.6 
77.1 
175.4 
38.8 
3.9 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
162.5 

40.9 
49.3 
- 
8.5 
3.9 

43.6 
101.5 

465.6 

26.8 
- 
701.5 

133.7 
27.8 
175.4 
30.3 
- 

43.6
101.5

465.6

26.8
-
864.0

174.6
77.1
175.4
38.8
3.9

265.1 

1,807.5 

2,072.6 

265.1 

1,706.2 

1,971.3

measuring recoverable amounts
The Group tests goodwill and other non-monetary assets for impairment annually or more frequently if there are indications that impairment may have 
occurred. The recoverable amounts of the goodwill and other non-monetary assets 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 like-for-like market volume changes which 
impact sales and therefore cash flow projections. management estimates pre-tax discount rates that reflect current market assessments of the time value 
of money and the risks specific to the cGU groupings that are not reflected in the cash flow projections. 

At the beginning and end of the financial period the fair value of goodwill and intangible assets in all segments was in excess of their book value. The 

Directors’ calculations have shown that no impairments have occurred. The key variables applied to the value in use calculations were:
•	 Cash	flow	forecasts,	which	were	derived	from	the	most	recent	board	approved	five-year	plans;	

104

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
	
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
13. Goodwill continued

•	

•	

•	

	The	sales	market	volume	assumptions	underlying	the	cash	flow	forecasts	are	the	directors’	estimates	of	likely	future	changes	based	on	historic	
performance and the current outlook for both the UK economy and the UK building materials industry. This is viewed as the key operating assumption 
because the state of the building materials market determines the directors’ approach to margin and cost maintenance;
	A	risk	adjusted	pre	tax	discount	rate	is	calculated	by	reference	to	the	weighted	average	cost	of	capital	(‘WACC’)	of	the	Group.	For	2012,	the	discount	
rate was 8.8% (2011: 8.6% restated see below), which is not significantly different for any individual cGU or cGU grouping. That is because each cGU 
operates in the same market, selling the same product types to the same end users and so the risk profiles are not dissimilar;
	For	2012,	cash	flows	beyond	the	five-year	plan	(2018	and	beyond)	have	been	determined	using	a	growth	rate	of	2.1%,	which	is	the	average	long-term	
forecast GDP growth outlined in the Economic and Fiscal Outlook report produced by the Office for budget Responsibility in December 2012. The 
directors believe this is the most appropriate indicator of long-term growth rates that is available (2011 growth rate : 2.5%). 

Sensitivity of results to changes in assumptions
Whilst management believe the assumptions are realistic, it is possible that an impairment would be identified if any of the above key assumptions were 
changed significantly. For instance factors which could cause an impairment are:
•	 Significant underperformance relative to the forecast results;
•	 Changes	to	the	way	the	assets	are	used	or	changes	to	the	strategy	for	the	business;
•	 A	further	deterioration	in	the	UK	economy.

The impairment review calculations are based upon anticipated discounted future cash flows. For most of the cGU groupings, given the prudence already 
built into the Group’s five-year plans and the level of headroom they show, the Directors do not envisage reasonably possible changes to the key operating 
assumptions that are sufficient to generate a different outcome to the impairment calculations undertaken. However for the cGU groupings listed in the 
table below this is not the case as the Directors consider that reasonably possible changes in key assumptions could result in discounted future cash flows 
being insufficient to allow full recovery of the carrying value of the cGUs’ goodwill and other intangible assets.

The Directors have conducted a sensitivity analysis to determine the specific value for each assumption, all other assumptions remaining the same, that 

would result in the carrying value of goodwill and other intangible assets equalling their recoverable amounts and these are shown in the tables below.

31 December 2012 

cGU 
Grouping 

Tile Giant 
Wickes 
PTS 
F&P 

Headroom 

Assumption 

Sensitivity 

Assumption 

Sensitivity 

Like-for-like market volume
(Average % per annum) 

Discount rate % 

£24m 
£146m 
£64m 
£38m 

0.0% 
0.8% 
(1.6)% 
1.8% 

(2.7)% 
0.2% 
(2.8)% 
(2.6)% 

8.8% 
8.8% 
8.8% 
8.8% 

13.9% 
9.9% 
11.0% 
12.8% 

Long term growth rate %

Assumption 

Sensitivity

2.1% 
2.1% 
2.1% 
2.1% 

(6.0)%
0.7%
(1.1)%
(4.1)%

31 December 2011
During the year the calculation of the discount rate used in the impairment calculations was reviewed and as a result the methodology was slightly amended. 
To show a meaningful comparison to the 2012 impairment sensitivity table, the 2011 discount rate was recalculated using the same methodology, which 
resulted in an increase from 6.9% to 8.6%. Had this change been made in 2011, the Directors’ conclusion that there was no impairment to the carrying value 
of goodwill and intangible assets at 31 December 2011 would not have changed.

cGU 
Grouping 

Tile Giant 
Wickes 
PTS 
F&P 

Headroom 

Assumption 

Sensitivity 

Assumption 

Sensitivity 

Like-for-like market volume
(Average % per annum) 

Discount rate % 

£30m 
£30m 
£39m 
£47m 

1.7% 
(1.6)% 
1.5% 
1.7% 

(1.7)% 
(1.7)% 
0.7% 
(2.9)% 

8.6% 
8.6% 
8.6% 
8.6% 

14.7% 
8.8% 
9.8% 
13.7% 

Long term growth rate %

Assumption 

Sensitivity

2.5% 
2.5% 
2.5% 
2.5% 

(7.5)%
2.3%
0.9%
(5.7)%

The sales market volume assumption is the average annual change incorporated in five-year plans of each cGU grouping. 

105

FINANCIALSTATEMENTSTRAVIS PERKINS ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2012 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
14. other intangible assets

cost or valuation 
At 1 January 2011 
Disposals 

At 1 January 2012 
Recognised on aquisition (note 29) 

At 31 December 2012 

Amortisation 
At 1 January 2011 
charged to operating profit in the year 
Disposals 

At 1 January 2012 
charged to operating profit in the year 

At 31 December 2012 

Net book value 
At 31 December 2012 

At 31 December 2011 

cost of brands with an indefinite useful life (note 13) 
cost of brands being amortised 

T HE  GRO UP
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

brand 
£m 

275.3 
(6.6) 

268.7 
29.5 

298.2 

- 
0.3 
- 

0.3 
1.8 

2.1 

296.1 

268.4 

computer 
software 
£m 

customer 
relationships 
£m 

9.9 
(1.5) 

8.4 
8.7 

17.1 

8.1 
0.4 
(0.4) 

8.1 
0.9 

9.0 

8.1 

0.3 

135.0 
(2.5) 

132.5 
15.1 

147.6 

0.2 
12.2 
(0.1) 

12.3 
14.7 

27.0 

120.6 

120.2 

2012 
£m 
265.1 
33.1 

298.2 

Total
£m

420.2
(10.6)

409.6
53.3

462.9

8.3
12.9
(0.5)

20.7
17.4

38.1

424.8

388.9

2011 
£m
265.1
3.6

268.7

Where a brand, which is a leading brand in its sector and has significant growth prospects, has not been established for a significant period of time, the 
Directors do not have sufficient evidence to support a contention that it will have an indefinite useful life. Accordingly for Toolstation and certain product 
related brands the Directors have decided it is appropriate to amortise their cost over their estimated useful lives. 

The Directors consider that the other brands, which are also all leading brands in their sectors with significant histories and significant growth prospects 
have an indefinite useful life. They are reviewed annually for impairment; details of impairment testing are shown in note 13, but no impairment was 
identified in either year.

Acquired customer relationships are amortised over their estimated useful lives, which range from 5 to 15 years.
The company has no intangible assets.

106

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
15. property, plant and equipment

T HE  GRO UP 
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––		

T HE  cOmPAN Y
––-–––––––––––––––––––––

cost or valuation 
At 1 January 2011 
Additions 
Reclassifications  
Disposals 

At 1 January 2012 
Additions 
Additions from acquired businesses 
Reclassifications  
Disposals 

At 31 December 2012 

Accumulated depreciation
At 1 January 2011 
charged this year 
Disposals 

At 1 January 2012 
charged this year 
Disposals 

At 31 December 2012 

Net book value
At 31 December 2012 

At 31 December 2011 

Freehold 
£m 

Long 
leases 
£m 

Short 
leases 
£m 

Plant and 
equipment 
£m 

274.6 
28.2 
1.5 
(3.1) 

301.2 
10.0 
- 
0.9 
(3.5) 

308.6 

35.1 
4.5 
(0.7) 

38.9 
4.6 
(0.4) 

43.1 

265.5 

262.3 

27.7 
1.3 
(0.9) 
- 

28.1 
- 
- 
(0.9) 
- 

27.2 

4.6 
0.6 
0.2 

5.4 
0.6 
- 

6.0 

21.2 

22.7 

121.0 
9.4 
9.5 
(5.4) 

134.5 
9.0 
4.5 
- 
(3.0) 

145.0 

41.7 
10.1 
(3.1) 

48.7 
11.4 
(1.3) 

58.8 

86.2 

85.8 

457.3 
69.2 
(10.1) 
(29.6) 

486.8 
65.5 
3.2 
- 
(44.1) 

511.4 

272.1 
48.7 
(25.8) 

295.0 
52.8 
(41.9) 

305.9 

205.5 

191.8 

Total 
£m 

880.6 
108.1 
- 
(38.1) 

950.6 
84.5 
7.7 
- 
(50.6) 

992.2 

353.5 
63.9 
(29.4) 

388.0 
69.4 
(43.6) 

413.8 

578.4 

562.6 

Plant and
equipment
£m

0.6
0.1
-
-

0.7
-
-
-
-

0.7

0.5
-
-

0.5
-
-

0.5

0.2

0.2

The cost element of the fixed assets carrying value is analysed as follows:

At valuation 
At cost 

T HE  GRO UP 
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––		

T HE  cOmPAN Y
––-–––––––––––––––––––––

Freehold 
£m 

63.8 
244.8 

308.6 

Long 
leases 
£m 

6.1 
21.1 

27.2 

Short 
leases 
£m 

1.9 
143.1 

145.0 

Plant and 
equipment 
£m 

- 
511.4 

511.4 

Total 
£m 

71.8 
920.4 

992.2 

Total
£m

-
0.7

0.7

Those freehold and leasehold properties included at valuation in the consolidated balance sheet were revalued at their open market value on an existing 
use basis. The valuations were performed as at 31 December 1999 by an independent professional valuer, Lambert Smith Hampton, consultant Surveyors 
and Valuers.

Included within freehold property is land with a value of £117.7m (2011: £115.0m) which is not depreciated. No assets are pledged as security for the 

Group’s liabilities.

The carrying amount of assets held under finance leases is analysed as follows:

2012 

2011 

T HE  GRO UP 
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––		

T HE  cOmPAN Y
––-–––––––––––––––––––––

Long 
leases 
£m 

0.8 

0.8 

Short 
leases 
£m 

9.4 

10.7 

Plant and 
equipment 
£m  

7.0 

- 

Total 
£m 

17.2 

11.5 

Total
£m

-

-

107

FINANCIALSTATEMENTSTRAVIS PERKINS ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2012 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
  
 
15. Property, plant and equipment continued

comparable amounts determined according to the historical cost convention:

cost 
Accumulated depreciation 

Net book value 
At 31 December 2012 

At 31 December 2011 

16. Investment property

cost 
At 1 January 
Accumulated depreciation 
At 1 January 

Net book value 
At 31 December 

T HE  GRO UP 
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––		

T HE cOmPANY
––-–––––––––––––––––––––

Freehold 
£m  

304.1 
(59.2) 

244.9 

241.8 

Long 
leases 
£m 

25.8 
(7.2) 

18.6 

20.2 

Short 
leases 
£m 

153.5 
(64.7) 

88.8 

88.6 

Plant and 
equipment 
£m  

511.3 
(305.8) 

205.5 

191.8 

Total 
£m 

994.7 
(436.9) 

557.8 

542.4 

Total
£m

0.7
(0.5)

0.2

0.2

T HE  GR OU P
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012 
£m 

0.5 

(0.1) 

0.4 

2011 
£m

0.5

(0.1)

0.4

Investment property rental income totalled nil (2011:nil). In addition, the Group also receives income from subletting all or part of 100 ex-trading and 
trading properties, the amount of which is not material.

No external valuation has been performed and therefore, the Directors have estimated that the fair value of investment property equates to its carrying value. 
The company has no investment property.

17. Investments

a. Interest in associates and joint ventures

Equity investment 
Loan facility 
Interest on loan facility 
Share of losses 

T HE  GRO UP 
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––		

T HE  cOmPAN Y
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012  
£m 

1.5 
5.3 
0.2 
(0.3) 

6.7 

2011 
£m 

18.0 
30.3 
10.3 
(7.3) 

51.3 

2012 
£m 

0.7 
5.3 
0.2 
- 

6.2 

2011 
£m

17.9
30.3
10.3
-

58.5

Travis Perkins plc holds a 49% investment in The mosaic Tile company Limited and a 25% investment in Rinus Roofing Limited. In 2012 Travis Perkins plc 
acquired a 50% interest in Travis Perkins bridge Properties LLP for a consideration of £0.7m.

b. Shares in group undertakings

At 1 January 
Reclassification of loans and receivables 
Additions 
Adjustment to consideration on acquisition of Tile Giant 

At 31 December 
Provision for impairment  

Net book value at 31 December 

T HE  cOmPAN Y
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012 
£m 

2,889.8 
- 
702.3 
(2.2) 

3,589.9 
(17.0) 

3,572.9 

2011 
£m

2,714.8
173.8
1.2
-

2,889.8
(17.0)

2,872.8

On 3 January 2012, Travis Perkins plc acquired the remaining 70% of the issued share capital of Toolstation Ltd. for a consideration of £24.2m (note 29).

108

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
	
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
		
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
		
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
17. Investments continued

The principal operating subsidiaries of the Group at 31 December 2012 are as follows:

Subsidiary

Travis Perkins Trading company Limited*  
Keyline builders merchants Limited*  
Wickes building Supplies Limited 
city Plumbing Supplies Holdings Limited  
ccF Limited*  
Travis Perkins (Properties) Limited* 
benchmarx Kitchens and Joinery Limited  
Tile Giant Limited  
Travis Perkins P & H Partner Limited  
Toolstation Limited* 
PTS Group Limited 
*Direct subsidiary of Travis Perkins plc

(builders merchants) 
 (builders merchants)
(DIY retailers)
(Plumbers merchants)
(ceiling and dry lining distribution) 
(Property management company)
(Specialist distribution) 
(ceramic tile merchants) 
(Sole corporate partner in plumbing and heating merchants) 
(DIY retailers)
(Plumbing and heating merchants)

The  registered  office  for  all  the  subsidiaries  listed  above  is  Lodge  Way  House,  Harlestone  Road,  Northampton,  NN5  7UG  except  for  Keyline  builders 
merchants Limited, for which the registered office is Suite S3, 8 Strathkelvin Place, Kirkintilloch, Glasgow, G66 1XT and Toolstation Limited for which the 
registered office address is 16 -18 Whiteladies Road, clifton, bristol, b58 2LG. 

The Directors have applied s409 to s410 of the companies Act 2006 and therefore list only significant subsidiary companies.
All subsidiaries are 100% owned. Each company is registered and incorporated in England and Wales, other than Keyline builders merchants Limited 
and eight dormant companies, which are registered and incorporated in Scotland, city Investments Limited, which is registered and incorporated in Jersey 
and two dormant companies registered and incorporated in Northern Ireland.

c. Available-for-sale investments

Fair value investment 

T HE  GRO UP 
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––		

T HE  cOmPAN Y
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012  
£m 

2.4 

2011 
£m 

1.5 

2012 
£m 

- 

2011 
£m

-

The investment represents a minority holding in a unit trust that acquired properties from the Group in 2006. The investment presents the Group with an 
opportunity to generate returns through both income and capital gains. The Directors consider that the carrying amount of this investment approximates 
its fair value.

d. Subsidiaries not requiring an audit

An audit exemption is likely to be taken for the following subsidiaries of the Group 

Subsidiary Name 
Travis Perkins Acquisitions company Limited 
Travis Perkins Finance company Limited 
Travis Perkins Financing company No.2 Limited 
Travis Perkins Financing company No.3 Limited 

Registered Number
06500018
06500008
06755439
07180292

If this occurs then Travis Perkins plc will be legally required to put in place a guarantee in respect of any external liabilities that existed at 31 December 
2012. At that date none of the above companies had ever transacted outside of the Group and so no guarantee will be necessary.

109

FINANCIALSTATEMENTSTRAVIS PERKINS ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2012 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
18. trade and other receivables

Trade receivables 
Allowance for doubtful debts 

Amounts owed by subsidiaries 
Other receivables, prepayments and accrued income 

Trade and other receivables 

T HE  GRO UP 
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––		

T HE  cOmPAN Y
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012  
£m 

578.3 
(48.3) 

530.0 
- 
203.7 

733.7 

2011 
£m 

585.7 
(54.5) 

531.2 
- 
211.8 

743.0 

2012 
£m 

- 
- 

- 
174.6 
6.1 

180.7 

2011 
£m

-
-

-
208.1
6.0

214.1

The Group’s trade and other receivables at the balance sheet date comprise principally of amounts receivable from the sale of goods, together with amounts 
due in respect of rebates and sundry prepayments. The Directors consider the only class of asset containing significant credit risk is trade receivables. The 
average credit term taken for sales of goods is 59 days (2011: 55 days). The allowance for doubtful debts is estimated by the Group’s management based 
on prior experience and their assessment of the current economic environment. The Directors consider the carrying amount of trade and other receivables 
approximates their fair values. The business has provided fully for all receivables outstanding for more than 90 days beyond agreed terms. Trade receivables 
not receivable for up to 90 days are specifically provided for based on estimated irrecoverable amounts. No interest is charged on the trade receivable from 
the date of the invoice until the date the invoice is classified as overdue according to the trading terms agreed between the Group and the customer. 
Thereafter, the Group retains the right to charge interest at between 2% to 4% above the clearing bank base rate per annum on the outstanding balance. 

movement in the allowance for doubtful debts

At 1 January 
Amounts written off during the year 
Increase in allowance recognised in the income statement 

At 31 December 

T HE  G ROU P
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012 
£m 

54.5 
(21.7) 
15.5 

48.3 

2011 
£m

44.4
(10.2)
20.3

54.5

In determining the recoverability of the trade receivables, the Group considers any change in the credit quality of the trade receivable that may have 
occurred between the date credit was initially granted and the reporting date. The concentration of credit risk is limited due to the customer base being 
large. Accordingly, the Directors believe that no further credit provision is required in excess of the allowance for doubtful debts.

Included in the Group’s trade receivable balance are debtors unprovided against with a carrying amount of £57.4m (2011: £65.9m) which are past due at 
the reporting date for which the Group has not identified a significant change in credit quality and as such, the Group considers that the amounts are still 
recoverable and therefore there is no allowance for doubtful debts. Except for some instances of personal guarantees the Group does not hold any collateral 
over these balances. 

Ageing of past due but not impaired receivables

Days overdue 

0	–	30	days	
31	–	60	days	
61	–	90	days	

T HE  G ROU P
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012 
£m 

44.5 
8.6 
4.3 

57.4 

2011 
£m

53.0
9.2
3.7

65.9

Included in the allowance for doubtful debts are specific trade receivables with a balance of £27.2m (2011: £30.7m) which have been placed into liquidation. 
The impairment represents the difference between the carrying amount of the specific trade receivable and the amount it is anticipated will be recovered.
None of the company’s debts are overdue. The directors do not consider there to be any significant credit risk, as the majority of the debt is due from 

subsidiaries.

19. Cash and cash equivalents

cash and cash equivalents comprise cash held by the Group and company net of overdrafts. The carrying amount of these assets approximates their fair 
value.

110

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
20. share capital

Ordinary shares of 10p
At 1 January 2011 
Allotted in respect of acquisition of bSS 
Allotted under share option schemes 

At 1 January 2012 
Allotted under share option schemes 

At 31 December 2012 

T HE  GRO UP A ND THE  cOmPANY
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Issued and fully paid
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
£m

No. 

241,701,917 
67,351 
2,047,265 

243,816,533 
1,036,524 

244,853,057 

24.2
-
0.2

24.4
0.1

24.5

The company has one class of ordinary share that carries no right to fixed income. The holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends as 
declared and are entitled to one vote per share at meetings of the company. All shares rank equally with regard to the company’s residual assets.

21. own shares

At 1 January  

Re-issued during the year 

At 31 December  

Allocated to grants of executive options 
Not allocated to grants of executive options 

T HE  GRO UP  AN D T HE  cOmPAN Y
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
2011 
No.

2012 
No. 

6,305,367 

(991,576) 

6,961,930

(656,563)

5,313,791 

6,305,367

289,142 
5,024,649 

289,142
6,016,225

5,313,791 

6,305,367

The own shares are stated at cost and held by the Employee Share Ownership Trust to satisfy options under the Group’s share option schemes. All rights 
attaching to own shares are suspended until the shares are re-issued. 

22. reserves

Details of all movements in reserves for both the Group and company are shown in the Statement of changes in Equity. A description of the nature and 
purpose of each reserve is given below.
•	 The	revaluation	reserve	represents	the	revaluation	surplus	that	has	arisen	from	property	revaluations	in	1999	and	prior	years;
•	

	The	hedging	reserve	comprises	the	effective	portion	of	the	cumulative	net	change	in	the	fair	value	of	cash	flow	hedging	instruments	(net	of	tax)	related	
to hedged transactions that have yet to occur; 
	The	own	shares	reserve	represents	the	cost	of	shares	purchased	in	the	market	and	held	by	the	Employee	Share	Ownership	Trust	to	satisfy	options	under	
the Group’s share option schemes;

•	

•	 The	merger	reserve	represents	the	premium	on	equity	instruments	issued	as	consideration	for	the	acquisition	of	BSS.
The cumulative total of goodwill written off directly to reserves for acquisitions from December 1989 to December 1998 is £40.1m. The aggregate information 
for the accounting periods prior to this period is not available.

111

FINANCIALSTATEMENTSTRAVIS PERKINS ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2012 
 
	
	
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
23. Borrowings

A summary of the Group objectives policies procedures and strategies with regard to financial instruments and capital management can be found in the 
Finance Director’s review of the year on pages 38 to 43. At 31 December 2012 all borrowings were made in Sterling except for the unsecured senior notes 
(note 23 (i)).

a. Summary

Unsecured senior notes 
Liability to pension scheme (note 28) 
bank loans (note 23c)* 
bank overdraft* 
Finance leases (note 23d) 
Loan notes (note 23e) 
Finance charges netted off bank debt*  

current liabilities 
Non-current liabilities 

*These balances together total the amounts shown as bank loans in note 23(b). 

b. Analysis of borrowings

borrowings repayable 
On demand or within one year 
more than one year, but not more than two years 
more than two years, but not more than five years 
more than five years 

borrowings repayable 
On demand or within one year 
more than one year, but not more than two years 
more than two years, but not more than five years 

T HE  GRO UP 
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––		

T HE  cOmPAN Y
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012  
£m 

261.1 
36.9 
264.4 
- 
25.9 
3.3 
(0.3) 

591.3 

396.1 
195.2 

591.3 

2011 
£m 

279.3 
37.2 
323.2 
- 
20.3 
3.3 
(1.5) 

661.8 

63.6 
598.2 

661.8 

2012 
£m 

261.1 
- 
315.0 
0.7 
- 
3.3 
(0.3) 

579.8 

444.9 
134.9 

579.8 

2011 
£m

279.3
-
385.0
1.6
-
3.3
(1.5)

667.7

74.9
592.8

667.7

T HE  GRO UP
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

bank loans and overdrafts 
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––		

Other borrowings
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012  
£m 

264.1 
- 
- 
- 

264.1 

2011 
£m 

58.8 
262.9 
- 
- 

321.7 

2012 
£m 

132.0 
2.7 
144.9 
47.6 

327.2 

2011 
£m

4.8
138.5
147.2
49.6

340.1

T HE  cOmPAN Y
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

bank loans and overdrafts 
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––		

Other borrowings
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012  
£m 

315.4 
- 
- 

315.4 

2011 
£m 

71.6 
313.5 
- 

385.1 

2012 
£m 

129.5 
- 
134.9 

264.4 

2011 
£m

3.3
136.9
142.4

282.6

112

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
23. borrowings continued 

c. Facilities

At 31 December 2012, the following bank facilities were available:

Drawn facilities 
5 year term loan 
Unsecured senior notes 
bank overdrafts 

Undrawn facilities 
5 year revolving credit facility 
bank overdrafts 

T HE  GRO UP 
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––		

T HE  cOmPAN Y
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012  
£m 

264.4 
261.1 
- 

525.5 

475.0 
40.0 

515.0 

2011 
£m 

323.2 
279.3 
- 

602.5 

475.0 
40.0 

515.0 

2012 
£m 

315.0 
261.1 
0.7 

576.8 

475.0 
39.3 

514.3 

2011 
£m

385.0
279.3
1.6

665.9

475.0
38.4

513.4

The 5 year revolving credit facility and 5 year term loan, both mature on 4 April 2013. $200m of the unsecured loan notes were repaid on 28 January 2013 
with the remaining $200m falling due on 26 January 2016. On 14 December 2011 the Group signed a new £550m forward start banking agreement with a 
syndicate of banks. The £550m revolving credit facility, which runs until December 2016, can be drawn from 4 April 2013, the expiry date of the Group’s 
existing £739m facility agreement. 

The disclosures in note 23(c) do not include finance leases, loan notes, or the effect of finance charges netted off bank debt.

d. Obligations under finance leases

Amounts payable under finance leases: 

Within one year 
In the second to fifth years inclusive 
After five years 

Less: future finance charges 

Present value of lease obligations 

Less: Amount due for settlement within 1 year (shown under current liabilities) 

Amount due for settlement after 1 year 

T HE  GRO UP
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

minimum  
lease payments 
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––		

Present value of
minimum lease payments
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012  
£m 

3.8 
16.5 
19.0 

39.3 
(13.4) 

25.9 

2011 
£m 

2.7 
10.0 
21.3 

34.0 
(13.7) 

20.3 

2012 
£m 

2.5 
12.7 
10.7 

25.9 
- 

25.9 

(2.5) 

23.4 

2011 
£m

1.5
6.4
12.4

20.3
-

20.3

(1.5)

18.8

The Group considers certain properties to be subject to finance leases. Excluding 999-year leases, the average loan term for these properties is 49 years and 
the average borrowing rate has been determined at the inception of the lease to be 9.0%. Interest rates are fixed at the contract date. All lease obligations, 
which are denominated in Sterling, are on a fixed repayment basis and no arrangements have been entered into for contingent rental payments.

e. Loan notes

Included in borrowings due within one year are £3.3m (2011: £3.3m) of loan notes issued as consideration for the acquisition of broombys Limited in 1999. 
They are redeemable at the option of the holder on 30 June and 31 December each year until the final redemption date of 30 June 2015. 

f. Interest

The weighted average interest rates paid were as follows:

Unsecured senior notes 
bank loans and overdraft 
Other borrowings 

2012 
% 

5.8 
2.2 
6.0 

2011 
%

5.8
1.8
6.0

113

FINANCIALSTATEMENTSTRAVIS PERKINS ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2012 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
23. borrowings continued 

bank term loans and revolving credit facilities of £739m (2011: £798m) were arranged at variable interest rates. The $400m unsecured Travis Perkins senior 
notes were issued at fixed rates of interest and swapped into variable rates. This exposes the Group to fair value interest rate risk. As detailed in note 24, to 
manage the risk the Group enters into interest rate derivatives arrangements, which for 2012, fixed interest rates on an average of £221m of borrowing. For 
the year to 31 December 2012, this had the effect of increasing the weighted average interest rates paid by 0.5 %.

In respect of income earning financial assets and interest bearing financial liabilities, the following table indicates their effective interest rates at the 

balance sheet date and the periods in which they reprice.

Unsecured senior notes 
Unsecured variable rate bank facilities 
Loan notes 

Unsecured senior notes 
Unsecured variable rate bank facilities 
Loan notes 
bank overdraft 

g. Fair values

T HE  GRO UP
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––		

20 12 

Effective 
interest rate  

6 months or less 
£m 

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

20 11

Effective 
interest rate  

6 months or less
£m

5.8% 
2.3% 
6.0% 

261.1 
264.4 
3.3 

528.8 

5.8% 
2.3% 
6.0% 

279.3
323.2
3.3

605.8

T HE  cOmPAN Y
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––		

20 12 

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

20 11

Effective 

6 months or less 
interest rate  

Effective 
£m 

6 months or less 
interest rate

5.8% 
2.3% 
6.0% 
2.3% 

261.1 
315.0 
3.3 
0.7 

580.1 

5.8% 
2.3% 
6.0% 
2.3% 

279.3
385.0
3.3
1.6

669.2

For both the Group and the company the fair values of financial assets and liabilities have been calculated by discounting expected cash flows at prevailing 
rates at 31 December. There were no significant differences between book and fair values on this basis and therefore no further information is disclosed.

Details of the fair values of derivatives are given in note 24.

h. Guarantees and security

There are cross guarantees on the overdrafts between group companies.

The companies listed in note 17, with the exception of benchmarx Kitchens and Joinery Limited, Travis Perkins P&H Partner Limited, Tile Giant Limited 
and Toolstation Limited, together with Wickes Limited and Travis Perkins Plumbing and Heating LLP are guarantors of the following facilities advanced 
to Travis Perkins plc:
•	 £264m	term	loan;
•	 £475m	revolving	credit	facility;
•	 $400m	unsecured	senior	notes	(note	23(i));
•	 Interest	rate	and	currency	derivatives,	(note	24).
The group companies have entered into other guarantee and counter-indemnity arrangements in respect of guarantees issued in favour of group companies 
by the clearing banks amounting to approximately £16m (2011: £16m).

i. Unsecured senior notes

The US private placement carries fixed rate coupons of between 130 bps and 140 bps over US treasuries. 

24. Financial instruments

a. 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 2 to the 
financial statements.

114

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
	
	
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
24. Financial instruments continued

b. The carrying value of categories of financial instruments

Financial assets 
Designated as fair value through profit and loss (FVTPL) 
Derivative instruments in designated hedge accounting relationships 
Loans and receivables (including cash and cash equivalents) 
Available-for-sale 

Financial liabilities 
Designated as fair value through profit and loss (FVTPL) 
Derivative instruments in designated hedge accounting relationships 
borrowings (note 23a) 
Trade and other payables at amortised cost (note 27) 

T HE  GRO UP 
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––		

T HE  cOmPAN Y
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012  
£m 

- 
25.5 
804.7 
2.4 

832.6 

49.6 
4.9 
591.3 
888.7 

2011 
£m 

3.1 
40.3 
753.5 
1.5 

798.4 

3.3 
2.6 
661.8 
872.7 

1,534.5 

1,540.4 

2012 
£m 

- 
25.5 
180.7 
- 

206.2 

49.6 
4.9 
579.8 
18.9 

653.2 

2011 
£m

3.1
40.3
214.1
-

257.5

3.3
2.6
667.7
19.0

692.6

Loans and receivables exclude prepayments of £68.1m (2011: £68.1m). Trade and other payables exclude taxation and social security, accruals and deferred 
income totalling £218.9m (2011: £215.6m). 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.

c. Fair value of financial instruments

The fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities are determined as follows:
•		 Foreign	currency	forward	contracts	are	measured	using	quoted	forward	exchange	rates;	
•		 	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.

The following table provides an analysis of financial instruments that are measured subsequent to initial recognition at fair value, grouped into Levels 1 to 
3 based on the degree to which the fair value is observable:
•		 Level	1	fair	value	measurements	are	those	derived	from	quoted	prices	(unadjusted)	in	active	markets	for	identical	assets	or	liabilities;
•	

	Level	2	fair	value	measurements	are	those	derived	from	inputs	other	than	quoted	prices	included	within	Level	1	that	are	observable	for	the	asset	or	
liability either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices); and

•	 Level	3	fair	value	measurements	are	those	derived	from	valuation	techniques	that	include	inputs	for	the	asset	or	liability	that	are	not	based	on	observable	
market data (unobservable inputs).
There were no transfers between levels during the year.

Included in assets

T HE  GRO UP 
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––		

T HE  cOmPAN Y
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Level 2
Foreign currency forward contracts at fair value through profit and loss 
Foreign currency forward contracts designated and effective as hedging

instruments carried at fair value 

cross currency interest rate swaps designated and effective as hedging 

instruments carried at fair value 

current assets 
Non-current assets 

2012  
£m 

- 

- 

25.5 

25.5 

12.7 
12.8 

25.5 

2011 
£m 

3.1 

0.1 

40.2 

43.4 

3.1 
40.3 

43.4 

2012 
£m 

- 

- 

25.5 

25.5 

12.7 
12.8 

25.5 

2011 
£m

3.1

0.1

40.2

43.4

3.1
40.3

43.4

115

FINANCIALSTATEMENTSTRAVIS PERKINS ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2012 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
24. Financial instruments continued

Included in liabilities

Level 2 
Foreign currency forward contracts at fair value through profit and loss 
Foreign currency forward contracts designated and effective as 

hedging instruments carried at fair value 

Interest rate swaps at fair value through profit and loss  
Interest rate swaps designated and effective as cash hedging instruments 

Level 3 
Deferred consideration at fair value through profit and loss 

current liabilities 
Non-current liabilities 

d. Interest risk management

T HE  GRO UP 
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––		

T HE  cOmPAN Y
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012  
£m 

0.7 

3.7 
1.9 
1.2 

7.5 
47.0 

54.5 

2.6 
51.9 

54.5 

2011 
£m 

- 

- 
3.3 
2.6 

5.9 
- 

5.9 

- 
5.9 

5.9 

2012 
£m 

0.7 

3.7 
1.9 
1.2 

7.5 
47.0 

54.5 

2.6 
51.9 

54.5 

2011 
£m

-

-
3.3
2.6

5.9
-

5.9

-
5.9

5.9

The Group is exposed to interest rate risk as entities in the Group borrow funds at both fixed and 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 forward interest rate contracts. 
Hedging activities are evaluated regularly to align with interest rate views and defined risk appetite, ensuring optimal hedging strategies are applied, by 
either positioning the balance sheet or protecting interest expense through different interest rate cycles.

Interest rate swap contracts
The Group adopts a policy of ensuring that its exposure to changes in interest rates on borrowings is on either a fixed rate basis or is subject to movements 
within pre-defined limits. To achieve its desired interest rate profile the Group uses interest rate swap contracts. 

contracts with notional values of £125m are designated as cash flow hedges with fixed interest payments at an average rate of 1.71% for periods up until 
may 2014 and have floating interest receipts equal to 1 month LIbOR. During the period the cash flow hedges were 100% effective in hedging the exposure 
to interest rate movements. The Group and the company also are party to one non-amortising interest rate swap with a call option which has a notional 
value of £50m with fixed interest payments at a rate of 4.595% for periods up until October 2013 and has floating interest payments equal to 6 month LIbOR.
Under interest rate swap contracts, the Group agrees to exchange the difference between fixed and floating interest rate amounts calculated on agreed 
notional principal amounts. Such contracts enable the Group to mitigate the risk of changing interest rates on the fair value of issued fixed rate debt held 
and the cash flow exposures on the issued variable rate debt held. The fair value of interest rate swaps at the reporting date is determined by discounting 
the future cash flows using the curves at the reporting date and the credit risk inherent in the contract, and is disclosed below. The average interest rate is 
based on the outstanding balances at the end of the financial year.

At 31 December 2012 the fair value of interest rate derivatives, all of which terminate before three years from the balance sheet date, to which the Group 
and the company were parties was estimated at £3.1m (2011: £5.9m). This amount is based on market values of equivalent instruments at the balance 
sheet date. Interest rate swaps excluding those with a call option are designated and effective as cash flow hedges and the fair value thereof has been 
deferred in equity. A credit of £1.3m (2011: £0.9m) in respect of the fair value movement on interest rate swaps with a call option has been taken to the 
income statement through net finance charges, as the Group has not applied hedge accounting.

The following table details the notional principal amounts and remaining terms of interest rate swap contracts accounted for as cash flow hedges at the 

reporting date:

Cash	flow	hedges	–	outstanding	receive	floating	pay	fixed	contracts

Average contract 
fixed interest rate 
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––		

Notional principal 
amount  
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––		

Fair value
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

1 to 2 years 
2 to 5 years 

2012 
% 
1.71% 
- 

2011 
% 
- 
1.71% 

2012 
£m 
125.0 
- 

125.0 

2011 
£m 
- 
200.0 

200.0 

2012 
£m 
(1.2) 
- 

(1.2) 

2011
£m
-
(2.6)

(2.6)

The interest rate swaps settle on a monthly basis. The floating rate on the interest rate swaps is 1 month LIbOR. The Group will settle the difference between 
the fixed and floating interest rate on a net basis. All interest rate swap contracts, excluding those with a call option, which exchange floating rate interest 
amounts for fixed rate interest amounts are designated as cash flow hedges in order to reduce the Group’s cash flow exposure resulting from variable 
interest rates on borrowings. The interest rate swaps and the interest rate payments on the loan occur simultaneously and the amount deferred in equity 
is recognised in the income statement over the period that the floating rate interest payments on debt affect profit or loss.

116

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
24. Financial instruments continued

e. cross currency swaps and currency forward contracts

In order to eliminate the currency risk associated with the $400m unsecured senior notes described in note 23(i) the Group and company has four cross 
currency swaps in varying amounts between £23m and £58m to fix the exchange rate at £1 equal to $1.73 for the entire lives of $290m of the unsecured 
loan notes. The forward options fixed the notional amount receivable and payable in respect of the unsecured senior notes to £168m as well as fixing the 
exchange rate applicable to future coupon payments. 

The currency swaps manage the Group’s and the company’s exposure to the fixed interest rate on the US dollar denominated borrowing arising out of 
a private placement issued on 26 January 2006. There are two currency swaps of £58m that convert the borrowing rate on $200m of debt from 5.77% to a 
variable rate based on 6 month LIbOR plus a weighted average basis point increment of 81.9. At 26 January 2006, the variable rates were both at 5.43%. A 
further two currency swaps of £29m and £23m convert the borrowing rates on US$50m, US$40m of debt from 5.89% to a variable rate based on six month 
LIbOR plus basis point increment of 86.5 and 86.7 respectively. At 26 January 2006, the variable rates were at weighted average 5.47%. The currency swaps 
settle on a half-yearly basis. The Group will settle the difference between the fixed and floating interest on a net basis.

currency swap contracts exchanging fixed rate interest for floating rate interest are designated and effective as fair value hedges in respect of interest 
rates. During the period, the hedge was 100% effective in hedging the fair value exposure to interest movements and as a result, the carrying amount of the 
loan was adjusted by £14.4m (2011: £36.9m), which was included in the income statement at the same time that the fair value of the interest rate swap was 
also included in the income statement.

The following table details the notional principal amounts and remaining terms of currency swap contracts accounted for as fair value hedges as at the 

reporting date:

Fair	value	hedges	–	outstanding	receive	fixed	pay	floating	contracts

Average contract floating interest rate 
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––		

Notional principal amount  
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––		

Fair value
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Less than 1 year 
1 to 2 years 
2 to 5 years 

2012 
% 
1.9% 
- 
1.9% 

2011 
% 
- 
1.9% 
1.9% 

2012 
£m 
115.6 
- 
52.0 

167.6 

2011 
£m 
- 
115.6 
52.0 

167.6 

2012 
£m 
12.7 
- 
12.8 

25.5 

2011
£m
-
23.5
16.7

40.2

The Group and the company have three currency forward contracts with a notional value of $30m each and one with a notional value of £20m to hedge 
$110m of unsecured senior notes. These contracts have a maturity date of January 2016. At 31 December 2011 the fair value of these forward contracts was 
estimated at £(3.7)m (2011: £0.1m). These contracts are designated as cash flow hedges.

The Group acquires goods for sale from overseas, which when not denominated in Sterling are paid for principally in US dollars. The Group has entered 
into forward foreign exchange contracts (all of which are less than one year in duration) to buy US dollars to hedge the exchange risk arising from these 
anticipated future purchases. At the balance sheet date the total notional value of contracts to which the Group was committed was US$112.8m (2011: 
US$120.3m). The fair value of these derivatives is £(0.7)m (2011: £3.1m). These contracts are not designated as hedges and accordingly the fair value 
movement has been reflected in the income statement.

During 2010 the Group and company novated one cross currency interest rate swap with a notional value of $110m and a sterling equivalent of £63m 
for total proceeds of £13.7m in the Group and £16.3m in the company. The proceeds are being amortised to the income statement over the remaining life 
of the unsecured senior notes.

f. Liquidity analysis 

The following table details the Group’s liquidity analysis for its derivative financial instruments and other financial liabilities. The table has been drawn 
up based on the undiscounted net cash flows on the derivative instrument that settle on a net basis and the undiscounted gross flows 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
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Gross settled 
Interest	rate	swaps	–	receipts	
Interest	rate	swaps	–	payments	

Foreign exchange forward contracts 

Total gross settled 
Net settled 
Interest rate swaps 

Total derivative financial instruments 
borrowings 
Deferred consideration 
Other financial liabilities (note 27) 
Finance leases (note 23d) 

Total financial instruments 

0-1year 
£m 

1-2 years 
£m 

2-5 years 
£m 

5+ years 
£m 

130.6 
(117.6) 

13.0 
(70.5) 

(57.5) 

(2.8) 

(60.3) 
(404.4) 
- 
(888.7) 
(3.8) 

(1,357.2) 

6.6 
(1.8) 

4.8 
- 

4.8 

(0.2) 

4.6 
(7.3) 
(51.1) 
- 
(3.8) 

(57.6) 

57.3 
(52.6) 

4.7 
- 

4.7 

- 

4.7 
(142.2) 
- 
- 
(12.7) 

(150.2) 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 
(36.9) 
- 
- 
(19.0) 

(55.9) 

Total
£m

194.5
(172.0)

22.5
(70.5)

(48.0)

(3.0)

(51.0)
(590.8)
(51.1)
(888.7)
(39.3)

(1,620.9)

117

FINANCIALSTATEMENTSTRAVIS PERKINS ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2012 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
24. Financial instruments continued

Gross settled 
Interest	rate	swaps	–	receipts	
Interest	rate	swaps	–	payments	

Foreign exchange forward contracts 

Total gross settled 
Net settled 
Interest rate swaps 

Total derivative financial instruments 
borrowings 
Other financial liabilities (note 27) 
Finance leases (note 23d) 

Total financial instruments 

g. Interest rate sensitivity analysis

2011
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

0-1year 
£m 

1-2 years 
£m 

2-5 years 
£m 

5+ years 
£m 

10.9	
(3.3)	

7.6 
(77.3) 

(69.7) 

(1.4) 

(71.1) 
(77.0) 
(872.7) 
(2.7) 

(1,023.5) 

139.3	
(118.9)	

20.4 
- 

20.4 

(0.6) 

19.8 
(407.3) 
- 
(2.7) 

(390.2) 

63.0	
(53.8)	

9.2 
(0.1) 

9.1 

- 

9.1 
(157.4) 
- 
(7.3) 

(155.6) 

-	
-	

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 
(37.2) 
- 
(21.3) 

(58.5) 

Total
£m

213.2
(176.0)

37.2
(77.4)

(40.2)

(2.0)

(42.2)
(678.9)
(872.7)
(34.0)

(1,627.8)

The sensitivity analyses below have been determined based on the exposure to interest rates for both derivatives and non-derivative financial instruments 
at the balance sheet date. For floating rate liabilities, the analysis is prepared assuming that the amount of liability outstanding at the balance sheet 
date was outstanding for the whole year. A 1.0% increase or decrease is used when reporting interest rate risk internally to key management personnel. If 
interest rates had been 1.0% higher / lower and all other variables were held constant, the Group’s:
•	

	Profit	before	taxation	for	the	year	ended	31	December	2012	would	have	decreased	/	increased	by	£1.7m	(2011:	increased	/	decreased	by	£2.1m)	including	
£0.3m (2011: £0.7m) of movement on interest rate swaps with options;
	Net	equity	would	have	decreased	/	increased	by	£0.6m	(2011:	increased	/	decreased	by	£0.6m)	mainly	because	of	the	changes	in	the	fair	value	of	interest	
rate derivatives.

•	

The Group’s sensitivity to interest rates has decreased during the current period mainly due to the increase in the nominal value of interest rate derivatives.

25. provisions

At 1 January 2011  
Additional provision charged to income statement 
Utilisation of provision 
Unwinding of discount 

At 31 December 2011 
Additional provision charged to income statement 
Exceptional provision released in the year  
Utilisation of provision 
Unwinding of discount 

At 31 December 2012 

Included in current liabilities 
Included in non-current liabilities 

T HE  GRO UP
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Property 
£m 

Insurance 
£m 

56.3 
1.8 
(10.4) 
3.0 

50.7 
3.1 
(6.0) 
(7.7) 
2.5 

42.6 

22.6 
20.0 

42.6 

31.5 
8.8 
(4.8) 
- 

35.5 
0.4 
- 
(4.4) 
- 

31.5 

31.5 
- 

31.5 

Other 
£m 

3.0 
- 
(0.1) 
- 

2.9 
- 
- 
(0.2) 
- 

2.7 

2.7 
- 

2.7 

Total 
£m

90.8
10.6
(15.3)
3.0

89.1
3.5
(6.0)
(12.3)
2.5

76.8

56.8
20.0

76.8

The Group has a number of vacant and partly sub-let leasehold properties. Where necessary provision has been made for the residual lease commitments 
after taking into account existing and anticipated sub-tenant arrangements.

Should a provision ultimately prove to be unnecessary then it is credited back into the income statement. Where the provision was originally established 

as an exceptional item, any release is shown as an exceptional credit.

It is Group policy to substantially self insure itself against claims arising in respect of damage to assets, or due to employers or public liability claims. The 
nature of insurance claims means they may take some time to be settled. The insurance claims provision represents management’s best estimate, based 
upon external advice of the value of outstanding insurance claims where the final settlement date is uncertain.

118

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
25. Provisions continued

The following table details the Group’s liquidity analysis of its provisions. The table has been drawn up based on the undiscounted net cash outflows.

2012 
Property 
Insurance 
Other 

2011 
Property 
Insurance 
Other 

The company has no provisions.

26. Deferred tax

0-1year 
£m 

1-2 years 
£m 

2-5 years 
£m 

5+ years 
£m 

22.3 
31.5 
2.7 

56.5 

16.1 
35.5 
2.9 

54.5 

4.7 
- 
- 

4.7 

7.5 
- 
- 

7.5 

9.4 
- 
- 

9.4 

15.4 
- 
- 

15.4 

14.5 
- 
- 

14.5 

21.4 
- 
- 

21.4 

Total
£m

50.9
31.5
2.7

85.1

60.4
35.5
2.9

98.8

The following are the major fully recognised deferred tax liabilities and assets recognised by the Group and movements thereon during the current and 
prior reporting periods.

T HE  GRO UP
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

capital allowances 
Trading losses 
Revaluation 
Share based payments 
Provisions 
Derivatives 
business combinations 
brand 
Pension scheme surplus 
Pension scheme liability 

Deferred tax 

capital allowances 
Revaluation 
Share based payments 
Provisions 
Derivatives 
business combinations 
brand 
Pension scheme surplus 
Pension scheme liability 

Deferred tax 

At 
1 Jan 2012 
£m 

Acquired 
in year 
£m 

Recognised 
in income 
£m 

Recognised 
in equity 
£m 

At 
31 Dec 2012 
£m

6.2 
- 
11.1 
(8.1) 
(11.4) 
(1.2) 
14.4 
97.8 
4.9 
(16.3) 

97.4 

(0.3) 
(6.6) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
13.3 
- 
- 

6.4 

(0.2) 
2.1 
- 
(2.3) 
1.2 
- 
(2.2) 
(12.9) 
2.1 
1.2 

(11.0) 

- 
- 
(0.9) 
(2.9) 
- 
0.9 
- 
- 
(6.6) 
1.7 

(7.8) 

5.7
(4.5)
10.2
(13.3)
(10.2)
(0.3)
12.2
98.2
0.4
(13.4)

85.0

T HE  GRO UP
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

At 
1 Jan 2011 
£m 

Recognised 
in income 
£m 

Recognised 
in equity 
£m 

At 
31 Dec 2011 
£m

6.6 
12.0 
(11.6) 
(11.9) 
(1.9) 
16.7 
108.4 
8.6 
(16.4) 

110.5 

(0.4) 
- 
(0.7) 
0.5 
- 
(2.3) 
(10.6) 
2.9 
1.1 

(9.5) 

- 
(0.9) 
4.2 
- 
0.7 
- 
- 
(6.6) 
(1.0) 

(3.6) 

6.2
11.1
(8.1)
(11.4)
(1.2)
14.4
97.8
4.9
(16.3)

97.4

At the balance sheet date the Group had unused capital losses of £47.4m (2011: £56.0m) available for offset against future capital profits. No deferred tax 
asset has been recognised because it is not probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the Group can utilise the losses.

Other than disclosed above, no deferred tax assets and liabilities have been offset. 

119

FINANCIALSTATEMENTSTRAVIS PERKINS ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2012 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
26. Deferred tax continued 

Share based payments 
Derivatives 
Other timing differences 

Share based payments 
Derivatives 
Other timing differences 

27. other financial liabilities

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

Trade and other payables 

T HE  cOmPAN Y
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

At 
1 Jan 2012 
£m 
(8.1) 
(1.2) 
(0.6) 

(9.9) 

Recognised 
in income 
£m 
(2.3) 
- 
0.1 

(2.2) 

Recognised 
in equity 
£m 
(3.0) 
0.9 
- 

At 
31 Dec 2012 
£m
(13.4)
(0.3)
(0.5)

(2.1) 

(14.2)

T HE  cOmPAN Y
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

At 
1 Jan 2011 
£m 
(11.5) 
(2.5) 
(0.7) 

(14.7) 

Recognised 
in income 
£m 
(0.7) 
- 
0.1 

(0.6) 

Recognised 
in equity 
£m 
4.1 
1.3 
- 

5.4 

At 
31 Dec 2011 
£m
(8.1)
(1.2)
(0.6)

(9.9)

T HE  GRO UP 
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––		

T HE  cOmPAN Y
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012  
£m 
737.9 
76.0 
150.8 
142.9 

2011 
£m 
740.7 
76.2 
132.0 
139.4 

1,107.6 

1,088.3 

2012 
£m 
- 
- 
18.9 
- 

18.9 

2011 
£m
-
-
19.0
-

19.0

The Group 
Trade and other payables principally comprise amounts outstanding for trade purchases and ongoing costs. The average credit period taken for trade 
purchases is 53 days (2011: 57 days). The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade payables approximates to their fair value. The Group has 
financial risk management policies in place to ensure that all payables are paid within the credit timeframe.

The company
Trade and other payables principally comprise amounts outstanding for trade purchases and ongoing costs. The average credit period taken for trade 
purchases is 30 days (2011: 30 days). The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade payables approximates to their fair value.

28. pension arrangements

Defined benefit schemes
The Group operates three final salary schemes. All defined benefit schemes are closed to new members. The Travis Perkins Pensions and Dependants 
benefit Scheme (‘the TP scheme’), which for the majority of members is a 1/60th scheme. Employees are entitled to start drawing a pension, based on their 
membership of the scheme, on their normal retirement date. If employees choose to retire early and draw their pension, then the amount they receive is 
scaled down accordingly. 

The TP scheme is funded by contributions from Group companies and employees. contributions are paid to the Trustees on the basis of advice from an 

independent professionally qualified actuary who carries out a valuation of the scheme every three years.

A full actuarial valuation of the TP scheme was carried out on 30 September 2011. The IAS 19 valuation has been based upon the results of the 30 
September 2011 valuation, and then updated to 31 December 2012 by a qualified actuary. The present values of the defined obligations, the related current 
service costs and the past service costs for the scheme were measured using the projected unit method.

Following the acquisition of The bSS group plc the Group, operated three additional defined benefit pension schemes (‘the bSS schemes’) based on final 
pensionable salary. On 6 April 2012 the defined benefit section of the Tricom Retirement and Death benefits scheme was transferred to the TP scheme. The 
bSS Ireland scheme is immaterial.

The assets of the bSS schemes are held separately from those of the Group in funds under the control of the schemes’ trustees. . The most recent actuarial 
valuations of the bSS schemes assets and the present value of the defined benefit obligation were carried out at 1 June 2009 for the UK and the Irish 
schemes. The present value of the defined benefit obligation, and the related current service cost and past service cost, were measured using the projected 
unit method with a control period equal to the future working lifetime of the active members.

In June 2010, an agreement was reached with the trustees of the Travis Perkins final salary pension scheme to fund £34.7m of the deficit using a group 
controlled special purpose vehicle. The pension scheme will be entitled to receive the income of the SPV for a period of up to 20 years, subject to funding 
levels. This income is backed by the security of 16 Travis Perkins freehold properties. As the SPV is consolidated into the Travis Perkins plc group accounts 
advantage has been taken of Regulation 7 of The Partnership (Accounts) Regulations 2008 and accounts for the SPV will neither be audited or filed. 

120

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
28. Pension arrangements continued 

Gross deficit at 1 January 
Service costs charged to the income statement  
Other finance income 
contributions received by the scheme 
Actuarial losses recognised in the statement of comprehensive income 

Gross deficit at 31 December 
Deferred tax 

Net deficit at 31 December 

a. major assumptions used by the schemes actuaries at the balance sheet date (in nominal terms)

Rate of increase in pensionable salaries 

Rate of increase of pensions in payment 
Discount rate 
Inflation assumption 

All Schemes
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012 
£m 

(45.7) 
(10.0) 
11.1 
32.9 
(45.8) 

(57.5) 
13.0 

(44.5) 

2011 
£m

(27.9)
(7.1)
11.8
27.3
(49.8)

(45.7)
11.4

(34.3)

At 31 December  
2012 
2.25% 

At 31 December 
2011 
2.25%

2.5% 
4.6% 
3.0% 

2.5%
4.9%
3.1%

In respect of longevity, the valuation adopts the SN1A year of birth tables with improvements in life expectancy to continue in the medium term, with base 
year appropriate to the member’s date of birth. This results in the following life expectancies at illustrative ages:

Weighted average life expectancy for mortality tables used to determine pension liability at 31 December 2012:

Member	age	65	(current	life	expectancy)	–	TP	Scheme	
Member	age	45	(life	expectancy	on	reaching	age	65)	–	TP	Scheme	
Member	age	65	(current	life	expectancy)	–	BSS	Schemes	
Member	age	45	(life	expectancy	on	reaching	age	65)	–	BSS	Schemes	

 male Years 

 Female Years

22.1	
23.9	
22.4	
24.3	

24.2
26.2
25.1
26.9

b. Amounts recognised in income in respect of the defined benefit schemes

current and past service costs charged to operating profit in the income statement 
Interest cost 
Expected return on scheme assets 

Total pension income / (charge) 

TP Scheme 
£m 

bSS Schemes 
£m 

2012 Group 
£m 

2011 Group 
£m

(7.2) 
(31.3) 
41.1 

2.6 

(2.8) 
(10.8) 
12.1 

(1.5) 

(10.0) 
(42.1) 
53.2 

1.1 

(7.1)
(44.7)
56.5

4.7

The total charge to the profit and loss account disclosed in note 7 of £17.2m (2011: £12.8m) comprises defined benefit scheme current and past service 
costs of £10.0m (2011: £7.1m) and £7.2m (2011: £5.7m) of contributions made to the defined contribution schemes.

The  directors  have  agreed  with  the  Schemes’  Actuaries  and  the  Trustees  to  pay  total  contributions,  including  the  amounts  in  excess  of  on-going 

contributions required to repay the deficit, of £23m to the TP scheme and £13m the bSS schemes in 2013.

Note 5 shows where pension costs have been charged in the income statement. Actuarial gains and losses have been included in the Statement of 

comprehensive Income.

In 2013, the excess of funding over the on-going service contributions will be £28m in total for the Group.

c. Assets and liabilities in the schemes and the expected rate of return (net of allowance for administration expenses)

TP Scheme

Equities 
bonds, gilts and cash  
Pensions SPV 
Property 

Total fair value of assets 
Actuarial value of liability 

Surplus in scheme 
Related deferred tax liability 

Net pension asset  

At 31 December 2012 
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––		

At 31 December 2011
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Expected return 

Fair value £m 

Expected return 

Fair value £m

8.0% 
3.95%-4.2% 
4.2% 
5.2% 

8.0% 
4.0% 
3.7% 
5.2% 

359.5 
276.7 
42.0 
59.8 

738.0 
(736.4) 

1.6 
(0.4) 

1.2 

335.2
215.0
44.0
58.0

652.2
(632.9)

19.3
(4.9)

14.4

121

FINANCIALSTATEMENTSTRAVIS PERKINS ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2012 
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
28. Pension arrangements continued 

bSS Schemes

Equities 
bonds, gilts and cash  
Property 

Total fair value of assets 
Actuarial value of liability 

Deficit in schemes 
Related deferred tax asset 

Net pension liability 

Actual return on scheme assets

TP Scheme 
bSS Schemes 

At 31 December 2012 
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––		

At 31 December 2011
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Expected 
return 

8.0% 
4.0% 
5.2% 

Fair value 
£m 

153.9 
16.2 
1.7 

171.8 
(230.9) 

(59.1) 
13.4 

(45.7) 

Expected 
return 

8.0% 
3.95%-4.2% 
5.2% 

Fair value
 £m

145.1
17.2
4.1

166.4
(231.4)

(65.0)
16.3

(48.7)

20 12 
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––		

20 11
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

£m 

63.8 
17.4 

% 

8.6 
10.1 

£m 

5.0 
(5.3) 

%

0.8
(3.1)

d. The amount included in the balance sheet arising from the Group’s obligations in respect of its defined benefit schemes and the movements during the 
year

At 1 January 
Income / (expense) recognised in the income statement 
Transfer of liability 
contributions from sponsoring companies 
Actuarial losses  

At 31 December 

2012 
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––	

2011
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

TP Scheme 
£m 

bSS Schemes 
£m 

19.3 
2.6 
(1.4) 
26.9 
(45.8) 

1.6 

(65.0) 
(1.5) 
1.4 
6.0 
- 

(59.1) 

Group 
£m 

(45.7) 
1.1 
- 
32.9 
(45.8) 

(57.5) 

TP Scheme 
£m 

bSS Schemes 
£m 

31.7 
7.4 
- 
19.5 
(39.3) 

19.3 

(59.6) 
(2.7) 
- 
7.8 
(10.5) 

(65.0) 

Group
£m

(27.9)
4.7
-
27.3
(49.8)

(45.7)

e. movements in the present value of defined benefit obligations in the current period

2012 
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––	

2011
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

At 1 January 
Service cost 
Interest cost 
Transfer of liability 
contributions from scheme members 
Actuarial (losses) / gains 
Foreign exchange 
benefits paid 

TP Scheme 
£m 

bSS Schemes 
£m 

(632.9) 
(7.2) 
(31.3) 
(13.9) 
(5.0) 
(68.5) 
- 
22.4 

(231.4) 
(2.8) 
(10.8) 
13.9 
(0.1) 
(5.3) 
0.1 
5.5 

Group 
£m 

(864.3) 
(10.0) 
(42.1) 
- 
(5.1) 
(73.8) 
0.1 
27.9 

At 31 December  

(736.4) 

(230.9) 

(967.3) 

TP Scheme 
£m 

bSS Schemes 
£m 

(611.7) 
(3.5) 
(32.5) 
- 
(5.2) 
(0.9) 
- 
20.9 

(632.9) 

(229.1) 
(3.6) 
(12.2) 
- 
(0.1) 
7.9 
0.2 
5.5 

(231.4) 

Group
£m

(840.8)
(7.1)
(44.7)
-
(5.3)
7.0
0.2
26.4

(864.3)

122

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
	
 
 
28. Pension arrangements continued 

f. movements in the present value of fair value of scheme assets in the current period

2012 

2011

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––	

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

TP Scheme 
£m 

bSS Schemes 
£m 

Group 
£m 

818.6 
53.2 
28.0 
- 
32.9 
5.1 
(0.1) 
(27.9) 

166.4 
12.1 
5.3 
(12.5) 
6.0 
0.1 
(0.1) 
(5.5) 

171.8 

909.8 

At 1 January  
Expected return of scheme assets 
Actuarial gains / (losses)  
Transfer of assets 
contributions from sponsoring companies 
contributions from scheme members 
Foreign exchange 
benefits paid 

At 31 December  

652.2 
41.1 
22.7 
12.5 
26.9 
5.0 
- 
(22.4) 

738.0 

g. cumulative actuarial gains and losses recognised in equity

TP Scheme 

At 1 January 
Net actuarial losses recognised in the year 

At 31 December 

bSS Schemes 

At 1 January 
Net actuarial losses recognised in year 

At 31 December 

h. History of experience gains and losses

TP Scheme 

Fair value of scheme assets (£m) 
Present value of scheme obligations (£m) 

Surplus / (deficit) in the scheme (£m) 

Experience adjustments on scheme liabilities 
Amounts (£m) 

Percentage of scheme liabilities (%) 

Experience adjustments on scheme assets 
Amounts (£m) 

Percentage of scheme assets (%) 

bSS Scheme 

Fair value of scheme assets (£m) 
Present value of scheme obligations (£m) 

Deficit in the schemes (£m) 

Experience adjustments on scheme liabilities 
Amounts (£m) 

Percentage of scheme liabilities (%) 

Experience adjustments on scheme assets 
Amounts (£m) 

Percentage of scheme assets (%) 

2012 

738.0 
(736.4) 

1.6 

21.5 

2.9% 

22.7 

3.1% 

2011 

652.2 
(632.9) 

19.3 

- 

- 

38.4 

6.0% 

TP Scheme 
£m 

bSS Schemes 
£m 

643.4 
43.4 
(38.4) 
- 
19.5 
5.2 
- 
(20.9) 

652.2 

169.5 
13.1 
(18.4) 
- 
7.8 
0.1 
(0.2) 
(5.5) 

166.4 

2012 
£m 

(221.4)  
(45.8) 

(267.2) 

2012 
£m 

(10.5) 
- 

(10.5) 

2009 

528.1 
(571.1) 

(43.0) 

- 

- 

62.3 

11.8% 

2011 

166.4 
(231.4) 

(65.0) 

7.9 

3.4% 

(18.4) 

(11.1)% 

2010 

643.4 
(611.7) 

31.7 

- 

- 

34.5 

5.4% 

2012 

171.8 
(230.9) 

(59.1) 

(3.8) 

1.6% 

5.3 

3.1% 

Group
£m

812.9
56.5
(56.8)
-
27.3
5.3
(0.2)
(26.4)

818.6

2011
£m

(182.1)
(39.3)

(221.4)

2011
£m

-
(10.5)

(10.5)

2008

420.7
(490.6)

(69.9)

13.4

2.7%

(157.2) 

(37.4%)

2011

169.5
(229.1)

(59.6)

39.4

17.2%

3.4

2.1%

123

FINANCIALSTATEMENTSTRAVIS PERKINS ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2012 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
28. Pension arrangements continued 

i. Sensitivities

The  estimated  effects  of  changing  the  key  assumptions  (discount  rate,  inflation  and  life  expectancy)  on  the  IAS19  balance  sheet  position  as  at   
31 December 2012

Assumption 

Discount rate 

Inflation 

Longevity 

Increase of 0.1% 
Decrease of 0.1% 
Increase of 0.1% 
Decrease of 0.1% 
Increase of 1 year 
Decrease of 1 year 

TP Scheme effect on 2012 
balance sheet position 

bSS Schemes effect on 2012 
balance sheet position

14.6 
(14.9) 
(8.3) 
8.5 
(17.2) 
17.2 

4.1
(4.5)
(3.0)
3.3
(6.2)
6.0

Defined contribution schemes
The Group operates five defined contribution schemes for all qualifying employees. The pension cost, which represents contributions payable by the 
Group, amounted to £7.2m (2011: £5.7m).

29. Acquisition of businesses

a. Toolstation Limited

On the 3 January 2012 the Group acquired the remaining 70% of the issued share capital of Toolstation Limited. The Group had previously acquired 30% 
in April 2008 which included an option to purchase the remaining 70%. The acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. In 
accordance with the requirements of the acquisition method of accounting the existing 30% holding has been re-valued to fair value which realised a gain 
of £35m which has been credited to the income statement as an exceptional item. The aggregate consideration paid following the payment on 3 January 
was £41.5m. On 3 January 2012, future consideration dependent upon future performance and expansion of the business over the period to December 2013 
was estimated to be £65m. The deferred consideration is payable in 2014 and consequently the deferred consideration has been discounted over a two year 
period from acquisition to final settlement.

Fair values ascribed to identifiable assets as at 3 January 2012 are shown in the table below

Property, plant and equipment 
Identifiable intangible assets 
cash at bank 
Inventories 
Trade and other receivables 
Trade and other payables 
Deferred tax liabilities 
Loan repayable to Travis Perkins plc 

Goodwill 

Satisfied by: 
cash paid in prior periods 
cash paid in current period  
contingent consideration 

Revaluation of pre existing equity holding 
Discount on contingent consideration 
Losses previously recognised 

124

2012
Fair value acquired
£m

7.7
53.3
0.8
21.4
4.3
(25.8)
(6.4)
(39.6)

15.7
102.9

118.6

17.3
24.2
65.0

106.5
33.1
(13.8)
(7.2)

118.6

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
29. Acquisition of businesses continued 

Toolstation Limited contributed £135.3m revenue and £6.5m to the Group’s operating profit for the period between the date of acquisition and the balance 
sheet date. This period also comprises the Group’s financial year.

Goodwill recognised is driven from significant value in forecast growth, forecast new customers and the value of the assembled workforce. None of the 

goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

The fair value of the acquired receivables is £0.4m. All acquired receivables are expected to be collected in full.
Acquisition costs included in administration expenses amount to £0.3m.
In accordance with IAS 39 the contingent consideration payable has been reassessed at 31 December 2012 and as a result the amount previously 
recognised of £65m, discounted to £51.2m, has been reduced to £47.0m with the difference of £4.2m being credited to the income statement as exceptional 
investment income.

b. Other acquisitions

In addition to the acquisition of Toolstation the Group acquired 5 other businesses for a total consideration of £1.1m resulting in goodwill of £0.6m.

30. operating lease arrangements

The Group leases a number of trading properties under operating leases. The leases, at inception, are typically 25 years in duration, although some have 
lessee only break clauses of between 10 and 15 years. Lease payments are reviewed every five years and increases applied in line with market rates. The 
Group also leases certain items of plant and equipment. The company has no operating lease arrangements.

a. The Group as lessee 

minimum lease payments under operating leases recognised in income for the year 

2012 
£m 

189.0 

2011
£m

176.0

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 one year 
In the second to fifth years inclusive 
After five years 

b. The Group as lessor

2012 
£m 

181.0 
619.2 
1,085.2 

1,885.4 

2011
£m

173.3
599.9
1,194.4

1,967.6

The Group sublets a number of ex-trading properties to third parties. Property rental income earned during the year in respect of these properties was 
£4.2m (2011: £4.1m).
At the balance sheet date, the Group had contracts with tenants for the following future minimum lease payments:

Within one year 
In the second to fifth years inclusive 
After five years 

31. Capital commitments

contracted for but not provided in the accounts 

2012 
£m 

4.1 
14.2 
21.1 

39.4 

2011
£m

3.6
12.6
17.3

33.5

T HE  GRO UP 
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––		

T HE  cOmPAN Y
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012  
£m 

12.2 

2011 
£m 

15.6 

2012 
£m 

- 

2011 
£m

-

125

FINANCIALSTATEMENTSTRAVIS PERKINS ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2012 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
32. related party transactions

The Group has a related party relationship with its subsidiaries its directors and with its pension schemes (note 28). Transactions between group companies, 
which are related parties, have been eliminated on consolidation and are not disclosed in this note. Transactions between the company and its subsidiaries 
are disclosed below. In addition the remuneration, and the details of interests in the share capital of the company, of the Directors, are provided in the 
audited part of the remuneration report on pages 70 to 74.

The remuneration of the key management personnel of the Group is set out below in aggregate for each of the categories specified in IAS 24 Related 

Party Disclosures.

Short term employee benefits 
Share based payments 

2012 
£m 

7.9 
4.4 

12.3 

2011
£m

7.3
4.9

12.2

	Providing	day-to-day	funding	from	its	UK	banking	facilities;

The company undertakes the following transactions with its active subsidiaries:
•	
•	 Paying	interest	to	members	of	the	Group	totalling	£15.6m	(2011:	£6.4m);
•	 Levying	an	annual	management	charge	to	cover	services	provided	to	members	of	the	Group	of	£7.9m	(2011:	£6.9m);
•	 Receiving	preference	dividends	totalling	£nil	(2011:	£9.2m);
•	 Receiving	annual	dividends	totalling	£74.2m	(2011:	£79.1m).
Details of balances outstanding with subsidiary companies are shown in note 18 and on the balance Sheet on page 85.

There have been no material related party transactions with directors.
The Group advanced a total of £2.9m (2011:£2.3m) to all the Group’s associate companies in 2012. Operating transactions with the associates during the 

year were not significant. 

33. Analysis of changes in net debt

T HE  GRO UP
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

cash and cash 
equivalents 
£m 

Finance 
leases 
£m 

Term loan 
and revolving  
credit facility 
and loan notes 
£m 

Unsecured 
senior US$ 
loan notes 
£m 

Liability to 
pension 
scheme 
£m 

At 1 January 2011 
cash flow 
Fair value of bSS loan 
Exchange movement 
Fair value movement 
Finance charges amortised 
Amortisation of swap cancellation receipt 
Discount unwind on liability to pension scheme 

At 1 January 2012 
cash flow 
Exchange movement 
Fair value movement 
Finance charges amortised 
Amortisation of swap cancellation receipt 
Lease surrendered 
Discount unwind on liability to pension scheme 

31 December 2012 

(50.9) 
(27.7) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

(78.6) 
(60.5) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

(139.1) 

21.8 
(1.5) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

20.3 
5.7 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(0.1) 
- 

25.9 

400.6 
(78.7) 
- 
- 
- 
3.1 
- 
- 

325.0 
(58.8) 
- 
- 
1.2 
- 
- 
- 

267.4 

366.0 
(72.2) 
(12.4) 
0.5 
(1.5) 
- 
(1.1) 
- 

279.3 
- 
(2.7) 
(14.4) 
- 
(1.1) 
- 
- 

261.1 

36.1 
(1.4) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
2.5 

37.2 
(2.8) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
2.5 

36.9 

Total
£m

773.6
(181.5)
(12.4)
0.5
(1.5)
3.1
(1.1)
2.5

583.2
(116.4)
(2.7)
(14.4)
1.2
(1.1)
(0.1)
2.5

452.2

126

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
33. Analysis of changes in net debt continued

balances at 31 December comprise:

cash and cash equivalents 
Non-current interest bearing loans and borrowings 
current interest bearing loans and borrowings 

Net debt 

34. Gearing

Net debt under IFRS 
IAS 17 finance leases 
Unamortised swap cancellation receipt 
Liability to pension scheme 
Fair value adjustment to debt 
Finance charges netted off bank debt 

Net debt under covenant calculations 

Total equity 

Gearing 

35. Free cash flow

Net debt at 1 January 
Net debt at 31 December 

Decrease in net debt 
Dividends paid 
Net cash outflow for expansion capital expenditure 
Net cash outflow for acquisitions 
Disposal of business 
bank fees paid 
Amortisation of swap cancellation receipt 
Discount unwind on liability to pension scheme 
cash impact of exceptional items 
Interest in associate 
Shares issued and sale of own shares 
Decrease in fair value of debt and exchange 
movement in finance charges netted off bank debt 
Special pension contributions 

Free cash flow  

T HE  GRO UP
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012 
£m 

139.1 
(195.2) 
(396.1) 

(452.2) 

2011 
£m

(78.6)
598.2
63.6

583.2

T HE  GRO UP
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012 
£m 

(452.2) 
18.7 
2.9 
36.9 
19.5 
(0.3) 

(374.5) 

2,308.1 

16.2% 

2011 
£m

(583.2)
20.3
4.0
37.2
36.6
(1.5)

(486.6)

2,107.8

23.1%

T HE  GRO UP
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012 
£m 

(583.2) 
(452.2) 

131.0 
51.2 
27.9 
24.5 
- 
- 
(1.1) 
2.5 
4.7 
2.9 
(8.9) 
(17.1) 
1.2 
23.0 

241.8 

2011 
£m

(773.6)
(583.2)

190.4
38.8
54.4
9.9
(26.9)
6.1
(1.1)
2.5
17.8
2.3
(10.6)
(13.3)
3.1
20.1

293.5

127

FINANCIALSTATEMENTSTRAVIS PERKINS ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2012 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
No tEs t o tH E   F I N A N C I A L  s t

A tE M E Nt s

36a. Adjusted ratio of net debt to earnings before interest, tax and depreciation

Profit before tax 
Net finance costs 
Depreciation and amortisation 

EbITDA under IFRS 
Exceptional operating items 
Exceptional investment income 
IFRS adjustments not included in covenant calculations  

Adjusted EbITDA under covenant calculations 

Net debt under covenant calculations 

Adjusted net debt to EbITDA 

T HE  G ROU P
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012 
£m 

313.3 
26.7 
86.8 

426.8 
8.7 
(39.5) 
(2.6) 

393.4 

374.5 

0.95x 

2011 
£m

269.6
20.9
76.7

367.2
9.8
-
(2.7)

374.3

486.6

1.30x

36b. Lease adjusted ratio of net debt to earnings before interest, tax , depreciation and operating lease rentals

EbITDA under IFRS 
Operating lease rentals 

EbITDAR  
Net debt under covenant calculations 
Operating lease rentals x8 

Lease adjusted net debt 

Lease adjusted net debt to EbITDAR 

T HE  G ROU P
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012 
£m 

393.4 
189.0 

582.4 
374.5 
1,512.0 

1,886.5 

3.2x 

2011 
£m

374.3
176.0

550.3
486.6
1,408.0

1,894.6

3.4x

128

 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
37. Adjusted pre-tax return on capital

Operating profit 
Amortisation of intangible assets 
Exceptional items 

Adjusted operating profit 

Opening net assets 
Net pension deficit 
Goodwill written off 
Net borrowings  
Exchange adjustment 

Opening capital employed 

closing net assets 
Net pension deficit  
Goodwill written off 
Net borrowings  
Exchange adjustment 

closing capital employed 

Average capital employed 

Adjusted	pre–tax	return	on	capital	

T HE  GRO UP
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012 
£m 

300.5 
17.4 
8.7 

326.6 

2,107.8 
34.3 
92.7 
583.2 
(36.6) 

2,781.4 

2,308.1 
44.5 
92.7 
452.2 
(19.5) 

2,878.0 

2,829.7 

11.5% 

2011 
£m

290.5
12.9
9.8

313.2

1,951.8
20.1
92.7
773.6
(52.2)

2,786.0

2,107.8
34.3
92.7
583.2
(36.6)

2,781.4

2,783.7

11.3%

129

FINANCIALSTATEMENTSTRAVIS PERKINS ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2012 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
Five Year Record 

consolidated income statement

2012 
£m 

2011 
£m 

2010 
£m 

2009 
£m 

2008
£m

Revenue 

4,844.9 

4,779.1 

3,152.8 

2,930.9 

3,178.6

Operating profit before amortisation and exceptional items 
Amortisation 
Exceptional items 

Operating profit 
Exceptional investment income 
Net finance costs 

Profit before tax 
Income tax expense 

Net profit 

Adjusted pre-tax return on capital  

basic earnings per share 
Adjusted earnings per share 

Dividend declared per ordinary share (pence) 

326.6 
(17.4) 
(8.7) 

300.5 
39.5 
(26.7) 

313.3 
(53.7) 

259.6 

11.5% 

108.9p 
95.1p 

25.0p 

branches at 31 December (No.) Includes branches of associates 

1,896 

313.2 
(12.9) 
(9.8) 

290.5 
- 
(20.9) 

269.6 
(57.2) 

212.4 

11.3% 

90.3p 
93.1p 

20.0p 

1,868 

239.0 
(0.2) 
(19.0) 

219.8 
- 
(23.0) 

196.8 
(55.5) 

141.3 

12.2% 

69.6p 
77.2p 

15.0p 

1,813 

Average number of employees (No.) 

21,887 

21,423 

15,792 

basic and adjusted earnings per share for 2008 have been restated for the impact of the rights issue.

consolidated cash flow statement

cash generated from operations 
Net interest paid 
Swap cancellation receipt / (payment) 
Income taxes paid 
Net purchases of investments, property and plant 
Interest in associates 
Disposal of businesses 
Acquisition of businesses net of cash acquired 
Proceeds from issuance of share capital 
Dividends paid 
bank facility finance charges 
Net movement in finance lease liabilities 
Repayment of unsecured loan notes 
Liability to pension scheme 
Decrease in bank loans 

Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 
Net debt at 1 January 
Non cash adjustment 
cash flow from debt and debt acquired  

2012 
£m 

327.6 
(27.3) 
- 
(64.5) 
(49.7) 
(2.9) 
- 
(24.5) 
8.9 
(51.2) 
- 
5.7 
- 
- 
(61.6) 

60.5 
(583.2) 
14.6 
55.9 

2011 
£m 

345.1 
(23.5) 
- 
(26.3) 
(94.2) 
(2.3) 
26.9 
(9.9) 
10.6 
(38.8) 
(6.1) 
(1.6) 
- 
- 
(152.2) 

27.7 
(773.6) 
8.9 
153.8 

Net debt at 31 December 

Free cash flow 

(452.2) 

(583.2) 

241.8 

293.5 

2010 
£m 

282.3 
(16.0) 
13.7 
(42.4) 
(35.4) 
(12.5) 
- 
(294.9) 
0.3 
(10.1) 
- 
(1.3) 
(0.6) 
34.7 
(214.1) 

(296.3) 
(467.2) 
(3.1) 
(7.0) 

(773.6) 

277.8 

224.6 
- 
32.7 

257.3 
- 
(44.6) 

212.7 
(55.3) 

157.4 

10.9% 

88.4p 
75.2p 

- 

1,238 

14,528 

2009 
£m 

319.8 
(29.0) 
(28.7) 
(27.3) 
(7.8) 
(12.9) 
- 
(1.0) 
300.3 
- 
- 
(1.5) 
(0.1) 
- 
(160.0) 

351.8 
(1,017.4) 
36.8 
161.6 

271.5
-
(56.2)

215.3
-
(69.0)

146.3
(44.4)

101.9

12.9%

68.6p
96.9p

14.5p

1,223

15,414

2008
£m

337.6
(63.0)
-
(66.0)
(82.4)
(20.7)
-
(22.5)
0.6
(52.5)
(14.7)
(2.1)
(11.5)
-
(33.7)

(30.9)
(941.0)
(92.8)
47.3

(467.2) 

(1,017.4)

294.4 

185.3

130

 
 
 
 
 
consolidated balance sheet

2012 
£m 

2011 
£m 

2010 
£m 

2009 
£m 

2008
£m

ASSETS 
NON-cURRENT ASSETS 
Property, plant and equipment 
Goodwill and other intangible assets 
Derivative financial instruments 
Interest in associates 
Retirement benefit assets 
Investment property and other investments 
Deferred tax asset 

cURRENT ASSETS 
Inventories 
Trade and other receivables 
Assets held for resale 
cash and cash equivalents 

Total assets 

cAPITAL AND RESERVES 
Issued capital 
Share premium account 
merger reserve 
Own shares 
Other reserves 
Accumulated profits 

Total equity 

NON-cURRENT LIAbILITIES 
Interest bearing loans and borrowings 
Derivative financial instruments 
Retirement benefit obligations 
Long term provisions and other payables 
Deferred tax liabilities 

cURRENT LIAbILITIES  
Interest bearing loans and borrowings 
Derivative financial instruments 
Trade and other payables 
Tax liabilities 
Short-term provisions 

Total liabilities 

Total equity and liabilities 

4,357.2 

4,191.2 

578.4 
2,232.3 
12.8 
6.7 
1.6 
2.8 
- 

637.1 
746.4 
- 
139.1 

562.6 
2,095.1 
40.3 
51.3 
19.3 
1.9 
- 

596.0 
746.1 
- 
78.6 

527.1 
2,109.7 
57.0 
45.7 
31.7 
1.9 
- 

571.4 
687.2 
2.3 
62.9 

499.0 
1,515.3 
44.7 
31.7 
- 
4.8 
12.0 

312.7 
375.4 
- 
347.2 

534.5
1,513.9
80.3
19.6
-
5.4
19.5

321.9
388.6
-
7.7

4,357.2 

4,191.2 

4,096.9 

3,142.8 

2,891.4

24.5 
487.2 
326.5 
(62.4) 
18.5 
1,513.8 

24.4 
480.8 
326.5 
(75.2) 
15.7 
1,335.6 

2,308.1 

2,107.8 

195.2 
4.9 
59.1 
67.0 
85.0 

396.1 
2.6 
1,107.6 
74.8 
56.8 

2,049.1 

598.2 
5.9 
65.0 
28.9 
97.4 

63.6 
- 
1,088.3 
75.9 
60.2 

2,083.4 

24.2 
471.5 
325.9 
(83.4) 
14.4 
1,199.2 

1,951.8 

760.9 
4.2 
59.6 
36.0 
110.5 

75.6 
2.5 
1,004.5 
36.5 
54.8 

2,145.1 

4,096.9 

20.9 
471.2 
- 
(83.7) 
9.2 
1,042.8 

1,460.4 

739.1 
6.1 
43.0 
43.7 
62.8 

75.3 
- 
638.7 
28.1 
45.6 

1,682.4 

3,142.8 

12.3
179.5
-
(83.7)
6.0
904.1

1,018.2

1,007.3
25.8
69.9
47.8
74.7

17.8
-
582.2
9.1
38.6

1,873.2

2,891.4

131

FINANCIALSTATEMENTSTRAVIS PERKINS ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2012 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notice of Annual General Meeting 

Notice is hereby given that the forty-ninth Annual General meeting 
of Travis Perkins plc will be held at Northampton Rugby Football 
club, Franklin’s Gardens, Weedon Road, Northampton, NN5 5bG on 
Thursday 23 may 2013 at 12.00 noon.

a.   shares (as defined in section 540 of the companies Act 2006) 
or grant rights to subscribe for or to convert any security into 
shares up to an aggregate nominal amount of £8,166,764; and

b.   equity securities (as such phrase is to be interpreted in 

3. 

4. 

2. 

the resolutions
Resolutions 1 to 15 (inclusive) will be proposed as ordinary 
resolutions. Resolutions 16 to 18 (inclusive) will be proposed as 
special resolutions.
1. 

 To receive the company’s annual accounts for the financial year 
ended 31 December 2012, together with the Directors’ report, the 
Directors’ remuneration report and the Auditor’s report on those 
accounts and on the auditable part of the Directors’ remuneration 
report.
 To declare a final dividend for the financial year ended  
31 December 2012 of 17 pence per ordinary share, payable to 
shareholders on the register at the close of business on 3 may 
2013.
 To appoint Tony buffin as a director of the company. 
biographical details of Tony buffin appear on page 54.
 To re-appoint chris bunker as a non-executive director of the 
company. biographical details of chris bunker appear on page 55.
 To re-appoint John coleman as a non-executive director of the 
company. biographical details of John coleman appear on  
page 55.
 To re-appoint Andrew Simon as a non-executive director of the 
company. biographical details of Andrew Simon appear on  
page 55.
 To re-appoint Ruth Anderson as a non-executive director of the 
company. biographical details of Ruth Anderson appear on  
page 55.
 To re-appoint Geoff cooper as a director of the company. 
biographical details of Geoff cooper appear on page 54.
 To re-appoint John carter as a director of the company. 
biographical details of John carter appear on page 54.
10.   To re-appoint Robert Walker as a director of the company. 
biographical details of Robert Walker appear on page 54.

6. 

5. 

9. 

7. 

8. 

11.   To re-appoint Deloitte LLP, chartered Accountants, as auditor of 
the company to hold office from the conclusion of this meeting 
until the conclusion of the next general meeting of the company 
at which accounts are laid.

12.   To authorise the Directors to fix the remuneration of Deloitte LLP.
13.   That the Directors’ Remuneration Report for the financial year 
ended 31 December 2012 set out on pages 64 to 74 be approved.

14.   That the replacement Deferred Share bonus Plan (the ‘Plan’) 
produced in draft to this meeting and, for the purposes of 
identification, initialled by the chairman, be approved and the 
Directors be authorised to make such modifications to the Plan as 
they may consider appropriate. 

15.   That, in substitution for all existing authorities, the Directors be 
generally and unconditionally authorised in accordance with 
section 551 of the companies Act 2006 to exercise all the powers 
of the company to allot:

132

accordance with section 560 of the companies Act 2006) up to 
an aggregate nominal amount of £16,333,529 (such amount 
to be reduced by the aggregate nominal amount of shares 
allotted or rights to subscribe for or to convert any security into 
shares in the company granted under paragraph (a) of this 
resolution 15) in connection with an offer by way of a rights 
issue:
i.   to ordinary shareholders in proportion (as nearly as may be 

practicable) to their existing holdings; and

ii.   to holders of other equity securities (as defined in section 

560(1) of the companies Act 2006) as required by the rights 
of those securities or, subject to such rights, as the directors 
otherwise consider necessary, 

and so that the Directors may impose any limits or restrictions 
and make any arrangements which they consider necessary 
or appropriate to deal with treasury shares, fractional 
entitlements, record dates, legal, regulatory or practical 
problems in, or under the laws of, any territory or any 
other matter such authorities to apply until the end of the 
company’s next annual general meeting after this resolution 
is passed (or, if earlier, until the close of business on 30 June 
2014) but, in each case, so that the company may make 
offers and enter into agreements before the authority expires 
which would, or might, require shares to be allotted or rights 
to subscribe for or to convert any security into shares to be 
granted after the authority expires and the Directors may allot 
shares or grant such rights under any such offer or agreement 
as if the authority had not expired.

16.   That, in substitution for all existing powers and subject to the 

passing of resolution 15, the Directors be generally empowered 
pursuant to section 570 of the companies Act 2006 to allot equity 
securities (as such phrase is to be interpreted in section 560 
of the companies Act 2006) for cash pursuant to the authority 
granted by resolution 15 and/or where the allotment constitutes 
an allotment of equity securities by virtue of section 560(3) of the 
companies Act 2006, in each case free of the restriction in section 
561 of the companies Act 2006, such power to be limited:
a.   to the allotment of equity securities in connection with an offer 
of equity securities (but in the case of an allotment pursuant to 
the authority granted by paragraph (b) of resolution 15, such 
power shall be limited to the allotment of equity securities in 
connection with an offer by way of a rights issue only):
i.   to ordinary shareholders in proportion (as nearly as may be 

practicable) to their existing holdings; and

ii.   to holders of other equity securities (as defined in section 

560(1) of the companies Act 2006), as required by the rights 
of those securities or, subject to such rights, as the directors 
otherwise consider necessary and so that the Directors 
may impose any limits or restrictions and make any 

arrangements which they consider necessary or appropriate 
to deal with treasury shares, fractional entitlements, record 
dates, legal, regulatory or practical problems in, or under the 
laws of, any territory or any other matter; and

b.   to the allotment of equity securities pursuant to the authority 
granted by paragraph (a) of resolution 15 and/or an allotment 
which constitutes an allotment of equity securities by virtue 
of section 560(3) of the companies Act 2006 (in each case 
otherwise than in the circumstances set out in paragraph (a) 
of this resolution 16) up to a nominal amount of £1,225,015 
calculated, in the case of equity securities which are rights 
to subscribe for, or to convert securities into, ordinary shares 
(as defined in section 560(1) of the companies Act 2006) by 
reference to the aggregate nominal amount of relevant shares 
which may be allotted pursuant to such rights, such power 
to apply until the end of the company’s next annual general 
meeting after this resolution is passed (or, if earlier, until the 
close of business on 30 June 2014); but so that the company 
may make offers and enter into agreements before the power 
expires which would, or might, require equity securities to be 
allotted after the power expires and the Directors may allot 
equity securities under any such offer or agreement as if the 
power had not expired.

17.   That a general meeting other than an annual general meeting 

may be called on not less than 14 clear days notice.
18.   That the company be and is hereby generally and 

unconditionally authorised to make one or more market 
purchases (within the meaning of section 693(4) of the 
companies Act 2006) of ordinary shares of 10 pence each in the 
capital of the company (‘ordinary shares’), provided that:
a.   the maximum aggregate number of ordinary shares authorised 
to be purchased is 24,500,293 (representing 10% of the issued 
share capital of the company as at 27 march 2013);

b.   the minimum price (exclusive of expenses) which may be paid 

for an ordinary share is its nominal value of 10 pence;
c.   the maximum price (exclusive of 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 
as derived from The London Stock Exchange Daily Official List 
for the five business days immediately preceding the day on 
which that ordinary share is purchased;

d.   this authority expires at the conclusion of the next Annual 

General meeting of the company or 30 June 2014, whichever is 
the earlier; and

e.   the company may make a contract to purchase ordinary 

shares under this authority before the expiry of such authority, 
which will or may be executed wholly or partly after the expiry 
of such authority, and may make a purchase of ordinary 
shares pursuant to any such contract.

by order of the board

Andrew pike
company Secretary
Lodge Way House, Harlestone Road, Northampton NN5 7UG
3 April 2013
Registered in England No. 824821

Directions to Northampton Rugby Football club can be found on  
page 136.

133

SHAREHOLDERINFORMATIONTRAVIS PERKINS ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2012Notes to the Notice of Annual General Meeting 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

 A form of proxy is enclosed and instructions for its use are shown 
on the form. The appointment of a proxy will not prevent a 
member from subsequently attending, voting and speaking at the 
meeting in person, in which case any votes of the proxy will be 
superseded.

 A member of the company is entitled to appoint a proxy to 
exercise all or any of his rights to attend, speak and vote at a 
general meeting of the company. A member may appoint more 
than one proxy, provided that each proxy is appointed to exercise 
the rights attaching to different shares. A proxy need not be a 
member. 

 To appoint more than one proxy, (an) additional proxy form(s) 
may be obtained by contacting the Registrars or you may 
photocopy the form. Please indicate in the box next to the proxy 
holder’s name the number of shares in relation to which they are 
authorised to act as your proxy. Please also indicate by ticking 
the box provided if the proxy instruction is one of multiple 
instructions being given. All forms must be signed and should be 
returned together in the same envelope.

 The right to appoint a proxy under note 1 and 2 above does 
not apply to persons whose shares are held on their behalf 
by another person and who have been nominated to receive 
communication from the company in accordance with section 
146 of the companies Act 2006 (‘nominated persons’). Nominated 
persons may have a right under an agreement with the registered 
shareholder who holds shares on their behalf to be appointed 
(or to have someone else appointed) as a proxy. Alternatively, 
if nominated persons do not have such a right, or do not wish 
to exercise it, they may have a right under such an agreement 
to give instructions to the person holding the shares as to the 
exercise of voting rights. 

 To be effective, the instrument appointing a proxy and any 
authority under which it is signed (or a notarially certified copy 
of such authority) for the Annual General meeting to be held at 
Northampton Rugby Football club, Franklins Gardens, Weedon 
Road, Northampton, NN5 5bQ at 12.00 noon on Thursday 23 may 
2013 and any adjournment(s) thereof must be returned to capita 
Registrars, PXS, 34 beckenham Road, beckenham, Kent, bR3 4TU, 
by 12.00 noon on 21 may 2013. Alternatively you may submit 
your proxy form online by accessing the Shareholder portal at 
www.capitaregistrars.com, logging in and selecting the ‘Proxy 
Voting’ link. If you have not previously registered for electronic 
communications, you will first be asked to register as a new user, 
for which you will require your investor code (which can be found 
on the enclosed proxy form, your share certificate or dividend tax 
voucher), family name and post code (if resident in the UK). 

6. 

 cREST members who wish to appoint a proxy or proxies through 
the cREST electronic proxy appointment service may do 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 sponsors or voting service 
provider(s), who will be able to take the appropriate action on their 
behalf.

In order for a proxy appointment made by means of cREST 

to be valid, the appropriate cREST message (a ‘cREST Proxy 
Instruction’) must be properly authenticated in accordance with 
Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited’s specifications and must contain 
the information required for such instructions, as described in the 
cREST manual. The message, 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 company’s agent (ID RA10) 
by the latest time(s) for receipt of proxy appointments (12.00 
noon on 21 may 2013). 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 Application Host) from which the 
company’s agent is 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 

and voting service providers 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. The cREST manual can be reviewed at www.euroclear.
com/cREST.

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.

In each case the proxy appointments must be received by the 

company not less than 48 hours before the time appointed for 
holding the meeting or any adjournment thereof.

7. 

 Only those members entered on the register of members of 
the company as at 6.00 pm on 21 may 2013 shall be entitled 
to attend or vote at the meeting in respect of the number of 
shares registered in their name at that time. changes to entries 
on the register of members after that time shall be disregarded 
in determining the rights of any person to attend or vote at the 
meeting.

134

8. 

9. 

 Reference to the register means the issuer register of members and 
the Operator register of members maintained in accordance with 
Regulation 20 of the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001.

 The following documents will be available for inspection at the 
Registered Office of the company during usual business hours on 
any weekday (Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays excluded) 
from the date of this Notice to the date of the meeting and at 
Northampton Rugby Football club from 12.00am on the day of 
the meeting until the conclusion of the meeting. 
•	 	Copies	of	contracts	of	service	of	directors	and	non–executive	

directors’ letters of appointment with the company, or with any 
of its subsidiary companies. 

•	 The	register	of	directors’	interests	kept	by	the	Company.
•	 A	copy	of	the	Company’s	Articles	of	Association.
•	 	A	statement	giving	particulars	of	directors’	relevant	

transactions.

•	 	A	copy	of	the	draft	rules	of	the	replacement	Deferred	Share	

bonus Plan. copies will also be available for inspection at the 
offices of Aon Hewitt, 10 Devonshire Square, London, Ec2m 4YP 
during usual business hours on any weekday (Saturdays and 
English public holidays excepted) from the date of this notice 
until the conclusion of the meeting.

10.   At 27 march 2013 (being the latest practicable date before 
publication of this notice) the issued share capital of the 
company consisted of 245,002,932 ordinary shares, carrying one 
vote each. Therefore, the total voting rights in the company as at 
27 march was 245,002,932.

11.   A person to whom this Notice is sent who is a person 

nominated under section 146 of the companies Act 2006 to 
enjoy information rights (a ‘Nominated Person’) may, under 
an agreement between him/her and the shareholder by whom 
he/she was nominated, have a right to be appointed (or to 
have someone else appointed) as a proxy for the meeting. If a 
Nominated Person has no such proxy appointment right or does 
not wish to exercise it, he/she may, under any such agreement, 
have a right to give instructions to the shareholder as to the 
exercise of voting rights.

12.   The statement of the rights of members in relation to the 

appointment of proxies in paragraphs 1 to 6 above does not apply 
to a Nominated Person. The rights described in these paragraphs 
can only be exercised by registered members of the company.

13.   Any corporation which is a member can appoint one or more 

corporate representatives who may exercise on its behalf all of 
the same powers as the corporation could exercise if it were an 
individual member.

14.   Under section 527 of the companies Act 2006 members 

meeting the threshold requirements set out in that section 
have the right to require the company to publish on a website 
a statement setting out any matter relating to: (i) the audit of 

the company’s accounts (including the auditor’s report and the 
conduct of the audit) that are to be laid before the meeting; or (ii) 
any circumstance connected with an auditor of the company 
ceasing to hold office since the previous meeting at which annual 
accounts and reports were laid in accordance with section 437 
of the companies Act 2006. The company may not require the 
shareholders requesting any such website publication to pay its 
expenses in complying with sections 527 or 528 of the companies 
Act 2006. Where the company is required to place a statement on 
a website under section 527 of the companies Act 2006, it must 
forward the statement to the company’s auditor not later than the 
time when it makes the statement available on the website. The 
business which may be dealt with at the meeting includes any 
statement that the company has been required under section 527 
of the companies Act 2006 to publish on a website.

15.   Under section 338 and section 338A of the companies Act 2006, 
members meeting the threshold requirements in those sections 
have the right to require the company (i) to give, to members of 
the company entitled to receive notice of the meeting, notice of 
a resolution which may properly be moved and is intended to 
be moved at the meeting and/or (ii) to include in the business to 
be dealt with at the meeting any matter (other than a proposed 
resolution) which may be properly included in the business. A 
resolution may properly be moved or a matter may properly be 
included in the business unless (a) (in the case of a resolution 
only) it would, if passed, be ineffective (whether by reason of 
inconsistency with any enactment or the company’s constitution 
or otherwise), (b) it is defamatory of any person, or (c) it is 
frivolous or vexatious. Such a request may be in hard copy form or 
in electronic form, must identify the resolution of which notice is 
to be given or the matter to be included in the business, must be 
authorised by the person or persons making it, must be received 
by the company not later than 10 April 2013, being the date six 
clear weeks before the meeting, and (in the case of a matter to 
be included in the business only) must be accompanied by a 
statement setting out the grounds for the request.

16.   Shareholders and their proxies will have the opportunity to ask 
questions at the meeting. When invited by the chairman, if you 
wish to ask a question, please wait for a company representative 
to bring you a microphone. It would be helpful if you could 
state your name before you ask your question. Questions may 
not be answered at the meeting if they are deemed not to be in 
the interests of the company, or the good order of the meeting, 
would interfere unduly with the preparation for the meeting or 
involve the disclosure of confidential information, or if the answer 
has already been given on a website. The chairman may also 
nominate a company representative to answer a specific question 
after the meeting or refer the response to the company’s website.

17.   A copy of this Notice, and other information required by section 
311A of the companies Act 2006, can be found in the Investor 
centre at www.travisperkinsplc.com.

135

SHAREHOLDERINFORMATIONTRAVIS PERKINS ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2012Directions to the Annual General Meeting 

The Travis Perkins Annual General meeting is to be held in  
The captains Lounge and The Rodber Suite,  
Northampton Rugby Football club,  
Franklin’s Gardens,  
Weedon Road,  
Northampton NN5 5bG.

Parking is directly outside in the VIP car Park (follow VIP car Park 
signs off Weedon Road).

TO M1
JUNCTION 16
W E E D O N   R O A D   A 4 5  

DUSTON ROAD

Y
A
W
E
T
A
G
L
L
O
T

                                                                                         W E E D O N   R O A D   A4500

NORTHAMPTON
RUGBY FOOTBALL
CLUB

BEACON BINGO

U

P

T

O
N

W
A
Y

BP

CINEWORLD

SIXFIELDS

NORTHAMPTON
TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB

TGI FRIDAYS

R   B R I D GE ROAD A4500

A

4

2

8

E

C

  SP E N

VIP CAR PARK

S

T

J

A

M

E

S

R

RAILWAY STATION

O

A

D   A428

TO NORTHAMPTON
TOWN CENTRE

A
4

5

TO M1
JUNCTION 15A

Directions
From the south (via the M1)
Exit off motorway at junction 15A and follow the signs towards 
Sixfields. At roundabout with TGI Fridays on the right and a bP 
petrol station on the left carry straight on up the hill. At cineworld 
roundabout turn right towards the Town centre. Go straight over 
the next two roundabouts (Sainsbury’s is on the left before the first 
roundabout and Wickes on the right after the second roundabout) 
and set of traffic lights. continue on that road (Weedon Road). The 
entrance to the Saints is on the right immediately after beacon bingo. 
Follow signs for VIP car park off Weedon Road.

From the north (via the M1)
Exit off motorway at junction 16 and follow the A45 to Northampton. 
At cineworld roundabout continue straight on and follow directions 
from the South.

From the east, peterborough, Cambridge, Wellingborough
Follow A45 to m1 junction 15. Head north to junction 15A then follow 
directions from the South.

From Welford, Market Harborough
Aim towards the Kingsthorpe area of Northampton. Turn right at the 
major set of traffic lights (the cock Hotel is on the corner), signposted 
Sixfields. continue on this road until you get to cineworld roundabout 
(approx 3 miles). Turn left at the cineworld roundabout then continue 
as from the South.

From the railway station
Turn right out of the station. continue past Thomas A becket pub, 
church and co. factory and bus station. At fork in road bear left and 
Franklin’s Gardens is on your left. The walk takes approx 15 minutes.

Nearest airports
London Luton and Nottingham East midlands.

Further information
For detailed directions you might want to try the following websites:
multimap (www.multimap.com);
The AA (www.theaa.com);
The RAc (www.rac.co.uk).
For further details about the venue: 
www.northamptonsaints.co.uk

136

 
                             
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Shareholder Information 

shareholder enquiries
Shareholder enquiries should be directed to the company Secretary 
at the company’s registered office:
Travis Perkins plc
Lodge Way House, Lodge Way, Harlestone Road,  
Northampton NN5 7UG
Telephone 01604 752424
Email cosec@travisperkins.co.uk

or to the company’s registrars: 
capita Registrars
The Registry, 34 beckenham Road, beckenham, Kent, bR3 4TU 
Telephone 0871 664 0300 
(calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras; lines are open 8.30am 
to	5.30pm,	Monday	–	Friday)
Email ssd@capitaregistrars.com

Should your query relate to a pensions matter please email 
pensions@travisperkins.co.uk or if your query relates to a marketing 
matter please email marketing@travisperkins.co.uk.

Financial diary
Ex-dividend date 
Record date 
Annual General meeting 
Payment of final dividend 
Announcement of 2013 interim results 
Announcement of 2013 annual results 

1 may 2013
3 may 2013
23 may 2013
30 may 2013
July 2013
February 2014

Annual general meeting – catering arrangements
It has always been the company’s custom to provide a light luncheon 
for shareholders following the AGm, and a buffet luncheon will be 
available (you need not notify the company in advance if you would 
like lunch).

Internet
There are sites on the internet that carry a range of information 
about the Group and its principal brands, products and services at the 
following addresses: 
www.ccfltd.co.uk* 
www.4tradeproducts.co.uk 
www.benchmarxkitchens.co.uk
www.benchmarxshowroom.co.uk (end user site)
www.birchwoodpricetools.com
www.bmpublicsector.co.uk
www.bssindustrial.co.uk
www.buytiles.co.uk
www.cityheatingspares.co.uk
www.cityplumbing.co.uk*
www.connectionsaml.co.uk
www.defenderpower.com

www.dhsspares.co.uk
www.fponlineordering.co.uk
www.fpwholesale.co.uk
www.fressshbathrooms.co.uk
www.havelockcontrols.co.uk
http://hire.travisperkins.co.uk/hire* 
www.iflo.co.uk
www.insulationgiant.co.uk 
www.keyline.co.uk* 
http://hire.keyline.co.uk/hire/*
www.mispares.com 
www.pro-heat.co.uk 
www.ptsonlineordering.co.uk
www.ptsplumbing.co.uk
www.ptsrenewables.co.uk
www.scruffs.com
www.selfbuildgroup.co.uk 
www.southern-darwent.co.uk 
www.sustainablebuildingsolutions.co.uk
www.thedoorscollections.co.uk
www.tilegiant.co.uk* 
www.tilehq.co.uk
www.tilemagic.co.uk
www.timberdirect.co.uk
www.toolstation.co.uk*
www.tpcareers.co.uk
www.tpmanagedservices.co.uk 
www.trademate.co.uk* 
www.travisperkins.co.uk*
www.travisperkinsplc.com (investor relations site)
www.vanvault.co.uk
www.wickes.co.uk*
www.wickescareers.co.uk
www.wickeskitchens.co.uk

*These sites allow credit account holders to order on-line through 
Trademate, with the exception of the Wickes, Tile Giant and ToolStation 
sites which allow on-line ordering by secure card transaction. 

most of the sites provide information about branch locations and 
allow access to prices and the product range available. customers are 
also able to construct their own price quotation that includes any 
special price arrangements that have been negotiated with the Group.

Electronic communication
In accordance with the companies Act 2006 and the company’s 
Articles of Association, the company is allowed to use its website to 
publish statutory documents and communications to shareholders, 
such as the Annual Report and Accounts and the Notice of the AGm. 
You can therefore view or download a copy of the Annual Report and 
Accounts and the Notice of the AGm by going to our website at  
www.travisperkinsplc.com (see section called ‘Investor centre’). If you 

137

SHAREHOLDERINFORMATIONTRAVIS PERKINS ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2012otH Er  s H ArE HoL D Er   IN Fo rM A

tIoN  

received a hard copy of this report in the post then you will not have 
consented to this method of publication. Should you now wish to 
consent to this method of publication, you should contact  
capita Registrars, Freepost RLYX-GZTU-KRRG, SAS,  
The Registry, 34 beckenham Road, beckenham, bR3 9ZA. 

by reducing the number of communications sent by post, it will not 
only result in cost savings to the company but also reduce the impact 
that the unnecessary printing and distribution of reports has on the 
environment. Please note that if you consent to website publication, 
you will continue to be notified each time that the company places 
a statutory communication on the website. This notification will 
be sent to you by post. However, you may also choose to receive 
notifications by e-mail and we would encourage you to do so. If you 
wish to receive these notifications by e-mail, you should register 
at www.capitashareportal.com, and follow the instructions (see 
Registrar’s On-Line Service below).

Please telephone capita Registrars on 0871 664 0300 (within the 

UK), calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras; lines are open 
9.00am to 5.30pm, monday - Friday or +44 20 8639 3399 (Non-UK) if 
you have any queries.

Notes
1.   before consenting to receive documents and communications via 

the website, shareholders should ensure that they have a computer 
with internet access and the Adobe Acrobat reader facility. The 
Adobe Acrobat reader software may be obtained via the website 
free of charge.

2.   If you elect to receive notifications of the publication of the 

documents and communications on the website electronically, it 
will be your responsibility to notify our registrars, capita, of any 
subsequent change in your e-mail address or other contact details.

3.   If you are not resident in the United Kingdom, it is your 

responsibility to ensure that you may validly receive documents 
and communications electronically (either generally or in relation 
to any particular document or communication) without the 
company being required to comply with any governmental or 
regulatory procedures or any similar formalities. The company 
may deny electronic access to documents and communications 
relating to certain corporate actions in respect of those 
shareholders who it believes are resident in jurisdictions where it 
is advised that to provide such access would or may be a breach of 
any legal or regulatory requirements.

4.   The company’s obligation to provide shareholder documents 

to you is satisfied when it transmits an electronic message. The 
company is not responsible for any failure in transmission for 
reasons beyond its control any more than it is for postal failures. 

In the event of the company becoming aware that an electronic 
communication to you has not been successfully transmitted, 
a further two attempts will be made. If the transmission is still 
unsuccessful, a hard copy of the relevant notification will be posted 
to your registered address.

5.   Your registration to receive electronic communications and your 
relevant contact address details will stand until such time as the 
company receives alternative instructions from you by e-mail or in 
writing.

6.   The company takes all reasonable precautions to ensure no 

computer viruses are present in any electronic communication 
it transmits, but the company shall not be responsible for any 
loss or damage arising from the opening or use of any e-mail or 
attachments sent by the company or on its behalf. The company 
recommends that shareholders subject all messages to computer 
virus checking procedures. Any electronic communication received 
by or on behalf of the company, including the lodgement of an 
electronic proxy form that is found to contain any computer virus 
will not be accepted.

7.  The company reserves the right, irrespective of your election, to 
revert to sending hard copy documentation by post whenever it 
considers it necessary or desirable to do so.

Capita registrars
The company’s registrars, capita Registrars (‘capita’), provide a 
number of services that, as a shareholder, might be useful to you;-

registrar’s on-line service
by logging onto www.capitashareportal.com and following the 
prompts, shareholders can view and amend various details on their 
account. Please note that you will need to register to use this service 
for which purpose you will require your unique investor code (IVc), 
which can be found on your share certificate, proxy card or dividend 
tax voucher.

Dividend re-investment plan (‘DrIp’)
This is a scheme which allows you to use your dividends to buy 
further shares in Travis Perkins. For any shareholders who wish to 
re-invest dividend payments in the company, a facility is provided by 
capita IRG Trustees Ltd in conjunction with capita Registrars. Under 
this facility, cash dividends are used to purchase additional shares. 
Shares are bought on the dividend payment date at the then current 
market price. Any cash left over which is insufficient to purchase 
a whole share will be carried forward and held without interest, in 
a client money bank account. Any shareholder requiring further 
information should contact capita on 0871 664 0381 (calls cost 10p 
per minute plus any network extras from within the UK); lines are 

138

open	from	9.00	am	to	5.30	pm	Monday	–	Friday.	If	Non-UK	+44	208	
639 3399. Fax 0208 639 1023. E-mail shares@capitaregistrars.com or 
visit www.capitaregistrars.com. Please note that this facility is only 
available to shareholders with an address in the UK or EEA.

Duplicate share register accounts
If you are receiving more than one copy of our report, it may be that 
your shares are registered in two or more accounts on our register of 
members. If that was not your intention you might consider merging 
them into one single entry. Please contact capita who will be pleased 
to carry out your instructions.

overseas shareholders
capita, in conjunction with Western Union, are able to provide you 
with a service that will convert your sterling dividends into your local 
currency at a competitive rate. You can choose to receive payment 
directly into your bank account, or you can be sent a draft in your 
local currency. Further details are available from  
capita Registrars,  
Freepost RLYX-GZTU-KRRG, SAS, The Registry,  
34 beckenham Road, beckenham, Kent bR3 9ZA 
Telephone UK: 0871 664 0385  
(calls cost 10 pence per minute plus network extras; lines are open to 
9.00am to 5.30pm, monday - Friday) or +44 208 639 3405 (Non UK) or 
by logging on to www.international.capitaregistrars.com

share dealing services
There are two share dealing services that you may wish to use to buy 
or sell shares in Travis Perkins.

Capita
capita offers an on-line and telephone share dealing service which 
is available by logging on to www.capitadeal.com or telephoning 
0871 664 0346 (calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras; 
lines	are	open	8.00am	to	4.30pm,	Monday	–	Friday).	For	the	on-line	
service, capita’s commission rates are 1% of the value of the deal 
(minimum £20, maximum £75) and for the telephone service, capita’s 
commission rates are 1.50% of the value of the deal (minimum £25, 
maximum £102.50). 

stocktrade
Stocktrade offer a telephone share dealing service which is available 
by telephoning 0845 6010 995 (non-UK +44 131 240 0414) and 
quoting reference ‘Low cost 335’. Stocktrade’s commission will be 
0.5%, to deals up to the value of £10,000 and 0.2% on the excess 
thereafter, subject to minimum of £17.50. Please note that UK share 
purchases will be subject to 0.5% stamp duty. There will also be a 
PTm (‘Panel for Takeovers and mergers’) levy of £1 for single trades in 
excess of £10,000. When buying shares you will be required to pay for 
your transaction at the time of the deal by debit card, and you should 
ensure that you have sufficient cleared funds available in your debit 
card account to pay for the shares in full.

139

SHAREHOLDERINFORMATIONTRAVIS PERKINS ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2012Shareholder Notes

140

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TRAVIS PERKINS PLC

Travis Perkins plc · Lodge Way House · Harlestone Road · Northampton NN5 7UG · Telephone 01604 752 424

www.travisperkinsplc.com