The directors present the strategic report for the year ended 31 December 2024.
On 15 December 2024 Sir James N Walker CBE, founding director and previous joint Managing Director of Walker’s Shortbread Ltd, sadly passed away. Sir Jim’s leadership and vision were instrumental in shaping the business into the world-renowned brand it is today. His contribution to both the group and the wider Scottish food industry, over many decades, was exceptional. He will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
The year under review saw significant top-line sales growth, with the business reporting sales in excess of £200m for the first time. This milestone reflects the strength of the business’s historic foundations, combined with the positive market response to our refreshed brand identity.
The business faced continued supply chain cost pressures across key commodities, alongside rising labour costs and logistical challenges throughout 2024. These factors resulted in increased growth in our operating cost base. To mitigate this, the business continued to implement enhanced forward planning strategies and worked closely with suppliers to secure sustainable cost price adjustments while minimising, as far as possible, the impact on our customers.
The Board continues to invest significantly in continuous improvement methodologies and practices. While this remains a work in progress, a number of improvement opportunities have been identified and implemented, contributing to the production and sales growth achieved during the year. The Board remains committed to the ongoing review of operational processes and procedures to support the long-term success of the business.
Global demand for the Walker’s brand continues to grow, with key markets in the United States and the United Kingdom again demonstrating year-on-year growth. The refreshed brand identity, introduced in prior years and further embedded in 2024, has strengthened our position across existing markets and distribution channels - reflecting a continued and significant investment by the business.
The Board also wishes to acknowledge the continued and immensely valuable contribution of its local, national and international workforce, whose dedication to the brand and business has been fundamental in navigating challenging trading conditions and delivering continued success.
Towards the end of the year the group was granted a Royal Warrant of Appointment from His Majesty King Charles III, for the supply of shortbread and oatcakes to the Royal Household. This represents a great honour and recognition for our service and commitment to baking "Scotland at its Finest" for over a century.
Looking ahead, the business remains focused on driving further efficiencies, investing in its people and responding to customer demands in key markets. The Board remains confident in the long-term outlook, despite ongoing external pressures.
Turning to the particulars of the year:
Sales grew by £17m (9%) to £201m.
This was driven by strong festive trading in the UK, which supported the increased UK sales growth of 13.4%, and continued healthy growth in international markets where sales rose by 5.8%.
Operating Profit grew by £3.0m (23%) to £16.1m.
While input cost pressures remained significant, the group continued to respond proactively to evolving market conditions, with ongoing operational efficiency improvements embedded throughout the year.
Operating margin reached 8.0%, a 0.9% improvement on 2023. Nevertheless, as previously noted, this remains below the level the Board considers to be an acceptable return on the assets employed. Despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, this assessment remains challenging, yet unchanged.
Cash outflow of £1.5m.
Improved profitability has supported the continued capital investment plan in line with the businesses long-term growth ambitions.
The inflationary environment, which continues to affect multiple cost areas across the business, remains challenging and the significant pressures experienced in recent years are expected to persist. The business continues to closely monitor the impact of these pressures. In addition, our traditional staffing levels and operating model remain under considerable challenge.
The business continues to be future focused, with a commitment to provide a taste of “Scotland at its Finest” throughout the world, at the heart of our actions. This will be supported through continued investment in our people and our infrastructure to ensure we best navigate the ever increasingly competitive markets in which we operate.
In conclusion, and notwithstanding these very significant challenges, we remain focused on what we can control, namely supplying the world’s finest shortbread to our customers and consumers. We continue to operate in a sustainable and environmentally conscious manner, whilst creating employment in the heart of the Highlands of Scotland, delivering for our shareholders, investing in the future and maintaining financial discipline.
The day-to-day management of the business and execution of the Board’s strategy exposes the group to a variety of risks and uncertainties, all of which are tempered by the maintenance of a robust balance sheet. The principal areas of exposure are broadly grouped as follows:
Political risk and economic uncertainty
Political risk and economic uncertainty are persistent features of the global economy, often going ‘hand-in-hand’, and they exist in many of the markets in which we operate. With a proven track record of exporting to over a hundred countries in all parts of the globe the Board believes the group is well placed to overcome these existing and emerging challenges and continue to operate in a profitable manner.
Recent and continuing inflationary pressures have challenged the business to appraise internal activity, improving internal communication and collaboration in mitigation.
Revenue and customer relationships
We operate in highly competitive markets, with the potential for customers to switch to other brands. The management of customer relationships and expectations by our sales teams are critical in this regard, as is the fulfilment of orders within agreed timelines. These risks are mitigated by the operation of a broadly-based business with a diverse customer base and sales in a significant number of markets across the world.
Supply chain
Where possible, we limit our exposure to price volatility and raw material availability through competitive tendering and longer-term contracts. We remain committed to using only the very finest ingredients available, sourced locally where possible, and believe our focus on the maintenance of mutually beneficial relationships with customers and suppliers alike remains a key differentiator.
Labour costs and availability
Labour availability continues to present challenges, particularly in the context of ongoing sector-wide shortages and our geographical location. While the structural constraints arising from the post-Brexit immigration framework and the aftermath of the pandemic have stabilised, their long-term impact on the labour market persists.
In response, we have further enhanced our recruitment and retention processes, are progressing automation where feasible, and continue to review our remuneration and benefit packages to ensure competitiveness in the market.
Foreign exchange
The group’s reported profits and net assets are affected by fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. The risks associated with transacting in foreign currencies are mitigated using forward foreign currency contracts in accordance with a Board approved hedging policy. Derivative financial instruments are not used for speculative purposes.
The strength of the group’s balance sheet and level of cash resources contained therein gives us only a limited exposure to liquidity, cash flow and interest rate risks.
Credit
These are mitigated through the proactive management of the group’s working capital resources and the maintenance of a diverse and widely spread customer base.
Pension provision
In line with the Government’s push to widen access to workplace pensions, all our UK-based employees are able to join the group’s defined contribution pension scheme.
As an employer with a long-standing commitment to our people, we believe that it is right to promote pension saving and, on this point, we are pleased to report that the opt-out rate of 1.6% remains at the lower end of the national average for a group of our size.
Defined benefit pension scheme
The Walker's Shortbread Limited Retirement Benefits Scheme remained in surplus as at 31 December 2024.
The scheme was closed to future accrual in 2013 and since that date the group has made significant backlog contributions.
During 2024 the Trustees of the Walker's Shortbread Limited Retirement Benefits Scheme, in conjunction with the group, prepared the scheme for and executed an approach to the insurance market to secure a buy-in contract for the scheme’s benefits by means of a bulk annuity.
Health and safety
We give the highest priority to the health and safety of our employees and the general public and accordingly, it is our policy to manage activities in ways that avoid unnecessary or unacceptable risks.
Environment and corporate social responsibilities
We recognise our environmental and corporate social responsibilities, and products are continually reviewed to ensure a proper balance is struck between the conflicting requirements of product protection, unnecessary packaging and indeed packaging materials.
We are also committed to reducing our carbon footprint through schemes to reduce and recycle waste materials and improve the efficiency of energy and water consumption, particularly in relation to our production output, whilst never compromising on product quality and necessary hygiene protocols.
The Companies (Miscellaneous Reporting) Regulations 2018 introduced a requirement for large companies to publish a statement describing how the directors have had regard to the matters set out in section 172 (1) (a) to (f) of the Companies Act 2006.
Section 172 (1) (a) to (f) requires each director to act in the way he or she considers would be most likely to promote the success of the company for the benefit of its members as a whole, with regard to the following matters:
(a) The likely consequences of any decision in the long-term
At the core of the company’s Mission and Vision Statement is the aim of being a ‘consistently profitable business that continuously invests in its people, brands, assets, processes and systems to ensure the continuity and security of the company and the Walker’s brand in family ownership, for generations to come’.
All decisions taken by the Board are done so with this overarching objective in mind.
(b) The interests of the company’s employees
The Board considers our people to be our greatest asset and the interests of our employees are always taken into consideration in the decisions that are made.
The company communicates regularly with its employees via a variety of media and forums, including cascading information through line management. Employee opinion surveys are also routinely conducted and continue to improve all aspects of our formal and informal workplace communication.
(c) The need to foster the company’s business relationships with suppliers, customers and others
We have a procurement team who work closely with our suppliers and, where possible, we enter into long-term supply arrangements.
We are a business that is focused on serving our customers and, accordingly, we have a sales team that is dedicated to their support on both an individual and channel specific basis.
As well as customers and suppliers, we seek to build strong relationships with other key stakeholders, including trade associations, local and national politicians from all parties, the local authority, schools, other community groups and local businesses.
Our directors take an active interest in these connections and participate where possible in building and maintaining such relationships.
(d) The impact of the company’s operations on the community and environment
As the largest private sector employer in Moray, we understand our impact on the communities around us.
We also recognise our environmental responsibilities, and products are continually reviewed to ensure a proper balance is struck between the conflicting requirements of product protection and unnecessary packaging.
Furthermore, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint through all our actions and schemes to recycle waste materials and improve the efficiency of energy and water consumption, particularly in relation to our production output.
(e) The desirability of the company maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct
We believe it is vital that we are trusted by our stakeholders and therefore we seek to maintain high standards in all that we do as a business.
Our Audit & Risk Committee meets every six months and considers a range of reporting, management, control and governance issues, providing assurance to the Board in relation to the manner in which the company operates.
Our Employee Handbook, also referred to in the Directors’ Report, and other relevant policies apply across the business and are reviewed regularly. Amongst other things, they cover conflicts of interest, our anti-bribery policy, whistleblowing, our expectations of conduct in the workplace and matters in relation to confidentiality, along with our policies aimed at preventing the use of modern slavery, people trafficking and child labour in any aspect of our business.
(e) The desirability of the company maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct (Continued)
The Board treasures the company’s proud universal reputation, and it is therefore always at the forefront when decisions are taken either collectively or individually.
(f) The need to act fairly as between members of the company
The Board of Directors is comprised of an independent non-executive chairman, two non-family executive directors and representatives from the controlling shareholder groups. We believe this ensures all shareholders are treated fairly and that their views are fully represented when making key decisions.
This is further ensured by a Family Business Constitution, first signed in 2008, and which sets out the rights of each of the shareholders in relation to the company and the matters which require specific shareholder consent.
On behalf of the board
The directors present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.
The results for the year are set out on page 15.
Ordinary dividends were paid amounting to £11,520k. The directors do not recommend payment of a further dividend.
The directors who held office during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were as follows:
Details of the group’s approach to the use of financial instruments is set out within the Strategic Report on page 1.
The group has a comprehensive framework of employment policies, details of which are provided to all employees in the form of a handbook or digitally where appropriate.
The rights and opportunities of people of all ages to seek, obtain and hold employment with dignity and without any form of discrimination is central to the group. It is the policy that employees at all levels shall not in their dealings harass or discriminate against other individuals on the grounds of gender, race, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, age or for any other reason whatsoever.
The group gives full and fair consideration to the employment of disabled persons, having regard to their particular aptitudes and abilities. Should an employee become disabled, every effort is made to provide appropriate training to allow their employment to continue.
Training and development activities are available to all employees, having due regard to their ambitions, aptitudes and abilities.
The auditor, Johnston Carmichael LLP, is deemed to be reappointed under section 487(2) of the Companies Act 2006.
The Companies (Directors’ Report) and Limited Liability Partnerships (Energy and Carbon Report) Regulations 2018 has introduced a requirement for the Company to report on its energy consumption and carbon emissions and provide a summary of energy efficiency initiatives undertaken during the period under review.
Summary of energy consumption and emissions
| 2024 | 2023 |
Total energy consumption used to calculate emissions | 27,634,452 kWh | 28,661,172 kWh |
Emissions from the combustion of gas | 2,753 tCO2e | 2,961 tCO2e |
Emissions from the purchase of electricity | 2,327 tCO2e
| 2,326 tCO2e |
Emissions from the combustion of fuel for the purposes of transport | 318 tCO2e | 296 tCO2e |
Total gross emissions | 5,398 tCO2e | 5,584 tCO2e |
Intensity ratio: emissions per £100,000 of sales revenue | 2.69 tCO2e per £100,000 of sales | 3.04 tCO2e per £100,000 of sales |
Methodology
We report our emissions in accordance with the latest Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard (GHG Protocol). The 2024 UK Government GHG Conversion Factors for Company Reporting published by the UK Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) are used to convert energy use in our operations to emissions of CO2e. Carbon emission factors for purchased electricity are calculated in according to the “location-based grid average” method. This reflects the average emission of the grid where the energy consumption occurs. Data sources include billing, invoices and the Company’s internal systems. For transport data, where actual usage data (e.g. litres) was unavailable, conversions were made using average fuel consumption factors to estimate the usage.
Intensity Ratio
We have chosen to report our gross emissions against sales revenue.
Energy Efficiency Action
We are committed to minimising the environmental footprint of our operations and contributing to the fight against climate change. For over two decades, we have been active participants in the Climate Change Agreements (CCA) scheme, demonstrating our dedication to sustainable practices. Through our long-established procedures in energy efficiency, we have made significant strides in reducing our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
While proud of our achievements, we recognise the need for continuous improvement in sustainability practices. Embracing technological advancements and fostering strategic partnerships, we remain vigilant in our pursuit of heightened efficiency and reduced emissions opportunities.
Carbon Reduction Initiatives Update
Since appointing a senior Sustainability Lead in late 2023, Walker’s has made strategic progress on carbon reduction. Several initiatives from last year’s report are advancing, with the expectation that they will lead to a continued reduction in our carbon intensity.
Key Initiatives Update
PV Installation: Advanced discussions and Letter of Authority for a feasibility study progressed for an extension of our existing solar panels with the potential to supply 10-30% of factory electricity needs.
Energy Monitoring: New monitoring systems are being evaluated to complement the PV systems and improve energy efficiency.
Heat Capture Initiatives: Current proposals are cost prohibitive, but future feasibility will be reassessed as technology and funding evolve.
Collaboration with Local Authorities: We have shared data with the local authority, which contributes to a feasibility study for a possible district heat network in Elgin.
Hydrogen Partnership: Walker’s has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore a local hydrogen network. This long-term initiative aims to support local businesses in decarbonising their operations, with hydrogen availability projected from 2028 at the earliest.
Short-Term Carbon Intensity Gains
We achieved a reduction in carbon intensity during the latest reporting period through operational efficiencies at factory level. Notable improvements include:
Optimising Production Scheduling: We maximised production during core working hours, significantly reducing the need for overtime, periods during which factories traditionally operate at their lowest energy efficiency.
Efficiency and Products: Increased output was achieved via strategic rationalisation of our product portfolio.
Staff Engagement and Training: We have expanded our environmental and energy efficiency training programmes. Further, enhanced training ensures environmental awareness is embedded in daily operations.
Modern Slavery
We are committed to preventing slavery and human trafficking in our corporate activities and to ensuring our supply chains are free from slavery and human trafficking.
In accordance with the requirements of the legislation, full details of our policies and the due diligence we undertake are set out on our website at https://www.walkersshortbread.com/our-company/compliance-statement/.
Gender Pay Gap
We recently updated the information we publish on gender pay differences in accordance with The Equality Act 2010 (Gender Pay Gap Information) Regulations 2017.
In terms of the measure attracting the most public scrutiny – being the median hourly gender pay gap – we currently pay women 0.5% more than men. Notwithstanding, we are not complacent and recognise that using the mean gender pay we currently pay women 12.2% less per hour than men. These differences reflect an historical imbalance in the employment of men and women in senior roles, although we have seen an increase in the percentage of women in the top pay quarter, moving from 45.2% to 46.4% during 2024.
The Board acknowledge the importance of publishing this information and would like the mean gender pay gap to be lower than it is. Over the coming years we will continue to act to do the right things to address this, primarily through a gender-neutral approach to the recruitment, retention and remuneration of employees at all levels.
In accordance with the requirements of the legislation, further information on our gender pay gap is set out on our website https://www.walkersshortbread.com/our-company/compliance-statement/.
We have audited the financial statements of Walker's Shortbread Ltd (the 'parent company') and its subsidiaries (the 'group') for the year ended 31 December 2024 which comprise the group profit and loss account, group statement of comprehensive income, group balance sheet, company balance sheet, group statement of changes in equity, company statement of changes in equity, group statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Basis for opinion
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the group or parent company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other information
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
The information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
The Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below.
We assessed whether the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence and capabilities to identify or recognise non-compliance with laws and regulations by considering their experience, past performance and support available.
All engagement team members were briefed on relevant identified laws and regulations and potential fraud risks at the planning stage of the audit. Engagement team members were reminded to remain alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations throughout the audit.
We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that are applicable to the group and the parent company and the sector in which they operate, focusing on those provisions that had a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The most relevant frameworks we identified include:
Companies Act 2006;
UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practices;
UK Tax legislation;
Food Safety Standards; and
Health and Safety Standards
We gained an understanding of how the group and the parent company are complying with these laws and regulations by making enquiries of management and those charged with governance. We corroborated these enquiries through our review of submitted returns, external inspections, relevant correspondence with regulatory bodies and board meeting minutes.
We assessed the susceptibility of the group’s and parent company's financial statements to material misstatement, including how fraud might occur, by meeting with management and those charged with governance to understand where it was considered there was susceptibility to fraud. This evaluation also considered how management and those charged with governance were remunerated and whether this provided an incentive for fraudulent activity. We considered the overall control environment and how management and those charged with governance oversee the implementation and operation of controls. In areas of the financial statements where the risks were considered to be higher, we performed procedures to address each identified risk. We identified a heightened fraud risk in relation to:
Management override of controls
Revenue recognition
In addition to the above, the following procedures were performed to provide reasonable assurance that the financial statements were free of material fraud or error:
Reviewing minutes of meetings of those charged with governance for reference to: breaches of laws and regulation or for any indication of any potential litigation and claims; and events or conditions that could indicate an incentive or pressure to commit fraud or provide an opportunity to commit fraud;
Reviewing the level of and reasoning behind the group’s procurement of legal and professional services;
Performing audit procedures over the risk of management override of controls, including testing of journal entries and other adjustments for appropriateness, evaluating the business rationale of significant transactions outside the normal course of business and assessing judgements made by management in their calculation of accounting estimates for potential management bias;
Performing audit procedures over completeness of revenue including reconciling sales orders to sales invoices and sales ledger and undertaking appropriate sales cut-off procedures;
Completion of appropriate checklists and use of our experience to assess the group’s and parent company's compliance with the Companies Act 2006; and
Agreement of the financial statement disclosures to supporting documentation.
Our audit procedures were designed to respond to the risk of material misstatements in the financial statements, recognising that the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation. There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures performed and the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we would become aware of it.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the parent company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the parent company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the parent company and the parent company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
The profit and loss account has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations.
As permitted by s408 Companies Act 2006, the company has not presented its own profit and loss account and related notes. The company’s profit for the year was £11,639k (2023 - £10,417k).
Walker's Shortbread Ltd (“the Company”) is a limited company incorporated and domiciled in Scotland. The registered office is Aberlour House, Aberlour-on-Spey, AB38 9LD.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the group. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost convention, modified to include certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
The company is a qualifying entity for the purposes of FRS 102, being a member of a group where the parent of that group prepares publicly available consolidated financial statements, including this company, which are intended to give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the group. The company has therefore taken advantage of exemptions from the following disclosure requirements for parent company information presented within the consolidated financial statements:
Section 4 ‘Statement of Financial Position’: Reconciliation of the opening and closing number of shares;
Section 7 ‘Statement of Cash Flows’: Presentation of a statement of cash flow and related notes and disclosures;
Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instrument Issues’: Carrying amounts, interest income/expense and net gains/losses for each category of financial instrument; basis of determining fair values; details of collateral, loan defaults or breaches, details of hedges, hedging fair value changes recognised in profit or loss and in other comprehensive income; and
Section 33 ‘Related Party Disclosures’: Compensation for key management personnel.
The group financial statements consolidate the financial statements of Walker’s Shortbread Ltd and all of its subsidiary undertakings drawn up to 31 December 2024. Intra-group sales and profits are eliminated fully on consolidation.
At the time of approving the financial statements, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the directors continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
Turnover represents the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for goods supplied in the ordinary course of business excluding commissions, rebates, VAT and other sales related taxes.
Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods have passed to the buyer, the amount of revenue can be measured reliably, it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the entity and the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably.
Land and assets under construction are not depreciated.
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the profit and loss account.
The carrying value of tangible fixed assets are reviewed for impairment at each reporting end date or when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable.
Included in freehold land and buildings is land costing £2,227k which has not been depreciated.
Equity investments are measured at fair value through profit or loss, except for those equity investments that are not publicly traded and whose fair value cannot otherwise be measured reliably, which are recognised at cost less impairment until a reliable measure of fair value becomes available.
The carrying value of equity investments is reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be justified. Any impairment losses or reversals of impairment losses are recognised immediately in the profit and loss account.
A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the Company. Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.
Where a reasonable and consistent basis of allocation can be identified, assets are allocated to individual cash-generating units, or otherwise they are allocated to the smallest group of cash-generating units for which a reasonable and consistent allocation basis can be identified.
At each reporting end date, the company reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use.
Recognised impairment losses are reversed if, and only if, the reasons for the impairment loss have ceased to apply. Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset (or cash-generating unit) in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised immediately in the profit and loss account.
The group has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the group's balance sheet when the group becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amounts presented in the financial statements only when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Cash and cash equivalents in the balance sheet represent cash at bank and in hand.
Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price including transaction costs. Any losses arising from impairment review at the reporting end date are recognised in the profit and loss account.
Other financial assets and liabilities, excluding those classed as derivative financial instruments, are initially recognised at transaction price and remeasured at fair value at the reporting end date, with any changes recognised in the profit and loss account.
Debtors that have fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment.
Creditors that constitute a financing arrangement, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest, are carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Creditors where payment is due more than one year hence are presented as non-current liabilities.
Interest is recognised by applying the effective interest rate, except for short-term receivables when the recognition of interest would be immaterial. The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a debt instrument and of allocating the interest income over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts the estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the debt instrument to the net carrying amount on initial recognition.
Financial assets, other than those held at fair value through the profit and loss account, are assessed for indicators of impairment at each reporting end date.
Financial assets are impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash flows emanating from that asset have been affected. The impairment loss is recognised in the profit and loss account.
Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled, or when the group transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to another entity, or if some significant risks and rewards of ownership are retained but control of the asset has transferred to another party that is able to sell the asset in its entirety to an unrelated third party.
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the group after deducting all of its liabilities.
Hedge accounting
To qualify for hedge accounting, the group documents the hedged item, the hedging instrument and the hedging relationship between them, and the causes of hedge ineffectiveness.
The group elects to adopt hedge accounting for forward foreign currency contracts to hedge forecast transactions. The effective portion of changes in the fair value of forward foreign currency contracts that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges is recognised in the cash flow hedge reserve within equity.
The group uses forward foreign currency contracts to reduce its exposure to fluctuating foreign exchange rates.
Derivative financial instruments are initially recognised at fair value at the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured to fair value at each reporting end date. The resulting gain or loss is recognised in the profit and loss account immediately unless the derivative is designated and effective as a hedging instrument, in which event the timing of the recognition in the profit and loss account depends on the nature of the hedge relationship.
A derivative with a positive fair value is recognised as a financial asset, whereas a derivative with a negative fair value is recognised as a financial liability.
The fair value of a forward currency contract is ‘marked to market’ by reference to current forward exchange contracts with similar maturity profiles.
Equity instruments issued by the group are recorded at the proceeds received, net of transaction costs. Dividends payable on equity instruments are recognised as liabilities once they are no longer at the discretion of the group.
The tax expense represents the sum of current tax and deferred tax.
Current tax is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the profit and loss account because it is determined in accordance with the rules established by the applicable tax authorities. It therefore excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years as well as items that are never taxable or deductible.
Deferred tax is provided, using the liability method, on all temporary differences at the balance sheet date between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes.
Deferred tax liabilities are recognised on all timing differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the timing difference arises from the initial recognition of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the tax profit nor the accounting profit.
The carrying value of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting end date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered.
Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised.
Deferred tax is charged or credited in the profit and loss account, except when it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset only when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets and liabilities and the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to taxes levied by the same tax authority.
Wages, salaries, bonuses, social security contributions, paid annual leave and sick leave are accrued in the period in which the associated services are rendered by employees of the group.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the group is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
The group operates a defined benefit pension scheme which was closed to future accrual in 2013. The cost of providing benefits under the defined benefit scheme is determined separately using the projected unit credit method and is based on actuarial advice. The cost of benefit changes, settlements and curtailments are recognised as an expense in measuring profit or loss in the period in which they arise.
The net interest element is determined by multiplying the net benefit liability by the discount rate, taking into account any changes in the net defined benefit liability during the period as a result of contribution and benefit payments. The net interest is recognised in the profit and loss account as other finance revenue or cost.
Remeasurement changes comprise actuarial gains and losses and the return on the net defined benefit liability excluding amounts included in net interest. These are recognised immediately in other comprehensive income in the period in which they occur and are not reclassified to the profit and loss account in subsequent periods.
The defined net benefit pension asset or liability in the balance sheet comprises the present value of the defined benefit obligation (using a discount rate based on high quality corporate bonds), less the fair value of plan assets out of which the obligations are to be settled directly. Fair value is based on market price information, and in the case of quoted securities is the published bid price. The value of a net pension benefit asset is limited to the amount that may be recovered either through reduced contributions or agreed refunds from the scheme.
Contributions to defined contribution pension schemes are recognised in the profit and loss account in the period in which they become payable.
Rentals payable under operating leases, including any lease incentives received, are charged to the profit and loss account on a straight line basis over the lease term.
Transactions and balances
Transactions in currencies other than sterling are recorded at an average monthly rate of exchange as an approximation of the prevailing rate of exchange at each transaction date.
At each reporting end date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the reporting end date.
Gains and losses arising on translation are included in the profit and loss account for the period.
Translation of overseas subsidiaries
Assets and liabilities of overseas subsidiaries are retranslated at the rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Income and expenses have been translated at the average rate of exchange as an approximation of the rate of exchange at the date of each transaction. All resulting exchange differences are recognised in other comprehensive income.
Inherent in the application of many of the accounting policies used in preparing the financial statements is the need for directors to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the year. Actual outcomes could differ from those estimates and assumptions used. The accounting judgements and estimates that could have a significant impact on the results of the group are set out below, and should be read in conjunction with the information provided in the notes to the financial statements.
The estimates and assumptions which have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities are as follows.
The decision as to whether to apply hedge accounting can have a significant impact on the group's financial statements. The directors believe that the use of hedge accounting is appropriate to the commercial objectives of the group and, furthermore, are satisfied that the group meets the hedge accounting criteria contained within FRS 102. Accordingly, cash flow hedge accounting is applied to highly probable foreign currency transactions as part of the management of foreign currency risk.
The decision over whether to recognise a defined benefit pension surplus can have a significant impact on the group's financial statements. In recognising the surplus, the directors have exercised judgement over the amount that is expected to be recovered through agreed refunds from the scheme, net of any authorised surplus payment due by the scheme administrator.
The carrying value of the group's defined benefit pension surplus recognised is outlined within note 22.
The total turnover of the group for the year has been derived from its principal activity and is stated net of value added tax.
The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the group and company during the year was:
Their aggregate remuneration comprised:
The number of directors for whom retirement benefits are accruing under money purchase schemes amounted to 1 (2023 - 1).
Other income outlined above is in respect of the group's current asset investments. Refer to note 18 for further details.
The actual charge for the year can be reconciled to the expected charge for the year based on the profit and the standard rate of tax as follows:
In addition to the amount charged to the profit and loss account, the following amounts relating to tax have been recognised directly in other comprehensive income:
Included in freehold land and buildings is land costing £1,707k (2023 - £1,699k) which has not been depreciated.
Details of the company's subsidiaries at 31 December 2024 are as follows:
The investments in subsidiaries are all stated at cost.
The group purchases forward foreign currency contracts to hedge currency exposure on highly probable forecast transactions. The fair values of the assets and liabilities held at fair value through other comprehensive income at the balance sheet date are determined using quoted prices supplied by the company’s bank. The highly probable forecast transactions largely occur in the following financial period.
Financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss are included within current asset investments at note 18.
Financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income are included within other debtors at note 17.
Financial liabilities measured at fair value through other comprehensive income are included within other creditors at note 19.
Included within other debtors are derivative financial instruments with a fair value of £1,568k (2023 - £2,293k).
Current asset investments held "at cost" relate to cash held in the investment portfolio. Whilst these funds are available on demand, the directors consider this to be a defensive investment and, at the time of signing, have no short-term intention to access this cash.
These investments expose the group to a variety of financial risks i.e. market risk (including interest rate risk and foreign exchange risk), credit risk and liquidity risk as set out below:
Market risk - The group has direct exposure to foreign exchange risk as it holds investments in funds that are denominated in foreign currencies and has further indirect exposure as the funds hold assets that are themselves denominated in foreign currencies. As some of the group's investments are in funds that invest in gilts and bonds, the group is exposed to interest rate risk as movements in the underlying market rate of interest could impact the valuation of these investments. The group also has an exposure to other price risk as the fair value of investments will fluctuate because of changes in market prices (other than those arising from interest rate risk or foreign exchange risk).
Credit risk - The group has no direct exposure to credit risk, other than counterparty risk, but has indirect exposure as it invests in funds that themselves invest in gilts and bonds.
Liquidity risk - The group has limited exposure to liquidity risk as all investments are either traded on recognised exchanges or are unlisted funds that are regularly priced and traded and are therefore readily convertible into cash.
The board has delegated authority for the management of these risks to a professional investment advisor, operating within a defined set of investment guidelines which take account of the scale of the investments made. These guidelines and the underlying investment strategy are subject to regular review by the board after taking advice from the group's investment advisor.
Whilst the investments are held by a third party, the group has full access to the underlying funds, which are valued at the year end using market prices in an active market.
Included within other creditors are derivative financial instruments with a fair value of £658k (2023 - £197k).
The deferred tax liabilities and assets recognised by the group and company are analysed as follows:
The group operates defined contribution pension schemes. The assets of the schemes are held separately from those of the group in independently administered funds. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the group to the funds.
The group and company also operates a defined benefit pension scheme which is closed to future accrual. The following disclosures support the full requirements of FRS 102.
Under FRS 102, the scheme's liabilities are determined by projecting the expected benefit payments using the chosen assumptions and then discounting the resulting cash flows back to the review date. For this purpose the scheme's liabilities have been calculated by updating the valuation calculations carried out for the formal valuation as at 1 May 2022.
Assumptions
Sensitivity analysis
Reasonably possible changes as at 31 December to one of the actuarial assumptions would have increased/(decreased) the scheme's liabilities as follows:
|
| 2024 | 2023 |
|
| £000 | £000 |
|
|
|
|
Discount rate | Plus 0.5% | (1,609) | (2,043) |
| Minus 0.5% | 1,785 | 2,286 |
|
|
|
|
Inflation | Plus 0.25% | 238 | 373 |
| Minus 0.25% | (269) | (360) |
|
|
|
|
Life expectancy | Plus one year | 867 | 1,043 |
| Minus one year | (872) | (1,041) |
Amounts recognised in the profit and loss account
Amounts taken to other comprehensive income
The amounts included in the balance sheet arising from obligations in respect of defined benefit plans are as follows:
Under the conditions of FRS 102, a surplus can only be recognised when there is an unconditional right of refund or where the company expects to benefit from reduced contributions. Where the right to refund depends on uncertain future events not wholly inside the company's control, the right is not deemed to be unconditional. The directors are satisfied that the conditions as set out under FRS 102 have been met and therefore a surplus has been recognised as at 31 December 2024, net of the expected authorised surplus payment due by the scheme administrator.
Movements in the present value of defined benefit obligations
The defined benefit obligations arise from plans funded as follows:
Movements in the fair value of plan assets
The actual return on plan assets was £7,937k (2023 - (£1,401k)). The long term expected rate of return on the scheme's assets is 5.5% p.a. (2023 - 4.6% p.a.).
Fair value of plan assets at the reporting period end
During the year, the Trustees of the Walker's Group Pension scheme concluded on an agreement with Legal & General to purchase a bulk annuity insurance policy that operates as an investment asset. Such arrangement is commonly referred to as a "buy-in". The Trustees paid a premium of c. £34m to enter into the transaction and purchase the buy-in policy.
The buy-in insured approximately 99% of the pensions' liabilities and exposure from the balance sheet, while maintaining the security of benefits to the scheme members. The scheme retained ownership of the cash held which will be used to meet on-going expenses and any additional insurance premiums.
Under FRS 102 28 15(b). since the policy exactly matches the amount and timing of some or all of the benefits payable by the plan, the fair value placed on the policy is equal to the fair value of the related obligation and accordingly, the value of plan assets (and therefore the net balance sheet asset) reduced by c. £7m. The loss has been included within return on plan assets above.
Virgin Media vs NTL Trustees
The judgement in the above High Court case has implications for Defined Benefit schemes which previously contracted out of certain parts of the state pension system between 1997 and 2016. The judge in this case ruled that, where benefit changes were made without a valid “Section 37” certificate from the Scheme Actuary, those changes could be considered void. The Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal to this judgement on 25 July 2024. The judgement could have material consequences for some Defined Benefit schemes which contracted out of the state scheme, but uncertainty around the ruling persists. This is due in particular to expectations of further court cases and potential intervention from the UK Government. The company Directors are in dialogue with the Schemes’ trustees over this issue and will continue to monitor developments as they arise. Due to the uncertainty in terms of potential impact on the pension surplus for the Scheme, no adjustment has been made in these financial statements.
Ordinary £1 shareholders have no right to receive any dividends, but are entitled on a winding up to repayment of the amount paid up. They can attend any general meeting, receiving 20 votes per share.
'A' Ordinary £1 shareholders have no fixed entitlement to dividends but, in so far as profits are resolved to be distributed by dividend, the 'A' Ordinary shareholders will receive a dividend on the amount paid up. In the event of a winding up, shareholders are only entitled to payment if any surplus remains after paying Ordinary £1 shareholders, and any payment will be in proportion to the amount paid up. 'A' Ordinary shares carry one vote per share.
This reserve records the amount above the nominal value received for shares sold, less transaction costs.
This reserve records the nominal value of shares repurchased by the company.
The hedging reserve represents the value at the year end of derivative financial instruments that will be used to hedge the effect of foreign currency cash flows in future years and the associated deferred tax impact.
Retained earnings represent accumulated profits and losses less distributions.
At 31 December, the group and company had capital commitments as follows:
At the reporting date, the group and company had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:
During the year the group leased various properties from a related party. The total rent payable amounted to £334k (2023 - £334k).
All rents payable were fixed at an open market value. The group has not provided or benefited from any guarantees in relation to any related party payables.
The total remuneration of these individuals was £3,779k (2023 - £3,714k).